tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30938125562704520632024-03-06T02:26:09.919-05:00The Multisport Maniac: Adventures of the Endurance KindTaking on life's next adventure and giving back 1 mile at a time.Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-69413223331084521762023-12-30T16:54:00.002-05:002023-12-31T12:04:24.362-05:002023 - More Running, New Friends, Lots of Trips, and 10 Years of Running Every Day<p style="text-align: center;"><i>"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." <br />-- Bil Keane</i></p><p>Last year's recap was titled "<a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2022/12/2022-tightening-friendships-thorough.html">2022 - Tightening Friendships Through Running</a>" and 2023 was definitely more of the same. Not only did my friend group increase in size, but many of the athletes I have been coaching / advising had a standout year as well. </p><p><b>Tahoe 200 Training</b><br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR5KRJekTK95l2Xa9JemVwFdRQeF2Vmu32SAVoBQ_2aGn-tXmhtCzCnJi0DjuU1ghLCx4v22GvVo704NtmV-LK3_PrN_FN3hWtwUuctvfBr7_iyC73Wn_jstm3VpA7tGEI-XSughBJGfbP51fXMS_2Al1s0dwILrALuTfd0oevr8owUunKlMbejLgCOE/s2048/1-1-23.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR5KRJekTK95l2Xa9JemVwFdRQeF2Vmu32SAVoBQ_2aGn-tXmhtCzCnJi0DjuU1ghLCx4v22GvVo704NtmV-LK3_PrN_FN3hWtwUuctvfBr7_iyC73Wn_jstm3VpA7tGEI-XSughBJGfbP51fXMS_2Al1s0dwILrALuTfd0oevr8owUunKlMbejLgCOE/w171-h171/1-1-23.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Years Day<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The year started off with big hopes and big expectations and while it didn't disappoint, it definitely didn't follow the expected path either. <p></p><p>I started the year off (and the beginning of year 10 of the run streak) with a 31 mile run and would run over 1000 miles in the first 3 months of the year as I trained for the Tahoe 200. </p><p>Unfortunately, Tahoe wasn't meant to be in 2023 as the race was postponed due to the record snow fall. None the less, I got some really good experience running high mileage and putting in back to back to back 100+ mile weeks for the first time. I hit a peak week of 115 miles with back to back to back marathons (yes, I am tired just typing that). </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ8IZla3abBXVp_p5HmNDb4y9I9vWZWw-p1SbN3Rll0CHk5LzRc88hLGrE7uOZJMpu7AAgjYo-wxaZI7AV8A_sUvQZXJHcN8aQOgWjQZut59Zft5bpPn526YhbXmiznWzKMtll41mnOu1qFw2gR5rTVjK86g1G8SCoCo41IwgXc0jJWT6p-RYwWZ3OX0/s1176/IMG_3517.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="926" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ8IZla3abBXVp_p5HmNDb4y9I9vWZWw-p1SbN3Rll0CHk5LzRc88hLGrE7uOZJMpu7AAgjYo-wxaZI7AV8A_sUvQZXJHcN8aQOgWjQZut59Zft5bpPn526YhbXmiznWzKMtll41mnOu1qFw2gR5rTVjK86g1G8SCoCo41IwgXc0jJWT6p-RYwWZ3OX0/w164-h209/IMG_3517.JPG" width="164" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watuppa 50k Podium<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>New Friends </b><br /></p><p>Next up, 2023 had some new friends joining our running group. As I trained Becca, Karalyn, and Lisa for Boston, an unlikely retired professional hockey player and former Bruin's captain Zdeno (Zee) Chara, joined our group. </p><p>Not exactly what we were expecting, but it was fun to change it up. I had also never worked with a professional athlete before. It was really cool to see what drives him and watch him make the transition to endurance sports ... and boy did he do it in fashion completing 6 marathons and a ultra in his first year. </p><p></p><p>I was also happy to see Karalyn go onto a nearly 5 minute PR at Boston and Lisa with her fastest postpartum marathon to date. Then all three of them took the podium at the Watuppa 50k. </p><p>Shortly after Boston, we welcomed another runner to the group, Shannon. Shannon is living Belmont for the year while her husband is at Harvard and low and behold we found someone that runs more miles then me ... like a lot more. Shannon quickly became a staple within our group and is always ready to run any distance at anytime. I think she even broke 5000 miles for the year. <br /></p><p><b>The Whites, A Triathlon, and Lassen National Park<br /></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S2H06-0ZPYuFz1C2XziM_-g7Tvj9z7jOEMsUgR2XY3md2KtCvXxSbU_udA35vHgqhPWI3Qa-LYNvK9xuq3FsNmSGLfFhZeJhpt8eM0MjJQt-FTrK9Oxs9C6tJMq1H0wDomlELxQi02sWpFfAWMoBlIRwzJklUUxYCkVbRLkImNf7yjeGYhZLb3hlylo/s4032/IMG_3797.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S2H06-0ZPYuFz1C2XziM_-g7Tvj9z7jOEMsUgR2XY3md2KtCvXxSbU_udA35vHgqhPWI3Qa-LYNvK9xuq3FsNmSGLfFhZeJhpt8eM0MjJQt-FTrK9Oxs9C6tJMq1H0wDomlELxQi02sWpFfAWMoBlIRwzJklUUxYCkVbRLkImNf7yjeGYhZLb3hlylo/w168-h126/IMG_3797.jpg" width="168" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen National Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Even though Tahoe didn't manifest, May was still a standout month. After completing the Watuppa 50k, I went on to spend a few days in the White Mountains with the guys (<a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2023/05/another-adventure-in-whites.html">aborted hut traverse</a> due to too much snow), and then ran from <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2023/05/trek-relay-for-veterans-hyannis-to.html">Hyannis to Boston</a> with Becca and her friends as fundraiser for the Run to Home Base. <p></p><p></p>In June, I did my first triathlon in 11 years and after a trip to Lassen National Park, I got back to business in July and August as I prepped for 3 marathons in 22 days. <p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyIQWqBOmEbLFokB2wnqOnp7NlLtB3v3ggOZVojyPeALhO2I2JFVUNXTR9BYazrqR-gSad0Fi1apP_m_Etm49h1vfNvf8R-stjgxYAN7SBjbOh1-o5wQfMiPlvUbOzPrwsd3TaeWaWyL3qurg6oEXlk8EnDHtTY56QW8Xq9kmVMlxFHkQSbWLgwJ5z-M/s2048/IMG_4275.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyIQWqBOmEbLFokB2wnqOnp7NlLtB3v3ggOZVojyPeALhO2I2JFVUNXTR9BYazrqR-gSad0Fi1apP_m_Etm49h1vfNvf8R-stjgxYAN7SBjbOh1-o5wQfMiPlvUbOzPrwsd3TaeWaWyL3qurg6oEXlk8EnDHtTY56QW8Xq9kmVMlxFHkQSbWLgwJ5z-M/w189-h142/IMG_4275.JPG" width="189" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson Hole Marathon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Three Fall Marathons </b><br /></p><p>First up was Jackson Hole, Wyoming as we completed Becca's 50th state. As Becca's father said, it is amazing that you got 30 people to travel to a destination you can't fly directly to from Boston. <br /></p><p>The trip was awesome, almost like a destination wedding, where there was even a rehearsal dinner before the race, speeches, and post race reception. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKoxTrZadfYMXxVVLC-fvUSEDZP_lyqO0K7edZK4BuiW-54qnukzuejlK1aCunFQkZCs5iKU_S2ZUjsVOQ1WlqznRHz9lmSrgBxyPNno1nKgaidvgMs8GMYMJFluMYU-yEfZolZDIHO5AC1-YoXlWE-ien-i3w_Ggvpl3Am_UlwsQEvU8-LNrn0aOC4c/s4032/IMG_4251.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKoxTrZadfYMXxVVLC-fvUSEDZP_lyqO0K7edZK4BuiW-54qnukzuejlK1aCunFQkZCs5iKU_S2ZUjsVOQ1WlqznRHz9lmSrgBxyPNno1nKgaidvgMs8GMYMJFluMYU-yEfZolZDIHO5AC1-YoXlWE-ien-i3w_Ggvpl3Am_UlwsQEvU8-LNrn0aOC4c/w147-h110/IMG_4251.jpg" width="147" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Teton National Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Amy came along for this one and we even got to spend some time in Teton National Park (National Park #10) while we were there. <p></p><p>The following weekend, I ran the Maine marathon fundraising for <a href="https://www.nfnortheast.org/">NF Northeast</a>. Becca and Zee joined in the marathon and Karalyn ran the half. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLP4-92sHalLT5FhR63BPxMNd6K0oQSUDG50icqI-v_PPtIrV567fTAe6gJ6D36hCv10dDLlexKYNM5rv3qnJvmjqPUnAGvMowsHh5fkLLMAxo00fk8GyQ4TyDPqljVAdYTsEwxTRcbm54d7n5JVcUCs2sd0HvDDuXBlAEHFGW5YygwX6FipzK2jWKh0/s1368/IMG_4341.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="923" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLP4-92sHalLT5FhR63BPxMNd6K0oQSUDG50icqI-v_PPtIrV567fTAe6gJ6D36hCv10dDLlexKYNM5rv3qnJvmjqPUnAGvMowsHh5fkLLMAxo00fk8GyQ4TyDPqljVAdYTsEwxTRcbm54d7n5JVcUCs2sd0HvDDuXBlAEHFGW5YygwX6FipzK2jWKh0/w105-h156/IMG_4341.JPG" width="105" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maine Marathon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>After a week off, I paced Baystate for the 6th time and even helped Zee achieve his first Boston Qualifying mark. <br /></p><br /><p><b>Neil's First 5k</b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX96Q-v-AHp0rvrC7NQbOG6g3nTOOd83t4iiPcKhTeMISOtygjAXNkPfo7mLNXcxDdwV4_yp-D96wFD26dvo1P6GqSpGWASuQo5NINvhws0SPTA3HfNOluoSOJiQVja5rcrfGY2PuEiy0B3ZE6OhA2esKR3vLMis5Eraj91f6SxaGVftk-7ccoWd9yQg/s4032/IMG_4173.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX96Q-v-AHp0rvrC7NQbOG6g3nTOOd83t4iiPcKhTeMISOtygjAXNkPfo7mLNXcxDdwV4_yp-D96wFD26dvo1P6GqSpGWASuQo5NINvhws0SPTA3HfNOluoSOJiQVja5rcrfGY2PuEiy0B3ZE6OhA2esKR3vLMis5Eraj91f6SxaGVftk-7ccoWd9yQg/w99-h133/IMG_4173.jpg" width="99" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca Pizzi 5k<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>In August, Neil did his first 5k at Becca's race and then after a long soccer season came back to running in December to finish the year out at the Jingle Bell run, running a 26:49 / 2:42 PR. </p><p>It is so much fun watching him get into running. As much as a I want to push him to go farther and faster, I need to let him determine where he wants running to take him. </p><p>The one big thing that he does see already is how much better a soccer player he is when he is in good shape. </p><p></p><p><b>Other Notable Shout Outs (In addition to what was mentioned above)<br /></b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Becca finished the year with 13 marathons, over 10 minutes of PR, finishing (and winning) her 1st ultra, the 50 states, the world majors, Kona and now stands a 108 marathons</li><li>Dave, PR'd both Berlin (2:50) and Chicago (2:47) just two weeks apart</li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"><b>By the Numbers</b></p><ul><li>Races run:12 (highest since 2019), 4 X 5k, 4 miler, 3 X Marathon, 50k, relay, triathlon, and a running a charity bike ride <br /></li><li>NH 4000 footers: 5 new, 8 total (now at 44 of 48)<br /></li><li>Longest run: 43 (Run your Age)<br /></li><li>Miles Run: 3800 (300 more than last year and 133 more than any other year)<br /></li><li>Time Running: 549 hours (26 more than last year)<br /></li><li>Climbing: 211k' (5k less than last year)<br /></li><li>10th consecutive year of running every day</li><li>9th consecutive year of running my age on my birthday </li><li>7th Coast to Cure NF <br /></li><li>6th year directing the Apple Run 5k</li><li>5th year directing the Wellington Fun Run </li><li>Total Streak Miles: 31,618<br /></li><li>Total Miles Tracked: 37,399<br /></li></ul><p><b>How Far Did I Get</b></p><p>This year I broke my own record for most miles in a year with a total of 3800. As the crow flies, that gets me all the way down to Lima, Peru. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFH4SLY4fW98I7rMgnQTIdr3EAKUGagXE9EpcCH8SzlyQThB8SNScN3xu_MNTk4Mqnc3_c_03HklbwOzOyB1aaGkzdiWYI2veJrBFgJShG4OH-zL-5w-CUUMIYF1_1xXuGJYzjTDHLAkF-1n9tyLvR8T25tf1sFQIxnqKo3Dpwq0FxYjAgFNAAcSFKIY/s1888/Screenshot%202023-12-18%20at%2010.44.20%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1888" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFH4SLY4fW98I7rMgnQTIdr3EAKUGagXE9EpcCH8SzlyQThB8SNScN3xu_MNTk4Mqnc3_c_03HklbwOzOyB1aaGkzdiWYI2veJrBFgJShG4OH-zL-5w-CUUMIYF1_1xXuGJYzjTDHLAkF-1n9tyLvR8T25tf1sFQIxnqKo3Dpwq0FxYjAgFNAAcSFKIY/s320/Screenshot%202023-12-18%20at%2010.44.20%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>If I really do get over 4000 miles next year, I might make it all the way to Russia. <br /></p><p></p><p><b>A Look Back</b></p><p>2023 was another busy year. Between parenting<b>,</b> work, and running, it didn't leave time for much else. While I did race the most since 2019, I didn't have any "big" events or events that took some serious build up to complete. While 3 marathons in 22 days might sound like a lot, I ran three marathons in 3 days during my Tahoe build up. <br /></p><p>This mindset may be due to that fact that my consistency has been so high. If there are two things that I am the most proud of from 2023 it is definitely completing 10 years of running every day and that after all this time I am still setting a new personal record for the most miles run in a year. As Shannon says, "I don't need the miles, but I want the miles." I just enjoy running ... a lot. <br /></p><p>So as we close out 2023, cheers to all those that set new personal records, whether it be fastest time you have run, the most miles in a week, month, or the entire year. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w0a17TKsV05k-7c8R1qaxlTcmNNHkshHO-AqHg2zPqTrRXXf0_cPHCFFU4LRZz2GkbmiDYNcxMMB-foa-GmXiUkSSaB8jLWWj7WIlXNBunI0fR_QjkcZ6MOJARXVKeaYl5i5eFdFKKYYXFtStig7mF-wI58GvsI-429c7W_72cLBwAnXpBVQA4oYbk8/s1440/boston-common.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1440" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w0a17TKsV05k-7c8R1qaxlTcmNNHkshHO-AqHg2zPqTrRXXf0_cPHCFFU4LRZz2GkbmiDYNcxMMB-foa-GmXiUkSSaB8jLWWj7WIlXNBunI0fR_QjkcZ6MOJARXVKeaYl5i5eFdFKKYYXFtStig7mF-wI58GvsI-429c7W_72cLBwAnXpBVQA4oYbk8/s320/boston-common.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trek Relay for Veterans - Hyannis to Boston<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p><b>Looking Forward to 2024</b></p><p>2024 is already promising to be crazy. I begin my ramp up for Tahoe with a 50 mile run tomorrow, January 1st. </p><p>My first real test comes on 3/23 when I take on the <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=108336">Mount Mitchell Heart-breaker</a> (50 miles with 12k' climbing) and if all goes to plan, by mid-April, I'll be up to back to back 35s with a 128 mile week. </p><p>Tahoe starts on 6/14. While I am still scared, I am also super excited to see what happens. <br /></p><p>Post Tahoe, I'll take a little recovery and maybe even cross train before the fall ramp up. In October, I plan to pace Baystate again and then tackle my first road 50k at Marine Core with a goal of setting a new 50k PR (my old one is 3:58 at the TARC Spring classic in 2014). </p><p>Finally, I am aiming to close out the year with 4000+ miles and complete my 11th year of the run streak. <br /></p><p><b>The Next 5 years</b></p><p>I came to the realization this year that I am not getting any younger and if I want to tackle some of these epic races and trips, I better start planning more then a year out. Below are list of events and runs, I am aiming to tackle in the next 5 years. </p><p>Additionally, Amy, the kids, and I plan on doing a National Park tour during the summer of 2026 with a route through the Northern US and Southern Canada. <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Races</li><ul><li><a href="https://www.destinationtrailrun.com/tahoe">Tahoe 200</a> (California - 200 miles, 34k' climbing - <b>June 2024</b>) <br /></li><li><a href="https://www.miutmadeira.com">Madeira Island Ultra Trail</a> (Portugal - 115k, 23k' climbing - <b>April 2025</b>) </li><li><a href="https://www.torxtrail.com/en/content/tor130-tot-dret-gressoney-courmayeur">TOR130 - Tot Dret</a> (Italy - 130k, 39k' climbing - <b>September 2025</b>)</li><li><a href="https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/">Sinister 7 Ultra</a> (Edmonton, Canada - 50k - 7.4k' climbing -<b> July 2026</b>)</li><li><a href="https://ultra-x.co/ultra-x-scotland/">Ultra X 110 Scotland</a> (Scotland - 110k, 12.3k' climbing - <b>May 2027</b>) </li></ul><li>Adventures <br /></li><ul><li>Single Day <a href="https://fastestknowntime.com/route/white-mountains-hut-traverse-nh">White Mountains Hut to Hut Traverse</a> (46 miles - 16k' climbing) <br /></li><li><a href="https://fastestknowntime.com/route/wonderland-trail-wa">Wonderland Trail</a> (Washington - 93 miles, 24k' climbing) - Multi-day (unsupported)<br /></li><li><a href="https://fastestknowntime.com/route/pacific-crest-trail-ca-or-wa">Pacific Crest Trail</a> (some portion)</li></ul><li>Other<br /></li><ul><li>Reach 50k total running miles (currently just over 37.4k)<br /></li><li>Continue to run every day</li><li>Continue to run my age on my birthday <br /></li></ul></ul><p>- Scot </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbJaD04RtzKcShtLFqmIdKW1__3a27EOeTDlaCXdGafhyphenhyphenTW4DZovNLvG8wUskqiYzMFiX7fNFcH9gpfVCua_to4yv7ruYuMeUCjyNYqtvZjVmAw6RbDVyIgaEw7cwF6pjO5b3C8e7-wm_68KnFr5aV6mTqCYPHB4WN81Utz0bQYWlovmp1io8uaqfxhA/s4032/IMG_4652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbJaD04RtzKcShtLFqmIdKW1__3a27EOeTDlaCXdGafhyphenhyphenTW4DZovNLvG8wUskqiYzMFiX7fNFcH9gpfVCua_to4yv7ruYuMeUCjyNYqtvZjVmAw6RbDVyIgaEw7cwF6pjO5b3C8e7-wm_68KnFr5aV6mTqCYPHB4WN81Utz0bQYWlovmp1io8uaqfxhA/s320/IMG_4652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jingle Bell 5k <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-7291129451112475482023-09-28T16:27:00.003-04:002023-09-29T12:24:23.533-04:00Sometimes the Lion Doesn't Catch the Rabbit - The Story of Becca's 50th State Marathon Weekend<p></p><p><i> “Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not
something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of
friendship, you really haven't learned anything.”
- <span class="authorOrTitle">Muhammad Ali</span></i> <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjr1a6XN4_-tuc3X-2NgJZ-4K0gexByYI3mHGvzIaPsDaPZRfhuheuk2amR0UZPdH3l5SVJuIUsNcWSi6mA-WzAQlnzNuNc8KLP4sXuUymv8aUVeUTvCcWAgwRhhQJ6OvLf_MbFmJgEsQfvImpUqYyT2BEw90h3lwUgqN4xncCnbJGFMdQsnozNjc1mU/s4032/IMG_4271.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjr1a6XN4_-tuc3X-2NgJZ-4K0gexByYI3mHGvzIaPsDaPZRfhuheuk2amR0UZPdH3l5SVJuIUsNcWSi6mA-WzAQlnzNuNc8KLP4sXuUymv8aUVeUTvCcWAgwRhhQJ6OvLf_MbFmJgEsQfvImpUqYyT2BEw90h3lwUgqN4xncCnbJGFMdQsnozNjc1mU/w175-h131/IMG_4271.HEIC" width="175" /></a>Every once in a while, one of your friends does something truly epic, and invites you along for the ride. Becca's been running marathons for over 25 years and has logged a mind numbing total of 104. This past Saturday, by completing the Jackson Hole marathon, she has now run a marathon in each of the 50 US states. </div><p></p><p></p><p>While this project dates all the way back to 2001, she got really serious about it in the past 18 months and picked Jackson Hole on 9/23/2023 as here finish line. She then invited all of us to join her and her family for the race. </p><p>So jump ahead to last Thursday and a whole bunch of us made our way out to Jackson Hole (many of us starting with a 4am wake up). Amy and I caught a 6:10am flight to Salt Lake where we met up with Erin and made the drive over. </p><p>We first met up with the larger group Thursday night for dinner, the official kickoff of the shenanigans. </p><p>As I've done in previous posts, I like to identify the cast of characters before I finish depicting the event. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Becca: needs no introduction, the reason we were there in the first place and newly minted marathon in all 50 state finisher</li><li>Joe: Becca's husband, lead organizer of the event, who ran 10 miles for the first time while we were in Jackson. </li><li>Becca's family and close friends: Taylor, Susan, Fred, Lauren, Kristin, Nick, Steven, Jen, Janet, Jenny<br /></li><li>The Belmont Track Club Crowd / Friends: Me, Amy, Erin, Donal, Karalyn, Lisa, Paula, Steve, Zee, Sarah, Katie</li><li>Becca's Other Running Friends (from all over the country): JP, Byron, Bob, Oliver, Casey (and his son Brady)<br /></li></ul><p>The last few years, my friends and I have been doing a trip out west. We are all trail and ultra runners and love doing traverses in the mountains (or canyons). We kicked this off 2 years ago with a <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-grand-canyon-rim-2-rim-2-rim.html">Rim to Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon</a> and followed it up with a trip to <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2022/09/5-days-in-ourey.html">Ourey</a> last year, where we summited our first 14k' peak, Mnt Sneffels. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDIFD9gGSMT0B8Aeol-hkExxGeY22_c-wiPI9jIAv8TKjHNuQqLWzutS7dN_w-XVAvda5QgnMHOH3G3Gtd0hDV6BDy5w-a45DOrGa1Voot8SDQbAtZHOYtjFvtkt0_OJ5YNsMVD2spyi6zeADC-M7pCwIKkFHP5OF5NtL9jzVdCDaRQXylAWKv7hr3Dg/s4032/IMG_4244.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDIFD9gGSMT0B8Aeol-hkExxGeY22_c-wiPI9jIAv8TKjHNuQqLWzutS7dN_w-XVAvda5QgnMHOH3G3Gtd0hDV6BDy5w-a45DOrGa1Voot8SDQbAtZHOYtjFvtkt0_OJ5YNsMVD2spyi6zeADC-M7pCwIKkFHP5OF5NtL9jzVdCDaRQXylAWKv7hr3Dg/w174-h131/IMG_4244.HEIC" width="174" /></a></div>So when Becca picked a mountain town for her last marathon we were more than delighted to join and continue on our annual trail running tradition. While we wanted to run a decent time at the Jackson Hole Marathon, we also even more wanted to play in the mountains. It is opportunities like this that really drive my training. <p></p><p>Friday morning, Donal and I headed over to Grand Teton National park to do some exploring. Our goal for the day was to climb up to a few alpine lakes and then get up to the saddle, just below the summit of Grand and Middle Teton (we didn't need to free solo a 5.5 climb at the top). The route was 16 miles with ~6000' of climbing. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMJoe0W6o-VowkpE7jz0JyEuUYDYvJkLIG1Fi-68reAN9MB2o107pZl5wxzxD34ZRkX9DmTlvREiMp9mLd8Axjl6etSJWsyGneL0hI-2fhtGHAw1NGJl-bHn5KhmnzRDIhtTG1oiKDKjGESAokUWqDH_kjfnbbR-9W3ORV3PUbGf-2BzH_PYz8XcuBJo/s4032/IMG_4248.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMJoe0W6o-VowkpE7jz0JyEuUYDYvJkLIG1Fi-68reAN9MB2o107pZl5wxzxD34ZRkX9DmTlvREiMp9mLd8Axjl6etSJWsyGneL0hI-2fhtGHAw1NGJl-bHn5KhmnzRDIhtTG1oiKDKjGESAokUWqDH_kjfnbbR-9W3ORV3PUbGf-2BzH_PYz8XcuBJo/w162-h122/IMG_4248.HEIC" width="162" /></a></div>Weather forecast was a bit dicey Friday with rain scheduled to come in by 9am. After driving through a bit of fog to get there, it cleared up as we reached the trail head. We pretty quickly climbed above the cloud layer and were presented with a great view and even encountered some wildlife. <br /><p></p><p>For a while, we were convinced the fog layer was going to get us as it slowly made its way up the mountain. Luckily, were able to hold it off. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoNTGmnJrXOaZLBNKWEO8ECd9GrJ32NknHwOtoH5E3eQFVTP15ePX8FWZlr5cDZhJtfO74nyt4BA0uCjxUxqnT8WqX4m6DqYTh4WL0Onh0BpkMPJjB631-JxIUhtijPKbhSV0ohC4qmWG546IchQzJu5T6N7aQwXnBsVEdVUJ704tpWiAM3Ab1B0a5C0/s4032/IMG_4251.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoNTGmnJrXOaZLBNKWEO8ECd9GrJ32NknHwOtoH5E3eQFVTP15ePX8FWZlr5cDZhJtfO74nyt4BA0uCjxUxqnT8WqX4m6DqYTh4WL0Onh0BpkMPJjB631-JxIUhtijPKbhSV0ohC4qmWG546IchQzJu5T6N7aQwXnBsVEdVUJ704tpWiAM3Ab1B0a5C0/w178-h134/IMG_4251.HEIC" width="178" /></a></div>The first of the two alpine lakes we visited, Surprise lake, came at just under 5 miles and 2800' of climbing in. I don't know what it is about these alpine lakes, but they are just so peaceful and serene. I jumped up on a rock and Donal took my picture which included an almost perfectly symmetrical reflection of the rocks behind it. <p></p><p>Next up, was Amphitheater lake, a quarter mile and few hundred feet up the trail. After a quick break, we worked our way back to the cutoff and then towards the saddle. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOplGjRjt-C9KbdgmYCmb0SRvI6-bfaS8AcHhfRLX5PCSJu0H-sndeyjUZbsVBZnX_zMfek5jTwpWN_kfR-K44LNZW1pwyqpayYGEwXdCnY8gkbzixbLM46jq7NMz8L_q7Vqes52tGmr3JxRivFUsMaYcrtXR9ib-TzvFZ-hbZdArhYA8oR3PETR40grw/s4032/IMG_4258.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOplGjRjt-C9KbdgmYCmb0SRvI6-bfaS8AcHhfRLX5PCSJu0H-sndeyjUZbsVBZnX_zMfek5jTwpWN_kfR-K44LNZW1pwyqpayYGEwXdCnY8gkbzixbLM46jq7NMz8L_q7Vqes52tGmr3JxRivFUsMaYcrtXR9ib-TzvFZ-hbZdArhYA8oR3PETR40grw/w166-h125/IMG_4258.HEIC" width="166" /></a></div>As we cross over the first rock section, it started to flurry a bit. We stopped for one more picture before the clouds fully rolled in capture that fluff layer beneath us. I have only once ever had a view like this. It was back in 2018 when I was on <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2018/05/transvulcania-where-white-mountains.html">La Palma in the Canary Islands</a>. <br /><p></p><p>After that, we reached a giant boulder field (the rocks were 5-10' in length) and started to make our way up. As the snow started to pick up, which became a constant reminder that we had a marathon to run the next day. So without much discussion, we decided to call it and work our way back down to the car. We ended the day with <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/9899952819">12.3 miles and 3500' of climbing</a>. </p><p>Later that night, we all got together at Yeah Buddy Pizza to truly kick off Becca's 50th State Marathon weekend. In addition to inviting us all to partake in Becca's accomplishment, Joe and Becca took care of us all with dinners and even goody bags, complete with t-shirts, cookies, stickers, and hand warmers (forecast at the start of the marathon was 34 degrees). <br /></p><p>When I first found out about this event, I decided that I was going to give a speech at it. This was kind of like a wedding reception and I've never had the chance to be in a wedding party (other than mine) and thought that I could have some fun with it. </p><p>Becca and I have now known each other for about 7.5 years, running together almost every day, having shared over 10k miles together, and have become extremely good friends. I tried to keep the tone of the speech light, joking many times (i.e how she gets lost on nearly every run), and telling the story about how we met at a meet and greet, primarily with kids, just before she won the World Marathon Challenge in 2016 and consequently became famous. But the fact is, it is hard to joke too much as she is always there for me (and many others in the room). </p><p>Ever since Nat's Neurofibromatosis diagnosis that same year, she has always been our top supporter; fundraising, running, biking, and evening putting on running camps for kids. </p><p>I ended the speech with a funny quote I heard recently, “How do introverts make friends? An extrovert found them, liked them, and adopted them” which I think perfectly describes Becca and a lot of her friends. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45LupHLdcBYfgBDGvQzxsGcjAiRD3pFEqXzZsx0QMNhhQWqKr03xyyOmMbQfZPZbXz0n9IbvyIuIWLR9L2etrc8RQet77ahThkprQ1MTTEjm83E3YfFsV_IUZT9PzVUFC8J2jKsXwy86H1SLv_o7hNexUTtJrFbFu9b_ledlhM4VBv7qTaMYdhf5nfWI/s3993/FullSizeRender.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1906" data-original-width="3993" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45LupHLdcBYfgBDGvQzxsGcjAiRD3pFEqXzZsx0QMNhhQWqKr03xyyOmMbQfZPZbXz0n9IbvyIuIWLR9L2etrc8RQet77ahThkprQ1MTTEjm83E3YfFsV_IUZT9PzVUFC8J2jKsXwy86H1SLv_o7hNexUTtJrFbFu9b_ledlhM4VBv7qTaMYdhf5nfWI/s320/FullSizeRender.heic" width="320" /></a></div> <br />Race day started with a 5:45 wake up. We made our way down to the center of Jackson for the start around 7. Today was the big day. I was Becca's official pacer and tasked with:<br /><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Getting her to the finish line</li><li>Ensuring that she was the top female</li><li>Trying to get her a new PR (sub 3:09).</li></ol><p>I told her I would do my best, but wasn't sure what I had in me having run 12 miles with 3500' climbing the previous day and racing at 6300' elevation. As expected, she ignored me, and when the race started we shot off the line at 6:40 / mile pace. After about a quarter mile, we settled down a bit, but still held around 7 minute page for the next 8 to 9 miles. The course was almost entirely on a bike path that looped around Jackson before heading over to Teton village. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvbRNNXUCMGOoSNVCC79fk6-A-I18FWzBhMrfkL9GipTql2hOyuQrkE6yM9ZXieevIIGkyG834ZDSu310L-ZzjOoeGkHdQDJREbeJQvpY8lhtshCxcaZO_23yxSMixK0Ja8AFCDKL8s2-tU-7LE1l_3gLFEt44PKC1ty9sCLTCIOPD1l1EsBXWdmbIwE/s1755/IMG_4309.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1755" data-original-width="1299" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvbRNNXUCMGOoSNVCC79fk6-A-I18FWzBhMrfkL9GipTql2hOyuQrkE6yM9ZXieevIIGkyG834ZDSu310L-ZzjOoeGkHdQDJREbeJQvpY8lhtshCxcaZO_23yxSMixK0Ja8AFCDKL8s2-tU-7LE1l_3gLFEt44PKC1ty9sCLTCIOPD1l1EsBXWdmbIwE/w152-h205/IMG_4309.JPG" width="152" /></a></div>Just before we started, I had one of those existential moments where the last 7.5 years of my life flashed before my eyes. From first meeting Becca, to winning her 5k race, to the Wellington Fun Runs, to Ninja Feet running camp, to the donut runs and the 3am starts, to <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-mass-dash-relay-across.html">running across the state overnight</a> (<a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2023/05/trek-relay-for-veterans-hyannis-to.html">twice</a>). It was kind of crazy to think about all the things that we had done together. <br /><p></p><p>My goal at the beginning of the race was to hold sub 3:08 pace for the first 13 miles and then go mile by mile after that. We hit the half in 1:33:35 still feeling pretty good and were greeted with a few hundred runners just beginning their half marathon. The next two miles were a bit difficult as we weaved in and out of the runners. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9sqrhPGR_kr2YPP3YIAODLP1muSAX2AWExq88NpgtxJT1zUgMyRd6ij3T2lNW4KBywS021mWzOpdVrtEjcsokYAq0Xll7FGBXv8AiRIT-9MsgYZr3KOJFvNMScP-fdYqQO1KaQYEfXry7bzZRf2IrVQOpUbtJjKvTsr9KWV9BXVYGhbhBypTRom6cX8/s1024/imagejpeg_0.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9sqrhPGR_kr2YPP3YIAODLP1muSAX2AWExq88NpgtxJT1zUgMyRd6ij3T2lNW4KBywS021mWzOpdVrtEjcsokYAq0Xll7FGBXv8AiRIT-9MsgYZr3KOJFvNMScP-fdYqQO1KaQYEfXry7bzZRf2IrVQOpUbtJjKvTsr9KWV9BXVYGhbhBypTRom6cX8/w181-h136/imagejpeg_0.jpg" width="181" /></a></div> Becca's family and friends provided on course support and cheering the entire race. Their make shift water stops and cheering was incredible and greatly appreciated. Every time Becca's brother in law Nick drove by, I would hear "Go Becca ... and Scot."<br /><p></p><p></p><p>As we reached that death zone (miles 16-22 when people struggle) slowed down to about 7:20 pace and I slowly pulled away from Becca. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu88H_1Yi0lMdZJf8-5GueYWClSXlAimcca8VeoV7bMx1McXfNvX4g2XhHP8FMAgT8dprJnsR_WSa-5U5K6aeWOdi6J7iOP9pDJjAVEAmAfXFnP1VWtPzT0ZL5zx2zCGguCJ4ZWdmPEoQ01FWWXGosrPYcLMU2-AWE4qs5BNjEqas_Ahl7JghVERXUkTc/s2048/donal-zee.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1415" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu88H_1Yi0lMdZJf8-5GueYWClSXlAimcca8VeoV7bMx1McXfNvX4g2XhHP8FMAgT8dprJnsR_WSa-5U5K6aeWOdi6J7iOP9pDJjAVEAmAfXFnP1VWtPzT0ZL5zx2zCGguCJ4ZWdmPEoQ01FWWXGosrPYcLMU2-AWE4qs5BNjEqas_Ahl7JghVERXUkTc/w133-h194/donal-zee.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>By mile 16, I had built up about a 20-30 second lead and was starting to feel the affects of the altitude, previous days run, and general fatigue of travel. While I was happy that I had stayed with Becca this long, I really wanted to finish with her. Over the course of the next 9 miles, I just plugged away convinced that Becca would blow by me any minute. My pace first slowed to the mid 7:20s and then after mile 20, the mid 7:30s. <p></p><p></p><p>I decided that mile 25 would be the beginning of my victory lap. That point where I was strong enough to over power my mind if I needed to kick it into the finish. I turned around to look for Becca and was <br />surprised that I didn't see her. I knew she couldn't be too far behind, so I made my way into the finish to get ready to cheer for her with everyone else. I hit the finish in <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/9906174450/overview">3:12:52</a>, my fastest marathon in the last 4 years, good enough for 8th overall. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKLQ1hHGeNA_QF5LV9_5W0dXRJM84AK7MyYPAn3F02obgOJpZPLU4hQx8zbWfEGSFlZdmpb0FnAgSAp-tgKZdIz_2S6IPg3xvc_LmfhxEZue8NCOemQ49uwQ6y3ph7NgNathyZg6O6k0p473z-PNhwYow2W2Liom0hsG8Z4WCP8-6R25-zNBBkY6femc/s1558/IMG_4305.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="1170" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKLQ1hHGeNA_QF5LV9_5W0dXRJM84AK7MyYPAn3F02obgOJpZPLU4hQx8zbWfEGSFlZdmpb0FnAgSAp-tgKZdIz_2S6IPg3xvc_LmfhxEZue8NCOemQ49uwQ6y3ph7NgNathyZg6O6k0p473z-PNhwYow2W2Liom0hsG8Z4WCP8-6R25-zNBBkY6femc/w139-h185/IMG_4305.JPG" width="139" /></a></div>Becca came around the corner a couple minutes later (thankfully still as the first female) and the crowd went wild. Her daughter, Taylor, joined in for the last 20 yards and her father and husband held up the custom 50 state marathon finishing tape. It was quite a site to see. <br /><p></p><p>A few minutes later I walked over to congratulate her and she took the finishing medal from the volunteer and handed it to me to put over her head. I already felt honored to be part of this event and was completely touched by this gesture. </p><p>Soon the rest of the cast made there way in: Casey and Brady, Karalyn, Lisa, Sarah, Donal and Zee (with an 11 minute PR), JP (completing his 50th marathon), Steven, and Bob. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQhl-hbIZqi1QXY1d_rhu9DkEVsWxAv7tqYtHPpnO5M4sGqmIuW7ZM19sokzOQ0RseotU3NLNFzfTPpEnFK_LIcuT5ERC3Vo6yjN75zPpTwIJuvroZ9GtYb5iAxZOqlHJNIeXtX6H3QkHfqfjCM63JbBcdjIlPy_c_jlmhPLw-aoObmuxazzrqxF4IR8/s4032/IMG_4293.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQhl-hbIZqi1QXY1d_rhu9DkEVsWxAv7tqYtHPpnO5M4sGqmIuW7ZM19sokzOQ0RseotU3NLNFzfTPpEnFK_LIcuT5ERC3Vo6yjN75zPpTwIJuvroZ9GtYb5iAxZOqlHJNIeXtX6H3QkHfqfjCM63JbBcdjIlPy_c_jlmhPLw-aoObmuxazzrqxF4IR8/w172-h129/IMG_4293.HEIC" width="172" /></a></div>All and all everyone had a great day. A few hours later, we all met back up at Snake River brewing to celebrate. You really couldn't have asked for a nicer day with such an awesome group of people. <p></p><p>The next morning before heading out, a few of us drove back to Teton National Park to watch the sunrise. It was a bit chilly, 22 degrees, but really fulfilling to be in such a beautiful place and get one last breath of the fresh mountain air. </p><p>Special thank you to Becca, Joe, and everyone else that made this such a memorable weekend. <br /></p><p>- Scot</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGI4JKjQel8__g8xN2dn8YNCbW1wfilWkHeEU9hq8DmHwuqoMKT4JPTADjN81nG6m4nRx8PK_lKrz_9xpvvzqgXqqZRiIuOl7QrYnZTBjzl6bSNX4rtDJvY9OBrl9SNXzzV83X6QG3zZFSca9502YtHR1_hxH0p-ei0hhWgN_8j2ID6d1_QmL9Lxug8g/s4032/IMG_4267.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGI4JKjQel8__g8xN2dn8YNCbW1wfilWkHeEU9hq8DmHwuqoMKT4JPTADjN81nG6m4nRx8PK_lKrz_9xpvvzqgXqqZRiIuOl7QrYnZTBjzl6bSNX4rtDJvY9OBrl9SNXzzV83X6QG3zZFSca9502YtHR1_hxH0p-ei0hhWgN_8j2ID6d1_QmL9Lxug8g/s320/IMG_4267.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div> <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Anxiously awaiting the announcement of what Becca has in store next. <br />If you have a suggestion, please leave a comment. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-56033106559758233512023-09-04T11:23:00.001-04:002023-09-04T11:23:57.976-04:00Run Your Age - Year 43 Edition<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4biXcw134ApIt3KqP5rfp5Z68sB7b72GU2zv7iLNjFOTRjJerh6Bup0uwoDOkEhKl7wQxsBW_Atj3SDj8Hao9cXIFtD3pMp8NlI9f8tOdnR8Bq4rzjW8-mjEWYIFBYFRHa09XYANBGQEZkhS5FxpW-RlLie7GMwsjSfQg0c1LmxSsbF4qTD43pNS-gmg/s4032/IMG_4080.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4biXcw134ApIt3KqP5rfp5Z68sB7b72GU2zv7iLNjFOTRjJerh6Bup0uwoDOkEhKl7wQxsBW_Atj3SDj8Hao9cXIFtD3pMp8NlI9f8tOdnR8Bq4rzjW8-mjEWYIFBYFRHa09XYANBGQEZkhS5FxpW-RlLie7GMwsjSfQg0c1LmxSsbF4qTD43pNS-gmg/w174-h131/IMG_4080.HEIC" width="174" /></a></div>A few weeks ago, I took on "run my age" for the 9th consecutive year. This year I turned 43 and decided to run out to the end of Winthrop / Deer Island and then up Revere Beach. Like last year, Becca joined me for the whole run. <p></p><p>We started the run off at the Belmont track at 4:30am where Karalyn joined us for the first 15 miles. It was in the low 60s, but with fairly high humidity. Most of the first 5 miles were uneventful as we cut through Harvard and Union Square. Our first stop (unintended) came at the Chelsea Street bridge 10 miles in. We had to wait about 10 minutes as the bridge was up to let an oil tanker through. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PGsuLBV2lqeKuFApsh3GMxCPrvgzBNYECZY-iVhhcbZJUdZqYaA4538DGJ8Ah-r5jmP34WB1BN-jh1QZTrRJ76i81s2_f7-_mgxnjh9SbCQCn5VZqJBaiC2oQadkPRzYERVcdbtnhntuDBgLd0aWOCwDLe07Dy3dE1mU3coD_w7Qzy2UO6A3NL0JANg/s4032/IMG_4081.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PGsuLBV2lqeKuFApsh3GMxCPrvgzBNYECZY-iVhhcbZJUdZqYaA4538DGJ8Ah-r5jmP34WB1BN-jh1QZTrRJ76i81s2_f7-_mgxnjh9SbCQCn5VZqJBaiC2oQadkPRzYERVcdbtnhntuDBgLd0aWOCwDLe07Dy3dE1mU3coD_w7Qzy2UO6A3NL0JANg/w148-h111/IMG_4081.HEIC" width="148" /></a></div>From there the route got a lot prettier as we made our way out to and around Winthrop and then Deer Island. It probably has been over 30 years since I last went to Winthrop. It really is a beautiful area, but as for Boston traffic goes, nearly impossible to get to. <p></p><p>At the southern most point of Winthrop, you enter an area called Point Shirley and a nice beach before you reach Deer Island. We were now 15 miles in and this is where Karalyn dropped so she could get back in time for her 8am meeting. I'm sure the Uber driver was excited to see a runner soaked in sweat get in the back of their car. </p><p>Whenever I go on these long adventures that start at some absurd time, Amy always says, "It isn't the fact that you do this that impresses me, it is that you find others to do it with you." For this, I think both Becca and Karalyn need an extra shout out for starting so early with me. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi6nBGxbYTzo7JYi_qlJpla-GIj7JjwF78mp6wefFH0O9x_z0RhBd8RbDtTSUKhOxo9cVUi6EioBq2b65B4tZJ5N9lAQhwoPxanyRmGh0X6BbLZJrashCZagPrcu75IGaj4qa3m4PH8MPjdLU-aeMnoZhHRtFPY7xSFB09ymC5g6wPH695dhONPY6gGE/s4032/IMG_4085.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi6nBGxbYTzo7JYi_qlJpla-GIj7JjwF78mp6wefFH0O9x_z0RhBd8RbDtTSUKhOxo9cVUi6EioBq2b65B4tZJ5N9lAQhwoPxanyRmGh0X6BbLZJrashCZagPrcu75IGaj4qa3m4PH8MPjdLU-aeMnoZhHRtFPY7xSFB09ymC5g6wPH695dhONPY6gGE/w161-h121/IMG_4085.HEIC" width="161" /></a></div>Deer Island is another interesting location. It was once a true island, but became attached to Winthrop in 1938 as the result of a deadly hurricane and cyclone. Today it has a lovely paved bike path that encircles it with a waste water treatment plant in the middle. When you are at the southern most point, it is really cool, as you truly feel like you are in the middle the Boston Harbor. <p></p><p>Next up, we worked our way North, first through the Winthrop Highlands and then along Revere Beach. We eventually turned off at Sullivan Park and found a 7/11 to gets some snacks and refresh our liquids. We had reached the half way point of our day. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGd7fS7FkXZp3HLQujBn1Cp8SiG9lGFT6jfbQHwOvUNar129DnenDdTd8fZYZURcdFFpgyeO36W3iX5ksf4OEjSjqH5INhxt247FrSIdi8zovm_rIZAjpHKp7km74hFw5Zuv-7A5CUvRE9i5mRknmNPP8btzjQJfvXhQ8trMAj7wCgPwyvMjb6e_8WAw/s4032/IMG_4086.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGd7fS7FkXZp3HLQujBn1Cp8SiG9lGFT6jfbQHwOvUNar129DnenDdTd8fZYZURcdFFpgyeO36W3iX5ksf4OEjSjqH5INhxt247FrSIdi8zovm_rIZAjpHKp7km74hFw5Zuv-7A5CUvRE9i5mRknmNPP8btzjQJfvXhQ8trMAj7wCgPwyvMjb6e_8WAw/w166-h125/IMG_4086.HEIC" width="166" /></a></div>The next 7-8 miles were fairly nondescript as we worked our way across Malden and into Melrose. It was getting warm and now that we had crossed the marathon we were starting to feel it a bit (or at least I was, Becca seems immune to heat and fatigue). Soon we would meet up with Shawn and we were looking forward to some additional company. <br /><p></p><p>Right after my watched beeped for the 32nd time, I managed to catch the lip of a raised cement curb and went down hard my left knee. After immediately pausing my Garmin, I wallowed in pain for about 5 minutes before finally getting up. I had hit it pretty hard and had a good size scrape on it. Becca, already prepared with band-aids, tried to help out, but with the amount of sweat, they just wouldn't stick. I also commend Becca here as she didn't even asked if we needed to stop knowing I would have to be near fatally injured before I would have aborted the run. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7DBslmw9XaX0Dz9ZOWvQFBF73LqOdtpQTYv8c8UbpPxXVoo5Xt3tPDinjl6k47vhH0psI8bZDJrS8M0TDYRnDmAgm2Z608jUNDaNFmHJDj2tcVSYaP1l1agRPFOHaKqX1pZmaoKkBYA-aPVkcKp_tCT8Xut-ldGHSD1vC2jlhDXiOQiLTG4RDlmLGWk/s4032/IMG_4087.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7DBslmw9XaX0Dz9ZOWvQFBF73LqOdtpQTYv8c8UbpPxXVoo5Xt3tPDinjl6k47vhH0psI8bZDJrS8M0TDYRnDmAgm2Z608jUNDaNFmHJDj2tcVSYaP1l1agRPFOHaKqX1pZmaoKkBYA-aPVkcKp_tCT8Xut-ldGHSD1vC2jlhDXiOQiLTG4RDlmLGWk/w153-h115/IMG_4087.HEIC" width="153" /></a></div>After this, I slowed a bit (all previous miles were below 9 min), but was able to just keep chugging on. Less than a mile later we picked up Shawn, complete with his birthday hat as we worked out way into Stoneham. <p></p><p>We had some rolling hills here and I kept falling back from the two of them and then catching back up at the next light. The heat was taking its toll. I just kept telling myself, you've had worse, and just focus on moving forward. A few miles later we got to Winchester Center and Duane joined in. It was really nice to catch up with Duane after not seeing him much since he moved out of Belmont a few years ago. