Moab Red Hot 55k 2014

Its been 7 years since I last ran this event.  Bad memories of starting out too fast, getting lost with Eric Storheim for an extra 3 miles, suffering in for the last 10 miles, and week long soreness from the pounding.  However ALTRA is now a sponsor for this event, so a little representation was in order.  That along with my aggressive Spring schedule and I figured I needed a long early challenge.

I was surprisingly relaxed at the starting line.  It was fun seeing so many great people at the start.  The ultra-community is pure goodness.  I had no watch and my plan was to just run.  In the back of my mind I wanted to run a sub 5 hour race but really treated the race like a tough training run.  Ran most of the first 6 miles with Seth hales, Zac Marion, and Matt Conners in a rather raucous conversation.  I skipped the first aid station having taken more water than necessary (training for UTMF) and found myself alone.  So with a few tunes I kept going.  I stopped several times to take pictures through this section as I found myself alone through incredible terrain.  I was BUZZED and loving it.  At aid station 3 I took several minutes to reorganize my pack a bit and refill my bottles adding my favorite juice (Generation UCAN).  I felt great and knew that this run/race had plenty more enjoyment to dish out!

So I powered along feeling oh-so-good.  On the climb up to mile 20 I relaxed a bit not quite knowing my fitness level (wished I would have pushed harder here).  Ran quite a bit with Altra lover/wearer Matt Muncha who was gushing over the Lone Peaks (rightfully so but I was running/testing the new Olympus's which performed beyong my already high expectations).  Once on top I was again BUZZED and took off down the mountain (see below photo).  Got a little humbled on a couple of the steeper rollers but seemed to pick up steam all the way to the finish.  I think the last 4 miles were the fastest of the day!  I had no issues what-so-ever and was on such a high for most of the race.

I ended up 25th overall with a time of 4:52.   Results here.  Seems like a terrible spot for a race I feel like I crushed but that's how competitive this race has become!  I finished with a shout of joy and plenty of energy.  I enjoyed this year so much more than 2007...and intend to come back.  Its also given me quite a bit of confidence knowing that I never really pushed my limits on this race yet I still ran super well.  Even had enough energy to go hiking with my boys in Arches that same afternoon.  Good day, great race, and happy for Spring to come!

The Almighty 2014 Race/Adventure Schedule

Well it's that time of year to start bragging of upcoming feats of strength, wishful epic adventures, and basically let the testosterone shine forth out of the cold dark depressing winter.  This is that post for me....

The year that is newly 2014 will be as epically awesome as any year on record.  The newest and most exciting adventure for the Beckstead clan is that we are expecting our 3rd child on July 22nd!!  What was a surprise baby will be welcomed with love, excitement, and probably lots of bruises from two rambunctious older brothers.

In terms of outdoor adventures, they are as follows:
March- Antelope Island 50
April- Ultra Trail Mount Fuji 100 (yep, a 100 mile race circumnavigating Mt Fuji in Japan!)
May-? Probably the local favorite of Timp Trail Marathon
June- Squaw Peak 50
June- Second annual "Fly fishing trip of awesomeness"
July- Baby!
August- Uintah backpacking with my 4 year old
September- Wasatch 100 (revenge with the goal of finishing regardless of time...)
?! Grand Canyon Double crossing- dying to get back to the big ditch

I also have business trips planned for Germany, Taiwan, Japan (+ race!), and Canada.

So overall a pretty awesome year. Add in some epic training runs, mini adventures with my boys, exciting new footwear projects, and a couple dozen single fly fishing days and 2014 will be one big party!  Testosterone released....now to hit 22 miles over the frozen Alpine Loop...

Gear of 2013

So I thought I'd throw out some "Brian's Gear Awards 2013".  What do these awards mean?  Nothing.  However I've really enjoyed these products over the last 12 months and I thought that I would give them some love!

Award #1- Food

This is a split award.  I've been using two new products that have absolutely blown my mind.  The first is VFuel Gel.  Its amazing not only in quality but also in taste.  I mostly use the Peach Cobbler but word on the street is that they are coming out with a couple new flavors for 2014!  Why do I love these so much?  Well, the gel uses no frustose, low caffeine (10mg), and the secret sauce of MCT oil.  For more info check out http://vfuel.com/p/real-ingredients.html.

