It’s funny, but until 2004 I never thought of myself as a real runner — just a cyclist who was “faking it.” Nowadays, however, it seems like I run even more than bicycling. It is ultra-convenient as it can be done almost anywhere, in any weather — just bring a pair of running shoes.
By completing the Sulphur Springs 100 last weekend, I fulfilled all the running goals I listed at the bottom of the running race log page set in January 2005 (and are duplicated at the bottom of this page). Phew! Most of them were even achieved “on time,” or close. I doubt I could have done so had I been working 45-60 hours/week, which is the beauty of being semi-retired — being able to devote more time to other things of interest and importance to oneself apart from making a living. Continue reading »
Twenty-four hours after finishing the Sulphur Springs 100, I am happy to report I successfully completed all 100 miles on foot, even if barely. Due to the numerous hills, nearly freezing to death at one point, having problems seeing where I was going at night even with a headlamp, foot blisters, utter fatigue, and getting lost with just 5.5 miles to go (and hence actually “running” 102.5 miles, total), I finished with just 20 minutes to spare in second-to-the-last place of all finishers… but of course I was just happy to finish. This was definitely the hardest one-day event I’ve ever done; a true suffer-fest. Continue reading »
There were many reasons for me to visit southeastern Canada, including taking French classes, seeing where my father grew up, and visiting relatives I haven’t seen in 23 years. Here’s another reason: to attempt to run 100 miles, again!
My last attempt ended after 100 kilometers in the Boulder 100 last October. This time, I intend to go the full distance in the Sulphur Springs 100 in Ancaster, Ontario this Saturday, starting at 6:00am. In fact, there will be 47 of us attempting to do so. Here is the full race roster. Continue reading »
Today was the day, and I am done! My endurance wasn’t quite there today, but that’s all right considering that this was not the course to try to set a personal best on, nor was I going to win. :) Below are some e-mail excerpts I sent to some friends on the AC-FC Google Group: Continue reading »
One of the motivations for running in the Boston Marathon this year was the Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials the day before. So I woke up early on Sunday morning to meet up with Eddie on Boylston Street, where the Olympic Trials shared the same finish line as the Boston Marathon. Continue reading »
&title=Running Goals: Achieved! "Felix and Jonathan duking it out on the finishing straight of the Mountain Avenue Mile in Fort Collins, CO. (Photo by Jennifer)")
&title=Boston Marathon "Making the final turn on famed Boylston Street at the Boston Marathon. (Photo: MarathonFoto.com)")
