The start to the 2018 year of racing has begun and I have been blessed with some strong results.
Snowshoe Nationals was a great event though I dealt with some adversity that kept me from having my true peak performance. Let me explain.
Snowshoe Nationals each year rotates to the various regions throughout the US with this year being a Northeast year and with Bennington, VT as the host site at Prospect Mountain. This was the same site as in 2014 where I made some critical errors going out too hard and coming to a halt at the long 5k climb in the race. That year I finished 18th overall in what still remains as one of the biggest and most competitive fields for snowshoe racing ever assembled.
This year was planning on bringing some top talent as well. Though registrations lingered until the final few days leading up to the race, the 40+ inches of snow was going to make this a unique event for all.
Our plan to head out was near 2 pm to get a jump to enter town early enough to snag some food and rest before the race. Lucky enough that the Men's 10k would not start until around Noon which would give us a nice morning to prep for the run.
On the drive to the race, we hit some bad Friday traffic making the 3:40 minute drive from Princeton to Bennington more like a 5 hour drive. I decided to drive as Myself, my amazing wife Ashlee, my father and our two dogs packed into our car for the trip. The dogs had trouble settling in through most of the drive and we hit some periodic stops to let them use the bathroom.
It was by the time we were near Albany that our one dog Ozzie, was up to no good squirming all around the car. We soon found out that he had to go to the bathroom and bad! A nasty smelled filled the car cabin and I bet you can connect the dots here, Yes, he POOPED in the car. We eventually was able to get to a rest stop as this happened just as I was merging through some of the highway interchanges in Albany which made it a couple miles before we could get off at an exit.
We cleaned things up and then headed to Bennington. We checked into the Paradise Inn and got situated. We were starving and got some food a local brewery. My first mistake was not getting enough food before 2 pm. With only some toast and a little bit of pasta before we left, I was way under-fueled. The mac and cheese I had for dinner began a downward spiral. I had a bad headache and was feeling full but something did not sit well with me.
We were on a bottom floor and some type of raging party was going on up in the room directly above us. We had people screaming in the halls from Midnight all the way up to about 4 am which kept all of us awake. It was not like a little noise but screaming and smashing into walls like their was some type of West Side Story brawl happening all around us! The hotel was full and had no where else we could go. We talked with the front desk about the noise and felt they did not say anything to the party animals up above us.
I came into this night already depleted and tired and without a good night's sleep, I did not know what would transpire.
We finally were awake at 7 am with our dogs and myself having some bad stomach distress. The food we had last night was not agreeing with us at all.
I was physically prepared for this race and my training was the best leading up to a Snowshoe Nationals. I was ready there. But the pre-race prep leading to the race was nothing but a bum moment.
Why do I love Snowshoe Racing
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Running the Ultra Race of Champions in Virginia
I am really excited to announce that I will be racing the Ultra Race of Champions on May 12th at Skylark, Virginia.
The race attracts some of the best talent in Ultrarunning around the country and am looking forward to running with some top talent.
I have been off to a solid start to 2018 with a 2nd place finish at the North American Snowshoe Championships and a 9th US and 10th Overall finish at the Snowshoe National Championships. I have just recently started my Ultra season with a 1st place and Course Record at the Naked Prussian 50 mile near Reading, PA as this was a solid dress rehearsal for UROC.
I want to thank my family, sponsors, and RD-Gill for helping me get to this starting line.
My plan will be to get back into gear and ramp up mileage and vertical to get myself prepared for the rigors of a true #beastcoast course that screams true Blue Ridge Mountain trails!
I am looking forward to what will surely be a great event!
The race attracts some of the best talent in Ultrarunning around the country and am looking forward to running with some top talent.
I have been off to a solid start to 2018 with a 2nd place finish at the North American Snowshoe Championships and a 9th US and 10th Overall finish at the Snowshoe National Championships. I have just recently started my Ultra season with a 1st place and Course Record at the Naked Prussian 50 mile near Reading, PA as this was a solid dress rehearsal for UROC.
I want to thank my family, sponsors, and RD-Gill for helping me get to this starting line.
My plan will be to get back into gear and ramp up mileage and vertical to get myself prepared for the rigors of a true #beastcoast course that screams true Blue Ridge Mountain trails!
I am looking forward to what will surely be a great event!
Friday, March 2, 2018
2018- North American Snowshoe Championships 2nd place
Well, my running blog has taken a little bit of a beating with my busy schedule but in 2018, I am looking to make a more conscious effort to report on my races and events this year in a more timely fashion.
I am writing this now as a snowstorm is moving into Binghamton, NY getting ready to give us the last bit of Winter before the Spring season commences. This recap comes on the eve of Snowshoe Nationals that are being held in Bennington, Vermont.
The North American Snowshoe Championships is a race with rotating sites each and every year. It just so happened that this year the event was to be held at the Cockadoodle Shoe near Plattsburgh, NY, an event I have done a couple times in the past. I love this race and course and was excited to finally get back into more serious snowshoe racing after a two-year hiatus from having a dedicated season.
Weather forecast for the race was perfect Adirondack style: cold, no very cold. Temps hovered around 3 degrees for the Noon start with windchills near -15. Now that is what we call a PARTY!
My wife, Ashlee and our two dogs, Daisy and Ozzy made the trek to the Northern Adirondacks. This was as we trekked from a snowstorm in Binghamton and the NY region which made travel a little difficult but was well worth it the closer we made it to Plattsburgh.
It was a great time hanging out in Plattsburgh pre-race and even getting the chance to see Bob and Denise Dion, owners of Dion snowshoes at the local brew-pub.
The race had a strong field assembled with 2017 World Champion Snowshoer, Joe Gray at the front. I came to this event hoping to just have a fun day and not get too swept up in any pressure to compete a certain way. This more relaxed and easy-going mentality and approach to racing has always boded well for me. It was great to see so many familiar faces before the race and reconnect with runners I have no seen in quite awhile. I was able to hang a little with Mitch and Nick who went to Cortland during my Grad school years and had a full "Send Em" crew for the race.
A nice handful of Team MPF/RNR members were on hand with Elizabeth and Joe documenting the race and taking some killer photos, Ben Nephew, Julian, Jay Lemos , Jan Wellford who was sweeping the course, and many others.
Check out our team page here: https://www.mountainpeakfitness.com/team/
Here is also A MPF recap of the event:Photos
Sponsor Plug here: If you have not tried Redfeather Snowshoes, you should. I started my Snowshoe running in Dions which are a staple to snow shoe racers the world over. Bob and Denise do a great job! I branched out the next year and became an athlete with Redfeather wanting to try something different and found their shoe design for some reason works magic with my stride. The Company is based in La Crosse, WI which is wear my family on my father's side grew up, hence also a reason to initially support. They are a non-profit company part of ORC Industries and employs many workers with disabilities and learning difficulties and teaches them crucial work skills in the manufacturing and assembly of snowshoes. Pretty cool stuff.
The "Cole Vapor" snowshoe has been a project I have worked with the brand on and man is it an incredible shoe. It is light but not the lightest out there. The V-tail design, deep crampons, and nice surface area of the shoe creates a shoe that glides over deep snow well and allows for my legs to remain fresh for the last kilometers. Check it out at the link below!
http://www.redfeather.com/product/vapor/
The Race ___________________________________________________________________
I took my 1 Boom Gel 15 minutes before the race which is a now staple of mine as I have always felt better with some energy in me close to the race going off. Call it a superstition.
To not see Joe Gray blast off to the front would be suspect as this guy is one of the most decorated endurance athletes around. I cannot keep track of how many USA teams he has been on but between XC, Mountain, Snowshoe, Trail, its like 8-12 teams which is unreal.
The start is very chunky snow and funnels from this open field into the single track. It is by no means a fast start and hearing from Mitch that the trails had some deep spots brought back my last race here 2 years ago where my positive splits from a 21ish 5k had almost a 30 minute second 5k that year.
Joe shot out and took to the lead as the snow was flying everywhere. I took my time not looking to get snagged up in the shuffle. My plan was to remain relaxed and in contact through 5k before making a push the last 5k as the second half in my opinion is harder than the first half.
