8 weeks left before 100 miler!
4/21-4/27 - 72 miles
Iron Furnace 20k Trail Race
Saturday 4/26 @ Lake Hope State Park
This trip started on Friday after running in the rain through Baker's Ridge with Josh and Chris Hunter. Shortly after, Chris and myself drove into Sabraton to pick up Andrew Rhodes and then we headed south for Clarksburg. Then we ventured across the horrendous route 50 until we reached Parkersburg. That is where the road ended on Friday. We got some dirt cheap pizza at Rubi's and, especially for the price, it was damn good. We then went to our hotel in Mineral Wells and Travis from the Sunday wolfpack met us there. I passed out around eleven and was wide awake just before one in the morning. I wouldn't return to sleep until roughly five o'clock, alarm set for six. For some reason recently I have been having sleep terrors and they make it quite difficult to go back to sleep. I also think they enable my restless legs at night. Several times in the last month I have woken in the middle of the night and either spent hours twisting and turning trying to fall back to sleep or I just get up and start doing stuff. It was raining the night before the race which was bad if you preferred to run on dry trails.
Lake Hope ( I assume )
Popped up at six and was out the door shortly after. Tank followed Travis from the hotel through Athens, Ohio and arrived at Lake Hope State Park which is in some small town West of Athens. McArthur I think. I initially heard about this race through talking to Michael Owen, the meet director and founder of SEOTR(South Eastern Ohio Trail Running). He was the first person to greet us and we chatted a bit. After signing up, the four of us went on a warm up. Warm ups are funny. I definitely feel like they are beneficial and necessary, but every single warm I find myself thinking 'shit. what am I doing.' Especially that early in the morning- I never feel to fresh...down there. (my legs) I don't know what got into me, but just before the race I got a huge shot of adrenaline. Perhaps it was due to the fact that there were insomnia cookies, very fitting for my night before the race, and snowville creamery chocolate milk waiting for me at the finish line. Michael did let us know that the race was 13 miles, so it was really Iron Furnace 21k which didn't bother me before the race. I sure wouldn't mind one of these trail races being shorter. After wearing my garmin watch I crossed the line at exactly 13.00 miles. The start was awesome, every race should do a countdown. Perhaps that's what gave me my adrenaline. Everyone counted down from 15 and then we set off. This goofy guy led the first few steps because he said he wanted to lead the race. And then some idiot went out in 6:02 for the first mile. That idiot would be me.
Now deep in the woods, and a decent bit up on Travis, 2nd, I reached a point where I needed to make a decision. I think that was at the top of a hill/cliff that I couldn't have topped without digging my fingers in the side of the mud to pull me up. That was shortly after 3.5 miles; I know because at the top was the first time a took a look behind me and started to realize the damage that I was doing. To myself. I was/am not currently fit enough to be bolting out at like a Digem out of hell for a 13 mile race. So I was standing there with a shovel in my hand, grave dug below me. I could either lay in the grave or walk away and try to salvage a smarter race. I put the shovel down. Went and got a cement truck to fill the grave after I jumped in. If you didn't follow the analogy, I bolted at the top of the cliff and kept running hard even though I knew I had a couple miles left at that pace at best. Sure enough a couple miles later Travis took the lead. Then Rhodes attached to the back of us and we ran miles 5-8 together. At mile 7 Rhodes passed me and I was now the caboose of the train. The picture to the side was taken at 8 miles and the order of runners is misleading. We crested the top of a ridge and Travis and Rhodes took a few steps to far before realizing the pink markings that led us back into the woods. Well I was a few steps off of them so I just cut in on the course while they were backtracking ten feet. I knew the only aid station was right after 8 miles so I used this opportunity to give another surge and go to the station as a group. Though I am leading the pack in the picture, I am easily the worst off at that point.
At the aid station, we all stopped together. I know that I downed a few cups of water and had a GU. Pretty sure my fellow mates fueled similarly. Then we all set off on the gravel road that we would be on for two miles. The race really started there. Right before the 9th mile we started to climb easily the longest hill of the race, but easily the least steep hill. Just a long steady climb. That hill peeled me off of the lead pack and sent Rhodes and Travis. Oh I almost forgot and I'm just going to add it in here. Back at like 6 miles we ran by what I would assume was Lake Hope but it looked more like one of the swamps in Fallout 3. Once we were running in the swamp, the trail was flooded, I had my eyes peeled for a Mirelock. Those things scare the shit out of me. Though it doesn't compare to turning around and seeing a pack of deathclaws chasing you. You run away, but you can't out run them. Actually, stop reading this blog and go log a good 100-200 hours on Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas.
Did you do it? Good, welcome back.
Now that your life is significantly better- I will carry on. After topping the gravel hill we went down a very long decline. And by we I mean everyone who ran in the race, personally I suffered through that portion of the race alone. Though midway through the decline I heard footsteps louder than mine, which is rare. Two guys stormed by me and made me look like I was standing still. But I wasn't... I was moving, barely. From mile 10.5 to almost 12 we were running on a single track out and back that you couldn't cheat on. At the turn around there was a heart shaped hole puncher that you had to use to mark your bib. I don't want to brag, but the night before I totally called that it would be heart shaped. I also said that I wanted to be leading the race at that point, punch my bib, and chuck the hole punch into the woods. Because that sounds hilarious to me. The extended out and back gave me a chance to see how the guys were doing. I was honestly surprised to see Rhodes way ahead of everyone else, but stoked nonetheless. Next came Travis who had a good gap on the two Ohio boys that were ahead of me. Don't worry, I had no shot at catching them. My last 3 miles were so slow that I can't post them in case there are any children reading this. I was happy to see Chris in the 6 spot since this was his first trail race and first race over 10k, being a beast. I did eventually crawl to the finishline, but not after some deep thinking up the steepest hill yet at 12 miles. That climb almost brought me to my knees, I slowed to a walk and I have never had asthma before, but I think I had an asthma attack. I was just viciously panting and hoping for death. But if a trail race makes you wish for death at some point- it's a great race and you ran it properly.
