Well, the plan was to run the Pacific Crest 1/2 marathon in SunRiver Or. slow enough that I didn't re-injure my Achilles. My physical therapist didn't think it was a good idea, I should be focusing on getting healed up for the White River 50 miler at the end of July. But, I was going to be down there anyway, and I was already signed up for the marathon, so why not just jog the half? At the start, the weather was cool and clear, just perfect. I haven't run a race with 1,000 other runners for a long time, let alone starting in the middle of the pack. I figured I would run around 9:00 minute miles, a little slower on the uphill and a little faster on the downs. It was a pretty flat course though. It was chip timed so it didn't matter it took more than a minute to cross the start line. What a zoo! The start was on a road, but quickly turned into a 10ft wide asphalt trail, so there was quite a traffic jam at the start of the trail. I started slow, but everyone else was even slower, so I had to weave all over the place to make my way forward. I drank alot
prior to the race since the air is so dry there and it usually gets hot later. So I had to pee right away. The good news was there were porta-potties at every mile marker, but there was also a line at each one. It took almost 3 miles before the crowd thinned out and left some running room and I spent the next three miles cruising along, trying to catch an open toilet. Finally, at mile six, I found an empty one. I brought some gels, but forgot my e-caps. They were serving gatoraide which doesn't have enough electrolytes for me, so I spent most of the race looking for someone who might be carrying, but most of the people around me wouldn't know what electrolytes were. I've never passed/been passed by so many runners! By mile 9, I was feeling good, but I was also feeling my heel, so I knew I couldn't drop the hammer and take off for the finish. I passed on the Red Bull aid station with it's screaming hoard of teenagers pushing cans on unsuspecting marathoners. I noticed the best part of running the half is that unlike the marathon, you finished before all the kids on bikes showed up zig-zaging down the trail. I wasn't quite sure of my time, I had messed up my watch, but I wanted to finish at 2 hrs. When I saw the finish clock about 100 feet away, I was a couple of minutes early. I thought about stopping and waiting for the clock to catch up, but because of chip timing, and not having a clue from my watch, and looking pretty stupid in front of a bunch of cheering supporters, I pressed on to the finish. It felt great to run again, I got an ice pack on my foot, a massage, and hope that I've finally turned the corner and can start training again!

Well it's been about 4 weeks since I ran Capitol City Marathon and injured my achilles. After much therapy and some cross training, I managed to run today for the first time. It was only 2 miles and it was slow, but what a great feeling being on the road again! I'm scheduled to run a marathon in Sun River next weekend, not sure what to do yet. I know my physical therapist will say it's out of the question, however, I do need to start getting some miles in to prepare for White River 50miler. For now, the plan is to build up some miles this week and see how I feel on Friday...

Hammer Nutrition has been supplying endurance athletes with top of the line sports drinks, electrolites, gels, and supplements since 1992. Their business has grown mostly on athlete referrals rather than distribution through retail outlets. So the success of their products has lead to their widespread use in cycling, triathalons, adventure sports, and ultra trail running. As part of their referral program, if I refer you to them, you get a 15% discount on your first order and I get a credit for future products. It's a win-win for both of us!

To take advantage of this offer, first visit Hammer Nutrition and see what products they have that may be of interest to you. I suggest checking out the Kits, the best way to start out with Hammer Nutrition is either the Short Course Fueling Starter Kit or the Long Course Fueling Starter Kit. Not only do you get the all the products you need for fueling, you also get a flask, purse, and water bottle, and most importantly, the informative fueling handbook. If you are also interested in Supplements, check out the Daily Essentials Kit. Their Tissue Rejuvinator has helped me recover from injuries twice!
Bet you didn't know you can also get Race Ready shorts and Patagonia tops with the same discount. I use Race Ready shorts all the time. The pockets are perfect for holding gels, bars, e-caps, gloves, empty gels(keep trails clean!) and keys!

To get your 15% discount
click here
or 

Fill up your shopping cart and continue on through checkout. When you get to the question "Where did you recently hear about us?", check the option "Referral from Friend" and click the Continue Checkout button. When you get to the payment page, continue down to the Referral Reward section, then in the Friends Customer Number # box, enter 72672 . That's it! You'll get a 15% discount!

I've been using Hammer products for a couple of years and found them to really deliver with out upsetting my system during ultra events. Give them a try, you'll be happy you did!

Being laid up with achilles tendonitis has allowed me to explore cross training opportunities. My last couple of weeks include 3 days of Phyiscal therapy(massage and ultrasound) and 3 days of weight lifting. If I stay injured, I'll be plenty buff by the pool this summer. I also started biking again with a great 2.5 hr ride last Sat. But my newest adventure is Aqua Jogging. I've started with a 45 min work out, and plan to do at least an hour a day, with some sporatic interval work outs. This will get me by, but I sure miss trail running!