Adrenaline

One of the perks of living in Southern Arizona is we have those Coury brothers putting on a ton of well organized trail races all year long. Aravaipa Running is putting Arizona on the map as one of the premier places to live if you are into racing on trails. 

It's kinda funny how my past, a past full of wreckage brought me to Tucson. That wreckage in turn allowed me to find a passion that has since defined who I am... But that's a whole other story in itself!

Moving forward...

Aravaipa Running puts on a series of night races during the smoldering Summer heat. Last year I had a blast at both Vertigo and Javelina Jangover, so I was excited to get to participate in the "Insomniac Series" for 2014. 

Looking over my schedule, I decided on the Adrenaline 64k. Adrenaline is held at the McDowell Mountain Park, which I am very familiar with. The race was set to be on some new trails and it looked like it would be some fast running. 

The moment after I registered for the Adrenaline 64k, I began regretting my decision. I was just getting over some nagging aches and pains that were a direct result of the mud-fest I endured at Zane Grey. 

Sickness had forced me to take a few undesirable rest days and I just had one of the worst runs of my life at TTR's Sunset Loops. Seventeen miles completely wrecked me and I just registered for a race that was more than twice the distance...

Maybe I should have my head examined.

But the decision was already made. I paid my entry and I was not going to back out. I was very nervous about how I would perform, probably more nervous than I have ever been going into a race. But the truth is, I love to race!

I hadn't been putting in very many miles since prior to Zane. The heaviest week leading up to the race, I put in a mind-boggling 42 miles! 

However, I did have a few things going for me. The running that I was doing was brutal. Most of my running was done during the hottest part of the day and the majority of that, was done on Blackett's Trail.

In recent months, I have become obsessed with Blackett's Trail. Blackett's is no ordinary trail. Blackett's is steep. Blackett's is rocky. Blackett's is unforgiving. 

Blackett's is the shit. 

So I scrapped a lot of "garbage" miles to abuse myself on Blackett's. I've been told that in the end, all that really matters is the time on your feet. I was going to find out if that held true. I was definitely getting stronger. Would this all translate into better endurance? Was I prepared to race 40 miles or was this going to be an all out sufferfest?

I also decided not to taper down the week of the race. Instead, I put in a solid week of running. Something I have never done.

I had absolutely no idea what to expect as Kristi and I packed our bags and hit the road for Fountain Hills. 

"I'm really nervous for some reason" I admitted to her, "I haven't been putting in very many miles. The longest run I've done since Zane was seventeen miles and I completely fell apart..."

"You'll be fine." Was her response.

"She has way too much confidence in me." I thought to myself.

"I'll know around 25 miles whether I will be fine or not. That's when I'll know.." 

We arrived at the McDowell Mountain Regional Park around six o'clock. I had about an hour to grab my bib and prepare for the race. It was hot out but there was a nice breeze and I felt a sense of comfort wash over me. All of a sudden, I felt relaxed.

Lacing 'em up

The course consisted of two different loops. One loop was 6.2 miles and the other, 10 miles. The 64k was five loops; Short loop, long loop, short loop, long loop, short loop. An interesting thing about loop courses is how much different each loop feels, even though they are the same. Strange as that sounds, it's true.

Nick announced that it was time to line up. Kristi wished me luck and I made my way to the start. I got my game face on and let the adrenaline course through my veins. I envisioned crossing the finish line. I felt like an animal and I craved it. It's time to be released into the wild!

This is what I live for!!

The countdown concluded and the race was underway! I had told myself to stay relaxed and not jump out in front, which was the opposite of what I did. While I did remain relaxed at a comfortable pace, I took the lead spot from the very beginning.

Off to the races!

Adam Barstad was hanging on my tail and the two of us quickly created space from the rest of the runners. A mile or so into the first loop we began a nice steady climb. I attacked the ascent at what seemed to be an unreasonable pace, being that it was so early into the race. I felt unbelievably strong going up that hill.

"Damn, Blackett's training is paying off!" I began thinking, "This is a breeze.."

By the time I topped out I had created a nice gap between Adam and myself. The sun was setting beyond the horizon and I soaked in the beautiful views.

I felt full of energy but had a little nausea. I tasted my dinner coming up. 

"Hope that subsides.."

I continued on and soon reached a nice descent. I flew down the single track. It whirled around and made me feel like I was riding on a roller coaster. I was going fast and had total disregard for holding back. I turned around and to my surprise, Adam was not far back.

