I didn't receive any photos from any of those events, so I'm curious to see what you've got. Fire away!
Extreme Races
It seems that every time you turn around these days you find out about another extreme race that is more extreme than the last. The Europeans seem to have it all over US for organizing insane events- case in point:<br><br><a href="http://www.theextraordinary.co.uk/ultra/marathon_des_sables/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.theextraordinary.co.uk/ul...les/index.html</a><br><br>
Has anyone here actually participated in the Marathon des Sables?<br><br>
That's insane. After doing the Grand Canyon double crossing a couple of years ago I decided that marathons were enough. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">
Has anyone here actually participated in the Marathon des Sables?<br><br>
That's insane. After doing the Grand Canyon double crossing a couple of years ago I decided that marathons were enough. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">
41 - 60 of 66 Posts
Hmm, last time I checked, you are. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
Karen was bugging the crap out of me to apply for it, but I wussed out. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">
Karen was bugging the crap out of me to apply for it, but I wussed out. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">
doug, emmy got a picture... but i must of been hiding from that lens <img alt="crybaby2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/crybaby2.gif">
Show up and have a brew with me while others finish. While my comment on finding bodies was tongue in cheek with a hint of truth, it's one tough MF race and the undertrained, overzealous, are eaten alive...so to speak.<br><br>
I could go on for a while about injuries, including someone air lifted to the hospital. I have 10 finishes but gave it up after I started doing the VT100 which is usually the week before. I bow to my younger cohorts that can do both but I was never that daring or crazy. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> In addition the RD was my original mentor along with his wife and I really got to enjoy doing the finish line.<br><br>
No to belabor this but the finish line is very hairy. First, all bodies have to be accounted for. There is no, we two short and assume they went home on a side trail. We have an agreement with the state that we will not litter the trail with bodies. Each aid station dooes a body count and phones me of those that call it a day.<br><br>
Second, we often see blood, scrapes, and sometime worse while others are outwardly ok but have the 200 mile stare from being dehydrated or just beat to hell. Since the race is the last week in July and bloody hot AND humid, an IV or two has been started.<br><br>
What may appear to be a flippant comment has some depth to the reply.<br><br>
Let me also say the race has a certain attraction for those people that like rough sex, er, running. Enjoy the challange while being respecful. The web page goes through great pains to warm people of the difficulty but we always get people that think the RD is exaggerating or smoking and not sharing. Those are the ones that get injured, DNF, or finish long after the 6 hour limit and make our day very long.
I could go on for a while about injuries, including someone air lifted to the hospital. I have 10 finishes but gave it up after I started doing the VT100 which is usually the week before. I bow to my younger cohorts that can do both but I was never that daring or crazy. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> In addition the RD was my original mentor along with his wife and I really got to enjoy doing the finish line.<br><br>
No to belabor this but the finish line is very hairy. First, all bodies have to be accounted for. There is no, we two short and assume they went home on a side trail. We have an agreement with the state that we will not litter the trail with bodies. Each aid station dooes a body count and phones me of those that call it a day.<br><br>
Second, we often see blood, scrapes, and sometime worse while others are outwardly ok but have the 200 mile stare from being dehydrated or just beat to hell. Since the race is the last week in July and bloody hot AND humid, an IV or two has been started.<br><br>
What may appear to be a flippant comment has some depth to the reply.<br><br>
Let me also say the race has a certain attraction for those people that like rough sex, er, running. Enjoy the challange while being respecful. The web page goes through great pains to warm people of the difficulty but we always get people that think the RD is exaggerating or smoking and not sharing. Those are the ones that get injured, DNF, or finish long after the 6 hour limit and make our day very long.
Trust him, Nipmuck is like an interstate compared to the Escarpment. On a wet day the escarpment is really nasty. The trail is all roots and rocks and when wet you have to be very careful with both. The rocks have likens(sp) and when wet, are like ice. The rule, on wet day aim for the dirt between the rocks and roots. On a dry day stay on the rocks. The tricky part, some areas are always wet from tree cover etc.<br><br>
The adage "if you look up, you go down" is very revelent. <img alt="icon_salut.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_salut.gif">
The adage "if you look up, you go down" is very revelent. <img alt="icon_salut.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_salut.gif">
Me too and I've done a few 100's. It's got 33,000 feet of climb, most it is at 11,000 feet(tree line) and has 48 hour cutoff where most are 30. Avg finish is 41 hours.<br><br>
If you do this bring your A-game and some O2.
If you do this bring your A-game and some O2.
