#altrarunning #altraredteam #tailwind #abassadorofcrazy #feedyourcrazy | Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching

Last Call 50 Mile

David Theriot — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 17:18:16 +0000

I was pretty excited to head to Fairplay, CO to play in the mountains for the Last Call 50 Mile race. I had run the Midnight Madness 50 miler at home in Tulsa the week before and was using both of these as training for Tahoe. Where the MM50 gave me some flat fast running, the LC50 would give me altitude and elevation training. With over 9,000 feet of gain on legs that still were not 100%, I knew it would be a challenge! This race also started Saturday night at midnight….but…..on trails…..in the mountains….starting at over 10,000 feet of elevation. This was the first year of the LC50. It was an addition to the Silverheels 100 that would start 16 hours before we did. The 100 started at 4am on Saturday morning and go until 3PM on Sunday. We would join them on the trails and provide some added energy and encouragement.

I drove the almost 11 hours to Fairplay on the Friday and set up my tent in the designated area near the Start/finish at the SouthPark Rec center. The drive went well and I really enjoyed looking all around me and seeing MOUNTAINS! I sat in on the 100 miler race meeting just to learn about the course. THe RD, John Lecroix, whom I had watched some of his videos on Facebook talking about the race and trails was a no-nonsense kind of guy. He seemed thorough and on top of things. I crashed in my tent after the meeting and managed to get a full night’s sleep. Saturday, for me would consist of hydrating, napping, and eating. I also did some exploring of the area and driving down the road to the Continental Divide. I knew I needed to rest because it would be a long night.

As midnight approached, I got dressed and attended the pre-race meeting. I sat down on one of the Rec center couch to relax for a minute. Just then, an older gentleman sat next to me and commented on how much the cushions sank. I replied, “Yeah, it’s like you sit down and you keep on sitting further down.” As I was saying it, I looked over at him and realized I was talking to Marshall Ulrich!! I tried not to go all fanboy on him. It was funny, because I’m almost done reading his book “Running on Empty” for the second time. I told him that I appreciated all of his legendary exploits in the world of Ultra Running. He was using this run as part of his training for this years BadWater 135, which he’s completed a number of times, sometimes unsupported . Sometimes, more than once. Oh, and I believe he is 67 years old and still at it! Anyway, that was a really cool thing to happen before the race.

So, I was excited and ready to get started. We lined up. The RD said something like, “Go, don’t mess up, and have fun,” and we were off! This was my first time running at this elevation and my legs and lungs definitely felt like it. We ran on about ¼ mile on paved roads, then dirt roads until the first aid station at 3.5 miles. It was about 48 degrees and I had dressed in layers. I stopped at that aid station real quick and took off a layer as I was already starting to sweat. From the aid station, we immediately started on single track trail headed up in elevation. At this point, I was in the top 5, but knew I would need to slow down a bit. I backed off and slowly started up the mountain. This was going to be a long night and day. I kept plugging away in the dark, following my headlamp. I was still sluggish, but moving steadily forward. I started to just power hike the uphills and run the downhills and flats. I was looking forward to some daylight so I could enjoy the view.

At about 4:45 things started to light up and give me a little boost of energy. The views were amazing and inspiring! Things also started to warm up a bit. My stomach was getting funky and I was having trouble getting my heartrate down at every incline. Even when I slowed way down, my heart would go nuts. Altitude! I was running with a runner from Georgia named Lee. Good guy. We visited and kept putting one foot in front of the other. This was his first 50. Boy, he picked a tough one for his first! I was beginning to feel pretty bad when we hit aid station at mile 21. I was even thinking about dropping this early on. My rationale was that this was a training race for me. Luckily this aid station was in the middle of nowhere and I had no way to get back to the start/finish from there without walking further. Oh well, on to the next aid station 11 miles away!