I made some adjustments and settled behind Mitch, Nick, Ben and Tim which I felt was a good crew to be with. We hung out through the first kilometers and now the fun had begun. I saw that Nick was separating some from the group and then Mitch made a move to close the gap. I looked at my watch and saw the pace fluctuating between 8:30-9 a mile. I felt really fresh and wanted to run near 7:30-8 pace as the second half eats you up and making some time in the beginning helps.
I made a move and then pushed to Mitch. I sat with him and enjoyed the beautiful Adirondack scenery. Mitch let me get ahead and I kept on the tempo increase. Deep in the woods maybe a minute or two later, I came up on Nick. We hung out for some time too before like Mitch, Nick gave me the right-away and I took to the lead. At this point I knew I was in a good position, possibly top 3 which was my "A" goal. I floated through the deeper downhill sections and hung tough on the uphill portions. I was now in that 7:30-8 minute a mile range and took in the sights. This course screams beautiful deep pine woods with sun creeping through the canopy. To me, it is true snowshoe running at its finest.
From the course, what worked well for me was through deep snow, I did not force it. I slowed accordingly to save energy and when the snow conditions improved, I opened it up. As I had separated from Nick and was now on my own, I had thoughts and dreams of pulling up on Joe in the race with 400 meters to go and we would duke it out in an epic snowshoe finish. This did not happen but it was fun to imagine such a scenario. In the moment, I was having a blast. I felt free and was just so overjoyed to be running in snowshoes again in such glorious conditions.
As we crossed the field section, I knew about a mile and a half was left to the race. As the gradual climb from the field started, I was closing in on someone ahead. Was it Joe Gray? I had no idea and put a little surge to see for myself. I soon found it was Julien who has been the Canadian Snowshoe Champion. I eventually passed him as I could tell the early pace for him and the deeper snow here had made him a little gassed. I took to the front and continued on my pace. Maybe Joe was right up ahead.
The Turn_________________________________________________________________________
What happened next was something I never thought would happen. I came from the trail and right before me was some xc ski poles blocking the trail with yellow construction tape as if not wanting us to go straight. With about a mile or so to go left, I stopped and looked at my watch to double-check distance and to make the best decision. We were on the blue trail and the section here was Red at the intersection. i know of this as the main trail where we came from the Start. I thought to myself that surely we would not turn here. But why is this block on the trail here? I had no idea and with such a pivotal decision to be made, I waited. Julien came up to me maybe a minute or so later as I asked him which way we should go. He said without much hesitation to "Go Straight". I asked him if he was sure and I would rather be lost together than all by myself. We went straight and maybe 200 meters in, we saw the red sign. Whew, we made it. I was then able to relax more as we wound back towards the parking lot area and this was indeed familiar to me from past years. I pushed the pace some more and then made that turn into the straight-away which leads into the final straight. Alright, the race was almost over. I came into the final turn exclaiming I feel like I could do this again! I felt fresh and strong which is never the case for me in a snowshoe race.
I hit that line and saw Joe there and a bunch of other athletes. Joe asked me immediately that some of them made a wrong turn and asked me which was I went. I told him I waited for Julien and he went straight through the course barricade or block and he said that was the right way. Man what a level of relief. For those that know me well, I have a long history of missing course markings and in this race, I was lucky to get it right with the help of Julien.
So there it was...Second Place North American Snowshoe Championships. Pretty cool stuff. I never thought I could put up such a solid performance after having many snowshoe races go terribly bad for me as of late. It goes to show that a positive attitude, remaining patient, and letting the race come to you rather than forcing your effort is the key to success in snowshoe racing.
Race Results: https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=124721
This was by far my best snowshoe race to date and a massive confidence booster for Nationals. For the Nationals race I will be running the 10k and Marathon. My goal is to run free, have fun competing, and remain patient and race by feel. I will need to save my legs for the hard climb and run strong and just see what happens. Anything can happen but I hope I can find myself able to have a similar day to that at Cockadoodle shoe.
The Thanks_______________________________________________________________________
Thank you to all of the volunteers, RD Jeremy Drowne, and USSF USA Director, Mark Elmore for putting on a true master-class event.
Thank you to my wife for keeping me company in the freezing cold and watching over the dogs that weekend.
Thank you to Joe and Elizabeth Azze of MPF for being such great advocates of trails and the outdoors and for having me be a part of such a team that is MPF/RNR which is more of a family than anything else.
Thank you to my sponsors:
Redfeather snowshoes for the Cole Vapors which continue to give me incredible confidence on the snow in all of my training and racing.
Janji: Thank you to Owners- Dave and Mike and their team for getting me linked-up with an incredible brand that has some killer apparel that provides clean water to the various countries they craft their apparel around.
Nathan Sports for hydration and other great essentials needed to help me Run Stronger and Run Longer. I will be using a winterized Peak hydration belt for the Nationals Marathon that will be crucial for a solid race.
Team MPF/RNR for the constant support and group of amazing people that allows for us to share our stories and experiences and true love for trails with the rest of the world.
Fits Socks for the best fitting merino wool socks out there. These things are gold for keeping feet dry and warm or cool based on your needs. I raced with the Light short racer sock and it was a dream.
Boom Nutrition for fueling me with the best in natural fruit energy. And they taste amazing because a gel should not be a struggle to take.
To SUNY Cortland XC and Oneonta XC for my coaching stints. Two great programs!
Confluence Running, Finger Lakes Running for being great retailers in the community and ones I have been lucky enough to work at!
Thank you to new sponsor: 361 Degrees USA for providing all of my footwear needs. I am really excited about this new partnership.
Onward to Snowshoe Nationals!
I am writing this now as a snowstorm is moving into Binghamton, NY getting ready to give us the last bit of Winter before the Spring season commences. This recap comes on the eve of Snowshoe Nationals that are being held in Bennington, Vermont.
The North American Snowshoe Championships is a race with rotating sites each and every year. It just so happened that this year the event was to be held at the Cockadoodle Shoe near Plattsburgh, NY, an event I have done a couple times in the past. I love this race and course and was excited to finally get back into more serious snowshoe racing after a two-year hiatus from having a dedicated season.
Weather forecast for the race was perfect Adirondack style: cold, no very cold. Temps hovered around 3 degrees for the Noon start with windchills near -15. Now that is what we call a PARTY!
My wife, Ashlee and our two dogs, Daisy and Ozzy made the trek to the Northern Adirondacks. This was as we trekked from a snowstorm in Binghamton and the NY region which made travel a little difficult but was well worth it the closer we made it to Plattsburgh.
It was a great time hanging out in Plattsburgh pre-race and even getting the chance to see Bob and Denise Dion, owners of Dion snowshoes at the local brew-pub.
The race had a strong field assembled with 2017 World Champion Snowshoer, Joe Gray at the front. I came to this event hoping to just have a fun day and not get too swept up in any pressure to compete a certain way. This more relaxed and easy-going mentality and approach to racing has always boded well for me. It was great to see so many familiar faces before the race and reconnect with runners I have no seen in quite awhile. I was able to hang a little with Mitch and Nick who went to Cortland during my Grad school years and had a full "Send Em" crew for the race.
A nice handful of Team MPF/RNR members were on hand with Elizabeth and Joe documenting the race and taking some killer photos, Ben Nephew, Julian, Jay Lemos , Jan Wellford who was sweeping the course, and many others.
 |
| Myself, Ben and Jay ready to go! Photo Credits: Joe Azze |
Check out our team page here: https://www.mountainpeakfitness.com/team/
Here is also A MPF recap of the event:Photos
Sponsor Plug here: If you have not tried Redfeather Snowshoes, you should. I started my Snowshoe running in Dions which are a staple to snow shoe racers the world over. Bob and Denise do a great job! I branched out the next year and became an athlete with Redfeather wanting to try something different and found their shoe design for some reason works magic with my stride. The Company is based in La Crosse, WI which is wear my family on my father's side grew up, hence also a reason to initially support. They are a non-profit company part of ORC Industries and employs many workers with disabilities and learning difficulties and teaches them crucial work skills in the manufacturing and assembly of snowshoes. Pretty cool stuff.