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJ8wG_NlnWEGXt55aKRHlued2boJvShBg-WkG4cZrj4cAj-zhJXvqb7HZXfdNT3ezqPhe58dZVKBWYUA_tzI9ffDyjC96aiz1sELcl3wFlCsHz_Ck1ZFU1rMGzsO6c_9_25aulu1KoEkeGWf5ZVrWkayMW_fOya4gJiUA7fC-QSMe1Unyw7PFMxGALWk/s4032/IMG_4089.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJ8wG_NlnWEGXt55aKRHlued2boJvShBg-WkG4cZrj4cAj-zhJXvqb7HZXfdNT3ezqPhe58dZVKBWYUA_tzI9ffDyjC96aiz1sELcl3wFlCsHz_Ck1ZFU1rMGzsO6c_9_25aulu1KoEkeGWf5ZVrWkayMW_fOya4gJiUA7fC-QSMe1Unyw7PFMxGALWk/w121-h161/IMG_4089.HEIC" width="121" /></a></div><br />The last 5 miles or so were a bit of a death march. I got it back together for the final mile on the Belmont track to finish the run in a time of <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/9627273437">6:16:31 (8:45 / mile)</a>. All and all a pretty good run and really happy with my pace and effort (13 minutes / 27 seconds per mile faster than last year). <p></p><p>As with previous years, I ran a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/6261808407274339/">NF Northeast fundraiser on Facebook</a> in conjunction with the run and was able to raise $1760 ($358 more than last year). A special thank you to all those that ran with me and supported us again. </p><p>Thank you</p><p>- Scot <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOwYK4KEKjdvF5s7ubXI3HW4cxh3ufggXHyPDSBhS6T7kHhdRYbiSmDUZNGX60Xk9O0ZoiZ4I-CK3SmixSH6GMf__EmsQAbl1F47NHqR4y2B0ZuaMDtv4K9AycGzcsPoBo-1km75RjwY9ixaC3Dc_KQGHKhS5V316KOVQaZO5zj94mcrsbfDkx9Uieqk/s4032/IMG_4090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOwYK4KEKjdvF5s7ubXI3HW4cxh3ufggXHyPDSBhS6T7kHhdRYbiSmDUZNGX60Xk9O0ZoiZ4I-CK3SmixSH6GMf__EmsQAbl1F47NHqR4y2B0ZuaMDtv4K9AycGzcsPoBo-1km75RjwY9ixaC3Dc_KQGHKhS5V316KOVQaZO5zj94mcrsbfDkx9Uieqk/s320/IMG_4090.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-55173127764531771502023-05-29T13:24:00.002-04:002023-05-29T14:50:54.597-04:00Trek Relay for Veterans - Hyannis to Boston<p style="text-align: center;"><i> "Scot, what are you doing on May 23rd? We need you and your van." -- Becca Pizzi</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">This past week I participated in a relay run from Veteran's Park in Hyannis to the Boston Common to raise awareness and funds for <a href="https://runtohomebase.org/">Homebase</a>, an organization that provides clinical care to Veterans and their families. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Similar to the <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-mass-dash-relay-across.html">Mass Dash</a>, this run was a Dave McGillivray Sports production and lead again by Ron Kramer. Additionally, a couple of "Dave's guys" tagged along and helped out including my old neighbor Ken who always keeps it fun and entertaining. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The run consisted of 2 teams, primarily veteran's, plus a few of us who are generally up to run any distance, anywhere, at anytime. <br /> <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNL8bnWUqCDvTtF9EarsANbzEZ2Tvp_uNrWdap3Qd4bZ7hKDoQagj5rQ8gwAY_lgO8zapqlIWNgRsEVFpc9oAimoNyH1qbtzkHklQBXj4_J4etSybc0Jv-poznrHQgt1fWd-RKfqUoHSmlfcY-Apc3RzzPRZwmDD5Nu9AoQ6Q7PnBitFVW7w4qgjnu/s941/IMG_9148.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="941" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNL8bnWUqCDvTtF9EarsANbzEZ2Tvp_uNrWdap3Qd4bZ7hKDoQagj5rQ8gwAY_lgO8zapqlIWNgRsEVFpc9oAimoNyH1qbtzkHklQBXj4_J4etSybc0Jv-poznrHQgt1fWd-RKfqUoHSmlfcY-Apc3RzzPRZwmDD5Nu9AoQ6Q7PnBitFVW7w4qgjnu/s320/IMG_9148.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Miles for Military Pre-Run <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Our team was known as Miles for Military and consisted of the following cast of characters. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;">Becca: our fearless leader, fresh off a 9 minute marathon PR, 50k outright win, and her 100th marathon</li><li style="text-align: left;">BJ: veteran, world marathon challenge finisher, police officer, and someone that I generally, just wouldn't mess with (His shirt says it all. "Die first, then quit.")<br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">Kris: veteran, multiple marathon finisher and active duty Air Force member</li><li style="text-align: left;">Paul: veteran, lieutenant with the Belmont Police and guy with a great story about getting shot in the knee ... sort of, ask him, he likes to tell the story <br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">Johnny: veteran, runner, and our team dentist (every relay team needs a dentist). Also, husband to Kelly.<br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">Kelly: another 2X world marathon challenge finisher (funny how these are the people Becca is friends with) having completed 70 something marathons with a ton of energy and always ready to cause some trouble. <br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">Zee: fairly new member to the Best Friends Club who is recently off his first marathon at Boston and 50k at Watuppa. <br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">Ken: our driver, wise guy, and not a runner but who ran the last 1/4 mile with us<br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">Me: the guy with the van, ego, and always up for pretty much anything and fresh off 40 miles in the White Mountains 2 days earlier. </li></ul><p>We left Becca's around 5:30 Tuesday evening to head down to Hyannis. Kris sat up front with me and we got to know each other a bit as we talked about everything from running marathon's for charity (he ran the Boston Marathon representing Boston Children's Hospital in 2021) to his time in the military. He is also currently stationed at Hanscom, where I used to work during my time at MIT Lincoln Labs, which gave us some cool topics to bond over. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KBW-e-FkYZRD0eUdiipC1e7a9eC_sXmMvU-FRizbAafpl3Sfse7r9jKW0IJIThwKuk4SbTvNuVAvUOurm4nPlP-JzAg1KxlN0MMPE-yVSo_wtwFX5UPbcP7hLFe9IB1Dn3oDnBJHucbtbuAB7yhYCn6RLbqc_PyBtYszCY-_sXd3hT7NYc3jRY7u/s1864/Screenshot%202023-05-27%20at%209.46.42%20AM.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1864" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KBW-e-FkYZRD0eUdiipC1e7a9eC_sXmMvU-FRizbAafpl3Sfse7r9jKW0IJIThwKuk4SbTvNuVAvUOurm4nPlP-JzAg1KxlN0MMPE-yVSo_wtwFX5UPbcP7hLFe9IB1Dn3oDnBJHucbtbuAB7yhYCn6RLbqc_PyBtYszCY-_sXd3hT7NYc3jRY7u/s320/Screenshot%202023-05-27%20at%209.46.42%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Route<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After arriving in Hyannis just before 8, we walked over to the Veterans Memorial Park and met the other team which was a number of activity duty and veteran's that had all signed up directly through <a href="https://homebase.org/">Homebase</a>. This was the beginning of us starting to mess with them as they were told they had to go head to head with an "elite running team." <br /><p></p><p>Before we got started, Ron gave us a safety briefing in which I am nearly 100% sure he just talked to me. "Scot, do you have the route on your watch? Scot, we are going to stay together. Scot, we are going to stay with the pace car."</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgbMpVycBGxnICe5LU7gsZJihX5VhtJ8tt-ulyIg9cOxEbncT91xK1SCGX7Wzt_GfPmetw76ohlwi4vPfucl3hqSz2Fh3zNrX5SW8Z-rWQ5Dd8qE8ZKDhsc1JnM87vn2XnGDuVv23FHX1V2JjtwhiG42JTqhf0sH6iMadiG6L4uSaTtpB5IHVRIr5/s768/Screenshot%202023-05-27%20at%209.58.32%20AM.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="654" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgbMpVycBGxnICe5LU7gsZJihX5VhtJ8tt-ulyIg9cOxEbncT91xK1SCGX7Wzt_GfPmetw76ohlwi4vPfucl3hqSz2Fh3zNrX5SW8Z-rWQ5Dd8qE8ZKDhsc1JnM87vn2XnGDuVv23FHX1V2JjtwhiG42JTqhf0sH6iMadiG6L4uSaTtpB5IHVRIr5/w146-h171/Screenshot%202023-05-27%20at%209.58.32%20AM.png" width="146" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Start<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>BJ ran our first leg which took us from Hyannis to Centerville. As the first runners left, Kelly yelled "See you in Boston" which became our on going joke throughout the run and repeatedly yelled to every runner until about 4 in the morning when I think Ken got tired of yelling it. <br /><p></p><p>After we arrived at the transition, Zee pulled out a water bottle and had a big smile on his face and said "Take a sip of this." He had brought a Plumb Brandy, named Slivovica, back from the last time he was in Slovakia and demanded that we all try it. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbItwqR7EssLxyvVmo-ZhbTJPKirgzND03XuoC92HoPSyvglj975Z6E2_y2mr4cYwLGODy4fjzB8J3Fc14RcwRsQa6fSoHN-LrLvcf-5KHMfQjtRRdTW_rjy8l54d5FCsC1O-RIgYsAPNOeNhrFmJulN9nnM2WBLSygCbhNC84I8vRNwjE4PGM7X-/s4032/IMG_3593.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbItwqR7EssLxyvVmo-ZhbTJPKirgzND03XuoC92HoPSyvglj975Z6E2_y2mr4cYwLGODy4fjzB8J3Fc14RcwRsQa6fSoHN-LrLvcf-5KHMfQjtRRdTW_rjy8l54d5FCsC1O-RIgYsAPNOeNhrFmJulN9nnM2WBLSygCbhNC84I8vRNwjE4PGM7X-/w190-h143/IMG_3593.HEIC" width="190" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sagamore Bridge at 11pm<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Also during this transition is when we started to got to know the other van a bit more. They were a bit jealous that we a Mercedes kitted out as a camper while they were just in a Ford passenger van. They were all pretty cool guys and it is awesome to see how a bunch of people who don't even know each other can become friends so quickly, simply by bonding over their military service. <p></p><p></p><p>Kris ran our second leg before handing off to Kelly for the third. We had deal with a slight detour as we entered East Sandwich. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaVgqByPEjcSGg9Ju9lGzsyyTcJJKXszwhmFc_w2yjXgUlWHFOuFPxuCtrK2NFK8MEuSUN4uyGpUPPjvNvQoIu2pNxvT6qv4W8ZfMdX6SUbpmifBpHgglmqnjv_ri9eisfSxSCarEcZsKbGP1GRhW7cyr4YDkfK8YFg5IlDD5yPqCV-5eiD0sBLMy/s4032/IMG_3590.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaVgqByPEjcSGg9Ju9lGzsyyTcJJKXszwhmFc_w2yjXgUlWHFOuFPxuCtrK2NFK8MEuSUN4uyGpUPPjvNvQoIu2pNxvT6qv4W8ZfMdX6SUbpmifBpHgglmqnjv_ri9eisfSxSCarEcZsKbGP1GRhW7cyr4YDkfK8YFg5IlDD5yPqCV-5eiD0sBLMy/w185-h139/IMG_3590.HEIC" width="185" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping off the Slivovica</td></tr></tbody></table>It was already after 10pm and we still hadn't left the cape yet. Johnny, was our 4th leg and he would take us down to the canal and then up and over the Sagamore Bridge. A few of us went up onto the bridge to greet the runners while some others slept off the affects of the Slivovica. <p></p><p>While we were up there, a State Trooper pulled over and told us there were reports of"Juveniles" causing trouble on the bridge. As he got out of his cruiser, he quickly realized none of us were kids and after we told him about the relay, he laughed and got back into the cruiser and left. </p><p>Next up, Paul took us to Buzzard's Bay and then Zee brought us to the outskirts of Wareham. Becca and I were next up and decided that we would join each others legs. It was now 1:40am and it had been nearly 19 hours since we had last run and we were going a bit stir crazy. </p><p>As Zee, the runner from the other van, and Ron (in the support car), arrived at the transition (at a Cumberland Farms), they were tailed into the parking lot by three Police cars. I guess the combination of relay raising awareness and funds to support veterans and a professional hockey player, piqued their interest. They volunteered their support over the next 15-20 miles which was really generous and helpful as we ran through the night. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo_rd33wOHNytTtMNUCpsjQVUkOnqyRtwLOZLpgm3U-MJIcDzclIHiERgblcZqc06a98QPtD0LCvY4V1ZyjXEeaPuG1Re2kJ-JO-_0z_y-q9H_9XfHoCzsABtdKKQd3OQ0rvoJ7_BrcndQfXqyGXGfxzp3m5nqma3f-3GItg8jvmalMOViVpG3HAW/s4032/IMG_3596.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCo_rd33wOHNytTtMNUCpsjQVUkOnqyRtwLOZLpgm3U-MJIcDzclIHiERgblcZqc06a98QPtD0LCvY4V1ZyjXEeaPuG1Re2kJ-JO-_0z_y-q9H_9XfHoCzsABtdKKQd3OQ0rvoJ7_BrcndQfXqyGXGfxzp3m5nqma3f-3GItg8jvmalMOViVpG3HAW/w188-h141/IMG_3596.HEIC" width="188" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Friends Club Token Photo<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>For our first leg, Becca and I ran with both a guy named James, the token Tahamurra sandal runner (every group has one), and Zee who decided to tag along for a few more miles. Before the run started, Ron told us that he planned for us all to run 10 minute mile pace, but more importantly that we stay together with the other runners. <p></p><p>Becca and I joked before we started the run on how much pain we should inflict on the other runner. In response, Kelly said, "I wish I had that super power."</p><p>We started off the leg in the low 7:30 range. We were both feeling pretty good considering it was 2 in the morning. We dropped James and Zee off at 4.7 miles in and picked up a 22 year old named Christian. Christian said he does a lot of biking, but very little running. The next 7.5 miles would be the longest of his life. Long story short, he kept up with us at 7:45 pace for the whole thing and said that he is excited to start running more. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0W3uAngpjAjFmU5_lTKTZc9WhSk0SvenLjetAQIpxqIo2XQ2mBBMuZ1Ksr3W3yKmsSfG31vjcOp6LE4CRN18oeaUQhz6Ju3DuNa46-qhYL5NLgvcNVT4mO7SQK6cqzL74VVzD6_tVgC5nfHTJZ1z8TyEK6w373YzHx_dPqg9WUhsmST3cGejRN-i/s4032/IMG_3597.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0W3uAngpjAjFmU5_lTKTZc9WhSk0SvenLjetAQIpxqIo2XQ2mBBMuZ1Ksr3W3yKmsSfG31vjcOp6LE4CRN18oeaUQhz6Ju3DuNa46-qhYL5NLgvcNVT4mO7SQK6cqzL74VVzD6_tVgC5nfHTJZ1z8TyEK6w373YzHx_dPqg9WUhsmST3cGejRN-i/w123-h163/IMG_3597.HEIC" width="123" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly getting <br />some shut eye<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Becca and I handed off to BJ in North Carver where he started his second leg. At this point a majority of the group was napping and trying to get a bit of shut eye before the sun came up. Our next transition was another Cumberland Farms and this one was a 24 hour one. While we waited, Ken and I caught up having not really hung out much over the past 10 years since he lived above me. <br /><p></p><p>Next thing I know, the group has come back out of Cumby's with oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches and coffee for the whole gang. It is amazing how good a hot coffee can taste after being up for 23 hours. <br /></p><p></p><p>The next few legs were on the uneventful side as we worked our way up to Weymouth. We were all eager to make it to Castle Island where we would meet up with Dave McGillivray and get our police escort to the Boston common. </p><p>While waiting at a Wendy's (that was depressingly not open at 7am), I recounted some of my <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2023/05/another-adventure-in-whites.html">adventure in the White's</a> from the previous weekend to BJ. As I went into detail about running along the Southern Presidential Ridge in 45 degree rain with 60+ MPH wind gusts, he just shook his head and said "You're insane. You're tough." At which I smirked looking back at him and retorted with "Nobody was F*@*king shooting at me." As someone who has made friends with pain and pushing through the unknown in recent years, I really don't know how members of the military deal with being in the situations they are put in. In that moment, I really did laugh at BJ calling me tough and it made me really think about and be thankful for what our service members do us and how most of us never have to be in any of those situations. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclbdII5jBiffL1yv0jLe-w3ZCxzaola1WDX1xpiiIv5NwkkhR5wH2ujRrhZzi1oHz58FwdfodKs2wHSBo_X1AWvNREa0vfTdvVvhFCEOgEvnC7fzXftd1YkMHBrIwqStVYS6Foq79CWbH_B1YKwYniqUOFuX-ot3oskXFvcNZ4-wgtqdpsfMe4Xlq/s2577/IMG_6096.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2577" data-original-width="2066" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclbdII5jBiffL1yv0jLe-w3ZCxzaola1WDX1xpiiIv5NwkkhR5wH2ujRrhZzi1oHz58FwdfodKs2wHSBo_X1AWvNREa0vfTdvVvhFCEOgEvnC7fzXftd1YkMHBrIwqStVYS6Foq79CWbH_B1YKwYniqUOFuX-ot3oskXFvcNZ4-wgtqdpsfMe4Xlq/w146-h182/IMG_6096.JPG" width="146" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca and Kelly getting <br />footprints on my windows<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After everyone in Weymouth got Zee's autograph (really, I swear someone must has be posted something on Twitter or something) and picture, he ran us up to Quincy where Becca and I would run together for the final three legs / 13 miles. We had a really beautiful route that took us around UMASS Boston and Castle Island. Similar to our previous legs, we ran again with Christian and James from the other van, this time in the opposite order. <p></p><p>We arrived at Castle Island just after 11:30 and had nearly an hour to kill before our Police escort arrived. Becca and I had run 22 miles so far and had just 3 to go. </p><p>During this break the topic of ultra marathon running came up again and what ultra runner to talk about with a bunch of military members than <a href="https://davidgoggins.com/">David Goggins</a>. He is widely regarded as one of the toughest endurance athletes ever with a resume both from the military (retired Navy Seal and Army Ranger) and ultra marathons to back it up. As soon as I brought the topic up, all I heard was "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKN8dFO_ZLA">Who's gonna carry the boats ... Son, you don't know me."</a> My response again to this topic of conversation, "I'm not that tough ... or insane."</p><p>The final three mile run to the common was really cool. As someone with no overt attachment to military, it was really awesome to be part of a team with veterans out to raise awareness and funds to support other veterans. We arrived on Boston Common to a standing ovation just before the <a href="https://www.massmilitaryheroes.org/our-work/community-building-events/memorial-day-flag-garden-planting/">flag planting ceremony</a> where 37,000 flags were being placed to remember those Massachusetts service members who have lost their lives in the line of duty. As we approached the common, the mood began to get a bit more serious. In an effort to break the silence, I said "Who wants to run back to Hyannis?" In which I got more than one chuckle. <br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DcheccirUm--60IduBr1u2Cwsz2f4rP43teJQqp-wTRjoN8eqetKPbzlk_B9W66vcPYKYq5o-zXamJcCkQPwGteb7YbA2oubCbbODlCDV-VtcIjvdabPIZC7gpppZwZIEJ0y4GZRqekLvaH73_7TvZ7QIniDDAJ1qnJ_JPvU_TkwxX2NHB2MgosI/s1440/boston-common.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1440" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DcheccirUm--60IduBr1u2Cwsz2f4rP43teJQqp-wTRjoN8eqetKPbzlk_B9W66vcPYKYq5o-zXamJcCkQPwGteb7YbA2oubCbbODlCDV-VtcIjvdabPIZC7gpppZwZIEJ0y4GZRqekLvaH73_7TvZ7QIniDDAJ1qnJ_JPvU_TkwxX2NHB2MgosI/s320/boston-common.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston Common Finish Line<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The day ended with a group photo including both teams, Dave, Mayor Wu, and Brigadier General Hammond (Homebase's Executive Director). Perfect way to end an epic journey with an epic crew. <p></p><p>Thank you to everyone joined, supported us, serve and have served. Until the next text from Becca, <i>"Scot, what are you doing on ..."</i></p><p>- Scot</p><p><i>Disclaimer: The above story is recounted from the memory of the storyteller. In overnight relays their are times memories may become fuzzy. Every effort was made to keep the story truthful and accurate. <br /><br /></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFochPJpDfovur3equw8MBTfEf1lgfMsjHDXSHyVr25FwsU9NriGNj0kwT79VZt-hVbrqhhNWQXMNZMgmUha3qZXyFBATcVvbYHuQ9B757fp6myCLem4rlHI8lbFCdIAAY6LAU0f99fYj087fbkvrRdQBMNJNeMR0uxqkIWL6WzX7Ai7xjtR3MRHd/s4032/IMG_9161.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFochPJpDfovur3equw8MBTfEf1lgfMsjHDXSHyVr25FwsU9NriGNj0kwT79VZt-hVbrqhhNWQXMNZMgmUha3qZXyFBATcVvbYHuQ9B757fp6myCLem4rlHI8lbFCdIAAY6LAU0f99fYj087fbkvrRdQBMNJNeMR0uxqkIWL6WzX7Ai7xjtR3MRHd/s320/IMG_9161.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQMeMjJMbiqNQI3SRF2jFwrutLKab9YA4HmWjwHEP6RdAPGdoGUKRBdtKstBGoOFqBw55NYUn5uFD01RtQj_XdPTNA45ZC9ogL8qaeyWa0oH8Fqnya-QKzDzGZ8Hxoi_-lH16fYIjIfyH0Z_oDxMo2EbNNHPkshTPaCQyAnkeAHRhy00CzqbtfNKY/s4032/IMG_6111.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQMeMjJMbiqNQI3SRF2jFwrutLKab9YA4HmWjwHEP6RdAPGdoGUKRBdtKstBGoOFqBw55NYUn5uFD01RtQj_XdPTNA45ZC9ogL8qaeyWa0oH8Fqnya-QKzDzGZ8Hxoi_-lH16fYIjIfyH0Z_oDxMo2EbNNHPkshTPaCQyAnkeAHRhy00CzqbtfNKY/s320/IMG_6111.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN0MszGuUyF4MatsT09EjkA5TZJ9oGDO8izl3xGqBPqc7-IZgPWSjn3iqqiYBgTWuSKYWP4-8r0AeVEtNLkr-N9SY9fKtAENDB6rgzgntUYy-LHpX9Xv5dQjljTIKS99Fiq_JTmJS8U-y9iFjOrJOK606uoCOhHsTrIYPHO3pAQs9nigICaxjmnP_/s4032/IMG_6121.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN0MszGuUyF4MatsT09EjkA5TZJ9oGDO8izl3xGqBPqc7-IZgPWSjn3iqqiYBgTWuSKYWP4-8r0AeVEtNLkr-N9SY9fKtAENDB6rgzgntUYy-LHpX9Xv5dQjljTIKS99Fiq_JTmJS8U-y9iFjOrJOK606uoCOhHsTrIYPHO3pAQs9nigICaxjmnP_/s320/IMG_6121.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-85347224606612614112023-05-25T16:00:00.000-04:002023-05-25T16:00:18.141-04:00Another Adventure in the White's<p>"It is the hopeful, buoyant, cheerful attitude of mind that wins. Optimism is a success builder; pessimism an achievement killer." -- Orison Swett Marden<br /></p><p> </p><p>Similar to my <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2022/08/an-overnight-adventure-in-white.html">post</a> last August, I once again was a bit too optimistic that I would be able to complete a Hut traverse. This time, I was planning a two day trip, but with the weather and trail conditions, even that was a bit too much. </p><p><b>The Original Plan</b></p><p>The original plan was to drive up on Friday afternoon, drop a car at the Basin, a second at the Highland Center and then catch a ride to and stay at Pinkham Notch. </p><p>Day 1 involved going over the Wildcats and down to Carter Notch and back out to 16 (via 19 Mile Brook Trail). After a short road section, turn onto Great Gulf Trail, then Osgood trail to Gulfside Trail up to of Madison. </p><p>From there, stay on Gulfside trail / presidential ridge until just before Washington and take Westside trail over to Lake in the Clouds. Then take Crawford Path almost all the way to the Highland center with a brief detour on Webster Cliff and back via Mitzpah Cutoff (to tag the Mizpah hut). </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mY8uTJO-GsTTQ5l3rbyEjrhUey4BC-pZnm8DhaWbx5Hn96ldvv5er8zOGPcG1hqQRcC5zyiirlcrylMMBaOkYVyQueJmXLE88xp0SduVutdkNtCR_775xx6kC2vIY7LsZOidohcRdbJhMsa-KKY1qWD6cTiQDN75R41Y2zcGfLy3EKSkJLCAYJCX/s4032/IMG_3543.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mY8uTJO-GsTTQ5l3rbyEjrhUey4BC-pZnm8DhaWbx5Hn96ldvv5er8zOGPcG1hqQRcC5zyiirlcrylMMBaOkYVyQueJmXLE88xp0SduVutdkNtCR_775xx6kC2vIY7LsZOidohcRdbJhMsa-KKY1qWD6cTiQDN75R41Y2zcGfLy3EKSkJLCAYJCX/w172-h129/IMG_3543.HEIC" width="172" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Dodge Lodge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Day 2 would take us up Zealand Falls, Guyot, South Twin, Garfield, Layfette before descending down Old Bridle Path and working our way over to Lonesome Lake. We would finish with a 2.5 mile descent down to the Basin. <p></p><p>The route was roughly 51 miles with 21k' of climbing. We picked this route to avoid having to do out and backs on the trail. </p><p>We made it up Pinkham Notch around 6:30 PM, just in time for dinner. Post dinner we took a short walk up to Square Ledge before an early bedtime. <br /></p><p><b>Day 1 - The First Four Huts<br /></b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwxnohX2md_Msn1aV4Nt8C2pmu_U3JQ_myPNeHuqn4ximsVcxI2XLmouDv7SA_6AxXlUmiHH6_TL5Eeh3tO17R-JTEJwJDeBiQwm0VLwKzj9m1pyCAItKcCAwrxl1pnO1EXJjIgChvI-OAb_au6dLlFfGkFch74P67Sq3eeQ_IzSXCuIuZk9Fshm3/s4032/IMG_3551.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwxnohX2md_Msn1aV4Nt8C2pmu_U3JQ_myPNeHuqn4ximsVcxI2XLmouDv7SA_6AxXlUmiHH6_TL5Eeh3tO17R-JTEJwJDeBiQwm0VLwKzj9m1pyCAItKcCAwrxl1pnO1EXJjIgChvI-OAb_au6dLlFfGkFch74P67Sq3eeQ_IzSXCuIuZk9Fshm3/w170-h128/IMG_3551.HEIC" width="170" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildcat D<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>With the report of some snow on the trails and the first day having 28+ miles with 11k'+ of climbing, Doug and Mat decided they would take a shorter route and go directly up Mnt Washington. After a big breakfast, Donal and I began our assault on the Wildcats. <p></p><p>Mile 2 had a whopping 1465' of climbing. We were first greeted with snow at 3200', but made it up to Wildcat D without much trouble. Descending and climbing the rest of the Wildcats required micro-spikes, but we were still moving at a reasonable clip. <br /></p><p>We arrived at Carter Notch (<b>Hut #1</b>) around 10:40AM (~30 min behind our goal time), signed the trail book, and started blitzing down 19 Mile Brook. At this point, we were already 5.5 miles in with 3500' climbing in and the real hut traverse was just beginning. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGSk0YJGcPOtCww6idADWk8JwMnu4BLFVzvgV1GRJz-l9IqGkvI6fELiXDa5oWc425zXzwDVQ_YDAmq14wVP83EXFl8eP_qOyNPDWrVNOoKmgmnUC7QaqUg6U9A5BGy2CF-0u9wNE0TRQb9b5LbIH8Giocea6qu-cM0y5e7r7_sbD9CnECkJNQpOf/s3989/IMG_3555.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2227" data-original-width="3989" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGSk0YJGcPOtCww6idADWk8JwMnu4BLFVzvgV1GRJz-l9IqGkvI6fELiXDa5oWc425zXzwDVQ_YDAmq14wVP83EXFl8eP_qOyNPDWrVNOoKmgmnUC7QaqUg6U9A5BGy2CF-0u9wNE0TRQb9b5LbIH8Giocea6qu-cM0y5e7r7_sbD9CnECkJNQpOf/w259-h145/IMG_3555.HEIC" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing the book to make it official<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>By the time we made it to the Osgood Trail, we were just over 10 miles in and holding an average </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoAtUfZBH0kb3VdDHXrAJkYfZdGrHgiLgg5U8pjN-hpj1g9aoAGyKPC3HeSbp5cFT6Pw1S3xACWsui-p6YUB4Va2bEMW1ER-hiGolnB4aCrjjRb30pR4aguOZ1WBQ4oACdzw120ECCZdH-h9HZA9eu2G0OFqBmutqtyUR5azf2kRsC_p_yHSmoTS_/s4032/IMG_3558.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoAtUfZBH0kb3VdDHXrAJkYfZdGrHgiLgg5U8pjN-hpj1g9aoAGyKPC3HeSbp5cFT6Pw1S3xACWsui-p6YUB4Va2bEMW1ER-hiGolnB4aCrjjRb30pR4aguOZ1WBQ4oACdzw120ECCZdH-h9HZA9eu2G0OFqBmutqtyUR5azf2kRsC_p_yHSmoTS_/w141-h188/IMG_3558.HEIC" width="141" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Madison<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>moving pace of just under 20 min / mile. We new the Osgood climb was going to be the most difficult all day with roughly 5.5 miles / 4000' climbing. After a long slog, including 32 and 40 min miles each with over 1200', we finally made it to Madison and quickly descended down to the hut (<b>Hut #2</b>, 15 miles, 5 hours 50 min elapsed). Thankfully, we saw next to no snow on this portion of the route. <br /><p></p><p>It is a big debate on whether you should take the Osgood Trail over Madison or take the Madison Gulf trail straight to the hut (which is shorter and a bit less climbing). Last August I took Madison Gulf and it was super difficult to follow in the dark. Now that I have done both, in nearly identical times, I can say, "There is no easy way up."<br /></p><p>Surprised, we found the Madison Springs Hut still boarded up from the winter. I guess I didn't do my homework very well. Luckily, there was water overflow from their intake that we were able to refill out packs from. </p><p>Next up was Northern Presidential Ridge. I've said it before, and it still bears repeating, "There is no easy way through the northern Presidential's." The following 4.7 miles went well. The weather was holding (~50 degrees and bit windy) and our pace bounced around in the upper 20 min / mile range. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhZwFfqADSbnjuBTcU6WUmDMrym686RbXiMn91MR1N9XnHxkJl2-ppMvl_eB9PcsB70JGXcfn24R8UmQ_ywYUtmnfK1aa3e6jjTS9YT7y8nP9-Fn51j5n5fCBWhr35YKRtocW1geBvQ3H0AfscROc71HrDpsy1uHOq-XCU61Mq4yl72DcoGdT7p6_/s4032/IMG_3560.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhZwFfqADSbnjuBTcU6WUmDMrym686RbXiMn91MR1N9XnHxkJl2-ppMvl_eB9PcsB70JGXcfn24R8UmQ_ywYUtmnfK1aa3e6jjTS9YT7y8nP9-Fn51j5n5fCBWhr35YKRtocW1geBvQ3H0AfscROc71HrDpsy1uHOq-XCU61Mq4yl72DcoGdT7p6_/w183-h137/IMG_3560.HEIC" width="183" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow fields at 5800'<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>For the most part, there wasn't much snow, but occasionally, we had to cross something really slick.<br /><p></p><p>Around the time we turned off Gulfside Trail, the sky opened up. The original forecast said 2pm, lucky for us we made it to 4pm without getting rained on. With the rain, came the wind. </p><p>They say Mount Washington has the worst weather in the world and with that it can change quicker than anywhere else. Donal put it so aptly, "The White's are angry."</p><p>With the Lake in the Clouds hut (<b>Hut #3</b>) also boarded up, we did the only thing we could, just push on. Over the next 6 miles we pushed has hard as we could while trying to stay on our feet with a singular goal of getting to the tree line. I've read enough books about adventures in the mountains to know that if you let your core body temperature drop, that is when it all starts to go sideways. While I was chilly at this point and a bit miserable, I still had a lot of energy. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfa7rSAF7FQwkGse77kbBmzhvyfAIiS3dOYP-yZpZ6Yme-aRBggVTx98-aSSfvJh-O16iwXoR5g1Wpd7a8eTslh-E8YSApBfraGs-QIjTqdaUHmIiucxemOW_ZuwaHmiKmAvE7fIryy3uSiYi31k9A-mOVT26zMCpFiUZuRQsAwi3Ql3mYfm-28de/s4032/IMG_3561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfa7rSAF7FQwkGse77kbBmzhvyfAIiS3dOYP-yZpZ6Yme-aRBggVTx98-aSSfvJh-O16iwXoR5g1Wpd7a8eTslh-E8YSApBfraGs-QIjTqdaUHmIiucxemOW_ZuwaHmiKmAvE7fIryy3uSiYi31k9A-mOVT26zMCpFiUZuRQsAwi3Ql3mYfm-28de/w122-h163/IMG_3561.JPG" width="122" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Key Lime Pie<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>2.5 hours later, we arrived at the Mitzpah Hut (<b>Hut #4</b>) and were thrilled it was open. As we walked in, the caretaker looked at us and said "What do you need?" in which I responded with "Please tell me you have hot chocolate." As I drank two mugs, I could feel myself re-warming from the inside. At this point, it was already 7pm and if we were going to get out of the mountains before dark, we better get going. </p><p>About 50 minutes and 2.5 miles later, we popped out of the woods and ran straight into the Highand Center. Never so glad to be done with a days work. Mat and Doug were happy to see us and even got our dinner to go as we had missed mealtime. </p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/9109605544">Day 1 Complete</a>. Nearly 13 hours moving time, 28.95 miles, 11,729' climbing (my second most climbing ever in a day). <br /></p><p><b>Day 2 - The Audible</b></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCWENTnkQyinNC9lNLiGexfjHCSmYXi_1m6jxetbgQ3rF43jMi4bL_ar2J26S5s2gEB_3t7K9NWxaRQMmmlS2OwdX2yPkzGaZwMnKL3ZWIIIYV0JFb6zvfiFo-jMnNVX-kz3KKR9hTutgx2Bzmj00v1ugTC9PfsizLKBb2bydt3Ej5ad8G3_kYFea/s4032/IMG_3565.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCWENTnkQyinNC9lNLiGexfjHCSmYXi_1m6jxetbgQ3rF43jMi4bL_ar2J26S5s2gEB_3t7K9NWxaRQMmmlS2OwdX2yPkzGaZwMnKL3ZWIIIYV0JFb6zvfiFo-jMnNVX-kz3KKR9hTutgx2Bzmj00v1ugTC9PfsizLKBb2bydt3Ej5ad8G3_kYFea/w194-h146/IMG_3565.HEIC" width="194" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hut #5 of the Trip<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After how Saturday unfolded, it was pretty clear that we were not going to be able to complete the second half of the traverse. With multiple ridges expected to be covered in snow and ice, we were estimating it was going to take at a minimum 12 to 13 more hours. </p><p>Over breakfast we discussed various options including the North Twin, Zealand, Hale loop, but ultimately decided on the Franconia Ridge Loop and then finishing with Lonesome Lake to the Basin. </p><p>On the drive over, I noticed that I could go tag Kinsman and South Kinsman for nearly the exact mileage of Franconia loop, so when Doug, Mat, and Donal headed up Lincoln, I headed over to the Kinsmans. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XfOisuLyxCBsT_FxBMQATLE7TEeut0cayuXcf-dv1SNkyJE90ojeZv9KGjKlviK7YAP72Hz3EougksPOqLXfkR_BuSb-ki9VYos0USzEej7hVNzTy3_rhKJtOQPiofgVPLMfJGhf9CsqlcDD9oUR1Yi5M9D7CsGmMv-IcGXaaIEo6z8Fhplzi3Rs/s4032/IMG_3569.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XfOisuLyxCBsT_FxBMQATLE7TEeut0cayuXcf-dv1SNkyJE90ojeZv9KGjKlviK7YAP72Hz3EougksPOqLXfkR_BuSb-ki9VYos0USzEej7hVNzTy3_rhKJtOQPiofgVPLMfJGhf9CsqlcDD9oUR1Yi5M9D7CsGmMv-IcGXaaIEo6z8Fhplzi3Rs/w189-h142/IMG_3569.HEIC" width="189" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Kinsman<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>One of my goals for this year is to finish the NH 48 4000' peaks. I had been stuck at 39 since last August. </p><p>First stop, 1.6 miles and 1000' of climbing in was the Lonesome Lake Hut. This was the final of 8 huts we were supposed to visit on the traverse and the only hut I had never visited before. It was bitter sweet to finally get there and being a beautiful sunny day didn't hurt either. </p><p>After a few minutes break, I headed up to North Kinsman (<b>#40</b>) and reached the summit about an hour later. For the most part the trails were in decent shape, but there were a few with super slick ice slabs right down the middle. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0dX6hHv2o_Z6F6DCCPNWnyY2y51MvXAVyU8kZ02XnqiW7rdF1AWbiK1wnXStqRE47wL073PV6LrOGjiSu5Bo342i8Yz_DnmbnyEgohGXGDtnpi-b9I5cCxzJItyfWLCq-0s4NofKCY5KqlY2yowmnyZJzQ5We-IWj4b0MFj-8b6ud-F-RJ8XtHMD/s4032/IMG_3572.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0dX6hHv2o_Z6F6DCCPNWnyY2y51MvXAVyU8kZ02XnqiW7rdF1AWbiK1wnXStqRE47wL073PV6LrOGjiSu5Bo342i8Yz_DnmbnyEgohGXGDtnpi-b9I5cCxzJItyfWLCq-0s4NofKCY5KqlY2yowmnyZJzQ5We-IWj4b0MFj-8b6ud-F-RJ8XtHMD/w162-h121/IMG_3572.HEIC" width="162" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing at Lonesome Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>A little less than a mile later, I reached the South Peak (<b>#41</b>) and took a few minutes to take it all in before beginning my descent to back to Lonesome Lake. I was already another <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/9114293942">5 miles with 3000'</a> of climbing into the day. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWn4feLNiQKbQnlOIp9U7eznMQXfWAcrcvH4FQ0VU1FnWZG_DMCpu8Tk6BNTLFR0UkzWaaHOqM6Y9tZzNF0HAiUShLhAJ71AIhVaq19Xh8ieQ4gzU1HbvnC5OXOKpWHkrXOlEx2ov0uQsOOjIkFvqxju3Sf2VVUQEFgyeBa-NNIlPqNvD_-noAc7r/s4032/IMG_3576.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWn4feLNiQKbQnlOIp9U7eznMQXfWAcrcvH4FQ0VU1FnWZG_DMCpu8Tk6BNTLFR0UkzWaaHOqM6Y9tZzNF0HAiUShLhAJ71AIhVaq19Xh8ieQ4gzU1HbvnC5OXOKpWHkrXOlEx2ov0uQsOOjIkFvqxju3Sf2VVUQEFgyeBa-NNIlPqNvD_-noAc7r/w177-h133/IMG_3576.HEIC" width="177" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basin<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>An hour and 10 minutes later, I was back at the lake and laid down on the dock as I waited for my friends and took a long break before they arrived. I signed the trail book again, this time with "5/21 - Scot, aborted hut traverse. 5 huts / 2 days."<br /></p><p>We finished the day with an easy <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/9115200736">run</a> down to the Basin. It was beautiful way to finish off a pretty epic weekend. </p><p>On the way home we stopped for a bite to eat and a beer at One Love Brewery in Lincoln, which has become a staple of our mountain trips. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sVLq4f8lLgbkRVvmMK-caZHIAo2HIGpgdKCyViqgRALtxToi456OmbQ_1Hpuiub_q9cEZ0W1K9DvEF_2CKjz6WGZbzMUZiuW7TA5MzIcUyHexk1ZBVy3dUlfuHhFdZwtnvf58e7aqNxoJmmUCGg-ORF0elJ5utHqc2B5pqtD231wtOREcugxJ1F0/s4032/IMG_3577.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sVLq4f8lLgbkRVvmMK-caZHIAo2HIGpgdKCyViqgRALtxToi456OmbQ_1Hpuiub_q9cEZ0W1K9DvEF_2CKjz6WGZbzMUZiuW7TA5MzIcUyHexk1ZBVy3dUlfuHhFdZwtnvf58e7aqNxoJmmUCGg-ORF0elJ5utHqc2B5pqtD231wtOREcugxJ1F0/w303-h228/IMG_3577.HEIC" width="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Love Brewery<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Next Time</b></p><p>I think I am done with the huts for the year, but some day I'll go back and get it done all in one go. When I planned this trip, I really didn't realize that mid May is still pretty early for the White's. I also keep breaking my own rule about specificity of training leading into an event as this was my first trip to the mountains this calendar year. </p><p>So next time when I try this, I plan on the following.</p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Get up to the mountains for a least 3 good days prior to attempting the traverse.</li><li>Do it in June when you have the most day light. <br /></li><li>Stay overnight in Carter Notch and start super early. Simple getting to Carter Notch on the first two attempts has been a good workout.</li><li>Stay at Lafayette place at the end. I'm going to need at least 18 hours to do this and will be in no shape to drive home.</li></ol><p>It is good to know that some things in life take more than one attempt. </p><p class="single-quote" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Defeat happens only to those who refuse to try again." -- Nick Vujicic</i>