Masochist? I haven;t run that race yet either <img alt="cool.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/cool.gif"><br><br>
I became a masochist when I started running these races in Vermont, I had a new appreciation for pain. We'll see how I feel after the McNaughton 150 in April... Probably smiling form ear to ear with a bloddy nose, shakey legs and a whole lot of gusto <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">
I became a masochist when I started running these races in Vermont, I had a new appreciation for pain. We'll see how I feel after the McNaughton 150 in April... Probably smiling form ear to ear with a bloddy nose, shakey legs and a whole lot of gusto <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">
I'm definitely not ready for anything with lots of climbing and single track, I think. Aside from some runs last summer in Minnewaska and Mohonk, my trail running has been limited to carriage roads. But what goat-like trails I did run, I enjoyed. Definitely appealed to the kid in me. Dirt, bumps and bruises <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
When I grow up, I'll come play with you at the big-kids races <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">
When I grow up, I'll come play with you at the big-kids races <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">
All the photographers were male. Besides she is cute as hell. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">
I did Racing The Planet Sahara Race last Oct. Many of the runners there had done MDS before and said that it was a "six or half dozen" between the two. I really enjoyed it, and will be doing Gobi March in June.<br><br>
But it is expensive, with gear, entry fees, and travel.............But worth it IMO. And it seems that MDS has more competitors for good or bad.<br><br>
Peace
But it is expensive, with gear, entry fees, and travel.............But worth it IMO. And it seems that MDS has more competitors for good or bad.<br><br>
Peace
gee, thanks PithyDoug<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> --at age 49 (normally wouldn't delulge my age but all runners know ages anyway) haven't been called cute in awhile<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br>
'wrinkled' is more apt --but you are pretty good looking for a 'miler'.<br>
(I see you are no longer a trainee --yippee! Now you are a cut above having to ask 'would you like fries with that burger??"<img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">...Escarpment was my first trail run (ran it with RD -and had raced the Mets Shea stadium run-to-home plate the day before -not the smartest thing to do)and was entered last year but decided to do Wakefield 24 hour...this year want to do VT...After Escarpment, everything -Soapstone, Nipmuck, Greenbelt -does seem like an interstate -like you said, the wet spots on the stones and the murderous downhills and boulders...how those people race it is beyond me. I am happy to power-hike it --RunDangerously wants to go back and run it faster but not moi. That's great that you volunteer at the finish but you must see alot of injuries...my friend Rick volunteers at mile 10.2 -may have to join him this year.
'wrinkled' is more apt --but you are pretty good looking for a 'miler'.<br>
(I see you are no longer a trainee --yippee! Now you are a cut above having to ask 'would you like fries with that burger??"<img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">...Escarpment was my first trail run (ran it with RD -and had raced the Mets Shea stadium run-to-home plate the day before -not the smartest thing to do)and was entered last year but decided to do Wakefield 24 hour...this year want to do VT...After Escarpment, everything -Soapstone, Nipmuck, Greenbelt -does seem like an interstate -like you said, the wet spots on the stones and the murderous downhills and boulders...how those people race it is beyond me. I am happy to power-hike it --RunDangerously wants to go back and run it faster but not moi. That's great that you volunteer at the finish but you must see alot of injuries...my friend Rick volunteers at mile 10.2 -may have to join him this year.
