Looking Back at 2009

I have my new running goals for 2010, but I never really looked back at this year and my running. Not sure exactly what my goals were for 2009. I know I wanted to hit 50 miles for the Howl at the Moon 8-Hour race...and that didn't happen (although I ran well considering the heat & humidity). I vaguely remember wanting to set some new short distance PRs (5K, 10K)...that didn't happen either. And that darn 7-day stage race called for a new distance PR...nope. Sounds like a pretty dismal year. Not so fast with the negative judgments. I have ended the year happier, healthier, and injury-free. That counts for something. What's even better, is that I believe I know part of the reason I am ending the year in good shape: a shift to minimalist footwear and no more running logs.

For a long time, I have idolized the notion of being "in tune" with my running and less reliant on technology (including fancy footwear). The dude down the street (that would be Mr Riddle) got me to do some barefoot running on the local grass trails a few years ago. I liked it. Never really kept at in a systematic manner, but I did enjoy the feeling of "running free." But I always fell back into the "I can't do that all the time" restrictive thinking. Well, part of that thinking is true...it's hard to run barefoot in the winter when the temperature is 9 degrees and there is ice and snow on the ground. My thinking and my actions have changed since I bought a pair of Vibram FiveFinger shoes this June. They protect my feet from the elements...to some degree...but still allow my feet and mind to feel the ground and adapt on the fly. My feet are stronger. My stride is more natural. I am running injury free. When it's too cold for the FiveFinger shoes, I now have minimalist racing flats (Mizuno Wave Universe 3) and my old trusty Mizuno Wave Revolvers. For tougher trails, I have my New Balance 790s. All are low-to-the-ground, lightweight, minimally cushioned, and unsupportive shoes. Not quite barefoot, but at least closer to that natural state than most shoes allow. Since June, I haven't had a running injury and I have felt stronger and more connected to my running. I still have a long way to go with this minimalist running thing...but I'm on the right path. For runners, it's good to be on the correct path!

A side effect of this minimalist thing is my current aversion to tracking everything. Less technology and less structure means more authentic running. I don't log my training runs anymore. None of them. I still log my races, but not any other runs. I don't track my miles, minutes, paces, routes, days...nothing...except my once a week "test runs" on the treadmill to track progress (and those are just posted to this blog). By not logging any runs, I have opened my eyes to "just running" and enjoying the experience. I live in the moment of today's run and not yesterday's or tomorrow's. I can run fast or slow, short or long, trails or roads, alone or with company. I can head out the door with one plan in mind and change if I encounter a more interesting alternative...and change again and again if I want. With no concern about violating my running log or being able to account for the run. I just run. Or walk. Or jog. Interestingly, this has made my running more consistent and productive. Probably because it's more fun. I have no problem just going out for a 2-3 mile jog. In the past, it was weird (embarrassing?) to log such a run. Plus, now when I am out running, I can stop to talk with a fellow runner, or take a different trail loop without worrying about tracking the exact mileage or time. I almost never run with a watch. Sometimes I do run with a heart rate monitor, but I don't use the stop watch function...I just like seeing my actual CURRENT heart rate. Nice to live in, and for, the moment!

So, 2009 has taught me a couple lessons. I don't need cushioned, supportive, high-heeled shoes. Those shoes tend to promote injuries and take me away from natural running. And I don't need to keep a running log to be a runner. In fact, I just need to run. Running makes me a runner. Not a log. Not race results. Just running. We'll see how 2010 goes. Will I return to "regular" commercial shoes? Will I start logging everything again? I'm still racing...and the pressure to perform may encourage me to slide back into old habits. A new year brings plenty of opportunities and challenges. I hope to have a positive report in about 365 days.

Hope your 2009 was a great running year. May 2010 be even better. Happy new year to all the runners out there!

2010 Running Goals

No rationale, just my 2010 running goals...short, sweet, and measurable:

• Qualify for Boston Marathon
• Run a 50K in Vibram FiveFinger shoes
• Finish the Canadian Death Race
• Run 50 miles at Howl at the Moon 8-Hour
• Break 19:00 for a 5K

I think all of these are reachable goals. Right now, I am ending 2009 and starting 2010 injury-free and running well. In just 3 weeks I have already made progress on my Friday treadmill test runs. This week the Friday run will be moved to Saturday morning (gym closed on New Year's Day). Hope the steady progress continues...all the way through 2010! Happy new year to everyone. May all your running dreams be realized.

