2014 Old Pueblo 50 (The Storm)

While a large chunk of the country dealt with the most frigid winter in a century, those of us living in Southern Arizona were sipping piña coladas poolside. It has been...strange. It's like winter skipped us. 

I don't particularly enjoy the brutality that Tucson summers deliver, though I do enjoy living here. I hit bottom and lost everything in this town. I crawled out of a hole and rebuilt my life. I've become a man and have a family. I discovered my love for running, mountains, trails and nature while living here. I guess I can say; I found myself here.

That being said, the summer definitely wears on me. I really enjoy winter time, so this year I feel...gypped. Last year's Old Pueblo 50 was definitely a scorcher, I was not looking forward to a repeat. I just wanted a quick cool down. A little storm to roll through to cool the air a little bit. Is that too much to ask? 

So I prayed. I prayed for a nice cool down, so we could all enjoy the race (you're welcome). My training had gone great and I felt very relaxed coming up on one week until the race. To my disbelief, it was reportedly going to get stormy on March 1st. I sat there speechless as the news was predicting a storm to hit on race day. "Yes!" I thought to myself. "This is unbelievable!"

As each day clicked off closer to OP, the chance for rain ballooned. First it was 30% then 40%, by the time Friday arrived there was a 100% chance it was going to rain! "This is going to be perfect" I exclaimed to Kristi. "I should go under 8 hours with the cool weather. A little rain will be great.." I was all jacked up. Bring it!

The night before the Old Pueblo I got almost no sleep. I was so anxious about this race. This would be my third year running the race and I was sure it was going to be my best. Hannah had decided that she wanted to come, so the three of us piled in my car at about 4 in the morning and headed for the Santa Rita Mountains. 

We arrived at Kentucky Camp around five thirty in the morning. Kristi and Hannah had decided that they were going to hang out in the car for awhile, as they had eight plus hours to kill. Couple of troopers! The wind was blowing so hard that it was shaking the car. I got out and was immediately bitch-slapped by wind so strong it almost knocked me to the ground. "For the love of....why do I do this shit....?"

I made my way down to where the race begins and ends at the famous mining site. The wind was a lot more mild and the temperature was surprisingly warm. I looked up at the sky and the stars were clearly present. "Mmm, is it really going to get stormy?" I wondered.

I did my usual roundabout, making sure to say hello to as many of my runner friends as possible. I was chomping on Honey Stinger chews, while I was chomping at the bit... I'm ready to be released into the wild!

Joe Dana announced that it was time to get the party started and we all lined up. I managed to share a few words with a great friend of mine, Benito Gonzales. Benito was one of the first people that I ran with when I started running in Tucson and has taught me a great deal about the sport. Surprisingly, this was his first ultra. 

The feeling I get when a race is about to begin is so powerful. All the work, effort, time, pain, sadness, frustration, joy, stress and determination is now put to the test. 

This is what I live for.

Before I knew it, we were off! It was pitch black out as we all climbed out of Kentucky Camp. I had a game plan for my race and I wasn't going to screw it up. Nate Polaske and Dennis Pollow immediately went out in front. "Stay relaxed" I told myself. "No need to make this a race yet".

I noticed Michael Carson and Sean Meissner running up ahead. "What up, guys?" I asked, happy to see them. "Where is Catlow?" Sean asked. "He isn't running. He is a little banged up, I guess.." I informed them. Apparently, he is human.

The wind grew stronger once again as we climbed. I was chatting with another friend of mine, Charlie Ware, when all of a sudden I began to panic. "I don't have my bottles" I realized. I didn't have my freaking water bottles! What the hell is wrong with me? How could I have forgotten my water bottles?! 

"Umm, I forgot my bottles" I said to Charlie. "You what? I thought it looked like you were missing something" he said. "I don't know how.. This is fucked" I felt the walls crashing in. "You can use one of mine" Charlie said while handing me one of his bottles. "I doubt I'll need them both." What a guy! Charlie's water bottle was more of just a regular water bottle with a Velcro hand strap attached to it. But hey, beggars can't be choosers! 

I continued sticking to my game plan as I settled into about 10th place. I was mentally forcing myself to hold back. I wasn't going to fall apart today. Benito, Charlie and a slew of others made their separation and I let them go... 

Pretty soon after settling in, Aravaipa's own Nick Coury appears. Carson, Coury and I spent couple miles together. The sunrise began and it wasn't short of spectacular. Running conditions were perfect as we rode into Box Canyon aid station,

A group of us all departed around the same time. Sean and I cruised out together. Soon after, 'nature called' and I had to take a detour. "I'm gonna dip out to take a leak, I'll catch up with you, bro." I said. "Definitely, man" Sean responded, "I'll be around.."

A few runners shot by me, by the time I jumped back on the road. I was probably in tenth or eleventh place. "Damn, talk about taking it easy" I thought to myself, "the lead pack is out of sight.." 

Taking that pee break probably saved my race. 

I eventually caught up with Nick and another solid Tucson ultra-runner, Garrett Smith. Garrett took a left and I followed suit. "That's the wrong way" Nick shouted at us. "No, I don't think so. I think this is right..?" I turned around and realized that we had clearly missed a marked turn. 

"Oh, shit.. Everyone went that way.." I sadly thought.. 

"HEY!!!!!" I shouted 

"WRONG WAY!!!!!!"

"Hhheeeyyyyyy!!!!!!!"

"That sucks. I hope they realize it soon.." I said to Garrett as we headed off in the right direction. Nick stayed back to mark the turn better. Garrett and I cruised for a few miles shooting the shit. "It doesn't really look like it's  gonna get stormy." I eluded. "I know.. Well kinda." He responded. There were some clouds surrounding us and it was at that moment that I realized that it probably was going to get a little "weathery". 

