tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12564217653958194752024-03-13T16:38:41.925-05:00Dovi and MeJust a guy and a dog. Edit: and a podcast. Edit: and a race. Edit: or two.Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-37436691246470459092020-01-17T09:39:00.000-06:002020-01-23T09:41:58.952-06:00UROTY<br />
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After a long discussion developed on my Facebook page I was challenged to come top with my top ten for Utrarunner of the year. I think it's fair to say "if you're going to criticize why don't you tell us what you would do." <br />
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Sidenote, no one cares about my picks and I don't get to vote. I also don't know as much as the panelists and I can't imagine most people caring. <br />
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But here goes.<br />
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Men:<br />
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1. Jim Walmsley<br />
2. Zach Bitter<br />
3. Jeff Browning<br />
4.Jason Schlarb<br />
5. Oliver Leblond<br />
6. Jared Hazen<br />
7.Patrick Reagan<br />
8.Mark Hammond<br />
9.Matt Daniels<br />
10.Tim Tollefson<br />
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Nothing really new here from the list I just ordered them slightly differently. My guess is that I have a bias of longer distances over shorter. Disclosure: I don't know any of the men, I've had Jared Hazen on Ten Junk Miles briefly about selling his buckle on eBay.<br />
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Women:<br />
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1.Camille Herron<br />
2. Maggie Guterl<br />
3.Courtney Dauwalter<br />
4.Sabrina Stanley<br />
5.Kaci Lickteig<br />
6.Clare Gallagher<br />
7.Faye Norby<br />
8.Amanda Basham<br />
9.Yiou Wang<br />
10.Alyson Kirk<br />
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This warrants some explanation I'm sure. But first, disclosures: I know and consider Camille Herron and Alyson Kirk friends. I've interacted with Faye Norby and Maggie Guterl but I wouldn't consider any of these communications "meaningful."<br />
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First: Alyson Kirk wasn't on the sheet but I'm adding her anyway. She raced 5 100's and won them all (while climbing every fucking mountain in her off days). Keep overlooking her. She'll win Hardrock.<br />
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Second: with respect to Fay Norby, she WON the Tuscobia 160 mile winter ultra, the Arrowhead 135 winter ultra (during the -40 winter vortex) and the Actif Epica winter ultra. Sidenote: only 11 people have completed these three races on foot in a calendar year. More people have walked on the moon. She won them all. She also placed top ten at Black Hills and Wild Duluth, so she's not simply a winter athlete.<br />
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Third: I ranked Sabrina higher because she did REALLY HARD races. HURT, Crewel Jewel, Neversummer and Reunion Island. Are you kidding me?<br />
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Fourth: I ranked Maggie. Biggs is a last man standing" race which you have to get invited to. You can say what you want about the field, but if I was in a last MAN standing event I wouldn't want to see Dave Proctor, that handsome frenchman, Joe Fejes, not to mention many of the others. But it isn't just that she won and the number of miles, it's what it symbolized. I struggled with making this number 1. I was really really close. She showed up at a competitive race and beat all the men too. I'm sure there are other examples of this (please add them to the comments) but I can't think of a better one. It's a gender bending moment. And because this story was so huge, for the little girls that read it. For the men that were driven crazy about it. I could argue that it was the single most impactful thing that may have happened in the sport. In doing so, Maggie transcended the event itself . She knocked us all out. she beat all the men and all the women in a high profile event. Who else can you say that about last year?<br />
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Sidenote: In discussing this I have had no difficulty convincing any women of my point of view. Men, that's another story. That's interesting.<br />
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Finally, Camille. Sorry. In addition to her other wins, she beat all of the women that have ever tried to run as many miles as possible in 24 hours. Ever. In the history of thew world. And she didn't just beat them, she destroyed them by more than 5 miles. That's just insane. I know people will say that I picked her because she's my friend and that's fair. But that's the breaks in having a friend that breaks a world fucking record. It was a world best on a stage of people who were the best in the world. <br />
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Performance of the Year:<br />
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1.Bitter - Dome<br />
2. Walmsley - States<br />
3.LeBlond - World's<br />
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1. Camille - WR<br />
2.Maggie - Biggs<br />
3.Pam Smith - World's<br />
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Oh, and I know in advance that no one cares. But thank you Speedgoat for making me do this because I now have a new respect for how hard it is.Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-36703473034174018812019-08-19T22:33:00.002-05:002019-08-20T12:26:15.923-05:00Race Directing - In Just About To My Head<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend I directed my first race with my partner Adam Benkers. I've put on a few fatass events and led some large group runs, but I've never done anything comparable to putting on a race. But I guess I should first back up and give you the why.<br />
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About two years ago I discovered this 130 year old railroad tunnel in southwest Wisconsin. It was really cool and on a nice rail trail. Now this trail isn't gnar, or hardcore. There weren't rocks or roots or mountain views. It was, to say it simply, nice. Overwhelmingly, incredibly, and unapologetically nice. I became overwhelmed with the need to put on a race on this trail so people would go through this tunnel. That's really the first straw.<br />
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I knew the <a href="https://newglarusbrewing.com/" target="_blank">New Glarus Brewery</a> was in the area so I wrote them asking if they would be interested in getting involved. They flat out refused. I explored the area and was lead ultimately to the <a href="http://minhasbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Minhas Brewery</a>. This is the second oldest brewery in the country and it was super cool and close to the trail. I emailed and called them, hoping for them to be a host to the race, and they didn't follow up. For a while I thought about how cool it would be to have an ultra go between these breweries. But my dreams were shattered and it was back to the drawing board.<br />
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Somewhere around this time I started considering doing this with Adam. We had talked about shorter races and a <a href="http://www.tenjunkmiles.com/" target="_blank">Ten Junk Miles</a> race series, but this race was still really in my head. I just couldn't figure it out. We knew we were going to put a race on this trail, we just didn't know how.<br />
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Last September I did the <a href="https://www.yetitrailrunners.com/races/2017/9/29/l15tjltymtozh89rqy4ntmapfc6nlb" target="_blank">Yeti 100</a> and saw that a out, back and out again format was possible. Then, after exploring up and down the trail, a plan emerged. Now, I realize I was a rookie. So I wanted to start out simply. With a 100 Mile, 100k, 50 mile, 50K, marathon and half marathon all rolled into one. Simple right?<br />
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We applied for a permit and insurance. Formed a company (Ten Junk Miles Racing, LLC) and off we went to try to figure out race directing.<br />
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For the most part we created this event from scratch, from the ground up. We didn't use anyone's template. There were some things that were important to each of us and for the most part those visions materialized. First: amazing buckle<br />
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TJM branded feminine hygiene products at all aid stations<br />
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the use of the Stewart Tunnel by all runners<br />
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cool swag and last but not least, making a 70 year old tavern on the course (Dot's) a required stop.<br />
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(Yes, you have to go downstairs, get a coaster and bring it to the next aid station). We wanted this race to reflect our vision and version of trail running. Music at the aid stations, beer, fireball, great swag (100 milers got a shirt, belt, socks and buff) and a family atmosphere. We bought three kegs of New Glarus Spotted Cow (exclusively sold in Wisconsin) for the finish line. We wanted people to stay and talk and for it to feel like a family reunion.<br />
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We wanted a long cutoff for people who struggled at breaking 30 hours. So 36 hours it was. Why not? Why does it have to be so hard? Why not just remove the problem of worrying about cutoffs so people can just enjoy themselves. And they did.<br />
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We also really wanted to incorporate the towns along the way. Belleville, Orangeville, Monticello, Monroe, New Glarus and Basco stole our hearts. These pretty cities have a lot to offer and we wanted people to know them, to spend time in them and to spend their money in them. It means so much more to these towns than the big city. The towns showed their gratitude by helping the race in every conceivable way. All of the first responders had our backs. The city broke with tradition and allowed camping in the park. They helped us make this event easier at every opportunity.<br />
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Packet pickup overwhelmed me. Seeing those hundred of people made it real. Sure, I had spent some sleepless nights trying to figure out a lot of different aspect of the race. We would suddenly think "what about drop bags?" or "what's our policy on X?" We made it up as we went. When in doubt we asked, "What would a trail runner want" and we tried our best to comply in every way. We worked through the night delivering supplies to aid stations. Friends and family came and helped. Tents popped up out of no where. Dusty Olson came from CO. Dan Slater from Michigan. Friends and family and fans of the show just materialized everywhere and jumped in and helped where it was needed and it all just came together.<br />
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What happened on race day is hard to describe. It felt like a wedding. From the time we said go adrenaline was rushing through me. Most of day 1 was spent replenishing supplies. Frantically. Adam and I basically stopped communicating altogether, though our cars did pass flying down those country roads. More water, more ice, more Tailwind, more fruit. It was non-stop madness and driving and delivering and, somehow, it all just worked out fine.<br />
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I planned to get some sleep Fri night, but before I knew it Vikash Malik was finishing the 100K, then Jeff Miller, and then before you knoew it Nicholas Budzyn was there and I handed out my first buckle. I couldn't sleep. Hoa Schober was coming. And Jamison. And all my other friends and trail family. I had to be there when they finished. I had to give them their buckle.<br />
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Behind the scenes tens of friends of mine were working way to hard to make this happen. Mine and Adam's families, my wife, my sister Lynn, Dustball, and the aid station captains Michelle Hartwig, (Monroe) Nora Bird (Tunnel) Mike Kelsey (Gutzmer) Holly Lindroth (Monticello) Sam Turco and Rachel Ingle (County Road) and Josie Benkers (Orangeville). It was just totally fucking amazing. It all just came together and happened. And then the finishers came, over and over. The tears, the hugs, the smiles. I forgot so many people I know were out there and as they finished my heart grew so large I thought it would explode.<br />
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I can say this. Giving out a 100 mile buckle felt so much better than getting one.<br />
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So much went wrong that no one will ever know. But what matters most is those smiles. All of my favorite people on my favorite trail seeing trail running the way me and Adam envisioned it.<br />
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Special notes: this was the largest collection of participants from the MURCA group (Marine Ultra Runners Club of America). Also, Ultra legend Tom Green finished the 100, which was particularly moving.<br />
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Honestly, it is impossible to sum up in word what this race and event meant to me. What it meant to hug all those people and give them awards, so many of them their first, and just an impossible number of them telling us that the Ten Junk Miles podcast was to blame for their finish.<br />
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It goes without saying that I was terrified from start to finish. I didn't sleep at all. I was terrified that people would get to the finish line and tell me that they had no idea what we were thinking and that it was boring or not pretty or that they otherwise hated it. My vision and version of trail and ultra running might not be for everyone. Perhaps I was delusional. :).<br />
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Nope. That didn't happen at all. It went better than I ever could have expected. <a href="http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=62426" target="_blank">We had 88 100 mile finishers, and over 400 total</a>. I cried about 100 times. I can't wait to do it again.<br />
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You meet a lot of cool people on the trail. One of them is you. </div>
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-27929504086710330372019-06-16T17:14:00.000-05:002019-06-16T17:14:09.702-05:00The Most Beautiful Trail In The WorldSo I've been traveling this month, I'm sure you've seen. Apologies for the overload.<div>
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One think I really like to do when I am in a new place is run. I just look on Strava to see if there are any local routes and kinda half ass it to them.</div>
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Now. I realize it isn't practical for everyone all the time. Example: I'm in Africa. No cell phone. No wifi. High crime rate. No idea what I am in for running in a certain direction.</div>
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Strangely, I've never run into a problem. </div>
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My wife thinks I'm crazy. Like, no way is it worth it.</div>
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Well, it is.</div>
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As a recovering addict and a person that feels like he's lived quite a bit, I refuse to avoid experiences based on, even well-founded fear. I take a healthy dose of alertness and take the chance. Why? Because 'he who is not busy living is busy dying.'</div>
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So today I woke up in Mossel Bay, S.A. and had no idea where to run. I saw a couple of Strava segments. One on a road and one on a waterfront. So what the fuck, why not try.</div>
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I started jogging easy down this road and was thrilled to come upon a Led Zeppelin-themed joint...which I took a picture of and assumed it would be the highlight of the run.</div>
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Then I got the waterfront, which was spectacular. This place really was cool. </div>
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But where was this 8 mile "trail" segment. Well, first I climbed stairs forever. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. This trail was single track on the edge of the earth. It's about 500 feet down a rocky coast to the Indian Ocean. All I can hear is waves. And behold, the most beautiful trail in the world. (and I have seen some trails). I just couldn't believe my eyes. At every turn it got better. </div>
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Until I had to turn back because my wife would for sure fear I died. No worries though, I bought her back to it before we hit the road again.</div>
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Yea, I could have gotten attacked by wildlife Wednesday. I might have been kidnapped today. But you know what, you only live once. So I think I'll get up and do this again tomorrow.</div>
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-38912904084655615552019-02-28T15:48:00.005-06:002019-02-28T16:16:32.760-06:00Elitist Lottery Races Can Eat A Dick<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I started this blog in 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
the time I was new to the sport of MUT running and I was full of excitement and
optimism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was great about this
scene (to me at that time) was the laid back and egalitarian nature of the
sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I finished my first 50 mile
race in 2012 I was blown away that no one in my running circle seemed very
concerned about how fast I ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
didn’t ask how tough it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really
just wanted to know if I had a good time and if I want to do more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I dove quickly into all of the races in the trail running world and
quickly determined that my #1 goal in life was to run the Hardrock 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my number 2 goal was to run Western States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I set out to do this ASAP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even added the following to my blog title: “<span style="background: white;">This is a blog about an ultra runner trapped in the
city of Chicago training towards the ultimate goal of participating in the
Hardrock 100.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here I was, running and
training on the mean streets of the south side of Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running on sidewalks with broken glass and
chicken bones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No vert to speak of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing resembling a mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in my heart, I knew I wouldn’t be
complete until I ran Hardrock 100.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then, reality set
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although I did enter the lottery a
couple of times (Western States too) I quickly learned that running a States
and Hardrock Qualifier regularly might not result in the kind of running year I really want to have. Add to that, the fact that more and more
people are applying every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 45
years old it really didn’t seem like a likely goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But still, I
tried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Year after year joining that
group of people that will have to “wait and see about the lotteries.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now I’m talking about even more
lotteries, AC, Leadville, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wondered how it might feel to just look at the list of races and do the ones I
feel like doing or that look interesting and ignoring the “qualifier/lottery
shuffle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You know the races I’m
talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones that don’t
qualify you for anything and when you bring them up to your friends, they all
say “well, I’ll have to see what happens with the lotteries” or “I need a
______ qualifier.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones that are the
“have nots” of the scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because, as
you may suspect, there are people who cannot afford on a time or training basis
to do several 100 mile races in a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are people with jobs and families and physical or financial
limitations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, sorry Ozark 100, I need
to try to go do Javalina or Kettle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because I need my qualifier. That goes for you Stagecoach and Salt
Flats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m sorry Pony Express.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to Rocky or Burning River I go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what I’m talking about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And then, one day I
thought about it. There’s really two kinds of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People that easily and consistently get into
and/or qualify for the races, and those that do not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that’s not really true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a third group: the ones that have
privilege and get in because they are fast or famous or in the veteran lottery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re the friends of the RD that get
automatically picked and the sponsored runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’re the special picks, the media favorites and the winners from
last year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And then there’s the
rest of us.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.tenjunkmiles.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mmIIMT6sEQVyVTDM4qsiHCm3y7ublgXb6FoVMCQdG-0JICAWKTTlT-DBhSQPYOFoB9lKmdB_-ubyjgwdAA3cNYhV-kTZAllgcrxF5W2s3nMDj6c_71qHJnw2rKAedEuseDsKGxwpmH4M/s320/41109622_1899106080144750_8396113738817601536_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s awesome that
the top ten people get to go back to Western States every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m touched that Hardrock maintains a good
vibe with a mix of veterans and first timers (which is greatly appreciated and
defended by only those people privileged enough to be in that group). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a cool perk that some of the “in” runners
are automatically slotted into races like AC or Leadville while the rest of the
applicants pray they get picked. Plus, sponsored runners, ____ ticket runners,
RD special picks etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The list of
the lucky ones goes on and on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But don’t for one
second try to tell me that it’s fair or egalitarian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have watched the races that aren’t
