# 27 Trial and Error (Mohican 100 miler)

To get the fullest experience with this blog, click the link below and listen to Conor's brief Tiny Desk Concert. Upsidedown Mountain is far and beyond my favorite non Bright Eyes album of his. Potentially my favorite ever, but he has some gems.


http://www.npr.org/event/music/324858409/conor-oberst-tiny-desk-concert?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social


First off, thank you to everyone who supported me leading up to the race. I appreciate it. Second off, let me assure you all the my first attempt at a 100 miler is very anti-climatic; no heroics on that day. And C, This was only a mental challenge. The actual big race on my calender come in September and November. I used the build up to that 100 miler to draw in some followers and now everyone will be rewarded with awesome blogs from here on out. On July 1 I am getting a GOPRO!!! What does that mean? You all will start running with me in a sense. You can see the behind the scenes to my training as I and my brothers prepare for Run the Rut 50k in September/ US Cross Champs for Josh/ and Me and Adam's winter road marathons!! It's going to be a blast and I am really excited for some real training and some real blogs. It's going to be a hybrid between a blog and a vlog. Once I get the gopro there will be weekly vlogs and often multiple uploads a week.

The week before Clarksburg saw two sizely events. The first week of cross country summer practice with Fairmont Senior and Cadence going fishing. This summer/fall I am attempting to lead my old high school team to success. Even being severely bias in my favor, I can't consider myself a good leader when I was on the team. I see this as an opportunity to properly lead a team and after three weeks with the team, I can't wait for the season to begin. I really enjoy coaching those guys and seeing the cross country season from a different perspective. I have to admit, this perspective is far more nerve wrecking. When you are the athlete it's not nerve wrecking at all because you have full control over the outcome, but when you are watching on it is completely different. And I dig it.
   When I returned home from one of these practices, I walked into the kitchen while Adam was playing with asparagus and other yucky food. I noticed Cadence was chewing on something that looked like a pin. After trying to get it from her, I realized that she wasn't chewing on anything. She must have found a small fishing hook from the previous residents of our house and somehow fish hooked herself. The barb was stuck in the tissue in her upper lip. The hook was sticking out of her mouth on both sides. When Josh got home we wrestled her down and snipped some of the hook off so she could sleep slightly more safe before getting it surgically removed the next morning. Fun fact- when a corgi thinks its life is at risk, they can shed up to 300 hairs a minute. Or so it seemed. Also if we were to get into a fight with Cadence, she would defeat both of us. That's why we don't pick fights with bullies.

Sometimes I wake up without the recollection of falling to sleep. I like to think that this is what it looks like to healthily black out. I like to think that I randomly time travel back in time and this is what remains in the present time. Similar to Somewhere in Time. I figure it's either that or Josh clubs me in the back of the head when I am not looking.

Pregamin' with Clarksburg 10k

As you can tell, I am disgusted that Josh's shadow is all up on me like that.

Top of the hill after 5 miles, barely leading women's race...

      Prior to the 100 miler I decided to travel 40 miles south to straddle the border between the north and the south... of West Virginia. Clarksburg 10k is like no other race and is extremely hard to pass up. Though I had done absolutely zero workouts to prepare for a hard road 10k, I couldn't pass up a fat chance at some prize money. The only catch is Clarksburg is the best at chewing up runners and spitting them out; especially when you are not in shape. There have been a few times in this lifetime where I absolute amaze myself. This is not one of those times, but it was still pretty neat. Sitting at dinner the night before the race with the gang I predicted that I would run 33:40 at Clarksburg. It was just what time came to mind when I thought about running that course. I had only run Clarksburg once before and went another year to spectate. I crashed and burned back to a 33:09 a few years ago. Come race day, sure enough I came through 5k with the first female in 16:58 and remained with her until 5 miles before kicking it in to... you may have guessed, I certainly did- 33:40. Boom. Not an impressive time, but an impressive guess. With Josh winning and breaking 32 for the umpteenth time and Adam taking 2nd, our house racked in 1650$ of a potential 1750$ I believe. Efficiency. Sidenote- the female leader spit during the race and I caught debris on my arm. Not the highlight of my race.

Clock reads 33:38, but results thankfully said 33:40

Not certain, but I think someone is getting a selfie with digem behind me.

Mohican 100 Trail Race Review 

Day before race. Spoiler- never made it this far on race day.

    A lot of things in my life have been solved through trial & error. From running shoes, houses, majors, colleges, girlfriends, deodorant, video games to hobbies, putting styles, books, and now race selection. I don't think the distance was the problem, but the course in its condition could not have been worse for me. I had totally anticipated trying to survive the entire day out there and really see how far I could travel. That was my only reason for attempting the hundred mile distance. It's very doable, I saw plenty of people doing it on that day. The state of Ohio has consistently tried to sabotage my life since we first met. This race was merely another point in Ohio's column. I've gotten my share of victories over the state throughout the years. The day before the race it began to rain because Ohio has to keep its reputation for being terrible and gloomy. The rain didn't let up most of the evening which spelled trouble for anyone running 100 miles on trails.

Morning of the Race

       The best stories typically see the climax close to the end of the story, followed by some fluff afterwards. In this tale, the peak of enjoyment came in the first chapter; actually the preface if there is one. Right before four a.m I rolled out of the Explorer that served as my bed the previous night. A short walk later I staggered into the showers. I don't know if it was because I was so tired, but that shower was the best shower that I have taken in a long time. I must have stood there for fifteen minutes. Then when I crossed the room for the bathroom stalls I camped out in there and listened to some of the old ultra guys talking. A different breed, my friend. I couldn't have more respect for the psychos that actually do ultras regulars; I mean psycho in the coolest way as well. One day I do hope to run at least one hundred mile trail run. There were too many bad omens in this race that should have told me not to do it. First- pouring rain. Rain turns me into a baby bitch. Two- sponsored by Great Lakes Brewing? I've arguably never been more drunk than after ending a night out with two lake erie monsters that split my head in half. That's all, but there were no good omens to counter those two.
    Race time! The survivors toed the line with the runner, and off goes the horn or gun or... Hmm... Turns out I honestly can't recall the beginning of the race. And that, my friends, is why no one should ever be running at 5 a.m. We all casually departed the starting area and into the dark ass woods. If anyone has an ipod they have probably from time to time ripped it out of their computer and ignored the 'didn't eject properly' voodoo that doesn't mean anything. I don't think that I have ever properly ejected an ipod. Of course Apple decided that when I choose to run with music for one of the first times ever that they will punish my ejecting methods. All of my music- gone from my ipod. I totally planned on listening to music for the first few hours for two reasons. A- music would probably wake me up and 2- I am petrified of unfamiliar dark woods. You are out in the forbidden forest, dangerously close to dementors and evidently bobcats; no one should have shared crazy bobcat stories with me, but if I had say Will Smith - Summertime in my ears I would be slightly less scared. I feel like I can do nothing but give a bad wrap of the race which I really don't like to do. Perhaps if the weather was better my opinion would change, but I don't think so. A large section of the course is up a damn creek bed and I hate shitty 'trails' like that. There is a difference between hard trails to run and trails that are stupid to run. There were some really nice parts of the trails, but still my least favorite trail that I have run on. It reminded me of Quebec, and by Quebec I mean twenty minutes north of Morgantown not the home of the late Nordiques. The only race photo I have to share is the day before the race when I met my cousin for the first time and talked running for a few hours. He's done ultras for quite a few years and is attempting to do Leadville 100 this year. If he finishes that, well that'd be pretty epic.

