During this last weekend of my training, I spent the time introducing others to the trails of North Georgia. Saturday, I spent the morning trail running with a friend at Kennesaw Mountain. Because mountain trails tend to be more difficult than road running, It took us a lot longer than I think he expected, but he covered about 10 miles with me – both walking and running – and I was happy to have shown him something new and participate in a new experience with my friend.

Sunday, my wife and I headed out the Appalachian Approach Trail at Amicalola Falls. We hiked the famous AT approach trail for about 1.5 miles to the top of the Amicalola Falls. This hike is rated difficult-to-strenuous and my wife was a little worried.

She did great! We marched up to the Falls, then descended the 425 steps to the platform below the falls, took some pictures, had people take pictures of us, and then it was back up the 425 steps to the top of the falls. I offered to buy her a new purse if she made it all the way up the 425 steps without any negativity.

She now owns a new fancy purse.

But, more than a new purse, or nice waterfalls, the trip brought us a little closer together. It’s such a “forehead slapper” when you realize just how important and special this one-on-one time can be for any relationship. It’s all in the experience. Going to dinner. Going to a movie. Going to the store. These are not experiences. My wife my disagree and say that going anywhere with me is an experience, but that’s more of a negative, “he’s just a goofy guy”-kind of experience.

Kissing and hugging your wife atop a wooden bridge, in the middle of a mountain, on a dusty ol’ trail, is an experience.

The kind of experience that sticks…

So what does this have to do with my 50-mile+ training? Not a thing.

Week 17 became less about me, and more about those around me.

There’s a sort lesson in all this somewhere, but I’m now too nervous to contemplate it much right now. Instead, I am shaking in my New Balances, knowing that in three days, I’m off to Virginia with the belief that I can run 50 miles, actually 54-ish miles, on my own, through the mountains, in less than 12 hours.

Please think good thoughts for me. I need all the support I can find.

Also, more donations have arrived this week and I appreciate each and everyone of them. I like to make sure everyone knows that all of this money goes to the kids. …none of the money supports my race. Instead, the race was the vehicle I used to get the attention.

Now I gotta run it.

Twenty miles at Kennnesaw Mountain

The highlight of this week’s training was a 20-miler at Kennesaw Mountain. On the second loop, I ran across 3-4 separate incidents of deer. Each time, the deer were very close – usually right on the trail in front me – and only moved a short distance as we approached. I guess with the runners and hikers at this particular mountain trail system, the deer have become conditioned to human beings and less fearful. This is good or bad, depending on who you talk to, but I love being able to see such creatures and share some nature with them.

I get a very significant ‘lift’ in my spirits when I see wild animals in nature. A little stir of excitement, fear, wonder, amazement, interest – a sensory and emotional explosion.

I know the whole population control argument, but I just can’t see how someone could shoot a deer …or anything for that matter. There presence is almost magic to me and find myself very interested in them.

…Next week will be my last entry before the race…

As I was penning the check for Project Kids Eat, I realized it was time for ME to donate. I added $130 bucks to the donation pool so that I could proudly offer a donation check of $3,000 to Project Kids Eat.

Wow, what a feeling!

With the help of everyone who donated, we are now able to provide hot, healthy holiday meals for children of need in the metro Atlanta area. Just like that. A little running, a little web site building, a little emailing, a little groveling, and BAM – worthy kids get some much needed assistance. For a dude who doesn’t necessarily have a history of mountains of philanthropy, this feels pretty good. Perhaps it’s a sign of things to come from me. One can only hope.

BUT… I still have a race to run.

I ran a trail 10K (6.2 miles) through some interesting trails on private property in Redding, GA in support of Camp Grace, an at-risk youth summer camp. Yet another Christian faith association that probably has just about everyone who knows me scratching their heads and wondering if I have become religious.

