I grew up Southern Baptist.
Long story short I grew up feeling like I could never make myself good enough for God.
It wasn't until the last year or so that I realized what changed the way I looked at God and The Church. I realized that God doesn't want us at our best, but at our worst.
If you feel like you can't ever clean yourself up enough, remember that you're NEVER going to be clean enough.
When I used to claim to be agnostic or atheist (cause I didn't really know what I was talking about) I used to see Christians and see how many of them weren't perfect. They made mistakes.
This confused me, but now it makes sense. We need God because we are aren't perfect.
I'm not perfect because I'm a Christian. I'm Christian because I'm in desperate need of Gods grace and mercy. That's all there is to it.
I was gonna keep this post even more simple than that, but this is what I ended up with.
Funny how this post originally started out about racing...
Listen to this podcast about "Authority in the Home" by Matt Chandler. Knowledge is contagious.
_Jacob_
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wild Hare 50 Race Report....
So this past Saturday I ran my 4th 50 miler this year with a friend doing his first ultra. I didn't intend on running this whole thing with him but we did! And man what an experience it was. Below is my best attempt to remember everything that went down in those 9 hours and 54 minutes :) Enjoy.
Pre-Race:
Well, I have to preface this race with a few things real quick.
Exactly a week before this race I did a 50K in Louisiana in 5:10:07. Definitely not my hardest effort, but a good effort none the less. I wanted a fun challenge so i signed up for both these races, on back to back weekends.
On top of that I invited my friend Ben to come do his first ultra at the Warda race. Before I could warn him, he was signed up for the 50 miler! AWESOME! There's not too many things more fun that watching someone finish their first ultra :)
The weekend started with Ben driving down to my place and us leaving there around 12:45pm. We hopped on I-35 and headed for Waco where we turned off onto 77 which was a straight shot to Warda, TX (a super small town just SW of Austin).
After a small detour due to both of us just zoning out, we arrived around 4:45-5:00pm, just in time to get our tents set up and grab our packets. This was my second weekend in a row to camp at a race, which I've found to be a total blast, and really add to the fun of an ultra :)
After getting our packets we decided to head back into town and grab some Subway and hit up the local Wally world to grab some necessities (toothpaste and candy).
When we got back to the campsite Ben mapped out all his gear/nutrition and got everything organized. I pretty much just watched since I was kinda/sorta winging nutrtion. We set our tents up next to a pond which was RIGHT on the run course. This way we could drop by our tents each lap and grab any food/drink we needed. We were about 3. miles from the finish line.
Finally around 9-9:30 we hit the sack and tried to get some sleep before our adventure the next day :)
Since the course was loops that's how I'm gonna do the report.
Intro lap:
This first lap was to be 5 miles. We started promptly at 0600 in the dark. I had a small handheld and Ben had a headlamp. I was figuring we'd have to use them for at least the first 45mins or so. Joe (the RD) shouted go and we started. Off into the darkness we ran.
Ben said his plan was just to hang with me as long as possible and then figure it out from there. My plan was to run a comfortable pace and then re-evaluate around mile 35 and start making goals from there.
Ben and I were just hanging out in the train of headlamps bobbing around in the dark as we ran through a field and rounded a small pond. Within a few minutes we were entering the nice single track in the woods. I looked back and noticed we were just ahead of the main train of people, which I hate being stuck in, so I was way happy with our placement.
We were running a very very comfortable pace. Quickly two guys caught up with us, and I could feel their feet behind me which annoys me beyond belief in a 10+hr race, so I pulled off the trail and let them go. We'd see 'em later :)
A few times we'd pop out of the woods against a fence line and the sun was just shedding some light. There was a very light fog which was gorgeous in the morning light.
Soon we were pulling up to the first aid station at mile 3.5 and feeling great. I asked Ben if he needed anything. He said no, and we headed back out. After a few hundred feet we cut across a field and back onto the trail.
Before we knew it we were passing our campsite and grabbing some more food, and heading back for the start line. The 50K race was set to go off at 0700, and they were all lining up as Ben and I ran through to complete our first small loop of 5 miles.
Lap 1:
The sun was up at this point so no more lights were needed. We did that small field section at the start and were quickly back into the wooded single track section.
I think by this point we had picked up another runner named "Pete". Pete turned out to be an Aggie (which I couldn't hold against him since being an ultra runner trumped being an aggie).
Soon enough we pulled out of that section and through the first aid station again at mile 8.5. Both of us were still feeling great and making good progress. This time we were running the whole 7.5 mile loop so the rest of this loop was going to be new to us. We cross another cow pasture and all the sudden came to a very steep benchcut drop! We navigated our way down it while it twisted along the side of a 100-120ft "cliff". I knew this section would hurt later!
The trail dropped us off at the bottom of the cliff and we were then running along the edge of a field. The trail looped back around and brought us next to the cliff and up a nice little climb. The trail was really wide here. We hiked our way up it and were quickly back to running at the top.
The trail again dropped back down via steep benchcut to another pasture. We ran all the way around the edge of the pasture. The last section of the pasture was a loong straightaway. We ran all the way back to the tree line. Here there was a bridge crossing a creek that was semi steep. Here was the 2nd climb of the course which wasn't too bad, but definitely doing to be walked! :)
Once at the top we began running again. The trail twisted around a bit, and before we knew it we were back at the campsite grabbing more food. Pete waited for us here. As soon as we had what we needed, we headed back to the start/finish line. Once there we refilled our bottles and I dropped off my gloves and arm warmers cause it was really warming up quickly! Off to start loop 3!
Lap 2:
This lap started at mile 12.4. We were both still feeling really good so we just maintained pace here. I can't remember if it was this lap or the next one, but I let Ben lead a bit through the wooded single track section. He kept mentioning how this was his favorite section. I noticed he was pushing the pace just a litttleee bit, but enough for me to notice. There were a few times a small gap opened up, but by the time we reached the aid station we were "training". If he was going to try and keep that pace I was decided that I'd let him go. We left that aid station and began the next section 16.9 miles in. We walked out of the aid station and began running again.
By this point, in my mind I had really broken up the course which really helped. Here's how I broke it down. The first section was the wooded single track which brought us into the first aid station. The next section was the cow pasture which brought us to the steep drop into the first field which was the third section. The fourth section was the larger field with the long straight away against the fence line, and the fifth section was everything past that to the finish.
After we left the aid station we crossed the cow pasture and dropped back down into the first field. Then onto the second field and I noticed Ben had slowed just a touch back to our original pace. I was happy to see that, because I didn't want him to blow up later.
We made the 2nd climb out of the fields and ran the rest of the 5th section back to our camp site. We re-fueled and were back on the trail for the start/finish line. Once there I made the decision to pull the shirt off cause it was warming up even more. Ben followed suit and we were quickly back on the trail!
Lap 3:
This lap started at mile 20. Everything was still looking pretty good for both of us. Our nutrition was going well and the legs were behaving nicely :) I believe was Pete was still with us here.
We crossed the small field at the start and were soon back in the wooded single track. It was this loop where I began to tire of this section. It was super twisty and lots of small rocks. Ben loved this section so I just let him do his thing again!
We were soon back at the first aid station at mile 23.5. Once back on the trail we did the drop into the field section and up the first climb. We dropped back down and into the second field. We rounded the whole thing then it was back up the second climb and onto the 5th section.
Again, before I knew it we were back at our campsite. I was really surprised at how fresh I was feeling. I didn't have any major aches or pains and the legs weren't too tired. We re-fueled and headed back to the start/finish. I believe this is where Pete stopped to tape his feet, so we headed back out without him.
Lap 4:
This lap started at mile 27.5. I believe everything was still going fairly well at this point. I think this is where Ben expected things to fall apart. We entered the wooded single track and things continued as before, except this time I led through the woods. We had started something which was rather clever on our parts.
Ben loved the wooded single track section, and I loved the open field sections. So I started leading the wooded single track to keep Ben from going to hard here, and he lead through the fields to keep me from going too hard.
We were soon back at the first aid station which was mile 31 or about 50K. Looking back now, I feel this is where the pace started to fade just a bit. Ben was slowing down, but still running! I was debating in my head on whether I should go off and try to break 9 hours, or finish with Ben. I obviously made the decision to stay with Ben, which I'm happy I did now.
We were still running almost all the flat sections and only walking the two climbs and the aid stations. By this point dividing the sections of the trail up was really helping.
Ben and I made our way back to the camp site and sat down for a few minutes on some stumps while we re-fueled. Each time we came by here I made sure to get my food as quick as possible and get back on the trail to wait for Ben. I wanted to keep him from sitting down too long, because I know how hard it can be to get back up!
I also think Ben was realizing at this point what kind of pain we were in store for on the next two laps! In a sick way this excited me, cause it's difficult to explain to people what it feels like to run 40+ miles. Ben was about to find out first hand! :)
We made it back to the start/finish and filled up on fluids. Off to start lap 5 which would be the ugliest of them all.
Lap 5:
This lap started 35 miles in. Back to the dreaded wooded single track (for me anyways!). I think I may have possible led this section, but could be wrong. Ben was hurting a bit and I didn't want to push the pace. His knee had started to bother him, so when it would flare up we would walk it off. I honestly couldn't believe he was still running like he was! He had really quickly picked up the ultra runner "shuffle/run".
We kept telling each other once done with this lap only ONE left! Back at the first aid station we were 38.5 miles in. We walked out and walked about halfway through the cow pasture. It was here that Olga past us, and as usual she was walking faster than we were running! haha. I told her, "We've gotta learn to walk like that!"
This lap kept getting worse for Ben, but I knew if we just broke it up into the sections and if I got him back to the campsite we'd be on the last lap before we knew it!
Soon enough we were back on the long straight away in the last field. Once to the bridge crossing the creek, we walked up the second climb and were back in the wooded single track. The lap before this one, we both had some mild stomach issues. Neither one of us ended up eating anything on that lap, but were now able to eat again. (for the most part)
We got back to the camp site and Ben sat down to grab some food. I quickly grabbed mine and got back on the trail to wait for him! Once he was done we walked/jogged our way back to the start/finish.
Lap 6:
Well, this was the final lap. We were 42.5 miles in and only had 7.5 to go! This lap started out preetttyy ugly. I had been keeping an eye on the watch for awhile, and knew that it was possible for us to break 10 hours. I really wanted Ben to get that, but didn't tell him. I just pushed the pace when I felt I could, and walked with him, when I knew it was a bad idea to run. Finally we had finished the wooded single track which seemed to take forever that time and were now at mile 46!
We grabbed some h20 at the aid station and began to head out. Next thing I know, I hear Ben say, "Where running at the tree".
Yes! I liked this. From the pace we held the previous 3.5 miles I knew we wouldn't break 10.
When we started running I could tell Ben was refreshed! We ran all the way to the steep downhill and back into the first field. We shuffled all the way around the edge and walked the uphill as always. We dropped back down and began the last trudge around the second field.
I was constantly keeping an eye out on the watch cause I knew it was gonna be close! My plan was to get him through the field and up the last climb then push the pace as much as possible through the 5th section.
Once we had walked up the last climb it was on! We were running pretty much everything. When I noticed Ben was keeping up no problem I knew we'd break ten hours :)
When we came around the camp site I grabbed a beer out of my cooler and we headed for the finish line.
We crossed at exactly the same time. 9:54:25. 12th and 13th place.
Ben had finished his first ultra like a true ultra runner!
Post-Race:
We crossed the line and headed over to the aid station stuff to grab some food! I found someone with a bottle opener so I could drink my IPA while Ben got some post race sausage. I had an awesome cheeseburger and got to chat with Olga and Larry about their awesome Hardrock experience :)
For the most part, Ben and I just enjoyed getting to be around other people like us and talk about what we love.
As always Tejas Trails put on an awesome race. Joe is a great RD that get's business done!
For full results CLICK HERE.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! As always I'll be running the Dallas 8 mile Turkey Trot. This will be my 6th one! Hard to believe I've been running for about 6 years now.