All of a sudden I heard a few familiar voices coming up on the rear. I turned back and there is Nick, plus Carson and Meissner. 

"Hell yeah! You guys made it!" I was ecstatic. 

"We heard you!" They elated. "We tried to shout at the others, but they didn't make it.."

I've always been told that I have a loud voice. Glad I made use of it that day! Another youngster came running up the trail and the five of us continued on our journey. Once again Nick shouted that we were off course. There were trail markers blatantly looking at us in the direction we were going and none in the other direction? But he insisted we were going the wrong way.... 

For the next few miles a group of five of us reluctantly stumbled forward unsure of ourselves. "Isn't this the right way. Remember this, Sion?" Carson asked.. "Yeah, the aid station is right up here.. I think...?" The combination of Nick using his GPS and Sean reading the course description, we made it to the aid station. It seemed apparent, the course had been compromised. 

The five of us rumbled into the aid station happy to be on course, while also conveying our concern for the lack of course markings. 

"How many have come through here?" I asked Mary Croft. "Six runners have come through.." She informed me. "Six runners?" I thought to myself.. "Only six?"

By the time we all exited the aid station it was clear that six other runners kept going the wrong way (inadvertently) shortening the course by an estimated 3 miles. "But what happened to the Nate and Dennis?" I wondered. The race seemed bizarre. 

For the next several miles our group navigated our way along. I started to recognize the course and got really comfortable. I had been conserving so much energy plodding along, I felt fully charged. 

I said little as we climbed up Gunsight Pass. I hopped across the cattle guard and began the descent. "Look over there!" Carson pointed out. There was a cloud of dust being ruffled in the far distance. The view was amazing. Picture perfect. Crystal clean. The air was still. I felt a drop of rain hit my skin. It was calm before the storm. 

Our group sparsely stayed together for the next several miles. We got some news that it was possible that the course had been marked with only flour, that the flour had all blown away.. Or had the markings been removed maliciously? I don't think any of us knew what to think. Flurries of rain and wind started to kick up. The temperature dropped.

After rolling through the aid station at mile 19, I felt the urge to push the pace a little. I began to recognize almost all of this part of the course. "Hell, if we are the lead group, I should start to push the pedal down a hair.." I thought to myself. 

I began running with a little more aggressiveness and Carson stayed right with me. As we neared the 25 mile aid station the weather began to also become more aggressive. "This is going to get interesting" I said to Carson. "Yeah it is.. I am 99 percent sure I'm going to drop at 25." Carson admitted. "Just not feeling it. This race has been a mess. Just gonna make it a 25 mile training run.." I was kinda shocked that he wanted to drop but I understood his decision and didn't question it. 

Carson and I trotted into the aid station at 25 miles. The wind and rain was whipping through Box Canyon and I could feel the clouds becoming more threatening. It was such a boost to see all my friends at 25. Jim Holmes, Tom Gormely, Mike Duer, Kristi Sagar, Dallas and Renee Stevens, Randy Sooter and Ross Zimmerman (among others).

We went through the details and mishaps of our adventure thus far, explaining how the course was unmarked. "I was kinda wondering why so many people were ahead of you guys" Duer pointed out. "Just didn't make sense.." Sean came running into the aid station as the weather continued to grow worse. 

I pulled out my "emergency poncho" and began fumbling around with it. The wind was blowing it around like a kite. "Screw it. This isn't going to work." I took the poncho and stuffed it in a garbage bag. "Oh well.." I realized that I was probably under prepared for what was on the horizon. "You can take this" I look up and Randy Sooter is taking his jacket off. "Are you sure?" I asked him. "Yes, go ahead" he insisted. "Dude, thank you so much!" I took the jacket and zipped it up.  "He just took the jacket right off his back and handed it to me" I thought to myself. "Unbelievable."

Carson called it a day and Sean and I took off continuing our journey. "I can't believe he gave me his coat right off his back!" I said to Sean. "I know, I saw that. That is awesome!" He agreed. It was official that Sean and I were now the leaders of the race, regardless of who was in front of us. The jacket was so warm and comfy. "C'mon rain, I'm hot now. Bring it on!" I said. I would regret those words very soon.

Each of the last two years I have completely fallen apart going up the forest road from mile 25 to 29.. I have been physical and mentally preparing myself for this section. I was ready.

I focused on my breathing and began pulling away from Sean. I saw a couple runners in the distance, it was time to start reeling 'em in! I quickly caught up with the first runner. We shared a few words. He was aware that they had all went off course. He looked like he was beginning to hurt as I continued on..

I soon passed the second runner and then two more. I had ran every step of the climb up Box Canyon and I felt invigorated! Wind and rain smacked me around as I rolled into Box Canyon aid station grinning from ear to ear.

"What took you so long?" David Sowers quipped as I arrived. "Benito and Charlie left awhile ago.." He added. "Actually, I'm in first place, they went off course. So did a bunch of others.." I said while pouring pure salt in my mouth. "Damn, that's one way of doing it" Sowers said, referring to my sodium intake technique. "Straight to the heart!" I said as I took off, back on to the Arizona Trail.  

I began the climb up the Arizona Trail. The rain began to fall harder and the wind was ferocious. The ground became muddy and clay was getting stuck to the bottom of my shoes. I had to stop several times to scrap my shoes off on rocks because they became bricks, only to run a few feet before having to repeat the process. My hands became cold. My gloves were soaked. I was shivering.

I started doubting myself. "Could I go another 18 or 19 miles in this condition?" I asked myself. "My hands are frozen. I might just drop at 33.." I continued running pretty well despite all the pain I was in. I just wanted to make it to mile 33 and drop at the aid station. That's all.