Crossing the finish at the hilly, Redding Race for Camp Grace 10K

Nope. It’s still me. It just seems that a lot of the giving and character-building activities in which I participate are faith-based. I envy people who can seem to believe in something wholeheartedly and not let logic and science get in the way – it appears to be a very relaxing and peaceful existence. I’m just not there. …but I do enjoy helping people and working on personal improvement …and shoots, even sitting in church with my wife from time to time listening to the messages. I don’t do any singing (and the church should be pleased about this), but I do like to think and more so, to be intellectually challenged. The preachers messages create this thinking challenge for me that many times lasts throughout the week.

But I digress… back to the training:

I have peaked in my training and now it becomes an exercise at staying in shape and not losing the strength and endurance gains I obtained over the last 5 months.

When I think about running 50 miles, it all just sort of seems surreal. They say you run the first have of ultramarathons with your legs, and the second half with your heart, and this may be true; but for me to be successful I have run both “halves” of the race within very tight time constraints. My heart will need to be far stronger than my legs.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your donations, well wishes, comments, emails, letters …etc. It all means a lot to me. I just hope that you’ll mark your calendars for November 3, 2007, and send some positive vibes my way throughout the day. I will need them.

p.s.

It’s still not too late to donate. I am keeping the donation site live for last minute donations to Project Kids Eat. Every penny goes to kids. I do not use donations for any race training, preparation or participation. It’s all for kids.

Two week to go…

Problem is, I’m not a big fan of rest. I get antsy wanting to continually push myself.

——

On another note, I ran the GAC Frog Hollow 5K in support of my step-son’s school. This year I won my division, 35-39 year olds, which was is kind of exciting, even for such a small race. Having my family there and getting the family props felt pretty good and It felt extra special when Austin, my step-son, desired to wear my medal around the festival.

On the way to the race, my wife remembered that she has to stay at the festival to participate in the bake sale and that I have no ride home after the race. Doh! — so, what’s an endurance runner to do?

That’s right, run home.

I skarfed a quick plate of eggs and fruit at the “country breakfast” area, signed up for a few silent auction items, and then hit the street for another hot, humid, 7.5 miles home.

We did it!

I am pleased to announce that we not only met, but exceeded, our goal to raise $2500.00 for Project Kids Eat. Sunday, I will present a check to an organization representative for $2,825.00.

• 10/9 correction: another $5.00 slid in making the total for Sunday, $2,830.00 – thanks, Ben.
• 10/13 correction: another $40.00 peaked in. New total, $2870.00 – thanks, Anna

Thanks to everyone who shared some bucks so that homeless children could have a wonderful holiday of hot meals and proper nutrition. For many of us, it’s a given — for some, a daily struggle.

For all those that would still like to donate, I am keeping the donation relationship going with PayPal, allowing people to continue to donate up until, and even after, my 50-mile attempt.

Me neither. But it’s only a hilly 5 mile trot from my house. I spent Sunday evening climbing hill after hill after hill, while I explored this little nook of a city tucked neatly between Norcross, GA and Duluth, GA. It seems the entire community is built around the actual lake …obviously, Berkeley Lake.

As I ran, I noticed a large contrast between the ‘old school’ residents, with their humble, ranch homes and established neighborhoods, and the new Atlanta, with ridiculously large, multi-million dollar homes with security gates, limited trees and masonry excess. Can you tell who I root for? I just dislike seeing a bunch of trees removed so that someone can have four garages instead of two, but that’s a completely different discussion… The area was beautiful and had an old south feel that made me very comfortable.

Saturday, it was back to Appalachian approach trail running from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain, the official beginning of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. This is always a heavy run for me because you can just feel the spirits. So many dreams, so many personal challenges, so many souls have made this journey and I think everyone leaves a little bit of themselves each time they visit such intense nature. At least I feel comfort in believing this is the case.

I arrived at the Falls at 6:00 a.m. and thus, ran the first hour and a half in the dark. I had a headlamp, which does a pretty good job of lighting the trail, but I still fell pretty bad twice. Nothing beats you up more than falling on dirt and rocks. A little blood and a bruised ego ran along with me until sunrise.

