Monday, July 22, 2019

Colorado 14ers Summit List

Colorado 14ers Summit List

1. Mt. Lincoln (2008 – 4 Summits in one day) with Allen, Scott, and Mark Smelser
2. Mt. Bross "
3. Mt. Cameron "
4. Mt. Democrat "
5. Mt. Massive (2008) with Scott Smelser
6. Mt. Elbert (2009) with Andrew Monaghan
7. Pikes Peak (2012) with Rebecca Angell
8. Mt. Evans (2014) solo AND Mt Evans (2019" with Daniel (from Guanella Pass via Bierstadt Trail) 
9-10. Grays and Torreys Peak (2014) solo

11. Mt. Belford (2014) solo
12. Mt. Bierstadt (2015) with Josiah Brown, Daniel Gehlbach and Austin Schmidt
13. Mt. of the Holy Cross " " AND Solo 2020
14. Mt. Sherman " "
15. Longs Peak (2016) with Josiah Brown, Ike Hedquist, and Austin Schmidt
16. Quandary Peak (2016 with " " " and Isaac Sprague.
17. Mt. Belford (2016) with "" & Mt. Oxford (2016) with Ike and Austin
18. Mt Harvard* with Daniel, Tamron, and Brendan G (2017)
19. Mt Yale with " " "
20-21. Mt Shavano and Mt Tabaguache - Solo 2018
22. Mt. Princeton - Solo 2018
23. Mt. Huron - Solo 2018
24. Challenger Point w/ Daniel (2019)
25. Missouri Mountain "
26. Mt Antero - Solo 2021
27. Mt Columbia - Solo 2021
28. La Plata - Solo 2021

Updated 9/7/21

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Marathon/Ultramarathon Archive Update 2023

Up-to-date list of marathons and ultras.