NOTE: Jeff's progress update for this week is shorter than normal: "Weight is 234...holding steady for the holidays."

Christmas Thanks

Hope everyone had a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, cultural Kwanzaa, beautiful Boxing Day, or exciting Festivus. My wife was too kind to me with all the running-related gifts. Here are a few highlights:

GoLite Rush Pack

I think I'll need this for the Canadian Death Race in 2010. It'll allow me to carry a ton of water and food, supplies, plus extra clothes. I plan on using it for local "adventure" runs over the next few months--several hour romps on local trails with no stops for supplies or refreshments--I'll have everything in my new light-weight running pack!

Black Diamond Icon headlamp

Again, that darn Death Race has me worried. I already have two basic headlamps and two handheld LED flashlights. They've worked for me so far in races up to 100 miles. The Icon is very bright and will last 80 hours even on high power (plus it has an optional rechargeable battery pack--got that too!). I have this feeling I'll be on serious technical terrain and more tired in the Canadian Rockies than I have been at more tame ultras so far. I'll still carry a handheld light and have an extra back-up in my pack. I want to see them Grizzly bears coming at me!

ReviveX

All of my running jackets are getting rather old and have lost most of their water repellency. This stuff brings back that almost-new coating and still keeps the original breathability. I've tried a couple wash-in products, but this spray-on seems to work the best.

Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports & Life

I'm always looking for good vegetarian and vegan nutrition books. This one is written by a successful vegan triathlete. Seems to have a lot of good science and personal experience behind it...and the 12-week meal plan & recipes look interesting.

The Runner's Body: How the Latest Exercise Science Can Help You Run Stronger, Longer, and Faster

A new book summarizing the research on running and training. Looks good, but not sure anything is new here. Seems well-written and I like the authors' blog called "The Science of Sport."

Raw Organic Chia Seeds

Read "Born to Run" and you'll understand how this is connected to running.

Feiyue Martial Arts Shoes

This is the sort of thing you experiment with when you are "going minimal" with your running. I already have the Vibram FiveFinger shoes and a pair of 3.8oz racing flats (Mizuno Wave Universe 3). Now I'm trying martial arts shoes. They are cheap and have no cushioning, support, or heel rise. Much heavier than I expected, but I'm going to give them a go. Plus, they are the #1 shoe choice for Shaolin monks and masters! Can't wait to see my co-workers eyes when they see me in these shoes. Gotta keep people guessing.

Washington Trails Association Calendar

You need to track the days of the year...and a few key trail races. This calendar supports trails in Washington state (and has some beautiful pictures). Lots of national trail races are included on the calendar...even the fantastic local Clinton Lake 30-Mile Trail Run!

Bunch of Badger Balm

A nice variety of balms for sore muscles, dry feet, aching joints, and sunburned skin.

I'll leave out all the fancy beer, coffee, and tea products I received. Those are sorta running-related, but not really. It's been a good holiday and I'm clearly spoiled. With all this new loot, I need to commit to a few tough goals in 2010. I knew there was a catch!

Test Run #3

Friday, my normal "test run" day, fell on Christmas and the gym wasn't open. I don't own a treadmill, so I waited until today to do test run #3. Here are the statistics (parentheses contain changes from previous week):

Saturday, December 26, 2009
3 miles @ 8:00 pace
Average HR = 149 (-1 beat)
Peak HR = 159 (+1 beat)
Resting HR = 55 (-1 beat)
Weight = 170 (-6 pounds)

Pretty good progress! I am very happy about the weight loss during the 8 days that included lots of holiday time. Average, peak, and resting heart rates are essentially the same...although there are more greens than reds (green=improvement, red=decline).

This test run comes after a miserable 10-mile run on the Clinton Lake trail yesterday. It was the worst trail conditions I've ever seen there---mud, leaves, downed trees, and very high water. Some sections had water up to my waist! And I'm not talking about a few feet of trail under water....this was more like 200-300 feet of trail at a time. The water was COLD--felt like needles stabbing my feet and legs. When the trail wasn't under water, it was muddy & slippery. The weather sucked too---started with cold light rain (40 degrees), then switched to snow, sleet, and back to snow with serious winds (20-30mph) and much colder temperatures (29 degrees). When I was done, my feet were completely numb and I couldn't untie my shoes--they were covered with a frozen water/mud mix. The laces were rock solid. After yesterday's crazy run, I was happy to hit the indoor treadmill for a test run today.

PS: Jeff skipped his update this week (too much holiday cheer?), but should be back on track next week.

