Bigfoot/Littlefoot 2009

The last day or two have been a bit rough. I've had some nausea and dizziness and was not quite sure how I'd feel today. I rolled out of bed at 7 AM, put on a pot of coffee and hoped the caffeine would be enough to get me going. Andy Martin showed up at my house at 8AM to run to the start of the Bigfoot 10k, approximately 3.5 miles up the road. After struggling to run 8 minute pace on the way out, I checked my pulse and was concerned that it was already running in the low 150's. Typically I am closer to a 6 minute pace with that HR. I figured I was in a bit of trouble for the race. I nonetheless went through some prerace strides and stretches, then with little warning, SuperDave started the race and we were off. I quickly took my spot in second place behind Martin, running the first mile at 4:59. I wasn't certain who was with me, but I heard some footsteps close behind that I think belonged to Brian Gingerich. Mile 2, a gradual uphill, is where I thought for a moment about trying to close the gap with Martin. After picking it up for a few strides, I realized it was a poor decision. I settled back into my pace and crossed mile 2 at 10:29. The course flattens out for the next 2-3 miles and I was able to run fairly consistently in the 5:15-5:19 range. This kept me safely in second place. I wanted to run sub 33:00 for the race and by mile 5 I was pretty close to pace. I pushed the last 1.2 miles and was able to finish in 32:46, a new PR and good enough for second place. Martin was best in show today and was appropriately awarded the big blue ribbon. I got the little blue ribbon for age group winner.

The cool thing about finishing the race towards the top is that you get to watch the other racers finish. I'm always impressed by the grit that everyone has as they approach the finish line. Props to all Bigfoot finishers today. Also props to the Ray family, who traveled from Medford to race today. We had the pleasure of hosting them for a night. Bree, Mercy and Suzanne all rocked the course. Nice job.

As much fun as the Bigfoot was, the highlight of the day was the Littlefoot 1K. I love watching the kids run. Today there was a strong showing from the Martins, Cabas, Altmans, and Dennis family. Martin claimed a "family victory," although that claim is being hotly contested by the Cabas. Here's how the race(s) broke down. Andy and Miles defeated Jeff and Grant. Abe crushed Nate (as did Grant), and Charlie and Ben tied. It would appear the Martins would indeed be the winners if we went on head to head competition based on age. However if we spin the race a little and base it on total time, the Cabas could claim victory as Abe's gap on Nate easily put the Cabas out front. Plus Miles cheated and I have it on video.

Not that we're competitive families. After all it was just a fun run.

All night I have been attempting to publish a video of the event, but something on this website isn't connecting. In the meantime, here are a few of the still shots. The kids had a blast and ran hard. They all earned ribbons, which, like everything else they collect, wound up on the floor of the car.

After the events, I cooled down with Andy and Michael Dennis on a nice, relaxing 13 mile trail run. That gave me 23 miles for the day. That should be my last 20+ day before Twin Cities in two weeks. We'll see if I can get over my nagging injuries and get speed back into my legs. Still hoping for sub 2:30:00.