_Jacob_
Pre-Race:
Well, I have to preface this race with a few things real quick.
Exactly a week before this race I did a 50K in Louisiana in 5:10:07. Definitely not my hardest effort, but a good effort none the less. I wanted a fun challenge so i signed up for both these races, on back to back weekends.
On top of that I invited my friend Ben to come do his first ultra at the Warda race. Before I could warn him, he was signed up for the 50 miler! AWESOME! There's not too many things more fun that watching someone finish their first ultra :)
The weekend started with Ben driving down to my place and us leaving there around 12:45pm. We hopped on I-35 and headed for Waco where we turned off onto 77 which was a straight shot to Warda, TX (a super small town just SW of Austin).
After a small detour due to both of us just zoning out, we arrived around 4:45-5:00pm, just in time to get our tents set up and grab our packets. This was my second weekend in a row to camp at a race, which I've found to be a total blast, and really add to the fun of an ultra :)
After getting our packets we decided to head back into town and grab some Subway and hit up the local Wally world to grab some necessities (toothpaste and candy).
When we got back to the campsite Ben mapped out all his gear/nutrition and got everything organized. I pretty much just watched since I was kinda/sorta winging nutrtion. We set our tents up next to a pond which was RIGHT on the run course. This way we could drop by our tents each lap and grab any food/drink we needed. We were about 3. miles from the finish line.
Finally around 9-9:30 we hit the sack and tried to get some sleep before our adventure the next day :)
Since the course was loops that's how I'm gonna do the report.
Intro lap:
This first lap was to be 5 miles. We started promptly at 0600 in the dark. I had a small handheld and Ben had a headlamp. I was figuring we'd have to use them for at least the first 45mins or so. Joe (the RD) shouted go and we started. Off into the darkness we ran.
Ben said his plan was just to hang with me as long as possible and then figure it out from there. My plan was to run a comfortable pace and then re-evaluate around mile 35 and start making goals from there.
Ben and I were just hanging out in the train of headlamps bobbing around in the dark as we ran through a field and rounded a small pond. Within a few minutes we were entering the nice single track in the woods. I looked back and noticed we were just ahead of the main train of people, which I hate being stuck in, so I was way happy with our placement.
We were running a very very comfortable pace. Quickly two guys caught up with us, and I could feel their feet behind me which annoys me beyond belief in a 10+hr race, so I pulled off the trail and let them go. We'd see 'em later :)
A few times we'd pop out of the woods against a fence line and the sun was just shedding some light. There was a very light fog which was gorgeous in the morning light.
Soon we were pulling up to the first aid station at mile 3.5 and feeling great. I asked Ben if he needed anything. He said no, and we headed back out. After a few hundred feet we cut across a field and back onto the trail.
Before we knew it we were passing our campsite and grabbing some more food, and heading back for the start line. The 50K race was set to go off at 0700, and they were all lining up as Ben and I ran through to complete our first small loop of 5 miles.
Lap 1:
The sun was up at this point so no more lights were needed. We did that small field section at the start and were quickly back into the wooded single track section.
I think by this point we had picked up another runner named "Pete". Pete turned out to be an Aggie (which I couldn't hold against him since being an ultra runner trumped being an aggie).
Soon enough we pulled out of that section and through the first aid station again at mile 8.5. Both of us were still feeling great and making good progress. This time we were running the whole 7.5 mile loop so the rest of this loop was going to be new to us. We cross another cow pasture and all the sudden came to a very steep benchcut drop! We navigated our way down it while it twisted along the side of a 100-120ft "cliff". I knew this section would hurt later!
The trail dropped us off at the bottom of the cliff and we were then running along the edge of a field. The trail looped back around and brought us next to the cliff and up a nice little climb. The trail was really wide here. We hiked our way up it and were quickly back to running at the top.
The trail again dropped back down via steep benchcut to another pasture. We ran all the way around the edge of the pasture. The last section of the pasture was a loong straightaway. We ran all the way back to the tree line. Here there was a bridge crossing a creek that was semi steep. Here was the 2nd climb of the course which wasn't too bad, but definitely doing to be walked! :)
Once at the top we began running again. The trail twisted around a bit, and before we knew it we were back at the campsite grabbing more food. Pete waited for us here. As soon as we had what we needed, we headed back to the start/finish line. Once there we refilled our bottles and I dropped off my gloves and arm warmers cause it was really warming up quickly! Off to start loop 3!
Lap 2:
This lap started at mile 12.4. We were both still feeling really good so we just maintained pace here. I can't remember if it was this lap or the next one, but I let Ben lead a bit through the wooded single track section. He kept mentioning how this was his favorite section. I noticed he was pushing the pace just a litttleee bit, but enough for me to notice. There were a few times a small gap opened up, but by the time we reached the aid station we were "training". If he was going to try and keep that pace I was decided that I'd let him go. We left that aid station and began the next section 16.9 miles in. We walked out of the aid station and began running again.
By this point, in my mind I had really broken up the course which really helped. Here's how I broke it down. The first section was the wooded single track which brought us into the first aid station. The next section was the cow pasture which brought us to the steep drop into the first field which was the third section. The fourth section was the larger field with the long straight away against the fence line, and the fifth section was everything past that to the finish.
After we left the aid station we crossed the cow pasture and dropped back down into the first field. Then onto the second field and I noticed Ben had slowed just a touch back to our original pace. I was happy to see that, because I didn't want him to blow up later.
We made the 2nd climb out of the fields and ran the rest of the 5th section back to our camp site. We re-fueled and were back on the trail for the start/finish line. Once there I made the decision to pull the shirt off cause it was warming up even more. Ben followed suit and we were quickly back on the trail!
Lap 3:
This lap started at mile 20. Everything was still looking pretty good for both of us. Our nutrition was going well and the legs were behaving nicely :) I believe was Pete was still with us here.
We crossed the small field at the start and were soon back in the wooded single track. It was this loop where I began to tire of this section. It was super twisty and lots of small rocks. Ben loved this section so I just let him do his thing again!
We were soon back at the first aid station at mile 23.5. Once back on the trail we did the drop into the field section and up the first climb. We dropped back down and into the second field. We rounded the whole thing then it was back up the second climb and onto the 5th section.
Again, before I knew it we were back at our campsite. I was really surprised at how fresh I was feeling. I didn't have any major aches or pains and the legs weren't too tired. We re-fueled and headed back to the start/finish. I believe this is where Pete stopped to tape his feet, so we headed back out without him.
Lap 4:
This lap started at mile 27.5. I believe everything was still going fairly well at this point. I think this is where Ben expected things to fall apart. We entered the wooded single track and things continued as before, except this time I led through the woods. We had started something which was rather clever on our parts.
Ben loved the wooded single track section, and I loved the open field sections. So I started leading the wooded single track to keep Ben from going to hard here, and he lead through the fields to keep me from going too hard.
We were soon back at the first aid station which was mile 31 or about 50K. Looking back now, I feel this is where the pace started to fade just a bit. Ben was slowing down, but still running! I was debating in my head on whether I should go off and try to break 9 hours, or finish with Ben. I obviously made the decision to stay with Ben, which I'm happy I did now.
We were still running almost all the flat sections and only walking the two climbs and the aid stations. By this point dividing the sections of the trail up was really helping.
Ben and I made our way back to the camp site and sat down for a few minutes on some stumps while we re-fueled. Each time we came by here I made sure to get my food as quick as possible and get back on the trail to wait for Ben. I wanted to keep him from sitting down too long, because I know how hard it can be to get back up!
I also think Ben was realizing at this point what kind of pain we were in store for on the next two laps! In a sick way this excited me, cause it's difficult to explain to people what it feels like to run 40+ miles. Ben was about to find out first hand! :)
We made it back to the start/finish and filled up on fluids. Off to start lap 5 which would be the ugliest of them all.
Lap 5:
This lap started 35 miles in. Back to the dreaded wooded single track (for me anyways!). I think I may have possible led this section, but could be wrong. Ben was hurting a bit and I didn't want to push the pace. His knee had started to bother him, so when it would flare up we would walk it off. I honestly couldn't believe he was still running like he was! He had really quickly picked up the ultra runner "shuffle/run".
We kept telling each other once done with this lap only ONE left! Back at the first aid station we were 38.5 miles in. We walked out and walked about halfway through the cow pasture. It was here that Olga past us, and as usual she was walking faster than we were running! haha. I told her, "We've gotta learn to walk like that!"
This lap kept getting worse for Ben, but I knew if we just broke it up into the sections and if I got him back to the campsite we'd be on the last lap before we knew it!
Soon enough we were back on the long straight away in the last field. Once to the bridge crossing the creek, we walked up the second climb and were back in the wooded single track. The lap before this one, we both had some mild stomach issues. Neither one of us ended up eating anything on that lap, but were now able to eat again. (for the most part)
We got back to the camp site and Ben sat down to grab some food. I quickly grabbed mine and got back on the trail to wait for him! Once he was done we walked/jogged our way back to the start/finish.
Lap 6:
Well, this was the final lap. We were 42.5 miles in and only had 7.5 to go! This lap started out preetttyy ugly. I had been keeping an eye on the watch for awhile, and knew that it was possible for us to break 10 hours. I really wanted Ben to get that, but didn't tell him. I just pushed the pace when I felt I could, and walked with him, when I knew it was a bad idea to run. Finally we had finished the wooded single track which seemed to take forever that time and were now at mile 46!
We grabbed some h20 at the aid station and began to head out. Next thing I know, I hear Ben say, "Where running at the tree".
Yes! I liked this. From the pace we held the previous 3.5 miles I knew we wouldn't break 10.
When we started running I could tell Ben was refreshed! We ran all the way to the steep downhill and back into the first field. We shuffled all the way around the edge and walked the uphill as always. We dropped back down and began the last trudge around the second field.
I was constantly keeping an eye out on the watch cause I knew it was gonna be close! My plan was to get him through the field and up the last climb then push the pace as much as possible through the 5th section.
Once we had walked up the last climb it was on! We were running pretty much everything. When I noticed Ben was keeping up no problem I knew we'd break ten hours :)
When we came around the camp site I grabbed a beer out of my cooler and we headed for the finish line.
We crossed at exactly the same time. 9:54:25. 12th and 13th place.
Ben had finished his first ultra like a true ultra runner!
Post-Race:
We crossed the line and headed over to the aid station stuff to grab some food! I found someone with a bottle opener so I could drink my IPA while Ben got some post race sausage. I had an awesome cheeseburger and got to chat with Olga and Larry about their awesome Hardrock experience :)
For the most part, Ben and I just enjoyed getting to be around other people like us and talk about what we love.
As always Tejas Trails put on an awesome race. Joe is a great RD that get's business done!
For full results CLICK HERE.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! As always I'll be running the Dallas 8 mile Turkey Trot. This will be my 6th one! Hard to believe I've been running for about 6 years now.
_Jacob_
Monday, November 22, 2010
Another 50 miler and a Double Ironman...
So... I have a lot to write about, but don't have much time.
This weekend I ran the Wild Hare 50 Miler with my friend Ben. It was his first ultra! I was so pumped for him to just skip the 50k and go straight for the 50 miler! I'm planning on finishing up a quick race report tonight at work. Should be up by tomorrow morning.
I was really surprised that my legs felt as fresh as they did after the 50K last weekend. I never felt like I was really working this weekend and was happy to finish feeling like I could do plenty more!
I also sent n my application for the Florida Double Iron triathlon! While this definitely seems like I'm in over my head, feel confident that I can finish within the 36 hour cutoff :) I'll be posting much more about that in the near future!
Congrats to everyone at the 50 miler this weekend! Tejas Trails put on another awesome race as always!
_Jacob_
This weekend I ran the Wild Hare 50 Miler with my friend Ben. It was his first ultra! I was so pumped for him to just skip the 50k and go straight for the 50 miler! I'm planning on finishing up a quick race report tonight at work. Should be up by tomorrow morning.
