Monica Scholz Completes 25th 100-miler in One Year For New World Record

(Monica Scholz tackles Whitney at Badwater)

Monica Scholz has yet to meet a 100-miler she doesn't like. Last weekend she finished her 25th 100-miler in a single year, breaking her previous world record of 23 set in 2001. Amazingly, she is posting some damn good finish times with each of them too! The Spec has a great article about her last race.

My first thought was "can you even schedule 25 100-milers in a single year"? Turns out you can...here was her original schedule, courtesy of Vince. Look at all those hot ones in July, or the 5 back-to-back in October. She is super woman!!!

Race #	Date	Race Name	Place
1	January 16	HURT	Honolulu, Hawaii
2	February 6	Rocky Racoon	Huntsville,Texas
3	February 13	Iron Horse	Florahome, Florida
4	February 27	LOST	Florida
5	March 5	Coyote Two Moon	Ojai, California
6	March 27	Paulinskill Sussex 100	Knowlton, New Jersey
7	April 10	McNaughton	Pekin, Illinois
8	April 24	Jerseyville 100	Jerseyville, Ontario
9	May 1	Iron Horse	St. Paul, Alberta
10	May 8	McNaughton	Pittsfield, Vermont
11	May 15	Keys 100	Key West, Florida
12	May 29	Sulphur Springs	Dundas, Ontario
13	June 5	Old Dominion	Fort Valley, Virginia
14	June 12	San Diego	San Diego, California
15	June 19	Mohican Trail	Loudonville, Ohio
16	June 26	Laramie	Laramie, Wyoming
17	July 12	Badwater	Death Valley, California
18	July 17	Vermont	South Woodstock, Vermont
19	July 24	Swan Crest	Swan Lake, Montana
20	July 31	Burning River	Willoughby Hills, Ohio
21	August 7	Viaduct Trail	Lanesboro, Pennsylvania
22	August 21	Leadville	Leadville, Colorado
23	August 28	Angeles Crest	Wrightwood, California
24	September 4	Grand Teton	Alta, Wyoming
25	September 11	Haliburton	Haliburton, Ontario
26	September 18	Virgil Crest	Virgil, New York
27	September 25	PCT 100 OR Bear	To be determined
28	October 2	Arkansas Traveller	Ouachita, Arkansas
29	October 9	Oil Creek	Oil City, Pensylvannia
30	October 16	Boulder OR Ozark	To be determined
31	October 23	Syllamo	Blanchard Springs, Arkansas
32	October 30	Javalina Jundred	Fountain Hills, Arizona
33	November 6	Pinhoti OR Mother Road	To be determined
34	December 11	Ancient Oaks	Titusville, Florida

That makes 111 lifetime 100's for Ms. Scholz...congrats, Monica!!!

- SD

Trail Running Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Having trouble finding the perfect gift for a trail running friend? Here are a few of my favorites that can help get you started - if you know of others, be sure to add them in the comments!

2011 Tribute to the Trails Running Calendar ($23)

Uber-photographer and trail runner Glenn Tachiyama has once again assembled a gorgeous calendar of great photos to raise money for the Washington Trails Association. The beautiful full-page shots (check them all out here) compliment a complete calendar of ultrarunning events. Few things can spice up the drab cubicle life like a constant reminder of epic trail runs hanging on the wall. You can pick one up at ZombieRunner, Rogue Valley Runners, or other stores for $23.

Cryosauna ($85,000)

For the runner who has everything, the Cryosauna is the latest must-have gadget. Jump in and hit the start button, and your entire body is surrounded by air frozen to -120 degrees C for 2-3 minutes for an instant ice bath. Get it in black to match your Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill! Available at...well, if you can afford it, you probably know.

Race Gift Certificate ($25-55)

I don't know about you, but few things get me as excited to hit the trails like a race scheduled in the near future. Get a friend a gift certificate to a race organizer like Pacific Coast Trail Runs, and you are giving the gift of adventure! If your friend is always super busy, couple the gift certificate with an offer to crew/watch the kids/have a celebratory picnic, and it's like giving a box of sunshine. Added benefit - you can buy and send via e-mail in minutes!

Trail Running Coffee Table Book ($15)

If your trail runner is going to open a gift in front of a big group of people, a nice coffee table book is something that can be passed around to get a lot of gasps and admiration. I'm a big fan of Extreme Running by Kym McConnell and Dave Horsely, available at ZombieRunner for $15.

