Off in March..

I wish!! It seems that Feb. came and went so dang fast I missed a lot of running or just training. I was able to hit the gym and weights a few times, get in some runs and also went to become Level 2 Fascial Stretch certified! It was a great month with my birthday, even turning 40! and of course Dez birthday was the week after mine so all in all Feb was a great month!

Now in March its off to a great start logging in some great miles the first week. I am preparing for the Labor of Love 100 miler here in Vegas next month, even though it will be all road I am excited to go for the distance! and of course the Buckle.

gotta run.. ha!

rockon'

A Birthday week Plus some..!

The past two weeks have been super packed with work and learning. Last week I went down to Tempe, AZ for the continuation of learning and certification for Fascial Stretch Therapy Level II. I got Level I certified last year and since then incorporating stretch therapy into my Chiropractic business has really brought great results to clients/patients. Not only that but the stretch part of the business has taken a life of its own and I really enjoy working with clients and seeing immediate results and I love the way it makes everyone feel completely different each time! With Level II stuff it even takes the client to new levels quicker, I love it! So after 5 days of being stretched myself and a day where I was able to run 13 miles in a new PR time for me of 2:20, I was feeling great. By the end of the weekend I was ready to be back home with my family and gf, not only that but it was my birthday on Sunday and the Big 40 seem to come and go with a bang! It was great to celebrate at the Stretch To Win certification and also share the day with co-founder, Chris Ferderick.

Back at home with family this week was nice to settle back in to the life routine but the work routine was completely busy! I am not complaining at all btw. Since I was gone from Tuesday - Sunday, I had a busy make up week which was great because I was also able to put all the new Level II immediately to work! I seemed to be a little more tired than normal so I didn't get any runs or training in, BOO! Saturday was coaching for TNT Spring/Summers teams and although it was raining and cold out we had a great turn out and they got there training completed. Then yesterday was Dez's birthday! so it was great to spend the day with her and a great bday dinner with a fund raiser that co-worker of hers was doing for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer. It was a great turn out and I drank too much Saki! The other thing is its great to share the same birthday week with Dez and we both turned 40!

Now here is an interesting experience I did this week. I went to UNLV to participate in a study for a new body fat caliper that is being tested. The test was free and took about an hour and also included, Body Pod , Bio-impedance testing, and water dunk tank. They supply the results from the Body Pod and body fat % from the dunk tank immediately. The comparisons with the testing body fat calipers are not revealed because it is all "testing" procedures which was fine with me because the Body Pod and tank supply great information. My body fat percentage, well.. I was certainly not happy with it! but it is what it is and only shows me I need to reduce it. I was happy with my overall weight but when you add in the amount of body fat, I am again, not happy with it. I personally like doing tests like these because it instills that drive for me to change it which I will over the next 12 weeks!

Also this week the selection for the 2011 Badwater 135 Ultramarathon was revealed and athletes were selected. Catra, aka Dirt Diva was selected and she has asked me to be a part of her crew!! so excited that I am going back for a 3rd year crewing at Badwater!

rockon'

2011 is now set and The Secret..

Saturday I was chosen in the lottery for the Wasatch 100 mile run on Sept 9, 2011.!!! I have basically been waiting since Dec when I entered for Saturday Feb 6th to roll out.

I had been bouncing all over the map with races and trying to schedule them with all kinds of different scenarios but now it's set and I can get to work on the year of training and having fun ahead.

With the unlucky play out at HURT2011 I have felt I just really missed out on a lot of things relating to a 100 mile distance and mostly with my training all ready to go but no reward it left me searching for something quickly within reason. Rocky Raccoon 100 was this weekend but again within reason and not having to cash out $$$ so quickly after a fabulous Hawaii vacation/trip so that was pretty much out. Then there is Rocky Road out in Cali the end of February but again just $$$ to get there and do it (I will be looking to head out there and pace Molly so that will be fun but that is just a down and back trip so no hotels etc.) After those the next closet 100 to me is right here in my own back year and newly added Ultra distance, the Labor of Love 100 by Calicoracing.