qualifiers struggle to get by while others which are full every year with hopefuls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch my friends plan their race schedule
specifically to qualify and be one of those people that get a chance to be one
of the lucky ones to get a spot after the haves get done taking care of each
other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And when it is all
said and done I see people posting about their 15<sup>th</sup> Western States
finish or their 20<sup>th</sup> Hardrock finish and I puke a little in my
mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Until they are fair
and just, these lottery races can eat a dick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m going to run the races that interest me and if I qualify, I’ll put
my name in and if I don’t, so be it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
hello Ozark 100 and hello Salt Flats!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
will be nice to see you and I promise not to have any regret! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One other thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll promise you one thing right here and now,
if I ever do get in to these races, with their high demand and limited slots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one and done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because everyone should get a chance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Oh, and I’m changing
my blog title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I no longer dream
about competing in Hardrock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dream
about handing you your first 100-mile buckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The times have changed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Note: Some people
will argue this is jealousy or sour grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or just me whining because my running sucks lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing could be further from the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What brought this post on was the juxtaposition
of hundreds of my running friends planning their whole lives around races that
really prioritize taking care of the elites, the famous and their friends over
giving you a chance to experience their race and be the miracle that I know you
are.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ten Junk Miles Gear available here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TenJunkMiles">https://www.etsy.com/shop/TenJunkMiles</a></span></div>
<br />Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-30854820598071305732019-01-14T09:34:00.000-06:002019-01-14T09:34:33.140-06:00St. Croix 40 Winter UltraThis weekend I participated in the <a href="https://stcroixwinterultra.com/" target="_blank">St. Croix 40 Winter Ultra </a> in Hinkley MN. This is a new winter ultra race put on by Jamison and Lisa Swift, really nice folks who have been involved in the winter scene for some time.<br />
<br />
Winter ultras are a completely different beast with unique challenges. They tend to involve extensive <a href="https://stcroixwinterultra.com/race-details/required-gear/" target="_blank">required gear</a> like a specific caliber of sleeping bag, bivy (shelter), fuel, emergency food and other things to survive the winter. Most people place this gear in a pulk and run with it. Generaqlly you can ski, run or bike the distance.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbUfbq5IAVATxIzntp_JywVlVBwG7FuhkWcHKg2T6dsvAMnrR_vjEUCR1HSrfJK3oNoFyUByo0VchLGbzw7oKEX49qp7DPAcgaJW-YQUZ4u8UKkNmouhtr8PN5v27TUE7vBfC-9a2PgXW/s1600/50244646_2222378417807223_1700578763114283008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbUfbq5IAVATxIzntp_JywVlVBwG7FuhkWcHKg2T6dsvAMnrR_vjEUCR1HSrfJK3oNoFyUByo0VchLGbzw7oKEX49qp7DPAcgaJW-YQUZ4u8UKkNmouhtr8PN5v27TUE7vBfC-9a2PgXW/s400/50244646_2222378417807223_1700578763114283008_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading my pulk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Years back the <a href="https://tuscobiawinterultra.com/" target="_blank">Tuscobia Winter Ultras</a> had a 35/40 mile option but discontinued it. So in terms of actual winter endurance events, rookies had to do something like the <a href="https://www.fatotter.com/event/2019-frozen-otter-ultra" target="_blank">Frozen Otter </a>(64 miles) or the Tuscobia 80 miles. Both of these are in cold to extreme cold temps with very little outside support. As times you can go tens of miles alone with no place to seek shelter should things go wrong. While it is true that if you have the required gear and some knowledge of using it, these are both quite big events for a rookie.<br />
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In short, there was a need for a good introductory winter ultra. So this was a great idea.<br />
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To add fuel to the fire, St. Croix included a couple of skills tests that needed to be performed as part of the race. First, we all started in our sleeping bags and bivy. Tucked in. (Sidenote, I've participated in 9 winter ultras and I have never used my sleeping bag and bivy).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlixUMRbXvyYVmuAFdBaOn5Ty6nMOys8aoEwp8bDYNqRn0CtksXqznaRpqmAEeNS3ZhlQqQxg5flYQC2UptFjJFxHgQyjbmsFYu_mOmP4tr-5hya7jKJ3Q6XV5Cp4vvXdDFiKB6DUP_cf/s1600/49949247_376879769541883_5469767643185545216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlixUMRbXvyYVmuAFdBaOn5Ty6nMOys8aoEwp8bDYNqRn0CtksXqznaRpqmAEeNS3ZhlQqQxg5flYQC2UptFjJFxHgQyjbmsFYu_mOmP4tr-5hya7jKJ3Q6XV5Cp4vvXdDFiKB6DUP_cf/s400/49949247_376879769541883_5469767643185545216_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first bivy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also, we were required to get out our stove and boil water in the middle of the 40 mile race. (Sidenote, I've participated in 9 winter ultras and I have never used stove).<div>
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As you may be guessing. This is a perfect event for someone new to or interested in winter ultras. The 40 mile distance is challenging while not overwhelming. The skills tests are cool confidence builders. Also, ts a water only checkpoint at 20 miles so you aren't doing a 30-40 mile section without aid. </div>
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We started at 6 p.m. and the event has a 16 hour cutoff. I started with Adam, but he took off about 5-10 miles in and I spent the rest of the event alone. I found my all day hiking pace and cranked out a book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Artemis-Novel-Andy-Weir/dp/0553448145" target="_blank">(Artemis by Andy Weir)</a> and a bunch of podcasts. I settled into some classic rock in the end and finished comfortably around <a href="https://www.strava.com/athletes/3399449" target="_blank">12 hours</a>. Other than a few blood blisters from a problem I am developing on the side of my foot in these <a href="https://www.hokaoneone.com/mens-road/bondi-6/1019269.html?dwvar_1019269_color=CSSB#start=12&cgid=mens-road" target="_blank">Hoka Bondi's</a> (yes, I for some reason ran in road shoes) I didn't have any issues.</div>
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For nutrition I ate 2 RX Bars, 2 Nutty Buddy's and a bag of cheese munchies. I drank 80 ounces of water. Memory, I cried a little during Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven. </div>
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So 14 hours of driving, no hotel. And a nice stop at Culver's later. team ASS (Adam, Siva Scott) came home victorious.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzmViBrlyLqbFOaJuE2Stesmkp9Ao1Oe1em_sPSHeYutE_ogMYI8muLYEQEtASze9q_2AoVoC1srQOr2FCMCtTy12csKSC4NflWxHYLAthzxCjfCYjtNcQGYSW0P5-SMSnKA5y2CEGyFa/s1600/49848576_2068508583204498_7005823509318336512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzmViBrlyLqbFOaJuE2Stesmkp9Ao1Oe1em_sPSHeYutE_ogMYI8muLYEQEtASze9q_2AoVoC1srQOr2FCMCtTy12csKSC4NflWxHYLAthzxCjfCYjtNcQGYSW0P5-SMSnKA5y2CEGyFa/s400/49848576_2068508583204498_7005823509318336512_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you are considering winter ultras or curious about them, this is your obvious first step. A great taste of what the sport has to offer in a safe environment which requires you to perform a few of the skills essential to it. I highly recommend it!</div>
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Thanks for the support, and thanks for listening to <a href="https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/" target="_blank">Ten Junk Miles</a>!!!</div>
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Sidenote: the first price increase for the <a href="https://www.tenjunkmiles.com/tjm-racing/" target="_blank">Badger Trail Races</a> is coming soon. So get signed up so I can see you in the tunnel!!</div>
Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-5057008227144336922018-10-04T01:48:00.001-05:002018-10-04T01:55:41.378-05:00Put a fork in 2018<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2018 is done, put a fork in me</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s-3qtpghCMOSQwOV2TcL9rlTvsukcW2hR8FAcU37WoUeMA8bGBKiI5azuFMFgo8FcNVxnOHZiMak117B03C6b73X0xMWFXsPaH3WZ4fpwecdmda1CFe_HhjeJ2L2tfuKhRJ0NiLx6OJE/s1600/2018-10-03+19.26.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s-3qtpghCMOSQwOV2TcL9rlTvsukcW2hR8FAcU37WoUeMA8bGBKiI5azuFMFgo8FcNVxnOHZiMak117B03C6b73X0xMWFXsPaH3WZ4fpwecdmda1CFe_HhjeJ2L2tfuKhRJ0NiLx6OJE/s320/2018-10-03+19.26.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some years I’m the dog and some years I’m the tree. This year I was the tree. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was looking forward to ending 2018 with a couple of strong performances at the Yeti 100 and the Backyard Ultra. Instead, we’ll, I didn’t do much. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWMW6bCPawJ8onYTDo7itHALhaZIIfyXsWYndGujXYMWUZrV6xoXvsQNAEJnChM-vbYk6iC6uF3xYfA9b-K59BmWwReKsbCC-LeAyaa-a9DZUrnZC1XSLn9w9aDGwjTSzE3zyXgNGPrf7/s1600/2018-10-03+19.25.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="960" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWMW6bCPawJ8onYTDo7itHALhaZIIfyXsWYndGujXYMWUZrV6xoXvsQNAEJnChM-vbYk6iC6uF3xYfA9b-K59BmWwReKsbCC-LeAyaa-a9DZUrnZC1XSLn9w9aDGwjTSzE3zyXgNGPrf7/s320/2018-10-03+19.25.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeti 100 is put on by one of my favorite people in the ultra world, Jason Green. Jason is ultra running. He’s community. His spirit and attitude is 100% what I love about this sport and I was looking forward to a huge hug from him at the finish line after a strong 100 mile performance. Don’t ask me why. I wasn’t well trained. I wasn’t in good shape. I wasn’t even running well. I guess I just thought based on my experience and the fact that the course was flatish and smoothish I should be able to finish. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The course is, staggeringly beautiful. 33 miles gently down a 3,000 ft. mountain, then back up it about down again. 46 trestle bridges for each out, back and out again. Amazing aid stations. A really cool vibe. A skateboard deck, shirt and hat for all participants...and the feeling that you are part of a community that is really in this together. Yeti knocked me out. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNZqeZ9r9s4iSz_nuQUcI9fnB-gG6OxDy2WNPuXqc_-EsVsoNv44ittc_ZR4GmAAcPwbIiyjV2lfl66aIvEqhPKttRDhLjPoJFQAbVUSm1GHVJ2ufsP-OyGTIigTuXtXKyUQx8FGbXojF/s1600/2018-10-03+19.26.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNZqeZ9r9s4iSz_nuQUcI9fnB-gG6OxDy2WNPuXqc_-EsVsoNv44ittc_ZR4GmAAcPwbIiyjV2lfl66aIvEqhPKttRDhLjPoJFQAbVUSm1GHVJ2ufsP-OyGTIigTuXtXKyUQx8FGbXojF/s320/2018-10-03+19.26.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what the fuck happened? Well, at mile 33 I noticed a hole the size of a fingertip in the center of my foot pad. Which caused some blistering and a little rot foot. So I stopped (Thanks Ami!!!) and changed socks, freshly applied Trail Toes and headed back out with the Grant Maughan mentality of “blisters ain’t shit.” In retrospect the foot pad blister changed my hair which caused more blisters and blood blisters and all kinds of, well, fucked up shit that dropped me to my knees around mile 80. And my day was over. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bykofP8KlYNM41d7cQYXdU2Uzf_b0L92t_8IRiJKteSkztA7bXCoOXWMJwltls2X6tzoG0CctHRrarLIxGNZHVw4MU3qckAe9BhtDJEPGAyckePQKgQxjTgUZH1AKP3gcFo9G0Het2Yj/s1600/2018-10-03+19.25.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bykofP8KlYNM41d7cQYXdU2Uzf_b0L92t_8IRiJKteSkztA7bXCoOXWMJwltls2X6tzoG0CctHRrarLIxGNZHVw4MU3qckAe9BhtDJEPGAyckePQKgQxjTgUZH1AKP3gcFo9G0Het2Yj/s320/2018-10-03+19.25.35.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I again thought...why am I doing this? How can I make this sport a part of my life when I have a year like this? Who would want to listen to me talk on a podcast after this terrible year of DNF’s and failures? What the fuck is wrong with me?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzZxxWsKRdnVUjFVDJxI7n1HhQxXaLdy08DPWrOq7zQ5k2qfe0BUchUJfXyDGOSHJS3pln8SHXn0Lh8Sncd1kJCdHiLHGhQX-y4MpGQ8bRGD6y38xUSp9-gWuiexXVubKnxPhuw3GRyQJ/s1600/2018-10-03+19.25.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzZxxWsKRdnVUjFVDJxI7n1HhQxXaLdy08DPWrOq7zQ5k2qfe0BUchUJfXyDGOSHJS3pln8SHXn0Lh8Sncd1kJCdHiLHGhQX-y4MpGQ8bRGD6y38xUSp9-gWuiexXVubKnxPhuw3GRyQJ/s320/2018-10-03+19.25.15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remembered back to a time when I felt like I could finish everything and everything. When I attacked each race and trained my ass off. When I felt like the kind of person people admired as a runner. And I was a little sad. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to just pull the plug on 2018 and look ahead. To take some time to train and work on diet and nutrition. To get in good running shape and unfuck myself. To make 2019 a better year and stop trying to force things. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And to go back next year to see Jason Green in Damascus and get that fucking hug. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ll be back. I have some training to do. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I should probably work on writing a bit during this period too!</span></div>
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-83893626415428899492018-05-15T07:50:00.004-05:002018-05-15T15:11:02.306-05:00Why you should just shut up and leash your fucking dog<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Why you should just
shut up and leash your fucking dog<o:p></o:p></div>
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or<o:p></o:p></div>
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ODE TO EDWARD SANDOR’S
DOG LEASH POST<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG2doAl0tL0j8VCeBoRaESv5tz7-osVPfMDTD71k7gqXtKDhHohbtvTJvXXN20gzB5UAtWREx-DknitBhFuS0AjCyGes800T-B2o-1SDb8ZAzH4eXgotU8ONxB2RO1WOv1vyCiBxjXQM3/s1600/IMG_0907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG2doAl0tL0j8VCeBoRaESv5tz7-osVPfMDTD71k7gqXtKDhHohbtvTJvXXN20gzB5UAtWREx-DknitBhFuS0AjCyGes800T-B2o-1SDb8ZAzH4eXgotU8ONxB2RO1WOv1vyCiBxjXQM3/s400/IMG_0907.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I pulled
this quote out of Edward Sandor’s blog post because I have come across this
scenario far too many times:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">"Leash your dog!"<br />
Why? Aside his base existence off-leash, he isn't doing anything wrong. He
isn't hurting anyone. He just wants to laugh and frolic in the woods, just like
you.<br />
"You're breaking the law."<br />
Thanks.<br />
"Asshole."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Though
truth be told, upon confrontation, I just smile and say, "Have a nice
day!" and we keep on as we were, minding nobody any business at all--and
in a way, that's asserting dominance, taking powers”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
encounter always leaves me flabbergasted (old timey word).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kinda feel like a person would feel if
every time they approached a green light they had to worry that someone might
be disregarding the light going the other direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <u>long</u> for a “leashed” dog park or area
where I can spend time with my leashed dog with confidence that everyone is following
the rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this post isn’t about me
and my unique circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nonetheless, in the interest of full disclosure I have a large Doberman
that doesn’t really like other dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
loves all people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not viscous or a
danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just had an unfortunate early
life and we rescued him. (who rescued whom?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s my best friend and main running partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(two ultra finishes – a 30 and 50).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask anyone who knows him and they will tell
you, he’s a good dog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFHq-LxRlJBkW5hE4RU9Yn_A-qE1ytRCky9TD9ENJuwDGJP5HqW02jG-7aE-RQW0tjdYWc9YCFT9QDjOFx9_Ffa8yg5io2oOv9WIvzPMvkxi4pZJwZopTdtIwUZU-6xZabXz8sioq7l5F/s1600/IMG_0829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFHq-LxRlJBkW5hE4RU9Yn_A-qE1ytRCky9TD9ENJuwDGJP5HqW02jG-7aE-RQW0tjdYWc9YCFT9QDjOFx9_Ffa8yg5io2oOv9WIvzPMvkxi4pZJwZopTdtIwUZU-6xZabXz8sioq7l5F/s400/IMG_0829.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I should
also disclose that I have a keen interest in animal rescues, having given some
time and money to the Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus, and I am a member (and
Secretary Nominee) of the Illinois State Bar Association Animal Law Section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know a little about animal law and I give
my spare time to it and its causes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But this
isn’t about me, my dog and my credentials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not about you either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
see, in answering this question it’s a mistake to reflect on that time you got
bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That time a friend of yours was
attacked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or the time an off leash dog
bit your dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor is it about your
subjective fears and allergies or your love of cats and hatred of dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of these are relevant to the
discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor is the fact that you
have the greatest, kindness, god-like dog that wouldn’t hurt a fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor is the fact that your dog is under your
complete and utter control.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It really
comes down to two concepts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) common
sense (we could also say “logic”); and 2) courtesy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAQuG2aElqGKJ7xZv2e7989C6N4RGGWit-LEpSNvFaDyKeCPAUaWWEPTXUpt9QFPnjRDjYSOxRBpbxFoxRb09Bew8dlyy3qlPKIAqohnSYLIfq1kmRvjJLg_rV8kUveuTBZyU71aIKJhT/s1600/2016-04-21+06.46.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAQuG2aElqGKJ7xZv2e7989C6N4RGGWit-LEpSNvFaDyKeCPAUaWWEPTXUpt9QFPnjRDjYSOxRBpbxFoxRb09Bew8dlyy3qlPKIAqohnSYLIfq1kmRvjJLg_rV8kUveuTBZyU71aIKJhT/s400/2016-04-21+06.46.16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let me say
first – if you live in a place where dogs are allowed to be off leash, or if
you are in an off-leash dog park, this isn’t directed at you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ENJOY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If off-leash is legally permitted none of this applies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let me say
second – I wish we lived in a world where every dog was good, every person was
good, no people were scared or allergic, and no dangers existed to off leash
dogs and they could all frolic in lawless harmony to their hearts desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Elvis isn’t cutting records anymore and I
stopped believing in Santa, so that isn’t possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In point of fact, Mr. Sandor (who’s blog post
this is a rebuttal to at the following link: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://edwardsandor.blogspot.com/2018/05/leashing-attitudes.html?m=1">https://edwardsandor.blogspot.com/2018/05/leashing-attitudes.html?m=1</a>
) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
himself realizes these limitations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know this because 1) I’ve never actually
seen him with his dogs off leash; and 2) he has a door to his house, and he
doesn’t allow his dogs to do whatever they want….if he did, they would likely do
what any free dog would do…..travel to the nearest Burger King and wait out
back for scraps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMCEs40M9d9QdkE0U7QPFR44xgQjX5d-SCadJ4KXmUSKhc8DNG2XL5LvhPpMuu-1eJhzh0alZxg3h1atqsDtXGzUM7nkCCNHMcISePy90aXYJlgUj8uasmSANYXshjprKedTOVxNXu_1Y/s1600/IMG_9183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMCEs40M9d9QdkE0U7QPFR44xgQjX5d-SCadJ4KXmUSKhc8DNG2XL5LvhPpMuu-1eJhzh0alZxg3h1atqsDtXGzUM7nkCCNHMcISePy90aXYJlgUj8uasmSANYXshjprKedTOVxNXu_1Y/s400/IMG_9183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So the
reality is, we live in a world with:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Problem dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Mine technically being one of them); and<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Problem people which fall into the category of
bad dog owners, people that can’t be around dogs and people that just don’t
like dogs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
If anyone has a practical solution
to eliminating these two things, problem solved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But again, I stopped believing in leprechauns
long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as a consequence, some
jurisdictions have imposed laws that require dogs to be leashed when in the
public sphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These laws exist to
protect good people and good dogs from problem people and problem dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
If you don’t like leash laws move
to a place without them or fight to change the law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you live in a jurisdiction with a
leash law or are in an area which requires a leash and you don’t use it, you’re
either selfish or rude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no way
around it. When you ignore the law and just do whatever you like you are like a
person that says “stop signs are for other people” or “someone else will pick
this garbage up” or “I’ll choose whether or not to vaccinate my kid.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, you’ll get away with it for a while but
everyone you effect just thinks you’re an asshole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There’s a
million ethical, social and metaphyisical arguments around the fringe of the
issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(“My dog is different” and “This
is my way of contentious objection” and “Dogs want and need to be free” etc.
etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s also plenty of places for you to lawfully
have your dog off leash and plenty of places where leash laws don’t exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also fight to change your local
law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-40566015180038688332017-11-14T16:49:00.001-06:002017-11-14T16:50:30.073-06:00Band of Runners Trail CampI spent last weekend in Virginia at the <a href="http://bandofrunners.org/" target="_blank">Band of Runners Trail Camp</a>. It was a mind blowing experience where veterans and gold star families gathered to learn about trail running, trail running skills and get introduced to trail running culture.<br />
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But let's back up a second.</div>
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This is ultra running superstar Liza Howard:</div>
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I first met Liza at the NFECSF a year ago. I was really impressed by her as a coach very very concerned about how her runner was doing (that she came to surprise pace). I was also impressed that she knew what <a href="http://www.tenjunkmiles.com/" target="_blank">Ten Junk Miles </a>was. She told me about the camp generally and I offered to help in any way I could.</div>
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Shortly thereafter I recorded a long run interview with her for Ten Junk Miles: </div>
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(Available on Itunes): <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/long-run-23-liza-howard-and-band-of-runners-trail-camp/id977007408?i=1000379262824&mt=2" target="_blank">LINK TO LIZA INTERVIEW</a></div>
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After this interview I think I had fully drank the Liza Howard Kool-Aide. This is a special person who really cares about making the world around her a better place. My kind of people. I wanted to help the project and Liza in any way I could....so we did some raffles and posts on Facebook to get behind her project so that it could be funded.</div>
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Then she invited me to camp. Seriously? Me? The list of mentors included <a href="http://bandofrunners.org/mentors" target="_blank">legends of the sport, elite runners and really accomplished people</a>. I'm none of those and have very little connection to the cause. But I went anyway. And so glad I did.</div>
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I can't begin to explain to you all what took place. Imagine vets and gold star family members exploring the trails and trail running life with these legends of the sport. They learned about stretching, form, nutrition, blister care, trail etiquette, and so much more. While some had experience and used this to refine their skills and learn more about the sport, still others took their first trail run, their first night run and met their first trail running friends.</div>
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I met a lot of new people and made a lot of new friends. From Joe Prusaitis (for sure my new brother from another mother) to Jamil (Jam Jam) Coury (who didn't challenge me to an eat/run event). To Liza and her amazing family (especially Ruby) and everyone in between. I got to go on legend Dave Mackey's first trail run in a long time. I heard AJW give an inspirational speech. and I may, just may have been talked into another stupid running event or two (Brian Ricketts will be Whataburger Champion no more). I want to thank each and every one of the mentors. It meant a lot to meet you, spend time with you and get to know you. You're all very special people. </div>
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But most of all. More than anything. I got to see first hand how therapeutic trail running can be. How it can connect us and make us vulnerable. How our stories and memories can inspire and open up others. And how being with other trail runners, nature and having a common purpose can form an extremely powerful bond and connection. When I left I knew I would want to do more to help this cause. I also wondered what other groups could benefit from the magic of this community. I already know it works wonders for addicts, trauma survivors.....who else.</div>
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The end of the year is coming and I always reflect on what more I can do. Yes, medals are fine and I like having cool ultrasignup results, but at the end of the day I want to be able to look back and say that I had a positive impact on the world. Things like this make me hungry for more. It's not just running and trails. It's not just finish lines. It's humanity. And we can really make a difference if we open our hearts and minds and look around.</div>
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Do you want to help? Even a small donation would make a big difference, so here's a link if you want to donate to the Band of Runners so that future camps can take place: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=PKNOct2Q_COLOcI4QNVP-byTNJh7LVhCakp3Iei67vSnlBnv2yd9wz7s6n1_ZUqNEq1uB0&country.x=US&locale.x=US" target="_blank">DONATE</a> If even 10% of the people that read this left $5.00 it would make a HUGE impact.</div>
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PS: I also took a class on Wilderness First Aid. So if you get hurt on the trail, I stumble upon you and I say I have medical training DON'T LAUGH :)</div>
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PSS: I'm off to run a 100 mile self supported turkey trot for ALS next week and a 225 mile jog around Texas to see churches the following week. So if I die, please tell my wife to tell my dog that I loved him.</div>
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-26515616651653299372017-05-19T05:58:00.000-05:002017-05-19T06:53:47.827-05:00Run Across Illinois For Mental Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just wanted to check in because, as a lot of you may know, I'm currently running across the entire state of Illinois. I wanted to explain why and let you know how you can help.<br />
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Defeat the Stigma is a project that aims to raise awareness and money for issues effecting mental illness. They have a podcast ("Defeat the Stigma" on Itunes). They shed light on a whole host of important issues and it is an extremely inspirational project. You can read about it an learn more at www.defeatthestigma.org.<br />
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Julio Salazar is the founder of the Defeat the Stigma Project. He's also an ultrarunner who decided to run across Minnesota in 2015 to bring attention to this project. (he also snores...I have learned). Last year he ran across Wisconsin and a few other runners joined him. This year he's running across Illinois to raise money for NAMI (The National Alliance for Mental Illnesss. It's roughly 140 miles so the run is broken down to 35 miles a day. I decided to join him, along with ultrarunners Erica Wagner, Kevin Chem, Cheryl Zwarkowski. At this point we're halfway there. </div>
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You can follow us at www.defeatthestigma.org.<br />
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There's a lot of reasons to run. This has been one of the best. We hold signs to dedicate miles to people that died from mental illness or suicide. We talk to people and groups about mental illness. We've also learned about people that have taken their own life, during the run. We can see the impact first hand. We see in the faces and eyes of people that they understand. And we are transformed. It's a great project. 100% of the funds we raise go to NAMI. Thank you for following g and supporting!!<br />
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-24601007283578236222017-02-03T10:32:00.001-06:002017-02-03T13:42:12.653-06:00Arrowhead 135 Race Report - Fueled by Irrational Fears and Junk Food<div>
Earlier this month i finished the Tuscobia 160 Mile ultra. That report was gear-centric. This week i completed the Arrowhead 135 Mile race in International Falls Minnesota. This report will focus more on the mental and nutritional aspects of winter races.<br />
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Sidenote: I am attempting a "slam" of three races in one year. Tuscobia 160, Arrowhead 135 and Actif Epica 120 KM. If you complete the three in one year you are entered into the "<a href="http://orderofthehrimthurs.com/" target="_blank">Order of the Hrimthurs</a>" Only three people have ever done all three on foot in one year. </div>
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Arrowhead is generally referred to as one of the hardest foot races period. It starts in the "IceBox of America" International Falls, MN. Like Tuscobia, runners (you can bike or ski as well) are unsupported, no crew or pacers. Runners are allowed 1 drop bag of food. The only other gear you get to have is on your sled (pulk) which you pull behind you. My sled weighed about 30 pounds. i had much of the same things i had from Tuscobia. There is a store you check into at mile 35. A cabin at 70. A tent on the side of the trail at 110 and very little other than trees, hills and snow in between. You are given 60 hours to finish. Usually less than half of the starters finish.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Thomas Woods</td></tr>
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Race Plan</div>
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My strategy was to try to get to 35 in 10 hours. Get to 70 in 25 hours. And then take it easy the rest of the way, finishing before the cutoff. I was going to run with my friend Tim again at least until halfway unless one of us was holding the other up. My "reach" goal was to finish in 55 hours, and not be chasing cutoffs. Last year I quit around mile 50. Excuse, sheer gutlessness. </div>
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Nutrition</div>
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Although I have been eating NSNG (No sugar no grains) I loaded about 10,000 calories on my sled and drop bag of bad food. Gells/Waffles, Lara Bars, Reeces Cups, Pringles, Trail Mixes, Mixed Nuts and then, just for fun because they weigh nothing, a large bag of cheetoes (regular, not puffs). My goals to cram 200-500 calories into my mouth per hour, no matter what. When I wasn't hungry or it made me sick, I ate it anyway saying, out loud, "It's medicine."</div>
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The Race</div>
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Tim and I started strong and hammered the first section to Gateway. We were even under 15 minute miles for some of the time and I was impressed with our progress. It was in the 10's to start reaching the 20s, so warmish and snowing. The trail was nice and we ran into many old and new friends. We got to Gateway around 10 hours and I was thrilled. We took a rather long stop because I had feet issues to cure and I really wanted to eat some warm food while I could. I had a hot dog, a sloppy joe, chicken tenders and two cokes. I also bought another bag of cheetoes (puffs), Twinkies (no idea why) and more cokes and a red bull for the sled. (This is totally grossing me out as I write it).</div>
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Over the next 35 mile section something happened to Tim. He started slowing. Then he puked. Like 500 times in a row. This was bad. Without food and water this race is impossible. Dehydration causes cold. Lack of food causes the sleepies. I knew we were in trouble. After several discussions he told me to leave and that he was going to "bivy" (camp on the side of the trail) and try to "unfuck himself." I didn't think there was a good chance of that by the looks of him and I was sad. Tim was in the slam with me. We were really pushing and I thought a couple times that I was going to be holding him back. This was a big shock. I became lonely and all in my own head, which is a bad place to be. I got out my coke and put it within my gortex jacket to thaw it out. I also got out a large bag of cheetoes. New nutrition strategy....every 5 miles, 10% of the coke and 10% of the cheetoes and 8 gulps of water. Why 8? Who knows? Things aren't really making sense. At this point I could hear packs of wolves howling everywhere. That's interesting. Creepy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKwyEOQumWuQU-oa4FR6lCuo7K6LBk3Mq_6KR4JBHMOLaKW9zDohZ5q_1hWWuKYm5fAbIcC1X13pIIRR5fzTbf3Xa_0Qpa0_C-6JAdLzT_OdfycXAwVnZF0Koe8oSGSXPh86c10XZzOlI/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKwyEOQumWuQU-oa4FR6lCuo7K6LBk3Mq_6KR4JBHMOLaKW9zDohZ5q_1hWWuKYm5fAbIcC1X13pIIRR5fzTbf3Xa_0Qpa0_C-6JAdLzT_OdfycXAwVnZF0Koe8oSGSXPh86c10XZzOlI/s320/IMG_0423.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ski Pulk - Photo credit Scott Rokis</td></tr>
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Also, Tim was worried about a long lake crossing. The idea of running on a frozen lake probably doesn't scare many people but for some reason it really scared Tim. I wasn't thinking about whether it scared me because I was going to enjoy scaring and laughing at him. Now, alone, on my own, going across the frozen lake without a person in sight, seeing all those tracks, and hearing the cracking noises I got really scared. I called my wife and just asked her to talk to me. My god. I was so scared. It made no sense in retrospect. :)</div>
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I got to Melgeorges (mile 70ish) at 24 hours (ahead of my plan) and people basically laughed at me for being scared of the lake. I ate a grilled cheese sandwich and some soup, served by Kari's sweet mom :) and changed my socks. I refilled my coke, which had become a main source of happiness on the trail, stored in my inner pocket and swigged each 10K while I pounded more cheetoes. My feet were BAD. But you know what, I knew that was going to happen when I signed up, so I crammed them in my shoes again and pushed off.</div>
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The next section was the scary lonely hilly section. I didn't see any people the entire time, it was snowing in my face and the hills were crazy, extra crazy with a 30 pound sled on your back. Then there was the sledding down the hills which I was adamantly opposed to prior to this race. Now I was sledding everything with reckless abandon. Taking chances. At many points completely unaware of my path. I started to have a little fun in between the hills that I hated. These hills weren't extreme by any means, but with the sled, over and over. At some point I just decided that it was never going to end, it was going to be hill after hill and, well, whatever. I turned into a cheetoe eating coke drinking zombie.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKUlBKr0uXhF0wrPYJJJtWuOMXHICZQyIRHtyASdgi_SfQUrqkGVVCknofoQGVZCOQKvAVCRHqOHTdDWulH0kk81bxo8I8ej0jN24f8_YIjs1iMWPriXeSinCTyv9iJVuB4ueSaxwjGi9/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKUlBKr0uXhF0wrPYJJJtWuOMXHICZQyIRHtyASdgi_SfQUrqkGVVCknofoQGVZCOQKvAVCRHqOHTdDWulH0kk81bxo8I8ej0jN24f8_YIjs1iMWPriXeSinCTyv9iJVuB4ueSaxwjGi9/s320/IMG_0407.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit - Eric Bloomquist</td></tr>
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Those Twinkies came into play around mile 100. They were slightly frozen. I haven't had a Twinkie in a very long time. They were, glorious.<br />
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I hit the last checkpoint at Ski Pulk (mile 110) around 11:00. My plan was to leave by midnight so I would have 19 hours to go 22ish miles. I would finally feel like the race is in the bag and I will finish. I took off my wet shoes and tried to dry my socks and nothing was helping. In fact, my feet felt like frozen blocks of ice and my shoes were freezing up. I was really scared I was going to get frostbite. Eric and Tim saw me at Ski Pulk and got me moving. I actually left before midnight. My feet and shoes warmed up a bit once I got moving but I was worried because everything was wet and the temps were dropping to below zero and this seemed like the perfect cocktail for frostbite.<br />
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Sidenote: I know nothing about frostbite. I've never had it, never read about it. I really have just seen scary pictures. On a scale of 1-10 my knowledge of frostbite was equal to my knowledge of frozen lakes. 0.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Burgess Eberhardt</td></tr>
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So pulled my last coke and bag of Cheetos (if something is working and you are eating why change, right?) and all I can think about is frostbite. Over and over again. So I called my wife and she googled it. We decided I could change my socks, but that might do little with the wet shoes. At the end of the day I came to the decision that my best course of action was to start running. To get to the finish ASAP and then they would take off my boots and my feet would be black and blue and I'd need an ambulance to the hospital, but I'd still be in the slam so whatever, right? <br />
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Sidenote: I didn't sleep during this race at all. I took a 5 hour energy and two caffeine pills. I hallucinated most of the last 24 hours but after Tuscobia I was used to that. My initial reaction to everything, real or imagined was "that's not real." <br />
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So I cranked up the tunes (hip hop) and did the Cheeto/coke thing running every other song. I was scared, miserable and in a complete state of panic. All I though about over those last 15 miles was frostbite. I pushed as hard as I could.<br />
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Sidenote: I did the first half in 24:01; the second half in 24:09. Weird!!<br />
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When I finally finished I wasn't happy. I just needed to know if I had frostbite. I didn't, of course. Just some really gross blisters. It was all irrational. Maybe my mind needed an excuse to make me run. Maybe I did. Maybe I just had more in the tank and needed an excuse to use it. Or maybe I'm a wack job crazy person junk food addict. Either way, at 7:13 I crossed the finish line to finish in 48:09:00 in 13th place.<br />
