America on a runner's high

Just Call It a Homecoming

If you asked me yesterday how this morning would start, I would have said, “Early but at least in my own bed.” A late start from Hill City, SD complicated things and as I was passing Sioux Falls, reality set in – I wasn’t going to get much sleep before the 8K. It turns out that I wasn’t going to get ANY sleep.

The Cedar Rapids city limit sign came at about 6:15 this morning. My eyelids were heavy and my head nodding. It was a long drive and I was tired to say the least, but nothing was going to keep me from running the Alliant Fifth Season 8K.

I got registered for the race at a little after 7, just enough time to get warmed up. Any kind of warm-up wouldn’t have mattered this morning, though - I was exhausted and ready for a nap, one of the 24 hour variety.

After lacing up my racing flats, I headed towards the start line at 15 minutes ‘til the gun sounds. It was a scene that I hadn’t been a part of in a while. Thousands of runners and walkers lined up and many taking their last warm-up strides. I started to get pumped up. This was definitely something that had been missing in my life.

My strides assured me of one thing – that I was tired and a lot of pain and discomfort was in my near future. But this was fun! My debacle at the Summer Solstice, in Tennessee, was a crazy kind of fun where this was more of excitement! Suddenly, my strides got longer and I had more bounce – it wasn’t much more but it was more, nonetheless.

I lined up, the gun sounded, and we were off – with everyone leaving me in the dust.

It may have been the shock of being in a big road race, again. No, it was me being more tired than I have ever been. Listless would be a good word to describe it. I immediately found myself somewhere in the vicinity of 50th to 300th place – a lot of runners passed me by. When I passed the mile clock and it read 5:36, I thought, “Well, you are probably out of any awards contention, already, but isn’t this fun!” It was.

The last time I had run the Alliant 8K was in 2000. I don’t remember ever seeing so many people lining the course – there were even cheerleaders! It was awesome!! What topped it off was hearing the bagpipes – that was one lasting memory from years gone by.

I finished in 29:20, about 4 minutes off my Fifth Season PR. I’m not sure of my overall place but took home the 3rd place medal for my age group.

The pleasant surprise was getting $100 for 3rd place in Linn County! I was sitting in the grass, fighting the oncoming desire to sleep right there on the spot, when I heard my name. It was a little bit of a shock. I walked up slowly because I thought that surely they made a mistake! Nope, I was third and $100 is coming my way – sweet!!

And so it marks the ending of a lifelong memory. My 14 day road trip that took me to parts all over comes to a conclusion. What did I learn?

One reason for my racing disappearance over the last several years was for fear of failing. I always looked at the shape that I was in and if I didn’t think that I could be up towards the top or at the top, then I wouldn’t race. That was entirely the wrong way to approach it.

One thing that I learned or discovered over the past 2 weeks was that it should be fun, no matter what the situation may be. And you should not let anyone take that fun away.

I was faced with a situation in Big Timber and had fun with it. I was faced with a non-friendly situation in Austin and made the best of it.

Remarkably, through the entire 2 weeks of this “search”, I was only faced with those two negatives (outside of gas prices and the miles of driving). With them in mind, if asked whether I would go back and change a thing knowing what I know now – I would keep the same schedule and the same route.

With a small exception, everyone that I met was awesome. When asked, strangers would be more than willing to take my picture. Most were more than willing to give directions (especially in Eugene). Many encouraged me when running.

One of my questions that I was hoping to get answered was why do people run? It seems to be such an easy question to be able to answer, yet so many runners struggle with it. The answers usually start with, “Oh, I don’t know.”

The answers that I did receive included:

1) The challenge.

2) A quote from the book “Once a Runner” about the nature of a runner.

3) To get into shape/lose weight.

4) The comraderie or the social aspect.

All good reasons and I will say that the social aspect is huge when it comes to running. Runners have a society that is not secret, you don’t need a code and there is no binding contract. All you need is a pair of shoes and a positive attitude, everything else will take care of itself. Never have I seen a group of people who are more encouraging to others.

Why do I run? That’s something I have battled with for years.

Initially, it was because I fit in. I found a group of people who accepted everyone, no matter what their abilities were.

One other reason had always been this – I run because I can. You never know when you may lose the ability to simply run!

A story that I have shared with people before goes like this: There was a man in our neighborhood who was diagnosed and struggled with a muscle disorder. One day I was driving by Noelridge Park and I saw him on the trail. His face was straining as he pumped his arms and legs as fast as he could – but he was going nowhere. At one time he may have been a runner or maybe he just wanted to know what it felt like to run. Nevertheless, his days had past. You never know when yours will, too.

