Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Preview and Odds

Drum roll please!

I proudly introduce to you the preview of the 2012 Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 miler, brought to you by the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club. Who's ready for unpredictable May weather, 16,200 feet of gnarley climbing, and over 100 miles of foot smashing rocks? Surely you will say "Massanutten Rocks!".

Without furthur adue, here are some folks to watch in the 2012 race. I will be updating runner info throughout the week, so stay tuned as more up to date news comes in. Though this list only highlights some of the faster runners in the field, remember that some of the most inspiring stories will come from the middle and back of the pack. Enjoy.


As always. Ladies first!

Eva Pastalkova- The reigning champ is back. Last year she took down Sue Johnston's stout course record with a time of 22:30. Now that she knows the course, she will be nearly unbeatable. Her mental strength is a huge asset, as long as she stays on course. I think she will lower the mark again. Prediction 22:09, new course record, and she finishes top 5 overall. The question is, how many guys will she chick, and could she be the first *FEMALE OVERALL WINNER of MMT*?

Sheryl Wheeler- The former champ is super tough, and she consistently finds a second gear during the late stages of MMT (usually after mile 75). She will pick her way towards the front of the race, and I think she'll duke it out with Cusick for 2nd. Prediction 26:12

Kathleen Cusick- I paced Kathleen last year, and I think she will be hungry for another top 3. I think she holds on for 2nd this year and edges out Wheeler with a time of 25:50

Frannie Conte- She's fast, but has never done particularly well on rocky trails. If she can gut it out, I think she could manage a finish in the 27 hour range. Predict 27:17




The Men's race: None of last year's top 3 are returning, but the field is still stacked. At least 5-6 guys are in a position for the win. We have a nice mix of fast young guys and "old" guys, east coasters, and west coasters. Three former champs are running. There will be a big cluster of folks betwwen 21:30 and 23 hours. Let the games begin!


Nick Pedatella- Possibly the fastest guy in the field and trains at altitude. DNF'ed MMT in '09 and will look for redemption. Predict 20:45

Jack Pilla- won Vermont in 2010 at age 51 in 16:36. He could destroy the 50+ age record, and contend for the win. 21:55 cuz he doesn't do rocks often.

Dan Barger- He won MMT in 2010 (20:25), so he knows how to run the course fast. At age 46, it's almost hard to believe he has been running ultras for nearly 30 years. He started when he was 17. Predict 21:40

Adam Lint- One of the fastest 50k and 50 mile guys in the field, and lesser known to us East coasters. He's fast, but has the least 100 mile experience of the other guys. Does he like rocks? Predict 22:30

Sean Andrish- Sean's lost some speed, but he's got experience. He won MMT in 2004, and can still fight for a top 5 position. I hope he proves he can still bring it for 100 miles. Predict 23:45

Harland Peelle- Hasn't raced as much recently, but he's still fast and experienced. Both are needed at MMT. Predict 23:10

Keith Knipling- What would MMT be without Keith in the mix. He had an "off" year last year, but I think he will bounce back into the top 5 where he belongs. Predict 22:25.

Todd Walker- 2008 MMT champ is back. Should be gunning for a top 3. Tons of MMT experience. Predict 21:50

Jason Lantz- If he is rested he should go top 5. Just ran 6:33 at Bull Run Run. He will duke it out for a top 3. I think he may be the sleeper to win if he stays on trail. Can run 21:30.

James Blandford- He has gone sub 24 before at MMT and just threw down a 6:59 at Bull Run Run. He's in shape and I think he's due for a big finish. Predict 22:55 and a top 10

Adam Cassaday- Has finished 3rd and 5th at MMT, and I'd expect more of the same. He can break 22 hours. Predict 22:42

Mike Frazier- Mike trains A LOT on the Massanutten trails, and he's pretty fast. I think he's got 23:30 in him and a top 12.

Chris Askew- He's a bit under the radar coming from Oregon, but he's also broken 24 hours at some very tough 100's. He was 6th at the 2010 MMT (23:04), and I think he'll go sub 24 again. 22:55 and a top 7

Yosuke Murase- Might be one of the most improved VHTRC runners in the last year. He will surprise folks. I think he will run 23 hours and round out the top 10.

....Others to watch


Richard Cook- He tears up road 100's and won the inaugural Oil Creek 100 a few years ago, so he can perform on trails. I just don't know about the rocks. He could still go sub 24, but I will predict 25:30 for the road runner.

Dave Ploskonka- Dave goes out fast, and sometimes holds on, sometimes doesn't. He's owned the Beast of Burden series and run 16:19 for a road 100, but the trails are different. Could easily go faster than my prediction, but I'll say 25 hours flat.

Dante Simone- little known, but recently ran 16:56 at the NJ 100. Definitely worthy of note.

Ryan O'dell- speedster from NY. Could break 24, but I'm thinking 24:30.