Back to the race, the play by play should have taken so much longer than it will take. For the first hour I was behind the first two females because evidently I am the only one who can't see a thing on single track trails in the dark. The fog made my visibility, with a head lamp, almost the ground. When the day light came up I continuously moved up until I was near the front. After pouting up the creek bed for what seems like a day in itself we got to the most bullshit thing I have ever seen. A stairway to heaven out of tree roots. It was slippery when wet like most floors and when I got to the top my left leg kicked out on me and I basically kneed myself in the face. Completely over stretched/tweeked my right hamstring. I stumbled to the next aid station and decided to lie on the wet grass while eating my breakfast of M&Ms. I thought that if I laid there long enough that the pain would magically go away. It didn't. So I walked for two hours back to the aid station nearest my car. This race was extremely disappointing, and so was Clarksburg 10k but in completely different ways. Clarksburg was disappointing because I toed the line knowing that everyone watching wouldn't see the best version of me. Disappointed because I knew that 33:40 was all I could pull out in my fitness and that's not satisfying. Mohican was disappointing because I didn't even get a chance. Sure I finished 50k so it is slightly longer than I've gone, but a hell of a lot slower. I really wanted to test my body and see how long my mind would let me keep trucking through the woods. But the hammy sputtered out and honestly with the course in the sloppy condition it was in, it was only a matter of time before something went out.

Luckily I thing that I have salvaged my summer of training by packing it in once I slipped up. All week my hamstring has hurt, but not impaired my running. I had to skip the last Steph A workout Tuesday, but I think the ball should be rolling here soon. So get ready for some real training logs coming your way starting Monday. For weeks I've been saying that I just wanted to finish the 100 miler so I can train to get fast again. It's over and now comes the fun part. Also, here is a link to Steph A's page. She's a beast and my house are her training partners for her speed workouts. She has 3 1500s coming up in some country called Canada, never heard of it, so I'll probably keep you posted, but this site is from her.

http://www.stephaldea.com/


Since I always cry about Ohio, here is proof of our rivalry.

OHIO v DIGEM Score Breakdown

2008 - Pulled over on my way back from Wisconsin Camp of Champions [ 15 - 0 OHIO ]
    I was wearing nothing but my shortest running shorts to greet the officer, only a warning. [15 - 15 ]

2010 - Qualified for NSIC at Akron and set fieldhouse record for HS mile. [ 30 - 15 Digem ]
    Pulled over once again. Speeding Ticket #1.  [ 30 - 30 ]

2011 - Flat Tire driving back to Oklahoma with the Brandon Doughty [ 40 - 30 OHIO ]
    Pulled over while trying to PR in the Norman-Morgantown race. Total time killer.  1 - 0 OHIO
  Fell asleep at the wheel in Columbus and woke up in Washington, PA [ 15 - 0 Digem ]

2012 - Signed up for Kent State meet; mysteriously got injured week of race. [ 15 - 15 ]
    Decided to run a 5k in Athens hours before the race and completely unprepared. Got my ass whipped around for 15 minutes and 20 seconds.   [ 30 - 15 OHIO ]
       Saw local Athens police riding horseback. [ 30 - 30 ]
    Pulled over on rt 7, speeding ticket. [ 40 - 30 OHIO ]
      Ticket for deliberately not paying a toll on Ohio Turnpike   2 - 0 OHIO 

2013 - Watched Columbus Blue Jackets get embarrassed by my Minnesota Wild 3-1 [ 15 - 0 Digem ]
    Took a nap at a rest stop in Ohio for three hours [ 30 - 0 Digem ]
Woke up drenched in sweat, ruined the drive to Minnesota [ 30 - 15 Digem ]

2014 - Iron Furnace Trail 20k. We all know how that when down. [ 30 - 30 ]
    Mohican 100 miler, first ever two pointer. As game changing as the 3 point line to the NBA some 30+ years ago. [ 3 - 0 OHIO ]

Don't Call it a Comeback

I have been putting the finishing touches on a book that I have been writing, that is my main excuse as to the delay from my epic failure of a race and the uploading this. Also, Hunter and I have been going pretty hard in the paint both in basketball down the street at Krepps Park and on FIFA 14. We have an intense season going on right now and both get way too into the game. For example, after we finished playing out the world cup bracket we had a championship matchup between my Swiss and his Uruguay vampires. Hunter defeated me and I was lying on the floor during the game. My carpet is borderline shag carpet that could be found in some pretty rad houses 40 years ago. It's also misleading concrete beneath the misleadingly thin carpet. After the final whistle blew I slammed my head off of what I thought was carpet and turned out to be concrete slightly covered in carpet. I saw a big white flash and without saying a word I got up and plopped into my bed. 2 hours later I woke up just in time to go to one of Steph A's track workouts. I am like 98% sure that I knocked myself out. I woke up with a pretty solid headache that lasted close to a day. Not the proudest of moments. Though I would have been less proud if I didn't knock myself out; in a sick way I am happy to know that I can knock myself out. Over a video game. Forever young/immature. Here is a small taste of the seriousness of our season-

Ya, we keep track of every goal.

With Cadence's 2nd birthday around the corner, she has recently been using my computer to Skype her boyfriends. I do my best to subtly monitor the conversations.

I also finished Jo Nesbo's The Snowman and it was quite frightening. So if you want a book to keep you up at night (reading) or if you want to never enjoy running by snowmen again- this book is for you. I really enjoyed that it took place around Oslo. Scandanavia is the first non us region of the world that I want to travel to. It seems like such an excellent place. And for a vague spoiler alert- misdirection never works. I need a new book. Tell me what to read next!!




Also, Season 3 of Wilfred is on Netflex. When things like this happen I do the same thing that I do with a big tub of ice cream. I watched the entire season in one sitting, just like I eat any ice cream in sight until it is gone. Wilfred is a top 10 show in my book. Here's that list attached with quick tastes of the shows.  If you laugh, and cry at some moments of these videos- we just may get along in real life.

10. That 70s Show

9. Dexter

8. Wilfred

7. Psych

6. Boy Meets World - The ultimate BROMANCE

5. The Office - Best character on television

4. Fresh Prince of Bel Air

3. White Collar

2. Top Gear

1. How I Met Your Mother

If you actually watched all the videos, man am I happy to have killed so much of your day.

