Apparently I’m not doing a lot of running because I keep blogging, so I promise to get back out there.

Mt Rushmore was the 3^rd marathon in 14 days for me and with it came a new kind of pain. This one was nice because it was close to home unlike Omaha or MT. I knew the course wasn’t easy either, so my goal was simply to finish. The start was pleasant and the course was scenic with the fall colors blooming. Even a mountain goat watched the racers pass through the first mile from a cliff next to the road.  Ask me about my “encounter” within the first mile – it really made my day.

Temps rose and a slight breeze picked up which was a far cry from last year’s rain and very cool temperatures. I cruised through Hill City and the halfway point to struggle through the next 7 miles of steep hills and some rough trail. The course turned off Deerfield Rd after mile 16 and continued on some dirt road for a little bit. The rough trail started somewhere around mile 17 and continued  with several steep hills and uneven footing. Any other day, I would welcome it but not 17 miles into my 3^rd marathon in two weeks. I did a lot of walking here and I wasn’t the only one. I noticed many other people walking through that section too, but I noticed that when I started running again, they stayed with walking. I don’t blame them. It was a tough section. After we got back on the Mickleson Trail around mile 20, I picked back up the pace and enjoyed the gentle downhill. I was able to push through the wall and finished in 4:24 and change, good enough for first in my age group (I was the only one in my age group, but don’t tell anyone).

I think the biggest stories are all the first-timers who took on the marathon distance for the first time on the Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse courses. I would like to hear some of those stories.

Joe Rozak

This just in from Mark Warren. Just a note, anyone else want to put something on the blog, send it to me and I’ll post it.

Gary

The same weekend some crazy people were doing the Lean Horse, and some other crazy people were practicing running up a mountain,  Patrick and I went to the Bighorns to check out a new marathon/half marathon that the Bighorn Mountain Trail Run people put on.

Lesley planned on going but was called away to help manage a fire in Miles City, and Gary talked about going but wimped out and went hashing instead, so I just jumped in with Patrick and we flew to Sheridan, rented a car, drove to The Passage Resort, which is about an hour west of Dayton, and got a room. After a quick nap we tested out the rental car on some gravel roads and found part of the course. (unbeknown to us the race director was out marking trail just a few miles away when her car broke down and she spent a cold night sleeping in her Subaru) After a nice high-protein supper we had a few beers at the bar while listening to some local dude sing and play his guitar. (my favorite was when he blended the Beverley Hillbilly’s theme song with Stairway to Heaven)

Since the race didn’t start until noon we slept in, enjoyed a a big breakfast, then took a jeep ride to the start. It was a very small, low key affair, and they were still working out a few details. (a trial run trail run)  44 people signed up but mostly for the various relays. Only 12 did the half, and just one guy ran the marathon, and he was the course designer. Oh, and one guy did pace an entire relay team by himself but apparently that didn’t count. The race began on FS 220, also know as the Hunt Mt. Road. It’s a 22 mile gravel road that contacts Hwy 14 and Hwy 14A. The first 17 miles of the marathon are on this but we only did 4. something, before turning off on a primitive two track through a sheep pasture that had cute little gates you could step right over. This is high country, over 9500 feet in places, and mostly open, with big sweeping views of the mountains, and cool rock formations. We went several miles, the last couple downhill, to the aid station, then kind of bushwhacked over to the base of a big hill, climbing it pretty much turned my legs to jelly, then we had to run across an open meadow for a quarter mile, or so, which would’ve been nice except it was covered with 6-8″ rock, so you had to almost tip toe across the whole thing, it went down a short, steep downhill to the woods, where the trail just looped around though a narrow cut in the forest until breaking into the open again and dropping down to the highway. The last .7 miles was on the shoulder of Hwy 14 before finishing back at The Passage.

I was just slightly ahead of Patrick for the last 7 or 8 miles, probably because he kept stopping to take pictures. (Or that’s what he said, I think he was just gasping for air)  When I hit the pavement I cranked up my ipod, but that meant I couldn’t hear him coming, and right at the finish he slapped me on the back, and blew by. I was so startled I shouted out loud, “You..(expletive deleted)…er!!!” Fortunately there were no children present, and someone said we should have won a prize for best finish, which would’ve been good, as I think we were the only ones that didn’t win anything. Even though we both finished in the top ten and probably set course records for our age group.