I eventually made it to the aid station at mile 33. I immediately saw Michelle Hawk and Craig Dabler. "My hands are so cold" I explained. "I don't know if I can continued with my hands feeling like this, they are completely numb.." Michelle wouldn't even allow me think dropping was an option. "You will be fine, lots of runnable stuff from here. Joe Plassmann is at the aid station at 40, he has hot soup." On and on she went... 

I wasted some time there. Tried on a few pairs of gloves Craig offered me. Gazed at the torrential rain storm that was smashing into the Santa Ritas. Daydreamed. Ate pretty much nothing. Asked myself why I wanted it to get stormy. Could I go on? 

Pretty soon, Sean came running down into the aid station. He immediately complained about his hands being frozen as well. I could tell there was no quit in him, regardless of the elements. I couldn't stop now. Suddenly another runner, one of the guys I passed on the road up Box Canyon, appeared as well. This guy grabbed a drink and immediately took off..

"What the heck?" I mumbled. Even though we weren't actually racing each other due to the whole "off course" debacle, this really motivated me to go! "I'm going.." I said to everyone as I took off, following the other runner. Sean followed behind me and we began trudging through the muck..

The three of us sort of went into survival mode at that point. Sean and I met Justin Peschka, a fellow Tucson runner. Not sure why I don't know this dude? Justin was running with a t-shirt, just embracing the conditions! 

"Aren't you freezing?" I asked Justin. "It's gonna be miserable either way.." He quickly pointed out. He had a great point. "Suck it up, Sion." I thought to myself. "Perpetual forward motion.."

There weren't a lot of words shared between mile 33 to 40. The weather grew worse. The mud was slick and water was flowing off the mountain. It was bitter cold. Even with my water resistant jacket, I was completely saturated. All of a sudden, I embraced the conditions. I realized that I was going be wet and uncomfortable for the rest of the race, that I must accept it. Once I did that, I felt a little better. A little more confident.

The water was raging as we approached the aid station at mile 40. This was getting out of hand! All three of us grabbed a few things and quickly exited. If I stood still for more than a few seconds, I could feel hypothermia setting in. That was concerning to me. I did manage to stuff a piece of pork down my throat as I bolted out of there.. That was tasty!

Sean and I caught up with and passed, Justin. He was fumbling around with his jacket and a piece of bread as best as I recall. I was definitely becoming less lucid. We continued up the forest road while getting nailed hard by the fierce weather. We looked back and Justin was no longer in sight. "Damn, he faded fast" Sean said. We continued on.

The storm was at full capacity as we trekked up that desolate forest road. It had truly become "survival mode." We connected back to the Arizona Trail and climbed atop a ridge. The wind was blowing so hard and the rain was pelting my face. "Oh my God!" I cried. "We got to hurry up and get off this ridge!" Sean screamed! 

Conditions grew worse. For several miles we ran through water that was a foot deep. My shoes were filled with sand, yet we ran every step of the way. "I'll deal with the sand when this thing is over" I told myself. 

We neared the mile 46 aid station and I could see some light at the end of the tunnel. "Do you want to finish this thing off together?" Sean asked. I was taken back by that offer. I'm such a competitive runner, as is Sean. But there was no other way to finish off this Epic adventure other than doing it together! 

We cruised into the mile 46 aid station, which I can better describe as a mud pit. I did my best not to sink into the earth while I threw back some ginger ale. We quickly continued on, we were nearing the end! 

We were in the final stretch to the finish. The torture was coming to an end very soon and we were cruising! 

Kentucky Camp became visual. "This is it!" I was relieved. "Yes it is!" Sean said as we cruised up the hill! We crossed the finish line and shared a great hug! It was such a powerful moment. It was over, we survived the storm. 

We did it!

What an incredible adventure it was. I shared the moment with Kristi. It was over. Dallas and Renee offered their congratulations. As it turned out, Benito and Charlie had an Epic adventure as well. Those two ran an incredible race. I'm sorry that they went off course, along with everyone else. I think it would have been an amazing battle to the finish between a few of us had they stayed on course. No doubt. 

Congratulations to my friend and fellow TTR'er Jane Larkindale, for crushing the women's field for the win! You are one tough chick. Everyone out there was amazing. All the volunteers helping out in the bitter cold. All the runners that were in those elements far longer than myself, you are all my heroes. Thank you.

The weather continued to grow more horrendous as time ticked by. Runners ended up going missing. Being rescued. Runners with hypothermia. A rescue helicopter flying around. Eventually the conditions became so dangerous that the race had to be shut down. The entire experience seems so surreal.

This race will not soon be forgotten.

                                   ~Photo's courtesy of Hannah Nelson

Past >> Forward

"Hey, Cuz, whaddya think you are doing in my car?"

I am half drunk and laying in the backseat of a car. There are a couple of guys looking at me through the window.

"What the... How did I get here?" I mumble.. I lift my lifeless body up and begin trying to explain.

"This is my buddies car, he said I could sleep in it.." I slur.

"This ain't your buddies car, this is my car, Cuz, now get your ass out of it." He said while tapping the window with some sort of metal pipe.

"Okay, man. Okay." I open up the door and step out. My legs feel like they are gonna buckle. 

Both men grab me and shove me into the side of the vehicle. 

I am forced to hang out with my newly acquired friends. The details are less than glamorous. As terrifying as it sounds, I had no fear. No emotion. Blank.

Eventually, I would be able to leave. I stumble off, down a dark alley. It's the middle of the night and I have nowhere to go. No one to call. Nothing in my pocket. I go and sit on a bench at a bus stop. I look up at the traffic lights. I am at the corner of Oracle and Grant. Location has no meaning. 

I am tired. "Why? How did my life end up like this?" I try to cry. I can't. I can't even cry. My soul has dried up, leaving nothing but darkness inside of me. A void. 