</p><p>Scot <br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-6385610149403801732023-05-16T12:37:00.002-04:002023-05-16T12:37:52.871-04:00Watuppa 50k and My 200th Event<p style="text-align: center;"></p><p><i>“Most people never run enough on their first wind to find out they have a second.” - William James<br /></i></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YtniQ07fei6-9LfV3y9fhEvrz3BiDBJS6nkU8dhKTrOhlvPZO4hRznTvbOX8NtSNVs7UE3hdaXjAW9ZD2nGItV2zVtsk2Uit2VkL2Ow322MoMZt1avf6PvrAYOlhikqa_Vmm-tBy179TRMN0wL4UFXg5fblFfdjRyf75eXn29orMw_I40AvPLNM2/s3088/IMG_8516.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YtniQ07fei6-9LfV3y9fhEvrz3BiDBJS6nkU8dhKTrOhlvPZO4hRznTvbOX8NtSNVs7UE3hdaXjAW9ZD2nGItV2zVtsk2Uit2VkL2Ow322MoMZt1avf6PvrAYOlhikqa_Vmm-tBy179TRMN0wL4UFXg5fblFfdjRyf75eXn29orMw_I40AvPLNM2/w128-h171/IMG_8516.heic" width="128" /></a></div>This past weekend, I dragged my friends down to Walpole to run a 50k race at the Watuppa reservation. This had been a long time in the making, as I have been pushing to get them to up their distance for a quite a while now. <br /><p></p><p></p><p>Back in February, Bruin's great, Zdeno Chara, got in touch with my friend Becca and expressed interest in running the Boston marathon. Over the past few months, we have been working with and become good friends with "Zee" as we helped to get him prepped for the marathon. Shortly, before Boston (which he went and crushed in a time of 3:38), he expressed interest in running an ultra. Now we were talking and apparently this was just the push that Becca, Karalyn, and Lisa needed to sign up for a 50k. </p><p>Jump ahead to last Saturday, the five of us lined up to tackle the 5 lap race. Becca, Lisa, Karalyn, and Zee were all off great performances in Boston and eager (they may not all agree with my assessment here) to see what they could do on the trails. </p><p>I am coming off the biggest volume I have ever run as I was training for the Tahoe 200 and had knocked out over 1500 miles since the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, due to the record breaking snowfall in California this winter, the Tahoe race got pushed back to mid July and I needed to defer a year based other family commitments. </p><p>The goal for the race was mostly to have fun, but everyone knows that Becca is super competitive. Already this year she has run 4 marathons (winning 1 of them) and dropped her PR by over 10 minutes. The course record for the Watuppa race was 4:35 (8:52 / mile), so I volunteered to pace her to 4:25 (or faster if there was some stiff competition). <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASEfSG6TWLSM3FAi5a9o2v3GHeaCjK0l2cF-GPZX73u_JfQ96FmOZpCwpL6Uc5eyg99bgaDqDOq0RP38_e-rtYzpyytNzXShnqAqXfuJh3vhTPNBfgYKdWkeBheCBqiCi4M6mvo5jePkXTCeFTr9W3ujrOkqUZY2RvXbd1E2HACFf5n7ncKrVvl72/s2048/346270264_109315362166410_2300189026890884153_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASEfSG6TWLSM3FAi5a9o2v3GHeaCjK0l2cF-GPZX73u_JfQ96FmOZpCwpL6Uc5eyg99bgaDqDOq0RP38_e-rtYzpyytNzXShnqAqXfuJh3vhTPNBfgYKdWkeBheCBqiCi4M6mvo5jePkXTCeFTr9W3ujrOkqUZY2RvXbd1E2HACFf5n7ncKrVvl72/w268-h192/346270264_109315362166410_2300189026890884153_n.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pic Compliments of Chris Wristen</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>As this was Karalyn and Zee's first ultras, they had more modest goals of closer to 5 hours. Lisa was back for her second 50k and looking to obliterate her PR that was on a very hilly course many years ago. <br /></p><p>So, with that in mind, Becca and I started the race off in first place overall just a few steps behind the top three guys running the 10k. After dropping a 7:16 mile, we decided we would just run by feel and get in as many miles as possible for the temperature warmed up. </p><p>We ended up yoyo-ing with 2nd place male for the first lap where he would catch up to us and then drop back off. We finished the first two laps in a bout 47 minutes each (7:24 / mile) still feeling pretty strong. Still knowing there was a lot to go, we tried not to over do it, but the vision of Becca and I winning the race together in sub 4 hours was at the front of my mind. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUMueFb8vwo511z49_TUpb9CCdb3GRvnCCz3YsAONN29U5A7SK2CfxUZPJ2ryahXTteJD3II-L-9HHeJ5OJzR2csEWKjHLTeJz2W4cxRTHQ6NYxpjbdlGFSzkAppQLAN6u1achcAGEcBhNh1-ujav6EIjKmoL7P8eF86Wdo78ljqpEXTyD_Bix8mB/s2048/346273993_251440020796150_1860325274289052835_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUMueFb8vwo511z49_TUpb9CCdb3GRvnCCz3YsAONN29U5A7SK2CfxUZPJ2ryahXTteJD3II-L-9HHeJ5OJzR2csEWKjHLTeJz2W4cxRTHQ6NYxpjbdlGFSzkAppQLAN6u1achcAGEcBhNh1-ujav6EIjKmoL7P8eF86Wdo78ljqpEXTyD_Bix8mB/w158-h220/346273993_251440020796150_1860325274289052835_n.jpg" width="158" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pic Compliments of Christ Wristen </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Towards the end of the 3rd lap it started to get quite a bit warmer and having done zero training in heat so far this year, I started to struggle bit. As Becca is immune to heat, I let her take off and made a quick stop to drink. I finished lap 3 in just under 49 minutes (7:52 / mile). </p><p>Lap 4, I was feeling pretty awful and cramping and the next two runners passed me. Fortunately, with the help of Becca's husband (Joe) and sister (Kristin), I was able to get some more cold liquids and ice washcloths to cool me down. I was able to keep the 2nd place male in my sights and use that as some motivation to keep pushing and finished the 4th lap just behind him in a time of 55:30 (8:56). </p><p>During the transition to the beginning of lap 5, I was able to open a 20 yard lead and was determined if I could hold that until I got through the hills (roughly half way through), that I would push hard to finish. One of the funny things about trail racing in general is you rarely have any idea how far ahead or behind your competitors are. </p><p>After muscling through the next few miles, I found that second wind I had been looking for and pushed hard all the way to the finish taking 3rd overall, 2nd male, in a time of <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/9064951292/overview">4:12:13 (8:09 / mile)</a>, less than a minute behind the top male finisher and 6 minutes head of the 3rd. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjEa1XxjSIaSkfgdQc9HgytnLUj-HxHUQN34WiyMf7_m8tbNROA6zanDbgne1DmsgspVU7yXSU9n5hKvmAq5p4fHgeMjz8tqukxgHjkCTABAgf9E8fJKqRrKULrU1aKU7UwqBO7L7PqUkr2-2Qy2XiRfSu58HdTRh5MnJL7YIwD2D0PQ96-Ss33mH/s2505/IMG_3506.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2408" data-original-width="2505" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjEa1XxjSIaSkfgdQc9HgytnLUj-HxHUQN34WiyMf7_m8tbNROA6zanDbgne1DmsgspVU7yXSU9n5hKvmAq5p4fHgeMjz8tqukxgHjkCTABAgf9E8fJKqRrKULrU1aKU7UwqBO7L7PqUkr2-2Qy2XiRfSu58HdTRh5MnJL7YIwD2D0PQ96-Ss33mH/w163-h157/IMG_3506.HEIC" width="163" /></a></div>Becca has finished over 12 minutes earlier having barely slowed during the final two laps. To put it into even more perspective, she went through the marathon in 3:22, something that would have been a PR less than 3 months ago. To say she is on tear, doesn't even do it justice. <p></p><p>A little bit later, Karalyn and Zee came in together now both having earned the title of ultramarathoner. A few minutes later, Lisa arrived and along with Karalyn and Becca rounding out the podium. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqM6KlE6UA5ZYW9PMHi-bTptJjX8v3M93hEIY1UxsA5TlFpUBOJ9pTZ88D76gB2g9hN0R6DsEeKhJPGOjr6R81jwdlFw3TqdOIG5DDsqSxiriX3hVW_LC-sHAPgZQpDflcoBZGxMKpDKTTrX3RJdFbpDyjtD4vK8Rxegehv8sBamYKzTzuL4OTtw-S/s1074/IMG_3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="937" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqM6KlE6UA5ZYW9PMHi-bTptJjX8v3M93hEIY1UxsA5TlFpUBOJ9pTZ88D76gB2g9hN0R6DsEeKhJPGOjr6R81jwdlFw3TqdOIG5DDsqSxiriX3hVW_LC-sHAPgZQpDflcoBZGxMKpDKTTrX3RJdFbpDyjtD4vK8Rxegehv8sBamYKzTzuL4OTtw-S/w149-h171/IMG_3517.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>As someone that spends a lot of their time coaching and mentoring, whether it be friends running, kids playing soccer, co-workers designing features / writing code, this day really made my heart full. All of their performances at Boston were incredible, but watching them complete and crush their first ultras was completely epic. <p></p><p>All and all we had a great time and are looking forward to our next adventure. Also just wanted to say thanks again for the race directors, Joe, Kristin, Nick, and Chris Wristen for supporting and cheering us on. </p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>My 200th Event</b></p><p>I started tracking my events back in 2005 shortly after running the Jingle Bell 5k in Davis Square Somerville. Since then, running as taken me all over the country and all over the world. </p><p>In addition to completing 200 events ranging from open water swims, to three day / 270 mile bike rides, to ultramarathons over volcanoes, I have gained a sense of purpose and comradery. I can't wait to see where the next 200 events bring me. <br /></p><p>- Scot</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbvSwwybjdne3-DuN7iPNk4dG5ldUGWGP3jFXHTViWLcrKCNZNpBIqjvfL4_95yxGLRCjXi3_HpSwKU3cjT_nW0er7xGJyS9pMK6aBVzoNmy2g2x3nDOMdq6E_oXLjp1R3IpUFASMFnglINiXuuLcr4r8KTbmrdxaLfKtVQwxbWmlaX33hp3gnntx/s2048/IMG_3515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="2048" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbvSwwybjdne3-DuN7iPNk4dG5ldUGWGP3jFXHTViWLcrKCNZNpBIqjvfL4_95yxGLRCjXi3_HpSwKU3cjT_nW0er7xGJyS9pMK6aBVzoNmy2g2x3nDOMdq6E_oXLjp1R3IpUFASMFnglINiXuuLcr4r8KTbmrdxaLfKtVQwxbWmlaX33hp3gnntx/w443-h205/IMG_3515.JPG" width="443" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-85350395349159505342023-04-07T14:30:00.001-04:002023-04-07T14:30:25.836-04:00Training for a 200 Mile Race - 3 Months In<p style="text-align: center;"><i> “Its the not the Destination, It's the journey.” -- Ralph Waldo Emerson</i><br /></p><p>On January 1st, I kicked off a 5.5 month training cycle that will ultimately culminate in my 1st 200 mile race, the Tahoe 200. Now that I am 3 months into the training, I want to share some of the details on how it is going. </p><p>I generally break my training up in 4 week blocks. Three weeks followed
by a recovery week. For Tahoe, I am following the same strategy and
have 6 blocks in total. <br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBLj0DeEvSGTlHKOvjK296dl-f8Z8ZDl7831Xx1nOvb3hmoZFmyVSh6UM7SKrrtzCoUEc364gUDey4MF_i2IyZMaGjDleiivjl4dFpkSITjveUSeQ57B0WDSJSj5QKuoFHes5evb_mtTOzOhpMFTBlrsk_yr3x84xkJ2YJz9CAgEd84MiVq7d02sF/s2048/1-1-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBLj0DeEvSGTlHKOvjK296dl-f8Z8ZDl7831Xx1nOvb3hmoZFmyVSh6UM7SKrrtzCoUEc364gUDey4MF_i2IyZMaGjDleiivjl4dFpkSITjveUSeQ57B0WDSJSj5QKuoFHes5evb_mtTOzOhpMFTBlrsk_yr3x84xkJ2YJz9CAgEd84MiVq7d02sF/w171-h171/1-1-23.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mnt Towanda / Belmont Track<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I kicked off training with a <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8321054810">31 mile</a> run on January 1st. While this wasn't in the original plan as the 1st was a Sunday and my training weeks typically start on a Monday, I decided to kick off a day early so I could tell everyone I was on pace for 11.3k miles for the year. All and all the run went pretty well and I had company from Doug and Carson at the start, Karalyn in the middle, and Neil finished with me on the track. <p><b>Block 1</b> <br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYWHLh7_94Isu9DJYBOGtdmOyrwYEWF06nd67SmB4TaLAqCSRD31oGcoNEiOjrtyZIPh5YIUc2cyHYSB8A-ZyGyhuiNigb582q8NfgZ_-Gg0RboIApsPzkBXc9Hx63Bj-_B2g_ldAx_SWSE7VNiwLCwI_Uj6A88XtbH7eCgKZE1YFyz6f7Bqs1yTM/s1600/D9TVilU4Ngv2cerpUGf0hSjJ2YONGn0UyORAz9paLIo-2048x1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYWHLh7_94Isu9DJYBOGtdmOyrwYEWF06nd67SmB4TaLAqCSRD31oGcoNEiOjrtyZIPh5YIUc2cyHYSB8A-ZyGyhuiNigb582q8NfgZ_-Gg0RboIApsPzkBXc9Hx63Bj-_B2g_ldAx_SWSE7VNiwLCwI_Uj6A88XtbH7eCgKZE1YFyz6f7Bqs1yTM/w118-h89/D9TVilU4Ngv2cerpUGf0hSjJ2YONGn0UyORAz9paLIo-2048x1536.jpg" width="118" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revere Beach<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Block 1 was pretty simple; 3 X 90 miles a week with focus simple on staying moving. No worrying about any speed or any amount of climbing. Block 1 went really well. I stayed right on target and even got in 2 more 30+ mile runs (including one up to <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8427847127">Revere Beach</a>). <p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Block 2 </b><br /></p><p>After a down week, I began block 2. For this, I knocked out 3 X 100 mile weeks. This has been something that has been a goal of my for few years now. Already, I had entered new territory as the closest I had come before was 297 miles over 3 weeks back in 2019. Again everything was coming smoothly and I even told a friend that the endurance was coming faster than expected. </p><p>This block also included a 42 mile day (on the coldest day in Massachusetts in 65 years), back to back 25 mile days, and another 30 miler at the tail end of 3rd week. <br /></p><p><b>My 1st Set Back</b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67eVynEGTmuYWKVn68JYfrkuRrksrtJtHHyC9kU-v6q09fSxIgMppPMy4QMVm5qek9QPPqp5xUgEpz0xgxbrERBelZ6rtyspvP1fgkugzqKCTEq7icsM07c85_4e-nmD-IAYJyYgv3JV2me4id72Rc7KLoycdlRGX753Zcx0hsAtvBiy9vsR4qFT0/s4032/IMG_3240.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67eVynEGTmuYWKVn68JYfrkuRrksrtJtHHyC9kU-v6q09fSxIgMppPMy4QMVm5qek9QPPqp5xUgEpz0xgxbrERBelZ6rtyspvP1fgkugzqKCTEq7icsM07c85_4e-nmD-IAYJyYgv3JV2me4id72Rc7KLoycdlRGX753Zcx0hsAtvBiy9vsR4qFT0/w181-h136/IMG_3240.HEIC" width="181" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Wells<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>During that <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8582069531">final 30 mile run</a> of block 2, I tripped over and fell on the curb while trying to look at the map on my watch. When I hit the ground, I felt the wind knocked out of me. As my friends pulled me back up, I said "I think I am ok." About a mile later, told them I think we were not going to for go any tempo miles that day. I made it through end of the run, but definitely bruised some ribs. <br /><p></p><p>Luckily I had a down week (and a trip to the Bahamas) to recover before getting back at it. It took about a week and half for the pain to subside while running and about 4 weeks for it to fully go away, but happy to say I fully recovered. <br /></p><p><b>Block 3</b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDgqAML_wCTOXnIRFajP0LJuJjJLDlEIlaFBqSH_4uWa3SPCiDPqFXzekoo1nGa8lHihLwTRtcNmo6DJAdFVxpGQjvUeVsZOLz-ityVLzvVpBSwnoBDKvogqCyai6JBFlCrRC-5hFVgNUcrXEd9H6_cZz_nPhl71FYpR85-fGZvC30gRhIFdX5W1b/s1600/river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDgqAML_wCTOXnIRFajP0LJuJjJLDlEIlaFBqSH_4uWa3SPCiDPqFXzekoo1nGa8lHihLwTRtcNmo6DJAdFVxpGQjvUeVsZOLz-ityVLzvVpBSwnoBDKvogqCyai6JBFlCrRC-5hFVgNUcrXEd9H6_cZz_nPhl71FYpR85-fGZvC30gRhIFdX5W1b/w180-h135/river.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This is when I started to get really serious. While one can argue that I don't need to put in the amount of volume I am to train for a race like Tahoe, personally, I feel that I will be better physically and mentally prepared if I put in some of these harder efforts. <p></p><p>Block 3 included 90, 100, 110 mile weeks with back to back to back 20s, a 20 followed by a 30, and back to back 30s. </p><p>A 200 mile race is roughly equivalent to 4 X 50 mile days. By putting in these back to back and back to back to back large efforts, I am trying to simulate what it is like to put in that type of effort on a tired body. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtP-HUlLjYLWOqhPqOrFdQiS_3RP4BmK6SOHXEROfje-KR7vmG7LivH7pqoH0Z60e0aLnkcrUar-6rcIV62JVGdrZPf5wN0SS2GElWGZmlos-G3V9hGQs7hkan8R0oV909gqlelWXK7XTxSJ6Ju9erVLEwST2uDcZFjL4Skw1uHXJULBPvZ7VNaTS/s1600/fells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtP-HUlLjYLWOqhPqOrFdQiS_3RP4BmK6SOHXEROfje-KR7vmG7LivH7pqoH0Z60e0aLnkcrUar-6rcIV62JVGdrZPf5wN0SS2GElWGZmlos-G3V9hGQs7hkan8R0oV909gqlelWXK7XTxSJ6Ju9erVLEwST2uDcZFjL4Skw1uHXJULBPvZ7VNaTS/w172-h129/fells.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wright's Tower<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Training block 3 also went really well and I even had some speed during those longer runs. This also coincided nicely with helping some friends who are training for the Boston Marathon. On 3/18, I dropped an <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8735389978">8:05 pace 30 mile</a> run while pacing a few of them. The next day, the final run of the block, I ran another 30 at just over 9 minute pace, which included a <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8741555237">climb up to Wright's Tower</a> before sunrise. At this point, I had never felt so fit. <br /><p></p><p><b>My 2nd Set Back</b><b> <br /></b></p><p>In 1785, Robert Burns wrote "<span>The best laid schemes of Mice and Men oft go awry, And leave us nothing but grief and pain, for promised joy!"</span></p><p><span>When I started this training plan I knew I was playing with fire.<b> </b>I have been running ultra marathons for 12 years now and am well aware of the concept of overuse injuries. In this training plan, not only was I putting in long and hard back to back and back to back to back efforts, but I was reaching new mileage high's per week, per month, and probably for the entire year. If I hit all the miles in my plan, I'll be at 1950 before the race even starts, less than 6 months into the year. </span></p><p><span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HuaAy6HTofocVhQ_sLGOEUvGaZjmuuuDoq3HxtDfMlxt_ddaec-uY80op8aX3vR6ZRRBt66ozEt7JFOrtDTw7nNOuBfeqtDMm1XMPOkCQai8KrtjNxGZSQ9tn4iqtmiT7tLj9LFo0GzqZhkZpDypvEE1B_NXOyDf-Tqqg0nRrOlXr-6GbRLYPkGG/s4032/foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HuaAy6HTofocVhQ_sLGOEUvGaZjmuuuDoq3HxtDfMlxt_ddaec-uY80op8aX3vR6ZRRBt66ozEt7JFOrtDTw7nNOuBfeqtDMm1XMPOkCQai8KrtjNxGZSQ9tn4iqtmiT7tLj9LFo0GzqZhkZpDypvEE1B_NXOyDf-Tqqg0nRrOlXr-6GbRLYPkGG/w122-h163/foot.jpg" width="122" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icing a Swollen Foot <br /></td></tr></tbody></table>During my down week, I did something to my left foot, specifically around the joint in the pinky toe and it swelled up. Unwilling to accept that I might need some down time, I ran 20 miles on it the next day and it got worse. After that I was forced to take 3 days at just over a mile (a swollen foot was not going to end my 9+ year run streak) and thankfully it improved. A visit to a doctor and an x-ray revealed that it wasn't broken, but the doctor could not rule out a stress fracture. </span></p><p><span>It continued to improve over a few more easy days and by the following weekend I was back up to an 8 mile run. I am still not sure what caused it swell. My best guess is that I got stepped on just wrong while playing soccer my son and his friends before school. <br /></span></p><p><span><b>Block 4 and Beyond<br /></b></span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQP17TJF4TVoZ3plO3ZCsL1bCLpcymB3LAASS_RutgPSbBoJmWoJ22YkJ6JWA2DjGXLF_WUs_Gwlw4lIyp0XXNxwaI5WCe4KnpZsowP-KOOvqimbN-QKDuRDXIB2rwH4Jt_-8GoM6PWqCEO0MOrZa0Dnb2Sc4MprTwiIqCjUC8bDYv4OI1g7grHmH/s4032/framingham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQP17TJF4TVoZ3plO3ZCsL1bCLpcymB3LAASS_RutgPSbBoJmWoJ22YkJ6JWA2DjGXLF_WUs_Gwlw4lIyp0XXNxwaI5WCe4KnpZsowP-KOOvqimbN-QKDuRDXIB2rwH4Jt_-8GoM6PWqCEO0MOrZa0Dnb2Sc4MprTwiIqCjUC8bDYv4OI1g7grHmH/w208-h156/framingham.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their last long run before Boston<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span>After a forced down week, I started ramping back up during the 2nd week of block 4. The original goal this week was 116 miles, but I dropped it to 80 and am keeping a close eye on the foot. </span></p><p><span>Additionally, as I get closer to Tahoe, I need to start focusing more on climbing as the race has somewhere in the vicinity of 35k'. <br /></span></p><p><span>My next scheduled big effort is back to back to back marathons. I have 50k race scheduled for 5/13 and 2-day Hut Traverse in the White Mountains the weekend after that. </span></p><p><span>I still plan on seeing how close can stay to that initial training plan, but I am also planning on being more vigilant about backing off if my body tells me I need to do. </span></p><p><span>This has already been one hell of journey so far. </span></p><p><span>- Scot </span> </p><p><b> </b></p><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-53022695259317589132022-12-31T08:13:00.001-05:002022-12-31T08:16:08.104-05:002022 - Tightening Friendships Through Running<p style="text-align: center;"> <i>"Friends are those who lift you up, when no one else has even noticed that you have fallen." - Unknown<br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">2022 was another hard, but full year. Balancing work, parenting, and running with a few trips in between pretty much took all of our time. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I think I ran less alone this year then any of the last five. When people ask Amy about my running she likes to reply with "The impressive part is that he is able to convince others to do it with him." <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Frozen Yeti</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUF2QRWF0qPHf6ViyEfR1SygRZvsmQNJXMK8SxAwiHz6hiNYWsnokaY8cqALjVfJkOA-kI_tyOh91PidE3t6uve7G1Vhv6VVIYoYo2k0pnZytUQN79bX0I18Ay1qcen1S_lxE3VHlduzOp2GBHKQJtPZ7BaHG1XbPp978WjpVX3JkogXAuIvPk2wR/s2048/frozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1542" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUF2QRWF0qPHf6ViyEfR1SygRZvsmQNJXMK8SxAwiHz6hiNYWsnokaY8cqALjVfJkOA-kI_tyOh91PidE3t6uve7G1Vhv6VVIYoYo2k0pnZytUQN79bX0I18Ay1qcen1S_lxE3VHlduzOp2GBHKQJtPZ7BaHG1XbPp978WjpVX3JkogXAuIvPk2wR/w137-h182/frozen.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>The year started off with the Frozen Yeti. The plan was to break my all time mileage high in January culminating with the race and then immediately go into the run the date project (miles per day of the month) in February. Unfortunately the weather had other ideas and the race got pushed back a week torpedoing the run the date project. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">In January, I put in some of the biggest runs I had since the pandemic began. I had back to back weekends with a 30 and a 35 miler with 4am starts in single digit temps with negative wind chills, all with Keith by my side. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">None the less, I managed a 338 mile month and 47 miles in the race; run entirely on ice. For the full recap click <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-frozen-yeti-capping-off-month-plus.html">here</a>. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Biggest Month Ever / Project Karalyn<br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">After a quick recovery, I got back on the train and knocked out another 271 miles in February. My highest mileage month (350 miles) ever was September 2019 when I was training for my last 100 mile race, the Midstate Massive. This past March, I was finally able to top that increasing my new total to 372 miles for a single month. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Also in March is when "Project Karalyn" began. We decided it was time that Karalyn qualified for Boston and what course better to do it on, then well Boston. I put together a training plan, swapped out hills on Thursday for tempo miles, worked on our power words, and then we did a number of group runs with intervals mixed in. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_6XrVbGEMOZsFghlKAfP2E28RUSfMvIFEPDKMRcxIrKeodemCDNZ8XJ7D1rW5OrJMF-DvnbCnIERcqBBPz-VW2H5MsuS9svG4kBY38_feN3-brp32RMPNDh3Jfr53kUuMgevh-e8MyW97WuR2Wt3VlP3lb0Adaf-conexoYYPg-bBjgzEPxSoE5m/s2070/Screenshot%202022-12-27%20at%2011.49.20%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="2070" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_6XrVbGEMOZsFghlKAfP2E28RUSfMvIFEPDKMRcxIrKeodemCDNZ8XJ7D1rW5OrJMF-DvnbCnIERcqBBPz-VW2H5MsuS9svG4kBY38_feN3-brp32RMPNDh3Jfr53kUuMgevh-e8MyW97WuR2Wt3VlP3lb0Adaf-conexoYYPg-bBjgzEPxSoE5m/s320/Screenshot%202022-12-27%20at%2011.49.20%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">By race day we had Karalyn convinced she was invincible and she went on to run a 3:29 and qualify for the 2023 Boston Marathon. One of my proudest moments as a couch. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The Run to Stop the Hate</b></p><p>Exiting March with a huge aerobic base, I wanted to use my miles for something positive. I try to do two runs a year that I use as fundraisers. This year I designed a route where I ran from the Massachusetts State House to the Rhode Island State House in what I called "The Run to Stop the Hate."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnL3QSbvhpLvW2rElCwnfqIy_BzZTBOVm4vzh2NM18YHCnMj_y3wp3Mgsq1EOHGtOq0GKyITWYF5ZLUqyGyoA06yDCJTe1TK7e_X-uEeEBvzhvw6ytiUgVAv4Bdd2-CBEqWdXctg8Jg-dT_enLLek0AmqHPxf90nKowJEc1io2HzD3PxMBkdAw7En/s1280/MA-State-House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnL3QSbvhpLvW2rElCwnfqIy_BzZTBOVm4vzh2NM18YHCnMj_y3wp3Mgsq1EOHGtOq0GKyITWYF5ZLUqyGyoA06yDCJTe1TK7e_X-uEeEBvzhvw6ytiUgVAv4Bdd2-CBEqWdXctg8Jg-dT_enLLek0AmqHPxf90nKowJEc1io2HzD3PxMBkdAw7En/w204-h153/MA-State-House.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><p></p><p>For the benefactors of this run, I chose <span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"><a href="https://www.bagly.org/">BAGLY</a> (Boston Alliance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Youth) and <a href="https://wck.org">WCK</a> (World Central Kitchen) as a way of speaking out against the invasion of Ukraine and the hateful legislation being passed in some states. <br /></span></p><p><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto">For a full recap on my 50 mile day, click <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2022/04/state-house-to-state-house-run-to-stop.html">here</a>. </span>Special thanks to my friends Becca, Karalyn, Lisa, Donal, and Doug for starting with me.</p><p><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuPaanYmu1cIn8gUPxq-mphN-hqKRP1hpn0ffkYXq5RGquSW10bt2yAG4tZjtISDzf8Wu2LMOypdeG6yMbT1zYWYdQyF_iKn6ckI17uPWTVJV3bwgpv3kBLuOAImWrMSctYrcyGUt84BOQlWn2oD8L7OqMGQOtg456on6_4ClHyqjL0WCGUkXcNsP/s3088/IMG_1778.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuPaanYmu1cIn8gUPxq-mphN-hqKRP1hpn0ffkYXq5RGquSW10bt2yAG4tZjtISDzf8Wu2LMOypdeG6yMbT1zYWYdQyF_iKn6ckI17uPWTVJV3bwgpv3kBLuOAImWrMSctYrcyGUt84BOQlWn2oD8L7OqMGQOtg456on6_4ClHyqjL0WCGUkXcNsP/w134-h179/IMG_1778.HEIC" width="134" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p><b><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto">Iceland</span></b><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"></span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"><br /><br />During April break, we took the whole family to Iceland for 5 days. This was the second time for Neil, Amy, and I and the first for Nat. We rented an RV and made our way out to some the sights including Geysir and</span> Seljalandsfoss (a waterfall you can walk behind). I even went for a run through some bubbling mud springs and was very careful to stay on the marked trail. All and all an awesome trip. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Nat's Surgeries and Covid</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Our April - June was a bit of trying time. Nat had his adenoids and tonsils removed at the end of April and then had to go back in to get a slow bleed fixed a week later. In May, Amy, Neil, and I all got Covid and in June Nat had the second half of his surgery, installation of Pherengal flap, to help stop air from escaping his throat when he talked. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZynMCvGmVlhaTzwq17dKRPrOTVYcl_S3r31Qrx6MsVSfWcbr79ZTyI25UsdaKuSauRQ0DbZhKototfa2Nl5AtLFcQDLh9AQgJebfqOdFJ_RD797lLS2NwgkxH3T0Nq1cbT8xVs2jAZVaQt7Kdq9ml9J1aluycfQiLpVQplAjOsWQqgRRn8Z07SbA/s4032/IMG_2075.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZynMCvGmVlhaTzwq17dKRPrOTVYcl_S3r31Qrx6MsVSfWcbr79ZTyI25UsdaKuSauRQ0DbZhKototfa2Nl5AtLFcQDLh9AQgJebfqOdFJ_RD797lLS2NwgkxH3T0Nq1cbT8xVs2jAZVaQt7Kdq9ml9J1aluycfQiLpVQplAjOsWQqgRRn8Z07SbA/w168-h126/IMG_2075.HEIC" width="168" /></a></div>We are happy to report that now that he has recovered, he is doing well and even has a whole new set of endurance. <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The White Mountains</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">In June and July, I got up to the White Mountains a few times. Donal and I tagged the Hancocks and Owl's Head on one trip and Neil and I climbed Cannon a week later. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Keith and I attempted a hut traverse in early August, but between the humidity and starting in the dark, I was just moving too slow to complete it amount of time I had. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I have 9 peaks left to complete the 48 and am optimistic that I can finish them next year. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Run Your Age</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fATLkRAuT005cJWIxhlS20Z3t1TRgmfoRn3BR1NZFy5CVhaDKHqbD3RGG13WKymQhshsc3S2eMK-GtiMV0zH14gRuEiCODDhkiwYrGbBSmw8F5QevztutdSzP8xW5RXjDtgGdDQFuv7GBm44vW9RqPP3isG8mfAMY9-w_y_m6BizOwaNM9-LiWIl/s4032/IMG_2203.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fATLkRAuT005cJWIxhlS20Z3t1TRgmfoRn3BR1NZFy5CVhaDKHqbD3RGG13WKymQhshsc3S2eMK-GtiMV0zH14gRuEiCODDhkiwYrGbBSmw8F5QevztutdSzP8xW5RXjDtgGdDQFuv7GBm44vW9RqPP3isG8mfAMY9-w_y_m6BizOwaNM9-LiWIl/w184-h138/IMG_2203.HEIC" width="184" /></a></div><br />In August, I ran my age on my birthday for the 8th straight year. I had a good group of friends including Doug, Lisa, Ray, and Karalyn that started out with me and Becca who did the whole 42 (Becca and I the same age). Afterward Becca kept telling everyone "We ran our age." <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We also were able to raise $1252 to support NF research.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFyIvCXkVvKzo-NLexFNEXqCdi-cmj0uj37GHwW8m3yV4DxF2pdxVT_txiiCQ9Sd_Cs_xx6gknYz8qr08ulFW-b1RnPQeq24Fdj-yhCc0Iyh-LSdvcBRmU58WSR_7vjLwvPZ0Smh5zGWS0gEgZ5j3lrDsWCR3q1jqd0Nx2ZAyBKf-pEu9mO4D0Iv7/s4032/IMG_2392.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFyIvCXkVvKzo-NLexFNEXqCdi-cmj0uj37GHwW8m3yV4DxF2pdxVT_txiiCQ9Sd_Cs_xx6gknYz8qr08ulFW-b1RnPQeq24Fdj-yhCc0Iyh-LSdvcBRmU58WSR_7vjLwvPZ0Smh5zGWS0gEgZ5j3lrDsWCR3q1jqd0Nx2ZAyBKf-pEu9mO4D0Iv7/w161-h121/IMG_2392.HEIC" width="161" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><b>Ourey</b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p>In September, I visited Ourey, CO for a running trip with my friends Doug and Donal. We summited our first 14k'er, Mnt Sneffels and got in over 40 miles with over 15k' of climbing. For a full write up on the trip, see <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2022/09/5-days-in-ourey.html">here</a>. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The Mash Dash</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_5AKUWLo4rjDyS7xK98yDDYqZ3a33vgXTHCyJzpzgY3yrDXAPaiprlr6iPeWh7gGwVX-TJOfgrUpL6ecoKZ0aaEOjSED5d7x0sgls1oQDejluNFUZzcZJvSUiSzM_uy_NKpULp1Ktsoe0rCRRVcXZSEh_tE85c53GhkuDlWS3Ro2rP3Nwld6WQ3b/s2048/IMG_2526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_5AKUWLo4rjDyS7xK98yDDYqZ3a33vgXTHCyJzpzgY3yrDXAPaiprlr6iPeWh7gGwVX-TJOfgrUpL6ecoKZ0aaEOjSED5d7x0sgls1oQDejluNFUZzcZJvSUiSzM_uy_NKpULp1Ktsoe0rCRRVcXZSEh_tE85c53GhkuDlWS3Ro2rP3Nwld6WQ3b/w122-h216/IMG_2526.JPG" width="122" /></a></div>In October, my friends and I ran across Massachusetts as part of the Mass Dash relay test run. We covered 146 miles in just over 20 hours and had an absolute blast doing it. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">This run was made possible by <a href="https://www.dmsesports.com/">DMSE Sports</a>
and fully supported by Ron and Howard Kramer (a father / son duo that
have been working the Boston Marathon / Dave's adventures forever) and
was a fundraiser for the <a href="https://www.givengain.com/cause/62379/campaigns/25221/">Dave McGillivray</a><a href="https://www.givengain.com/cause/62379/campaigns/25221/">'s Finish Strong Foundation</a>. More info <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-mass-dash-relay-across.html">here</a>. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Over the summer, Sharon, the director of NF Northeast, reached out and said she wanted to put in a team for the Philly Marathon Festival. The festival has 3 races to chose from: an 8k (~5 miles), a half marathon, and a full marathon. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvbalrsfGJkJbtXIp5O9S_9HcS9chbnZwpbWhcymS9iUZuamNBCiORBMXNizF96aPcGexecWZSS2lyxNgFPjelvw_kvJcx624zc-gKxLRjWhC4yJMHMmXmpc6hKjASedsqC9t8fONWlKH_m-Na9Tp2T26iUtZhdfHAFD3Z--VFac1IcYoUEJe3DO2/s4032/IMG_6945.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvbalrsfGJkJbtXIp5O9S_9HcS9chbnZwpbWhcymS9iUZuamNBCiORBMXNizF96aPcGexecWZSS2lyxNgFPjelvw_kvJcx624zc-gKxLRjWhC4yJMHMmXmpc6hKjASedsqC9t8fONWlKH_m-Na9Tp2T26iUtZhdfHAFD3Z--VFac1IcYoUEJe3DO2/w189-h142/IMG_6945.HEIC" width="189" /></a></div>Throughout the year I like to switch up the distances I run and I usually end the year with the some shorter, faster races. Amy and I both got onboard and I signed up for the half marathon while Amy signed up for the 8K. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Four other runners also joined and I got to have some fun coaching three of them (two in the half marathon and one in the marathon). </p><p style="text-align: left;">On November 18th, we drove down to Philly for the weekend and had a blast racing and catching up friends. I even managed to knock out a 1:22 half, my second fastest ever and fastest since 2014. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The Jingle Bell Run / World Cup Final</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">My final race of the year was a 5k in Somerville named the Jingle Bell Run. It happened to coincide with the World Cup final so it involved a bit of fun trying to make the two work together. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Doug, Donal, and I ran to Davis and then watched the first half at Elm St Pub where we met up with </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IVyO-RBp26FlHf1TocN6P2ziCXQaLsbSxju50_SuMu_GC5FbGdnmQFudZC5o31eihoWmo4vix3euby7QALmSnh1aPiC0KwX0xOttqlEh_WqtXqwrz8d-zmlzom3jcQiod97AQfiljJezY_AbWfNDd7JteERDhxihMuOnguO0zd7BRXP43U4e2Cyk/s4032/IMG_2789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IVyO-RBp26FlHf1TocN6P2ziCXQaLsbSxju50_SuMu_GC5FbGdnmQFudZC5o31eihoWmo4vix3euby7QALmSnh1aPiC0KwX0xOttqlEh_WqtXqwrz8d-zmlzom3jcQiod97AQfiljJezY_AbWfNDd7JteERDhxihMuOnguO0zd7BRXP43U4e2Cyk/w181-h136/IMG_2789.JPG" width="181" /></a></div>Karalyn, Lisa, Steve, and Carrie-Anne while having a Guinness. The first half ended three minutes before the race started and we ran out the door to the starting line. I managed to run a 17:57 race and then headed immediately to Foundry's pub to watch the second half. I think I only missed about five minutes of the game. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">After regulation, we jogged over to Orleans and watched overtime and the shoot out before running the three miles home. All and all an awesome day. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>By the Numbers</b></p><ul><li>Races run: 7 (3 5k's, a relay, a half, a marathon, and an ultra)</li><li>NH 4000 footers: 4 new / 5 total<br /></li><li>FKTs: 1 (The Run to Stop the Hate)</li><li>Longest run: 50.52 miles (The Run to Stop the Hate)<br /></li><li>Miles Run: 3500 (166.8 less than last year, 2nd most ever in a year)<br /></li><li>Time Running: 523 hours</li><li>Climbing: 216, 581'<br /></li><li>9th consecutive year of running every day</li><li>8th consecutive year of running my age on my birthday </li><li>6th Coast to Cure NF <br /></li><li>5th year directing the Apple Run 5k</li><li>4th year directing the Wellington Fun Run </li><li>Total Streak Miles: 27,818 </li><li>Total Miles Tracked: 33,591<br /></li></ul><p><b>How Far Did I Get</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ffviuiBKrxI4mfvAUHKR9u0WhCi-4leZi4OySttDBjUTcjbfUtzxrbmhdbec__h66O2AdLYp7bqwz8Nhy6SjL8VyGv4SxLmehbvzH0yEdr08sMXifsM0qPuiBVhIfb_2eGneGYZJzWLeYgxGxVXmhAmP9zakpzImZnIzxxFkLqH8ycno1QruPfKC/s1976/Screenshot%202022-12-27%20at%204.56.39%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1976" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ffviuiBKrxI4mfvAUHKR9u0WhCi-4leZi4OySttDBjUTcjbfUtzxrbmhdbec__h66O2AdLYp7bqwz8Nhy6SjL8VyGv4SxLmehbvzH0yEdr08sMXifsM0qPuiBVhIfb_2eGneGYZJzWLeYgxGxVXmhAmP9zakpzImZnIzxxFkLqH8ycno1QruPfKC/w443-h126/Screenshot%202022-12-27%20at%204.56.39%20PM.png" width="443" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>This year I made it to Madrid, Spain. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>A Look Back</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">2022 really was the year of the group run. From frigid temperatures in January with Keith to tempo runs with Karalyn in March to mountain climbs with Doug and Donal and getting up at 5:30 to run with Becca 6 days a week, I barely ran alone. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The year was also not without its challenges. From Nat's surgeries to Covid to a hectic work schedule (including trips to San Francisco, California and Hyderabad India) there was little to no down time. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Looking back I am grateful for the friends (and support system) that I have made through running. Without them I am not sure where I would be during a stressful year. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Looking Forward to 2023</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">2023 is already lining up to be an epic year. </p><p style="text-align: left;">By March our new camper van (custom Sprinter Van) will be fully outfitted. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Next June, I take on a new race distance and go into unexplored territory at the Tahoe 200 (205 miles). This will bring my training to new heights and will result in both new high's for most miles in a week and a month. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I plan on continuing with many of my other endeavors as well including coaching, race directing, pacing, and Cannoli / Donut runs. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I have a couple other crazy things in the works as well so stay tuned.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Finally, at the end of 2023 my run streak will turn 10 years old. </p><p style="text-align: left;">See you next year. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">- Scot<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vq1u4Z45Cf3PwJh5w4zSfNo8PSbSD2tCPpR3zgT2IREG4wkx1MS8HCfCQlgkXfGqZ7VFe9E3lEEgE4KzhREH88V_m4jI8Fpy1ai3iUfSrorQfIL-4ztjpENg0chByrambjxT-oy9mbgLpsNrjXlqvfxSMFrUjBcltX58eQj_CPu-IJO6w7cYg1H7/s4032/IMG_2852.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vq1u4Z45Cf3PwJh5w4zSfNo8PSbSD2tCPpR3zgT2IREG4wkx1MS8HCfCQlgkXfGqZ7VFe9E3lEEgE4KzhREH88V_m4jI8Fpy1ai3iUfSrorQfIL-4ztjpENg0chByrambjxT-oy9mbgLpsNrjXlqvfxSMFrUjBcltX58eQj_CPu-IJO6w7cYg1H7/s320/IMG_2852.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve Cannoli / Donut Run in 10 degrees<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-40623619537804239952022-10-26T14:42:00.005-04:002023-05-27T09:03:08.383-04:00The Mass Dash - A Relay Across Massachusetts to Support the Dave McGillivray Foundation <div class="bq_fq bq_fq_lrg qt-fnt bq-smpl-qt">
<p class="b-qt qt_319300" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." -- Mattie Stepanek</i>
</p></div><p>It is no secret that I have been eying running across Massachusetts, the long way, for a bit of while now. Ever since running the <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2019/10/3rd-place-for-3-at-midstate-massive-100.html">Midstate Massive 100</a> in 2019 (across MA vertically), I have been quietly planning out an attempt from West to East. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFaa9PU6BtGZTn8LlSBiQOgLqIScuY6_SraqD94V7J5heb3ESrJ3cdlITNgPm-m4mL9jZRKtN2uxTnyxV-lDjk49mCD4gyLySAbEP_ozZf6wbaXvktTzI5IRmY9e1IyMojVs-CDXNLpkGz9awCXX5chq21ffKJfLYKFgud63Je3YorAu1Y1wFQdPj/s1828/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-24%20at%208.26.59%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1828" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFaa9PU6BtGZTn8LlSBiQOgLqIScuY6_SraqD94V7J5heb3ESrJ3cdlITNgPm-m4mL9jZRKtN2uxTnyxV-lDjk49mCD4gyLySAbEP_ozZf6wbaXvktTzI5IRmY9e1IyMojVs-CDXNLpkGz9awCXX5chq21ffKJfLYKFgud63Je3YorAu1Y1wFQdPj/w490-h189/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-24%20at%208.26.59%20PM.png" width="490" /></a></div> <p></p><p>This past weekend, 7 of us took on what was coined as the "Mass Dash Relay," running a 146 miles from Great Barrington Town Hall to the Boston Marathon finish line. This run was made possible by <a href="https://www.dmsesports.com/">DMSE Sports</a> and fully supported by Ron and Howard Kramer (a father / son duo that have been working the Boston Marathon / Dave's adventures forever) and was a fundraiser for the <a href="https://www.givengain.com/cause/62379/campaigns/25221/">Dave McGillivray</a><a href="https://www.givengain.com/cause/62379/campaigns/25221/">'s Finish Strong Foundation</a>. Our adventure started around 10am, Saturday October 22nd, with a 3 hour
drive out to western MA. Our group consisted of 7 runners and a driver crammed into a passenger van. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkIYOjJrXCcFbm96qKADQO9_TeTf5qOXD1o4T0Ht45jMMsG4esKRSsBai6RkZf5lsYtV5N2KOE6R61PvmtLlxLVQVXXXOVmGgtfxUAJv-U9KZbh1iXPjCPcJCdqY2crVC7vG3p0_p1vvA2CTwXsyNHvQHoButH_zNyknrohk8Ua093LU7MXZl-ef-/s1170/IMG_2520.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1170" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkIYOjJrXCcFbm96qKADQO9_TeTf5qOXD1o4T0Ht45jMMsG4esKRSsBai6RkZf5lsYtV5N2KOE6R61PvmtLlxLVQVXXXOVmGgtfxUAJv-U9KZbh1iXPjCPcJCdqY2crVC7vG3p0_p1vvA2CTwXsyNHvQHoButH_zNyknrohk8Ua093LU7MXZl-ef-/w242-h182/IMG_2520.JPG" width="242" /></a></div><p>The team consisted of:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Becca: our fearless leader, 2X World Marathon Challenge Champion</li><li>Lisa: long time Belmont Track Club runner, marathoner, ultra marathoner, and "expert in these kind of things"</li><li>Cheng: fresh off a 2:49 marathon at Baystate the previous weekend</li><li>Lixin: another Belmont runner and apparently a phenomenal sleeper around noisy rowdy people<br /></li><li>Alex, "new to this sort of thing," but supper exited to be tackling more distance then he had ever run in a day</li><li>JP: our out of towner from Colorado Springs, World Marathon Challenge finisher, who runs all his miles in sandals</li><li>Renee: another World Marathon Challenge finisher, ultrarunner, and trans america cyclist who volunteered to be our driver</li><li>Me: obsessive compulsive wise guy, who claimed he was good to run 40-50 miles and then was forced to back it up</li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTrhUwhaZevt9s0BPipNjNez0sF3LdwLpzzRnF1HWM4YNIvIGq-kHe9DrjeAjFcL9wFOP_-QxYL0lUoOgxFY-R0a-nuhcYCsYvk8oRMdsGR1h26mmVMxYvfwj5iU1wTqG8GbcnGnn80XZbbgeSnUqmAAnzLNg-d7TlKJmfJjye5lvgrK7lVfmHopc/s4032/IMG_2521.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTrhUwhaZevt9s0BPipNjNez0sF3LdwLpzzRnF1HWM4YNIvIGq-kHe9DrjeAjFcL9wFOP_-QxYL0lUoOgxFY-R0a-nuhcYCsYvk8oRMdsGR1h26mmVMxYvfwj5iU1wTqG8GbcnGnn80XZbbgeSnUqmAAnzLNg-d7TlKJmfJjye5lvgrK7lVfmHopc/w175-h234/IMG_2521.JPG" width="175" /></a></div>Shortly after 1:30, we arrived in Great Barrington and after going over some last minute details and getting some pictures, we started off. The order was Becca, Lisa, me, Alex, JP, Cheng, Lixin and the plan was just to keep repeating until we finished the 31 legs (3 to 7 miles each). <br /><p></p><p>I chose to keep Becca company on the <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8003473309">first leg</a> as I really needed to do something after sitting in the van for that long. We ran just over 4.5 miles climbing 350' with most of it in the last two miles. It felt great to get moving. </p><p>Next, Lisa took us into <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8003592853">Monterey</a>, mostly uphill, before I got us to <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8003739876">Otis</a>. It was in the 60s with moderate humidity and we all feeling pretty good. It was one of those times where you knew you should be running slower with still so much to go, but your adrenaline was high and you just wanted to push the pace. Over the first three legs we ran 15.54 miles in 1:57:28 (7:33 / mile). <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1InwVud_zPNK6cil0pg8LPrI6DISL5kdCH0wJ-e4N5GtYXpSlr-fPzrSRckeSGrP_N9dwg4G9nmdWwxvXbTqoOiZgIBAnsrx43ZiHdUXtKAmuY64NGy04kxTqfjqcvP-02QA4ZdMI9vA4tCCcfT_dyOHYHsxKE5gB8AvM_3aMojvqMhzng9h1RjL/s750/IMG_9327.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1InwVud_zPNK6cil0pg8LPrI6DISL5kdCH0wJ-e4N5GtYXpSlr-fPzrSRckeSGrP_N9dwg4G9nmdWwxvXbTqoOiZgIBAnsrx43ZiHdUXtKAmuY64NGy04kxTqfjqcvP-02QA4ZdMI9vA4tCCcfT_dyOHYHsxKE5gB8AvM_3aMojvqMhzng9h1RjL/w190-h143/IMG_9327.JPG" width="190" /></a></div>Cheng and Lixin were already getting naps in and hadn't even run yet. <p></p><p>Alex ran his first leg, 4.1 miles. As Alex was new to this, we were giving him advice throughout the trip.