Custom Trail Running Shirt/Tie/Mug/Whatever ($10-40)

Zazzle.com is a custom-making miracle site that can put just about any picture or phrase on a shirt, mug, hat, tie, etc., and ship it to you in days. Create a one-of-a-kind gift for your trail runner! You could also go for a license plate frame.

Framed Photo ($15-50)

Did your trail runner have an epic race experience? Go find the photo service that was at the race, and get them a nice framed photo. I know we all rarely buy these things for ourselves, but honestly, how many good photos of yourself running do you have? Unless you are married to a photographer like me, it's hard to get a good shot that can be blown up into a decent photo. Time to splurge!

ZombieRunner Gift Certificate ($10-100)

I can ALWAYS find something I didn't know I needed until I saw it at ZombieRunner. Definitely will prompt a smile. Also an easy gift to buy and send instantly.

Jackhawk 9000 Knife ($100)



What better gift to give a loved one than the Jackhawk 9000? Available at Wal-mart. (Thank you, Ricky Bobby!)

Fire on the Track DVD ($15)

This is the best Steve Prefontaine documentary out there, with plenty of interviews with those who were there. For those looking at hours of indoor training through the winter, Pre can help keep them company. Available at Amazon.com.

Personal Running Tour (Free!)

My pal Gary Gellins recently took me on a long run tour of the Foothills Park in Palo Alto, CA, a place I had barely set foot in. It was such a treat to have a guided tour! Set the date, make a plan, bring some snacks, create a hand-written card that sums it all up...voila, an instant free gift.

Scott Dunlap Named 2010 Masters Men Ultrarunner of the Year by USA Track & Field

(I know I posted this once already, but am doing once again to get the Google indexing right - gotta put that name in the Title!)

Thanks for the well-wishes, everyone! I hope you are having a great holiday. I put links in this story to everyone else's blogs in case you would like to stop by and tell them congrats!

Best, SD

USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Council Announces Runners of the Year

Indianapolis, IN ---- The Mountain/Ultra/Trail running (MUT) council of long distance running has named the 2010 USATF Mountain Runners of the year, Ultra Runners of the Year, Trail Championship Series winners, and Contributor of the Year. The following individuals will be recognized at the USATF National Convention in Virginia Beach, VA, on Saturday, December 4, at an awards breakfast.

Mountain men open: Joseph Gray, 26, Lakewood, WA, wins his third consecutive USATF Mountain Runner of the Year title. Gray was the top U.S. finisher (10th overall) at this year’s World Mountain Running Championships to lead the men to their best-ever finish with a team silver medal. He earned his spot on the 2010 U.S. Mountain Running Team (his third U.S. mountain team) by placing third at the USA Mountain Running Championships held at the Mount Washington Road Race in June. Gray also won the NACAC Mountain Running Championships hosted by Canada in July and placed second at the 2009 XTERRA World Championships (December).

Mountain men master: Tim Van Orden, 42, Bennington, VT, had a stellar year in 2010 including masters top honors at the USA 10km Trail Championships, the USA 15km Trail Championships, and the Mt. Ashland Hill Climb where he also set the masters’ record. He finished fifth in his age group at the U.S. Mountain Running Championships. In the USATF New England Mountain running series, he finished ninth overall at the Ascutney Mountain Challenge, tenth overall at the Wachusett Mtn. Race, and sixth overall at the Northfield Mountain/NE Trail Running Championships. In addition, Van Orden was the top masters snowshoe racer in New England, taking overall places of three firsts, six seconds, two thirds and three fourths (masters’ champion in all but one).

Mountain women open: Kristin Price, 28, Raleigh, NC, is a first-time recipient in this category. Price won the USA Mountain Running Championships to earn a spot on her first U.S. Mountain Running Team, and was the top finisher (12th overall) for the U.S. women at the World Mountain Running Championships leading the team to its fourth-place finish. Team USA was the first team to finish all four women at the World Championships.

Mountain women master: Nicole Hunt, 40, Deer Lodge, MT, had an outstanding year as a masters’ competitor. Hunt is no stranger to mountain running awards having been named the 2006 USATF Mountain Runner of the Year. In 2010, Hunt finished fourth overall – third American – winning the masters’ title in a masters’ course record performance. She was the third U.S. woman finisher (17th overall) at the World Mountain Running Championships. She finished fourth, first master, at the USA 15km Trail Championships.

