Cadillac Mountain is in Acadia National Park. It is the highest point on the Atlantic Seaboard. We spent a couple of hours driving the loop road in the park. The summit can be reached by automobile. Beautiful day and great views from every direction.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Monday, August 29, 2005
Finish Strong
I just ran down the hill and I am trying to get in under 44 minutes. Finished exactly at 44.
Stockton Springs Harbor Festival 5.5 Miler
I have been on vacation in Maine. Two years ago I ran the Mt. Desert Island Marathon, last year I ran the Bar Harbor Half Marathon, this year I ran a five mile
race in Stockton Springs. If Zeno is right my races will get shorter and shorter but never disappear.
This was one of the smallest races I have run. 30 runners did a 5 mile plus loop of Cape Jellison. Wonderful course - hilly, with great views of the harbor.
I remarked to one of the organizers that I hope they can get the race to grow. (This was the second year).She said they had some competition this year because
of the folk festival in Bangor and a five mile race in Northeast Harbor. Both of those locations are by mystandards far away but I guess it is different in
rural locations.
Two years ago in the marathon I was surprised that even while we ran toward Southwest Harbor there was an elevation rise; this yearI was surprised by how hilly
this loop around Cape Jellison was. I suppose it is because the rocky terrain of Maine was only recently (by geologic standards) under glaciers, everywhere in
coastal Maine is hilly. But what beautiful vistas.
Mile three was a very long downhill that I knew we would payback in the end and mile four did not disappoint.
The race was advertized as 5.25 but the race director announced at the beginning they had determined the true distance to be 5.5. The good news was that the
last quarter was sharply downhill.
I placed 12th and ran 8 minute miles. Great fun to run in such a low key local community event in such a beautiful spot. Hope it does grow and prosper.
Chad Brooks
Currently in Winterport, Maine
I have been on vacation in Maine. Two years ago I ran the Mt. Desert Island Marathon, last year I ran the Bar Harbor Half Marathon, this year I ran a five mile
race in Stockton Springs. If Zeno is right my races will get shorter and shorter but never disappear.
This was one of the smallest races I have run. 30 runners did a 5 mile plus loop of Cape Jellison. Wonderful course - hilly, with great views of the harbor.
I remarked to one of the organizers that I hope they can get the race to grow. (This was the second year).She said they had some competition this year because
of the folk festival in Bangor and a five mile race in Northeast Harbor. Both of those locations are by mystandards far away but I guess it is different in
rural locations.
Two years ago in the marathon I was surprised that even while we ran toward Southwest Harbor there was an elevation rise; this yearI was surprised by how hilly
this loop around Cape Jellison was. I suppose it is because the rocky terrain of Maine was only recently (by geologic standards) under glaciers, everywhere in
coastal Maine is hilly. But what beautiful vistas.
Mile three was a very long downhill that I knew we would payback in the end and mile four did not disappoint.
The race was advertized as 5.25 but the race director announced at the beginning they had determined the true distance to be 5.5. The good news was that the
last quarter was sharply downhill.
I placed 12th and ran 8 minute miles. Great fun to run in such a low key local community event in such a beautiful spot. Hope it does grow and prosper.
Chad Brooks
Currently in Winterport, Maine
Friday, August 19, 2005
Half Wit Message
I received an email from Ron Horn announcing the race results were on line. In his crude, blunt way he confirmed that this was an terrible race weather wise:
1) Imagine if it was 98 degrees and you were abducted, rolled up in a carpet, locked in a van that was abandoned in a parking lot next to the oil refineries in Elizabeth, NJ and left there for 3 days before being discovered. Now add 30 degree to the temperature; THAT"S what it felt like running the Half Wit Half Marathon trail run this past weekend. You couldn't cut the air with a band saw; heck, I tried to pass gas and the air was so think that it wouldn't come out because it had no place to go! Some 55 people had the sense to abandon the race during it, either due to good sense or bad footing, with a few of the more asthmatic ones even pulling up at the 1.3 mile water stop. I recognize these people as the "deep thinkers" of the Half-Wit entries. Why the other 356 morons continued on is anybody's guess! Some did it, no doubt, for the special drink available at the 9.6 and 12.5-mile aide stations. The race started with us having to use a bolt cutter to break into the park and the bathrooms. That should have been an omen to all!! The results are at the bottom of the home page for www.pretzelcitysports.com . My DEEP respect for all that finished; you obviously have incredibly high testosterone levels and do not require anesthesia during surgery.
