31 December 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 2012, 2012 Review, Ankle Fracture, Annual Review, Blood Clots, Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT, Health, Injury Reports, PE, Peroneus Brevis Tendon Tear, Pulmonary Embolism, Training Logs, Ultra Marathons, Ultra Running
27 December 2012
Though I have not fully processed my recent health scare, I figured it was time to briefly reflect on the wonderful year that has been before I capture my thoughts on my blog in greater detail before year's end.
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 2012, 2012 Review, Annual Review, Training Logs, Ultra Marathons, Ultra Running
12 November 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in Trail Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
03 November 2012
One of my favorite race logos. |
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 2012 Pinhoti 100 Mile Endurance Run, DNF, Pinhoti 100, Pinhoti 100 Mile, Race Reports, Trail Running, Ultra Running
31 October 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Road Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
23 October 2012
At 5:30PM, my wife decided it was time for her after work run and since I took it easy this morning, I figured I'd join her on a short run. We did 3.5 miles on the UAH campus and temps were much milder at this point, probably in the 70s. My legs felt good, but sciatica is ever present.
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Road Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
20 October 2012
Team M&M was race team #8. |
A bit cold but still all smiles just before the race. |
The host city for the Grunt 'N' Grind. |
One of the "clues" we had to locate. |
The Map. |
The Clue Sheet. |
Happy Finishers, 9th out of 17 overall:-) |
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, 2012 Gunter's Grunt 'N' Grind Urban Adventure Race, Adventure Race, Canoeing, Cycling, Grunt 'n' Grind, Race Reports, Running
17 October 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Road Running, Training Logs
15 October 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Trail Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
13 October 2012
Very nice new tech shirt this year...and the 15K State Championship no less. |
Me on a picturesque road section inside Monte Sano State Park just after the race start. |
Anya looking very relaxed early in the race. |
As the race start approached, I decided I would try to stay with Jason as long as possible and if I couldn't maintain pace, I'd lust drop off and take it easy. However, I was still running with him with a mile to go, I was going to give him a run for his money. RD Mike O'Melia signaled the race start with the traditional musket (or whatever that riffle is called) and we were off. BTW, it was absolutely great to see Dink Taylor out there looking just like his old self (minus a few pounds). From what I hear, his recovery is going rather well and I am extremely glad to see and hear that.
I was feeling pretty good very early on running sub 7 min pace. Jason was just ahead of me and Kathy Youngren and Dana Overton were just behind me. I figured it would only be a matter of time before they'd pass me. As usual, Mike had taken off like a rabbit. He never faltered and had a strong race. Congrats Mike! I kept Jason right in front of me, but at just 3 miles into the race, I started to feel pooped already. I immediately turned inside and started to argue with myself. "Why am I even out here? I just ran a 50K and a 100 miler just 3 weeks ago. I have neither the pace nor the mental fortitude right now to turn it on, so why don't I just walk it in. Seriously, who cares." Well, I care, so while I slowed down significantly, I decided to treat this as a tempo run. I allowed myself to slow my pace to at least talk to fellow racers or shout words of encouragement, but I more or less maintained this pace til the finish.
I crossed the finish line in 69 minutes, about 4 minutes slower than my goal. Oh well, it was still a course PR and a fantastic race nonetheless. I actually got to enjoy the scenery this time, able to take it all in. The view just after the start with the sun breaking through the fog and the trees and hitting road and us runners below was amazing. I look forward to running this race for the fifth time next year and hopefully, I get to battle it out again with my running buddies, cause this time it was no contest! Congrats to Jason, Mike, Andy, Kathy and all the other runners who finished this race.
A special congratulations goes out to my wife and better half Anya for completing her first 15K road race and for doing it not only in style, but extremely well. Running negative splits on a challenging 15K road course like this one is no small feat. I am extremely proud and excited to see that her training and hard work is paying off. Nicaragua, here we come!
Anya crossing the finish line looking strong! |
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, 2012 FleetFeet Monte Sano 15K, Monte Sano 15K, Race Reports, Road Races, Road Running, Ultra Running
12 October 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Trail Running, Training Logs
10 October 2012
We ran 4.5 miles at an easy pace and the temps were nice and cool. Im going to keep my runs easy to allow myself to recover properly for the Pinhoti 100 in three weeks. I decided to opt out of the Mystery Mountain Trail Marathon, even though I've been wanting to do that one for the last couple of years as some very special peeps organize and run that event....next year for sure!