Ultra men open: Michael Wardian, 36, Arlington, VA, wins his third consecutive Ted Corbitt Memorial USATF Ultra Runner of the Year Award in 2010. Wardian was the USA 50km Champion, and won bronze at both the 50km World Championships and the IAU 100km World Championships. He finished third – the best finish ever by a U.S. man – at the Marathon Des Sables in Morocco, and finished as the top U.S. runner at Comrades Marathon (89km). He finished second at The North Face Endurance Challenge in Washington, DC, just one week after Comrades. He posted six marathon victories in 2010 including ING Miami, National Marathon, Delaware Marathon (Delaware State Record & Course Record in 2:26:22), Grant & Pierce Indoor Marathon (setting indoor marathon World Record of 2:27:21), Kauai Marathon, and ING Hartford Marathon. He was also 15th overall at the USATF Men's Marathon Championships posting a time of 2:21:18.
 
Ultra men master: Scott Dunlap, Woodside, CA, 41, is a first-time recipient of this award. He was the top master and 11th overall at the USATF 50km Trail Championships, third master at the USATF 50km Road Championships, third master at the USATF 100 Mile Trail Championships, and third master at the USATF Trail Marathon Championships in 2009. He also won the 40-44 age group at the XTERRA World Championships in 2009 and was first overall at the Woodside Trail Marathon (3:36, CR). He won the 40-49 age group at the Tahoe Rim Trail 50km (5th overall, the RRCA Nevada Championship). Dunlap promotes USATF and its championship races on his award-winning blog, A Trail Runner’s Blog at this link. (http://runtrails.blogspot.com)
 
Ultra women open:  Kami Semick, 44, Bend, OR, is now a two-time recipient of the Ruth Anderson USATF Ultra Runner of the Year award having won this title last year. She posted an outstanding year on the road and trails. Her wins included the USA 50km Trail Championships, the Miwok 100km Trail Race, the Vermont 100 Miler, and the Portland Marathon. In 2009 (November), she won the IAU 50km World Trophy in Gibraltar. She was fourth overall and top American at Comrades Marathon (89km). Semick is an active member of USATF’s Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council.

Ultra women master: Meghan Arbogast, 49, Corvallis, OR, a first-time recipient of this award, was the winner of the 2010 U.S. 100km Championships, the USA 50 Mile Trail Championships, Where’s Waldo 100km and the Ice Age 50 Mile Trail Race.  She finished second overall at both the 2010 Western States 100 Mile Trail Race and at the 2009 JFK 50 Miler (November) where she was also the top masters’ finisher. She was the fifth masters’ finisher at the Twin Cities Marathon – the U.S. National Masters Championships – finishing 16th overall.

USA Trail Championships Series Winners – Mario Mendoza, 24, Cambria, CA, and Gina Lucrezi, 27, Newton, MA. Mendoza and Lucrezi garnered the most points in the inaugural USA Trail Championships (sub-ultra) series. The events included the 10km, 15km, half marathon, and marathon event distances. In 2011, the USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council hopes to further promote and enhance the championship trail series.

Contributor of the Year – Mount Washington Road Race Directors Bob and Anita Teschek. In 2010, the Tescheks recruited the deepest field in the 50-year history of the Mount Washington Road Race (June 19).  This was done by actively recruiting top runners and offering inducements such as travel money, lodging, and doubling the prize purse.  The race served as not only the USA Mountain Running Championships, but also as the lone qualifier for both the men’s and women’s mountain running teams.  This was the first time a race had been granted this distinction, which can be traced to the efforts of the Tescheks to get the top runners to the starting line.  They have served the mountain running community for many years, hosting the USA Mountain Running Championships and team selection races in the even-numbered years starting in 2004. They have also made contributions to the U.S. Mountain Running Team. Bob Teschek has been the race director at Mount Washington for over 25 years with this year’s race being his last as race director.

Others nominated in the Contributor of the Year category for 2010 included Salomon footwear; Julie Fingar, owner of Fit to Run, Inc., and race director for The Sierra Nevada Endurance Runs, Way Too Cool 50km, and the American River 50 Mile Endurance Run; and Race Directors Jason and Allison Bryant (The Continental Divide 10km Trail Race)

In order to be considered for the USATF Mountain and Ultra running awards an athlete must show top results in U.S. competitions for 2010 November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2010, to include mountain races (these may be on paved/gravel surfaces as long as there is significant elevation loss or gain) and trail races of varying lengths, as well as road races for the ultra category (distances beyond the marathon). International results are also considered. The nominee must be an ambassador for the sport. Nominee must be a USATF member for 2010, and to be considered for the masters’ category athlete must be a minimum of 40 years of age.

