Why Are Some People Using Electronic Devices So Stupid?

     By now I'm sure most runners are fed up with having to dodge people driving their cars while looking at their cell phone instead of the road in front of them. I know I am. I try to run away on trails and paths from car and truck traffic as much as I can. Before I get into everything, I must admit I enjoy seeing my Garmin stats on my phone after my run is complete. The watch is all I carry along with a bottle of water. My watch just records my stats, no music or any other bs everyone seems to need to get outside in today's world.
     That being said, this past Thursday I was running on the bike path in Santa Clarita when I was nearly hit head-on by a guy on a bicycle. I was running in the walking and running section that is marked off, the cyclists have their own lanes, and this idiot staring at his phone suddenly came over about five feet and forced me to jump out into the dirt. In my younger years I would have just leveled him, maybe I should have this time but I don't heal as quickly as I used too.
     Cell phones have really ruined life as us older people used to know it. It's a shame runners today can't seem to go out and enjoy a run without having to listen to music blasting away. Us runners have all been cut off by the clueless runners listening to music and are oblivious to their surroundings as they wander around aimlessly between water stations. On more than one occasion I have had to make my presence known in a physical manner when attempting to pass someone with both headphones in and the music blaring.
     Cell phone stupidity has even found it's way to the supermarkets. How many times have we been stuck behind someone in the aisle while pushing our carts, trying to pick up our groceries? I mean come on people, unplug the damn phone and get on with life. There's no reason to push your cart at the pace of a desert tortoise while checking your Facebook, Twitter, or whatever social media thing you can't seem to live without. Just pick up your groceries, check out, and check your precious pretend friends latest comments when you get home.
      It was nice last year when I was visiting South Carolina and all of the restaurants and grocery stores had signs stating that you would not be waited on if you were on your cell phone. We need more of that.
      If people don't have the common sense and courtesy to stay off of their electronic devices when it affects others then maybe we need to let them know in no uncertain terms to pull their head out, unplug, and try to enjoy life without an electronic device. You might be pleasantly surprised to hear someone say hi, the birds chirping, or the car coming at you with the driver staring at their cell phone.

Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series #1, Race Report #29

     On June 5th, Robin and I made the trip to Hart Park outside of Bakersfield for the first Bakersfield Track Club Summer Cross Country Series race. The weather was cool for Bakersfield standards, a nice 91-degree evening greeted us as we ventured North to tackle the hills that awaited us.
     We had pre-registered so check in was brief and we got our gear ready as Trevor and Andrea, who were also running the series went to check in. Since I haven't done much in the way of speed work since well before the marathon I wasn't expecting to torch the course on this night. I got a short warm-up done and headed to the starting area to await the 7:30 start.

The runners getting ready for the start of the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series Race #1.

     The Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series is different in that the first race is the only race when everyone starts together. Starting with race #2, the start times are handicapped based on the previous weeks times with a goal of everyone finishing together at 7:30 PM. The race started on time and off we all went. The start is on grass but we soon move on to the bike path for the rest of the first mile. 

Heading out at the Bakersfield Summer Series

     I hit the mile in a 7:18, and continued the effort for a 7:20 clocking for mile two. My lack of fitness showed as I slowed to a 7:28 for mile 3 as I headed to the finish. My time was 23:01, just missing going under 23 minutes at the first race. 

Heading to the finish at the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series #1.

     It wasn't long before Trevor, Andrea, and Robin came across the line. We did our version of a cool down, which includes having a cold beer, then we headed to Ethels for some post-race nourishment.

I opted for the chile size with onions.

     We filled our bellies and headed home, looking forward to the 19th of June and race number two. It would be upon us soon, and I needed to get faster.

2018 Wild Wild West Marathon, Lone Pine, CA; Race Report #28

     On Saturday, May 5th, a bunch of us took part in the Wild Wild West Marathon and 10 miler held every year on the first Saturday in May between Lone Pine, CA and Mt. Whitney. Last year we all did the 10 miler as a group after my prostate cancer surgery and my wife Robin decided she wanted to run the whole marathon as part of her birthday celebration in 2018. Somewhere along the way of a year's worth of training and celebrating our great friend Andrea decided she would join us in the attempt. This was probably a good thing as now I had someone else to bounce things off of as I paced Robin through her hike and run during the race. In other words, Robin and I might still be speaking after the race. 