The second food find is MetaSalt.  Its packed with goodies.  I've felt that most salt tablets lack salt or trace minerals.  This has both PLUS gastrointestinal items like, black pepper, peppermint, licorice, and ginger.  This pill is amazing...

I have had ZERO stomach issues since using these combined two products and ran some great races with them.  Highly recommend both products.

Award #2- Hydration

UltraSpire wins this award hands-down but in particular is the Revolution Pack.  As someone who hates bladders, has no butt so waist packs drive me nuts, and handhelds are inefficient (there's good data showing an increase in heart rate & respiratory rate with handhelds compared to packs, and thats with the pack carrying 3 times as much gear...), I LOVE the Revolution.  A 26 oz water bottle, everything you need up front and extra storage in the back, its great.  If needed, I can carry 1 handheld on long hot sections, even store it in the middle back pocket for efficiency.  Props to UltraSpire!

Award #3- Socks

Drymax.  The material olefin is amazing, particularly when its coated with Teflon (ePTFE is Teflon...)!!  The Maximum Protection Running sock is incredible.  I think the max trail is too heavy for me but I've never blistered in this sock with Altra shoes!  3 years...no blisters.  Coming from a traditional shoe and wool sock that prevented me from EVER going over 40 miles without blisters (rarely over 25 miles without blisters), its amazing that that I've done 3 100, 3 100k, 4 50 milers, etc etc without a single blister.  The downfall is the $30 price tag.  I train in the Trail Running lite (no ePTFE coating) and race the Max Protect.

Award #4- Shoes

Runner's World Editors Choice and the last 4 years life project.  My Altra Lone Peak 1.5 are amazing.  Yes I'm biased, but they sure treat me nice!

Lackluster 2nd half, Wasatch 100 2013

What's overall been a great year of running for me in 2013, the second half has been quite lackluster.

Since Devils Backbone in mid-July, I've been in a huge running rut.  I had the best early season racing of my life but by mid-summer I was burnt out mentally and majorly work-stressed.  Had a 3 week stretch with 20 miles...total.  I decided to treat it as a taper and run Katchina Mosa 100k to try and get my butt in gear.  Although I finished, running most of the race with good friend Roger Smith, I didn't want to be there.  It was really odd.  In years past I've felt physically burnt out but this was totally mental.

I ended up having a couple really nice weeks of training in late August.  Several runs up Timp that were frankly special.  I hoped that with my early season success I could maybe squeak a fast one at Wasatch.  Looking back on it, it was wishful thinking at best but mostly stupid.  I wasn't mentally there and should have throttled back for a finish rather than shooting for a time.

However, I felt great the first 45+ miles at Wasatch.  I started conservatively with an updated watering plan due to the heat that had me feeling great all the way through Big Mountain.  Ran a long section with Craig Loyd and generally had a grand time!   I should have seen the warning signs earlier while seeing great runners like Christian Johnson, Seth Hales, Jay Aldous, and Greg Norrander call it a day.  I was in and out of Big Mountain in a matter of minutes and excited by how good I was feeling.  I pushed through the heat passing 6-7 more runners and still feeling good.  However I only took 40 oz of water through this section and it frankly wasn't enough as I ran out of water a couple miles before Alexander.  I started to feel a little queezy heading into Alexander Ridge but nothing unusual.  I was still right on pace for sub-24 hours when 5 minutes out of the aid station I hit the wall...bad.  It was really odd but I just couldn't move.  Golden Harper who was pacing me did what he could but I can't even explain it...I lost all energy.  It seemed to come out of no-where!  It was frustrating.

By the time I got to Lambs I was a mess.  I was down 8 lbs at weigh in, then I emotionally broke down.  It was pretty bad, I can't even explain it but after 90 minutes of sobbing, getting ice on me, cot laying, and eating, I decided to call it quits.  I went to the car and my wife asked me again if I was absolutely sure I didn't want to give it another shot.  My wife is an amazing women!  Maybe a little crazy for loving me and then sending me back out there...but I really did want a finish...and so after 2 hours at Lambs I continued on.