Running is a challenge. The degree of challenge varies from one individual to the next but regardless, it is a challenge. I challenged myself a few times over the last two weeks and came out satisfied with a realization that I accomplished what few people do or even attempt to do. Many can say that they hiked into the Grand Canyon. Not many can say that they ran it.

The challenge wasn’t narrowed down to just running, however. Driving all those miles through plains, mountains, deserts, and swamps was tough. Doing it by myself and with only a select number of music CDs and Jack Benny (and a few calls from my family and J.R. checking up on me) to keep me company was extremely difficult – growing more so as days went by.

So, where do I go from here? I will continue to run and continue to have fun. I made a promise to a friend some years back that I had one good half mile race left in me, and it will be dedicated to him. I fully intend to keep that promise. This one’s for you, Al.

Going into this, I knew that there would be some people who would compare my trip to Forrest Gump - unoriginal but understandable. I would like to offer it as a combination of Forrest Gump and John Madden. After all, Forrest didn’t drive a car – only a shrimp boat and a mower.

Thanks to everyone who read my entries in all its insanity! I truly appreciate the support and encouragement that everyone has shown. It was great to hear from everyone! There were even some who I hadn’t seen in years!! Didn’t think writing a blog would reach that many people – especially one from this guy!

By the way, Hartman, I was totally recalling the Yellowstone trip when I planned this and there were some similarities. Like how we had the Chevy Van so organized when we left and how it quickly was in disarray – that’s what my Rodeo went through. And how Dave had to add oil every so often – that’s what I had to do. There just wasn’t anyone around to have a beard growing contest with (sorry you lost that one – just kidding!).

Well, in the words of Forrest Gump, “I’m kind of tired. I think I’ll go home now."

Peace

Facts from the road:

1) Number of miles driven – 8,112 (insane)

2) Number of states driven through - 24

3) Number of miles ran – 115

4) Number of Subway Roasted Chicken subs eaten – 14 (there are Subways everywhere!)

5) Number of quarts of oil added to my car - 3

6) Number of new friends made – too numerous to calculate

7) Number of phone numbers that I should have asked for but didn’t – 5

Song of the day: “Colorful” by The Verve Pipe

Runner coming on your right!

There are many reasons why I keep coming back to the Black Hills. It’s almost a place of therapy for me. The one place that I know will cure whatever is ailing. My family started vacationing here in the early 1970s and more recently, I have adopted the area as a getaway for myself.

A trip here, for me, is not complete without a run up Harney Peak. In fact, it is usually a daily occurance. A few trailheads that are located around the Sylvan Lake area will get you up there.

It has an old ranger station at the top and is the highest point east of the Rocky’s and west of the European Alps. At an elevation of 7,200 feet and a climb from Sylvan Lake of 3,000 – it is a gorgeous and challenging hike or run! The view at the top is awesome!

The trail that I always take to the top is the Harney Peak Trail (obviously) which is very rugged. It is shorter than others that will take you up there but is the best.

So rugged this trail is, I almost don’t recommend running it. There are some nice smooth sections but mostly it is rocky (big, bigger, and boulders) with thousands of tree roots jutting out. All pose hazards and you can easily trip or turn an ankle.

Hikers are recommended to take a first aid kit just in case. Runners? Well, stay alert, make sure your feet don’t drag and are quick, and most important – no whining! The last quarter mile seems to never end!

Coming down is the tricky and dangerous part. It’s only natural to open it up while going downhill. Here, you literally have to dance your way down with quick feet.

In all the years that I have run Harney Peak, I am proud to say that I have never hurt myself, and have only turned my ankle once – today. Nothing big – I ran through it.

Another hazard on this trail are hikers. It is a very popular trail so watch out for people, and an occasional horse (no mules, though). Hikers will see or hear you coming and get out of the way for you, but there is always that one who doesn’t.

I was coming up to a group of ladies at a good pace. Before I could say something, two of them saw me and said to the third, “Runner coming on your right, Janet.” Well, Janet bobbed to the left and then weaved to the right and I blessed her with a sweaty imprint of me on her back. Luckily, I had slammed on the brakes. She then proceded to give me an attitude. I was tempted but then just waved and moved on.

My personal record for running Harney Peak is 45 minutes. Today I did it in 55, thanks to some Jello legs, a turned ankle, and a hiker named Janet. But it was, as it always is, a great run.

One more stop on my trip. A little place called Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There is an 8K race there that I have been hearing about and thought that I might give it a try. I am predicting a 27:50.

