Goals for 2015
Hampered by an Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery in March from skiing, my running was much to my chagrin this year. This was a huge reality check and certainly helped to give me a sense of appreciation and perspective on my running. Nevertheless, I was back to running as soon as the doctors cleared me and overloaded my knee with over enthusiastic runs while filming for Hardrock100. Set back a few more months, I relegated myself to months of bike training and slow steady progress in the winter months.
This hiatus in my ‘racing’, for whatever that is worth, was much needed and amply timed. In April, just a month after my surgery, my wife and I had our second child, a son. This was preceded by the loss of our dear yellow lab and a near catastrophe with her father in the hospital. Still almost a year later, we are recovering from these few obstacles in life that will forever be engrained into our memories.
Now that a year has gone by, I am now finally starting to see a resemblance of my former running self. While I hope to gain the strength and speed back from prior to my surgery, what this hiatus has afforded me is priceless.
During these past few months, I have resolved to make ‘racing’ the de-emphasis. By this I mean, I have sought to find runs that encapsulate the values I want to embrace this year. I apologize for my obvious alliteration… However, I have decided to focus my runs this year on Super Scenic, Family Friendly and People Centered runs. In searching for these sorts of events, I have made the following schedule
January 1 – New Years Revolution Run – 50k – Finished 7th
February 21 – Antelope Canyon 100 miler
April 11 – Zion 100 miler
May 16 – Running With Ed – 38 miles
June 6 – Bryce 100 miler
July – Typical Trip to Hardrock!!!
July – Millcreek 50k
August 1 – Tushar 100 miler
Moving thru obstacles and reflecting on the 2014 Year
As many of you may have noticed, I have been obviously absent both virtually and in reality for many months. Approxiamately, a year ago while skiing with a friend on a very begign ski run, I tore my ACL. This rite of passage in Park City, precluded me from racing and much running in 2014. Having torn my ACL in Janruary, I ran and skied unknowably for almost a month. Hampered by a reoccurring knee hyperextension during a powder day, I got confirmation that the ACL was obliterated. I scheduled the surgery for March 3rd and went under the knife, petrified and nervous of the short and long term implications of this surgery. Complicating this, we faced a smattering of obstacles that crippled our families spirits and challenged us beyond our normal capacities. In no less then 2 months from the surgery date we faced a serious health matter for Kristin’s father, some financial issues, the birth of our second child, a son, and the premature death of our beloved dog and friend, Jefferson.
The recovery, while still in progress, was hampered by blood clots and quadricep atrophy. This long road seemed to be on the up and up, when I went to Hardrock to volunteer and spectate. Over confident and over seals, I ran various miles while working for Duct Tape TV. This included running to the top of Handies Peak, via Grouse Gulch and from the finish to Little Giant to film. Here are some of the videos I was able to help film for this year.
Regrettably, this enthusiasm to be back on the trails resulted in less focus on my Physical Therapy and a great deal of Patellar pain. Therefore, much of my summer focused on biking. This was fortitudinous, because I got the honor to become the Head Coach for the Park City High School Mountain Bike team. The now 3 time state champions were a blast to coach and a healthy distraction for my patellar pain. Here are some great articles about the team.
http://photos.parkrecord.com/2014/09/09/pchs-mountain-bike-club-at-soldier-hollow/#1
http://www.parkrecord.com/Sports/ci_26704778/Mountain-bike-team-holds-lead-at-home
http://www.parkrecord.com/Sports/ci_26839715/PCHS-mountain-bikers-claim-third-title
All being said, I have finally started to run again, and have some big plans for the upcoming year.
To be announced in a couple days
Park City TNF Endurance Race!!!!
Looking for something before Bear, or just want to starting running on trails.
Recently, the TNF Endurance series has added a new race in Park City, UT. My new hometown.
Unfortunately, the longer distances conflict with a Mtn Biking race, so I signed up for the 1/2 marathon.
This will be my first race of the season, one in which I hope to win or at least place in the top 3.
