Tag Archives: running marathons

Update – How My Training Is Going

April 22, 2013

First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have given to the cause of MS research and education a very BIG THANK YOU for your donations. I do appreciate it.

What a week this has been in the world of running and life here in our country. The bombs at the Boston Marathon were so shocking to me. I was shocked to tears. My heart goes out to all those and their families who have been directly affected by such violence. To add to that, West, Texas is dealing with their own sadness and disbief from the explosion that rocked their town. My heart goes out to them as well.

Here on San Juan Island live has been quiet. Seems all I do is to run, go to work and run some more. Shelly is most wonderful in her support and ensuring that I am getting my nutritional needs met.

The past two weeks I have logged over 80 per week. 87 last with week, which was done with help of a 35 mile run last Sunday. My training partner, Susan, and I logged the distance in 7 hours. Thank you Susan for your help and support on these extra long distances. Today Susan, Brendan and I ran a good solid 20 miles what gave me 81 weekly miles. Nice to have some sunshine in the process. Nice to have nice running buddies as well.

Yesterday I had a brief panic attack as I was counting the weeks until I start my Relay segment. Basically I have 4.5 weeks until I start my 163 miles journey in Vernal, Utah. Wow, that’s not all that far off. This coming week my mileage will move up over 100. I plan on running 100 plus miles every week until I reach Vernal. I am very happy with how my training has gone thus far. The next 4 weeks of running should be the icing on the cake, so to speak.

Next Sunday, April 28, Susan and I will be running the Mt. Si 50 Miler. This will be good training as well. Any time running is going to be very beneficial for me.

Want to look at a map that explains my route from Vernal, Utah to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, take a peak here.

Well, that’s about it. Stay tuned to more fun and games.

Clark

ps If you are wondering what in the world I am doing, please see below.

Clark Gilbert

Segment 6

Some of you might have seen on my web site (www.runhappyrunhard.com) or on the various social media networks that I have taken on a new challenge in 2013.  I have joined forces with MS Run the US to raise awareness and funds to END MS. Read about it here ===> http://www.msruntheus.com/clarkgilbert/

On May 24, 2013 I will be running the first of my seventh back-to-back marathons starting in Vernal, UT and concluding in Steam Boat Springs, CO on the May 30th.

Crazy right?

I know.

It’s definitely not for everyone, however, I feel extremely fortunate that I am in excellent health (all though some might wonder about my mental health) and I am running both long and hard to prepare myself for this epic adventure while representing an incredible charity.

Along with my pledge to run 7 marathons I have taken on the challenge of fundraising a minimum of $10,000.  (This is where I need your help).

I am asking all of you for the following help:

Make a Donation Today:  http://www.msruntheus.com/clarkgilbert/ any amount can and will help because 100% of your donation goes to MS Research and Education.  Checks can be sent to P.O. Box 3198, FH, WA 98250.
Share this E-mail: please send this e-mail on to as many of your friends + family as possible.  The broader net we can cast the more people we can reach and the stronger we can grow.
Post on Facebook: “I just donated to, Clark Gilbert, MS Run the US 2013 Relay Runner. Learn more here ===> http://www.msruntheus.com/clarkgilbert/“.  Copy and paste the sentence before into your status update to help spread the word!

Lend Me Your Network: $10,000 is a large amount of money and I am not expecting my small group of friends and family to donate all of that cash.  I am hoping that we can all look inside our hearts, find the one thing we all have in common, compassion. I appeal to all of you to share with me anyone or any company that might be interested in becoming involved with my crazy adventure and MS Run the US.

I am very excited about this new adventure and working with MS Run the US. I can’t wait to share it with all of you as I share my experiences leading up, during and after my run.  Any help you can provide to myself and MS Run the US is greatly appreciated. Check out my journey at www.runhappyrunhard.com or www.seattlepirun.com.

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Running Events, Things on my mind, MS Run the US - Training Tags: running, marathons, brooks, shoes, san juan island running, marathon, course, hills, half marathon, running marathons, goals, achiever, pure grit, 50 miler, suffering, Pure Project, inspiration, san juan island, training., Brooks Running, MS Run Across the US, MS, multiple sclerosis, running across the us

The Training Continues

April 18, 2013

What a week this has been and it’s only Thursday.