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There is so much more I could say and so many stories to tell and people to thank. But I need to thank the Kruegers, Sue Lucas, Tim Kruse, Eric Bloomquist and most of all my wife Kylia who took my phone calls and never once accused me of being insane.<br />
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I guess anything is possible. <br />
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-85523322803712324232017-01-13T11:46:00.000-06:002017-01-14T09:01:39.056-06:00My Tuscobia 160 Mile Race<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRiO0dgntsxxt1MS52AFTZ3VytYS5-YCmbyec0Rx1uyYQZpIwlYFPQJNXMWuds0U0-7ie5NqDeJDWMCBxxoQkIN2B6zN399_19zCbbgz5GkECKTpTH1c9H7iJAkMOKb_XiiVkl1s1BZO6/s1600/IMG_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRiO0dgntsxxt1MS52AFTZ3VytYS5-YCmbyec0Rx1uyYQZpIwlYFPQJNXMWuds0U0-7ie5NqDeJDWMCBxxoQkIN2B6zN399_19zCbbgz5GkECKTpTH1c9H7iJAkMOKb_XiiVkl1s1BZO6/s400/IMG_0287.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Photo - Credit Mary Ehlers</td></tr>
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If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. From the first time I heard about the <a href="https://tuscobia.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Tuscobia Winter Ultras </a> I knew I had to do it. I tried and failed, twice. This year I got it done. <br />
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Tuscobia offers a 80 and 160 mile run/bike/ski event in Rice Lake/Park Falls Wisconsin. The 80 mile runs from Park Falls to Rice Lake. The 160 is an out and back from Rice Lake to Park Falls, and back. There are certain gear requirements that result in a "pulk" (sled) being the most effective means to carry your gear. There is a shelter/aid station at mile 45. There is another at the turnaround at mile 80 - 35 miles later. The final shelter is back in the middle 35 miles later, after which it is 45 miles to the end. You are allowed two drop bags. One you see twice. You have 65 hours to complete the race. In 2016 4 people finished the 160. This year 14 (out of 30).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpZqM9IZBV0iu0_DfqOMyk8fecjA_zHP2bhH8ah1NDT3zOnXD6DUhnDBacST2Cknmrtai-Xgis0vC7SpYX0FAXfEUK9HIUgc6bqt9eQHswL-a5u9UZTD-AFSAXsZg-rsIxkAWEjmdFArd/s1600/12647083_10153823440242910_1291095509464513503_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpZqM9IZBV0iu0_DfqOMyk8fecjA_zHP2bhH8ah1NDT3zOnXD6DUhnDBacST2Cknmrtai-Xgis0vC7SpYX0FAXfEUK9HIUgc6bqt9eQHswL-a5u9UZTD-AFSAXsZg-rsIxkAWEjmdFArd/s400/12647083_10153823440242910_1291095509464513503_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my pulk from Arrowhead 135 2016</td></tr>
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Both times that I quit I quit for no good reason. I took very long breaks at the halfway point with a plan of evaluating where I was at when I woke up. This year I planned to finish. I also trained to finish, averaging 80 mile running weeks in the forth months leading up to the race. I also got serious about my diet by eliminating refined sugar and grains in September which resulted in 40 pound weight loss. I was physically and mentally in the best possible place. I strongly believed I could finish.<br />
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I drove up and stayed the night before the race with a close running friend, Tim Kruse. Tim is a Frozen Otter finisher, Gnarly Bandit finisher and really, a tough and smart guy. We had been talking about gear and logistics since fall. He was ready too. It was a great ride and really fun to discuss the race. We planed to start together and hoped to stay together on the course, though we realized that sweat, speed, injury, sleep, etc. could effect things.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJhZfn-B4rlFdPrOQMGh_BUyxxbCbAt4m_ALH4d8nwZKFMo0LeUvBoc8zL17poPxqt__8X-HQL6GXNtnCNaqfF7z43GZTEchQ69BTCv6wT793rFVJ_LBqcfeYEprSdyHO_pOroQP3Jz3D/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJhZfn-B4rlFdPrOQMGh_BUyxxbCbAt4m_ALH4d8nwZKFMo0LeUvBoc8zL17poPxqt__8X-HQL6GXNtnCNaqfF7z43GZTEchQ69BTCv6wT793rFVJ_LBqcfeYEprSdyHO_pOroQP3Jz3D/s400/IMG_0284.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim at the Ojibwa checkpoint</td></tr>
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This race requires you to bring your sled inside the start and the RD's make sure you have each item of required gear, which includes: A zero degree or better sleeping bag; bivy sack, sleeping pad, stove, pot, firestarter, headlamp, 3 flashing red LED lights, a headlamp and 3,000 calories of food. All of these items must be on your sled the entire race. If you don't still have them at the finish you aren't going to count. At the end of the blog I will list the specific items I took with pics.<br />
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I expected the race to start in the low negative single digits, get into the double negative digits on Friday night, and generally warm up over the weekend. So of course at the start is was between -15 and -20 degrees. We had no idea. I instantly had a major ice beard. And we were off. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim and I at Birchwood, mile 20ish</td></tr>
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The first half of the race really couldn't have gone smoother. We locked into a nice 3 mph pace, stayed warm, minimized breaks and really had a nice time. At mile 45 my friend Chalayne applied some frost strips to protect my cheeks. It was a cold, double digit negative night. Tim and I passed a bar right around bar time and decided to capitalize on some red bull and coke. The bartender was surprised we were out in -19. we were surprised it was -19 ourselves.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoqOJ4Mrl_Yr2-qhfxGQxPqEFaOZxoFBbWaXRXhcPDZ7yd9UzcmHkVs71p_p8H3xny1LVBVqpNkAU9B4IxhZPVgbsGVz28Vd1T34p2YCyfs9oBmyYy3d8VDmIb9fc9VL8EUQY7cYOM8ro/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoqOJ4Mrl_Yr2-qhfxGQxPqEFaOZxoFBbWaXRXhcPDZ7yd9UzcmHkVs71p_p8H3xny1LVBVqpNkAU9B4IxhZPVgbsGVz28Vd1T34p2YCyfs9oBmyYy3d8VDmIb9fc9VL8EUQY7cYOM8ro/s400/IMG_0282.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What? It's -19?</td></tr>
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When things got rough Tim and I decided to just put our emergency jackets on and walk 2 mph. That worked really well. It was much better than stopping. It really warmed us up and gave us confidence. We knew that no matter what happened, we had that option. It was a comfort.<br />
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We reached the turnaround at Park Falls at about 11:45. (so 29:45 for 80 miles). We decided we were leaving at 2:00 p.m. Tim and I took about an hour nap, then screwed around with gear, changed socks and clothes, applied necessary lubricants, and the like.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping at mile 80</td></tr>
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One observation. My body hurt exactly the same way it did the last two years. My feet were hurting and blistered. I was cold a tired. This year dropping wasn't a consideration. We left at 2:15.<br />
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The third section is really where shit got real. The cold, plus sleepy, plus fatigue compounded and slowed us down a bit. (We later learned that it was the coldest Tuscobia on record with temps mostly in the area of -teens. At one point Tim decided to just sleep on his sled in the middle of the trail. As I stood beside him sleeping on his sled snoring in -15 temps I wondered what I was supposed to do. Leave? Listen? I decided it wasn't safe or a good idea, so I woke him up after 15 minutes and told him if he got to the next shelter which was 4 miles away by doing 3 mph again, we could take a 2 hour nap. I was wrong. The shelter was 12 miles away (so I was off by 3.5 hours? Shoot me!). Tim didn't seem to mind. We got there at 4:00 am and had a plan to leave again at 6 am.</div>
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In the morning I told Tim my plan. I was going to move at 3 mph and start running the downhills. If he couldn't keep up I would meet him at the finish. I didn't want to cut it close and after two failed attempts and a finish in my sight I wasn't taking any chances.</div>
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<div>
As the sun rose I jogged down the trail to some hip hop ("My Dick" was the name of the song) and really started to make time. I thought about the past year and all I had been through. I thought about how some people had given up on me, or I had given up on myself. I realized that today was the day that I could start turning all of that around. I realized that I was going to finish. I did a bathroom stop, re-arranged my sled, changed some layers and did the math. All I needed to do was 34 minute miles to finish. I hit the trail and cried tears of joy that I was going to make it. Then cried a little extra when I realized that I was celebrating something not likely to happen for another 12 hours. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The balance of the day I listened to hip hop, Bob Dylan's theme time radio hour, the Packer game, and then for the last couple of hours my thoughts. I believed that today I proved to myself that I can do anything. I was proud of myself. I crossed the finish line 63:21:00 and felt like I had finally realized the person that I can be. I hope that same person shows up for the <a href="http://www.arrowheadultra.com/" target="_blank">Arrowhead 135</a> at the end of the month. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tim finished an hour or so behind me. Seriously, if it weren't for that guy I don't know if I would have finished. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gear</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl1TtPgKl8flPDzpev7humMd7zEzdkGV2p4MeL5CM6WJFYRVnvDVaZC91_KbUlweUE1N5mcYf7DrrI9JVbuhep3dyusKu_kMlo5zIw_He4f99smLf3Nq0714ga0NziUrjtO8W_W4mY8C5/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl1TtPgKl8flPDzpev7humMd7zEzdkGV2p4MeL5CM6WJFYRVnvDVaZC91_KbUlweUE1N5mcYf7DrrI9JVbuhep3dyusKu_kMlo5zIw_He4f99smLf3Nq0714ga0NziUrjtO8W_W4mY8C5/s400/IMG_0236.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowhead Racing Toboggan - Black River Sleds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CiFlE4xSLHQjmcMGz1i7U4Z2ALi3gW6wupvXXjQ14mi4OtVkikwikT2wf6FGZ2RguwIIpGKX4P4WLn_BO8WTq_FocSViWtaOU-XmVkV4R2gvPjfBHVNHDdHZxjMSf-V4S_y74wJ94A15/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CiFlE4xSLHQjmcMGz1i7U4Z2ALi3gW6wupvXXjQ14mi4OtVkikwikT2wf6FGZ2RguwIIpGKX4P4WLn_BO8WTq_FocSViWtaOU-XmVkV4R2gvPjfBHVNHDdHZxjMSf-V4S_y74wJ94A15/s400/IMG_0237.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Hardware Ghost -40 Bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRtnR_BiktMq2XT6-DW_CSL-fOyaZ4hyphenhyphenBvLog8JOgEOXly30wprXjajK2MfR5vhnFb57GIT9Reyk-yvzFOAxo4agUuf5CO7twxCHBnEcAiJdeRNs428faCnDuCPAmedfW_1__cg0SDF1k/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRtnR_BiktMq2XT6-DW_CSL-fOyaZ4hyphenhyphenBvLog8JOgEOXly30wprXjajK2MfR5vhnFb57GIT9Reyk-yvzFOAxo4agUuf5CO7twxCHBnEcAiJdeRNs428faCnDuCPAmedfW_1__cg0SDF1k/s400/IMG_0241.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleLCyzwC7g0YO0u-wVBS8QFbO6p5ibbYQ8MtGTPfrpwU9_AxgPUJxnrPRGbLO28o4qIe8sqMadGyeB6JBEmabbPJYkVFnlI42AtjYZ4L_mYqweDBznzsdYKirCBw4U5jZFeG_PXaQfk1S/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleLCyzwC7g0YO0u-wVBS8QFbO6p5ibbYQ8MtGTPfrpwU9_AxgPUJxnrPRGbLO28o4qIe8sqMadGyeB6JBEmabbPJYkVFnlI42AtjYZ4L_mYqweDBznzsdYKirCBw4U5jZFeG_PXaQfk1S/s400/IMG_0240.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thermarest Ultralight Pad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYMZR3kg0BIktYR7NhAtbeD3BSHFHrJ2scD-83sSKu4tT9W4ozLqWqkJddQz3GeCIciX2WsJxsaxcD3_t2KF5Wg7dY3bERqGOY62SB_LYBVLMr3DfhBos_rIePvUEtAaUeM8syC_kZ32v/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYMZR3kg0BIktYR7NhAtbeD3BSHFHrJ2scD-83sSKu4tT9W4ozLqWqkJddQz3GeCIciX2WsJxsaxcD3_t2KF5Wg7dY3bERqGOY62SB_LYBVLMr3DfhBos_rIePvUEtAaUeM8syC_kZ32v/s400/IMG_0243.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black diamond distance Z Poles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcrUYEV9UbbjfI02sa1YcZrEx03Wo0tdDbiwSgsFuIOdgX8N88HBv02JcfrcbPKd-xGCTll6vpRg8CE_rFWNUWiJ4mTVjNC0Nfbnwgko5t2lUtGS4sZRDI7bzESfOHmvHbvdA4fQVcxa-/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcrUYEV9UbbjfI02sa1YcZrEx03Wo0tdDbiwSgsFuIOdgX8N88HBv02JcfrcbPKd-xGCTll6vpRg8CE_rFWNUWiJ4mTVjNC0Nfbnwgko5t2lUtGS4sZRDI7bzESfOHmvHbvdA4fQVcxa-/s400/IMG_0268.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shitload of Buffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdgueOW9BBZ5G_Vtwbc5LQqu17e0kySUSSxGVNb3tzRcDeg_4HjOUyiATXGIAONhGwo5TjfSdHwGRjHse5MiPeXuvzXLYFxjrq18_xw4RrW9Hwv8iK7kDpKsXY-I8KhGyvVXspTi0ZZsE/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdgueOW9BBZ5G_Vtwbc5LQqu17e0kySUSSxGVNb3tzRcDeg_4HjOUyiATXGIAONhGwo5TjfSdHwGRjHse5MiPeXuvzXLYFxjrq18_xw4RrW9Hwv8iK7kDpKsXY-I8KhGyvVXspTi0ZZsE/s400/IMG_0267.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcteryx Rho Balaclava and Mountain Hardware Balaclava</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIlhzWWQeRajr8aU_91LFOgqtkX4SindBqJUGZA-J_cdZyS2Z2gZ8cBMUXOvnB8WPEd0D-z9rV95t8Hw1Si-qrNIHm8e7hxAovhnN0ZjoKlAY7_ZFG4pO0LE1jz-_pZMak2pjSpxNWNm8/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIlhzWWQeRajr8aU_91LFOgqtkX4SindBqJUGZA-J_cdZyS2Z2gZ8cBMUXOvnB8WPEd0D-z9rV95t8Hw1Si-qrNIHm8e7hxAovhnN0ZjoKlAY7_ZFG4pO0LE1jz-_pZMak2pjSpxNWNm8/s400/IMG_0265.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shitload of Hats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PTNnrZZtv5ajwzNOBxXAyJ3v_7HEblCcFXGhUeQG6Cm7_s0MUgA657LYLyOdtFhN2haiJoScHMXI9Eb4JgfrHDlFHRqsx-fBfFA4bi-f2J2-aT-fGM7b2wE1uNQpbva9ehQkBUl9XYNM/s1600/IMG_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PTNnrZZtv5ajwzNOBxXAyJ3v_7HEblCcFXGhUeQG6Cm7_s0MUgA657LYLyOdtFhN2haiJoScHMXI9Eb4JgfrHDlFHRqsx-fBfFA4bi-f2J2-aT-fGM7b2wE1uNQpbva9ehQkBUl9XYNM/s400/IMG_0257.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special organizer for food built by Kylia Kummer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9RYmhyphenhyphenySnxAMQqunYBW0qpOQacrfw3nYtW4e5DiR8ZYEL_MMOGMf0H_HrFHBJX70BqqC4FccRXh4kFrpdif7EI06WklaaqU08kGDjWZdhaEzb9YFtsT3RW-A6vzkxat6TFWOmILYUD2d/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9RYmhyphenhyphenySnxAMQqunYBW0qpOQacrfw3nYtW4e5DiR8ZYEL_MMOGMf0H_HrFHBJX70BqqC4FccRXh4kFrpdif7EI06WklaaqU08kGDjWZdhaEzb9YFtsT3RW-A6vzkxat6TFWOmILYUD2d/s400/IMG_0246.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Hardware Absolute Zero Mitts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ettwLk-swH7tkBev_EAhVTPz6DQRKY8UrkGdtu9nB3_pYuf7TjigDIs_1jCBXSInTZNVHdbfrEMQttDEhYPJQYN0jtHixrrHyCg22v4qFzj6s8hpdiU59mnEkSAaNNKQDfJHlyUZWPt_/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ettwLk-swH7tkBev_EAhVTPz6DQRKY8UrkGdtu9nB3_pYuf7TjigDIs_1jCBXSInTZNVHdbfrEMQttDEhYPJQYN0jtHixrrHyCg22v4qFzj6s8hpdiU59mnEkSAaNNKQDfJHlyUZWPt_/s400/IMG_0247.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcteryx Fission Jacket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZozVMEIjUuBPDiZR0RK-Y2_CW_vxD-6bo0SNWU9U1Ju6h4znZpFxnBYoFYs_ylBpi6DtJ-ntNniGwzGltxBf6TIcbDbBQhJ2Tk__WrkEW-tEQ3OBkrBdbCniSEJYX03vsmnVThjl8bvF/s1600/IMG_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZozVMEIjUuBPDiZR0RK-Y2_CW_vxD-6bo0SNWU9U1Ju6h4znZpFxnBYoFYs_ylBpi6DtJ-ntNniGwzGltxBf6TIcbDbBQhJ2Tk__WrkEW-tEQ3OBkrBdbCniSEJYX03vsmnVThjl8bvF/s400/IMG_0259.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of blinkers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzieza4jgEfGyJRKLy5KIfKpT3sMubpZQ6ZAtnhCe3uwpmQw5hbOMOWag3qMPIZaEBU8TvZ98AMuf3cdjWMX30GTOOfQFL_dn-fawE3L_xfbN-QH55pQEQFbpFTi9w975aGroxpsnxASf/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzieza4jgEfGyJRKLy5KIfKpT3sMubpZQ6ZAtnhCe3uwpmQw5hbOMOWag3qMPIZaEBU8TvZ98AMuf3cdjWMX30GTOOfQFL_dn-fawE3L_xfbN-QH55pQEQFbpFTi9w975aGroxpsnxASf/s400/IMG_0260.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally useless watches that froze and died.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdZA6mz4eeJFPlRSWBPPAA3U8_Tuji08eqbDi4ZqbeDjWi0QO7LtyBT32miRSuIxAENoOcx1lcflMwiusvy_2GUgcmceJdO5S4h2reBjyQWgI7JS63s_jOijz9d1zlaNm-ztS67IrBrkE/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdZA6mz4eeJFPlRSWBPPAA3U8_Tuji08eqbDi4ZqbeDjWi0QO7LtyBT32miRSuIxAENoOcx1lcflMwiusvy_2GUgcmceJdO5S4h2reBjyQWgI7JS63s_jOijz9d1zlaNm-ztS67IrBrkE/s400/IMG_0248.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safety vest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-QwNOT3mqw9GQ2qvLtLXVwvkxld8mhNwygoSMwvHqvLkcZAhefoBmjmOLIeWqJYMSokELZGfcInD_a6Qd5VI9TXDQSrvOogbkqKn4LYXMhFVCsOifEvcT17DKYQiXbJMyM1mVj_O7pjM/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-QwNOT3mqw9GQ2qvLtLXVwvkxld8mhNwygoSMwvHqvLkcZAhefoBmjmOLIeWqJYMSokELZGfcInD_a6Qd5VI9TXDQSrvOogbkqKn4LYXMhFVCsOifEvcT17DKYQiXbJMyM1mVj_O7pjM/s400/IMG_0249.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compression sack for all the extra jackets and such</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLciWk6nDoGw7I18qC-MC1NuT6dSi7QqTuL30MSp9_WgEqEy8JL7P7hTB_w2phKEruNYJUkV4TI8EgO41kkvaut8UGaU5SRGz1Am6RjLNbgcN4XZdpT-TvwxtSN5vN4pnjSA1qe9FUYo6c/s1600/IMG_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLciWk6nDoGw7I18qC-MC1NuT6dSi7QqTuL30MSp9_WgEqEy8JL7P7hTB_w2phKEruNYJUkV4TI8EgO41kkvaut8UGaU5SRGz1Am6RjLNbgcN4XZdpT-TvwxtSN5vN4pnjSA1qe9FUYo6c/s400/IMG_0262.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">injinji thigh-high socks and drymax socks. Drymax won.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa6KlnSIhRxEZK-ZYodvvwT6zbWO0rhJeIKVqxxqH-3AT86TN12weaGtqICbBpQWjIO7NhSxjpqMpbobTD9fb3QJqh3J79mcKWFkw9cpmDtOz-3sevKYwZ37kaH87dyPD9Z0_93rQFOkw/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa6KlnSIhRxEZK-ZYodvvwT6zbWO0rhJeIKVqxxqH-3AT86TN12weaGtqICbBpQWjIO7NhSxjpqMpbobTD9fb3QJqh3J79mcKWFkw9cpmDtOz-3sevKYwZ37kaH87dyPD9Z0_93rQFOkw/s400/IMG_0263.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wool Mitten (not used), Arcteryx windstopper gloves (not used), mountain hardware powerstretch gloves (wore 100% of the time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoxDgf1bmCErzTh1iLP11ltIZE3vo4NsyCEm5P69jOU3eFkdeG194bUG_xTxYu5Dg8b01KncP_P1vXYktZnph00uGaCBtgfPwLhkN6gLMOztYrTyetgm-9dSX_p3mBsiOERrbDK3bh2QR/s1600/IMG_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoxDgf1bmCErzTh1iLP11ltIZE3vo4NsyCEm5P69jOU3eFkdeG194bUG_xTxYu5Dg8b01KncP_P1vXYktZnph00uGaCBtgfPwLhkN6gLMOztYrTyetgm-9dSX_p3mBsiOERrbDK3bh2QR/s400/IMG_0264.