Here is to training Post ACL surgery. May the running be in my favor
Oh!!!!!
If your interested in running it also, here is a DISCOUNT CODE!!!
D30PSUT
https://www.raceit.com/Register/groups/default.aspx?newgroup=true&event=25500
00.
New Beer Mile Record
It has been a while since I have posted, but inspiration comes from unique places.
Park City Trail Running Camp!
Dates: Oct. 17-20, 2013
Camp Summary: Three-day trail running retreat with professional coaching, guided runs, catered meals and yoga.
Accommodations: Resorts West’s luxury homes. Either private room with bath or shared room.
Rates: All-inclusive rates start at $900 for shared accommodations and $1250 for a private room.
Locals’ Rate: Locals can participate at $80 per day (Includes guided runs, coaching and participation in group activities)
Fine Print……..
Resorts West and Mizuno to Host High-Altitude Luxury Running Camp in Park City
World Championships marathon qualifier Renee Metivier-Baillie will lead retreat
Park City, Utah – June 18, 2013 – Resorts West has partnered with Mizuno USA, Inc. to host a three-day high-altitude trail running camp showcasing the stunning views and endless variety of Park City’s mountain trails. Led by world-class Mizuno athlete Renee Metivier-Baillie, a recent IAAF World Championship marathon qualifier who placed eighth at the 2012 Chicago Marathon shortly after Achilles surgery with a debut 2:27:17, the Mizuno Mountain Running Camp will target recreational runners who want to reach their full racing potential while balancing a busy life.
Focusing on injury prevention, recovery and efficient training, the camp will feature daily morning and evening runs, a comprehensive drills clinic, stretching routines led by Renee’s coach, husband and massage therapist, Austin Baillie, morning yoga and daily inspirational lectures drawing from Renee’s personal experience as an elite athlete. Runners will stay in luxury homes managed by Resorts West with out-the-door trail access.
“We are excited to launch this inaugural camp with Mizuno, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about having such well-spoken and enthusiastic athletes as Renee and Austin at the helm,” said Resorts West President James Ballstaedt. “We have long felt that Park City is a hidden trail running mecca, and we are looking forward to showing off the terrain.”
Located just 45 minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport, Park City is perhaps best known for its three world-class ski resorts and winter sports facilities; but with more than 300 miles of scenic, well-maintained mountain trails, Park City is quickly garnering attention as an easily accessible running destination.
“I can’t wait to be in beautiful Park City with a group of enthusiastic runners,” exclaimed Renee. “I’ve gone through my share of trials and tribulations to get to where I am, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned along the way in order to help others be healthier, faster, and happier athletes!”
The Mizuno Mountain Running Camp will take place from Oct. 17 to 20, 2013 and includes:
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· Three nights’ lodging at a luxury mountain property with hot tub and gourmet kitchen stocked with healthy snacks.
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· Locally inspired meals prepared in-home by a private chef.
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· Transportation to trails and support on long runs with water.
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· Professional coaching led by elite runners Renee Metivier Baillie and Austin Baillie.
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· Complimentary tech T-shirt
Camp rates start at $900 for shared accommodations and $1,250 for a private room, plus taxes and fees. Runners will also have the option to add post-run massage and full wellness screening through the Park City Medical Center to their experience at additional cost.
For reservations or to request participation as a blogger or print journalist, please contact 1-877-773-1117 ortheffernan@resortswest.com.
About Mizuno USA, Inc.
Mizuno USA, Inc.’s roots stem from its parent company Mizuno Corporation. Mizuno Corporation was established in Osaka, Japan in 1906 by Rihachi Mizuno. Today, Mizuno USA is located in Norcross, GA and continues to manufacture and distribute high quality golf, baseball, softball, running, track & field and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear. Since its founding, Mizuno has taken special pride and pleasure in being able to participate in the exciting world of sports and providing sports equipment of the highest quality.