Now originally I started at the 50k but since then and conspiring with BIG B aka Sweet Baboo I have some good direction and will give it a go come April 9th. This is all a road course, 11 mile out and back section, 4 1/2 times, in Lovell Canyon about 30 miles from my house. Yes, the 4 1/2 times is Definitely not appealing, nor is the all road portion but the location of this being here just saves it and not only that I have a credit on the entry fee I can apply to this race as I volunteered last year at one of Calico's other events and you receive entry credit to any future race they put out. Family, Local, Cost, and 100 miles it's a go time waiting to happen and who knows, this guy may even toe the line at the 100 mile start.

Then next up will be Wasatch 100, Sept 9th starting North of Salt Lake City, UT. This is an all trail race and a point to point event, which is awesome. Big B will also be towing the line as he got selected as well along with Catra aka Dirt Diva, her BF Andy, and good friend George V. so plenty of peeps to know along the way but a difficult trail event.

Then on the schedule will be Javalina 100 Nov. 12th in Fountain Hills, AZ. I did the 100k last year but this year will be 100 mile.

And to hopefully conclude the year or start of the next year will be HURT2012! I will apply again this year in July and hopefully add the return and some ass whooping to that course next year.

This year will also bring about the Jemez 50k with the Big B and GeekGirl in May, Running with the Devil in late June and crewing for Badwater in July with hopefully Catra, as long as she gets selected.

So the golden plan is set and it's off to the races. Maybe some of you are asking why so many 100's this year? Why such a hurry? That's a lot of 100... well the truth is, it's to qualify for Badwater and be able to enter for 2012 if all goes well this year!!! There I said it!!! My secret is out! Of course I have to stay healthy and I have to complete this 100's! which is just a feat/goal in itself as anything can and will go wrong in those distances.

rockon'

Help Badwater Babe for Kiddos' Aid

The last two years I have had the great opportunity to help crew for some great Ultra runners at the World Famous Badwater Ultramarathon. So I was super excited to learn that a newly great friend, Catra Corbett aka Dirt Diva was going to be entering the 2011 Badwater event and that she was going to be raising money for Chance to Compete kids. One of her sponsors was going to supply the entry registration fee and a couple of others were helping with other financial costs. Badwater not only requires great physical and mental toughness but also a great financial commitment and a great desire to raise money for some charitable organization, which is actually a Requirement to compete in Badwater.

Catra was super excited to continue raising money for Chance 2 Compete Kids but the day before the registration for Badwater opened this week Catra was informed that the lead sponsor would not be able to fully help as initially planned. Catra was pretty bummed and knew that Badwater 2011 would have to wait. BUT this is where her friends, fans and loved ones have all stepped up and have set up a donation page to help her raise money for Chance 2 Compete kids and help get her to the start line of Badwater 2011.

If you are interested in more of the story check out the link below and if feel inclined to help please donate any amount you desire. I will tell you that all amounts help and she will make you all proud! Catra is truly a person with a loving heart.

imATHLETE | Badwater Babe for Kiddos' Aid | Surprise, AZ, USA | Jul 11, 2011

HURT and Hawaii pics..

The HURT that was or wasn't

I have been thinking about this blog recap for a week now and I still don't know really what to say or how to say it, so here it goes...

I was ready. I was excited. I was prepared as I could be. I was nervous. I just wasn't ready and prepared for what happened nor did I expect it.

As we got to the island of Oauh and got our rental car it was raining like crazy. This was Thursday morning and reports from the locals had said it had been raining for the past week. Once we got our car we headed out to explore and get breakfast. After driving around in Waikiki and finding our hotel we headed to Target to pick up some other supplies and by some time till check-in. Once all checked in to our soooooo fabulous room, NOT! we took it easy.

