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Zion 50

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Location:

Dogtown,Ut,

Member Since:

Jan 02, 2006

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

PRs: 2:26:29 marathon @ St.George '14; 1:09:55 1/2 mar. '08; 31:00 10k '07

Short-Term Running Goals:

Love running now.

Long-Term Running Goals:

Love running forever!

Personal:

My perfect day would include a run through the desert, time with my wife and girls, tasty homemade meals, and a nice nap in the middle.

Click to donate
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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Adios Lifetime Miles: 512.25
Rocket 2 Lifetime Miles: 109.00
Kinvara Grey Lifetime Miles: 222.00
Vazee Pace Lifetime Miles: 437.75
Pace Blue Lifetime Miles: 231.75
Boston Lifetime Miles: 520.25
Peg Green Lifetime Miles: 544.00
Speedgoat Lifetime Miles: 325.00
Peg Purple Lifetime Miles: 509.50
Ravenna Lifetime Miles: 525.50
Barefoot '18 Lifetime Miles: 6.75
Levitate Lifetime Miles: 419.50
Peg NOP Lifetime Miles: 380.00
Peg Blue34 Lifetime Miles: 408.25
Solar Glide Lifetime Miles: 210.00
Levitate Black Lifetime Miles: 83.75
Race: Zion 50 (50 Miles) 07:41:00, Place overall: 2
Total Distance
50.00

Zion 50 - 7:41

(I'll come back and update the distance - I think closer to 51 - and the time/seconds)

Logan and I had a plan just to run our own race and not worry about anyone who might try and push the tough early sections and then just have a good solid finish.  We hoped that no one killer would be there, but it seemed that there would be a couple threats - of course, there were.  We started off trailer Mick (the eventual winner) for the first three'ish miles and then as we approached the huge climb up Gooseberry we pulled up along side him.  We hike the cliff and actually ended up being the first ones up.  It was great that we had done this before and knew what to expect.  Up on top, we were just cruising along and enjoying the amazing views when a lady popped out of no where and made Logan scream like a girl and almost jump off the cliff!  When we hit the aid station at 10'ish for a little out and back on the cliff face, we thought we had pretty much lost everyone, when suddenly a group of 6 guys showed up!  Where did they come from?  Two of them stayed with us for the next while (Mick and ? from Phoenix).  We all just kind of moved through the Secret Trail section and in my mind I kept preparing for how horrid this section was - it is a single-track mountain biking section with constant undulation and slick rock; no rhythm, no flow.  Last time we ran it I was destroyed; today... not so bad; I actually enjoyed it.  Coming out at the Cattle Grate we bumped into a couple guys (Eric S.) that had taken wrong turns (later we pass others that must have taken wrong turns as well, as the four of us were in the lead, yet catching a couple people?).

Logan and I would fall behind a little at aid stations (or our crew stations - thanks Dad and Jerry) and then catch up as we ran.  We retook the lead coming down Smithsonian Rd., but my stomach was jacked up.  I couldn't drink but knew I had too as it was approaching 90+ out on the course.  We got to aid at 27 (DHHS's) and Logan and I planned on really taking care of ourselves here.  We hit a lot of stuff and I drank some Pepsi and ginger ale to try and calm my stomach.  We also started loading ourselves with ice - in our hats, Logan: other places!  We started out and crossed the road over to Little Creek.  We were gaining a lot on Phoenix (who had passed us out of the aid station), but decided just to sit behind him.  Climbing up the volcano we went into a walk, which was fine because my stomach was still just twisting (around here - 30 - I didn't think I would be finishing; I felt horrid).  Mick passed us on the hike.  At the top of the volcano we iced again and started off.  We moved pretty decent here, but didn't see the top 2, so I am thinking they must be pushing a bit too.  Then coming into the aid at the Radio Towers we asked how far ahead and the volunteers told us just like 30 seconds.  We started the descent and within a few hundred meters we caught Phoenix - his stomach was jacked and I figured he was done - just one more and I could see him down the switchbacks!  I have been working hard on my ascent/descent and now it was time to shine - but Logan kept holding me back, telling me to relax (which was very smart with just shy of 20 left in the race, and I could have used that advice a little later).  At the bottom of the hill though Logan's calves started really acting up.  We had to stop and I stretched them.  I hoped they would loosen and he could keep rolling - if they would, I knew we would easily win.  Mick had done great, but he was slowing significantly and we kept easily catching him.  Which we did about 6 miles later, just outside of Diamond Ranch (about 1 mile out) he was walking a hill and we were only 30 seconds back.  Then Logan's calves went nuts again.  We stopped and stretched and walked for some time.  It was frustrating because we had worked hard to get back up to Mick - he was no slouch and I didn't want to lose all that time again; and I know Logan was frustrated with his legs.  By the time we got to Diamond Mick was 6 minutes up on us again - about 10 miles left.