The "Cole Vapor" snowshoe has been a project I have worked with the brand on and man is it an incredible shoe. It is light but not the lightest out there. The V-tail design, deep crampons, and nice surface area of the shoe creates a shoe that glides over deep snow well and allows for my legs to remain fresh for the last kilometers. Check it out at the link below!
http://www.redfeather.com/product/vapor/
The Race ___________________________________________________________________
I took my 1 Boom Gel 15 minutes before the race which is a now staple of mine as I have always felt better with some energy in me close to the race going off. Call it a superstition.
To not see Joe Gray blast off to the front would be suspect as this guy is one of the most decorated endurance athletes around. I cannot keep track of how many USA teams he has been on but between XC, Mountain, Snowshoe, Trail, its like 8-12 teams which is unreal.
The start is very chunky snow and funnels from this open field into the single track. It is by no means a fast start and hearing from Mitch that the trails had some deep spots brought back my last race here 2 years ago where my positive splits from a 21ish 5k had almost a 30 minute second 5k that year.
Joe shot out and took to the lead as the snow was flying everywhere. I took my time not looking to get snagged up in the shuffle. My plan was to remain relaxed and in contact through 5k before making a push the last 5k as the second half in my opinion is harder than the first half.
I made some adjustments and settled behind Mitch, Nick, Ben and Tim which I felt was a good crew to be with. We hung out through the first kilometers and now the fun had begun. I saw that Nick was separating some from the group and then Mitch made a move to close the gap. I looked at my watch and saw the pace fluctuating between 8:30-9 a mile. I felt really fresh and wanted to run near 7:30-8 pace as the second half eats you up and making some time in the beginning helps.
I made a move and then pushed to Mitch. I sat with him and enjoyed the beautiful Adirondack scenery. Mitch let me get ahead and I kept on the tempo increase. Deep in the woods maybe a minute or two later, I came up on Nick. We hung out for some time too before like Mitch, Nick gave me the right-away and I took to the lead. At this point I knew I was in a good position, possibly top 3 which was my "A" goal. I floated through the deeper downhill sections and hung tough on the uphill portions. I was now in that 7:30-8 minute a mile range and took in the sights. This course screams beautiful deep pine woods with sun creeping through the canopy. To me, it is true snowshoe running at its finest.
From the course, what worked well for me was through deep snow, I did not force it. I slowed accordingly to save energy and when the snow conditions improved, I opened it up. As I had separated from Nick and was now on my own, I had thoughts and dreams of pulling up on Joe in the race with 400 meters to go and we would duke it out in an epic snowshoe finish. This did not happen but it was fun to imagine such a scenario. In the moment, I was having a blast. I felt free and was just so overjoyed to be running in snowshoes again in such glorious conditions.
As we crossed the field section, I knew about a mile and a half was left to the race. As the gradual climb from the field started, I was closing in on someone ahead. Was it Joe Gray? I had no idea and put a little surge to see for myself. I soon found it was Julien who has been the Canadian Snowshoe Champion. I eventually passed him as I could tell the early pace for him and the deeper snow here had made him a little gassed. I took to the front and continued on my pace. Maybe Joe was right up ahead.
The Turn_________________________________________________________________________
What happened next was something I never thought would happen. I came from the trail and right before me was some xc ski poles blocking the trail with yellow construction tape as if not wanting us to go straight. With about a mile or so to go left, I stopped and looked at my watch to double-check distance and to make the best decision. We were on the blue trail and the section here was Red at the intersection. i know of this as the main trail where we came from the Start. I thought to myself that surely we would not turn here. But why is this block on the trail here? I had no idea and with such a pivotal decision to be made, I waited. Julien came up to me maybe a minute or so later as I asked him which way we should go. He said without much hesitation to "Go Straight". I asked him if he was sure and I would rather be lost together than all by myself. We went straight and maybe 200 meters in, we saw the red sign. Whew, we made it. I was then able to relax more as we wound back towards the parking lot area and this was indeed familiar to me from past years. I pushed the pace some more and then made that turn into the straight-away which leads into the final straight. Alright, the race was almost over. I came into the final turn exclaiming I feel like I could do this again! I felt fresh and strong which is never the case for me in a snowshoe race.
 |
| Great race photos. Credits In tandem Photography |
I hit that line and saw Joe there and a bunch of other athletes. Joe asked me immediately that some of them made a wrong turn and asked me which was I went. I told him I waited for Julien and he went straight through the course barricade or block and he said that was the right way. Man what a level of relief. For those that know me well, I have a long history of missing course markings and in this race, I was lucky to get it right with the help of Julien.
 |
| Coming into the finish! Photo Credits Joe Azze |
So there it was...Second Place North American Snowshoe Championships. Pretty cool stuff. I never thought I could put up such a solid performance after having many snowshoe races go terribly bad for me as of late. It goes to show that a positive attitude, remaining patient, and letting the race come to you rather than forcing your effort is the key to success in snowshoe racing.
 |
| Top 3! Photo Credits Ashlee Prewitt Crosby |
Race Results: https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=124721
This was by far my best snowshoe race to date and a massive confidence booster for Nationals. For the Nationals race I will be running the 10k and Marathon. My goal is to run free, have fun competing, and remain patient and race by feel. I will need to save my legs for the hard climb and run strong and just see what happens. Anything can happen but I hope I can find myself able to have a similar day to that at Cockadoodle shoe.
 |
| The Last Bend. Photo credits Joe Azze. |
 |
| Ashlee and Me! Photo Credits Joe Azze |
The Thanks_______________________________________________________________________
Thank you to all of the volunteers, RD Jeremy Drowne, and USSF USA Director, Mark Elmore for putting on a true master-class event.
Thank you to my wife for keeping me company in the freezing cold and watching over the dogs that weekend.
Thank you to Joe and Elizabeth Azze of MPF for being such great advocates of trails and the outdoors and for having me be a part of such a team that is MPF/RNR which is more of a family than anything else.
Thank you to my sponsors:
Redfeather snowshoes for the Cole Vapors which continue to give me incredible confidence on the snow in all of my training and racing.
Janji: Thank you to Owners- Dave and Mike and their team for getting me linked-up with an incredible brand that has some killer apparel that provides clean water to the various countries they craft their apparel around.
Nathan Sports for hydration and other great essentials needed to help me Run Stronger and Run Longer. I will be using a winterized Peak hydration belt for the Nationals Marathon that will be crucial for a solid race.
Team MPF/RNR for the constant support and group of amazing people that allows for us to share our stories and experiences and true love for trails with the rest of the world.
Fits Socks for the best fitting merino wool socks out there. These things are gold for keeping feet dry and warm or cool based on your needs. I raced with the Light short racer sock and it was a dream.
Boom Nutrition for fueling me with the best in natural fruit energy. And they taste amazing because a gel should not be a struggle to take.
To SUNY Cortland XC and Oneonta XC for my coaching stints. Two great programs!
Confluence Running, Finger Lakes Running for being great retailers in the community and ones I have been lucky enough to work at!
Thank you to new sponsor: 361 Degrees USA for providing all of my footwear needs. I am really excited about this new partnership.
Onward to Snowshoe Nationals!
Monday, September 11, 2017
Pine Creek Challenge 100 Mile Attempt. 80 miles finished by 20 miles short. DNF
The Pine Creek Challenge is one incredible race! I came into it as my first 100 miler and was greatly humbled by how the littlest of things can greatly impact your race.
I survived 80ish miles before having to tap out and DNF. I had severe muscle tightness in my quads as early as around mile 15 but thought nothing of it. It was until mile 62 that I could hardly run and was plagued with pretty intense muscle spasms. Nothing improved the situation: massages, salt, food, Hydration. I managed a shuffle up until mile 74 where I think I pulled a hamstring or muscle near there. Then even walking was almost impossible.
I was saved by a kind and generous woman on a bike that went to get help and then proceeded to push me on her bike to get closer to the next aid station with the help of my wife Ashlee Prewitt Crosby and my father who found me out on the trail.
I have left this experience extremely grateful for everyone that has shown true compassion for me. My Best lesson to share with you is to give that compassion back each and every day! You never know when that one kind act could change the life of someone for the best forever!
This race effort was dedicated to my cousin, Addison Haury who has been recovering from a near death car accident and my Best man,
Grant Offenburger who has had his fair share of adversity and challenges. Both of them inspire me.
