Croman Red, Fifth Challenge: To Hell and back.

[obax]

Yay to Croman!!! So glad you finished AND that you didn't die!!! Congrats! And I'm impressed with your moment of clarity, I was really expecting the end of that sentence to say something like "...and so I said yes, 'cuz I'm crazy."

 

Just out of curiosity, how long were you out trekking for?

[Croman Red]

Obax, I was 25:29 hrs.  The last person in was 25:33 hrs and the event ended at 25:45 hours.  I'm interested in comparing the finisher vs starter lists to see how many of my brothers and sisters fell while running the blade.  Part of it is to make myself feel better for being tail end Charlie, and part of it is disbelief.  When I looked over the crowd at the start, I felt like a different species altogether with my beer belly and all of them looking like whippets in spandex super tights.

 

Regarding the next super race...I'm in a quandary.  The pain is exquisite, I like the bragging rights, and if I don't follow up, at some point I will become a "has been".  Which will be fine when I'm old and frail, but painful while I'm old and strong.  (Yes, I know, "pain is good, extreme pain is extremely good", but the nagging little aches SUCK!)  Which means there's more stupidity in my future (Quiet Wolverine!).  It will be awhile though, because I'm going to try to actually develop the fitness required for the task instead of gutting it out.  Being tough has its merits but, generally speaking, I'm not really interested in shenanigans that leave me wiped out for days or weeks afterwards.  Not as a lifestyle.  (Ok, that's a lie, but I'm trying to evolve here, so bear with me!)  I need to change my lifestyle so my stunts don't wipe me out.  I think.  This implies the adoption of methodologies and practices (spreadsheets, training plans, temperance) that I am uncomfortable with.  Such things seem unclean in an Old Testament kind of way.  It would have been so much easier if I had stayed dead on the mountain.

[Croman Red]

I totally knew you'd win! Awesome, kudos, high praise, and a Knight of Chaos medallion for you, Sir Croman.

 

I bask in the praise of my fellow Assassin:)

[Croman Red]

Congrats! And glad you made it alive and not needing crutches. That race is so intense, it is mind boggling. After that race, I think your challenge should be something like visit a masseuse or time spent at a hot tub.

 

Thanks!  The run was intense, and my mind is boggled too (but its good to hear that it boggles the mind of homo superior* too:)

 

I've been noticing over the last couple of challenges that you and your kettle ball have been getting pretty fit.  Next June 7 there's the Rainier to Ruston Ultra Marathon...all down hill (in general), mostly paved...I'm thinking of trying to talk Mrs Red into doing it, maybe you and Mr Incredible would be interested?  At least in part, you can do different legs as a team.  I don't know where in Washington you are, but that trail covers some really beautiful country (I was raised around there and used to walk a lot of it as a kid when it was an active railroad.  We didn't have computer games and TV was pretty lame).  Something to think about, lots of time to prep:)

 

*Homo Superior:  What Magneto called mutants, you know, people who can stretch like Gumby and such.

[Aeryn]

Holy wow, you are amazing. I think the idea of actually training up for future ultras is a good idea - you've proved you have the mental toughness to do whatever the heck you decide to do - how much more awesome would it be to have the conditioning that means it doesn't hurt quiiiiite so much? Make it so!

[Croman Red]

Thank you.  I was wondering if it would be possible without following some intense diet and training program.  Now that I know that it is, I strongly encourage everyone else to go out and do something off the charts.  Remember, I'm not anywhere near as dedicated or fit as people like Wolverine or Waldo.  Just imagine what all of you are capable of!

 

As far as the pain goes...I like to think I'm paying off Karmic debt and building up credit:)

[BlackWidowEowyn]

25 hours....

Bat$#!t crazy.... its definitely confirmed

 

but also

 

I'm awestruck. And inspired!

So much epicness there aren't even words.

I'm with Aeryn... Imagine if you actually trained (even if you have to stoop to charts and other such nonsense) we'll have a real live Superman on our hands 

Way. To. Rock it

[Vector]

Interestingly, I've known of folks who train hard for ultras DNF by pushing too hard in the wrong places. They actually finished a higher percentage of races before they 'got serious'.

[Croman Red]

Thanks BWE, I've found that having people like you call me Bat$#!t crazy warms my soul like the fires of Hell themselves:).

[Croman Red]

Interestingly, I've known of folks who train hard for ultras DNF by pushing too hard in the wrong places. They actually finished a higher percentage of races before they 'got serious'.

 

I think the only reason I finished it was because I had spread the word so far and wide that I didn't dare not finish!  The problem I'm having is that I'm kinda ambivalent about the Ultra lifestyle.  Its very cool, but if you're in, that's pretty much it.  I like the trail running, and the comaraderie is nice, but these people are one trick ponies.  That said, I look at distances waay differently now.

[obax]

I think the only reason I finished it was because I had spread the word so far and wide that I didn't dare not finish!  The problem I'm having is that I'm kinda ambivalent about the Ultra lifestyle.  Its very cool, but if you're in, that's pretty much it.  I like the trail running, and the comaraderie is nice, but these people are one trick ponies.  That said, I look at distances waay differently now.

 

Are they one trick ponies because they have to be or because they want to be? That's a genuine question, seeing as 5k is far for me, but I feel like you could adopt some of the lifestyle and get some of the camaraderie while still maintaining a whole bag full of tricks if you wanted. It might mean that you aren't as efficient at the ultras as some of the whippets in spandex, but if that's ok with you, you can still maintain your assassin ways too. You'll just specialize in long-distance assassin-ing, is all.