We got good and hydrated and ate a bit at Diamond.  I hoped that the extra time there would get Logan rolling again and I knew we could real Mick in again, but I was getting worried.  We took the access trail up to Gould's and then took it up to the highway crossing.  Logan said to take it easy up to the road and then he would be able to go again.  Unfortunately we weren't moving very well and I knew we were losing more time and Logan was struggling more.  When we got to the road Logan knew I was itching and told me to go.  But we had promised to cross together and I knew that if I left him he would have a very tough time finishing by himself - but there was a race to win.  Could I win now?  Mick was surely long gone.  I told Logan to come with me another half mile - I hoped the food would kick in and his cramping would subside.  It didn't.  I was in a tough situation.  My mind raced, could I still catch Mick if I left?  How big of a jerk was I if I left Logan?  I felt so good; what should I do?  I finally decided to go for it.  I stopped at stretched Logan and told him I was going to go win this race for us.  So I took off.

This section (the Jem Trail) is my favorite type of running - a desert single-track with rollers.  I started really moving, but couldn't see Mick.  Then I caught a glimpse of him way ahead.  It looked about a mile ahead and I tried to take a time on it - at this point I was at mile 42.5 (it turns out that he was between 7 and 8 minutes ahead, depending on what hill he was on, it was hard to tell from so far away).  I really started flying, but I also could tell that my muscles were starting to cramp.  When I would hit a roller down or a dry creek bed, my quads and hammies would both start to resist.  I pushed it further back into my head and tried to focus on flying.  I came up to the top of a roller and saw him again - timed it, five minutes back.  I went into Beast Mode.  I was pushing the trail at around 6 minute pace.  I knew one last aid station was coming up - my only hope was that he would stop and need some time.  As he came up the hill to the final aid (my team's aid station) I timed again and he was 3 minutes up.  I had cut 3-4 minutes in 3 miles!  I hit the aid station and yelled "ice!"  The kids quickly filled my bottle with ice-water and I took a half-melted ice bag and poured it on my head.  I hoped the shock would get me moving again.  And like that I was off.  This last section of the trail is absolutely amazing, but it does have some tough sections around ravines (tough in that you think you are closer than you are when you have to backtrack up a ravine to get to the other side).  Mick was well within sight now.  I was extremely tired , but I thought I had worked to hard to get here I can't waste it now.  The cramping quads and hammies were becoming more and more of a reality on every turn and undulation.  The gap was narrowing - 2 minutes, 1 minute... I came around a corner at it was 30 seconds!  3 miles to go.  There was about 3/4 mile of trail left than a dirt parking lot/road access and dirt road for 3/4's mile and 1 1/2 'ish highway (or dirt 4 wheeler trail) to the finish.  One more push to get him and it would be the knock-out blow.  I dug deep.  Coming off the trail to the parking lot... 15 seconds back!  Then just as suddenly... cramp, Cramp, CRAMP!  Every muscle in my legs locked up and dropped me to all fours.  I fell so fast that I nearly blacked out and kneeled there spinning.  I don't really know how long I was there, but some mountain bikers came over and tried to help me up and get me to there truck.  I told them to leave me alone - I realized I wasn't going to win, but I was going to finish.  So they helped me up and I walked through the parking lot and access road to where my dad was.  I took in some more peaches and drank good and started my death jog.  I slowly jogged up the hill and down the highway back to the finish. 

It was a bit frustrating to know that I got so close and couldn't close it.  But I can leave this race knowing that I gave it every little bit that my body had.  I pushed it to the absolute limit and then it told me no more as directly as it could.  Mick ended up around 7 minutes ahead of me.  Logan came hobbling in about 10-15 minutes after me.  I was happy to see him and bummed to tell him that I wasn't able to get it for us.