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcteryx Phase Glove Liner (wore 100% of the time) Patagonia over-mitt (used about 20%)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydiZQ9UQaw28nVw2vfwMSlJW9fzSSDsEk9CQOEZLcaP2k1cyXdDvOOtL6QdEVP5XmB-KHw7aVvK0fPV6zrTIUSflMQ4cd3hw0Na8QJUd8_hWVycDUrpxH_ktlBSwPKxxMfIXSqcbZoHKA/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydiZQ9UQaw28nVw2vfwMSlJW9fzSSDsEk9CQOEZLcaP2k1cyXdDvOOtL6QdEVP5XmB-KHw7aVvK0fPV6zrTIUSflMQ4cd3hw0Na8QJUd8_hWVycDUrpxH_ktlBSwPKxxMfIXSqcbZoHKA/s400/IMG_0253.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The world's oldest and nastiest jar of emergency peanut butter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHDjVyBOT_km-roZqERyjV7BxrfHMJbX6aQDb2jZqOCLLgNp1hTf4pBtPHHJBNFJ9uDficxKbeashu420bSNtijzVRZi1TZbDdRuj08lFasNg_UA6fifBDBANzcdFeijjb7fJFK7kyyAb/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHDjVyBOT_km-roZqERyjV7BxrfHMJbX6aQDb2jZqOCLLgNp1hTf4pBtPHHJBNFJ9uDficxKbeashu420bSNtijzVRZi1TZbDdRuj08lFasNg_UA6fifBDBANzcdFeijjb7fJFK7kyyAb/s400/IMG_0254.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydroflasks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThNS4ox2Ryh_LEfzEsLBlbrZhNndNQWDxOmc7gFOHjpV4XDsqVTuWlMzDUxFddIwXNTlGllWTVJoqisf9-SxI1rGE1xwe9bf80j5o0u0QeNdNdxI9Qp4FRBfYk6VR8IKHdIHaR3S24K8L/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThNS4ox2Ryh_LEfzEsLBlbrZhNndNQWDxOmc7gFOHjpV4XDsqVTuWlMzDUxFddIwXNTlGllWTVJoqisf9-SxI1rGE1xwe9bf80j5o0u0QeNdNdxI9Qp4FRBfYk6VR8IKHdIHaR3S24K8L/s400/IMG_0255.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Non-NSNG Food sources :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM22AMzlDTjhyDlJWbtoJ7d8CRgRTW86RZknQRG4nbIPLGEMF3ueDNp2iyuPD92psIaOkqb9-xUhncDMfESTAljaRr53WDkcwG7dfB7PskxjPncu4cpGl09VDpjcKMnuyt-U9yj9gCfiv6/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM22AMzlDTjhyDlJWbtoJ7d8CRgRTW86RZknQRG4nbIPLGEMF3ueDNp2iyuPD92psIaOkqb9-xUhncDMfESTAljaRr53WDkcwG7dfB7PskxjPncu4cpGl09VDpjcKMnuyt-U9yj9gCfiv6/s400/IMG_0238.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goggles (not used)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3N0OeOAfKZJR4phhRuBl_3BGX65l97YvTqWkaOOtR9Dl80lysuJgVw2r3pV0NQ5SB9JL2DTf3dGmPQnk64JcNHOvBlA4vqYUmtsdIvIjiZiLwHDw0aJyirbga1qUjTT3Koyr8fiMAbMi/s1600/IMG_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3N0OeOAfKZJR4phhRuBl_3BGX65l97YvTqWkaOOtR9Dl80lysuJgVw2r3pV0NQ5SB9JL2DTf3dGmPQnk64JcNHOvBlA4vqYUmtsdIvIjiZiLwHDw0aJyirbga1qUjTT3Koyr8fiMAbMi/s400/IMG_0245.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esbit Stove and Fuel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU7Y4heHLUzr8ubZbTALmmSYiDIs-6aMr3U4bu4LnD7YXnA80v6mT0Jxr6f4LPgsafvIsUJAjX4e1HjK7tgap2gCtP4KlujtLH2Fq7JT56-LrJVNBFXqzLVHnIZ710ZqgNO0cqBHTvgPL/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU7Y4heHLUzr8ubZbTALmmSYiDIs-6aMr3U4bu4LnD7YXnA80v6mT0Jxr6f4LPgsafvIsUJAjX4e1HjK7tgap2gCtP4KlujtLH2Fq7JT56-LrJVNBFXqzLVHnIZ710ZqgNO0cqBHTvgPL/s400/IMG_0244.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxF3TplKncZO9QUrqkg9tXHC3CH2lU9SoTxONPyCiOeAxJpy7nN1-Ux_ZTXdAAdriSIh_S_jYmFYz-faDzde5vzGpE393ecTT4VRY4wFsLxDGlwllq-911B51BU6Aem-c_l4FPm9C6hWH/s1600/Fortrez-Hoody-Aruna.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxF3TplKncZO9QUrqkg9tXHC3CH2lU9SoTxONPyCiOeAxJpy7nN1-Ux_ZTXdAAdriSIh_S_jYmFYz-faDzde5vzGpE393ecTT4VRY4wFsLxDGlwllq-911B51BU6Aem-c_l4FPm9C6hWH/s400/Fortrez-Hoody-Aruna.png" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcteryx Fortrez Hoody - Heavily used</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-mzd6Yc0pxxQ0qrEdMsq03mFMvvtGBAu1woPlXxSSd15ixFL3pHxJDfQrkIADEkqV6KW6ERlUw9GwrI26OjPWUjiLlA14o5mSBcK-vatJ7Ph8rIeFn1Exz07nNwGdPOM2KGDTBMTXAG3/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-mzd6Yc0pxxQ0qrEdMsq03mFMvvtGBAu1woPlXxSSd15ixFL3pHxJDfQrkIADEkqV6KW6ERlUw9GwrI26OjPWUjiLlA14o5mSBcK-vatJ7Ph8rIeFn1Exz07nNwGdPOM2KGDTBMTXAG3/s400/IMG_0235.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcteryx Atom Pants - used 100% with North Face thermal compression underwear and tights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6wUUicMr8scvmJ_b69gpVnpjCQcuB8vA4aJ-Gj_Pmm5qvc_gcyfc6cuxiQDowkNbd1S99Uoqf4eltY-m19yl354MKzDUHgK7pb-sbfHSjzvBx1ZPvPi_0zvt_7xrCzB7vKqxaXZCm4BK/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6wUUicMr8scvmJ_b69gpVnpjCQcuB8vA4aJ-Gj_Pmm5qvc_gcyfc6cuxiQDowkNbd1S99Uoqf4eltY-m19yl354MKzDUHgK7pb-sbfHSjzvBx1ZPvPi_0zvt_7xrCzB7vKqxaXZCm4BK/s400/image1.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoka One One - Tor Ultra Boot - wore 100%</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj-PwEhr4pz5nA0GxRayH35SYnEVRlGpBpqd27uc9FWT3cofwpGbE6xTx1KgOSro-wE8Ke1BPokXqG7mZSYgZMnE8_o6UD90E-KYBYHtv9Atmbm2tMAOuQetu767PAKPn5cdCh7d6ryfM/s1600/Stryka-Hoody-Vermillion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj-PwEhr4pz5nA0GxRayH35SYnEVRlGpBpqd27uc9FWT3cofwpGbE6xTx1KgOSro-wE8Ke1BPokXqG7mZSYgZMnE8_o6UD90E-KYBYHtv9Atmbm2tMAOuQetu767PAKPn5cdCh7d6ryfM/s400/Stryka-Hoody-Vermillion.png" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcteryx Styka Hoodie - Used 100%. changed mid race.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qQkeNOCS9RXy2DUNJwx7-dmJK6L-KmB6Tr7aOgHjfl3VowQkZ7NcrR4tWRkV7zoq9yXww9raGqC8CyP7NxK0sHwj6Ev5y3m08wt2e3l4dhRAzVO5GN36wTWn64FNx_ii-kE9MoN5z2i1/s1600/Cerium-LT-Jacket-Cardinal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qQkeNOCS9RXy2DUNJwx7-dmJK6L-KmB6Tr7aOgHjfl3VowQkZ7NcrR4tWRkV7zoq9yXww9raGqC8CyP7NxK0sHwj6Ev5y3m08wt2e3l4dhRAzVO5GN36wTWn64FNx_ii-kE9MoN5z2i1/s400/Cerium-LT-Jacket-Cardinal.png" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcteryx Thorium Jacket - Not used </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-gCRbYFAwaYyPpBtheJKrEDkVDf80XbAyimn48evWkBZ1GrT5OOna7YVLw3W9t_RyqGlW0PdTFJY9KOpCACINnlIcIXnXUm1YYvIQ1ujkiTrI8NkchRGp3BxuU0YXwSZSJNHBsYTh1GJ/s1600/Atom-LT-Hoody-Rohdei.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-gCRbYFAwaYyPpBtheJKrEDkVDf80XbAyimn48evWkBZ1GrT5OOna7YVLw3W9t_RyqGlW0PdTFJY9KOpCACINnlIcIXnXUm1YYvIQ1ujkiTrI8NkchRGp3BxuU0YXwSZSJNHBsYTh1GJ/s400/Atom-LT-Hoody-Rohdei.png" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcteryx Atom Jacket - Not used</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rYyfBAA7AEuCJl1Ydt46RdorevrxT987ASpxUnZBMRqrUb1VRSnEHeut4_rgSBrEA3ZN-a53SxD33R0xHu3Kd3v4xt8FyNxhrPqa6fKh7xmxbc0kR38dWjBmZP__SOvwMcyLkTX0Jmjb/s1600/Alpha-SV-Jacket-Cardinal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rYyfBAA7AEuCJl1Ydt46RdorevrxT987ASpxUnZBMRqrUb1VRSnEHeut4_rgSBrEA3ZN-a53SxD33R0xHu3Kd3v4xt8FyNxhrPqa6fKh7xmxbc0kR38dWjBmZP__SOvwMcyLkTX0Jmjb/s400/Alpha-SV-Jacket-Cardinal.png" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcteyx Alpha Shell - Used a ton<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<br />
I also ran with my iphone 5. I placed a hand warmer in a pices of tissue in a zip lock bag, and then placed that zip lock bag in another ziplock bag with my phone. I am proud that my phone did not die once during the entire race :)<br />
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-25392111205910324762016-12-22T10:48:00.000-06:002016-12-22T10:49:17.103-06:00Trail Running Doesn't Feel the Same - 2016 a RetrospectiveI look around sometimes and notice that a lot of the people that used to be a huge part of the trail running community don't come around to the group runs anymore. In fact, we hardly see any of them anymore. When i ask I usually hear something like "it just doesn't feel the same anymore" and I wonder what they mean by that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3d9FuNtqgaC9ChQi9zKl2bEs9pwgj50-3855gbdsmGHihFAeDM8UqgFkd-yvctvDtaYCxwbg_qBFF45Y7mL2l_YQC3AiPPWSPdkJ3Msqpc2Qsxgy6qcJqNyaarV8NygYnaqB1cs0-Z80H/s1600/12509904_10153789938918070_1709332110372453436_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3d9FuNtqgaC9ChQi9zKl2bEs9pwgj50-3855gbdsmGHihFAeDM8UqgFkd-yvctvDtaYCxwbg_qBFF45Y7mL2l_YQC3AiPPWSPdkJ3Msqpc2Qsxgy6qcJqNyaarV8NygYnaqB1cs0-Z80H/s400/12509904_10153789938918070_1709332110372453436_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I first came to trail running I immediately fell in love with the culture and community. I was wowed by the fact that people cared more about me reaching my goals than measuring them against their own accomplishments. People didn't ask my finish times. At fatass events no one really cared who ran faster or further. I couldn't believe how quick seasoned veterans were to lend a hand, some advice, crew or pace me, or just ask me to go on a run with them. They genuinely welcomed me to the community and I felt like that really wanted me to succeed.<br />
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In those early days group runs were a place to make new friends, pass along the knowledge we learned and cultivate relationships. Spending all day on the trial with people and you feel a sense of closeness. You paced them overnight during their 100 miler. You crewed them. You saw them fail. You watched them triumph.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_FIA0Dyje4Xk8TT7hWOiejKqAt_hNs5mEHD0UFNbpLOLgWncFFuptia87tf_lONe3NX-Of8041Xpbeq8AqwUR4qPWoBcAza76Yfyt7Du0nxAZ-EOk05KvEnz6dq6yWY6MsLzGi5kcHem/s1600/1557632_1238494432844960_4182808072124372343_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_FIA0Dyje4Xk8TT7hWOiejKqAt_hNs5mEHD0UFNbpLOLgWncFFuptia87tf_lONe3NX-Of8041Xpbeq8AqwUR4qPWoBcAza76Yfyt7Du0nxAZ-EOk05KvEnz6dq6yWY6MsLzGi5kcHem/s400/1557632_1238494432844960_4182808072124372343_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maybe your life got busier or your priorities changed. You started just doing group runs just with your close group of friends. It was easier for this smaller group to just crew and pace each other. You focused on dominating your age group and getting into Western States while taking more intimate trips together. You didn't have time to slow down and help. You didn't reach out to the new trail runners. People just didn't understand that you can't give an entire day to working an aid station. You did your volunteer hours for the year already....other people can clean up the trails.<br />
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And then one day you came around and noticed how things had changed. All the old people were gone. It just didn't feel the same.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFs0GNBFxJbK2kiegswXFBsYz5PbMCF7KdJN7Ftb59OWlXpsKZiJyUC-TvamZh_zP5gBTRu4OiN65SLqSZkWYjKyACD-uJZ6TXHjcj9zh-vCpGPM-Nh8AGnzXXayFJWgK3XTQ6E8_opXqm/s1600/11150546_10152665295931688_626370535853283679_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFs0GNBFxJbK2kiegswXFBsYz5PbMCF7KdJN7Ftb59OWlXpsKZiJyUC-TvamZh_zP5gBTRu4OiN65SLqSZkWYjKyACD-uJZ6TXHjcj9zh-vCpGPM-Nh8AGnzXXayFJWgK3XTQ6E8_opXqm/s400/11150546_10152665295931688_626370535853283679_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think at some point we all come to discover that the trail and ultra "community" gives way more than it takes, but only to those that give back. Think about it this way....running 100 miles alone with no crew or pacer on inadequate training is hard. Compare that to having a great crew, inspirational pacer and knowing that you put in all the hard work... it makes it easier. It also allows others to play a role, learn, build a relationship with you and share in your accomplishment.<br />
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Are you leaving the world of trail and ultra running better than it was when you found it? Do you give more than you take? Did you pace or crew a stranger this year? Did you extend your hand to a newcomer and make some of those first hard long runs easier for them by giving them company? Did you work an aid station all day? Did you help put on a fatass? Volunteer for a local Race Director? Did you inspire a stranger by believing in them before they could believe in themself?<br />
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If you answered no to several of the above it might be time to look in the mirror and admit that it's not trail and ultra running, but you that's changed. Let's make it a goal in 2017 to give more than we take.<br />
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You meet a lot of amazing people out on the trials. One of them is you!Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-28207523437166030352016-11-28T08:32:00.001-06:002016-11-28T12:44:43.501-06:00Running from Chicago to Milwaukee for ALS - Never Again Every YEar<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEDmsAUMIkL94PUc2m71Vd-hHcjyD0Z43sbisMTidQo1WMTDLqFdZANgusNoMxXqlA7AgYPQIX9Q6VOIgTPS6E4PGrNn1ak2VQyDQPnDHrptce1y-Oa9tm5femlWThVEkgumjv_tCRQ9R/s1600/12998596_10208367068326835_7171178214558895696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEDmsAUMIkL94PUc2m71Vd-hHcjyD0Z43sbisMTidQo1WMTDLqFdZANgusNoMxXqlA7AgYPQIX9Q6VOIgTPS6E4PGrNn1ak2VQyDQPnDHrptce1y-Oa9tm5femlWThVEkgumjv_tCRQ9R/s400/12998596_10208367068326835_7171178214558895696_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 - World's Longest Turkey Trot #1<br />
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In 2013 my friend Alfredo Pedro Perro wanted to run one last 100 mile race for the year. I came up with a much worse idea. "Let's just get a backpack and credit card and run from Chicago to Milwaukee...it's about 100 miles." In doing so I created a monster. You can read about the first Turkey Trot here: <a href="http://urbanultra.blogspot.com/2013/11/worlds-longest-turkey-trot.html">http://urbanultra.blogspot.com/2013/11/worlds-longest-turkey-trot.html</a>.<br />
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The following year Alfredo was diagnosed with ALS. </div>
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I found a few friends dumb enough to join me once again. <a href="http://urbanultra.blogspot.com/2014/12/worlds-longest-turkey-trot-ii-aka.html">http://urbanultra.blogspot.com/2014/12/worlds-longest-turkey-trot-ii-aka.html</a> This time we flipped the course and ran from Milwaukee to Chicago instead.</div>
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In 2015 Alfredo lost his battle with ALS. So we did it again. From Chicago to Milwaukee. Each year I swore I would never do it again. It's so cold and miserable. It's so much concrete. There are long stretches of nothing in the middle of the night. Bad neighborhoods. A lack of reliable plumbing. Bonks. I mean, if I was going to be 100% honest with you I would say the first two hours are awesome. After that. Well, you know.</div>
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So of course this year I returned. Again. For the fourth "last time" and joined an even larger group of people with questionable decision-making skills and we ran from Milwaukee to Chicago. Although this time, there were a few differences.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2jYYVMN9iHl1V6zZ3IokMOUlWwdjBict-v_9xLydByHPEFA3KCwIVC0lM9fEI2CiPW7RLqnVFYW_vKck57prvwLwXJ1GED0lR6V3aWeDNGledx-xLyOg8CtNJ_yhuyCKWBLoHmvq2vS9/s1600/15192560_10100388509657178_3708855825311699547_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2jYYVMN9iHl1V6zZ3IokMOUlWwdjBict-v_9xLydByHPEFA3KCwIVC0lM9fEI2CiPW7RLqnVFYW_vKck57prvwLwXJ1GED0lR6V3aWeDNGledx-xLyOg8CtNJ_yhuyCKWBLoHmvq2vS9/s400/15192560_10100388509657178_3708855825311699547_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First. We had a much larger group (12 people) of really crazy folks. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocketts at Wisconsin/Illinois Border</td></tr>
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Second, we had about 20 angels who spent the day bringing us almost every possible type of food or drink you can imagine.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of random aid station someone unaffiliated with the race set up in their office along the route.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQrMokqWrdg7k7XoVItGmk6uNCl51KWTqCg1wvyE-LPX_IoYSWTaafdZS87OYxy-67-g0tIFm4GGsOc-VlnSQ7MLx5MCtgM5IaIXEOAuvJR92jyqEP-QJ2ApozD4znN6-DoWNX9XIfdZW/s1600/15202681_10209237548269089_4346305196357425728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQrMokqWrdg7k7XoVItGmk6uNCl51KWTqCg1wvyE-LPX_IoYSWTaafdZS87OYxy-67-g0tIFm4GGsOc-VlnSQ7MLx5MCtgM5IaIXEOAuvJR92jyqEP-QJ2ApozD4znN6-DoWNX9XIfdZW/s400/15202681_10209237548269089_4346305196357425728_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aid station, hot home made soup, and hugs from MILF's available.</td></tr>
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But most importantly, we decided that if we were going to continue to do something this stupid, we should do it for a cause, so we re-named the event the Alfredo Pedro Perro World's Longest Turkey Trot for ALS. We set and achieved our goal of raising $5,000 for the <a href="http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/alsresearch/" target="_blank">Les Turner ALS Foundation </a>(which treated Alfredo for his disease free of charge). If you want to add to the donation please do so here:<br />
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<a href="https://secure2.convio.net/ltals/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app294a?idb=0&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1&df_id=1982&mfc_pref=T&1982.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=FD6F1E0C5A120E20A0531A1AD1B1FA45" target="_blank"> https://secure2.convio.net/ltals/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app294a?idb=0&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1&df_id=1982&mfc_pref=T&1982.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=FD6F1E0C5A120E20A0531A1AD1B1FA45</a><br />
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You can also read more about what it was like and what happened on Andrew's Blog here:<br />
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<a href="http://clutchrunner.blogspot.com/2016/11/worlds-longest-turkey-trot-wltt.html">http://clutchrunner.blogspot.com/2016/11/worlds-longest-turkey-trot-wltt.html</a></div>
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The great thing about this event isn't that we actually made it almost 100 miles:<br />
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or that people received a buckle, though both those things are cool.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commemorative Buckle</td></tr>
