AT On My Mind

The more time I spend away from running the less likely it is I'll return to it.   It's not that my love for the sport has diminished, but my need for it certainly has.   I find myself thinking more about long-distance backpacking and less about long-distance running.  I'm not ready for either activity right now but in time I hope to get back to doing something that will make me feel whole.  Until then, I'm happy there are others out there willing to share their adventures.  

Here's a good look at Maine's 100 mile wilderness on the Appalachian Trail courtesy of Martin Rye.

Walking In The Woods

Putting in more miles on the sidewalks of Saugus on such a beautiful Sunday afternoon did not appeal to me in the least. I have to avoid rough terrain and steep or long hills so walking in the woods is not something I've been able to do. But then I thought the lowlands of the Ipswich Wildlife Sanctuary might be just the thing for me.  I hopped in my truck and 25 minutes later I was walking tranquil trails and quiet carriage roads under towering trees.  Sure beats pavement!

I didn't see any birds of distinction but did come across a doe with her two fawns and a chunky woodchuck.  Unfortunately, they scampered off before I could get any photos of them.  I did get a few nice pictures though. At least I think so.

Stone walls line the carriage road leaving the visitors center.

Towering hemlocks

View from stone bridge.

Tranquil trails await.

Mill Pond

Crazy tree with antlers.

Fungi

First sign of autumn.

More photos can be viewed HERE.

Looking Over My Shoulder - Exploring The Bay Circuit Trail

Two of the things I enjoy most about trail running is spending time outdoors with friends and exploring trails in new areas.  During my five run, 103 mile journey on the Bay Circuit Trail back in 2011, I got to do both.   I experienced an eclectic mix of technical single-track, dirt roads, city streets, open meadows, dense forests and historic landmarks. I've compiled photos taken along the way into five video slide shows.  Perhaps they will inspire you to get off the road and discover this underutilized gem.
Day 1: Newbury to Rowley

Day 2: Rowley to Boxford

Day 3: Boxford to Andover

Day 4: Andover to Chelmsford

Day 5: Chelmsford to Weyland

Another Gu Giveaway

It's pathetic that my running career has degenerated to this but when life hands you lemons, give away your GU!

Six months ago I released some Gu Energy gels from my vast stockpile to one lucky winner.  This time I'm upping the ante by awarding 15 gels (vanilla bean and chocolate outrage) to two lucky runners, hikers, bikers.....you name it.  That's 30 less gels cluttering up my gear closet. Sweet!

Now you must be thinking, "Whoa this Dan dude is a great guy giving away his stuff!"  Well, not really. I'm unloading these gels because they expire in four months and I hate to see them getting thrown in the trash.   

To be eligible for the drawing, please leave a comment telling me what's your favorite fuel (other than Gu) for ultra races.  Mine is turkey and cheese sandwiches with chicken noodle soup a close second.  If you don't run ultras, (you're obviously smarter than me) just tell me what you eat during your endurance sport of choice.

I'll announce the winners in about one week.  If you're one of the lucky ones, just shoot an email to me with your full name and address and I'll get these out to you asap.

Tragedy On The AT

During these many months of inactivity I've become somewhat of an obsessive follower of this season's Appalachian Trail thru-hikers.  I've followed many such hikers but took particular interest in one young, Massachusetts man by the name of Jake Mehlman (aka Achilles) who started his journey on Springer Mountain in Georgia on February 27th.   Jake is young and strong and put in big miles right from the very beginning of his hike. He was confident in his ability but not cocky, and displayed a genuineness in his trail journal entries.

Early on, he met another young man named Paul Bernhardt (aka Parkside) from Queens, NY.  Unlike Achilles, Parkside had no prior hiking experience and never spent a night out in the woods prior to starting his AT thru-hike. Despite their different backgrounds, they became good friends and covered many miles together over the next few months. 

On June 15th, after 20 miles of hiking, they arrived at the Pierce Pond lean-to in Maine, some 2,029 trail miles from Springer mountain, and only 155 miles from their final destination, Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park.  I'm sure they must have been very excited knowing they would be standing on the summit of Katahdin in less than two weeks.  But fate, the trail gods or (insert higher power of your choice) had other plans for one of these fine young men.

