Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Lose the Turkey Fat Ass 50k Race Report

Friday, November 27, 2009
Turkey Trot
Race morning, I had a few concerns. First, it was kind of chilly (mid 30's) and the wind was whipping around. Second, as evidenced by the picture below, Little Dirt Dawg had not ridden in a jogging stroller since I can't remember when since he is so tall and would rather run. I am thinking next year, maybe the Mashed Potato Mile or 5k for him. Lastly, the number of runners was estimated at over 14,000 and since we were just out for a fun run would be far back in the pack. Given that and our estimated time for the 10k along with the parade start, we smartly decided to drop to the 5k.
Now, as for the Turkey Trot, it was a hoot! We ran together as a family and gave high fives and low fives, courtesy of Dirrty Feather in the stroller and stopped for cookies at the aid station. There were people though there with Garmins, Ipods, and Fuel Belts...for a 5k/10k!! Come on people...there were tons of people along the parade route cheering runners on and the rising sun took some of the early morning bitterness out of the air, enjoy the day, soak up the atmosphere. My only complaint was that even though we started near the back, there were tons of runners who thought that jumping over the jogging stroller wheels or cutting in front of us was a sound idea. You want to race, do it at some other race and at several points, I had to slam on the brake to avoid hitting some idiot. I think we finished in around 40 minutes for the 5k with a mad dash for which stroller crossed the finish line first.

A quick jaunt back to the hotel, shower, and inhalation of food brought us back out and to our parade seats for a bit until the requisite shuttling between our parents houses. In the future, we probably won't remember our time for the run or the weather, but we will remember the fun we had together and that is all that matters this time of year.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Lose the Turkey Fat Ass 50k

Lose The
When:
Time:
Where: Kensington Metro Park/Island
Get out there and move your duff to eliminate the stuff consumed on
Course:
Begin @ Kensington Metro Park. *Note* There is a daily $4 entry fee if you do not have a permit. Park at the East Boat Launch and head west on the bike path trail. Just before heading over a bridge, there will be a path to your left that goes under I- 96. Follow the path under the freeway and into
Follow the blue trail head markers and continue on the trail until past the 8 mile marker. There will be a
To complete the 50k distance…do one loop on the Kensington Bike Path (approximate distance 8.5 miles)
For those of you preferring to do a shorter distance less than a 50k and don’t want to get lost, or run trails…you can just run loops around Kensington. Each loop is approximately 8.5 miles. Or run the 23 miles out and back section and stop.
I expect for many of us to run together as this is not competitive at all. Somewhere in the 5 hr 30 min to 6 hour range for the full distance and will probably incorporate some walking.
NOTES:
1. There is no fee to run this (ok..except for the daily entry fee to the park. Most times though in the fall, there is never anybody checking the cars for permits)
2. It is HIGHLY ADVISED that you wear something hunter orange or very bright out on the trail section. I ran it this past weekend and saw some hunters out there.
3. There is no aid. I might have something set up at the start/finish, and somewhere along the way, but it is a approximately 23 miles for the first loop.
4. You are responsible for your own safety out there. This is merely a loosely organized fun run that just happens to be a wee bit longer than a marathon.
5. Please email me with your interest so that I can begin to take a head count
http://www.metroparks.com/global/kensington_map.php
A short video about the course can be found here: @ Just Finish
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Detroit Free Press Marathon



Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A runner is born
A little over 3 months ago, I received an email from my freshman college roommate via Facebook. He had heard that I was doing a bit of running, and was wondering if I would be interested in giving him a few pointers about getting back into running. Memories of all nighters, pizza, beer, sleeping in past our 8 am classes and putting on 20 pounds began running through my head. Without hesitating, I asked him for his number and told him I would call him that evening.
Upon calling Trent, he said he needed to make a change. Despite being in the armed services for several years and coaching his son's hockey team, he had fallen out of love with exercise and put on a few pounds. A few pounds I asked? Conservatively, he said, he had put on about 70 pounds. I told him to be ready at 6 am the next morning, we were going for a walk.
The next morning we walked. We talked about the past but more importantly the future. He had reasons for making a change. They were sleeping soundly as we walked around the subdivision. He wanted to feel better about himself, have more energy, and most importantly be able to play with his kids without having to stop and catch his breath every minute. He thought running would be the quickest way to drop some weight, but there was a problem. Running as he remembered it, was punishment during football and rowing.
I told him if he was really interested in making a change, then we were going to start slow. Due to his weight, I told him, there would be no running for at least a month. The first month would be dedicated to establishing a routine with not only forward motion but diet as well. He would begin by walking and building up his endurance. I told him that if he just started running that almost certainly he would get injured and would begin a vicious circle of injury, couch, injury, couch, etc and then where would that get him? Secondly, I had him start writing down everything he ate and when. One of the biggest culprits and I know a lot of parents who tend to do this is to finish your own dinner and then whatever your child doesn't as well. Probably, not what he wanted to hear, but I told him that if he did this then after one month we would start to look at adding in some running. Furthermore, I told him that I would meet with him weekly and we could go over the plan as we first walked and then ran.
A month went by, and Trent stuck to the plan. He walked 3-4 times a week and began to watch his diet. As a result, the weight slowly began to come off and he began asking when he could start running. I told him to pick a local 5k and gave him a couch to 5k program that we modified as he initially had some shin pain. His goal race was the Big House 5k. I ran with him the first time he ran 2 miles without stopping and the look on his face was amazing. I could see he was beginning to love running.
Soon enough the school year began, and respectively we both became sick and busy meaning that we didn't get a chance to run together again until the day of the race. 12 weeks and 25 pounds lighter, Trent had done more than he thought he could. The 5k that we ran was just icing on the cake. From walking to running a full 5k, he embodied what it means when someone is inspired to make a change. A runner has been born.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Running for a cause
That being said, for all the years that I have been running, it has always been about the next race, the next medal or the next tshirt. It has never been about running for a cause, or running to raise money and maybe that was all a result of being self centered and young. However, within the last year, my priorities have shifted. Yes, I am still selfish about my running, but now I have begun to focus more on giving back to the community that has given me so much.
It all started with viewing a couple of videos from Ashland Dave and The Finkelstein about their respective endurance events where they pushed the limits of their endurance. I know it was on a run, and couldn't tell you when, but when I got home, I got on the phone and called my sister. An idea had been formed.
I was nervous at first, because it as a subject we really didn't talk about anymore. You see, my niece, Madison, lived only a few short days before dying from Spina Bifida. According to the data, Spina Bifida literally means “split spine.” Spina Bifida happens when a baby is in the womb and the spinal column does not close all of the way. Spina Bifida is the most common birth defect that disables people for life. Every day, about eight babies born in the United States have Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. There are varying degrees of Spina Bifida with increasing level of complications that can affect a person's day to day functioning.
So, when I called my sister, I stated that I had this idea. If, I said that I could get video and pictures from my 100 miler, and put them into a movie format, would she be ok with it if I then talked about it and promoted the idea that I would send people a copy of my experience for free and if they chose to, that they could then donate money and all proceeds would then be donated in Madison's name. I told her it was just an idea and wasn't even sure if it would work out, but that I would keep her posted.
When I sat down and started working on the video, I thought I was on to something. Unknowingly, my crew had captured what I felt was the essence of my journey, and I thought it would be compelling enough that people would want to then donate. After giving my sister the first copy and she okayed it, I then talked about it on my last episode of the podcast. Now, I know there are people out there that don't listen to podcasts so I thought I would use my blog for a plug as well.
If anyone would like a copy of the movie that I put together based on my experience at the Burning River 100, send me an email @ dirtdawg50k@aol.com or a DM on twitter @ dirtdawg50k and I will ship you a copy. I will include the instructions if you choose to donate.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Reflections and Moving Forward