     Robin is not a true runner. We met in 1984 while we were both training for our first triathlon. She was a swimmer and I was a runner. She is still a much better swimmer than me and I'm still a much better runner than her. That being said this was going to be a true test for her. The only previous marathon experience for Robin was the inaugural Los Angeles Marathon in 1986. This would be her second. Along the way, over the years she has accomplished some other great athletic feats such as the Alcatraz Triathalon and giving birth to and raising our two children. Enough of the reminiscing, let's talk about the race.

     We all drove to Lone Pine on Star Wars Day, Friday, May 4th, and checked into the historic and world-famous Dow Villa Motel. The rooms come with a refrigerator and microwave so Robin and I brought our favorite and proven pasta dish to eat the night before. After checking in and watching Ray, Melissa, Trevor, and Andrea eat dinner we headed down the street towards the check-in and stopped off at the bar at Seasons for a quick beer. When we got to Lone Pine School for the check-in we were in for a huge surprise. This year was the largest turnout for the races ever. The line wrapped around the inside of the building. We waited patiently, got our gear minus shirts, and waited for the last minute instructions. Our shirts would be mailed to us. There was nothing new that concerned us so we headed back to the room for dinner and sleep.

     Race day came quickly. We got up, made our bagels and avocado for breakfast and got dressed. We were riding with Trevor who was doing the 10-mile race. The 10 mile and marathon started promptly at 6:00 AM so we were headed away from the Dow Villa about 5:15. Melissa was with us also as she also was running the 10-mile race. Ray rode along but stayed with the truck to make sure everything left behind would still be there when we returned sometime that afternoon(beer and snacks). 

   Our pre-race selfie before heading to the start of the race 

Robin and I were rocking the Nike Terra Kiger 4 Trail Shoes and Gaiters for the race.

     We all headed to the start line. This race is cool in the fact that there is still no chip timing, the distances and time are approximate, the entry fees are reasonable, and we get cool finisher medals. That being said the start line is literally a line in the sand of the parking lot the race director drew with her shoe. 

The five of us before the start, and yes, Trevor is standing on a rise in the ground.

Andrea, Robin, and I pinky swore to stay together no matter what during the race.

     The horn went off, we all started our watches, and off we went for a 26-mile adventure. The first 2 3/4 miles are uphill, mostly in sand. I have run this part in the past, but today we all walked uphill, but with a purpose. This is the part of the race that's still fun. We all had adrenaline running through us and the weather was perfect. 

A sunrise selfie during the beginning of the race.

     Shortly before we hit the 3-mile mark we finally got to go downhill to the first creek crossing. The water wasn't near as high as last year but the steep downhill with hurting legs made the crossing treacherous none the less.

The first uphill was tough

Waiting our turn at the first creek crossing.

     After crossing the creek we headed up a short uphill before heading downhill to refresh our legs. During this part of the race, we passed the first aid station which was also the turnoff for the 10-mile run. Now we were mostly alone and were soon heading uphill again. I always thought this was the toughest part of the course for me in years past and I did everything I could to help Robin and Andrea up the hill to Whitney Portal Road.

Robin and Andrea heading uphill at the Wild Wild West Marathon.

Looking back on the beautiful view as we headed uphill.

More uphill

     Soon we got to the highest point of the marathon. We crossed Whitney Portal Road and were joined by runners that had started earlier and were doing the 50k and 50 miles. They had taken the trail up to Whitney Portal Campground as part of their route. For the next 7 miles we would be going downhill on Hogback. Even though it was downhill we stuck to the run/walk plan so as to make the race as enjoyable as possible for Robin and Andrea.

This was about the high point of the race before heading down Hogback.

Down Hogback we went.

     As we headed down Hogback we talked to a lot of people who were doing the longer races. It seemed like many of them welcomed the chance to walk or run slow for a bit just to have someone to talk to. In my younger days I had always hammered this part, but not this year. I was eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, jelly beans, Picky Bars, plus whatever the aid stations had handy. It wasn't long before our watches said we had reached the 13.1 point so we stopped for a quick selfie.