I can only assume the little girls were asking how someone can look so terrible
Travis took second behind Rhodes who set a NEW COURSE RECORD! Granted, it was the inaugural race, so that was bound to happen. He has set the bar right under 1:40. A bar that all of us will hopefully break next year. I think if the trail is dry, we can run a hell of a lot faster. Which is fun. Post race I drowned myself in Snowville Creamery chocolate milk. Sadly I didn't drink as much as I wanted too. It was easily the darkest and richest milk that I have ever had and it just wasn't going to agree with my stomach. If it was all watered down like Yoohoo I could have had a few gallons. Insomnia cookies nearly sent me into a diabetic coma. I assume it was the dry air, but the cookies may have caused the ruining of my vneck. We are standing around for awards and a wasp flies down and smacked me in the nose. Instantly my nose starts pouring blood. I can only hope that it was coincidence. It was dry out, but my vneck was covered in blood and will probably never be the same. This, folks, is tragic. I just want to say a big thanks to Michael and SEOTR for putting up a fun event, and posting pictures overnight. Almost every race is really lazy with that, but this blog is slightly enhanced because they uploaded pictures so rapidly. I look forward to doing this race next year since it is only 3 hours west of Morgantown. I shall be out for revenge. Not against any person, but the trails! They won this round. Actually I've been losing a lot to trails, but having fun in the process.
The last time my vneck was blood-free. Also I am rethinking the amount of cookies I just inhaled.
Champion of the day: Andrew Rhodes
Yes, I am jealous of the locks.
Quick side-note to unmake someone's happiness. To the person that suggested Friday Night Lights to me, I still thank you for seasons 1-2, but I only watched the first episode of season 3 and my god... The writer may actually be the worst writer ever. How in the hell do you end season two with a team still in the hunt for a playoff spot, and starting three with the next season. Coach's wife upgraded from guidance councilor to principal, smash blew out his knee, there is a QB controversy, and worst of all- Tim Riggins a senior for the third straight year! In the first season his brother asked the coach to help him look for colleges for Tim, and Tim and Jason were brothers since forever. Yet in season two Jason graduates and Tim is still in high school. Then season three he is still on the team? C'mon. He's been 18 and buying beer since season one. That makes him a 20 yr old senior. Not to mention all of the holes in the storyline, every character got screwed in the transition. It was great first season, good second season and I won't make the same mistake I made with Heroes when I kept watching until the writers turned a show I initially loved into a crap show. To anyone who hasn't seen FNL, I would strongly recommend the first season, and probably the 2nd. But I would also strongly recommend stopping after that. The rest is fluff.
Next on Tap:
No races until Mohican 100 miler (6/22)***
Blog on First Round of the NHL Playoffs coming later this week
Moving across town into a boss house in two weeks
One love!
*** there are a few trail races in early June/ late may that I may end up doing.
#20- Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail (no relation to the easter bunny)
I got lost up here. Standing to close to the edge.
From time to time I transition from starting my weeks on Sunday to Monday. My reasoning is the simplest: convenience. For instance- Saturday April 12th I ran in the Pilot Mountain Payback marathon. If you haven't heard about that- do yourself a favor and click that entry on the right. Since I ran the marathon on a Saturday, I took Sunday off in an attempt to regain my ability to walk properly. I knew that was ambitious since I haven't walked properly in years. But who cares about walking. I hear that it is the devil's mode of transportation anyways. (I say that all the time.) My point here is- weeks start on Monday now. This will be the way it is until I feel Sunday is once again convenient. Here is the very end of my marathon. As the announcer once said during the New Balance Indoor National high school championship racewalk mile, and with what I assume the same level of seriousness- here he comes storming to the finish line!
Monday Quebec Run Trails 16 miles (Supposed to be 10 miles...)
My legs definitely had the 'ran a marathon 2 days ago' feel in them throughout the entire run. On top of that, I hadn't slept the night prior. That isn't bothersome to me though. The night of the marathon I may have slept two hours. And honestly I rarely sleep. I think that is why I recover so well.. Granted, during normal sleeping hours you will find me in the same place that everyone else is. It's not like I am not resting, but I have seen the sun set and rise without budging countless times. Here comes another epiphany! I must have been in fourth or fifth grade the first time I stayed up all night. Prior to this I would play video games through two or three in the am, but then I crashed. On this night I didn't sleep or play any games. I laid in bed, got up and paced, and most importantly- wrote. Ironically I had an assignment due in school, but wrote about other things. Thankfully I don't have someone telling me to write this blog. That's the safest way to make sure that it never gets written. Something about people telling me to write/do things just really makes me not want to. So unappealing. Anyways, I am having an epiphany because today after the run I grabbed a cup of coffee and passed out. When I woke up three hours later I felt terrible and normal. The first night I stayed up all night was the first time that I wrote down anything, first cup of coffee, and first time that I crashed after the coffee. Habits have to have origins I suppose. ** If you ever see me anywhere, typically Terra Cafe, between the hours of before noon and I am not in running clothes- I haven't slept the previous night. So talk slowly.
I can often be found in this pose. Less attractive though. Ever notice how girls are at their peak appeal when they're asleep?
Back to Quebec. Some people pronounce it kabeck. But some people are stupid and sound stupid when they open their mouth. Maybe it's because I have never run rocky trails so soon after a marathon or perhaps it was the lack of sleep, but I did not enjoy a single step of that solo journey through the woods. Running through little creeks and stepping on rocks is far less appealing after doing it for 26 miles recently. I think it'd be like eating a whole lot of anything but ice cream or pizza, and then being offered that the next day. Even though I think ice cream and pizza are the only fuels to my life, even sometimes I can eat enough to where I just don't want to see either for a few days. Another analogy in case you are one of those people that have never eaten more than a pidgeotto, it'd be like hanging out with someone for a few days nonstop and then going home for some peace only to see you have a text from that person wanting to 'do that again real soon'. Just like the food analogy, there are some clear exclusions. There are some people that I could probably be stuck in a room with forever and not kill myself. I can count those people with my thumbs. Anyways, roughly a ten mile loop was the plan, but leave it to me to take a miserable situation and reorganize it a bit to make it worse. If you find yourself ever in a situation where you take a step back and start to seriously wonder if you have subconsciously been trying to see just how bad you can make a situation: you've added the Digem touch. I used to add the Digem touch to every assignment in whatever course tried to teach me to cook. Just add anything that sounds terrible and see what ya end up with. I turned my garmin watch off at 13 miles, because if I listened to that damn thing beep one more time past the agreed upon distance- it was going into the woods. I found myself at the ass (south) end of Quebec rd. Turns out that is home to a fully functional Hooverville. If you don't catch that reference, America's God, read a us history book. I pulled out a map, thankfully they had one. As I am typing this I realize just how turrrrible that day could have spiraled if there was no map. I found myself at the furthest place from where I had started the adventure. All I had to do was stay on Quebec road for 3 miles and I was back at tank. I would say that was luck, but I don't believe in luck after several unlucky turns. No such thing in luck to get you out of an unlucky situation. They just cancel out and you have ordinary. Anyways, run completed and I can't wait to return with some company. After a run so lame it's hard to not look forward to the next time I go there. There is a massive chance that my next run in those trails is going to be significantly more enjoyable.
