Race to the sky week 4...Time to keep moving.

Well, here it is, New years eve (morning) just having finished up my last run of the year. Needless to say, it went out roaring like a lion with 40/50 mph wind gusts and some precipitation. All good none the less. Though Abbey might have other thoughts.

And as I shift my thoughts forward, I do have to look back on a pretty amazing year both travel and running/race wise. After putting it on the back burner for over twenty years, I finally boarded that plane to Nepal. This had been one that I'd planned on and kept putting off in favor of other destinations. And while I really can't sum it up in few lines, the wait was certainly worth it. From Kathmandu to Everest Base camp. One of these days if there is enough interest I'll have a slide show.

My goal this year run, race wise was an ultra marathon. "A" race was to be Leadville 50 miler with a couple other bears leading up to it. Those other two being Big Horn 50k and Leadville marathon all within a few weeks span of each other. What was I thinking? I guess when you are sitting on the couch in the dead of winter it sounds easy. But truth be told, easy was not what I was looking for when I signed up for them. This was also a year in which after 30 plus years of running and racing that I had more firsts than any other placing! Not that my age bracket is any less competitive than the rest, because as anyone will argue, they are all tough!! from 5k's to 200 miles (WWR, thanks Stumblers) it truly was a stellar year.

This coming year...well, I guess it's time. Leadville 100 foot race. And while I always said "never" to those who know me, well...never say never. And those that have read the prior Blogs know that this is what I'm shooting for. A - finish, B- be it a positive journey and experience and finally, if it all falls into place, and this is the toughest one... C -under 25 hours. This weeks total: 56 miles. Total total: 211. Happy New year all. Runstrong,

~Eddie

Nobody should cry on Christmas...

Christmas Day, 2011;

You may be wondering about today's title. Well, sometimes we wish for something and when we get it...in my case, I received a message from someone who while I don't see and talk to these days, doesn't mean things have changed how I feel. Needless to say, tough start to Christmas. I miss her. But, enough of the self pity party.

Today marked the 3rd annual Bob V & Abbey Christmas run. This is the third year - obviously, since Bob had surgery and began his journey back

to the running scene. Needless to say, to this day I remind him that there was a time I whooped up on him. Today Dan Jones joined in on the run as well, which consisted of some Horsetooth hills followed by a few miles with Abbey. After all, this is her run as well. Temperatures were clear, cool to start but as soon as we headed up the first hill it warmed up fast! Dan has done the Leadville 100 (I actually paced him the last 13.5) in 2010, and have asked if he would return the favor this Summer. Though I'll most likely give him a tougher leg. However, I value his experience and glad he accepted the offer. Merry Christmas, run strong,

~Eddie.

Race Across The Sky. Week 3

Christmas Eve, 2011...
Hi all! well, here we are again. Christmas. Where has the year gone? and yes, I know, we still have one week left but...

This week started off with a run up Towers Rd this past Sunday as it's been a while since I've been there and know that if one really want's to climb...this is the place. Of course, I didn't tell Abbey that but being the trooper she is she didn't complain. Only wish she understood when I told her to save her energy as she'll need it for later! oh well, can't say I didn't try.

This being December is usually the time and month when I tell myself that I need to back of somewhat and give it a break yet, here it is and have put in another 50 mile week. However, with the temperatures being what they have been, it's been to damn cold to ride. So, I run. Needless to say I only got in one ride (last Sunday). But things will change as we have officially hit Winter, woohoo, which means the sun has gone as far South as it will and is now on it's way back North.

Today I, we, headed down to North Boulder Park to do some Cross Country Skiing and test out snow shoes as well. Needless to say, the price was right - free! and the city of Boulder grooms the trails as well. Can't beat that. And the fact that the sun was out made it all that much better. This coming week I don't plan to keep the "streak" of 50 mile weeks up as I know my enthusiasm for Leadville has gotten the best of me and know it's a long road ahead of me and no need to kill myself at this stage. Weekly total: 50. Total, total...155. for the year....dunno, need to add up.


Merry Christmas everybody.

~Eddie.

Race to the Sky, week two.

Ok, so the week started off last Sunday with a slog of a run (red red wine...) that also included a much better ride on a gorgeous day, and ended yesterday at Rudolph's Revenge 10k. And while not a steller time, still managed to place (1st), which caps off the racing season.

I also signed up for a few runs/races leading up to Leadville which I hope will help - obviously cant hurt except the bottom line ($) these days! man they are getting pricey. But, had to shell out sooner or later. Starting with Collegiate Peaks 50 in April, then Big Horn 50 in June.