The halfway selfie and we were still married and friends.

     Soon after halfway and the Badwater aid station we crossed the last creek of the race and headed towards mother hill. This is a significant point of the race because soon the miles remaining would be single digits and visions of cold beers waiting at Jake's Saloon would be dancing in our heads. The weather began to warm but the wind was nonexistent which was a welcome change from the previous year. After we crested mother hill we continued snacking and heading into the Alabama Hills portion of the event. I kept an eye out for the course markings and we made all of the turns but it was interesting to see people go right on by them. I'm not sure if it's the music they listen to(I don't) or what but some people have a tough time following the course in this race. 

     This year the Alabama Hills portion of the course took us through a section that was really cool and a part of the course I had not run before. The area was narrow and it felt like we were in a Star Trek episode.

Heading through the cool rock formations of the Alabama Hills.

Robin and I in the Alabama Hills.

     While the Alabama Hills were cool to look at and fun to run through the next few miles would be tough. There was a single track trail that took us up and over the last set of hills before dropping us down into Lone Pine for the finish. The hills were tough and steep, and somewhere Andrea made the comment that for her birthday we were going to Disneyland. We continued our walk and jog pace but it was getting tough on Robin. I knew there was going to be one last aid station at the top of a single track. The guy manning the aid station was actually the son of the guy that did it the first time I ran the course. 

Andrea and Robin running the single track at about mile 23.

Yes, we had to go up this.

And this.

     After we hit the last aid station before heading into town, Robin morphed into the power walker from hell. She didn't talk much, but she was on a mission to finish. She didn't run anymore, but her walk was so fast Andrea and I couldn't keep up walking so we would let her get ahead and then run to catch up to her. 

Robin power walking away from us on the downhill into Lone Pine.

     After we got out of the hills and into town we knew we would make it. It had been a long day but Robin's birthday wish had come true, she was going to do the Wild Wild West Marathon. As we headed into town and could hear the people in the park Robin suddenly stopped and said she couldn't go any farther. I guess the shock on our faces was too much as she said just kidding and we ran the last few hundred yards to the finish.

Andrea, myself, and Robin finishing the Wild Wild West Marathon

     We went across the finish line together in about 8 hours and 45 minutes, upholding our pinky swear we made before the start. The funny thing was awards were going on, and as they added Robin's name to the results it was found out that she had placed second in her age group so she got an award along with our finishers medals. 

     Ray, Melissa, and Trevor were waiting for us at the park and we all headed back to the motel, but first, a stop at Jake's Saloon was in order. It was a short walk, and one worth taking.

Robin with her age group award.

Jake's Saloon was full of runners when we stopped in on our walk back to the Dow Villa.

     We had some cold drinks, watched the Kentucky Derby, then headed back to the Dow Villa for a shower and jacuzzi. That night we all hit season's and the food was fantastic. Needless to say, we all slept great, got up early and headed to the Alabama Hills Cafe for a great breakfast. We met a lot of great people there, we are all still talking, Robin and I are still married, and we can't wait to get back. Robin already said she wants to do it again. Our reservations for next year are made and the training has started.

     

     

2018 MM4K Rock to Pier 10k Run Morro Bay to Cayucos, CA; Race Report #27

     It's been awhile since I updated my blog but I've been really busy with pressing family matters, and they have finally slowed down enough that I can get back on the computer and catch up.
     On April 21st, Robin and I were joined by Trevor, Andrea, Mark, Joan, Ray, and Melissa for a 10k on the sand from Morro Rock to Cayucos Pier to benefit the Miracle Miles for Kids charity. We all arrived Friday afternoon with six of us renting a beachfront condo while Ray and Melissa stayed in a pet-friendly hotel a few hundred yards away. Our condo was awesome so we elected to only go out the first night for dinner, and Schooners was our destination of choice.

The view from the balcony of our condo in Cayucos

Sitting down for dinner the night before the race at Schooners

     We all had a great meal as is the norm for everyone who visits this restaurant. After dinner and deserts, we decided to have a nightcap at the Cayucos Saloon across the street before turning in. We ordered some beers and played the jukebox while the band set up. When we got there the place was fairly empty but it didn't take long for it to fill up. We finished our drinks and headed back across the street to our weekend getaway for a good nights sleep before the race the following morning. 