After his leg, I told him to make sure he ate something. About 10
minutes later, I heard Alex say, "I've had three ham and cheese sandwiches,
a Gatorade, and a water. Is that enough?" We just laughed and I added "Better have some pretzels too." </p><p>JP's first leg ended with a monster hill, <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8004017318/overview">6.2 (with > 800' climbing)</a>. As we drove up the final hill in JP's leg we were all happy that we were in the van and not running. </p><p>While we waited for him, an older woman popped out of bushes and interviewed us. It felt like a seen from a movie. She is a journalist of the local Blandford paper and found what we were doing fascinating. <br /></p><p>Cheng ran <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8004086388">leg 6 (4.1)</a> miles followed by Lixin for leg 7 (5.1). We were now 40 miles into the run and had reached Westfield State University and were greeted with an amazing sunset. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KJUvg46AF85H8fxK7I6NoSfBrjv3CFQ5qHhBxMbMowQfm4MimaK2CTcrmPOgt9qy8kQqvzf_LjAWngk3UqPUzUYXxCYJlswKf5Us1N9EUNZufAzJJm47m2HzmpmXkKJFQWimO__dxyOPtlfE4b-qNj-VW1CfDqh6DLfSzH0w5dzmZIN7X9T1O3kO/s4032/IMG_2524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KJUvg46AF85H8fxK7I6NoSfBrjv3CFQ5qHhBxMbMowQfm4MimaK2CTcrmPOgt9qy8kQqvzf_LjAWngk3UqPUzUYXxCYJlswKf5Us1N9EUNZufAzJJm47m2HzmpmXkKJFQWimO__dxyOPtlfE4b-qNj-VW1CfDqh6DLfSzH0w5dzmZIN7X9T1O3kO/w348-h173/IMG_2524.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WiEIToGC8V0D8gtKQYEJVT8cnX39JDZ7DEmcJnzJ36qPayAPemRqHbBVphDtTz69noLCIVtCYvUAzdiKWHVuI8mfRm6l8eruYMGe0Jm9RUs-Au-gLls_HraxboVOen9ixeVomJR-aexNHEhXP3aZFK6ow7PMuYfw85B9KQ4ZFPTSuwq_T1Zqn_Y2/s2048/IMG_2526.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WiEIToGC8V0D8gtKQYEJVT8cnX39JDZ7DEmcJnzJ36qPayAPemRqHbBVphDtTz69noLCIVtCYvUAzdiKWHVuI8mfRm6l8eruYMGe0Jm9RUs-Au-gLls_HraxboVOen9ixeVomJR-aexNHEhXP3aZFK6ow7PMuYfw85B9KQ4ZFPTSuwq_T1Zqn_Y2/w129-h230/IMG_2526.JPG" width="129" /></a></div>Next up was Becca's <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8004263102">second leg</a> and I thought I was going to settle into just running my legs for a while and maybe run an extra one in the morning. When I asked if she was ready, she looked at me and replied, "I'm not running in the dark alone." So I grabbed a vest, my headlamp, and got ready to go. About a mile into our run, we passed a Dunkin Donuts and saw our team's van in the parking lot. On the way by I just yelled "I'll take a small ice coffee." The leg was pretty flat and we were able to knock out the 4.8 miles in 35:27 good enough for 7:22 / mile. <br /><p></p><p>After pounding and ice coffee while Lisa <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8004347738">ran</a>, I was up again. Lisa got us to Agawam and I then got us over the Connecticut river and into Springfield finishing up at the <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8004431349">Basketball Hall of Fame</a>. Maybe it was the caffeine, maybe it was the cooler weather, but I felt like I could absolutely fly. </p><p>As I got back from my run, I found Lisa dosing off in the van. Becca could nearly contain herself as she quickly snapped a selfie of them. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx73lzRHsCpX99498iePPJM2Zx0N__10E-1QC0HY5FopHEeJLaDyFCI9qoLCpx1irJoCCIzjaTlLdaIri4l-TwS6bZU6ru8L0fwjimDiIUXbZIJ5y5Ra1pfdGUz6qCYY8VcBixphzn02DDNsOwbyhPMnhMNlAbAF4sstriNLzUnDcxq3REGHxaSLkg/s4032/IMG_2545.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx73lzRHsCpX99498iePPJM2Zx0N__10E-1QC0HY5FopHEeJLaDyFCI9qoLCpx1irJoCCIzjaTlLdaIri4l-TwS6bZU6ru8L0fwjimDiIUXbZIJ5y5Ra1pfdGUz6qCYY8VcBixphzn02DDNsOwbyhPMnhMNlAbAF4sstriNLzUnDcxq3REGHxaSLkg/w177-h133/IMG_2545.JPG" width="177" /></a></div>Alex was up again next and drew the leg where he got to run through the not as nice parts of Springfield. He got through it mostly unscathed (minus a wrong turn on a one way street). <br /><p></p><p>JP's <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8004638272">2nd leg</a> brought us to Wilbraham before Cheng got us to <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8004739894">Monson</a>. Originally, we thought the hill JP had run up earlier was steep. As we were driving through Cheng's leg we said, wow this is a steep hill. Then, we saw headlights that looked to be way up in the sky. I think Cheng described it perfectly in his Strava post, "That damn hill!"<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92FvE3uA_R7VDWGV4YZsPKlfzUDPQfnAFrYCWAKcKV1-zm4bCdgrVbVrCUP70655mRgBKGqadG2ulSgrXL49xsSeVF5G2YZCc8xyNrfMQukHNfp9puBJm7x8BYKK0H5MDmKtpNNNWt9NYNMSGOw-EqfYxQ-wERl9dp5KrmjMgqVGsJNNn0C9GokP3/s2048/becca_and_scot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92FvE3uA_R7VDWGV4YZsPKlfzUDPQfnAFrYCWAKcKV1-zm4bCdgrVbVrCUP70655mRgBKGqadG2ulSgrXL49xsSeVF5G2YZCc8xyNrfMQukHNfp9puBJm7x8BYKK0H5MDmKtpNNNWt9NYNMSGOw-EqfYxQ-wERl9dp5KrmjMgqVGsJNNn0C9GokP3/w216-h216/becca_and_scot.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><p></p><p>Lixin got us through the end of the 2nd set of legs / mile 70. It was almost 11pm and we were nearly half way there. </p><p>Sometimes Becca and I joke that we are inviting others to the <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8004853564">Becca and Scot show</a> as we have shared so many miles together over the past 6.5 years. At this point, I think we have run at least a mile in every hour of the day together. For this leg, we started at 11:11pm and knocked out 4.8 miles at 7:29 pace. <br /> </p><p>From here on out, is when my memory starts to get a little blurry. Somewhere during Lisa's <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8004906265">leg</a>, we went by an amazing Halloween setup with decorations that looked like ghosts flying out of windows complete with a smoke machine. Somehow Lisa missed it. <br /></p><p></p><p>During my next <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8004961494">leg</a>, I asked Ron how many Boston Marathon's he has been at. He said he ran 15 and then has worked the last 33. 48 straight years. He called it a different kind of streak. <br /></p><p>During the switch from Cheng's <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8005129477">leg</a> to Lixin's, we got questioned by the police on what we were doing and then scolded for our runner that was peeing on a stone wall. As JP said, "Yeah, he probably shouldn't be doing that."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71SySRtfSU_wKcSfDywZyysrp-vesUZ_7zkcdJAZ5dti5DpW2wFePOI3NpuLJERxl58kGywd-nqGH5-nx4IuVds9TxP7K51qOH0GPc98_pw3BK-cNGSFIq4GNdRHGx8C86Rs-0erlffycFYVNl0xWm3DjjqFphghJnh5A7E2BHm9sR1PiHeMSQ29Z/s946/IMG_9321.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="946" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71SySRtfSU_wKcSfDywZyysrp-vesUZ_7zkcdJAZ5dti5DpW2wFePOI3NpuLJERxl58kGywd-nqGH5-nx4IuVds9TxP7K51qOH0GPc98_pw3BK-cNGSFIq4GNdRHGx8C86Rs-0erlffycFYVNl0xWm3DjjqFphghJnh5A7E2BHm9sR1PiHeMSQ29Z/w163-h116/IMG_9321.JPG" width="163" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Shortly after my 8th <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8005788609">leg</a>, Alex got us to Hopkinton common and the start of the Boston Marathon. We were now on familiar ground. </p><p>We stopped for coffee and breakfast sandwiches and took about a 30 minute break to let the sun finish coming up. 26.2 miles and 6 legs to go. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Hnztnh7LFWslptgQmbKhnzXZC8RTdrz0JuWDi-jM2WUomh7jfoMDov69VvrnlodA9XH5kwIS_8WmiSuUuvKQriArjzQnBZ0YaxM0x2ha4K_8ObUW2dKJX0QmkImJDYhP4i7mydfGIYCJg0zaCxecXzW1nUdLve3yFzDcRUSar-FxUpFpsGS78mVN/s750/IMG_9314.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Hnztnh7LFWslptgQmbKhnzXZC8RTdrz0JuWDi-jM2WUomh7jfoMDov69VvrnlodA9XH5kwIS_8WmiSuUuvKQriArjzQnBZ0YaxM0x2ha4K_8ObUW2dKJX0QmkImJDYhP4i7mydfGIYCJg0zaCxecXzW1nUdLve3yFzDcRUSar-FxUpFpsGS78mVN/w149-h112/IMG_9314.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We were all starting to get pretty tired. JP, Cheng, and Lixin all knocked out 5 miles each and Dave McGillivray met us on the course. Becca and I then ran another 3.5 crossing RT 95 and passing Newton Wesley Hospital before Lisa got us through us through most of the Newton hills. My mind may have been playing tricks on me, but I swear some of our runners turned into a cone, a shoe, and a soccer ball (The benefits of having an elementary school PE teacher as part of your crew). <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4s0FxwM3t_FpeNKgSLMOaG-1Sue9tDtpkYMBDmR0oZFecFx4DQ1UHi2QJKppYw7Dv45TffJLIXQw6P-CtaFJEymEfiJhzAMW_yhCGnJQW9fPsLbutfxIND5_d5T_cRHP4FyFpfuzGiDEF1SUsAhehE4dF_G2bo3nNufvyzunXh__Gy9whrejd3vDx/s1170/IMG_2551.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1170" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4s0FxwM3t_FpeNKgSLMOaG-1Sue9tDtpkYMBDmR0oZFecFx4DQ1UHi2QJKppYw7Dv45TffJLIXQw6P-CtaFJEymEfiJhzAMW_yhCGnJQW9fPsLbutfxIND5_d5T_cRHP4FyFpfuzGiDEF1SUsAhehE4dF_G2bo3nNufvyzunXh__Gy9whrejd3vDx/w122-h92/IMG_2551.JPG" width="122" /></a></div>It was my job to get us from <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/8007616636">Centre St in Newton to the finish</a>. I powered up heart break hill, past BC, through Cleveland circle and then picked up JP at Shaws. 1.5 miles from the finish, the rest of the runners joined in and we ran the final set together. <p></p><p> </p><p>-- 146.2 miles -- 20 hours, 5 minutes -- 25 towns -- 3 Dunkin Donuts -- $7k raised -- Priceless amount of jokes --</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvcR1BO3KSmiQcOWGKeGEUvzkpY_AQaRlAclaYrAAR0YffnciMIGmf9CpaxoymsIfMLG5JU824zDF-ndLvwSBc-uxACZmWmVvIQB0y2bM65_5N3mGvsoNjMc3jyQXiDkHbrGuonL3acp_Lk2wTDSsZivks5qAd7unlYd22SVyJRlTWUFSny-g9nRj/s1440/IMG_2540.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="1440" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvcR1BO3KSmiQcOWGKeGEUvzkpY_AQaRlAclaYrAAR0YffnciMIGmf9CpaxoymsIfMLG5JU824zDF-ndLvwSBc-uxACZmWmVvIQB0y2bM65_5N3mGvsoNjMc3jyQXiDkHbrGuonL3acp_Lk2wTDSsZivks5qAd7unlYd22SVyJRlTWUFSny-g9nRj/s320/IMG_2540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>All can really say after this is "What an adventure!" So great getting to spend time with friends new and old. We even made the<a href="https://www.wcvb.com/article/athletes-run-across-mass-to-raise-money-for-mcgillivray-finish-strong-foundation/41746569"> local news</a> later that day. </p><p>Special thanks to all those that made this possible. </p><p>- Scot</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIweN-kf90Wv50ihBV4kSwJZ0ZuT2lrSvRtBnpE9PlpP79qRnELGVvL_z4Hls02EHS5QG4qvub_Bh-TBqBG1h9u3hBtgLimwags0hWVyJZLChMNMkstpxjGxx9ZU1AoExFblm_TMSJm7C00KIzS9zi4mNphGcS-_eMF-6Cjm8ZlayZBIFUC7uZVUOJ/s1699/IMG_9313.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1699" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIweN-kf90Wv50ihBV4kSwJZ0ZuT2lrSvRtBnpE9PlpP79qRnELGVvL_z4Hls02EHS5QG4qvub_Bh-TBqBG1h9u3hBtgLimwags0hWVyJZLChMNMkstpxjGxx9ZU1AoExFblm_TMSJm7C00KIzS9zi4mNphGcS-_eMF-6Cjm8ZlayZBIFUC7uZVUOJ/s320/IMG_9313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6hmBA56dEfhXv798vzfMw2bzj1akVfqtdn8aRkC9jtKsRM_dmDPBt5xIzxBtxPFxkDPMNuMsVoU8TkHowe0aXsd-DXMsHvSP8QZoxL70aq8CpBfC6ocjS3BkmqBgllEQCQbwGTNGIPlANmRu0k1S-9TzQeHcH-6B3Up-G8Sqpzt8q2GJxEQ12NpD/s1000/IMG_9326.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6hmBA56dEfhXv798vzfMw2bzj1akVfqtdn8aRkC9jtKsRM_dmDPBt5xIzxBtxPFxkDPMNuMsVoU8TkHowe0aXsd-DXMsHvSP8QZoxL70aq8CpBfC6ocjS3BkmqBgllEQCQbwGTNGIPlANmRu0k1S-9TzQeHcH-6B3Up-G8Sqpzt8q2GJxEQ12NpD/s320/IMG_9326.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-68341085912771326302022-09-28T11:30:00.000-04:002022-09-28T11:30:13.315-04:005 Days in Ourey<p>I spent the last few days in Ourey, Colorado on a trail running trip with some friends. After the success of our <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-grand-canyon-rim-2-rim-2-rim.html">Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim</a> trip last November, we were eager for our next adventure. <br /></p><p>We nicknamed the trip "Belmont Track Club High Altitude Training Camp." For me, this was a nice test to spend some time at altitude before heading out to California for the Tahoe 200 next June. </p><p><b>Travel</b> <br /></p><p>I left Boston on a 5:45 flight last Thursday and had a layover in Phoenix before landing in Grand Junction, CO. From there, I met up with Doug and Donal (who had flown in to Denver the previous day) and we made the 2 hour drive down to Ourey. All and all a pretty long day (~12 hours) with driving + layover. </p><p><b>Ourey</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIDc_hAwW1rw1wpAwwvPvJuLY5ebuRngH-k9ZNxagwlZMlTPgRfVIS6QE3ucplNE06r9fsUNHr1jc4xAWreoI3RKPvTQzw5m0aaYefhzaA_GW3gFiFvOTyjdKrztqY21w5xaCyf4icIQ8PYKvTeKHvnIonFX4LkVq6L1o3x_BLQYhzsOhyjNpgZo7/s4032/IMG_2338.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIDc_hAwW1rw1wpAwwvPvJuLY5ebuRngH-k9ZNxagwlZMlTPgRfVIS6QE3ucplNE06r9fsUNHr1jc4xAWreoI3RKPvTQzw5m0aaYefhzaA_GW3gFiFvOTyjdKrztqY21w5xaCyf4icIQ8PYKvTeKHvnIonFX4LkVq6L1o3x_BLQYhzsOhyjNpgZo7/w161-h121/IMG_2338.HEIC" width="161" /></a></div>Ourey, known as the Switzerland of America, sits a 7700' and is quaint little town surrounded by mountainous ledges on all sides. There really isn't a bad view anywhere in town. There is one main road that goes through the center and is the only road that is paved. <p></p><p>Our Air B & B was just off the main road and boarded the Uncompahgre River. The view from the back porch coupled with the white noise of the river was incredible. Many recovery beers were shared there.</p><p><b>Day 1</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmFgEDYpBdYPNGIy99zB74hp-82m_wPbzipRxpvO9jCGm3dTDc617AjYQteDZfYiDD-_68qfY3N_6W4qh_f7ouLfP5oCh77pbHX1l0XHXfz4q9uvS6N-Gv5nlNE7yEcR-qkQaBkBkTrPvnKxH4etsy8DZl648_y4IN2J-2v06pSi-GkgUwamSDuMd/s1600/JMjvlOSmiyAq49zkn9LM_d35iPqt54ZLUjLrFZ7FOEw-1536x2048.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmFgEDYpBdYPNGIy99zB74hp-82m_wPbzipRxpvO9jCGm3dTDc617AjYQteDZfYiDD-_68qfY3N_6W4qh_f7ouLfP5oCh77pbHX1l0XHXfz4q9uvS6N-Gv5nlNE7yEcR-qkQaBkBkTrPvnKxH4etsy8DZl648_y4IN2J-2v06pSi-GkgUwamSDuMd/w117-h156/JMjvlOSmiyAq49zkn9LM_d35iPqt54ZLUjLrFZ7FOEw-1536x2048.jpg" width="117" /></a></div>Shortly after arriving, I headed out for a short run (the burden of keeping a nearly 9 year run streak alive). The Ouray Perimeter trail is ~6 mile loop that surrounds the town going up and down the ledges. <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/7851896861">For my first run</a>, I immediately jumped on the trail took it up to Cascade falls before descending back into town. My lungs screamed at me during that first climb. Looking back down into the town from 500' above was breath taking. <p></p><p>Post run we hit up the Ouray brewery for a beer and bite to eat before planning out our next adventure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdpLDrm6uqYyrzAvr8cHrInZ5-Qy0Vnjg2nS3cO3QaahvUQIFD-MZBPwZxPBfUpN9ou59IeTYN2x2dQXCohRpMw_HpZWQhjmjUucbQzp6HDIqX6kUg03x2K9r5DT07NPLzTcWyhuMzaxt3cbHA1tya3tEzY5s_t-XFkN7HzcQZ_V-Jj4qrIs_VKkS/s4032/IMG_2341.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdpLDrm6uqYyrzAvr8cHrInZ5-Qy0Vnjg2nS3cO3QaahvUQIFD-MZBPwZxPBfUpN9ou59IeTYN2x2dQXCohRpMw_HpZWQhjmjUucbQzp6HDIqX6kUg03x2K9r5DT07NPLzTcWyhuMzaxt3cbHA1tya3tEzY5s_t-XFkN7HzcQZ_V-Jj4qrIs_VKkS/w278-h209/IMG_2341.HEIC" width="278" /></a></div><p><b>Day 2</b></p><p>For the second day, we decided we would start with a <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/7855106859">run up to the Burn Hut</a>. Similar to the White </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BVY_vrXaOwfwdhqdiPFRerBw33oyda6ZuDZUWP5Y_DDV58mhKRMv3doTu0S7W2os_cEeIkkP24_Oin0xK7W-y_DmKhB8IHNsNdYjEYTwrHJoUSZRRSyk0PoFRg68Dvt8mnLaUvnF4rhiU3epiovUzmwJxPPH3fz5OR186q-jyrsICHe1M2OAhoJA/s4032/IMG_2351.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BVY_vrXaOwfwdhqdiPFRerBw33oyda6ZuDZUWP5Y_DDV58mhKRMv3doTu0S7W2os_cEeIkkP24_Oin0xK7W-y_DmKhB8IHNsNdYjEYTwrHJoUSZRRSyk0PoFRg68Dvt8mnLaUvnF4rhiU3epiovUzmwJxPPH3fz5OR186q-jyrsICHe1M2OAhoJA/w183-h137/IMG_2351.HEIC" width="183" /></a></div>Mountains (NH), the San Juan Mountains have a hut system where you can stay at the various huts (between Telluride and Ourey). The Burn hut is last the of 4 and is about 7 miles outside Ourey. <p></p><p>After a leisure breakfast, we took off directly from our Air B & B. We started off with a nice 3 mile jog on a dirt road along the river. At mile 4, we reached the Dallas trail head and started climbing through a series of switch backs. About 2.5 miles later, we had climbed up to just past 10k'. While most of the trail was run-able, putting in back to back 600+' miles of climbing convinced us hiking was a better idea. The weather was great and the views were even better. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cXJrGVgOs1sFqGV_Fq-qZ6A50iLZqQ2B36GbB-U7RFL1HnWzoLjsrJ7T5LldAXVfHb0Oul1-R-I0hU-hUK5pC0yAmqoExZUQZ6x8T7lc3VHjbK4CxMi3ZgcSVI-QR26naOrEr7qzIPRlpRBIEAieKgHNSPzArigluV_oubEwI6FGXJjw_JErq0Eu/s4032/IMG_2354.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cXJrGVgOs1sFqGV_Fq-qZ6A50iLZqQ2B36GbB-U7RFL1HnWzoLjsrJ7T5LldAXVfHb0Oul1-R-I0hU-hUK5pC0yAmqoExZUQZ6x8T7lc3VHjbK4CxMi3ZgcSVI-QR26naOrEr7qzIPRlpRBIEAieKgHNSPzArigluV_oubEwI6FGXJjw_JErq0Eu/w193-h145/IMG_2354.HEIC" width="193" /></a></div><p></p><p>Shortly after we reached the hut, we took a quick break and ate our sandwiches before descending back into town. It felt great to just let it rip and being moving at sub 10 minute pace again. While the altitude was definitely slowing us down, we were feeling pretty good. </p><p>Nothing like being done with a 14.5 mile run with 3100' of climbing before 11am. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnCtL-lhY8Ph-HJuW_BJQ6TVXdZhCwuagMJ-CLEvcux9jAw2HPUKRKE1c_T71RMYiybqYuE_In_g87m4cNu-OgYEmGR2axNMNqnnvok11rRmsA6FNhAw2KvuOHyvhuAutldtFNFwYwNFARJhFlU9Vm7RdJkgNke1P28CMHmCqlje-u6teuBFbcpCI/s4032/IMG_2361.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnCtL-lhY8Ph-HJuW_BJQ6TVXdZhCwuagMJ-CLEvcux9jAw2HPUKRKE1c_T71RMYiybqYuE_In_g87m4cNu-OgYEmGR2axNMNqnnvok11rRmsA6FNhAw2KvuOHyvhuAutldtFNFwYwNFARJhFlU9Vm7RdJkgNke1P28CMHmCqlje-u6teuBFbcpCI/w179-h135/IMG_2361.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>After lunch and trip to the hot springs (yes there is a hot springs in Ourey), we decided we had enough in us to go tackle the full <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/7856373801">Perimeter Loop</a>. Having read a little bit about the loop and thought, "we'll see if we have time," I am really glad we decided to tackle this route. As mentioned above, Ourey sits in the valley between some really steep terrain. The Perimeter loop takes you up and down some of that terrain with amazing views of the town and the surrounding area. From waterfalls to tunnels, there literally is something around every corner to stop and stare in awe at. The loop is about 6 miles and climbs and descends about 1500'. <br /><p></p><p><b>Day 3</b><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEfp_DDc6yyNexKwdINKEyqDBUyy6ZK72Lr6ErCnP0PxrUbPqmlnAcbNXjZaJoc_BvCuDC_8Ac1-x2RrVIDKERl396uKfqz6Wp67Hq3RvWpgPd2VcNdrojGf9OtSdTprLT8rvLZ3RTT4Fwxr1ZBok47i4rT2OqHnuB2-enfl7KKK6j_E5l2cgOYvY/s4032/IMG_2376.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEfp_DDc6yyNexKwdINKEyqDBUyy6ZK72Lr6ErCnP0PxrUbPqmlnAcbNXjZaJoc_BvCuDC_8Ac1-x2RrVIDKERl396uKfqz6Wp67Hq3RvWpgPd2VcNdrojGf9OtSdTprLT8rvLZ3RTT4Fwxr1ZBok47i4rT2OqHnuB2-enfl7KKK6j_E5l2cgOYvY/w177-h133/IMG_2376.HEIC" width="177" /></a></div>Day 3 was the big day, my first 14k'er, <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/7861442413">Mnt Sneffels</a>. The day started with a 4am wake up (not horrible for someone coming from Eastern Time) with a 45 minute drive (with the last 4 being a total mine field) out to the trail head. We decided to take the Blue Lakes trail up as it was the more scenic route which included a 6.5 mile climb to the summit.<p></p><p>We did the first two miles in the dark and were greeted with over 1000' of climbing and ~30 degree temps. Once the sun started to rise, we got amazing views and awesome fall colors. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E-0GFC_YFyy-_rzgRMP7uxFS105tPeBEmMjtd5nEeDU_bN6aXA9mrIsJjipf4mT4evCyOrVV9eBnDVn-qlSbW3ZYzpWVhHWLwFSU3QN5razW0NPnwKLrl4ex1uG5OlbOYQB1r7zBIcjj6w5_RleGfLXNjEzDNEH6HoAocA13d_8e43PNTXmykhfp/s4032/IMG_2375.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E-0GFC_YFyy-_rzgRMP7uxFS105tPeBEmMjtd5nEeDU_bN6aXA9mrIsJjipf4mT4evCyOrVV9eBnDVn-qlSbW3ZYzpWVhHWLwFSU3QN5razW0NPnwKLrl4ex1uG5OlbOYQB1r7zBIcjj6w5_RleGfLXNjEzDNEH6HoAocA13d_8e43PNTXmykhfp/w290-h218/IMG_2375.HEIC" width="290" /> </a></div><p>By mile 4 we had reached the lakes and the color with the sun on it was absolutely stunning. Miles 5 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCL-RoVSUJcGfNtCNJ8ihnbXwVWULSUG7tKC2rPzp9TBP5Iq_xjYTKhrTI1zmpk0UcY8ojmAn546uf5RMDMsyQARvkjVwj6gD5Qq80gcN6O3AZ-4QZBMJ15cFFZofPUAWo3XX29nH_2By6s-Mh10uRoYqBURfIpqZgjCeIwJGQAJr1LsB14lj84dt/s4032/IMG_2403.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCL-RoVSUJcGfNtCNJ8ihnbXwVWULSUG7tKC2rPzp9TBP5Iq_xjYTKhrTI1zmpk0UcY8ojmAn546uf5RMDMsyQARvkjVwj6gD5Qq80gcN6O3AZ-4QZBMJ15cFFZofPUAWo3XX29nH_2By6s-Mh10uRoYqBURfIpqZgjCeIwJGQAJr1LsB14lj84dt/w174-h131/IMG_2403.HEIC" width="174" /></a></div><br />and 6 were a real grind as we climbed the switch backs up to Blue Lakes Pass. From the pass is where it got interesting. There are two paths to the summit: 1) via a technical class 3 climb or 2) up loose rock. <p></p><p>We chose to take the technical route up and the loose rock path down. There really isn't anything like scrambling on all fours with 1000'+ descents on either side of. The final chunk goes along ridge which is down right terrifying. At one point, I told my friends I wasn't sure I was going to continue. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrems3KtbE_WR2hXJGEHZZzI_kPYK5o8TPrE7Rq2HShUyISIbzJDD162Q_gOpmQKtab9qcDZ9jramvimXq7VKhSKXe1yXsgZF1VHWaqgu8uzDrRA--qgznWWOIhyhHMmNwljUDGhPPW4JLjA0cDbSzlAzUaiNbAH9rIrywKhPertpbhEjttKRJgAYw/s4032/IMG_2392.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrems3KtbE_WR2hXJGEHZZzI_kPYK5o8TPrE7Rq2HShUyISIbzJDD162Q_gOpmQKtab9qcDZ9jramvimXq7VKhSKXe1yXsgZF1VHWaqgu8uzDrRA--qgznWWOIhyhHMmNwljUDGhPPW4JLjA0cDbSzlAzUaiNbAH9rIrywKhPertpbhEjttKRJgAYw/w213-h160/IMG_2392.HEIC" width="213" /></a></div>An hour / 0.6 miles later we reached the summit, 14,155', full of adrenaline. <p></p><p>After snack break and taking in the views, we scampered down the other side. The first quarter mile went great and then I got a bit ahead of myself on some scree and took a nice 10' slide on my ass. With my pants and my hands a bit torn up, I completely loss that feeling of flow that I had. </p><p>I continued descending via loose rocky terrain for the next 30 minutes before finally finding stable ground. I went from feeling incredible to exhausted all at once. </p><p>Next we made the climb back up to Blue Lakes pass before a long descent back down to the lakes. Nothing like 18 switch backs in a row to make the legs feel like jelly. </p><p>After a break at the lakes, we began our descent back down to the trail head. About an hour later we made it back to the car. What a day. </p><p><b>Day 4</b></p><p>On our last full day, we had a leisurely morning before heading out to do the <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/7867229628">Ice Lakes trail</a>, and if we </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdSDb6pqESJiuhJIF7VBiTyzg6qGb5wU0Kye-yfgm-lCErEWBzsUZfdqA_1KjGqGBYjyn6wGtZ7JJu7nA17pwyAo-Zo9kcG-tV0B94fejhvGyK0ubk8pN6VlNZMbg7YyVwCFdH0prR8sH2I-z61C687YVBt1D0ALR89RaI75NJ7L5oMtfnrfhhBbx/s4032/IMG_2426.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdSDb6pqESJiuhJIF7VBiTyzg6qGb5wU0Kye-yfgm-lCErEWBzsUZfdqA_1KjGqGBYjyn6wGtZ7JJu7nA17pwyAo-Zo9kcG-tV0B94fejhvGyK0ubk8pN6VlNZMbg7YyVwCFdH0prR8sH2I-z61C687YVBt1D0ALR89RaI75NJ7L5oMtfnrfhhBbx/w188-h141/IMG_2426.HEIC" width="188" /></a></div>felt good, maybe summit Ulysses S Grant Peak. This trail is part of the Hardrock 100 course and were eager to see just how gnarly it really was. <p></p><p>Once again we were treated to near perfect weather and amazing views. One of the things that was so amazing on this route was just how much you could see at any point in time. After climbing 2000' up from the parking lot, we could still see down to the trail head. Each of the lakes were an incredible blue with the sun reflecting off them. </p><p>After making great time up to see both Ice an Island lakes, we decided we would climb a bit higher to get a better view down from the ridge. The climb from Island Lake to </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicORTSd2JD9yKfRXh5KMZuQSdqEMhsVPqac589RhQUmmmpj0r_a0KcG-1H838kHjMbEPsRU7uUKwVdKd8f2NHKclt7hHm3qGkAxp1Wfhht8fzWC5aiKTuCElQP50-n9i5Jtl0xYg1qboNNcu8G4m2qJA2V2rsdqwe_kBxw0sjT7NX6GWgawfhHcEyA/s4032/IMG_2436.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicORTSd2JD9yKfRXh5KMZuQSdqEMhsVPqac589RhQUmmmpj0r_a0KcG-1H838kHjMbEPsRU7uUKwVdKd8f2NHKclt7hHm3qGkAxp1Wfhht8fzWC5aiKTuCElQP50-n9i5Jtl0xYg1qboNNcu8G4m2qJA2V2rsdqwe_kBxw0sjT7NX6GWgawfhHcEyA/w200-h150/IMG_2436.HEIC" width="200" /></a></div>Grant Swamp Pass is about half a mile with 400' of climbing. We then continued east for another 1/3rd of a mile making up to 13,200'. With more loose rocky terrain, we didn't dare go any further. The phrase "you can't beat this view" must have been said 100 times. <p></p><p>The descent down back off the ridge was pretty nerve wracking. After yesterday's slip I was overly cautious and even slid on my butt for bunch of sections. After making it back to the lakes, we once again began our 2500' descent back to the car. </p><p>About half way down, I found the zone again and just let the hammer drop. As I zoomed around switch backs, I felt like I could fly. As I passed hikers, I could see how some of them were impressed while others were terrified. As we reached the trail head, we really couldn't believe just how amazing this area really was. </p><p>After the run, we stopped in Silverton, where the Hardrock 100 starts / ends for lunch. It was pretty cool seeing a place I have heard described by so many ultrarunners. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs-_mdtTm-9kvdQghhR5FyZsYEZBw18F54Jkxt8kUZ9DcOnp8U2NtwDVdV8u61fhoLcujPo4ngE646awllapfomw0FA24FZtmWfEzDr0Zl_XTDwLkMY4THiJ9yFx6VX0YFAVoioMbGZBCamOfHhi-HDthSv1VAQIG9E4bWY7HiuqTxUq0hLXDCDlZ/s4032/IMG_2442.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs-_mdtTm-9kvdQghhR5FyZsYEZBw18F54Jkxt8kUZ9DcOnp8U2NtwDVdV8u61fhoLcujPo4ngE646awllapfomw0FA24FZtmWfEzDr0Zl_XTDwLkMY4THiJ9yFx6VX0YFAVoioMbGZBCamOfHhi-HDthSv1VAQIG9E4bWY7HiuqTxUq0hLXDCDlZ/w285-h214/IMG_2442.HEIC" width="285" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3h4iL6DHCxLDovntbnCFFgjVABHZkCltLFBX5Qcf0q-PYp94ptU6LT76vFamxPk--9PWCrUK_L7ix7aOzyuYV5kL87L4zjOxT3kYmj55DVJVCtWE_9SWYHCaPDnB9pMJZ5n7FCw_WBOfy97CHas9zoFhO7slpZnw_v6_o9V3m-dXP1yjkx_hf4Yq/s4032/IMG_2461.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3h4iL6DHCxLDovntbnCFFgjVABHZkCltLFBX5Qcf0q-PYp94ptU6LT76vFamxPk--9PWCrUK_L7ix7aOzyuYV5kL87L4zjOxT3kYmj55DVJVCtWE_9SWYHCaPDnB9pMJZ5n7FCw_WBOfy97CHas9zoFhO7slpZnw_v6_o9V3m-dXP1yjkx_hf4Yq/w133-h177/IMG_2461.HEIC" width="133" /></a></div><b>Day 5</b> <p></p><p>For the last day, I got up early ran back over to Box Canyon / Perimeter trail. I descended down to the base of the falls and just took a moment enjoy what an amazing little town this was. Over the past four days, I got in over 45 miles with over 15k' climbing. I climbed to an elevation higher than I had ever <br />been at, twice. </p><p>After a car ride, two flights, another car ride, and roughly 12 hours later I made it home. All and all an amazing trip. </p><p><b>Summary</b></p><p>One of the main goals of this trip, other then see, run, and climb as much as possible, was to get a little more used to doing things at elevation. The Tahoe 200 peaks at 9,700. It felt good to know that I can still run at high altitude. Something that I haven't really tried since doing the <a href="https://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-leadville-silver-rush-50.html">Leadville 50</a> back in 2014. </p><p>Probably the biggest draw back to the trip was just poor sleeping. Not sure if was just the altitude, the dry air, or something else, but it really felt good to sleep in my own bed last night. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtIZqAnIqucHIElFPtmar1cAZPRdTBAN5Z_gTGuJnStqKy5LevgV9CpTGpq8Yr8j5NA2S3duSabj3yc7pbUP2ins1FcUSI7aIC3ZFMQNiuEcJdUI8k1aHppkgfYpBtVB1M9kg6lPmLsmbMMdFc1dpCZJX0HTjCCrCX3So9TZMwkrtUBTaGILPfO3Z/s4032/IMG_2438.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtIZqAnIqucHIElFPtmar1cAZPRdTBAN5Z_gTGuJnStqKy5LevgV9CpTGpq8Yr8j5NA2S3duSabj3yc7pbUP2ins1FcUSI7aIC3ZFMQNiuEcJdUI8k1aHppkgfYpBtVB1M9kg6lPmLsmbMMdFc1dpCZJX0HTjCCrCX3So9TZMwkrtUBTaGILPfO3Z/w251-h189/IMG_2438.HEIC" width="251" /></a></div>Until our next adventure. <p></p><p> - Scot <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg51mj7Zzw1vywF1uh-ka0TxbwtmaHEN-B_jh1ZxP2E5jCzuEdElPnsUvrsMM-Dyvk2UKqV_SohPfHC2s1a7O5fLZ4RwETa_koKVcbJWVhA1B9RPYxwjG1CHcWc86L6JDvns1cdpx1xxI_cbRdPMUvhcVkmruybGVNw57c5PfJKYTI3Zlr58t2BBN/s4032/IMG_2457.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg51mj7Zzw1vywF1uh-ka0TxbwtmaHEN-B_jh1ZxP2E5jCzuEdElPnsUvrsMM-Dyvk2UKqV_SohPfHC2s1a7O5fLZ4RwETa_koKVcbJWVhA1B9RPYxwjG1CHcWc86L6JDvns1cdpx1xxI_cbRdPMUvhcVkmruybGVNw57c5PfJKYTI3Zlr58t2BBN/s320/IMG_2457.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-90065109968909051902022-08-07T20:50:00.005-04:002023-01-11T16:00:13.342-05:00An Overnight Adventure in the White Mountains<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">“</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="ropa-sans-pro,sans-serif" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every
time an athlete starts one of these things, they have no idea what’s
going to happen. It’s a completely unpredictable, life-affirmingly
beautiful, stupidly brilliant shitshow.” -- David Roche</span> </span></span></i></div><p>I was a bit to optimistic when I thought the title of this post would be "The White Mountains Hut to Hut Traverse." ... the original plan. Anyways, below is the story of my adventure this past weekend complete with some things I learned and need take into account before tackling something like this again. <br /></p><p>The hut traverse is a 46 mile route with 16,000' climbing through the White Mountains of New Hampshire that visits all 8 of the <a href="https://www.outdoors.org/">Appalachian Mountain club</a> huts. Since these huts are a ways from any road crossings, the route ends up really being 51.3 miles with 19,500' climbing. </p><p>My plan was to start at the east end (Carter Notch) and work my way back to the West Side (Lonesome Lake). I booked a campsite at the Dolly Copp campground for Amy and Neil for Friday night, where I would start from, and if all went to plan, I would meet them at the Old Bridle path trail head at 2pm Saturday where they would join me for the 1.5 mile hike to Lonesome Lake. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdWC8J8pRi2fbFORS3XVKWydBfteQ4HszJjSzS2vnKhMhEq-6WbFjYcTALDug3MyL8rVIFQcabP3axYqxkE9YJUCegA3Yo9eXKsGjuK3GEBK9E1Alw8LcsWZPUf2xGB6O8hX29cTmQJJYXBtPFPTOGp_p3PZ-jygB6kmNIB6zeuR0YsHwEn_KJQja/s4032/IMG_2179.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdWC8J8pRi2fbFORS3XVKWydBfteQ4HszJjSzS2vnKhMhEq-6WbFjYcTALDug3MyL8rVIFQcabP3axYqxkE9YJUCegA3Yo9eXKsGjuK3GEBK9E1Alw8LcsWZPUf2xGB6O8hX29cTmQJJYXBtPFPTOGp_p3PZ-jygB6kmNIB6zeuR0YsHwEn_KJQja/w188-h141/IMG_2179.HEIC" width="188" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Crossing the Peabody River</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Luckily I talked Keith into joining me for the first half (to Crawford Notch / 302 / mile 31) so I wasn't doing the night section alone. Equipped with multiple headlamps, plenty of food, over 5 liters of water between us, and my newly activated Garmin inReach Mini, we left Dolly Copp at 8:20pm. <p></p><p>After exiting the campground, we used the Great Gulf Link trail to Great Gulf trail to cross the river back to rt 16. About 1/2 mile later, we took the Nineteen Mile Brook trail the 3.8 miles (with 1,900' climbing) up to the Carter Notch Hut. While the temps had cooled a bit (down to the upper 70s from in the 90s earlier in the day), the humidity had gone up to nearly 100% and we were immediate dripping wet. <br /></p><p>We arrived at the hut just past 10pm, re-filled our water, had a snack, and started blitzing back down the trail. We dubbed this section "the warmup" even thought we were already 6 miles / 2000' climbing in (1 hour 41 minutes). This may have been the first inclination that I had over committed just a bit as we were finally getting really started now. </p><p>The descent back down to 16 from Carter Notch went pretty well. The first mile was fairly technical and a bit slow, but we got a good groove going. We also weren't struggling at all with the dark which definately helped. Just under 52 minutes later we were back on 16 and headed back to the Great Gulf Trail. </p><p>As we reached the junction of Great Gulf / Great Gulf link, we chuckled briefly noting we had been there just over 2.5 hours earlier. This was the first bail out point and a bail out wasn't even on our minds. <br /></p><p>The next couple of miles were fairly insignificant. We did a mixture of running and fast hiking with nothing too technical. At mile 13.2, we reached the junction of Great Gulf, Madison Gulf, and Osgood cutoff. In my research, I read that Madison Gulf is hard to follow, technical, and all around pretty hard, but it lops off a few hundred feet of climbing as it avoids going over the summit of Madison and is the most direct way to the hut. In one video, a woman working at the Madison hut advised against taking it saying "it simply isn't worth it." Still, I was chasing the dangling carrot of less climbing and took it anyways. Boy was this a bad decision. </p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>We immediately got lost and wasted over 10 minutes trying to find the trail.</li><li>The trail kept crossing back and forth over a couple of streams and every time it cross, we struggled to find the trail again</li><li>It was fairly technical in the lower sections even when our climbing rate was low, which just made it slow going. <br /></li></ol><p>Eventually, we reached the real climb which was an all our scramble (1200' mile) before we reached the </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhqlpMDWLfsVUkafCxmMvrIvuJrPclkRlQqfjID4f0bb5HzOwet70OLt8LijZoMrHZiKK4R_ISFg_Px404CzhfLsMr7Y1RRNau5ciyyqC6n70cJoLsySsz6kCuPMsxOO1gmz6FnmAHPkgPETH5I3LuUCiqZ8_14LwDgv9fBtsGyoFh2SAGL8GoHMF/s4032/IMG_2184.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhqlpMDWLfsVUkafCxmMvrIvuJrPclkRlQqfjID4f0bb5HzOwet70OLt8LijZoMrHZiKK4R_ISFg_Px404CzhfLsMr7Y1RRNau5ciyyqC6n70cJoLsySsz6kCuPMsxOO1gmz6FnmAHPkgPETH5I3LuUCiqZ8_14LwDgv9fBtsGyoFh2SAGL8GoHMF/w187-h140/IMG_2184.HEIC" width="187" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Madison Hut</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>tree line. We arrived at the Madison Spring hut (mile 16.2) at 2:15am. My original plan called for us to arrive there by 12:15. Beforehand, I knew this would be one of the hardest sections of the route. Still, I was a bit discouraged on just how much it had taken out of me. I had already drank over 3 liters of water and was feeling some fatigue. <p></p><p>From here, we stayed on the Gulf Side trail, skipping the summits of Adam's and Jefferson, hoping that would help with time. This is the third time I have been in the Northern Presidential's and there really is no easy way through. The whole place is just a giant boulder field. Additionally, trying to site cairns by headlamp made it even slower going. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqRJY3ckc8cqpirvr0EZeroVweTrABzHDYP0GzfvLOGQi3lBbqZuvxA3IxwXpFFYtBlO3EHTV6BKnOpsnsUB8MgeOnHnCoc01p4NcKfa_3zTUJxARtg1XGVCJLmvz5KIjx4J_zUQp04h40dGFcfOd-T5XrjaEn-KECmqmqQE1b0Vzp24Du4_q3dd4/s4032/PXL_20220806_072137087.NIGHT.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqRJY3ckc8cqpirvr0EZeroVweTrABzHDYP0GzfvLOGQi3lBbqZuvxA3IxwXpFFYtBlO3EHTV6BKnOpsnsUB8MgeOnHnCoc01p4NcKfa_3zTUJxARtg1XGVCJLmvz5KIjx4J_zUQp04h40dGFcfOd-T5XrjaEn-KECmqmqQE1b0Vzp24Du4_q3dd4/w188-h106/PXL_20220806_072137087.NIGHT.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Southwest side of Adams. <br />Pic compliment of Keith</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>As I started coming to grip with the fact that I probably wasn't going to be doing the whole traverse, I started to enjoy the surroundings a bit more. At one point all the clouds had disappeared and we just sat down, turned off our head lamps off, and stared up into the stars. It was in the mid 60's with cool breeze and allowed us just to appreciate nature. It had been over 5 hours since we had seen another person. <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVUMx9FV9A-KXVqmYeDgT9KgjC-Utu5JnUANhQFNTbiK5a_B6YmpyVF5nmWWbgA9vfFs1vgyiiAJpZZ6R4C9Y4CQS5vDSCBY23_87Z-STLQToUqzIWCND_cEFsE87J0qteUM2-SvzclKKVGmbGta2O9fARrmH9N0Djnfvf1M4_fB8opEQQHLgnGg8/s4032/PXL_20220806_083027449.NIGHT.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVUMx9FV9A-KXVqmYeDgT9KgjC-Utu5JnUANhQFNTbiK5a_B6YmpyVF5nmWWbgA9vfFs1vgyiiAJpZZ6R4C9Y4CQS5vDSCBY23_87Z-STLQToUqzIWCND_cEFsE87J0qteUM2-SvzclKKVGmbGta2O9fARrmH9N0Djnfvf1M4_fB8opEQQHLgnGg8/w227-h128/PXL_20220806_083027449.NIGHT.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jefferson Sunrise<br />Pic compliments of Keith</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p> </p><p>By 4am, the fatigue was really setting in (I had been up for 22 hours). I have never actually fully pushed through the night before. I've run two, 100 mile races in the past, but both times missed the sunrise (finished before it in the first one and took a nap and slept through it in the second). Sleep deprivation was something I have yet to master. By 4:50 the sun started to show a hint of it's glow behind us. We took a short break to take it in. </p><p></p><p></p>By 5:20, we were able to shut off our head lamps. Shortly there after we reached the crossing of the Cog Railway. Knowing it was not yet running this early on Saturday morning, we snapped a quick picture while crossing. <p></p><p>Being over 3 hours behind pace, we decided it was time to officially pull an audible and took Davis Path to S Side trail to Tuckerman's crossover to Tuckerman's Ravine trail towards Pinkham Notch. We were over 22 miles in and frankly just ready to be done. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgsaa_Ile0KSmg7yyhsmsTQ3y6xTB1J47i7GWXalKs5G43iOAFDR3heQO2kKgJKomFk73829F-VwkxbwnzIp42Pjl6dI_9I0SMLYszH-qAfcPOexBj4xHfh-Loq1wJIyMJTyyIb7S4ka6_aJ7PxOdn95BF0LxaI8fmsoNtW2mcKMfSXXsvJD7lP9_/s3840/PXL_20220806_094345234.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgsaa_Ile0KSmg7yyhsmsTQ3y6xTB1J47i7GWXalKs5G43iOAFDR3heQO2kKgJKomFk73829F-VwkxbwnzIp42Pjl6dI_9I0SMLYszH-qAfcPOexBj4xHfh-Loq1wJIyMJTyyIb7S4ka6_aJ7PxOdn95BF0LxaI8fmsoNtW2mcKMfSXXsvJD7lP9_/w229-h129/PXL_20220806_094345234.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Cog<br />Pic compliments of Keith</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p>The decent down Tuckerman's was both really hard and absolutely beautiful. Last time I had hiked here was on my 30th birthday, before I even had an inclination to run an ultramarathon. We were treated with clear weather that had not yet heated the place up for the day. </p><p>As you can imagine, I have a lot of friends that like to get out in nature. A handful of them, including myself, have been to the Grand Canyon in the past year, and speak of the beauty of its vast landscape. For anyone that shares that deep appreciation, you really need to see Tuckerman's ravine on clear day. As we watched a stream falling hundreds off feet over rocks, mother nature's power was on full display showing how it can carve a landscape. <br /></p><p>We reached the Hermit lake shelter just before 7am and after a quick snack break started our final 2.4 mile descent. It wasn't until this time that we saw another hiker after leaving the campsite nearly 10.5 hours earlier. As we started to pass hikers heading up Washington, we to got the questions that are just fun to answer. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUlWeLQxw4TeNF4WPxF--TH0IjDSc4jpvZoAs6xgVAmaiRDVAxLINQXaKk0Z23ATyRnCUgXj0Z8BTnZgm3vx2OOitmXrkCO5o10OWc1aO7uL6RUIQmff5O7K52-B4mumFauYh9UhhhTxPpoYSegbmuMVNPU5AFHbP2pHPqR0k0TKKI1FjWY2oqOC8/s4032/PXL_20220806_103345816.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUlWeLQxw4TeNF4WPxF--TH0IjDSc4jpvZoAs6xgVAmaiRDVAxLINQXaKk0Z23ATyRnCUgXj0Z8BTnZgm3vx2OOitmXrkCO5o10OWc1aO7uL6RUIQmff5O7K52-B4mumFauYh9UhhhTxPpoYSegbmuMVNPU5AFHbP2pHPqR0k0TKKI1FjWY2oqOC8/w211-h119/PXL_20220806_103345816.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Descending the col before Washington<br />Pic compliments of Keith</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">"When did you start?" - "8:30pm" - "Nice"<br />"Where did you start from?" - "Dolly Copp" - "Awesome"<br />"How far have you gone?" - "Just over 26 miles" - "Wow"<br /></p><p>Arriving at Pinkham Notch, we took our packs off and sat down for a break and texted Amy to come pick us up. It was just before 8am and we had our fingers crossed that she would check her messages (which required leaving the campsite as she didn't have reception). At 9am, we decided we mind as well run the 6 miles back to the campsite. </p><p>After a 50 minute slog down rt 16, we made it back to the campsite completing our run. A good nights work or as David Roche would say, "a life-affirming, beautiful, stupidly brilliant, shitshow." </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/7599827378/overview"><i>-- 31.72 miles -- 8,025' climbing -- 9:34:16 moving time (12:21 elapsed) -- 18:06 / mile --</i></a> <br /></p><p><b>What I learned (or re-learned)<br /></b></p><p>1. If someone familiar with a trail says "Don't take that trail." Don't take that trail.<br />2. Trying to do the hut traverse while doing my first full push through the night was not a great idea.<br />3. Never underestimate the northern presidential range.<br />4. Moving in the dark is just slower, no matter what.<br />5. Be a bit more pessimistic with planned paces.<br /><br />Glad to get the experience of this run in and super thankful that Keith was able to accompany as I probably would have called it much earlier. I'll be back to do this one again even if I decide to do it with an overnight in the middle. </p><p></p><p>Scot<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIXLJ9wRLm5l3HKHlb3qDk0jkSUcOx3AqXXyJEsyGNQGes0O8ScCEi8NEswdUPh3_nxnIaq5uWauPSMbVr7AbVblvu63n9XssHTYHATV7aqAfUxVy4xsPV5ZDn38ONpOukCNi7D17DMclO1DEGUVOpbXLGSVy_8ugHD8oE71JKuxsHoMO-gneNcSg/s4032/PXL_20220806_102340099.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIXLJ9wRLm5l3HKHlb3qDk0jkSUcOx3AqXXyJEsyGNQGes0O8ScCEi8NEswdUPh3_nxnIaq5uWauPSMbVr7AbVblvu63n9XssHTYHATV7aqAfUxVy4xsPV5ZDn38ONpOukCNi7D17DMclO1DEGUVOpbXLGSVy_8ugHD8oE71JKuxsHoMO-gneNcSg/s320/PXL_20220806_102340099.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I'll be back<br />Pic compliments of Keith</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-173105777881999682022-04-04T09:16:00.004-04:002022-04-06T11:22:56.249-04:00State House to State House - The Run to Stop the Hate<p><i> "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King Jr.</i><br /></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JlUZsY8xijMimluG83xjbvPG8-uGYG53Yt3qoR_KeQz6alrR2jlDT-ZWaJ2Rf42fcWadSAGn2BwPo0qBeoSe-qPlTH-P9J9cYOeMvLZjLsY74s40uaa4iVZtAfu8dVu1EghhMdKjtFaXK4EZ-MdnlGH6iq6ML63INFqvoXxvHJEsjZFuwtUPY4vV/s1280/MA-State-House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JlUZsY8xijMimluG83xjbvPG8-uGYG53Yt3qoR_KeQz6alrR2jlDT-ZWaJ2Rf42fcWadSAGn2BwPo0qBeoSe-qPlTH-P9J9cYOeMvLZjLsY74s40uaa4iVZtAfu8dVu1EghhMdKjtFaXK4EZ-MdnlGH6iq6ML63INFqvoXxvHJEsjZFuwtUPY4vV/w208-h156/MA-State-House.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MA State House<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Every year I like to do a couple of runs that I pair with fundraisers. Last April, I ran from <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2021/04/monadnock-to-wachusett-fastest-and-only.html">Mount Monadnock to Mount Wachusett</a> (42 miles) as a fundraiser for <a href="https://nfnortheast.org/">NF Northeast</a>. After some research into routes, I decided this Spring's run would be from the MA State House to the RI State House. </p><p>As anyone that has been paying attention over the last few years already knows, the world is mess. It seems the level of hate has increased significantly. We have ruthless dictators invading sovereign countries, <span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto">American politicians legislating away identities, and people murdering