I felt ok going up the road but I was having all sorts of mechanical issues.  My water bottle broke...but I ended up seeing BJ Burlinson on the trail and he swapped me (big thanks BJ!).  I didn't take a headlamp and decending Bear Ass Pass was problematic.  Luckily my pacer Heath Thurston had a small handheld flashlight but heading up the road I ran out of energy again.  Putting one foot in front of the other was so difficult and I was miserable.  I sat at Millcreek for an hour contemplating whether to quit or not.  After an hour I decided I was done.  I hadn't pee'd since before Swallow Rocks, I was moving incredibly slowly, felt horrible, and mentally didn't want to be there. 

However, friend Roger Smith came along.  He took a while but somehow convinced me to keep going...again!  I left with a mental determination to get to the finish.  It didn't take long to doubt this decision as the climb out of Millcreek was incredibly slow and painful.  I had to stop several times to sit down along the trail.  Finally at Blunders Fork I decided for the 3rd and final time, that I was done.  It was a sad realization and a horrible parting from Roger but I mentally couldn't push through.  Whether physically I could push through or not we will never know but I was done.  Heath was incredibly supportive and we slowly made our way down Blunders Fork where we called my wife who was waiting at Brighton.  The records say I DNF'd at Brighton but I didn't even make it that far.

Nearly a month later I don't regret my decision.  My previous DNF at Bear 100 in 2008 was a huge regret but somehow this one, given life's circumstances, seems justified.  Given my emotional, physical, and mental health, it was the right decision for me.  I love Wasatch 100 and for the first time in 7 years I didn't run Brighton to the Finish (2 finishes and 4 pacings).  I intend to be back next year though as this race is truly special.

THE END

Devil's Backbone 2013

I'm not the best with words, but even the worlds greatest poets can't describe the beauty of Devil's Backbone.  I've heard nothing but praises about this super low-key Montana race....and it didn't disappoint.  I had so much fun.  With only 1 aid station at mile 25 and a laid-back mentality, I loved this race!  Wildflowers, snow capped peaks, big horned sheep, and incredible trails, all at 10,000 ft while running an exposed ridgeline.  This run epitomizes the essence of Ultra Running.

 Really I treated this as a long run more than a race.  I got lost twice for a total of 10-12 minutes on the way out.  Stopped for 5-6 minutes to watch a big horned sheep.  Stopped and took about 20 pictures and generally had a blast.  On the way back I turned up the intensity.  Until I ran out of water....not exactly sure how it happened only 12 miles from the aid station (mile 37) but I'm assuming I didn't fill up the bladder completely at the station because I didn't see or feel a leak.  I rationed myself with a little snow until mile 44 when I crossed a stream.  Filled up my bottle then and there. 

I finished with a huge smile on my face.  My goal coming in was to try and run sub 10 hours.  Ended up with 10:02.  No biggy though.  I was happy with my effort and exhilarated by the course.  It was almost sensory overload for someone like me!  I think I'll come back to this one.  It currently stands as the most beautiful course I've ever run
 

Heading up Hyalite Peak

Typical view...

Rock cairn and looming switch backs ahead

Much of the race there was no trail...just rock cairn to rock cairn

Big horned sheep and I hangin on the ridge

Checked her out for 5-6 minutes...loved it!

Flyfishing trip of awesomeness

I consider myself an avid fly-fisherman.  However, over the past few years I seemingly have headed out less and less.  So a friend and I decided to plan and execute "the fly-fishing trip of awesomeness".  Specifically targeted at BIG fish, over the last several days we executed our trip to perfection.  Below is merely a sampling of the fish we caught.  The highlights were an 18 1/2 inch Cuttbow (half Cutthroat, half Rainbow), a 23 inch Tiger trout at night, and over a dozen 17-19 inch Brown trout!!

We live in a beautiful world and I love seeing, exploring, and experiencing it.