p.s. Merigayle --I live vicariously through your ambitious plans --I do hope they all come to fruition!! Brennen, you also --HOPE you get into Hardrock and let us know when you are doing some long catskill hikes!!!!<br>
Escarpment in the winter,anyone?<br>
Zoomski and Divelah --would like to try RMMadness --my friend Dierdre ran it and got so lost, she had to get to a road and flag a ride to the finish.<br>
Maybe I can talk Brennen and RD into doing it...but Brennen may have other fish to fry in VA<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">
Escarpment in the winter,anyone?<br>
Zoomski and Divelah --would like to try RMMadness --my friend Dierdre ran it and got so lost, she had to get to a road and flag a ride to the finish.<br>
Maybe I can talk Brennen and RD into doing it...but Brennen may have other fish to fry in VA<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">
> gee, thanks PithyDoug<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> --at age 49 (normally wouldn't delulge my age<br>
> but all runners know ages anyway) haven't been called cute in awhile<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
It's all relative, I'm 62 so 49 is a voluptuous hunk of burning love. We can talk about having kids. <img alt="banana.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif"><br><br><br>
> but you are pretty good looking for a 'miler'.<br>
> (I see you are no longer a trainee --yippee! Now you are a cut above<br>
> having to ask 'would you like fries with that burger??"<img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">..<br><br>
That's a real picture andI guess the running has helped me from turning into a complete prune. I'm really climbing the Social running calendar. A miler? I always hated sprints and still do. I may do one 5k every 2 years<br><br><br><br><br>
> scarpment was my first trail run (ran it with RD -and had raced the Mets Shea stadium run-to-home plate the day before -not the smartest thing to do)and was entered last year but decided to do Wakefield 24 hour...this year want to do VT...><br><br>
I have yet to sign up but I planning to do VT100 this year again. Number 7.<br><br><br><br><br>
> After Escarpment, everything -Soapstone, Nipmuck, Greenbelt -does<br>
> seem like an interstate -like you said, the wet spots on the stones and<br>
> the murderous downhills and boulders...how those people race it is<br>
> beyond me.<br><br>
Amen! The first ten that cross the line look like they just did a stroll in the park.<br><br><br><br>
> I am happy to power-hike it --RunDangerously wants to go back and run > it faster but not moi. That's great that you volunteer at the finish but<br>
> you must see alot of injuries.<br><br>
A soon at anyone crosses the line you look for blood. Some years the finish area looks like a MASH triage. At times I'll hold up my Heineken can and ask what color? If they pause I know they are in deep doodoo.<br><br>
The RD is a close friend and I love the race. For many of my working years I did not have a chance to put much back into the running community. Now I do and it feels great. I also do the newsletter and membership for my running club.<br><br>
All this means means I deserve a hug the next time we meet. A dirty old man in disguise. <img alt="notworthy.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/notworthy.gif">
> but all runners know ages anyway) haven't been called cute in awhile<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
It's all relative, I'm 62 so 49 is a voluptuous hunk of burning love. We can talk about having kids. <img alt="banana.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif"><br><br><br>
> but you are pretty good looking for a 'miler'.<br>
> (I see you are no longer a trainee --yippee! Now you are a cut above<br>
> having to ask 'would you like fries with that burger??"<img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">..<br><br>
That's a real picture andI guess the running has helped me from turning into a complete prune. I'm really climbing the Social running calendar. A miler? I always hated sprints and still do. I may do one 5k every 2 years<br><br><br><br><br>
> scarpment was my first trail run (ran it with RD -and had raced the Mets Shea stadium run-to-home plate the day before -not the smartest thing to do)and was entered last year but decided to do Wakefield 24 hour...this year want to do VT...><br><br>
I have yet to sign up but I planning to do VT100 this year again. Number 7.<br><br><br><br><br>
> After Escarpment, everything -Soapstone, Nipmuck, Greenbelt -does<br>
> seem like an interstate -like you said, the wet spots on the stones and<br>
> the murderous downhills and boulders...how those people race it is<br>
> beyond me.<br><br>
Amen! The first ten that cross the line look like they just did a stroll in the park.<br><br><br><br>
> I am happy to power-hike it --RunDangerously wants to go back and run > it faster but not moi. That's great that you volunteer at the finish but<br>
> you must see alot of injuries.<br><br>
A soon at anyone crosses the line you look for blood. Some years the finish area looks like a MASH triage. At times I'll hold up my Heineken can and ask what color? If they pause I know they are in deep doodoo.<br><br>
The RD is a close friend and I love the race. For many of my working years I did not have a chance to put much back into the running community. Now I do and it feels great. I also do the newsletter and membership for my running club.<br><br>
All this means means I deserve a hug the next time we meet. A dirty old man in disguise. <img alt="notworthy.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/notworthy.gif">
CT - depending on when they hold Ramapo Mountain Madness, I plan to run it this year. I'm running NYC for the first time, and I'd like to get another road marathon in before it (for a time goal), so that I can just run NYC for fun and the experience and not worry about split times, etc. If I can somehow fit it in, I'll try my hand at RMM.
My top two dream races are Hardrock and Arrowroot. But they;re both still a couple years in the future. For now I've got to keep getting stronger at running 100s.