"You did this to yourself, Sion." I say under my breath. "This is the life you chose. You squandered all your gifts. You had everything you ever needed, only to piss it all away. You are a piece of shit. You don't deserve shit."

I stagger on, in search of a place to sleep. I eventually find an abandoned house and I climb through a broken window. There is a pile of old clothes on the floor. I push them together doing my best to replicate a bed. I curl up on top of them. I close my eyes and drift away... Inside my mind, I run away.

>>

I am now several years removed from that grim day. Those grim days. The memories I wish to forget are the very memories that I must hold onto. I hold onto them with all of my might. Making sure to never lose sight of how it used to be. 

Somewhere along the line, I had a moment of clarity. I chose to change my life. To have a life. Dare I divulge such dark secrets about myself? About how it used to be? About how I used to live? 

It's brought me to a life that I could only dream about. That I dreamt about while laying on a pile of dirty laundry. I discovered running and it gave me meaning. I met someone that would help me follow my dreams, that would love me. No questions asked. 

A void has been filled.

I will toe the line at the Old Pueblo 50 Mile Endurance Run for the third consecutive year on Saturday. I have lofty goals going into the race. Yet, I feel more relaxed than ever. The outcome will all be part of the glorious road that I run. 

Last week I got offered a sponsorship from Honey Stinger. I am honored to represent a company that I truly stand behind. This is just a small step in the direction of the dreams that I have. The dreams that I work for. 

The dreams that I run for.

AZ Trail Race

After a very rocky finish to 2013, I was able to open up 2014 on a high note with a third place finish at the Coldwater Rumble 52k. It felt like I got that 'monkey off my back' and I regained some of the confidence I had lost.

Now it was time to gear up for my third stab at the Old Pueblo 50 Mile Endurance Run. No more races until then, I had decided. That was until the race director for Everyone Runs, Steve Landau sent me a message that went something like this; "You should stop spending all of your money in Phoenix and do The AZ Trail Race." 

Steve also happens to be a good friend of mine and I am a member of 'Team Everyone Runs', so it got me thinking..

In 2010 I ran on trails for my first time at The AZ Trail Race 8 Miler. I ended up coming in tenth place overall and won an award for claiming second in my age group. It was the first time I realized that maybe I could be a fast, competitive runner. I had not entered that race with intentions of winning anything, I was just enjoying my fourth race ever. I received that award and never looked back. Now I enter EVERY race with intentions of winning. My affinity for trail running has since blossomed. It is my life. So needless to say, this race has a special spot in my heart.

As an added bonus, my fellow ultra-running, TTR'ing, sport-loving, shit-talking good friend of mine, Michael Duer, was making his "comeback to race-ing" debut there.. This proposition just made sense!

This race is a sell out every year but Steve said he would get me in. So, at the last minute, I decided to go for it. How well I would perform in a race that was so much shorter in distance and faster in speed than I have become accustomed to was a mystery to me. It's been a long time since I did a race this short. Besides 'Run With The Roosters 5 miler' over the summer, the last one I did was the AZ Trail Race a year ago. I have become so wrapped up in my ultra-running that I really haven't focused much on speed work (something I should do anyway). 

I was nervous about the decision to do it, for fear I might have a terrible day and disappoint myself. But what's life without the chance of failure! 

I woke up on race day very relaxed. I really didn't know what to expect in regards to my performance, but I did know it would be over fairly quick. I decided to ditch the trail shoes and throw on my Adidas Adios racers. "Time to go fast!" I thought to myself. Kristi and I arrived at the Colossal Cave Mountain Park and met up with Michael Duer and his wife, Kristi (yes, they have the same name). The two Kristi's hung out while Duer and I did a little shake out run.

Duer and I discussing some race strategy

Duer and I accepting "secret" strategy tips from the race director himself

"How do you feel?" I asked Duer, "I don't know, I haven't raced in soooo long! I was up all night thinking about this.." Duer has started out the season looking strong as ever. After dealing with multiple injuries for sometime, it's great to see him back. "You'll do great, your running really well" I encouraged him. "You should kill it!" He emphatically told me. Time would tell.

It was time to line up. "Stay relaxed" I kept telling myself during the National Anthem. "Meet the moment." 

"Dude, it's only 8 miles.."

After wishing Duer luck, I put on my game face and focused. The countdown dwindled down to zero and the race was on!

Blast off!

There is a steep hill to start the race. I let a group of about four runners lead the way as I tried to settle into my rhythm. As we topped out I realized the pace was much slower than I had anticipated, which I was happy about. No one jumped way ahead, so I let it stay that way. As we made our way back down the hill and onto the trail, I had moved up into second place.

Surveying the comp early on

We hit the AZ Trail and began enjoying some single-track delight. The weather was crisp and it made for perfect running conditions. The runner in first place had already began to slow down as we zig-zagged up the trail. I knew if I let him stay in the lead, I would have no chance at a PR. So I decided, "what the hell, go for it.." 

I had told myself to stay conservative, but this pace was too slow. I had to make a push and I was willing to take the risk. "Excuse me sir" I said as I cruised around him. I took over first place and upped the pace a few notches. Switching trail shoes for the racers was a great idea. I was flying!

I felt great. I was enjoying the trail and the picturesque views as I trotted along. The course isn't overwhelmingly technical, but it does go up and down a lot which takes a toll as the race wears on. After a couple of miles, myself and two other runners had made some separation. It was quite apparent that it would be a race between us three for the win. 

As I approached the first aid station I realized that there was only one runner close behind me. The third runner had fallen back. I had already decided that I would do this race without taking a drop of water or anything else for that matter, so I didn't even slow as I passed by. 