Here is an updated preview to my summer plans. If you have followed my previews you should know that they are all, aside from Run the Rut, is subject to change.

• GOPRO Trail runs all July long. Big training month and you all will come along with me. 
• Call of the Wilds Mountain Marathon    8/16
• Run the Rut 50k  9/13 (two days after never forgetting)
• 1-3 Trail races in September/October
• Road Marathon debut in Tulsa 11/22 (51st anniversary of the passing of USA's 2nd sexiest President. Behind Clinton.)

NEXT BLOG: Debut of the GOPRO cam and I have to be honest, planning on taking this blog to a completely different level. Things will get personal, you will see things you may not want to see, but it will be one hell of a ride! If you are just now starting to read, consider yourself a 2011 Miami Heat fan because you picked the perfect time to hop on the wagon. Not a wagon, we have a stage coach and you all will be riding the original shotgun.

Sorry I didn't finish and I can promise that there are no more DNFs in my future. But if you are older than ten you know how much promises are worth.

Jokes aside, I appreciate the support and am pumped to evolve this page into a level two pokemon.

ONE LOVE!

#26 When it Rains it Pours

#26 When it rains it pours

First off- quick shoutout to my trail training partner/big brother Travis Simpson for leaving the Buckeye Buster 50k field way behind his dust. Just a 40 minute victory over 2nd. 4:34 finishing time. I can't wait for to tag team southern WV in August. 31 miles of victory we will run. Everyone is a winner if no one outside of the clan beats anyone within the clan. Also, a delayed shoutout to another partner in crime, Andrew Rhodes, who recently ran his first 50k at Capon Valley 50k, 4:27. Lead for 4 hours and ended up in 4th. Still a boss first 50k! 

 Here is my weekly log, as promised-

Sunday 6/1: 26 mi. Conquer the Cove Marathon, if you haven't seen the review click on the link to the right, or just continue to scroll down- can't miss it!







Monday 6/2: 6 miles. On the rail trail with the gang and my legs survived the marathon quite nicely. Surprisingly had some pop in them. Sometimes when I am sitting in my room I get the feeling that there is a predator behind me... Stalking her prey. I live in constant fear.

Always critiquing my jumpshot on NBA.

Tuesday 6/3: 8 miles. I worked on my versatility today! Two days ago I was running a trail marathon, today I was doing 500 cutdowns on the track with Steph and Josh. It was my first of several workouts with them I would assume. Tell ya what, a 66 quarter does not feel as easy a couple days off of a marathon. It was a challenge, a stupid challenge. But nonetheless a challenge.


Wednesday 6/4: 14 miles. I believe this run started at like 8-830. Not sure if I have run that many miles that late in the night. Considering it gets dark at like 1pm in the winter I'm positive that I have, but it's been awhile. Running in the dark is always misleadingly slow. 7 min pace feels like 635 pace and I would have gladly taken a 7 minute mile today. Based solely off of that run, one might not think that sub 7 mile was in my ability.

Thursday 6/5: 12. Twelve miles the cheap way- 6 and 6 double. There is rarely anything noteworthy on double days, but today was awesome! Unless I have Thursday mixed up with Wednesday which is very possible. On one of these days I finally made it out to Dorseys Knob for my first round of 18 on their disc golf course with Hopkins and Justin. Recently they held a tournament where it was a penalty stroke if the disc was in the high grass which gave them an excuse to not touch anything but the overgrown fairway. I wish I were kidding when I say that the grass was hip high in some areas. Miserable grass. But on the 8th hole while Hopkins was digging around for his disc we found this little bastard! I have never seen a baby deer this tiny. I wanted to keep it and name it Dear. I've never been closer to living out my dream of raising a deer off of nothing but Cheetos and Dr. Pepper. And pizza crust from certain places that have crusty crusts. Right there is a neat pizza place name. It would have loved it's life. Instead it will live a normal life.

Friday 6/6: 6 miles. How to ruin a big miles week with a 26 mile start... I packed it in on counting miles early because I'd rather run less and feel good than push it for a few extra miles. I am far from a mileage nazi like I used to be. I think that is because I fear another injury and honestly- pulling off at the first sign of danger may not allow me to get to a certain level, but it will keep me in the game longer and that's more important to me currently. Patrick came to town tonight and the entire gang hit the town for a little too long. I am going to say I caught a bug going around, because I am sure that several people's nights ended like mine; as well as their Saturdays.

Saturday 6/7: ZERO. Disappointing finish to the week, but it took me until the middle of the afternoon to get out of bed without dying. There was just no point in trying to run that sick. This gave me and my sick pal Chris Hunter a chance to play fifa world cup. We are playing the pool play and then the entire bracket and seeing how it turns out! I will have more details during the world cup. I did manage to leave the house in the evening and get some fresh air. I never enjoy missing runs for many reasons, but this is the biggest reason: slap on those funky red and blue glasses from Back to the Future(1955) because it's story time.

There is one person who keeps me motivated to run even though we haven't talked in weeks. Last yearish I was at a marketing conference in Detroit. Yes, the city was ruins and was quite depressing. On the second day of the conference we were up and at em by 8am and busy until 9pm. All I was thinking about for the entire day was how little I wanted to get my 10 miles in later. Plus, we were in Detroit so it was going to be done on the treadmill. Those folks put us up in the Renaissance hotel which is like the biggest or second biggest in North America. So Detroit- terrible. Detroit hotel- magnificent. It had a grocery store inside of it; why anyone would leave is beyond me. I sure didn't. Anyways, so I'm whining and moaning all day in my head and honestly can't remember much about that conference because I'm great at tuning out boring stuff. I didn't sleep well the previous night because I roomed with 3 random guys and the one I was suppose to bed with couldn't have anyone share a bed with him, so I took to the floor. He sounds like a jerk right? That was the plan. He was the most amazing little guy that I have met. He had to be all of 75 lbs and has OI or brittle bone disease is what he called it. Evidently he had previously broken most of his bones several times and can't sleep with anyone because it doesn't take much contact to break a bone I guess. Before the marathon of a conference started he must've overheard me talking about running after the conference because 930 rolls around and I have already decided to not run when he asked if he could come up and keep me company on my run. So I switched clothes and rode up to the like 43rd floor with him and we stayed there until the run was over. I got to know him and he would circle the treadmill every once in awhile. He was so full of energy. I had trouble sleeping that night because of him though. I stayed up thinking about how much I bitch and complain about running when I know from experience how terrible it is when you can't via injury, but here my temporary room would 'sell his soul' to go for a run. Never run before! I've held on to the comeback to myself now for when I mentally think about not running one day, then I ask myself- can I run today? And then I typically head out the door. It's the little things that are the easiest to take advantage of, and I'm aware that I will always take advantage of little invisible privileges and make trivial complaints but I sure try not to.

This used to be my favorite poster until it was torn. What a champ!

Weekly mileage- 72. . .