That evening, Parkside entered the water and swam approximately 200 yards from the shelter, alone, and without informing any of the other hikers at the shelter of his plans.  Perhaps he tired after a long day of hiking, or perhaps his muscles cramped in the cold mountain water.  No one will ever know for sure.  But, by the time the others were aware of his distress, it was too late to help him.  Parkside drowned in Pierce Pond. 

Paul "Parkside" Bernhardt 

Achilles left the trail for a week to attend Parkside's wake and funeral and to spend some time with Parkside's family in NY.  He returned to Maine on June 24th and reached the northern terminus of the AT on June 29th, completing his 2184 mile journey.   He carried the ashes of his good friend Paul with him to the summit of Mt. Katahdin.  They finished their journey together in a manner neither one of them could have foreseen.  

"The 100 Mile Wilderness proved tougher than I expected, although much of this was based on emotional strain. I can honestly say I never would have made it to Katahdin without the support of other hikers. As a group, we made it with Parkside, and celebrated his life in a fashion that I'm sure he would have approved of. He had an amazing impact on not only my life, but on the lives of almost everyone he met along the trail."  - Achilles

Jake "Achilles" Mehlman

Although I do not know Jake and Paul, I am sadden by the lost of a life so young, and of Jake's loss of a good friend.  The one thing I take away from this tragedy is the reminder that life is fleeting.  Plan less. Do more. Live now.

And remember to say, "I love you," to those special people in your life.

Peace

Grand Tree Race Reports

Follow the link for full race report.

December 2011 - Busa Bushwack (10M)
November 2011 - Stone Cat (26.2)
November 2010 - Stone Cat (26.2)
April 2010 - Merrimack River Trail Race (10M)
April 2010 - Northern Nipmuck (16M)
November 2009 - Stone Cat (50M)
October 2009 - Groton Town Forest (9.5M)
August 2009 - Oxford Dam (11M)
July 2009 - Skyline Trail Race (7.6M)
June 2009 - Northfield Mountain (10K)
May 2009 - Soapstone Mountain (14.5M)
May 2009 - Wapack Trail E2E (22M)
April 2009 - Northern Nipmuck (16M)
November 2008 - Stone Cat (26.2)
November 2008 - Busa Bushwack (9.3M)
October 2008 - Diamond Hill (22.5K)
September 2008 - Wapack and Back (18M)
August 2008 - Oxford Dam (10.5M)
April 2007 - Merrimack River Trail Race (10M)
April 2007 - Northern Nipmuck (16M)
October 2006 - Diamond Hill (22.5K)
September 2006 - Busa Bushwack (9.3M)

CamelBak Flow Meter - Product Review

When it comes to fluid intake I’m not a camel. I require water, and plenty of it, especially in warm weather. On long, multi-hour runs a hydration pack is my gear of choice. I have several to choose from with bladder capacities ranging from 60-100 ounces. The only problem with using a hydration pack is that it’s difficult to monitor your fluid intake without stopping, taking off the pack and checking the bladder to see how much fluid is remaining. This isn’t really a convenient method so you can imagine my delight when I discovered the CamelBak Flow Meter.

The flow meter displays the amount of fluid consumed, the amount remaining in the bladder, estimates how long the remaining fluid will last based on your current consumption rate and a few other bits of information. I thought this would be a great addition to my gear collection last year when I stared my exploration on the Bay Circuit Trail where I would spend up to eight hours on my feet on some days.

Unfortunately, the meter doesn’t work! I tried it several times but it never displayed how many ounces I drank. The impeller in the valve appears to be spinning but it just doesn’t record any information. I have read other reviews for this product and most of those reported that when it worked, it was highly inaccurate. I think CamelBak makes very good gear but this is one concept that looks good on paper but doesn’t work in the field.

Based on my experience, I do not recommend this product.

Ipswich Wildlife Sanctuary

I spend a couple of hours wandering though the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary on a sunny and warm Saturday afternoon.  With 12 miles of trails spread over 2,267 acres of forest, field and wetlands it wasn't nearly enough time.  I covered less than three miles on my casual walk but it was time well spend.  I haven't been in the woods for months so the sights, sounds and smells were good for my soul.  I'd like to return someday to run the many miles of unexplored trails but that will have to wait for now.

A gazebo on South Esker Trail.

A view of Great Wenham Swamp.