Home and my bed are calling. Stay tuned for my last entry – it’s gonna be a big one! It is kinda sad to think that this is ending!

Notes from the road:

1) There is a hair salon in Hill City, S.D. that is named “Curl Up & Dye”. I thought that was an odd play on words for a business. And, actually, someone should check on the proprietors. All the years of coming here, I have only seen a closed sign up in their window.

2) Happy Birthday, Anna!

Road song of the day: “Not Home Yet” by Steven Curtis Chapman

The Spaghetti Western

The small sign said, “Visitor Friendly” as I rode into town. It was high noon in the dusty little town of Big Timber, Mont.

The bank sign said it was 91 degrees. The air was hot, the town was small, and I was tired. Sounds like a combination that can only lead to trouble.

Oh yes, the town is small. I could describe it as a one horse town but I saw three grazing. The girl working at the visitor center (Kelly) described Big Timber as “Itty bitty”. I had heard they filmed a lot of the movie “A River Runs Through It” here so hoped for something special. This town is old with buildings that date back to the late 1800s. The Yellowstone River runs through the edge of town and the Crazy Mountains are in the near distance.

So what should my workout be? I asked if there were any trails around town or close by and I was steered towards the Natural Bridge, 24 miles south of town. I also asked if it was long enough to get a good run in. Kelly said, “Well, I’m too lazy to walk all of it.” It must be good sized, then, right?

I wanted to make sure that I was headed in the right direction so I stopped by a campground to ask. I was told, “No, you don’t want to run there.” “Is it too rough?” “No, it’s too small. It’s only about a half mile long!” So, Kelly is too lazy to hike a half mile – that’s a shame.

After much thought and since there are few trails, I decided to just hit a gravel road. I picked the Big Timber Canyon Road – a 10 mile stretch that leads up to the base of Crazy Peak (11,000 feet).

It was a 10 mile paved road and a 2 mile gravel (large rock) road that got me to where I wanted. A sign said winding road and I said, “That figures.”

I parked my car on the side of the road thinking that it would be safe. It is a “visitor friendly” town, after all. I strapped on my Adidas Supernova Cushions, and I was off. I decided to just get in about 30 minutes of running time so I planned to go out in 16 minutes and come back in around 14.

Going out, I hit hill after hill, with one being at least a half mile if not three-quarters of a mile long. I got to the top of that monster and my watch said 16 minutes. I turned around. 

I start to think about my car. Worry set in. What if some gringo spots it and decides to stage the Great ’97 Rodeo Robbery?! I started hauling rear and, with the aid of downhills and a strong tailwind, I came back in 11 minutes. Car was safe. I was done. Time to leave.

On the way to Big Timber, I passed the highway that would take me a few miles south to Yellowstone National Park. I thought about changing plans but stuck to my guns – too bad. You can call this one a run and dash. I’m outta here with a quick 4.5 mile run and my belongings. I can now tell my kids (if I ever have any) that I have been to Big Timber, Mont.– quite impressive.

Tomorrow is a new day and one that will be spent at my home away from home – the Black Hills. I’m on the home stretch! Just a few more miles to go!

Notes from the road:

1) Coming into Big Timber, I saw a smoothie stand that looked really good. Decided to stop by on my way out. I drove by about 10 minutes later and the OPEN sign was changed to a FOR SALE BY OWNER sign. That was fast!!!

2) On my way to Big Timber Canyon Road, I came to a hill. At the base of the hill, a sign was placed that said “HILL”.

Road song of the day: “Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne

Peaceful in daylight – Eugene (day 2)

While traveling and running in Europe, Steve Prefontaine took a strong liking to the European cross country courses and their type of terrain. What they did to make their trails special was to cover them with wood chips and bark. Upon his return to the US, Pre had a vision to build a trail in that fashion in Alton Baker Park. His vision would come to fruition but not until after his untimely passing in 1975.

Since there is a huge timber industry in Oregon, bark chips are easy to come by. And with the strong will of the Oregon Track Club, there are now three bark chip trails in Eugene – the Adidas Amazon Trail (that I ran on earlier), the Rexius (a 3.5 mile path which connects with a paved trail), and Pre’s Trail that starts in Alton Baker Park (where he wished it to be). Last evening, I ran all 4 miles of Pre’s Trail and loved it.

Things of note:

1) Alton Baker Park is gorgeous.

2) Freshly layed bark chips feels like you are running on pillows (just guessing – I have never run on pillows).

