I am Slightly Above Average

I am above average...at least compared to the old Chris of the last 10 years (or is that the younger Chris?).  I just completed my 11th Howl at the Moon 8-Hour race. My average for the past 10 years has been 42.6 miles.  Yesterday I ran 43.77 miles.  Slightly above average!  Sweet.  It was good enough for 19th place overall (out of almost 300 runners) and 2nd in my age group (40-49 year old males). That's above average too.

UPDATE: Full results posted here.

I think the Maffetone/Van Aaken heart rate training worked well.  I was rested, but well-trained.  Even with the intense sun and fairly warm temps (high of 85, dew point 67), I was able to run steadily with a low heart rate. My heart rate average was 138, with a high of 154. Didn't eat much either--must have been in a good fat-burning zone.

Here are my updated statistics after the 2011 event:

Total Races: 11
Low: 33.9 miles (2010)
High: 47.06 miles (2006, 2008)
Total Miles: 469.85
Average Miles: 42.7
Best Placing: 12th (2005)
Worst Placing: 99th (2010)

Every year it becomes harder to sustain a strong effort.  Age takes it's toll...but not this year!  I'll be back next year to try for that mystical 50 miles in 8 hours.  Next year if I can manage 50K (31 miles), I'll also break 500 total "Howl miles."

NOTE: Photos courtesy of fellow buffalo runner Brian Kuhn.  Thanks Brian!  Interesting how tired one looks after going for 8 hours (photo at right is at the 7:57 mark).  I think the photo at the top has me looking fresher--must have been after only 4 hours of running.