Throwback Rain picture '09

Sunday 6/8: 16 miles. I am going to say that this was a 13 mile long run with a 3 mile cool down. This was our first Ohiopyle long run of the summer and it was legendary like most of them. Legendary not meaning successful of course. Saturday I had planned a workout that never panned out and honestly I was upset with myself for getting sick like I did. When that happens, my first run back is 100% of the time a punishment. You wanna go get sick like an idiot, you're going to pay for it the next day and the next run. Somewhere in the 630s for the 8 miles out, and once we turned it was time out time. There's a running expression about going into the well when you start to buckle down and really go after it. Well today I pencil dove/dived? into the well and went for it from a distance I couldn't go for it from. I think the next 5 miles were between 609 and 524 before I absolutely exploded. 619 was the final average I believe. Not only was I tapped out 3 miles from tank, but we got absolutely drenched in the heaviest rain that I have run in and a very long time. Around the same time I sputtered out. I've never understood the saying when it rains it pours better than today. Honestly I feel like that saying should be in white on one of those black motivational posters. When It Rains It Pours- and have a picture of me struggling back to the car in the downpour. Luckily the trail turned to sand so the four of us look like we just got back from playing bocci ball at the beach after swimming.


A race schedule is slowly starting to create itself! Here's a rough sketch-

• Clarksburg 10k Saturday (Train wreck)
• Mohican 100 miler the following Sunday
• Trail 50k in Wisconsin in July
• Trail 50k in August in Ona, WV
• Run the Rut 50k 9/13 in Montana

Also coming up is the beginning of summer practices for my old school in Fairmont. That will be taking up a good part of my days this summer. Can't wait!

Comment Below:
 For any runners, what is the best moment in your running career?

One Love!

#25 Conquer the Cove Trail Marathon (3/50)

Conquer The Cove Trail Marathon Review!

I ended up posting a pedestrian 64 miles again last week, but I was feeling fresh for the race in Roanoke, Virginia (different state than West Virginia for those of you from evidently any other state).  Hunter was alongside for another adventure. We ended up taking some back roads once in Virginia and discovered one of my new favorite roads in the Appalachian- 426. We didn't get any clear shots of the mountains that we were carving through, but here is a picture from that highway from another season.

Before you read the review, go ahead and start this video. It was the song bouncing around in my head for most all of the race; excluding miles 18-21.

Pre-Race:
    Typically I get my lodging based solely on proximity to the race. Which I did when booking the Econo Lodge in Roanoke. From now on I need to make sure I get my lodging based on proximity to Sheetz. Thankfully I unknowingly did that as well this time.  When you have to get up at 5 a.m for a race, all continental breakfasts are the same: closed. But after a short walk down the road, Sheetz kept its title as clutchest establishment ever. As the sun began to rise we were already near Loch Haven Lake, in line behind a dozen cars waiting to park. The more trail marathons or just trail races in general that I run the less I am looking forward to returning to road races because of the difference in staff and competitors. Still in my first year of trail running and I am definitely still getting used to the awesomeness of the people and workers of the trail world. This race would have been half as enjoyable had the weather not been completely ideal. I believe the temperature never left the 62-68 degree range all morning. The sun also remained hidden for most of the run.

Race:

    The first mile and a quarter was on a rolling road that led us into the woods. Hunter and I both went out in 6:45 which was good for 7th-8th. The leader took it out a little over a minute faster than that which made me think either he was going to bomb or he was the bomb. Spoiler: it was the latter. There were really only two decent climbs in the race and seeing that one of them was so much longer than any climb that I've done, it's hard to say that the third mile was too difficult though it was all uphill. That is where I moved all the way into 2nd from 6th. But at the top of that hill two guys blitzed by me on the downhill. I wanted so badly to sprint with them but the elevation map was stuck in my head and I let them go. The gap that they put on me wasn't made up for over a 5k. I wish that I could say this picture that they snapped was like 24 miles in, looking fresh as can be! But this was during the 4th mile. Look at those woods! I absolutely loved the trails in this park. That along with the accommodations will make it a hard race to miss next year. Around the six mile mark I worked back into 2nd pace and the completely jacked, Chuck Engle latched on and we ran together for awhile. This gave me the opportunity to ask him a question that had been on my mind the entire race. 'Are you the guy who ran 58 marathons in 52 weeks?' When he confirmed that he was I was stoked. He was quick to point out that those were road marathons and he doesn't get along too well with trail marathons, but still that is epic. His accolades are much longer than just that figure- here is a great article on him: http://www.runnersworld.com/elite-runners/chuck-engle-fast-marathon-junkie?page=single

The view that the 25kers missed out on

 So when I left Chuck in the next mile I entered a zone of running terrified. He confirmed that the leader was Jake Reed, course record holder/ Highland Sky 40 mi champ/ amongst other things, so catching him wasn't in the cards. And now I was attempting to run away from the rest of the field for 20 miles. And when the guy behind you has hundreds of marathons under his belt, I had serious doubt that he would blow up during the race. If I didn't run the race tactically sound then he would certainly hawk me down. For the next 10 miles there was nothing but small rolling hills, a few creek crossings, beautiful trails and aid station workers. I'd be lying if I said that their energy didn't rub off on me, especially later on in the morning. At the 10 mile mark I took my first cup of water and surprisingly wasn't that thirsty. It's amazing how little your body needs on a humid free day. I forget when, but at some point I recalled seeing the 25k turnoff for those competing in that event. On the bright side I only saw one guy ahead of me competing in that race, so there was a chance that Hunter was in 2nd for that race, as was I for my distance. I felt progression in my pace through miles 12, 13, 14, 15 but kept riding the brakes because like I keep referencing, the elevation chart was on my mind and I knew that coming up could make or break a race. A four mile climb looks pretty awful on paper. In person it is absolutely heart breaking. Take a look at this cruel elevation chart-