For a list of past winners in the other categories, please visit www.usatf.org. You can view this release at the following link. (http://www.examiner.com/trail-running-in-national/usatf-mountain-ultra-trail-council-announces-runners-of-the-year)
##

USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Council Announces Runners of the Year

Hey, check out who won the USATF Masters Men Ultrarunner of the Year. I think I know that guy!

Honestly, it just feels so cool to be mentioned in the same press release with the likes of Michael Wardian, Kami Semick, Meghan Arboghast, Joe Gray, Tim Van Orden, and all these amazing trail runners. Look at the seasons they had! Remarkable. I think I've officially peaked. ;-)

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving, and take a moment to give thanks for this wonderful sport we are a part of. I will certainly have a toast for my fellow runners tomorrow, particularly those of who encouraged me through an amazing year. I am forever grateful to each of you.

Best, SD

USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Council Announces Runners of the Year

Indianapolis, IN ---- The Mountain/Ultra/Trail running (MUT) council of long distance running has named the 2010 USATF Mountain Runners of the year, Ultra Runners of the Year, Trail Championship Series winners, and Contributor of the Year. The following individuals will be recognized at the USATF National Convention in Virginia Beach, VA, on Saturday, December 4, at an awards breakfast.

Mountain men open: Joseph Gray, 26, Lakewood, WA, wins his third consecutive USATF Mountain Runner of the Year title. Gray was the top U.S. finisher (10th overall) at this year’s World Mountain Running Championships to lead the men to their best-ever finish with a team silver medal. He earned his spot on the 2010 U.S. Mountain Running Team (his third U.S. mountain team) by placing third at the USA Mountain Running Championships held at the Mount Washington Road Race in June. Gray also won the NACAC Mountain Running Championships hosted by Canada in July and placed second at the 2009 XTERRA World Championships (December).

Mountain men master: Tim Van Orden, 42, Bennington, VT, had a stellar year in 2010 including masters top honors at the USA 10km Trail Championships, the USA 15km Trail Championships, and the Mt. Ashland Hill Climb where he also set the masters’ record. He finished fifth in his age group at the U.S. Mountain Running Championships. In the USATF New England Mountain running series, he finished ninth overall at the Ascutney Mountain Challenge, tenth overall at the Wachusett Mtn. Race, and sixth overall at the Northfield Mountain/NE Trail Running Championships. In addition, Van Orden was the top masters snowshoe racer in New England, taking overall places of three firsts, six seconds, two thirds and three fourths (masters’ champion in all but one).

Mountain women open: Kristin Price, 28, Raleigh, NC, is a first-time recipient in this category. Price won the USA Mountain Running Championships to earn a spot on her first U.S. Mountain Running Team, and was the top finisher (12th overall) for the U.S. women at the World Mountain Running Championships leading the team to its fourth-place finish. Team USA was the first team to finish all four women at the World Championships.

Mountain women master: Nicole Hunt, 40, Deer Lodge, MT, had an outstanding year as a masters’ competitor. Hunt is no stranger to mountain running awards having been named the 2006 USATF Mountain Runner of the Year. In 2010, Hunt finished fourth overall – third American – winning the masters’ title in a masters’ course record performance. She was the third U.S. woman finisher (17th overall) at the World Mountain Running Championships. She finished fourth, first master, at the USA 15km Trail Championships.

Ultra men open: Michael Wardian, 36, Arlington, VA, wins his third consecutive Ted Corbitt Memorial USATF Ultra Runner of the Year Award in 2010. Wardian was the USA 50km Champion, and won bronze at both the 50km World Championships and the IAU 100km World Championships. He finished third – the best finish ever by a U.S. man – at the Marathon Des Sables in Morocco, and finished as the top U.S. runner at Comrades Marathon (89km). He finished second at The North Face Endurance Challenge in Washington, DC, just one week after Comrades. He posted six marathon victories in 2010 including ING Miami, National Marathon, Delaware Marathon (Delaware State Record & Course Record in 2:26:22), Grant & Pierce Indoor Marathon (setting indoor marathon World Record of 2:27:21), Kauai Marathon, and ING Hartford Marathon. He was also 15th overall at the USATF Men's Marathon Championships posting a time of 2:21:18.
 
