Miwok

Miwok was the most intense racing I have ever been a part of. I literally couldn't believe what was happening during the race, especially after the turnaround when we really started hammering the course. We all went strong from the beginning, but stayed pretty relaxed to the Bolinas Ridge aid station at about mile 26.5. After that the lead group of six guys ran strong down to the turnaround at mile 33.9, after which the real racing began. Mike Wolfe and I led the climb up to the ridge, and at the top were caught by Dave Mackey and Hal Koerner. When they caught us Dave took the lead at a pace that amazed me. I wasn't wearing a watch, but we had to have been running 7:30 min./miles, or maybe faster. I remember marveling at Dave's incredible fitness and athleticism. He really is an amazing runner, but Mike and Hal clearly showed themselves of similar caliber. The four of us ran strong back up to Bolinas ridge at about mile 41, and I was the first person through the aid station. I wanted to keep my lead, and pushed the pace as hard as it had been all day, running at my absolute limits. I knew that I would either win or explode. That's the test of competition - moderate running is over; I race to test how strong and fast I am. Ultimately at Miwok I fell apart, but I regret nothing. Dave, Mike and Hal are stronger runners than me right now, and they deserved to do so well. Seeing them run like that was really impressive.

By the return to Pantoll aid at mile 47 I had fallen off the pace. Cramping and exhausted, I limped along down to Muir Beach and then up along the Coastal Trail to Tennessee Valley. I was in surprisingly good spirits, and that's probably because I knew that I had given everything I had in the race and had been broken. My falling off the pace had nothing to do with my inability to maintain the mental rigors of intense competition and everything to do with my lack of speed training. Whatever Geoff Roes says about speed work being unnecessary may work for him; I now know that as far as my own body is concerned, speed work is essential to success in this sport. Ultras are now so competitive that being able to maintain a super fast pace for many hours is the only way to win. Races like Miwok (at least for the front runners) are no longer about the adventure of the mountains and more about the competition, but that's an important facet of adventure in itself. Just a different form. Running along the Coastal Trail I knew those guys were completely out of reach, so I enjoyed my run. The Marin Headlands are a really special place. At Tennessee Valley I recovered somewhat and managed to run hard for the last six miles, to finish in fourth place.

This weekend was characterized by intense competition and great friends. Probably the best memory of the weekend is the ocean spray off the rocky coastline at Pirate's Cove. The sheer power of the water against the rocks seemed to reflect the crazy emotions of the race. Rarely have I been pushed so hard against my limits, but I think I pushed them back a little. Next time I'll have a little more power. Congratulations to everyone who raced last weekend, and particularly to the top three at Miwok - their performances were pretty stunning. Also congrats to Ryan Burch, who ran a decisive course record at the Collegiate Peaks 50 mile race in Colorado. Old Man Burch is set to have his best season yet.

Now I'm off to the mountains.