That huge spike was on my mind the entire first 17 miles until it was under my legs. There was an aid station at 18 miles which I paused for a cup of Gatorade as I looked straight up at the next few miles. They wished me luck, I sighed and trucked on. If there was one place to break anyone in this race it was now. And I feel like I crushed that mountain. I can't call that one a hill. It is up there with the steepest climb in the Grand Tetons I did out in Wyoming. Except this time I was prepared. I don't know how everyone runs hills, but my strategy is- eyes to the ground and keep your legs moving. I don't run with my head up because I don't want to see another mile of straight up. I tried my best to convince myself that I wasn't running uphill. After the race was funny when Hunter was talking about how pretty the overlook to the left was while climbing that hill(25k runners climbed that hill as well) and I had no idea what he was talking about because my head was focused on the ground and my eyes were basically turned off. Then as you can on the chart- right back down. It may look like a terrifying decline, but I am here to let you know that it is in fact a terrifying decline. Thankfully I hammered the hill averaging 7:12 up it, 30 seconds faster per mile than those chasing me, but 40 seconds slower per mile than Mr. Reed. Toward the end of the climb I started mumbling Knocking on Heaven's Door in my best Bob Dylan voice. And for the first time, I thought someone was going to answer. A hill that I love now that it is behind me, but one that I hope to not do again until next year. I needed every second of that gap because I felt great on the decline. I ran scared the whole way down, but I was certain that no ground was being made up on me. I was flying down that hill and all the way to the finish line, like lightning! Then I checked the splits from the chips that don't lie, much like my hips. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd(the big climb) section I was 2nd fastest. The final stage I was the 5th fastest and averages 7:50 pace. If you're laughing it's okay, I am too. Evidently I can run up a hill much faster than down a hill. Makes sense I guess, with that climb in my legs and my fear of dying via tumbling down a mountainside must've led to slower miles. Chuck and Jordan Chang reeled me in to a degree, but we finished in that order. The neat thing I recalled after the race when chatting with Jordan is that I race him before, back in January of 2011 in Fairmont at the half marathon. I didn't put it together until I saw his Virginia Tech hat and it just clicked in my mind that he was the one right behind me in the half 3 years ago in the VT singlet. 3 years later we finish very similar in a completely different race. See there used to be this thing called college football. When there was there was a heated rivalry between WVU and VT, but that will soon be forgotten because NCAA loves nothing more than to piss on tradition for an opportunity to make a quick buck.

Everyone deserves a high five after completing that course.

Jake Reed:                2:53.39          6:41 pace
Digem:                      3:12.50          7:25 pace
Chuck Engle:           3:14.35          7:29 pace
Jordan Chang:        3:15.30          7:31 pace

 In the other race, Chris Hunter took home 2nd as well running 1:57.38 for the 25k. I'd say it was a good race considering he ran only 3 minutes slower than his 20k in Ohio last month. 5 more kilometers and only 3 more minutes, way faster today. So we left the beautiful Loch Haven Lake, drove 20+degrees through the Appalachian mountains and found ourselves back in the sticky heat of Morgantown. It's amazing how a 4 hour drive, up north, can result in such a rise in heat. I've always known that it isn't the general area that has horrible humidity, it is just Morgantown. I blame the bad weather on the destruction of the arboretum. Those in charge of the city of Morgantown most likely have a lot on their plates, but I hope that one day they will make a decision that isn't horrible. A bad decision here and there would be a nice upgrade.

Lastly, I'd love to thank Mountain Junkies for putting on my favorite race! Next year I hope to be farther along in training and return to chase down the 3 hour barrier. Hopefully I will come with a bigger crew. I also plan on looking into other events that they put on. Best of luck to Jake Reed this weekend at the North Face Challenge 50 miler. This marks my 3rd state with a trail marathon or more. In 3 weeks Ohio will be added to the list in a big way.



Next time:

• This week's mileage along with stories
• Final decision on whether or not I will run Clarksburg 10k
• Pre-game plans for Mohican 100 miler
• Summer and Fall running schedule post 100 miler

Thanks for all of the support!

ONE LOVE!

#24 Heating UP

    As promised, here is another example of my stupidity. In this example, I must drag Josh and Hunter into believing the same thing though. United we stand, stupid. First day in the new house we realized that there was no hot water, but the stove was working; had a frozen pizza. We could not spark the hot water tank in the basement, but there was gas in the house because the stove was working. So I called the local fixer-upper, pops, and when he came over he walked into the kitchen and said "that's an electric stove you must not have the gas turned on." My response was- Yeah, that's what I was thinking too... Luckily the local gas company was able to rush over and turn our gas on 11 days after requested (5/28). And let me assure you- there is a big difference between a cool shower when you are overheated, sunburned, drunk, etc. and a cold shower that lacks the ability to warm up in the slightest. Some of my worst recent experiences all come in the shower recently. I have been timing my showers. My personal best cold shower time was 2 minutes and 10 seconds. I know that I heavily reference awesome movies, but I look like Marv in Home Alone when he is taking the electrocution; just standing and violently convulsing until I can't take it anymore.

Sunday 5/25- 15 miler with the housemates. I am convinced that someone slipped a few dozen horse laxatives in my drinks last night as the three of us watched the Pacers blow another game. Adam is an Indianan so is a lifelong Pacers fan, and I hate the Heat so currently we are rooting for the same team. I'd pick OKC if I could choose even though I am upset with them for letting James Harden go, never let a beard like that go. It's stupid easy to run from our place and I love it. We just went down the arb and out and back on the trail. I assume that will be a normal long run route. Simple and easy, aside from having to crawl back up the arb at the end of every run. It's weird, like every time we run down hills on out and back we end up running back up those hills. Who would have thought.

Before Conor started. Once he did, I was enjoying it too much for pictures.

     Conor Oberst did not fail to amaze me in Pittsburgh. It's crazy to think about for me. For the last 7 years I have listened to heavy doses of his work. Often times his music served as therapy for me; anything bothering me and it goes away once Conor is in my ears. There probably hasn't been a more influential person in my life that I had yet to see in person. I wish that I could have shaken his hand, but that dream will live on until I hopefully catch him one more time on this tour. That dream will most likely live on forever. He performed a good chunk of songs from his latest album, Upsidedown Mountain, but brilliantly mixed in some of his older songs that helped turn him into the legend that he is. I can't really describe the show in much detail. The more I think of a way to put it into words the less confident I am in my ability to do so. Let's just put it this way- If I was given the opportunity to pick one person from the world, past or present, to watch on stage/meet in person it would be Conor and I can't think of a reasonably close second to him. So it was two of my favorite hours so far in life. I've only listened to the newest album 15ish times through, but currently this is my favorite from it. And like all of his albums, every song on there will serve as my favorite eventually.

Oh and that reminds me, Dawes is an excellent band. They tore it up for 45 minutes before Conor and played his songs with them. I now own all three of their records and I'm trying to get to know them more and more. I want to see them again on this tour. Ideally, I will find my way to Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island this July. But like the saying goes- shit ain't cheap.

Monday 5/26- 8 miles with the Patrick through town. Patrick crashed on my mildly comfortable futon after the show and we planned on running once we woke up. And after we woke up and played a few hours of NBA 2k14 we did run, just as planned. Then I went to my dads after dropping Pat off and discovered that he can cut hair better than the people I pay. It's not saving a lot of money because I rarely cut my hair, but it's pretty neat. I then went to celebrate an American holiday full of meat and cookies. There were other options but I'm convinced the healthier the food is the harder it is for me to see it so I can't report on what else was there. I enjoyed it, my philosophy on rating how much I like people consists of two tests. Are they cool while sober? Check, well anyone can be cool sober. Are they cool while not so sober? If that checks out then they are cool. Alcohol brings out everyone's true colors and if those colors are awesome then I dig em. Oh one funny story about it. If you have seen the episode of Family Guy where Brian sees a dog tied up and decides to take it off it's leash and says be free. The dog immediately ate a smaller dog and killed two people I believe. Then Stewie said- that's probably why he was tied up, classic Brian Stewie scene. Well the beagle on the back deck was all tangled up on the leg of the table and a different Adam lifted the leg and untangled the dog. It immediately went and ate the food that a little tike was trying to eat. It wouldn't have been as funny without loving the Family Guy scene. Thanks to that show a lot of random happenings comes off a lot funnier to me than others.