The next morning, Friday, we were out and about to North Shore to check out the waves and some beach action. It was nice relaxing out there and getting my mind set for the next day at hand. We stopped by the Dole Plantation heading back in to town for the runners packet pick up and information meeting at the Nature Center.

The pre-race meeting was pretty straight to the point and stated the information needed. There was some quick introductions of some great runners and the do's and don'ts of the course. Dez and I then took a short look around at the starting bridge and just a few yards up the trail.

After getting the lay of the land and parking situation it was time to head back to the hotel and prepare last minute details for the morning.

Race Day: The alarm went off at 3:30am and I jumped out of bed and walked down to Denny's from some pancakes, coffee, and eggs as the last real food for 30+ hours. It was quite funny walking the couple of block in Waikiki to the Denny's simply because all the party goers were just coming from the bars and most were slammin' drunk. The Denny's was quite packed but I was able to get in and out without any problems. I was back at the hotel, dressed and ready to go by 4:50am. I have to admit that driving to the Nature Center start was nerve racking and I was a bit on edge as Dez drove. Finally we arrived and had about 30 mins to get the show on the road. I got my drop bags situated, lights, and my bottles and nutrition all ready to go. The RD stated 10 minutes till start time so lets all head over to the bridge. I said my finally thank yous, kissed Dez and off I went to get in line over the bridge. It was super dark and many headlamps were lighting up the area. The RD was on the far end of the bridge with a ipad that had a count down timer on it and just held it up as the time ticked away. There was a brief Hawaiian prayer said and then the count down. 4, 3, 2, 1... and the sound of the Hawaiian Hula Pu Conch shell blew.. we all started to head out on the trail. I was excited, I was happy to finally be out on this trail.

As we headed out on the trail lit up but the headlamps of all the runners pretty much everyone stated in groups until the first aid station and the sun came up. I wasn't to sure how fast to go so I just watched how fast we were going as a group and stated with them, besides it was pretty hard to pass for the first 2.5 miles because it was seriously dark, and seriously rocky and massive roots. I soon realized I was in a group of 5 runners with Monica Scholz, who just set the world record for the most 100 mile races in a year (25), and being as she knows how to do these races and HURT I decided to stay behind her for a while. This was good simply because she gave insights to the course as we ran but as I kept a watch on time/pace I was not comfortable with the slower pace but again it was Monica and I didn't want to go out too fast so I stayed put behind her. As the Sun started to break through and now I could see the trail and surrounding I was completely in Awe. Once reached the top of the 2.5 miles and started heading down we went through some serious awesome bamboo areas and muddy sections. I was a great time taking in all the sights and the course and taking mental notes.

The first section from the start/finish of the Nature Center, (Makiki) to Paradise aid station (Manoa) is 7.3 miles and course marked with white tape. Somewhere around the 5 mile mark our little group was descending on the trail and we were in a rock big boulder section. As we were all setting down and over some of these boulders I took my turn and stepped over one with my right leg leading. I realized that I had to step down a little farther than expected and in order to do that I had to twist my body sideways, almost in a splits fashion, to make the step. This all happened in a split second and just as soon as I turned sideways my left knee whacked into the boulder!! Bam!! I hit it good and quickly jumped over and up. I looked at my knee, rubbed it and said Shit!! that hurt. The runner behind me quickly asked if I was Okay. She said you hit hard are you sure you're okay? Yeah I said I'm good and continued to run. I actually knew it was one of those hits that is most likely going to come back and show it's teeth later on but for now I was okay. I could feel it throbbing and some pain but again I had just hit it so I expected it. As I made my way into Paradise aid I was quickly in and out, refuel all my water bottles because I was completely empty drinking them down the last 1/4 mile as I came in. I wanted to make sure I was staying hydrated as I was sweating pretty darn good but I did have my InknBurn shirt and then UnderArmor compression shirt on. As I made my way back out of Paradise, Monica was next to me and said nice quick transition that's the way to do it. The group all quickly reassembled and we started to make our way back up the long descent we just came down. This is a double back on the down side of the trail we just came on.