     I slept great, in fact, I slept so well I missed all of the fireworks that took place at the saloon during the night. Apparently, someone had too much to drink and the bouncer had to intervene until the local gendarmes showed up. We all ate, Robin and I had our usual of bagels with avocado, then piled into Trevor's truck for the six-mile drive to the start line at Morro Rock.

     We all got our bibs and I went for a warm-up run along the beach. It didn't take long to find the first water crossing.  Our feet would be wet in the first half mile. At this race, I always wear some old Nike Zoom Streak cross country racing flats so I wasn't worried about the water causing extra weight. After my warm-up and strides were over I headed to the start area to find everyone before the horn signaled the start of the race.

The seven of us in front of Morro Rock before the start of the race

The view of Morro Rock where we started.

This would be the first river crossing in the race

Mark and Robin warming up in the parking lot

     There was an eighties style mass aerobics warm-up for everyone who was there and felt so inclined. I stuck to what works for me. I found everyone that rode with us, wished them luck and headed to the starting line to await the horn that would signal the start of the race. Trevor and Mark headed over there with me and some little kids merged in front of us right before the start. I told them they better go hard or they would probably be face down in the sand. I think it scared them because they did take off and ran hard for about 200 yards. I settled into a decent pace and headed to my left to stay as close to the water as possible so that my route to the pier would be as short as I could make it. Some people actually ran in the water but I figured the added resistance would just slow me down.  

The crowd of runners gathering before the start

My view shortly after the start. Trevor was right in front of me.

Everyone approaching the first water crossing

     When we got to the first water crossing some guy on my right decided to cut straight across the front of me to cross at a different spot. I wasn't too pleased with his move and let him know. My first two miles were 6:42 and 6:46. I was running a decent pace despite the fact I hadn't trained much in the last few weeks. A tough thing happens in this 10k between miles two and three. We go from running along the hard packed sand near the surf to hiking and running over wet rocks after navigating some softer sand. This takes a lot out of my legs and I struggled to return to the pace I ran prior to the rock crossings. This was the biggest crossing, but there were two smaller rock crossings to follow. My pace slowed down to a 7:22-7:23 pace for the next three miles. 

Heading to the first rock crossing

Up into the rocks we went. I took it easy.

It was slippery going back down to the sand,

     The last mile seems like it took forever but I did manage to drop my pace down to a 7:15 with the Cayucos Pier in view. I stayed along the water as long as I could before heading through the soft sand to the finish line. My official time was 43:01 which was my best time in many years on the course. This race is unique in that we get our shirts after we finish. Old school. I grabbed my shirt, and bag and headed back out onto the course to cheer on my friends. 

This was my view as I attempted to sprint to the finish in the soft sand.

Robin heading to the finish line.

     It wasn't long before Trevor, Mark, Andrea, Robin, Melissa, and Joan finished. We all traded stories about our race and got in line for the breakfast burritos and to listen to the music. We browsed the many vendors and checked out the results while Trevor went back to the start to get his truck. This race is tough to get an award at. Only the age group winners get a medal. The best I had ever done here was second many times, but this day, at the age of 58, I won the 50-59 age group. It was awesome, and another reason to start celebrating. Like we needed an excuse.

The two sides of my first place medal.

     We spent the afternoon hanging out on our balcony overlooking the beach enjoying some adult beverages and each others company. That night we all did a potluck dinner with awesome food and friends before heading over to the saloon for a quick nightcap. 

Dinner in our weekend beachfront condo.

The Cayucos Saloon where we have spent many a dollar on many a night.

     We went to bed and I slept like a baby after the long day of sun, running, eating great food, and consuming some adult beverages. The next day we all got up, cleaned house, and headed out to breakfast before heading home and getting ready for our next "run-cation" which would be the Wild Wild West Marathon in a couple of weeks.

     This race was fantastic, especially since we took advantage of the 15.00 entry a year ago. I consider it a lager race and give it a top rating of "6".