Healthy Intelligent Training

Who can argue against healthy intelligent training? Well, my new training program is based on a fairly recent book by Keith Livingstone called "Healthy Intelligent Training: The Proven Principles of Arthur Lydiard." I've always enjoyed reading about Lydiard and I have two of his books ("Running to the Top" and "Running with Lydiard"). His philosophy has always made sense to me. While this new book isn't written by Lydiard, to me it summarizes and explains the Lydiard approach better than the other two books written by the man himself.

I'm mostly an ultramarathon runner. Mostly a trail runner. I race long distances over trails at a pretty slow pace. I need endurance, not speed. I need to maximize my aerobic potential. Fortunately, if I do build a huge aerobic base, speed at shorter distances (5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon) should be there since those distances are run predominately in the aerobic range. Here are some interesting statistics showing what proportion of each race is run aerobically (vs anaerobically):

1500m = 83%
5K = 93%
10K = 97%
Marathon = 99%

A LOT of racing is done within your aerobic system! I'll bet 100-mile trail runs are 99.99% aerobic.

Lydiard-based training is not all easy, long runs. It's a complex training system with workouts designed to stimulate all of the aerobic and anaerobic body systems. For the next few months I'm concentrating on the aerobic runs. The Healthy Intelligent Training book bases workout intensities on heart rate target zones using the Karvonen formula (heart rate reserve). You need to know your maximum HR and your resting HR (the difference between the two is your HR reserve). Here are my current stats and target zones for a few sample intensities:

Max HR = 188
Resting HR = 54
HR Reserve = 188-54 = 134

Target Heart Rates
(Percent = %HR Reserve + Resting HR)
60-75% = Bread & Butter Aerobic (easy, long, and recovery runs)
75-80% = Sub-Threshold Aerobic (marathon pace run)
80-85% = Threshold (tempo run at just below lactate threshold)

My Percentages & Corresponding Heart Rates:
60-75% = 134-154
75-80% = 154-161
80-85% = 161-168

Here is my first stab at a weekly training plan for the next few months (probably with some slight alterations every few weeks):

MON: Cross training or OFF
TUES: Very easy 4-6 miles (HR<134)
WED: 15-30 minute tempo run or intervals (HR=161-168)
THURS: Very easy 4-6 miles (HR<134)
FRI: 3 mile test run @ 8:00 pace (HR should be below 155)
SAT: 15-20 mile long run (HR=134-154)
SUN: 5-10 mile easy run (HR=134-154)

And I'll keep an eye on my weight. For every pound gained, you tend to run 2 seconds per mile slower. Dang, my extra 6 pounds is costing me 12 seconds/mile! That's over 5 minutes in a marathon. Time to switch over to Sam Adams light beer.

If you are interested in learning more about Lydiard training, both the philosophy and physiology behind it, I encourage you to read the book "Healthy Intelligent Training" by Keith Livingstone. It's a fantastic book. There is also a Lydiard Foundation web site dedicated to spreading the word about this "coach of the century."

Good Time to Start Real Training

For me, this is a good time to start real training. I'm not injured, I'm not sick, and the winter forces me to run slower so I won't try and do too much speed work (or any speed work?). Speed kills. What a great time to re-dedicate myself to a training plan with some new goals for 2010. Also, I'm not in GREAT shape right now, but I'm not in BAD shape either. Perfect place to start building a good aerobic base. The end of one year is a nice place to look at goals for the next year. Setting goals for 2010 pushes me to develop a training plan to reach those goals. All the stars are aligning for me! I'm still thinking about my goal races for 2010...and what training I'll need to reach those goals. Before the end of the year I'll post my race schedule and training plan. I do hope to continue my Friday test runs to track progress for at least the next 6 months.

Hope you are having a good holiday season. Start thinking about YOUR running plans for 2010. Winter just began yesterday and the new year will be here before you know it. At least we will be getting a bit more daylight with each new dawn. More daylight means more training!

Test Run #2

I had my second test run this morning. Last week I had my first "benchmark" run so I would have an objective baseline for comparison. See my previous post for a description of the run, the original benchmark data, and my goals. Over the coming weeks, all of my statistics should get better. Once I have a bit more data, I plan on plotting the progress too (unlike that fake set of charts & graphs in the picture). Well, here are today's stats:

Friday, December 18, 2009
3 miles @ 8:00 pace
Average HR = 150 (-5 beats)
Peak HR = 158 (-7 beats)
Resting HR = 56 (+2 beats)
Weight = 176 (+2 pounds)

Sort of a mixed bag. I certainly didn't expect to GAIN two pounds over the course of ONE week! And the resting heart rate going up 2 beats isn't great either. This week at work has been very busy and stressful so that may account for the heart rate increase...and the constant eating leading to an extra 2 pounds. Things will calm down at work after this weekend so I expect a restful heart rate next week. I need to pay attention to my eating habits since this is the holiday season and crappy food is everywhere.