[Vector]

Are they one trick ponies because they have to be or because they want to be? That's a genuine question, seeing as 5k is far for me, but I feel like you could adopt some of the lifestyle and get some of the camaraderie while still maintaining a whole bag full of tricks if you wanted. It might mean that you aren't as efficient at the ultras and some of the whippets in spandex, but if that's ok with you, you can still maintain your assassin ways too. You'll just specialize in long-distance assassin-ing, is all.

It's an interesting question, Obax. It's sort of like in lifting...there's folks that specialize because they have to to get on the podium, and then there's folks who specialize for identity reasons. So the Identity folks train like they are going to total 2000 in powerlifting, or will be attending the nationals in Olympic Weightlifting even though they never will or intend to. But it's an important personality construct to be  a 'power lifter' or 'olympic lifter' or 'ultra runner' and so people do what supports that aspect of their identity. Doesn't mean it makes any real sense.

[Croman Red]

Interesting question.  I consider them one trick ponies because its all they do.  Mainly because its a huge investment of time, but probably because it reflects both their interests and aptitudes.  I do it because its simple (Run Forest, run!), but also because it results in a bone-deep fatigue that makes me feel stronger.  I like to play The Elder Scrolls, and watching my character running all over the map got me thinking this might be cool for real.  I also like to do things that other people think are Bat@#!t crazy.  I certainly have never had any interest in running because I enjoy it, although it bothers me less these days.  I agree with Vector, I think we do what supports our self image.  And yes, I will move on to other things, I've just been considering how much of this thing to continue with.

[drsloomis]

The good thing about running is that it's easy to work in other work (core, upper body) around it, so continuing the running while also expanding (core work will help with the running and the breathing) to support more varied development is both doable and probably a good idea.

And SERIOUS congrats on completion. I bow to you, sir.

[Croman Red]

Thanks Man, it was that close to being more than I could handle:)

[Elastigirl]

Thanks!  The run was intense, and my mind is boggled too (but its good to hear that it boggles the mind of homo superior* too:)

 

I've been noticing over the last couple of challenges that you and your kettle ball have been getting pretty fit.  Next June 7 there's the Rainier to Ruston Ultra Marathon...all down hill (in general), mostly paved...I'm thinking of trying to talk Mrs Red into doing it, maybe you and Mr Incredible would be interested?  At least in part, you can do different legs as a team.  I don't know where in Washington you are, but that trail covers some really beautiful country (I was raised around there and used to walk a lot of it as a kid when it was an active railroad.  We didn't have computer games and TV was pretty lame).  Something to think about, lots of time to prep:)

 

*Homo Superior:  What Magneto called mutants, you know, people who can stretch like Gumby and such.

Marathon sounds like WAY too much running for me, and Mr Incredible hates running more than I hate it. Did look up the race though. You were right about the downhill, I thought you were just saying that. I thought every trail in WA went uphill both ways. Does look like a cool trail, may have to hunt for geocaches along it

[Croman Red]

Marathon sounds like WAY too much running for me, and Mr Incredible hates running more than I hate it. Did look up the race though. You were right about the downhill, I thought you were just saying that. I thought every trail in WA went uphill both ways. Does look like a cool trail, may have to hunt for geocaches along it

 

It is a cool trail, and lots of it:)  Maybe you could plant some caches of your own?

[AgentsSka]

Thank you.  I was wondering if it would be possible without following some intense diet and training program.  Now that I know that it is, I strongly encourage everyone else to go out and do something off the charts.  Remember, I'm not anywhere near as dedicated or fit as people like Wolverine or Waldo.  Just imagine what all of you are capable of!

 

As far as the pain goes...I like to think I'm paying off Karmic debt and building up credit:)

 

Funny, I hadn't read your race report or this post until moments ago.  This weekend, I was thinking of you and your ultra exploits and even referenced it about an hour ago.

 

This "Death Race" is something that has been on my radar for future consideration & seems like something that would be right up your alley.  

[AgentsSka]

Also... CONGRATULATIONS on freaking completing that bitch of a race!

[Croman Red]

Also... CONGRATULATIONS on freaking completing that bitch of a race!

 

Thanks, it was a bitch of a race:)  I like the concept of the Death Race, but I think I'll slow down for a bit and work on my conditioning for a bit.  I've been doing a marathon or an Ultra a month for 4 months now without any pre-season build up, and I can see where some conditioning would be nice.

[AgentsSka]

Well, the good news is that 2013's race is over as it was just completed this past weekend.  But, it is something to consider for June 2014... which I may just target.  I'll see how the Beast goes in September.

[Croman Red]

If this is a trail run, I suggest a lot of plyometric work for your ankles.  Trail running is an entirely different animal than city running.

[Vector]

If this is a trail run, I suggest a lot of plyometric work for your ankles.  Trail running is an entirely different animal than city running.

The Foot Drills I posted to Waldo's thread a challenge back would be good, too. I can repost if interested.

[AgentsSka]

I do a fair amount of trail running now.  And, yes - I have many trail races coming my way.  A ten miler in three weeks, an 8-10 miler in Sept, two weeks before the 13 mile up and down the mountain running I'll be doing.

[Croman Red]

I'd like to take a look at them...