Grant Offenburger who has had his fair share of adversity and challenges. Both of them inspire me.
Thank you to the RD, volunteers, the various people I met out along the trail for your encouragement and help.
Thank you to my crew and family of my Father and my Superstar wife, Ashlee! Thank you to the various companies that support such adventures like this: Janji NATHAN FITS Sock Co. Red Newt Racing Mountain Peak Fitness Boom Ambassador Redfeather Snowshoes Finger Lakes Running & Triathlon Company Confluence Running McDavid USA
I have now learned that to run 100 miles is a long way but it can be done. Run with heart and compassion with each and every step and with a little luck too, you can get to that finish line. I will be back at it again but I think a 50 miler or 100k sounds more like my type of race for now. Keep truckin!
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| All the Race Gear for 100 miles |
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| Feeling Ready to go! |
 |
| Beautiful views |
Sunday, June 25, 2017
2017 Cayuga Trails 50 Mile: A Series of 5ths. Running on Full!
It is amazing how on some days, things just come together. We can put all of the pressure on ourselves to meet expectations, or we can just be free and truly live in the moment. My 2017 Cayuga Trails 50 mile race was just me running to run, to finally beat-down a course that has beat me every time I have given it a go. On this one day out of the year, on the 5th time, I overcame all my demons and ended up with my best day yet. This is my story...
To give you a more general idea of my journey up to this point. Here is a quick recap of the past 4 years of Cayuga Trails.
Year 1-(What was I doing? And ankle sprain): I went out with the lead group (Too FAST) and twisted my ankle at mile 18 to suffer through to a top 10 finish.
Year 2-(Ouch Tom B broken ankle into survival): I had some of my best fitness coming into the race and with a near ligament tear, raced injured but hung tough for a 7th place finish.
Year 3 (Let's talk about stress baby): Had electrolyte issues and lost sight mid-race to have tunnel vision for about 3 hours. Dropped at 42 due to warning signs.
Year 4 (Fruit is good, fruit peels are bad): Came into race ready. Had GI issues with fruit peels from breakfast of apples and peaches. Caused body to force it back up and could not keep anything down after that and had to DNF at mile 31.
Year 5...
I came into the race trained but probably the least prepared that I have ever been in terms of peak fitness. It was not as if I wasn't training but I lacked key long runs beyond 20 miles, higher volume of hills, and strong tempos that I had done in years' past. I wanted to have a solid day out there. If that was just to finish, then I would take what I could get.
I ate oatmeal and bananas for breakfast (something I know has done well for me) and had my raspberry zinger tea.
Weather was going to be ideal with temps near 50 at start and 75 by end of day.
I felt rested and nerves were under control.
Pre-race gear:
I had my Vaporkar 4L Vest with Boom Nutrition gels, the Mcdavid Cooling sleeves, Fits Light Runner Low socks, Mcdavid Compression Calf Sleeves, Nathan Emoji Hat, and the Topo Athletic Terraventures
I joined my fellow Red Newt Teammates and other friends out on the trails and foolishly started to push the pace from the gun. I was leading the race with MPF/RNR mate, Ben Nephew as we hit the first big climbs of the course out along the Gorge loop and the stone steps and cascading waterfalls that make this course well-known for. Not my best moment pushing hard from the front and I knew that I could regret this later but proceeded to just go for it.
As we hit the next "New section of trail" that Ian (RD) set-up, I was amazed how rooty and technical this section was. As Ben dropped back (a wise move on his part), Chris Rauli (Eventual Race Winner) and I think Zach Merrin took chase right behind me. We kept together throughout the next aid station and after our first creek crossing, I had to stop to adjust the fit in my Topo Athletic Terraventures. I think I laced them too loose and my feet were shifting around too much so I took the minute to get the shoe re-adjusted. I was now on my own. I proceeded to run alone the next 23 miles enjoying the beautiful morning. I made sure to take down a Boom gel every 40 minutes and took in plenty of ample hydration. I had some bathroom breaks during the miles of 10-16 that made me lose about 5 minutes on Chris and Zach but kept trucking along.
I felt energized and strong throughout these sections. The early pace only started to tax me some around mile 24/25 as Brian Rusecki and Michael Owen came by me up the gorge as I was slowing some and power-hiking.
I took some time at the half-way point to fuel-up and during that time, Matt Flaherty and Zach Merrin came in and out of the aid station. I went out in chase hopeful my brief low patch would be over. And boy it was. I quickly regained my climbing legs and started to crush the next uphill sections. I was hitting them around 7:30 minute mile pace.
I started feeling really good hitting now sub 7 minute miles which at Cayuga have been unheard of for me unless it was the steep downhill. I soon saw Matt F in the distance and caught-up with him. He was having what looked to be a little but of a rough patch for him. I made the pass and kept on the accelerator.
From here on out, I ran the best I have ever run at Cayuga. I tackled the uphills well, ran the descents strong and hammered on the flats. Going up the Lick Brook Climb the second time, I noticed two signs: one for Altra and another for a pie. It was if someone just placed those out there for me. I picked them up and placed them into my pack as I worked-up the climb.
The rest of the race was running strong and feeling full of energy. There was a few muddy sections that made running fast difficult but besides that, I felt like a man on a mission.
As I hit the last 5k, I knew that there was nothing that could stop me from finishing this race. I hit my last mile (downhill) splitting 5:23 as I hammered into the finish. I had tears of joy as I crossed that line as I had finally tackled Cayuga trails and won! I finished the race 5th ; the best finish that I have ever had at Cayuga trails. I felt incredibly strong 48 miles of the race and ran with the ability to rapidly change my pace at will which was something I had not been able to do in past Cayuga races.
This Photo Says it All!!!!
* I finished the race, about 53 miles on my gps in 7:57 for 5th place. I had run the race smart and hung tough all day long and powered to a strong finish. I never thought something like this would ever happen as I have been plagued with really tough races at Cayuga each and every year. Running into the arms of my Superstar wife, Ashlee was one of the best moments ever. She has stuck it out with me through 5 tough years at this race, waking up at 4 am to get to the event and staying all-day to watch me beat myself up on the course. My success here was a team effort. With the help of my family and crew, the awesome volunteers (especially the BATS aid station), and all of the kind words of encouragement out on the trails, I was able to feel more motivated than ever before.
If at first you don't succeed...
Try...
Try...
Try...
Try...
TRY again.
For me, the 5th time was the charm. On my next race, maybe it will take me 50 times before I get it figured out. That is part of the beauty of running an ultra.
Congrats to Chris Rauli for running an incredible race out front to take the US Champ title. Well-deserved!
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Herald of Victory Toga Marathon: WR for fastest Marathon in a Toga!
So how do you end up running a Marathon in a Toga?
Great question you ask...
Here is the story...
Great question you ask...
Here is the story...
Start the Year Tough: World Snowshoe Championships and Breakneck Point Trail Marathon
Let us start talking about how the World Snowshoe Championships went.
I was excited for the race in that for the first time it would be held in the US.
Location: Saranac Lake, NY
I was not able to get a ton of time on snowshoes before the race (maybe 2 runs) but felt confident in my snowshoe running ability.
The World Championship course was expected to have record snow. Little did they know, that the week leading into the race, the 6 feet of snow base they had melted to the point where the race almost did not go on.
Now enter the World Championship Snowshoe race as more of a Tough Mudder than anything else.
Race temps were near 60! That's right 60 degrees.
I had a great family support with my delectable wife, Ashlee and my wonderful Father along for the ride. I also had my really cool Redfeather ColeVapor Snowshoes that have my name etched into them.
We were able to have some fun in the Lake Placid area before and even after the race. We went to many of the cute Adirondack shops and was able to get a true Authentic Adirondack Winter Experience.
The race though was my worst executed snowshoe race of my career. The course was reduced to an 8k and volunteers shoveled what little snow they had around the clock just so the series of races could even go on.
My hats are off to the incredible volunteers, the town of Saranac Lake and US Snowshoe Director, Mark Elmore for putting everything together.
Fast mountain and ultra runners such as Zach Miller and Joe Gray were toeing the line and my hope was to place in the top 15 and maybe even the top 10.