Marathons
  1. Wichita Marathon October 2003
  2. Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon April 2004
  3. Dallas White Rock Marathon December 2004
  4. Chicago Marathon October 2005
  5. New York City Marathon November 2006
  6. Oklahoma Marathon (Tulsa) November 2006
  7. Salt Lake City Marathon April 2007
  8. Andy Payne Memorial Marathon (OKC) May 2007
  9. Heart of America Marathon (Columbia, Missouri) September 2007
  10. Marine Corps Marathon (Washington D.C.) October 2007
  11. St. Jude Marathon (Memphis, Tennessee) December 2007
  12. Olathe Marathon (KS) March 2008
  13. Mountain Home Marathon (Arkansas) November 2008
  14. Thunder Road Marathon (Charlotte, NC) December 2008
  15. Salt Lake City Marathon April 2009
  16. Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon April 2009
  17. Los Angeles Marathon May 2009
  18. Kansas City Marathon October 2009
  19. Eisenhower (Abilene, KS) Marathon April 2010
  20. Fargo Marathon May 2010
  21. Rock Creek Night Marathon July 2010 Trail Marathon PR of 5:10
  22. Kansas City Marathon PR 3:27 October 2010
  23. Eisenhower Marathon April 2011
  24. Oz Marathon (Olathe, KS) April 2011
  25. Lincoln (NE) Marathon May 2011
  26. Hawk Marathon (trails, Clinton Lake, Lawnrence, KS) May 2011
  27. Grizzly Marathon (Choteau, MT) July 2011
  28. Kansas City Marathon October 2011
  29. Des Moines, IA Marathon October 2011 (back-to-back)
  30. Eisenhower Marathon April 2012
  31. Garmin Marathon (Olathe) April 2012
  32. Andy Payne Memorial (OKC) May 2012
  33. Old Farts Trail Marathon (Michigan) August 2012
  34. Drake Well Marathon (Pennslyvania) August 2012
  35. Self-Transcendence Marathon (New York) August 2012
  36. Bob Ardrey Marathon (Salina, KS) September 2012
  37. Kansas City Marathon October 2012
  38. Eisenhower Marathon (Abilene, KS) April 2013
  39. Garmin Marathon April 2013
  40. Lincoln Marathon May 2013
  41. Country Roads Marathon May 2013
  42. Cove Island State Park (Connecticut) Marathon August 2013
  43. Garmin Marathon April 2014
  44. Vermont City Marathon (VT) May 2014
  45. Storm the Dam Trail Marathon (El Dorado, KS) June 2014
  46. Leading Ladies Marathon (Spearfish, SD; female only race) August 2014
  47. New York City Marathon November 2014
  48. Garmin Marathon April 2015
  49. Orange County Marathon (CA) May 2015
  50. Storm the Dam Trail Marathon June 2015
  51. Mt. Sneffels Marathon (Ouray, CO) August 2015
  52. Prairie Fire Marathon October 2015
  53. Kansas City Marathon October 2015
  54. Day of the Dead (Mainly Marathons) (New Mexico) November 2015
  55. Revel Canyon City Marathon (Azusa, CA) November 2015
  56. Route 66 Marathon (Tulsa, OK) November 2015
  57. Honolulu Marathon (Hawaii) December 2015
  58. Rockin' K Marathon April 2016
  59. Garmin Marathon April 2016
  60. Mainly Marathons New England Series - Massachusetts May 2016
  61. Mainly Marathons New England Series - Rhode Island May 2016
  62. Mainly Marathons Appalachian Series - South Carolina October 2016
  63. Garmin Marathon April 2017
  64. Oklahoma City Marathon April 2017
  65. Vail Valor Marathon CO May 2017
  66. Prairie Fire Marathon October 2017
  67. Kansas City Marathon October 2017
  68. St. Louis Go! Marathon April 2018
  69. Garmin Marathon April 2018
  70. Prairie Fire Marathon October 2018
  71. Kansas City Marathon October 2018
  72. Garmin Marathon April 2019
  73. Run for the Lakes Marathon (MN) April 2019
  74. Eau Claire Marathon (WI) May 2019
  75. Scheels Med City Marathon (MN) May 2019
  76. Grandma's Marathon (MN) June 2019
  77. Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon (MN) July 2019
  78. Wausau Marathon (WI) August 2019
  79. Sioux Falls (SD) September 2019
  80. Ely Marathon (MN) September 2019
  81. Twin Cities Marathon October 2019
  82. Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon (MN) October 2019
  83. Grandma's Marathon Virtual June 2020***
  84. Minocqua No Frills Marathon (WI) September 2020
  85. Brookings Marathon (SD) May 2021
  86. Northwoods Escape - Minocqua Marathon (WI) May 2021
  87. Whitefish Point Marathon (Paradise, MI) June 2021 **PR 3:23:16
  88. Grandma's Marathon (MN) June 2021 (3:23:39)
  89. Marquette Marathon (MI) September 2021
  90. Minocqua No Frills Marathon (WI) September 2021 (back to back days)
  91. Bismarck Marathon (ND) September 2021
  92. Eau Claire Marathon (WI) September 2021
  93. Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon (MN) October 2021
  94. Eau Claire Marathon (WI) May 2022
  95. Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon (MN) May 2022
  96. Northwoods Escape - Minocqua Marathon (WI) May 2022
  97. Grandma's Marathon (MN) June 2022
  98. Minocqua No Frills Marathon (WI) September 2022
  99. Bismarck Marathon September 2022
  100. Ely Marathon September 2022