others simply because they don’t like the color of their skin color. </span> </p><p>My run was a simple way to stand up and say <b>"This is not alright. We see you, we stand with you, and we support you."</b></p><p>For the benefactors of this run, I chose <span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"><a href="https://www.bagly.org/">BAGLY</a> (Boston Alliance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Youth) and <a href="https://wck.org">WCK</a> (World Central Kitchen).<br /></span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle"></div><p></p><p><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle">BAGLY
is a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed
to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs,
policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community.We
picked BAGLY as one charity we support because they believe in being
safe and being yourself. No one should be illegal for being themselves. </div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle"><br /></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle">WCK
is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to
humanitarian, climate, and community crises. They build resilient food
systems with locally led solutions. We
picked World Central Kitchen not only because they have become
essential in the recent crisis in Ukraine, but for the work they have
been doing in conflict zones and following natural disasters for the
past 12 years. To make it even more effective, they do it in a locally,
sustainable way. No one should go hungry. </div><p><b></b></p><p>So far we have raised <b>$1668</b> dollars. Thank you </p><p>If you would like to contribute, please go to:</p><p><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">BAGLY: <span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 oo9gr5id lrazzd5p" href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/1135448603966301/?__cft__[0]=AZVoDYTTJTbIrzrTuhJL5UhgUuzcpm4Z6xZQRjoe4wrw9A5Y0jbSCc9z2pL3BoHLsVNAW6JSUVxM9pcA4nCdezQj-LHYjYFJUhMH0ZL9GSY4pQ2Hn8DntQPSq4cIWmXtqDA&__tn__=-UK-R" role="link" tabindex="0">https://www.facebook.com/donate/1135448603966301/</a></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">WCK: <span><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 oo9gr5id lrazzd5p" href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/996213781323987/?__cft__[0]=AZVoDYTTJTbIrzrTuhJL5UhgUuzcpm4Z6xZQRjoe4wrw9A5Y0jbSCc9z2pL3BoHLsVNAW6JSUVxM9pcA4nCdezQj-LHYjYFJUhMH0ZL9GSY4pQ2Hn8DntQPSq4cIWmXtqDA&__tn__=-UK-R" role="link" tabindex="0">https://www.facebook.com/donate/996213781323987/</a></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span><b>The Run</b></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span><b> </b></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7pk-U34DRBV_uRbU3LG90LkAMSZhk3dhgb4GYca5BEXdqa_n5o66HWqOTdSPrM-I_xITD1ZhngxqhU4B-v4GgMTq4OWDkSbBCkqFX8FtboU23z2i-VmIdZCkBJ8d1wgP_bc4_NUejC6cDT4khqwoGdqij2wyByWrg_UXdQOq1liQBwc1jR1YChoc/s2048/MA-State-House-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7pk-U34DRBV_uRbU3LG90LkAMSZhk3dhgb4GYca5BEXdqa_n5o66HWqOTdSPrM-I_xITD1ZhngxqhU4B-v4GgMTq4OWDkSbBCkqFX8FtboU23z2i-VmIdZCkBJ8d1wgP_bc4_NUejC6cDT4khqwoGdqij2wyByWrg_UXdQOq1liQBwc1jR1YChoc/w174-h131/MA-State-House-2.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>The run started off just before 6am on the Massachusetts State House Steps. I had Belmont Track Club Friends (Becca, Lisa, Karayln, Donal, and Doug) by my side and they kept me company for the first 9 miles. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span>We began by cutting through the Boston Common and the Public Garden before jumping on the South West Corridor</span> (as beautiful 4 miles stretch from Back Bay to Forest Hills). After cutting through the arboretum, we made our way over to Centre st and then Spring st in West Roxbury. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">We joked around quite bit during those initial miles. The best quote was "Scot, next time can we stop the hate a little bit later in the day?" <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Shortly after mile 9, my friends pealed off to head home. Donal and Doug jumped on Blue Bikes back to Doug's car while Lisa, Becca, and Karalyn ran back to Belmont. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupUKWSBdliIHJsy40IQzNn-3DNnkOVM-9-JL31nrkrNSAcg_sUePlWyk-rCx5kRfBMdJslfTxs5J5wOso_ECpuwgrmnI3L4hJ2D8rN3gd107VpiLwKRzun_UjzdzNOdX3PCWgkjCQ00Sxjm7GUmhOnhGMYGpSg6q6pZ55aNXQPPoOl7q4YNKNlCc5/s2048/hate-no-home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupUKWSBdliIHJsy40IQzNn-3DNnkOVM-9-JL31nrkrNSAcg_sUePlWyk-rCx5kRfBMdJslfTxs5J5wOso_ECpuwgrmnI3L4hJ2D8rN3gd107VpiLwKRzun_UjzdzNOdX3PCWgkjCQ00Sxjm7GUmhOnhGMYGpSg6q6pZ55aNXQPPoOl7q4YNKNlCc5/w200-h150/hate-no-home.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">At this point I was averaging 8:30 and feeling pretty good and even picked the pace up a bit. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><br /><span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Shortly there after I entered Dedham and stopped at a church to take a picture with the sign that says "Hate has no home here." It really should be this simple.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8MdaDeiEoccPi1ti4FF1m_2T_-n5qWL4uEKqnX8ivw2Z4CrYgtSFCB1zOxlxgUQ2_7uJNOhHe5Y_St5gjKIt5IgVj0iwWppz7XY54psjgGZzkXLxVvktsf2_u9isaVhE-8FHojN0xJfvsTD9aKYMwdL7eyY4uNXpYPJCovBTLdUePwFfDpTAVMZC/s4032/pride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8MdaDeiEoccPi1ti4FF1m_2T_-n5qWL4uEKqnX8ivw2Z4CrYgtSFCB1zOxlxgUQ2_7uJNOhHe5Y_St5gjKIt5IgVj0iwWppz7XY54psjgGZzkXLxVvktsf2_u9isaVhE-8FHojN0xJfvsTD9aKYMwdL7eyY4uNXpYPJCovBTLdUePwFfDpTAVMZC/w140-h105/pride.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>I continued on through Norwood, running by the Moderna office, and then into Walpole. Not too much to report through here as it was a lot of uneventful miles. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><br /><span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Shortly after mile 25, I made a quick pit stop at Walgreens to get something to drink and some band-aids for blister forming on my left heal. Luckily, it did the trick. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><br /><span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRG0NAoZ1nrKmxrPe4ng_SU-hAm_dLByQrKBAyzMg9vK-PI5MXPT4E4LHtJ0NoGM2BJ9ms5Vy-_aupfszrlcbxOl9UtGlTKkhir7-aV1ht6BRvRu-oGHqZ4GIRMyL8tEU5G7VVdSvjPRB2aw-EG4l-PyKBhK-pmMSRwZH2xBZ-URfygqVA6eRQhB-a/s4032/ukraine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRG0NAoZ1nrKmxrPe4ng_SU-hAm_dLByQrKBAyzMg9vK-PI5MXPT4E4LHtJ0NoGM2BJ9ms5Vy-_aupfszrlcbxOl9UtGlTKkhir7-aV1ht6BRvRu-oGHqZ4GIRMyL8tEU5G7VVdSvjPRB2aw-EG4l-PyKBhK-pmMSRwZH2xBZ-URfygqVA6eRQhB-a/w106-h141/ukraine.jpg" width="106" /></a>From there on my pace started to suffer a bit. What seemed effortless originally, was taking a bit more focus now. As I ran through Foxborough and then through Attleborough, I stopped a took a picture anytime I saw a Pride flag or a Ukrainian flag in front of a house. It was nice to see people showing their support. </div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><br /><span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">When I got to mile 35, I decided it was time for a break. I was still averaging about 8:50 pace. I sat under a tree, ate a snack, and enjoyed the sun. <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbjnZ6TexFsz7jmHSm5ohI8kjjN82WAGY7ivhsDWAzOd8W1EaphISLwgqxiK0bgIaEopV3Itu-yjmQRc10EnrDg-_nJ0dE4PO-9sscf_Akre8mM07oHxqdTdX5UxGBiSqIwYb6iQkCPedkXj7xm0JDtoeQN157kvSGHGUasZa8u8MfJR94U6LX8rq/s4032/RI-State-House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbjnZ6TexFsz7jmHSm5ohI8kjjN82WAGY7ivhsDWAzOd8W1EaphISLwgqxiK0bgIaEopV3Itu-yjmQRc10EnrDg-_nJ0dE4PO-9sscf_Akre8mM07oHxqdTdX5UxGBiSqIwYb6iQkCPedkXj7xm0JDtoeQN157kvSGHGUasZa8u8MfJR94U6LX8rq/w190-h143/RI-State-House.jpg" width="190" /></a> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">With about 8 miles to go, I finally got off the monotonous roads I was on. I ran on the 10 mile bike path for a few miles before picking up the waterfront. My biggest navigational error of the day came right before I crossed the river from East Providence to Providence. I didn't occur to me that there would be a pedestrian path right next to the highway. The last few miles were beautiful along the board walk. My legs were totally shot, but it was great to see so many out and about. <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><br /><span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">As the State House came into view, I felt both a sense of relief and a sense of sadness. I was pretty tired and glad to be finishing up the run, but sad for all those marginalized in today's world. Why is getting along so difficult. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/6921763050/overview"><i>-- 50 miles -- 8:23:09 (9:57 / mile) Elapsed - 7:39:55 (9:06 / mile) Moving -- </i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Huge shout out to all of those that supported this endeavor. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> <br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you to Doug, Donal, Becca, Karayln, and Lisa for running with me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you to Elizabeth Hanlon, Twiggy Chan, Meryl Junik, Carrie-Anne DeDeo, Patrick Phelan, Jessie Bennett, Becca Pizzi, Douglyss Giuliana, Donal Reynolds, Lisa Engler, Yi Zhang, Gary DeDeo, Michael Lepore, Brian LaValle, Brian Tinger, Karalyn Spadaro, Tim and Erin Morin, Christine Da Silva, Brendan Caffrey, Laurie Gagnon, Susan DeDeo, Urvi Mujumdar, Dawn Mullins, Scott White, and Chris Wristen for your generosity and support. <span> </span> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><i></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">- Scot<br /><i></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj5CWGi0o2iG5NRuG7TwBjmuY8MYSN55R7pCr-dZModHLKDeG7V4EIdmvPHPgouLyPyp9Ck4azeYjQ2XH0ARo7HMbWXKttZAAwQmQ2mvYBC4pKY15R5QP4jWVacoPHsNoIpEnqOf0C_dWGOKRRqZKw49o44dIQK_RQwAg0frYny2hsleEjxklh5LS/s2048/car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj5CWGi0o2iG5NRuG7TwBjmuY8MYSN55R7pCr-dZModHLKDeG7V4EIdmvPHPgouLyPyp9Ck4azeYjQ2XH0ARo7HMbWXKttZAAwQmQ2mvYBC4pKY15R5QP4jWVacoPHsNoIpEnqOf0C_dWGOKRRqZKw49o44dIQK_RQwAg0frYny2hsleEjxklh5LS/s320/car.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cramming in the back of Doug's car to get to the start<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below are some fun messages I got before and after the run.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"<span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en">If it's important to you, it's important to me!"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"><span class="nc684nl6"><span> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"><span class="nc684nl6"><span>"</span></span><span class="nc684nl6"><span>Scot DeDeo</span></span> you're welcome!! Thank YOU for running!"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en">"</span></span><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en">Scot,
my son is Trans, so it is I who am appreciative of your efforts to
raise awareness and support for the organization. Have a great run!"</span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" dir="auto" lang="en"><br /></span></span></div></div><p></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-5406130392100705602022-02-07T12:54:00.002-05:002022-12-27T11:25:33.354-05:00The Frozen Yeti - Capping off a Month of the Coldest Weather I Can Remember<p>This past weekend I competed at the TARC Frozen Yeti for the third time. The Frozen Yeti is a 15 mile course broken into three 5ish mile loops at the Hale Reservation in Westwood, MA. You can either run the 15 mile race or as many miles as you want over 30 hours. The inaugural year of the race was in 2019 where I ran the 15 mile race. In 2020, pre-pandemic, I ran 63 miles over 12.5 hours (You can read more about that <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2020/02/kicking-off-2020-with-tarctic-frozen.html">here</a>). This year I had goals to beat that, but it all depended on what mother nature had in store. </p><p>The story of the 2022 Frozen Yeti starts 4 weeks before race day. Maintaining a 70 mile a week average over 2021 gave me a great base to begin my training. For this year's Yeti, my goal was to put in a few big weeks to be near peak shape going into the race. </p><p>First up was a 90 mile week with a <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/6491222753">30 mile run</a>. That Saturday's temps were down to 18 with 7 degree wind chill. It was a good start adapting to the cold weather that we might see on race day. </p><p>The following week I upped mile mileage to triple digits for the first time since the 2020 Yeti and incorporated a <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/6527753936">35 mile run</a> where the temps plummeted to 5 degrees with a -16 windchill. This may be the coldest weather I have ever run in. </p><p>Feeling strong after knocking 187 miles in the first half of the month, I started to back the mileage down with two weeks to go before the race. After a 62 mile week with another Saturday run in the single digits, we learned that mother nature had other plans and was going to dump what would eventually be 2' of snow on race day. So the Frozen Yeti had to be postponed a week due to it being too frozen (honestly though, there was no way the race could have taken place in the blizzard and it was definitely the right call). </p><p>All and all, I had 5 runs in January under 10 degrees with another 5 under 20. It was a cold month. <br /></p><p>So this brings us to a week later than planned and followed an ice storm which froze everything solid. </p><p><b>The Race</b></p><p></p>The race began at 8am and with the uncertain conditions, I set a tiered goals for the day. First up <br />was the A goal, to beat my 2020 mileage. This was my first in person ultra race since the 2020 version that happened just before the pandemic reached the Boston area. While I knew this was a stretch, I also knew I was in pretty good shape from all the mileage over the past couple of years. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhASF6fG7-KvtmgPU5n5JMHWgjO35vHyQgGsmVPRk782w39DR4dP8e6KV2Cj7eJB-ywFAVEEww-mFES-zGd_jn8PZTcC5hHTz9b7hAPLj2C0pbLthe95y0spvPxVyo8k_qwvbxDt7xSKdxAd8kztGpUXJTlFzdEwN3aeQy78EDYLqZKEFCIcBG9N82L=s2048" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1542" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhASF6fG7-KvtmgPU5n5JMHWgjO35vHyQgGsmVPRk782w39DR4dP8e6KV2Cj7eJB-ywFAVEEww-mFES-zGd_jn8PZTcC5hHTz9b7hAPLj2C0pbLthe95y0spvPxVyo8k_qwvbxDt7xSKdxAd8kztGpUXJTlFzdEwN3aeQy78EDYLqZKEFCIcBG9N82L=w140-h186" width="140" /></a></div>My B goal was 45 miles. I figured this was reasonable, but was still unsure how tough running on snow and ice would make the day. The C goal was 35 miles. I had already run this in training and figured no matter what I could muscle this out on race day. <p></p><p>My trusty running buddy Keith and I got to the race around 7:20 which gave us a bit of time to check in and chat with some fellow runners. Since Keith had to leave for work after 10 miles, the goal was for him to come back and join for a few more when he could. </p><p>The race started at 8 (22 degrees with next to no wind) and Keith and I took off like we were running the 15 mile race. While I like to run from the front, doing so on a snowy, icy course had some disadvantages. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Since we were setting fresh tracks, we were post holing a bit (2-3''). Not horrible, but enough to put un-needed stress on the angles and calves.</li><li>There were a handful of stream crossings and it wasn't always clear where it was safe to step. Needless to say, we both ended up with wet feet in the first few miles. </li></ul><p>Later laps proved to be easier with the snow packed down a bit more and safe tracks through wet areas were easier to follow. </p><p>As mentioned earlier, the course follows three loops. These are known as the Red, White, and Blue loops. The first, aka Red, loop (roughly 5.7 miles) is the most challenging of the three with the middle 2.5 miles going up and down and up and down and zigging and zagging. Keith and I finished the first loop at just over 10:30 pace. The second, or White loop (~4.7 miles), still had its share of rolling hills, but it flattened out enough that we knocked down our average pace 10:25. </p><p>After the White loop, Keith took off for work, and I was on my own from here on out. Before he left, we chatted with the volunteers and race directors briefly joking about everything from the best donuts (see <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2021/06/the-donut-series.html">Donut Series</a>) in the Boston area to what it like to have an 8+ year run streak. </p><p>As I began the Blue loop (a tad over 5 miles), I slowed a bit knowing a still had a long day ahead of me. It was a bit surreal running across snow covered beaches next to frozen ponds thinking back to the 2020 version where there was no ice and the 2016 TARC 100 where I ran my first 100k on these same trails. </p><p>I finished the first loop in 2:45, which wasn't too bad considering it was 100% ice and snow. </p><p>After a quick snack, I headed out on my second lap trying to simple keep moving. That set of rolling hills complete with twisting and turning really started to beat on. My pace bounced around between 11 and 12:30 per mile. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd8rIRndNFKHk8C2niIP8z40-wRH4BBKCwdVrZysT_kVKCK7GV0Yn7UvrQGz-KU5aoznA0w8ZWYIuwp_MWxzSQpstqywDba2H4L-SwZbhbZ4pEljOFpxKLtwRGiSp4pQJODmvdbocnTc133E7UeaLqYlPdiJiIJi6aSV0_umlY9iiJg-6PcMfraodf=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd8rIRndNFKHk8C2niIP8z40-wRH4BBKCwdVrZysT_kVKCK7GV0Yn7UvrQGz-KU5aoznA0w8ZWYIuwp_MWxzSQpstqywDba2H4L-SwZbhbZ4pEljOFpxKLtwRGiSp4pQJODmvdbocnTc133E7UeaLqYlPdiJiIJi6aSV0_umlY9iiJg-6PcMfraodf=w222-h167" width="222" /></a></div>After I finished the Red loop for the second time, I went straight into the White loop. I had a Untapped Waffle in my pocked and figured that would be enough to get me back to the aid station. <p></p><p>Never being more than 5.7 miles from the aid station, I opted to for running with a pack in this weather. I fit some food in my pockets and just drank while I was at the aid station. <br /></p><p>Within the next mile I had eaten the waffle and could feel my stomach grumbling. It was nearing noon and my body was ready for lunch. Miles 23-25 were the roughest miles of the day as I fought off a bonk. Finally, I arrived back at the aid station and ate everything in site; licorice, air heads, PB&J, chocolate bars, and a banana. While my break was a bit longer than I would have liked, I felt so much better heading out on the White loop. </p><p></p>While I didn't speed back up, I was running 100% of the time. At this point my splits were bouncing around from 11 to 13 minutes per mile, but I was in good spirits. I finished my second set of the loops in 3:16 bringing my total time for the day to about 6:01. 1 more loop (5 miles) to hit my C goal. With the help of a cheese quesadillas, I was confident I could get to at least 35. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqlRLjiAYonl8Fs2_ud42uzUZY5wev6FSfclfwpve6MmJqicp9gPFdXZbw-cEr1ZhUThwh9gvl3ojoyboM7sP81rvk6yN7F-iAPC_UcIcUxZPfeDxSZrEwOeenhSwxCa5a1gTNIbogSMele_m71pCxxxsTdC63EgdkqpsEBTohL0XdMfhJm87Cz9Fw=s3088" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqlRLjiAYonl8Fs2_ud42uzUZY5wev6FSfclfwpve6MmJqicp9gPFdXZbw-cEr1ZhUThwh9gvl3ojoyboM7sP81rvk6yN7F-iAPC_UcIcUxZPfeDxSZrEwOeenhSwxCa5a1gTNIbogSMele_m71pCxxxsTdC63EgdkqpsEBTohL0XdMfhJm87Cz9Fw=w159-h212" width="159" /></a></div>That high I had been riding for the previous 5 miles lasted about 1 more mile. Then the going got tough again. My feet had been wet for nearly 30 miles and based on the level of discomfort of my right heal, I could only imagine what it looked like. <p></p><p>At this point I started to catch some runners that had started a bit later in the day. The positivity coming from them is one of the things I love the most about ultra / trail running. Everyone is out there with their own goals and always happy to see and help others achieve theirs. I always get such a boost chatting with others on the trail. </p><p></p><p>As I completed my 7th lap (my watch now read 37 miles), I bumped into my friend Tim. He had just completed his 6th lap and was calling it a day. Tim has always been interested in running ultras, but never seemed to make it happen before. With the race postponed a week, he ran 32 miles on his treadmill last weekend. Today, he officially finished his first ultra. Congratulations and welcome to the club. </p><p>As I headed out my 8th lap, the Blue loop, I knew this was probably going to be it for the day. The sun would set and the temps would start dropping within the hour. About half way through, Keith called and said he would be back by 4:40 and that we would need to head home. He didn't get any argument from me. </p><p>I finished that loop with an elapsed time of <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/6637276317/overview">8:39, 12:25 pace over 41.8 miles for day 1</a>. </p><p>What? Day 1? There is more then one day? Before I knew it Keith was telling race directors that we would be back to run more in the morning. He had only run 10 miles and needed at least 10 more. I was too tired to argue and simply agreed. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlf4gOfHJ0NpXjoDNqaSwsOSK4TDfYhiIyXbqOwtxEDEtbKHaJ6FQ9XKT2MkcUFe1O65yxQQg_uPqpIjdYTVTOmWg5lCwqfL5Mr07epQ6xXo0WNXK9QYE11R_8FvHQhfdt92_WIlcB7pofPBUlanY9I-mjUf5aZF-tqai5G114xYnyMs27pU141sZs=s1920" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlf4gOfHJ0NpXjoDNqaSwsOSK4TDfYhiIyXbqOwtxEDEtbKHaJ6FQ9XKT2MkcUFe1O65yxQQg_uPqpIjdYTVTOmWg5lCwqfL5Mr07epQ6xXo0WNXK9QYE11R_8FvHQhfdt92_WIlcB7pofPBUlanY9I-mjUf5aZF-tqai5G114xYnyMs27pU141sZs=w116-h208" width="116" /></a></div><br />Before we left, I was chatting with one of the volunteers and something about her looked familiar. Turns out it was <a href="https://ultrarunnergirl.com/about/">Stephanie Case</a>, the elite long distance ultra runner and human rights lawyer. She came to the event to get in some volunteer hours and ran the course after her shift was over. She has an impressive resume with a recent win Tor des Glaciers (the 450k long course version of Tor des Geants in Italy) last September. As impressive as her running has been her work for the UN while living in areas of conflict and her founding of the NGO <a href="https://freetorun.org/">Free to Run</a> enabling women and girls to safely engage in outdoor activities in conflict affected regions. I've followed her on Instagram for while and have always been a huge fan. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7XdhhsJy5YaGuu89yB-n899ZmNnvYz822OPY_PExoZIeQlDI53pbIcKxURYfcdZxbXtfCLQ01vAe9x2gnrMONVl4vQvJZOMGCLEj_HbMEGo2Gi9AElbc3fKTNH0CzgXB9OYNeAM9a3A_QrurqiuAIGLebqj14MxdZkdVgrP3tDesC0-dVDo-hP4q8=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7XdhhsJy5YaGuu89yB-n899ZmNnvYz822OPY_PExoZIeQlDI53pbIcKxURYfcdZxbXtfCLQ01vAe9x2gnrMONVl4vQvJZOMGCLEj_HbMEGo2Gi9AElbc3fKTNH0CzgXB9OYNeAM9a3A_QrurqiuAIGLebqj14MxdZkdVgrP3tDesC0-dVDo-hP4q8=w111-h149" width="111" /></a></div>Once I got in the car, I finally took my shoes off to see how bad the damage really was. In short it wasn't good. Both heals had been rubbed raw and my right sneaker was covered in blood. Once I got home, I cleaned it up and settled in to the couch to relax and watch the Olympics. <br /><p></p><p>Day 2 began with a 5am wake up. Keith needed to be back home by 9am so I told him I would pick him up around 5:40. We arrived back at Hale shortly after 6 just as the sun was starting to provide that morning glow. Hobbling with two really sore heals, I told Keith to just go, I would wait for the sun to rise a bit and just tack on 5 more miles. </p><p>So for the next 15 minutes I sat and chatted with Surjeet, Carolyn (race directors) and some volunteers before heading out. While it was under 10 degrees, the fire was providing some nice warmth and I even got to see one of hardy soles (<span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto">Patrick McInerney) </span>that was pushing through the night come in. He would go on to eventually win and become the sole 100 miler. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwGhogQPHmLRUNOOqTkgsVmWi83olOVLrs-0XRCxy18SocEk9I5WlC5fmVmKIhy6KjPR8AjiWHPldWLftIs3Z7Omwcc68glqg9RvVV4wTmZggEnzkkTVQv23_2oWa1BzYN3hExoo3upjl0LiSgyycDHM96o0Yj_MJDaaiZ3Xd9slugG7nAkcrBYbKz=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwGhogQPHmLRUNOOqTkgsVmWi83olOVLrs-0XRCxy18SocEk9I5WlC5fmVmKIhy6KjPR8AjiWHPldWLftIs3Z7Omwcc68glqg9RvVV4wTmZggEnzkkTVQv23_2oWa1BzYN3hExoo3upjl0LiSgyycDHM96o0Yj_MJDaaiZ3Xd9slugG7nAkcrBYbKz=w191-h143" width="191" /></a></div>Just before 6:30 I headed out and ran the Blue loop one last time. I wasn't moving particularly fast, but I made it through the loop without too much trouble. With a mile to go, I saw Keith running towards me. He said his feet were just too blistered from wet shoes the day before. We finished together, had some awesome egg and cheese quesadillas, and thanked the volunteers one more time before heading out. <p></p><p>I ended up finishing with 47 miles total over the two days. Not to bad considering I've never run that much on snow or ice before. <br /></p><p>While I am not sure if I will run the Frozen Yeti again next year, I definitely will be back to at least volunteer. Not having been to one of their races in two years really made me appreciate just how awesome the TARC events and TARC family really are ... and for that I simply just want to say Thank you. </p><p>- Scot</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMxrHIJ68UZ0-8sMSphFtEbiepDqZPI15nMBQx9UPrVufbctM-qAJsdrUHKWCvJYZCm72wKwfkZkk6O13jcUf51SaRD4tDpiI18yD4ZK9M-fi-a_N8STwFP0HqgP0wdkBaHaBv0iXz3hI25r7EbOI49SRN6WRgWgkJUTgH2zhEb54rKSl_JzPl4Fm9=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMxrHIJ68UZ0-8sMSphFtEbiepDqZPI15nMBQx9UPrVufbctM-qAJsdrUHKWCvJYZCm72wKwfkZkk6O13jcUf51SaRD4tDpiI18yD4ZK9M-fi-a_N8STwFP0HqgP0wdkBaHaBv0iXz3hI25r7EbOI49SRN6WRgWgkJUTgH2zhEb54rKSl_JzPl4Fm9=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-28571503027876779592021-12-31T10:03:00.002-05:002022-12-27T11:00:30.888-05:002021 - 10 Miles a Day Keeps the ... Away<p style="text-align: center;"><i>“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” - Nelson Mandela</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">After <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2020/12/2020-chasing-perfect-sunris.html">2020</a>, we didn't know what to think. We had just come off pretty much the worse year on record in the last 100 years and still had at least 3-4 months of a raging pandemic in front of us. Still, we couldn't help to be optimistic as the Trump era was ending, promising vaccines were being rolled out, and we had no choice but to be optimistic to a return to normalcy (or at least something a bit closer to normal). </p><p style="text-align: left;">Well here we are, at the end of the year, still living in a state of flux and uncertainty. Things have gotten better, but only in some areas. Anyways, we soldier on and do the best that we can. </p><p>As many people know, I use my running as method to cope with the stresses of daily life. There is a joke that says "Running helps me keep my I never killed anyone streak." While my stress levels may not be that high to some others comparatively, it does give me some piece of mind and a feeling of accomplishment after my daily run. </p><p>Below you will find how I kept myself busy (and somewhat sane) in 2021. <br /></p><p><b>Arlington</b></p><p>First up, was finishing off every street in Arlington. I had run every street in Belmont in 2020 and being a bit bored with my running last November, I decided to start running Arlington as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpI893iCX7vMzH4noYDppyy3KU4r7qCMtHQODfDK4X7l0VT2pRteI2i7rgwdV0R6QSllvsZWlzpnWqoegTns45LbDMb27Ws6b6aZvpmD3AHdtw6zl9S1TQn_Mm7GWTCTM7kZGEb7ZCterhijcgxEdcb2xZTPbeiwIw66egVXGFanEWkhvLfz5Y5Qyf=s1440" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1440" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpI893iCX7vMzH4noYDppyy3KU4r7qCMtHQODfDK4X7l0VT2pRteI2i7rgwdV0R6QSllvsZWlzpnWqoegTns45LbDMb27Ws6b6aZvpmD3AHdtw6zl9S1TQn_Mm7GWTCTM7kZGEb7ZCterhijcgxEdcb2xZTPbeiwIw66egVXGFanEWkhvLfz5Y5Qyf=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Arlington is a bit bigger (about 2.5X) than Belmont and since I started every run at my house, I lost about 2-6 miles just going back and forth. After many a cold, snowy, rainy, windy, and you name it days, my trusty running buddy, Keith, and I finished Arlington on February 26th; all 596 streets of it. </p><p>I went on to run every road in Watertown as well later in the year. <br /></p><p></p><p><b>The Donut Series</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJc74V0ywVky0yggGgByZJutLMjOxrrMJA3oeLxV9krei4W8ly-Ehb8uUt8NhIhJc9q-rrOaK47y1qZZWlkdeFAFP3sYdIZgGB0ImUwmNGr-v-yFRivoJqI5aKE8beVwdfcdRMyJZhRy4tPBCj_IE2fKkdm8tgW6okPa22B0faQOOukYER7cs_Ajl2=s2048" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJc74V0ywVky0yggGgByZJutLMjOxrrMJA3oeLxV9krei4W8ly-Ehb8uUt8NhIhJc9q-rrOaK47y1qZZWlkdeFAFP3sYdIZgGB0ImUwmNGr-v-yFRivoJqI5aKE8beVwdfcdRMyJZhRy4tPBCj_IE2fKkdm8tgW6okPa22B0faQOOukYER7cs_Ajl2=w101-h101" width="101" /></a></div>Another way I stayed motivated during the pandemic became known as the <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2021/06/the-donut-series.html">Donut Series</a>. For 13 weeks, I visited 13 different donuts shops testing out as many donuts as I could. All and all, it made for a really fun way plan out new runs and the family never complained when I came home with treats. Click the above link to see which ones I liked best.<p></p><p><b> <br />Fastest Known Times</b></p><p>I was able to add two more FKT's to my collection this year. The first, was a route I designed and submitted (so it also known as an Only Known Time) where I connected <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2021/04/monadnock-to-wachusett-fastest-and-only.html">Mount Monadnock in NH with Wachusett Mountain in MA</a>. The route was just under 43 miles and I was able to complete it in just under 9 hours. With the first 12 miles in the snow, I left more then enough time on the board for some one to beat it if they so desire. </p><p>The second FKT was loop in Lexington, MA known as the <a href="https://fastestknowntime.com/route/battle-road-trail-ma">Battle Road Trail</a>. This route I found on the FKT website that explores a series of historical landmarks and trails in Lexington and Concord including the Battle Road, Reformatory Branch Trail, Old North Bridge, and the Cross Lexington Trails. Keith tagged along for this one where we set a time of 2:28 on the 19 mile loop (since then this one has been broken by Keith (different Keith) Nadeau in a time of just under 2:04). </p><p><b>The White Mountains</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqdQTQDjTGbyjQ6Dt3nJ7ytRQgZy3osgV0lkat52Ag5ocB7o5hWriEwNh-O2jFsAS7p9pZXJBce4BlH5oVMrbBDt4wydkrnkh1rIa6GiL9c-jKEoKdnuGqvYvmlDpkX7hBAr1xgwQk_ckM_S0coH1yJEQlHxTu7D4CC_xWZ6JAoicf6VgCNX7vF_nR=s2048" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqdQTQDjTGbyjQ6Dt3nJ7ytRQgZy3osgV0lkat52Ag5ocB7o5hWriEwNh-O2jFsAS7p9pZXJBce4BlH5oVMrbBDt4wydkrnkh1rIa6GiL9c-jKEoKdnuGqvYvmlDpkX7hBAr1xgwQk_ckM_S0coH1yJEQlHxTu7D4CC_xWZ6JAoicf6VgCNX7vF_nR=w171-h128" width="171" /></a></div>As with previous summers, I got up to the White Mountains again as much as I could. With some of my friends (specifically Mat and Donal) interested in tagging peaks as well, I was able to summit 10 new peaks (24 total) over 4 different runs. <p></p><p>It started with what is known as the <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5414157491">Pemi+ Loop</a> which adds Galehead and West Bond to the normal Pemi loop (to make it 11 instead of 9 peaks). A couple weeks later I tagged <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5490721325">Tom, Field, and Willey</a> after going over Hale while Amy and I were on a camping trip. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEVLHoSU35vJoO2GNJ4pHv_4_5Dr1L29zvzVd8LHxd_HV9SGUYP_RMNUfYs2M-bf_yvP_q5x6bfduT4jKrSny23PuXR79U3HceqDJGU-P10x58gNABvuF5kaeO8Zi41skbat2oVv1SgJBpZgM4Jz5Obqyqg_ZZUx5C_Lme81zkp15DF4vGeLPhOsAO=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEVLHoSU35vJoO2GNJ4pHv_4_5Dr1L29zvzVd8LHxd_HV9SGUYP_RMNUfYs2M-bf_yvP_q5x6bfduT4jKrSny23PuXR79U3HceqDJGU-P10x58gNABvuF5kaeO8Zi41skbat2oVv1SgJBpZgM4Jz5Obqyqg_ZZUx5C_Lme81zkp15DF4vGeLPhOsAO=w185-h139" width="185" /></a></div>In July, Mat and I completed the <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-presidential-picnic.html">Presidential Picnic</a> (Presidential Traverse + biking back to the car) while Donal opted just for the run portion. We had our work cut out for us that day as we were treated with 60+ MPH winds on Adams and torrential downpour on Washington. <p></p><p>A couple weeks later, Neil and I hiked <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5717126219">Mnt Jackson</a> (Neil's 1st 4000' peak) and then the next day I tagged <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5723095060">Zealand</a> (via North and South Twin). <br /></p><p>13 peaks left to complete the 48 and can't wait to get back up there. <br /></p><p><b>The Grand Canyon</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHRAqU8HvrFxgT1IN3SCIEWTnzt8Kph6eF8YqWb0S9WHDNNea4X8e6V0yQNAL_l3XgrZ2DwJrcatMYYfbSCkQuyAUaNL0PYwo3i5aw8jMx31Pw3tkJXbV6S8u-Lv6l4NR0TZOrfT7lyRrhNu9Y85t5WVs7gVCD0g1VF7crUvnhWuj0eQk9Pi2LaNKZ=s1440" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHRAqU8HvrFxgT1IN3SCIEWTnzt8Kph6eF8YqWb0S9WHDNNea4X8e6V0yQNAL_l3XgrZ2DwJrcatMYYfbSCkQuyAUaNL0PYwo3i5aw8jMx31Pw3tkJXbV6S8u-Lv6l4NR0TZOrfT7lyRrhNu9Y85t5WVs7gVCD0g1VF7crUvnhWuj0eQk9Pi2LaNKZ=w165-h124" width="165" /></a></div>The big run of the year (or really the big one of the last two years) was a double crossing of the Grand Canyon known as the Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim (or R2R2R for short). This was an outing that my friend Doug had been planning for a while and it did not disappoint. <p></p><p>After 49 miles and over 11,000' climbing, we finally emerged back at the South Rim after nearly 14 hours elapsed time. To read the full report, check out: <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-grand-canyon-rim-2-rim-2-rim.html">R2R2R</a>. <br /></p><p><b>The Apple Run and Wellington Fun Run</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_TBazwf7In9ifN5w064jbK4wB_SWQCEUMjZsFm61EsKAJsqZMZbdBazGuKbeSmK6L_6ad2p5kxljc1mDSN8z0WYJqSM0qbVsNsAhB-DSchp7cH4R3VAewzxhIMEO1EVtRKu10uY6-WLOnuvBF2EwBhH9YIzQ_kHQSmS-6tFjBZeQMJGFSGuMUg2Yt=s960" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="448" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_TBazwf7In9ifN5w064jbK4wB_SWQCEUMjZsFm61EsKAJsqZMZbdBazGuKbeSmK6L_6ad2p5kxljc1mDSN8z0WYJqSM0qbVsNsAhB-DSchp7cH4R3VAewzxhIMEO1EVtRKu10uY6-WLOnuvBF2EwBhH9YIzQ_kHQSmS-6tFjBZeQMJGFSGuMUg2Yt=w87-h187" width="87" /></a></div>I continued / got back directing some local events this year as well. I really enjoy doing this as it allows me to share my love of running while being able to give back to my community. The Apple Run was back in person this year where we had nearly 800 runners and grossed over $40k. This was my 4th year as the race director <br /><p></p><p>After a hiatus last year, we were able to have the Wellington Fun Run back this year. This one is a fundraiser for my kids' elementary school and involves running laps around the school. We were able to raise over $16k at this event and I ended up running 12 laps total between grades 1 - 4. <br /></p><p><b>Fundraising</b></p><p>As with previous years, I need to say thank
you to all of you that have supported my fundraising efforts. Even in
the middle of a pandemic, you all were generous in supporting my
endeavors. </p>I ran two campaigns this year aligning with my
Monadnock to Wachusett FKT and my 41 miles for my 41st birthday run. Both
times I blew my fundraising goals out of the water raising a total of
$2259. With the help of my employer (Salesforce) and their generous
corporate matches, we were able to raise nearly $6k total on the year. <p><b>10 a Day</b></p><p>After a strong start to the year (606 miles between January and February), I wondered what it would take to hold 10 miles a day for the year. The past few years, I have been averaging just over 8 a day. While just 2 more a day doesn't seem like much, it really is; 14 more a week, 60 a month, and 700 on the year. </p><p>Anyways, I stayed pretty disciplined this year and was able to hit my numbers. It really just came down to consistency; longer days on Tuesday's and Thursdays and nearly 30 miles every weekend. </p><p>In the end, those miles really did give me a lot of piece of mind. Sure, I fell asleep on the couch watching TV a few nights a week, but I slept better and was more patient to deal with the stresses of life. </p><b>By the Numbers</b><ul><li>Races run: 3 (two 5k's and a 4 miler)</li><li>NH 4000 footers: 10 new / 25 total<br /></li><li>FKTs: 2<br /></li><li>Longest run: 49.1 miles</li><li>Miles Run: 3666.8 (398 more than last year and <b>most ever in a year</b>)<br /></li><li>Time Running: 551 hours</li><li>Climbing: 252,674' (<b>most ever in a year</b>)<br /></li><li>8th consecutive year of running every day</li><li>7th consecutive year of <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2021/08/run-your-age-year-41-edition.html">running my age</a> on my birthday </li></ul><p>Every