The resort let us check out after the race, so after the picnic, and a shower, we drove back to Sheridan. Being the typical, cheap South Dakotan, Patrick had to stop at the self-service pump in Gillette, where AV gas is only $5.15/gl. But then we had to wait until 7PM for the weather to clear over Rapid. So we came in over the hills in the dark, with lightning flashing all around us, and the plane shaking and twisting in the wind. By that time I was wishing we’d drove. Flying seems less stressful and less busy back in coach. Patrick was getting weather info, talking to the Ellsworth tower, the airport tower, adjusting his altimeter, changing radio frequencies, moving flaps, adjusting the fuel mixture, the propeller pitch, working against the wind gusts to keep the wings level, at the same time lining up with the runway, and slowing down for the landing. It seemed like a lot of stuff to do at once, especially when you need to do all of it right the first time, but it didn’t bother him any. He was calm and nonchalant, just another day at the office.  I, on the other hand, thought about kissing the ground when we landed but that seemed a little melodramatic, so I just thanked him for not killing me and patted the plane on the way out.

It was good run, and lot’s of fun. I’d do it again. But next time I’m driving, and taking my wife. 

The following post is from BHRC member Teresa Verburg. She completed the Lean Horse 100 mile last week.

Gary

ItÂ’’s been one week since my completion of the Lean Horse 100 mile ultra marathon, and I feel itÂ’s a good time to put my experience down in words. ItÂ’s been long enough to not be completely bitter about the race, yet I can vividly remember the ordeal. It will sound similar to Joe RozakÂ’s experience in his 50 miler, only magnified.

This race has capped off a summer which in my memory was entirely spent training for, reading about, and thinking about the 100 mile event. I am emotionally and physically spent, but feel a sort of closure and pride in conquering the feat.

I went into the race terrified and feeling unprepared for the distance, but knew I couldnÂ’t back out. My summer of training was relaxed and not filled with 100 mile weeks. In the four months prior, I typically ran 5 miles, 3-4 times a week with a long run on Saturday. My longest run was 40 miles which took 8 hours (I always set my pace at a 12 min. run / 3 min. walk, averaging 5 miles per hour). During the last 3 long run weeks I ran both Saturday and Sunday 30/15mi, etc.

The weather was perfect for the entire race, mid 40Â’s to mid 80Â’s and back to mid 40Â’s, sunny and little wind. The pack of runners (105 in the 100 miles) started out in Hot Springs and headed out to Argyle Road. Everyone walked the uphills and jogged down, and I followed suit. The 13 miles of Argyle Road are very hilly and are the most feared part of the run, especially inbound. During the first 16 miles to the Mickelson Trail I was getting into the groove, making sure to drink 20 - 30 oz. of water between aid stations and eating a little every mile or two. This consisted of Fig Newtons, Pretzel/Cheese Combos, Powerbars, grapes, bananas, and pretzels. I was trying to consume 200-300 calories per hour for a long as possible.

Once I was on the Mickelson Trail I set my interval timer to 12/3min pace and started my run/walk, holding a consistent 5 mile per hour pace. The day was uneventful, although the heat was forcing some to drop out. I made sure to take a Thermotab salt tablet every hour and the heat did not affect me.

At the 50 mile turnaround I met up with Trevor Bryan, who paced me the 15 miles back to Custer. We passed quite a few runners up the hill to Crazy Horse (who would pass me later in the night). This was a nice break, since I was dreading the all too familiar uphill out of Hill City.

Once we reached Harbach Park aid station it was a little crazy. I was parting with Trevor, having Connie and Dennis Meier wait on my every need, being interviewed by SD Public Radio (at many stops during the day) and informing my husband (crew) that he should go back to the hotel, since I was doing OK. It was around 8 pm and I had to grab everything I would need to get though the night. I was hungry when I got there, but left forgetting to eat.