I received an email from Ron Horn announcing the race results were on line. In his crude, blunt way he confirmed that this was an terrible race weather wise:
1) Imagine if it was 98 degrees and you were abducted, rolled up in a carpet, locked in a van that was abandoned in a parking lot next to the oil refineries in Elizabeth, NJ and left there for 3 days before being discovered. Now add 30 degree to the temperature; THAT"S what it felt like running the Half Wit Half Marathon trail run this past weekend. You couldn't cut the air with a band saw; heck, I tried to pass gas and the air was so think that it wouldn't come out because it had no place to go! Some 55 people had the sense to abandon the race during it, either due to good sense or bad footing, with a few of the more asthmatic ones even pulling up at the 1.3 mile water stop. I recognize these people as the "deep thinkers" of the Half-Wit entries. Why the other 356 morons continued on is anybody's guess! Some did it, no doubt, for the special drink available at the 9.6 and 12.5-mile aide stations. The race started with us having to use a bolt cutter to break into the park and the bathrooms. That should have been an omen to all!! The results are at the bottom of the home page for www.pretzelcitysports.com . My DEEP respect for all that finished; you obviously have incredibly high testosterone levels and do not require anesthesia during surgery.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Words of Wisdom
Fellow half wits. This is a hard core crowd. Some are veterans but some are newbies and may be in for a few surprises.
Ron Checks Line
Ron Horn, the race director, explains the delays. He said he had to use bolt cutters to get into the park and open the rest rooms. Thought it was one of his stories but after the race when I went up to rest rooms there was one of locks laying on the ground.
Half Wit Half Marathon
Heat Index - 110
Distance - 13.1
IQ necessary to think this a good idea - 62
Satisfaction on completion - Unmeasurable
What could possibly possess anyone to run in this weather? Every year the weather for this race is hot and sticky but this has to be one of the hottest ever. It is not called the Half-Wit for nothing.
One advantage I had this year was experience. I knew just how to pace myself and what was ahead. As I result I ran with some confidence. I loaded up with Succeed and Gatorade's new Endurance. I decided carrying a bottle outweighed the inconvenience and except for a few times when I could have used both hands it worked at well. I think by continuingly hydrating and being able to take the Succeed on my schedule instead of when I got to a water stop I fended off the cramping that bedeviled me the last two runs on this course. Although I was very slow at times, I never needed to stop and all my walking was on my terms.
Even in better weather this would be a tough course. The climbs are steep and some of the down hills are worst. The course is kind of a figure 8. The first mile is a simple loop - there are several bottle necks that mean for the back of pack runners a very slow start. The first year I was impatient with this but now recognize it is wise to accept the pace. After that first mile you begin the first part of the loop on mostly single track through the woods. Just after mile three you hit a paved road for about a half mile that takes you to the first water stop. You then hit the first steep drop then there is a long run three miles thru the woods some on established trail but some on it on a trail that must only exist in the imagination of the race director. (In fact at one point he has a sign posted - Trail? And a few yards later - What Trail? )
This section includes a couple of steep climbs but lots of running time. It ends with another very steep drop. The trees sweat stained by previous runners who grabbed them on the way down. You come out onto a baseball field and a water stop. A quick loop around the field and you must climb the infamous 128 steps from hell. Still no idea, why they are there. Sometime long ago someone placed what looks like granite curbing in a facsimile of steps, although some have become dislodged and stand at strange angles and halfway up there is a large tree blocking the way - you either crawl under, over or around.
Most runners on finishing the climb feel relieved - the course slopes gently down and you think that wasn't too bad. Unfortunately, just a few hundreds yards down the path you are faced with another steep climb. There will be two more of those interspaced with some good running on wider track. Good chance to set your own pace. The last climb out of this part of the park is short but very steep and rocky. You emerge back on the roadway to the three mile water stop. You are now about 8.3 into the run. You return along the roadway and reenter the wood. Not far until you cross another road. This is 9.1 and the recommended drop out point. The first time I ran this race I wanted to drop out but didn't realize this was the drop point and continued on. You now enter the last four mile loop. For a couple of miles until the path loops you see the returning runners. Very little level running here and where it is level it is very, very rocky or incredibly muddy. This is the only flat I chose to walk. I am so tired at this point I worry about tripping and don't fancy going down in the muck that has a foul order.