This next section of the race is probably the toughest. It's a climb for the next couple miles and I began to feel a little fatigued for the first time. It may have been in my best interest to let the youngster on my heels pass, rather than allowing him to sit back and draft off me. Instead, I continued on. That would be my only mistake of the day. 

Around 5 miles in, we hit a dirt road that looped back to the AZ Trail. This race is essentially an out and back minus a couple of detours included. As we approached a downhill section I began to think, "this kid is gonna smash the descent and leave me behind. Dammit, I should have let him pass earlier instead of allowing him to save all of his energy.." 

As I become more experienced at running races, I am learning that while a lot goes into how fit you are, there is also a great deal of strategy involved. On this day, I didn't have the best strategy. As soon as we hit the descent, he blew by me. I just didn't have the leg speed to keep up with him, so I made my wisest decision of the day, I let him go. I figured I might have a shot at him later or I might not, but I wasn't going to risk losing second place and a chance at a PR.

I watched him run off and regained control of my breathing. I was holding onto a 6:45 pace and felt pretty comfortable. Then I entered the part of the race where you deal with all of the runners going the opposite direction. There were a few instances where I was forced to the side of the trail in order to avert a head-on collision. Good times!

Once I got past all of the mayhem, I settled back into my groove. And I was definitely feeling solid. "Looks like a second place finish is in the cards!" I thought to myself, followed by "you should have been smarter, you would've won the race!!" 

Unless I win, I am never satisfied. It's in my nature. I feed off it. I love it. 

With about a mile to go I took a peek behind me and I saw the third place runner in the distance. He had made up some ground. "It's time to give it EVERYTHING!" I reprimanded myself. I picked up my pace and put the pedal to the metal. 

The last stretch to the finish is a steady climb and I was grinding gears. My pace continued to get quicker as I closed in on the finish. I was now fully in control of second place. I pushed myself as hard as I could and flew through the finish in 55:28, good for second place overall and a 27 second PR!!

Duer came rumbling through the finish soon after, securing a solid fifth place finish. Welcome back, Micheal Duer! A couple of ultra-runners runnin' it fast! 

As it turned out, the last mile of the race was my fastest of the day. That allowed me to close the gap on the first place finisher, who got me by less than a minute. Congrats to the youngster from South Dakota (I think). 

Thanks to Fleet Feet Tucson and Everyone Runs for putting on this great trail race every year. It will forever be one of my favorites!

Flying into 2014!!

Coldwater Rumble 52K

Getting to the starting line of the Rumble was met with a lot of frustration, then finished with a world of gratitude. After things didn't go in my favor at Javelina, my urge to complete a hundred miler swelled. I wanted to finish what I started so bad that it hurt. And I had just the plan to kill that pain:

Coldwater Rumble 100 miler.

I had three months to (heal) train, the timing was (shitty) good. I began constructing the grand-plan of my 100 mile "redemption race" while hobbling around on a couple of bum knees. But Lord knows, I was determined.

Eventually (entirely too soon), I began training again. I was pounding out some solid runs, even set a PR at TTR's Cowhead Saddle. I followed that by getting off course with Korey at McDowell, a 50 mile race I shouldn't have been running in the first place. I now consider that a blessing in disguise.. All of this while throbbing knee pain continued to scream at me:

Stop.
It hurts.
Stop.
You're an idiot!

A dreadful ending to my 2013 racing season had beat me into submission. There wasn't going to be a 100 mile redemption race at Coldwater Rumble. Woe is me. The signs were clear, it was time to reluctantly take that "forced time off" from running. "Can't do Coldwater" I dramatically proclaimed to Kristi, "This is awful!!"

I decided to take that "forced time off" and rest. In a very short amount of time, eleven days to be exact, both of my knees bounced back. I began to run again and the pain had miraculously vanished.

Do you believe in miracles?!

"So I think I want to do the Coldwater 52k" I explained to Kristi, "I am sure I can get in good enough shape by then.." It wasn't the race I had originally planned for, but last year's Coldwater 50k was the very race that helped me decide to let marathons take a backseat, and focus on becoming an ultra-runner.

What a fitting way to unfold 2014!!

In the four weeks I had to train leading up to the race, I pushed the envelope as far as I possibly could. Putting in as many miles that my newly recovered legs could handle. Everything went as good as I could have hoped for. I capped off my training with over 40 miles and a shit-ton of gain in the final weekend leading up to the Rumble.

I was ready.

It is a sacred feeling to be heading into a race feeling healthy. I was relaxed as Kristi and I cruised out to Goodyear, AZ. I put in the work and my body felt great... and I wasn't hurt. Kristi even decided to participate in her first trail-race, a four mile option that Aravaipa Running had also included. Those Coury brothers know how to run a business! And run!!

We safely arrived in Glamorous Goodyear and checked into to our suite. I even managed to catch some shut-eye, which is a rarity before a race. Actually, it is just a rarity. I digress.

The morning greeted us a bit warmer than expected. We arrived at Estrella Mountain Regional Park about an hour before the 52K. Kristi's race was an hour after mine, so this time there was the added element of BOTH of us being nervous. We chatted it up a bit with our buddy, Aravaipa's own (con-man) announcer Michael Farris and soon it was time for the 52K racers to line up.

I wished Kristi luck in her first ever trail-race experience and made my way to the start. I had already studied the field prior, so I knew who I was up against. Michael Carson and Bret Sarnquist were who I felt would be the most competition. Also, Rick Valentine had some strong races under his belt and would be gunning for a win. Standing at the line, I could feel this was going to be a battle.

I was going to suffer and I was craving it.

The moment before a race begins is precious. The determination is palpable. It is priceless.

~At the starting line, soaking it in.

The countdown concluded and the race commenced! The first few hundred yards a group of us stayed relatively close, even enjoyed some banter along the way. We hit the trailhead and the race began!

