The Incline

First off - Thanks to all who continue to read this blog even though I only post 2-3 times per month. I considered putting it on hold, but was told not to.

Today reminded me why I am a trail runner.

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Last time I was in Denver, I ran up to the top of Green Mtn. At the top, I met another trail runner who, after talking about what kind of stuff we like, said, "You have to go do the Incline".

I responded with "The what".

He said.... "Google - The Incline"

I experienced it first hand tonight. I took a picture, but it sucked.

The Incline

In short, it is 2,000 feet of gain in 1.02 miles. THAT IS BAD ASS. 6600 ft to 8600 ft.

This is a small peek looming in the shadow of Pike's Peak.

Pictures don't do it justice, but check out the pics from the above link or just google it.

I thought it looked somewhat doable until I was looking straight up at the damn thing. 61% grade at its steepest, 41% average, it is gruelling.

And fun.

It kind of reset my batteries. I passed a bunch of people on the acent, and only got passed by one (and he is in training for the Special Forces). I will give that one a pass.

One the way down I took the Barr Trail, as most people do. I killed it. I passed at least 20 people. Could have done the decent 2x.

I realized at the bottom that I am still somewhat "In the game". Down hill running is a skill, not necessarily something great runners can do. I felt like a new man at the bottom.

At the bottom, I talked to a bunch of kids who are on a high school wresting team. I feel good again about the future of America, because these kids were put together.

Ironically, Crossfit is a part of their training. They were floored that I not only knew of it, but could discuss some of the "WOD's" they do. As tough as these kids are at the WOD's, I could take almost all of them on the Incline. This middle aged dude ain't done yet.

So if any of you are ever in the state of Colorado, you have to venture to Colorado Springs (Manitou Springs) for "The Incline".

And you better not "Decline"

Straight Cash Homey

Just when you thought it was all over.... the notorious boy comes back.

Yes, this is a running blog, but I have contemplated changing the name to "Straight Cash Homey" in honor of the return of Randy Moss.

In case you don't remember, check out this and this.

I equate Randy to John Mcenroe. Without these guys, their sports would be a lot duller (more dull?).

Mcenroe even said it in an interview.

Glad to have Randy back. I personally liked the "I play when I wanna Play" and "that's chump change" myself.

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Austin, Tx has some nice running trails. Houston does not.

Thanks Lapham boys & girls for a great run last week.

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Great job TCM runners on Sunday. Caught a bunch at mile 24. Nothing like watching Helen run by with a sign of Budweiser and Bailey's.

Straight Cash Homegirl

The Mistake of the Bully

Whenever I see or hear about bullies in my kid's schools, I feel a certain amount of rage build up internally in me. I have an intense hatred towards those who push people around just because they can. I especially hate it when I see kids do it to those younger than them who can not defend themselves'.

Yeah, it is probably deep rooted issues from my childhood. Blah, blah, blah.

I made a bully really mad this week. It was great. I think what really made this person mad was the fact that I was not intimidated by him. I just sat and listened, disagreed, and said "I understand where you are coming from, but that does not change where I stand". This person is used to getting his way, and got seriously pissed off when he didn't.

I felt like saying "Dude, let's settle this on the trails" but I don't think he would have understood.

The mistake he made was getting comfortable in his ability, believing his own hype, and showing off in front of his freinds. I held the professional line, and gave him every opportunity to not look defeated, but this is a person who is used to getting his way.

One of the things I have found unique about trail runners, and ultra runners (in gerenal) is their humbleness. I think it comes down to them knowing that anything can happen in a long race, and that intimidation doesn't do squat to a seasoned ultra competitor.

Pounding through rough races also builds up a mental toughness which absolutely transferrs to the real world. I actually thought at point point during the above mentioned interaction "I can sustain this punishment for 30+ hours straight.... you have underestimated your opponent".

So yes, another strech of an analogy with running, but at least another post.

Oh yeah, I didn't run at all this week. I just didn't happen. I have had thougths that my ultra days could be over. Not that it is a big deal, I am just not fired up like I used to be. Maybe it is because I enjoy my job and family life enough where that void has now been filled.

I have no desire to suffer through 30+ miles of trail racing anytime in the near future.

We will see. A few more months of me being the "road warrior" and I will need the fix.

Check out The Lawyer. She is back from a sabbatical. Welcome back, and happy racing.

By the way, Friday night at 9 in the Milwaukee airport IS the definition of fun.

The answer to the quiz

Steve Q got it right.

A - This picture was taken in Chamonix, France (pronounced Ch-a-mo-nicks for the American foooonetic spelling)

B - It is the start of the Mont Blanc Ultra Marathon (Ultra-Trail Du Mont Blanc)

C - You should be looking for Dave Ruttum, fellow LPTR dude, and rising star on the Ultra scene. Correct that, he is a star.

Coming off a win at Old Dominion 100 this year, a 4th place at the Ice Age 50 Mile (behind 3 of the top runners in the country), I would stay he is.... not slow.