About Renee Metivier Baillie
A former University of Colorado standout, Renee Metivier Baillie has steadily built a name for herself as one of America’s best distance runners. As a collegiate athlete, she earned 11 All-American titles, including runner-up finishes in the 2001 and 2004 NCAA D1 XC Championships and a 2005 NCAA D1 3,000-meter Indoor national title. After becoming a professional runner, Metivier Baillie competed at five IAAF World XC Championships and earned a U.S. Championship at 3,000 meters on the indoor track in 2010 before overcoming Achilles surgery to capture a USATF 20k championship on the road in 2012. Her top American finish at the 2012 Chicago Marathon (where her 2:27:17 tied for fourth-fastest debut ever by an American woman) earned her a spot on Team USA at the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow.
About Resorts West
Established in 1999, Resorts West offers luxury accommodations at all three of Park City’s world-class resort areas, including Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Resort. Properties range from 2-bedroom slope-side condos to 8-bedroom ski-in/ski-out chalets. In addition to luxury lodging, Resorts West offers daily housekeeping, complimentary shuttle service, in-home spa treatments, luggage shipment and private concierge service. For more information about Resorts West, please visit http://www.resortswest.com.
2013 PieNBeer Day Fun Run Results
Wow!!!
What a spectacular day to run the PieNBeer Day Fun Run! Temperatures stayed below 85 and despite somewhat overgrown trail conditions, people seemed to have a great time on the course. Many Pies and Beer were had in honor of the Pioneers whom settled the region many years ago. The 4th annual PieNBeer Day Fun Run was a success! The final distance was just about 26.2 miles with approximately 5,000 ft of elevation gain. Despite only a few finding the marking for the Lookout Peak summit, those you made the bushwhack seemed to oddly enjoy the route.
Here are the names and times on the list of those who ran the whole course. NP=No Peak
Pete-The Rocket-Stoughton 4:47
Bob Mueller 4:31 (1st, but NP)
Bryce Astill 4:31 (2nd, NP)
Scott Cottingham 6:22, Peak
Emily Sullivan 5:11 NP
Brian Kamm 5:10 NP
Kendall Wimmer 4:53 NP
Matt Pulsipher 5:18 NP
Scott Zipprich 5:04 NP
Knut Hoversten 4:50 Peak
Jeremy Suwinski 5:03 NP
D.J. Loertscher 5:18 NP
John Brown 4:59 Peak
Drew Erickson 4:49 Peak
Leslie Howlett 6:13 Peak
Zac Marion 6:18 Peak
Eve Davis 6:22 NP
John Diroll 6:22 NP
Melanie Jones 6:35 NP
Celeste Coleman 8:13 NP
Karen Helfrich 6:37 NP
Deanna McLaughlin 6:22 Peak
Carolyn Luckett 7:06 NP
Sean Briley 5:11 NP
Mike Place 5:50 NP
Dan Barnett 3:09 (Start to Big and back)
Thanks Again and see you soon!!!
DNF what the heck!!
Just as any runner in the Ultra community, I have experienced and observed numerous mental, physical, psychological, and emotional breakdowns while on the trails. Perhaps this is part of the shared experience which humbly unites elites and the ellusives.
In that theme, I found a beautiful quote while attending a foster parenting class. We have so much to learn from those who have struggled and suffered. I immediately thought of the elusive runners like Mike Place, and countless other runners behold have the fortitude and toughness to see things to end. Thanks to so many who continue to inspire us.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
PieNBeer 2013!!!!
3rd Annual PieNBeer Day Fun Run on July 24th at 6am!
Due to the amazing course last year, we have not significantly altered the course for the 3rd Annual PieNBeer Day Fun run.
***With one minor alteration – Lookout Peak will be incorporated on this run.
I have included a short slideshow of some spots on the trails for those who need visual stimulation.