Tuesday Morgantown 10 miles
It was more miserable than it looks.
Could you imagine if every day this week was as long as Monday? That would suck. I don't have any strong evidence that I the sun burnt me yet again this past weekend in North Carolina. You'll just have to take my word. But on Tuesday I got the frosty d again and I do have evidence. Only in this hellhole can I fall asleep, fully exposed with the window open, and wake up in my full pj's with my electric blanket on hot. Window then closed, of course. Who goes from 80 to 30s in 30 hours? Could you imagine if that continued at such a rate for another few days?
If the temperature dropped 50 degrees in 30 hours, 80 to 30, how long until the temperature dips below Zero?
Feel free to answer that, or listen to one of the million underrated tracks by marshall. The correct answer is who cares because answers to stupid questions like that are only relative to this blog, similar blogs, and every single high school in America that teaches you to hold the slowest kids hand for 8 hours a day. No Child Left Behind- No Child Allowed Ahead. On this beautifully snowy late April day I was accompanied by mr. hunter once again. The miles worsened, plateaued, got better, then sucked. That happens when it is cold out. The beginning is terrible especially when it shouldn't be cold out. Normal people probably store their winter clothes away when the weather breaks, but I have a different philosophy that led to me running in shorts through the snow. When the weather breaks I think- don't have to wash my running pants until next winter. Running pants are pricey, and laundry is trivial. I will wear the same pants on four-five solid runs and continue to wear them until the smell makes me self conscious. Which takes longer than you'd think. Also, washing dirty pants before going out through the woods for an hour or so is like making a bed before sleeping. Which is the case every time you make a bed. Anyways, I think that we made it all through town without anyone yelling slurs about our sexual orientation which I couldn't be further from actually being. But as Seinfeld would say- Not that there's anything wrong with that! That's probably why I have never been really upset about anyone calling me gay while on a run, though it does get annoying to hear it all of the time; big reason why I don't run through streets. But honestly that has the same effect on me as being called a fish, impressively tall, or a man who doesn't enjoy the occasional Nicholas Sparks books; all of those statements would be wrong as well so it's whatever. I actually wish that people would get personal. That'd be awesome. Here are my two favorite comments ever- yes, only two because the world doesn't contain many people that amuse me.
2.- Running through Fairmont in high school, every single day, beside Patrick in equally short shorts for years means we heard all of the same stuff. It was always F this F that by people driving by, F standing for the slur that every male runner hears all the time, but is still tasteless. But this overweight, tank top wearin, teen age baby poppin, typical Fairmont hoe yelled out of her busted up van- 'Faggots, why don't you two go fuck eachother.' I don't know if I have ever laughed so hard for so long on a run. I believe my initial response was turning toward Patrick and saying something along the lines of- well... I mean let's not rule anything out. That was followed by many comments such as- it's what the people want, if you think about it..., she may be on to something, etc. God we had so much fun with that. If someone would just yell absurdities before every run that would make conversations more spontaneous and fun.
1. Naturally my favorite comment came from what I assume was a student as I was running through Princeton's campus. As I was running through princeton, a car rolls up beside me. We are on a long steady climb so they are really trying to go slowly. The back window rolls down and out of the corner of my eye I see a guy fold his arms and put his chin down. I never directly looked at them. This was his dialogue to me, will never forget it. "Hey there. Hey. Lift up your shorts a little, I can only see some of your balls. C'mon baby, don't be a tease." I broke from trying to warm up for a track race to absolutely losing my shit. I laughed so hard, but still never even looked at him. He laughed at me laughing and the day went on. If I was a broad that'd be considered harassment. There's your dose of sexism for the day.
Wednesday Rail Trail 60 minutes
This run with Josh was a typical run through the arb for us. Just laughing and shooting shit; wouldn't trade it for all the ice cream in the world. No one needs that much ice cream anyways, you'll get a tummy ache. Two events that were funny on this run happened in the lower arb as we ran through the woods. Now in the past Josh has like thermal vision and can spot a snake from a mile away. While running behind him, he yelled and jumped to the side. I immediately jumped as high as I could and picked my knees up. That gave me ample time to examine the ground below me for snakes. Turns out it was a woodpecker who was camouflaged into the branch beside us and made a run at us. I knew I was genuinely terrified because I just shut up. Whenever something startles me I scream. Whenever I think my time on this Earth is over, via snake attack, I shut up. The second event was hilarious, to me. If you've ever had a kid napped then you may not find as much humor in it. We run by a family that says hello to Josh because everyone in town knows him. Typically I murmur 'and his best friend digem' when people address Josh. That's okay I don't like having friends anyways. With friends come expectations. Their little boy ran off on the single track trail ahead of us, Ty I think was his name. 90% chance that I am not remembering the name. Anyways, he's trying to out run us and we are completely out of sight of his family before we reel him in and I said- scoop n score. For idiots, I was insinuating we steal the kid, but it was obviously a funny. After we passed him me and Josh expressed our lack of comfort with the scene that had occurred. Two beards running through the woods behind a tike that kept looking back at us and running away... Not a good look. I was examining the woods to my side for an escape route if Chris Hansen came by throwing out accusations. Thanks to all of these assholes in the world I am terrified to even look at an elementary school. Which sucks because that age is my favorite. Once you learn how to talk, but don't understand how to filter what you say is literally the golden years for conversing. Then you suck until you are old and say funny stuff again.
Thursday Cooper's Rock 8 miles, give or take some amount of distance.
This is me every time Minnesota fucks up this time of year.