Sadness still lingers in my heart over the Boston Marathon Bombing. When I first learned of the bombing I was shocked to tears. This running was the 20th anniversary of my Boston Marathon Experience. Twenty years ago that Boston Marathon had bombs on their minds as the World Trade Center had been bombed a few months earlier on February 26. The last few blocks of the Marathon course had been boarded up to keep spectators away from the finish line.

My thoughts and good wishes go out to the victims and their families.

Wearing my 1993 Boston Marathon Shirt

This past Sunday Susan and I ran 35 miles in preparation for the Mt. Si 50 miler which is on April 28. Leaving at 5:40 am the air was chilly, but the sky looked promising for sunshine. We ended up running 35 miles in 7:01 with a max elevation of 6,724 feet. I forgot how hilly this island is.

Monday night was Monday Night Trail Running out at American Camp. Susan, Brendan and I ran our 10 mile loop at a pretty good clip – the fastest for me this year. It was a great run in spite of my tripping and falling. I have a couple of scrapes on my knee, elbow and hand. Makes for good stories.

Tuesday was a double day workout. Lunch time I ran 6 mile in 56:56, which I am really proud of. After work I ran the Egg Lake Loop which is 12 miles. My time was 2:04. Both runs had sunshine! Felt so good having the warmth of the sun on my face and back.

The last three days I have run 63 miles, an average of 21 miles per day. This is close to what I will need to run when I am running my MSRuntheUS Relay segment, where I will need to average 23 miles a day for 7 days.

My training is paying off for me. The best thing is that I feel so good. Great even. Amazing what this 59 year old body can do.

Clark

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Running Information, Things on my mind, MS Run the US - Training Tags: running, marathons, brooks, trail running, san juan trail running, san juan island running, course, hills, running marathons, goals, achiever, 50 miler, trails, suffering, inspiration, san juan island, Brooks Running, MS Run Across the US, MS, multiple sclerosis, running across the us, boston marathon, boston marathon bombings

Friday, April 12 – running is going good

April 12, 2013

What a great day of running I had yesterday (Thursday, April 11); which was a twice-a-day workout. Morning was cold, I mean I don’t think my gloved fingers ever did warm up. 7 easy miles which took me up and around the airport, out through Fox Hall then a short out and back towards Shipyard cove. Lunch time the sun had come out and I was itching to bag another 6 miles. Warmer temperatures made this run fun and quick. 6 miles for a total of 13 miles total. I am very happy about that.

Friday is planned as an easy day, probably another 6. The sun will probably won’t be my companion. (I am crossing my fingers that the sun beats back the clouds).

Saturday or Sunday will be my extra long run. 32 miles is the plan. I will bring my running pack with water and goodies to eat. Lately I have been experimenting with Saquito energy mix. This long run will be the first time I will have Saquito to munch on. I’ll let you know how they work for me.

If I run on Saturday, then Sunday will be my rest day. Or reversed.

I am doing all this training to prepare myself for the MS Run the US Relay segment, which I start on May 24. I sill have miles to go.

Good running to you!

Clark

Posted by Clark Gilbert in MS Run the US - Training, Running Information Tags: achiever, goals, hills, inspiration, MS, MS Run Across the US, multiple sclerosis, pure grit, Pure Project, running, running across the us, running marathons, san juan island, san juan island running, san juan running, san juan trail running, shoes, suffering, trails, training.

MS Run the US Relay – Update

April 8, 2013

Since the first of the year I have been training to participate in the MS Run the US Relay. This relay starts in a few weeks and travels from Los Angeles to New York City. Runners like myself run various segments along the coast to coast course. My segment starts on May 24 and ends on May 30. In those seven days I will run from Vernal, Utah to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A total of 163 miles. That’s twenty-three miles per day for seven days.

The goal of MS Run the US Relay is to raise funds for building awareness and research for multiple sclerosis. This disease has stricken so many of our friends and neighbors. To do my part in fighting MS I have set a goal to raise $10,000 by the end of the Relay in September. Running 163 miles in 7 days and raising $10,000 seems like a huge undertaking. It’s an undertaking that I know I can accomplish with your help. I’ll do the running, but I need you to donate.

Please know that your donation does not support any aspect of my run or the running of the Relay. Your donation goes directly to research and educational programs through the National MS Society.