A stone bridge over Waterfowl Pond.

Boardwalk to Rockery Pond.

Walking through a glacial boulder tunnel.

Arriving at my new homestead. That would be sweet!

More photos of the sanctuary can be viewed HERE.

"Stuff" Ultrarunners Say

I know this is old and you've probably seen it but thought I'd repost in case you missed it.  I'm not going to tell you how many of these things I've said or done myself.  This guy must be a rookie though. No one rips the top completely off a gel packet !

Grand Plans For Grand Tree, Gone

Last August, while running the TARC 12 Hour Race, I confided in my friend Steve (author of 12 Ultras in 12 Months and A Clydesdale's Tale) that I was going to take a year off from ultra running.  The injuries I had been plagued with for the past 18 months needed to be dealt with.  I felt that running ultras were preventing me from getting healthy and I just wasn't having any fun running hurt all the time.  Steve, being a kind and compassionate friend say, "Quit whining you wuss!" and immediately picked up his pace and left me in the dust. I take some credit for motivating him to a second place finish in the race. It was here, in the lonely woods of Medfield, when my plan to run the 2012 Grand Tree Trail Race Series was hatched.


I have fond memories of the Grand Tree Series from years past and was hoping my return to the series would rekindle my passion for running which had been lacking for many months. I ran my first Grand Tree Race in October 2006 at Diamond Hill which was also my first trail race ever.  It was love at first run. I was hooked on trail running!  While competing in GT races I've run on amazing trails, met many friendly runners and made a few good friends.  Yes, this is the place I wanted to be in 2012.


My goal for the series was to accumulate 1000 points or more and finish in the top three in the Stonehead rankings.  That may seem like an unrealistic goal for an old, slow guy like me but I had a plan.  Since I'm slow, I wouldn't score many points in each individual race, perhaps 60-65 at best.  The only way I could reach my goal of 1000 points would be to run most of the races in the series.  Perseverance over speed!  I planned to run 18 of the 21 possible races, combining weekend camping with the races held in far western MA and RI. I was really happy with this plan and looking forward to running in new locations and trying out some of my new camping gear.


Well, with the first race of the series just three days away my plan just blew up! I haven't run in over three months and it's likely I won't be running in the next month or two. Although I'm finally seeing some improvement with my SI issue it looks like I'll miss at least the first five or six races in the series. I have zero chance of reaching my goal if I miss any of the spring races.  I'm not sure if I'll run any summer races (since I hate the heat) but will likely run a few of the fall GT races.  The up side to running fewer races is that I'll save a lot of money on gas, camping permits and race registrations.  I'm trying to look for the silver lining here people!


Back to the drawing board.

Run for the Troops 5K

On Sunday, several members of my family participated in the Run for the Troops 5K [results] race in Andover, MA.   The Run for the Troops events are held to honor our Military and help build homes designed for the unique injuries of specific soldiers.  This race was to support Marine Sergeant Josh Bouchard of Granby, MA.  Sergeant Bouchard was on his second deployment when he lost his left leg, broke his back and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury after his vehicle drove over an IED in Afghanistan in 2009.  Donations can be made HERE.


We ran/walked as Team Michael for my nephew who is currently serving in the U.S. Army. Our team members ranged from four month old Natalie to my 85 year old dad who is a Marine veteran of World War II.  It was a great morning to walk with sunny skies and cool temperatures.  The course which was mostly uphill for the first two miles looped thought  pleasant tree-lined neighborhoods.  I walked the course was with my dad finishing in 1:02:06 (official time).

Team Michael

It was a fun day spent with family and great way to give back a little to those who give so much to us and country.

Be safe.

And The Winner Is......

Thanks to all who participated in the GU energy gel giveaway. The lucky winner of assorted gels is........drum roll please.......Jeff Gallup!! 

Jeff, please email your mailing address to me and I'll get these out to you this week.

There may be more product giveaways in Breakheart Trail Running's future. Stay tuned.

GU Giveaway!

I haven't run a step in 2012 and I don't expect to start anytime soon due to my current injuries.  This lack of training has left me with an abundance of gels that are just begging to be consumed. My loss is your gain!  One lucky winner will receive an assortment of delicious vanilla, chocolate and strawberry GU energy gels.  OK, I have to admit they're not as yummy as a turkey and cheese sandwich at mile 30 but they will get you to the next aid station or help you through a long training run.