3) Pre’s Trail has a series of loops and the first is lighted (I believe it is 1.3 miles).

4) Pre’s Trail partly runs along a creek. One section of this creek is called the Canoe Canal which is a calm, clear stretch that separates the trail and some beautiful homes – of which have gorgeously landscaped backyards that lead right down to the water. And yes, when I ran by a man was canoeing.

5) Two short sections that are truly special are natural tunnels, canopied by trees. All around you the vegetation is a brilliant emerald green. In the first tunnel you see a small boulder that is engraved with the Kalapuya saying Ga-Ach-Li, which means Peaceful In Daylight. That’s just what it was.

In the short time that I was here, I found it hard to keep to a certain distance - you just want to keep running! It may be true for others here, as well. My gracious guide to everything running in Eugene, Bob Coll, had planned a 20-mile run for himself – he ended up going 25. No offense, Bob, but I’m glad that I didn’t run with you this morning. I would have been a hurtin’ unit for Big Timber!

What I did do this morning was meet up with Joe Henderson and his marathon training team. Joe has taken his extraordinary energy and running knowledge and has shared it with the Eugene community, and they have benefited from it. They are lucky to have someone like him to lead them towards their running goals, and this ultimately leads to having fun with the positive progress that they see.

This morning’s group run was scheduled for 11 miles. It turned out to be a little more than that due to construction but was anyone going to complain? Not here. What does a few more strides matter when you are in Eugene?

I ran in a group of five - Nathan, Lyda, Stefanie, Sarah and myself. All are great runners who, even though they don’t realize it, exhume the Eugene spirit. I could not have asked for a better group to run with. Thanks, Nathan and ladies! Sorry, I didn’t get to hang out and talk more afterwards! Good people as well as a beautifully sunny and COOL morning!

Nearly all of our route was on part of the MANY miles of bike trail that run all over and around this town (a lot of it lighted). I wasn’t just following them because I didn’t know where we were going – they were running at a good clip! A great pace for a Sunday morning run. And just to add to the experience, we got to see Joe with all of his positive encouragement, twice along the route!

Nathan, himself, has been running for only about a year and a half but it’s easy to see that he has the bug. He already has a true runner’s mentality. He is in for the long run (pun intended).

After the run, Bob Coll (another high energy and hard-working individual) guided me through everything running in Eugene. From the great memorabilia in his store, the Eugene Running Company, to all landmarks within the city. I consider myself knowledgable on running but compared to Bob – he has a doctorate while I am a 1st grader. And with this being Eugene, Ore. (where running has been reinvented and polished), there is so much to soak in!

Every spot with historic significance, we saw. Areas with even obscure significance, we saw. Although, I am sure to Bob, there is nothing obscure around Eugene – I may have to agree. There were many highlights, but the biggest was when he drove the route that Pre took on the night of his accident. Seeing Kenny Moore’s house (where the party was held) and around the curve of the road to the crash site, which is now a memorial (known as Pre’s rock).

Placed at the site is a stone with an image and a dedication to Pre on it. Placed around the stone are a number of personal running items that fans have left in his memory. There were race numbers, medals, shoes, wristbands and a team photo. My donation will be my race number from the Summer Solstice 8K – he would have loved everything about that race, I am sure.

Thanks again, Bob, for taking time away from your busy schedule to show me around. Your generosity is unmatched and won’t be forgotten. Hopefully, I will be able to return the favor, somehow.

It is hard to leave Eugene. It is an amazing place with great people. When I asked my running group what the negatives to Eugene are, the only thing that was replied was “rain” – if you don’t like a lot of it, anyway. But the rain, I understand, stops within the summer months. As for the winters? Mild with very little snow. When it does snow, everything stops because the city doesn’t own a plow.

So, I leave not by saying goodbye to Eugene but by saying, “I will see you again.”

Next up - Big Timber, Mont. What’s there you might ask. I am expecting a lot of really large trees, but I may be surprised.

Web links that you MUST check out:

www.prefontaine.org

www.eugenerunningcompany.com

www.oregontrackclub.org

Notes from the sidewalk:

1) I walked around the University of Oregon campus last night and came across a slightly inebriated woman who had this profound thought to share, “You know. Sometimes when you need something really bad and you look for it, you find it.” I agreed.

2) While trying to find Alton Baker Park, I asked a group of ladies, “How do I get to Alton Brown Park?” I realized soon after that Alton Brown is the guy from the Food Network and I just sounded like a twit. I laughed hard.

Sidewalk song of the day: “Still Standing” by Brule & AIRO