I believe this is the least eventful run of the week. Just two guys playing through the woods for an hour or so. We returned to Rattlesnake trail in Cooper's and ran it backwards. That wasn't too smart. I will use this day to talk about Minnesota Wild. Game One of these playoffs has now become the most devastating game of my life as a fan. To be up 2 goals late in the 3rd and blow it is absolutely disgusting. I don't want to go into details with my opinions on the game because I honestly have nothing but ill will toward literally anyone who tries to talk to me about hockey. I get like that when I get cut. After that game I just remained in the seat that I watched the entire game in. Turned the tv off and just stared at the screen for over an hour. Had nothing else going on. I am typing this portion today (sunday) because it took me this long to even want to report that, but I felt like I had to because it was a highlight of my week. Not a great highlight. It was one of those defeats that lead to a sweep, and sure enough those ...players in Colorado won again Saturday. I watched and will watch every last minute of my favorite people getting their ass kicked again. Because I am loyal to the organization. Loyalty is the most forgotten trait in society. So if you see on tv that Minnesota Wild are playing- yes I am watching and no I don't want to talk about it or anything in the hockey world. Especially penguins since that's all I hear every day. As far as I'm concerned I hope they get bounced in the first round too. Why? Because Columbus is good, but around here everyone sucks except Pittsburgh. So to them I have the same amount of ill will as I do for every other team right now. I've grown into the least sympathetic fan that I know. And I am proud of that.
Friday Deckers Creek Trail 6 miles
Radabra yawning for attention. Standard.
Today served as my day off. This is the first week in awhile that I have run 7 days, but my legs were still pretty shot and I had ambitions for sunday's long run. I ran with Radabaugh- my favorite high school runner. We set off down the rail trail and 2 miles in he pointed out this dirt trail that ran off to the right of the trail. This damn trail had to be close to 90 degrees straight up. I mean we crawled to the top and I got pissed that I didn't have my phone to show you all the cliff we were standing on. Also I wanted to get evidence of the annihilation of a deer up there. We found its skull, most of its spine, and half of its ribs. Oh, and one hip. I was very interested in what had destroyed that poor little bastard. Anyways we ran around there and had a jolly ole time. I like running with Radabra. That's his pokemon name. I pronounce that- (Raaa- Duh - Bruh). The first time I ever met Radabra was his freshman year, 3 years ago, and the idiot face planted on the paved rail trail. That's when I believed in love at first sight. Little s.o.b has had me laughing ever since. I don't follow the running scene in state anymore so in my mind he's the best at every event because rest of the competition consist of tools that actually don't exist in this world, the world of red bull. People only exist if you believe in them. In my world- overpopulation doesn't exist. There's only a few dozen people- rest are ghosts. I would say they are robots, but I like robots.
Saturday The Friendly City- 10 miles
I took to the beautifully awful Fairmont roads for my run on saturday. I figured it was the perfect pregame to watch the Wild lose again. I actually enjoyed the run. Running in Fairmont anymore is very hit or miss, but some days I enjoy myself. I also binged on Friday Night Lights on this day. Finished the first season, boom.
Sunday PA Gamelands- 15.5 miles
I was satisfied with my run even though I didn't complete as much as I wished. It was ambitious to expect to run a hard long trail run 8 days after a pretty tough marathon. Wolfpack beat up on me again, standard.
Friday Night Lights at its best.
To the person that recommended Friday Night Lights to me- thank you. This week I was glued to my television! I finished the first season. If it is like similar shows- all down hill from here. I plan on watching the rest of it though. There is nothing like small town sports and it is brilliantly written. They have a great way of pulling you into every character's life. I found myself rooting for everyone at some point excluding Voodoo. Who doesn't love to watch a show about high school drama and life? I would never want to go back to that scene, but there is nothing like it. I am assuming Coach Taylor returns for another season; I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. I can't tell who my favorite character is. Most episodes it's Timmy Riggins. I love that guy. I doubt anyone dislikes QB1. I don't really care for Lyla or however you spell her name. She just has really annoying traits. Smash grew on me and I think that was the intention; start off disliking him but rooting for him in the end. I can't talk in too much detail on my feelings without name dropping people, but it's definitely a show that has something for everyone. Hands down one of the best shows that I have seen in awhile. I mean I watched 22 episodes each 45 minutes in three sittings.
If I watched 22 episodes, each 45 minutes in duration- how much time did I spend watching Friday Night Lights this week? A) Too much time
Next Race- Saturday Iron Furnace 20k (Ohio.) One Love!
Rattlesnake trail. Too cool to take pictures personally.
Alright, training has been decently far off track. I am hoping that this week serves as the kick in the butt that I need to turn it around for the 100 miler in June. Granted, I am running almost everyday, but I habitually run less than I plan on running because I have felt so run down. I am almost certain that in the past week that I have been sick, but I can never tell because I won't admit it when I am sick. I just go about my ways with far less energy. Today was a good day though. I finally did a workout that I was wanting to do all winter, but the course was constantly covered in snow. I plan on making this a workout that I revisit often throughout my training cycle for both the 100 miler and especially the 50k out in Montana this fall. The arb is slightly less than a mile. On Wednesday I hit up the arb for the workout. The workout is basically a fartlek, press the two long straights and easy down the steep hill and up the big ass arb hill. I can't explain how terribly steep that hill is to people who are not Morgantwats, or whatever the term is for someone living in Morgantown. With the trail marathon on Saturday, and typing this up on Sunday, I am happy that I struggled through this workout Wednesday. Thursday I ventured to Cooper's Rock with Josh and we hit up Rattlesnake Trail which was my first time running/hiking it. It is now my new favorite trail in the park.
If you've read any of my entries, you'll know that I am quick to bash WV. But I can't stand the bad wrap this place gets (because I've always lived in the civilized section). It took several north carolina gals to fill up a full mouth of teeth this weekend. And that horrific southern draw! Not the southern belle, super hot draw. Granted a hot girl has a hot accent as long as the volume is down. The worst thing a female, or male really, can do is talk really loud. There are certainly occasions to raise your voice, either when Minnesota scores a goal or when I am not around. Completely hypocritical when I say that though. I will randomly get really loud regardless of where I am. Ever find yourself in a conversation where you are looking around for video cameras to see if you are being pranked? When my pops and myself were checking in at our choice hotel the manly woman behind the desk started talking...and wouldn't stop. I shit you not, the picture to the right from the Cleveland show is exactly what she looked like! Anyways, she asked if we had dinner yet and not paying attention to what she had said I mumbled no. That response opened up her jello arms and she started pointing every which way telling us about all of her favorite joints to eat in. She had specific recommendations pending on how hungry we were. Not one of the places lacked the buffet option. I assume the only time that those buffets have anything on the table is when she was working. The reason I am being so mean is because I am bitter about leaving my book in the hotel and not remembering until it was way too late to return. I am still hammering out Stephen King's 11/22/63, 300 pages down, 550 to go. And now I am on my second
copy. I can already tell that it has a real
Bed mate
opportunity to become the
greatest book that I have ever read. I am such a JFK and time traveling
nerd that this books makes it hard for me not to get all giddy. I have
loved every page of it. 850 pages sounds like a lot, but I can already
tell that it won't be enough. It will be impossible for me not to dedicate an entire entry to this book once I finish it. And I am convinced that I will convince multiple cats to read it. And I will be thanked for the recommendation. I mean if you don't like it then you are a communist. Nothing worse than that in the eyes of a 1960 american.