The contest rules are simple.  Just leave a comment here letting me know you want in. Your name will go in a hat (or maybe a box or on the kitchen table) and one lucky winner will be drawn (in about one week) and announced here.  That's it.  Anyone that amuses me with a clever comment about why they love GU gels will get and extra chance to will.   If you win just shoot an email to me with your name and address and I'll get these off to you pronto.

Good Luck! 

Winter Lost

It only takes a quick glace at my 2012 training log to notice a common thread:


Number of Runs = 0
Weekly total = 0 miles
Monthly total = 0 miles
Year to Date = 0 miles 


You get the idea.  My year so far has been a big fat "Zero." It's not the weather that has kept me from running.  Lack of snow and mild temperatures has made this the best winter to train in the past few years.  It's sacroiliac joint dysfunction that has me cranking out goose eggs day after day.   On the plus side I've had plenty of spare time to read several books. Most have been written by AT thru-hikers which only adds to my feeling of wanderlust.  I know I'll be back on the trails again. It's just a matter of time.  My wife told me I need to be patient because I won't heal as quickly as I have in the past.  She said, "You're old now."

Thanks sweetie, "Happy Valentine's Day."

Weekly Run stats  2/6/2012 — 2/12/2012: 0 mi 0:00 — 1/30/2012 — 2/5/2012: 0 mi 0:00 — 1/23/2012 — 1/29/2012: 0 mi 0:00 — 1/16/2012 — 1/22/2012: 0 mi 0:00 — 1/9/2012 — 1/15/2012: 0 mi 0:00 — 1/2/2012 — 1/8/2012: 0 mi 0:00 — I'm getting a little tired of this.

Broken Again

Well, the dull ache I've had in my foot since November turned into a "hot poker" stabbing me in the foot sort of pain two weeks ago.  Since then, I wisely stopped running and made an appointment to see a podiatrist. Some would argue it would have been wiser to stop running BEFORE the "hot poker" incident but there's no sense dwelling on past mistakes (of which I've made many).  Unfortunately, the foot still hurts and my appointment is two weeks away.  That means I'm sitting out the month of January and who knows how much longer after my doctor's visit.  And my SI joint and/or lower back is messed up again.

  Just shoot me.  

Umstead 100 - Not This Year

Last September I was one of the lucky ones that helped the Umstead 100 reach its entry limit of 300 runners in a mere six minutes! At the time I had no reason to believe I would be ready to run 100 miles in March. I had been bothered by chronic injuries all year and there was no sign of any improvement. I had a better chance of being struck by lighting than getting healthy enough to train seriously for a 100 mile race. But I entered anyway and hoped for the best.


Four months later I’m feeling somewhat better but still not healed. The minimal amount of running I’ve done has helped reduce my knee pain significantly but has not eliminated it. The foot pain (ligament?) I’ve had since November is also better but I still feel a dull ache most of the time, even when not running. And my plantar fasciitis just won’t go away. Yep, I’m a train wreck.


So I did the math and didn’t like the results: Low mileage + no long runs + multiple injures = DNS (do not start) or else become a DNF (did not finish).


I emailed Blake, (the Race Director) and withdrew from the race. The decision was an easy one and it’s nice to know I’ve made someone on the waiting list VERY happy today.

Snowshoe Racing Season Opens Soon

We're only ten days away from the start of the 2012 DION SNOWSHOE RACING SERIES with the "I Love Woodford" 3 mile race in Woodford VT kicking off the season. Five days later the GRANITE STATE SNOWSHOE SERIES begins it's season with Beaver Brook 5K race in Hollis NH. Last year I was only able to make it to one race, the Peak Snowshoe Half Marathon, but I hope to run a few shorter races this year. I only have one question, "Where's the snow?"

Bay Circuit Trail Run - Appleton Farms Spur

I haven't run on the Bay Circuit Trail since May when I meandered for 30 miles through seven communities, getting lost in the process.  I've been reluctant to return to the BCT and cover the remaining 100 (or so) unfinished miles to the shores of Kingston.  Most of the sections yet to be run are over 20 miles in length and my ailing IT band just wont stand up to the distance.  I decided to run a shorter side spur to quench my thirst for some BCT goodness.