year included in this post is the "how far did I get?" part. In 2019, I made it to the California and in 2020 all the way to London. This year I made it to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago just south of the North Pole. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtHqYskulkt9Qil746Rv4ahXvwd6JZxNLyo4acLL3wUATnC_K9sp_--R4H6FNVNSGFr8RP4njKRFQ2-zIEjoKUs8xrU2lfDXnWFDYg8E8k37uZX0LAfsjH4j9hW7w32o4k2Y5wqGWCf5VCNkzZxHtqZA-sf3Hr1df7q15uWciIuz-dxU0SM_CjubPG=s2030" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2030" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtHqYskulkt9Qil746Rv4ahXvwd6JZxNLyo4acLL3wUATnC_K9sp_--R4H6FNVNSGFr8RP4njKRFQ2-zIEjoKUs8xrU2lfDXnWFDYg8E8k37uZX0LAfsjH4j9hW7w32o4k2Y5wqGWCf5VCNkzZxHtqZA-sf3Hr1df7q15uWciIuz-dxU0SM_CjubPG=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Additionally, this year I crossed the 30k lifetime running miles mark. That is a enough miles to get over an 1/8th of the way to the moon. Much work still to do.<br /></p><p>Excited to see where I can get next year. <br /></p><p><b>On to 2022</b> <br /></p><p>In the end, 2021 was as Trevor Noah said, "The year that was at least
better than 2020." While it wasn't exactly that we hoped for, we (all 4
of us) were able to get vaccinated and get some degree of protection,
able to start hanging out with family more, able to hang out with some
co-workers, able to go back to school, and even able to make a few
trips. </p><p>Here is to some optimism that 2022 can be better. </p><p>- Scot</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDIXxB0u4q8Qxpjd0x1WU87XxtZ9QbcdIppLdq-bkGlYGvO_BUtmbiyN4zcHZNycJA8RZ31l1IwIRAhiMb_cCs-qeevtB1lmke3Yn6upSLlwqmo68Cqreq3-yhi6LlOLgrSn_MKa3oGZS5PeB6Ly-cG_Kfz6K4s5lIE5eeJxnB8CCmc2vXhcvcus0h=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDIXxB0u4q8Qxpjd0x1WU87XxtZ9QbcdIppLdq-bkGlYGvO_BUtmbiyN4zcHZNycJA8RZ31l1IwIRAhiMb_cCs-qeevtB1lmke3Yn6upSLlwqmo68Cqreq3-yhi6LlOLgrSn_MKa3oGZS5PeB6Ly-cG_Kfz6K4s5lIE5eeJxnB8CCmc2vXhcvcus0h=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Finishing the year on Mount Monadnock - 12/27</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-25143245816078404212021-11-09T10:17:00.001-05:002021-11-09T10:17:32.336-05:00The Grand Canyon - Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim<p><i><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto">“The
wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols
of speech, nor by speech itself.” - John Wesley Powell</span></i> <br /></p><p>After
that all I can say was wow! Going into the Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim I was a
little over confident. Over the past 14 years I have run nearly 30k
miles will millions of feet of climbing, but nothing, short of living
near the canyon, can truly prepare you for the double crossing. </p><p>The
idea of a trip to / run across the canyon was hatched by a few of my
friends (Doug, Donal, and Mat) over 2 years ago. I jumped on board quickly having known others
that have done it. It sounded like a great challenge. But
unfortunately due to the state of the world, it got postponed. </p><p>The
Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim represents a double crossing of the Grand Canyon. It
is somewhere between 42-48 miles in length and can be done a variety of
ways. We chose to go South to North to South using the South Kaibab
trail to descend (in the dark), the North Kaibab to climb to / descend
from the North rim, and then the Bright Angel trail back up the south
side. Our route was about 44 miles with just over 11,000' of climbing. </p><p>Our
trip was 4 days long. We left Boston on a 6am flight direct to
Phoenix, stayed in Flagstaff for a night and then at the <a href="https://www.visitgrandcanyon.com/yavapai-lodge">Yavapai lodge</a>
for 2 more. We completed the run Saturday and flew back the following
day. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-epABIHajI/YYnQ0nwPI9I/AAAAAAAAOu0/Q0CvDuEiBYoTbY3QX9F6oy8SPGtj7OaeACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1057.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-epABIHajI/YYnQ0nwPI9I/AAAAAAAAOu0/Q0CvDuEiBYoTbY3QX9F6oy8SPGtj7OaeACLcBGAsYHQ/w207-h155/IMG_1057.HEIC" width="207" /></a></div>Shortly after arriving we made a stop in Sedona for a shake
out run. Southern Arizona is known for having an abundance of trails
and didn't disappoint. We did a 6 mile out and back called <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/6212392535">Devil's Bridge</a>
which was pretty run-able minus the final climb. After some recovery
food and beer, we made our way to our Airbnb in Flagstaff. <p></p><p>We
started out the second day with an early morning run around <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/6215247515">Buffalo park</a> and
even hit up a short section of the Arizona trail. With the adrenaline
running high, we were already planning our next big adventure; Tahoe Rim
Trail? John Muir Trail? the possibilities are endless. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXiHBJ1fY9c/YYnQ-gKuv4I/AAAAAAAAOu4/E1FhrH3v3uA1N_g1IB0h_ecnD0uTZA-1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1078.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXiHBJ1fY9c/YYnQ-gKuv4I/AAAAAAAAOu4/E1FhrH3v3uA1N_g1IB0h_ecnD0uTZA-1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w243-h182/IMG_1078.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>After
some breakfast, we finally made our way out to the Canyon (~1.5 hour
drive from Flagstaff). Having spent a good deal of time in the
mountains and even some at various national parks like Arches and
Canyonland, I still wasn't prepared for enormousness of the Grand
Canyon. We stood there at the visitor's center steering out at the
North Rim repeating to ourselves "We are going to do what?"<br /><p></p><p>Later that evening we grabbed dinner at the tavern next to the Yavapai lodge and few more of our friends arrived (Matt, Madhav, and Matts uncle Hank). Our plan for the next day was to start at the lodge, run to the South Kaibab trail head (2.5 miles), do the crossing, and then run back to the lodge from the Bright Angel trail head (1.5 miles). Still confident in our abilities I suggested a 5am start, but Matt, who had done this last year insisted we move it up, so decided to start at 4:30. </p><p><b>The Run <br /></b></p><p>After a 3:50am wake up and a light breakfast we were on our way. With a new moon that week it was pretty dark. We arrived at the trail head just before 5am. </p><p><i>The Weather</i></p><p>The weather forecast was a solid 60 degree swing with starting temps at 30 degrees and canyon supposed to reach near 90 by early afternoon. Weirdly though we never saw most this as the uphill wind we encountered while descending kept it at least 50. Additionally, we managed to stay out of the sun for ~85% of the day which helped keep the temps fairly moderate as well. None the less, I overdressed during those early miles and quickly head to shed layers only a few miles in. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKpEvlqbiQs/YYnRWE8xphI/AAAAAAAAOvE/AhoITzF9h-IncYXTuFw0hFpl1zR5NNUPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1086.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="190" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKpEvlqbiQs/YYnRWE8xphI/AAAAAAAAOvE/AhoITzF9h-IncYXTuFw0hFpl1zR5NNUPACLcBGAsYHQ/w253-h190/IMG_1086.HEIC" width="253" /></a></div>Those first 6.5 miles from the top of the south rim to the river we magical. I am not really one to talk about life affirming experiences, but ascending down a trail, in the dark, by head lamp, as the canyon begins to light up as the sun rises was pretty special. We felt like we were in a painting. The adrenaline was at full power for all as we zoned in on ever step, every switchback, achieving a flow state. <p></p><p>We reached the river around 6:50 and stopped for a few photos. It was so quiet as the work had not yet woken up. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqCB9HE3OYk/YYnSAYjf-uI/AAAAAAAAOvM/rnOYq9sXdbQ4H31AEPqb7bfd5oY2PFqKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/river.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="172" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqCB9HE3OYk/YYnSAYjf-uI/AAAAAAAAOvM/rnOYq9sXdbQ4H31AEPqb7bfd5oY2PFqKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w229-h172/river.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>At this point we had descended over 4500' and were eager to see how our bodies would respond over the next 9 miles. While, this section is great for running, it does have ~2000' of climbing, and does tax the system on a day that is already long. Mat set a steady pace through this section and got us to the <br />Cottonwood campground by 8am. 17.2 miles and 1500' of climbing down. The fun was about to start.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMsxoVkhk8A/YYnSNmu5SuI/AAAAAAAAOvQ/_QGo1KFg1ko7T3UnC4R1Zjp0WjRjuFaBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1096.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="169" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMsxoVkhk8A/YYnSNmu5SuI/AAAAAAAAOvQ/_QGo1KFg1ko7T3UnC4R1Zjp0WjRjuFaBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w226-h169/IMG_1096.HEIC" width="226" /></a></div>While the next 6 miles were tough, it really was only the last three that really hurt. I am used to just grinding out steep climbs. Here though, with the switchbacks, it really was run-able, but I just wasn't prepared to put in 15% grade mile after mile. Honestly I think I would have found it easier to climb just at twice the grade and get it over with. <p></p><p>Around 10:30am, I reached the North Rim. We had gotten strung out a bit during the climb, but re-grouped fairly quickly. </p><p>This is when Matt and Madhav, pulled one of the hero moves of the day and jogged a 1/4 up the road and re-filled out bottles for the rest of us. There were not words to express out gratitude. </p><p><i>Gear</i></p><p>Gear for adventures like this is both crucial to comfort as well as safety. Below is a list of what I had with me and I used almost everything I had. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Gloves, Winter Hat, Rain Jacket (shell), Tights</li><li>Space Blanket</li><li>Headlamp, Back up flashlight</li><li>USB Charger</li><li>5 X waffles, 2 X Untapped Maple Syrup, 1 lb Swedish Fish</li><li>2 Peanut Butter Wraps <br /></li><li>2.5 Liters of Water, .75 Liter Gatorade</li></ul><p>After a 15 minute break, we began our descent feeling pretty good. After about 6 miles we hit really run-able terrain and started to throw down some decent miles (or so we thought). The problem we were running into is the GPS watches only work well when they have good satellite coverage. The more satellites, the better they can triangulate your location. In a slot canyon like this, your coverage is limited. At one point, my watch told me that I ran a 24 second mile (post run I used <a href="https://gpx.studio/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gpx.studio</a> to clean up the track).</p><p>We hit the 50k mark right around when we got back to the Cottonwood campground. At this point we had descended about 9500' and climbed 6500', but the real fun was still yet to begin. Once again, being a fan of the mountains, I am used to ascending and then getting to descend back to the car. No such luck with a canyon as the only way out is up. There are even signs that say "Descending is optional, ascending is mandatory."</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XgqX4Ichbk/YYp71q6ojII/AAAAAAAAOvc/wuwvezIKxHkwUE2CZpWv9dZPrNgGr-RmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1102.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XgqX4Ichbk/YYp71q6ojII/AAAAAAAAOvc/wuwvezIKxHkwUE2CZpWv9dZPrNgGr-RmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h199/IMG_1102.HEIC" width="150" /></a></div>From Cottonwood back to Phantom Ranch / Bright Angel Campground / the river is another really nice section. You drop another 1500' over 8 miles and can really move if you have anything left in your legs. We were able to hold 9-9:30 for most of these miles. By the time we hit Phantom ranch, we were in the hottest part of the day and decided an extended break was warranted. We purchased some ice cold lemonade ($5 with $1 refills), found some shade, and re-grouped. 9 miles and 4500' of climbing to go. Something we were all dreading. <p></p><p>After about a 15 minute break, I took off solo figuring some others may catch me on the climb. The next 2 miles weren't too bad as you crossed and then hugged the river. There were a few stream crossings and some soft sand, but I was able to shuffle along without feeling too taxed. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0y7NnlqLEQ/YYp8BkDc-hI/AAAAAAAAOvg/GFMXHpS8NsUdb1g465jgBt77DJw8OGFSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1105.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="159" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0y7NnlqLEQ/YYp8BkDc-hI/AAAAAAAAOvg/GFMXHpS8NsUdb1g465jgBt77DJw8OGFSACLcBGAsYHQ/w212-h159/IMG_1105.HEIC" width="212" /></a></div>I caught a few more hikers in this section and they would flatten up against the wall in an effort to let me pass. One misstep and you had about 100' fall into the water. <br /><p></p><p>As the first set of steep switchbacks began, I just put my head down and soldiered on. After about a mile, I looked down and could see Donal and Madhav working their way up the trail. I yelled "Donal!!!" and could hear it echo throughout the canyon. <br /></p><p>Next up was the Indian Garden campground which marked 4.5 miles to go. This was a bit of a let down as with my wonky GPS, I had thought there was under 4 left. I <br />refilled my water bottle one last time and kept on trucking. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVnKz-btsyI/YYqKn5RivLI/AAAAAAAAOwE/ahQ1Y2u5Bi4aFWd4zE3Ok9BZA9e3csUUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1106.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVnKz-btsyI/YYqKn5RivLI/AAAAAAAAOwE/ahQ1Y2u5Bi4aFWd4zE3Ok9BZA9e3csUUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w226-h170/IMG_1106.HEIC" width="226" /></a></div>While I was really hurting at this point, it was clear pretty much everyone trying to get out the canyon was in the same boat. I passed another sign cautioning against going to the river and back in one day. It put a smile on my face. <p></p><p>As I passed a couple taking a quick break, I said that if they saw my sleeping in the middle of the trail up ahead, not to worry and just step over me, they laughed and said they would have to get that far first. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31zYzUK14vA/YYqIoTeSxrI/AAAAAAAAOvs/ED9zgVp1pkAHskBkLXR6ZRhrQsRm8-mYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1108.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="154" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31zYzUK14vA/YYqIoTeSxrI/AAAAAAAAOvs/ED9zgVp1pkAHskBkLXR6ZRhrQsRm8-mYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w205-h154/IMG_1108.HEIC" width="205" /></a></div>As I arrived at the 3 mile rest house, I wanted to cry. How could I still have 3 miles left? As I turned and looked back down the trail, I could see Donal and Madhav again, but now they were just 100 yards or so back. As they caught up, I tried to hike with them but quickly fell off the back. As I looked up, I could still see just how much farther up I needed to go. The sun was starting to set and I was eager get out of the canyon. <br /><p></p><p>My next focus simply was to get from where the rock changed from red to white, one step at a time. Finally I reached the 1.5 mile rest house. No matter how much I was hurting, I knew I could make it through that last section. With 1 mile to go it finally got so dark I needed to pull my headlamp back out. I counted down the distance remaining: .85, .70, .55, .4, .3, .25. .2, .15, .1, 0.5 ... finished. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/6229720331">-- 49.1 miles -- 10:40 moving time (14:00 elapsed) -- 13:01 / mile -- 11,641' climbing -- </a><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">That last .1 miles put a smile on my face as I could see the trail head. That was one hell of a day. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Donal and Madhav had reached the rim about 10 minutes ahead of me and as soon as I finished took off to get a car to come back and get the rest of us (hero move #2 of the day). Mat finished about 20 minutes after me with Doug about 5 minutes after that. Matt and his uncle Hank came up a little over an hour later. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Back at the hotel, we enjoyed a gourmet dinner of Ramen with a beer, just happy to be sitting down, in clean clothes ... totally exhausted. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAtFvFHOODQ/YYqJKlsuMkI/AAAAAAAAOv0/0gA_VFmosH8Hwq9GWGw_JM5dJDvFE6OGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1121.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="158" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAtFvFHOODQ/YYqJKlsuMkI/AAAAAAAAOv0/0gA_VFmosH8Hwq9GWGw_JM5dJDvFE6OGgCLcBGAsYHQ/w210-h158/IMG_1121.HEIC" width="210" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">The next morning, Doug and I jogged back over to the rim and looked across one more time. It was wild to think that we had run all the way across and back the day before. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We made our way back to Phoenix for our flight back later that day, already wondering what the next adventure will be. </p><p style="text-align: left;">- Scot</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKiUqv1D_l0/YYqJkBp43nI/AAAAAAAAOv8/j2VVNI5ybnIv2KRGuYS4kL9-z7_9r0bZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1126.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKiUqv1D_l0/YYqJkBp43nI/AAAAAAAAOv8/j2VVNI5ybnIv2KRGuYS4kL9-z7_9r0bZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1126.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-17840152056531665432021-08-24T16:18:00.000-04:002021-08-24T16:18:02.803-04:00Run Your Age - Year 41 Edition<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" dir="auto">"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill</span> <br /></p><p>On August 11th, I ran my age for the 7th consecutive year on my birthday. The fact that it gets just a little bit harder each year makes this a fun project to keep up with. </p><p>The last few years I have used this as a fundraiser as well. Seeing the donations come in throughout the day and wanting to complete what I had committed too really gives me the motivation to push through when it gets tough. </p><p>A recap of previous years is below.</p><p>Year 1, 2015, 35 miles: <a href="https://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2015/08/introducing-nathaniel-dedeo-and-joining.html">Bridgton - Windham ME</a> (just 2 weeks after Nat was born) - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/366571529">Strava<br /></a>Year 2, 2016, 36 miles: <a href="https://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2016/08/run-your-age-again.html">Wapack Trail and Walden</a> - Strava <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/672572454">1</a>, <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/672573578">2<br /></a>Year 3, 2017, 37 miles: <a href="https://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2017/08/37-years-strong-run-your-age-tarc.html">Belmont to Gloucester</a> - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1128877404">Strava </a>(Raised $211) <br />Year 4, 2018, 38 miles: Belmont to Hingham - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1764919707">Strava </a>(Raised $459)<br />Year 5, 2019, 39 miles: <a href="https://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2019/08/run-your-age-year-39-edition.html">Woodstock to Plymouth</a> - Strava <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2610591046">1</a>, <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/2611399544">2</a><br />Year 6, 2020, 40 miles: <a href="https://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2020/08/run-your-age-year-40-wachusett-mountain.html">Belmont to Wachusett</a> - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3898220902">Strava</a> (Raised $704)</p><p><b>2021</b> <br /></p><p>This year I decided that I would keep it simple. With forecasts into the 90's, my goal was to get majority of the miles done early and then stay near home to get water / cool off for the remaining. </p><p>I started at 4:30am in Belmont with Keith, Karalyn, and Becca. We knocked out the first 16 miles by heading down to the Charles River and out to the Museum of Science and back. It was already 74 degrees with the humidity level around 94%. Within minutes we were all drenched. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkxe-mVr14Y/YSVSNGnItvI/AAAAAAAAOr4/KyVVPsrkSxkaFGi62Qg3B0t47SG48rg2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/41-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="172" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkxe-mVr14Y/YSVSNGnItvI/AAAAAAAAOr4/KyVVPsrkSxkaFGi62Qg3B0t47SG48rg2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w229-h172/41-1.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>One of the things that makes these runs so much fun is getting others to participate. 4:30am isn't even in most people's vocabulary, but a year or two of hanging out with me, it almost sounds normal. <p></p><p>When Karalyn starting running with us a couple of years ago, I gave her a warning that if she continued, she would end up on some of these runs. I don't think she believed me at the time, but here we are. Later in the day Becca would post her run on Strava with the title, "The shit we do for Scot!"<br /></p><p>We started off around 8:30 pace and once we got to the river picked it up a bit. We took a quick break for a snack and to get our pic with the T-Rex at the Museum as we crossed the river. Donal joined us somewhere around Western Ave and kept us company for miles 11-16. All and all the first leg went pretty well. Sweated quite a bit, but no other issues. </p><p>We arrived back at my house a few minutes before 7 and the first crew headed home to go about their day. After a Powerade and a change of clothes, Doug and I headed over to Bentley to do the Western Greenway Loop (Roads out, trails back). It was getting quite hot and the shade of the trails couldn't come fast enough. </p><p>Anyone that knows me knows that the Western Greenway is my favorite trail. It was nice to incorporate it into this years run. </p><p>Doug and I stopped for a 2 minute break at the bench, but had to get moving quickly as the mosquitoes were out in full force. </p><p>Leg 2, 27 miles total, completed just before 9AM. I had a few work meetings that I couldn't get out of, so after a quick shower, I worked from 9 to 12. During this time, Amy, my hero, brought me a veggie omelette and egg avocado sandwich from <a href="https://www.my-other-kitchen.com/">My Other Kitchen</a>. I didn't realize how hungry I was until she put the food down. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIpAHiHp0xs/YSVSTe086JI/AAAAAAAAOr8/ih06-HT_QjE2TjHW5vKh4jTCIXVYPGrtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/41.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="177" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIpAHiHp0xs/YSVSTe086JI/AAAAAAAAOr8/ih06-HT_QjE2TjHW5vKh4jTCIXVYPGrtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w235-h177/41.2.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>Feeling mostly revived when I finished work at 12, Mat and I headed out for leg 3. Without a specific plan or distance in mind, we headed towards Arlington Center, then took the bike path to Alewife and finished with a lap of Fresh Pond. I felt great for the first 3 miles, even knocking out a sub 8 at mile 29 before the heat caught back up with me again. The last two of those miles were a bit of death march (for both of us). 35 miles down, 6 to go. <p></p><p>The final 6 miles were broken into two 3 mile chunks. Both before and after each I consumed 2-3 pints of ice water. While it was pretty hot, I was able to slog along to get through without too much discomfort. </p><p>I finished shortly before 3pm.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>-- 5:58:41 Moving Time -- 8:45 / mile -- <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5777002449">Strava</a></i><br /></p><p>A couple hours later, Keith came back by with his daughters and we celebrated with a beer on the porch. In the end I raised another $1399 for NF Northeast and for that I am forever grateful. </p><p>- Scot</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BvRl57Zr4eY/YSVSuxIT2XI/AAAAAAAAOsE/7pjzDpNZYn0PR8hz6tWmZhd-e-Io5-w4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1324/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-08-24%2Bat%2B4.12.33%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="1324" height="90" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BvRl57Zr4eY/YSVSuxIT2XI/AAAAAAAAOsE/7pjzDpNZYn0PR8hz6tWmZhd-e-Io5-w4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w431-h90/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-08-24%2Bat%2B4.12.33%2BPM.png" width="431" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-41038044548595570112021-07-19T11:34:00.001-04:002021-07-19T11:34:46.693-04:00The Presidential Picnic<p>In the world of Fastest Known Time, when you combine a run with a bike it is known as a picnic. This past Friday, my friends (Mat & Donal) and I took on and completed what is known as the "Presidential Picnic." This combined a Presidential Traverse, 7 peaks in NH's White Mountains, with a 27 mile bike back to the car. </p><p>My day started with a 4:07 AM alarm. Mat picked me and my bike up at 4:30 and we reached the AMC Highland Center just before 7:30. After dropping the bikes and picking up Donal (who wasn't doing the bike leg), we headed up to the Appalachia trail head arriving at 8. </p><p>The Presidential Traverse is a point to point route that covers roughly 18 miles and can be done either North to South or South to North. At a minimum it covers the 7 presidential peaks (Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Monroe, Eisenhower, and Pierce), but multiple sub peaks (4000' peaks without <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topographic_prominence">prominence</a>) and <a href="http://4000footers.com/jackson.shtml">Jackson</a> (Charles Jackson not Andrew) can easily be added. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylP2AhUXJdU/YPRpuKprUhI/AAAAAAAAOnw/-w2nUPh52U0bhKOwVaqpEHFC4S0hMjhWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="162" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylP2AhUXJdU/YPRpuKprUhI/AAAAAAAAOnw/-w2nUPh52U0bhKOwVaqpEHFC4S0hMjhWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w215-h162/IMG_0687.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>For our traverse, we planned to go from North to South, which gets almost all of the climbing in first 10 miles. We also planned to tack Jackson on the end which gives you 8 of the <a href="http://4000footers.com/nh.shtml">NH 4000 footers</a> making it 20 miles with 9000' climbing. <p></p><p>The day started at 8:09 and we optimistically put on sun screen before heading into the woods. The route is un-relentless from the beginning with 4000' of climbing in the first 3.6 miles. We took Valley Way to Watson Path and reached the summit of <a href="http://4000footers.com/madison.shtml">Madison</a> (5367') around 9:45 and were greeted with 55+ MPH winds. It was challenging to move and even more challenging to stand still. We had to take our hats off so we didn't loose them. Less then 12 minutes later, we had descended down to the <a href="https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/massachusetts-and-new-hampshire/madison-spring-hut/">Madison Springs Hut</a> and were happy to be back on stable ground. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9TgZyHo7d0/YPRp09zbDBI/AAAAAAAAOn0/k95oy0wYXNQ1hhSlDDOyHyBNqCMfH_QQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="131" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9TgZyHo7d0/YPRp09zbDBI/AAAAAAAAOn0/k95oy0wYXNQ1hhSlDDOyHyBNqCMfH_QQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w174-h131/IMG_0690.jpg" width="174" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Top of Madison</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>After a quick break and water refill, we back at it with our next gnarly climb, <a href="http://4000footers.com/adams.shtml">Adams</a> (5774' - 2nd highest peak in the Whites) via the Star Lake Trail. It was 1 mile with a 1000' of gain. We reached the summit around 10:30 and once again were greeted with crazy winds. I had always heard you really don't want to be on the high peaks when the wind is over 50 MPH and I am glad the wind wasn't any stronger then it was. </p><p>From Adam's to <a href="http://4000footers.com/jefferson.shtml">Jefferson</a> (5712') is roughly 2 miles and includes about an 800' descent and ascent. We took the Gulfside Trail to the Mnt Jefferson loop and then continued back to the Gulfside trail. At this point, we were just over 7 miles in with 3:30 elapsed time. They say the Northern Presidential's is the hard part. We were eager to get some reprieve from this climbing. </p><p>On a bit of downhill coming on Jefferson, we were able to run some and even get in an 18 minute mile. As we approached some hikers, I tried to skip by on their left and my foot slipped and I went down on my left shoulder. Normally this wouldn't have been too bad, but I went over the handle bars on my mountain bike last fall and have a lingering injury. Even now, a few days later it hurts to lift my arm above my head. Once my friends realized I was ok to continue, one of them even accused me of embarrassing them in front of the hikers. All I could do was laugh. <br /></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoqkG73wZ8M/YPRp_8bbGVI/AAAAAAAAOn8/6vAf_gshoAAs3Wb6IY8XGDP9cvleKxRnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="131" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoqkG73wZ8M/YPRp_8bbGVI/AAAAAAAAOn8/6vAf_gshoAAs3Wb6IY8XGDP9cvleKxRnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w175-h131/IMG_0692.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Cog</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We stayed on the Gulfside Trail all the way up <a href="http://4000footers.com/washington.shtml">Washington</a> (6288') skipping over the Clay loop. We waived at those riding the Cog Railway just as it was starting to rain. With about quarter mile to the top that light rain turned to a torrential downpour, hail, and 40 MPH winds. They say the weather on Washington is some of worst in the US and it sure didn't disappoint that day. 10 miles and over 7000' of climbing completed thus far.<br /></p><p>After a failed attempt at warming up in the visitor's center. We headed down to the <a href="https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/massachusetts-and-new-hampshire/lakes-of-the-clouds-hut/">Lake in the Cloud</a>'s hut. Luckily, with rain jackets now on, we were able to warm back up even when descending. As you may expect, with the dense fog, you could barely make out the lake or the hut until you were on top of them (and you wonder why they call in lake in the clouds). <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j17kl02VAns/YPRqNRMyXzI/AAAAAAAAOoE/YQb8YSyixdcEOaby9AYaYzva6x0iMaYmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="144" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j17kl02VAns/YPRqNRMyXzI/AAAAAAAAOoE/YQb8YSyixdcEOaby9AYaYzva6x0iMaYmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w191-h144/IMG_0693.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Look closely at the sign</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Over the past few years as I have gotten more and more into mountain running, I had been reading books to ensure that we are taking important safety precautions. With the fickle weather up there, you never truly know what you are going to get and having multiple backup plans is essential. I recently read "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Traverse-Tragedy-Resilience-Winter-Whites/dp/1734930837">The Last Traverse</a>" by Ty Gagne and highly recommend it. It chronicles a daring rescue on the Franconia Ridge in February of 2008 with all those involved. On today's route, we each left a copy of the itinerary with our spouses, had rain jackets, hats, gloves, and each had the route on our GPS watches. Even with that, if the weather had been 15-20 degrees colder we may have had quite a large purchase the gift shop at the top of the mountain (Even so Mat ended up buying a new Winter Hat). <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZBqPPOvpKo/YPRqWRVh0iI/AAAAAAAAOoM/d-fe04WlUWw95qi-lXV7alLMjWg9D69qACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="157" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZBqPPOvpKo/YPRqWRVh0iI/AAAAAAAAOoM/d-fe04WlUWw95qi-lXV7alLMjWg9D69qACLcBGAsYHQ/w208-h157/IMG_0694.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next up was <a href="http://4000footers.com/monroe.shtml">Monroe</a> (5384' -- my 1st new peak of the day -- 31) via the Crawford Path, just a half mile past the hut. With a bit more descending and running in this section we were starting to feel a lot better. We continued on the Crawford Path past the Franklin Loop and straight to <a href="http://4000footers.com/eisenhower.shtml">Eisenhower</a> (4780' -- 32), which was only about a 300' climb (fairly easy by today's standards). </p><p>As we were ascending Eisenhower, a woman hiking towards us had the biggest grin you could imagine on her face. As we stopped to chat for a few, she told us that Monroe was going to be her 48th peak and she was super excited. Seeing how happy people can be in 30+ MPH rain and fog, can't help but put a smile on your face as well. When we told her that we started at Applachia, she said "You guys are flying." <br /></p><p>We continued to pick up speed en route to <a href="http://4000footers.com/pierce.shtml">Pierce</a> (4310' -- 33) before descending down to our 3rd, and final hut of the day, the <a href="https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/massachusetts-and-new-hampshire/mizpah-spring-hut/">Mitzpah Spring Hut</a>. We were just over 15 miles in, finally back out of the clouds, and had a beautiful view of the <a href="https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington?utm_campaign=omni_ohr_mtwash_all_x_nb_prop_bretton+woods_en_exact_us&utm_content=58700005768533610&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=43700059243970460&gclid=CjwKCAjwos-HBhB3EiwAe4xM93o0eVM1g_VdEj8LtkNtGkemBFPg0VM_tcMtpcP3wc-ykKumgcKwHhoCspoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds">Mount Washington Hotel</a>. </p><p>It was already after 3pm and with a 27 mile bike still ahead of us, Mat and I decided to go straight to the Highland Center (Mitzpah Cutoff back to Crawford Path), while Donal chose to go onto Jackson before driving straight home. </p><p>Mat and I finished the traverse around 4:30 with <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5638286223">6 hours and 54 minutes of moving time</a> and were ready to flush out legs out on the bike. </p><p>After somewhat quick transition, we headed down RT 302 to Carrol where we would pick up route 3 north. The first few miles were going great and we were holding a pretty good clip and then lost all our momentum when I had a flat tire. This wasn't totally unexpected as I was on a road bike I took out of storage and probably hadn't ridden in at least 2 years. After tire change, were back on our way. </p><p>By 8 miles in I was starting to feel the strain of the long day, but was still able to hold a reasonable pace. We had short food break with 7 miles to go (just before turning on RT 2) and then were greeted with a 2 mile climb which was a complete grind to get through. From there was smooth sailing down hill to finish. We completed the <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5638719165">bike leg</a> in 1:48 (15.1 MPH). </p><p style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WUBCQJu1sk/YPRqgRkQiEI/AAAAAAAAOoQ/3VC0uzcmNRwfdzryeDJRHkU_jrYlcgo1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WUBCQJu1sk/YPRqgRkQiEI/AAAAAAAAOoQ/3VC0uzcmNRwfdzryeDJRHkU_jrYlcgo1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0698.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finish of the Bike </i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><i> </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>-- Total Elapsed Time 10:55 -- Traverse Moving -- 6:54 -- Bike Moving -- 1:48 --</i><br /></p><p>All and all had a great experience on this adventure. Pleasantly surprised to see how much running we were able to do on the 2nd half of the traverse and while the bike was tough, happy to be able to grind it out. </p><p>Finally made back home at 10:40 PM and already thinking about the next adventure. </p><p>- Scot<br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-35253197473115130082021-06-21T10:41:00.000-04:002021-06-21T10:41:00.776-04:00The Donut Series<p>If you have been following my social media, then you probably are aware that I do all sorts of things to keep my running interesting. These past few months have been no different. It started with a simple run to Brookline and quickly became a weekly staple as we tried to survive Covid and a New England Winter. Below you will find some more details on my weekly donuts runs. If you are ever in a funk with your running, try something new, and find a way to motivate yourself. </p><p><b>The Donuts Series<br /></b></p><p>For 13 weeks, I visited 13 different donuts shops. Before getting into details of what I purchased and my ratings, it is important to note that there are two distinct style of donuts; the simple hand cut variety, and the gourmet variety. Due to this, we break down the ratings into those two categories. </p><p>The winners were Blackbird Donuts in Boston for gourmet and Donuts with a Difference in Medford for simple hand cut. </p><p>I encourage everyone to find something new and fun with their running. Who knows where it will lead.</p><p>- Scot</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SjIa0Eg-8gI/YNCkT4Hy0OI/AAAAAAAAOlk/N1sSKstMO_gzpRy68DiUcIc0PZanuzaOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/blackbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SjIa0Eg-8gI/YNCkT4Hy0OI/AAAAAAAAOlk/N1sSKstMO_gzpRy68DiUcIc0PZanuzaOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/blackbird.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackbird Donuts<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUe3j4uY1Ms/YNCkop1wx-I/AAAAAAAAOls/d1pJy7OynBEnU-peLLcYGWpKSVgBxrifwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/donuts_w_a_difference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUe3j4uY1Ms/YNCkop1wx-I/AAAAAAAAOls/d1pJy7OynBEnU-peLLcYGWpKSVgBxrifwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/donuts_w_a_difference.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donuts with a Difference<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Full details below.