The next stop was at mile 64.5 Carroll Creek where I was getting cold and had chicken soup. That set surprisingly well unlike one of the three turkey sandwiches I had earlier. I headed on to Pringle aid station where Cindy and Dave Holte were assisting. I had more chicken soup and headed on. At Lime Kiln (mile 80) I had oatmeal, and overheard a runner telling the aid station worker that they were working “the wall”. Apparently this is the point in a 100 miler that is equal to mile 20 in the marathon. I would soon find this to be true. It was 1:00 am when I reached the 83 mile aid station which was the end of the Mickelson Trail. The oatmeal wasn’t digesting so I just had a cup of Coke.

Now I was on Argyle Road and my pace was dropping. The only light was my headlamp, so it was difficult to determine the uphill sections. I will also relate my hallucinations. Three times I saw a herd of deer about 30 feet ahead of me on the trail. They were walking around, looking and grazing, but I was puzzled that their eyes didnÂ’t glow in my light. Then they would just melt away.

It was 6.6 miles to the next aid station and my pace had fallen off so bad that I was to the point of a slow shuffle then a fast walk. I had hit ‘The Wall’ and it sucked since I had 15 miles to go. It took me 2.5 hours to get to the next aid station. My little hope of breaking 24 hours was fading (my first half was covered in 11 hours). It was 5.5 miles to Coldbrook Campground, our last aid station and it took forever. The sun was coming up and I eventually reached it at 6:00 am. I was weaving all over and could barely walk in a straight line, but was afraid to stop, since I would probably fall down. I hadn’t eaten anything since 1:00 am was afraid anything I ate now would come back up. I took another salt tablet, and continued drinking. My hands were so swollen they looked inflated and my fingers wouldn’t bend. (I was 5 lbs. heavier after the race, so I figure I was doing the wrong thing in taking salt when I was cold and not sweating).

I was almost out of it, but knew I couldnÂ’t drop out with four miles to go.

It was a horrible struggle into Hot Springs and all I could do is walk. I was nearly impossible to step off a 2 inch curb and I felt like I was ready to fall over. I made it to the finish in 25 hrs 39 min. My only thought in the last few miles was - “I just want to get to my motel before check out, get a shower and lie down”. I did that, but had to be carried to the car and assisted into the motel room.

My experience is very familiar to my first marathon, except it was drawn out into a nightmarish distance, with everything compounded. I’m sure, just as in the marathon, doing more ultras would make for a less painful experience. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to attempt the Lean Horse and would encourage anyone with a similar goal to give it a try. My ordeal was shared by many, but if your training is good and you run a smart race, you may have a ‘not-so-painful’ time. It’s amazing what your mind and body are able to deal with. It is an event that is very well organized and a good choice for a first 100 mile attempt.

First and foremost, let me say that Elaine Doll-Dunn is my hero! What an amazing woman. And it should go without saying that when she sets her mind to something, it gets done right. Last weekend, that meant the Leading Ladies Marathon, in it’s fourth year. Ninety-seven women ran 26.2 miles, and another 284 finished the half marathon, run on the downhill course in Spearfish Canyon.

Another amazing woman is Rapid City’s Amy Yanni. I know many of you read her column in the RC Journal, but she rarely tells you about how good she really is. The 54 year old public defender ran 3:25:03 (7:50 pace) to finish 3rd overall. To put it in perspective, the next 50 year old was Pricilla Romkema (Spearfish) who finished in 3:51:04. Amy was one minute per mile ahead of her. Charron Geigle, another Black Hills Runners Club over 50 athlete made the trip from Wall (of Wall Drug fame) to run a 4:13:20. Perhaps the most amazing run of the day (in my opinion) was turned in by Kristi Welsh, who at age 45 ran 3:41:03 in her very first marathon. To finish your first marathon is a commendable goal, to run a time like that is fantastic!

On the Half side, Mary Coordt traveled from Elk Grove CA to win the race in 1:22:25, a respectable time for any runner, made more impressive when you notice that she is 39 years old. That is 6:18 per mile pace. Fifty-two year old LeAnn Vette (Spearfish HS Cross Country Coach) ran a very respectable 1:37:48. Lorna Squyer (54) ran 1:48:41 to place second in the unofficial CC Coaches Division. Lorna coaches at Lead/Deadwood HS. Another “experienced” runner who turned in a commendable time was Rapid City’s Kathleen Welsh-Patterson, who finished in 1:52:40. Rapid City runner, Mary Sebert celebrated her 45th birthday with a 1:54:20 run.