The spur splits off the main BCT in Willowdale State Forest and runs through Bradley Palmer State Park, Pingree Reservation, Harvard Forest, Appleton Farms Grass Rides  and terminates in Appleton Farms.  There is a proposal to extend the trail east from Appleton Farms to Crane Beach on the Atlantic Ocean.  That would be sweet.  My plan was to run in an east-west direction, beginning at Appleton Farms. The out and back run would total 16 miles so I cut it a bit short to come in around 12.  I didn't want to push it too far since anything over 10 miles has been causing some serious knee pain.

Course view

It was 21 degrees when I arrived at Appleton Farms but the winds were light and the sky was a clear and brilliant blue.  My decision to run in shorts and a long-sleeved shirt turned out to be a good one. I'm warmed up soon enough once I got moving.  The first two miles though Appleton Farms was on a pleasant dirt road flanked by pastures and meadows.  The few cows grazing in the early morning light seemed uninterested with my presence.  I met another runner coming from the opposite who thought I was nuts for wearing shorts. Hey, it's not winter yet.

A frosty morning.

Some of the easiest running I've done in a while.

Leaving the farm, I entered an area laced with wide carriage roads.  The BCT is not blazed here so I followed the trail description to find my way to a large clearing where six roads met like spokes on a hub.  A pinnacle salvaged during the demolition of the old Harvard College Library in the early 1900s stands in the center of the clearing. There are three other pinnacles on the property.  I departed the clearing and followed a wide, grassy road to Harvard Forest.

Round Point clearing

The Pinnacle

Once I entered Harvard Forest/Pingree Reservation the trails were sparsely marked with the white rectangle blazes of the BCT.  I was never confident I was following the correct trail but only once strayed briefly off the chosen path.  A bridle path built and maintained by the Essex County Trail Association brought me to Bradley Palmer State Park.  I was now on familiar ground having run in BPSP several times over the years. 

Crossing Black Brook which splits Harvard Forest and Pingree Reservation.

A pond on the grounds of Pingree School.

When my Garmin hit six miles in BPSP I was still about two miles from the main BCT trail in Willowdale.  Since I was no longer discovering new trails I decided to turn back now.  Running the additional four miles out and back would only increase the risk of knee pain on the return trip to Appleton. The 12 miles I ran is twice the longest distance I have been running lately.   No need to be a hero, or a dope.  In the end. I never had any pain.  But that could change at any time. It has in the past. Still, I'll take a good day when it comes.

Do I have any other choice? 

More images from my run can be found HERE.

Busa Bushwhack Race (not really) Report

I drove to Framingham MA with every intention of racing this 10 mile classic honoring Richard Busa but "stuff" happened and the race turned into a training run/photo shoot instead.  Not racing was a good decision.  Even though I ran easy and stopped often to take photos, the many ups and downs on the course caused my IT band to tighten up.  I ran the last mile with severe pain and a noticeable limp.

 

Me with the legend, Mr. Busa 

Me and Trooper Dave checking out the course map.  He kicked ass. I got mine handed to me. (photo credit: Wendy C-A)

I'm taking you down happy man. (photo credit: Wendy C-A)

It's a good thing KZ wasn't running. At 6'5", I don't think he would have made it under.

Busa said the course was dry. He fibbed.  Notice the wimps who went around to the left.  They all must have been wearing clean, new shoes.

80 year old John Parker passing by.  Justin (in the green jacket) is a follower of my blog.  Obviously, he is a discerning reader of all things trail.

Some flat running early in the race.  A thick layer of oak leaves concealed many rocks and roots.

I brought my personal photographer and cheerleader to the race. Actually, they were there for another guy but I jumped in front of him and stole his glory.

The climb up Pineline trail.

Pipeline pain.

My new trail pal Martha poses her Peace Out gaiters. I don't know how she stayed so clean.

I spent some time running with Hans.  He's very happy running trails.  

Off goes Hans.

I liked this old dude's shirt so much I clubbed him with and oak branch and removed it from his limp body. 

Notice how all the other runners step to the side when I approach.  The one in the gray tee is holding her nose.  Do I smell that bad?  (photo credit: Wendy C-A)

No more racing for me this year.  Time to rehab.