I was happy to finally switch off that headlamp and with the morning sunrise, so did my spirits. I was a new man.

I got to the halfway point of my run, Springer Mountain, with a little extra time, so I proceeded on down the actual AT trail itself for a little ways before turning around to head back. I ran for almost 5 hours on Saturday, covering almost 20 miles. The weather was perfect. Unlike the last time I made it to Springer Mountain, the skies were clear and you could see for forever.

I took a moment to sign the guest book hidden in a little metal box in the rock, sat for a little while to soak in the mountaintop, and then gathered myself for another 2.5 hours running on the trail back the way I came.

Another sensory explosive experience on the Appalachian. I highly recommend it to anyone – whether running, or just hiking the trails, you will be glad you experienced it.

Lastly, I’d be remiss not to mention that during the training week, I once again made my 4.15 mile speed training route in 32 minutes. I wasn’t faster than last week, but I was just as fast, and that adds validity for me.

My training is going well, the donations are flowing, and I am thoroughly enjoying this entire project. The big day looms and but only 4 weeks away.

Seeing that as I just wrote it scared me to death. 30 days left to prepare for the surreal.

*** Please take a moment to whip out the ol’ credit card, click donate, and help a couple of kids get some healthy meals. For the price of a nonfat latte, you could make a huge difference for someone less fortunate than yourself.

Cheers! …’til next week.

I am six weeks away!

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that my biggest fears leading up to the 50-mile race are the cut-offs. After 25 miles, runners must be on pace to finish the 50-mile trail in less than 12 hours. If you are not on pace to do so after 25 miles, you are pulled from the race right then and there. Worse, if you do barely make the 25 mile cut-off, but cross the finish line in 12:00:01, you are not considered a finisher. …maybe in your own mind, but not in the official results.

Because of these cut-offs, I have been working diligently to increase my speed. I must become stronger and increase my ability to run faster, longer.

This week I showed some real improvement in speed. I ran my speed training day, Wednesday, at a 7:42 mile pace, for 4 miles. This is as fast as my fastest 4-mile race ever, and I did it in training, a day after running 8 miles. I felt very good about this level of improvement and believe it represents some of the strength improvement that I seek.

Long runs this weekend were supposed to be 5 hours on Saturday, followed by 4 hours on Sunday, however, Friday I was sidetracked with a splitting headache that affected my diet (didn’t eat anything solid for over 24 hours) and energy levels for the entire weekend. I dug as deep as I could and suffered through 2 hours of trails on Saturday and 3.5 hours of trails + road running on Sunday. All-in-all, about 50 miles this week which is shy of where I should be, but acceptable leading into next week.

Next week I peak at another 5 hours for next Saturday and 4 on Sunday. I would like to find a marathon to run on Saturday to try to ease the mental anguish of such long runs.

Thanks for reading and keeping up with all the physical, mental and emotional challenges that this intense training has created for me; and, as always, I know I say it each week, but if ya have $5 bucks, $25 bucks …whatever… that you believe you can spare to help some homeless kids get some healthy meals, please donate. Credit cards make it so easy …and it’s 100% secure via PayPal.

Cheers!

Man, do I ever feel good. Normally, I wait until after Sunday’s long run is complete before writing a week’s training review, but Saturday’s long run was so awesome, both physically and spiritually, that I just can’t wait to express it.

The scene was Dawsonville, a very small, north Georgia town at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The route was the 8.4 mile approach trail that connects the Appalachian State Park to the southern terminus of the 2,144 mile Appalachian Trail. We would be running the trail out-and-back, for a total trail run of 17 miles.

During this phase of my Mountain Masochist 50-mile race training, it’s important that I train on the toughest hills I can find in the area. Not just “tough” by measures of steepness and distance, but “tough terrain” as well such as big, thick roots, loose rocks and single-track courses requiring concentrated footing. …and quite honestly, this is my favorite kind of running. I crave the meanest, nastiest, toughest trails I can find. I like to get my “man” on out there, and come back a little, or a lotta’, dirty and kicked around by the mountain. Nature has a way humbling a man when he feels he is strong.