I have gotten a little better at holding back in races so I was staying very relaxed. No one wanted to take the lead position, so I gladly accepted. I was running conservatively, making sure not to make any serious separation. It felt good. I felt good.

Staying right around an 8 minute pace I eventually widened a gap and I was running all alone. I popped my headphones on and went into my zone. I envisioned crossing the finish line in first place. I would throw my hands up and shake my fists! Yeah! I won!!

I continued on and I daydreamed. I thought about where I have been and where I am now. Who I am. I have meaning. I love my life. Looking back on how it was, a life full of gifts squandered. I have a new outlook. This is a gift I will not squander. I run.

I soon hit the Coldwater Aid Station and began loading up. I had been chomping on Clifshot Blocks all morning and felt fully charged. I was out of there in seconds!!

Around 10 miles into the race I was jerked out of my comfortable dream state. There was a runner rapidly approaching me. I yanked out my headphones and slapped myself back into game mode. "Okay, Sion. Get it together" I told myself.

"Hey, how are you doing? I'm Sion" I said, only looking to get an answer to who he was. "I'm Rick, nice to meet you." This guy had a stiff pace going and I began to feel a little winded for the first time of the day.

Rick looked solid, like he was on a Sunday stroll. "How you feeling?" I asked. "Besides the heat, I am feeling good" he responded, "we don't have this kind of weather in Idaho.." I tried some pessimism,  "Good, 'cause we only have 20 some miles to go.." I said with apprehensiveness peppered in my voice.

Rick and I arrived at the Pedersen AS and quickly gobbled down some food. We both agreed that the bean burritos were delectable. As always, Aravaipa Aid Stations were stacked and packed! I bolted out of there and Rick quickly followed. I let Rick go ahead and followed behind.

Once again I felt winded. I remembered a wise man once said, "If you are running a race with someone else, chances are one of you isn't running your race."

So, I let up on the gas and watched Rick pulled away. "Damn, this dude is having the race of his life or I am gonna witness some carnage along the way.." I wondered. On I went, alone once again. This time more aware of my pace. "Umm, I wonder if that is gonna hurt me?" I thought to myself, regarding the extra-effort I put in running with Rick.

A few miles passed and I saw Rick in the distance. I could see he had already slowed down. I made sure to maintain my pace and quickly caught up to him. "Is that you Sion?!" He shouted at me. "Yeah, C'mon man, lets go!" I encouraged him.

We soon arrived back at the Coldwater AS and refueled. We cruised out of there, I let Rick lead the way. I was following close behind, only now we were running my pace. I could tell he was beginning to struggle.

Whether you agree with this or not, I feel like one of the most fulfilling aspects of running and competing is that moment when you take control. When you pull ahead.

I do this because I love it.

Toward the end of the 20 mile loop I made my decision to pull ahead of Rick. "Hey, I am gonna pass by, man. I'll probably see you in a little bit.." I said. "Yeah, go ahead. No worries.." Rick replied.

The last stretch back down to Rumble Headquarters was screaming downhill and I made use of it! I rolled through the 20 mile loop in 2 hours and 35 minutes feeling in control of the race. I grabbed some Gatorade and shared a moment with Kristi (who had already finished her race!). Rick once again motivated me to make short time of the AS. I yanked my shirt off and flung it in the air as I bolted out of there. It was heating up.

~Wrapping up the big loop, 20 miles in.

Within minutes of leaving Headquarters I saw Carson rumbling toward me. "Ahh shit, there's Carson." I shouted as we passed each other. Carson giggled. "Dammit, he must be feeling good" I thought. Seconds later, Sarnquist followed suit, looking as solid as ever.

I knew it was only a matter of time before those guys would make this a race!! I was excited. I felt very good and knew if I could maintain my pace, I would win this race.

I felt great. No stomach issues whatsoever. Hydration intact and no cramps to speak of. Around 25 miles I galloped into the Coldwater AS for the 3rd time of the day. I was leading the race and the pressure was on. I quickly continued on, zig-zagging up the "all-of-a-sudden" more difficult trail. I felt a little over-heated.

I managed to hit the marathon mark right around 3 and a half hours. "Man, that's pretty quick.." I thought to myself. It was soon after that, probably at about 27 miles, I felt myself bonk pretty hard. This bonk was one of those viscious bonks, one of those mean bonks. A bonk not for the faint of heart. "Oh shit, this is going to get rough."

My pace had slowed but I was still running. I began using the good old fashioned "perpetual forward motion" mantra and focused on my breathing. I felt like someone was coming up behind me. I looked back and right on my heels was Bret. "What up, man?" I asked while trying to look as comfortable as possible. "What's up, Sion? Did the guy in the green pass you? He asked referring to Rick. "No. I don't know what happened to him..?" I was having trouble maintaining a conversation. Bret seemed excited to take over first place as he cruised up the trail ahead of me. 

At 28 miles, I had lost first place. The feeling was demoralizing. "Okay, Sion" I tried encouraging myself, "second place ain't bad. Hell, even if Rick or Carson catch me, third place ain't too shabby either." I remembered that just a month ago I was out of commission. I was on that required hiatus. "I sure as hell don't want fourth place, though.." I sadly thought. I took a deep breath and continued on the task at hand. 

I soon made it back to the Coldwater AS for the 4th and final time of the day. I choked some Gatorade down and filled up my handheld. As soon as I took off I saw Carson making his way to the AS. "Crap, Carson is going to catch me too.. Dammit!" 

Within a couple of minutes of leaving the aid, Carson comes running up behind me. "Good job" I mumble as he went by. "You too, man" he replied. "Yeah, right. Me too.." 

At this point running was extremely difficult. "With only a month of training, I am doing pretty good I suppose." I thought to myself. I picked up my pace and managed to keep Carson within view for a while. Eventually, he disappeared and I was on my own. 