A crew member said to me the other night on a trail run, that I looked all business as I came into aid stations throughout the experience and was I having fun throughout? As the miles ticked by and the day wore on, I found myself even at my lowest point, focused on moving forward and know myself well enough that I was in a groove. Getting into a groove for me is why I get out there day after day. Rhythmically moving your body over the terrain at times makes it feel like an out of body experience. The reflection on my face and general demeanor may seem business like, but inside I was having a blast. I had no other distractions for that day but to run, how much fun is that! If I have said it once, after my family, the thing I love to do the most is to just get out and move forward.
There are lessons to be learned from this experience. First, is that I could complete a 100 miler on a training plan that kept my time away from my family to a minimum. I firmly believe that since this was really a 5 year journey from when I started doing ultras regularly, it allowed me to build a significant base to handle the increased volume and intensity. Secondly, I could not have completed this journey without my crew. Being my virgin attempt at the distance and hitting that low point, I needed their encouragement when I looked like crap and was thinking of quitting, and comraderie on the trails late at night to ride the wave of emotion to get back on track. It is an experience that will bond us forever. Third, I have said numerous times in the podcast or even on the blog that I was an ultrarunner, but really struggled with it to be honest. If I was an ultrarunner, I felt I was on the bottom of a totem pole. That being said, Burning River exposed me to an amazing group of people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who were there to not only challenge themselves, but to reconnect with others and enjoy their time out there.
So where do I go from here? Perhaps the most important thing I learned about the experience is that no matter the pace, I just want to keep moving forward. There is no better feeling than to walk out your doorstep and just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Burning River Finish
This video was sent to me courtesy of Rick, a fellow runner and listener of the podcast. He was there pacing a friend and met Dirrty Girl @ one of the aid stations. Thanks so much Rick!!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Burning River Webcast
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Drop Bags and Clothing
To start the run, I will be wearing my Brooks/Hansons ODP hat, Brooks ID shirt, Brooks Sherpa Shorts, Brooks Launch Shoes, and Injini Socks.