Hey Pithydog, and everyone else, there is a "multi-quote" function here, where in one reply you can quote and reply to multiple people, just hit the button to the right of the "quote" button on each post you want to reply to, then hit "post reply", it is a very neat function of this message board <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
And congrats on making it to MILER!!!! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">
And congrats on making it to MILER!!!! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">
CTM, I'm almost certain that one of the women in our lost group* was named Dierdre. Together, the 6 or 7 of us kept going out on loops and circling back to the same aid station (that wasn't part of the RD's plan!). It turned out to be a wonderful day of running, despite the course problems. With about 2.5 miles left, I think it was Dierdre and her friend (Kevin?) who raced it in. I was one of the people bringing up the rear (finished in 6:45).<br><br>
*There was more than one lost group!<br><br>
Hope there will be a RMM in 2008 -- and we'll all be able to "run it right" this time.<br><br>
Chris
*There was more than one lost group!<br><br>
Hope there will be a RMM in 2008 -- and we'll all be able to "run it right" this time.<br><br>
Chris
Pithy Doug --(mr miler)...I hope to run Vt 100 this year. Amazing that you have run 7 times...have to keep our eye on registration so it doesn't get filled. Wish escarpment wasn't the week after...then again...<br>
Divelah --you do need to pound the pavement in the fall if you are going to run NYC, to aclimate your body to the concrete...but maybe you can fit in one easy over-distance run. Alot to chose from in Oct...<br>
Zoomski -RMM did sound like a great day of running --I think Dierdre said that she ran @50K and was happy with that<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> -so maybe will see you at that event!. The BUS series may have a 24 hour run in Oct.!<br>
but it will probably be on roads<img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">
Divelah --you do need to pound the pavement in the fall if you are going to run NYC, to aclimate your body to the concrete...but maybe you can fit in one easy over-distance run. Alot to chose from in Oct...<br>
Zoomski -RMM did sound like a great day of running --I think Dierdre said that she ran @50K and was happy with that<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> -so maybe will see you at that event!. The BUS series may have a 24 hour run in Oct.!<br>
but it will probably be on roads<img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">
Easy only 6 completions, number 7 this year and not to jinx myself but all under 24 hours albeit last year was close.<br><br>
The reason I started doing the Escarpment finish line was the VT100 being the week before. Once in while it's two. If nothing else I use it for my 'FORCED volunteer Requirement"(FVR) for the Vermont 100.<br><br>
As for VT 100 filling up, I sincerely doubt it. Since they instilled the FVR they have not come close to filing up unless adding the 100k fills the 50 or so slots that are usually empty. Some day they will pull their heads out of the dark region and pull it.
The reason I started doing the Escarpment finish line was the VT100 being the week before. Once in while it's two. If nothing else I use it for my 'FORCED volunteer Requirement"(FVR) for the Vermont 100.<br><br>
As for VT 100 filling up, I sincerely doubt it. Since they instilled the FVR they have not come close to filing up unless adding the 100k fills the 50 or so slots that are usually empty. Some day they will pull their heads out of the dark region and pull it.
300 Runners is the VT100 race cap. This year it will INCLUDE BOTH 100M and 100K runners.<br><br>
Doug, there are plenty of OTHER issues that prevent this race from filling up. The FVR is just ONE of them and I assure you, the imstallation of the FVR's effect on race attendance is minimal. The VT100 isn't the first or ONLY race in the US that requires Volunteer Service and the many that do have no problem filling up.<br><br>
Putting on a race is hard work for anybody. The FVR is a GREAT way to get runners to give back and in my humble opinion, NOT something to complain about. I think more runners should take the time themselves, REGARDLESS of an FVR to volunteer anyway, yet.. so few actually do. The FVR enhances the community as a whole and I loudly applaud its institution anywhere. Besides, the person who even suggested they implement it, actually WON the race previously and just so happens to be one of Vermont's most decorated female runners.<br><br>
The problems plaguing the VT100 are:<br>
An RD with poor communication skills<br>
The yearly altering of the course<br>
The Uncertainty of the course's length<br>
The July Heat and Humidity many can't (or don't want to) Handle.<br>
The Races somewhat remote location and lack of adequate, CHEAP, places to stay.
Doug, there are plenty of OTHER issues that prevent this race from filling up. The FVR is just ONE of them and I assure you, the imstallation of the FVR's effect on race attendance is minimal. The VT100 isn't the first or ONLY race in the US that requires Volunteer Service and the many that do have no problem filling up.<br><br>
Putting on a race is hard work for anybody. The FVR is a GREAT way to get runners to give back and in my humble opinion, NOT something to complain about. I think more runners should take the time themselves, REGARDLESS of an FVR to volunteer anyway, yet.. so few actually do. The FVR enhances the community as a whole and I loudly applaud its institution anywhere. Besides, the person who even suggested they implement it, actually WON the race previously and just so happens to be one of Vermont's most decorated female runners.<br><br>
The problems plaguing the VT100 are:<br>
An RD with poor communication skills<br>
The yearly altering of the course<br>
The Uncertainty of the course's length<br>
The July Heat and Humidity many can't (or don't want to) Handle.<br>
The Races somewhat remote location and lack of adequate, CHEAP, places to stay.
41 - 60 of 66 Posts
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