Team Red, White and Blue

I Recently joined Team Red, White and Blue, a veterans organization that connects returning combat vets with other vets and civilians through exercise programs. The goal is to help reintegrate service members into their communities and to help them cope with injuries, PTSD and other common combat related issues. As most runners already know, exercise is cheaper than therapy and in many cases more effective. 

A Little R&R

After running seven ultramarathon trail races in as many months, I decided I needed a little rest and recovery and should take a break from running for a while. I ended last year by running the McDowell Mt 50 miler. In January I ran the Puzzler Marathon in the Franklin Mts; February challenged me to the Sierra Ultra Vista 60K in the desert; March was the Bataan Death March (26.2mi); April, the Cedro Peak 45 Miler; May, the Jemez Mt 50K (10,400 ft elev.) and earlier this month, I attempted the San Diego 100 miler, but only made it to mile 44 due to high heat. (Click “Table of Contents” to read individual race reports)

Geronimo's Cabin, Ruidoso, NM

San Diego 100 Mile Endurance Run

Mt Laguna in the Cleveland National Forest sits at almost 6000 ft above the sea. Two nights ago I nearly froze in my tent so I bought an ear warmer headband for the night portion of today’s 100 mile race. I’m sitting nervously in a rustic lodge waiting for the race to start. I’m early as usual so I position and pin my bib #110 on my shorts and then re-position and re-pin it. This goes on for a good 10 minutes.

For the last time before race start I ponder my “what-if” list. What if I twist my ankle, what if my Camelbak leaks, what if I get bit by a snake, what if it gets dark before I pickup my headlamp, what if there is an earthquake, wildfire, the sky is falling?  After all, if you run long enough something is bound to happen, right?

Jemez Mountain 50K

The Jemez Mountain Trail Run is the only race I didn’t finish (DNF). Several years ago I attempted the 50 mile course, but only made it to mile 32 due to altitude sickness. This morning I will try the 50K course knowing that; even with nausea, headache, and rubber legs; I can make it 32 miles. The race starts in Los Alamos, NM at 7300 ft elev. and takes runners through the scenic Jemez Mountains and over the Pajarito Ski Area at 10,400 ft. The total climb and descent is 6800 ft so this will be a perfect training run before I tackle the San Diego 100 miler in several weeks.

The Peaks in My Backyard

I’m very lucky that I get to play in my “backyard playground” almost every day. I don’t have to travel far to reach a trailhead that leads into the Franklin Mountains of El Paso, TX. 

The red thunderbird overlooks my neighborhood

The closest peak to my home is S. Franklin Mountain (6791 ft). In fact, the red thunderbird formation on the western face overlooks my neighborhood like a sentry keeping watch over the inhabitants below. The Ron Coleman Trail is a 4 mile route that climbs from the east side of the mountain, traverses the ridge line and descends to a high pass along TransMountain Rd. (375). A series of chains takes the climber up to a window where he can peer through to get a great view of El Paso.

Cedro Peak 45 Miler

If I lose my footing and slip, I’m going to tumble to the bottom of this rocky gulch faster than it takes to say, “that’s going to leave a mark”. I gingerly place each step working my way down the slope. My friend Ryan and I started the Cedro Peak 45 Miler at 6:00 am just east of Albuquerque, NM in the Cibola National Forest.

Trail Maintenance

Almost everyday I run on rocky rugged technical trails and afterwards wonder why I didn’t eat it. I navigate rock gardens, “speed” down steep terrain and slip and slide on loose gravel. Somehow my foot knows just where to land so I don’t take a digger...usually. It’s much like a flying helicopter. How does it keep from crashing? No one really understands how it works; it just does. 

Rock Garden