  101. Twin Cities Marathon October 2022
  102. Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon (MN) October 2022
  103. Mankato Marathon (MN) October 2022
  104. Eau Claire Marathon April 2023
  105. Lake Wobegon Marathon May 2023
  106. Med City (Rochester, MN) Marathon May 2023
  107. Fargo Marathon May 2023
  108. Minocqua Northwoods Escape May 2023
  109. Grandma's Marathon June 2023
  110. Minocqua No Frills Marathon (WI) September 2023
  111. Bismarck Marathon September 2023
  112. Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon October 2023
Ultra-marathons
  1. Flatrock September 50K 2007
  2. Psycho-Wyco Ice-Version 50K Februrary 2008
  3. Cross Timbers 50-Mile (Texas) February 2008
  4. Rockin' K 50-Mile April 2008
  5. Free State 100K April 2008
  6. Psycho-Wyco Fire-Version 50K July 2008
  7. Lunar Trek 40 Mile July 2008
    Leadville Trail 100 (DNF at 50 Mile) August 2008
  8. Flatrock 50K September 2008
  9. Heartland 100 Mile October 2008
  10. Rock Creek 50K October 2008
  11. Run for Missions 103.9 miles November 2008
  12. One Hill at a Time 50K December 2008
  13. Kansas Ultrarunners Society Members Only Flint Hills 50 mile March 2009                         Rockin' K April 2009 (DNF mile 36)
  14. Free State 40 Mile April 2009
  15. Lunar Trek 100K July 2009
    Leadville Trail 100 (DNF at 50Kish) August 2009
  16. Flatrock 50K September 2009
  17. Heartland 100 Mile October 2009
  18. Rock Creek 50K October 2009
  19. Run for Missions 104.2 miles November 2009
  20. One Hill at a Time 50K November 2009
  21. Rockin' K 50 mile April 2010
  22. Free State 100K April 2010
  23. Moonlight Madness 50 Miler July 2010
  24. Patriots' Run (53 miles) September 2010
  25. Flatrock 50K September 2010
  26. Heartland 100 October 2010 (PR 22:22)
  27. Run for Missions 104.2 miles November 2010
  28. Grasslands 50 mile (trail PR of 10:52) March 2011
  29. Rockin' K 50 mile April 2011
  30. Free State 100K (13:01) April 2011
  31. Lunar Trek 40 Miles July 2011
    Canadian Death Race 125K (DNF at about 45 miles) July 2011
  32. Flatrock 50K September 2011
  33. Heartland 100 October 2011
  34. Run for Missions 104.2 October 2011
  35. Cross Timbers Trail 50 (Lake Texoma, TX) February 2012
  36. Brew to Brew 44 miles (KC to Lawrence) April 2012
  37. Rockin' K 50 Mile Trail April 2012
  38. Lake Perry Rocks 50K May 2012
  39. Moonlight Madness 50 Miler (Tulsa) July 2012
  40. Psycho Summer 50K July 2012
  41. Flatrock 50K September 2012
    Heartland 100 (DNF at 75 miles) October 2012
  42. Run for Missions 104.2 November 2012
  43. Prairie Spirit 100 Mile Run (DNF at 71 miles)
  44. Rockin' K 50 Miler April 2013
  45. Flatrock 101K April 2013
  46. Patriots Run 9:11 Run (39 Miles) September 2013
  47. Flatrock 50K September 2013
  48. Heartland 100 October 2013
  49. Run for Missions 100 October 2013 (storm-shortened at 87 miles)
  50. One Hill at a Time 50K November 2013
  51. Free State Trail Ultras 40 Mile April 2014
  52. Patriot's Run (46 miles) September 2014
  53. Flatrock 50K September 2014
  54. Heartland 100 October 2014
  55. Run for Missions 100.2 November 2014
  56. Kansas Ultrarunners' Society 6-hour run (32 miles) November 2014
  57. Ultracentric 24 Hour run (50 miles) Grapevine, TX November 2014
  58. Twisted Turkey 50K Indiana November 2014
  59. TATURS 6 Hour Snake Run (34 miles) March 2015
  60. Rockin' K 50 Miler April 2015
  61. Flatrock 50K September 2015
  62. Kansas Rails to Trails Fall Ultra Extravaganza 100 Mile (Epic Ultras) October 2015
  63. Run for Missions 100 Mile Fundraiser Run November 2015 (23:08)
  64. Psycho Wyco 50K February 2016
  65. North Fork 50K (Colorado) June 2016
  66. Minnesota Voyageur 50 Mile (Duluth, MN) August 2016
  67. Patriots Run (40 Miles) September 2016
  68. Flatrock 50K September 2016
  69. Heartland 100 October 2016
  70. Run for Missions 100 October 2016 (22:35)
  71. KUS 6/12/24 6 Hour (32 miles) November 2016
  72. Prairie Spirit Trail 100 Mile Run March 2017
  73. Rocky Mountain 50K (Laramie) WY May 2017
  74. Patriots Run (31 miles) September 2017
  75. Heartland 100 October 2017 (25:59:42)
  76. KUS 6/12/24 6 Hour (6 Hour, 32 miles) November 2017
  77. High Cliff Ultra 50K (Wisconsin) August 2018
  78. Flatrock 50K September 2018
  79. KUS 6/12/24 (6 Hour, 32 miles) November 2018
  80. KUS 6/12/24 (12 Hour, 55 miles) November 2019
  81. American Heroes Run (9 Hours, 11 Minutes; 40 miles) CO September 2020
  82. Heartland 100 October 2020 (28:38) 
  83. Chester Woods 50K (MN) November 2020
  84. Trail Mix 50K (MN) April 2021
  85. KUS 6/12/24 (24 Hour, 31.5 miles) November 2022
  86. KUS 6/12/24 (24 Hour, 64 miles) November 2023
112 marathons (in 30 states--out of 51 including DC) and 85 ultramarathons 
197 Marathons & Ultramarathons as of 11/11/2023