Ultra men master: Scott Dunlap, Woodside, CA, 41, is a first-time recipient of this award. He was the top master and 11th overall at the USATF 50km Trail Championships, third master at the USATF 50km Road Championships, third master at the USATF 100 Mile Trail Championships, and third master at the USATF Trail Marathon Championships in 2009. He also won the 40-44 age group at the XTERRA World Championships in 2009 and was first overall at the Woodside Trail Marathon (3:36, CR). He won the 40-49 age group at the Tahoe Rim Trail 50km (5th overall, the RRCA Nevada Championship). Dunlap promotes USATF and its championship races on his award-winning blog, A Trail Runner’s Blog at this link. (http://runtrails.blogspot.com)
 
Ultra women open:  Kami Semick, 44, Bend, OR, is now a two-time recipient of the Ruth Anderson USATF Ultra Runner of the Year award having won this title last year. She posted an outstanding year on the road and trails. Her wins included the USA 50km Trail Championships, the Miwok 100km Trail Race, the Vermont 100 Miler, and the Portland Marathon. In 2009 (November), she won the IAU 50km World Trophy in Gibraltar. She was fourth overall and top American at Comrades Marathon (89km). Semick is an active member of USATF’s Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council.

Ultra women master: Meghan Arbogast, 49, Corvallis, OR, a first-time recipient of this award, was the winner of the 2010 U.S. 100km Championships, the USA 50 Mile Trail Championships, Where’s Waldo 100km and the Ice Age 50 Mile Trail Race.  She finished second overall at both the 2010 Western States 100 Mile Trail Race and at the 2009 JFK 50 Miler (November) where she was also the top masters’ finisher. She was the fifth masters’ finisher at the Twin Cities Marathon – the U.S. National Masters Championships – finishing 16th overall.

USA Trail Championships Series Winners – Mario Mendoza, 24, Cambria, CA, and Gina Lucrezi, 27, Newton, MA. Mendoza and Lucrezi garnered the most points in the inaugural USA Trail Championships (sub-ultra) series. The events included the 10km, 15km, half marathon, and marathon event distances. In 2011, the USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Running Council hopes to further promote and enhance the championship trail series.

Contributor of the Year – Mount Washington Road Race Directors Bob and Anita Teschek. In 2010, the Tescheks recruited the deepest field in the 50-year history of the Mount Washington Road Race (June 19).  This was done by actively recruiting top runners and offering inducements such as travel money, lodging, and doubling the prize purse.  The race served as not only the USA Mountain Running Championships, but also as the lone qualifier for both the men’s and women’s mountain running teams.  This was the first time a race had been granted this distinction, which can be traced to the efforts of the Tescheks to get the top runners to the starting line.  They have served the mountain running community for many years, hosting the USA Mountain Running Championships and team selection races in the even-numbered years starting in 2004. They have also made contributions to the U.S. Mountain Running Team. Bob Teschek has been the race director at Mount Washington for over 25 years with this year’s race being his last as race director.

Others nominated in the Contributor of the Year category for 2010 included Salomon footwear; Julie Fingar, owner of Fit to Run, Inc., and race director for The Sierra Nevada Endurance Runs, Way Too Cool 50km, and the American River 50 Mile Endurance Run; and Race Directors Jason and Allison Bryant (The Continental Divide 10km Trail Race)

In order to be considered for the USATF Mountain and Ultra running awards an athlete must show top results in U.S. competitions for 2010 November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2010, to include mountain races (these may be on paved/gravel surfaces as long as there is significant elevation loss or gain) and trail races of varying lengths, as well as road races for the ultra category (distances beyond the marathon). International results are also considered. The nominee must be an ambassador for the sport. Nominee must be a USATF member for 2010, and to be considered for the masters’ category athlete must be a minimum of 40 years of age.

For a list of past winners in the other categories, please visit www.usatf.org. You can view this release at the following link. (http://www.examiner.com/trail-running-in-national/usatf-mountain-ultra-trail-council-announces-runners-of-the-year)
##

Air Force Captain Brian Dumm Wins 2010 JFK 50-miler (Herald Mail)

The JFK 50-miler, the nation's oldest ultramarathon, was established by John F. Kennedy in the early 1960's to challenge military personnel to the "50 miles in 20 hours" standard set by Teddy Roosevelt for the enlisted to maintain their commissions. So it seems fitting to have a Captain in the Air Force, 27-year-old Brian Dumm from Colorado Springs, CO, bring home the win this year with his amazing 5:52:02 debut.

Capt. Brian Dumm wins the 2010 JFK 50-miler, photo courtesy of Joe Crocetta, Herald Mail

Oregon's Amy Sproston (6:57:16)  narrowly beat a friend and neighbor for the Women's win.

You can read a full story at the Herald Mail (with video!), and check the results on the JFK Web site. Congrats to all who finished!