James Brennan- My buddy has knocked out solid finishes at Rocky Raccoon and Vermont 100. If he's been prepping for the rocks he could do well, but I'm not sure it's been his focus. He's got the talent for sub 24, but are his legs conditioned for the rocks? Predict 25:45 and top 15.

Jim Harris- Mr consistency could see a top 10. I'd like to see Jim break 24 hours. The question is whether he will taper, or run 30 miles the day before MMT. Predict 25:25

Ryan Henry- broke 24 hours at MMT back in '07. Not sure if he's running much these days. I think he's still got sub 26 and top 15 in him. Predict 26:20

Andy Anderson- not a contender, but my old friend is 0 for 6 in 100 mile attempts. I am rooting like crazy for my buddy to get his first finish. Lucky number seven.

The Mike Morton Phenomena

(Mike Morton en route to a course record 13:11 at the 2012 Umstead 100. Photo courtesy of Runitfast.com)

Like any sport, ultrarunning has its legends and myths. Mike Morton is the modern day version of The Natural. He basically dominated ultras in the mid 1990's, even when he was just in his early 20's. I'd say 1990's east coast ultrarunning was highlighted by short shorts, guys like David Horton, Dennis Herr, Courtney Campbell, Eric Clifton, and of course Mike Morton. He won the Vermont 100, Old Dominion 100, Massanutten 100, and Mountain Masochist, but his capstone was setting the course record at the 1997 Western States 100. He ran a time of 15:40, bettering Tom Johnson's previous record by 14 minutes, and easily finishing ahead of Western States legend Tim Twietmeyer. Morton was also the first none California resident to win the fabled race.

Then at some point in the late 1990's Mike Morton was gone from the ultra scene almost as fast as he dominated it. Somewhere along the way he made an overseas comittment to the Navy, and then eventually the US Army. The early 2000's were a fairly tumultuous time politically and militaristically in the post 9/11 world. (In the very improbable case that Morton actually stumbles across this write up, thank you for your service to our country). Mike then started a family, and suffered some physical setbacks due to hip injuries. Here and there his name popped up at some smaller events, but for the most part Morton was out of the spotlight. Or so we thought.

Then, in 2010 a 39 year old Morton shows up to the rather low key Hinson Lake 24 hour run in Rockingham, North Carolina. He runs 153.89 miles in hot and humid conditions to win the event, and set a course record. One year later he comes back and betters the mark with a near American record of 163.9 miles. His 2010 Hinson Lake run is arguably the best US ultra performance most people, until now, have never heard about. This monumental run came on the heals of Scott Jurek setting the American 24 hour record by running 165.7 miles at the 2010 24 Hour World Championships in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France. Scott ran with other elites on a fast paved loop, in cool conditions. Mike Morton ran with 250 slower recreational runners on a sandy, hot, 1.52 mile loop. One could argue, and argue well, that Morton could contend for the US record if given the right race conditions. Hopefully, he gets the opportunity, and we get the chance to see it happen.

But, Morton's story is really just beginning for the second time. The 5'4" powerhouse, now 40 years old, is making headlines again for casually blazing 100 mile course records. Already in 2012 he has run 13:18 at the Long Haul 100 in Florida, and then raised the bar again by breaking Zach Gingerich's impressive Umstead 100 course record. Morton ran a 13:11, knocking 12 minutes off Gingerich's 13:23. His marathon split was 2:58, and he was dropping sub seven minute miles for nearly the first forty miles of the race. I can't imagine how Jim Sweeney and Mark Manz felt about running 14:14 and 14:16 (times that would easily win most years) and still finishing an hour behind the winner? Hands down, that just says that much more about where Mike Morton has taken his running career. Morton himself says that he is running less weekly miles, perhaps 70-100 per week, due to family and work. This really makes it even more impressive because, like most of us, he is a working professional and family man, yet still found a way to return to an elite level. I guess that is the mark of greatness, isn't it?

Speaking for myself, I know I am very excited to see Mike Morton back to dominating the sport he loves. For now, I know Morton is signed up for the 2012 Badwater 135 mile ultramarathon. In a previous post, I noted that Morton could be the man who takes down the course record. Well, I guess my wish came true. It will be interesting to see him run against a fairly solid field with former Badwater champ Zach Gingerich, Michael Arnstein, Phil McCarthy, and of course current defending champ Oswaldo Lopez. Mike has already shown he can cover the 135 mile distance, and his success in hot weather has shown he may fair well in Death Valley's 120-130 degree temps. I predict he will break Valmir Nunes' 22:51 course record, and may possibly break the 22 hour barrier. Beyond Badwater, Morton has stated an interest to race a couple times a year, and that he would love to go back to Western States. Let's hope they give some priority to the former champ and course record holder.