"This guy is gonna push me all night.. I should have held back, I think I just screwed myself." I sadly thought.

The remainder of the loop was basically flat single track delight. I was cruising around 7:15 pace without a care in the world. I peaked behind me and saw nobody. 

"This pace is going to destroy me." I morbidly mumbled under my breath. I kept going.

I finished off the first loop (6.2m) in 44:47, feeling fresh and loose. Bret Sarnquist was there helping out at the aid station.

"You look solid, man. Nice consistent pace. Is there anyone behind you? 

"There was..." I responded.

"He must have fallen back." Bret encouraged me.

"I don't think he is that far back!" I said as I took off. 

I met up with Kristi and swapped my handheld for my pack. I gave her a hug and took off, starting my second loop.

About a minute into the loop, I saw Adam coming my way. We exchanged quick grunts and carried on. He was looking very strong. I figured I had about a three minute lead, depending on how long he took at the aid station. 

The second loop was fantastic single track that hugged the side of the mountain. Soon there were a ton of other runners appearing. There were now several other races going on. The sun had settled and darkness had arrived. I saw dozens of little headlamps bobbing up and down in the distance. I began passing runner after runner. 

Dust was flying as hundreds of feet pounded the sandy trail. I soon hit the Escondido aid station. Maria Walton handed me some S-Caps and off I went. My energy level was still solid but the nausea was getting more severe. 

I felt the urge to throw up and began taking deep breaths. Soon it was too much. I let it out, mid-stride. I didn't skip a beat.

"Wow, I never thought I could throw up while running and not even slow down.." I laughed to myself, "...and didn't even get any on me!"

While that did make me feel a little better, the process was repeated several more times throughout the race. 

My pace remained consistent as I reached the flat section that leads back to the start. I cruised through, finishing loop number two (16.8m) in 2:01:38. I filled my pack, chomped on Honey Stinger chews, threw on a shirt, gave Kristi a kiss and bolted out of there! 

I still felt very strong. Surprisingly strong. I saw Adam about a mile in, so I knew I had created a comfortable lead. I cruised up the steep like a caffeinated mountain goat. I continued passing other runners and was extremely invigorated. 

The moon had begun to rise into the dark sky. It was nearly full and painted a spectacular blood orange. There were pockets of cool air that refreshed my body and mind. These are the moments that I am fully at peace. I hit the flat and my pace felt a bit more forced but remained surprisingly fast. I cruised into the aid station wrapping up my third loop (23m) in 2:52:01.

"You are doing awesome, babe!" Kristi exclaimed, "How do you feel?"

"Exhausted.." I admitted, "There is still a long way to go.."

I said good bye and headed off on my fourth loop. I knew this would be the loop that would define the race for me. I knew I was in for some suffering. I was ready to fight. There was no sign of Adam or any other runner. I had a large lead but could I hold on? Could I finish off this ten mile loop feeling strong?

The trail had become steeper and less forgiving. I felt like I was going to bonk. Nausea wrapped it's evil tentacles around me. I dry heaved while continuing to run. It was dark and I was all alone.

"Just walk for a minute. Stop running. You must." My mind barked at me.

I ignored it. I kept running.

I hit the Escondido aid station and quickly continued on. One foot in front of the other. This loop was longer this time around.

"I don't remember this.." I was delirious.

 I finally made it the the flat section. My pace picked back up. 

All of a sudden, I was running sub 8's again!

I hadn't stopped running through all of the pain I was enduring, now I felt like I had a second wind!

Soon enough, I was wrapping up the fourth loop (33.6m) in 4:19:56.

"Last loop.." I moaned to one of the volunteers at the aid station. I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as I walked over to Kristi.

I didn't waste much time before I took off. I wanted to get this thing done! I figured my lead was large enough that if I need to do a little hiking, I would be okay. I felt really relaxed as I approached the last climb of the night. 

To my surprise, I continued running. I ran the whole way up and topped out.

"Holy crap.." I was in disbelief  "I still feel good!" 

I barreled down the roller coaster descent and hit the flat section for the last time of the night. 

"It's time to give it all that I got!"

I hammered out the last few miles toward the finish. I saw the lights of ultra-city glowing in the distance. I got one last burst of adrenaline as I whipped around the bend and shot through the finish line (39.7m) in 5:16:10!!!