A local speedster, and fellow ultrarunner, Greg, met me at the trail and we began the Appalachian trail approach in the pitch dark, led carefully by his headlamp as trail illumination. …it’s a little spooky in the mountains, in the dark and all alone.

The trail is tough. The hiking books rate it as “strenuous”, but I was sorta thinking that was just a way to let the average hiker know it wasn’t to be taken lightly and to prepare properly; but I am not scared to say that the strenuous rating is a fair rating whether a hiker, or speedy ultrarunner.

The initial 1.5 miles or so, consist of a very steep climb, with loose rocks and footing obstacles a’plenty – tough, but just what the doctor ordered.

The rest of the trail? …well, pretty much the same thing all morning. Steep climbs up, and steep descents that became quad-killers later into the run.

I know, I know, sounds tough, but, where’s the spirituality in all this?

As we ran along the approach trail, I learned a lot about Greg, and him a lot about me. I think that element of the sport is what draws a lot of athletes to ultrarunning — the camaraderie and time spent on the trails getting to know each other. Quite honestly, the trail was not as hard for him, as a seasoned and well-trained ultrarunner, as it was for me – but the fact that he let me set the pace and spent time educating me about my upcoming race, which he ran last year, was very powerful for me. It was one of those times where you recognize that someone is modifying their experience for the benefit of BOTH of your experiences, and those kind of example-lessons are important to absorb and remember …and to pass on to others.

But beyond the human connection, running difficult trails does something for my mind, heart and spirit. I never knew there were such spectacular mountain views that existed in Georgia. At times, we could see miles and miles of nothing but mountain tops, trees, and the occasional, lucky mountain home tucked away in the distant greenery.

I believe that I breath better in the mountains. I always feel like there is some sort of a presence, be it animal, spirit or whatever… It’s a sort of feeling of contentment and safety, while also spicing it up with some fear of the unknown.

It’s “an experience” and I like experiences.

After we covered the first 8.5 miles, we came to the official southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. A very famous, well known spot in the world of hiking, mountaineering and ultrarunning. This is where, if up to the challenge, one can begin the 2,144 mile trek along the AT all the way Mt. Katahdin, Maine. Many people attempt it – many quit along the way – but a very select few hang in there and cover the distance in an average of anywhere from three months to one year.

That famous, yet unusually simple spot, had a lot of energy all around it. There we stood, alone, two dirty runners, standing at about 3500 feet, clouds and moisture all around us, and that famous plaque. To think of the thousands of people that began their journey here, for whatever reason, with all their chaotic thoughts, feelings, fears, and expectations about what they were about to do, was a pretty heavy thought. You could almost hear and feel all those swirling emotions on that summit.

Then, I read a note posted on a tree, DUE THE RECENT PROBLEMS WITH BEARS, IT IS NOT ADVISED TO CAMP AT THE SOUTHERN TERMINUS.

Well, that stayed on my mind for the entire return trip, and everything I came across was surely a bear.

We never saw any bears.

The trip back was more descent than ascent and we ran those downhills at a fast clip. Since it was later in the morning at this point, we began to come across other hikers. It’s always funny to see their surprise when they see two dudes, running fast, down the mountain out of nowhere. The surprised look on theirs faces is always classic.

True to my trail running reputation, I enjoyed the opportunity to soak my aching feet and muscles in a freezing cold mountain creek. I love doing that and this time, it was necessary as I had completely run out of water and had to fill up in the creek as well. Whenever I recharge in the mountain springs and rivers, I seem to come alive. Once a water boy, always a water boy, I suppose.

We completed the run in a total time of 4 hours and 17 minutes, which was a little faster than what I was told we could expect. I felt very good about this since I have been beating myself up so much lately about being so slow.

The kicker was Greg’s question to me after the run.

He asked, “…so, what type of recovery do you do after runs like this?”

I had to laugh as I thought about my wife, looking at her watch, checking her cell phone, and tapping her foot at home.