The climb back up and over to aid station Jackass Ginger (Nuuanu) 5.5 miles away and marked with green tape, was again a 2.5-ish mile climb up to and through the bamboo and roots area, which is now really nice and muddy from all the runners going through. Once there we take a right turn and head over and down to the aid station but along the way we get some some areas of the trail that are actually runnable and on this ledge that has great views to both sides of the mountain. The top of this ledge is really only about 5-6 ft wide and then drops on both sides so its pretty intense. As I start heading down the group coming up as pretty much spread out and I have caught up to a couple of other runners. We head down the last mile section of the trail and this part is seriously steep, steep enough on the way back up that you could almost reach out and touch the ground in front of you, it reminds me of the trail at Headlands course. There are also a couple of sections where there are ropes anchored to the rocks and you have to hold on to them to aid you in crossing the steep sections of the trail that are on the sides of the rocks, Crazy but fun! Then when you finally make it down through all that you have to cross the river where there is another rope tied across and you have to rock hop-balance to cross. Once in the aid station I have to stop and check my right foot as I have been noticing a hot spot and wanted to make sure its not going to be a problem. I take off my shoe/sock, muddy as all hell, slightly cramp my right hamstring while doing this and quickly tend to my foot. I used some BlisterShield, powder in the sock and put everything back on. It was great that the aid station workers helped me with my bag and refilled all my water bottles at this time. They also asked me if I needed anything else, which I quickly grabbed some snacks, succeed drink and off I went back across the rocks. I was hoping to see Dez here but I missed her simply because the aid station peeps didn't realize was in and out pretty fast when she asked where I was. Luckily, I had cell phone reception most of the course and I text her saying I was heading back to Nature Center.

The trail back to Nature Center, now marked orange and 7.2 miles was tough, I think the toughest part of the course. You have to climb back up that steep section and rope sections I described and then once up to the top there is a long part where you can actually run which is a great area to make up time back down to Nature center but it also takes it out of you because you want to recover but cant because you want to run. I really should have tracked my distance on this section because after a while I was really thinking I was close to completing the loop and actually wasn't, I still had about an hour till I made it back and this played with my mind, like where the hell was I on the course! I also was in no mans land and didn't have any runners ahead or behind me that I could see so it made it seem longer. I finally saw a runner and worked to catch up to him and finally did and ran with him for a while. I finally made it back to Nature and was super glad to see Dez. The end of the first loop (20 miles) was pretty dang tough, I told her! I was definitely surprised by the course and the technical difficulty of it. I refueled and got some food and my supply back of gels I had made up. I was still cramping on and off coming back down into Nature so took some more salts and water to make sure. I had only went to the bathroom one time and it was very little and by this time I had drank about 150 oz of liquids so I knew I needed more.

When I left the aid station heading back out for the start of the second loop I had checked my time and realized that I was at about 23 mins per mile avg. pace which according to calculations was behind on the overall pace I needed to be at for course cut off but it was early and I was too worried about, I had remembered Big B saying that 100's are long days and time can be made up at may points during the life of the run and being as it was early I kept moving forward. By now I was heading back out Paradise aid station and working the now uphill section I could see with sun light because the first time out was in complete darkness and lite by headlamps. As I started to settle into my pace for power hiking I noticed my left knee was seriously not happy. I didn't notice it at all coming down into Nature but now it was really screaming at me. I actually started to use my right leg in some of the climbing and step ups and downs since I whacked it and now I was really leading the way with my right as much as I could as my left knee I just simply couldn't push off climbing up and it was becoming harder and more painful to bend my left knee past 45* which was about every step up! I climbed to the top and back to the roots sections aka Pauoa Flats and then started heading down. By now my pace had dropped more and I was about 26 mins avg. and it had taken me 35 mins to complete one mile! I stated to question my ability to continue and what I could do it make it as far as I could.