I've not decided on May as of yet but will find something and if not...the dreaded 50 solo. Solo as in me and me alone. We'll see. On another note, I did get some commitments from friends that will crew and pace. Though the list is not complete, not so much worried that I'll get a team together. With that said and done, Miles for the week: 50, Total:105 with a bike ride tossed in. Runstrong,

~Eddie.

Red Red Wine...

...goes to my head -UB40.

And while I did have a few at Danny's annual MEXmas party it didn't stop me from taking Abbey out for her usual morning jog. And while it wasn't steller (for obvious reasons) I still slogged it out for eight miles.

Later that morning when the temp's finally made it over "freezing" I took Jezabel out for a spin. Needless to say a beautiful morning. On another

note, I finally won a "lottery" selection. I spaced signing up for Canyonlands half but got in the lotto the last day possible and lo-and-behold woke up this morning indicating I got in. Hmm, aren't you supposed to get money when it comes to lottery's and not have to pay?

~Eddie.

Race Across the Sky Week 1.

While it's dubbed "The Race Across The Sky" I won't be racing anyone come August 19th and 20th. It's just me and the clock and the course. And while I've set a couple of goals the real goal is to finish this beast and not look anything like the picture on the left there.

Week one training as with everyweek ends on a Saturday. This weeks total consisted of 55 miles. Needless to say, this was the week I signed up and no doubt a little "enthusiasm" had somewhat to do with that. I will keep training consistent as this is only December and have been down this road before. I will incorporate bike rides as well as it give me a break of the pounding of the pavement while at the same time keeping the cardio going. As long as the weather is warm of course!

I will also be doing a few snowshoe races and XC skiing (classic) as well this winter again, just to break up the monotony that comes with long distance, ultra training. Anyway, that's it for now, time to eat, change and get ready to ride.

~Eddie.

Project Leadville 100

December 7th, 20011.

Least we forget 70 years ago today...

What is it about this time of year that makes a person, or in this case me, make summer plans which for the most part are half a year away?. Is it the freezing temps?, the fact that I’m eating dinner at 5:30 and ready to call it a day or night at 7:30p.m since it’s been dark for three hours? Can’t be that I’m looking forward to Spring and new beginnings is it? Maybe all of the above.

In Decembers past and I can say with certainty the last three for sure, that I have planned my itinerary for the upcoming year, which included Hawaii, Europe and Nepal. This year however I’m staying home. This year it’ll be Leadville Colorado as in the Leadville Trail 100.

Now, I know when I helped crew two years ago and seeing what this could do to a person I said “never”. Well, never say never. I thought I’d “never” attempt a 50 miler but I did this past Summer. And when asked as of late “what’s your next race?” I haven’t really had an answer as this year by far has been the best on record as I’ve won every distance I’ve entered with the exception of the Leadville 50. Ended up 4^th. But for the record, it was a very positive experience for me.

So, it’s with that, that I plopped down my entry fee before it filled up and I’d regret that I hadn’t and signed on the dotted line. And while it truly won’t be a vacation as the above mentioned destinations, it certainly is a “project” that I’m always looking forward too. And as daunting as this may seem, I truly believe in myself and being able to pull it off. And while I may be the one running the 100 miles I know that I will not be able to pull this off without help. I will try and assemble the best crew and pacers that I call friends to help. Off to train...

~Eddie.

Aspen Colorado, Fall 2011

Aspen, CO: September 24^th, 25^th.

This was (my) second annual trip for the Golden Leaf Half Marathon that goes from Snowmass village to Aspen via the Governor trail. Having done this last year I knew what to expect this year, especially at the start, which happens I think, to be the hardest mile and a half of any race I’ve ever done. Simply because they send one straight up and it’s at elevation. So, when the gun went off, I let everyone else red line it this year and took my time as this time around, I came to run and not race.

After making it to the “top” the course then takes one on a roller coaster ride to Aspen via some very technical downhill filled with plenty of rocks and roots for those that have the misfortune of tripping! And believe me, I saw and heard enough myself out there as well as coming close a few times. I ran with a few groups this year which made it nicer. Again, having no expectations this year, or any particular time till I got about a mile from the end and thought at least it would be nice to try and break two hours as in last year, but, when I crested the hill leading into the finish line and saw 1:59: and change, there was no way. Not this time around. Oh well, it was still good enough for 3^rd in age group. Next year, need to move up a spot though.

After a quick jersey purchase (ouch!) in Aspen, it was back to Glenwood some SUP’ing. Had always wanted to do this and to do it on a lake and not on a river but…such is life. Heck, once one gets the hang of it maybe a little easier on a river as it does the work for you!. It was a blast!! If I lived close enough to the river I can see adding “that” as another sport. But, knowing I’ve access to both river and board…

The following morning we, Abbey and I, headed up to Maroon Bells as they close the gate to cars (one would have to take a shuttle)starting at 8:30am. Leaving Glenwood at 6:30 I felt there would be no problem whatsoever. I mean, who gets up and hits the road that early but me? Guess, a lot of folks as they were cramming cars in the overflow parking lot as best as possible. I did get a spot so all good.