I think Morton is an example of what some other runners are already doing, and that is redefining their running and specializing at certain distances. With so many fast road guys and gals now entering the sport, and some of the older stars aging, more folks in their late 30's and 40's are turning to 100's and 24 hour events. Losing raw speed won't make you competitive in "shorter" ultras, but the gained mental experience and conditioning have made previous speedsters into incredible super long distance runners. Just look at Scott Jurek's transformation, and even Hal Koerner going for faster 100 mile races. Then you've got Phil McCarthy, Serge Arbona, David James, Jay Aldhous, Jack Pilla...and so on. Though it looks like Mike Morton is sticking to the longer stuff, him redefining his running is hopefully going to help redefine ultrarunning. Like a fine wine...you know the rest ;-)

Also, check out Wyatt Hornsby's interview with Mike Morton. Morton isn't much of a spotlight guy, so any access is a little hard to find.

http://nolimitsever.blogspot.com/2011/10/interview-with-mike-morton.html

(sorry, gotta copy and paste link. Other way didn't work)

Happy running,

Mike Bailey

My Graveyard 100 report. Swing Big, Miss Big

Baseball legend Babe Ruth once said "I swing big, with everything I've got. I hit big or I miss big." Well, you could say that I took that approach going into this past weekend's innagural Graveyard 100 mile ultramarathon in the Outer Banks. I definitely went out swinging for the fences, and while I won't quite say I missed big, it was like hitting a glancing foul ball that barely made it out of the infield.

Going into the run I knew I had some monuMENTAL challenges infront of me. Though my winter running mileage was indeed adequate for a 100 miler, most of my running was done on mountain trails and gravel roads. I am not a road runner. I knew that whatever conditioning base I needed for endless miles of pavement really wasn't there. Yet, I readily accepted that as part of the challenge for this event, as well as knowing crewed runners were likely to benefit from logistics of the course far better than lone rangers like myself (can you pluralize the term lone rangers?). The aid stations were spread out every 18 to 25 miles, which required runners to carry 3-8 hours worth of food and gear. Finally, as such the case with any first year event, we were sort of guinnea pigs who didn't have any results, or race reports to go by. Part of the reason I am writing this is to help runners who would like to participate in this event in future years.

On paper the course looks fairly benign. It is a 102.2 miles of, paved, flat, and fast road. This format drew in a variety of folks like myself looking to set a 100 mile PR, perhaps have an "easier" shot at getting a silver sub 24 hour buckle, or a minimal course to complete their first 100 miler. None of the above turned out to be true, and even for seasoned ultra runners, this was a very tough event. The event website states this, and the details should not be overlooked.

The alarm buzzed at 2:22am. A few shuttle rides, and a couple hours later it was 4:45am and we were on a cool windy beach at the north end of Currituck. 72 runners shivered under the nearly full moon eagerly awaiting the start. At 5:10am we began our 102.2 mile odyssey down the well traveled shoreline road, route 12.

I took the pace out hard from the start, fully knowing the risks of a major blowup later. The morning was cool, and the sunrise was inspiring to watch as it rose over the Atlantic ocean. I passed through the first aid station in 2:45, a mere 19.9 miles into the race. I ended up ditching my headphones, because I partially think the music was causing me to run faster than planned, but it also meant I would have no music the remaining 80+ miles. I knew the pace was way too hot early, so I tried backing off a bit, but the truth is that the road was running so fast that even when I felt like I was going "slow", I was probably running a good minute per mile faster than where I wanted to be. The perceived slow down still wasn't enough as I passed through the marathon mark in about 3:45, and arrived at the 32.7 mile water stop in an overly brisk 4:35. This was an 8:24 minute mile pace through the first third of a 100 miler, which put me on a very unrealstic 14 hour projected finish pace. At this point I knew I was playing with fire, and if I wanted to avoid an embarassing early DNF I had to smarten up a bit. Time for some built in walk breaks and major slow down.

By mile 40, my body was already feeling the burn from the pavement. My feet had developed several hot spots and my quads were really started to throb. It reminded me of the times I felt so much more beat up after a road marathon, than say a trail 50 miler through the mountains. The road was taking it's toll, and this time it was taxing my legs (like the clever puns I used there?). At this point, Brenda Carawan comes frolicking by me like she's out for a run in neighborhood. To give credit where credit is due, Brenda did what I could not. She went out on a mission, held it together, and ended up setting a massive personal best. By the way, she won the event overall. Women ended up humbling us guys and took a clean sweep of the 100 mile and 100k races. No men were even close. Great job ladies! Meanwhile, back at the Mike Bailey walkathon, I was trying to avoid being "that guy" who leads a race for 40 miles, only to crap out with a pathetic 60 mile zombie walk to the finish.

My quivering mess for leg muscles crawled into the scenic Bodie Lighthouse aid station, mile 45, and I knew I was in for a loooong day. I was at the aid for about 10 minutes, couldn't figure clothing, so I grabbed everything and said adios. With the bright sun it was hot one moment, and then with the wind and walking, it was cold the next. C'mon body, make up your mind about being hot, or cold, this is getting a bit silly. At the race's halfway point I somewhat broke out of my funk and enjoyed the splendid view from the course's 2.5 mile Bonner Bridge. With that little pick me up I arrived at the 50.8 mile water stop in 7:57. While this was a nice split for around the halfway point of the race, I knew all too well that my legs did not have anywhere near enough to "run" the second half like I had hoped.