Hot wheels, beat that.

Tuesday 5/27- 6 miles. Slacking on the mileage. That's okay though because I feel healthy and when running 26.2 on a trail I am just happy to not have any tweeks. I went in Fairmont with the town's star in the making. Then I went to Chauncy's for the first time since the Fairmont tried to take my license. My younger sister and pops have the same new fancy phone. There is this game on it called don't touch the white tile or something, basically it's like Dance Dance Revolution on the phone. A few days prior she was stuck at 175 trying to catch her friend at 186. Let me try a few times then I got hooked for fifteen minutes. I put it down with a 195. Then she cheated the next day and claimed(lie) that she did 282 which made me mad. I posted a 297 and said you'll never beat me. she then responded with a picture of a 401 and said beat this! I am still convinced that it is not her phone because I haven't seen her to confirm it. I took my dad's phone after finishing up dinner and waiting for the check and played once. I ripped off a 404 and sent this picture to her with the caption- K, now what? That summarizes our relationship. She tries to beat me and fails at everything. I have never let her have anything, and I'm going to be the same way with my kids. For years she would storm into her room mad that I would always just hammer her in whatever we were playing. But what I wanted to happened has happened. She got genuinely good. When we play super smash bros or super mario kart it is a toss up. And on super mario sluggers it is an upset if I win. I figure you can baby your siblings/kids and let them win everything and watch them amount to losers or you can whip em in everything until they are winners. I am proud of her rage quits though. She's just like me when if she is losing she will just toss the controller, turn off the system, and walk out of the room. Moments later returning like nothing happened. That's okay with me because a sore loser is only sore because losing is a rarity.

Wednesday 5/28- 11 miles. 5 and 6 double. I plan doing 6 right after uploading this so I'm going to go ahead and log it on here. It's been thundering all day but I stayed dry earlier on my run. I want to get stormed on. I love running through heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Only on short runs. I'd be pretty unhappy if I had a longer run and got dumped on early on. It's a nice break from getting burnt. I don't want to brag, but this place totally has hot water now... High roller alert! I said that I would give you all a tour of the new place, but I'm postponing that until next blog.

 Q &A, clothing optional.

1. How do you feel about your Minnesota Wild getting eliminated by Chicago for the second straight year?

    To be Franklin the turtle, not happy. This has been the best Minnesota Wild team in their young franchise. After gift wrapping two games for Colorado in the opening round and went seven games against an inferior opponent had me livid. Had we lost that series I would never forgive the team. At least I could fathom a series defeat to the Hawks; they won the cup last year so they can't be terrible. I respect Kane, Toews, and their top D pair. I don't respect their depth and think we could have won the series. And I especially think we would have won the series if Chicago had to play their 4th string goalie like we did, or if we had Harding in net; that would be more fun. It's like Prefontaine says in one of the two movies- your opponent is not better than you unless he beats you at your best. Do I think Chicago is better than Minnesota this year, no. Were they better due to injuries and deserved to win the series, yes. Am I salty as hell about it, yes. I am rightfully salty because after next season an inevitable chunk of talented youth will depart because they will be off of their entry level contracts and begin making real money that we can't provide to all of them. I say it every year, but this time it's truer than ever: Next year has to be the year. A sliver of me wants them to keep losing because I love them so much and the first time I walk downtown in Morgantown, 17 hours from St. Paul, and see Mr. Frat doucheface sporting a Wild snapback I am going to just lose it. People around here lie about bandwagoning like they lie about being racist. President Obama and Govna Manchin practically stand together on every subject, WV elects Manchin, but goes red. I can only think of one difference between Obama and Manchin...

2. How many tattoos do you have and do you plan on getting any more?
    4. I got my first one on my wrist 3 years ago. Three on my right leg: ms yellow bird, mr demon, and McDagger. I do anticipate one more on my right leg in the next year. Then that will probably be it. If there are more in my future I'm certain they will stay on my upper legs. Though I wouldn't mind getting a blank tattoo often just for the feeling. I feel like there is a reason that you rarely see someone with only one tattoo, it's an addicting pain. Hurts so good.

3. What are your favorite shoes to train in?
    This one is a toughie. Not because I am in love with various shoes; I really don't care too much about shoes. In high school I went all adidas and had four pair of Solutions. People tell me that isn't a good shoe, but who's to say what good is. Shoes that I hated- old Adidas glides, Brooks Cadence 2, most New Balance trainers. I don't like Nike either, unless I'm going to play basketball. In that case I would wear Iversons. Trail shoes are easier for me to talk about. I've only worn the NB 110v2 (coming out in July) and I love them! But I have absolutely shredded them because I either have wide feet or I go too hard in the paint. The original Brooks Cadence are probably the best shoe ever. I still walk around in those bad boys. Today if I had to pick up shoes I'd probably go with Saucony Kinvara because I feel like it. I never have fancy reasons to get shoes. I like em, or don't.

4. Where is your ultimate vacation destination?
    I don't think this counts, but a vacation that I have dreamed of and plan on doing is training through Europe and Scandinavia. Training- to travel via train. Figure that I would start in Switzerland, train all through there- Geneva, Saint Moritz, Zurich. Then go damn near everywhere in Germany, but highlighted by Munich and Dusseldorf. Then to Amsterdam. If I somehow escaped from there I would return to Germany en route to Poland. I would be sure to not travel east of there and head up to Scandinavia. Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and on to a ferry to Finland and if I never return from there I am cool with that. My vacations aren't to specific locations. To this point my favorite vacation has been driving to Eugene, Oregon and back. That's a vacation.

5. my son is starting high school XC in the fall...right now he's barely under a 7 min. mile for the 5K. Do you have any tips for how to run faster and uninjured for younger runners?
    Consistency. The best way to improve, especially during the summer, is just consistent running. Gaining fitness doesn't have to be complicated and actually running in general isn't complicated early on. As long as he doesn't spike his mileage too quickly, he should be injury-free. Of course there are always inevitable injuries in all sports. I've had my share of bumps in the road, and progressions. It may still be May, but cross country season is just around the corner. Running should be year round to see the best results. Plus running is fun, why wouldn't ya want to do it year round.