I was really surprised that my legs felt as fresh as they did after the 50K last weekend. I never felt like I was really working this weekend and was happy to finish feeling like I could do plenty more!
I also sent n my application for the Florida Double Iron triathlon! While this definitely seems like I'm in over my head, feel confident that I can finish within the 36 hour cutoff :) I'll be posting much more about that in the near future!
Congrats to everyone at the 50 miler this weekend! Tejas Trails put on another awesome race as always!
_Jacob_
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Louisiana Trails 50K Race Report
I hate titling this a "race report". This was most definitely not a race. I just went out and had a blast doing what I love while enjoying some beautiful Louisiana scenery on the single track.
Looks like total there were about 15-20 people in the 50K this weekend and I ended up 2nd overall. Ended up being a great run and I felt unbelievably strong. With my lack of training I never expected to feel that good the whole day.
Anyways, I'll cut to the chase. Below is the "race report". Shoot me a line if you have any questions about the race. Next week it's the Wild Hare 50 Miler for me! Can't wait to spend 8-12 hours on the single track :) And I'm camping again!
*************************************************************************
Pre Race:
When I looked this race up last year I pretty much made up my mind I was going to do it. I really wanted to cross Louisiana off my 50 states list, not to mention run a challenging 50K in November.
I also made up my mind around September that I was going to camp at this race. It wasn't until I got into the ultra running scene that I found out a lot of ultra runners will camp at the race sites sine the majority of them are in state parks or other camping friendly locations.
So on Friday after our wedding shower at Courtneys work I hit the road around 3:45 for Shreveport from Dallas. On the way out I hit some nasty storms and knew that they were heading for Louisiana. It was at this point I called Court and Scott to see what they thought I should do, and have them look up hotels for me. I just wasn't in the mood to set up my tent in that kind of rain.
Soon enough I had pulled past the storm where it was still dry. After talking to Scott, I figured I'd give the camping a try. I figured if I could get there quick enough, I'd be all set up before the rain hit.
I exited off I-20 and headed into the backwoods of Louisiana. Ohhh yay. After about 20 minutes I arrived at the race site to find about 2-3 other campers. I quickly set up my little two man ultra light tent and got inside before anything came down.
I had a bite to eat and called Court to say goodnight and tried to get some sleep around 8:30-9:00. I woke up around 11 and quickly went back to sleep, then finally woke up around midnight to some GOOD rain and wind. This was a brand new tent so I still wasn't 100% confident in it, but everything held up great. I could hear the guys next door running for their truck. The temps began dropping and got to I'm guessing the low 50s. I zipped up my sleeping bag and tried to fall back asleep but wasn't able till around 1:30.
I woke up to people parking at the race site around 5:30, then fell back asleep and wasn't up again till my alarm went off at 6:30. I made a quick french press with my JetBoil and headed over to packet pick up with fresh coffee in hand :)
Opted to leave the tent up till post race. I changed into my running stuff and headed over the start line about 7:20. The race was set to go off at 7:30.
Run:
I went into the race looking for two things.
1) A finish so I can cross Louisiana off my 50 states list
2) A strong finish, without killing my legs.
I registered myself for this 50K and a 50 miler the following weekend, so this race was never meant to be a race. I was just going for a good time and to get another 50k under my belt.
The start gun went off and we headed down at pavement road for about a half mile till we filed one at a time into the muddy single track. I was quickly caught off guard at how firm the trail was. While it was wet and slick it wasn't at muddy as I was expecting after the rain last night.
The course was two laps of 13.1 miles followed by a little 5 mile loop. On this first lap I spent the first 5 miles or so in a train just hanging out. The pace felt a bit fast a few times, but I didn't feel like I was pushing to hard so I just cruised along with everyone else.
The trail was beautiful. I felt so lucky to be able to run this race. After not doing a trail race since early this year it was amazing how fast it all came back.
I was right back where I left off.
There were two other races starting at the same time as the 50K. A half marathon and the marathon, so there were a lot of people on the course. (~130 total) I just tried to not run off with some half marathoner and blow up later. Around mile 7 I found a running buddy and we ran the next 4-5 miles together. These miles just ticked away. Around mile 9 we came to an open field/jeep road and headed back towards the starting area.
Around mile 11 we came RIGHT by the starting line then headed back out for a short 2.1 mile section to total 13.1 for the loop. I finished the first loop in around 2:04 feeling really good.
I grabbed a gel and a clifbar from my tent and headed back out for another loop. As soon as I got back on the single track I was in heaven. All the half marathoners were gone and I was all alone. Finally. A chance to breathe. This is the part of ultras I live/run for. When you're 15-20 miles into a race in the middle of the woods and you can't see anyone. It's such an awesome experience.
On this second lap all the aid stations that had been manned on the first lap were no longer manned. So I'd pull in, fill up my bottle, grab a few M&Ms and get back on the trail.
Around mile 15-17 I had my typical down period, but after 17-18 it was gone and I was feeling freah and happy. At mile 22 or so, I was walking out of an aid station and some guy comes popping out of the woods on a side trail. He was backtracking a bit and I figured he was lost. I asked him if he was OK and he told me he was making sure he was on the right trail.
I asked him what race he was in and he said the 50K! HAHA. I was like riiiiggghhhttt. That would mean your like 5 miles ahead of me and I'm on pace for around a 5 hour 50K.
Well sure enough this guy was winning the 50K (I was in 3rd at the time). I assured him he was on the right trail. He asked if he could pace with me for awhile. I of course said yes and made it my goal to help him finish as fast as possible. He was hurting for sure. At this point I picked up the pace quite a bit, probably too fast, but I knew it was so fast, so around mile 24 we took a walk break and he stayed with me. Around mile 24.5 we started running again. It wasn't till around 25.5 that I dropped him and finsihed my 2nd lap in around 2:14. Only 10mins slower than the first lap.
I grabbed some M&Ms and headed out for my final 5 mile loop. As I was walking out I saw my new friend win the 50K! Awesome for him.
Now begins ultra fun. Everything past the marathon mark. I walked for about a half mile here and after that didn't stop running till the finish. The more I ran the better I felt. The trail was drying nicely and even tacky in some spots.
Around mile 29 I started thinking about the 50 miler next weekend and how I hope I feel this good. Soon enough I was off the single track and running the last half mile into the finish to see my 1st place 50K friend waiting! He was really thankful I ran it in with him. This was his first ultra, and he found it funny that I would pace first place in while in 2nd place.
Post-Race:
I grabbed my finisher shirt and medal, then headed over the tent to begin packing things up. I chatted with my new friend for a bit, then hit the road for Dallas.
******************************************************************************
Hope everyone is having a great week! 50 mile run this weekend!!
_Jacob_
Looks like total there were about 15-20 people in the 50K this weekend and I ended up 2nd overall. Ended up being a great run and I felt unbelievably strong. With my lack of training I never expected to feel that good the whole day.
Anyways, I'll cut to the chase. Below is the "race report". Shoot me a line if you have any questions about the race. Next week it's the Wild Hare 50 Miler for me! Can't wait to spend 8-12 hours on the single track :) And I'm camping again!
*************************************************************************
Pre Race:
When I looked this race up last year I pretty much made up my mind I was going to do it. I really wanted to cross Louisiana off my 50 states list, not to mention run a challenging 50K in November.
I also made up my mind around September that I was going to camp at this race. It wasn't until I got into the ultra running scene that I found out a lot of ultra runners will camp at the race sites sine the majority of them are in state parks or other camping friendly locations.
So on Friday after our wedding shower at Courtneys work I hit the road around 3:45 for Shreveport from Dallas. On the way out I hit some nasty storms and knew that they were heading for Louisiana. It was at this point I called Court and Scott to see what they thought I should do, and have them look up hotels for me. I just wasn't in the mood to set up my tent in that kind of rain.
Soon enough I had pulled past the storm where it was still dry. After talking to Scott, I figured I'd give the camping a try. I figured if I could get there quick enough, I'd be all set up before the rain hit.
I exited off I-20 and headed into the backwoods of Louisiana. Ohhh yay. After about 20 minutes I arrived at the race site to find about 2-3 other campers. I quickly set up my little two man ultra light tent and got inside before anything came down.
I had a bite to eat and called Court to say goodnight and tried to get some sleep around 8:30-9:00. I woke up around 11 and quickly went back to sleep, then finally woke up around midnight to some GOOD rain and wind. This was a brand new tent so I still wasn't 100% confident in it, but everything held up great. I could hear the guys next door running for their truck. The temps began dropping and got to I'm guessing the low 50s. I zipped up my sleeping bag and tried to fall back asleep but wasn't able till around 1:30.
I woke up to people parking at the race site around 5:30, then fell back asleep and wasn't up again till my alarm went off at 6:30. I made a quick french press with my JetBoil and headed over to packet pick up with fresh coffee in hand :)
Opted to leave the tent up till post race. I changed into my running stuff and headed over the start line about 7:20. The race was set to go off at 7:30.
Run:
I went into the race looking for two things.
1) A finish so I can cross Louisiana off my 50 states list
2) A strong finish, without killing my legs.
I registered myself for this 50K and a 50 miler the following weekend, so this race was never meant to be a race. I was just going for a good time and to get another 50k under my belt.
The start gun went off and we headed down at pavement road for about a half mile till we filed one at a time into the muddy single track. I was quickly caught off guard at how firm the trail was. While it was wet and slick it wasn't at muddy as I was expecting after the rain last night.
The course was two laps of 13.1 miles followed by a little 5 mile loop. On this first lap I spent the first 5 miles or so in a train just hanging out. The pace felt a bit fast a few times, but I didn't feel like I was pushing to hard so I just cruised along with everyone else.
The trail was beautiful. I felt so lucky to be able to run this race. After not doing a trail race since early this year it was amazing how fast it all came back.
I was right back where I left off.
There were two other races starting at the same time as the 50K. A half marathon and the marathon, so there were a lot of people on the course. (~130 total) I just tried to not run off with some half marathoner and blow up later. Around mile 7 I found a running buddy and we ran the next 4-5 miles together. These miles just ticked away. Around mile 9 we came to an open field/jeep road and headed back towards the starting area.
Around mile 11 we came RIGHT by the starting line then headed back out for a short 2.1 mile section to total 13.1 for the loop. I finished the first loop in around 2:04 feeling really good.
I grabbed a gel and a clifbar from my tent and headed back out for another loop. As soon as I got back on the single track I was in heaven. All the half marathoners were gone and I was all alone. Finally. A chance to breathe. This is the part of ultras I live/run for. When you're 15-20 miles into a race in the middle of the woods and you can't see anyone. It's such an awesome experience.
On this second lap all the aid stations that had been manned on the first lap were no longer manned. So I'd pull in, fill up my bottle, grab a few M&Ms and get back on the trail.
Around mile 15-17 I had my typical down period, but after 17-18 it was gone and I was feeling freah and happy. At mile 22 or so, I was walking out of an aid station and some guy comes popping out of the woods on a side trail. He was backtracking a bit and I figured he was lost. I asked him if he was OK and he told me he was making sure he was on the right trail.
I asked him what race he was in and he said the 50K! HAHA. I was like riiiiggghhhttt. That would mean your like 5 miles ahead of me and I'm on pace for around a 5 hour 50K.
Well sure enough this guy was winning the 50K (I was in 3rd at the time). I assured him he was on the right trail. He asked if he could pace with me for awhile. I of course said yes and made it my goal to help him finish as fast as possible. He was hurting for sure. At this point I picked up the pace quite a bit, probably too fast, but I knew it was so fast, so around mile 24 we took a walk break and he stayed with me. Around mile 24.5 we started running again. It wasn't till around 25.5 that I dropped him and finsihed my 2nd lap in around 2:14. Only 10mins slower than the first lap.