- SD

How To Run a Two Hour Marathon

A fascinating 12-minute video that looks at the biomechanics of top runners to determine efficiency.

Author/Researcher Looking for Inspiring Trail Running Stories from Women

Dr. Alison Boudreau recently contacted me for a new book project, asking if I "knew any women with great trail running stories". Um, yeah...about a few thousand!!!

Below are some details about what she is looking for - be sure to contact her directly if you are interested.

Thx, SD

(from Ali)

My research re: women marathoners was just published in an academic journal, and I am now writing a book re: inspirational trail runner stories (details below). My book features international women trail runners (USA, South Africa, etc.), from half marathon to 100+ milers (first timers to experienced 100-milers), ranging from 18 to 70+ years old.

Thanks for your consideration, and happy trails :)

Ali

--------------------
BOOK DETAILS:

Has trail running changed your life? Have you perceived a positive impact on relationships or community? Has your courage or strength of mind inspired others? Did you preserve through fears, setback s or obstacles? Are you willing to explore and describe your experience to me? I am interested in how your personal and professional life has changed as a result of trail running.

The current popular literature focuses on the technical aspects of road marathoning. First-timers apply new training schedules and nutritional advice, as elite athletes gain speed and improve performance. Over time, road runners may grow weary of aches and pains caused by years of pounding on concrete. They may also view their slower times as a benefit to achieving longer distances on softer, more forgiving surfaces.

Inspirational stories are often shared by Runners’ World magazine. For instance, novice and elite athletes have done road races while fighting cancer, being blind or deaf, running with a prosthetic limb, or overcoming odds. However, who are the heroes and inspirational folks in our trail running community?

This book will capture the heart and soul of distance trail running. What does it feel like to run hours in nature, especially in the dark? Why do you run? What benefits do you get from trail running and not road running? For ultra runners, do you hit the wall like road marathoners? What is it like to depend on a crew or pacer? How do you mentally get through 50-100 miles?

Inspirational stories of long-distance trail runners will be collected, told in their own words. Descriptions may include experiences of their first trail race, most memorable training day or race, overcoming personal challenges, and life lessons learned. Runners will be young and old, first-timers and experts, fit and overweight, famous and everyday heroes achieving extraordinary feats.

This book has evolved from my academic research on female marathon runners, regarding their self-discovery and life-changing experiences with endurance exercise.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

- Primarily a trail runner or ultra runner (who may occasionally run on roads);

- Believes trail running has had a positive impact on your job, home, or community;

- Finished two or more distance events (at least one 26.2 miles road marathon, and one 13.1 miles or further trail race);

- Can describe (in person or by phone) a specific example of how distance trail running changed your life (i.e., related to stress, decisions, relationships); and

- Can schedule one tape-recorded interview (1.5 hours or less), give feedback of draft story edits, and provide a brief bio and running photo.

If you answered “yes” to all of the above criteria, please respond to accept this invitation to participate by emailing the researcher (myself) at CoachAlison [at]  comcast.net .

Note: If you have a story already written, that's great! Otherwise, we can schedule an phone interview (1.5 hours or less) for taping. A transcription will be emailed to you for approval. The story will be keep entirely in your voice to fully capture your own personal experience.

RIP, Rocky the Pug, and Thank You

Rocky, our beloved pug of nine years, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly yesterday morning in the midst of his morning game of frisbee. I'm not sure what happened, but I was with him in his final moments and I can assure you it was quick. He will be missed.

Rocky, I thank you for reminding us to always have fun, and that any trip outdoors can be a fun adventure with the right companionship. Thank you for dragging me out of bed each morning, despite my protests, and starting a ritual of running trails that has become a endless source of optimism.

A few pictures to remember you by:

You were just a little scamp when we got you from the Pug Rescue of Sacramento, fresh off the streets of Oakland, CA.

But soon you were thriving with your larger-than-life smile and attitude.

You were always so patient waiting for me to get home/get up and get on with the adventure of the day.

 
They said pugs shouldn't run trails, but you would go as fast as you could all day long. I just tried to keep up!
 

You even wanted to go to the triathlons.

In fact, as long as you "got to go", you were game for just about anything.

You taught Sophie not to be afraid of a little sledding...

...to always wear your lifejacket when on the boat....

...and that the best part of a hike is the snacks.

You showed us that anyone can run with the big dogs...

..and there's nothing wrong with sporting your colors when your team was playing.

You were always up for a game of frisbee...

...and never let anyone win unless they earned it.

You were a great big brother to Sophie, putting up with endless costumes.

