RayMiller 30k: Splits ain't gonna suck themselves

This too can be yours.

Oh, you must feel betrayed by age
I'm reading from a later page
   You can't hear me at your stage...
—Oscar Brown Jr

At the 2016 Ray Miller 30k start  today, I was chicked— yesterday. Waves of fine, talented women surged ahead and I was chill with all of it. Last time I'd done a 30k was probably 1987: the qualifier for the 1988 Catalina Marathon. Things were different then. 

Snapping off a Pro Log

But I was happy—I'd just recovered felony-function in my right arm. Six weeks earlier I'd skidded into an ER with a fractured upper-right humerus. As broken bones go, it was a stage 1 greenstick fracture: no bones sticking out of flesh, no cast or surgery. But it fucked up my life for the next 5 weeks. Hurt like hell, and all the rest. It was a replay of 2014's broken wrist.
More drugs, now.

The Self-Aggrandizing Dean Karnazes-grade Race Report Bullshit Here

I'd originally signed up for the RM50k. When things began to clear somewhat with my arm, I realized that 1] A 50k wasn't likely, and 2] 30k might be. Pulled the pre-race dropdown lever, and there it was. I hadn't done shit for mileage since April, and this exercise was strictly maintaining an even strain: no hot-dogging or red-lining. Just get to the finish in one piece. Shuffle-on!

The 30k is a popular sub-ultra trail-distance, and I witnessed a lot of hilarity out on the trail. Saw a cluster of Ragnarettes, resplendent in their finery going the wrong way on the Mugu Peak loop. Guess the signs and pink ribbons weren't lurid enough. 

 Another dialog: Two girls were discussing the difference between kilometers and miles, and that ultras were all in Ks, probably to Euro-qualify. Then there was the business of 100-milers, but they weren't clear on where that came from. It was mystery, and one unlikely to be attempted anytime soon.

 I hit the Hell-Hill Hub Aid Station the requisite Three Times [4.8, 11, 16], looted my fill, bullshitted with the delightful volunteers, and was finally blasted loose by Strava, The Implacable Mistress of Time, Space and SKT. 

 On the way down to the finish was again passed by the Way More Talented; one fine young cannibal even complimenting my on my 4mph ultra-shuffle. Crossed the finish in 5:30-something, got my gong and mug. It was a beautiful day, did nothing fatal or stupid. I'll take it where I can find it.

Obligatory Brand-Ambassadork & Sponsor Quacking

None of this would have been possible were it not for D&L Holistic Industries, Stroka®™, SpoogeBuilder®™, God®™, the Pilates coach, the Academy, and all the little people in the 310. Be certain that if you have A Spiritual Crisis Of Faith®™, agonize over it on camera, then A Compelling Uplifting Resolution. We'll fix the music and overdubs in post. You'll adjust!
Freeze-Frame!







=

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I Didn't Conquer Kilimanjaro

Image
THE SUMMIT I didn't conquer Kilimanjaro. I paid attention, cooperated with the mountain in optimal conditions. Made the summit on Mar 10 2024; and more importantly, made it back down safely on my own steam. This was a pilgrimage for my late wife Leslie Sowle, who'd done it in Dec 2003. When I reunited with her in Jan 2022, I repeated my admiration for her accomplishment. She looked at me and said "its just a long walk. You could do it" Leslie in red parka. Kilimanjaro, 2003. Photographer unknown. At the time I demurred, because Kili was irrelevant in the face of her oncoming death. I began thinking about it in September 2023. If not now, then when?  I started training with her very good 2003 Arcteryx RT25 pack at home in Ventura County, CA. I made no mention of it on the socials. Bad juju. I'd booked the longest trip possible [11 days Northern Lemosho Route] with Simon Mtuy's Summit Expeditions to get as much altitude conditioning possible. A shorter trip [5-
Read more

If Carhartt Made Wedding Dresses…

Image
"La Paloma de Alba" This lovely two-piece bib overall mermaid gown has delicate, feminine details throughout. From the hand-beaded, antique-finish nickel hardware brooch detail on the sweetheart bodice, to the cascading rose at the hip, it is a gorgeous dress for the modern bride. Field-Tested, multiple tool and utility pockets. Faux-braided ribbon closure at back; breakaway honeymoon closure on side. Made of 11.75-ounce, 100% denim cotton, with triple-stitched main seams, satin-polyester facings and taffeta trim material. Also available in Nomex®™. Shown in Sandstone. Available in Moss, Dark Green and Enhanced Black.
Read more

Never Bet Against The Angeles Crest 100

Image
Scott Jurek, leading in 1999 at Chilao (51mi). Tom Nielsen was gaining on him. This post concerns the 2000 and 2001 AC100 races.  In the course of reviewing the facts, I'd realized that I had merged two races together. Thanks to chats with Jennifer Johnston and Tom Nielsen, I got straightened out. The story is more interesting that way.  1999: Prequel Scott Jurek and Tom Nielsen had locked horns at AC in 1999. Everything was ducky up until Chantry, when  Mr Murphy starts dropping wrenches in the gears. Tommy caught Ian Torrence on Mt Wilson [79mi give or take], and then Jurek at Idle Hour.  Idle Hour. 81 miles, in a Dark Hole in the side of a mountain.  That is a hard place to get served.  I think this was pre-packet radio days, and Ham-radio transmissions sometimes got lost or delayed bouncing off the canyons. There are 2 additional checkpoints, but nobody is quite sure where he is.  Or it seemed that way then. David Emmons, who was manning the Millard Aid Station comm
Read more