I grabbed some M&Ms and headed out for my final 5 mile loop. As I was walking out I saw my new friend win the 50K! Awesome for him.
Now begins ultra fun. Everything past the marathon mark. I walked for about a half mile here and after that didn't stop running till the finish. The more I ran the better I felt. The trail was drying nicely and even tacky in some spots.
Around mile 29 I started thinking about the 50 miler next weekend and how I hope I feel this good. Soon enough I was off the single track and running the last half mile into the finish to see my 1st place 50K friend waiting! He was really thankful I ran it in with him. This was his first ultra, and he found it funny that I would pace first place in while in 2nd place.
Post-Race:
I grabbed my finisher shirt and medal, then headed over the tent to begin packing things up. I chatted with my new friend for a bit, then hit the road for Dallas.
******************************************************************************
Hope everyone is having a great week! 50 mile run this weekend!!
_Jacob_
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
No motivation or a change in priorities...
I just spent about 30 minutes looking back through a lot of old blog posts and training log posts. On November 24th, I will have been logging my workouts on beginnertriathlete.com for three years. February 2nd will be my 4 year anniversary of logging workouts in general.
It's so weird going back and reading everything I had to say back then. My motivations were totally different. Now I ask myself... Do I no longer like triathlon? Do I not want to do it anymore?
I definitely don't think that's the case, but I do think that my priorities are different. I think SO many triathletes get so off track from what's really important, and I used to be one of "those" triathletes. Over the past year or so I've discovered that you can still do triathlon/endurance sports AND have fun doing it! You don't have to devote every living second to training and the triathlon mentality.
Currently I'm struggling with my role on Team Ironhead. I've been racing for them for about three-four years now and love everyone on the team, but to be honest I barely race triathlon anymore. I'm gonna go volunteer at Brondas DU in a few weeks and make a call after that. If I'm not kicked off I'm gonna hang around and keep helping Ironhead Race Productions as much as possible.
Ok! Enough emo posting. I have a 50K run this weekend and I'm totally excited and totally unprepared. My training as usual is lacking, but I'm confident I can finish regardless. I've heard great things about this race in regards to the course and I'm pumped to get to run a challenging 50K this close to home.
I'm also going to try camping this weekend at the race! I'm going down there solo so I figure this is a great way to save some $$$. Unfortunately the forecast is for a 40% of rain so I'm crossing my fingers that holds off till Sunday!
I've gotta get back to work, but just wanted to share a few thoughts with everyone! Below is a song by Boards of Canada that I loveee. Just for your enjoyment.
Also, go check out my friend Bens blog. CLICK HERE to check it out. He's doing his first 50 miler next Saturday!! GO BEN!
_Jacob_
It's so weird going back and reading everything I had to say back then. My motivations were totally different. Now I ask myself... Do I no longer like triathlon? Do I not want to do it anymore?
I definitely don't think that's the case, but I do think that my priorities are different. I think SO many triathletes get so off track from what's really important, and I used to be one of "those" triathletes. Over the past year or so I've discovered that you can still do triathlon/endurance sports AND have fun doing it! You don't have to devote every living second to training and the triathlon mentality.
Currently I'm struggling with my role on Team Ironhead. I've been racing for them for about three-four years now and love everyone on the team, but to be honest I barely race triathlon anymore. I'm gonna go volunteer at Brondas DU in a few weeks and make a call after that. If I'm not kicked off I'm gonna hang around and keep helping Ironhead Race Productions as much as possible.
Ok! Enough emo posting. I have a 50K run this weekend and I'm totally excited and totally unprepared. My training as usual is lacking, but I'm confident I can finish regardless. I've heard great things about this race in regards to the course and I'm pumped to get to run a challenging 50K this close to home.
I'm also going to try camping this weekend at the race! I'm going down there solo so I figure this is a great way to save some $$$. Unfortunately the forecast is for a 40% of rain so I'm crossing my fingers that holds off till Sunday!
I've gotta get back to work, but just wanted to share a few thoughts with everyone! Below is a song by Boards of Canada that I loveee. Just for your enjoyment.
Also, go check out my friend Bens blog. CLICK HERE to check it out. He's doing his first 50 miler next Saturday!! GO BEN!
_Jacob_
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
RCP CAT1 Mtn Bike Race
This whole story starts last week, and I'm going to tell it all.
So last Tuesday I went out for a nice ride at Arbor Hills next door to the apartment. I was going to hit up a lap there, then ride to FL and do a lap, then finish up with one more lap at Arbor Hills. Well I ride over to Arbor from the apartment and quickly jump on the single track. (This was also my first ride on my new tubeless set up!)
I'm flying down the trail feeling awesome! Well about 3 minutes in I get to this really rooty drop so I speed up and "coast" over it. Well all the sudden it's like I slammed the breaks on and it feels like all hell just broke loose in my rear wheel. I come to a full stop and look behind me to find my rear derailluer jammed into my rear wheel!!
It was UGLY! About 3-4 spokes were broken in half and it obviously wasn't rideable. Thanks goodness I was only a mile from the apartment and not at FL. I call Jay and he says to bring it up there so he can figure out what's going on. (race on Sunday)
I walk home and load the bike onto the back of the car. I get to Sun & Ski and Jay quickly gets to work. I of course had to snap a few more quick pics.
I end up leaving the bike with Jay so he can work his magic and head back home to get ready for work. This is now the second day I'd been up to S&S because the day before I bought my new tubeless kit and chain! He ended up replacing the rear derailluer and 14 spokes!
I had to work all week, so I left the bike with him and didn't get to pick it up till Saturday. (The day before the race) As soon as I picked it up around noon, I headed over to RCP to get a quick ride in before the race and see how the course was. Well about 33 minutes into that ride my rear wheel started rubbing the frame, so I stop to check it out and 4-5 spokes had come totally loose so now the wheel was out of true pretty bad. Awesome I thought!!!
I of course call Jay again, but forgot he was about to be in a wedding. He texted me a bit later and we decided I'd drop the bike of at the shop and he'd drop it off that night after he swung by the shop to check it out.
That night he dropped off the bike and everything looked good. He informed me that sometimes spokes will come loose after getting replaced, but that hopefully they'd stay put this time.
Well, the next morning I got up around 6:30 to head out to the race. I look downstairs to see Jay and Lindsey already headed out! I load up and get there around 7:30. My race went off at 9am. I did a quick lap on the single track start and everything felt ok. Jay had brough an extra 29er wheel just in case I wanted to run that one. I decided against it and ended up paying the price.
Me and the other "CAT1 Sr Men 19-29" lined up at 8:58 and were ready to go. The gun went off and we were racing! The first few seconds of the start weren't too bad and I entered the single track in 5th place out of 8. We were hauling some serious ass. What a huge difference btwn CAT2 and CAT1 already. I wasn't having too much of a problem keeping up and was happy to be hanging on in 5th. About 10 mins in it looked like the other 3 guys had fallen off pace a bit. I was hanging on to the front group! By the time we made it around to the start area again I was still hanging on for dear life.
When we entered the actual trail head I could tell I was in the process of getting dropped. At that point I thought it was over, but soon enough I could see the 3 guys ahead of me! I worked pretty hard to get real close to catching them, and right before I did someone happened to my gearing and I think my chain got caught btwn two cogs. Gahhhhhhh. Once I was good to go again, they had another huge gap. Well, let me tell you this. A gap in CAT1 means you are so screwed. I spent the rest of that lap trying to catch them and finished the first lap about a minute behind them.
On the second lap everything started going downhill. I kept thinking spokes were coming loose again, and at one point actually STOPPED in the trail to check them. At that point they felt ok, but mentally I was totally out of the race. About 5mins later a tree caught my jersey and ripped a huge chunk out of it (and my shoulder).
Towards the end of that lap I could hear my rear wheel rubbing a bit and knew something was awash. That was it. I was done.
Just before crossing the line to start my third lap I bailed and DNFd. Went over to see Jay and we chatted for a bit. I knew I should have used the other wheel he brought, but didn't go with my gut feeling. With that said, I'm not an excuse kind of racer, and I was getting it handed to me out there by those other CAT1s!
It was an awesome experience racing with those guys and I can't wait to do it again. I definitely wouldn't have placed, but I feel I could have taken 4th or 5th if I'd been able to finish. I'll be back to try the XC series next year as a CAT1. Huge thanks to DORBA for putting on such an awesome event. Those guys put on fun races that are well organized and exciting for all involved. I ended up volunteering for the CAT2 sweep job and had fun doing that.
Congrats to Jay and Lindsey for both killing it out there. You guys rock! I can't wait for the next one. See everyone out there!
For now, I've gotta do some running cause I have a 50K in two weeks :)
_Jacob_
So last Tuesday I went out for a nice ride at Arbor Hills next door to the apartment. I was going to hit up a lap there, then ride to FL and do a lap, then finish up with one more lap at Arbor Hills. Well I ride over to Arbor from the apartment and quickly jump on the single track. (This was also my first ride on my new tubeless set up!)
I'm flying down the trail feeling awesome! Well about 3 minutes in I get to this really rooty drop so I speed up and "coast" over it. Well all the sudden it's like I slammed the breaks on and it feels like all hell just broke loose in my rear wheel. I come to a full stop and look behind me to find my rear derailluer jammed into my rear wheel!!
It was UGLY! About 3-4 spokes were broken in half and it obviously wasn't rideable. Thanks goodness I was only a mile from the apartment and not at FL. I call Jay and he says to bring it up there so he can figure out what's going on. (race on Sunday)I walk home and load the bike onto the back of the car. I get to Sun & Ski and Jay quickly gets to work. I of course had to snap a few more quick pics.
I end up leaving the bike with Jay so he can work his magic and head back home to get ready for work. This is now the second day I'd been up to S&S because the day before I bought my new tubeless kit and chain! He ended up replacing the rear derailluer and 14 spokes!I had to work all week, so I left the bike with him and didn't get to pick it up till Saturday. (The day before the race) As soon as I picked it up around noon, I headed over to RCP to get a quick ride in before the race and see how the course was. Well about 33 minutes into that ride my rear wheel started rubbing the frame, so I stop to check it out and 4-5 spokes had come totally loose so now the wheel was out of true pretty bad. Awesome I thought!!!
I of course call Jay again, but forgot he was about to be in a wedding. He texted me a bit later and we decided I'd drop the bike of at the shop and he'd drop it off that night after he swung by the shop to check it out.
That night he dropped off the bike and everything looked good. He informed me that sometimes spokes will come loose after getting replaced, but that hopefully they'd stay put this time.
Well, the next morning I got up around 6:30 to head out to the race. I look downstairs to see Jay and Lindsey already headed out! I load up and get there around 7:30. My race went off at 9am. I did a quick lap on the single track start and everything felt ok. Jay had brough an extra 29er wheel just in case I wanted to run that one. I decided against it and ended up paying the price.
Me and the other "CAT1 Sr Men 19-29" lined up at 8:58 and were ready to go. The gun went off and we were racing! The first few seconds of the start weren't too bad and I entered the single track in 5th place out of 8. We were hauling some serious ass. What a huge difference btwn CAT2 and CAT1 already. I wasn't having too much of a problem keeping up and was happy to be hanging on in 5th. About 10 mins in it looked like the other 3 guys had fallen off pace a bit. I was hanging on to the front group! By the time we made it around to the start area again I was still hanging on for dear life.
When we entered the actual trail head I could tell I was in the process of getting dropped. At that point I thought it was over, but soon enough I could see the 3 guys ahead of me! I worked pretty hard to get real close to catching them, and right before I did someone happened to my gearing and I think my chain got caught btwn two cogs. Gahhhhhhh. Once I was good to go again, they had another huge gap. Well, let me tell you this. A gap in CAT1 means you are so screwed. I spent the rest of that lap trying to catch them and finished the first lap about a minute behind them.