6. If you could live anywhere where would it be?

    I am going to stick with places that I have visited before because it's hard to say I would like to live somewhere that I haven't visited. I see two potential final destinations for me and they are quite different. If I live in or around a city it will be the twin cities. Minneapolis and St. Paul are both in my top three cities individually, along with Pittsburgh. If I move to the great white north( Minnesota. There is nothing north of MN in my mind) I will live out my dream of being the 90 year guy in Xcel Energy Center who hasn't missed a Wild home game in 50 years. Crazy old guy is my dream regardless of where I live. The second area I'd like to spend the majority of life is the Teton Valley. I traveled out to the Grand Tetons on a whim for my first trail marathon and honestly getting in my car and driving back home was one of the hardest things that I have done. I stayed in Driggs, Idaho but I spent time in Alta and Jackson, WY. It is the most beautiful place in the world, that I have seen. I would have to take up cross skiing if I wanted to maintain any sort of fitness though. Sidenote- my two favorite campuses I've visited are Colorado State in Fort Collins and surprisingly Ohio University in Athens. It's surprising because Ohio sucks.

7. What books are on your summer reading list? 

    Jo Nesbo's Snowman is next. A good friend recommended it when I spent the night with him in Kansas City and I purchased it shortly after. Every time I go to start another book I keep picking one over Snowman, so it's definitely passed due. Time and Again by Jack Finney will be after that. I am reading that because Stephen King was inspired and credited this book largely for his 11/22/63 novel that I just finished so I have to pick that up. I always follow books and music to its roots. For instance, Conor Oberst has time and again said one of if not his favorite musician growing up was Leonard Cohen and that he has influenced a lot of his work. So I listen to Cohen and try to take from it what Conor would; I am sure that I don't but it passes the time. I also anticipate having my first fictional book published this year. But I won't go further into that until it's out.

8. When did you first know you had a passion for running?

'07 Team. I overdressed with bball shorts. Best fall ever.

    I love this question! Because it is an easy one, and funny to me. First glimpse of running came in 8th grade track. My girlfriend that remained on in off 7th-10th grade ran hurdles and told me I should come out even though I played baseball. Claimed that they do nothing at practice and we could just hang out a few extra hours, I was out the next day. "What do you want to run?" My response- One or two laps. Don't want to sprint or run too long. Ended up 2:26 and 58 that spring. Decided to go out for CC because of the friends that I had made that spring. Freshman year was probably the most fun I've had still to this day in a season. But I was more invested in the social aspect than the training. Then 8/8/08 came and snap goes my femur. After hating the world for a month or so I found my passion. It took not being able to run to discover that I needed running. I also think that caused my to be easily annoyed when I see talented runners go through the motions. I honestly think injuries can be a blessing not so disguised. I broke my leg and prior was all about having fun and screwing around. Came out of the cast determined to snap everyone's neck. So to speak. In the past few years my passion for running has been tested, but no matter how low the coaster has taken me I have kept my passion alive.

9. Are you considering career options as a runner?

    Depends on your definition of career. Do I plan on making running my only source of income? That would be a terrible decision. Unless there was a weekly Clarksburg 10k. Do I plan on making any money as a runner? No. I'm sure I will make child's money here in there throughout life, but I never plan on it. Running is one of the last sports to try to make money in. I anticipate running forever though, so it's a career addiction. I mean after Sunday I will only have 3 out of 50 states x'd off for my goal of racking up 50 trail marathons or longer. Then perhaps I will take to the roads. Completely different races so I have trail and road marathons rightfully in different categories. I will always have goals as a runner, varying in impressiveness, but $$$ isn't one of them. I am planning on doing the US Skyrunning series fall '15, but that's not really a career; just a plan.

Next:

• Monday, I know I said Sunday but that was when I was under the impression that my marathon was on Saturday. It's on Sunday.
• Review of Conquer the Cove Trail Marathon (Roanoke, VA)
• House tour
• Continuing the constant flow of random happenings/ movie references. 

I enjoyed all of the questions!

 One Love!

#23 New House, New Year, Same Dreams

Digem's Trails

#23 New House, New Year, Same Dreams

Last Friday, 5/16 I spent the day lifting and moving furniture from the town home near Cheat Lake and into a runner's paradise. The new house is in sight of the tempo loop and will make it difficult to not double. Honestly, it serves as the perfect kick in the butt. And I viewed it as such. Before I get to the spacious new house, moving all of my crap was a trouble worth sharing. Looking at everything neatly organized in my room now makes me think of my possessions as more than crap, but when I'm carrying things too heavy for me- it's all crap. Anyone with a pulse has seen Home Alone 1 & 2.  Anyone with a pulse stopped watching when Macaulay Culkin stopped being Kevin. I played the role of Harry and Marv in the second movie. My bed played the role of the big red tool chest; thankfully it didn't weigh much. Chris Hunter helped me out a ton with moving everything and I couldn't have moved without him, but before he got off of work I wanted to move everything from my upstairs bedroom to the front door. Then everything from Josh's upstairs bedroom while he conveniently worked a ton. Being lazy and dreading extended manual labor, I made a decision at the cross road that everyone faces before moving out. Heavy to light furniture or light to heavy? Of course, I went light first. I took my bare queen mattress off of the springs and started maneuvering it through my door and to the top of the stairs. I then quickly back peddled down the stairs. There was a moment when I questioned why I was moving so quickly. That thought came to mind as I clipped my own feet and went airborne down the last three or so stairs. I've always had a fear of breaking my tail bone, but to this point I have avoided it while breaking/dislocating a knee, femur, 8 fingers, bone in my neck, two bones in my foot, 5th metatoe, and growth plate in an ankle. Turns out, I didn't even hurt my tailbone in the spill. I landed against the wall smacking my back and head before landing on my fully intact tail bone. The mattress then smacked me between my spread legs and gave me a friendly pop in the face. I remained seated for awhile before deciding to move everything downstairs. I was shocked that there was no hole in the wall from my back, but the wall's days were numbered. The fall initially reminded me of Home Alone 2, then of a New Years party for either 2008 or 09. A friend was looking for an intoxicated friend and it was one of those perfect scenes when he asks if we have seen his friend just before that friend flew down the stairs and put a knee and head through the wall if I recall correctly. That didn't matter because midnight was around the corner to provide a clean slate. Moving provides a clean slate too. 

Me and Chris Hunter

Chris came over after work and we began moving heavy to light as we loaded the moving truck. Josh has possibly the least convenient chest/dresser that I have ever lifted. Or whatever the proper verb would be since I never 'lifted' it. More like walked it. Tugged it. When that heavy s.o.b picked up steam down the stairs you are damn right I moved and let it penetrate the wall. Then we stealthily shifted the chest around and down the last step; leaving a deep trail in the wall. I had no expectation of a check for a security deposit so I wasn't concerned. Relieved if anything. That chest put a hole in the wall; probably would have killed me. I say probably because I can't say for sure whether or not I am invincible. I've gone over 21 years without accidentally dying, so you never know. I would test my invincibility, but I don't know Spiderman's hours and when he can provide my one get out of death free card so I will just keep on trying to not take physical risks. By the symphony of bones crackling when I get up from bed or walk up stairs I would say that I have had enough hard knocks for this lifetime.