Kudos to Elaine, and all the women who celebrated their athleticism with great performances. You are all winners!

Gary

After the Wednesday night race in Wilmington, I traveled to Pasadena MD (near Baltimore) to visit my friend Beth and her daughter Kelly. Mom had to work on Thursday, so Kelly and I hit the pool to cool off. We went to Timbuktu for supper. Enjoyed getting to spend some time with some of my favorite people. Friday morning I left for Gettysburg, PA to check out some history. They have a very impressive visitors site, and then you travel around the battle site in your vehicle. It is considered by many historians as the high water mark of the Confederacy. How would our world be different today, had that battle ended differently? I would only have to run in 40 states to get all the United States?

As I drove into Brownsville, PA later that evening, my first thought was that it could be a very hilly race. Brownsville is nestled up against the Monongahela River, about 50 miles south of Pittsburgh. After signing up for the race the next morning, I warmed up on the last part of the course. While it did have some rolling hills, it wasn’t to bad. Waiting for the start, a couple of guys asked me to take their picture. They were there running their first race. We struck up a conversation, and I explained what I was up to. 

I ran 19:55 to place 12th out of a field of 89. That was good enough for first in my age group. I had a young whip pass me right at the finish line, but other than that it was a good race. Afterward I found Kevin and Patrick to see how they had fared in their first race. 26:30, with Kevin kicking right at the end to take bragging rights. I thought that was a very respectable time for a first 5K. They were happy, wouldn’t be surprised if they did it again sometime. Funny how this running thing can get in your blood!

Put a check mark by Pennsylvania, number 46. I only have Nevada, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire left. Anyone want to go on a road trip to the New England states next year?

After that I began the long drive home. Spent Sunday evening in Columbus, NE with my Aunt and Uncle, then drove to Howard, SD to spend an evening with my Mom & Dad. Finally, after driving over 4250 miles, I’m back home again. A fun trip! With lot’s of racing and lot’s of historic sightseeing. Hope to see you on the road sometime soon.

Gary

I spent Wednesday touring Wilmington, DE. Not much, but did eat dinner (noon meal) at Joe’s Crab Shack. That was good. They had a small gathering going on downtown at the Ceasar Rodney Square. Not sure what it was, but there was food and music, and a good way to spend the afternoon.

The Mayor’s Cup had only 41 runners last year, due to 105 degree temps. This year there were 71 finishers, and not nearly as hot. Results here! Pictures here! Good picture of me (Jeff Miller??) at the finish line. The out and back course started downhill, so of course finished back uphill. My legs are beginning to feel the strain. Five races in seven days is taking a toll I think. My first mile was 6:20, and I finished in 20:15. Ninth overall and 2nd in my age group, nice trophy! The mayor didn’t actually show, but had one of his “people” hand out the awards. 

Afterward I climbed into my traveling home and headed for Pasadena (Maryland) to visit Beth Bohn and her daughter Kelly. Beth is a longtime friend, and Kelly calls me “Uncle” Gary. First order of business was to get a shower and wash some clothes. My singlet had been standing in the back of the van all by itself. After a good night’s sleep, will spend a day with them. 

Gary Miller

Since Miller is out doing the road thing I guess it is up yo me to cover the Trail Runners.I recently got back from doing the Silver King Race in Leadville Co.If you are not familar with Leadville it sit in the center of Colorado at an elevation of10200,and goes up from there.Paulette and I have done a number of races there inculding 5 100 mile mountain bike races and the Leadville Marathon.This was to be a little different.

Saturday started with a 50 mile mountain bike race.350 riders started the course which has 7500 feet of climbing.What made it interesting for me was the fact that Sunday (22 hours later) I was going to do it again Running.Thats right back to back 50 milers.

I thought I knew how dumb this was,but when I found out that only 11 people were doing both I was Freaked.I thought there were way more stupid people than that around.I have a feeling that this may be the first but not the last race like this.

So Saturday was a day to try not to use any more engey than possible.We started with a 9 mile climb.I just spun an wasy gear and when it got to hard,off the bike.Even going reral easy and taking lots of food at aid stations and lots of stops for video,Istill finished in 6 hours 11 mins.I was pleased with that.