I wasn't going to give up a top 3 finish.

The last few miles of the race was nothing short of torture. And I loved it. 

I continued at a nice pace and made it up that last steep climb before the descent to Headquarters. When I reached the top there was a lady standing there, gasping for air. "Do you ever ask yourself why you do this stuff?" I said to her with a huge grin spread across my face. She looked up at me and said, "I don't know why any of you do this stuff?" She on the other hand wasn't displaying a grin.

"We do it because we love it!!" I shouted as I began the final descent.

I pushed myself as hard as I could down that last stretch to the finish, leaving nothing behind. I shot through the finish line wrapping up 32.5 miles in 4 hours and 28 minutes for 3rd place overall. Not a bad way to begin the new year!

The homestretch!!!

Bret Sarnquist of Phoenix won the race in 4:19, while Susan Kramer of Cave Creek, AZ took the top spot for the women in a solid time of 5:19. Congrats to the both of you. Nice work! And as always, a big thank you to Aravaipa Running for continuing to bring quality events to us on the regular!!

When I look back on this race, I can't help but smile. Sure, there are a few things I could have done differently but with only a month of solid training, I performed about as good as I possibly could have. I worked through a serious rough patch and learned more about this amazing sport and myself. When I toe the line at a race, my intentions are to give it everything I have.

And that is exactly what I did!

On to the next one!!

Ferocious Fourteen

My chest is on fire and sweat is burning my eyes. I am in a trance as I trounce up Blacketts Trail. I used to hate this trail. Now I love (to hate) this trail. I ignore the pain and scoff at the voice telling me to stop. I love it.

These moments are special. Every single one of them. I can see I am about to hit the summit, so I push past the pain. Beyond. I feel alive. My lungs scream for mercy. It is all so invigorating. I remember when I would sit alone in my apartment, terrified of what was outside. Terrified of tomorrow. 

Now I am free. I am free and I am at home in the mountains. This is my life. I want to escape to nature and push myself beyond comfort. Comfort is settling. 

I finally crest the summit. My heart is on the verge of explosion. "That was awesome!" I shout. I pull a bag of beef jerky out of my pocket and chew up a handful of meat. I feel like an animal. 

This run was special. I didn't have that lingering knee pain. It was gone. Miraculously, it went away. This was my first pain free run since I injured myself prior to Javelina... 

The end of 2013 was not picture perfect. In fact, the end of what was my best year of running was downright disappointing. Failing to finish Javelina and getting lost at McDowell was how I finished up my racing season.. An injury riddled two months with a couple of DNF's was how I wrapped up my year. 

After McDowell, I began to listen to my body. My right knee was hurt and I hadn't given it a chance to heal. Hobbling around at work while trying to ignore the pain was beginning to wear on me. Frustrated, I finally thought, "maybe I am going to have to rest for a couple months..?" To the average person this doesn't sound half bad, but I am not an average person.

I run.

"Gotta take some time off" I explained to Kristi. My grand-plan of the Coldwater Rumble 100 mile "redemption race" was out the door. "Maybe some time off would be good for you" Kristi suggested. "Good for me? Hopefully I don't go on some kind of rampage killing..." I morbidly thought. Why is it that running is everything to me? 

Because it saved me.

So I stopped running. A week went by and my knee felt just the same.. "Shouldn't it be getting better?" I wondered. After 11 days off my knee felt exactly the same. On the 12th morning of no running, I climbed out of bed and put some weight on my knee. "Wow.. No pain..." 

It's quite amusing looking back on how dramatic I get when I can't run. "My knee is never gonna get better.. Maybe I'm just not cut out for this stuff..?" I would sadly think. "If only I could run injury free forever.." I would daydream. 

But as fate would have it, I healed. And now I stand on top of a mountain, soaking in our planets wonder. I am free. 

As the calendar year rolls over, thirteen bleeds into fourteen and I have been infused with a passion and desire to excel far beyond what I thought possible. 

It is going to be a Ferocious Fourteen!


               "The mountains are calling and I must go."
                                                  ~John Muir

Blacketts Ridge

McDowell Mountain Frenzy

"Hey look" Korey said while pointing out a cow leaping through some brush a few hundred yards in front of us.

"Nice" I responded. "I'm surprised we haven't caught up to backpack guy.." I said referring to the lone runner ahead.

"Me too" Korey replied.

 I took a drink from my handheld, there were only a few drops left. "When is the next aid station, do you know?" I asked. 

"There is supposed to be one at 11 miles.."

 I looked down at my Garmin; 11:35 miles. 

"I haven't seen a course marker for awhile...?"

...

When my buddy Korey Konga let me know he was coming down from Ashland to defend his CR at Aravaipa's McDowell Mountain Frenzy, I was super excited. Korey and I became fast friends during his short stint of living in Tucson. We both love to run, to race, to compete, to push ourselves to the limit and to never settle. 

Javelina Jundred was the first race that I started and failed to cross the finish line. I had a knee injury going into the race and eventually, I was forced to drop. I was extremely disappointed albeit immensely motivated. I had that nagging "redemption race" pulling at my strings..

I would have never made the decision to jump into a 50 mile race so soon (6 weeks after Javelina) had it not been for Korey running in the race. My legs were just fresh of feeling better and I was putting in some decent miles. I thought about going to the race just to cheer Korey on and hang out. But I am a competitor and for God sakes, I love to race! So I made up my mind and registered. 

The few weeks I had to prepare were very mediocre in regards to solid training runs or high mileage. However, the Sunday prior to the race I had a huge PR at TTR's Cowhead Saddle run. I gained a little confidence and began genuinely looking forward to the race. 