Wrappin' it up!

"Oh yeah!" I shouted! 

Kristi came over and congratulated me. 

"That was the best race of my life." I said.

And it was.

Jamil and Nick congratulated me as did Mr. Entertainment himself, Michael Farris. I was blown away by my performance. I felt like I could have headed out for another loop... But I was glad it was over.

Good times!

I ran every single step of the race. Besides the nausea and a brief encounter with the dreaded "wall", I never really suffered. It gives me a new confidence moving forward. I have a brand new outlook and approach on the way I'm going to train and prepare for races. 

It was an incredible experience to feel that strong for a race of that distance. It's tough to put the feeling into words. 

Congratulations to Magi Redlich, the overall female winner and Adam Barstad, who also ended up going sub-6 with an impressive time of 5:53:06. Nice work! 

As always, Aravaipa Running put on a first class event. To all the volunteers, you make these events so incredibly special. Thank you. A big thanks to Honey Stinger for fueling my wild adventures and making products that actually taste good! And thank you Kristi, for always being out there supporting my running endeavors. You are the greatest.

Until next time... 

I don't normally run relays but when I do, I run them solo.

Sunset Loopy

Running is very interesting because you never know how you are going to feel until you actually start running. 

There are the days that I feel like crap and I try to give myself every excuse in the world to skip my run, yet when my feet hit the ground I am filled with energy. It's like I have wings. 

Like I can fly! 

On the contrary, there are the days that the motivation to go run is overflowing, that I'm chomping at the bit to pile on some hardcore miles. I lace up, bolt out the door and I'm completely bonked of energy and I have to force myself to continue.

In a nut shell, some days are better than others. 

I had been looking forward to running TTR's "Sunset Loops". I had never run the course and was excited that I would get to explore some new terrain in the Santa Catalina Mountains. 

Unfortunately, I had been under the weather for the last week. But I felt like I was on the mend and that my strength was coming back. The moment my alarm jolted me up that morning, my body told me otherwise. 

"Go back to sleep Sion, you're too weak.." My body felt lifeless as I silenced the noise.

"I don't feel too good. I think I'm gonna skip it." I mumbled to Kristi.

"No. No, I'm not. I'll just beat myself up the rest of the day if I do. I'm going."

So I ignored my body.

"I'll show you who's boss!" 

I got all my stuff together, choked down two bites of shredded wheat, cursed myself for not listening to my body and headed out the door.

As I cruised up the Catalina Highway, I lost myself in thought. I remembered the first time I rode up this mountain with my parents and brother. I was living in a halfway house and they were visiting me for the first time since I had been placed there. We shared lunch on top of Mount Lemmon. We talked about my road to recovery, about my new life in Tucson.

Little did I know that the very mountain we shared that meal on would end up being part of my recovery. That it would give me a new life. 

As it turned out, I had a lot more suffering to do before I found a new life. Before I found this mountain. Before I found myself.

I arrived at the Sunset Trailhead and mingled with some of my fellow TTR'ers. I didn't feel right. I felt groggy. After the pre-run briefing we all clicked our time pieces and took off!

I ran behind Catlow and Duer for the first mile or so. I immediately found myself gasping for air. The two of them were having a conversation as we skipped and hopped over the rocky section of Sunset Trail. I tried to join in but felt like I couldn't breath. So I just focused on running.

"This is weird." I thought to myself, "Why do I feel so weak?" 

Soon the three of us scampered into Marshall Gulch.

"Go ahead" Duer said to me as he made a detour. 

"I guess..." I thought to myself as I followed behind Catlow.

We hung a sharp left and connected to Aspen Trail. I love this trail. It's covered in shade for the most part and has some amazing views. It's quite a climb from the very start and my breathing became extremely labored.

I was talking to Catlow about his most recent ultra glory when I began to feel faint. I decided to let him pull away as I slowed my pace down. The climb seemed relentless yet this was only the beginning of the run. 

"Maybe I should just cut it short today" I began to think.. "I can't see running for another three hours feeling like this."

I've had a few runs where my stubbornness triumphed my logical thinking. One of those runs I felt like I was on the edge of death. If interested in reading about that wonderful experience check out Desert Delirium. 

Soon we hit Marshall Saddle. I realized that the next section would be the toughest climb of the run, that this would be the time to cut it short.

