OK, so it's been awhile since my last post. SORRY!!! I was busy. But all it means is that I have soooo much more to talk about, so buckle up. Where to begin....
Let's start with the knee situation. In my last post, I was "cautiously optimistic" about my knee issues - patellar tendinitis and IT band syndrome. Since then, I'll say, "no longer an issue." Or at the very least, through trial and error I've figured out ways to minimize the effects. (Remember, I'm not a doctor, so I'm only sharing what worked for me.)
First, I picked up a pair of knee straps from Wal-Mart that I secure under my knee caps for every run. Second, I quit all stretching and foam rolling. (Yes, I said I QUIT it, not started it). A few physical therapists I know and far more experienced runners than I - i.e. Steve - told me it was necessary, so I gave it a try - for almost two weeks. However, because it was taking me almost as much time to get ready to run as the actual running itself, I wasn't seeing any noticeable improvement, and it hurt - a lot, I gave it up. During that time, I also came across a report from a Harvard Medical Study that concluded that stretching before exercise has no effect on injury rates. That's all I needed to hear - especially since I've never been a stretcher in my life. (Note: The study also concluded that stretching isn't bad for you as it helps improve flexibility and range of motion, but that it just doesn't help prevent injury.)
Finally, and most importantly, I picked up a pair of max-cushioned HOKA trail shoes. For those who have never seen them before, here's a picture. While they felt a little awkward at first - due to the cushioning it's like walking with firm pillows on your feet - now that I'm use to them, I can't fathom wearing anything else. Since their purchase, I've worn them on roads - 16 miles during the Ragnar Great River Relay - and trails including pacing Jeff for the last 13 miles of the Sawtooth 100. Not once, I repeat, NOT ONCE, have I had a pain in my IT band or in my patellar tendons since I made the switch. In short, for me, they've been a godsend!
Speaking of Ragnar and Sawtooth, I could spend pages giving you a breakdown, or you can just visit the Sorenson Stampede website at: https://thesorensonstampede.shutterfly.com/ to see our pictures. But I do have to provide brief commentary:
First, Ragnar was an experience like no other. A team of 12 covering 201.3 miles in 33 hours all while sleeping for about an hour might seem a bit "off-kilter" for some, but for me - and I think most of us - it was unbelievably awesome! If we ever do it again, I AM IN! If you've ever considered it, do it!
Second, the Sawtooth 100. Basically, words can't describe what Steve and Jeff - and all the other entrants for that matter - accomplished and to be a small part of it was extremely rewarding. My only regret is that I chickened out and joined Jeff (and Bob) for just the last 13 miles instead of the last 18 or 26 like I could have. In short, I was definitely inspired by Steve and Jeff, again, and have started wrapping my head around the possibility of the Sawtooth 50-miler next year! (Yes, "Mr. Never Ran Farther Than a 5K 6 Months Ago" just said that...)
Anyways, onto what's been going on regarding the SHT Grand Traverse.
Let's start with the knee situation. In my last post, I was "cautiously optimistic" about my knee issues - patellar tendinitis and IT band syndrome. Since then, I'll say, "no longer an issue." Or at the very least, through trial and error I've figured out ways to minimize the effects. (Remember, I'm not a doctor, so I'm only sharing what worked for me.)
First, I picked up a pair of knee straps from Wal-Mart that I secure under my knee caps for every run. Second, I quit all stretching and foam rolling. (Yes, I said I QUIT it, not started it). A few physical therapists I know and far more experienced runners than I - i.e. Steve - told me it was necessary, so I gave it a try - for almost two weeks. However, because it was taking me almost as much time to get ready to run as the actual running itself, I wasn't seeing any noticeable improvement, and it hurt - a lot, I gave it up. During that time, I also came across a report from a Harvard Medical Study that concluded that stretching before exercise has no effect on injury rates. That's all I needed to hear - especially since I've never been a stretcher in my life. (Note: The study also concluded that stretching isn't bad for you as it helps improve flexibility and range of motion, but that it just doesn't help prevent injury.)
