A run around Wyandotte County Lake - 12/17/10

I ran a preview of the course for the 50K this morning. The race will be three loops around Wyandotte County Lake. I used the "course" feature on my Garmin, but unfortunately started the wrong direction. I ended up running into some other runners, Dan and Mark, who were getting ready to run the course and invited me to tag along. The last mile or 2 has some serious inclines. Lets just say my glutes were a bit sore after the run. I ended up doing 15 miles instead of 20. I was fine until my 11 when I stopped to use the restroom. My arm warmers and gloves ended up thawing out and becoming damp. Because of that, my arms and hands were getting colder as the miles went on. I decided I better head back to my Jeep and warm up. Since I only ran a portion of the trail alone, I only have pics from part of the course (I didn't take any when running the course the first time around). I hope you enjoy the numerous pics.




A view from the trail


One of the many uphill sections (nowhere near the worst of them).


near where we started the first loop


Frost on the armwarmer


Another view from the trail






Another uphill section (again not the worst)






view through the trees

Unfortunately I didn't get pics of the best parts of the trail, guess that will happen next weekend. I hope you enjoy the pics.

Eric

Cliffhanger Run 8K - RR

What: Cliffhanger Run 8K
When: November 7, 2010
Where: Cliff Drive, Kansas City, MO
Weather: 50F with slight breeze (perfect!)
Finish Time: 36:24 (new PR by over 5 minutes)
AG: 6/23
OA: 82/558

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with the race this morning since I ran a challenging 5 mile XC race yesterday. During the XC race, I never could get into a groove and seemed to be working harder than I should have been for the pace I was running. Even so, I still set a new 8K PR with a finishing time of 41:41. Although I considered it a bad race, I was pleased with the result.

Since I awakened during the night (Friday/Saturday) with a sore throat, I figured I might be on the verge of getting sick. Well, I woke up with a sore throat this morning as well. I took some cold medicine about 2hrs before the race and decided to see what happens.

I get to the start area about 1hr before the race since I knew parking would fill up quickly. It was almost full, but I managed to get a decent spot. I walked around for a while, drank some water, used the facilities, and relaxed prior to the start.

With about 30 minutes to go, I ate some Honey Stingers and headed to the start. I did some stretching and lined up a little behind the 7 minute pace sign. After the National Anthem was sung I quickly snapped pictures before we took off.


Looking ahead toward the starting line.


Facing behind me (into the sun) as we started to move foward.

Mile 1 starts and I realize that A LOT of people overestimated their pace and lined up too far ahead. OK, I know that people just don't pay attention and line up wherever they feel like it, but I feel like giving the benefit of a doubt. As I weave my way through the crowd, I get a sense that this might be a better race than yesterday. I finally get into an area with people running a similar pace and realize how nice it is not having to dodge a lot of people. I finished Mile 1 in 7:10 and snapped the following pics.


Early in Mile 1


About 1/4 mile into mile 1


Shortly after the turn in the previous pic


About halfway through the mile


Near the end of Mile 1.

At the start of Mile 2 I realize I am running at my 5K PR pace and should probably slow down a little. I see a gal up ahead in a blue shirt and decide to pace off of her. I'm working hard, but I know I will be able to keep the pace so I think I made a good choice for a pace bunny. I finish Mile 2 in 7:28 and snapped the following pics.


Start of Mile 2.


Shortly after the previous pic


About 1/4 through mile 2


About halfway through mile 2


About 3/4 through mile 2

I was happy with how the race was going. It felt like I was working hard, but not too hard. My pace bunny picked up the pace abit during Mile 3 and I decided to pick up the pace as well. I think it was during this mile that we had a water stop, which was much needed. They did have an aid station during mile 2, but I decided to wait a bit later before grabbing water. I walked for about 5-10 seconds while I drank some water. Even with the water stop, Mile 3 finished in 7:25. I snapped my final picture of the race during this mile.