Please take a moment to visit my fund raising page and donate $200.00 or $100.00. Any help given will be appreciated If you like, please mail me a check, made out to MS Run the US, at P.O. Box 3198, Friday Harbor, WA, 98250.

With your help we can help others who are battling this dreadful disease. You and I can make a huge difference. Please donate!

Over the next 7 weeks I will be posting weekly updates as to how my training is going. This year alone I have run 600 miles!

Take care!

Clark

For more information on the Relay please visit: MS Run the US.

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Running Information Tags: 50 miler, goals, marathon, marathons, MS, MS Run Across the US, multiple sclerosis, Pure Project, running, running across the us, running marathons, san juan island, san juan island running, suffering, trail running, trails, training.

Twice a day running

March 22, 2013

As I prepare for my relay segment for MS Run the US Relay I have been building my weekly miles. To do so I have been running twice a day. At least during the workdays. My relay segment is 163 miles in which I have 7 days to complete. That’s 23 miles per day. To make things easier on my body and my mind, I am planning of dividing the daily mileage in two. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. Much like I do now.

Twice a day running, or double days, carries great benefits. If you need to build mileage double days is a great way to do without adding extra stress to your legs. Double days are also very good for those with time limitations. Tackling 12 miles might not work with daily commitments, but 6 miles before work and 6 miles after work seems more manageable.

I have used twice a day running before when I needed to make a step-up in my training. Like I’m doing now. Double days allows me to feel comfortable and confident in my training process.

The elites train this way. They have a morning workout, then tend to their day. Their afternoons usually has another run involved. Depending on their workout schedule one workout may have a higher intensity to it. They also get massages.

If you choose to try twice a day running, I would suggest preparing by try 2 miles in the a.m. and 2 miles in the p.m. until you get the hang of it. Be creative too. 4 miles in the a.m. and 6 miles after work gives you a total 10 quality miles. These miles are quality miles due to the fact the the total mileage run in a day is just as important and effective from one long run. I have found this to be true.

Give the twice a day running a try and see how it impacts your running.

If you want to check out what I am doing for MS Run the US Relay, check out this link.

Clark

Posted by Clark Gilbert in MS Run the US - Training, Running Information, Things on my mind Tags: achiever, double days, goals, hills, inspiration, marathons, MS Run Across the US, pure grit, running, running across the us, running marathons, suffering, trail running, trails, training.

2 comments

Training strategy for running 164 miles in 7 days.

February 17, 2013

Today is February 17, 2013. It’s a Sunday. The sky is partly cloudy. No rain. Yeah for that.

Yesterday I posted my intent on running a relay segment for MS Run the US, a fundraiser for multiple sclerosis research and eduction. I am very excited to participate in this relay. Honored too. Some people have passed comments along to me that tell me I am insane. Such comments remind me that I am on target. This is how I want to live me life, by doing insane things.

I have Three Stages of training to get me to Vernal, Utah, where my segment starts and finishes in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, some 164 miles away. I will have seven days to complete this journey. If I don’t, the support staff will shoot me. Well, I might beg them to shoot me, but they probably won’t.

Since the first of the year I have been building my running base. This was Stage One of my strategy. Spending as much time running in the rain to prepare me for running in a very arid part of the country. I know. That doesn’t make sense. We get what we get. During the winter months here in the San Juan Islands, we get rain. Or we got rain. Stage One was designed to get me use to spending more time out running. Rain or no rain. Stage Two, which started the first of February increases my mileage or time I spend running. This Stage two has me running twice a day and running long runs during weekends. I have run one 20 mile run already in February. Good for me.

As of today I have 95 days until I leave Vernal for Steamboat. I think people in Colorado refer to Steamboat Springs by just Steamboat. I will too.

Anyway. I have 95 days. My goal is to run 1,000 miles from today until May 23 (which is also my little sister’s birthday). This plan averages 10.5 miles per day for the next 95 days. That’s doable. I will be running many days where my mileage will be over 20 miles. I will need to get use to that much distance as my relay segment is about 24 miles per day. I have trained like this before when I ran my first 50 miler. It worked then. I am hoping it will work for me again.