Finally, and most importantly, I picked up a pair of max-cushioned HOKA trail shoes. For those who have never seen them before, here's a picture. While they felt a little awkward at first - due to the cushioning it's like walking with firm pillows on your feet - now that I'm use to them, I can't fathom wearing anything else. Since their purchase, I've worn them on roads - 16 miles during the Ragnar Great River Relay - and trails including pacing Jeff for the last 13 miles of the Sawtooth 100. Not once, I repeat, NOT ONCE, have I had a pain in my IT band or in my patellar tendons since I made the switch. In short, for me, they've been a godsend!
Speaking of Ragnar and Sawtooth, I could spend pages giving you a breakdown, or you can just visit the Sorenson Stampede website at: https://thesorensonstampede.shutterfly.com/ to see our pictures. But I do have to provide brief commentary:
First, Ragnar was an experience like no other. A team of 12 covering 201.3 miles in 33 hours all while sleeping for about an hour might seem a bit "off-kilter" for some, but for me - and I think most of us - it was unbelievably awesome! If we ever do it again, I AM IN! If you've ever considered it, do it!
Second, the Sawtooth 100. Basically, words can't describe what Steve and Jeff - and all the other entrants for that matter - accomplished and to be a small part of it was extremely rewarding. My only regret is that I chickened out and joined Jeff (and Bob) for just the last 13 miles instead of the last 18 or 26 like I could have. In short, I was definitely inspired by Steve and Jeff, again, and have started wrapping my head around the possibility of the Sawtooth 50-miler next year! (Yes, "Mr. Never Ran Farther Than a 5K 6 Months Ago" just said that...)
Anyways, onto what's been going on regarding the SHT Grand Traverse.
As stated back in August, I'm pretty pumped that I've been able to sucker, er... I mean convince a few more people to start this whole trail running thing. Not only Becky, but also my long time partner in crime - Jay Anderson. I have had the privilege of being with each of them on separate occasions when they set new personal records for most miles covered in one outing. Even more exciting is that they each realized that a.) they survived it and b.) they survived it with flying colors!
I remember not so long ago doing the same thing while running with Jeff and it's pretty cool to see it from the other side. Seeing my closest friend and my wife slowly discovering what they're capable of and starting to imagine further possibilities is pretty rewarding. It also leads to some interesting ironies.
I remember not so long ago doing the same thing while running with Jeff and it's pretty cool to see it from the other side. Seeing my closest friend and my wife slowly discovering what they're capable of and starting to imagine further possibilities is pretty rewarding. It also leads to some interesting ironies.
On September 13, the date of this year's Minnesota grouse hunting opener, I found myself in the woods once again. However, instead of wearing camouflage pants, a blaze orange vest and carrying a shotgun like previous years, this time Jay and I were wearing running tights (at least I was), long sleeve brightly-colored running shirts and carrying two handheld water bottles. Oh how times have changed! Fear not, though. I haven't given up hunting. It's just that since the leaves are usually a little thick on opening day, I thought it would be time better spent accompanying Jay on his longest run ever at that time - 7.5 miles.
The weather was beautiful and despite getting turned around a few times in the Remote Lake Solitude Area north of McGregor, MN and having to navigate via Jay's cellphone occasionally, we had a great time, discovered some new country, and watched the miles fly by as they often do when you're able to share the trail with someone you've known for years. Soon I'll get to watch Jay's next triumph as he takes on the 10.2 mile portion (actually it's 11.5 now because the starting point had to be moved due to road construction) of the SHT Grand Traverse. I can't wait to meet him at - or catch him before (more on that later) - the finish line.
The weather was beautiful and despite getting turned around a few times in the Remote Lake Solitude Area north of McGregor, MN and having to navigate via Jay's cellphone occasionally, we had a great time, discovered some new country, and watched the miles fly by as they often do when you're able to share the trail with someone you've known for years. Soon I'll get to watch Jay's next triumph as he takes on the 10.2 mile portion (actually it's 11.5 now because the starting point had to be moved due to road construction) of the SHT Grand Traverse. I can't wait to meet him at - or catch him before (more on that later) - the finish line.