The miles rolled along and the wind swirled the sand from the dunes over the smooth asphalt. It was actually quite a beautiful sight, though I also felt the conditions were perfect for a chapstick commercial. I was practically ready to see Ben Stein hop out from behind a dune to suggest Visine for dry eyes accompanied by an SPF50 Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen stand. On the arrid straight aways you could see for miles and miles where you were headed. At several points in the race you could see your destination about 10 miles off in the distance and knew that you weren't going to get there for another two hours. Sheesh, what a mind job. Spray painted mile markers on the ground signaled the completion of 55 miles, then 60. I reached the Rodanthe aid station a few hours before sunset and grabbed my night gear. I will say that 100 milers, as far as being a physical and mental test, really begins after the 100k mark. They said that the night stretch of 24.4 miles between aid 3 and 4 would be the hardest, and I am pleased to say that it did not disappoint. I reached 70 miles in 12:20, and then the sunset drew in the chilly night breeze, accompanied by a colorful spectrum of colors off the western skyline.

The night brought cold, but also gave me plenty of incentive to keep jogging to stay warm. I would summarize the twenty mile stretch from 63 to 83 miles as a mix of brisk walking and about 60% jogging. I was really laying the hammer down with those blistering 12:30 miles. However, the wind, though at my back for most of day, was really preventing me from staying warm, even with the intervals of running. My feet, which hurt as early as 40 miles earlier, were on fire due to blisters on both feet. Despite attempts at fixing them throughout the day, the repetitive steps were making it tougher to run. Lack of running + dropping temps = very rapidly dropping core temperature. This is an equation many runners fear, and for most Graveyard runners, it was a bad reality. When I reached the final Hatteras Lighthouse aid station (mile 87), I had been slowly fading into a cold induced walk for a couple hours. I knew I absolutely had to find more clothing, because the light coat, t-shirt, and shorts that had sufficed all day weren't going to cut it for the remaining 13+ miles. After about 15 minutes warming up and eating some hot chili an awesome volunteer let me borrow an extra shirt and blue tights. I tossed on a garbage bag for wind protection, and though I looked like love child of Quasimodo and Spider Man, it was time to roll.

Eventhough I was now plenty warm, I knew my running for the day was long over. My feet and quads weren't capable of much, and when I could feel the skin of my blisters sloshing around in my shoe, it was clear running would do more harm than good. This was the first time my feet have blistered in Drymax socks, and they were bad. The last hours were indeed long and lonely, but it was in these times where the road never seemed to end that I reminded myself that THIS is the challenge I came for. I remembered my friends Ian and Bill, whom I lost in the last month, and promised myself I wouldn't complain about the cold, tired legs, and blisters. My thoughts shifted towards the moon rising over my left shoulder, the sound of the crashing waves muffled by the dunes, and the stars above that looked like a Light Bright masterpiece. My mind settled and even with 95 miles of harsh pounding, I was happy and content.

Soon the lights of Hatteras were on the horizon, and though it seemed like it took ages to get there, it meant I was very near the finish. A volunteer van drove by and said I had half a mile to go, but after a half mile I saw nothing. I stood at the intersection for about five minutes where they said to stay left for the finish line, but I looked to the left and didn't see anything set up. Little did I know, I was literally about a hundred yards from the finish, but it wasn't until a crew person walked up to me that I was pointed to the correct spot. A few steps later I was done, and honestly I don't think I've been more happy to be done with a race. Compared to trail races with full aid every 4-10 miles, this one tested my mental game pretty good.

Some closing thoughts. If you think it will be easy to break 24 hours because the course is flat, you are in for a surprise. This is also not really a race for people attempting their first 100, or ultra. If you are a novice runner who really wants to try this event, perhaps invite your friends to crew for you, as races like this can really bond runners and crews. The scenery of the course is very beautiful, though you will be very isolated most of the time. You will run through little coastal towns to break up the monotony, but in March most of the businesses are closed. I probably walked about 30 miles of this race, and everything after mile 83. I'm not sure if the trashed legs were due to the pavement, fast pace early, or combination of both. Either way, it was a lot of walking. I will say that when they shuttled us back home the runners still on the course looked like extras from music video Thriller. Lips were chapped, faces were crusted over from sun and wind burn, and eyes glossed over from sheer fatigue. Yup, you too can experience these aesthetics for only $210 and a signed waiver :-)

Immediately after the run I felt more wrecked than any other race I had ever done. I could barely get out of the shuttle van, and walking up the four steps into the finish line motel was tantamount to ascending the Hilary step on Mount Everest. It is always so ironic how one second we are running distances of mentally managable increments of 10 and 20 miles, and then we find taking a handful of steps to get into a shower nearly mind numbingly impossible. Thankfully, I am writing this post three days after the run, and I am happy to say the blisters are healing, the swelling is gone, and three nights of fitfull sleep served me well. 100 milers also give me carte blanche to eat anything set infront of me that contains a measurable caloric value.