If I count all the mileage I have all ready ran this year (240) and add it to the 1,000 goal miles, I will have 1240 miles by the time I start for Steamboat. On paper this all looks good. The challenge comes down to GMBOTD (getting my butt out the door). I except that challenge. I do find that the dark and wet days of our winters to be a challenge for me. Most of the routes I run don’t have street lamps. Just darkness. I have a headlamp for this darkness. I also have a nice Brooks Running rain jacket that is reflective. Reflective material is good for our dark mornings and nights.

I know I will have my challenges. Mostly mental challenges that will keep me indoors. Physically I was born to run. I also run so slow that I couldn’t possibly hurt myself. My challenges are mostly comfort related. Soft, comfy chair and a good book will result in no running. (Must remember not to go to the library).

I can, as they say in Wyoming to “pull up your cowboy boots and get it done.” Actually, I don’t wear cowboy boots. That saying still works for me. I am from Wyoming, you know. Giddyup is another Wyoming term, but it doesn’t apply here. Yippee ki yah has already been taken. Hopefully when I reach Steamboat someone will shout that most famous of all cowboy sayings “Whooooa”. Which means to stop.

I do need your help by donating to the cause. You can do that by clicking I Would Like to Donate. Any amount is appreciated.

Stage Three hasn’t been developed as of yet. Stay tuned, this journey is going to be wild.

Clark

Posted by Clark Gilbert in MS Run the US - Training, Running Events, Running Information, Things on my mind Tags: 50 miler, achiever, brooks, Brooks Running, course, doughnuts, inspiration, MS, MS Run Across the US, multiple sclerosis, running, running across the us, running marathons, suffering

1 comment

Happy New Year!

December 29, 2012

In a few days we will be celebrating the birth of another year. Oh Joy! I like New Years, I really do. I set all these cool goals and aspirations that I want to focus on and then, after a few weeks, give up on them. I return to my normal way of life. For example one goal has been to get up at 5:00 am every morning and running for two hours. Sounds good to me, until 5:00 am and then nothing sounds good except staying in bed. Normal people do that; stay in bed that is.

I always start the year with goals of races/events I want to participate in. How many pounds I want to lose (same pounds each and every year). I write down how I want to be a better person by not walking slowly across the street when I know a car and driver are in a hurry. I vow not to place any regular apples in the Organic produce section. Oh yeah. I can be evil.

Just last week I was in West Seattle to spend an early Christmas weekend with my son and his family. I was about to share some great thought of mine, when I received that “don’t say it” look from my daughter-in-law. The mother of my three grandchildren. Apparently, last summer, I told my 4 year old grandson a story about how I was trapped in an elevator. (I thought the story very funny). Apparently he, until last Sunday, wouldn’t step foot in any elevator, even if his most wonderful mother was trying to handle three kids and numerous sacks of groceries. Last Sunday we took him with us up and down an elevator to ease his mind. Thank God we didn’t get stuck. That would have been bad. Really bad.

I promise to watch what I say around my grandchildren. Like that is going to happen.

Back to the New Year.

I have some things that are on my list, like running some type of adventure event once a month. Yes, getting up at 5:00 am to run does count. I want to run Nookachamps in January, Orcas Island 25K in February. March is up in the air. April will be the Yakima River Skyline 50K – like last year’s spanking wasn’t enough. May will be the Sun Mountain 50 miler -my goal is to finish in daylight. Also in May I will be participating in the MS Run Across the US – more on that later. I also want to run around Mt. St. Helen and Mt. Rainer. Of course, there will be many Doughnut Runs.

What are you planning on running?

Whatever you do, have fun and be safe.

Have a great New Year!

Clark

ps – meet at 11:30 on New Years Eve at San Juan Fitness for a Run In The New Year Fun. No fee.

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Running Information Tags: 50 miler, achiever, brooks, course, doughnuts, goals, half marathon, hills, inspiration, marathon, MS Run Across the US, pure grit, Pure Project, running, running marathons, san juan island, san juan island running, san juan running, san juan trail running, shoes, suffering, Sun Mountain, trail running, trails, training., winter running, Yakima

Thank you Brooks Running

December 17, 2012

Friday, last, I received my sponsorship contract for 2013 from Brooks Running. Thank you!

I really like Brooks. Not just because they sponsor me, but they make great shoes. They are also a great, progressive company that seems to be keeping stride with the ever changing running shoe market. That impresses me.