I made the mistake of getting boxed-in at the start as the course funneled runners through a very narrow track. I almost tripped and went to about 50th place. Looking back at the run, I should had remained relaxed and gradually worked my way through the crowd. But instead, I wasted more than my fair share of precious energy to surge back into the top 10 places. I was running through deep mud off of the icy trail path. With each step, mud was being kicked-up and kept hitting rutted-out sections more reminiscent of a potholed road. I hit hard paces around 6-7 minutes a mile to catch-up.
I soon linked-up with Jared Burdick, a teammate of MPF/RNR and we kept pace together. I then began to make a move. By the end of the first loop, I was feeling gassed. I tried to hammer the next uphill section but could not. The mud, ruts, and panic of being farther back wore on me. I felt that with ever step, my legs felt like lead, especially my right foot. Jared soon passed me as well as many others.
I laughed after falling face-first into a mud section that have virtual rivers on the once icy trail. I thought to myself, "This is not a Snowshoe race!". I brought it home and finished in 25th place in 34 minutes. I was off from my goal of 15th place and under but I was happy to be in one piece.
As I headed to the car, I later found that I had lost a tailpiece from my awesome Colevapor Snowshoes by Redfeather. I took the shoe out of the bag and chunky mud came right out of the shoe. It turned out that I was running with what felt like a 50 lb weight on my right foot.
This still with a bad race was a great weekend. Teammates: Jared ran to 13th place and Matt Lipsey ran to a stellar 8th place.
To conclude the weekend. All of the power in Lake Placid went out and its was sheer pandemonium in our hotel. We were hit with 8 inches of fresh snow and ice overnight and as the whole town shut down, the only place available for food was at the hotel. It felt like the end of the world but nothing that a few post-race adult beverages couldn't solve.
The next morning we dug out and adopted two adorable dogs: Ozzy and Daisy! A true adventure that I will never forget.
Breakneck Point Trail Run: Marathon
I finally mustered enough courage to give this race a shot. I had run some of the trails through here and was truly amazed with how unique and challenging they were. This would be a solid rust-buster of a race for me to kick-off my schedule.
I was excited for the race in that for the first time it would be held in the US.
Location: Saranac Lake, NY
I was not able to get a ton of time on snowshoes before the race (maybe 2 runs) but felt confident in my snowshoe running ability.
The World Championship course was expected to have record snow. Little did they know, that the week leading into the race, the 6 feet of snow base they had melted to the point where the race almost did not go on.
Now enter the World Championship Snowshoe race as more of a Tough Mudder than anything else.
Race temps were near 60! That's right 60 degrees.
I had a great family support with my delectable wife, Ashlee and my wonderful Father along for the ride. I also had my really cool Redfeather ColeVapor Snowshoes that have my name etched into them.
We were able to have some fun in the Lake Placid area before and even after the race. We went to many of the cute Adirondack shops and was able to get a true Authentic Adirondack Winter Experience.
The race though was my worst executed snowshoe race of my career. The course was reduced to an 8k and volunteers shoveled what little snow they had around the clock just so the series of races could even go on.
My hats are off to the incredible volunteers, the town of Saranac Lake and US Snowshoe Director, Mark Elmore for putting everything together.
Fast mountain and ultra runners such as Zach Miller and Joe Gray were toeing the line and my hope was to place in the top 15 and maybe even the top 10.
I made the mistake of getting boxed-in at the start as the course funneled runners through a very narrow track. I almost tripped and went to about 50th place. Looking back at the run, I should had remained relaxed and gradually worked my way through the crowd. But instead, I wasted more than my fair share of precious energy to surge back into the top 10 places. I was running through deep mud off of the icy trail path. With each step, mud was being kicked-up and kept hitting rutted-out sections more reminiscent of a potholed road. I hit hard paces around 6-7 minutes a mile to catch-up.
I soon linked-up with Jared Burdick, a teammate of MPF/RNR and we kept pace together. I then began to make a move. By the end of the first loop, I was feeling gassed. I tried to hammer the next uphill section but could not. The mud, ruts, and panic of being farther back wore on me. I felt that with ever step, my legs felt like lead, especially my right foot. Jared soon passed me as well as many others.
I laughed after falling face-first into a mud section that have virtual rivers on the once icy trail. I thought to myself, "This is not a Snowshoe race!". I brought it home and finished in 25th place in 34 minutes. I was off from my goal of 15th place and under but I was happy to be in one piece.
As I headed to the car, I later found that I had lost a tailpiece from my awesome Colevapor Snowshoes by Redfeather. I took the shoe out of the bag and chunky mud came right out of the shoe. It turned out that I was running with what felt like a 50 lb weight on my right foot.
This still with a bad race was a great weekend. Teammates: Jared ran to 13th place and Matt Lipsey ran to a stellar 8th place.
To conclude the weekend. All of the power in Lake Placid went out and its was sheer pandemonium in our hotel. We were hit with 8 inches of fresh snow and ice overnight and as the whole town shut down, the only place available for food was at the hotel. It felt like the end of the world but nothing that a few post-race adult beverages couldn't solve.
The next morning we dug out and adopted two adorable dogs: Ozzy and Daisy! A true adventure that I will never forget.
 |
| Team MPF/RNR post World Champ Snowshoe Race. Credits: Ashlee Prewitt Crosby |
Breakneck Point Trail Run: Marathon
I finally mustered enough courage to give this race a shot. I had run some of the trails through here and was truly amazed with how unique and challenging they were. This would be a solid rust-buster of a race for me to kick-off my schedule.
Friday, December 30, 2016
2016: Year in Review
The year of 2016 was a busy, but wonderful year. I have traveled a bunch, running in some cool places. I have also had the chance to race a decent amount with some decent finishes. I am eager to take the lessons that I have learned into the new year. I also was able to tie the knot with the love of my life, Ashlee which was the most incredible moment of my life.
Some Highlights of the year:
1. Got married!!!
2. Ran in all kinds of cool places
3. Have an awesome job
4. Have made so many new friends
5. I am in good health
6. Nothing to complain about only happy memories of the year.
With my job at Nathan, I have traveled as far west as California for work trip and as far south as Texas and Florida. It has been such a wild time. I am looking forward to a fun 2017 with the company. Here is my photo montage of the year as the Nathan Eastern Region Tech Rep:
For my races in 2016: I ran 6 Key races/events and here is how they went:
Febuary I ran the Cast-A-Shadow race which is usually a snowshoe race but instead was a 6 hour muddy trail run.
I placed 1st running about 42 miles in the 6 hours.
March: Caumsett 50k: 7th place
Then I raced the Caumsett 50k, a USATF 50k road championship. I placed 7th in a PR run of 3:11 which I was happy with due to no specific speedwork in training and some nutrition issues during the race.
April: Hyner View Challenge 3rd Place.
A Race where I had no expectations as I had not gotten any elevation training in months, the effort paid off. I ran with Mike Daigeaun and Adam Russel and helped push the pace to all three of us besting the old course record. Quite a day. And it was a blast hanging with the Nathan crew.
This race for me I had a solid training block for it but was a physical and mental wreck come race day and fell apart at mile 21. The hardest I have ever fought in a race to come out holding on to third place was by far the race of the year for me.
SO what does that mean for 2017 you ask? Well, I hope to mix things up. I feel more comfortable in my current job with Nathan and will be looking to add some great races to the mix.
Here are a list of goals and races I on my radar to run in 2017:
Some Snowshoe Races: This would include the World Champs in Saranac Lake, NY and National Champs at Bend, Oregon.
Setting some FKTs around some of the larger Finger Lakes: Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka etc.
Syracuse Half-Marathon
Hyner View Challenge 25k
Breakneck 42k
Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon
UROC 100k in Virginia or Dirty German 50 mile
Ontario Summit Trail Marathon
Herald of Victory Marathon: Guinness World Record for Marathon in Toga
Maybe Cayuga Trails 50
Finger Lakes 50 Mile
Twisted Branch 100k
Fall 100 miler or 100k
Tesla Hertz 100k or 100 mile
Stonemill 50
Hellgate 100k
I want to thank everyone who has been with me this incredible journey in 2016.
Thank you to my lovely Wife, Ashlee.
Thank you to my friends, family and the whole team at Nathan and USB!
