PIRATES COVE 50K

Last night I made the last minute decision to run a 50k race today. I wasn't going to blast it as I have the Barkley coming up in 2 weeks, but wanted to put a bit more stress on the legs. I looked at last year's times and figured I'd shoot for somewhere between a 5:30 and 6 hour finish.

Pirate's Cove is put on by Sarah and Wendell (who is also doing Barkley) of Pacific Coast Trail Runs (AWESOME events - my first ultra was a PCTR event). Here are co-race directors at the start.



Runners gathered and waited for the start of the race.


Almost immediately I had to stop and pee. As I did, I saw this little guy watching the runners trudge on by:


The start is basically up and up and up.



The run in the Marin headlands was beautiful - with views of hills, the coast line and the Pacific Ocean.




The run also goes through groves of Redwoods and Eucalyptus trees:


Along the eastern side of the headlands there were wonderful views of the SF Bay and the city itself:


After finishing the 30k loop, we went back out on a shorter version, past some coves dotting the coastline.

I crossed the finishing line with a time right at 5 hours 29 minutes, so can't complain I didn't stick to my plan. It is a great race and offers beautiful views.

BARKLEY PHOTOS - FROM RACE DIRECTOR LAZ (GARY)

Here are a few photos Laz sent out to the Barkley group. They were taken while he was out "testing" the course and hiding the books.

The famed Barkley Briars - I anticipate losing much skin and blood to these:


The Barkley Trail....trail? What trail?


And the weather can change substantially and quickly over the 20 mile loop. Here is the same outing on the Yellow Indian Trail section:

MY RUN THROUGH ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND

After leaving London, I had to go to Aberdeen on business. Here are some photos I took while running through the city and along the coast of the North Sea.

MY RUN THROUGH LONDON

Last week I was in the UK on business. I managed to get some nice runs in through London. Here are photos I snapped during my run - used my Blackberry so image quality isn't the best:

On my way to Hyde Park:


Hyde Park:










After running out of Hyde Park, I get near the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner.





Memorial and one of my favorite running movies




Green Park


Buckingham Palace Gates




In addition to being good guards, they make good gin:


Taking a running break in front of Buckingham Palace:


Westminster Abbey:



Big Ben:


Parliment:



The Thames:


London Eye

BADWATER - HERE I COME AGAIN!!!

Well, it is official, I am going back to Death Valley and the Badwater 135 Mile endurance run. I did this run last year and just loved it (although the bottom of my feet hurt so much).

I received the following from the Badwater Race Office:
Hello Alan!
Congratulations! You have been accepted to compete in the 2009 Badwater Ultramarathon, presented by AdventureCORPS, Inc. You are part of a select group who will participate in what is recognized across the globe as the worlds toughest footrace.

The Badwater Ultramarathon describes itself as "the world's toughest foot race". It is a 135 mile (215 km) course starting at 282 feet (85 m) below sea level in the Badwater Basin (the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere), in California's Death Valley, and ending at an elevation of 8360 feet (2548 m) at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to Mount Whitney (the highest point in the Continental U.S.). It takes place July 14, 15 and 16, when the weather conditions are most extreme and temperatures over 120 F (49 C) in the shade are not uncommon. Only up to 90 people are invited to participate each year in this event and I was lucky enough (?) to be invited.

I am already starting to put together my crew and have some great volunteers!! Like last year, I will use my race to raise money for charity. Of course I will fundraise for Badwater's official charity: the Challenged Athlete Foundation.I am using my Badwater Ultramarathon as a means to raise funds for CAF to help it help people with physical disabilities pursue an active lifestyle through physical fitness and athletics. CAF’s mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, competitive lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love.

I would appreciate your help here - any amount will help others realize their goals. Here is my fundraising link: DONATE




I also intend to also try and raise funds to help fight ALS - Lou Gehrig Disease. I will post that information as soon as possible.

I will keep you updated on my training and race developments!