For example, January 1, 2013 Brooks will be releasing the PureDrift, the latest model in the Pure Project line. I predict this shoe is going to be a great seller. Weighing in at 5.6 oz with a split toe design. The removable sockliner will allow the shoe to “transform” from having a 4mm heel toe drop to a true zero drop. We are talking minimal with a nice anatomical foot shaped sole. I can’t wait to get these puppies on my feet.

Thank you Brooks Running for another year of sponsorship, but most importantly, thank you for designing and producing the greatest running shoes on the market.

Run Happy!

Clark

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Pictures, Running Information, Things on my mind Tags: achiever, biomogo, brooks, Brooks Running, Pure Project, PureDrift, running marathons, shoes

They’re Here!

December 10, 2012

Brooks Running PureFlow 2 (in green). PureFlow1 in background.

I just received my new PureFlow2 from Brooks Running. Right out of the box they have a nice feel with some nice changes for this version. Check back in a week for full review.

Clark

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Running Information, Things on my mind Tags: achiever, biomogo, brooks, Pure Project, PureFlow2, running, running marathons, san juan island, san juan island running, san juan trail running, shoes, training., winter running

How To Be A Runner

November 5, 2012

Often, I am asked how to improve as a runner. I give a simple response; run and run more. That’s all it takes is a daily practice of running. Running and more running. Slow running, fast running. Running up and down hills.

Years ago I use to listen to motivational tapes (yes tapes) by Bob Richards. Richards is an Olympian Pole Vaulter who earned the gold medal in 1952 and 1956. For those of us who where born in the 50′s, know Richards as he man selling Wheaties Cereal on TV. In one of his talks he said something like “if you want to be good at something do it eight hours a day. If you want to pole vault, then pole vault. Whatever you want to become spend the time doing it”. Good wisdom.

Today, go practice those things you want to be good at.

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Running Information, Things on my mind Tags: achiever, Bob Richards, hills, inspiration, marathon, pole vaulting, practice, running, running marathons, san juan island running, shoes, suffering, training.

Orcas Island Triple Ripple Trail Running Festival, October 13 & 14

September 13, 2012

Triple Ripple is just fun to say. Makes the mouth feel good. Try saying Triple Ripple, Triple Ripple, Triple Ripple really fast and a smile will surely form on your mouth. Go ahead, try it.

The Triple Ripple isn’t a mouth exercise. It’s short for Orcas Island Triple Ripple Trail Running Festival, a two day running experience starting on October 13th and ending on the 14th. Kind of like Woodstock, but much, much, much smaller, less music and more running. Childhood friends Susanna Beck and Jen Volmer, both living on Orcas Island, came up with the idea as a great way to promote fun and different running events on Orcas Island. Beck isn’t a stranger to trail running having heaped some whoop ass on many a trail during her elite running career. Volmer is a grace full runner herself, she just doesn’t know it. Together they blended their creativity and talents to come up with a two day running festival that looks and sounds more like a running camp. All centered on Orcas Island.

Continue reading →

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Pictures, Running Events, Running Information Tags: course, goals, hills, marathon, orcas, running, running marathons, san juan island, san juan island running, san juan running, san juan trail running, trail running, triple ripple

What’s the Haps for September 10

September 10, 2012

Busy running weekend here in the Pacific Northwest. Here are some haps.

Continue reading →

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Running Events, Running Information Tags: goals, hills, pnw_running, running, running marathons, running_haps, running_races, san juan island running, trail running, trails

Doughnut Running

August 6, 2012

If you know me, you would know that I have been a Doughnut Runner for some time. Running for doughnuts all started as a reward for getting our weekend runs in. From Friday Harbor the distance to Roche Harbor, where our doughnuts are baked fresh, is a tad over 11 miles. Bingo, made a good mid-distance run motivation. Over the years we have added miles, encouraged people to come run with us and have run for doughnuts in rain, sunshine and snow fall.

For the next few months, Paul Hopkins and myself, will be hosting a Sunday morning Doughnut Run, from San Juan Fitness to Roche Harbor. See the details below and schedule some time for a run.

Clark

Doughnut Run Details

What: 11.2 mile run from San Juan Island Fitness to Roche Harbor Resort. Open to all levels of runners.