Thank you to my sponsors who have helped me become the person I am today:
Mammut North America: for being with me every step of the way with the best shoes, apparel, and gear in the industry.
Nathan for being not only my employer but also with aiding me with the best in hydration, visibility, gear and runner's care essentials.
Team RNRMPF for allowing me to be on a roster with some of the best and most kindhearted trails runners in the East.
Boom Nutrition for helping to fuel me with the all-natural fruit power of Boom gels.
Fits Socks for making the best merino wool socks that fit better than a glove.
Redfeather snowshoes for the ColeVapor shoe and the best in snowshoes.
Karhu NA for great road shoes for all of my ultra training and road running exploits.
Craft NA for the best baselayers, running tights and winter gear.
Here is to what has been an incredible 2016 and I will raise a glass to 2017. Time to make some dreams and turn them into reality!
Some Highlights of the year:
1. Got married!!!
2. Ran in all kinds of cool places
3. Have an awesome job
4. Have made so many new friends
5. I am in good health
6. Nothing to complain about only happy memories of the year.
With my job at Nathan, I have traveled as far west as California for work trip and as far south as Texas and Florida. It has been such a wild time. I am looking forward to a fun 2017 with the company. Here is my photo montage of the year as the Nathan Eastern Region Tech Rep:
 |
| Ragnar with the Salomon Crew. Photo Credits: Cole C. |
 |
| Nathan at USB Sales Conference. Photo Creds: Dan Suher |
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| Ragnar events. Photo Cred: Cole C. |
 |
| Weekend getaway with Ashlee at Letchworth State Park. Photo Credits: Ashlee Prewitt Crosby |
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| Demo with Finger Lakes Run Co and Robert K. Photo Credits: Cole C. |
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| Demo run in Asheville, NC. Photo Credits: Andrew Snow |
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| The Perfect Oklahoma Wedding. Photo Credits: Bailey Salisbury. |
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| Demo in Hotlanta. Photo Credits: Cole C. |
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| Fun DC Demo run with Fire Up Your Run night and Johnathan. Photo Credits: Cole C. |
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| Fall Running in Princeton, NJ. Photo Credits Cole C. |
 |
| Christmas long run. Photo Credits: Cole C. |
For my races in 2016: I ran 6 Key races/events and here is how they went:
Febuary I ran the Cast-A-Shadow race which is usually a snowshoe race but instead was a 6 hour muddy trail run.
I placed 1st running about 42 miles in the 6 hours.
 |
| Running strong. Photo Credits: Ron Herkins JR. |
March: Caumsett 50k: 7th place
Then I raced the Caumsett 50k, a USATF 50k road championship. I placed 7th in a PR run of 3:11 which I was happy with due to no specific speedwork in training and some nutrition issues during the race.
 |
| Running with the Pack and friend, Eric Senseman. Photo Credits: Charles Crosby |
April: Hyner View Challenge 3rd Place.
A Race where I had no expectations as I had not gotten any elevation training in months, the effort paid off. I ran with Mike Daigeaun and Adam Russel and helped push the pace to all three of us besting the old course record. Quite a day. And it was a blast hanging with the Nathan crew.
 |
| 1st big climb. Photo Credits: Momentum Photography. |
 |
| Chasing the leaders at the first climb. Photo Credits: Mark Lengel June: Cayuga Trails 50 mile: US Trail Champs DNF DNF at mile 28. Puking my guts out. I came into this race primed and fit. I left it broken after having pre-race nutrition mis-cues. No whole fruit with the skins EVER AGAIN! It was great to see so many great performances even with the heat.  |
September: I Run For Half Marathon and Marathon : 1st in 2:38
This race I used as training for Tussey Mountainback but it went as well as it could have gone with me bonking pretty hard at mile 18 but great effort given the hills.
 |
| Myself with Anne. Photo Credits: VPPhoto.com October: Tussey Mountainback 50 Mile/USATF 50 mile road champs: 3rd place in 6:22 |
 |
| Last long run before Tussey. Photo Credit: Cole C. |
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| Tussey Pre-race gear. Photo Credits: Cole C. |
SO what does that mean for 2017 you ask? Well, I hope to mix things up. I feel more comfortable in my current job with Nathan and will be looking to add some great races to the mix.
Here are a list of goals and races I on my radar to run in 2017:
Some Snowshoe Races: This would include the World Champs in Saranac Lake, NY and National Champs at Bend, Oregon.
Setting some FKTs around some of the larger Finger Lakes: Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka etc.
Syracuse Half-Marathon
Hyner View Challenge 25k
Breakneck 42k
Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon
UROC 100k in Virginia or Dirty German 50 mile
Ontario Summit Trail Marathon
Herald of Victory Marathon: Guinness World Record for Marathon in Toga
Maybe Cayuga Trails 50
Finger Lakes 50 Mile
Twisted Branch 100k
Fall 100 miler or 100k
Tesla Hertz 100k or 100 mile
Stonemill 50
Hellgate 100k
I want to thank everyone who has been with me this incredible journey in 2016.
Thank you to my lovely Wife, Ashlee.
Thank you to my friends, family and the whole team at Nathan and USB!
Thank you to my sponsors who have helped me become the person I am today:
Mammut North America: for being with me every step of the way with the best shoes, apparel, and gear in the industry.
Nathan for being not only my employer but also with aiding me with the best in hydration, visibility, gear and runner's care essentials.
Team RNRMPF for allowing me to be on a roster with some of the best and most kindhearted trails runners in the East.
Boom Nutrition for helping to fuel me with the all-natural fruit power of Boom gels.
Fits Socks for making the best merino wool socks that fit better than a glove.
Redfeather snowshoes for the ColeVapor shoe and the best in snowshoes.
Karhu NA for great road shoes for all of my ultra training and road running exploits.
Craft NA for the best baselayers, running tights and winter gear.
Here is to what has been an incredible 2016 and I will raise a glass to 2017. Time to make some dreams and turn them into reality!
Monday, November 21, 2016
Tussey Mountainback 2016 USA Champs 3rd Place: When All Else Fails, Run with Heart
The Tussey Mountainback 50 mile has been my true ultimate goal for 2016. It was netted as a USA Championship 50 mile road event which helped to grow its appeal for some fast competition. I also left this event two years ago with a 3rd place in 6:16 running an incredible race with pneumonia until my body gave way at mile 40. I entered this race looking for redemption.
Training leading up to the race was going pretty well. With a weekly average of 77.5 miles a week up from 71 earlier in the year, I was very pleased with my increase in weekly volume. I was also able to get more quality workouts in with steady climbing and descending; the type of running needed to excel at Tussey.
Training leading up to the race was going pretty well. With a weekly average of 77.5 miles a week up from 71 earlier in the year, I was very pleased with my increase in weekly volume. I was also able to get more quality workouts in with steady climbing and descending; the type of running needed to excel at Tussey.
Monday, October 24, 2016
I Run For Marathon: Training For Tussey
This was a fun race and a great opportunity. I had run the I Run For Half marathon two years ago and had a blast. I knew that with a course that featured 767 feet of climbing for the Half Marathon, that for a Marathon, I was going to get a great training stimulus in for Tussey Mountainback.
It was great to be able to run such a great local event after having an incredibly busy summer on the road as well as to run a race on September 11th. The Seepersauds are an incredible down to earth family and it has been such a pleasure to know them and to run their race.
http://www.irunforhalfmarathon.com/
Weather for the race was mild in the 60's and rainy. This is decent weather but I knew that I would have to stay on-top of hydration and salts as the forecast was going to have temps get near 70. The race course is a quad out and back with 6.5 out and back twice. This would be beneficial to 1) Know the course well, 2) Help receive aid easily throughout 3) Help build some mental toughness of seeing the same scenery.
The race went out well from the start. I hit the first mile in 5:22 and knew that I had to settle-in and get into marathon pace. I proceeded to run a very controlled and comfortable 5:50 average through the first 6.5 miles. The first 6.5 of the course climb gradually to the top of the course at the turn-around. Throughout the first quarter of the race, there are some long and short and steep climbs that can tax the legs. Going through the hills, my slowest mile was 6 minutes on the dot. Looking back at the pace, it was probably too aggressive given the course design. I was on pace for 2:31/2:32 (giving a potential slowing in the closing miles). Once I hit the turn-around, I began to relax and continue to ratchet the pace.