Saturday morning was an interesting start to a race day morning. Evidently all participants received an email the night before with specific directions to the starting line. I didn't check my e-mail. So I just went to the state park like the website said to. After an hour of driving to wrong locations, we made it to the start line! With five minutes to spare. Threw on my shoes, grabbed my bib number, and it was already time to go. I'd say 10-12 steps into the race, pending on how long your stride is, we were all knee deep in the first of eight creek crossings that we would hit throughout the marathon. It was high enough to where I was getting splashed in the face by the water; which became refreshing as the adventure continued. Then we were up the first of dozens of steep climbs. Climbs that are steep enough to make you question what you are doing. The last climb had me saying outloud how upset I was with my life decisions. Granted, at that time I was certain that I was going to die.
Right after 13mi. * I hate steps. Esp in races.
The first 7 miles were not bad at all. A few creek crossings and small climbs in comparison to what would come. When I saw the three half marathoners in front of me turn back I was thinking ' damn, this is a really really easy half marathon for them'. At this point we were standing at the bottom of pilot mountain. Next stop: The top! The next 6ish miles were spend winding and climbing to the top of the mountain. On one of the steep downhills that randomly appeared on the hike up the eventual winner blew by me. I actually stood to the side and let him go because 1. I don't like people on my back when I'm trying to not start a rockslide down a cliff. And B. That's just what you should do. I remember in high school, nothing would piss me off more than running a mile or two mile and junior baby son of a bitch makes you swing wide when you are lapping their sorry ass. I started a habit then that I will forever keep when passing slowpokes. I would swing wide and fold all of my left fingers into a fist excluding my middle finger. And I would jam it right up their ass passing by. On old videos of small races you can see kids hopping in the air as I passed them. The best part about that whole deal was David Collins, my favorite person to lap in high school. I did that to him once or twice and by god after that Collins would be the first to stand in lane two as I approached him after that. It may sound inappropriate, but it cleared the inside lane so I consider it quite appropriate. It's just like someone pulling into the left lane to drive slower than you... Back to the marathon.
The top of Pilot Mountain. And a trail from race.
At the half way point the leader put 5-6 minutes on me. As I got to the knob at the top of the mountain and begin to circle it clockwise, he was coming back from circling it. Typically confidence is on tap for me, but typically I don't feel like death. Storming down the steep mountain I felt great; was really moving. Around 20 miles I was basically back where I had begun but with that luxury came a lot more climbing for me to do. Cross a creek and climb a hill. They had the distance between the creeks down to a damn science. I swear there would be a creek crossing the moment I felt that my shoes were completely dried off by the relentless mid day sun. After doing this twice, after 20 miles, I walked the final creek and hill. List of things that had shut down(in order of pain)- achilles, hamstrings, quads, lower back, calves, head, feet, etc. But that's what I'd expect in a race like that. If it didn't hurt it wouldn't be fun. I was certain that I was being hawked down by third place just like I knew that the leader was opening up an gigantic lead. I will touch on the actual outcome soon. The sights I saw atop Pilot Mountain and circling the knob at the top are second to probably only the Teton Mountains out in Wyoming. There was a moment toward the end of the race that will probably be the last memory of this marathon to escape my head. I changed my entrance into the final creek crossing. Rather than attempting to run into the creek, I decided to pretend like it was the first time that I had seen water. I was very drained and on the hottest day of the short year; I sort of felt like I had never seen water. I crouched down in the water and paused to dip my full arms in the creek and smacked my face against the top of the water. The handful of spectators watching on laughed and cheered. They told me I only had a quarter of a mile left. I told them that I was well aware. Nonetheless I rested in the creek as if it was saving my life. Now we will never know if I would have survived that last quarter mile without drenching myself. It's the longest quarter mile ever.
I finished in 3:45. Only 3 minutes behind of the leader. Only 27 minutes ahead of third. It's funny because no one could have convinced me that I wasn't being run down in the last 6 miles. And there certainly wasn't any way that I would believe that the 5-7 minute deficit I was facing half way through; was actually shortened. Turns out everyone was dying. In trail races I have found out that it is very easy to get stuck in no man's land, but I love that land. In the results below you will see just how alone I was. I crossed the line; no celebration, just relief. I experimented with flat coke on the run. Evidently it settles the stomach. I am curious as to whether or not that was the reason why I couldn't stomach anything for hours after the race. After Wyoming I wolfed down so much food almost instantly. I didn't have flat soda during that adventure and was quick to grab two beers, too. Everyone knows it's easy to eat under the influence of alcohol, etc. I did drink two gatorades, but even that almost came back up. Once my stomach was settled I decided to eat something that I figured would be easy to keep down: Chocolate Xtreme blizzard, 1/2 lb Flamethrower burger, and a large fry from DQ. Is there an easier meal to stomach? Not sure. Driving home through WV from the ass end of the state is the worst trip ever. If you ever have to drive over the New River special bridge on 19 and take 79 all the way to the north, you have my sympathy. I believe that route shows you a lot of WV. That's why I don't like most of it. I am curious as to what you all eat after races. Leave a comment below telling me what you typically eat after a big race/workout. I will decide whether or not you are lame or not lame. If you turn out lame, no worries it's just one person's opinion. But isn't everything.
A few quick notes:
March Madness- Champion was the one and only pops. The top three have been awarded a Pirates jersey, Patriots shirt, and Penguins glass.(By request, personally I'm indifferent about the Pirates, not a fan of the pats, but love the cheating coach and pretty girl behind center, and hate Penguins fans more and more by the day.) I finished tied for 2nd worst bracket! 19 total played, Woohoo! Here are the full results: http://games.espn.go.com/tournament-challenge-bracket/2014/en/group?groupID=315080
Next Race: Iron Furnace 20k April 26th in OhIhateo. If you want to get beat, show up. *Not saying that I will be the one to beat you.
This Week: Back at it and will give the first in-depth training log in quite a few weeks. If you dig those, you're in for a treat. If you do not like running talk, you are in for a treat.