When: Every Sunday morning, starting August 5 at 8:00 a.m. from San Juan Island Fitness

Why: For the love of donuts. And these aren’t just any donuts, these are Roche Harbor doughnuts!

Bring: Water/electrolyes. Some cash for dooughnuts and coffee.Ride back: There are no formal rides back to town.

Entry fee: Free.

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Running Events, Running Information, Things on my mind Tags: achiever, doughnuts, marathon, Roche_Harbor, running, running marathons, san juan island, san juan island running, trail running

1 comment

Go Runners Go

July 22, 2012

The last couple of weekends runners I know have participated in some pretty hard and challenging events. Here is a recap.

James Varner. I have been watching James training all year long and was impressed with what he was doing. He is one of my heros. On Friday, July 13, James toed the starting line of the Hardrock 100. Unfortunately, James pulled out of the event at 60 miles. He’ll be back!

Hal Koerner. Hal also toed the line at Hardrock and pulled out a great victory – setting a course record at 24:50.

Candice Burt. Candice is an item with James Varner and was with him at Hardrock. Saturday, July 21, Candice toed the starting line at the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Miler. Having James to crew and pace her helped Candice finishing in 22:50. Good enough for 2nd Woman and 7th over all.

Terry Sentinella. Terry’s from Anacortes. Not only does he run ultras. He is also the Race Director of the Skagit Flats Marathon and Half Marathon. Last week Terry ran the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon, where he started at Death Valley and finished on Mt. Whitney. Last year Terry finished in 32:10, good for 15th place. This year, Terry finished in 29:40 and 10th place. Next year, I am guess he’ll be running under 24 hours.

Carla MacDiarmid and Daniel Seaton. They both lived on San Juan Island, but moved to Anacortes. They don’t train with Terry but live in his neighborhood. This past weekend, the two of them were team members running various sections in the Ragnar Northwest Passage, 200 miles relay and lived in a van for 24 hours. Welcome to the world of bizarre running.

Rob Bondurant. From the Port Townsend area. Rob is participating in the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Miler this weekend, finishing in 29:16. He was in Death Valley, last week, crewing for Terry.

Paul Hopkins. It’s been awhile since Paul climbed into a wet suit for a IronMan. On Sunday, July 15, Paul participated in the Lake Stevens 70.3 IronMan, finishing in 5:56. Welcome back, Paul.

Scott Jurek. 10 Questions for Scott in this issue of Time.

Me? I ran for doughnuts!

Congrats to all those who have participated in these and other running events. Hope you had fun!

Clark

www.runhappyrunhard.com

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Running Events, Running Information Tags: 50 miler, brooks, doughnuts, half marathons, Hardrock 100, hills, marathon, running, running marathons, san juan island, Scott_Jurek, Tahoe Rim Trail 100

OK, Scott Jurek, I Accept Your Challenge

May 28, 2012

I have been challenged by Scott Jurek, one of the greatest ultramarathoners we have seen in the last 20 years or so. Scott didn’t slap my face with a pair of synthetic leather gloves, then offer me a choice of swords or pistols. No, nothing like that. His challenge was more subtle.

You see, Jurek’s new book, Eat & Run – My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness, authored with Steve Friedman and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, contained a challenge. Maybe not every reader would find it, but it spoke to me. I knew that Scott had come out with a new book on eating and running. It was on my list of books to read. A week ago, I received a copy from the publishers. I started reading it when I returned from Winthrop, where I had just completed the Sun Mountain 50 Miler. I was surprised to learn that this book was not just about eating; although there are cool recipes at the end of each chapter. This book is a honest look into the life of someone I admire.

For the past two decades Scott Jurek has ruled the ultras. He won the Crown Jewel, the Western States 100, seven times. He has won Hardrock, Badwater, Sparatathon, and many others. He set the U.S. record in the World Championships 24 hour run, placing second overall. He ran 167.5 miles that day in France. Scott traveled to Mexico to run against the Tarahumara people, which Christopher McDougall detailed in his best seller, Born to Run. Scott is having an amazing career. He is living the life that so many of us dream of living.