Additionally, Becky has been out and about on the trails and has set some "longest yet" records of her own. Even though she occasionally curses me and/or proclaims loudly - to scare off bears she says - all the ways she is going to die or be permanently crippled, I can tell she actually likes it and I KNOW she is looking forward to the Grand Traverse as she too will be taking on the previously 10.2 mile now 11.5 mile distance. After getting sick of listening to me talk about pre-race excitement and everything else I worry about while training, it's kind of fun to listen to her talk and worry about the same things and "get into it." She should be hitting the finish line at Fitger's around 1:30 or so this Saturday, so feel free to come cheer her on if you're not doing anything!
As far as my race plans, I'll be taking on the 16.1 mile distance of the race. However, my approach has shifted a bit and I've decided to set a few goals for myself. My goal for the Curnow was to just finish and I achieved it. Now, with some added confidence, I'm setting some time goals. First, I want to finish the 16 miles under four hours. That's roughly a 15-minute per mile pace and may seem slow, but if you've ever been on that section of the Superior Hiking Trail - from the Magney-Snively ski area on top of Spirit Mountain to basically the M & H gas station next to the freeway en route to Fitger's, you know that there's a few areas of difficult terrain in there.
My next goal is to catch Becky. I start at 8:00 a.m. and she starts at 9:00 a.m. That means that I have an hour head start to make up a 4.6 mile deficit. It also means I can play the cat and try to catch Becky the mouse. Which leads to my third goal, to catch Jay - the other "mouse" I'll be pursuing. It'll be fun knowing that they're ahead of me and will play a part - willingly or not - in helping me achieve my goals.
Finally, one last thing. On my first solo trail run in April, I discovered the Lost Lake overlook on the Upper Lake Loop trail in Jay Cooke. Since then, I've posted a spring picture and a summer picture from there. This past Sunday, Jeff joined me in taking a run out to it for a fall picture.
I was pretty excited to go because I remembered that trail and how difficult it was and I was eager to crush those 5.6 miles with my "heightened" trail running abilities that I've honed over the past 5 months. Unfortunately the only things that were crushed were my expectations. I quickly realized two things: 1.) It's not the gentle rolling trail with occasional climbs that was imprinted in my memory. Apparently time has a way of blurring the negative memories. 2.) I have a long way to go if I ever want to truly be able to say that I crushed that section of trail.
My next goal is to catch Becky. I start at 8:00 a.m. and she starts at 9:00 a.m. That means that I have an hour head start to make up a 4.6 mile deficit. It also means I can play the cat and try to catch Becky the mouse. Which leads to my third goal, to catch Jay - the other "mouse" I'll be pursuing. It'll be fun knowing that they're ahead of me and will play a part - willingly or not - in helping me achieve my goals.
Finally, one last thing. On my first solo trail run in April, I discovered the Lost Lake overlook on the Upper Lake Loop trail in Jay Cooke. Since then, I've posted a spring picture and a summer picture from there. This past Sunday, Jeff joined me in taking a run out to it for a fall picture.
I was pretty excited to go because I remembered that trail and how difficult it was and I was eager to crush those 5.6 miles with my "heightened" trail running abilities that I've honed over the past 5 months. Unfortunately the only things that were crushed were my expectations. I quickly realized two things: 1.) It's not the gentle rolling trail with occasional climbs that was imprinted in my memory. Apparently time has a way of blurring the negative memories. 2.) I have a long way to go if I ever want to truly be able to say that I crushed that section of trail.
However, if you want a GREAT hill workout with some equally great views, let me know and I'd be happy to join you for a trot out there. While the fall colors weren't at their peak, the turning that had already occurred made it worthwhile. Having two running partners with (Scout and Jeff) made it even better.
That's it for now. I promise more frequent updates now that I'm back in school and into somewhat of a routine.
I'll leave you with my new favorite running quote from ultrarunning poster boy Dean Karnazes:
"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up."
Sage advice for beginning runners and life in general.
Later,
--Stu
That's it for now. I promise more frequent updates now that I'm back in school and into somewhat of a routine.
I'll leave you with my new favorite running quote from ultrarunning poster boy Dean Karnazes:
"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up."
Sage advice for beginning runners and life in general.
Later,
--Stu