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The amazing thing is how it brought the community together. People that loved and cared about Alfredo wanted to run, to cheer, to pace, to support. They set up aid stations over the 100 mile course randomly. They showed up on the course and ran. They hugged us and offered whatever they could give to keep us moving and get us to our destination. People also sent us inspiring messages on social media. We ran together. We waited for each other. We shivered in cars and slept in gas stations to re-group. No one wanted to win. No one worried about losing. The only time concern was to try to finish before the sun set. In all, it took us roughly 32 hours. During that time we ran and sang and goofed around. We made new friendships. We took over a Starbucks<br />
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We ate several sit down meals. We laughed and cried. And in the end, we had a journey we will never forget. </div>
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And one that I will never do again. Until next year. Again. </div>
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-23238057084925541192016-11-03T09:28:00.001-05:002016-11-03T11:46:05.273-05:00Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you are a Cubs fan or a baseball fan and you woke up this morning wondering if that really happened you aren't alone. It's hard to comprehend things like this and it takes some time to sink in. I've felt this way a few other times in my life. (the day after my wedding and the two Packers championships). Some moments are so big that we can't get our head around them. We can't fit them into the context of our life. In many ways, our world shifts because of these moments. Our life history. Our story. We will always remember where we were when they happened and who we were with. They become a part of us.</div>
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If you have no interest in the Cubs or baseball you aren't alone either. You might be troubled by the state of your neighborhood or Facebook feed. You might complain about people jumping on the bandwagon. Maybe you just don't get it.</div>
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Here's why I think it's important. </div>
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Since 2007/2008 it feels like we've been in a negative spiral. Financially, socially, politically. We've been polarized and hopeless. We aren't making enough money and too many among us are struggling. We've forgotten how to "just agree to disagree" and we've been outraged by everything. We've been offending and shouting at each other. Complaining. We think things are headed in the wrong direction. We look into our children's eyes and hardly believe the lies of hope we are telling them, because for many years hopeful moments have been few and far between. Most of us go to bed each night wishing we could just get a break.</div>
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Last night proved that miracles are possible. Last night proved that there are signs all around us of what is possible. It verified that little part of your broken heart that still believed that something good can and will happen to us and to the world. We can look each other in the eye and honestly say that there is hope.</div>
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This doesn't mean you don't have work to do. There will be a hangover. This feeling won't be forever. There will be struggles and setbacks. People will die, you will argue with friends, you may gain weight, Donald Trump might win. Reality can and will set in at some point.</div>
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For our part, we should try to use this moment as a catalyst of hope to make our lives and the world around us a better place. Do something good for the world. Call and old friend or relative. Dust off those running shoes. Tell someone you love them, or you're sorry.</div>
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We're all hoping for something. Let's play it forward. Don't let the miracle go to waste. Be the hope others seek :)</div>
Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-6917505652990081782016-10-05T21:33:00.000-05:002016-10-05T21:55:15.542-05:00CatharsisWell, I certainly didn't stick with the plan of blogging once a week. It's shocking how life can get in the way. I can't really figure out how other people find the time to write a book....much less blog regularly.<br />
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Catharsis was a metaphor used by Aristotle in Poetics. Today we often use the word to talk about a cleansing of sorts. Usually we have an emotional breakthrough that results in a refreshed lifeview. Whether or not that is really currently happening to me or if I'm just full of shit remains to be seen, but at this point I'm hoping the casual tourists to this blog have logged off in boredom because the subject matter is going to be a little deep and uncomfortable.<br />
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About a year ago my friend Alfredo developed ALS and quickly passed away. You can read about him, our adventures and his struggles with the disease elsewhere on the blog. As you can guess, I had a very strong reaction to his passing and it changed my life in a number of ways. <br />
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I think before Alfredo got sick my life was really at the top of an arc. I don't recall a time when I had it together as much as I did then. My running was really going well, my career and marriage were starting to fire on all cylinders, the Flatlander Ultrarunners were growing exponentially into a huge happy trail running family and I had just started our podcast, <a href="http://www.tenjunkmiles.com/" target="_blank">Ten Junk Miles</a>. I felt like everything I was doing went well.<br />
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I didn't deal with Alfredo's death or sickness very well. In a lot of ways he was the person that made me feel like I could do anything. Seeing him slowly fall apart and ultimately die, I suddenly felt like I couldn't do anything. I couldn't finish races. I felt like a fraud and failure to my running family and the ultra community. I mean, here I am, talking in a podcast, giving people advice, and I can't even finish a race, I didn't even want to run, and to make matters worse, I was being destructive to myself. I would go see Alfredo and then sit in the Culvers parking lot down the street from his house, eat burgers and cry.<br />
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I think I started to feel like all of this diminished me as a person to some extent to my friends and the running community. It was very hard to see them being inspired by Alfredo while I was having the opposite effect. I felt like they pitied me for failing at everything and getting out of shape. People didn't ask me for advice as much. People didn't like being around me as much. And really, in retrospect, I wasn't being a very good person or friend. I let all of this effect me and I never sought help. I think talking to a professional might have done me a world of good. I feel like in some ways I really started to be a shitty friend and a shitty ultra runner.<br />
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The only major race I accomplished over the last year was the Comrades, basically fueled by the love and support of my friends, many of which I didn't really deserve. Prior to the race they started a social media campaign with #IRunWithKummer. It got me through. But something else happened in South Africa. Something that really threw me for a loop.<br />
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One night, out of the blue I received an email from a couple that have no love for me. The email advised me that they knew about "Jerry and Troop 16" and that I should leave them alone and they would leave me alone. I was stunned. "Jerry" is my father who sexually abused most of my Boy Scout Troop (16), including myself. Being attacked and threatened with this information out of the blue was, to say the least, shocking. On my trip I found myself unable to sleep, breaking down in tears, hostile, angry and filled with extreme feelings of fear. <br />
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I really was surprised that I was so affected, because I've spoken publicly about being a victim of childhood sexual abuse and an incest survivor. I think it's important. I've even given podcast interviews about it. But there was something about the way this info was used that felt different. I sought and obtained treatment for my feelings and thought I was good to go.<br />
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In retrospect I wasn't done. I will always regret not getting more help, because the events that followed changed my life forever. I became hostile and angry. I was downright mean, mostly to the people that I love. I withdrew and then resented them for not trying to help. Which made me feel alone and isolated. I spiraled. I pushed people away. This is going to sound impossible to comprehend, but I felt like I was re-living that feeling I had as a little kid when I was screaming on the closet floor. For what? Just for someone to notice that something was wrong. And no one ever did. And I know this is super confusing and must sound bizarre, but inside I was screaming as loud as I could for my ultra family to notice how bad I was hurting and it felt like they weren't there. Even though they were.<br />
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This summer I hurt a lot of people. I alienated people. I pushed them away and ruined their activities. I stepped down from Flatlanders, ruined re-taste, disappointed people, didn't tell them how important they were to me and took everything I have had the good fortune to obtain for granted. I was simply a mess. Sadly, I've also lost the closest friend I had. I really screwed things up. <br />
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All this being said, I think there is a certain catharsis that I am undergoing. I have had several emotional breakthroughs (as well as breakdowns). I've tried to make amends to many people. I've been so emotionally raw that I've been able to say some things to people that i never said before. I'm telling people that I love them. I'm telling people how important they are to my life. I'm trying to be a better me on the other side of this. I'm also working with a therapist again on my issues so that this doesn't happen again. I really hope this is the beginning of the end of a year of emotional upheaval. I'm ready to fly again.<br />
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Nonetheless, I want to take a minute to apologize to you. The things I have been through are not an excuse for being an asshole or hurting people. I am responsible. And I am sorry. I can't say I won't fuck up again. All I can say is I hope never to fuck up in this way again. And I will always have the best intentions.<br />
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You meet a lot of interesting people running ultras. One of them is you.Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-62813951204776028662016-08-29T11:24:00.003-05:002016-08-30T10:09:09.021-05:00Focus On The Things That Matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes we forget about the things that matter most. It seems like the new norm brought on in part by social media, sensationalist news reporting and the ever growing narcissism of our lives is to be focused on others. What others are outraged about, what they have, what they are doing and how they are feeling, to the detriment of our own introspection.<br />
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I've fallen victim to this far too often. It struck me this weekend. I had two longer, more intense runs scheduled. One of hills, and the other of a long run. You see, I'm signed up for the Bear 100 at the end of this month and I should be starting to taper. Instead, I'm trying to ramp up my mileage and run up to it.<br />
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But for some reason, all I could think about was reading a book on my swing on my yard with the dog...and I didn't know why. I know that if I am to have any chance of succeeding in the race I need to train. I need to focus on cramming these workouts into my already way too busy life (which is extra busy because of all the talking and planning about doing the Bear 100 as well). And somewhere in all that busy-ness, stress, planning, training, straining and logistic-ing....I said fuck it, when home early and read a book on the yard with my dog,<br />
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I wonder what this means? am I focusing too much on what other people think? Have I forgotten about what's important? The Bear 100 isn't going anywhere and if I don't care about it enough to train then why am I going? So I find myself at a crossroads. Cancel the flight, enjoy the fall and focus on winter races or spend the next month stressing out about not being ready for the Bear and trying to cram for it.</div>
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I think what matters most is allowing myself to change my mind and do the things I want to do. I think when running (not unlike running groups and friendships) feels more like a job than fun it is time to do some self-examining. My mind isn't made up, but I do know what is most important, and I'm definitely starting to steer the ship to that more now. Because it's just running. And running is just a pastime. It shouldn't feel like a work project I fear I won't finish.</div>
<br />Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-66955310882528064652016-08-21T21:19:00.001-05:002016-08-21T21:19:06.106-05:00On a plane home from Leadville. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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This weekend I had a chance to do something I really love that is unique to the trial and ultra world - crewing (Carrying supplies and meeting a runner at places along the trail) and pacing (running with the runner in later stages of a race to offer support and safety) a runner in a 100 mile race. Our runner, Adam Benkers, was a Flatlander who had never ran mountains or at altitude before. Nonetheless, he was pushed off the cliff to sign up for the Leadville 100 - the "Race Across the Sky," which happens entirely at it above 10,000 feet of atlltitude and has two 2,500 foot climbs to 12,600.</div>
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Adam, John and I had many adventures packed into a few short days in Leadville. We reunited with our old friend Dusty (Pacer of the Century) Bill Dooper (Ultra running fan of the century) Patrick Sweeney (Beer mile Yoda) and Jen Coker (Boxed wine enthusiast) Vanessa and Shaky Runs....and so many more. We were lucky enough to rub elbows with Leadville 100 winner Ian Sharman, Western States champion Tim Olson and Max King. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnny D, Adam and Box of Wine</td></tr>
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We raced a beer mile. (4 beers and 4 quarter miles). </div>
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We discussed complicated race strategies while playing Yahtzee.</div>
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We attempted to climb a 14'er (Mount Quandry) only to be turned back at 13k by a storm....but we did make a new friend. </div>
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We woke up at 4 am to see the start of the race and tracked it and our runner Adam all day. Eventually the effects of running at altitude caused him to miss a time cutoff, ending his day at mile 50. Nonetheless, we had an amazing time and it felt like we were in Leadville for weeks when it was only days. </div>
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If you get a chance to pace or crew someone in a 100 mile race, Do It!! the memories are priceless and they will last a lifetime. </div>
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I am going to continue to try to post here weekly. As some of you may know I am working on a book. I am trying to get into the habit of physically writing more and this is helping quite a bit. Thanks so much for reading!</div>
<br />Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-70682504346083149462016-08-15T09:36:00.002-05:002016-08-15T09:37:39.110-05:00Fitness Posts and Narcisism<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week I shared an article about a Science Daily article (</span><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150521213743.htm">https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150521213743.htm</a>) <span style="font-family: inherit;">which discussed a study that concluded that "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.2px;">Facebook status updates about their romantic partner are more likely to have low self-esteem, while those who brag about diets, exercise, and accomplishments are typically narcissists, according to new research." Many people shared the post and there was a lot of discussion. Some humor. Some hurt feelings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">I should in the interest of full disclosure state that I have never posted any workout related Facebook material.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me being Awesome at the top of Pinnacle Peak</td></tr>
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OK, I have. But I really don't think the takeaway from the article was: if you post fitness selfies you ARE a narcissist.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me being Awesome dragging my sled</td></tr>
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I think the point that can be taken is that we should ask ourselves what our motivation is for sharing things on social media. I do know several people that have told me my running posts have inspired them to start running. That warms my heart. I've also had several people confess that they un-followed me (or un-friended me) because it was just "look at me running" and "look at this awesome place I ran at" and "look at how awesome I am." Although I'm not that sure what they are talking about.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not just being Awesome but looking Awesome at the comrades finish</td></tr>