19 100 mile finishes

States I still need to complete marathon in all 50 states:
Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Ohio, Kentucky, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maine, Alaska

Monday, December 21, 2015

Monday, November 30, 2015

3rd Annual KUS 6/12/24 Hour Run || Race Director's Report

3rd Annual KUS 6/12/24 Hour Run
Race Director's Report

Timed events are weird and unusual. Seems like they are making a sort of a comeback in the last few years with new races popping up. The mental challenge seems to be the hardest part, especially for those attempting 24 hours and 100 miles. As a race director the logistics of a timed event on a 1.35 mile loop course couldn’t get any easier. But surprisingly there is still plenty to do all year to pull of a successful event, which I believe this year’s event was indeed!

The 3rd annual Kansas Ultrarunners’ Society 6/12/24 Hour Run was held Saturday, November 14 at Chapin Park in south Wichita, Kansas. The city park has a 1.35 mile loop of mostly gravel and dirt on top of an old city landfill. The weather this year was similar to 2013, warm and windy during the day. The night temperatures were chilly and windy but moderately nice for the time of year.

We had registrants from 9 states and Canada. 25 buckles were awarded altogether including 6 in the 24 hour which is the most ever by far! The highest mileage this year was 109 miles. A great blog report from the 100-Mile Finisher from Nebraska, Jeff Gregg: bostonbounddad.blogspot.com/2015/11/kus-24-hour-100-mile-run.htmlFull results from 2015 Race: ozendurance.net/race-results/3rd-annual-kus-61224-hour-run-wichita-ks/

Of course my favorite part of the race is the runners. People who show up to a timed loop course event like this are the best of the best that the ultrarunning world has to offer, in my opinion. They are gracious, grateful, fun and a little crazy too. We had plenty of excellent volunteers help out this year and Sherri Rider once again captained the aid station for the whole 24 hours!

Dates for the 4th annual race have been tentatively set for Saturday, November 14th. The location will be determined later. A few changes to 2016 include quarter zip jackets for all entrants (instead of long sleeve shirt) and participant awards for everyone who at least completes a 50K. The same great buckle will be at the finish line for 50K, 50 mile and 100 mile. I hope to be able to return the race to Buffalo Park but don’t know yet what the new condition of the park and trail will be after the new construction there is complete. Hopefully we will know by early next year.
Pictures from 2015 and periodic updates for 2016 available on our Facebook page:  facebook.com/61224HourRunKUS.

Friday, May 29, 2015

Linda Sue Folle Snyder

My sister Linda was 48 years old when she died. For 40 of those years she was very independent. She went where she wanted with whom she wanted and for whatever reason she chose. She wasn't afraid to go to new places or experience new things. She was more bold than I ever was in going to class reunions and being in the center of a party. The last eight years of her life, after her husband died, she was a little less mobile and that's when our relationship began to grow. She depended more on others to get around and we were often called into service. There were times I didn't want to make the drive to Hutch to help out but I was always glad I did. I came to love her in a way I didn't think possible. I loved how she thought I had hung the moon and how she depended on me, especially in times medical things were happening. 

She thought I knew everything about everything. :-) She was childlike and adult like all at the same time. She watched the news and often called to give us her spin on it (usually it was about half fact and the rest she just filled in on her own). She kept us abreast of current weather conditions, both here and in New York where Adam's wife Sarah has family. There really was never a dull moment. Her voicemails left us in fits of laughter at times...she went from chastising us for not returning her phone calls to dispensing advice gleaned from the Dr, Oz show all in the same day.

My sister also loved funerals. I'm not sure why but something about death and dying intrigued her. She went to many funerals and probably weaseled her way into many a funeral dinner. Linda would have loved this celebration today...the songs, the flowers, the people gathered to celebrate her life. she would love that her sisters were loved and supported by others. 

It was a privilege being her big sister. I will definitely miss her and our family will miss her as well. But I do know she is in a better place and her childlike faith was surely welcomed when she met Jesus face to face.

-Jill Smith (Linda's older sister and my Mom)



Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Marathon/Ultramarathon Archive Update 2016

Up-to-date list. Goal: all 50 states before age 40.