On the second lap everything started going downhill. I kept thinking spokes were coming loose again, and at one point actually STOPPED in the trail to check them. At that point they felt ok, but mentally I was totally out of the race. About 5mins later a tree caught my jersey and ripped a huge chunk out of it (and my shoulder).Towards the end of that lap I could hear my rear wheel rubbing a bit and knew something was awash. That was it. I was done.
Just before crossing the line to start my third lap I bailed and DNFd. Went over to see Jay and we chatted for a bit. I knew I should have used the other wheel he brought, but didn't go with my gut feeling. With that said, I'm not an excuse kind of racer, and I was getting it handed to me out there by those other CAT1s!
It was an awesome experience racing with those guys and I can't wait to do it again. I definitely wouldn't have placed, but I feel I could have taken 4th or 5th if I'd been able to finish. I'll be back to try the XC series next year as a CAT1. Huge thanks to DORBA for putting on such an awesome event. Those guys put on fun races that are well organized and exciting for all involved. I ended up volunteering for the CAT2 sweep job and had fun doing that.
Congrats to Jay and Lindsey for both killing it out there. You guys rock! I can't wait for the next one. See everyone out there!
For now, I've gotta do some running cause I have a 50K in two weeks :)
_Jacob_
Friday, October 29, 2010
My grandmother made me do it...
What?!?! I'm actually updating and posting on my blog?
Why yes. Yes I am. I would tell you it's because I've had so many requests from all 12 of my loyal followers but that would be a lie. It's because the other evening my grandmother of all people asked me if I ever updated my website. Well Gram, this one is for you!
I'm gonna summarize my life since the last post in as few words as possible. This is gonna be a blur, so just hold on tight.
My last update was before the El Scorcho 50K. That was going to be my 7th or 8th marathon/ultra mary of the year. Well, I DNF'd that one. Why? Because I just wasn't having fun and went out SO ridiculously hard. Could I have finished? Yes. Does that matter now? No.
The week leading up to that race I was having some strange pains and that run (made it 22-23 miles) just made it way worse, so I took off another 6 weeks or so from running to make sure everything was good to go.
I decided to put my mountain bike back together so I could train on the trails. (cause everyone knows I love the trails) Well, long story short I decided to enter the Northshore 100 mile mtn bike race. Of 13 starters, I was the only finisher, and therefore I won. I decided after that, that I wanted to try a XC mtn bike race. I signed up for the Sansom Park CAT2 race and ended up winning that overall. Now I'm going to try the CAT1 race at Rowlett Creek Preserve on Halloween and see how I fare against the big guns. I also bought a new mtn bike a month or two ago picture below. It's a Scott Scale 29er with a few upgrades. Freaking LOVE this thing. 29ers are the way to go. i can roll over whatever I want :) Thanks to Jay up at Sun and Ski Sports in Frisco for helping me out. Those guys are awesome and definitely go the extra mile everytime I'm in there.
I did the Prarieman aquabike and ended up getting 2nd place there to Dave Jones who dominated the bike. By the way, I've only swam 2 other times this year and they were BOTH in triathlons, so a 32 minutes swim wasn't too bad for no actual swim training this YEAR! For the entire year I've now swam around 45minutes total and less than 4,000 yards.
I'm registered for the Louisiana Trails 50K on Nov. 13th, because I SERIOUSLY want to get back to my ultra running. For some reason I'd still rather mtn bike right now, so my running is very minimal. Like 10-15 miles a week minimal. Regardless, I don't think I'll hae a problem finishing the race. (I just want to cross Louisiana off my 50 states list!)
The next weekend I'm planning on running the Wild Hare 50 Miler in Warda, Tx. I know, I know. You're all laughing right now. But I think I can finish it... regardless of my serious lack of run training right now. Ultra running has A LOT more to do with your mentality than your skill/training than most of you know. I'm probably going to end up with another random injury, but I'm always asking for a good whooping and I'm sure a 50K followed by a 50 miler the next weekend should give it to me.
Courtney and I are still planning away on the wedding! (Ok, Court more so than me, but I'm doign what I can!) It's getting more and more hectic the closer we get. Crazy, because I thought we were wayyy over prepared, but apparently there is no such thing as being over prepared for a wedding. Haha. Courtney is doing an awesome job, and I appreciate everything she is doing. God has blessed me with an incredible woman that loves me like no other.
I've been SERIOUSLY toying around with the idea of doing the Tampa Double Iron Triathlon in early March of 2011. Actually I'm not really toying with it anymore, I planning on it. Court gave me the go-ahead, so as long as I can get registered before it sells out, I'm in. Again, I'll probably not be anywhere NEAR as prepared as I should be, but my mentality tells me otherwise...
Why yes. Yes I am. I would tell you it's because I've had so many requests from all 12 of my loyal followers but that would be a lie. It's because the other evening my grandmother of all people asked me if I ever updated my website. Well Gram, this one is for you!
I'm gonna summarize my life since the last post in as few words as possible. This is gonna be a blur, so just hold on tight.
My last update was before the El Scorcho 50K. That was going to be my 7th or 8th marathon/ultra mary of the year. Well, I DNF'd that one. Why? Because I just wasn't having fun and went out SO ridiculously hard. Could I have finished? Yes. Does that matter now? No.
The week leading up to that race I was having some strange pains and that run (made it 22-23 miles) just made it way worse, so I took off another 6 weeks or so from running to make sure everything was good to go.
I decided to put my mountain bike back together so I could train on the trails. (cause everyone knows I love the trails) Well, long story short I decided to enter the Northshore 100 mile mtn bike race. Of 13 starters, I was the only finisher, and therefore I won. I decided after that, that I wanted to try a XC mtn bike race. I signed up for the Sansom Park CAT2 race and ended up winning that overall. Now I'm going to try the CAT1 race at Rowlett Creek Preserve on Halloween and see how I fare against the big guns. I also bought a new mtn bike a month or two ago picture below. It's a Scott Scale 29er with a few upgrades. Freaking LOVE this thing. 29ers are the way to go. i can roll over whatever I want :) Thanks to Jay up at Sun and Ski Sports in Frisco for helping me out. Those guys are awesome and definitely go the extra mile everytime I'm in there.
I did the Prarieman aquabike and ended up getting 2nd place there to Dave Jones who dominated the bike. By the way, I've only swam 2 other times this year and they were BOTH in triathlons, so a 32 minutes swim wasn't too bad for no actual swim training this YEAR! For the entire year I've now swam around 45minutes total and less than 4,000 yards.
I'm registered for the Louisiana Trails 50K on Nov. 13th, because I SERIOUSLY want to get back to my ultra running. For some reason I'd still rather mtn bike right now, so my running is very minimal. Like 10-15 miles a week minimal. Regardless, I don't think I'll hae a problem finishing the race. (I just want to cross Louisiana off my 50 states list!)
The next weekend I'm planning on running the Wild Hare 50 Miler in Warda, Tx. I know, I know. You're all laughing right now. But I think I can finish it... regardless of my serious lack of run training right now. Ultra running has A LOT more to do with your mentality than your skill/training than most of you know. I'm probably going to end up with another random injury, but I'm always asking for a good whooping and I'm sure a 50K followed by a 50 miler the next weekend should give it to me.
Courtney and I are still planning away on the wedding! (Ok, Court more so than me, but I'm doign what I can!) It's getting more and more hectic the closer we get. Crazy, because I thought we were wayyy over prepared, but apparently there is no such thing as being over prepared for a wedding. Haha. Courtney is doing an awesome job, and I appreciate everything she is doing. God has blessed me with an incredible woman that loves me like no other.
I've been SERIOUSLY toying around with the idea of doing the Tampa Double Iron Triathlon in early March of 2011. Actually I'm not really toying with it anymore, I planning on it. Court gave me the go-ahead, so as long as I can get registered before it sells out, I'm in. Again, I'll probably not be anywhere NEAR as prepared as I should be, but my mentality tells me otherwise...
Alright, well for right now that's all I've got for you. Obviously, I'm still working nights if you look at the time of this post :)
I'm running 20 miles on Monday morning at the Northshore with my friend Ben if anyone else is interested in going. Also, the DORBA CX race at RCP is this Sunday (Haloween) if anyone is interested in watching or just hanging out. I'll be there all day, not to mention racing the CAT1 race at 9am.
Leave a comment and let me know what you guys think of the new layout! Take care and train safe :)
_Jacob_
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
My doubts about running 100 miles...
Normally, I'm not scared of anything.
But, when I think about running 100 miles I now get scared. Yep, I said it. Scared. I can, and have "faked" my way through every other distance out there, but running 100 miles is not something you can just "fake" your way through.
I'm confident that I can finish a 100 mile run, but I think it's the fact that I'm pretty sure what I'm in for when I do try to finish one. So far this year I've run three 50 milers. Each one, getting progressively harder. With each one, I feel my performance got worse and worse.
Over the next few weeks/months I'm really going to work hard on getting back into the mindset of "training", something I've slowly worked my way away from. Too me, I've found SO much joy in just doing whatever I feel like when I feel like it. (not that I'm not going to be having fun as I train for my 100 miler)
The biggest problem I've had lately with my 50 milers is this odd sensation/feeling of not being able to eat ANYTHING. The thought of putting any food in my mouth at all makes me want to throw up. I've convinced myself that it's time I venture away from eating gels anymore, and try other things. I will definitely be trying different things as I train my way to the Arkansas Traveller 100 miler.
My question to any of my fellow readers/ultra runners (especially those of you with experience) is, have you ever experienced the sensation I'm speaking of? Is it possible that it's due to dehyrdation, or too much hydration??? I've definitely got to get this figured out before Arkansas, in October.
This Monday I had a great run on the Northshore trail at lake Grapevine. Got a nice 22-23 miles in, with some pretty oppressive heat. I experimented a little bit with Sport Beans (which I've tried before) and enjoyed them. The packs are only 100 calories a piece so I'll have to work with that and see what I feel I need an each hour to sustain myself for around 24hrs.
Any advice is much appreciated!! Hope everyone is training hard and living harder :) Also, if anyone would ever like to trail run in the DFW area just let me know!
_Jacob_
But, when I think about running 100 miles I now get scared. Yep, I said it. Scared. I can, and have "faked" my way through every other distance out there, but running 100 miles is not something you can just "fake" your way through.
I'm confident that I can finish a 100 mile run, but I think it's the fact that I'm pretty sure what I'm in for when I do try to finish one. So far this year I've run three 50 milers. Each one, getting progressively harder. With each one, I feel my performance got worse and worse.
Over the next few weeks/months I'm really going to work hard on getting back into the mindset of "training", something I've slowly worked my way away from. Too me, I've found SO much joy in just doing whatever I feel like when I feel like it. (not that I'm not going to be having fun as I train for my 100 miler)
The biggest problem I've had lately with my 50 milers is this odd sensation/feeling of not being able to eat ANYTHING. The thought of putting any food in my mouth at all makes me want to throw up. I've convinced myself that it's time I venture away from eating gels anymore, and try other things. I will definitely be trying different things as I train my way to the Arkansas Traveller 100 miler.
My question to any of my fellow readers/ultra runners (especially those of you with experience) is, have you ever experienced the sensation I'm speaking of? Is it possible that it's due to dehyrdation, or too much hydration??? I've definitely got to get this figured out before Arkansas, in October.
This Monday I had a great run on the Northshore trail at lake Grapevine. Got a nice 22-23 miles in, with some pretty oppressive heat. I experimented a little bit with Sport Beans (which I've tried before) and enjoyed them. The packs are only 100 calories a piece so I'll have to work with that and see what I feel I need an each hour to sustain myself for around 24hrs.
Any advice is much appreciated!! Hope everyone is training hard and living harder :) Also, if anyone would ever like to trail run in the DFW area just let me know!
_Jacob_
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Two Races, Two Weeks!
I'm super disappointed in myself for not updating last week after a great weekend of racing!
Last Saturday I raced the Metroplex Sprint Triathlon for Ironhead Race Productions based here in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. As most everyone knows by now, my focus as of lately has not been triathlon, but long distance running.