Race stats:

Time: 20:28:16 (4th overall, 3rd male)
Time at aid: something around 50 minutes. Mostly eating, warming up, finding gear so I wouldn't freeze to near death, and making people look at my gross feet.
Starters: 72
Finishers: 44 (39% drop rate)...in ideal weather
First time 100 milers: 2 out of 20 finished (90% drop rate)
Sub 24 hour buckles: 21 (29%)
Weather: high 30's to high 40's. Sunny. Wind from the north 10-28 mph.

Thank you to RaceNC (Brandon and Heather Wilson) for their support and for having the crazy notion to put on a 100 mile run down the entire length of the Outer Banks. Thanks to all the volunteers for making this new event happen, and for braving the wind and cold so we would pursue our nutty passion for running stupidly far. This was a worthy challenge, and certainly unlike any ultra I have ever done.

Thanks,

Mike Bailey

Rising up for the Grave...the Graveyard 100

Well folks, we are only five days away from the inaugural Graveyard 100 mile run in the Outer Banks. This is a race I know little about, but it looks to be a formidable challenge in a rather nontraditional sense within the context of ultra running. The course is almost completely flat, non technical, and is 100.7 miles of point to point pavement. It will likely be windy, cool, possibly rainy, and very lonely with only 87 runners in the 100 mile event. The Graveyard 100 breaks away from the trails and mountains that I have grown so acustomed to running, and the monotony and pounding of seemingly endless pavement should be a whole new mental challenge.

The race logistics are rather unique. Runners are being given the option of either being driven over the course's 2.5 mile bridge, or running it. Riders must make up the distance at another designated point in the race. The aid stations are also rather sparse, given that they will be spaced over segments of 18-25 miles. The one great thing, especially for me, is that the course is essentially a straight line on one road, so it should be humanly impossible to get lost. Can I get an amen!

The game plan: I'll be going at this race old school like most events I run. I will be driving down before the race and sleeping in the hotel de sedan (aka my car). I have no crew and no pacer. Unlike Western States, I will be wearing a watch, and perhaps even a gps for the last third of the race.

The race director has stated they are preparing for racers who could potentially run in the 14 hour range. I'm not sure anyone in the field is capable of that, but it does appear the course could dish out some fast times, especially if we are treated with a nice tail wind from the north.

Goals: Making time goals for any 100 miler can be daunting, because there are so many variables that can change over the course of 100 miles. I suppose I'll start by saying that I am trusting the "training" that I've done over the past few months, but also aware that with only three one hundred mile finishes, I am still a relative novice at the distance. My 100 mile personal best is a modest 21:52 at the 2010 Old Dominion 100. On paper it looks like a stout race, but in reality the run was marred by a few poor decisions with nutrition and dealing with feet issues. I also lost about 20 minutes trying to find the course during a section where the flagging had been removed. I think I'm in shape for this run? I won't divulge all my training secrets, but is does involve a lot of Taco Bell. The irony is that I still understand that even with all the training in the world, I could end up having a disasterous race at 20 miles, or a huge personal best. That's life.

All in all, I am going to enjoy this event and the pure solitude. Yet, sadly I will be running in memory of two good friends that I have lost in the last month. They are Bill Parkins (61) and Ian Hodges (22). These were two people, born of humble beginnings that eventually touched people in mighty ways. Bill wore braces on his legs as a child and was told by doctors that he would never walk. But, Bill had another idea and though his life was never full of the physical health we value, he was more alive than many of us. When Bill passed away from cancer, you knew that the boy they said would never walk ran the good race. Then there is Ian. Ian Hodges was born with Down Syndrom. He was a beacon of light in our community, in our church, and in my life. I will miss his smile and the frequent hugs.

Letters to Myself

I was having a rather nostalgic conversation with an old college buddy yesterday, and we talked about what it would be like to go back in time 10 years and have a conversation with ourselves. Honestly, we both agreed our lives are nothing like what we expected, and if we had to describe it to ourselves in the year 2002, we probably wouldn't believe a word of it. I then thought, what would it be like to also write a letter to ourselves ten years from now? That, at least, is a possibility. Well, here goes my attempt at a little inner monologue "time travel". This is a letter to myself in the year 2002 from 2012.

Dear Mike in 2002,

I am writing you from the year 2012. Sounds like a long time from now, but rest assured when you glance back it will seem like a blink of an eye. Unlike the movie Back to the Future, I doubt we'll be seeing hover boards and flying cars in three years, but some of the ideas aren't far off. According to some people, they actually believe the world will end just before Christmas of this year, but I doubt it. A lot of good and bad will happen in your life, as I'm sure you well expected. Afterall, our personalities and gut instincts haven't changed much over the years, though the 30 year old version of you is a touch more jaded about work and relationships. Speaking of, I hate to break it to you, but you still won't be married in 10 years. You chose some pretty messed up girls, and a few of them chose you. And whatever you do never ever date a pastor's daughter. When your gut says a girl is a liar and cheater, trust it, and move on. Look at me futily trying to change the past that can't be undone. On the flip side, at least you haven't been divorced, or have any kids you owe child support on. Being a bachelor is actually quite nice as you have been able to see and do many things in your free time that you may not have.