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Over time I have started to think about my motive for my posts, and from time to time check back on my wall and ask "Is there too much me?" Sometimes I fall short. Sometimes I look back and say "wow....that's way too much you." Other times I successfully try to find a way to motivate or inspire people without making it about me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the stuff between these hands is Awesome! (sorry Aaron)</td></tr>
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I guess other signs that we might be a little too into ourselves are: posting every split, posting every workout, making sure we have the best selfie angle (i.e. if you apply makeup and get into a yoga pose you might be making it about you) posting every meal, posting 50 hashtags, etc. Do we post about bad runs? Do we post pictures when we fail? I know many of us would rather be caught dead than have an embarrassing picture of ourselves show up on Facebook, but it happens. (Just not to me).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Awesome shirt!</td></tr>
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We should also address the "don't judge me" crowd. We need to come to grips with the fact that EVERYTHING we put on Facebook is, to some extent, a cry for judgment. I know we don't want to admit it, but each time someone "likes" our post they are judging it (favorably). We need to come to grips with the fact that when someone posts something negative about us, they are also judging us, just negatively. (Not that this has ever happened to me).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gordy agrees. I'm Awesome. #NotReally</td></tr>
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So if you post your 5 mile run and you are more than happy to have 100 people "like" it and 25 people call you "beast mode" you should also be willing to accept the person that says "5 miles isn't that far" or "is this really something that needs to be on Facebook." You can't say "Don't judge me, unless you think I'm Awesome! *Note: Race Directors....this applies to you too. If you are fine with being blown by 100's of satisfied runners you can't bitch about those runners that want to post about their disappointments too.<br />
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I think it would be a mistake to simply say "this article is dumb" or "I'm not a narcissist!!" Instead, I think it gives us some food for thought about our relationship with social media. No, I'm not saying over-think it. No, I'm not saying change what you do per se. But I think we could all learn a lot by looking into our behaviour, especially on social media, asking ourselves why we do what we do and making sure that we are being honest with yourselves and the Facebookland. This is especially so as more and more of our life begins to be lived virtually. </div>
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Next up for me, crewing and pacing at the Leadville as part of training for the Bear100 while trying to pump out a healthy dose of podcasts. :)<br />
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-40449178456001923602016-08-08T08:38:00.000-05:002016-08-08T14:30:37.126-05:00Running FriendsIf you're like me you have two (or more) sets of friends. Running friends and regular friends. <br />
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Most of your regular friends are people you made a decision to become close to for some reason or another. Maybe they were your neighbor, or you worked together. Maybe you have a common interest or even a friend in common. Nonetheless, the common thread with all of these people is that for some reason you decided to create and form a friendship. These friendships ebb and flow at times based on your common interests. You switch jobs. You give up stamp collecting. You move. These friends also tend to change. There are people in my life that were critical connections a decade ago that now....well... I can't even think of their last name.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flatlanders Dog Days of Summer 8 Hour Fatass 08-06-16</td></tr>
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It might just be me, but running friends seem different. Obviously there are people in your running group or club. They might start out like the friends described above. But if you run long enough (meaning a long period of time) or long enough (meaning a really long distance) you might make a different kind of friend. What I call my "running friends.</div>
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I can't tell you some of my running friend's names or what they do for a living. I might not know the names and ages of their kids. Nonetheless, the bond that you will make with people on the trails or on really long runs will be, in many way, more intimate than all of the other relationships in your life. You'll tell them about your chaffage and diarrhea. You'll tell them all your secret stories from your life, the stuff you would be afraid to tell anyone else, simply because it gets your mind off of the fact that you are suffering and will be for many more hours. Some of these friends you'll keep in touch with on Facebook or Strava. Others you won't even think of until the next time you bump into them at a race, and they won't mind your lack of contact at all. You'll pick up right where you left off. There's just something about running friends that's different.</div>
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Sure, there are more than a few narcissists and drama queens and serial assholes, just like in any other social group. But I submit that running friends are the best friends you'll have. They'll know just what you need and when you need it. They'll say the right thing to change your mindset. They'll believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself.</div>
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So next time you are out on a 30 mile training run, or 3/4 of the way through a long race look to your left and look to your right. You're next best friend might be right there, waiting for you to lean on them.</div>
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-58905159677249941772016-03-16T06:37:00.000-05:002016-03-16T06:44:17.932-05:00Trail Therapy - and Being in a Hole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I realize I haven't blogged in a while. There has been a combined overwhelming amount of activity with the Ten Junk Miles podcast, Flatlanders, races and personal issues (health friends and family). I hope to write more in 2016. Once in a while someone gets something out of it. It always helps me.<br />
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A lot of us in the trail and ultra world, myself included, are a little bit broken. We were abused or neglected, had drinking, eating, sex, money or gambling problems. Some of us are running away from things and others are running to things. It's different for everyone. One thing many of us do share is using trails and/or running as therapy.<br />
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I found running when I was finally sorting out all of the hard times I had been through. Sometimes when I run I think about my childhood and how extremely unfair it was to experiences the horrors I have been through. Other times I think my addictions and recovery. I've thought about the death of my friend Alfredo. Sometimes I just worry about others. (Although, to be fair, I do think about jokes from time to time too).<br />
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When you are running away from horrors you can forget them on the trail. Running a marathon, or a 20, 50 or 100 miler sometimes gives you clarity and singularity of focus. The bills, the kids, the boss, your "baggage" no longer matters. And when you cross that finish line and they give you the 100 mile buckle you can feel, in a real sense, validated and good enough. It doesn't matter so much that you've been a shitty friend, husband, co-worker or human being from time to time because, well, look.....you were working on achieving this piece of awesome! No pain no gain. You can't make an omelette without cracking a few eggs. You can forgive yourself. Others forgive you. It's all good.<br />
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Sometimes we don't know what to do when trail therapy doesn't work. You see, I have thought about the fact that I might not be the best husband, worker, friend, etc. but that it's understandable based on my circumstances. I mean, I'm training for X. It makes me forgive myself for the shortcomings that, between you and me, would normally keep me up at night.<br />
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The problem is that when (like now) the running isn't working, it only emphasizes the fact that I fall somewhat short in every other category. When running is your therapy and your medicine and it stops working, you can get a little lost. Everything seems ten times worse because you can't feel better by just going for a run. In fact, the struggle of the run makes it all feel much worse. And now, "I can't even do this right?"<br />
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I think some of the answer lies in removing the results from the calculus and enjoying the run, the friendships and the experience over the result as a way to "get over." If there's one thing running has given me, its unimaginably good friends that share an intimacy like very few other groups. To be with another runner, in the woods, sharing my problem makes me feel not so alone. And as we say in one of my 12 step groups, "You're only as sick as your secrets."<br />
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I recently related the story of the guy who fell in the hole to a couple people. It goes like this:<br />
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This guy is walking down the street and he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep he can't get out. A doctor passes by, and the guy shouts up "Hey, you, can you help me out?" The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along, and the guy shouts up "Father, I'm down here in this hole. Can you help me out? The priest writes a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on.<br />
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Then a friend walks by. The guy yells "Hey Joe, it's me, can you help me out?" And then the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, "Are you nuts? Now we're both down here." The friend says, "Yeah, but I've been down here before - and I know the way out."<br />
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Bottom line - running fast, running far and running in amazing places can and will help you through almost anything, but nothing beats being able to spill your guts to someone when they don't have time to judge you because they don't want to trip on a root. Reach out. We've all been in the hole at some point or another.<br />
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And keep running.<br />
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<br />Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-24187542331932494992015-12-15T13:15:00.001-06:002015-12-16T06:17:29.364-06:00The Elite-ification of Ultrarunning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ultra running faces many huge problems because of the rising popularity of the sport. Doping, cheating and cash prizes at races are likely to further compliment all of this.<br />
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If you follow ultra running at all your feed has been filled with panic stricken posts and articles about the state of our sport. People like Ian Sharman (<a href="http://www.irunfar.com/2015/12/doping-and-the-effect-on-ultra-and-trail-running-what-to-do-about-cheaters.html">http://www.irunfar.com/2015/12/doping-and-the-effect-on-ultra-and-trail-running-what-to-do-about-cheaters.html</a>), Ethan Veneklasen, Sage Canaday (<a href="http://sagecanaday.com/dopinginmutrunning/">http://sagecanaday.com/dopinginmutrunning/</a>) and Katie DeSplinter have posted or blogged about it. <br />
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Two things brought this into the forefront currently: </div>
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1) an Italian elite runner who was convicted of doping in 2009 (and served a 2 year ban) lined up at the North Face 50 in San Francisco (and failed to finish) <a href="http://running.competitor.com/2015/12/news/ultrarunning-at-a-crossroads-is-there-a-growing-doping-problem_141321">http://running.competitor.com/2015/12/news/ultrarunning-at-a-crossroads-is-there-a-growing-doping-problem_141321</a> ; and </div>
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2) Lance Armstrong won a trail race (corrected....I previously indicated it was a fatass event...that was incorrect). <a href="http://running.competitor.com/2015/12/news/lance-armstrong-wins-35k-trail-running-race-in-california_141905" target="_blank">http://running.competitor.com/2015/12/news/lance-armstrong-wins-35k-trail-running-race-in-california_141905</a> .</div>
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While reading all of the alarm on social media and the pleas that we keep our sport clean I couldn't help but feel like Lance and Elisa were treated a little unfairly and that the general ultra running population was tricked into thinking they should care as much as the elites do about this problem. Which caused me to reflect a bit on the following.<br />
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1. Everyone deserves a second chance. I've not made it a secret that I'm a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. That means that for a significant period of my life I lied, cheated, stole and generally mistreated everyone that loved me. I'm glad that when I decided to right the ship people accepted my apology and let me try to make it up to them. It would have been easy to say I am out of their lives forever. What is hard, is allowing for the possibility that people can and do change.<br />
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2. I don't stay up at night worrying about whether the top runners are cheating. There's always been cheaters. there always will be cheaters,. Course cutters, PED users, etc. There always will be, no matter how much testing is done (unless everyone is tested for every race, as well as outside of racing, which is impossible). Cheating sucks. It's bad. I mean really bad. I also feel sorry for the person that came in second. I wish we could live in a world without cheating.<br />
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That being said, PED use in ultra running (while totally dumb because there is no money or fame in ultra running) only really impacts elite runners, for now. So Sage or Ian gets second to a cheater. The rest of us remain placed at somewhere between 30-400 and although the best athlete might not have won, in an overwhelming number of cases they don't care about us much at all (unless we buy their book, training plan, follow their blog, watch their youtube videos, buy their special gear, etc. etc. etc.) Moreover, who is going to pay for this testing and regulation?? We all are. In the form of increased race fees. <br />
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3. Our sport isn't mainstream, becoming mainstram, or anything of the like. Think on this: ESPN has 3-6 channels dedicated to sports around the clock. They broadcast the entire hot dog eating championship from Coney Island. They don't mention Western States. Mention. It's a fringe sport, with no prize money, which most people know nothing about.<br />
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4. PED users have an unfair advantage. True. So do rich people, people that live at altitude, people with more talent, etc. etc. Everyone has advantages. This isn't about leveling the playing field. Athletes do everything they can to tilt the playing field in their favor. I don't have a cabin in the mountains. Some people can't use caffeine, marijuana, some people are lactose intolerant, gluten sensitive, peanut allergy, etc. etc. The use of PED's is the only avenue in which this level playing field argument comes up.<br />
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5. The integrity of our sport is at risk? I think not. Two years ago I went to the Leadville 100 to crew and pace. I saw Jimmy Dean Freeman running down the trail and come upon a girl that was struggling with her pack. He stopped to help. I attended the funeral of my best friend this summer who died of ALS. You know who was there? All the ultra runners. We clean up trails and raise money for causes. I don't know what it means for the sport to have integrity. But whatever that is supposed to mean, believe me, ultra running has it.<br />
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This discussion brings up a much broader issue that I can't for the life of me figure out. Why are we, as a sport, so obsessed with elites? How did we become so convinced that what they do and say, the products they plug, the races they do, matters to the average runner? True, some of these people are extremely cool and interesting people that are sometimes fun to follow. Sometimes a neck and neck race between two athletes battling can be exciting to watch. But social media has us convinced that they are the real interesting thing about this sport. I think that's wrong. I think a large percentage of us got into this sport to enjoy a nice easy run in a pretty place with our friends. We tell stories. We struggle through scenarios. We see sunrises and sunsets and, or sad occasions, put each other to rest.<br />
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I didn't get into this sport because of [insert famous runner]. I don't really care what place I came in for my age group. I couldn't name 10 elite marathoners. Why is it that I can name at least 100 elite ultra runners??<br />