Now I have two thoughts about how I could have one: 1) Go after him a little slower - From 42.5-48.75 I ran a 38 minutes flat, including my short aid station stop, it was a little too quick.  But I think I would still do this because I had no idea how far up he was on me at first and then when I saw... well, it was a long way. So I should have done this 2) when I got to 30 seconds back, I should have sat and recovered.  I still had about 2.5 miles and I already knew that he couldn't match my turnover.  I should have sat behind him and recovered for a mile or so and pushed the last little to pass him.  Oh well... live and learn.  Mick did an awesome job on an tough hot day on a course that is much more difficult than people might have thought.  So he absolutely earned the win.  (NB 110 170.5)

Week was good - glad it is done on all accounts: the race, the aid station, Region track, etc...

Goals for next week: recover the legs a bit, no need to stress anything.

NB 110 Miles: 50.00
Comments
From Vis on Sun, May 13, 2012 at 10:56:37 from 208.88.8.22

Great job on a tough course on a brutal weekend. You are inspirational.

On another note, many of us thought you had won because of the ultralive updates. (They were a little wacky all day.)

From Jon on Sun, May 13, 2012 at 12:17:26 from 74.177.127.167

Wow, quite the adventure, Dave. That's some tough, fast running in the heat. Too bad you couldn't pull it off. Maybe next time.

Were you taking S-caps regularly, or E-caps?

From Fritz on Sun, May 13, 2012 at 14:08:30 from 173.10.22.170

Great job Dave. Sounds like quite the adventure. Obviously a lot more can happen in 50 miles than in 26 and nutrition and hydration are that much more important. Looks like you will be more than ready for Squaw Peak.

From Steve on Sun, May 13, 2012 at 18:35:51 from 66.87.127.137

Wow, that is so cool. I have to do one of these

From Jake K on Sun, May 13, 2012 at 19:52:11 from 67.182.215.126

Wow great report Dave. I enjoyed reading that. Sounds like you really gave it a heck of a push in those final miles. Congrats on an awesome race.

From JamesH on Sun, May 13, 2012 at 20:51:22 from 208.117.127.7

Nice job Dave. Nothing like pushing until there is nothing left. It hurts but its a good hurt.

From RileyCook on Sun, May 13, 2012 at 21:46:35 from 65.130.70.180

Dave, that was a great race report and I really enjoyed reading it. It was inspirational. Great race, it sounds both fun and horrible at the same time.

From Holt on Mon, May 14, 2012 at 08:40:09 from 204.113.55.41

Thanks guys -

Riley, it really was!

From Jake K on Mon, May 14, 2012 at 08:42:26 from 155.100.226.54

And I also just wanted to add that the way you stuck w/ Logan and helped him out, even if it meant it sacrificing your own race a bit, says a lot about your character. You were a great friend and teammate out there.

From Steve Hooper on Mon, May 14, 2012 at 08:49:40 from 209.33.254.93

Awesome! Great Report Dave. I was so bummed I couldn't come out and watch you guys. You both did an amazing job, way to kill it and push it like you did. It really makes me pumped to do another 50.

From jtshad on Mon, May 14, 2012 at 09:10:17 from 204.134.132.225

Great race report, congrats! That was a courageous effort in tough conditions. You showed a lot of heart coming into the end and dedication to your friend.

From Holt on Mon, May 14, 2012 at 13:23:19 from 204.113.55.41

Jake and Jeff, thanks 'cause I am still kind of feeling like a jerk for leaving him. I know he wanted me too, and I would want him to do the same, but...

From Superfly on Mon, May 14, 2012 at 18:51:14 from 74.211.21.81

Wow what a epic event. Had I just watched the web site for updates and results and then just read your report I'd have thought it was grueling and horrible. But since we went out to the park and sat there for almost 2 hours in the heat before you guys came in and felt what it was like...then saw how TRASHED you guys looked from the elements once you finished. All I can say is good job! Hats off for even finishing. Recover well and give yourself time to recover fully so you can have a good go at Squaw.

From caseykimzey on Wed, May 16, 2012 at 17:58:22 from 174.23.118.115

That was really cool seeing coming in so fast and determined even after a tough and physically draining (to say the least) 45 miles! I thought for sure you would catch him when I saw you leave our station and the whole muscles giving out shows how epically you really ran!! You are an inspiration to all!

From Little Bad Legs on Thu, May 17, 2012 at 14:47:33 from 68.186.0.46

AWESOME!!! What a fantastic report. Way to give it your best and leave it all on the course. Such an impressive accomplishment! Great job Dave.

From JPark on Mon, May 21, 2012 at 23:26:24 from 174.52.34.169

Great job Dave! That race sounds intense, but man, you're tough. Way to give it all you have.

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