Then after a night of eating and hydrating,it was on again.

The start is up a STEEP 200 yard hill.There is a silver coin for the first man and woman.Most of us were smart enough to walk,even so at the top I was like”this could be a long day” Shortly I got in a groove and was pluging away at 8 and 2s.It was nice knowing the course. You knew how long the climbs would be.

At about mile 15 I ran in to a little problem.From there to the Finish I would have to stop and try to pee about 50 times.Probably caused by getting dehydrated on Saurday.I was concerned  for a while but I realized that I had lots of time to finish.

The area around Leadville is spectacular so lookingaroun was not a problem.I hit the turn around in 5:30.I planned on a 6:30 so life was good. When I got to the 40 mile mark I entertained the thought of trying to go uder 11 hours.But I was tired,had a bad blister,and Paulette would be at the finish until 12 hours, so why bother.I didn’t want to get greedy.When I started on Saturday all I wanted to do was finish both races.

I finished in 11:13. a PR for 50 miles.

You can tell how hard a race is by how long it takes up to forget the pain and think about next year.100 mile mountain bike races take a day or 2,24 hour mountain bike races take a week or so,50 mile runs a couple of weeks,Monday morning Paulette said she might like to do the run,and I’m like “ok I’ll do the double again”

Next up the Vail Hillclimb run. 2.8 miles up hill(2100 ft elevation gain) get on the chairlift and go downto the start.Repeat for 6 hours.

This is the Leadville Video

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4HqKz2KZdM

Randy

Let’s see, when we last left our hero, he was stranded along the road with a flat tire. Fortunately, I was able to purchase 2 new tires the next morning. (Left front flat, right front badly worn) Then it was off to New Jersey. Of course that meant I had to fight my way back through the New York traffic.

Finally got to Jersey City and got on the ferry for Ellis Island. Really anti climactic there, but had some excitement when I got back on the ferry. I’m riding along, disappointed because the ferry isn’t going to the Statue of Liberty, and (oh-oh) it’s not going back to New Jersey either! I was on the slow boat to New York!! When everyone else got off, I hid away until people started coming back on, then found a seat topside. Off we go again, this time to Liberty Island. Now that was a bit more impressive. I hadn’t bought the ticket to go inside up to the viewing deck (who knew), but was able to walk around and get some pictures. (I’ll add some pictures to these blogs after I get home next week and can download them to my desktop computer) I was careful to get on the ferry back to New Jersey this time.

It’s only about 5 miles from Jersey City to Hoboken, but of course all the roads are one way - the WRONG WAY! Needless to say it took longer to get to the race than it should have. Another BIG RACE, 778 finishers. Results here!  Story here!  As I said earlier, I always hate the start of big races. I started in about row 10, with about 15-20 people across each row. Spent the first 400 meters trying not to get tripped, and spent the entire race passing people. I did run negative splits however, which I think is always a good thing. My mile splits were 6:34-6:20-6:19 with a final time of 19:36. That was good enough for 72nd. The last half of the race I had my eye on a guy with my hair style and color. He was about 40-50 meters ahead at the turn around. I closed the gap and passed him with about 200 meters to go. After the race he asked how old I was and was disappointed to find we were in the same age group. I finished 5th out of 42 in my age group. All in all a pretty good effort considering it was my 3rd race in as many days. I’m sure the elevation is helping as it was right on the waterfront, and very flat.

Headed down the Jersey Turnpike after the race (we should turn I90 into a toll road, let the tourists pay some additional taxes) and spent the night near Trenton. Then on into Philly today. Got some good pictures of the Liberty Bell, spent time in the Philadelphia Mint and went through the Independence Visitor Center. Also took a walk around the downtown area. Stopped in a small local eatery and had a real Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. Must say it was good, but I like Philly Ted’s in Rapid City better.

On to Wilmington, Delaware! There is a 5k here tomorrow (Wednesday) evening, so I ran the course when I got here. Very humid, and uphill the last half mile, could make it challenging. Then stopped in a local steak house that was recommended to me. They had a Filet Mignon for $22 that was the cheapest thing on the menu. After closer inspection I found out why their prices are so high. They get all their meat from cattle farms in South Dakota. The waitress assured me it was the best meat available anywhere, corn fed! When I asked her if it was Herford or Angus, she got this blank look?? When she brought my steak, she assured me it was Angus, the cook had never heard of Herford. Looking for things to keep me occupied in Wilmington tomorrow, maybe I’ll go to the zoo.