Let me also talk about the pacers: Having Jack and Kat out there on the support bikes was incredible. They kept me going an honest pace and helped to motivate me throughout! Thank you to both of you.
I went through the 13.1 mark feeling strong in around 75:55 on a fast pace through the course and even added about a half mile around the turn-around too. I switched out my Nathan Speedshot handheld and was off for the second 13.1. The weather was getting warmer with the sun coming out of the clouds. I started struggling at mile 18 as my 6 minute mile pace began to slip. I started running 6:04, then 6:11, then 6:20, followed by another 6:11. Near mile 20, my legs could not handle the effort anymore and the early miles really took a toll on me. I then pushed as hard as I could with lead legs for the final 6.2 miles.
My last few miles ranged from 6:30 and up to a 7:20 last mile. It was not pretty but I got to the finish line in one piece. I finished around 2:38:48 on my watch through the finish which had me a few minutes long. I finished the race in around 2:39.
For the future, I know not to run as if I am running a flat marathon for a hilly marathon. My pace out the gates was too hot for the course. Overall, I was pleased with how I hung tough even when things started to crumble on me. This was great preparation for Tussey.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible. Thank you to the volunteers and to the whole Binghamton community which is the best around!
There was so many great stories out there during the race. Many strong marathon finishes and great goals met out there! Nice work to all the runners!
Thank you to all of my sponsors who helped to get me outfitted and ready for the race:
Mammut North America
Nathan
Team MPF-RNR
Fits Socks
Boom Nutrition
Redfeather Snowshoes
Karhu NA
Craft NA
Confluence Running
Finger Lakes Run Co
It was great to be able to run such a great local event after having an incredibly busy summer on the road as well as to run a race on September 11th. The Seepersauds are an incredible down to earth family and it has been such a pleasure to know them and to run their race.
http://www.irunforhalfmarathon.com/
Weather for the race was mild in the 60's and rainy. This is decent weather but I knew that I would have to stay on-top of hydration and salts as the forecast was going to have temps get near 70. The race course is a quad out and back with 6.5 out and back twice. This would be beneficial to 1) Know the course well, 2) Help receive aid easily throughout 3) Help build some mental toughness of seeing the same scenery.
The race went out well from the start. I hit the first mile in 5:22 and knew that I had to settle-in and get into marathon pace. I proceeded to run a very controlled and comfortable 5:50 average through the first 6.5 miles. The first 6.5 of the course climb gradually to the top of the course at the turn-around. Throughout the first quarter of the race, there are some long and short and steep climbs that can tax the legs. Going through the hills, my slowest mile was 6 minutes on the dot. Looking back at the pace, it was probably too aggressive given the course design. I was on pace for 2:31/2:32 (giving a potential slowing in the closing miles). Once I hit the turn-around, I began to relax and continue to ratchet the pace.
Let me also talk about the pacers: Having Jack and Kat out there on the support bikes was incredible. They kept me going an honest pace and helped to motivate me throughout! Thank you to both of you.
I went through the 13.1 mark feeling strong in around 75:55 on a fast pace through the course and even added about a half mile around the turn-around too. I switched out my Nathan Speedshot handheld and was off for the second 13.1. The weather was getting warmer with the sun coming out of the clouds. I started struggling at mile 18 as my 6 minute mile pace began to slip. I started running 6:04, then 6:11, then 6:20, followed by another 6:11. Near mile 20, my legs could not handle the effort anymore and the early miles really took a toll on me. I then pushed as hard as I could with lead legs for the final 6.2 miles.
My last few miles ranged from 6:30 and up to a 7:20 last mile. It was not pretty but I got to the finish line in one piece. I finished around 2:38:48 on my watch through the finish which had me a few minutes long. I finished the race in around 2:39.
For the future, I know not to run as if I am running a flat marathon for a hilly marathon. My pace out the gates was too hot for the course. Overall, I was pleased with how I hung tough even when things started to crumble on me. This was great preparation for Tussey.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible. Thank you to the volunteers and to the whole Binghamton community which is the best around!
There was so many great stories out there during the race. Many strong marathon finishes and great goals met out there! Nice work to all the runners!
Thank you to all of my sponsors who helped to get me outfitted and ready for the race:
Mammut North America
Nathan
Team MPF-RNR
Fits Socks
Boom Nutrition
Redfeather Snowshoes
Karhu NA
Craft NA
Confluence Running
Finger Lakes Run Co
 |
| Coming into the Finish-Photo Credits: Jack Kuhn |
 |
| Photo Credit: Jack Kuhn |
 |
Myself Hanging on. Photo Credit: Jack Kuhn
All my Race Gear: Mammut,Nathan, Karhu, MPFRNR, Fits Socks, Boom Nutrition
 Having fun in the ADK. Photo Credit: Cole  Great Demo with Syracuse at Green Lakes. Photo Credit: Cole C. |
I Run For Marathon: Training For Tussey
This was a fun race and a great opportunity. I had run the I Run For Half marathon two years ago and had a blast. I knew that with a course that featured 767 feet of climbing for the Half Marathon, that for a Marathon, I was going to get a great training stimulus in for Tussey Mountainback.
It was great to be able to run such a great local event after having an incredibly busy summer on the road as well as to run a race on September 11th. The Seepersauds are an incredible down to earth family and it has been such a pleasure to know them and to run their race.
http://www.irunforhalfmarathon.com/
Weather for the race was mild in the 60's and rainy. This is decent weather but I knew that I would have to stay on-top of hydration and salts as the forecast was going to have temps get near 70. The race course is a quad out and back with 6.5 out and back twice. This would be beneficial to 1) Know the course well, 2) Help receive aid easily throughout 3) Help build some mental toughness of seeing the same scenery.
The race went out well from the start. I hit the first mile in 5:22 and knew that I had to settle-in and get into marathon pace. I proceeded to run a very controlled and comfortable 5:50 average through the first 6.5 miles. The first 6.5 of the course climb gradually to the top of the course at the turn-around. Throughout the first quarter of the race, there are some long and short and steep climbs that can tax the legs. Going through the hills, my slowest mile was 6 minutes on the dot. Looking back at the pace, it was probably too aggressive given the course design. I was on pace for 2:31/2:32 (giving a potential slowing in the closing miles). Once I hit the turn-around, I began to relax and continue to ratchet the pace.
Let me also talk about the pacers: Having Jack and Kat out there on the support bikes was incredible. They kept me going an honest pace and helped to motivate me throughout! Thank you to both of you.
It was great to be able to run such a great local event after having an incredibly busy summer on the road as well as to run a race on September 11th. The Seepersauds are an incredible down to earth family and it has been such a pleasure to know them and to run their race.
http://www.irunforhalfmarathon.com/
Weather for the race was mild in the 60's and rainy. This is decent weather but I knew that I would have to stay on-top of hydration and salts as the forecast was going to have temps get near 70. The race course is a quad out and back with 6.5 out and back twice. This would be beneficial to 1) Know the course well, 2) Help receive aid easily throughout 3) Help build some mental toughness of seeing the same scenery.
The race went out well from the start. I hit the first mile in 5:22 and knew that I had to settle-in and get into marathon pace. I proceeded to run a very controlled and comfortable 5:50 average through the first 6.5 miles. The first 6.5 of the course climb gradually to the top of the course at the turn-around. Throughout the first quarter of the race, there are some long and short and steep climbs that can tax the legs. Going through the hills, my slowest mile was 6 minutes on the dot. Looking back at the pace, it was probably too aggressive given the course design. I was on pace for 2:31/2:32 (giving a potential slowing in the closing miles). Once I hit the turn-around, I began to relax and continue to ratchet the pace.
Let me also talk about the pacers: Having Jack and Kat out there on the support bikes was incredible. They kept me going an honest pace and helped to motivate me throughout! Thank you to both of you.
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| Running for the second 13.1 (Photo Credit: Brent Rice) |
Sunday, June 5, 2016
2016 Cayuga Trails 50: Could not Stomach the Day
This race has been my Achilles heel.
I have finished 9th in 2013, 7th in 2014 and a DNF in 2015. The race has always been a tough one for me. Maybe it is because of the time of year, the humidity of early summer? I really am not sure.
