Magical Time at Dogwood (Or Third Time's a Charm)

They say the third time is a charm. The third running of the Dogwood Canyon 25K/50K race, which is part of the Outdoor Fitness Festival sponsored by Bass Pro Shops went off this year on October 31, 2010 at 8 am in near perfect conditions. Fall in the Ozarks just does not get any better. Race day started out nice and cool 44F and warmed up to 73F later in the afternoon. A nice fall breeze kept things from getting too warm. Trees were in the process of turning (a bit late this year) and several spectators observed bald eagles in the canyon.

With almost 300 racers, this was the largest turnout for this event. The morning started with a minor emergency. 'No TP in the men's' room!' crackled over the race radio. That's not the way to start a race... With that taken care of, the participants gathered under the large log structure pavilion, with two huge open hearth fire places roaring with fires to hear the pre-race announcements before moving to the stone bridge starting line to hear the Lennon brothers [need names] perform the national anthem. They also participated in the race!

And with a the countdown, they were off! The course started out (as usual) with a few flat miles along Little Indian Creek, crossing the creek 11 times. With one good ascent thrown in early (about 2 miles in) for good measure and to get the legs warmed up. Then the hills began. They are short, but steep and un-relenting. The 25K is one big loop and the 50K is same course in reverse, with an extra 'little' loop. One racer was overheard late in the 50K race 'Are they friggin' kidding me!!?' Top finishers all agreed this is one of the toughest courses they have ever run.

The race is run primarily on 100 year old logging roads on a 2000+ acre private property that have been opened up specifically for this race. Even though Dogwood Canyon is a private nature park, open to the public, The general public is not allowed access to these roads and trails except during the race. At one point the road gives way to a ravine that washed the road out many years ago. The racers have to scramble down the rocks, into 'The ravine' and back out. This year the ravine was filled with 'Dueling Banjo' music.


Since it was Halloween, there was also a Halloween contest - and there was everything from 'The Lady Bugs' to 'Wonder Woman', 'Twister Lady', and 'Tutu Man'. Awards and prizes were given to participants who sported costumes on the race course.

The day ended near perfect with all racers completing the course prior to the 9:30 cutoff time, and with only 2 DNFs. The top 250K finishers crossed stride in stride at even after missing a turn, and having to add about 100 yards to make up the loop they missed, and third place was only about 30 seconds behind.

Thanks to Bass Pro Shops, Dogwood Canyon and all the volunteers from Ozark Greenways - without whom this race would simply not be possible. Special shout out to John Montgomery and Shawn Gates - you guys ROCK!

One last call on the radio for the day was 'Chad, Uh, I'm not sure how to say this, but uh, the wheel fell of the Prowler'. I had literally driven the wheels off of an Arctic Cat Prowler that was used for race radio and transportation on-course. With that, we were were promptly picked up in the Bass Pro corporate logo-ed FJ Cruiser, back to race HQ to get a jeep to go take down the last aid station. And on my way home that evening, witnessed the most gorgeous sunset across Tablerock lake I had ever seen. A near perfect close to a near perfect weekend. Will we see you next year?




More Photos Click Here

Ahhh, the Frozen Trail...

Cold winter mornings are the beckon call of mountain bikers. Fall usually brings wet muddy trails, but as soon as temps can stay below freezing and overcast, the bikes come back out. Last two days at Sac River Trail have proven the popularity of frozen trails. Saturday at 8:30 am I was planning a ride with a couple other people, but when they bailed, I met up with three other guys, and as we finished up at 10:30 am another 6 or 7 were headed out. Today, I met with yet 3 more guys layered up ready for the low rolling resistance, 'ride to stay warm', and 'ride before it warms up' sensations. It was pure bliss. Snoticles and all...

Gorgeous Winter Day at Busiek

Temp in the low 30s, overcast and light rain. A group of 20+ trail runners gathered for the "Stomp Hunger' run. I showed up with MTB to protect some foot problems I've been having. I rode about 1:30 before heading back to town to teach spin class. After the initial group photo op, the group split up and went different dirrections. Here are a few images from today.