As far as conditions and more details on the route, they are fast. The run will start at Jeremy Road, specifically where it turns dirt and Daybreak forks to the right. From there runners will proceed about 4 miles along the dirt road to the Mormon Pioneer Trail head, the new ending point for the race. At this point the trail begins and runners gently climb up the Mormon trail, the historical route of the Donners, Pony Express and the aforementioned settlers, to Big Mountain Pass, 4.2 miles and 1400′ of vertical. At roughly 7,400′ altitude at Big Mountain Pass we will have an aid station (supplied by yourselves) and generous folk encouraging you on to Big Mountain. The one mile ascent of Big Mountain is only 800 feet of vertical from the pass. After finishing the climb you can enjoy the rewarding ridgeline views for about 2 miles. As you proceed you will bear left at Swallow Rocks (at approx. 12 miles) and the Brink (13 and some change). Following the Brink a ‘lovely’ forested section of off camber overgrowth should be expected. This year the run will include the summit of Lookout (Near mile 14), which will only nominally affect mileage, but may significantly impact speed. From here runners will descend the ridge and follow a lovely ridge towards a 4 way intersect. At the intersection, make a hard left and descend into Affleck park once you have reached the campground bear left and begin the short ascent of the Mormon Pioneer Trail. It will begin as cinder track. Be prepared this 2.5 mile section will be warm and includes 1,000′ of climbing. Within a mile you will cross the road, where we hope to have water and some aid, and continue your total last ascent to the Big Mountain Pass (roughly at 20 miles). After enjoying a slice of pie, enjoy the 4 mile descent to the Mormon Flats trailhead. We will be Apres Run partying here and people will be able to easily shuttle back to their cars at the start line. The total mileage, including the road portion are roughly 24.53 (give or take – but who is counting). The route ascends roughly 5,000 ft. Most of the climbing is done on the Mormon Pioneer Trail up to Big Mountain Pass and the mile heading up beyond that along the Great Western Trail. The remainder of the course is undulating. I would say that for the most part, the entire route is runnable, perhaps about a mile or so. The trail up to Big Mountain is going dry this year. After the Brink, the trail becomes somewhat off camber and tight. I didn’t have much trouble with the Stinging Nettle, but had to watch foot placement on several sections. You are totally going to love the downhill off of the Lookout saddle, but be careful, it becomes washed out and you could get yourself into trouble here too.
I expect the times to range from 3:30 to 7 hours. A word of warning, anyone finishing after 7 hours should be prepared for HOT temps!!!
Here is a map of the route.
Strava
Running with Ed – Preparation
Taking a week off to go to the Tetons seems at first to be a walk in the park. However, for me it will be a run in for a cause. Due to the generosity of the Park City Education Foundation, we were able to take numerous students to the Teton Science School. Some of these students were my own students who needed an extra incentive for succeeding academically and were rewarded with full scholarships to participate this week. I was ecstatic to bring these students along, and especially enjoyed sitting down with them each night to do HW while their peers played games and socialized during their minimal ‘free time’. I would encourage you to view the students BLOG and get a taste of the journey they have experienced this week.
40 mile solo run!
On May 18th, I along with several other colleagues will be running to help raise money for the Park City Education Foundation. From everyone I have heard from, Running With Ed is a not only a fantastic run through the gorgeous scenery of Park City, UT, but a well organized and enthusiastic venue for a run. For the most part, teams of friends, families, colleagues and runners get together in a similar manner as the Ragnar Events. And while it is technically a Ragnar event, much more time is spent running on this day then sitting in a car, or staring exhaustion in the face. Additionally, I have heard rumors that the post race festivities are spectacular. I am looking forward to making an attempt at winning the solo category, but am fully aware of many friends and other runners like Bryon Powell and such that like to come out and raise the stakes. I would encourage anybody, from aspiring runners to my Ultra friends, to come out and join me on May 18th. And for those feeling a tug of philanthropic generosity, I would encourage you to help me and my teammate (Megan Zarnetske!), who are each running the entire 38 miles solo, to join us in raising $3,000 dollars. These funds will go directly towards the continuing scholarships made available to enable us to take at risk or normally financially hindered students with us on our yearly pilgrimage to the Teton Science School. (Anyone who contributes more then $50 towards our goal will receive a new Feetures sock!!)
Wasatch Runner 