How's that political science major coming along? Again, not to bust your chops, but you won't be using it much, and don't fret about the low GPA's your sophomore and junior years at JMU. The time you spent with the people you did was the most important thing you could have done with your time. Afterall, you learn life is about relationships and the daily pursuit of bringing life and fruitfullness to them. Not all days, months, or even years can be good.

So, how does it feel being 20 years old? My mind and body almost forgot what it was like to be full of energy all the time, stay up until 4am, and sleep in until 2pm the next day. Believe it or not right now I consider sleeping in anything past 8am. That's the same time as all those early classes you try so hard to avoid scheduling. Lol. Yeah, work is work. You are living back in Harrisonburg for the second time since graduation. You were here for three years, left for two, and are about to complete another three years. Oh, and you're still at JMU, but don't worry, you're an employee and not a grad student.

The family is still doing well in 2012. Mom and dad are healthy and still kicking. They look a bit older, but they are now in their 60's, which is hard for you to believe. Your little sister Elisa graduated from JMU in 2006, and is about to complete grad school at MCV. She is also getting married this August! Can you believe that little Elisa is getting married before you? What a mature, intelligent, and beautiful woman she has become. But, you never doubted it for a second. Her Fiance is named Tim, and it's moments like these you can really feel time fly. I hope you remember the fourth of July this year, and remember it well. You'll be at the Richmond Diamond for the grand illumination fireworks show and the entire family will be there, including grandma and grandpa. Please Michael, please take time to appreciate every moment you have with them. When their eyes are gazing up at the spectacular fireworks take a moment to look at them. Look at your family in this place in time and know that beautiful fleeting seconds such as this are a glimpse at eternity. Appreciate every birthday, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas you have with everyone for the next couple of years.

In 2005 grandma will pass away from cancer, and grandpa as well in 2008. You thought you'd always have them forever, but life is true and just in these ways. However, none of it was in vain. You became a runner! I know your laughing because you hate running even a mile, but you will become a man on a mission to cure cancer. Did you'd ever think you'd run a marathon? Well guess what, not only did you run one, but you will have run over 75 by the time of your 31st birthday. Always an overachiever, eh Mike? You've summitted America's highest peaks, been to Hawaii, run one hundred mile races, and lived a life's worth of experiences just in the next decade to come.

Any big plans for your 21st birthday? Hate to break it to you, but you'll be working 11 hours on your big 21st birthday without a single drop of alcohol. By the way, Sarah Thomas isn't worth your time right now, and neither is Ashley. They will both be married to guys they have yet to meet. You do still keep in touch with your current best friends, but a lot of your aquaintances will fade soon after college. People are a transient part of this thing called life, and they come and go seemingly like the wind. All your best friends are now either married with kids, about to get married, or moved off. Learn when it's time to let go of old friendships. The days of having hundreds of friends and weekly parties will end shortly, so soak it up now. Amanda and Julia were amazing, and you'll meet them both in Hawaii. Enjoy that journey well. A bad car accident in 2009 will leave you scarred the rest of your life and you will learn that scars of the body and scars of the soul are two very different things.

I could go on and on about the technology, music, sports, movies, and fashion changes, but that will be fun for you to learn as time goes by. Just one warning though. Hollywood ran out of ideas so they are remaking all your childhood movies, and don't get over excited about the ending of a show called Lost, because it makes little sense, and your favorite show Smallville managed to run for ten whole seasons. I suppose some big milestones are that we have a black president, and we had the ten year anniversary of 9-11, which is fresh in your memory. I could reveal it all, but one major lesson in life is that we/you/me must make choices without the benefit of foresight. Everything that happens from now on will have small and large impacts on how you view life and make choices that bring you one step closer to tomorrow. Your faith in God will be tested. Your faith will prevail, but it will also fail miserably.

Just be sure to get regular dentist visits and stop eating so many Sour Patch Kids. Stop taking things for granted, because you still do, and stop complaining about the mundane things you cannot change. The world isn't so different in 2012, but as technology increases humanity proportionately decreases. The vastness and speed of information and communication will lead to the furthur complacency of real human interaction in exchange for virtual relationship. Deus Ex Machina as you will call it. The empty silence and space between people is less filled with conversation, smiles, and pleasant glances. People are plugged into everything. Computers, phones, listening devices. Everything but each other. Instead of pursuing, we find every distraction possible to avoid the other 7 billion people on earth. Yup, we're at 7 billion now. This is the way the world is shaping up as the buildings rise higher and man relies more on machine than his common fellow. This is the world you will graduate into. This is a world waiting for you to do something big.