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The fact that the sport is moving from the everyday runner to the elite runner is exemplified by what has happened to our media. Remember when Ultrarunning Magazine used to put all the results in the back of each issue.? Wasn't it cool to see your name and result? That's gone. Instead, you can get another coaching article from another coach who is sponsored by the company that sells your shoes, pack, watch or hydration pack. You can learn about someone who can run 50 miles twice as fast as you...including the details of what they eat and how they train. You can learn about their latest book. You can go to irunfar and read articles by elites, for elites about issues that are important to elites and/or interviews with elites....or....when that gets old ....you can hear them being interviewed on a podcast about how awesome they are. <br />
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I'm tired of it. The competitive, elite, famous, outrage, panic. I want the focus of my ultra running to return to the reason I came here in the first place. To jog some easy miles with my friends in pretty places.<br />
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-82782338296913280832015-09-15T09:25:00.000-05:002015-09-15T09:46:41.946-05:00867-5309I remember growing up as a kid in the 80's. Playing video games, especially Pac-Man. I remember the way the game changed once I mastered it, I became convinced that I needed to get to a certain level without "losing a guy" to have a chance of a good game. If I suffered any early setbacks the rest of the game was useless. If I was at home I'd just hit reset. If I had no chance of getting my name on the board there was no point in playing. (Note: I was terrible at Pac-man and I don't know why I used it as an example). (Note: I kicked ass at Crazy Climber).<br />
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I worked at an aid station at miles 37 and 60 of the <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=29711" target="_blank">Hennepin Hundred</a> this weekend. For about 15 hours I met numerous runners trying to run fifty or one hundred miles, many for the very first time. If you have never been to an ultramarathon I highly recommend volunteering at one. You see the human spirit pushed to its brink. You see suffering on an unthinkable scale (well, it's thinkable, they paid for it, but you get what I mean). You feel like you are a part of their race. Your assistance is helping. A tiny part of their success becomes yours. In summary, it is a VERY rewarding experience.<br />
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As I gain experience in these races I observe different things. In this experience one of the key things I observed was the arbitrary emphasis we seem to put on numbers. Maybe it is imposed by others. Maybe advertisements, running magazines, movies and books have gotten in our heads. I don't know where it really comes from and why we care. But we seem to.<br />
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I remember (like it was yesterday) my first 5K, half marathon, marathon, 50K, 50 Mile and 100 Mile races. I don't know why 3.1, 13.1, 26.2, 31, 50 or 100 mattered to me. Those numbers have no independent value. It's not like running that exact number of miles means anything other than on magnets, medals and t-shirts. I don't recall anyone putting any focus on HOW i ran those distances. I don't recall working on my form or speed. My place wasn't really important. I don't remember having a finishing time in mind. I was convinced somehow that there was value to moving my body that distance. Among the memories I have of those events, my finishing times and/or goals really don't play a big part in them.<br />
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At some point I read that "if you can't break four hours in a marathon you shouldn't even bother." I then made that time my goal and chased the four hour marathon for years. I never made it. Once I started focusing on it I stopped enjoying my marathons. I stopped having fun at any event where it became clear my goal wasn't possible. I then completely fell out of love with running and marathoning. I took a long break and smoked cigarettes and got out of shape.<br />
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At some point in 2011/2012 I discovered trail and ultra running. The crowd was extremely different. I met characters. We ate real food. We talked about "time on our feet" and enjoyed spending hours and hours together on the trail sharing experiences. I met a new family. It changed the way I looked at running. People seldom asked me what my time was. We didn't talk about age group awards. No one seemed to talk about "who beat who." We might discuss who won and marvel at how fast they were, but I honestly felt like no one really put any stock in their time, place, etc. It was more about the journey and shared experience. the vibe was cool, laid back and fun.<br />
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Somewhere that vibe has been missing from some of the events I have been in lately. This weekend I talked with many people that were considering quitting. They weren't in pain. They weren't in danger of failing to finish. Instead, they were going to drop because they weren't going to meet their goal of finishing in "under 24 hours." The fact that that goal was unobtainable made them feel their experience was such a failure that they would be better off failing to finish altogether. What a bunch of bullshit. What a travesty. All those miracles happening around them. All that splendor and beauty. All those people working tirelessly to help them - and they wanted to throw it away over a number. It just seemed so arbitrary. It was such a shame.<br />
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I'm not saying goals are bad. I'm not shitting on accomplishment. I certainly think people should do their best on the given day. I also think that if you are injured (and by this I mean *really*injured, like, going to the doctor tomorrow, not the ole "knee acting up" followed by a ten mile run the next day) there's no reason to be a hero. (I should also probably say I have never come close to running a 100 mile race in less than 24 hours. So feel free to chalk this post up to that if you must). What I am saying is that we might be starting to make the amazing the enemy of the ideal.<br />
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I don't know of a single elite that reads this blog (sniffle). So I feel pretty safe in saying this. If you think you are better than someone or had a better race because you ran longer or faster than someone else, ranked higher, won an age group award or got a PR you're kidding yourself. Stick around and watch the smiles on those finishing near the end of a 100 mile race. Go see the shock of those finishing their first 5K. See the "couch to marathon" crowd at mile 26.2 of their first marathon. Tell me any of these people had a worse race than you. Just try.<br />
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The next time you're considering dropping because you aren't going to make your arbitrary time goal. Try thinking of a reason to stay in the race, rather than a reason to quit. You meet a lot of great people in the course of a race. One of them might be you.Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-85705827719669159212015-08-28T09:30:00.004-05:002015-08-28T13:07:12.407-05:00One Last ChanceIt has been quite some time since I updated the blog. Unfortunately life has been extremely busy between Flatlanders, Work, Training and Racing. To make matters even worse we started a new podcast <a href="http://www.tenjunkmiles.com/" target="_blank">Ten Junk Miles</a> which has been extremely rewarding and fun. <br />
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I didn't fare very well at the Angeles Crest 100. I missed a time cutoff at mile 30 and they would not let me continue. I wish I had an epic story about this failure, but there is none. It's just a simple fact that when I try to run really hard races often, I fail from time to time. And that's perfectly fine. Not in the sense that it's acceptable and I don't need to learn from it and try harder, but rather, in the sense that as long as I am giving my all I can't really beat myself up over the results.<br />
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I think after 23 years of sobriety and several years of ultra running I have finally reached a point where acceptance is coming quite easily. I don't find myself worrying as much about what other people think. I don't do these races to brag to other people. I do these races because I enjoy running in beautiful places. I love nature. I love running. And most of all I love the feeling of pushing my limits as hard as I can. When I fail I do not feel shame. I'm grateful for the chance to try to do these things. I do the best I can and leave the results up to god.<br />
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I have one more chance to re-qualify for Hardrock left this year at the <a href="http://www.bear100.com/" target="_blank">Bear 100</a>. I have around a month to prepare. I really hope I can finish under the 36 hour cutoff and keep my Hardrock Lottery tickets, but.....it's not my decision to make.<br />
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If you have some spare time check out the Podcast (Ten Junk Miles on Itunes). I'm really proud of it. I've been getting emails from people all over the world telling me that it makes a difference in their life. It's really amazing. :)Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-34835559596831349352015-06-09T15:44:00.002-05:002015-06-09T15:44:46.700-05:00On Pacing 100 Milers<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Kettle Moraine 100 - 2015</u></b></div>
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"Hey man....you want a beer before we head out?" Not the typical conversation between a runner and his pacer before heading out for mile 62 of a 100 mile footrace. But this wasn't a typical runner or a typical day. His wife Cindy Faford is the world's greatest supporter/cheerleader/crewperson. James ran a rather unusual 100 miler in April at the Potawatomi Trail Races (46 hours over a couple of days after signing up for the 50 miler). Prior to that, he hadn't finished a 100 mile race in almost five (5) years. James was 0-2 at last weekend's Kettle Moraine 100 mile race. At 51 years old one would think his best years of running were behind him. </div>
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James told me about his prior struggles at kettle as well as his problems running at night, generally, at the St. Pat's 24 Hour Race last year. When I heard of them my response was simple: I need to pace you and make sure you get that kettle. (the award you get for finishing the Kettle Moraine 100).</div>
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Little did I know this was not going to be a slog (slow jog) fest with a masters runner. Instead, James took off like he was trying to win the whole race. I expected to finish between 30 and 32 hours. Much to my suprise, James rolled into mile 62 (the point where I was going to pace him) at 13:55. About 3-5 hours sooner than I imagined. He looked great and he was full of energy. He was in fantastic shape and I instantly knew he would finish.</div>
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"Sure, that might hit the spot." James took a cold Spotted Cow and started hiking with me down the Nordic Trail. The sun was shining. Our plan was to hike a couple of miles, drink the beer, get his stomach settled and then start running.</div>
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We had a blast. chatting up some of the more colorful and interesting ultra folks along the way.</div>
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My nemesis Juli (although we can be friendly when not trying to kill each other)</div>
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We had a few run-ins with ultra vegan Dave Wiskowski and his amazing pacer Daniel Robinson.</div>
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In the end, vegan power overtook us. We were resigned to a walk for the last five miles. We went from at one point gunning for sub 24 hours, to 25, to, well, top speed at the time. We talked of life and love and music and god only knows what else. We saw and heard virtually millions of animals and frogs along the trail. We tried certain things to settle James's stomach that worked and some that didn't. One thing we never talked about - quitting. The idea of dropping never came to mind and I think that's one good thing that can happen when you have a pacer.</div>
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In spite of what you might think, I didn't really focus much on pace. (That's a lie. I did break down the numbers on a semi regular basis for him to finish sub 24, 25 and 26 until he confessed that he could go no faster). Moreover, we were not really concerned about what place James was in. (That's also a lie. I was constantly pointing out that he was ahead of people we saw on the trail in hopes of motivating James. I don't believe it worked. James is way too nice of a guy). At the end of the day what we really were was two good friends (Well, that might be a lie, we don't really know each other too well at all) sharing the wonder of the trails at night (Another lie. "This Sucks" was said early and often) together.</div>
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Does any of it matter? At 26:02 we crossed the finish line. James got his kettle and I finally fell asleep at the finish line.</div>
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You may be someone like me, that is in an Ultrarunning club. You may have many questions about how to run 100 or 50 mi<span style="font-family: inherit;">les. I just want to put out there something that I said earlier in my group about pacing and crewing: "I <span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; line-height: 16.0799999237061px;">learned what I learned from finding people that knew a lot and watching them, crewing them, pacing them and expiramenting with them. I didn't learn it in a book or from the Facebook page. there's no easy answer. It's a path of discovery....It's one thing to come in [to a Facebook Group] and say "Anyone have any advice for me....I'm trying my fisrst 50k." It's another thing to spend 20 hours in the woods holding someone's bottle and seeing first hand how they struggle and overcome. And you give back. And you remember that later when a new guy wants to hold your bottle.</span></span></div>
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That smile was for you James Faford. Because you really knocked me out!</div>
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Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1256421765395819475.post-90564675342890105982015-05-11T09:08:00.001-05:002015-05-11T09:09:47.647-05:00Quick Update and Review of 2Toms and SaxxIt's been an interesting month, to say the least. My double Potawatomi 100/Indiana 100 didn't turn out as expected. I dropped at mile 60 at Potawatomi, but managed to pull out a 29:30 finish at Indiana in some calf deep, shoe sucking mud. (special thanks to my pacer Paul Wilkerson).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging with the crew at POT100 post-DNF</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Scott Laduick</td></tr>
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Going into Ice Age I wasn't totally healed (only 11 days post Indiana 100) and my feet, knees and back were a little sore. Nonetheless, I had a great day (for me) and finished 11:15, more than 30 minutes faster than last time. I was really happy with how strong I pushed and how good I felt all day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9KibNOP_Wj5LwLOUIlgadONCAjjvTzCs3VyuMDgKcN6SgZZ0lQyd2X3Y9uWngFzcmS71sTEfQZ7QxCLkf2jmtxr5EUAeOxEVejMlB2psRLTctupc1EfOPRv8toZxygA7xGZwV5tsiXNX/s1600/11206057_10206089546173227_964720848584931567_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9KibNOP_Wj5LwLOUIlgadONCAjjvTzCs3VyuMDgKcN6SgZZ0lQyd2X3Y9uWngFzcmS71sTEfQZ7QxCLkf2jmtxr5EUAeOxEVejMlB2psRLTctupc1EfOPRv8toZxygA7xGZwV5tsiXNX/s400/11206057_10206089546173227_964720848584931567_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next up I have a large block of training which will end with Cry Me A Rive 50 Mile and then a short rest before Angeles Crest 100. AC100 is the main race of my year and I've been waiting a long time to get to that start line (I was DNS due to injury last year). This is a really important race to me. It'll be the hardest race I have attempted. Graduate level. Mountains, Altitude, Extreme Heat. But breathtaking views and many great runner friends.<br />
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To get ready, I am going to have to train pretty hard. I expect to really make it hurt on the trails and stairs...especially in the heat. I am also going to have to work on losing about 30 more pounds by following the NSNG program I have been on. So far I've lost ten pounds on it. You can learn more about it here: <a href="http://vinnietortorich.com/">http://vinnietortorich.com/</a><br />
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At Ice Age I tried two brand new products for the first time. (I know....bad idea). 2Toms sport stick:<br />
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And Saxx underwear:<br />
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There's no delicate way to say this. I'm a big guy. Big guys chaffe. In many, many places. I also have a track record of blisters on my gnarly feet. I am happy to report that, in spite of the really humid temps, I didn't chaffe AT ALL at Ice Age and both of these products are AMAZING. No blisters, no chaffing. I didn't change clothes once. I wore a polyester tshirt. (Imaginary Foundation). And my mind was blown by these products. I can't say enough good things.<br />
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Finally, things have really been taking off for Ten Junk Miles. <a href="http://www.tenjunkmiles.com/">http://www.tenjunkmiles.com/</a><br />
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We've had about ten times as many listeners as I thought and it gets bigger every day. If you get time give us a listen and rate and review us on itunes. We don't make any money off of it, but your reviews move it up in the ratings so more people can find it.<br />
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Have a great Summer!!!!<br />
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<br />Scotty Kummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05247775319371323253noreply@blogger.com0