Eventually you come to a steep but runable incline. I take this with some abandoned. I know ahead I have the last steep climb and then too quickly we there (the downhill felt good) - it starts out somewhat deceiving but quickly becomes a rock climb. I see a couple of runners sitting and others stopped bracing on trees and at least one runner trying to work out cramps. I can sympathize. This is where I almost gave up the first year I ran. I sat down and really figured I was done but a runner came along encouraged me to get up and promised the climbing is almost over. I do the same now telling each runner we are only minutes from the top and hang in there. Unfortunately, I don't have any water to share. It is always a bit longer then I expect but finally I see the exit point. There is one last water stop where they also dispense beer. I feel good enough to indulge in one cup, walking slowly until done. Then it is off at a good pace because I know the finish is quite near. There will be one more surprise - another steep drop about 400 yards from the finish. Then I am done.
Very slow. But I feel good. Never stopped, avoided cramps and felt pretty good the whole time. I had heard a young lady before the race say this was her first trail run. Not a good choice for your first. But during the run I assured her that not all trails run are this difficult and I tried to give her some pointers. She finished quite nicely and strong. After the race she thanked me for the advice and said I had been a big help. Nice to hear.
One more side note: after the race I talked to a runner wearing a shirt with a skull and the label Death Race. This is a 125 KM race in the Canadian Rockies. Naturally, I said then this race must seem like a piece of cake. Well he said it is tough but the weather is a lot better - I actually enjoyed the Death Race compared to today. He was only half joking.
Heat Index - 110
Distance - 13.1
IQ necessary to think this a good idea - 62
Satisfaction on completion - Unmeasurable
What could possibly possess anyone to run in this weather? Every year the weather for this race is hot and sticky but this has to be one of the hottest ever. It is not called the Half-Wit for nothing.
One advantage I had this year was experience. I knew just how to pace myself and what was ahead. As I result I ran with some confidence. I loaded up with Succeed and Gatorade's new Endurance. I decided carrying a bottle outweighed the inconvenience and except for a few times when I could have used both hands it worked at well. I think by continuingly hydrating and being able to take the Succeed on my schedule instead of when I got to a water stop I fended off the cramping that bedeviled me the last two runs on this course. Although I was very slow at times, I never needed to stop and all my walking was on my terms.
Even in better weather this would be a tough course. The climbs are steep and some of the down hills are worst. The course is kind of a figure 8. The first mile is a simple loop - there are several bottle necks that mean for the back of pack runners a very slow start. The first year I was impatient with this but now recognize it is wise to accept the pace. After that first mile you begin the first part of the loop on mostly single track through the woods. Just after mile three you hit a paved road for about a half mile that takes you to the first water stop. You then hit the first steep drop then there is a long run three miles thru the woods some on established trail but some on it on a trail that must only exist in the imagination of the race director. (In fact at one point he has a sign posted - Trail? And a few yards later - What Trail? )
This section includes a couple of steep climbs but lots of running time. It ends with another very steep drop. The trees sweat stained by previous runners who grabbed them on the way down. You come out onto a baseball field and a water stop. A quick loop around the field and you must climb the infamous 128 steps from hell. Still no idea, why they are there. Sometime long ago someone placed what looks like granite curbing in a facsimile of steps, although some have become dislodged and stand at strange angles and halfway up there is a large tree blocking the way - you either crawl under, over or around.
Most runners on finishing the climb feel relieved - the course slopes gently down and you think that wasn't too bad. Unfortunately, just a few hundreds yards down the path you are faced with another steep climb. There will be two more of those interspaced with some good running on wider track. Good chance to set your own pace. The last climb out of this part of the park is short but very steep and rocky. You emerge back on the roadway to the three mile water stop. You are now about 8.3 into the run. You return along the roadway and reenter the wood. Not far until you cross another road. This is 9.1 and the recommended drop out point. The first time I ran this race I wanted to drop out but didn't realize this was the drop point and continued on. You now enter the last four mile loop. For a couple of miles until the path loops you see the returning runners. Very little level running here and where it is level it is very, very rocky or incredibly muddy. This is the only flat I chose to walk. I am so tired at this point I worry about tripping and don't fancy going down in the muck that has a foul order.
Eventually you come to a steep but runable incline. I take this with some abandoned. I know ahead I have the last steep climb and then too quickly we there (the downhill felt good) - it starts out somewhat deceiving but quickly becomes a rock climb. I see a couple of runners sitting and others stopped bracing on trees and at least one runner trying to work out cramps. I can sympathize. This is where I almost gave up the first year I ran. I sat down and really figured I was done but a runner came along encouraged me to get up and promised the climbing is almost over. I do the same now telling each runner we are only minutes from the top and hang in there. Unfortunately, I don't have any water to share. It is always a bit longer then I expect but finally I see the exit point. There is one last water stop where they also dispense beer. I feel good enough to indulge in one cup, walking slowly until done. Then it is off at a good pace because I know the finish is quite near. There will be one more surprise - another steep drop about 400 yards from the finish. Then I am done.