Many thoughts go through your mind at times like these, I mean, I had came all the way from Vegas! I had been training, I spent a lot of money, etc. and to what, stop at 27 miles! Are you freakn' serious!!! I kept doing check in's with my knee and how I was feeling and realized I was not getting any better but only worse and slower. Now bending my knee past 30* was more painful but the good news was I was no longer Cramping! haha. As I made my way down into the aid station I realized I was not going to be able to continue like this. I made the decision about 1.5 out that I was going to stop. I text Dez and told her to be at Paradise. The last mile and half I took pictures, enjoyed the amazing trails and experienced a sense of disappointment in the fact that I got injured but what I will call a lack of guard on the trail. I have ran long enough to know that I shouldn't have twisted my body out of balance with the way my motion was moving thus resulting in me whacking my knee. As I said when it happened I knew it was the type of hit that could come back and get me and it did. The HURT course has no mercy and takes no prisoners! By the time I got to Paradise the aid station peeps were happy to see me and again were great in asking me what I needed but I quickly told them I was not going to continue on as I had hurt my knee earlier and it was becoming difficult to move. The Aid station captain came over to talk to me and make sure I really wanted to stop. He gave me some food and told me to take a few more minutes before he pulled me. I ate the food and moved around but I knew I was done. He came back to talk to me again and telling me his record with HURT, 0-5 with the last one 2 years ago and him dropping at mile 92! That's how unforgiving this course is.

He officially signed off on my bib number and I was officially out of the race at mile 27.3 in 10 hours 23 mins after the start which was a 1 mins 13 seconds off the minimum pace. As I said I was on the line as I knew that is not really off such early in the race but with a injured body part it makes it seem like a huge difference. I got my drop bags together and we returned to the hotel. By now my knee was swollen and just throbbing. A shower, food and sleep ended the day while checking in on the web cast.

The couple of days after my knee stayed swollen as well as my lower left leg and my right leg was sore freakn' sore! I guess from all the work it was doing. My pride was hurt and I felt depressed for a couple of days. I just felt lost in wondering what to feel. Should I have kept going? Did I do the right thing in stopping before I got any more injured? Overall, I did the right thing in stopping and not becoming more injured as the course just doesn't allow weakness and putting myself back out there I was increasing my chance of getting more injured. Yes I spent money, yes, I spent a lot of money but probably not as much as I have on Ironmans other than this being a destination event. I was happy to spend the week following in Maui and with Dez and just enjoying the experiences together as this is what life is really about, the HURT is just a piece of the pie.

I will be apply again for HURT2012 and I hope to go back because I have unfinished business there!

rockon'

the Hurting is Near..READY~!

With just 2 days before I head to the island and 4 days till show time I can only imagine the fun, exhaustion, the humidity, the craziness of 125 runners and the HURTing of the 100 miles that lies ahead.

After all the training since being selected in July and all the trying of different shoes, products and even taking my first DNF I am Ready!

I am Ready for it all. I am Ready for the good, the bad and all that lies in between! I am Ready to push to new limits! I am Ready to find deeper qualities that lie within! I am Ready to experience the new levels of uncomfortable! and I am Ready for the mental game that will be won! I am even Ready for the unexpected and the bad that could occur, that could force an unwanted stop, but I am Ready!

Here is the link: http://www.ultralive.net/hurt100/webcast.php

Race #142.

Type in my number, or my name or click on starters on the left side and scroll down to my number and it will link you to the updated page.

It appears that there will be 3 updates per Loop.

I will see you all when I am finished! Thanks for all your encouragement, energy and shout outs!!

Rockon'

HURT100 Race Number!

The bib assignments are out and here is mine:

John Vigil M 39 NV 142

This is super Awesome!!!!

A live updated board will be available here: http://www.ultralive.net/hurt100/webcast.php

rockon'

Happy New Year! and tapering.

The final blog post of 2010 and this year has been pretty good for the most part.

This year brought me to branching out to my own office mid-year which has turned out to be a good thing and something I have been waiting to do for a long, long time.