Well last weekend I proved that swim training is not all that important! I ended placing first overall, by 11 seconds! I had the 6th fastest swim, 2nd fastest bike, and 2nd fastest run splits for the day. I couldn't have been any happier with the result.
This past Friday night I raced my first timed ultra event in Abilene, Texas which is about 3hrs West of Dallas. The event took place in a park on a 1 mile loop starting at 8pm. The winner was the one who ran the most laps before 2am! Long story short I ended up running 36 miles in 5:57:34, which was good enough for 2nd overall. My original plan was to get 40 miles in, but that unfortunately did not happen.
If you'd like to read that race report, just CLICK HERE.
I have a another triathlon early next month, then I have a 50K at the end of July in Forth Worth starting at midnight. I'm going to train hard in hopes of getting the win out there. There should be a big crowd with lots of fast runners. I'm totally looking forward to it.
Hope everyone is training hard and staying safe in the awesome Texas heat!! See you guys and gals out there.
_Jacob_
PS- I'll post pics from the 6hr race once they're up!
Last Saturday I raced the Metroplex Sprint Triathlon for Ironhead Race Productions based here in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. As most everyone knows by now, my focus as of lately has not been triathlon, but long distance running.
Well last weekend I proved that swim training is not all that important! I ended placing first overall, by 11 seconds! I had the 6th fastest swim, 2nd fastest bike, and 2nd fastest run splits for the day. I couldn't have been any happier with the result.
This past Friday night I raced my first timed ultra event in Abilene, Texas which is about 3hrs West of Dallas. The event took place in a park on a 1 mile loop starting at 8pm. The winner was the one who ran the most laps before 2am! Long story short I ended up running 36 miles in 5:57:34, which was good enough for 2nd overall. My original plan was to get 40 miles in, but that unfortunately did not happen.
If you'd like to read that race report, just CLICK HERE.
I have a another triathlon early next month, then I have a 50K at the end of July in Forth Worth starting at midnight. I'm going to train hard in hopes of getting the win out there. There should be a big crowd with lots of fast runners. I'm totally looking forward to it.
Hope everyone is training hard and staying safe in the awesome Texas heat!! See you guys and gals out there.
_Jacob_
PS- I'll post pics from the 6hr race once they're up!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The SUPERDROME!
For sometime now I've been wanting to race on a velodrome. AKA, "track racing". A velodrome is an oval banked track of various lengths. Here in the North Texas area we have a track in Frisco. It's one of three olympic velodromes in the USA. It's 250 meters with the most banked sections being 44.5 degrees, and the "flats" being 17 degrees.
To race on this track one has to be qualified, not only for their safety but other racers safety. I FINALLY had the chance to take the "development" class so that I'll be qualified to race on the track.
MAN, what an experience! This thing was incredible. It was a 4 hour class starting at 9am. A lot of the people in the class were brand new to track racing, and had pretty much zero knowledge. Track racing requires a "fixed gear" bicycle. Fixed gears obviously only have one gear, no brakes, and the rear cog is "fixed" so that one cannot coast.
To most people this concept seems unbelievably dangerous but it's for the opposite reason that it's so. On a track people ride really close together, and really fast. If you've ever been on the highway and the car 10 cars up slams on it's breaks you know the result. It's a chain reaction and everyone behind them will have to slow down. On a track the fixed gear bikes keep people from being able to slam on their brakes and cause wrecks. (not that wrecks don't happen)
After finally working our way onto the track and doing some practice laps we worked our way all the way up to the top. It was an unbelievable sensation riding so high. I'd say it was between 20-25 feet up from the bottom of the track when we were at the top of the 44.5 degree banked turns.
By the end of the class we were able to do some "mock" racing. There were two other knowledgable cyclists in the class. Due to my ridiculous type "A" racing attitude I ended up winning both races. (I actually meant to lose the last one on purpose, but couldn't do it) After racing I'm extremely excited to get to legitimately race. Unfortunately most their races are on Friday nights and that doesn't work too well for me.
Below I'll be posting another video of a group doing a "paceline" on the velodrome, and I'll also be posting a few photos I took of the track. If you're interested in track racing or the Superdrome in Frisco here are a few links.
Click HERE for the Superdrome.
Click HERE for track racing information.
I hope everyone is having a great week! Looks like the weather isn't going to be too bad for my triathlon this weekend. I'll try and give a good update early next week with some photos and results!
_Jacob_
To race on this track one has to be qualified, not only for their safety but other racers safety. I FINALLY had the chance to take the "development" class so that I'll be qualified to race on the track.
MAN, what an experience! This thing was incredible. It was a 4 hour class starting at 9am. A lot of the people in the class were brand new to track racing, and had pretty much zero knowledge. Track racing requires a "fixed gear" bicycle. Fixed gears obviously only have one gear, no brakes, and the rear cog is "fixed" so that one cannot coast.
To most people this concept seems unbelievably dangerous but it's for the opposite reason that it's so. On a track people ride really close together, and really fast. If you've ever been on the highway and the car 10 cars up slams on it's breaks you know the result. It's a chain reaction and everyone behind them will have to slow down. On a track the fixed gear bikes keep people from being able to slam on their brakes and cause wrecks. (not that wrecks don't happen)
After finally working our way onto the track and doing some practice laps we worked our way all the way up to the top. It was an unbelievable sensation riding so high. I'd say it was between 20-25 feet up from the bottom of the track when we were at the top of the 44.5 degree banked turns.
By the end of the class we were able to do some "mock" racing. There were two other knowledgable cyclists in the class. Due to my ridiculous type "A" racing attitude I ended up winning both races. (I actually meant to lose the last one on purpose, but couldn't do it) After racing I'm extremely excited to get to legitimately race. Unfortunately most their races are on Friday nights and that doesn't work too well for me.
Below I'll be posting another video of a group doing a "paceline" on the velodrome, and I'll also be posting a few photos I took of the track. If you're interested in track racing or the Superdrome in Frisco here are a few links.
Click HERE for the Superdrome.
Click HERE for track racing information.
I hope everyone is having a great week! Looks like the weather isn't going to be too bad for my triathlon this weekend. I'll try and give a good update early next week with some photos and results!
_Jacob_
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
TEXAS Heat!
The heat is on in North Texas!! I've been getting in some great trail runs recently, but they've been steamy. (My friend Alan can attest to that!)
I've been doing most of my runs around 1-4pm and it's been averaging between 96-101 everyday. Yesterday I was running one of my favorite trails in Oak Cliff just south of Dallas and the humidity had to be around 1,284% and about 100 degrees. I was sweating as soon as I stepped out of the car!
The run was superb. Get's me excited for my upcoming races/runs. This weekend I've got my first triathlon of the season. Unfortunately it will also be my first swim of the year as well! Haha. Man, this could be bad. Of course I'm still going for the win, and I'll be slightly disappointed with anything less. Despite my lack of any organized training, much less triathlon specific training!
The next weekend I'm doing a 6hr run in Abilene, TX that starts at 8pm and is on a one mile loop. I'd LOVE to log about 40 miles out there (which would be a sub 9min pace).
Just wanted to give everyone a heads up on my recent runs and some of the races I'll be doing soon. Next post?? My exciting adventures at the Frisco Velodrome. Aka, the SUPERDROME! I'm out for now.
(Photo is from the Jemez 50 in new mexico a few weeks ago)
_Jacob_
I've been doing most of my runs around 1-4pm and it's been averaging between 96-101 everyday. Yesterday I was running one of my favorite trails in Oak Cliff just south of Dallas and the humidity had to be around 1,284% and about 100 degrees. I was sweating as soon as I stepped out of the car!
The run was superb. Get's me excited for my upcoming races/runs. This weekend I've got my first triathlon of the season. Unfortunately it will also be my first swim of the year as well! Haha. Man, this could be bad. Of course I'm still going for the win, and I'll be slightly disappointed with anything less. Despite my lack of any organized training, much less triathlon specific training!
The next weekend I'm doing a 6hr run in Abilene, TX that starts at 8pm and is on a one mile loop. I'd LOVE to log about 40 miles out there (which would be a sub 9min pace).
Just wanted to give everyone a heads up on my recent runs and some of the races I'll be doing soon. Next post?? My exciting adventures at the Frisco Velodrome. Aka, the SUPERDROME! I'm out for now.
(Photo is from the Jemez 50 in new mexico a few weeks ago)
_Jacob_
Friday, June 4, 2010
Runnin 50s for what?
Geezz. I'm not really even sure where to start this post.
I've been so unbelievably lazy with my posts lately. It's amazing how the more I have to talk about the less I actually post stuff.
About two weeks ago I ran my third 50 mile race in the past four months. The Jemez Mountain 50 miler in Los Alamos, New Mexico. I had such high hopes going into this race. I don't know if I was expecting some kind of breakthrough ultra race, but I got almost the total opposite. Once again, a hard ultra mountain race showed me whose boss.
This race was 50 miles in the heart of the Jemez mountains. We started around 7,500 ft and topped out over 10,300 ft at least three times for a total climbing amount of 12,000 ft. (Loss and Gain in 50 miles)
After my previous experience at the Zane Grey 50 where I felt like I'd pretty much hit rock bottom, I didn't think it got much worse than that. Boy was I wrong. The Zane Grey 50 took me around 12:47. (That's 12hours and 47 mins for those non ultra runners out there). The Jemez 50 took me something like 14:19. Yea. That's pretty much an average mile of 16:50 something. Borderline embarrassing for me. I trained for the Jemez race fairly hard but just got completely owned by the terrain and altitude.
I feel I made a few critical mistakes looking back now. First I took a gel that I RARELY use if ever anymore. After about 4-5 of these things I couldn't eat one more. Literally. Everytime I tried to take one I started dry heaving. I also feel that I got pretty dehydrated pretty early in the race. While it wasn't hot at the start it warmed up by mid day to around 80 degrees. I ended up dehydrated (I guess) which led to me not being able to eat a whole lot. Finally around mile 44 (I forgot to mention the last 10 miles or so are pretty much ALL downhill) I started dry heaving. I knew it was coming up. For the first time in my career of running in general I threw up. Let me tell you. It's GROSS watching brown and black gels come back up! Haha.
I pretty much walked the last 6-7 miles. Downhill. Like I said. Embarrassing.
I crossed the line, got my finishers award, hopped in the car, went straight to Sonic, went back to the hotel and fell asleep. While I was "racing" I literally felt like I was sleep walking at certain points. Again, not sure if that was the altitude or what, but I was literally exhausted.
During races like that I really question my reasons for doing those things to myself. I question my ability to do that stuff, and I question if I'm even an ultra runner.
Of course, I don't do it for the time, I don't do it for anyone but myself, and the fact that I get to see some of the most gorgeous terrain the U.S. has to offer, all on foot. Obviously I'm going to have to do some tweaking with my nutrition and be sure that I stick with my tried and true.
I've got a few more races lined up pretty soon. The Abilene 6hr Endurance run is coming up that starts at 8pm. (1 mile loop) Then in July I've got the El Scorcho 50K that starts at midnight in Fort Worth. I'm really pumped about that one. I'm not going to keep it a secret, but I'm definitely racing for the win out there. Hopefully the guy that won last year (Ran like 3:06 or smoething crazy) won't show up and I'll at least have a chance at the top 3.
**********************************************************************
In the personal life things are pretty busy! Courtney is planning away at the wedding and things are REALLY going smoothly. We now have a wedding venue and reception venue! The date is set for January 8th, 2011. It definitely couldn't come fast enough.
I'm gonna try to post more pictures and videos from now on. I'm working on updating my Picasa page, much like my facebook. You search Jacob Evans (Dallas, TX) you'll find me there!
Enjoy the video! (Not made by me)
Train hard and live harder.
_Jacob_
I've been so unbelievably lazy with my posts lately. It's amazing how the more I have to talk about the less I actually post stuff.