2018 Laughlin Runnercard Half-Marathon and 5k; Race Report #26

     Two weeks ago today Robin, Andrea, Trevor, and I lined up behind the Avi hotel for the Laughlin Runnercard Half-Marathon and 5k. Robin, Andrea and I entered the half-marathon, while Trevor opted for the 5k. We were staying at the Harrah's in Laughlin which was about 20 minutes away so we all were up early and at the starting line for warm-ups about 6:15. I did about 1.5 miles of warm-ups and drills before the start. The weather was fairly warm, about 68 at the start with a forecast high of 92 later in the day.

The sun about to rise before the start of the Laughlin Runnercard Half-Marathon and 5k.

     The course was flat, but all dirt and gravel. I elected to wear my Nike Terra Kiger shoes as did Robin and Andrea.

Our Nike Terra Kiger Trail shoes ready for action

     The race started promptly at 7:00 AM when race director Ken Carlson gave us all the go-ahead to take off. Trevor and the rest of the 5k runners would start at 7:15. I went out easy, trying not to do my usual banzai start. I hit the first mile in 7:30 which was close to what I wanted to run. The traction was terrible, we were all looking for the best place to go. I tried tire tracks, running on the edge of the road, following other runners, but the footing wasn't conducive to fast times and I knew if I pushed it too hard I would pay for it at the end of the race. My second mile was a 7:23 so I backed off a little bit, and I started drinking my Tailwind about 20 minutes into the race. It was increasingly difficult to maintain a steady pace for me because of the footing so I concentrated on maintaining the distance between me and the runners ahead of me. I did pretty well staying in the 7:30's and 7:40's to the turn around point and heading back the other way. I was ninth overall at the turnaround so being in the top ten felt good. I think it was around mile 8 or 9 for me I saw Robin and Andrea running together on their way out. We all waved, cheered, and high fived as we went by each other.

Andrea took this photo of Robin and I passing each other. Note the cool shadow

     I felt really good at the pace I was going for 10 miles. Miles 11-13 were tough for me to stay under 8 minute per mile pace but I did it. After the turnaround, I was passed by two runners, but I managed to pass two myself, one right before the finish, so I still ended up in ninth place. My official time was a 1:40:26.5. I averaged 7:40 miles on a dirt course. It was a little slower than I had hoped to run but considering the conditions I was happy. I know on a paved course I can go 10-15 seconds per mile faster.

Trevor took this photo of me finishing

     Trevor was at the finish and I grabbed a water, my finisher's medal and walked around. The only thing that felt tight was my hamstrings. One of the cool things about this race is you get a card with your finishing information and age groups awards within minutes of finishing. There was no waiting around and sitting through a long awards ceremony. I got second in the 50-59 age group so I grabbed my medal and headed to the Avi for a cold beer while we waited for Robin and Andrea.

The wallet-sized finishing card with unofficial results on it that we got right after finishing

    The first cold beer tasted great, and Trevor and I enjoyed them while waiting for our wives to finish. I fared better at the running than I did at what little gambling I did. We slowly drank our beers then headed back out to the start finish area to cheer Robin and Andrea in. 

     Andrea was the first of the two to finish in 3:10:07. Robin was the very next runner in a minute and a half later in 3:11:27. They both said they had walked the last 2-3 miles. Robin did good enough to snag second in her age group.

Andrea getting her finisher's medal

Robin getting her finisher's medal

     Everyone collected their medals and we headed back to Harrahs and some lunch. Trevor had finished 5th overall and second in his age group so he scored some medals too. We all decided to go to a little cowboy bar next to Harrahs for lunch and more cold beers. The food was decent and the beers were cold. We ate, then headed back to Harrahs for some more fun. 

We all signed a dollar bill and Trevor added it to the collection on the wall

     The rest of the day was spent drinking a few more adult beverages and playing some of the adult games available to us. We did manage to try out the Guy Fieri Mexican restaurant for dinner before walking to the other end of Laughlin for some ice cream. By then we were all tired and went to bed early so we could get up and head back home.

     I would consider this a lager race since there was a lack of hills. The organization, communication, price, and awards were all fantastic. There were enough porta-potties, they even had one on the course. This is a small race, but lot's of fun. I will give it a full 6 lager rating.