“I don’t get that luxury”, I said. “When I get home, my wife is quick to warn me not to get too comfortable because we have Whole Foods, PetSmart, Target…”

After a second of recollection, I continued, “I guess my recovery is chores!”

We both laughed.

These are the types of training experiences that make this project, this seemingly crazy obsession, such a wonderful part of my life.

But I am fighting back. The first step in getting past it is to recognize that it’s normal. Every ultrarunner I know has experienced it, both during training and during endurance races, and it’s simply a common component of intensity training.

The next step is to refuse to allow the negativity to alter my goals and expectations. I need to analyze my training and ask some questions…

Am I training too hard for perceived ability?

I had a great race at the US 10K, but running that hard took it’s toll on my body in unexpected ways. While I managed an easy eight miler the day following the race, that pretty much summed up my running for the remainder of the work week. I managed some good core training during those following days, but what I probably needed was just some quality rest. But why so much rest? — I really don’t like to rest.

So instead of taking the necessary rest, I toughed out Saturday and 4-hours of running Sunday, in the middle of day, in really hot temperatures, and as expected, had a very difficult time. Took me four hours to run 18 miles Sunday …actually a little under 18 miles, and today is filled with more fatigue, constant yawning and feelings of intense hunger. Probably signs my body is rebelling a little.

Am I eating enough? too much?

To add insult to injury, I don’t think I am eating enough. I am so concerned with getting my weight down, that I am forcing myself to limit calories. Something has got to give. I can’t expect to have the energy to cover 50+ miles a week and not consume adequate calories; but in the same argument, I don’t want to eat too much and end up affecting my running negatively because of the added weight.

It’s the Clydesdale runner’s classic catch 22.

So, wow, as I read over this post, I realize it’s negative and self-defeating; but I really don’t have a choice but to be honest with myself, and the people who are following along in my journey. I wish I could rah-rah the whole time and paint a picture of ease, but it’s just not that way; and part of me really doesn’t want it to be…

It’s not like I’m training to run a 5K or 10K or even a marathon. All of those are worthy goals, but darn it, I’m training to run 50 brtual miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and it’s supposed to be hard. I suppose if just anybody could do it, there would be more people doing it. I understand that anything worth anything takes real, solid, dedicated effort. Someone once told me, “nothing worth anything is easy”, and I believe that to be true.

And lastly, it’s not just for me, it’s for the kids of Project Kids Eat, remember? Maybe I need to remember that more often because that’s real hard stuff. Sure, whether I make it to the starting line or not, those kids will get the promised financial support from all the great folks that are supporting my efforts, but when things are hard, I have to remember that no matter how hard it is, it isn’t that hard, and moreover, unlike the homeless kids, I have the power to change what I perceive as hard

I’m reaching out – please pass some positive vibes my way. If you pray, add me to the list. If you meditate, please think of me as you ponder. If you just like to think good thoughts for people, I could use a few of ‘em…

Thanks for reading …and as always, please donate a ching or two if ya can. It’s free to do, takes all the usual credit cards, and no amount is ever too small.

Cheers! …next week will be better, I promise.

After I had my unbelievable, grandmother-influenced, experience at Laurel Valley, and knowing that her two sons were up and coming cross country superstars in NE Ohio, I sent her an email with a link to my Laurel Valley race report as an explanation of what took place in those mountains.

In return, I received a wonderful email of support and well wishes; but a few days later, a letter, pictured to the left, arrived with a generous, monetary donation and words of inspiration and support that really touched me in a lot of ways.

In the beginning of the letter, she touches on the awareness cause of my upcoming 50-mile run, and uses the perfect adjectives to express a painful reality regarding homeless children – “innocent and helpless”.

It doesn’t take long to stop and think about that for a minute and truly realize just how much of a bummer it is for kids who end up homeless. Victims of circumstance.

But, along with supporting the children of Project Kids Eat, I am learning that this project is not only supporting a just cause, but also passing the positive vibe to others who may also be inspired by what I am doing.