Go ahead, try and bring it in my paint.

By the end of the night I was sleeping easy in my new house in suncrest. I have added Adam as a 2nd housemate so there's a fat chance that he will be a part of blogs moving forward. Also, we live walking distance from Mario's Fishbowl and Blackbear which will know the three of us by name behind the bar by the end of the year. My definition of success has changed often over my lifetime. How good someone was at NBA Jam on SNES, how well you flipped on a trampoline, whether or not you can hit/throw a curve ball, the percentage of homework you turn in without doing it yourself, how fast you can run, and most recently- how happy you are. The last year has easily been the happiest of my life. And that's all that really matters, before I would look at people and say: what a loser, but they seem a lot happier than me. With this move I can't imagine getting much happier. Completely satisfied with a lot of things right now. I'd like to improve on my fitness level and complete a few projects that I've been working on before Sid Meier's next game comes out. Because when that happens I begin losing track of time by the weeks. For the first time in seemingly ever, here is my weekly running blog:

Sunday 5/18- 18 miles. I wanted to run preferably all at once, but ended up doubling up. Josh, Adam, and Russ finished a solid 16 out at Cheat Lake. I went nearly 11 with them before tapping out for a second time due to my stomach being in knots. I exited the bathroom and tacked on another 2 before stopping at 13 for another bathroom break. Later on that evening I went for 5 more because I wasn't pleased with my morning run. If it were fatigued legs or just poor fitness I'd be fine with crappin out 11 miles in, but it was my stomach; legs felt fine. By the end of the day I registered 18, but not in the most beneficial way.

Monday 5/19- 11 miles. Consecutive double, but this one was planned ahead of time. Easy 5 miles and then a speed workout with a few legs of my old high school's 4x8 team who were prepping for a lackluster performance at the state meet in a few days (spoiler). 3 miles of track work and taking the warm up and cool down into consideration- 6 miles was put down for the afternoon. My first hot fudge brownie avalanche at Dairy Cream Corner this year which is embarrassing that it took so long. If you are ever blessed enough to cross Fairmont, WV go to DCC because it is the only place that kinda rocks. Plus you get to see the people of Fairmont so it's a great people watching spot.

Tuesday 5/20- 8 miles. Living in suncrest has provided various loops for me to run, but I think this route will be the most common that I run. Just down junkyard and onto the rail trail and head out toward Point Marion before turning around. So out of all of the potential loops, this isn't a loop.

Wednesday 5/21- 11 miles. With my friend leaving for the summer on an internship, I went 5 miles early with him. It was actually my first time running with him. He has cut weight and is just recently getting into running, but a childhood friend so one of my only non runner friends may turn into a hobby jogger. That would take away a serious percentage of non runner friends. I then went six with Josh, Hunter, and Adam. That will probably be a normal group, so from now on they will be addressed as the boys.

Thursday 5/22- 6 miles! The boys headed out toward Point Marion like I did Tuesday, but I wasn't feeling sexy so I turned early and made a loop back to the house.

Friday 5/23- 8 miles. I took to the streets of Fairmont prior to leaving for the state meet. As I mentioned earlier FS's 4x8 was poo. But after sitting through a day of blah, the 3a boys 2 mile kicked off! Colin Radabaugh (Radbra) has made several appearances in blogs already and has taken titles such as "my favorite high school runner". Coming in with the 8th best mark, I just wanted him to get all state, top 6, but the crazy s.o.b went off and placed 3rd. I will not give my play-by-play or post a picture today, but on one of my next two blogs this week I will post the video once the youtube guys upload it. OH! 3 blogs in 8 days coming up, Whaaaa?

Saturday 5/24- 6 miles. Intentionally cut my planned distance down because I feel quite run down, sunburnt yesterday, wanna be ready for a solid long run tomorrow, etc. Pick an excuse. 68 miles is child's play, but I'm all settled in now and I'll have hot water starting Wednesday so a routine should be hit here soon. Next week I'm only planning in the 70s. Racing in 8 days. The 100 miler has turned into a chore currently. I am getting really pumped for the 50k in September and want to just start getting faster, but I have to keep in mind that I am crippling myself at the end of June.

Book Review

11/22/63 by Stephen King

    I thoroughly enjoyed this book, all 800 pages of it. If you are a fan of time traveling, J.F.K, or the late 50's early 60's: you should enjoy the book as well. I'm going to try to summarize the book without giving any spoilers because I really think it is a good summer read. If it sucked then I would tell you what happens. Basically this school teacher is friends with Al, owner of Al's Diner. He noticed that Al had seemingly aged five years over night one day which was odd because he saw Al almost daily. Later Al tells Jake that he isn't healthy enough to finish the mission and asks for Jake's help since he was a single man with no real ties. Al has a portal into 1958 and every time he goes through it and returns to the present, only 2 real minutes pass. Al was convinced that the world would be a better place if he went back and killed Lee Harvey before he assassinated the president. Due to illness, he was forced to put this mission on Jake, his only friend, and with the Diner being torn down in two weeks, Jake didn't have much time to think about it.
    I enjoyed the book, one of my top ten reads ever, but I do have a few complaints/disappointments.  Though the book is about preventing John Kennedy's assassination, only a sliver of JFK's life is told in the book. For the most part it is about Jake and the insignificant fictional characters that crosses his path. It is Stephen King so of course the story was brilliant and full of twists and turns. If it wasn't I wouldn't have blown through the book in four sittings. I believe this is the longest read ever, unless one of the Potter books was longer. In that case, it is the longest read since then. My second complaint is that King and all of his brilliance simply chalked the assassination up to Lee. I like conspiracies, but more so like the truth. I am not saying that Lee didn't shoot the president, but I don't like that no other theory was mentioned in the novel. I guess it was easier to write if there was only one assassin.
    The one generation that should enjoy this book more than every other would be my dad's. I knew that he would dig it and gave it to him to read which he did very quickly. Being around for the real 50s and 60s makes all the difference in this book. The story is full of references to vehicles, music, celebrities, etc all from that era and provided an escape from this world and let my dad and all others who once lived the era, relive the early 60s. As much as I loved the book, pops loved it more. That is because when they are throwing out all of the dance moves and music and cars, that's like reading deutsch. I didn't listen, drive, or know every reference that was made like he does. I would recommend this read to anyone. I would strongly recommend this to anyone 60+ in age. So If you know someone in that age group, make them read it and they will thank you for it.

On my next blog I will go on about the concert tomorrow, give another example of my stupidity, show my new pad, and potentially answer a Q & A. I have actually had several people recommend doing one. So, if you have any questions about anything and want me to answer, leave the question in the comments and I will copy them over to Wednesday's blog along with my answers.

ONE LOVE!
 
Next on tap:

• Conor Oberst concert tomorrow night
• Midweek Blog Wednesday
• Conquer the Cove Trail Marathon Sunday 6/1 in VA
• Mohican 100 miler June 22nd.