The thing is, Scott and I are a lot alike, at least in my mind we are. He is tall and thin. I’m tall and chubby. He is from Minnesota. I am from Wyoming. His father had issues with him and his mom died younger than she should have. Ditto. He use to wear his curly hair long. I currently wear my curly hair long. He is a runner and I’m a runner. He is a vegan. I eat animals that are vegan. He is fast and I am so-so. He is sponsored by Brooks Running and I am a member of the Brooks Running Inspire Daily program. He designed the Brooks Pure Grit, my favorite running shoe. How cool. He lived in Seattle. I live on San Juan Island. I actually met Scott before a trail race on Orcas Island in 2010. Scott finished well and placed 3rd. I tripped and crashed. By the time I finished, Scott had a hot shower, massage, two beers and a big bowl of vegan soup.

The point I am trying to make is Scott is just a normal guy. He grew up like most of us did, went to public school, etc. He worked hard for what he wanted and what he has accomplished. He probably was born with some nice genes, but genes just don’t develop on their own. Training and hard work are required. Scott arrived at this point in time by doing the work. Nobody could do it for him. Greatness takes much effort, daily.

I enjoyed reading Jurek’s book. It is well written and it kept me interested. His words inspired me. I am looking forward to trying some of the included recipes; such as the Minnesota Winter Chili (page 70), the 8 Grain Strawberry Pancakes (page 79), and plan to start my day with a smoothie.

I feel challenged to do more with my life. To lose the weight I have always wanted to lose. To look at my food differently and to use food to properly fuel my life. To run those races that I have dreamed about. To speed up. To live my life as I truly want to live. Eat & Run has inspired me to dig down deep and push myself towards the goals that I want to accomplish.

I highly recommend this book. Read it and listen for your own challenge, then do something about it.

Run Happy, Run Hard

Clark

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Pictures, Running Events, Running Information, Things on my mind Tags: 50 miler, achiever, books on running, brooks, cascadia, goals, hills, inspiration, marathon, pure grit, Pure Project, running, running marathons, running related books, Scott_Jurek, suffering, Sun Mountain

Less Than Two Weeks Until Sun Mountain

May 10, 2012

Taper. I really don’t like taper weeks. I feel like I should be running a ton of miles, but the voice of reason is to rest, avoid injuries and attend to the fine details of the plan. Come to think of it, I need to order some GU.

Last week I was having an issue with my feet; soreness on the pad behind the big toes on both feet. I think I have a handle on that and have run over 10 miles with mild tenderness. Last week there was a point where I thought it best that I not run the 50 miler. As of May 10, the 50 miler is still my goal and target.

I chatted with James Varner, Race Director of Sun Mountain, and he described the course in more detail which took away some of my stress. (Yes, this is the same guy who said the Yakima Skyline Rim 50K was “a little rocky”.) He explained that I need to conserve energy by walking the hills and then run everything else. This seems like a good idea to me, but my in my training I ran all my hills, even the steep ones. Ok, maybe I did walk a couple of really steep hills, but not very often.

The thing about this 50 miler is: I have never ran this type of event before. The training approach is so outside my knowledge and experience. I feel like a child starting first grade. What do I do and how do I do it? One could go on-line and find a million training programs for marathon distances and below. Try to find a training program for a Ultra and you’ll find a picture of a tumbleweed blowing across the wasteland. I have been training as I see best, but, truth is, I really don’t know what in the hell I am doing. Long runs, yes. Time on my feet, yes. Speed running, yes. Eating on the run, yes. Setting a broken arm while continuing to run, still working on that one. I only have two arms. This 50 mile run is such a different beast; you train different and you have to think different in order to finish.

Ultramarathon Champion, Scott Jurek, has written “ Listen to and manage the body (hydrate, eat, technique, etc.), and when you think you have nothing left, dig deeper!” I suppose you could rephrase this to “eat, drink and be merry”, but I don’t think that is the message. Jurek’s simple statement is ultramarathoning. It’s all about managing who we are and what we are truly capable of. Putting one foot ahead of the other and giving the body what it needs to hydrate and nourish it’s self.

Now, let me see if I can do all that in a rapid motion.

Posted by Clark Gilbert in Running Information, Things on my mind Tags: 50 miler, achiever, course, running, running marathons, san juan island running, suffering, Sun Mountain, trail running, trails

Tag Archives: running marathons

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