Wyco Work Day

Here is a link to photos from Wyco Work Day.

http://00673d3.netsolhost.com/photoalbum_index.htm/11-21-09erta/index.htm

For Marcy

Here is the photo I think you are looking for:

Thanksgiving

Been a while since I posted - been laid up most of the summer, and volunteering at events like the Berryman Adventure Race, Dogwood Canyon 50K, Trail Masons Workday, and the Turkey Trot. It has been nice to see the view of the trails from another perspective.

If you are on Facebook, you should check out Springfield Missouri Trail Runners and Trail Masons Association. If you are not on Facebook, you should join in!

I'm still planning on going to White Rock, but just as I was finishing rehab on Achilles, I started a bout of plantar faciatis. Doc says it's all in the calves (loosening them up) and getting good orthodics for my shoes. Signs of getting older. (not old, just older).

I am thankful that I can still get out and help make some events, for great friends, and for my wife, Joyce, who does not make me put up Christmas lights outside. We should all give thanks for the trails and open space we enjoy, and for our health every day.

Looking forward to getting back on the trail, and maybe seeing you there!

Bass Pro Shops Dogwood Canyon 25K / 50K 2009

This was the second year of this race (see last year's post Day 1 and Day 2). This year we were MUCH more organized, and we did not get a jeep stuck, and nobody got lost. We had over 200 participants and everyone finished the course, no DNFs despite the slippery, muddy conditions and a very tough course. Maybe the toughest 50K in the Midwest?


John, Shawn and I worked all day Saturday (well, John showed up a bit late...) and up till about 11 pm that night making sure the trails were in good shape, and well marked. Imagine 3 guys, in an old jeep, running around in the woods, after 10 pm. Conjures up thoughts of high school escapades...

Race day went off without a hitch. And we had some great course and aid station volunteers. With results like 1:42+ on the 25K, and 4:17+ on the 50K, on a tough course, shows the strength of participants we had. My hats off to all the racers, including our last 50K finisher., David Black at 9:36+ who is trying to an Ultra in every state. We joked that it may need to be two laps at Rhode Island... Click here for all the results. Photos were taken by Action Sports Images, and can be found here when they are online.

This year I chose not to run, but to manage on course logistics. It was fun seeing everyone having such a great time. I'm looking forward to the 2010 race already!

OGAR Official Results

Team Endorphins placed 6th in Masters category and 17th overall out of 52 teams:
http://www.greenwayrace.org/races/ogar-2009/final/

Here are our split times:
http://www.greenwayrace.org/races/ogar-2009/teams/endorphins/

Ozark Greenways Adventure (Mud) Race 2009

An adventure it was. This year on the day before

the race they scrapped the canoe section and had to go to plan B. Rivers were just too high to be safe. Although the week before would have been even more exciting - see graph of river stages.

It rained the night before the race, and was raining early on the course. Made for a wet day, although it was nice and cool all day.

The mud on the MTB sections got to border on ridiculous. It was like riding in a stream all day... Our bodies and bike were covered in mud. See photo of the bike.

With leadership from captain Ben Craig, and support from other team members Frank Zanaboni and Sherri Shaughnessy, we finished in a respectable 8 hours 30 minutes +, and in (unofficial) 6th place in Masters (old geezer) division and 17th overall out of 55 teams +/-.

As always, a well supported race, with awesome volunteers and a great cause. And it always reminds me I am human....

White Rock Classic 2009

The race that almost did not happen... Ice storm damage in NW Arkansas was a factor in the RD decision to keep the race on.


On Wednesday the 4th, the website proclaimed "After getting the latest reports from authorities in the area, the White Rock Classic is indeed ON for February 7th. The forest roads used by the course are open, but be prepared to see a lot of devastation from the recent ice." The damage at the top of WRM was extensive, but crews have been working to clear the roads and restore power. As of this writing power had not been restored to the house, cabins and lodge.