Great race report here on the Lapham blog.

And here are two more pictures Dave sent along. Amazing stuff




I picked that first picture for a quiz because it reminded of the search books I read with my youngest.

And in case you want to try and find him, here is a picture of him before Ice age (the tall guy in the middle.

Great job Dave

Where's Waldo?

A little challenge for you all

See if you can

A - Figure out where the heck this is
B - What the heck it is
C - If you can find someone you know (I can't find the person I think I am supposed to)

Enjoy...... (Pinche F, you are not allowed to chime in)

The Revenge on Green Mountain

Those of you who know me personally, know I was defeated by Greent Mountain back in May.

This weeks' travels brought me to Denver. Every time I got in my rental car, I looked up at the mountains and said "That one... no.. that one". Too many to chose from.

On Monday, I cruised to Golden and ran up "Chimney Gultch" to the top of Lookout Mountain. I think it was about 1500 of climb. I passed six mountain bikers and two runners on the climb. I had to flex my muscles just a tad. Great climb, great run, but really not as hard as I thought it would be.

So I cruised over to Boulder today. I saw there was a "Green Mtn.". Must be an omen. Time to get locked and loaded, get my A game on, and get revenge.

Here is a shot at the peak about half way up the climb


The starting point was at Chautaqua park. My brother-in-law grew up on Chatauqua in the Palisades, how odd is that?

Anyway, a lady at the info tent told me which trail to take to get to the peak (there are tons of trails at that park, most people don't go for the peak). She said 1.5 hours to the top. "Running?" No- hiking. Piece - o - cake.
Starting point 5400 ft., peak 8100 ft.

Took me just over an hour. Scott (another trail runner who passed me near the top) snapped this pic


There was a place to sign your name. I did it with an "uff dah".

Another guy snapped this one


Then it was back down. Very technical at times.


When I was almost at the bottom, a couple I had passed on the way up was finishing their hike on the way down (they only went about half way). The lady actually said "are you a professional athlete?" There you have it... I can retire now. That was pretty damn funny.

Go to the bottom and told the lady at the tent that it can be done in an hour.
She took this picture.


That is not the mountain in the background.

So revenge is sweet, and best served up with a "Mojo IPA" from the Boulder Beer Co. Awesome. The Crawfish Etouffe from Pappadeux's was excellent as well.

Time to get inspired

It's a bandwidth problem

One of my new co-workers has made the reference a couple of times to people who have a tough time grasping macro-concepts as "He doesn't have the bandwidth for what we were saying".

I love that saying.

I think it applies to me and blogging right now.

I have not posted in 3 weeks. I could say

"I don't have the time" - That is kind of a lie.
"I have nothing to write about" - Has that stopped me before?
"I don't know what to say" - See above

The reality is this:

I am one of the luckiest people I know. I am on week 6 of the new job, and it is easily the best job I have ever had.

I work with great people, I represent the best of class in the industry, and the company is relying on me to do what I think is best for the business.

Cool, cool, and cool. I look forward to going to work. How many people can say that?

I have been laid off 2x in 2 years, and I have come out with great jobs in both circumstances. I now have survivor guilt. I know too many people struggling and suffering, and my empathy for them has kept me quiet about my new gig.

So what the heck does all of this have to do with running? Everything. Ask people who have known me A LONG time, and they will say running has always been a reflection on what is going on in my life. Well.. only a few people really know that. One friend used to gage what kind of mood I was in by my weekly mileage.

I try to approach many things in my life with a degree of passions. "Go big or go home". I am just wired that way.

Passion = Bandwidth

Right now all of my passion is going into work. I am learning my region, the business, and what I have to do to exceed expectations. It is great, but draining.

I have been running 20-50 miles per week, but it is all over the map. But.... I don't care. I am healthy enough to run, and I still enjoy it.

I am pretty sure there are no more races for me this year, but that is totally cool. I might run in the Grey Ghost 5k with my old fogie neighbor (the fast one), but that doesn't really count now, does it?

So a quick recap of the last 3 weeks.

Ran the Marin County Headlands - That place is freaky! The bunkers out there look like a set from the movie Trainspotting. Add the fog = Me freaked out... and nearly got lost.

Ran in Austin, TX last week in 102 heat, 75 dew point. I am still sweating. I found a pizza place named "Death Metal Pizza". It was closed. I HAVE to got there next time I am in town.

Ran the Des Plains river trail in Chicago land, 95 & humid.

Ran at home a bunch. Humid.

Ran in Dallas today in 90 something and upper 70s dewpoint. No problem. 9 miles. Maybe I am getting acclimated.

It was 107 when I got to the hotel last night. I don't know how people survive down here

Blah, blah.

I am crewing for Bill P at Superior. Really looking forward to that. Can't wait to see everybody suffering out there and being on the other side for a change. I am brining tons of coffee, so hang with me and you shall be fine.

I will work my bandwidth problem.

Wait... that sounded really bad