Getting to the race site the night before and sleeping in the Nathan Mobile was nice to be able to be right where the action would happen. With a nice cool morning right around the high 50's, it was great to sleep with the windows down and the beautiful starts overhead. I felt poised and ready to go. You never go into a race feeling 100% perfect though training had gone well and I was hopeful for a great day.
This photo was the breaking point. The stomach sloshing with the heat really was making me feel sick. I dumped water on myself to get some evaporative cooling before the next push to mile 25 turnaround but really had that sea sick type of feeling.
All it took was right after the Highway Aid station I stopped to walk on one of the uphills and then felt it coming. I threw up some and then began to resume running hoping that was going to be all I had to deal with. Boy was I wrong. My body's system had enough. Any bit of running and I was projectile vomiting all over the trail. I had to walk. I thought maybe a few minutes of walking would do me good. Soon Ben Nephew and some other runners passed me by. They could tell something was off. In an ultra, you have some time to rebound and make a race of it. I knew that at this moment, top 5 would be out of the picture but if I could put together a strong last 25 miles, I could maybe crack the top 10.
It was torture. Every moment I got going into a running motion, I would find myself throwing up. I finally after struggling for the last 7 or so miles and being passed by the lead ladies, I knew my race was in jeopardy. I finally crawled into the 25 mile turnaround point and knew I had to make a decision. I already felt dejected knowing that already 25 miles in that this race was not the redemption race I had hoped for.
Stomach Problems Led the Way:
So what went wrong?
Pretty simple: After talking to everyone, eating fibrous fruit for breakfast was not the best idea. I had two apples and a peach with the skins on. This mistake with the hot and humid conditions only made things worse. I noticed when I threw up the first time that the skins were the only thing I could make out in the mush. It goes to show that we can always learn new things about ourselves.
I have finished 9th in 2013, 7th in 2014 and a DNF in 2015. The race has always been a tough one for me. Maybe it is because of the time of year, the humidity of early summer? I really am not sure.
Getting to the race site the night before and sleeping in the Nathan Mobile was nice to be able to be right where the action would happen. With a nice cool morning right around the high 50's, it was great to sleep with the windows down and the beautiful starts overhead. I felt poised and ready to go. You never go into a race feeling 100% perfect though training had gone well and I was hopeful for a great day.
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| Photo Credits ATRA Myself and the chase pack |
THE RACE:
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| Photo Credits: Mountain Peak Fitness --Hanging with Avi and Zach |
* The race like all of the others had us gather together with Ian's blowing of the ram's horn. I settled a little further back than what I normal would do putting myself around 10-15th place. I wanted to start the run more conservatively than in years' past because I have encountered issues when going out with the front group. I also wanted to take the time to enjoy the beginning of the race more so than before. I felt that maintaining an upbeat attitude would bode well for conserving much needed energy for the longer ups and downs encountered the 2nd 25 miles of the course on tired legs.
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| Photo Credit: ATRA |
As the field began to separate, I met one of Zach's friends from Ann Arbor, Avi who we spent a large portion of miles together. The photo above shows the fun we were having rattling off strong but consistent miles. We kept our pace in the 7:45-8:30 minute range through the gorges and the steps of the course. It was really great to have someone along for the journey. This course knows how to pack a punch and I was feeling really strong besides the humid and warm day. With my job, I had spent the past month in some warmer spots of the country so this was helpful and felt that with maintaining a sound hydration and nutrition plan, things would go well. I was making sure to drink 18 oz every 6 miles and making sure to take a gel every two aid stations. Avi and myself began to catch other runners around the Buttermilk turn-around. I had some GI issues leading up to that aid station and had to stop to use the bathroom. I lost some time here as Avi heading up the steps of Buttermilk falls as I took my pit stop.
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| Photo Credit: ATRA |
Life was going pretty well in the early stages...
Then things became real!
The pit stop was the first warning sign. I began to sweat a little more but my stomach felt better. I continued on my nutrition plan. I knew I could catch Avi again as he was maybe a minute or two ahead of me. I soon caught one runner and then latched on with former Red Newt/MPF runner, Ben Nephew. We hung together as I noticed Ben was going through a little low point and eventually decided to make a move to pass. I started taking in more Boom Gels and Tailwind and started noticing a weird sloshing in my stomach. I continued to try and remain calm knowing that stomach sloshing could be caused by all types of things.
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| Photo Credit: TJ Moore |
After a bathroom pit stop, I did not think anything of this. I kept trucking along.
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| Photo Credits: TJ Moore |
All it took was right after the Highway Aid station I stopped to walk on one of the uphills and then felt it coming. I threw up some and then began to resume running hoping that was going to be all I had to deal with. Boy was I wrong. My body's system had enough. Any bit of running and I was projectile vomiting all over the trail. I had to walk. I thought maybe a few minutes of walking would do me good. Soon Ben Nephew and some other runners passed me by. They could tell something was off. In an ultra, you have some time to rebound and make a race of it. I knew that at this moment, top 5 would be out of the picture but if I could put together a strong last 25 miles, I could maybe crack the top 10.
It was torture. Every moment I got going into a running motion, I would find myself throwing up. I finally after struggling for the last 7 or so miles and being passed by the lead ladies, I knew my race was in jeopardy. I finally crawled into the 25 mile turnaround point and knew I had to make a decision. I already felt dejected knowing that already 25 miles in that this race was not the redemption race I had hoped for.
Stomach Problems Led the Way:
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| Photo Credits: ATRA |
Here you can see me dejected and sick. The whole team at the Start/Finish was incredible. A friend of mine, Dom was the man of the hour getting me back to feeling stronger with ice pops and plenty of water. It took me a solid 15 minutes before I headed back out. Kudos to everyone there to help boost me up as best as they could. That support was truly incredible. I was leaving the 25 mile mark at about 4:03. If I had a solid second 25, I could still make some magic happen. The downside, was that I was not sure if I was really feeling back to normal. I told my fiancé, Ashlee and my Dad to meet me at each aid station as we would play it aid to aid to see if I could improve and rebound.
From the energy of all the volunteers, I bolted out of the 25 mile aid and up into the gorges. It was maybe about a mile or so before I stopped by a rock and puked some more. Then tried to run again and the puking continued. That was it. I continued to average 15 minutes a mile through this section until I had made the near 50k mark. I hit the aid station finally and sat down on a chair here and said I had to drop.
At this point I had thrown up maybe 20+ times in those last 5 miles and was not able to put anything else down. I felt weak and dizzy. My race was over.
Again, the Cayuga Trails Course bested me yet again. I made it back to the Start/Finish to cheer on MPF/RNR teammates and other finishers.
The heat made it hard for all of the runners out there but so many preserved and finished.
Incredible races by:
Tyler Sigl who ran a gutsy 6:43 besting Sage's course record on a hot and humid June day was incredible.
Jared Burdick who has been so consistent here with two 2nd place finishes!
And props to MPF/RNR teammates:
Ben Nephew for his 6th place finish
Jan Wellford showing he has some ultra speed too finishing 9th
and Silas Carey finishing in 10th.
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| Photo Credits: Ashley Lauren |
So what went wrong?
Pretty simple: After talking to everyone, eating fibrous fruit for breakfast was not the best idea. I had two apples and a peach with the skins on. This mistake with the hot and humid conditions only made things worse. I noticed when I threw up the first time that the skins were the only thing I could make out in the mush. It goes to show that we can always learn new things about ourselves.
Even though the outcome was not what I hoped for, the people of this race are what I truly love and am thankful for. Thanks to all of you, this is the reason why I love this event year in and year out.
Thank you to all of the race volunteers for keeping me going when I thought I should just throw in the towel, the RD: Ian Golden for putting on a killer race year in and year out, Dom for almost reviving me, Elizabeth of MPF and so many others.
Thank you to sponsors: Mammut North America for being such an incredible company to represent as well as Nathan which is also become a second family for me, Fits socks for the best in merino blister-free socks with the best Fit around, Boom Nutrition that keeps me fueled and ready to go, Redfeather Snowshoes for the best in running snowshoes, and Team MPF/RNR for helping to inspire me each and every day to train and race my best!
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