Now the good news...my average heart rate and peak heart rate both went down for the same 3-mile treadmill run! That's awesome. This past week of training wasn't very hard. I didn't have a single run longer than about 7 miles. I'll have more long runs over the next week. I'm happy with the running progression, but disturbed by the increased resting HR and weight. It's still early so there is no need to panic.

Jeff's Progress

I will be posting my weekly progress update each Friday after my benchmark treadmill run. Jeff (director of the famous "Riddle Run") has his own goals and will be sending me updates each week too--usually after our Tuesday morning run. This is our public accountability. He primarily wants to lose weight, overcome his foot problems, and get back to marathon & ultra running (but only if he can drop below 200 pounds). Here is Jeff's first quick report to me:

Weight: 234 lbs => 231 lbs
Waist: 43.25" => 42.5"

Feeling better and upping by miles to 30 miles per week for next year.

Short & simple. Jeff's making progress after only one week. Can I say the same after Friday's run? I hope so.

Dean Karnazes is OK

I've had mixed feelings about Dean Karnazes (the "ultramarathon man") over the last several years. He is a good runner and he gets more than his fair share of media attention. I guess I've been a bit jealous of him. He's a hell of a better runner than I am, but he's not the best runner ever (or even currently). The press would have you believe otherwise. Scott Jurek and Yiannis Kouros are two better ultra runners. From the past, Ted Corbitt was clearly better. I suppose the fact that Dean gets all the attention isn't his fault. He dreams up some pretty cool challenges, gets sponsorship support, and attracts big media attention. That's not wrong. It's smart marketing. And it probably is good for the sport of running. And ultra running. It certainly is a good message to get out to the general public...you can achieve all sorts of extreme physical challenges if you work hard. Running can help you lose weight, get in shape, and contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle. That's all good. But I still had this "thing" against Karno. Not as much pent up emotions as those on the national ULTRA listserv, but still some lingering negative thoughts. Until just a few days ago...

I've been reading his book about running 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states ("50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days"). My wife got it for me a year ago, but I've kept pushing it aside for other running books. Well, it's not too bad. He chronicles each of his 50 marathons and throws in bits of running advice to go along with each story. It's a nice read (Matt Fitzgerald assisted with the book and likely deserves some credit for the readability and style). It's pretty darn impressive that Dean accomplished this feat--along with all the media hoopla--in fine form. BTW, Sam Thompson did this SAME FEAT without big sponsorship before Karnazes (too bad that isn't mentioned in Deano's book). Anyway, Karnazes generated a ton of good publicity for running and the "Endurance 50" surely motivated others to try endurance-related challenges. Via his book, it motivated me too. For a couple years I've told myself that I have "a fast marathon and ultra lurking inside me." I figured I could run 3:20 or so for the marathon. I think I could break 24:00 for a 100-mile trail ultramarathon. I had other thoughts for fast times at shorter distances too. Unfortunately, they were just thoughts and not actions. The struggles and achievements Dean chronicles in his book motivated me to commit to some serious training in hopes of a fast marathon in 2010. Maybe a fast ultra too. And a quick 5K for some variety! The book, along with talking with my running partner Jeff (see "The Running Pact" blog post before this one), got me to start doing instead of just talking.

One passage in Dean's book really caught my attention. On page 68, he has a spotlight section that answers one of his most frequently asked questions: How can you run 50 marathons in 50 days? He and his coach (Chris Carmichael) answer that question...

"We theorized that the best way to recover from one marathon was not to put myself too far in debt during the previous day's marathon. We did two things to meet this objective: First, we set a baseline fitness goal of being able to run a four-hour marathon with an average heart rate of 110. We got there prior to the start of the first Endurance 50 marathon. Second, I participated in numerous ultra-marathons that were much longer than 26.2 miles. The thinking here was that if I could run a hundred miles comfortably, I could click off a marathon without undue strain."