Lee and I plugged on . At one point we came around a corner and saw a huge moose down the trail. He stared at us as we continued to walk forward and stop. After a couple minutes, he decided to leave. Thank you! Problem was that he went to the area that the trail would loop to in a mile or so. We kept a look out for him, but didn’t see him again. Thank Goodness! Eventually we were at the 32 mile aid station. I was hot and calorie deprived and wanted out. I contemplated for a good while. Lee went ahead and took off with my blessing while I sat there contemplating life. I forced down some liquids and some food and finally decided to head back out. About ½ a mile back into the trail, all of the calories I just ate and drank resurfaced. I walked back down the aid station, and called Jen to let her know that I was dropping. With my heart rate going nuts, no calories in me, and my extreme fatigue, I was done. She told me that she was proud of me for making a wise decision. This would be my first drop not related to an injury. I let them know at the aid station and found a rock to sit on and have a pity party. A few minutes later, the RD came by and was checking on a friend of his who was dropping out of the 100 miler. Then he came to me and asked what was up. I told him about my heart rate and that I had puked up my calories. He asked, “Does your stomach feel better now?” I said, “Yeah, kinda.” He said that I had a long time left and should try to eat again and give it 30 minutes to see if I could keep it down. He brought me a glass of ginger ale to settle my stomach. I ate some chips and started to feel better. A nice guy I had talked to before the race came check on me and invited me to run with him and his crew. He said, “We are just having fun.” They seemed to be just plugging along and having a good time. I thanked him and told him I needed more time. About 5 minutes later, I refilled my pack and hit the trail. I told the RD and Aid station crew, “Here goes nothing!” John, the RD said, “Awesome! See you at the finish!” I thought, “Jen is gonna kill me.”

About a mile into this next section, I met up with the guys who were just having fun. I needed their positive energy. We moved slow and steady and joked around….A LOT! I felt so much better and was enjoying myself again. I knew a fast race was no longer an option, but a finish was. When I finally had a phone signal, I messaged Jen to let her know I was back on the course. She fussed at me, but I didn’t see the text until later. We moved steadily and I took a lot of time at the aid stations getting in lots of calories. We eventually made it to the last out part of the final out and back at the Silverheels mine together. From here, we at 2.5 miles to the last aid station stop and then 9 miles to the finish. I was power hiking the mostly uphill section to the aid station. I was ahead of the group. At the aid station, I ate some watermelon and got more calories in. The rest of the group caught up. I asked them if they would mind if I just took off. They were fine with it. I thanked them and headed out. I was in a zone and ready to be done.

Most of the rest of the course was downhill with a few stinky uphill surprises at the end. I ran most of the final 9 miles only stopping to power hike a few of the steep uphills. I was just ready to finish! I ran harder as I got closer to the finish. I was on dirt road….the paved road…then the inflatable arch was in site! I ran it in and was so excited to be done!! Lee was there at the finish and I congratulated him on his first 50 finish. I ate pizza, took a shower and enjoyed the finish line festivities. Jen encouraged me to pack up my tent and get a room so I could really rest. I obliged.

This was my toughest 50 miler to date and my time reflected that: A 14:30 finish for 12th place. This low-lander will take it.

I went into Leadville the next day and hiked up the 11 mile Black Cloud trail to the top of Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado at 14,440ft. A recovery hike? My knee was a little mad at me afterwards. I spent the night in Leadville and left for home the next day, leaving the mountains behind. I’ll be back though. I need more mountains in my life!

For this race, I wore my new Lone Peak 3.5 shoes with gaiters and they were perfect! Injinji socks kept my feet happy too. I kept the same socks and shoes on the whole time. My new lightweight Altra running shorts kept me chafe free. Also, I wore my trusty Ultimate Direction FKT vest and it was perfect!

Once again, I’m blessed to be able to do these things. I thank God for the opportunities I’ve had and that I’ve remained healthy. This adventure was perfect training for Tahoe 200. It’s getting closer!! Next stop, Full Moon 50K in Arkansas in 2 weeks!

The post Last Call 50 Mile first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Tatur’s Midnight Madness 50 Mile

David Theriot — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 23:06:37 +0000

This was a first for me. 50 miles…..on pavement…..starting at midnight…...during the summer! This was the first of 2 back to back 50 milers I planned on using for training for Tahoe 200. The plan was to take it easy and just get the miles under my feet. The course was an out and back of 16.67 miles that we would do 3 times. At the same time, there were 10 and 20 mile races on the course doing one or two out and backs to get their distance. The entire course was on the paved Tulsa River Parks trail system.

A couple hours before race start, a storm came through. I thought, “Great! It won’t be as hot!” Well, the temps were in 78-lower 80s, but the humidity shot up to 93%. Great! I would go on to run the whole race soaked! Jen and I got there shortly after 11PM and made last minute preparations. Jen was running the 10 miler for fun. She’s still on the comeback after collapsing her lung a few months ago.

Since this was a training run for Tahoe, I didn’t treat the race as I normally would have. I could have easily gone light on the vest and gear since I would have access to my drop bag often on this course. I opted to wear my Ultimate Direction FKT vest and loaded it up with nutrition and salt tablets. I filled my 70oz bladder with 4 scoops of Tailwind due to the heat and humidity and would refill it after each 16.67mile out and back. I would also get additional hydration at the aid stations. This was training for the big race, but would also enable me to go further without having to stop for long to refill my hydration. I like to roll like that. For shoes, I wore the same pair that I won the Prairie Spirit 100 miler in - My trusty Altra Torins! I also got a chance to really test out my new Altra shorts. They are so lightweight that chafing was minimal, even in the humid muck we ran through.

