Race Across the Sky Week 17 & 18

What a last couple of weeks it has been. And I do apologize for being late...

Needless to say, there have been some highs, lows, and ends...I guess I can start with the high the other week of 101 miles in a week. THAT, is a first. Not that I was shooting for it but when the chance to do it came, I took it.

Low in the last couple of weeks would be the passing of Caballo Blanco. And while most of us in the running, ultra running community know the name, I got to meet "The Man" last summer while up in Leadville for the Silver Rush 50 miler.
He was staying at the house (or right next door) where some of my friends (picture above) were staying and just so happened to appear for dinner followed by cake and drinks after. By far one of the nicest and coolest people one would want to meet. He lived his life on his terms. RIP Caballo, you are sorely missed...

On another note, I've closed on my house here in Ft.Collins. After 13.5 yrs it's no longer mine. I have rented it back for the month till I can close on my place in Boulder. A lot of memories here, but...truly time to close this chapter in my life and begin a new one. Last but not least...my running streak came to an end yesterday at 126 days straight. Oh sure I could have continued but the goal all along was only 100. And with that monkey off my back I might sleep in one of these mornings. Well, we'll see if Abbey buys into that. Ok, with that said and done, I'll try and be on time this coming week. RunStrong!

~Eddie.

Race Across the Sky Week 16

SPRING TIME!
For most, it's usually their birthday or Christmas but for me, the first day of Spring is mine! It's the sign of the times that ol'man Winter is GONE and nature returns in the form of green grass, flowers, birds etc...

This past week was one of "rest" as I was still getting over the 90 miler followed by a 60 miler. So, I only covered a pedestrian 44 which included the Canyonlands Half Marathon in Moab UT.

Conditions this year in no way resembled those of two years ago. This time around it was WINDY & HOT. I went into the run with the mindset of running a 1:28 and change as I've felt that workouts would lead to that. Needless to say, mother nature had other plans. With that said, and knowing where I needed to be time wise to pull this off, I had no choice but to run in "packs" and keep an eye on my Garmin ensuring that I was on schedule. That worked for the first 9 ~9.5 miles then I was pretty much on my own, and by then, it got Hot! Now, not that I don't like heat but, coming from CO it was just winter the other day if you know what I mean. But, everyone was presented with the same conditions so...no PR but managed to place 2nd in age group and I'll take that. This year. Next? Aside from that, the house has sold. A lot of memories in the 13 years of living there but it's time for change. And while Boulder may not be "new" to me, it will be. RunStrong,

~Eddie.

Race Across the Sky, Week 15

Ouch! after a 90 mile week before, I "toned" it down to a more civilian distance of 60 this past one which I know was still to much to soon...

This Saturday (10th) I met up with the Boulder/Ft.Collins trail runners at Lory State Park. Most all were up for the full 26 but I had to bail at the top of Towers and get back home. This still gave me 15 for the day which somehow as more than I probably needed knowing I was hoping on 22 for Sunday the 11th. And yes, not only did I know it was going to be rough going on Sunday, I bailed from the group run to try and break the run down into two 10 milers. Needless to say, I was fried after 10 and opted to call it a day as it was just not worth it no matter how much I wanted the miles. So instead, I drove to Boulder and rode.

This morning (12th) I was still somewhat in a little "discomfort" but instead of running...I walked it! yep, walked it. And while yeah, I'm sure I could have ran, just felt that as long as I was out on my feet for an hour, it's all good. I mean, I know they'll be some walking in Leadville so might as well get used to it. And for once, instead of lolligaging behind me, Abbey was in front the whole way and loving it! Next up...Canyon Lands 1/2 in Moab. RunStrong,

~Eddie

Race Across the Sky Week 14

Wheww...that about sums up the last two weeks. Not only from the selling, buying on the house front but as well as mileage. On the house front, I think I've got a serious buyer this time. We'll see though as I've been down this road before. Trying not to get to excited.

On the other hand, tomorrow marks day 100 of consecutive running! of course, if we could count all the "twofers" that I've done when this started it would have been a long time ago but...it doesn't work that way. But, none the less, 100 days straight. Wow.