And never met a beach you didn't like.

You were my best friend.

Thank you, Rocket J, for filling our lives with your love and sense of adventure. I will miss your warm, semi-snoring body snuggled up to my feet every night, and that donut tail that never stopped wagging. You may no longer with living with us now, but you will be a part of our lives forever. 

I miss you, buddy.

SD

PS - If you like the pictures of Rocky, you can still get copies of his kids book.

Lottery Season Is Upon Us! Which Ultra/Tri Will Choose You?

It's that time of year to put your fate in the hands of the lottery gods and see which adventures they may choose for you! Here are some races that I track, the dates of their lottery, and helpful links to get your name in the pool:

Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run , June 25, 2011 (Lottery Nov 13-27, Drawing Dec 5)

Miwok 100k, May 7, 2011 (Lottery Dec 1-10, Drawing Dec 17)

Way Too Cool 50k, March 12, 2011 (Lottery Dec 6-12, Drawing Dec 15)

Wasatch 100, September 9, 2011 (Lottery Dec 1-Jan 9, Drawing Feb 5)

Hardrock 100, July 8, 2011 (Lottery Now-Jan 31, Drawing Feb 5)

Badwater 135, July 11, 2011 (Lottery/app Feb 1-15, Selection Feb 18)

Ironman Hawaii World Championship, Oct 8, 2011 (Lottery Now-Feb 28, Drawing April 15)

Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, June 5, 2011 (Lottery Dec 1-Jan 26, Drawings Dec 15 and Jan 26)

Mt. Washington Road Race, June 18, 2011 (Lottery March 1-15, Drawing March 15)

Best of luck!

- SD

Fall and Fun at the 2010 Lithia Loop Marathon

Last Saturday, I had the great pleasure of returning to Ashland, OR, to join 240 runners for the 2010 Lithia Loop Trail Marathon put on by the Rogue Valley Runners. This year marked the 3rd running of the event, and the 2nd time it hosted the USATF Trail Marathon National Championships. The weather was great and the competition was fierce - a perfect way to spend the weekend!

Christi and Sophie joined me on this trip after hearing about all the fun I had last year reminiscing about my Lithia Park adventures living here as a four-year-old. Now Sophie is four herself, so it was time to show her the ropes! Such a special moment to share. Grandpa (aka, XTerra age group national champion Larry Dunlap) and grandma brought down the cousins, plus snuck in a pair of his X-Talon's to toe the line for the big race. We were going to pack this weekend full of fun.

(The crazy colors of Lithia Park, photo courtesy of Sophie Dunlap)

The field was stacked with fast runners, particularly in the Masters group. My competition included last year's Masters winner and elite coach Greg McMillan, USATF 10k/15k Trail National Champ and XTerra National Champion Tim Van Orden, Where's Waldo 100k champion Neil Olsen, Brad Mitchell from Team La Sportiva, Central Mass Striders' Dave "Double D" Dunham, 2009 Lithia Loop winner Jeff Caba, the super fast William Emerson, and a half dozen others fit enough to challenge the 2:54 Masters course record. Phew! I was feeling fit, but this age group is STACKED.  But that's how it should be for a national competition, no?

Max King was returning to defend his title, coming off his blazing 2:14 at the Baltimore Marathon last month. He had some new competition in Mario Mendoza, one of the few runners who can keep up with Max in the half marathon, now trying his first full marathon to get a feel for the distance prior to shooting for the Olympic Trials next year. Team Inov-8 member Yassine Diboun would also be giving chase, as would 2010 Where's Waldo and Pine to Palm 100m winner Tim Olson, Colorado's John Tribbia, and Cascade Crest 100m winner Jeff Browning. The Women had Devon Crosby-Helms fresh off her win at the USATF 50-mile championship at Mountain Tusseyback, stacked up against Oregon speedster Katie Caba, Karalee Morris, Tahoe Rim Trail 100m winner Roxanne Woodhouse, and Luanne Park.

I laced up the Inov-8 X-Talons over my Injinji's, slammed a Vespa, and headed to the start. At 8am, Race Director Hal Koerner pointed us up the hill and sent us off into the cold-but-clear hillside. This course starts with eight miles of climbing, but that didn't stop Max King from setting a sub-7 minute pace off the front. I stayed aerobic, which put me at about a 8:10 min/mile pace, cruising along with Neil Olsen and a few others in 20th place or so. My guess was that half of the folks in front were in the Masters group, so the old guys were all going for broke. I would occasionally catch Oklahoma's Chris McClure, who smiled as he took a few breaks to awe at the unfamiliar steep climbs, then would catch back up. Neil and his Rogue Valley brethren picked up the pace near the top, and by the time we hit the Skagg's aid station (mile 8) they were long gone.