Very slow. But I feel good. Never stopped, avoided cramps and felt pretty good the whole time. I had heard a young lady before the race say this was her first trail run. Not a good choice for your first. But during the run I assured her that not all trails run are this difficult and I tried to give her some pointers. She finished quite nicely and strong. After the race she thanked me for the advice and said I had been a big help. Nice to hear.
One more side note: after the race I talked to a runner wearing a shirt with a skull and the label Death Race. This is a 125 KM race in the Canadian Rockies. Naturally, I said then this race must seem like a piece of cake. Well he said it is tough but the weather is a lot better - I actually enjoyed the Death Race compared to today. He was only half joking.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Mid Summer Weekend
Runners often talk about going thru down times in their running. I am experiencing a little of that now. I think in part it is the heat. I don’t remember being so bothered by the heat in past summers. I have never liked it but now it takes every bit of will power to get out the door. I did a race Saturday (Run For The Hill Of It). Now the weather for this race always seems to be hot and humid and Saturday was no exception. The air temperature wasn’t particularly hot at 8AM but the humidity was already somewhere near 100%. The race is along Forbidden Drive in the northern reach of the Wissahickon Valley branch of Fairmount Park. The first 2.5 miles drop down to Valley Green and then turn and run uphill for 2.5. I was very disappointed with my time. Just didn’t have the turn over I expected. Nothing hurt. I just couldn’t go faster. I don’t think I have ever been lower in a five year age group (18 out of 30). Finished in the middle of the pack (333 out 663) but should have finished higher.
Since my desire to run long wasn’t there on Sunday I decided to bike. I recently bought a bike thinking it would be good to cross train occasionally. It’s a hybrid not built for speed. I decided to use the Schuylkill River Trail. I had no specific goal – just get use to the bike and spend two hours peddling. I enjoyed it a great deal. First impression is that biking is much easier than running. Now I saw bikers who were working very hard – but I just peddled steadily with only occasional bursts of “speed”. I think I was covering miles in about 4 or 5 minutes. Sobering when I realized that I would just barely be staying ahead of the best marathoners. I think this experiment in cross training worked. I should have been on a long run but the ride was fun and used other muscles and skills and today I feel good and ready for a speed workout in spite of the heat.
Runners often talk about going thru down times in their running. I am experiencing a little of that now. I think in part it is the heat. I don’t remember being so bothered by the heat in past summers. I have never liked it but now it takes every bit of will power to get out the door. I did a race Saturday (Run For The Hill Of It). Now the weather for this race always seems to be hot and humid and Saturday was no exception. The air temperature wasn’t particularly hot at 8AM but the humidity was already somewhere near 100%. The race is along Forbidden Drive in the northern reach of the Wissahickon Valley branch of Fairmount Park. The first 2.5 miles drop down to Valley Green and then turn and run uphill for 2.5. I was very disappointed with my time. Just didn’t have the turn over I expected. Nothing hurt. I just couldn’t go faster. I don’t think I have ever been lower in a five year age group (18 out of 30). Finished in the middle of the pack (333 out 663) but should have finished higher.
Since my desire to run long wasn’t there on Sunday I decided to bike. I recently bought a bike thinking it would be good to cross train occasionally. It’s a hybrid not built for speed. I decided to use the Schuylkill River Trail. I had no specific goal – just get use to the bike and spend two hours peddling. I enjoyed it a great deal. First impression is that biking is much easier than running. Now I saw bikers who were working very hard – but I just peddled steadily with only occasional bursts of “speed”. I think I was covering miles in about 4 or 5 minutes. Sobering when I realized that I would just barely be staying ahead of the best marathoners. I think this experiment in cross training worked. I should have been on a long run but the ride was fun and used other muscles and skills and today I feel good and ready for a speed workout in spite of the heat.
Norristown Station
On Sunday I took my first long bike ride. I used the Schuylkill River Trail. I started in Conshohocken. This view is what you see as you head north toward Valley Forge. This is SEPTA's Norristown hub. The structure is the terminus for the High Speed Line that runs between Upper Darby and Norristown.
Forbidden Drive Covered Bridge
The Run For The Hill Of It begins at the top of Forbidden Drive (the section of Philadelphia called Andorra). You run south to Valley Green and turn north. This is the view you would have while running north just after mile three.
Forbidden Drive
This is the location for the Run For The Hill Of It that I raced on Saturday, 30 July.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