Yourself in the the year 2012
-You ( Mike )

Return to the Icy 8 Hour Trail Run

(Photo courtesy of The Manimal: running through one of the less muddy sections, believe it or not)

It's been three years since I ran the inaugural Icy 8 hour run in 2009. That year I was able to cover 50.3 miles on a day that saw quick running early due to a frozen ground, but fairly muddy conditions later.

Feb 4, 2012 was now the fourth running of Athletic Equation's popular winter event. For starters, I wasn't actually sure I was going to be running. The race was sold out and RD Alex Papadopoulos suggested I drive out to the race early and if someone didn't show, I could have dibs on the first slot. So, at 3:45am I drove two hours down to Lake Anna and was pleasantly surprised to hear I was going to be running. The talent that came out to this year's run was greater than any of the previous years. On hand were the 24 hour ATR winner Steve Speirs (2:45 marathoner), Thad Meyer (2:59 marathoner), Iain Banks (2:40 marathoner), and ultra stud Olivier Leblond (2:48 marathoner). And then there was me with my modest 3:33 marathon PR. Talk about feeling like an under dog about to get his butt handed to him. It truly looked like it could anyone's race, and the type of deep field that would force everyone to max out their 8 hours on the trail.

My goal prior to the race was to run eleven 4.7 mile loops (51.7 miles). This race does offer the option to mix and match either an 8, or 4.7 mile loop. This would be a new course record and personal best, though I believed many of the other talented runners were equally, if not better, suited to raise the bar higher.

A little after 7:30am the run starts and the 100 runners make their way into the first loop. Almost imediately I knew that the course conditions were far too muddy for me to set a PR. I felt like the first loop had been run at a pace I was slightly uncomfortable at, and was even more startled to see it still took 41:30 to complete. To compare, on the dryer 2009 course we came through loop one in under 41 minutes at an effort that felt much more relaxed. The perception was that the mud was slowing things down as much as 15-20 seconds per mile, and perhaps even more as the day progressed and conditions only worsened. Doing the math, if each loop was taking 1.5-2 minutes longer, I would lose roughly 20 minutes by the end of the day. Time to redo the strategy.

I opted to throw in an eight mile loop in hopes that I could at least match the 50.3 I had run in '09. However, even by mile 18 my day was not looking so good. I could feel my muscles really starting to feel worked, and the fatigue levels were a good bit more than what I was used to only 18.8 miles into a run. The eight mile loop is where I hit my first major crux of the day. I thought there was a satellite aid station at the midway point of the long loop, so I neglected to refill my water bottle, or grab any food to take on the go. As I completed the 3.3 mile extension of the long loop I realized I had made a terrible error and there was no aid. Needless to say, I bonked hard, ran out of water, and dragged myself to the start/finish on fumes.

Although I had completed 26.8 miles in 4:08, I felt horrible. My body was aching, my energy non existent, and I was 12 minutes slower than my '09 splits. I was honestly contemplating walking one more 4.7 mile loop and just calling it a day at 31.5 miles. I would have still run a 50k, which would have been enough to collect a nifty beer glass award. Respectable, right? So, I sat around for a few minutes, took in a heaping load of calories and tried to get my head back in the game. Leaving on lap six I reminded myself that I have done well here before, and this was not the kind of showing I knew I was capable of. There were 3 hours and 50 minutes to turn things around, and I knew well enough that these eight hour runs don't really become competitive until after the five hour mark. I thought back to the wise words of MC Hammer and was determined to be too legit to quit. So I put my head down, sucked it up, and trudged on. I reached the 50k mark in 4:54 and started building back some momentum.

But, at mile 36.2 I had some decisions to make. I could either attempt three 4.7 mile loops and likely risk not completing the third loop, which would bring my total to 45.6 miles. Normally this could get me in the top 3, but with the deep field, I just felt like it was going to take more than that to do it. I went ahead with the decision to attempt another 8 mile loop, and then finish with a 4.7 mile loop. It was a fairly big roll of the dice, because if I bonked hard again, there would not be enough time to complete the last loop and I would be stuck with 44.2 miles (even less than the 45.6 with the other strategy). I had 2 hours and 10 minutes to cover 12.7 more muddy miles. Gut check time.

The eight mile loop was tough, but felt easier the second time around. The short steep power line climbs came as a nice excuse to walk, albeit a few moments. I will say it was tough to figure out how much effort I wanted to put into this loop. I wanted to give myself a reasonable time cushion to complete the last 4.7 mile loop, yet I did not want to blow up with an hour left on the clock. I completed the 8 mile loop strong, which brought me to 44.2 miles in 7:07:30. That gave me a nice buffer of 52:30 to run the final 4.7 miles. Though I was confident I could cover the loop in time, there was always a slight fear that any given low point could cost me. Afterall, only completed loops within the eight hours count. While it wasn't blazing fast, I finished the last loop in 47 minutes, thus ending a tough day with 48.9 miles in 7:54.

