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American River 50 Mile – AR50 by Steve Mackel
The American River 50 Mile Endurance race was my first 50 miler. When I was editing it I tried to make it shorter but to cut a few extra seconds just wasn’t worth it. Beside most of my marathon videos are about 9 minutes and this race was almost twice as long. If you are looking to do your first 50 or any 50 mile race this is a great one. I hope you enjoy it Below is my race report to go along with the video.
The race started right on time, 6 AM. It was still dark under a full moon. I wasn’t completely prepared for the start. I wanted to get everyone crossing the starting line. Almost 3 minutes into the start I wanted to get started but I was still in my sweats and hadn’t done my warm-up exercises. First rookie move: Not asking the timer if I could take a few minutes to get ready. Instead I crossed the starting line, pulled over to the left, struggled out of my sweats and went through my rituals. Right about then Kat was crossing the starting line. We ran the first 4 miles together.
Second rookie move: I didn’t have my Garmin ready to go at the start. It was dark and I just got a new 910XT. I started pressing buttons and ended up locking the keys. I wouldn’t display the right fields. I wanted to see my Heart Rate because I had intended to keep my HR under 120 bpm for the first 3 hours regardless of speed. Luckily my Garmin 310XT was in my support crew’s car. They had it waiting for me at the mile 8 aid station, so I switched. I will post my Garmin stats later.
The first 27 miles are pretty flat with only a few real hills but still a net gain overall. I felt great and my support crew had food waiting for me at every aid station through Beal’s Point. I ate as much as I could. We agreed to meet next at Rattlesnake Bar.
At Beal’s Point, mile 26.6, I was right on schedule. Third rookie mistake: Trying new food. I drank a can of Ensure for the calories. It really filled me up and I wasn’t thirsty so I stopped drinking pretty much until Granite Bay.
At Granite Bay I was handed a cup of ice and water. It didn’t go down easy and I was worried something was wrong, maybe a little dehydration. I only had two 6 oz water bottles in my belt for the next legs of the race. That would prove to be a big mistake.
Somewhere around mile 33 I didn’t feel good. At this point you are out in the sticks. A guy named Ryan told me I’d be ok and I had been in tough spots before, but I was glad he reminded me.
I think the terrain between Granite Bay and Horseshoe Bar are the most difficult miles on the course. I was in survival mode just focused on getting to Buzzard’s Cove. Carolyn, my new friend, said she was worried about being dehydrated too and was going to work through it by constantly sipping her electrolyte drink. A good strategy if I had liquid but my bottles were dry. Thankfully she let me have a gulp from her bottle and it was only half a mile to Buzzard’s Cove
When I got to Buzzard’s Cove aid station (serviced only by boat), I saw ice cream cones. They looked great but not for me. I drank 4 cups of GU Brew. I filled my two bottles and took a cup with me as I started to Horseshoe Bar. I was constantly sipping and eating my salted potatoes. I kept the wax paper cup in my pocket and was using it to take water from every little stream we ran over to pour some over my head and cool down. My bottles were dry with a half mile to the next aid station. I also was developing my first hot spot on my right forefoot.
Horseshoe Bar was nirvana. They poured cold water over my head, neck and back. They filled my bottles up and gave me more salted potatoes. I was carrying a small bar of Body Glide, so I applied it to both my feet. I knew my crew was waiting at Rattlesnake Bar I just had to keep moving then I could rest and reassess my situation. Granite Bay to Rattlesnake Bar were some of the toughest 10 miles I have run in my life. The salted potatoes were probably my lifesaver. The salt helped me rehydrate.
Rattlesnake Bar was a welcome sight with lots of cheering supporters. My crew was on the spot with everything I could want. I took 10 – 15 minutes putting more Body Glide on my feet, pouring ice water over my head, drinking cups of GU Brew and stocking up on salted potatoes. I took two Alleve and hit the trail again.
I took an extra water bottle with me this time. The trail was soft and beautiful. That’s when I met Anna. I heard her say she wanted to be at the bottom of the hill by 4:15 PM and I thought we had more than enough time to make that goal when I said, “That should be very doable.” She looked at me and said, “This must be your first AR50 because you don’t know what you are in for Cowboy.”
Thankfully I started to feel better and the views were spectacular. All I wanted to do was dunk my head in the river but it was always just a little bit too far away. Around Mile 42.5 there was a bridge crossing a tributary. I saw a path to the stream and dunked my head. I can’t completely explain how it happened but I was re-energized.
The volunteers at Dowdin’s Post, in the middle of nowhere, were so energetic it was contagious. Plus, they had lukewarm chicken noodle soup, just what the doctor ordered. I was back on track and feeling good. Now it was just getting the work done. On to Last Gasp.