Marathons
  1. Wichita Marathon October 2003
  2. Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon April 2004
  3. Dallas White Rock Marathon December 2004
  4. Chicago Marathon October 2005
  5. New York City Marathon November 2006
  6. Oklahoma Marathon (Tulsa) November 2006
  7. Salt Lake City Marathon April 2007
  8. Andy Payne Memorial Marathon (OKC) May 2007
  9. Heart of America Marathon (Columbia, Missouri) September 2007
  10. Marine Corps Marathon (Washington D.C.) October 2007
  11. St. Jude Marathon (Memphis, Tennessee) December 2007
  12. Olathe Marathon (KS) March 2008
  13. Mountain Home Marathon (Arkansas) November 2008
  14. Thunder Road Marathon (Charlotte, NC) December 2008
  15. Salt Lake City Marathon April 2009
  16. Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon April 2009
  17. Los Angeles Marathon May 2009
  18. Kansas City Marathon October 2009
  19. Eisenhower (Abilene, KS) Marathon April 2010
  20. Fargo Marathon May 2010
  21. Rock Creek Night Marathon July 2010 Trail Marathon PR of 5:10
  22. Kansas City Marathon PR 3:27 October 2010
  23. Eisenhower Marathon April 2011
  24. Oz Marathon (Olathe, KS) April 2011
  25. Lincoln (NE) Marathon May 2011
  26. Hawk Marathon (trails, Clinton Lake, Lawnrence, KS) May 2011
  27. Grizzly Marathon (Choteau, MT) July 2011
  28. Kansas City Marathon October 2011
  29. Des Moines, IA Marathon October 2011 (back-to-back)
  30. Eisenhower Marathon April 2012
  31. Garmin Marathon (Olathe) April 2012
  32. Andy Payne Memorial (OKC) May 2012
  33. Old Farts Trail Marathon (Michigan) August 2012
  34. Drake Well Marathon (Pennslyvania) August 2012
  35. Self-Transcendence Marathon (New York) August 2012
  36. Bob Ardrey Marathon (Salina, KS) September 2012
  37. Kansas City Marathon October 2012
  38. Eisenhower Marathon (Abilene, KS) April 2013
  39. Garmin Marathon April 2013
  40. Lincoln Marathon May 2013
  41. Country Roads Marathon May 2013
  42. Cove Island State Park (Connecticut) Marathon August 2013
  43. Garmin Marathon April 2014
  44. Storm the Dam Trail Marathon (El Dorado, KS) June 2014
  45. Leading Ladies Marathon (Spearfish, SD; female only race) August 2014
  46. New York City Marathon November 2014
  47. Garmin Marathon April 2015
  48. Orange County Marathon (CA) May 2015
  49. Storm the Dam Trail Marathon June 2015
  50. Mt. Sneffels Marathon (Ouray, CO) August 2015
  51. Prairie Fire Marathon October 2015
  52. Kansas City Marathon October 2015
  53. Day of the Dead (Mainly Marathons) (New Mexico) November 2015
  54. Revel Canyon City Marathon (Azusa, CA) November 2015
  55. Route 66 Marathon (Tulsa, OK) November 2015
  56. Honolulu Marathon (Hawaii) December 2015
  57. Rockin' K Marathon April 2016
  58. Garmin Marathon April 2016
  59. Mainly Marathons New England Series - Massachusetts May 2016
  60. Mainly Marathons New England Series - Rhode Island May 2016
  61. Mainly Marathons Appalachian Series - South Carolina October 2016
Ultra-marathons
  1. Flatrock September 50K 2007
  2. Psycho-Wyco Ice-Version 50K Februrary 2008
  3. Cross Timbers 50-Mile (Texas) February 2008
  4. Rockin' K 50-Mile April 2008
  5. Free State 100K April 2008
  6. Psycho-Wyco Fire-Version 50K July 2008
  7. Lunar Trek 40 Mile July 2008
    Leadville Trail 100 (DNF at 50 Mile) August 2008
  8. Flatrock 50K September 2008
  9. Heartland 100 Mile October 2008
  10. Rock Creek 50K October 2008
  11. Run for Missions 103.9 miles November 2008
  12. One Hill at a Time 50K December 2008
  13. Kansas Ultrarunners Society Members Only Flint Hills 50 mile March 2009                    Rockin' K April 2009 (DNF mile 36)
  14. Free State 40 Mile April 2009
  15. Lunar Trek 100K July 2009
    Leadville Trail 100 (DNF at 50Kish) August 2009
  16. Flatrock 50K September 2009
  17. Heartland 100 Mile October 2009
  18. Rock Creek 50K October 2009
  19. Run for Missions 104.2 miles November 2009
  20. One Hill at a Time 50K November 2009
  21. Rockin' K 50 mile April 2010
  22. Free State 100K April 2010
  23. Moonlight Madness 50 Miler July 2010
  24. Patriots' Run (53 miles) September 2010
  25. Flatrock 50K September 2010
  26. Heartland 100 October 2010 (PR 22:22)
  27. Run for Missions 104.2 miles November 2010
  28. Grasslands 50 mile (trail PR of 10:52) March 2011
  29. Rockin' K 50 mile April 2011
  30. Free State 100K (13:01) April 2011
  31. Lunar Trek 40 Miles July 2011
    Canadian Death Race 125K (DNF at about 45 miles) July 2011
  32. Flatrock 50K September 2011
  33. Heartland 100 October 2011
  34. Run for Missions 104.2 October 2011
  35. Cross Timbers Trail 50 (Lake Texoma, TX) February 2012
  36. Brew to Brew 44 miles (KC to Lawrence) April 2012
  37. Rockin' K 50 Mile Trail April 2012
  38. Lake Perry Rocks 50K May 2012
  39. Moonlight Madness 50 Miler (Tulsa) July 2012
  40. Psycho Summer 50K July 2012
  41. Flatrock 50K September 2012
    Heartland 100 (DNF at 75 miles) October 2012
  42. Run for Missions 104.2 November 2012
  43. Prairie Spirit 100 Mile Run (DNF at 71 miles)
  44. Rockin' K 50 Miler April 2013
  45. Flatrock 101K April 2013
  46. Patriots Run 9:11 Run (39 Miles) September 2013
  47. Flatrock 50K September 2013
  48. Heartland 100 October 2013
  49. Run for Missions 100 October 2013 (storm-shortened at 87 miles)
  50. One Hill at a Time 50K November 2013
  51. Free State Trail Ultras 40 Mile April 2014
  52. Patriot's Run (46 miles) September 2014
  53. Flatrock 50K September 2014
  54. Heartland 100 October 2014
  55. Run for Missions 100.2 November 2014
  56. Kansas Ultrarunners' Society 6-hour run (32 miles) November 2014
  57. Ultracentric 24 Hour run (50 miles) Grapevine, TX November 2014
  58. Twisted Turkey 50K Indiana November 2014
  59. TATURS 6 Hour Snake Run (34 miles) March 2015
  60. Rockin' K 50 Miler April 2015
  61. Flatrock 50K September 2015
  62. Kansas Rails to Trails Fall Ultra Extravaganza 100 Mile (Epic Ultras) October 2015
  63. Run for Missions 100 Mile Fundraiser Run November 2015 (23:08)
  64. Psycho Wyco 50K February 2016
  65. North Fork 50K (Colorado) June 2016
  66. Minnesota Voyageur 50 Mile (Duluth, MN) August 2016
  67. Patriots Run (40 Miles) September 2016
  68. Flatrock 50K September 2016
  69. Heartland 100 October 2016
  70. Run for Missions 100 Mile Fundraiser Run October 2016
  71. Kansas Ultrarunners' Society 6 Hour Run (32 miles)
61 marathons in 30 states 
70 ultramarathons 
131` Marathons & Ultramarathons as of 11/12/16