This week also marked the first time I ran 90 miles as well which I had the pleasure of running it with a couple of friends and none other than Cat herself. And while she is still trying to get over surgery, kudos for being the trooper she is! And, while there was numerous times she had to stop and stretch, it was all good. I would have walked (and we did) if need be. And as many times as she told me to "go ahead" I wasn't about to leave my wingman, er, woman. I will tone it down though this week and NO DOUBT there will be a day off!! Yeay!

I also met Juli who is a former Miss Florida and current founder, Prez of Wag Strong, http://www.wagstrong.org/index.html which I told her it would be an honor to be a part of this team, dream, organization that is near and dear to me having lost pets to cancer. A roller coaster couple of weeks but as with all else, the sun came up this morning!! RunStrong,

~Eddie

Race Across the Sky Week 13

Hi all, and sorry for the week off but with the house selling, me buying, then my buyers loan doesn't get approved it's been hectic times to say the least. House is back no the market so all I can do is keep my fingers crossed.

Though I have to admit the morning after I was told that my buyer didn't get their loan was the hardest run as it felt like someone had taken a 2 x 4 and wham! However, I've done all I can and will take this as far as I can.

With that said, runs have been good! as I write this I'm about a week away from 100 day's in a row! woohoo!! don't ask why as it just started and I kept going. There will be no day 101 if you know what I mean...

Yesterday, the 26th was my first "real" long run of the year. The plan was 30 miles. I met Michelle M by my house and was fortunate to have her for 5 miles from the start as I was heading up to the Bud plant to meet some peeps for what was supposed to be 20. Needless to say in all the 30 plus years I've been running have only come close once to the conditions that we encountered. There was a point running (crawling would best describe it) that I looked down at my Garmin and we were clocking a whomping 13:30 minute mile! Just Crazy!!

We only ended up doing 17 and high tailed it back to the car and home. It truly was brutal!! however, once home, I ate a little bit and took Abbey out to finish what I had started as I've tried not to let anything get in the way when I've a long day like this planned. This was huge for the "bank" if you know what I mean. RunStrong all!

~Eddie

Race Across the Sky Week 11

This past week started off with a run up in one of my favorite spots in the world. Dillon, CO. Now, I've been somewhat around the world but this truly is a gem with the lake and mountains surrounding it. The week was one of firsts as well as I ended up with a total of 85 miles.

Now, I know for a fact that I've never done that much in one week but it just sort of fell in place. And am glad to say that nothing is broken, damaged etc! woo hoo...and while there were a couple of days that I took my time getting out the front door, I got out! and as usual, it got better as the run went on.

Have had a lot of showings at the house but still nothing. Will keep fingers crossed that it will sell and I can keep moving forward in this project as well. This coming weekend, will be my first two races of the year. Though I did the snow shoe one, these will be a 5 and 10 milers run back to back. And while I'm not worried about either one as both combined are just over a half marathon. I would like to think I can go top 3 in each one and that is the goal.

So, that is about it for now. I will back off to 70 miles give or take this week as well. That 85miler was purely experimental for now. I know they'll be coming up more often than not. RunStrong.

~Eddie

Race Across the Sky, Week 10.

Ok, ok, so I'm a couple day's late. No excuse, just somewhat busy the last couple of days. And with that, another good week. Though I wanted to cut it short of the 70 milers I put in the last couple of weeks. Just didn't feel it was time to keep any streaks going other than the one I have for consecutive days which now stands at about seventy something! WooHoo...

After so many years of saying "I want to do that" Abbey and I made our way up to Frisco CO for the 42nd annual Frisco Gold Rush which has both snow shoeing and cross country skiing. That, and a lecture by a local historian, author on some of the facts of mining of an era gone bye. Pretty cool to combine a couple of my favorite subjects on one day!