I drove up Friday afternoon after assessing ice storm damage at my folks house in Tecumseh, MO. It was in the 60's when I got to White Rock, very uncommon for this time of year. Since there were only 5 of us staying, we took Cabin C which has a fireplace and enough beds for 5 guys. The 09 group included thirteen year old Jackson Eiken, and his dad Donnie; James Silverstone from Hot Springs; my adventure racing team mate, Larry Vernon and myself.

There was (as usual) a gorgeous sunset Friday evening.


I drove in 'the back way' but everyone else came up WRM Road - all three of them missed a turn because of the way the signs were facing.

All except Larry made it in time for a romantic dinner by the fire - remember, no power. Larry got in about 11, and got last pick of beds. Sorry Larry...


Next morning we drove down top the start and began the process of 'what do I wear, what do I take. I chose to wear a long sleeve under armour and a wind vest and shorts. I took a windbreaker but never did pull it out.


At Turners Bend store we found this Ale (Ail) and bought a 6 pack ($13.26 - it was so expensive because they burned witches to create the fire to brew the ail, the store clerk said)

Here are the 4 of us - Jack (looking confident) James, (not sure yet if he is doing the 25K, or doing 10 and coming back for 20) me (thinking I'm not ready for this...) and Larry (how do I use this Garmin Forerunner anyway?)

And in a blur, we were off like a herd of turtles. Headed straight up the first climb - for me this is always the toughest part, getting into a rhythm. It took me a couple of miles to get settled in. (Larry, James, Jack and I)

The rest of the run for me was all about nursing my ankle with naproxin sodium (aleve) and pacing myself on the climbs. I ran into Jack about 5 miles from the finish who ended up with digestion problems. He DNF'd but is ready to try again next year. Larry finished the 25K fun run in 2:55, and I limped in at 4:11 (a new slowest PR for me). James turned around at the 10.2 mile aid station to get in a 20 mile day. White Rock is always about the friendship and camaraderie more than the race anyway. We had a great time, and I booked the lodge again for Feb 5 and 6 2010.

I saw the strangest thing on the way home. See this picture and see what you think. 5 dead armadillos... It was a bit bizarre and surreal.

Always time for a trail...

Just before my trip to Phoenix I contracted a cold, then as the conference approached I felt better, but lost my voice. Between meetings, receptions, and dinner parties, my partner Doug Jackson and I found a couple of hours to ride the trails around Verrado - his neighborhood in the West Valley at the base of the White Tank Mountains.

Weather was sunny, in the 60's with a light wind. Uphill sections were warm, with a little chill on the downhill. (that's why I wore the fleece vest).

About Daylight Savings...

I once heard an american indian say 'Only a white man would think that he could cut 6 inches from one end of the blanket, sew it to the other end, and think he has a longer blanket."

Last Daylight

On the last week before we change time, I'm squeezing in some daylight runs and rides before getting the lights out. I was able to get in a one hour MTB ride yesterday, and the forst was absolutely gorgeous at last light. The west sky was glowing, and simply 'lit up' the little maple tree in the woods.

Dogwood 25K / 50K - Day 2

Next morning came fast. I got up at 5, and was at the start area by 5:30 with my notes to announce to the race participants, and to take in a relaxing 25K run in sweep position. Then as the crowd started gathering and registration was going on, something changed the whole day. We were informed that nobody had seen Dean all night, or this morning. Panic struck us all, not only for Dean's safety, but he was a lynch pin in the morning logistics for volunteers and aid stations. We all sprung into action. Chad went searching for Dean on the trail. Mike and I started figuring out what needed to take place to get aid stations set up and volunteers on the course. Barney Fife started (yes, Barney was there...) started making announcements on the bullhorn.

It was very soon that we found out Dean found the same hole we did with the jeep, with no radio on hand, and no cell service, he simply slept (sort of) in the jeep, in the creek, all night. We were all thankful he was OK, but had to keep moving to get this race on the trail.