In Jan’s letter, she mentioned that her sons, the cross country duo, were very impressed with my efforts and had been telling their coach and people at their school.

— Duh! — Light bulb!

I never thought about that when developing this project. I mostly was just thinking, “you know, this extreme running is pretty interesting to some people, maybe I can use it to create awareness for a cause….”; But, I never thought about it much deeper than that until Jan’s letter.

Have you ever seen the commercial that begins with a woman stopping an unsuspecting street-crosser from entering an intersection and getting hit? …then, another person sees what she did for that person and ends up doing a good deed for someone in her office …which is then seen by someone in her office, and that person ends up doing something nice for someone later in day, and the whole commercial manifests into this ongoing influence of personal kindness. Have you seen that? I like that advertising spot.

I now realize that my Run 50 Miles, Feed 2000 Kids project is about a whole lot more than just handing over a check to the leaders of Project Kids Eat and walking away feeling all proud of myself. It’s also about influencing others to grow. It’s about example.

Christians might say, it’s “living like Jesus”.

Hippies would say, “it’s good Karma” …and then throw in a “Namaste” for good measure. (ok, I’ll stop picking on the hippies)

Whatever it is – it’s growth, it’s positive and it’s enlightening. I never imagined that training this hard, promoting a cause in which I believe, and taking on this entire project would be so powerful for me.

Each week I have new experiences.

New UPS and new DOWNs. High points and low points.

I learn more with every training run, every race, and every conversation leading up to my big race in November.

I absolutely cannot wait to see what’s next.

This week marks the halfway point in my training and I’m scared.

The Mountain Masochist race is no joke. If my only goal was to simply finish 50+ miles, well, I feel confident that I could do that today. Unfortunately, I had to choose a 50-mile race initiation that not only is longer than 50 miles, but has very strict cut-off times. During the Masochist, I have to maintain a strict pace, and at the halfway point at mile 25, my pace will be judged there, and at each additional aid station from that point on. All race participants must finish in less than 11:59:59 and I could be pulled from the race if it does not appear I will finish in under twelve hours.

Imagine running your heart out for 25 miles only to be pulled from the race; or, being o-so-close, but crossing the finish line in 12:03:00 and still getting a DNF. It happens. In fact, It happens frequently, and even to veteran ultrarunners at this particular race.

I have been reading every race report I can get my eyes on. I have been studying the course map, the elevation charts, the necessary splits, other previous runners’ performances, and planning my constantly-evolving strategy; and it all points to one thing – I need to get faster.

I have the endurance. I am pretty good at enduring a tremendous amount of pain and continuing to push forward; however, what I need is to add some speed to that equation. It’s a simple fact – If I do not get faster, I will not complete this race in under 12 hours.

But I refuse to let negativity in.

Am I in a little over my head? maybe.

Can I overcome it? Beat the odds? absolutely.

It just fear. It’s just my mind creating self-doubt. Why should I be afraid of something that doesn’t really exist? Fear and self-doubt are manufactured in my own head. Participating in fear and self-doubt won’t change the race date, nor will it make the race distance any shorter, nor the course any less difficult. All those feelings can do is get in the way of my training and cause me to perform less than my best.

Why should I allow negative thoughts and feelings that can do nothing but cripple my training?

As hard as my race training is, as well as all the self-doubt I am trying like heck to fight off, it’s nothing compared the self-doubt that the homeless kids from Project Kids Eat must feel every single day. Here I am, concerned about internal and external perceptions regarding whether or not I can triumph over this race, while there are young kids out there wondering where they might be living next week …or whether or not they will be eating today.

All of a sudden, my worries seem rather trivial.

I’m glad I have this cause. It always brings everything back into perspective.

If you’d like to help me in my quest to raise $2500.00 for Project Kids Eat, please donate.

Please remember, I don’t use any of this money as sponsorship. I pay for all of my own training and race day preparation and travel. Every penny donated is used to provide healthy meals to the kids of Project Kids Eat.