Needless to say, this is one popular spot this time of year! But as colorful as it was it looked like in a week all the leaves would be in full bloom. Don’t get me wrong, still gorgeous. Just a gorgeous was the drive over Independence pass, especially on the East side. Spectacular!

Abbey and the Bells...

SUP'ing on the Colorado River with Abbey to the rescue!

Leadville racing and rights of passage...

Woohoo, made it!

As I laid out my schedule last Winter the goal was to try and find something hard, something that I felt would be a good challenge. And with that, I signed up for my triple crown. Bighorn, Leadville Marathon and Leadville 50 miler. All in the span of six weeks.

I didn't know what to expect at Big horn with only six weeks of "training" after coming back from Nepal. Not that I was out of shape, as we were on trail everyday for 6 to 7 hours so while I may not have been running, the legs were at least moving. And, I'd be able to use that as a gauge for the 50 miler. Needless to say, it was a stellar day in more than one way!

And with that, I didn't take the break I should have as I went back to work in preparation for the Marathon but looking a little bit past that as well. The marathon as it turned out was by far the hardest one day run I've done. And while I know going in I was tired and sore, I thought none the less that I could do ok. And I did, up until mile 16 when the wheels came off. Coming in to the aid station after Mosquito pass there was nothing left. And those who know, there is no worse feeling when you have at least ten miles to go and the body just isn't cooperating. Thank God the last three miles or so were down hill as those were the only three out of ten I ran! But, again, not that I didn't want to do good here because I did, and I did I guess.

So, with two down I had two weeks to my first 50. This time around though, I did taper and backed off the training and kept the miles down. And while I hate this tapering stuff one has to realize that rest is part of training as well. Often overlooked but just as important.

The week leading up I kept my workouts to just one a day, and low miles as well.

I rolled into Leadville Saturday just in time to pick up my race number and hang around to catch some of the 50 mile mountain bike race which takes place on the same course we would be running. And as much as I would have like to have done it, there was noooo way I was running on anything but rested legs. Next year.

My hotel was right across the street so I checked in and unpacked, had a little to eat and took a quick nap before going out and checking some of the course for the race. This part of Leadville is just beautiful. That, along with the history, geology and geography are truly what drew me to these races. When I got back to town I hooked up with Cat, Alex, Rob and Mallory. The real surprise was that "Caballo Blanco" from Born to run (book) fame was staying where they were! and with that, we all made our way out and introduced ourselves, had a few beers, ate, drank a little wine and celebrated Rob's birthday a couple day's early. Perfect ending to the day.

Race Day. Needless to say, I woke before the alarm went off, but no worries as I slept solid. I met the gang as well and shared a few last minute smiles for the cameras. I do have to say that I was a little bit nervous (not that the temps didn't have anything to do with me shivering) but that went away as soon as they started the race. The first 70 yards or so of this race are straight up a hill. Straight up! and first man, woman get a silver coin. To me, certainly not worth it so I walked up as planned. The first ten miles are a gradual climb up to 12,000' before turning around and heading to aid station #2 at mile fourteen. There I grabbed my camelback from Cat and motored on. After about a mile of downhill it was back up again. It was here that Alex caught up and passed me, us on a hill. Damn I was thinking. Either he's super fit (which I know he's been working his butt off) or he'll pay for it later. None the less, I stuck with my plan and power hiked it. The next aid station (mile 18)was at a familiar spot from the marathon. I didn't have to stop as I had all the food and drink I needed so I kept going. This of course was Ball mountain which I came to despise during the marathon. Though they took us down and around it, there was some deviation from two weeks ago. Once on the other side it was only a few miles to the turn around aid station. It was here I saw Alex on his way back. And with a quick high five, "looking good" he was off and I was in. And as much as I'd a loved to have stayed, two minutes later it was time to head home!

Home, being the finish. And while one of the goals was to get to this station "feeling good" cant really say I was but, I told myself up to this point no negative thoughts, just keep on trekking. It took 4:30 hrs to get here, and with the goal of 10 hours total that I had to do the race it gave me 5:30 to get back. Somehow I was wondering knowing what we had to face if it was doable. None the less I broke the course down in sections. First, get up, over, around Ball Mt. to the aid station. Not an easy task but everyone had to do it. Again, just keeping positive thoughts only. Halfway up, the skies opened up on us. I knew this was coming knowing the area but, decided against bringing my plastic rain jacket with me. And, for what it's worth, the rain actually felt pretty good! One more power hike up to the aid station (mile 30) and it wouldn't be much longer.