I ramped up the pace to 6:20 min/miles, my marathon cruising speed, and started picking off runners who cashed their chips in the climb. I felt fit, but still had some lingering fatigue from Ironman Hawaii, which has taken a surprising amount of recovery for an event where I didn't go 100%. Imagine if I had actually gone hard! I would still be on the beach. But it sure was nice to return to the minimalist pleasure of trail running. Trees flocked in Fall, crystal clear creeks, and the solitary rhythm of fast cranking footsteps. There ain't nothing quite like it!

(The canopy gave colorful shade all day)

Around mile 16, I caught up to Jeff Browning and we had a quick laugh about "this crazy speedwork" for 100-milers like Jeff. I figured I should put some time into him, for I would certainly see him again on the descent. Jeff is as good as it gets on a technical downhill. I was still feeling good and in control, so I pushed on and made the most of the flat stuff. I was drinking about 16 oz/hour, taking in a gel every 30 minutes, plus an S!Cap each hour.

(No shortage of pretty views)

At mile 18, just before the long descent home, I caught Tim Van Orden taking a walk break to gather himself. Tim (or TiVO as he is known on the circuit) is a short-course trail and stair-climbing pro (ie, run to the top of the Empire State Bldg and back), and this was his first marathon. It was pretty impressive to see him jump into this distance with almost no training! He said he was toast, but I suspected he would be revived at the next aid station.

(The single track descent)

I tore down into the descending fire road until my quads screamed for mercy at the last aid station (mile 24). The Caterpillar Trail gave me some ups and downs to relax before the final single track switchbacks. I heard some footsteps behind me and assumed it was Jeff "The Bomber" Browning, but was pleased to see TiVO cruising by! He had found his second win and was taking one step for every three of mine, making a mockery of the technical terrain. That guy has SERIOUS leg strength.

(You can actually SEE my quad screaming in this photo)

I rounded the last corner and crossed the finish in 3:08:59, about four minutes faster than last year, but the same 17th place. I was pleased with a very controlled effort, and was stunned at how fast the others had run. Max King (2:41) won, with Mario Mendoza (2:47), and John Tribbia (2:47:55) rounding out the podium. Brad Mitchell (2:52) set a new Masters record in his 4th place finish, with two other Masters (Allen Rozendaal in 5th, Neil Olsen in 10th) finishing Top 10. Wow! 17th overall, and still the 8th Master. That is a faaaast field. (results)

(Cruising into the finish!)

(Katie Caba, 2010 USATF Trail Marathon Champion)

(Devon Crosby-Helms and Katie Caba)

Katie Caba (3:23:12, 24th overall) won the Women's division, with Devon Crosby-Helms (3:28:36) and Karalee Morris (3:32) finishing up the podium. Oddly the coldest part of the day found us at the finish, so we did a quick warm down. We all said our congrats before heading down to Pioneer Hall for soup, burritos, and beer while cheering on the other finishers.

(Another great photo from 4-year-old Sophie Dunlap!)

I was a bit bummed not to have a Dunlap in the USATF results, but before I could cry in my beer, my Dad came screaming down the finish chute in 4:19, good enough to win his age group. That makes two national championships this year for him! So many memories of Lithia Park are with my Dad, and here's one more I get to put near the top of the list. I'm so impressed he can throw down such impressive times; I guess the Dunlap's didn't get the memo about getting slower with age!

(2010 USATF Trail Marathon Champions Max King and Larry Dunlap)

(Tim Van Orden and me post race)

(A cheery Hal Koerner hosts the awards at the end)

Hal Koerner and USATF reps Richard Bolt and Dave Dunham hosted the awards ceremony, which was fun (and lucrative if you were within throwing distance). It was clear that everyone had a fabulous time!

(John Tribbia, Mario Mendoza, and Max King)

(Men's Top 10)

(Women's Top 10)

We soon showered and hit the Greenleaf Restaurant for family food before finding the closest TV for some Oregon Ducks football. I wondered - is it the childhood memories that make it so easy to chill in this town? Nah, I think it's just a great place to hang out. Good people, good food, all surrounded by Mother Nature in her Fall tapestry. Pretty hard to beat!

(Chillin' with the Ducks)

My thanks to Hal, the Rogue Valley Runners, and the awesome volunteers for putting on a great race. I look forward to returning!

- SD