Stanley Cup Challenge: I do not know college basketball, but hockey... Hockey is my passion. From a fanatic stand point. Think you can predict the Stanley Cup playoffs better than me? Here is a link. Prizes for beating me? None, but I will be pissed off. That's a great prize. http://bracketchallenge.nhl.com/playoff_challenge/leagues/14216 You have until Wednesday evening to join. Group password: sinbin
Rocktape: For anyone who requested Swiss flag Rocktape a few weeks ago and didn't get their way ( went with pink skulls. ) I am ordering Swiss flag in the next few days.
Goal Update: Pilot Mountain pushes me all the way up to 2/50 states under my belt. I plan on running a trail marathon+ in every god blessed/damned 'merican state. Ohio in June and Montana in September will put me at 4. If you think you know a fun marathon post 9/11 then let me know. But I won't run a marathon on the roads. 26 miles on a road? zzz...
If the winner stayed home I would have looked like such a boss. Can't wait to run a marathon in shape.
Raccoon Creek Park, PA 18.75 mi 5,000 ft elevation gain
Our run in a picture.
This was easily the muddiest run that I have ever agreed to do. It was one for the books though! Being two days before April, I was unable to appreciate the beauty of seeing all of Morgantown's trees and roads covered in snow. Instead, it just aggravated the hell out of me. I would have been quite content sleeping in bed all day. Eventually we, me and Josh, made our way to Sheetz for coffee and goodies. Then headed north to get out of the snow and into the mud. We met up with the 3rd triumvir of the triumvirate. I don't know of any other places that I have been to where we can run 19 miles without double backing on the same trail. One big loop. One big adventure. The legs felt fine through they spent a lot of time slipping and sliding through the mud. Somehow I didn't fall on the a run; a true miracle. None of us did. Around 80 minutes in we hit a snag on the course. A bridge leading us across the creek was gone. We crossed several small creeks through the loop (7 or 8), but this one was way too deep to cross. Plus I can't swim and the water was definitely moving fast enough to sweep the leg. No more Digem. We turned around and shortly noticed that we had passed a sign that told us there was a trail detour for the absence of the bridge. The detour took us around the lake and provided what I initially thought was a mirage; a portapotty. Withing minutes of getting the urge to go to the bathroom; poof. My fairy godparents dropped a potty off for me. My odd parents, fairly odd parents. Wands and wings, floaty crowny things. Fairly odd parents. Really mod, pea pod, buff bod, hod rod! Obtuse, rubber goose, green moose, guava juice,
Giant snake, birthday cake, large fries, chocolate shake.
Morgantown being stupid Sunday
Haven't seen that show in years. I anticipate knowing the theme song when I am old and grey though. Around two hours my knee started getting tight which I suppose is bound to happen eventually. My großen Brüder felt better than me and put a good gap on me for a few miles. I did reattach to them prior to the last three big climbs. Knowing the finish line was directly in front of me and only 2ish miles away, I had no problem shutting down and falling behind. I enjoyed every second of that run, but at that point I was just ready for it to be over. I believe Raccoon Creek will be the host of most of our long runs because it has been the first place that has provided a decent amount of climbing. Around here people pronounce creek like crick. Which is hilarious. The absolute worst is Hurricane, WV. Everyone pronounces it like Hurriken. It's disgusting. Goin go down to the crick in Hurriken. I much prefer the Minnesota draw. Which leads me to the next fun part of my week.
Monday I drug my legs out and ran six miles on the rail trail so it was basically not even a run. Tuesday was a personal day. Personally, my achilles was jacked and I just wasn't feeling it. It's funny how after you beat your legs to hell it can take two days for the pain to climax. There has been several occasions where I will race super hard, feel fine the next day. Then the following day feel like a truck ran me over in my sleep. Sleep can be weird too. I hate it when I feel 100% and ready to roll, take a nap, then feel like Droopy. Someone suggested that I watch a movie called Somewhere in Time which I have heard of and recall almost watching previously. I watched it and here is my review. After the review is my road trip! So grab a cup of coffee, or tea if if coffee isn't your cup of tea: it's going to be a long ride.
Wednesday 4/2
I pulled out of Fairmont a little before 9am to fill Tank up. Once I hit the interstate for north I remembered that I forgot my Minnesota Wild sweater that I planned on wearing in the United Center in Chicago. I returned for it... The previous day I had joked with pops that my Mikael Granlund sweater would come right after I left. I ordered a Wild road sweater so that I would be in uniform with the team rather than sporting the home colors, but that never came. Around 1pm he texted me and let me know that the road sweater came. Cool. By then I was west of Columbus and coming up on the Dayton. Signs like the one on the right make me laugh to myself because it has my name on it as well as the direction that I need to travel. It rained most of the way through Ohio, standard. Initially it was frustrating although certainly expected, but I jammed out through the entire state. Upon request I will put up one of my jam sessions. It's almost certainly hilarious at my expense.
throwback Camp of Champs '09 pink me by my pretend wife.
When I got into Indiana the rain temporarily stopped. That made me switch back to the idea of running at Turkey Run state park, but right around the time I decided to go there I was hit by a thunderstorm. I don't know if this has ever happened to you, but everything turned full circle on me and I suddenly felt like it was 2009 again. This is relevant to the trip because I am attending these Chicago events with my friend Kevin. I met Kevin way back in 2008 and 2009 at Wisconsin's Camp of Champions. 2009 was the first time that I drove myself to wisco and befriended several people that would remain friends for a few years, two that are still pretty good friends of mine. One being Kevin and the other being miss Gray. Two years ago Patrick and I stayed with her in Minnesota and she showed me her Minnesotan hospitality by drinking me under the table and carrying me upstairs. She also sits beside me at Minnesota Wild home games. The reason I have all of these memories in my head during Indiana was a combination of the thunderstorm and the music I was listening to. I just happened to rotate in Death Cab's Narrow Stairs which I originally purchased for that trip 5 years ago and I will never forget the thunderstorm I drove through in Indiana returning from that camp. Completely dark out and every twenty or so seconds the entire sky would light up with the lightning followed by rumbling that would last until the next flash. Driving six-eight hours from my home through that storm was awesome as a 16/17 year old. I remember then etching out all of my academic, athletic, and social plans for the future in Madison. But plans change.
