Everything started out just great this morning. With about 67 runners participating, the race started promptly at 8:00 am, temperature in the mid 40s. Throughout the event, it rose to about 65 and the sun was out the entire time.
The course was beautiful and I felt I had prepared fairly well for the event, though as mentioned in previous posts, I was a bit concerned about IT band and hamstring issues. Everything seemed to be working fine until about mile 23, just as I was beginning the final two loops, a 3.5 miler and the final 5.3 miler. I was very sluggish going into the smaller loop and found myself walking more than running. I was also running alone, which is usually not good for me. Fortunately, someone caught ups to me and gave me some encouraging words. I managed to work my way to the check point and prepped myself to head out one last time for the final 5.3 miles. I downed some PB&J sandwiches and a GU and started out.
About 1 mile later (27), I bonked...everything hurt. My toes, IT and hamstring started to really ache. I fell into a brisk walk to try and recover, but with every descent, my toes screamed, "stop!" I kept catching roots with my shoes, further intensifying the pain. The constant barrage of stones and roots on the trail also caused extreme discomfort as it forced me to shift my footing constantly. Mile 28...3 more to go. I pushed on at a steady gait. My goal was 6:30, and I was 5:50 hours into it.
Still alone, I walked for the next mile or so and reached the fourth and final ascent of the stone steps. This felt pretty good as it helped to stretch everything out a little bit and I was able to run on a smooth part of the trail for about half a mile. I was getting so close, but the pain resurfaced and forced me to walk again for the next 1.5 miles or so. 6:15 and still another 1.75 mils to go with another steep descent and nasty climb before the finish. At 6:35, I reached the 30.5 mile mark and knew it was going to be OK. Thank god for a small group of runners coming up behind me. This boosted my adrenaline just enough to scramble to the finish with the family waiting.
Sophie, thanks for the encouragement. I met a guy there with a VHTRC shirt on! I think his name was Bill Lohse (?).
Ouch, I hurt, but I did it! 6:42 hours later I have completed my first ultra! Unfortunately no photos, but plenty of memories. It's going to be a sore morning!
TTFN
On Saturday morning, I headed down to the Newtown-Loveland bike trail to enjoy the fresh snow. I was the only one out there when I started, and it was great!
We had about 3-4" total, though nothing compared to the east, which is still digging out of 2+ feet. But, on my Saturday run, I wasn't concerned about that. It was too nice.
What can I say? Hanley, her friends and I all had a great time. Dinner at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse followed by a very crowded dance at the Hyatt Regency downtown.
What a trio! This week, Courage (left) is hosing some friends, Penny and Real. All is well, except for some casual rolls in deer poop this afternoon. Penny (Center) found the best load of droppings and had to jump in the shower with Maura. I didn't ask what they talked about during their intimate moment, but I'm sure is was just casual conversation :o). Anyway, everyone is getting along just fine except for me! My allergies are not multi-dog friendly!
Well, the New Year is here, Christmas is past, and I am finally posting something, for God's sake! We all had a wonderful Christmas with Maura's family on the eve of, then off to my parents for Christmas dinner. I was a great time at both occasions, though I have to admit, I'm glad to be back at work at DeanHouston doing a lot of multimedia and 3D design...love it!
Nagel Middle School beat three other teams, Milford, Kings and Loveland, to become the 7th grade champs! WOO HOO!
T'was a foggy morning in Cincinnati today. I snapped this on the way to work down at Lunken Airport. This shot overlooks the golf course. High temp was about 65 and perfect weather fora lunchtime 4-miler. Legs are getting stronger and confidence is high for a good running season.
We've had a really rainy couple of days, but it stopped for a little while this afternoon. The sun was trying to break through over this tower in Over the Rhine, but no success.
Still undefeated, Ursuline freshman continue to dominate the Cincinnati volleyball courts. Hanley, number 8, is doing well so far, usually starting as the Right Hitter. This is a very competitive program, so she is going to have to stay focused and give it 100% every time.
Maura's mother left us on Sunday morning, April 19th after her battle with pancreatic cancer. The Sunday before, she spent Easter with most of the family at their home in Blue Ash, but the following week was the turning point. She died peacefully at the Hospice just up the street from her home.
(No, that is NOT me!) Relief has arrived, and it comes in the form of a simple, solid foam roll! Maura surprised me with one of these devices for our anniversary last week and it REALLY works. After trying to manage tight a IT band for months, just a few minutes of concentrated rolling across the outside of the leg not only eased the tightness, but also helped to relieve pain in my hips. It does hurt a little bit in the beginning, but the more I do it, the better it feels.
More news: At the suggestion of a friend, I searched Ebay and found a really cool vintage Bear Bow from the early 1960s. I grew up shooting the Bear brand bow, so it's going to be cool to get this one up and running. I have a new string, just need to get some arrows and other gear, then we are in business! The only real problem is the draw weight...50lbs of pull to achieve a full draw. I tried it last night and it's going to be quite an achievement to get used to shooting this monster.
OK...snow is fun and all, but not when it hangs around for weeks!! Well, finally this mess is starting to melt. Today is going to be in the upper 50's. So now, instead of snow, we have all these puddles of dirty slush. But that is ok by me.
Well, it's official. Hanley is going to be attending Ursuline Academy this fall! She passed the entrance exam last month and to our surprise, she is very excited to be joining a very special group of girls. Maura and I are excited as well...this is an awesome opportunity, and our hopes are high.
Wow, it has been a long time since my last post! Over the holidays, we had Mike, Merri Lynn, Kathleen and Paul in town for T-day. We all had a great time! This photo was taken at the Cincinnati Zoo on a beautiful, crisp fall day. Paul slept through the entire event, but the girls had a great time checking out all the cool animals. As usual, we headed over to Wyoming, OH for a Cordes dinner that couldn't be beat. Friday took us to the Boathouse for a great Rib dinner, then on Saturday, we headed over to Grandma's house for even more food. Ack!
When you mix the weekend, great weather, and terrific costumes together, you can't help but have an awesome Halloween.