About two weeks ago I ran my third 50 mile race in the past four months. The Jemez Mountain 50 miler in Los Alamos, New Mexico. I had such high hopes going into this race. I don't know if I was expecting some kind of breakthrough ultra race, but I got almost the total opposite. Once again, a hard ultra mountain race showed me whose boss.
This race was 50 miles in the heart of the Jemez mountains. We started around 7,500 ft and topped out over 10,300 ft at least three times for a total climbing amount of 12,000 ft. (Loss and Gain in 50 miles)
After my previous experience at the Zane Grey 50 where I felt like I'd pretty much hit rock bottom, I didn't think it got much worse than that. Boy was I wrong. The Zane Grey 50 took me around 12:47. (That's 12hours and 47 mins for those non ultra runners out there). The Jemez 50 took me something like 14:19. Yea. That's pretty much an average mile of 16:50 something. Borderline embarrassing for me. I trained for the Jemez race fairly hard but just got completely owned by the terrain and altitude.
I feel I made a few critical mistakes looking back now. First I took a gel that I RARELY use if ever anymore. After about 4-5 of these things I couldn't eat one more. Literally. Everytime I tried to take one I started dry heaving. I also feel that I got pretty dehydrated pretty early in the race. While it wasn't hot at the start it warmed up by mid day to around 80 degrees. I ended up dehydrated (I guess) which led to me not being able to eat a whole lot. Finally around mile 44 (I forgot to mention the last 10 miles or so are pretty much ALL downhill) I started dry heaving. I knew it was coming up. For the first time in my career of running in general I threw up. Let me tell you. It's GROSS watching brown and black gels come back up! Haha.
I pretty much walked the last 6-7 miles. Downhill. Like I said. Embarrassing.
I crossed the line, got my finishers award, hopped in the car, went straight to Sonic, went back to the hotel and fell asleep. While I was "racing" I literally felt like I was sleep walking at certain points. Again, not sure if that was the altitude or what, but I was literally exhausted.
During races like that I really question my reasons for doing those things to myself. I question my ability to do that stuff, and I question if I'm even an ultra runner.
Of course, I don't do it for the time, I don't do it for anyone but myself, and the fact that I get to see some of the most gorgeous terrain the U.S. has to offer, all on foot. Obviously I'm going to have to do some tweaking with my nutrition and be sure that I stick with my tried and true.
I've got a few more races lined up pretty soon. The Abilene 6hr Endurance run is coming up that starts at 8pm. (1 mile loop) Then in July I've got the El Scorcho 50K that starts at midnight in Fort Worth. I'm really pumped about that one. I'm not going to keep it a secret, but I'm definitely racing for the win out there. Hopefully the guy that won last year (Ran like 3:06 or smoething crazy) won't show up and I'll at least have a chance at the top 3.
**********************************************************************
In the personal life things are pretty busy! Courtney is planning away at the wedding and things are REALLY going smoothly. We now have a wedding venue and reception venue! The date is set for January 8th, 2011. It definitely couldn't come fast enough.
I'm gonna try to post more pictures and videos from now on. I'm working on updating my Picasa page, much like my facebook. You search Jacob Evans (Dallas, TX) you'll find me there!
Enjoy the video! (Not made by me)
Train hard and live harder.
_Jacob_
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Zane Grey 51?
Who's the worst ever at updating? Me. I know... Iknow. Hopefully everyone knows that I update my training log on a daily basis, and is a great way to know what I'm up to. (training and personally)
I don't have too much time right now but I did want to post the link to my race report for the Zane Grey 50 (actually 51 miles) trail run that I did in Arizona last weekend! CLICK HERE to check it out. I got in a really nice 21 mile run today at the Northshore trail in Grapevine. Man, do I LOVE that trail.
Hope everyone is doing well and I will definitely be updating more. I'm obviously going in a different direction than I have been in the past few years, but I couldn't be any happier. Triathlon is still important to me, but ultra running has become just as if not more important. I find it unbelievably challenging and beautiful.
Train hard and live harder :)
_Jacob_
I don't have too much time right now but I did want to post the link to my race report for the Zane Grey 50 (actually 51 miles) trail run that I did in Arizona last weekend! CLICK HERE to check it out. I got in a really nice 21 mile run today at the Northshore trail in Grapevine. Man, do I LOVE that trail.
Hope everyone is doing well and I will definitely be updating more. I'm obviously going in a different direction than I have been in the past few years, but I couldn't be any happier. Triathlon is still important to me, but ultra running has become just as if not more important. I find it unbelievably challenging and beautiful.
Train hard and live harder :)
_Jacob_
Monday, April 5, 2010
Marathon Maniacs!!!
So for the past few years I've wanted to be a part of ths group called the "Marathon Maniacs". There's a fairly strict set of guidlines to actually get into this group. The easiest way to get it in two run 2 marathons within 16 days which I easily did last weekend. (Not to mention running 100K in less than 14 hours)
Anyways, I actually qualified last weekend without even thinking about it. IT wasn't until a few days after that it hit me that I had qualified to apply. Well know I can gladly call myself Marathon Maniac number 2383!
In other news I did end up racing the A2A marathon (obviously) and finished 9th overall and 2nd age group with a time of 3:21:25. I started out super easy and actually ended up running close to 7 minute miles at the end. I felt great and was happy to get Oklahoma knocked off my 50 states list.
Now I have to big 50 milers coming up in less than 50ish days. I'm really looking forward to both. The first is Zane Grey which is supposed to be super tough, then I'm doing Jemez which is supposed to be equally tough due to the huge altitude.
I'll keep everyone updated on those races and anything else I add to the schedule. Hope everyone is training hard and enjoying this amazing spring weather!!
_Jacob_
Anyways, I actually qualified last weekend without even thinking about it. IT wasn't until a few days after that it hit me that I had qualified to apply. Well know I can gladly call myself Marathon Maniac number 2383!
In other news I did end up racing the A2A marathon (obviously) and finished 9th overall and 2nd age group with a time of 3:21:25. I started out super easy and actually ended up running close to 7 minute miles at the end. I felt great and was happy to get Oklahoma knocked off my 50 states list.
Now I have to big 50 milers coming up in less than 50ish days. I'm really looking forward to both. The first is Zane Grey which is supposed to be super tough, then I'm doing Jemez which is supposed to be equally tough due to the huge altitude.
I'll keep everyone updated on those races and anything else I add to the schedule. Hope everyone is training hard and enjoying this amazing spring weather!!
_Jacob_
Saturday, March 6, 2010
My infatuation with the HR100....
I haven't been a part of the ultra running community all that long, but from what I can tell the majority of ultra runners dream race is the Western States 100. While this race seems incredible, I can't help but imagine why when the Hardrock 100 is out there.
Hardrock seems like a pipe dream at this point, but I can only hope someday soon I'm able to make it to that finish line. To me Hardrock seems like the epitamy of what ultra running is. It has single track, jeep roads, absurd climbs, uber remote locations, weather, and is just plain jaw dropping beautiful.
If you've never heard of the Hardrock 100, or even if you have, I'm sure you can appreciate genuine beauty. I'm posting a few photos I recently found that make me want to "run" Hardrock even more than I already do.
Train hard and live harder...
_Jacob_
Monday, March 1, 2010
Legit update!
I will be updating soon!
Some cool things have been happening and my running is coming along! I'm finally feeling ready to get some big mileage under my feet and start focusing on training specifically for my upcoming 50 milers!
Just real quick, I have finally decided on a 100 mile run for this year. The Arkansas Traveller 100 is definitely the race for me. It's relatively close, it's not multiple loops (just one), and it's all trail. The only thing I don't like about it is, is that it only has 8 miles of single track. The rest is jeep roads/double track.
So, I hope everyone is doing awesome and bearing through some of this ridiculous weather we've all been having! (1 ft + of snow in the Dallas area!!) Congrats to all the finishers at the Cowtown Marathon/Half Marathon/Ultra/ Etc! You guys did awesome.
_Jacob_
Some cool things have been happening and my running is coming along! I'm finally feeling ready to get some big mileage under my feet and start focusing on training specifically for my upcoming 50 milers!
Just real quick, I have finally decided on a 100 mile run for this year. The Arkansas Traveller 100 is definitely the race for me. It's relatively close, it's not multiple loops (just one), and it's all trail. The only thing I don't like about it is, is that it only has 8 miles of single track. The rest is jeep roads/double track.
So, I hope everyone is doing awesome and bearing through some of this ridiculous weather we've all been having! (1 ft + of snow in the Dallas area!!) Congrats to all the finishers at the Cowtown Marathon/Half Marathon/Ultra/ Etc! You guys did awesome.
_Jacob_
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Rocky Raccoon 50 Mile Run
Well I have finished my second run of 50 miles or greater! Man, what an experience. I went into this race COMPLETELY unprepared. On the upside I came out a stronger runner with more ultra experience under my belt!
I completed my race report last night if you'd like to check it out. Just CLICK HERE and that will take you straight there!
The recovery went great. I raced about 9 days ago and got in a nice 8 miler today around a 7:20 pace. I'm looking forward to actually training for my next 50 miler which will be in late April, and is supposed to be one of the hardest 50 milers in the country!! On top of that I'm doing another 50 in May that's supposed to be just as hard if not harder!!
My 2010 race schedule is really starting to take shape. I keep updating little bits at a time, but it's looking pretty definite so far. The only things I see changing are the possibility of adding a few races, and taking away the pacing 50 at the Tahoe Rim 100. (Possibility my friend won't be racing)
I'm thinking of registering for the Ardmore Marathon (point to point starting at Turner Falls). I'm doing something the day before but figure I could make the drive up there on race morning and pick up my packet then! It looks interesting and I bet it will be fairly small. We'll see how my schedule unfolds and hopefully I'll be able to make it up there for a fun 26 :)
Hope everyones doing well and staying warm!!!
_Jacob_
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Copperas Cove Road Race
Well my first road race is in the bag! Man, what an experience.
To be honest my training was great coming into it, but I knew that it would be a great test of where my fitness is cycling wise right now. I registered for the CAT 5 race which was technically a CAT 4/5 race.
My goal going into the race was to just hang around in the top 5-10 or so unless a break happened. If more than one person went I was going with them. Well during the first 3-4 miles I was in the top 5-6 people and I could see the first climb coming up. I made the split decision right there to go ahead and surge and see who went with me. I took a few glances behind me and it didn't look like anyone was coming, then next thing I know I see 2 guys come up right beside me. SWEEET. These guys looked pretty legit and I had high hopes for a good break.
We pushed the pace pretty hard to get a decent gap and then just held it around two minutes. Since this was my first road race I learned a lot from these two guys. Around an hour fifteen in one of the guys seemed to be hurting a bit and I knew that our gap was down to around a minute thirty or less. I pushed just a touch to maintain pace and he fell off the back.
Me and Eric, a fantastic cyclist from Texas Tech was now the only other rider with me. We took a right and hammered HARD with the tail wind. I wanted to see how much of a gap we could get back until we hit the headwind again. We took a right off that road and started the ride back to town with a stiff headwind. There was one nice climb here that I thought would possibly break us but I felt great once I got to the top.
Eric and I made the left turn back towards Copperas Cove and I knew we probably had it. Eric offered the win to me since he felt that I had down the majority of the pulling, but I didn't really want to take a win that way. Once I could see the line I sprinted with everything I had left and crossed the line in first with Eric just .3 seconds behind me.
This race was an absolutely wonderful experience. I met a few really cool people and some great cyclists.
Something that has hit me the wrong way is some of the responses I've read about my win on a cycling forum, but I'll definitely save that for a different post.
One more thing I want to hit on is the purpose of this blog. This website, in no way what so ever, is a self promotion website. This website is a BLOG, that I update not only for my own records but for my friends, family, and other people getting into endurance sports. I want nothing more than for other people to find the joy in exercise that I have found. (Hence my degree in Physical Education)
To those that made those comments regarding my results yesterday, I'm sorry you feel the way you do, but I, just like all of you, have to start from the very bottom of the totem pole, (That means as a CAT 5) regardless of my triathlon results. I am in NO WAY an "iron man pro" as someone put it. No where on this site do I claim to be a "pro" at anything.