<br /></p><p><b>Week 1: Union Square Donuts</b><br />409 Harvard St, Brookline, MA<br />Style: Gourmet<br />Rank: 3 of 7<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4704869776">https://www.strava.com/activities/4704869776</a><br />The Purchase: Chocolate Glazed, Oreo<br /></p><p><b>Week 2: Doughboy Donuts</b><br /><span class="LrzXr">220 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA</span><br />Style: Simple<br />Rank: 6 of 6<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4744136353">https://www.strava.com/activities/4744136353</a><br />The Purchase:Chocolate Glazed<br /></p><p><b>Week 3: Kane's</b><br /><span class="LrzXr">575 Broadway, Saugus, MA</span><br />Style: Gourmet<br />Rank: 5 of 7 <br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4780458060">https://www.strava.com/activities/4780458060</a><br />The Purchase: Chocolate Glazed and Oreo<br /></p><p><b>Week 4: Masshole Donuts</b><br /><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr">2 Lake St, Arlington, MA</span><br />Style: Gourmet<br />Rank: 4 of 7<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4817576751">https://www.strava.com/activities/4817576751</a><br />The Purchase: Blackberry, Pecan, and Chocolate Frosted<br /></p><p><b>Week 5: Anna's Handcut Donuts</b><br /><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr">2056 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA</span><br />Style: Simple<br />Rank: 2 of 6<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4858683230">https://www.strava.com/activities/4858683230</a><br />The Purchase: Chocolate Glazed and Butternut<br /></p><p><b>Week 6: Donuts with a Difference</b><br /><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr">35 Riverside Ave, Medford, MA</span><br />Style: Simple<br />Rank: 1 of 6<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4899863655">https://www.strava.com/activities/4899863655</a><br />The Purchase: Glazed, Chocolate Frosted with Creme, Chocolate Frosted with Chocolate Sprinkles<br /></p><p><b>Week 7: Donut King</b><br /><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr">151 Copeland St, Quincy, MA</span><br />Style: Gourmet<br />Rank: 7 of 7<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4939242275">https://www.strava.com/activities/4939242275</a><br />The Purchase: Chocolate Frosted with Creme, Butternut, and Chocolate Glazed<br /></p><p><b>Week 8: Linda's Donuts</b><br /><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr">247 Belmont St, Belmont, MA</span><br />Style: Gourmet<br />Rank: 6 of 7<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4977538229">https://www.strava.com/activities/4977538229</a><br />The Purchase: Chocolate Glazed and Jelly<br /></p><p><b>Week 9: Davis Square Donuts</b><br /><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr">377 Summer St, Somerville, MA</span><br />Style: Gourmet<br />Rank: 2 of 7<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5018725332">https://www.strava.com/activities/5018725332<br /></a>The Purchase:Chocolate, Butternut, and Strawberry Frosted with Fruity Pepples<br /></p><p><b>Week 10: Mike's Donuts</b><br /><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr">500 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA</span><br />Style: Simple<br />Rank: 3 of 6<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5061019003">https://www.strava.com/activities/5061019003<br /></a> The Purchase: Chocolate Frosted with Rainbow Sprinkles<br /></p><p><b>Week 11: Demet's Donuts</b><br /><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr">199 Mystic Ave, Medford, MA </span><br />Style: Simple<br />Rank: 4 of 6<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5101624825">https://www.strava.com/activities/5101624825</a> <br />The Purchase: Butternut and Chocolate Frosted<br /></p><p><b>Week 12: Gourmet Donuts</b><br /><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr"></span><span class="LrzXr">110 Spring St, Winchendon, MA</span><br />Style: Simple<br />Rank: 5 of 6<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5151511557">https://www.strava.com/activities/5151511557</a><br />The Purchase: Boston Creme <br /></p><p><b>Week 13: Blackbird Donuts</b><br /><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="GRkHZd w8qArf"></span><span class="LrzXr"></span><span class="LrzXr">492 Tremont St, Boston, MA</span><br />Style: Gourmet<br />Rank: 1 of 7<br />The Run: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5209370638">https://www.strava.com/activities/5209370638</a><br />The Purchase: Chocolate Moose, Butternut<br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-2207909065978116812021-04-19T10:47:00.006-04:002021-04-25T11:16:17.217-04:00Monadnock to Wachusett - Fastest (and Only) Known Time<p><i><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql oi732d6d ik7dh3pa ht8s03o8 a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" dir="auto">"When I choose what I do, I ask, 'Does it make a difference?'" - Frances Hesselbein (Former CEO of the Girl Scouts)</span></i></p><p>This past weekend I tackled a run that I have been eyeing for a while now; stringing together two of the most popular Boston Area hiking destinations into a single run. </p><p><b>The Route</b> <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1s151Bw9AqY/YH2UnXL9JXI/AAAAAAAAOh8/IhKomq7aobghwXPDgxkZVq2sH18rpVtfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0238.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1s151Bw9AqY/YH2UnXL9JXI/AAAAAAAAOh8/IhKomq7aobghwXPDgxkZVq2sH18rpVtfACLcBGAsYHQ/w164-h219/IMG_0238.HEIC" width="164" /></a></div>My route started at the Pumpelly Trail head north of Mount Monadnock, summitted the mountain, went down the White Arrow trail, which connected to the Royce / Metacommet Monadnock Trail, up and over Gap Mountain, and then down into Fitzwilliam. This represented the first 12 miles. <br /><p></p><p>After a quick bout on Rt 119, I took the Monadnock Recreation Rail Trail (a dirt path) for the next 7 miles before reaching the Massachusetts border. After a short stint Rt 12 into Winchedon, I took the North Central Bike Path to the Heywood Branch Bike Path into Gardner (roughly another 7 miles). </p><p>After a quick cut through of Dunn State Park, the next 10 miles were on a mixture of roads as I worked my way through Westminster into Princeton and eventually to Wachusett Mountain. The final 2 miles were straight up the mountain. </p><p><b>The Fundraiser</b></p><p>With the Boston Marathon on my mind (and postponed to the fall), I decided that I wanted to do something epic in its place. Additionally, the Boston Marathon has always had a fundraising aspect to it for me and I wanted to continue that forward with this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/164031278934158/164311928906093/">event</a>. </p><p>With the pandemic, the last year has been difficult on all us and especially difficult on small non-profits. This run allowed me to continue to give back to <a href="https://nfnortheast.org/">NF Northeast</a>, an organization that has already provided us so much support in the past. <br /><b></b></p><p><b>My Run</b></p><p>The run started at 6:38 AM in 30 degree temps. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and after about a mile of trudging through 3-4'' of snow I was greeting with my first views of the day. I probably could already see for over 100 miles. </p><p>I caught the first pack of hikers just before the 3rd mile and after a quick chat quickly scampered past them. As I got a bit higher the snow had accumulated to about 6'', but was packed pretty well on the trail and wasn't slowing me too much. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBctQwZr5bs/YH2U09MHDDI/AAAAAAAAOiA/H8632sfZSh4GBo1zIwS9LQSAI2VnK9r9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0241.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="139" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBctQwZr5bs/YH2U09MHDDI/AAAAAAAAOiA/H8632sfZSh4GBo1zIwS9LQSAI2VnK9r9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w185-h139/IMG_0241.HEIC" width="185" /></a></div><p></p><p>I reached the summit just before 8 am and quickly descended to get out of the wind. 1:17:20 (19:20 / mile) to the summit was actually a PR and the 3rd time I've sumitted via that trail. </p><p>The next mile was probably the most difficult of the day as you drop nearly a 1000' and the trail I was on had no foot traffic since Friday's snow storm. My avg pace dropped to the slowest of the day reaching 21:36 / mile. <br /></p><p>Next up, was the Royce trail which also had not seen foot traffic, but at least wasn't very technical. After finding a groove for the next couple of miles, I ascended Gap Mountain. After Gap mountain I found a groove again on a series of dirt roads (some maintained, some not so much) as I descended into Fitzwilliam, where I met Doug for my first resupply (and more importantly dry shoes). </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqDnxBP4SYmUuziTkMGsD5rVFSjgAcafTL-rrJfpD73DZk6te6IFW1yQtgazH47eh6QViGuQGWznUxeog2UIDpHTDxZaZKEllChHUue93EGaN79my0B0_9-aXVgyH5qTeBY_q4RcyzLw/s2048/IMG_0244.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqDnxBP4SYmUuziTkMGsD5rVFSjgAcafTL-rrJfpD73DZk6te6IFW1yQtgazH47eh6QViGuQGWznUxeog2UIDpHTDxZaZKEllChHUue93EGaN79my0B0_9-aXVgyH5qTeBY_q4RcyzLw/w125-h167/IMG_0244.HEIC" width="125" /></a></div>One of things about planning runs like this is you really don't know what you are getting yourself into when you select a route on a map. I've gotten better over the years looking up trails when I can (<a href="http://alltrails.com">alltrails.com</a> is an invaluable resource and now that <a href="https://www.strava.com/">Strava's</a> map creator shows a heatmap you can at least see if people have been their in the past), but you still don't truly know what you are getting into. <p></p><p>As I reached the Monadnock Recreation Rail Trail I was happy to see that it was a fairly well groomed dirt path with only a little bit of snow on it. For this section, I just started dropping 8:45 - 9 minute miles and began to get my pace back down to something a bit more reasonable. Additionally, as with any path like this, your mind doesn't need to be as engaged so I turned on an episode of the <a href="https://fastestknowntime.com/podcast">Fastest Known Podcast</a> and relaxed. </p><p>I arrived in Winchendon around lunch time and made a quick stop at <a href="http://www.gourmetdonuts.com/">Gourmet Donuts </a>to keep my Donut Series streak alive (now at 12 consecutive weekends). Following this, I jumped on the North Central Bike Path which had some beautiful views of Whitney Pond and the Miller River. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-br1K6ocPE70/YH2VHyJJhbI/AAAAAAAAOiQ/J2cqkq6Z5loQKUE7Cq1fn02pD6q0bqFMACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0247.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="141" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-br1K6ocPE70/YH2VHyJJhbI/AAAAAAAAOiQ/J2cqkq6Z5loQKUE7Cq1fn02pD6q0bqFMACLcBGAsYHQ/w188-h141/IMG_0247.HEIC" width="188" /></a></div><p></p><p>By mile 27 the donut caught up with me and the sugar crash was starting to make me second guess if that was really the right decision. I pushed on hard until mile 30 before I took a quick walking break and tried to put some real food in my stomach; chocolate chips, raisins, pretzels, and half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. </p><p>Shortly there after I was able to get another wind, but by mile 35 I was starting to really hurt again. The next 5 miles were probably the worst of the run. Not particularly interesting terrain, wondering when I would make it to the base of Wachusett, and the fact that last time I ran over 25 miles was August began to catch up with me. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDoTQ-Irhe8/YH2VPACQ0EI/AAAAAAAAOiY/k4FJg6dpfJUX6K2hssDAHak-6bNIlZofwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0249.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDoTQ-Irhe8/YH2VPACQ0EI/AAAAAAAAOiY/k4FJg6dpfJUX6K2hssDAHak-6bNIlZofwCLcBGAsYHQ/w202-h152/IMG_0249.HEIC" width="202" /></a></div>Finally at mile 41 I reached the ski area parking lot and began my ascent. I took the Midstate trail to Old Indian trail to the summit. The entire thing was mud, but at this point I no longer cared and just slogged straight through it. <p></p><p>Just before 3:40 PM, I reached the summit, accomplishing my goal for the day. All and all a really tough day, primarily brought on due to the level of effort required to get through those first 11 miles, but happy with the result. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/5151511557/overview"><b>-- 42.91 miles -- 8:59:56 -- 12:35 / mile -- 5000' Climbing -- Only Known Time -- </b></a><br /></p><p><b></b></p><p><b>Thank you </b></p><p>My parallel goal for this effort was to raise funds for <a href="https://nfnortheast.org/">NF Northeast</a>. I set a goal of $420, $10 for each mile, and surpassed that raising $817. I am touched by the generosity. </p><p>To my supporters, Mike Newcomb, Deb Downs, Michael Gao, Mike McNally, Carrie-Anne DeDeo, Gary and Susan DeDeo, Donna Ognibene, Tom Weissinger, Mike Lepore, Twiggy Chan, Chris Botting, Jean Morello, Urvi Mujumdar, Tim Morin, Kate Mueller, Ken Krilla, Jason Dunklee, Deborah Dunklee, Ben Pritzker. and Patrick Phelan, thank you. </p><p>To my wife Amy, thank you for letting me do events like this and picking me up at the end with the kids and puppy in tow. </p><p>To Doug, my crew chief, thank you for supporting this effort. I really do appreciate it and hope to return the favor some day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sqRTQEId-c/YH2X2SmzEtI/AAAAAAAAOig/ZgpBzg0PtDYqPOQSKozOchzo15I17MBdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0245.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sqRTQEId-c/YH2X2SmzEtI/AAAAAAAAOig/ZgpBzg0PtDYqPOQSKozOchzo15I17MBdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0245.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-72051098324274574802021-02-15T08:10:00.000-05:002021-02-15T08:10:14.282-05:00Tacking Solace in the Time Before the Sun Comes Up<p>As we navigate our way through 2021, I've been doing my best to stay motivated, but as you can imagine, it has been tough. Between the lack of school, trying to keep up with work, the ability to socialize, the cold weather, and watching the general dysfunction of society, all of us are suffering from a bit of depression. Over the past few weeks, I've been taking solace more and more in my morning run. There really is something truly peaceful about going for a run while most the world is still fast asleep. It truly does set the stage for the day. </p><p><b>Every Street in Arlington</b></p><p>Having a goal is important; even if it a mostly meaningless goal. Over the past couple of months, I have been slowly working my way through running every street in Arlington. Last summer, I did the same in Belmont and got through the entire town in the matter of 3 weeks. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TT7i_Z4EJi0/YCkTIVzuAYI/AAAAAAAAOgA/nnb47-UBYNgKdtDwDT2vmlp_FZeRgNrUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/148643052_10223854233201081_8638897440857220380_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TT7i_Z4EJi0/YCkTIVzuAYI/AAAAAAAAOgA/nnb47-UBYNgKdtDwDT2vmlp_FZeRgNrUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w128-h128/148643052_10223854233201081_8638897440857220380_o.jpg" width="128" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise on Spy Pond<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Arlington is a bit bigger than Belmont and since I start every run at my house, I lose 4-5 miles simply running back and forth. None the less, I have been really enjoying exploring the different parts of the town; east Arlington, the heights, Turkey hill, Spy Pond, the Mystics, and the center. At the time of writing this, I am now 87.92% of the way through and aiming to finish it off over the next week. </p><p>So far, my favorite parts are the Spy Pond area, which can have beautiful sunrises over the water, and Turkey Hill, which has maze of trails interconnecting a number of dead end streets. </p><p><b>The Donut Series</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hSywhUzbP9Y/YCkW1zbnewI/AAAAAAAAOgM/YmH6fmaJTrA0Yxs-Byq106F2KQzKu0tlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hSywhUzbP9Y/YCkW1zbnewI/AAAAAAAAOgM/YmH6fmaJTrA0Yxs-Byq106F2KQzKu0tlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w152-h152/unnamed.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>My latest attempt to stay motivated for long runs on Saturday's mornings is something now known as the donut series. The past three Saturday's I've run to different donut shops, purchased something for myself and the family, and run back home. <br /><p></p><p>It started with a run to Union Square Donuts in Brookline in single digit temps which included the Newton Hills and some running along the river. In the second week, we ran to Doughboy Donuts on Dorchester Ave in Boston and this past weekend went all the way up to Kane's Donuts in Saugus. So far Union Square Donuts has been my favorite. </p><p><b>Consistency</b></p><p>After struggling with some glute issues for a lot of 2020, which became quite a bit worse after my run your age and virtual Falmouth runs in August, I was finally able to start finding some consistency over the final eight weeks of the year knocking out 60 miles or more each week. I'm happy to report that I've carried that consistency into 2021 and with yesterday's runs have now eight consecutive weeks of 70+ miles. I am currently optimistic about how long I can keep this up for. If nothing else, I am building a base for some Spring and Summer adventures. <br /></p><p><b>The Dream</b></p><p>As I anxiously await my turn in the vaccine line, I've been having a re-occurring dream. After I finally get the chance to make my appoint, I take the morning off from work and run to Fenway Park. Upon getting vaccinated, I get my picture with the Green Monster in the background before an easy return trip along the river with biggest smile I have ever had on my face. This vaccine really is our only chance at getting back to a "normal" life. <br /></p><p><b>A Few Goals for 2021</b><br /><b></b></p><p>Building out goals in the middle of pandemic is difficult. I haven't raced in person since the beginning of February 2020 and honestly, I have lost most interest in a lot of in person races anyways. I'm sure once the world gets closer to back to normal, it will come back, at least for shorter stuff like your local 5k, but for now, I don't have any races planned for the year. </p><p>Now that being said, my eagerness to get back into the mountains for adventures is continuing to increase. As soon as time and the world allows, I plan to get back up into the White's. I'm thinking, start easy, with <a href="https://www.strava.com/routes/23210568">Tom, Field, and Willey</a> by Crawford Notch, then tag <a href="https://www.strava.com/routes/23254800">Galehead, West Bond, and Owls Head</a> on what looks like a modified Pemi loop, and then finally go after the big daddy, the <a href="https://www.strava.com/routes/2723236923353355592">Hut Traverse</a>, sometime in late June or early July. </p><p>In addition to the Whites, I'm thinking of running from <a href="https://www.strava.com/routes/2752241951975730786">Monadnock to Wachusett</a> at some point and hoping to get out to the Grand Canyon in the fall. </p><p>Just writing this has improved my state of mind already. <br /></p><p><b>The Now</b></p><p>For now, the only choice is to keep plugging away; getting up early and tagging random streets trying to stay sane, trying to be a good husband, father, employee, co-worker, and searching for that perfect sunrise. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cecaMAEqdkg/YCpuiX_ljhI/AAAAAAAAOgY/G3g9LA0PhbU0KVXw1j-WoM5ejcPABvWkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cecaMAEqdkg/YCpuiX_ljhI/AAAAAAAAOgY/G3g9LA0PhbU0KVXw1j-WoM5ejcPABvWkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hattie Symmes Park, 2/15/21, 6:09AM<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-60325382949913001902020-12-31T07:24:00.009-05:002020-12-31T16:49:29.541-05:002020 - Chasing the Perfect Sunrise<div><p><i>"Uncertainty can be scary, but during a sunrise that uncertainty is
luminous. Watching the sunrise every day has helped me see light within
myself—potential, possibility, peace, and the feeling that all will be
well." - Gina Ryder</i></p><p>As you already know, 2020 was not a typical year. This was as true in running as much as anything else. I been thinking about what I was going to write for my year-end post and as I sit down to finally do it, I'm still not really sure how it is going to turn out. </p><p>First, I thought of just going with raw honesty. For instance, I even thought of naming this post something like "2020: Watching society fall apart in real time" or simply "2020: F*&k You", but went in the spirit of positivity and keeping this more about my athletic endeavors, I chose otherwise. </p><p>Even before the pandemic came to the United States I knew <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2019/12/2019-applying-everything-i-have-learned.html">2019</a> was going to be a hard year to beat. I was coming off some big PRs and big accomplishments. My main goal going into 2020 was to simply see how long I could ride the wave. </p><p><b>The Frozen Yeti</b></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PjcQ_A1ATRs/XkAupz6QyTI/AAAAAAAAN0k/Bpt5CoSsk7MIDn6ExOAvDyiFf5ApplKowCPcBGAYYCw/s1823/IMG_2387.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="1823" height="103" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PjcQ_A1ATRs/XkAupz6QyTI/AAAAAAAAN0k/Bpt5CoSsk7MIDn6ExOAvDyiFf5ApplKowCPcBGAYYCw/w143-h103/IMG_2387.JPG" width="143" /></a> My only true race for the year was on February 1st where I ran in the <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2020/02/kicking-off-2020-with-tarctic-frozen.html">Frozen Yeti </a>30 hour. My goal was to run 100k and I was able to log 63.7 miles in 12:38 before I called it a day. I was pretty stoked with the result, and simply happy to see how well I felt after 63 miles and excited to see what else 2020 had in store. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Beginning of the Pandemic</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Riding a high after the Frozen Yeti, I got back on the horse quickly and started pushing the mileage. I hit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hb5Y1naWF9M/X-jVG6l1_XI/AAAAAAAAOZs/b1eH73fVYjASqA_8EQ63-qWbZt_ul4sSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/unnamed.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="119" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hb5Y1naWF9M/X-jVG6l1_XI/AAAAAAAAOZs/b1eH73fVYjASqA_8EQ63-qWbZt_ul4sSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w158-h119/unnamed.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>80 miles the first week in March and was in the middle of a 90 mile week (my last of the year) when the floor fell out from beneath us. As I watched the news, it was becoming pretty clear that although life was being put on hold for the next few weeks (or at least for those with kids), that this would be a much longer ordeal. In an effort to stay positive, my Saturday run that week was simply labeled <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3182206390">"Not sure what I am training for, but whatever it is it will be epic."</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Rise of the Morning Run</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vDxY6tnxmQ/X-jQi3Wj0kI/AAAAAAAAOZc/MLFg8z6sARc9L60gR9FuATVuqr_QT644wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1334/most_active.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vDxY6tnxmQ/X-jQi3Wj0kI/AAAAAAAAOZc/MLFg8z6sARc9L60gR9FuATVuqr_QT644wCLcBGAsYHQ/w84-h149/most_active.png" width="84" /></a></div>For the last few years, I kept my volume high by running a lot of doubles. I ran at lunch everyday and ran at a minimum on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. With the new schedule of working from home, parenting, being your children's friends, and home schooling, the ability to run at lunch went completely out the window. None the less, 4:45 - 5:20 became my new wake up time and I soldiered on. Additionally, without the time to run doubles any more either, those morning runs increased drastically in distance. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Virtual Racing and Doing My Own Thing </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the Boston Marathon postponed to the fall and with an effort to find some sense of normalcy, something to strive for, and purpose, I ran a number of my own events and virtual races. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">It began on Patriot's Day (aka Marathon Monday) with a run a labeled "<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3325639283">The Non-Boston Marathon Social Distancing Run for Hope</a>" where I toured portions of the Boston Marathon course starting at 2:30am and<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1RWRynSCSE/X-naGMx5ydI/AAAAAAAAOZ4/KU4Ghwvy6qYoXzk_oGumRZum08m67J3RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2853.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1RWRynSCSE/X-naGMx5ydI/AAAAAAAAOZ4/KU4Ghwvy6qYoXzk_oGumRZum08m67J3RQCLcBGAsYHQ/w115-h153/IMG_2853.HEIC" width="115" /></a></div>working my way through Sherborn, Ashland, Hopkinton, and Framingham. With the support of family and friends, I was able to raise another $500 for NF Northeast. I was happy to see that even in the midst of a pandemic that people can still be generous and think of others. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In May, I ran the <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2020/06/east-vs-west-50ks-rise-virtual.html">East vs. West 50k</a>, not once, but twice. I figured if I was paying for a race might as well get my money's worth. The first round I completed as a double out and back on the Western Greenway (my favorite local trail, more below) and then second, in an effort to improve my time, I ran along the Charles River. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, virtual racing just really doesn't get me excited. I completed a number of other virtual races throughout the year, but they really were an effort to support the people and organizations I care about rather then race. Included in those Steps to Cure NF 5k, Falmouth Road Race, Becca Pizzi 5k, Boston Marathon, The Apple Run (which I directed) and the Gobble Gobble Gobble. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Mountains are Calling</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Over the past few years, I have been spending more and more time in the mountains. Back in April, one of my friends said, "Trails are going to be the place to be this year." and I agreed with him 100%. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASaZ8hIW0Vg/X-ngWa7fxII/AAAAAAAAOaE/VIitzntyPRMeDbYRH7TQhA99EGfrPrCZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3743.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASaZ8hIW0Vg/X-ngWa7fxII/AAAAAAAAOaE/VIitzntyPRMeDbYRH7TQhA99EGfrPrCZACLcBGAsYHQ/w194-h146/IMG_3743.HEIC" width="194" /></a></div>In addition to running every trail I could find, I made it up to the White Mountains a number of different times and was able to tag 6 peaks: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3639697235">North and Middle Tripyramid, Passaconway, White Face</a>, <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3682820627">Hale</a>, and <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3816923729">North Twin</a>. This gets me to 25 of the 48. I'm super excited to get back up for more in the spring and even have a plan now to get me through the remaining 23 peaks. I figure I need about 9 more trips. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Though not a NH 4000 footer, I tagged the <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3721503358">NY White Face</a>, home the 1932 and 1980 Olympics, in the Adirondacks during a family camping trip in July. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Can't wait to explore some new trails and peaks when the time is right again. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Every Street in Belmont</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">One thing I always enjoyed about running at lunch from work is that it gave me a whole different set of roads and trails to run. This really helped in keeping me from getting bored of running the same thing every day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1T1lQODW8CI/X-olT0UmcWI/AAAAAAAAOaQ/wc5nzymWDFk2Al_ALbO1JH69V1Hu4KK4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1442/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-12-28%2Bat%2B1.34.43%2BPM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1228" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1T1lQODW8CI/X-olT0UmcWI/AAAAAAAAOaQ/wc5nzymWDFk2Al_ALbO1JH69V1Hu4KK4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w130-h152/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-12-28%2Bat%2B1.34.43%2BPM.png" width="130" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This past June and July, I started and completed a new project; run every road in Belmont, my home town. This is something that has become increasingly popular after Rickey Gates did all of San Francisco in 2018. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">After a few weeks of meticulously drawing and following routes, I finished the project. It was a nice break from running the same monotonous roads and was nice to see all the different parts of my town. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Over the past couple of weeks, I've slowly started knocking off more roads in Arlington and Watertown on some of my midweek runs. It will be a while before I fully color them in, but always fun to see something new. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Western Greenway</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is no secret that my favorite trail is a little section of woods between Waltham, Lexington, and Belmont named the Western Greenway. I've been running parts of the trail for over 10 years now and when the world shut down in March it became my safe haven. I ran it every Tuesday for a few months at a minimum and on some weekends as well. Sometimes in the dark, some times in the snow, sometimes in the rain. I rarely saw anyone out there and really just enjoy how this tiny stretch of land can be so peaceful in an urban environment. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWdUYc_-zhFrhyphenhyphenfljTMrJl0dTObWLSzV6d_IcmpX8Qrn5RowfZKhd2Kmyh4CIorkurx8v6__PX41A0eXrTq7z6pByC20bmScdltmS019xQcKL8C1DSh-Vs6yiZmKnuZ9ErMARI7g6GUo/s2048/greenway.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWdUYc_-zhFrhyphenhyphenfljTMrJl0dTObWLSzV6d_IcmpX8Qrn5RowfZKhd2Kmyh4CIorkurx8v6__PX41A0eXrTq7z6pByC20bmScdltmS019xQcKL8C1DSh-Vs6yiZmKnuZ9ErMARI7g6GUo/w110-h147/greenway.jpg" width="110" /></a></div><b> </b><br />I've run the trail probably 40 something times this year and often stopping at the bench in the middle for a quick picture and to take in the calm surroundings in an otherwise chaotic world. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">On October 25th, I went out and set the <a href="https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt/scot-dedeo-western-greenway-ma-2020-10-25">Fastest Known Time</a> for a full out and back on the trail. I had a perfect 40 degree day and simply felt like I could fly for most of the run. Check out my full recap <a href="http://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-western-greenway-fastest-known-time.html">here</a>. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxnnULqdOaE/X-5HQ8IR5gI/AAAAAAAAOdM/OSUwf_9RAAkFQNiXoNhCIdE5w46Ug2DzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1334/strava.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxnnULqdOaE/X-5HQ8IR5gI/AAAAAAAAOdM/OSUwf_9RAAkFQNiXoNhCIdE5w46Ug2DzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w110-h196/strava.png" width="110" /></a></div><b><b>By the Numbers</b><br />
</b><ul><li>Races run: 1</li><li>NH 4000 footers: 6<br /></li><li>FKTs: 1<br /></li><li>Longest run: 63.7 miles</li><li>Miles Run: 3269 (25 more than last year)<br /></li><li>Time Running: 519.5 hours</li><li>Climbing: 231,483'</li><li>7th consecutive year of running every day</li><li>6th consecutive year of running my age on my birthday </li></ul><p>Every year included in this post is the "how far did I get?" part. After finally making it to the West Coast last year. I needed something new. On July 6th, I logged enough miles on Strava as the circumference of the earth at the equator: 24, 901. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lb59ZvuiY04/X-pk0lmnT7I/AAAAAAAAOdA/7Rq-3BqEwW0mYyZht74BqQDroT-vZk7kwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1208/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-12-28%2Bat%2B6.05.11%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="1208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lb59ZvuiY04/X-pk0lmnT7I/AAAAAAAAOdA/7Rq-3BqEwW0mYyZht74BqQDroT-vZk7kwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-12-28%2Bat%2B6.05.11%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Additionally, this year I logged 3269 miles; the exact distance from Boston to London. Excited to see where I can get next year. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Chasing the Perfect Sunrise</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZGidw1Gw2o/X-pWU7He7FI/AAAAAAAAOao/4mG_uXLqSHgk-iwU5mmSeNS-QGcOD9XFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/dark-skyline.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZGidw1Gw2o/X-pWU7He7FI/AAAAAAAAOao/4mG_uXLqSHgk-iwU5mmSeNS-QGcOD9XFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w194-h146/dark-skyline.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>This has been a very difficult year to maintain positivity. In addition to the sadness the virus has brought, it has been depressing to see how society has reacted. On March 16th, just days after this pandemic reached us, I logged a loop of the Skyline trail in the Fells in the dark. As I stopped at Wright's Tower for a picture of the city, I decided I would name the run "<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3187974917">Dark Skyline</a>," a double entendre. I was seriously worried what 2020 had in store for us. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From there on out, I have chosen to see something positive in every day and what is more positive then watching the sunrise. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Uncertainty can be scary, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>but during a sunrise that uncertainty is
luminous. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Watching the sunrise every day has helped me see light within
myself</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>—potential, possibility, peace, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and the feeling that all will be
well." </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>- Gina Ryder</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the past 9 months I have been seeking the perfect sunrise. Will I ever find it? Probably not, but I have found some pretty damn good ones looking. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz529sd7DHBFQgDJYgck5JuihEjaK9qIj7Mxj7iSGfZ2vl25ngIFRiGOhBTmL7q20jwKcfCRPbLZZ3l7YVbnJgtrs2CWprdctRxLNuoyIbzUgmMpAJzDms9IMuru5za3gAoUqXlubsd6Y/s2048/robbins_park.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz529sd7DHBFQgDJYgck5JuihEjaK9qIj7Mxj7iSGfZ2vl25ngIFRiGOhBTmL7q20jwKcfCRPbLZZ3l7YVbnJgtrs2CWprdctRxLNuoyIbzUgmMpAJzDms9IMuru5za3gAoUqXlubsd6Y/w370-h278/robbins_park.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robbins Park, Arlington, April 16th</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znufFIp0Tdk/X-pY4AfzCuI/AAAAAAAAObQ/EFPCySKbTQ8hQsUBmLCvODFWSXsLc6bFwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/ashland_reservoir.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="277" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znufFIp0Tdk/X-pY4AfzCuI/AAAAAAAAObQ/EFPCySKbTQ8hQsUBmLCvODFWSXsLc6bFwCPcBGAYYCw/w369-h277/ashland_reservoir.jpg" width="369" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashland Reservoir, April 20th </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0atr2_jr5sM/X-pY4EL45YI/AAAAAAAAObI/fCiUjvBRS74KECV2l2dpGIv96JE2QhCKwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/charles_river.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0atr2_jr5sM/X-pY4EL45YI/AAAAAAAAObI/fCiUjvBRS74KECV2l2dpGIv96JE2QhCKwCPcBGAYYCw/w330-h440/charles_river.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles River, Cambridge, May 19th<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRDjrnli1rM/X-pagP_Z7tI/AAAAAAAAObc/HOr4vqQHCgUV8I2Sffh-ZUSvcF7e_ZZZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/western_greenway_sunrise.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="413" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRDjrnli1rM/X-pagP_Z7tI/AAAAAAAAObc/HOr4vqQHCgUV8I2Sffh-ZUSvcF7e_ZZZACLcBGAsYHQ/w310-h413/western_greenway_sunrise.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Greenway, June 2nd</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lin4qmA_pys/X-pb8RAHVmI/AAAAAAAAObs/7YK5KLlayE4_2npws5g36KY-hSxRrUEGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/robbins.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lin4qmA_pys/X-pb8RAHVmI/AAAAAAAAObs/7YK5KLlayE4_2npws5g36KY-hSxRrUEGACLcBGAsYHQ/w362-h272/robbins.jpg" width="362" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robbins Farm Park, Arlington, July 30th<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-385PRQsafrc/X-pcGJbAdhI/AAAAAAAAObw/DQ6ybo71NJAUdYnAW2wNhAPN0jwGMBvxACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/wapack.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-385PRQsafrc/X-pcGJbAdhI/AAAAAAAAObw/DQ6ybo71NJAUdYnAW2wNhAPN0jwGMBvxACPcBGAYYCw/w357-h268/wapack.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wapack Trail, Greenfield, NH, Aug 1st</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kG6J3VQWuaA/X-pcbPoe7nI/AAAAAAAAOb8/i6sCfpsK7rk4zLqJ64yk5qz_zuybRnNcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/sudbury_river.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kG6J3VQWuaA/X-pcbPoe7nI/AAAAAAAAOb8/i6sCfpsK7rk4zLqJ64yk5qz_zuybRnNcQCLcBGAsYHQ/w407-h305/sudbury_river.jpg" width="407" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sudbury River, Lincoln, Aug 11th<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewR2OnUPGTM/X-pdD4r3a9I/AAAAAAAAOcI/S1HHY3V7flQE5kU3oQBH8GaRC1O2lNloACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/midstate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewR2OnUPGTM/X-pdD4r3a9I/AAAAAAAAOcI/S1HHY3V7flQE5kU3oQBH8GaRC1O2lNloACLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h288/midstate.jpg" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midstate Trail, Oxford, Oct 11th<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jTl7NNujgU/X-pdgbD3x5I/AAAAAAAAOcQ/7ttDITYQ3Vo6zWnqZR72CPkdR9O1dBYhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/spy_pond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jTl7NNujgU/X-pdgbD3x5I/AAAAAAAAOcQ/7ttDITYQ3Vo6zWnqZR72CPkdR9O1dBYhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w415-h311/spy_pond.jpg" width="415" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spy Pond, Arlington, Nov 9th<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmtNGd8OWys/X-peAMIb7GI/AAAAAAAAOcg/tszD2eJ5cMgY6sA1jIenEGppQvDkuhLhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/charles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="322" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmtNGd8OWys/X-peAMIb7GI/AAAAAAAAOcg/tszD2eJ5cMgY6sA1jIenEGppQvDkuhLhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w429-h322/charles.jpg" width="429" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles River, Dec 24th<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3WfikgJndw/X-peXQDEJlI/AAAAAAAAOco/j61kiJs8WegcXVWa4PPPuMnWT6QhQwz2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/fells.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3WfikgJndw/X-peXQDEJlI/AAAAAAAAOco/j61kiJs8WegcXVWa4PPPuMnWT6QhQwz2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w406-h305/fells.jpg" width="406" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middlesex Fells, Dec 27th<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking forward to 2021 and hopefully a return to "normal" life. Stay safe our there. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>- Scot </i><br /></div>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-34554543931706618472020-10-25T12:14:00.008-04:002020-10-25T12:22:26.210-04:00The Western Greenway Fastest Known Time<p>I've lived in Belmont, MA for over 15 years now. I've been running parts of the <a href="https://walthamlandtrust.org/the-western-greenway/">Western Greenway</a>, a 6.85 mile route that starts just west of Belmont Center and goes out to Bentley University, dating back at least 10 years. </p><p>For most of this time, I have been running segments of and didn't even know where the official start was until earlier this year. Over the past 7 months this trail has become my haven as I have sought to avoid others during the pandemic. I have run most of the trail (in one direction) over 30 times this year in all conditions: heat, snow, rain, and in the dark. </p><p>This is by far my favorite trail and I just love how it offers a variety of terrain, from rocky and technical to flat and fast, with many different types of vegetation throughout. </p><p>The existing <a href="https://fastestknowntime.com/route/western-greenway-ma">Fastest Known Time for the Greenway</a> was an out and back of 1:56:06 set by Jason DeJoannis back in 2018. <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i> </i></span></p><p><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Location: Belmont, MA / Waltham, MA</i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Date: 10/25/2020</i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Distance: 13.7</i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Current FKT: 1:56:06</i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>My Time: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4241547825/overview">1:41:52 (7:25 / mile)</a><br /></i></span></p><p> Not having much on the racing calendar, I've been eyeing some FKT's and OKT's (Only Known Time) for a while. I've always talked about going after the Western Greenway, but simply never got around to giving it a real effort. Now that the New England weather has cooled off, I thought perfect time to give it a go. </p><p>Back in 2017, I gave the most of the eastbound direction a solid go, so I had an idea on how fast I could run the trails. The main question was, could I keep that up for an out and back? </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvqC47Zb-_w/X5Wh89fnVSI/AAAAAAAAOUw/9n_R8hROYSEQPwOr_tZKmCxPGq5RTfWKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4444.