Friday, January 11, 2013

Heartland 100 DNF 2012


Heartland 100 DNF

It seems totally ridiculous to write a blog report about a race that was over three months ago, and especially one that I DNF’d at. Nevertheless, I have been faithful (I think) to blog about all my long ultras and I wanted to sit down and think about it to articulate and record what I could learn from it.

I have finished the Heartland 100 mile run four straight years, 2008-2011. I was (and still am) shooting for 10 finishes and the 1,000-mile buckle.  I was also endeavoring to be the first 1,000-mile buckler to do it in 10 consecutive years. Guess I have to start over!

The Heartland 100 is one of my favorite weekends of the year. It is one of about 3 “non-negotiable” race weekends that I block out on my calendar each year. Of course, I love it and I hate it but I mostly love it! J

I’ve had some decent finishes as well as at least one really slow finish there in past years but I’ve never had any significant reasons to worry about not finishing. It’s been really hot and its been really cold before and we’ve had a few little showers here and there in my years running Heartland, but 2012 was…a bit different.

All week leading up we saw the threat of severe weather right over the site of the 50 mile out and back course across the Flint Hill prairies of Kansas, including serious concerns of big hail and even tornadoes. Knowing this course, the thought of all of that makes me shudder a bit…nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.

Anyway, the run started at 6am with mild temps and we made it to almost the first 8-mile aid station before the rain and storms began…and then most of the next 42 miles consisted of heavy rain with lightning and thunder. Other than the fear of the lightning and just kind of the annoyance of being wet all day, the rain kept the temperature mild and I never put on a long sleeve or rain jacket shell until right about when darkness set in.

I ran with my new friend Thomas Stanley for most of the first 50 miles until I just couldn’t quite hold his pace once his freshly energized pacers showed up at Matfield Green. After finishing the first 50 in 10 hours, Thomas went on to finish in right at 21 hours, which is totally amazing. I left Eric Steele’s Lone Tree Aid Station at 10 hours and 10 minutes of elapsed time still feeling good. When I got back to Matfield Green…it was pouring rain…again. I was starting to feel demoralized from it but physically I was still feeling fine. I took my socks and shoes off for the 3rd time to dry off my wrinkled and soggy skin, apply vasoline to my blisters that were forming slowly all day (from the friction from wet socks over 58 miles) and put on dry socks. At this point I still wasn’t worried about finishing as I my legs still felt fine.

I returned to Ridge Line (62 miles) still in good spirits. Ate some of Gary Henry’s protein bean soup and set out on the next stretch. My pace had slowed some and I was tired but it was still nothing out of the ordinary.