My hope is that the guys or gals that made those comments decide to either stop saying such rude/false comments, or start training harder so that I don't have to ride 50 miles with two guys next time.
To all my friends and family I thank you guys SO much for supporting me in all my endeavors. You guys are the very best. I also thank B&B Bicycles in Cedar Hill for all their support. Without Beth, Jeremy, and Jeff I would still be on a broken down bmx bike riding around Ovilla.
Last but not least congrats to Krysta, Eric, and the whole Texas Tech racing team for a great show at Copperas. You guys are lucky to have such a huge cycling crew!
Hope everyone is training hard and playing harder :)
_Jacob_
To be honest my training was great coming into it, but I knew that it would be a great test of where my fitness is cycling wise right now. I registered for the CAT 5 race which was technically a CAT 4/5 race.
My goal going into the race was to just hang around in the top 5-10 or so unless a break happened. If more than one person went I was going with them. Well during the first 3-4 miles I was in the top 5-6 people and I could see the first climb coming up. I made the split decision right there to go ahead and surge and see who went with me. I took a few glances behind me and it didn't look like anyone was coming, then next thing I know I see 2 guys come up right beside me. SWEEET. These guys looked pretty legit and I had high hopes for a good break.
We pushed the pace pretty hard to get a decent gap and then just held it around two minutes. Since this was my first road race I learned a lot from these two guys. Around an hour fifteen in one of the guys seemed to be hurting a bit and I knew that our gap was down to around a minute thirty or less. I pushed just a touch to maintain pace and he fell off the back.
Me and Eric, a fantastic cyclist from Texas Tech was now the only other rider with me. We took a right and hammered HARD with the tail wind. I wanted to see how much of a gap we could get back until we hit the headwind again. We took a right off that road and started the ride back to town with a stiff headwind. There was one nice climb here that I thought would possibly break us but I felt great once I got to the top.
Eric and I made the left turn back towards Copperas Cove and I knew we probably had it. Eric offered the win to me since he felt that I had down the majority of the pulling, but I didn't really want to take a win that way. Once I could see the line I sprinted with everything I had left and crossed the line in first with Eric just .3 seconds behind me.
This race was an absolutely wonderful experience. I met a few really cool people and some great cyclists.
Something that has hit me the wrong way is some of the responses I've read about my win on a cycling forum, but I'll definitely save that for a different post.
One more thing I want to hit on is the purpose of this blog. This website, in no way what so ever, is a self promotion website. This website is a BLOG, that I update not only for my own records but for my friends, family, and other people getting into endurance sports. I want nothing more than for other people to find the joy in exercise that I have found. (Hence my degree in Physical Education)
To those that made those comments regarding my results yesterday, I'm sorry you feel the way you do, but I, just like all of you, have to start from the very bottom of the totem pole, (That means as a CAT 5) regardless of my triathlon results. I am in NO WAY an "iron man pro" as someone put it. No where on this site do I claim to be a "pro" at anything.
My hope is that the guys or gals that made those comments decide to either stop saying such rude/false comments, or start training harder so that I don't have to ride 50 miles with two guys next time.
To all my friends and family I thank you guys SO much for supporting me in all my endeavors. You guys are the very best. I also thank B&B Bicycles in Cedar Hill for all their support. Without Beth, Jeremy, and Jeff I would still be on a broken down bmx bike riding around Ovilla.
Last but not least congrats to Krysta, Eric, and the whole Texas Tech racing team for a great show at Copperas. You guys are lucky to have such a huge cycling crew!
Hope everyone is training hard and playing harder :)
_Jacob_
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
4hr Single Speed Mountain Bike Race...
SOOOoooooo....
I finished my first mountain bike race this past weekend! YES. The weekend where we had record cold! When I arrived at the race sight the temps where getting close to 20 degrees. Due to the "extreme" cold I opted for the 4hr race instead of the 6hr. I was racing a single speed mountain bike instead of a geared bike so I was also in a different category.
What can I say? I have a new found respect for mountain bikers! I ended up doing 4 laps with a total of about 44-45 miles in 4:39:xx, and first overall in the 4hr single speed division. I had an absolute blast. My arms hurt, my legs hurt, my everything hurt. It definitely doesn't get much better than that.
I'm hoping that I'll be able to cram another mtn bike race in but the schedule is starting to look pretty full for 2010. I'm pretty focused right now on my upcoming road race, and the Rocky Raccoon 50 mile run.
I started running again on Friday! I can't even put into words how good it felt to get back on my feet, and off that saddle. I did an easy road run on Friday, took Saturday off for the mtn bike race, then got a nice trail run in on Monday. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting in a nice 7-8 mile trail run in this afternoon if the work schedule allows. My goal for Rocky Raccoon is a sub 8hr 50 mile run (which is REALLY ambitious) but I feel confident that if I train smart I can pull it off with my fitness being where it is.
Like I mentioned earlier I'm also getting ready for my first actual road race in the 23rd of January in Copperas Cove, Texas. I'm racing the Cat4/5 group race which is 54 miles. Being the triathlete that I am, I'm sure that I'm going to go off the front hard, end up pulling 4-5 fast guys, then get dropped around mile 50, but you know what they say... "if you're not first you're last!" Haha. But seriously, it should be a blast, and I'm looking forward to leaving it all out on the road. I hope everyone else is bringing their "A" game, cause I don't want to ride 50 miles by myself :)
Alrighty, I've gotta get back to work, but wanted to give everyone a quick update on that mountain bike race. Below is a picture or two of the race. Hopefully I'll get a race report done within the next week or so....
Stay safe, stay warm, and train hard!
_Jacob_
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Racing this weekend!?!?
When I think of racing I get warm fuzzies all over.
When I think of the fact that the windchills are supposed to be in the negatives this weekend I cold shivers.
I'm hoping that it all balances out and I'm just mildly frozen this Saturday.
Yes. Yes I am going to race this weekend. I decided about a month ago that I was going to do this 6hr mountain bike race at one of my local trails. Our local mountain bike association (DORBA) puts it on. I'm excited to see how competitive I can be among our local mtn bikers. On the downside the most I've ridden this winter is about 3hrs, AND I'm actually doing the mtn bike race on a 29er single speed. No matter what happens it's going to be interesting! If anyone else is interested in racing check out the DORBA website.
Now for some SUPER POSITIVE news: I'M RUNNING ON FRIDAY! Again, it's supposed to be 15 degrees, but I haven't run in 6 WEEKS. I'm so excited to get back into ultra running shape. I'm hoping that all this cycling has really helped my endurance. (Even though my endurance was peak before all this happened) If you check out my 2010 schedule to the right you can see that I'm planning a lot of ultra runs and very few triathlons. We'll have to see what races get chosen for the regional championships, then I'll add those in and that will probably the 2010 season.
I've gotta go work on this mountain bike, but in my next post I'll be reviewing my first 6hr mountain bike race, then in post after that I'll be reviewing my 2009 season that was by far my favorite, and most successful season yet!
I hope everyone is doing well... staying warm... and training hard!!
_Jacob_
When I think of the fact that the windchills are supposed to be in the negatives this weekend I cold shivers.
I'm hoping that it all balances out and I'm just mildly frozen this Saturday.
Yes. Yes I am going to race this weekend. I decided about a month ago that I was going to do this 6hr mountain bike race at one of my local trails. Our local mountain bike association (DORBA) puts it on. I'm excited to see how competitive I can be among our local mtn bikers. On the downside the most I've ridden this winter is about 3hrs, AND I'm actually doing the mtn bike race on a 29er single speed. No matter what happens it's going to be interesting! If anyone else is interested in racing check out the DORBA website.
Now for some SUPER POSITIVE news: I'M RUNNING ON FRIDAY! Again, it's supposed to be 15 degrees, but I haven't run in 6 WEEKS. I'm so excited to get back into ultra running shape. I'm hoping that all this cycling has really helped my endurance. (Even though my endurance was peak before all this happened) If you check out my 2010 schedule to the right you can see that I'm planning a lot of ultra runs and very few triathlons. We'll have to see what races get chosen for the regional championships, then I'll add those in and that will probably the 2010 season.
I've gotta go work on this mountain bike, but in my next post I'll be reviewing my first 6hr mountain bike race, then in post after that I'll be reviewing my 2009 season that was by far my favorite, and most successful season yet!
I hope everyone is doing well... staying warm... and training hard!!
_Jacob_
Monday, January 4, 2010
5 days left....
Wow. It has been forever since I've updated. I guess that by now everyone knows that I decided to take 6 complete weeks off from running in order to heal a possible stress fracture. Mentally I never wanted to accept the fact that I was possibly injured but after a few really painful runs (and walks for that matter) I decided it was time to take some downtime.
That downtime included missing two scheduled and payed for races. First was the Texas Trails 50K, and second was the Dallas White Rock Marathon (which I had run four previous times). Not running and missing scheduled races was a lot more difficult that I expected.
With that said it's now January 4th, and I'm running on January 8th!!! It has been a LOOONG 6 weeks but it's finally almost over. Over the past week or so I've been planning out my 2010 season and it's going to contain a lot more trail races that triathlons or duathlons. Last year was solely focused on getting 1st overall triathlete in the South Midwest Region, and that's what I did. Now I'd just like to trail run as much as possible and just have fun.
Since I'm definitely not going to ready to run 100 miles for Rocky Raccoon in 4 weeks I'm opting to run the 50 miler. I'm also going to knock out to other 50 milers I've been wanting to do for awhile. The Jemez 50 in Los Alamos, NM and the Zane Gray 50 in Arizona. Zane Gray is supposed to be one of the toughest 50 miler in the US and I'm sooo excited to run that one.
Outside of triathlon/running news I graduated from UTA on December 14th with a degree in Kinesiology/Education. I'm now certified to teach P.E. (grades K-12) in the state of Texas!
While I'm not actively searching for a teaching job I am keeping an eye out and keeping my mind open. I recently started a new job doing what I've been doing for the past 5 years and it's for a great company that I really enjoy working for/with.
As my 2010 season begins I plan on having as much fun as possible and beginning this new chapter in my life outside of school.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a great/safe New Year! I look forward to seeing and hearing from all of you!
_Jacob_
That downtime included missing two scheduled and payed for races. First was the Texas Trails 50K, and second was the Dallas White Rock Marathon (which I had run four previous times). Not running and missing scheduled races was a lot more difficult that I expected.
With that said it's now January 4th, and I'm running on January 8th!!! It has been a LOOONG 6 weeks but it's finally almost over. Over the past week or so I've been planning out my 2010 season and it's going to contain a lot more trail races that triathlons or duathlons. Last year was solely focused on getting 1st overall triathlete in the South Midwest Region, and that's what I did. Now I'd just like to trail run as much as possible and just have fun.
Since I'm definitely not going to ready to run 100 miles for Rocky Raccoon in 4 weeks I'm opting to run the 50 miler. I'm also going to knock out to other 50 milers I've been wanting to do for awhile. The Jemez 50 in Los Alamos, NM and the Zane Gray 50 in Arizona. Zane Gray is supposed to be one of the toughest 50 miler in the US and I'm sooo excited to run that one.
Outside of triathlon/running news I graduated from UTA on December 14th with a degree in Kinesiology/Education. I'm now certified to teach P.E. (grades K-12) in the state of Texas!
While I'm not actively searching for a teaching job I am keeping an eye out and keeping my mind open. I recently started a new job doing what I've been doing for the past 5 years and it's for a great company that I really enjoy working for/with.
As my 2010 season begins I plan on having as much fun as possible and beginning this new chapter in my life outside of school.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a great/safe New Year! I look forward to seeing and hearing from all of you!
_Jacob_
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