Now, while I have been in the back country plenty of time with snow shoes, I've never raced in them! however, how difficult can it be right? just like running but with wider shoes. And with that, they lined us up at 5:00 p.m. and off we went and OMG, it had been a while since I'd raced at 9000' and felt it right from the get go! Everything hurts at that altitude. But, I also knew that once I got going and backed it off a bit I would be ok. The first couple of guys just bolted from the gun. Obviously locals and that was fine as I had no idea of the course other than to "follow the pink flags" that were out there. Well, needless to say, about a 1/4 or so in even the two leaders made a wrong turn which when we discovered the mistake had to back track which meant what distance we put on the rest (I was in 3rd at the time) we gave back. Once back on track, trail, it was the two locals that just bolted away and that was fine by me as it gave me a reference point so to speak. Needless to say, I was still hurting big time due to the altitude, at which point, one other person caught up to me. Now, I could have kept him somewhat behind me as the trail was narrow but waved him by first chance and decided I'd ride his coat tails to the finish and get him there. Well, needless to say, again, local knowledge beat me to the finish!! 4th overall, 2nd in age group. Hey, I'll take it! and thank God it was only a 5k!!

I contemplated doing the cross country (ski) the following day but choose to get my long run in up there and watch the sunrise over lake Dillon. Truly a million dollar run!! Week total: 62

RunStrong,

~Eddie

Race Across the Sky, Week 9

Sunday January 29th.

"Somehow it happened... Hard to say when. But one look in the mirror and it was obvious. Life had caught up to you. So you did the only thing any self-respecting adult could do. You ran away. Only this time it worked. And the farther you ran, the better it worked. So you've never stopped running. And you've never seen that person in your mirror again."

Today, or shall I say yesterday as I'm a day behind I headed down to Boulder to help out at the Fast and Furry-est race. Though I would have love to have done it as the course was a true Cross Country course, my help was needed as a pacer for the races. Pacers as in on a bike as there was no way I was about to hang with either of the womans or mens race leaders. The kids race...maybe. The morning dawned cool but clear and beautiful. Needless to say some of the course consisted of a couple inches of "thick" grass which I have to say kicked my ass (and I'm in pretty good cycling shape folks) but it was like riding through sand!! it certainly worked me over and then some!

And after almost getting "chicked" the girl who took it out right from the start (Lauren?) I definitely made sure I had a gap for the guys if you know what I mean! none the less, it was good to see some of the Boulder peeps which I hope to be joining soon. My house went up and on the market (finally) this week. Now, if I can get a buyer...stay tuned.

This week also marked week number two at 70 miles. Needless to say, I don't know what hit me yesterday but I slept 10 hours last night and struggled to get out the door (2 hours) but once out, I got going. 11 miles on foot, 48 on bike and not a damn thing around the house with the exception of ironing some things for the week! Oh well, that's why I'm looking to downsize so I don't have to do anything!

All in all, a good week and a pretty good month to start the year! week total: 70 Total total: 259 for the month. Still seems like a small amount...RunStrong,

~Eddie

Race Across the Sky. Week 8

This week marked a first. In the 30 years that I've been running I don't ever recall going 50 day's straight with out a break from running. And while I know a couple years ago I went three months straight that was either a run ride or swim. And while I never set out to do this...oh well!

This morning Abbey and I did a jaunt up Tower Rd at O'dark thirty (actually 6:00a.m.). For some reason, though it would have been lighter out there but it took a good 30 min's before I could make out the trail! On the way down I ran (no pun intended) into a group of the FC women trail runners, as well as a phenomenal sunrise (pic to the left). Still one of my favorite things in the world. This coupled with 3 miles before gave me 70 for the week as well. Again, don't think I've ever pushed that number at this time of year! but, I'll take it. Everything so far feels good. Woohoo! Afterwards I hooked up with my friend Carlos and his peeps for a good solid 52 miles on the bike. I have to say that the first hour or so was sooo miserable as I froze my A** of and cursing the damn clouds blocking the sun. Needless to say, the sun did peek out every now and then which felt soooo nice!

Ok, well, guess I need to get something done around the house as it's listed to sell. Weekly total: 70. Total, total: 400. doesn't seem much does it? RunStrong,

~Eddie

Winter wonderland....

Leadville, Colorado.