The out of ordinary began as I left Texaco Hill…something was really off under my left foot. I’ve had blisters before (not any for at least 3 years though) and they can hurt but overall they’ve never been a big deal for me. From Texaco Hill to Teterville this blister basically raised up and became a really big deal. It was about the size of a silver dollar and about a half inch thick and growing. Eventually it became non-weight bearing where I basically couldn’t stand on it, of course let alone run on it. This means for nearly 6 miles I limped, placing the weight of my body on that side on the outside of my foot. By the time I got to Teterville I was a wreck. My back and hips were tweaked from walking funny and my pace was pathetic, probably at one point down to 45 miles/mile as I limped/hobble-stepped into the aid station at 75 miles. I changed shoes and socks again but as my wife and mom looked at the foot, we couldn’t really see or feel the blister, due to the soggy soaked feet. We basically thought that maybe it had popped itself. I left from the aid station and walked (hobbled) down to the stop sign and realized that there was no way I was going to make it the last 25 miles in about 12 hours. I hate the feeling of a DNF. It’s discouraging and depressing and demoralizing. I still felt fine in my legs and believe that if it weren’t for the blister (s), I would have finished strong and well. Anyway, we drove home in a pathetic state.

The next day, my doctor friend lanced the blister and basically cut it off. It hurt worse for about 3 days. But it was healed on the 4th day and I ran 3 miles to test it out…because on the 5th day I was scheduled to run the KC Marathon as a pacer, 3:45 at that. I ran a perfect race in 3:45:02 and felt great...

What did I learn from this DNF? I’m not sure entirely to honest. Running all day in the rain isn’t fun? I guess I could put even more vasoline in potentially problematic areas of my feet and change my socks even more? I am open to advice about how to proactively deal with this in the future. I have business to attend to in 2013 at the Heartland 100 and another buckle and hoodie to earn!

2011 and prior Heartland 100 reports: http://www.adammonaghan.blogspot.com/2011/10/heartland-100-2011.html. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: Eat & Run by Scott Jurek

Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness
By Scott Jurek
 
I just finished yesterday the book Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness by Scott Jurek. I loved it! Once I got into the middle part I couldn’t put it down. And once I finished it, I went out to do, of course, a fast 5 miles in the cool Kansas air to let it all sink in.

I highly recommend this book to all my running, marathon, and especially ultramarathon friends. I add this to the list of my favorite ultramarathon autobiographies that I’ve read and among the most informative, reflective, and inspiring (though they are all inspiring).

As with any book, I don’t advocate everything his says, nor do I aspire to be just like Scott Jurek. But I respect the guy and his accomplishments and what he has learned about life and about himself because of and while running, competing and pushing himself.

I also am challenged in new ways about the use of food and how it affects the body. I don’t necessarily want to become a vegan like Scott Jurek, but I do want to take how I eat and what I put into my body at least half as seriously as how I burn it off.

 

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Run for Missions 2012 Official Report





Run for Missions 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon

The 2012 Run for Missions events are all now successfully completed. The fundraising process will continue through the end of the year, but the biggest final push is in the next few days as the original goal was to have all pledges made by November 15th! We are still boldly shooting for our goal of $25,000 to fund the Scholarship and Missions Support Fund. The deadline has been extended and we can receive those funds all the way through the end of the year (postmarked by December 31st). If you want to support the Run for Missions with a gift per mile, please send a check payable to EFCMAYM, memo Run for Missions, 2018 W. Maple St., Wichita, KS 67213.
The 3rd Annual 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon Run for Missions events were held on a blustery cold Saturday, October 27 in Haviland. The temperature at the starting line was in the mid-20s with a light wind from the south. 144 runners lined up to participate in three events, first a half-marathon starting at 8am and then the 5K and 10K events starting at 9am. The races attracted runners from Haviland, Pratt, Wichita and other cities from around Kansas. The race was sponsored by area businesses including Origins Coffeehouse of Haviland, Traci Ballard’s Gymnastics and Dance Studio, Haviland Telephone Company, Farmer’s Cooperative Company, and GoRun Wichita running store. New in 2012 were finisher’s medals for all half-marathon finishers and ribbons for all 5K and 10K finishers. Also new this year was chip timing for all three events. Chip timing is a computer generated system that tracks each runner with a coded chip on their shoe as they cross the finish line for a very accurate finish time recorded. The timing services were contracted by TATUR (Tulsa Area Trail and Ultra Running) Timing. The finish line is under a large inflatable chute with a ten foot Run for Missions banner hanging over it.

A simple course change near the Mile 3 marker made this year go really smoothly. The runners in the 10K and Half-Marathon had to battle some soft sand on the country dirt roads but they got to enjoy the beautiful Kansas prairie scenery and hills. But first they were hosted by friendly volunteers holding encouraging signs and even playing the bagpipes!

Half-marathon finishers finished in a wide range from an hour and 16 minutes to just over 3 hours. An awards assembly was held at 10:45am sharp presenting awards to the top three males and females in each event. Then a random raffle was held to give away the remaining prizes. The race prizes (cookies, cakes, pies, brownies, and fresh homemade desserts!) and hospitality were provided by Friends Women missionary groups from Argonia, Derby, Haviland, Hutchinson, Northridge, Pratt, Rose Hill, University Friends.