"I could just head down Marshall Gulch Trail and call it a day.." I thought to myself as I ran right past it.

"No, you'll get your second wind. It's just a matter of time."

I continued on Aspen Trail and began the climb that takes you to the summit of Mount Lemmon. Catlow had taken a detour and was behind me for a few minutes before quickly catching back up.

"Go ahead, bro." I said as I moved over and let him by, "I don't feel very peppy today."

"Yeah, you seem quiet. Do you need any food?" Catlow offered.

"No, I'm fine. I'll be okay. I'll survive."

I slowed down and watched Catlow effortlessly cruise up the steep. Each switchback that followed he was further in front of me. 

"I can't breath!" I shouted in frustration.

"Maybe I should just turn back..."

I said those words but only continued putting one foot in front of the other. 

Each step my legs became heavier. My heart was ripping through my skin. I reached timberline and the sun sprayed me golden. 

Despite my worsening condition, I gazed for miles into the distance and absorbed the absolute beauty that was surrounding me. 

"It's good to be alive!" 

I eventually reached the summit. I stood there dazed for a minute, sucking air. I snapped a picture and looked ahead. I saw Catlow in the distance flying along the ridge. I chomped down some Honey Stinger chews and set off..

I enjoyed the descent along the ridge. The views were breathtaking as I made my way to Mt. Lemmon Trail. I couldn't find a good rhythm for the life of me. Even with all the downhill, I still was having to slow to a walk in order to catch my breath. I think it was at about that moment that I realized that I was in for a long day. 

Lemmon Trail is pretty awesome. Fast runnable single track trail blanketed in shade. I was able to slip into a groove and enjoyed some sustained running. 

I finally, at what seemed like an unreasonably long time, reached Wilderness of Rocks Trail. This was the part of the run I had been looking forward to. I had never been on the WOR Trail and was excited to see some new terrain. Only problem, I was beginning to really suffer. The heat was on and my energy had decided that it wasn't going to visit me on this day.. Not even for a short conjugal visit. Not at all..

I did my best to stay positive but my demeanor was quickly evaporating. The Wilderness of Rocks didn't disappoint. Huge boulders towered overhead, surrounding me. It was quite magnificent. I used every excuse to take a break, snap a photo and catch my breath.

I began to feel like I was being baked in an oven. Blurred lines wafted off the gigantic rocks. I grew increasingly more nauseous and felt the urge to vomit. I became concerned that my water was going to run out. I was scared.

"I knew I should have stayed home. You're an idiot, Sion. I wish I was at home.."

I staggered on, forcing myself to run until I was on the verge of passing out. Only to repeat the process. The trail was amazing. Single track delight. Wonderful landscape and incredible views. Yet, I was in hell. I was suffering something awful. 

Running was becoming alarmingly difficult. At this point I was taking breaks to sit on the ground and catch my breath. I would envision finishing up the run and collapsing to earths surface.

"If I can make it to Marshall Saddle, I'll be good.." I thought to myself. 

I knew that once I got to the saddle, I would have screaming downhill all the way to Marshall Gulch, then onto Sunset Trail and to the finish.

"Keep moving."

The last stretch to the saddle was the dagger. I grew increasingly more faint. My equilibrium felt disrupted which caused severe dizzy spells. I felt a migraine developing. I felt sleepy. I sat down and panted like a dog. I wondered if I could keep going, if I could make it back. Did I need help? Search and rescue? 

Feeling the threat of running out of water looming, I slapped myself together and finished off the last climb to the saddle. I took a seat on a log, sipped on some water and caught my breath. 

"You're going to run every step of Marshall Gulch Trail." I told myself, "Every step."

And so I did. I ran the whole way down to Marshall Gulch. I managed to avoid tripping, despite the dizziness that had enveloped me. I took a breather and walked to Sunset Trail. 

"This is it. The last stretch. You are going to make it." I encouraged myself.

I was able to lift myself out of the funk and focus on the last stretch of the run. I ran and walked without taking anymore breaks. And just like that, I was back at the trail head. I was alive. 

I made sure to do what I had daydreamed about, so I picked a spot and collapsed to the surface of earth. I enjoyed that briefly before getting attacked by a swarm of horse flies. 

It just wasn't my day.

                     "You may encounter many defeats but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it."

                                                                             

                                                                 ~Maya Angelou      

                                                                     1928~2014