What you don’t see on the course profile is the climb to Last Gasp aid station, “Stupid Steep”. I am sure some super humans run up it, but not us mortals. It can be a real morale de-flater. But, I was feeling stronger than I had in 8 hours. I could walk up that BAMF. And, just before Last Gasp, a few young guys, I called them water valets, were waiting to run your bottles to the top and have them waiting for you. Heavy metal was blasting from some speaker as we approached their aid station. They took great care of me. Only 2 miles to go.
A Maniac friend Lan and I started up the next hill, which wasnot as bad as what we had just conquered. She said we could still go sub 11 hours and qualify for Western States. I took the challenge and went into a meditation prayer state, running with short walk breaks when it got really steep. My support crew was about a half mile from the finish down the hill cheering me on. I was probably rude because I would not talk, I just kept my chant going. Before I knew it I was at the top of the hill. The race was in the bag.
The crowd was great at the finish line, cheering loudly for us. The finishing arch was such a beautiful site. I crossed with a fist pump and was handed my cool, new, green Patagonia finisher’s jacket. I can cross a 50 mile race off my bucket list.
My crew showed me to the car where they had my recovery Ensure waiting for me, along with melted ice in a cooler. I dunked my head once again and this time put my feet in. Then I would go over to the finishing area and cheer the other runners on while resting on the grass.
A little while later my friend Hector came in with his traditional heel kick across the finish line. My day was officially done. Then was time for a well deserved beer.
Train Focused, Steve Mackel – Certified ChiRunning® Instructor
Trail Running the Topanga Turkey Trot 15k
Generic Events’ Xterra Series is in full swing now. The Topanga Turkey Trot the the second race in the series. I ran the 15k. They offered a 5k and a 10k too.
This Thanksgiving Day provided perfect weather for running. This race starts straight uphill for almost 2 miles before you hit the rolling single track. This is real single track. There are some technical spots. You have to beware of low branches and roots. Once on the single track it is almost impossible to pass other runners. I used it as a slight recovery section because at mile 5 the trail opens onto a fire road and the race is on. What do you you have left for the final 4 miles of up and down hills? You’ll find out.
The last mile is a screaming downhill. I didn’t get any finish line footage because I was running way too fast and in a neck and neck race with some other runner. My overall time was 1:26:35, 66th OA (overall) and and 6th in my AG (age group). Not bad considering I was filming this race but the competition was tough.
This is a must do race for trail runners and a great way to burn calories before you eat your T-Day dinner. Put it on your 2012 calendar and don’t forget to sign up early because it sells out.
Race Focused, Steve Mackel Certified ChiRunning® Instructor
Earn Your Bird at a Local Turkey Trot – Happy Thanksgiving!
Steve, Christy and Bruce Finished on the Podium in the 2007 Run for the Hungry
As I write this I am not feeling a fast race in me for this Thanksgiving’s Topanga Turkey Trot 15k, but sometimes I run fastest when I am not “feeling it.” I feel like hanging out and running with friends, enjoying the trails and getting in touch with nature. We’ll see what happens tomorrow but no matter what I’ll be out there early Earning My Bird.
There are lots of great local Turkey Trots. The Long Turkey Trot offering 10/5k and Kids Run and Run for the Hungry in La Canada, So Cal, are two of my favorites and have same day registration.
Run for the Hungry is a great race. You bring some canned food for a food bank, pay a small entry fee, run a up Foothill Blvd., turnaround and run back. This 5k makes you feel good and get ready for the big meal. If you run in a Local Turkey Trot, please send me a picture and race report. I’d like to hear about all the local So Cal Turkey Trots.
Running on Thanksgiving is a true way to Earn Your Bird.
*I have to give props to Coach Steve Ilg for starting the Earn Your Bird tradition. Years ago he had his own Earn Your Bird triathlon which consisted of meditation, yoga and running. Trust me this was hard and that’s how I earned my bird for the first time. Now I carry on the Earn Your Bird tradition in some way.
Join this time tested tradition and Earn Your Bird!
Eat Focused, Steve Mackel – Certified ChiRunning Instructor
Havasupai Camping Aug. 2011 – A Great Workout and Better Experience
I talk a lot about cross-training but not enough about getting back to nature. Our camping trip to Havasupai, the Havasupai Falls and west end of the Grand Canyon was as expected, spectacular both cross-training and getting back to nature.
This video will give you a good idea of what you are in for. I show the hike, the campgrounds and fun things to do. Below are a few extra tips for your Havasuapi experience.
Our destination was the beautiful waterfalls and turquiose waters Havasupai offers. The trail is difficult in the summer heat but did offer shady spots so we weren’t exposed the entire hike. The hike back up to your car is even harder after days of exploring. Please make sure to stay well hydrated and wear sunscreen.
The hike to the campground is 10 miles. Between pictures, lunch, a long stop at the village and moving slow in general, it took us about 6 hours to get to the campgrounds.
Once in the Havasupai Falls area we probably walked 10 miles a day exploring. I used the Addizero Trail XT shoes for the hike then water shoes for the rest of my exploring. You are getting wet all the time. water shoes allow you to scramble around the rocks, whether you are in the river or hiking around it.