One of my announcements (among others) was that the course would cross the state line into Arkansas. And not to worry, because even though there was no 'line' on the ground denoting the state line. that the racers would know they are in Arkansas. Amber had hired a couple of bonafide Silver Dollar City hillbillies to sit in the woods at the state line....

With the bang of Barney's single bullet, the race was off. I hung back to make sure the rest of the race logistics were in place, then started walking. As I hit the woods, I started a slow jog, and within 50 yards of leaving the pavement came the first of many creek crossings.

I was less than 3 miles into the race when I saw a blur of three guys going past me the other way. This was the elite runners, who had already completed 9 miles at a blistering pace (the averaged a 7:23 pace on the 50K)

I yelled at them, to no avail, that they were headed the wrong way. Later I find out that Aid Station 1 had set up their table right in front of the signs we placed out the day before... Lesson #1 (of many) don't leave the set up of the tables to volunteers.

The route had multiple stream crossings (one of which had a jeep right in the way) and 8 major clims on the 25K course. The 50 K was a reverse of the 25K and thus had 16 major climbs. Over 9000 feet of elevation gain on the 50K course.

The rest of the day went well. I chatted with people, cheered some of them on, and walked with Monty, who taught me the art of picking up trash, which became a twist of fate for me. I had twisted my ankle, and was hobbling a bit, when I saw a Ziploc baggie on the ground. I picked it up to keep the course clean, and voila - inside were 4 Advil. Just what I needed when i needed them. I spent time talking to each aid station, and checking in on race radio to help coordinate last runners on the course, bag drop off pickup, and aid station supplies.

In the end I finished the 25K in about 3:20 moving time, 4:45 elapsed time. When finished I ate a bison burger (mm mm) and then took a load of boy scouts to one of the aid stations to begin packing up. On my way back to base I noticed the engine sputtering. Funny, it feels like it's out of gas, but the gauge reads 'Full'. So I eased it back to the aid station and called Chad up on the radio. 'Sounds like my jeep is out of gas, but the gage reads Full'. Chad replies 'It always reads 'Full'. Nick, lets take him a gas can...'

That's how my day ended, waiting on a can of gas so I could make my last trip on the course back to the Start / Finish line. It was a gorgeous day. Mid 60's a nice crisp breeze, leaves of every color on the trees, and sunlight through the forest. That's how I'll remember the first race that I help set up, and also participated in. I'm already thinking about what we can do to make next year better!

Dogwood 25K / 50K - Day 1

After several trip to Dogwood Canyon and the help of many people including John Montgomery and Mike Baxter, the course had been worked out. and race weekend had arrived. Saturday (the day before the race) we started out by taking a load of race course signs to start marking the intersections.

The grounds crew had been clearing some sections and had 'fixed' the creek crossings. One in particular though was still very soft. The Arctic Cat 'Prowlers' had no problem, but our jeep sunk to the axles. This was the first of several exciting events awaiting us on the inaugural Dogwood 25K / 50K trail race, sponsored by North Face.

After many hours of setting signs and asking ourselves 'Have we marked it well enough so Lea would not get off course?' we headed back to the ranch.

On the way back, we spot a bald eagle perched in a tree just above 'Glory Hole'. That made the whole day worthwhile.

At dinner we wanted to get together to discuss logistics, but Dean was nowhere to be found. We figured he'd gone back to the hotel, he had started the day in Springfield getting the Tour De Bass (an inaugural bike ride) off and riding.

I pitched my tent, took off my wet boots and nodded off to the sounds of Endurance Planet's 'Breakaway Friday' which was entitled 'What was I thinking?'. The night was chilly, and the stars were bright.

From John Jones

There is a group (informal adventure racers/trail runners) getting together this Wednesday afternoon at 5:30pm trail running at Sac River Trails and Ritter Springs (meeting at the Sac parking lot). Much like you, we are trying to promote trail running in and around the Springfield area and would like to make this a weekly thing to provide a fun group event mid-week. Runs distance and time varies on each individuals ability (and willingness), but we are shooting for an hour and longer for those who wish. The great thing about Sac/Ritter is the parking lot is never far away if someone needs to leave early or gets there late. As later fall and early winter set in we will turn these into headlamp runs (which are a favorite of mine) as it will get dark sooner. Please spread the word to your PEEPS and hopefully we can get a good group going.