This makes sense. It's also pretty awesome to be able to run a marathon with an average HR of 110. I want to be that fit! Well, at least much fitter than I am now. My main fitness goal over the next 6 months will be to develop my aerobic base. I want long runs to eventually feel easy--maybe not with an average HR of 110, but under 140 would be cool. I'll be tracking my heart rate over the next few months and reporting on my Friday morning benchmark runs. Before my goal marathon in 2010, I'll run several ultra marathons to get in those "over distance" workouts that should make the marathon distance seem easy. Of course, I'll need more than just great aerobic fitness and long runs to race a fast marathon. Details of my training plan and goal race coming up soon.

For now, I just want to send a virtual "thank you" out to Dean Karnazes. He isn't too bad. In fact, he's an alright dude. I feel like I'm rising out of my old shell and emerging into a true runner thanks to his inspirational runs and writing. The Awakening has begun! Thanks Dean.

The Running Pact

Last weekend I was running with Jeff Riddle and we were both complaining about what we'd like to achieve with our running. Lose weight, set some PRs, get back to trail marathons & ultras, qualify for Boston, do the 100 mile Grand Slam, etc. All fine goals. The problem is we already know HOW to achieve them...but we don't do it! Jeff knows how to lose weight. I know how to become a faster runner. We are both knowledgeable about training plans. The problem is we don't have the discipline to carry through with what we SAY we want to do. Maybe we don't really want to achieve these things. Or maybe we do, but simply don't have the correct motivation. So we decided to start small and commit to running together on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 5:30am through the winter. Probably an easy 4-6 mile run. Simple enough. Nothing earth shattering. It's implied that during those runs we would discuss our progress...that's an extra slice of accountability. Additionally, I'll post an update on my progress each Friday on this blog. Jeff is welcome to comment, or have a full guest post, if he wishes. That is our simple pact.

How will this pact get us toward our goals? Well, for me, I need consistency. I skip too many runs. I'm blessed with some innate running talent. I can "get by" on pretty low weekly mileage and still preform OK. In fact, I can run fairly well at all distances from 5K to 100 miles with just 25-35 miles per week. I want to run better and achieve my potential as a runner. I want more than "OK." I've never committed to a real training plan and attempted to see what my personal records could be at 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, 50K, 50 miles, 100K, 100 miles...you get the idea. I think I'm capable of new PRs at all these distances. Running with Jeff will get me out the door twice a week for a couple very easy runs. Plus, those runs will motivate me to do other runs so I can report progress back to Jeff. In addition to Tuesday/Thursday with Jeff, I plan on doing a benchmark run every Friday morning to objectively track my progress. I did my first one this morning at the gym (see below). In future posts I'll detail my full training plan and my ultimate goal for 2010.

Why wait until the new year to commit to a new training program? My new training started this week! Tuesday and Thursday I ran with Jeff early in the morning. It was bitterly cold, dark, and windy...but we met and did our easy runs. If we can run in the dark when the temperature is 4 degrees (windchill well below zero), we should be able to continue under better conditions. Today I had my first "benchmark" run on the treadmill. My goal is to run every Friday morning on the treadmill under the same conditions: same shoes, same pace, same treadmill, same incline, same warm-up and cool-down. Here's the workout and metrics I will follow: half-mile warm-up jog @ 9:00 pace, followed by 3-mile run at 8:00 pace on treadmill set at 0% incline, then half-mile cool down walk. I'll run the same pace (8:00 minute/mile = 7.5 miles/hour) and track my average and peak heart rate for the 3-mile run. I believe the pace will feel easier over time and my average and peak heart rates will drop. Here are the statistics for today and what my goals are for the near future:

December 11, 2009 Benchmarks
3 miles @ 8:00 pace
Average HR = 155
Peak HR = 165
Resting HR = 54
Weight = 174

Intermediate Goals (achieved by March 27)
Average HR = 145
Peak HR = 155
Resting HR = 50
Weight = 172

Long Term Goals (achieved by August 1)
Average HR = 135
Peak HR = 145
Resting HR = 45
Weight = 170

Seems doable, eh? Wait until you hear about my ultimate goal for 2010. I believe it's doable too.

Riddle Run Winners Get a Spot In Clinton Race?