Anyway, we got to the start and visited with a few friends. As time drew close to start, Jen and I prayed together, took our places, and took off! My legs were a bit heavy to start. This happens from time to time and usually after a few miles I can usually find my rhythm and run comfortably. I pretty much ran through all of the aid stations quickly on this first out and back. No need to stop yet. Being an out and back, I was able to tell that I was in the lead and that the closest person behind me at that point was about 1.5 miles back. This was good as I didn’t know how long I would be able to keep this pace up, but willing to give it a go. I was hoping to get a good lead and then ease up at the end. The course is relatively flat with the exception a a big climb and drop about halfway through the out and back at Turkey Mountain. I was able to run up the front half of the incline at each loop but always walked up a large part the back half where the incline is much steeper. It was a good change up on the leg muscles.

At the end of the first out and back, I caught up with Jen as she was finishing her 10 miler and we got to visit. She helped me refill my hydration bladder and I took off for loop 2. These out and backs were fun because we were constantly crossing other runners and get to give and get encouragement. It helps when the low points hit. By the end, I think some of them got tired of seeing me though. Anyway, I stopped a bit more on this loop to drink some extra gatorade, water, coke, and whatever else I felt I needed. I even munched on a few salty potatoes and M&Ms. My stomach was getting a little funky from the heat and I was trying to fuel without puking. Ginger Ale helped a bunch. I finished the second loop only having slowed a bit on my pace from the first.

I was hoping to take it easy on the last loop, but the one time course record holder, Katie, was too close for comfort. She was over a mile behind me, but with 16.67 miles to go that’s easy for an experienced runner to make up if I eased up too much. Oh well, I figured I’d just keep pushing. I had backed off of hydration a bit due to stomach issues and it was taking its toll. My calves would start to cramp here and there. I’d make an adjustment. Then, my thigh decided to cramp. I’d adjust, drink more electrolytes and just run as hard as I could without a cramp happening. If I felt it coming on, I’d just back off of the pace a bit. At the last few miles, I really wanted to ease up, but after being in the lead for the whole race, I didn’t want to give it up at this point. So, I just pushed, suffered, and willed my way to the finish line. I crossed at 7:10:55 for 1st place overall! Katie, the former course record holder, came in shortly after at 7:23:12.

So, I ran harder than I had planned and am pretty sore from the hard miles on the concrete. I’m doing the Last Call 50 in Fairplay Colorado next weekend but I feel like I should be good to go. I need that mountain training! It’s all part of the journey that leads to the Tahoe 200 in September!!

The post Tatur’s Midnight Madness 50 Mile first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.

Prairie Spirit 100 Mile

David Theriot — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 01:13:54 +0000

I had my sights set on this race since I jumped into the Kansas Fall Ultra Extravaganza last year 3 weeks after Arkansas Traveler and PR’d. Prairie Spirit and KFUE are on the same course with the same layout. It’s flat and mostly dirt and packed gravel. It’s an out and back course from Ottawa to Iola, Kansas. In the Fall Extravaganza I placed second by 5 minutes. I had closed what was a 35 minute gap in the last 10 miles to 5 minutes. I didn’t even realize I was that close at the end because I didn’t see the leader and his pacer’s headlamps ahead. But they saw me coming! I was hoping to use what I learned in the fall and beat my time on this one.

I was off of work on Friday for Spring break so I made my final preparations. I would be doing this race without crew or pacers so I had to map out how many drop bags I would need, what I would need in them, and which aid stations I would need them. I double checked my bags and began the 3.5 hour drive at around noon. This race adventure started on the way there. I was talking to my mom on the phone and ended up speeding through one of those goofy spots where it rapidly goes from 65 to 45. Yeah, I got a ticket. Great. Strike 1. I hoped that this was not an indication as to how the rest of this week would go.

I got to the Econo lodge at about 3:30 planning to check in and maybe take a nap. Check-in was supposed to be available at 2:00. Packet pickup started around 5 so I had some time. My room was not ready and wouldn't be until right before packet pickup. No nap for me. Strike 2. I decided to go and pick up a few things I needed from a local grocery store. Then, I was able to check in and go to packet pickup.

Packet pickup with Tulsa peeps.