Since it was storming I decided to turn north on 65 and just go to Lafayette, where I would be staying for the next two nights. My run for the day was eight miles on a treadmill because that was that was the only place that I could climb. I made it a workout because I can't run normal on a treadmill. That'd be like gripping the back of my head and smashing my face into a wall repeatedly for an hour, or until I died. Then I ventured down downtown Lafayette and West Lafayette to see what it was that the local Purdue kids do. I made my way to Lafayette Brewing Company to catch the Twins/Sox finish which was comical. Twins blowing a two run lead in the ninth inning due to two errors. When the third baseman went to throw it to the catcher to end the game, but missed the catcher by an Indiana mile, I realized that it must be the beginning of august in Williamsport because I was watching little league baseball. I had a Tippecanoe Common Ale and a damn good cheese steak in between the Sox and Cubs game. Then I left. I had previously researched a spot right on campus that I had to try. By on campus I mean Purdue University.
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
I can't stand it when places claim they have the best ice cream. You know who has the best ice cream? Babcock Dairy on State street. Madison, WI. That claim is no longer bias either because I could give two shits about UW anymore. But it's fact. Madison is home to Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, the bee's knees, legs, and his arms. Hands down the best ice cream. Only in Madison, I thought. I walk into the Silver Dipper here on Purdue's campus and the first thing I see is the Chocolate Shoppe sign. My knees almost buckled. I walked closer to confirm that the picture of the sexy cow eating ice cream was the same sign that I thought it was. I proceeded to eat five scoops of various flavored ice cream. My god, was it great. I semi believe in reincarnation, I definitely think it sounds more fun than sitting in the clouds. I hope to come back in another life as Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream. Then once I am eaten, continuously return to life in the form of that ice cream. I returned to my hotel room and honestly planned on going outside and reading in my car because another thunderstorm had started up. Much more enjoyable in a car. But my ice cream baby was taking a bath in my beer and those ingredients made the perfect storm that knocked me out from before 9pm til 6am. I do not know what happened in my sleep, but forty percent of my pillows were on the ground and I had turned 180 from where I initially fell to sleep.
Most likely my biggest enemy in the world.
The rain had stopped by 6am. I assumed it moved up north to the White Sox field. At this point I had zero expectations of seeing a baseball game in seven hours. Chicago had to be getting slammed by the thunderstorms. I think there was like an 80% chance of rain. I decided to get breakfast and wait around for an hour or so, that's when the majority of this entry to this point was typed up. I then cracked open a new book that I look forward to reading. 11/22/63 by Stevie King. It's north of 700 pages so gimme a good minute on finishing it. Then I will review it. As I went up 65 toward Chicago I was slammed by a flash flood. Very rarely do I stop driving for weather, but I sat that storm out at a rest stop, only 75 miles from Chicago. While stopped at this rest stop another tank pulled up right beside me. Repping the wrong gang colors. I considered having a Tank fight, but thought better of it. At this point I knew that I wouldn't see the baseball game. When I hopped back onto the highway I spent 10 or so miles jockeying with three big 18 wheelers. Water spitting everywhere and I was trapped for what seemed like a lifetime. Sure enough, when I made it to the skyway leading into Chicago the rain had settled. Oh, I forgot to mention my wrong turn.
Considered getting a trim here.
I didn't use any navigation until I branched off of 65 by mistake and found myself driving through Gary, IN. I knew that Gary had a pretty bad rap, but I've driven through the bronx, harlem, detroit, huntington, etc so I knew it couldn't be that bad. It was worse than all of those places combined. I have never feared for someone's life more than that 4 mile stretch. I assumed that I would be fine, but I mean every door and window was barred up. Cars parked with slashed tires, missing windows. Shit was crazy. That's why I feel like this country is really 80 different countries. I talked to a young woman at the front desk in Lafayette who had lived in Gary for a year for school. She moved there from the country and said that in that first year she had four slashed tires and heard gunshots on her street almost weekly. She said that she lived in the nice part of town because on her door was equipped with metal bars. Her windows were bar free. I just assume people in Gary try to get out of the ghetto by moving 10 miles into Chicago's slums. Naturally the only wrong turn I make leads me through this place. I'm glad though; I like seeing knew places. Oh I should have added Florida to that least of sketch places I have been to. I forget where in Florida, but probably the sketchiest stretch of rail trail in the country runs through some town in Florida.
Foul ball That I (Kevin) caught
When I arrived in the windy city it was holding on to its stereotype. Very windy, misty, and 35 degrees. The wind made it feel closer to 20 degrees. I met Kevin in the bar attached to the Sox's stadium. I love being in part of the world where summer shandy is on draft. Evidently I packed for the beach when I left and I struggled to stay warm throughout the game. And I was wearing everything that I packed aside from my hockey sweater. One cool note- I am pretty sure that Kevin and I were apart of the White Sox's worst attendance ever. They said online that 11k attended but that HAD to be ticket sales. There were not more than 2,000 poor cold bastards in that stadium. In the 4th inning one of the Sox it a frozen rope directly back toward us and it hit a step and popped straight up in the air. It fell right in Kevin's hands. Easiest foul catch ever! It was awesome. Perfect conversation starter for the two Minnesotan ladies beside us. Two innings later, a steady mist started up and we moved from behind the plate and under a ceiling to keep dry. Everyone seemed to move except the Twins fans. I am pretty sure that my cover was blown. Though I sported Twins gear, I couldn't stand the cold like those who traveled south for the game. The Twins won 10-9. With two down in the last inning the Sox had a guy on third and I was praying that they would either get out like the did or hit a homer. I'd rather the Twins lose on that day than stay in the bitter cold for another inning.
Now, for what I came to Chicago for! I must give Kevin a huge shoutout for giving me one of his friend's season tickets. And shoutout to that friend for giving Kevin those tickets for the Wild game. United Center was an amazing atmosphere! The fans were intense and into their Hawks and being in the building that hoisted Michael Jordan's banners is pretty damn neat. Not to mention all of the Blackhawk's Cup banners. Shortly after Minnesota jumped up to a one goal lead in the first, Kevin and I made the scoreboard with the picture on the right. There is nothing I enjoy more than watching Minnesota Wild play hockey. They didn't have Granlund or Nino, but everyone played a pretty solid game. The final result was a 2-3 loss in a shootout after Crawford stoned all three MN shooters. But in April every point is massive and Minnesota jumped one step closer to securing the first wild card spot. Saturday's 4-0 whoopin on the Pens helped even more. The Wild have the toughest final ten game schedule which I believe will make them very playoff ready. Who knows, maybe we can steal a series later this month. Also, Josh Harding skated with the team and may return for the playoffs! I did a story on him in an earlier entry. He's my favorite goalie ever.