A few 2012 t-shirts are left for purchase at cost.

We are already looking forward to the 2013 Run for Missions events and with the dates to be released soon.

Run for Missions 100 Mile Fundraiser Run
The 5th Annual 100 Mile Fundraiser Run was held on a hot and windy November 9th and into the morning of the 10th. The temperatures hit the mid-80s during the heat of the day, producing record highs. The finish line was reached just after the sun came up on a cool breezy Saturday morning.

Mike Neifert and Adam Monaghan set out at 5am from 2018 W. Maple St, the Friends Ministry Center, with three pacers (Taylor Johnson, Jeff Kinniburgh, and Marc Compton) on the 104 mile quest to Haviland. We wound through the streets of Wichita, up to Central, over to Zoo Boulevard, and then headed west on 21st straight west for 50 miles before turning south on a country dirt road. Mike was accompanied by his crew vehicle operated by Greg and Isaac Garrison. My crew vehicle was operated by my wife, Sarah.  The third crew vehicle was the church van driven by Frank Penna, assisted most of the day by Marc Compton, whose job was to take help the pacers find the runners and then find their cars after pacing.

The first 25 miles were uneventful other than the wind. Our early morning shift pacers dropped off after mile 10 and Mike and I ran alone most of the way until mile 50. We were joined for an hour by a young boy on a bike from my church, Ky Leslie.
Mile 25-50 was were the run got pretty intense with full sun exposure, the heat soaring into the 80s, and an intense wind that gusted up to 40-50 mph at times. The miles, pain, heat, sun, and dehydration took it’s toll on Mike and he had decided to end his run at 50 miles.
See Mike Neifert’s full report of his experience this year at the Run for Missions. Mike is a brave hero and dedicated runner and even more important, a champion for the cause of missions.
The conditions were taking a serious toll on me as well. It took me about 10 hours and 30 minutes to complete the first 50 miles, slightly longer than normal. Heat and dehydration usually leads to nausea. This day was no exception. By mile 63 I had to vomit. Ironically, this is the third year in a row (of 5 total years of completing the 100 mile run) where I have puked for missions! J And it always seems to happen somewhere around the 60-70 mile mark.

I was joined by a whole host of pacers from mile 55 – 80 including Tim Hawkins, Dan from Pratt on a mountain bike with a spotlight to light the way for all the runners, Nate Dipman, Ryan Kendall, Matthew Schafer, Andy Bowman, Gabe Hancock, Ellen Sigley, Dwight Smitherman, David Frietas, and Jake Spencer. Each running different sections provided encouragement, motivation and company.
After the long bout with nausea for nearly 15 miles, by mile 70 I was running consistently again. Our team clicked off mile after mile as we could see the lights of Pratt pulling us in. We arrived at Pratt Friends Church and used the facility as the final aid station, at mile 81, before heading into the country for the final 23 miles to Haviland. On the west side of Pratt we encountered a train that was stopped on the tracks. We waited 10 minutes but knew that we had to find a way around or we were going to freeze up and fall asleep. So we actually drove around the section to the other side of the tracks and ran from there. About 30 minutes later we heard the train start to move.

The final 23 miles are always some of the most challenging and most exhilarating times. On one hand you are so close but on the other hand even the smallest number of miles begins to feel so psychologically overwhelming when you’ve already put on 80/90 miles on your legs. I was joined by 4 individuals who all ran ultra of their own in pacing me to the finish: Gabe and Andy – 45 miles, David 30 miles, Ellen 35 miles. We were also rejoined by Mike Neifert who had thrown up, had a shower and something to eat and drink. He helped provide crew and support and driving all the way to the end!

About 2 miles from Haviland the sun came up on Saturday morning.  The sun seemed to give me that final boost of energy I needed to finish strong. We ran pretty well all the way from Pratt but those last few miles were pretty fast, comparatively speaking. Running into Haviland was again once a thrill. It never gets old. Finishing 104 miles takes so much determination and persistence. I was overjoyed to cross the finish line with the 4 other ultra-marathoners and 50 mile runner Mike Niefert. Our crew, and family and a few other friends and well-wishers were there to cheer us on. We quickly went to host homes to shower, eat and sleep.
The Finish Line: 103.9 Miles
The Sunrise on Saturday Morning

As I limped around weary and tired for the next 24 hours I was just overwhelmed with gratitude for all the support and prayers and, as always, most of all for the donors who sacrifice to give to this cause. 5 years of the Run for Missions down, and 5 years to go…that seems to be the way this whole thing is working out. Here’s to making 2013-2017 the best 5 yet. Until next year… J