Posted by Ultra Kraut in Road Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
06 October 2012
Nice swag, tech hat, tech shirt and finisher´s medal. |
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, 2012 StumpJump 50K, Race Reports, Stump Jump, Stump Jump 50K, Trail Races, Trail Running, Ultra Running
03 October 2012
The temps were almost a little chilly to start, but I quickly started sweating in my half-zip top that I chose to wear over a short sleeve tech short. Still, I kept it on. Temps never got above the high 50s or low 60s on this run and when it was all said and done, Ed and I had completed close to 10 miles in just over 2 hours. Slow and leisurely, but fun. I have the StumpJump 50K on the agenda for this weekend, but it will be a mere recovery/tapering effort for me with the Georgia Jewel 100 just behind me and the Pinhoti 100 just ahead of me. It's going to suck not to be able to push, but I have to be smart about and keep my eyes on the big prize.
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Trail Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
01 October 2012
First stop, White House! |
Second stop, The Capitol! |
This run has to be my second most favorite big city run of all time. My favorite run of all time was a similar run in the center of Berlin, the capital of Germany, my home country. Yeah, I know, not really a fair comparison when you're biased like that. My third favorite city run of all time was a run through Central Park in the center of New York City.
Third stop, the Washington Monument! |
I had worked out a 10K loop that started at our hotel just one mile north of the White House and would lead past and around the Washington Monument as well as past multiple properties of the Smithsonian Institution (including the Museums of Natural History, American History and Air & Space and the Smithsonian Castle, to name a few). At one end of the loop, I stopped to take a picture of the US Capitol.
I continued my loop on the other side of the National Mall, this time passing the Washington Memorial, this time to my left. I stopped yet again to snap a picture. I had picked the perfect time for my run. At 7AM, almost all sites were still closed and there was very little traffic at any of the monuments, yet. I continued my run past the Word War II memorial and the reflecting pool until I reached the Lincoln Memorial. Again, it was time for a quick pic before moving on.
Final stop, the Lincoln Memorial! |
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, National Mall Loop, Road Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running, Washington D.C.
23 September 2012
2012 Georgia Jewel 100 Mile Endurance Race Finisher Buckle |
Bib #2, how did that happen? |
Yeah, I'm ready! Can you see the determination in my face? |
Laundry line...ultra style! |
While I was struggling through the final 17 miles of the race with Ronnie as my pacer, Ed decided to take a nap while sending a text. |
Me kissing the finish sign after 32 hours and 35 minutes, Hardrock style;-) |
One happy camper at the Georgia Jewel 100 finish line. |
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 2012 Georgia Jewel 100 Mile Race, Endurance Running, Georgia Jewel 100, Georgia Jewel 100 Mile, Race Reports, Trail Running, Ultra Running
19 September 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Road Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
18 September 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Trail Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
16 September 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Endurance Running, Trail Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
13 September 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Endurance Training, Fartlek, Speedwork, Training Logs, Ultra Running
12 September 2012
After work, I decided to join my wife on a nice 5 miler around the UAH campus. I have to admit, it is much for fun to run with someone who is training for a race than it is to run because you are training for a race, does that make sense? It's just running for running's sake and I'm sure I'll be doing much more of that once I've tackled the Gerogia Jewel 100 and Pinhoti 100 in the next couple of months;-)
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Trail Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
11 September 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Tempo Run, Training Logs, Ultra Running
09 September 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Endurance Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
08 September 2012
We started running just after 6:05AM and stopped at 6:06AM. One of us had their first wipeout just 50 yards into the run. Well, it's always good to get the falls out of the way early. At 6:09AM we stopped again, Ed had rolled his ankle. Just a minute later, I tripped on a tiny root that literally obliterated my right shoe, ripping two large gashes into the upper and even ripping the rubber material that the upper was attached to. Hm, this was going to be an even longer day if we continued on like this.
However, we were able to continue without problems for now and the first 5 miles went by pretty fast. Back in the hiker's parking lot, we picked up a group of runners including Jason Shattuck to continue our run for an additional 15 miles. Most runners stayed with us for about 5-8miles while Cary, Ed, Jason and I continued on. Unforeseen remaining incidents were reduced to a pitstop and an ankle roll. Jason and Ed peeled off just about a mile early while Cary and I continued to complete just over 19 miles. Intermittent rain showers kept me cool for most of the way and the pace kept me relaxed. I did go through about 100 ounces of liquids during the run and I never felt sloshy. I also took a couple of salt pills and a Honey Stinger waffle and chews to stay fueled.