Kristi and I made a last minute decision to skip getting a hotel in Phoenix and make a (long) (really long) day of it. At two in the morning my alarm went off, obnoxiously jolting us out of a 4 hour slumber. "Ahh, why do I do this crap?" I thought to myself. I began daydreaming of getting back from the race and climbing right back into bed. "Everything valuable in life is met with challenge, I suppose" I thought as I packed my running gear and into a duffle bag. A little after 3am we hit the road. 

The drive to McDowell Mountain Park went very smooth. We have gotten all too familiar with this journey. Strangely, the last three races I've done have been at that location. I yawned my way there, arriving around 6:15 in the morning. 

It was cold out. Better yet, it was freezing out! I went to get my bib and immediately ran into Walker, who was there to help sweep the course and Steve Bagg, who was running the 50k. Pretty soon the man of the hour, Mr. Korey Konga, arrived. We all got to talking and catching up while trying not to catch pneumonia. After I finished fumbling around with my running attire, I squeezed a ClifShot down my gullet and thought "It's go time!" I was ready. Kristi snapped a pre-race pic of Korey and I and we made our way to the start.

Korey and I Gettin' Ready To Rumble

To say I was excited would be an absolute understatement. I was jumping up and down as adrenaline coursed through my veins. "This is gonna be a friggin' blast!" I shouted. "Hell yeah it is. We are going to go under 7 hours!" Korey exclaimed. Having never gone sub-8, this seemed ludicrous. But his confidence was rubbing off on me. "Maybe sub-7 is possible..." I began to think.

As we counted down I envisioned the race, the journey ahead. I said a quick prayer as we all shuffled out of the start. Another runner blasted by everyone and jumped out in front. Korey and I looked at each other and started to laugh. "Damn, backpack guy is doing 6:30 pace out of the gate.." Korey said. We would refer to him as "backpack guy" for the remainder of the day. 

From the very start of the race Korey and I rambled on and on, catching up on lost time. "Damn, backpack guy is already out of sight" I was in disbelief. "We'll catch him, it's just a matter of time" Korey replied. And I already knew we would. 

The single track trail was very runnable. We cruised with ease right around 8 minute pace. I felt great. My legs warmed up and I was feeling no pain. Korey and I both have big dreams when it comes to our running. We have that competitive nature streaming through our blood and share the desire to win races and get sponsors. And I firmly believe that we will both be successful in doing this.

"Cruising" ~ Photo courtesy of Aravaipa Running

Around 4 miles in we rolled into the Gate Aid Station. We chatted with the guys working the AS and quickly continued on. The sun was rising behind us, spraying bright orange rays across the desert floor. The air was crisp and it made for perfect running weather. 

Pretty soon we connected to the Pemperton Trail. I have become quite familiar with this trail. "Pemperton Trail. I have run over a hundred miles on this damn trail in the last couple months.." I explained to Korey. "I'm tired of you!" We seemed to have a very good rhythm going as we made our way to the Pemperton AS.

"Hey guys, you're only about a minute behind the leader!" The bearded gentleman working the aid station exclaimed. "Only a minute, we are gonna catch him soon!" I added. "I was abandoned at this aid station, I don't even know what I'm doing!" He informed us. After filling up my handheld we bolted out of there. "You're doing a great job!" I shouted back to him. 

"See you when you guys come back around!" I heard him say as we continued on. 

We remained deep in conversation as we trekked up the Pemperton Trail. "It's crazy that we are going to be running up that" Korey said as he pointed out Thompson Peak in the distance. "Yeah, it seems so far away.." I added. On we went. Mile after mile.

...

"Yeah, I haven't seen any course markings for a long time.." Korey also, sadly admitted. 

"Do you think we went off course?" I felt myself begin to panic. "Do you remember any of this?" I asked.

"It all looks the same. I couldn't tell you.." 

We both agreed that we were getting further and further away from Thompson Peak, that this was not the right way.

How far had we gone off course was the question. We turned around and started running 6:30 pace in search of our mistake. There were no other runners coming our way. We were all alone..

"How did we miss a turn?" I mumbled. Or not notice that there weren't any course markings. How?

"We must've just been bro-in' out" Korey said. He was right. We had been so wrapped up in our conversation that we completely stopped paying attention to anything else!

Finally we saw some mountain bikers coming our direction. "Hey, you guys seen any runners back that way?" We needed answers! 

"Yeah, waaay back there." His words were like razor blades.

Our race was over.

We continued back down Pemperton Trail for what seemed like an eternity. We were both in complete disbelief that we could have gone so far, so completely unaware of our surroundings. 

We finally reached the point of our mistake. There, virtually in the middle of the trail, were two signs with arrows pointing in the direction we did not go.

"How in the... How did we miss that?!" I cried. We had no one to blame but ourselves! 

Korey and I took our time getting back, prolonging our embarrassment as long as possible. We actually got over the frustration rather quickly and enjoyed running and shooting the shit. We discussed life and how running has helped mold us into better people. It turns out Korey and I have similar stories. We tried to see the "silver lining" as to why the race turned out the way it did and we seemed to enjoy just running. Running in it's simplicity.

Finally we reached headquarters and cruised on in. "No, not you guys!" Jamil shouted as we trotted in with our tails between our legs. 

This picture says it all!

Yep, us guys. 

It turned out to be a really awesome day hanging with some great people. I am glad I got to share some miles with a good friend of mine. You can't put a price on these moments, even if they don't go according to planned. 

Congratulations to the 50 mile winners, Harland Peelle and Maggie Beach. Way to rock it! And thanks to Aravaipa Running for continuing to raise the bar when it comes to putting on first class events. Well done as always.

Until next time....

Stay on the trail!

Walker and Myself Soakin' it in

The crew representing

McDowell Mountain McFailure (a little humor always heals:)