John Jones
Bolivar, MO
417-770-5885

2008 Ozark Greenways Adventure Race (OGAR)

It was another stellar day in the Ozarks – this was the first year I’ve done the race since 2003 (I can’t believe I sat out 5 years…)

There were 78 teams of four registered, and 77 showed up to race. The race began at 7:00 am sharp with a 3 part harmony rendition of the star spangled banner. (can you feel the goosebumps?)

Best I can tell, we were about 24th on the first leg – an 8 mile run on pavement and gravel roads. We got in the canoes for a 6 mile paddle and picked up 10 spots to 14th, got on the bikes for a 7 mile bike. We lost 10 spots between transition and bike leg #1, and came in 24th going into the next section - which was orienteering. We lost 16 more places during the orienteering. (we mistook one drainage channel for a different one on the map and spent one hour on one of the three check points) Then the last bike leg back to finish (8.88 miles of gnarly singletrack and another 8 of gravel / paved roads) we picked up 11 spots to finish 33rd.

About 9 hours and 31 minutes total elapsed time. The top teams finished in about 6 to 7 hours. If we had not made the orienteering error, we would have definitely been top 20, maybe 15. Waiting for final results to see what place we finished relative to complete team finishes, as they allowed PTF’s (partial team finishes) this year.

It was a very tough race, and each of us showed strength at different times, keeping us all up beat, and moving forward. That's teamwork - not just the team captain (Ben) pushing us all (which he did from time to time). But each team member contributing their best, at the right time.

The Endorphins take First Place!

On Saturday May 10th I participated (with two other team members - Ben Craig and Jodie Lister) in an adventure race at Busiek. Starting temp about 45 degrees and misty, breezy. We first had to plot 17 coordinates on to a blank USGS map of teh area, and then proceed to hit them each, in order, using the right mode of travel.

First leg was 4 checkpoints and about 5.5 miles of running / climbing hills (and crossing creeks) Then we got on the bikes - about 5 miles of muddy trail with more creek crossings - and 5 check points, then came the mystery event. We donned PFD's and had to blow up an inner tubes, and pick up 2 check points on Woods Fork Creek. And it was COLD, but VERY beautiful. We waded, floated, and sloshed down the creek for almost 2 miles. It was about that time the lightning and hail kicked in. Then back out for another 5 mile run (run is a relative term at Busiek, as 2 of the next 4 checkpoints were on 'Ridge tops' and we were still carrying the tubes and PFD's) Back to the bikes, for the final leg of the race - another 6 miles of MUDDY trail and 3 more checkpoints.

All in all, about 6+ hours of self propelled forward motion, and untold calories - I was not able to wear my GPS / Heart rate / elevation gain monitor because it had GPS. No GPS allowed.

And the result? A FIRST PLACE finish for The Endorphins. And all checkpoints accounted for accurately. And the feeling that we are close to being ready for the Ozark Greenways race May 31.

Photos coming!

Ahhh...

Ocean breeze, blue water, white sand, horizontal legs and coconut drinks. A little breather for 'The Juice' and his wife Joyce. And awesome sunrises. This is life in the Bahamas. At least for a few days...

April in the Ozarks!

Who would of thought we'd be in tights and fleece in April? Ben, Frank, Jodie and I enjoyed a few periods of spitting snow / sleet on a pretty wet trail at Sac River this morning. Lots of mud holes, but not too bad. Once we were done there I went on over to Ritter for a short loop - ran into a man with 3 dogs. One of them was bounding full speed for me when he yelled 'don;t worry, she won;t bite!'. So I stood still and the black dog just barked a rabid, mean bark. She did not bite, but I was ready to kick some doggie tail if I had to... Found a cable strung bridge at Ritter, wish I had my phone to get a photo. 1 Week to Ouachita 50. Send Captain and I some positive vibes!