All in all, it was a great run. I'm not sure how to squeeze in a long run next week, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. I plan to do easier runs during the weeks without much climbing. The goals is to keep running while allowing my body and muscles to recover in an effort to taper for the Georgia Jewel 100 in two weeks.
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Trail Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
07 September 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Road Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
05 September 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Trail Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
03 September 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Endurance Running, Mt. Everest Run, Training Logs, Ultra Running
02 September 2012
Appropriate race logo for an ultra on at an Army Ranger Training Camp. |
Appropriate logo for a bunch of "dumasses" running in circles;-) |
I also got to witness my buddy Timo Sandritter's first ever ultra marathon finish. I used to run university loops with this guy for many many afternoons years ago when he first moved to the States. After a long hiatus from running, he had recently started to participate in a couple of local 5Ks and 10Ks after some training and decided it was time for the next step...a 24 hour ultra marathon. No not really, he just had no plans that weekend and figured, why not go along with Martin and see how many miles I actually can run, if I put my mind to it. Well, he ran a total of 40 miles in less than 13 hours....after never having run more than 10 miles in his entire life. Congrats, Timo. Your next ultra finish is just around the corner, I'm sure;-)
Camping "ultra style" in the center of the dirt track (our canopy is the green one in the far back). |
View atop Fort Mountain State Park on our drive to Camp Frank D. Merrill. |
I woke up at 4AM sharp, stomach rumbling...you can guess the rest. I continued the trip the the bathroom multiple times over the next 3 hours and when it was finally time to get up and head for the race, I knew I would be in for a rough race. Regardless of how much fluids I had consumed over the past three days to "prehydrate" for the race, I knew I would be starting the race with a hydration deficit.
We arrived at Camp Merrill around 7:30 AM with plenty of time to set up our supplies and our canopy. Runners had already arrived and more continued to arrive every few minutes. We had a prime spot on the inside of the track near the start/finish area and one of the two aid stations, right next to some GUTS folks (Philip Sustar and his family). Willy and his crew of volunteers were already done setting up and Perry Sebastian was setting up his timing equipment (that Perry guy, even when he's not hosting a race, he still finds productive ways to get involved in a race. Thanks, buddy!)
By now, it was time to get ready to race. I strapped my GoPro to my head and headed for the starting line to hear Willy send us off on our way. The race course was a 1 mile gravel loop next to the Ranger Camp airfield. The course was fully exposed to the sun for much of the day and that beat down by the sun had a serious affect on every single runner out there. Staying hydrated and avoiding overheating was at the top of the to do list for every runner.
I took a conservative pace approach at the start as I expected it to be a long day. The first 10 miles went by pretty quickly. There were lots of folks I hadn't seen in a while and I was busy catching up and making new friends along the way. Margaret Curcio, Jason Rogers, Brad Goodridge and Candy Finley to name just a few. Ronnie Hines joined us a little later for the 12 hour night time run and there were rumors that Dan "The Man" Burstein made an appearance as well. Unfortunately, I had already left at that point, but more about that later.
Between miles 11 and 20, I started to feel the urge to pee. What happened next basically put a stop to my secondary goal of completing 100 miles in 24 hours. A dark discoloration was accompanied by a burning sensation, a clear indicator that I was severely dehydrated. In an effort to try to recover, I took a lengthy break to rehydrate before continuing on. After a 90 minuted break, it was time to get going again. However, my confidence took another hit when the same issues appeared again just 5 miles later. Still, I continued and didn't stop until I completed 34 miles. It was time once more for another lengthy break. Another 120 minutes later, it was time to get moving yet again. By now it was getting dark and Ronnie had arrived. He was his usual supportive self. Immediately, he offered his help to everyone and shortly after he arrived, he took of to the local watering hole to get some of us runners some grub. That cheeseburger and fries really hit the spot, thanks again Ronnie, you are fantastic. I can't believe I will be able to rely on you during the Georgia Jewel 100 as my crew chief. Selflessly, this guy even ran a few loops to pace both Philip and Kena to their respective victories and 100 mile buckles. Even with all that, he still managed to run 50 miles himself, what a guy!