I had a some coke and with that, it was adios to Ball mountain! damn I won't miss it that's for sure. From here, it was on to aid station at mile 34 where I knew Cat would be waiting. After some descending then some more climbing I made it. Woohoo. At this point, I truly believed that this was doable. Hell, only three miles up, then a gradual ten miles home. It was here that Rob finally caught me! Now my thoughts were hell, now I'm the last one from our group that will finish. So with that, it was "thanks Cat" and off I went after him. I caught up to Rob just where the pavement meets the dirt and the road goes up for three miles. Though felt like forever!

Rob at this point started to walk. Me, well, I knew that this would be my only chance to try and put some distance on him as I'm not good on the downhills so...best put some time here and now on him. And as painful as it was to "run" I'd count to ten, walk, count to ten, run and did that for most of the way up while never looking back to see how much if anything I'd put on him. This was a long three miles and any other day no doubt runnable but not today. And with that, I made it to the top and now it was only ten miles, all gradual downhill to home! By this time, needless to say my feet were sore, tired, and hot! so I decided to run through all the water crossings and streams I avoided on the way up! even stopping in a few of them to cool the legs off as well. With just six miles to go I saw Alex off in the distance! and was wondering WTF?

When I pulled up next to him I asked if everything was "ok" to which he replied yes. I asked again and again, yes. And as much as I thought about running in with him, I also knew I wouldn't get many if any day's where I'd finish before him so I motored on not knowing if and when he'd get a second (or third, or fourth wind) and come flying by me. So, with that, I picked up the pace as best I could, and this of course going downhill which I hate and of course, tripped and fell AGAIN, but this time just after passing some girl!

Then, with about two miles to go, no water, I began to walk, run as best I could not knowing where everyone else was. It was then I came upon someone that I noticed had some water and practically begged for it. And with that, in true Leadville "style" they threw one more incline before the finish (bastards) then it truly was down hill.

Leadville Race Series Kicks Off This Weekend

Leadville Marathon, tomorrow, Saturday July 2nd.

I'm somewhat nervous about this one and don't know why, as a hilly race plays into my favor. While certainly not the distance 26.2 that has me worried it's because I feel I can do good here, run a good race, and am expecting that. And while my "First Fifty" is just two weeks away this by no means will be a training run unless for some reason I wake up tomorrow with a set of crappy legs. However, workouts since Big Horn have been good. We'll see...

~E

Nepal 2011.

Life on the trail...

Life on the trail for the next 12 days would pretty much be routine. Wake up, breakfast, and out the door no later than 8:00a.m each day with a lunch break at some village along the way arriving at our destination no latter than 3:00 p.m. Trail life for us Western folks though was pretty easy. Well, depending on one's level of fitness I'm sure. However, if you were a working sherpa and or yak, that is truly another story.



As you can see, the loads that are ferried up each and everyday by these people are enormous! and no doubt exceeding their own weight. But, as I came to find out, the more they carry, the more they get paid. And while I was in awe of what I saw each and everyday one has to wonder at what cost? and are the folks (expeditions) and stores that they are carrying supplies up too making sure they are not exceeding this? somehow I doubt it. And this is truly sad as I saw all ages and gender along the way. I know there are "organizations" in Kathmandu that "are in it for the porters" but to what extent?
Again, I was humbled by how strong they are...


We always encountered one of these!! Wohoo...













...and these guys as well.












ok, ok, last one...












Market day at Namche Bazar. Everything from beer, eggs, spices, petrol, rice, cookies you name it is hauled up here once a week. I did buy a bar of soap being that it's not provided by the lodges which brings me to another story. Ever since I arrived in Kathmandu I noticed a "shortage" if you will of "paper goods" i.e. napkins and t.p.

Now, had I known...I would have most likely brought my own as the lodges do not, not provide it. Toilet paper that is. Didn't ask, can only assume why. But, that, along with napkins were as valuable as gold in some cases!


Tengboche. Is a village located at an elevation of 12,687' high. Located there as well is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Supposedly the highest in the world.









Traffic in Tengoche!













Hangin' with a Monk.












Everyday scenery!












Prayer flags...












Memorial to Scott Fisher (Into Thin Air) who never made it home...even the best miscalculate.











Laundry day. And let me say that at 14,000' that water is damn cold!! never mind the wool socks took two day's to dry.











We did wake up one morning to snowfall from the night before which made for spectacular views!!











Pakastani friend Kareem...













Yak and Mountains...