Monday, July 27, 2009
DA CREW
Nate/ Mr Five Fingers

Kevin/ Skywalker

Wife/Dirrty Girl

From my first day as a student teacher to today being 7 years of marital bliss, Dirrty Girl has been around for my journey from a pudgy,plodding marathoner to a slightly smaller, slow ultramarathoner. She has endured the early morning ramblings, the goofy podcast and is my rock. I have told her that I will look vastly different physically and mentally along the course, but barring a serious injury that she needs to tell me to keep moving forward. Fittingly, she will run with me at the first pacer pick up @ Boston Store to Pine Lane
I cannot express going into this journey what it means to have people who are willing to be so giving of themselves in helping me to achieve my goal. I say this now, because come race day, my mind may not be of full faculty.
Thanks CREW
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Taper = Tired????
Saturday, July 18, 2009
1, 2, 3.....Launch
If you have been following along via the podcast, you know that I have talked about trying to become more minimalist in my approach to running shoes. Adding more barefoot running to my training this year and reading the book, Born to Run, have me thinking that one does not need all the bells and whistles of a high dollar running shoe. Enter the Brooks Launch. Per the website this is how they describe their new lightweight trainer:
"With an incredibly flexible outsole and seamless transition, our new lightweight trainer will get you from start to finish, whether you're doing a tempo or race. Add to that the lower-profile midsole and minimal upper,"
Admittedly, these are some loud shoes in the color scheme and they scream, "RUN FAST", but even on a straight out of the box 14+ miler last night at an average pace of 9:10/mile (Note: this felt really fast to me) they felt really comfortable. Glove like in fit with just a touch of cushioning, my initial impression is that they might just become my everyday trainer. Will review again farther down the road to see how the durability, comfort and feel are.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Waiting Game: Taper
At this point, with under 20 days to go, I don't believe that another long run or back to back session, which admittedly I said I wouldnt do but only did a 23/15 miler and a 11/30, will give me any more endurance or insight into planning or prepping for the race. By my own admission, the plan that I had sketched up before, I never really followed in hitting the weekly mileage goals, but in the end did go over the mileage estimated by about 50 miles. I have done a lot of walking during this training which I believe will serve me well in teaching my body to get comfortable with running/walking anywhere from 10 -12 min/miles which is in stark contrast to last fall when I qualified for Boston.
In tapering, I need to take it easy and cut back on the duration of my daily ramblings and rest. I need to let my body repair and recuperate from the pounding I have put it through to get ready for biggest adventure yet. I want to be at the starting line come August 1st @ 5am feeling like a caged dawg ready to scamper 100 miles.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Planning and Plotting
What I can't allow myself to do is to let my mind to rest. After the recon run, I have started to begin planning the logistics for this race. In just about every other ultra or marathon, I have been able to either drive myself and crew, or have had Dirrty Girl or The Finkelstein there to give me a short lift home. This 100 miler is another beast.
First off, is child care. Being away for a few days, has meant asking grandparents months in advance to block off a weekend to watch Little Dirt Dawg and Dirrty Feather, while I attempt this selfish test of endurance. I have even enlisted my sister's help to drive down to help my dad and stepmom with the task of watching kids. To help me, I always believed that some people would want to come along on this adventure and crew and right now I have cajoled Kevin and Nate into pacer roles along with Dirrty Girl and perhaps one out of town guest. With verbal commitments in hand, that has meant searching and securing hotel rooms close to the finish and figuring out what time to leave home to make it down to the race HQ in time for the dinner and pre-race meeting.
That has been easy. The struggle has been now to lay out a plan for my crew for the day. I have it easy so to speak. I just have to run/walk and crawl. Luckily, Brian, will also be running Burning River and we have spoken about running together during the race. The course is a point to point, so with my crew at the finish line, I will be taking a shuttle to the start, and then running towards them. My hope and plan is to meet up with them along the way and have them follow me along, but this is where I have had the most difficulty. Trying to project pace as to when you might roll in is a little bit like predicting the weather. You might be right 50% of the time. I have no clue what the weather will be like in 3 weeks or how my body will be feeling. Right now all I can do is guesstimate. Pacers can not begin until mile 60, a mistake i quickly emailed out to people when i had misread and said 70, so it will be a long day in the car for them as i don't initially project hitting that mark until near dark. So now i have to try and match terrain and distance to who will pace and when. Pace will be irrelevant at that point i figure as it will be quite slow. However, I hope by that time my pacers will have found me, as it is in an area unfamiliar to us all and hopefully with the use of my phone i can alert them as to where i am out on the course.
That being said, I have been mentally going over what I think I need for drop bags, and at what aid stations. Reports say you can run the first 30+ miles in road shoes before switching to trail for some more technical sections. So, I think I am going to do that, but then it gets fuzzy. How much food do I take with me? Do I take just a handheld water bottle and a fanny pack, or a handheld water bottle and single water bottle waistpack? Do I need a new double water bottle waistpack? What about my hydration backpack? What is going to be my fueling plan? How often am I going to take Endurolytes? Am I going to use those 5 hour energy drinks again and where, when might I do those? Do I have a run/walk pattern to start the race with? How many extra batteries do I need to buy for my headlamps? How many coolers do I need for the van and Crew? What are they going to eat for the day? Intial thoughts are jotted down, then crossed out, and referenced again.
It really is quite dizzying. I am sure in 3 weeks I will have it figured out.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Burning River Recon Run

If the opportunity arises to preview a course that you are going to ramble over 100 miles, then you better seize it. Such was the case on Saturday, when with Dirrty Girl's assistance I was able to drive down and take part in a training run. that covered the last 30 miles of the course.
A shuttle took us from the finish line back to the 70.3 mile mark and a group of approximately 17 of us headed out. Grant it, I will probably be running most of this in the dark, but more than anything I needed to wrap my head around the area, the course, and converse with other runners. Reading a course packet is wonderful, but to hear tips and words of encouragement from some amazing runners who have done multiple 100 milers and races like Badwater rely gave me a boost
The course was absolutely stunning and i cant wait for August 1st .
--Post From My iPhone
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day
Friday, June 19, 2009
Inspire Daily

Maybe I am inspiring some people. Maybe I am showing others that just because you have a job and family, that if you make some time for yourself each day you can achieve your goals and still spend time with your family. Maybe people can see that you don't have to be fast to cover long distances, just be willing to put the time in and ride out the bad patches. Maybe through my rambling diatribes, people can see that running is a wonderful sport. Maybe, just maybe, I am sharing my passion for the sport and can epitomize what a Brooks I.D. member is all about.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Monday, June 08, 2009
T-Ball



Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Oak Apple Run Recap

Monday, May 25, 2009
Pass it on
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Medals 4 Mettle
“Medals 4 Mettle”
What do you do with all of your racing hardware? You train for months and sometimes years in all types of conditions to get your body in peak physical condition for your event. You compete hoping to reap the results of all your hard efforts. Finishing, you are rewarded more often than not with a medal.You may wear them proudly post race at the event, but then what becomes of them? Could you and would you be willing to give a token of something that you have worked so hard for to someone who is a fight for their life? Their finish line is not measured in PR's, Boston Qualifiers, distance or time limits. Often times, their finish line is making through the next round of chemo, surgery, or therapy, and hopefully, eventually being able to go home.
In my latest podcast, I was able to sit down with Slow Joe who runs the Michigan chapter of Metals 4 Mettle.
Medals4Mettle (M4M) is a non-profit organization founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2005. Its mission is to celebrate and reward the individual and collective courage of all human beings by facilitating the gifting of marathon finisher’s medals from marathoners to people who have demonstrated similar mettle, or courage. The recipients can be any age and might have exhibited such mettle by dealing with disease, handicaps or any similar challenge. (via the website)
My decision was an easy one. Hanging in my man cave, these medals are better given to someone who is fighting a battle far more important than on the day I raced. On that day, I earned those respective medals and I was proud of my accomplishment, but knowing I could give something to another that is a fight far more important that my running is more important.
So take a look at your medals. Even a donation of one medal could lift a spirit, inspire a soul, and perhaps drive them on to their finish line.
Friday, May 08, 2009
The Dark Side: Ultra Running…Not as hard as you think
What is an ultra? The standard definition, courtesy of Ultra running Magazine, is anything past the marathon, or 26.2 miles. However, the shortest standard distance that is considered an ultra is the 50 kilometer distance, or 31.07 miles. Other standard distances are the 50 mile, 100 mile, 100 km, and a series of events that last for specified time periods such as 6 hour, 12 hour, 24 hour, 48 hour, and 6 days.
Based on the distance being covered, some people refer to it as the “dark side” or “extreme” side of running and think that anyone covering this distance is nuts, loony, or otherwise has a screw loose. The fact is that ultra running is a great way to see the planet and often on a much varied terrain (trails, tracks, rails to trails, etc) than your standard 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Marathon course. Besides that, given the distance often being covered or attempted, it is often covered at a much slower pace and with far fewer people. A slower pace often means less wear and tear on your body and a quicker recovery considering the pace and the fact that you will be not at your top end speed and redlining yourself. Yes, that means there will be walking; even “elite” runners competing do it. You don’t have to run the entire distance. Think of it as time to see the things you are running around and over rather than focusing on mile splits.
Another misconception is that you have run “crazy” amounts of mileage to be able to compete in one of these ultras. Not all of us are a Dean Karnazes, Scott Jurek, or Pam Reed and have the time and financial backing to run full time. In general, if you are able to complete a marathon, then you can do a 50k with ease. It is only 5 more miles, and remember, you are going at a reduced rate of speed. Stepping up to a 50 miler or beyond will require you to extend your long run a bit, with a general rule of thumb that you can compete in an event/distance that is two times the distance of your longest run. If your mind is willing, the body will follow.
If for no other reason to try an ultra, then do it for the food and camaraderie of fellow runners. Food normally reserved for the finish line at a normal race, are a mainstay at aid stations. Cookies, potatoes, soup, sandwiches and other assorted goodies are often there along with the normal gels and drinks. Think of your run as a strolling buffet. You will need the calories to keep the fires stoked as you are out there enjoying the scenery and that of your fellow runners. That being said, runners at ultras are probably one of the friendliest and gregarious bunch of people out there. They are out there to have fun and are willing to share not only their experiences, but tips and tricks to get you through the miles. Since ultras tend to have less participants, little mainstream exposure, and little or no awards there is less pressure and that is reflected in the overall atmosphere.
Embrace the “dark side” and consider an ultra. A relaxed pace, strolling buffet, and a merry cast of characters. What more could you ask for out on a run?
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Tilling the land