This year I also had an increase in running miles. In 2009, I ran 845 miles and this year, 1106 miles. That's a good increase but for some crazy reason I was looking for it to be higher! Oh well, 2011 right!

I have to say that 2010 also brought a great year with Dez even though the last quarter turned out to be a diagnosis of breast cancer for her and now with current chemo treatments, she has a great positive spirit and I am glad I can be here to support her, Love ya babe!

I am excited to bring in 2011 with the opening of HURT100 in 15 days! This will be an exciting way to open my run season as I have some great plans for this year in the run area, already applying for Wasatch 100 in Sept 2011, cant wait till Feb 5th! to find out!! I am also excited to advance to Level 2 of certification for stretch to win in February as well and of course this year I turn 40!!!! Yahoo!!

All will be fun and I will enjoy all the good, tough, fun and happy times that 2011 brings!

I have also officially entered Taper for HURT 100 and by my opinion a littler earlier than planned simply because of increased rain and crappy weather here in Vegas. The few short runs I have had I have felt pretty good and didn't push the pace simply because I knew I had been rested. With 14 days left there is nothing much more I can do but sauna-steam room train, keep my legs feeling good, rest and not get sick. I have been planning my trip, my mental plan and just overall preparing and am excited to get the show on the road!

see ya all next year!!!

Rockon'

Rainy dayz and Beauty.

For the past few days here in Vegas it has been rainy, colder, windy at times and just plain Yuk! But it is Winter and this is how it is around here, not always fun in the Sun in the desert. However, this type weather is certainly not working with My plan for my last push to taper for Hurt100.

My Plan was to have this week my last big week and than head to taper at Christmas time, which in the grand scheme of things tapering down from 70 miles + is still 50 miles-ish so with the weather rearranging things I am now basically playing with my run times and just trying to stay in the game. I mean, Okay, I could get out there and run in the rain, get all soaked up, freeze and basically not have a good time but since entering the long training days of ultra running I have told myself you have to enjoy being out there running or you will simply look for every excuse to cut the run short simply because you are not having fun and with the weather the way it is, for me, it's not fun! So I am basically just looking for my run windows and take advantage when I can.

According to weather reports, this Thursday the skies will part and for the next week after it will look to be good running times and with that I will be 15-20 days out and taper will have to commence, although if we are keeping track of numbers, I am basically on taper now with about 30-50 miles this week and probably next and if we translate that into hours somewhere between 8-14 hours. I think my main goal here is not to let my self get mentally beat in worrying about how much training I am getting or not getting in the next 3 weeks but simply take advantage of the rest on the legs while giving them just enough exercise to not lose site of the main job we are up against come Jan 15th!

If I have to say, overall I am feeling ready but being this far out still just seems a little too far ahead to be "ready" and wait, Ready? Are you really ever ready for a 100 miler? Honestly, I don't know because I have not attempted one but I do know I feel the same as when I did my first Ironman in terms of doubting my readiness! and I do know I feel more ready today than when I did the 100k back in October.

I will start planning all my aid stations, drops, logistics of the race and going over all my details in my head over the next couple of weeks and making sure my plan is in my head so come race day all I have to do is run and not worry about things and just take it as it comes. It's a lot to do in the short amount of time so I better get with it.

On a side note, my wonderful girlfriend Dez is doing great considering Chemo treatments but she made it through round 1 of 6, this week is 2 of 6. She has a great heart and positive outlook on all this and that keeps her strong. I will say this week seemed to be a little harder because her hair really started to thin and come out even after cutting her hair short from day 1. So with the strong heart she asked me to cut it all off for her last night. At first there was discussions about why and why not to cut it but finally it came down to she wanted to cut it. We broke out the clippers and as hard as it was to see her crying before I made the first pass, I was standing there with doubt in my mind she said "I can do this!" covered her eyes and said Go! When it was all done she had a nice buzz cut #4. She no longer cried and we laughed together about it, simply because she is as Beautiful with hair as without. You're the bestest Dez!

rockon'