Looks like the tradition of giving the Riddle Run winners (male & female champions) a spot in the closed Clinton Lake 30-Mile Trail Run is going to continue. I had a recent cancellation from a registered runner and felt it was just the "right thing to do" to offer up 2 possible spots for the Riddle Run 28-mile winners. It's fairly equitable and it creates a bit of buzz among local runners (and even some Chicago area folks that want a spot in Clinton so they can do the full Grand Slam). Anyone is welcome to do the free Riddle Run 28-mile trail event. If you win, a spot will magically open up for you in the Clinton Lake ultra...it's not a FREE opening, but you can register for Clinton Lake within 2 weeks of a Riddle Run victory at the regular race cost. That's quite a deal. There may be other openings for people on my race wait list, but you never know. Train, race, and WIN YOURSELF A SPOT!

So, does this mean there will actually be a Riddle Run #11 in late January? I sure hope so! Running with Jeff this morning and chatting about my blog posts (what else do runners do at 5:45am in the dark and cold?)...he's inclined to do it all again...just with less fanfare and publicity. No guarantee, but mark those calendars for the last Saturday in January (Jan 30th) and expect to do a 28 mile run at Lake of the Woods trail in Mahomet, IL. The run usually starts around 8am. Jeff uses the "4-mile loop" which is part of the full 5-mile trail system at the park. Here is more information about the park and trail:

Trail Map (pdf)
Topo map of trail (jpg)
Map of Lake of the Woods Park (pdf)
Directions to Trail

Here is my race report from the 2009 Riddle Run (the 10th edition).

This is the same set of trails that plays host to the infamous Buffalo Trace 7-Day Stage Race in the summer. Now that is one heck of a challenge! Unfortunately, the 7-day stage race may not happen in 2010. Of course, that's what people were saying about Riddle Run too. Hmmmm....

Free at Last, Free at Last!

OK, so I'm no Martin Luther King, but I do feel that I'm free at last...from the tyranny of structured running in formal running shoes. Yesterday I had a great run in my Vibram FiveFinger KSOs. It felt great to go easy with no heart-rate monitor, no watch, no pace goal, no planned distance or time...just running in my minimalist finger shoes wherever I wanted to go! Didn't hurt to have a fairly warm day (temperature in the 30s instead of teens or low 20s). My feet felt great and my body and mind were in sync with "just running" as mankind was meant to do. The five finger shoes are about as close to barefoot and primal running as you can get (especially in cold climates). I ran on a local park bike path for about 5-6 miles...taking a slight detour through a 715 meter trail loop in the middle of the bike path out-and-back route. I usually run on pure trails, but I just wanted a smooth (and slightly warmer?) surface to run on and the flat asphalt hit the spot. I'll be back to trails soon enough...hopefully still in the KSOs.

Give yourself a break from the imprisonment of "normal" shoes and try a little barefoot or Five Finger shoe running. While you're at it, leave the watch and heart-rate monitor at home too...and just run. You may find that hitting the road or trail with little technology brings you back to the heart & soul of running...just you and your legs cruising along a path less traveled. No worries, no pressure, no goals. Enjoy.

Riddle Run vs Clinton Lake Ultra

In the past, the low-key and long-running (10 years so far) "Riddle Run" fat ass and the super-awesome Clinton Lake 30-Mile Trail Run had a great relationship. Riddle Run is a 28-mile fun run on gently rolling trails in late January. A perfect place to test yourself and get ready for a spring ultra like Clinton Lake in late March (which is run on not-so-gentle trails). The two races were a nice one-two punch for ultra runners in central Illinois.

The two events also had a collegial relationship where the directors helped each other out on race day. In fact, the two races were so happy to be connected and supportive of each other, there was an agreement that the male & female winners of the Riddle Run would be awarded a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to enter the closed Clinton Lake ultra. Now the rumor mill is churning out all sorts of scandalous gossip...including the possibility of NO RIDDLE RUN in 2010! Can that be possible? And the relationship between the two race directors has become strained too...one of them can hardly be called a runner anymore...he limps along at 12:00 pace...if he's lucky! Even if there is a Riddle Run, there may be no "perk" of being let into the full Clinton Lake ultra. Too bad since there are lots of people on the wait list for Clinton Lake. Who knows, maybe this is all gossip and there really will be an 11th annual Riddle Run in late January. Maybe there will be a prize for the winners. Maybe there will be dancing girls at the finish line. Maybe the Fat Kid will show up. Maybe Angela Bizzarri will be the special guest starter. Maybe not.

I've run ten straight Riddle Run fat ass events...I have the most accumulated miles of any Riddle Run participant (a LOT more than the director himself!)...it would be nice to complete #11 this January. So keep your eye on this blog, and the National Enquirer, for the latest updates. Inquiring minds want to know...will there be a Riddle Run in the future?