After dropping off my drop bags and visiting with a bunch of our Tulsa people at packet pickup, I left to go have dinner with a few out of town friends at Applebee’s. We ended up sitting at a table next to fellow Altra Red Team member, Kristina, who was running her first 100 miler and was there with her husband and crew. We all had a great time visiting. We were both going to be running in the Altra Torins. I felt like they would be the perfect combination of cushion and thickness for the packed gravel and dirt we’d be running on. I was right! They were perfect!

Gear Mess

After dinner, I headed back to the hotel to try and get some rest. I Facetimed with my Jen, rechecked my gear, set the alarm for 3:30AM, and got to bed. Notice I didn’t say “sleep”. I laid down at about 10pm, but didn’t sleep well at all. Finally, just before the alarm went off, I just got up and started getting ready. Start time for the 100 miler was 6am. I like to get up with enough time eat, drink some coffee, and let nature call. Also, I like to take a shower before I get dressed. I figure since I’ll be grimey for the next 18-24 hours, it’ll feel good to start off clean. All that done, I left for the 5 minute drive to Celebration Hall in Ottawa. The weather was in the 50s, but very windy. I went back and forth on whether or not to wear long sleeves. I ended up starting in short sleeves, but was glad I had stashed a long sleeve shirt in my first drop bag because the temperature dropped a little and the wind kept blowing hard.

Pre-race (pre torture) picture

Mile 90 photography was taking pictures for this race (they do amazing work!). They did pre-race(pre-torture) portraits of each runner. During the race, they were out on the course taking pictures. Then, they would get a picture of you as soon as possible after you finished. As Rick said, “Showing the story of the race in pictures.” I like it. I got my pre-race portrait taken and just did a mental checklist. My original plan was to start out a little slower than I did in the fall version of this race and hope to maybe only slow down a little and keep a solid pace during the second half. I’m competitive when I run, but mostly with myself. However, if I see an opportunity during a race to push and advance my position, then I’ll use it as motivation and go. When I looked at the list of entrants on Ultrasignup, There were some really solid runners I knew I would need to look out for on this race. The plan was to just run my race and see what I could do.

We lined up at the start and exchanged some mindless chatter. The countdown came and we were off! Immediately the #1 ranked guy on the Ultrasignup list took off ahead of everyone. I followed. My goal was to just keep him in my sites….within striking distance. It was still dark and would be for about the next hour and 15 minutes. I opted to just use a cheap handheld LED light for this short time. The trail was easy to follow and there was enough moonlight to run without a light. Which is what I did so #1 wouldn’t know how close I was. We ran through the first 2 aid stations. I wore my Ultimate Direction FKT pack with a 70oz bladder. My electrolyte mix was 3 scoops of Tailwind and a scoop of salt sherpa. In past races I would only use 2 scoops, but I would have to fight to get calories and boost my electrolytes. Three worked really well. The lead guy had a 16 oz water bottle in hand and a belt that held another bottle and a big zip pouch for other supplies. I figured my stops might take a little longer to refill my hydration bladder, but he would have to refill more often. As we cruised on, his lead increased. We were running sub 8 minute miles. I was okay with it because we had a strong tailwind. I knew I needed to get the time I could on the way out because I’d be fighting the wind on the way back.

Feeling good

My hydration plan for this course was to empty and fill my hydration bladder every 16 miles. I would drink more if I needed at the aid stations in between and adjust as temperatures rose. It worked pretty good and I only had to adjust a few times. As with all ultras, there are highs and lows. I hit a low between miles 25 - 35. I was still running well, but I was just feeling it and my mood was funky. By mile 35, I was feeling good again, physically but I had lost site of the guy in first place. Oh well, I’m running my race and I’ll see what happens. There are still a lot of miles to go. At about mile 40, I saw someone walking on the trail about ¾ of a mile ahead. It’s an open trail with people walking, riding bikes, and running various sections, so this wasn’t unusual. As I got closer, I realized that it was the 1st place runner. He was just walking along the trail. When I got next to him, I asked him if everything was okay. He said, “My quads are cramping!” I told him that I hoped it eased up for him. I was super pumped to be in first place, but I sincerely hoped that he would be able to finish the race. I’ve had to DNF before and it stinks. I don’t wish that for anyone.

