LOOKING BACK AT 2007 - TRAIL RUNNING BLOG TAG

My friend Peter Lubbers (a hell of an ultramarathoner and blog owner of: http://runlaketahoe.blogspot.com ) "tagged me" with this list of questions. So, I will try to respond below (and then figure out who else to tag):

1. the most memorable moment on the trails was…

That is a difficult one to pick. I have so many, such as my first 100 mile finish, my first hallucinations due to sleep deprivation during a run, the view of Tahoe at midnight from the TRT, the friends I have met and the beauty I have seen in the surroundings. If forced to pick one, I think it would have to be meeting up with Lon Monroe and Mario Jackson in the last 20 miles of the Quicksilver 50 miler. I started the race against all wisdom after coming down sick as a dog that week. I was throwing up early in the race and wanted to stop at the 50km mark (but didn't because I didn't want a DNF and because I am stupid). A few miles later, after I was barely shuffling over the hot dry trails, these two guys came up on me and through their humor, support and quick friendship they helped me finish the 50 miler. They could have left me behind and, in fact, by staying with me I blew their guaranteed chances of a sub-10 50 miler. But they made sure I finished.

2. The best new trail I discovered in 2007 was…

Since all my races in 2007 were on "new trails" (new to me...except the Dipsea and the Lake Merced loop), I won't count those. But "discovered" on my own, I have been running recently on the trails in San Bruno Mountain park. Beautiful! The trails range from wide to single track. They aren't long, but can be combined for some great running with views of the San Francisco Bay Area.

3. My best performance of the year was…

I was very happy with my sub 4 hour 50km at Ruth Anderson, and my win at the Fear and Loathing 50km. But my greatest personal sense of accomplishment was going sub-30 hours at my first ever 100 miler - the Tahoe Rim Trail (which I finished side by side with Peter Lubbers).

4. I do not know how I previously survived without...

....the advice, support and friendship of MY running community. We have formed a group that we dubbed UltraHolics. Consisting of many people such as Rajeev, Chihping, Anil, Vinod, Peter, Michael, Yuki, Mark, and others, we have created a friendly group to support and encourage each other. In addition, the friendship and support I have received from others outside that group such as Lon Monroe, Mario Jackson and Eric Clifton really makes this sport special. But most of all - the support and energy we all get from our crews! They are invaluable whether assisting with drop bag prep, aid station help or keeping a sleep-walking ultrarunner company at 3 a.m.


5. The person I would most like to meet on a trail in 2008...

Wow - that is really a tough one. While running races, I have met all my Ultraholic buddies on the trails and others including some legends such as Eric Clifton. I haven't met Tim Twietmeyer or Scott Jurek so perhaps one of them. Although, seeing my crew at each aid station is still a wonderful boost.


6. The race I am most excited about for 2008...

As of now it would have to be Leadville 100. However, I am going to try and get into the MontBlanc Ultra 100 and, if I make it, it may be that one. However, now I put my name in for Hardrock and will also enter Wasatch Front and possibly Death Valley (well, if I actually enter and am accepted). So, if all those happen....it would either be Leadville or Hardrock. If I get into Death Valley, I will certainly be excited, but I think the fear will negate that thus allowing LV or HR to win the top spot.

OK - I have now tagged 3 other UltraRunners: Rajeev, Anil and Chihping. Looking forward to seeing their responses!