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvqC47Zb-_w/X5Wh89fnVSI/AAAAAAAAOUw/9n_R8hROYSEQPwOr_tZKmCxPGq5RTfWKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w157-h209/IMG_4444.HEIC" width="157" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Start<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I started off right at sunrise at a brisk 40 degrees. Put on my <a href="https://nfnortheast.org/">NF Northeast</a> racing kit complete with my bright red running tights and after a short 3/4 mile warm up to the start, I took few minutes to compose myself before setting off. <p></p><p>I started out quick with a 7:07 mile on a mix of trail and roads as I went around Weeks Pond and up Somerset st and through the Audubon. After crossing into Loan Tree Hill and picking up Pine Cone Alley, I opened it up and was able to drop a 6:49 as ran through Rock Meadow. From there I backed off a bit and tried to find a more comfortable pace, but still made sure to keep pushing. </p><p>Starting on the Belmont side, the first half is pretty run-able, but you have to know where you are going. There are some sneaky turns and the trail markers seem to come and go every year. Once you cross pass the apartment complex, it gets a little more technical and this time of year has a decent amount of leaves on the ground. As I hit the long bridge over the West Meadow swamp (Mile 4), I opened it back up and was still feeling pretty good. </p><p>Around mile 4.5, you reach my favorite part of the Greenway; the bench. All spring, summer, and fall, every time I ran by I stopped and took my picture on it (There would be no stopping today). A nice relaxing place that seems so far removed from the rest of the City of Waltham. </p><p>While my time slowed a bit over the next few miles, I was still able to keep my pace below 8s. As I got to the turnaround point, I quickly snapped a picture to prove I was there and then hammered back up the hill. I hit the half way point in 50:17, by far the fastest I have run that direction. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFBNwlcDp9A/X5WiMLrif5I/AAAAAAAAOU0/5yQ7LUkMZPodGqnOb57UZYEeUndSAosmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4445.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="157" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFBNwlcDp9A/X5WiMLrif5I/AAAAAAAAOU0/5yQ7LUkMZPodGqnOb57UZYEeUndSAosmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w209-h157/IMG_4445.HEIC" width="209" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Terminus<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The first mile of the return trip was going to be the most painful as you have 2 solid climbs before it flattens back out. Mile 7 was my first mile over 8 minutes (8:03), but was able to recover quickly dropping a 7:34 to follow it. The climb back up to the bench was also a little bit of a bear taking me 8:18. <p></p><p>At this point I was averaging 7:32 and with some of the easier terrain coming gave me a new goal of completing this under 7:30 average. As I descended back across Walnut st, West Meadow, and into Rock Meadow, I was able to hold around 7 minute pace and was starting to taste victory. </p><p>My final climb back up Pine Cone Alley was bit rough, but all I had after that was some flat / downhill </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkO64j-0Rac/X5WiX41sn1I/AAAAAAAAOU8/xgzObg6uLm4XVbJ3iUggcI-GJrdS2GvvACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4446.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkO64j-0Rac/X5WiX41sn1I/AAAAAAAAOU8/xgzObg6uLm4XVbJ3iUggcI-GJrdS2GvvACLcBGAsYHQ/w176-h132/IMG_4446.HEIC" width="176" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Finish<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>trails to the finish. As I came back through Weeks Meadow I gave it one final push finishing in <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4241547825/overview">1:41:52 (7:25 / mile)</a>, 14:14 under the previous time. <p></p><p>All and all happy with the effort and happy to put up a time on the trail I love some much. </p><p>- Scot</p><p> </p><p>Below are some photos from my and my families time on the trail this year. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHoZk8FJNOQ/X5WjSb0nvwI/AAAAAAAAOVM/uSD70mBhVuYp5Szr0a5S7DOoQsIB2DgkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4430.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHoZk8FJNOQ/X5WjSb0nvwI/AAAAAAAAOVM/uSD70mBhVuYp5Szr0a5S7DOoQsIB2DgkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w222-h296/IMG_4430.HEIC" width="222" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bench - Oct 20th</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdrlmwxVsBQ/X5WjlxBqzyI/AAAAAAAAOVU/AYQA81YNKJI7nRVY2TxGGgYG9O__ugKoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4418.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdrlmwxVsBQ/X5WjlxBqzyI/AAAAAAAAOVU/AYQA81YNKJI7nRVY2TxGGgYG9O__ugKoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4418.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nat having lunch on the bench Oct 17th<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJKmtV31reo/X5Wjxbn7fTI/AAAAAAAAOVY/YHZrqoBShw86XxQ0VTvFnioHQNNc1QzEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3908.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJKmtV31reo/X5Wjxbn7fTI/AAAAAAAAOVY/YHZrqoBShw86XxQ0VTvFnioHQNNc1QzEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3908.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bench - Aug 3rd</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22PST2L2s_k/X5WkD3KJdSI/AAAAAAAAOVk/4ET_4sU7AuQfDvPGyRCrPsiKH5xuSPuYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3059.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22PST2L2s_k/X5WkD3KJdSI/AAAAAAAAOVk/4ET_4sU7AuQfDvPGyRCrPsiKH5xuSPuYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3059.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Meadow - May 16th<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-30682832594071406962020-08-15T15:10:00.000-04:002020-08-15T15:10:12.089-04:00Run Your Age - Year 40 - Wachusett Mountain Edition<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKK9MEbJ2tE/XzgupfMSVSI/AAAAAAAAONc/pMZJQFGXkJEVikiUwRdUX3IFtKAwV_aZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3951.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="168" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKK9MEbJ2tE/XzgupfMSVSI/AAAAAAAAONc/pMZJQFGXkJEVikiUwRdUX3IFtKAwV_aZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w126-h168/IMG_3951.HEIC" width="126" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pre-Run</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>For the 6th year in a row, I ran my age on my birthday. Originally we had planned to have a party to celebrate the big 40, but unfortunately the world had other plans. </p><p>Every year I take this opportunity to run a new and interesting route and combine it with a fundraiser. This year I decided I would run from my house (Belmont) to the top of Wachusett Mountain. The route ended up being just under 44 miles (hitting the 40 mile requirement). Again this year, I chose raise money for <a href="https://nfnortheast.org/">Neurofibromatosis Northeast</a> and at the time of writing this have raised just over $700 (If you would still like to contribute, click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/1513405248862320/">here</a>). Huge thank you to all that contributed. </p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>The Run</b></p><p>The run started at 4:20am on a warm / humid (74 degrees / 80% humidity) day. A few friends joined from a safe distance for the first 7 (Donal), 13 (Duane), and 29 (Keith) miles before heading back to go about their day. The nice thing about starting that early was you really could spread out all the way across the street as there are very few cars before 5am. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFli_lgIYYE/Xzgu5gYYtxI/AAAAAAAAONk/SBSMFXMhyUIGmddweK1EaXcdgkz_femKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFli_lgIYYE/Xzgu5gYYtxI/AAAAAAAAONk/SBSMFXMhyUIGmddweK1EaXcdgkz_femKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w262-h197/IMG_3959.JPG" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Morning Mist</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Most of the early miles were uneventful as we crossed from Belmont into Waltham then Lincoln. As we ran by Moody St in Waltham, I looked to my left to see the <a href="https://www.brewerstapandtable.com/">Brewer's Tap and Table</a> where I was planning on having my party. Next year I said. <br /></p><p>At mile 12, we crossed the Sudbury river and had an amazing sunrise behind us. While already drenched with sweat, it was nice to take a few minutes and enjoy the simple beauty it provided. </p><p>Unfortunately the next few miles were a bit of a pain as rt 117 doesn't really have much of a shoulder. Now that it was getting a bit later and traffic was starting to pick up, it made running here a bit unpleasant. As we crossed into Maynard and across rt 27 we were greeted with a sidewalk again. A welcoming site. <br /></p><p>Around mile 17.5, Doug appeared on his bike with bottle of Powerade for me. I must have drained the whole 32 ounces in under 30 seconds. While it made me feel a bit better from a hydration standpoint, I could feel it sloshing around in my stomach for the next few miles. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P5_XlnCfAY/XzgvD1ZjsPI/AAAAAAAAONo/9mMrYQQw2foHjqcoD9XIZa__EnggokI8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P5_XlnCfAY/XzgvD1ZjsPI/AAAAAAAAONo/9mMrYQQw2foHjqcoD9XIZa__EnggokI8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w262-h197/IMG_3954.JPG" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sunrise over the Sudbury</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Mile 19.5 was our first big stop. We hit a Dunkin Donuts in Bolton and refilled out packs: more Powerade and more water. The next 5 miles were a bit slow and quiet as we ran along the shoulder of rt 117. Between the time on feet and the sound of traffic whizzing by, we largely kept to ourselves. </p><p>Finally, at mile 27 we turned onto a side road and were done with highly trafficked streets for the day. Keith and I enjoyed a nice 250' drop over his remaining two miles (clocking our fastest mile of the day, an 8:04, for mile 28). </p><p>After a quick liquid replenishment at a Cumberland Farms in Lancaster, I was back on the road. It was now 9am, around 85 degrees, and I had about 15 miles with the bulk of the climbing to go. Mile 31 was the first time all day I was really starting to feel it. I was able to still hold a 9:30 with 260' of climbing, but knew I was running to hot and I would eventually have to pay for the effort. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aa8DDTWVmk/Xzgxaq3by7I/AAAAAAAAOOI/qLmnCb2c-PMnaJVpZUxn9WjvD_NJ3cFjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3956.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aa8DDTWVmk/Xzgxaq3by7I/AAAAAAAAOOI/qLmnCb2c-PMnaJVpZUxn9WjvD_NJ3cFjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w262-h197/IMG_3956.HEIC" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>1st view of the Mountain, Mile 38.5</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>During mile 36, another 250'+ mile, I finally broke and took a short walking break. I felt like the sweat dripping off my head would never stop. I wrung out both my neck gaiter and my hat and muscled on. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The mountain first came into view at mile 38.5. I could see it taunting me off in the distance. I had gone nearly ten miles since my last hydration stop, had not run by a single store or gas station, and was starting to run dangerously low. It was now over 90 degrees and I really was felling it. Luckily, I was greeted with a nice 270' descent over the next mile before the final set of climbs began. 4.5 miles to go. </p><p>Miles 39.5 - 43 were fairly uneventful. I walked the uphills and jogged any flats and down hills. I held 9 minute pace until mile 40.5 and then watched my avg pace go up quickly. </p><p>Hot and dehydrated, I finally made it to the mountain. Due to the fact that I was coming from the east, I reached the mountain already at 1300' elevation (instead of the normal 800' at the base parking lot). From there, I took the Pine Hill Trail up to the summit. It was steep, but not crazy, with a total of 626' in that final mile. </p><p>As reached the auto road, Amy came walking up with a full 2 gallons of ice water for me. I was elated to see her. As I finally reached the summit (a minute or so later), my sister was waiting with a cold beer. The three of us sat, from a distance, enjoying the breeze for about 25 minutes before heading home. </p><p>Run your age, year 6, 40 mile (really 44) / Wachusett Mountain Edition Complete. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>-- 43.95 miles -- 7:03 moving time (9:37 / mile) -- 7:45 total time -- <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3898220902">Strava</a> -- </i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i> </i>Scot<i> <br /></i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj18FDJxTYQ/XzgvQLU8RvI/AAAAAAAAONw/RYuVAmCQRqI5UgjONEk_wvOb2im1ECszACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2616.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj18FDJxTYQ/XzgvQLU8RvI/AAAAAAAAONw/RYuVAmCQRqI5UgjONEk_wvOb2im1ECszACLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h307/IMG_2616.jpeg" width="410" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Top of Wachusett Mountain</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-76671644139572951352020-06-30T08:09:00.001-04:002020-06-30T08:09:22.958-04:00Half Way Through 2020, Current Projects, and My First Gear Review<div><b>First Half of 2020<br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Well we are halfway through 2020 and as you can probably guess, it isn't what anyone expected. None the less, I'm continuing to churn out miles and have been working on a few big projects in the absence of racing. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As of end of June, I've logged 1696 miles with 123k' climbing. This is the most I've logged in the first half of the year ever. I had a really strong start with 300+ mile months in January, February, and March. I've raced a few times this year, once in person, Frozen Yeti running 63.7 miles, and then the East vs. West Coast Virtual Ultra, knocking out a 50k twice with a fastest time of 4:12. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, below are few projects that I have been working on; some closer to coming to fruition than others. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Current Projects</b><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>1. Logging enough miles to cover the earth's circumference at the equator.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>The circumference of the earth at the equator is 24,901 miles. I started logging my running miles on Strava in 2007. I have been keeping an eye on the number after hitting 3000+ miles each of the last few years and am nearly there. At the time of writing this, I am at 24,859. Just over 40 miles to go. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It will be a few more years until I get to the moon (238,855 miles) though. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>2. Running Every Road in Belmont (my home town).</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IA9r6i-UsU/XvqSjAtBegI/AAAAAAAAOGg/m2b8E5NE-FUjhw1iz902vYpTzB_UsryLwCK4BGAsYHg/s1090/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-29%2Bat%2B9.10.47%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1090" height="162" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IA9r6i-UsU/XvqSjAtBegI/AAAAAAAAOGg/m2b8E5NE-FUjhw1iz902vYpTzB_UsryLwCK4BGAsYHg/w164-h162/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-29%2Bat%2B9.10.47%2BPM.png" width="164" /></a></div>Ever since Rickey Gates ran <a href="http://www.rickeygates.com/everysinglestreet">ever street in San Francisco</a> in 2018, I've been joking that I was going to run every road in Belmont, MA. Well, when the state of the world changes, you need to find projects to keep yourself busy. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So a few weeks ago, I generated a <a href="https://www.strava.com/athletes/8620237/heatmaps/548fb71f#14/42.39570/-71.17427">heat map</a> of my running and have been knocking off streets a few days a week. It has been surprisingly fun and has kept my attention. Between the Strava heat map and the dwMap app (more details below), it has been pretty easy to map out and follow routes. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am now 9 dedicated runs in and have another 3-4 of 8-10 miles each left to go. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>3. Summiting the NH 48 4000 Footers</i></div><div><br /></div><div>This project hit its half way point last Sunday when I summitted <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3682820627">Hale</a> during our camping trip. While it probably will take me another year or two to knock them all off, its still fun project to work on. My <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edcPcJCbHkI/XvqSuaDtLnI/AAAAAAAAOGs/79ikvMLu4YMk4ZJ3iQUd6jvWTGrwiss-wCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="123" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edcPcJCbHkI/XvqSuaDtLnI/AAAAAAAAOGs/79ikvMLu4YMk4ZJ3iQUd6jvWTGrwiss-wCK4BGAsYHg/w164-h123/IMG_3684.jpg" width="164" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mnt Hale<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>limiter here is simply finding time to drive up, spend 6-12 hours in the Mountains, and drive back home. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The first 24 were broken down into 4 major <a href="https://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/p/traverses.html">traverses</a> and 2 solo climbs (Hale and Moosilauke). My estimate is that I need at least 8 more trips to complete the remaining peaks. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>More details can be found at: <a href="https://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/p/nh-4000-footers.html">https://multisportmaniac.blogspot.com/p/nh-4000-footers.html</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>4. 250k' Climbing for the Year</i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This one is a bit funny. I have been around 200k' climbing a year for the last couple of years now. For the average road runner, that is a lot. For the average mountain runner, that is not very much. As I spend more and more time on the trails and as much in the mountains as I can, I think I have a realistic shot at getting to a quarter million feet climbing on the year. Focus and discipline is all it takes. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My First Gear Review</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>For those that know me well, you know that I am a bit of minimalist when it comes to gear. Over the course of the years, I've come to find what works well for me and what I have been using in a world with less amenities. <br /></div><div><br /><div><i>Hats</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Not having much hair, you will rarely see me running without a hat (really only if I forget it). There isn't much to review here as I either run in a custom printed <a href="https://www.headsweats.com/">Headsweats</a> cap I bulk ordered as a NF fundraiser or my Loon Mountain Ski Hat I got while running the race. <br /><i></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Neck Gator</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Not part of my traditional running gear, but guess what, it is 2020. Luckily I had a set off Buff branded neck gators that I got at races, notable the TARC Frozen Yeti, and have been wearing one of them on almost every run. They seem to do alright with moisture and dry quickly and a plus sign, my kids like them as well. <br /></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Shoes</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I've been running in one model or another of Adidas racing flats for the past 10 years now. I haven't had a serious running injury (knock on wood) and only a few flare ups. Anyways, splitting my time between the <a href="https://www.runningwarehouse.com/reviews/adidas-Shoe-Reviews/adidas-adizero-boston-8.html">Boston 8</a> and the <a href="https://www.runningshoesguru.com/2019/03/adidas-adizero-adios-4-review/">Adios 4</a> currently. Unfortunately, running shoes are like cars. They get bigger with each model and eventually you have to go down a model to get back to what you want. The Boston 7, no longer sold, was probably my favorite model this far. <br /><i></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Shorts (Loose)<br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div>My shorts are broken up into two categories as they really have different purposes. For loose shorts I have been wearing the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/adidas-Mens-Soccer-Squadra-Shorts/dp/B01HO55N8M">Adidas Squadra 17</a> for the last couple of years. They really are soccer shorts, but light enough that I feel they work well for running as well. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Shorts (Compression)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUPJRO8QTEg/XvqTNwKh4fI/AAAAAAAAOHc/OBScprrzJbMzEZOGs2R-ysR35QhEH_DZACK4BGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="131" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUPJRO8QTEg/XvqTNwKh4fI/AAAAAAAAOHc/OBScprrzJbMzEZOGs2R-ysR35QhEH_DZACK4BGAsYHg/w98-h131/IMG_3695.jpg" width="98" /></a></div>The only reason I wear compression shorts is to have a pockets. I have been unable to find a pair of loose running shorts that keep my phone and keys in place so on the days I need to carry them, I wear compression shorts under the loose fitting shorts. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Early this year I found a brand of tights with pockets that I really liked and they have a short version as well. The brand is Yelpro, but is manufactured and sold through a range of retailers. They are pretty cheap and you can get a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lavento-Compression-Baselayer-Workout-Pack-3814/dp/B07SHB58VP/ref=sr_1_47?crid=MHC8G4XG3VCJ&dchild=1&keywords=running%2Bshorts%2Bwith%2Bphone%2Bpocket%2Bmen&qid=1593475515&sprefix=running%2Bshorts%2Bwith%2Bp%2Cfashion%2C150&sr=8-47&th=1&psc=1">3 pack for $24</a>. They stay up well, don't ride up from the bottom, breath, and have two side pockets. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Tights</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJCL8LHnXZc/XvqS8l4tMsI/AAAAAAAAOG8/h2PBRh5ZKksna-w7swXBPsPbjCNsNVJnwCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJCL8LHnXZc/XvqS8l4tMsI/AAAAAAAAOG8/h2PBRh5ZKksna-w7swXBPsPbjCNsNVJnwCK4BGAsYHg/w123-h164/IMG_3030.jpg" width="123" /></a></div>I also break up tights into a few categories as well. For now, I'll just talk about racing vs. training. In general, I start wearing tights around 50 degrees and either switch to warmer tights or start layering them around 20 degrees and below. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For racing tights, I have been a big fan of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/2XU-Compression-Tights-Black-X-Large/dp/B00591QC5M/ref=sr_1_25?dchild=1&keywords=2xu+running+tights+men+ice&qid=1593475789&sr=8-25">2XU</a> brand for many years now. They are as snug as you can get and I really have found the additional compression has helped with late race muscle fatigue. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For non-racing, similar to the compression shorts, I really want something that has a pocket that can comfortably carry my phone in. This did not used to be such a big deal, but with demands of work and parenting, having my phone has become more important over the years. As mentioned above, I really like the Yelpro brand and now have 5-6 pairs of the tights. They come in a range of colors, all with two side pockets, similar to the shorts, and you can get a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lavento-Compression-Baselayer-Leggings-Pack-3911/dp/B07M7NDLHX/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3LK8R0FOPKWTI&dchild=1&keywords=mens+running+tights+with+phone+pocket&qid=1593475958&sprefix=mens+running+tights+phone+pho%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-6">pack of 3 for under $30</a>. <br /><i></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Hydration Pack</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I've been running ultra-marathons for 9 years now and am on my 3rd pack. The 1st two were simple Camelbak packs with simple bladder. In 2017, before my first 100 miler I upgraded to a <a href="https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/s-lab-sense-ultra-5-set-20.html#color=19964">Salomon 5L</a> and have been very happy with that since then. It stretches enough to cram in extra foot and clothing for a <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4F9g_DnOUA/XvqTDG2pO8I/AAAAAAAAOHM/-ZJZC4ZyjMsOSOqImJCaZdfs1h2tdaC8ACK4BGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_0783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="123" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4F9g_DnOUA/XvqTDG2pO8I/AAAAAAAAOHM/-ZJZC4ZyjMsOSOqImJCaZdfs1h2tdaC8ACK4BGAsYHg/w164-h123/IMG_0783.jpg" width="164" /></a></div>long day in the mountains, has enough room for a 2L bladder (thought I use it with a 1.5L), and 2 more flasks in the front (normally I keep my phone in one the flask holders in the front). <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All and all this thing has been pretty durable surviving: two 100 mile races, five trips to the whites including two Pemi loops, and a 46 mile race in the Canary Islands among others. The only downside is one of the zippers in the back broke. If you are a gel fan, make sure to wash it if you get it gunked up. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Watch</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I am now on my 4th (3rd GPS) running watch (all Garmin). I started with Forerunner 50 (no GPS, just a foot pod) back in 2007, moved up to the 405 in 2010, the onto the 220, then the 235, and now the 245. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In my latest upgrade, I was looking for 2 things at a moderate price point: battery life and maps. Initially all roads lead to the Fenix coming in at $600 or more. Luckily I found the 245, priced at $300, with an add on app, <a href="https://dynamic.watch/">dwMap</a>, for an additional $30 to meet my needs. <br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ywvsmiXtHc/XvqUh3VXx_I/AAAAAAAAOIM/IJORcUgiXasTbfQIVtczURLNLIfTOnyrwCK4BGAsYHg/s2472/garmin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2472" data-original-width="2369" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ywvsmiXtHc/XvqUh3VXx_I/AAAAAAAAOIM/IJORcUgiXasTbfQIVtczURLNLIfTOnyrwCK4BGAsYHg/w158-h164/garmin.jpg" width="158" /></a></div></div><div>The 245 claims to get 24 hours of on GPS mode (I got around 20 during last falls 100). It allows for charging while recording and charges pretty quick. Dynamic Watch maps allows for uploading a GPX route using your computer or phone and will pull the maps from your phone connection (assuming you have phone service). I have used this extensively over the past year and have been very happy with how it works. I use the mapping app every time I head out into the mountains and have been using it as part of my ever street in Belmont project. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you enjoyed this post, have hung in there for the first half of 2020, and are looking forward to what the second half will bring. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>- Scot<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093812556270452063.post-13885700517827028242020-06-24T15:23:00.001-04:002020-06-24T15:23:13.238-04:00The Tripyramids, White Face, and Passaconway Traverse<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Roads, where we are going we don’t need roads." Doc - Back to the Future</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">This past Friday I knocked out 4 more of the NH 4000' peaks (20-23<i>)</i>, North and Middle Tripyramid, White Face, and Passaconway, as part of a 22 mile mostly out and back route that completed the Trypyramid loop. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVzX0V4XduU/Xu85xy3doLI/AAAAAAAAOA0/ILZNlA2QhF8ZIfrye4Uwmj6BuZlHd9v6ACK4BGAsYHg/s1568/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-21%2Bat%2B6.43.03%2BAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1568" height="230" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVzX0V4XduU/Xu85xy3doLI/AAAAAAAAOA0/ILZNlA2QhF8ZIfrye4Uwmj6BuZlHd9v6ACK4BGAsYHg/w400-h230/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-21%2Bat%2B6.43.03%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pre-Planning Notes</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that I have done a few of these run / hikes, I have learned that a bit of planning is essential both to safety and to having a good day. Below are the notes I put together on this one. The route was estimated to have > 5000' climbing on some gnarly trails. I also marked water refill spots and what the possible bail out points were. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br id="docs-internal-guid-7968a8d2-7fff-975e-4d67-49972521e7ec" /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Route</span></i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: </span><a href="https://www.strava.com/routes/21223756" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.strava.com/routes/21223756</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Distance</span></i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: 22.3</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Elevation</span></i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: 5837’</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Parking</span></i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Livermore S Trailhead - </span><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recarea/?recid=74671" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recarea/?recid=74671</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bailout Options</span></i></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Tripyramids Loop: 10.2</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Whiteface + Tripyramids Loop: 17.4</span></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sections</span></i></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Livermore Rd Trail East - 3.5</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Tripyramids North Side Trail - 2.2 (5.7)</span></p></li><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">North Tripyramid</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> - 4.6 (4180’)</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Middle Tripyramid</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> - 5.25 (4140’)</span></p></li></ol><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Kate Sleeper Trail East - 2.9 (8.6)</span></p></li><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Downs Brooke (Water Refill) 7.9</span></p></li></ol><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Rollings Trail South - 0.1 (8.7) </span></p></li><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Whiteface</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> - 8.7 (4020’)</span></p></li></ol><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Rollins Trail North - 2.3 (11)</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Dicey’s Mill Trail North East - 0.8 (11.8) </span></p></li><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Passaconway</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> - 11.8 (4043’)</span></p></li></ol><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Dicey’s Mill Trail South West - 0.8 (12.6) </span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Rollins Trail South - 2.2 (14.8)</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Kate Sleeper Trail West - 2.9 (17.7)</span></p></li><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Downs Brooke (Water Refill) 15.5</span></p></li></ol><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Tripyramids South Side Trail - 2 (19.7)</span></p></li><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: lower-alpha; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Slide Brooke (Water Refill) 18</span></p></li></ol><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Livermore Rd Trail West - 2.6 (22.3)</span></p></li></ol><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">References</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-tripyramid-loop-trail" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-tripyramid-loop-trail</span></a></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://sectionhiker.com/backpacking-white-mountain-4000-footers-guidebook/backpacking-the-kate-sleeper-loop/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">https://sectionhiker.com/backpacking-white-mountain-4000-footers-guidebook/backpacking-the-kate-sleeper-loop/</span></a></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-kearsarge-via-rollins-and-lincoln-trail" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-kearsarge-via-rollins-and-lincoln-trail</span></a></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-passaconaway-via-diceys-mill-trail" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-passaconaway-via-diceys-mill-trail</span></a></p></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The Traverse</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The day begin with a 4:10 wake up and on the road by 4:30. Arrived at the trail head (Livermore S) around 6:30 and was moving by 6:45. Livermore is a parking lot in the middle Waterville Valley's cross country ski area. It is surround by fire roads, double track, and single track. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first 3.5 miles of the day was on fire roads and totally run-able terrain. The last mile before North Tripyramid trail got a bit steeper (~450 climbing), but still run-able. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0gRjVhuJF8/XvIqcxd7cqI/AAAAAAAAOBs/7p1U6zfmb8oxdDclAQrp_CP173ZuC2fuQCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0gRjVhuJF8/XvIqcxd7cqI/AAAAAAAAOBs/7p1U6zfmb8oxdDclAQrp_CP173ZuC2fuQCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h150/IMG_3610.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tripyramid North Side Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">About a half mile later is where the real fun began. At this point in my running career, I have been on a decent variety of terrain. I've explored many trails in the White Mountains, been out to Colorado, Wyoming, and California, and even ran up and down a few volcanoes in the Canary Islands. The Mnt Tripyramid North side Trail (or slide as they call it in the <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/14852516">Strava segment</a>), may be the steepest section of trail I have been on. It is .68 miles over 1433' at an average grade of 39%. It was almost entirely scrambling and produced one hell of a view of the valley below.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Tripyramids consist of three peaks: North, Middle, and South. The North and the Middle are official NH 4000 footers. While the South is still over 4000', it doesn't meet the 200' prominence requirement. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once you hit the North peak you get a half mile, even run-able reprieve before a short climb to the Middle peak and then another short decent and climb to the South peak. Unfortunately none of these have great views from the top, but there are plenty of great views from the trails along the way. While it was a hot and humid day, the sky was as clear as the eye could see. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iO46u_KmaHE/XvNNZJjlNFI/AAAAAAAAOCM/Me5qBLhYiEssxeilwiQ7lJRndI1XDUIwgCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="123" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iO46u_KmaHE/XvNNZJjlNFI/AAAAAAAAOCM/Me5qBLhYiEssxeilwiQ7lJRndI1XDUIwgCK4BGAsYHg/w164-h123/IMG_3611.jpg" width="164" /></a></div><div>Less thank a quarter mile into the descent off the South peak you come to the Kate Sleeper Trail, cut through over to White Face and Passaconway. Good think I had the route on my watch as I was completely on top of the trail head before I even realized it was there. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next few miles were not too bad with some easy descents and minor climbs. At mile 8 is Down's brook which enabled a short break to stick your head into the cold water and refill your pack. From there was a 400 foot climb up to Rollins trail and then another 100' up to the summit of White Face, which provided the best view of the day. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pb2tB_bzTM/XvNUsRVs3fI/AAAAAAAAOCo/oehxXQR6l9g80zMI-g-mf01YBoBFrD9dwCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="154" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pb2tB_bzTM/XvNUsRVs3fI/AAAAAAAAOCo/oehxXQR6l9g80zMI-g-mf01YBoBFrD9dwCK4BGAsYHg/w205-h154/IMG_3612.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit of White Face<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The question was now, "Turn back, and have a strong and fun 17 mile day, or push on to Passaconway, and have a tough 22 mile day." You can guess which I chose. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next 2.2 miles weren't bad as they were mostly descent on a trail you could run portions of, but the climb up Passaconway as a bit of bear. I also had convinced myself it was about a half mile closer than it was and I probably should have stopped and had lunch before attempting to summit. Anyways, after a pair of 22 minute miles and a lot of sweat, I finally reached my final summit of the day and 23rd 4000 footer. After a quick sandwhich, I began my 10 mile trek back to the car. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Taking Rollins trail back to Kate Sleeper proved to be a bit more difficult than I had hopped as well. It was a slog dropping over 700' only to climb back up 700'. The first mile back on Kate Sleeper was a refreshing change. A bit head breeze followed by another dunk / fill up in Down's brook. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKjjYWgF5OI/XvODZQLcnHI/AAAAAAAAODY/GNIwmoFAE2sgRYvOa0xY-dffkuyI0UWAACK4BGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="154" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKjjYWgF5OI/XvODZQLcnHI/AAAAAAAAODY/GNIwmoFAE2sgRYvOa0xY-dffkuyI0UWAACK4BGAsYHg/w205-h154/IMG_3620.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Slide<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>From here I had a little over 2 miles back to Tripyramid South, a steep descent, and an easy fire road finish. The next couple of miles weren't too bad with a mix of jogging (downhill) and hiking (uphill). It was pretty hot out, mid 80's, and I had already gone through over 3 full 1.5 liter blatters of water. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Once I neared Tripyramid South I had another rude awakening, a steep, but luckily short climb back up to the trail with no shade around. The next 1.3 miles was also brutal going straight down the "South Slide." It had a lot of loose gravel and I almost wiped no less than 6 times. Finally I got back onto some less technical single track and was able to really start to run again. <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0VjxNyoNFE/XvOFatJf5dI/AAAAAAAAOD4/4vGaW_bPflQdEjml2pKKLlUM6Ia9cv9ngCK4BGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="154" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0VjxNyoNFE/XvOFatJf5dI/AAAAAAAAOD4/4vGaW_bPflQdEjml2pKKLlUM6Ia9cv9ngCK4BGAsYHg/w205-h154/IMG_3621.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I made one final pit stop at Slide Brook with just under 3 miles to go. I sat there for a few minutes knowing the hard work for the day was done. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I completed the final miles without any issues and was even able to hold sub 9s. Good, but tough day out there that was only made more difficult by the heat. Glad to knock off another 4 peaks, 25 to go. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>-- 22.62 miles -- 6:24 moving time -- 7:49 total time -- 16:59 / mile -- 7118' climbing -- <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/3639697235/overview">Strava</a> -- </i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>After Thoughts<br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div>All and all I was pretty happy with how the day went. The pre-planning was good. The schedule worked well. Could have done a little bit more trail research to know what I was getting into. If it was a little bit cooler it would have been nice as well. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The course had a good amount of run-able terrain and it was nice to see some peaks I had not been too before. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>- Scot<br /></div><br />Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03010625674901732337noreply@blogger.com0