So, there….I was in first place! Exciting and it changes things! Over the past few miles I had noticed someone gaining on me from behind. When I was filling my hydration at one of the unmanned aid stations, he was close enough that I lingered to run with him for a bit. We chit chatted and I found out that he was one of the other runners from Ultrasignup that I was really solid. He was running strong but I still felt really good. So I slowly pulled away. By the time we hit the turn around to head <50 miles back to the finish, he was a few minutes behind me. Now, running into the wind, I just needed to push and keep moving. My pace had slowed, but I still felt strong. I felt the beginning of a cramp in my left calf at one point, but doubled down on electrolytes for a bit and it eased up. As the time went on, I would look back and although the distance increased, I could still see him back there. I needed to be smart the rest of this race. Should I just run hard for a bit and lose him? Should I save something for a possible kick toward the end? I wonder what this guy’s got left in the tank?

Mile 61 Aid station

I just kept plugging away. At the 61 mile aid station, some of my friends from Tulsa helped fill my hydration bladder while I drank some potato soup. I’ve run 100 milers before without music or headphones, but I decided to listen to an audio book. A few years ago, I read Finding Ultra, by Rich Roll and decided listen to it this time. So, for the rest of the race, I listened to Rich Roll read his book. It gave me something to keep my mind occupied. I would still be aware of what was going on in my body and my nutrition and hydration, but I could just drift off in my head while running. As he told his story, I was reminded of how much we are capable of. He quoted David Coggins a few times which is always motivational. Anyway, the sun went down and I was still plugging away. I had been running alone so much in this race and the book was company.

At the aid stations, I’d ask for broth or soup. The aid stations were awesome and always delivered! When the sun and temperature go down, chicken broth and potato soup are AMAZING pick-me-ups! The warmth, salt, and calories go down so good. Love it! I still felt good and was trying to run with as few walk breaks as possible. I’d walk for about 20 yards while I drank or ate something, but then I’d think of the guy behind me and take off again. When it got real dark, I put on my headlamp and chased the illuminated circle on the ground. As the miles wore on, I was beginning to think I might actually win this race, but I’d make myself quit entertaining the thought. I was doing well and was on track for a big PR, but there were still miles to cover. I’d put my hand over the light and look back many times to see if I could see a headlamp behind me, but there was nothing. “Great!........Unless he’s running with his headlamp off! UGH!”

I distinctly remember reaching mile 90 and thinking, “Only 10 miles to go! It would really stink for someone to take it from me now!” I picked up the pace. At the 93 mile aid station in Princeton, I stayed just long enough to fill my bladder ½ way, drink some soup, have a short chat with the great folks there and get out! I shouted back to a family friend, Lynna, who was helping after her 50K, to text my wife that I was close and still in the lead. I was ready to be done! I mostly ran the rest of the way. Still looking back. Still feeling chased.

I remember the feeling when I started to see the lights from the city of Ottawa. I was so close. I looked back. No one behind me. I could see the bridge we’d have to cross under as we got into town. I looked back. Still no one. I got on the paved section and went under the highway and turned left on the trail to get on the last straight away. I looked behind me. Still no one. I just kept running. Then, I could see the inflatable arch with the words “Start/Finish” on them. Just a little more and I could turn left off of the trail and cross under it and I’d be done! I ran, turned left, I heard them call my name as the “First 100 mile finisher and new Kansas state record holder”, and ran through that finish line! I was finished! I HAD WON! I felt like I was smiling so big! Race pictures look like some sort of contorted, confused grin, but believe me, I was happy! Finishing time: 16:25:31 A big PR.

Crossing the finish line

I got my buckle and award and took my post race portrait and sat there for a little while and tried to eat some of the great breakfast that was waiting for us. Then, the shakes and shivers started. If you’ve run a hundred miles, you know what I mean. The body settles down and you shiver, sometimes violently for a bit. I headed back to the hotel for a long hot shower. I laid down for a few hours, but was pretty sore and had jerky muscles in my legs. I couldn’t really sleep and was hungry so I packed up my stuff, headed back to the race to get my drop bags, eat more breakfast, and visit with others who were finishing. After a good time talking about the race with other finishers, I headed home to be with my family and get a nice nap in my own bed.

Immediately after crossing the finish line

My buckle and award!

This was a very well organized race. Super aid stations. Great fellow runners. This is a great ultra for first timers. It’s flat and fast and crews have easy access at all manned aid stations. Also, as you can see, the pictures from Mile 90 are awesome! Thanks to everyone! On to the next adventure!

Gear used for this race:

Shoes: Altra Torin 3.0

Pack: Ultimate Direction FKT with 70oz bladder

Nutrition & Hydration: Tailwind, Cliff Shock Blocks, Cliff bars, and aid station grub.

Shirt and hat were from Feed Your Crazy (feedyourcrazy.com)

The post Prairie Spirit 100 Mile first appeared on Run The Riot Podcast and Coaching.