After I got going again, I continued to struggle with the same issues, but I continued on for a while. Once Timo had completed 40 miles, he decided to took a break. Who could blame him. This guy hadn't run more than 10 miles at a time in his entire life and here he was, completing 40 miles. He felt great...for a few minutes...and then the pain began. Nausea, chills and muscle aches. He was done. I took this as my signal to call it a day as well. I had a big 100 mile trail race just 3 weeks down the road and there was no reason to hurt myself any more. We packed up and headed for a cheap hotel an hour outside of Dahlonega on our way back home. I was happy enough. I got to spend a few hours with friends and fellow ultra runners at a very well run event. Thanks again to RD Willy Syndram and his amazing crew of volunteers. The support was fantastic and I will happily return for more "fun in the sun" next year.
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, 2012 Merrill's Mile 24 Hour Race, Merrill's Mile 24 Hour, Race Reports, Trail Running, Ultra Running
30 August 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Endurance Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
29 August 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Endurance Running, Road Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
25 August 2012
We arrived at the hiker´s parking lot just in time to meet up with folks after refilling our bottles at the ranger station fountain. was hoping that the pace would be ¨easy¨and once again, no one was in any particular hurry which was great, because it allowed me to chat with all of these guys, most of whom I´d seen out running before, but never met officially. Thanks again to all of you to letting me run with you. I made the run not only easier but also much more enjoyable.
After logging about 6 miles with the guys and arriving back in the parking lot, Jason and I took off to complete our run. It wasn´t pretty at this point. I was only too happy to go slow and Jason was too banged up to go fast, so we were running a for both of us agreeable slower pace than expected. Jason had rolled his ankle(s) multiple times and I wasn´t too motivated to push after last night´s effort. After all, not everything´s a race:-) We completed our training run in one piece...more or less...in just under 3 hours or so.
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Trail Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
24 August 2012
After logging the first mile at a flat 9 minute pace, I decided to go for it. I decided that I wouldn´t check my splits at all until I reached the Ranger Station atop Monte Sano. I was still feeling good when I crossed Fearn Street 3 miles in, but my lungs started to burn and I was starting to look forward to every little piece of flat trail section for a little bit of relief from pushing on the uphills. Just two more short steep climbs and I would reach the top, leaving me another .5 to .75 miles to go to the Ranger Station. Once I caught my breath and drank a sip from my bottle I pushed one final time to the turnaround point. I touched the concrete slab foundation of where the ranger station used to be before it burned down (official turnaround point according to James;-), looked at my watch for the first time to see 44 minutes (not bad at all, but I can remember at all how long it had taken me during my last PR), got some water from the fountain and continued my push back down the mountain.
I wasn´t worried about being able to go fast (well, what I call fast anyway), I was more concerned about my footing. An ankle twist at this stage of my 100 mile training would be devastating to my upcoming goal races. But no matter, I wanted to improve on my last PR. These types of pushes during training runs help me gauge my level of fitness as well as provide some confidence boosters when I´m not doing any real racing.
Other than having to break for a couple of dogs, nothing really prevented me from continuing to push my pace, but fatigue was starting to get the better of me as I was hitting the most technical parts of the Tollgate Trail as I tripped on a couple of rocks here and there, barely able to maintain my balance. I continued on, slowly gaining confidence that I would at least make it back before sunset. Oh yeah, I forgot the second reason for this PR push. I didn´t realize until after I took off on my run shortly after 6pm that the sun would set at 7:25pm. This meant anything short of a PR or close to it could leave me stranded on the trails in complete darkness. Nothing like the thought of getting stuck without a headlamp on some seriously technical trails to get your pace...and heart rate going.
I got back onto the Bankhead Parkway with about 1.5 miles to go. Time to try to pick up the pace again or at least keep it steady. When I arrived at the corner of Lacy and Pratt and hit my watch, it showed 1 hour 21 minutes and 31 seconds, a new PR by over 6 minutes. Wow, that felt great! Now it was time to get back, send my running crew a training update, get some food and liquids into my stomach and go to bed. My alarm was set for 5AM to run the mountain once again with Jason for a nice 16 miler to start off the weekend.
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Endurance Running, Land Trust Trails, Monte Sano Trails, Trail Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
23 August 2012
I added another run this evening but decided against a speed workout. My legs were a little heavy from the tempo run this morning, so I opted for an easy 7 miler instead. I also did get to run a couple of miles with my wife along the way. It´s so much nicer to run with your favorite running partner than to run alone.
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Road Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running
22 August 2012
Posted by Ultra Kraut in 100 Mile Training, Cotton Row Hill, Hill Workout, Road Running, Training Logs, Ultra Running