After the hockey game it took me 30 minutes to find the garage that I parked in. This is a common thing when I am in a different city and alone. Along my venture three local midnight tokers offered me a bite of there sandwich. My response shall remain disclosed. Eventually I found my tank and returned to Lafayette for the night. By the time I made it there my bladder was past full and I was very sweepy. I hopped out of the car, peed and crashed. The following morning I realized that I locked my keys in my car... So that happened to start my drive back east. I watched a guy pop my door open even though he just looked like he was taking my cars blood pressure. Leaving Lafayette for Chicago I drove through a flash flood and leaving Laf for WV I drove through severe wind advisory. Midwestern severe wind advisories means pretty strong wind. If you played football, imagine the drill where you try to secure the ball while you run through a line of teams that are trying to knock the ball out with blocking pads. And doing that for a few hundred miles. I stopped in Wheeling to run with Patrick. Patrick is my friend. That concluded my travels. For the day.
Someone suggested that I watch the movie Somewhere In Time on netflix in the comment section of the last blog. Since there was only one suggestion I decided to watch and review EVERY suggestion! The movie was extremely good and I think it is weird when someone says 'I think you'll like it' and I do. If you have never seen the film, it is a hybrid between a gushy romance and a time traveling movie. Superman plays the main character. Quick summary- in the opening scene an elderly lady hands this Chicago playwright an old pocket watch and says "Please come back to me." Not going to lie, that was pretty creepy. That playwright ended up spending time at a hotel where he discovered the most beautiful actress from the early 1900s. He did further research and discovered that she was the old lady that handed him the pocket watch. He then realized through guest registration archives that he was in that very hotel 68 years prior along with the actress. He goes to the past, then stuff happens. It's good enough to where I don't feel like giving away any spoilers. There were a ton of themes throughout the movie that I really enjoyed and related to. One big part of the movie was the actresses adviser who thought that Richard (main character) was there to only destroy his golden actress. He made it very clear that he would keep them separated to ensure that he could ride her coattails to the top. Funny how common of a thing that is. But Richard was persistent, far more than I would have been, and continued to pursue who he had traveled 68 years to be with. It helped that Elise tried to make it easy for Richard. My favorite character was Arthur. He was a really old worker at the hotel in 1979 and told Richard of how he had been in the hotel for 70 years. Arthur also thought that he recognized Richard when he first saw him. Back in 1912 Richard did meet little Arthur who was causing mayhem for his father who worked behind the front desk. I'd like to give a full summary of the movie, but it is good enough to where I will just say go watch it. I fully believe in time travel and I don't mind saying that because nearly everyone believes in something that has no proof of existence. I think that I will time travel one day; I just need to find out how to do so. I really like to think that I have been to the past before; that would rule. I think everyone should believe in cooler things if they are going to believe in anything. I do often attempt to get hypnotized and allow lucid dreaming to occur on an almost nightly basis. I think I could write a book on the lucid dreams that I have written down. One day perhaps. I like the ending of the movie a lot. Realistic endings are the best endings. Movies/books with happily ever endings turn me off because that will almost never be the case.
Freezing my ass off.
To end the week I ventured up to Pittsburgh to watch the Pirates play the St. Louis Cardinals with pops. On the way up we jammed to Elton John like the bosses that we are. He drove until we were almost in Washington, Pa then I took over the shift to drive into the city. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and drink at 7th street grille. Then we headed for PNC Park. It is much more beautiful than US Cellular in Chicago. Out of the 4 ballparks that I have been to, Chicago and New York Yankees are tied for last and Pittsburgh and Minneapolis are tied for first. The game was just as freezing as the Chicago one minus the precipitation. Sadly, the Pirates beat the Cardinals the previous night by ten runs. Naturally, they only had one run in store for us Saturday. 6-1 was the final score, but I enjoyed the game. For the first three innings I was pissed because I had to sit beside an annoying parent failing to take care of an annoying child. Luckily junior baby son of a bitch got cold and they left real early. We did have an excellent view of the game; I love sitting on the outfield fence. Center field was my position when I played and remains my favorite position in the game. So I enjoyed the point of view. After the game I was extremely impressed with the firework show. Probably the greatest show that I have ever seen. Needless to say, I am going to the next fireworks night at PNC.
Top 4 ballparks ranked by view from home plate:
4- New York Yankees (1 game last year)
3- Chicago White Sox (1 game this week)
2- Target Field (2 games last year)
1- PNC Park (3 games, last 2 years)
My favorite hockey arenas that I have watched Minnesota Wild play in are as follows:
1- Minnesota
2- Chicago
3- Columbus
4- Pittsburgh
5- Nashville
I am tired. I am excited to not travel for only 5 days before driving to Pilot Mountain, NC to run in my 2nd trail marathon in ever. What is your favorite sport memory? Best venue that you have been to? I want to hear about them all, especially places that I haven't been to. Give me new destinations. Also, I am out of netflix things to watch. Still open to suggestions.
Now deep in the woods, and a decent bit up on Travis, 2nd, I reached a point where I needed to make a decision. I think that was at the top of a hill/cliff that I couldn't have topped without digging my fingers in the side of the mud to pull me up. That was shortly after 3.5 miles; I know because at the top was the first time a took a look behind me and started to realize the damage that I was doing. To myself. I was/am not currently fit enough to be bolting out at like a Digem out of hell for a 13 mile race. So I was standing there with a shovel in my hand, grave dug below me. I could either lay in the grave or walk away and try to salvage a smarter race. I put the shovel down. Went and got a cement truck to fill the grave after I jumped in. If you didn't follow the analogy, I bolted at the top of the cliff and kept running hard even though I knew I had a couple miles left at that pace at best. Sure enough a couple miles later Travis took the lead. Then Rhodes attached to the back of us and we ran miles 5-8 together. At mile 7 Rhodes passed me and I was now the caboose of the train. The picture to the side was taken at 8 miles and the order of runners is misleading. We crested the top of a ridge and Travis and Rhodes took a few steps to far before realizing the pink markings that led us back into the woods. Well I was a few steps off of them so I just cut in on the course while they were backtracking ten feet. I knew the only aid station was right after 8 miles so I used this opportunity to give another surge and go to the station as a group. Though I am leading the pack in the picture, I am easily the worst off at that point. 