Check off New Jersey, number 44!

Gary Miller

Today started off great and ended bad. As I drove into the race area at the Run4Kerri in Wakefield, RI, my first thought was “I’m not going to finish in the top 10 today”! They had 3 guys directing traffic to get the cars parked. This is a big race, with 832 people signed up. Very well organized, the only glitch they had all day was starting about 10 minutes late because of people showing up late to sign up. 

As usual in races like this, there were many people toeing the line that had no reason to be up front. Many of them were kids. The starter asked them to back up and let the real runners up front, so they backed up about 4 rows. This put them right in front of me. I spent the first 400 meters dodging people who should have started back much further. Never seems to be a good way to get a big race like this going smoothly. 

Thought I’d go out easy today, because I thought I might be tired from the race yesterday. Went a bit slower at the start, but still went through the mile in 6:30. Felt good, wasn’t quite as hot as the past two races. This race was also a tad bit long (according to my GPS), 4.04 miles. The spooky thing was that my time through 4 miles was 26:39, the same as yesterday! Didn’t finish quite as high today however. I was 60th overall, and 9th in my age group. All in all though, I was quite happy with my time both yesterday and today. We will see how it affects my race tomorrow.

After the race, I hit the local beach for a couple of hours to cool off and catch some sun. Then as I headed down Hwy 1, I noticed signs pointing out the way to the “Seafood Festival”. Anyone who knows me, knows I couldn’t pass that up. Think “Central States Fair” with lots of seafood booths.

After that I headed down I95, planning to spend the night somewhere in CT. That was when I started to notice a funny whine coming from the vicinity of my left front tire. Yep, flat tire! I managed to limp to the nearest exit and get out of the main traffic flow. That’s when my problems really began. My jack wouldn’t go up high enough to get the tire off the ground, so I called my motor club to have someone come assist. An hour later the lady called back and told me they couldn’t find anyone in the area. My best option was to call 911 and get police help. Two and a half hours after getting the flat, I was still sitting there waiting, so I gave 911 another call. “Are you still there”? the lady asked. Someone finally showed up and helped get the spare on. Of course it was almost flat also. I was able to get to a station for some air. Hopefully I can get a replacement tire tomorrow.

I have now added New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island to my list of races, giving me 43. Going to Hoboken, NJ for a 5K tomorrow. Hope to stop off and see Lady Liberty on the way.

Bad News! My Yankees lost to the Angles with me in attendance on Friday evening. This marks the first time they have ever lost a game I attended. After the game, I made a quick trip to Killingworth, CT for a 4 miler this morning. 

I must have learned something from my debacle of Thursday. Went out slower and ran much better. It was an interesting race, with 70 or so runners. The first 2 miles of the loop were downhill, and I kept waiting for the inevitable climb back to the finish. It never came??? The last 2 miles seemed slightly uphill, but not enough to make up for the downhill. 

Early on, a 63 year old gentleman pulled away from me and had about 15 seconds on me at the mile mark. I went through in 6:35. Started to gain slightly on him after that, and he became my goal. I caught him just before the 3 mile mark and held him off to be the first “old” guy to finish. I was 9th overall in 27:53 and 1st in the 50-59 age group. According to my GPS, the course was .17 long, I went through 4 mile in 26:39. The overall winner was about 24:?? and second place was 19 year old girl in 25:00. That means she ran sub 6:00 pace. Oh, and did I mention that it was hot and humid? Seems like it gets that way in the summer out here. Results here.

Also got interviewed by the Killingworth Today. Check out the start picture, I’m sneaking around the first corner in the very left of the picture. No hair and blue singlet!

Spent the rest of my day looking at Plymouth Rock. I have an ancestor who got off the Mayflower in 1620, so thought this would be a good chance to see it. Not very impressive, it looked much like other rocks I’ve seen in my day.

Another 4 miler tomorrow, in Rhode Island.