Hi all! I came across this picture of Leadville as it appears in the winter time. Truly beautiful stuff, but don't kid yourself as they have long ones. This mid-week report with 213 (if my math is right) days to go!

Monday marked somewhat of a "milestone" of sorts as it was my 50th day straight of running! Now, not that I haven't had longer streaks but...they consisted of either riding or running or some sort of calorie burning endeavor. How much longer will it go? No idea. However, as long as I'm feeling good and nothing is busted, we shall see. That is all for today folks. Runstrong,

~Eddie

Race Across the Sky; week 7

The other day that I wrote I'd been somewhat mentally beaten down by the weather. Cold, grey, overcast. Today (or, yesterday as I write this Sunday morning) you could not have asked for a nicer day from sunrise to sunset. One word. Perfect.

This morning as with every morning the first few miles were with Abbey. After dropping her off at the house I know I only needed ten for the day to put me at 60 for the week. But as the sun was coming up and I kept going it just felt better and better. The thought of Thursday was but a distant memory. I've learned throughout 30 plus years that not every day will be 'great' but if somehow you can just grind through them the sun as it has for millions of years will come up tomorrow, and with that, another chance.

And today was truly it. I ended the morning with a total of 12 Great miles! everything clicked. After a quick breakfast, it was off to ride with the group from Peloton. Today's route was counter clockwise of what we normally do, i.e. we'd hit the hills first instead of at the end, but that was ok, I was warmed up, pumped up so either way worked for me. A few hours in the saddle under some of the nicest conditions (at least on the bike) capped off a great morning! so good that I didn't take my usual nap as the Olympic Marathon trials were on t.v.

From there, it was over to Shannon & Megs to pick up "Unbreakable" (Western States 100) followed by a couple glasses of vino with Danny & Diane. Great day. Week total-62 Total-330.

Runstrong,

~Eddie

(Un)Breakable...

Ok, so, it took 45 days straight that when I got home from work, I hit the wall...That is 45 day's straight of running AND riding or sometimes two'fers a day running. Oh sure, I was up today and out the door at 4:30 this morning as usual, and never mind that it was 7* as well when Abbey and I hit the road. But today...just mentally I said to quote Roberto Duran, "No mas!" mentally, I just said screw it! (No mas). Maybe it had something to do with it still being butt cold, cloudy and overcast which really was the the reason no doubt.

I have gone 45 days straight (running)and have only had two days' off (I know one for sure as I was driving to the Rim Rock marathon on Nov 11th) and two total since September! I know, what is he thinking! So yes, today, mentally I was broken as far as going out for a "twofer". And while Abbey was somewhat bummed, I promised her that come tomorrow morning after a good nights sleep, we will be out there for day 46.

Runstrong,

Eddie.

Race Across the Sky, Week 6

Saturday, January 7 2012...

Hi all. Ok, well first week of the year in the books and it's been a good one. We actually hit 60/61 degrees on Thursday, and while I hadn't 'planned' on it, I took off of work at noon for a massage (long over due. Thanks Tish) followed by a run over to a Friends house to check up on their puppy then by a bike ride. Now that would be my kind of triathlon!

I got in a so~so 12 miler this morning. It was one of those runs that when you decide to do something like clean the house at six in the morning (procrastinating of course)that it could be a long one. But, eventually I got my lazy butt out the door and took Abbey out for her 4miles before heading out for 8 on my own. I've realized and have before that not all days will be stellar and it's day's like this when even if I walked they have to be done as no doubt I'll run, or walk into these same situations later on this year. It's all good mental training as far as I'm concerned.

On a non running note, I heard back from the folks at Boulder Affordable housing (it's a program for those NOT making a million dollars or more) that I actually qualify for middle, not low, but middle income housing! wow, thought with my income I would barely qualify to live under a bridge. So, I guess it's time to get moving - no pun intended, on what is way overdue. Overdue because while my address has been Ft.Collins my heart has always been Boulder. Now I just need to sell & move all at the same time! stay tuned. Ok, looks like the clouds are breaking up now, time to hop on the bike. Total this week: 57. Bike 115, Run Total -268. Runstrong all,

~Eddie