Start of Mile 3

Mile 4 starts and I decide to leave the pace bunny. I was in a groove and decided to start picking up the pace. It went by uneventfully and I finished in 7:20.

I decided to pick the pace up for Mile 5. I started pacing some people running/walking the associated 5K. I could tell I was really working but was determined to stick with the pace. When I had about a half mile to go, I decided to pick up the pace. I was determined to leave everything I had on the course. This mile turned out to be my fastest mile ever (outside of a 1 mile race) and I finished it in 6:57.

I finished the remaining .02 miles at a pace of 6:16. I was SPENT. After catching my breath and getting a drink of water, I went back out to try and find my pace bunny, but was unsuccessful.

This is a great race on a beautiful course and I highly recommend it for anyone in the KC area.

If you made it to this point, thanks for reading my RR.

Eric

Fall Fell Trail Race - RR

What: Fall Fell Trail Race - 7 miles
When: October 17, 2010
Where: Kill Creek Park; Olathe, KS
Finish Time: 1:08:28

I promise to keep the text to a minimum since there will be A LOT of pictures.

This race was put on by the Kansas City Trail Nerds. Since it is a pay as you go race, there was no pre-registration. Since registration was only $8, I couldn't pass it up. Plus, the Trail Nerds are a great bunch of people and the RD, Bad Ben, makes sure all their events are friendly and lots of fun.

My plan was to run this race as a recovery run. Yea, I know, it's not much of a recovery. I also wanted to take my newest pair of shoes on a true trail run.


Mizuno Cabrakan

I was thankful for these shoes. This course has some technical sections and my road shoes would not have been very good on the course. As it is, I rolled both ankles multiple times, but nothing that caused any injuries. I was not taking pictures during the times I rolled my ankles.

The race is two different loops; one of the Hank Trail and one of the Eddie Trail. The Hank Trail is named for Dr. Henry Jeckyll; the Eddie Trail is named for Edward Hyde. Short sections of paved roads connect the two trails. Along with some technical sections, there is a water crossing (about 8-10" deep) that gets crossed twice.

The race was a blast, but I overcompensated for the shoes being too narrow for my 2E feet by keeping the front section of laces too loose. This caused a fairly lg. blister to form on my right foot just in front of my toes. To prevent the blister from getting worse, I walked about the last 1/2 mile of the race.

Due to the technical nature of the race, I did not take many pictures during the race itself. I did end up going back out and running another 5 miles of the trail with Bad Ben and his dog as I helped him de-mark the course. That was almost more fun than the race itself as we chatted while running. We talked about running and he recapped some stories of pacing a friend at the leadville 100. He also told me his method for not getting blisters. He'll wear 2 pairs of thin socks. The first pair is usually a pair of socks with the toes and thee second is just another pair of really thin socks. If he feels a blister forming, he'll put some vaseline/petroleum type product on. Instead of placing it on the foot, he will place it over the top of the first pair of socks. He said by doing this, he hasn't had a blister even while running ultras. Needless to say, I learned a lot during that run. Plus, it was very cool running with Bad Ben.

Now since I promised to keep the text short, it's time for the photos. First will be the photos from the race, then I'll put the nicer photos from the run with Ben.

Race Photos:


Start of the race.


Mile 1


Mile 1


Mile 2


Mile 2


Mile 3


Mile 4


Mile 6


Mile 6

Post Race Photos:


Side Trail


Somewhat typical section of the Eddie Trail


Eddie Trail


Eddie Trail


Even the tame sections had rocks


Bad Ben and Poochini leading the way.






We had to cut through multiple trees






There were several sections like this.


Water crossing. About where the shadow is at is where the 8-10" deep water was. The leaves floating on top of the water give a false sence of solid ground.


Pic of the Hank Trail



I do have a picture of a small ringneck snake we encountered on the paved section, but won't post it since quite a few people don't like snakes. (crazy I know!)

I hope you enjoyed the pics. If you ever get the chance, I recommend running an event hosted by the Trail Nerds!

Eric