I am very happy with this run for two big reasons. First, I believe in dryer conditions, this effort could have netted that 51.7 mile goal I was aiming for. I will say, as history has shown, the Lake Anna course may just always be a very muddy course. Secondly, it has been a while since I have struggled so early in a run, recovered, and was able to bounce back for a strong finish. When you don't feel good 18 miles into an event, it is almost impossible to talk yourself into wanting to go for another 31 miles. I haven't been that exausted at a finish line in quite some time, but with so many strong looking runners all day, there was never room to ease up. My advice for people who want to be competitive at timed events like this is to have a flexible game plan and use as much time as possible. Sounds rather obvious, but it can be risky trying to max out the mileage, though smart planning can allow mediocre runners like myself do well. I'm sure some of the faster runners actually hit quicker cumulative mile splits, but perhaps left 20-45 minutes on the clock. 4th place runner Steve Speirs actually ran 50 miles a good 15-20 minutes faster than my 48.9, but he only got credit for 46.1 due to a missed turn. Sans his missed turn, which I've done plenty of myself, I would have fallen back to 3rd. In the two years I have run the event I have used all but 6 and 3 minutes. My two combined Icy 8 hour finishes total 99.2 miles in 15 hours and 51 minutes of running. This proves good clock management can, to some degree, compensate for lack of speed.

Congrats to all the finishers. There were a remarkable number of runners who eclipsed the 40 mile mark, including 68 year old Gary Knipling's 41.4 miles. The results spoke for themselves on what a strong field ran. Six runners broke 45 miles, and Olivier Leblond's course record of 54.1 miles should be safe until he decides to run again. Three women ran 40 miles, or more, and quite a few people completed their first ultra, or set a personal distance record. Thanks to Athletic Equation and all the fine volunteers to braving the chilly conditions to help us out.

Cheers,

Mike Bailey

If I were sponsored....

The marketability of trail running has no doubt grown over the years. Though still very much a fringe extreme sport, it is evident that companies are starting to invest more of their time and money on ultramarathon athletes. It's nearly impossible to show up to a big name race and not see the logos of brands like Montrail, North Face, Udo's Oil, Innov8, Hoka One One, Patagonia...the list goes on. More and more runners are reaping the benefits of having companies support their endeavors, and thus more and more branding opportunities are showing up at events. Many of these athletes, for obvious reasons, use the brand(s) that sponsor them. In most cases the athlete very much likes the company they represent, because they enjoy the product, or have previously performed well with the product. It's a wonderful symbiotic relationship.

All of this made me wonder how it would look if I were actually sponsored by brands that I use on an everyday basis. I think we'd come up with a fairly wild assortment of logos, and a notable few that would look wonderfully out of place at any trail race. Here is my dream list of sponsors.



How could I survive, let alone train, if not for the amazing, calorie filled, delights of Taco Bell? I can't even count the number of times I've had a workout, and the first thing I eat afterwards is a scrumptious burrito, nachos, and mexican pizza. Gotta replish those glycogen stores!



Men don't need nipples, but since we have no choice but to have them, why not protect them? Johnson and Johnson band aids never fail to save my tatas from the unbearable risk of chaffing due to sweat, moisture, cheap fabrics, and the perky cold.




Now this would actually be a cool brand to be sponsored by, along with rival brand Quicksilver. Nothing says fashionable than showing up to a race in my trademark Hawaiian boardshorts. I have toed the line to more races in my blue floral shorts than other other pair of pants. Short shorts? Heck no! Boardshorts say I'm stylish, laid back, but I also want to protect the thighs from the often rugged nature of the trail.



Laugh if you want, but I'll be laughing my way to a PR. I won my first ever ultramarathon after eating several(more like four) delightful confections for a pre race breakfast. These 200-300 calorie gems have won their way into my heart, record books, and stomach. The coffee ain't bad either.



Why waste another $1.00-$1.50 on the same boring chocolate flavored gels? I mix things up by putting a small jar of this pure gold in my drop bags. Just a little scoop gives me twice the calories of a gel, plus the carbs and protein. Combine it with its partner in crime, peanut butter, and it's a match made in heaven.



The ultimate pre, or post run cocktail! It has the sugar for carbs, salt for electrolyte balance, and alcohol to dull the senses long enough to sign up for another ultra. Margaritas are also excellent for aleviating pain in the later miles of a race, or at least allowing to forget how much pain you were actually in. The only downside is that margarita is not an actual brand, though getting Jimmy Buffet to sponsor me would be pretty sweet. A good IPA is also a nice substitute.



Last, but certainly not least! The same food that got me through college is the same food that gets me on the road to race recovery. You can find noodles for as cheap as 10 cents, or as high as (gasp) 50 cents a bag. It's got all the sodium and carbs you need to recover strong for the next run.


Well, that's all I can think of for now. In case you're wondering if I really use the above brands, the answer is yes. My nutrition is terrible, and I like a good drink every now and then. If you happen to know anyone working in the marketing department for any of the above companies, please give them my info so I begin representing their brand as soon as possible.

My new slogon: "Mike Runs on Dunkin". It's got a nice ring to it :-)