The entire Havasupai area was changed by a flash flood in 2008. This was my first time visiting this area so I can only imagine the pristine grotto the campground used to be. In August of 2011, you can still see the ravaging effects of the flash flood. Dead or dying older trees, new falls, loss of the old ones, changes in the river and streams, are all part of the Havasupai rebirth experience.
Highlights are general exploring. Mooney Falls at the end of the campground is awesome and as I show in the video. The hike to the bottom of Havasupai’s Mooney Falls is worth the trip all by itself. As a warning, the hike down and up can be scary for many but as long as you take your time it is safe.
Playing in the water is funtastic. Scramble around in the river. The rocks look slippery but actually provide decent footing considering you are in water.
I didn’t need a sleeping bag but I wished I had brought a tent instead of a REI Bug Hut. July and August are monsoon season and it rained on me two of the three nights. The last night was thunder, lighting and hard rain for a couple of hours. I had to crowd into a friend’s tent.
The easiest way to do The Havasupai trip is to let the mules bring your heavy gear down and you hike with a daypack. Check for the per bag charge and weight limitations but this allows you some extra luxuries.
I have read some on-line reviews of the Supai Village that I didn’t think were completely fair. You have to realize where you are, the farthest city from an actual road in the United States. The village and animals are not pristine, in fact parts are dirty but it is a difficult way of life and the hikers are probably a dirty demanding bunch too.
The only bummer is the lack of respect many campers have for their surroundings by leaving trash on the trail and in the campground. Some trash must fall out when the mules carry it up to the top and flash floods push trash in to weird place but campers, please remember where you are and treat it with respect.
We made the hike back our training day. Moving quickly, stopping in the village for a quick snack, limiting stops on the trail and I even ran the last, steepest mile I made it from campground to car in 3 hours and 46 minutes. It was hot and I was sweaty but buying a couple of ice cold waters to pour over me and a Otter Pop made it worthwhile.
I will be back because Havasupai it provides some very unique potential camping, hiking and fun experience that you will be hard pressed to find any other place in the world. Be respectful and don’t forget to get an icee at the General Store in Havasupai Village.
Hike Focused,
Steve Mackel, Sole Runners Marathon and Half Marathon Training Programs Head Coach
Mt Baldy 2010 Run to the Top – Race Report
Another tough part of the course. It is straight down on the right. photo by Ivan Buzik
For those you that don’t know, this is my favorite race in So Cal. It is what I call a “Baby Race”. A “Baby Race” is a race that is super tough, puts you in pain, so you wonder why you even decided to participate in it in the first place. But, an hour, a day, a week or a month later, you have forgotten the pain, can only remember the view from the top and are ready to schedule it on next years race calendar.
I skipped it last year because of the Station Fire and had forgotten just how steep some of those section are. This is a tough race, considered one of the toughest in all the states.
It was business time. I needed a test to check my inner strength and this is that annual test. This time, I never questioned myself out on the course. I ran my race, which is to stay consistent for the first four miles, no walking, take a gel at the ski lodge and run every part that is not super steep, quickly walk/hike up the steep stuff and keep a positive attitude. I succeeded.
When the race started many people ran past me. This happens every year and I know many of them will break down. I just have to stick to my race plan. But this year was different. Fewer people were breaking down I was and getting passed by some strong athletes. I think with the popularity of the Ultra scene, and the book “Born to Run” more people are up for this type of challenge and training harder.
I didn’t get discouraged, I had set a goal of 1 hour and 32 minutes to get to the top. If I could do it, it would be my second fastest time ever. I have done this race at least 6 times. It was a personal battle against Baldy’s unrelenting single track, technical climbs and altitude.
In the last four miles you get surrounded by athletes of similar ability. This is where I wanted to gain some ground, hoping my course knowledge and recent training was going to let me be stronger and know when to attack. Well, not much attacking happened, so my next thought was not to get passed and with 2 miles to go and I didn’t.
The last half mile is a climb, straight up. This year the group took a steeper but more direct route and I wasn’t thinking as much as following. At one point I passed this man, and the five steps I took to pass him took more energy out of me than I could imagine so I just got back on pace and settled back in for the last 400 meters.
Finally, I saw the finish line and heard the race official yell out 1:32:25. I did it, It wasn’t my prettiest race, but my second fastest time up that hill and 55th overall.
The plaque proves it. Dave made it to the Top for the first time
I walked up to the 10,064 ft, elevation plaque and once again was on the top of So Cal. I took in the 360 degree view, then kept walking as my body was adjusting to the altitude and cooling down.
Sole Runners long time Mentor Vern does it again and PRs
I spent the next hour and half welcoming runners to the Top and talking to new and old friends. I was proud to see Sole Runner mentor Vern PR by 1 minute. I greeted runners Kevin, Dave, Kris and Carolyn cross the finish line for the first time. They had listened to me talk about Baldy for months and now knew what it was like to join this elite club.
Carolyn and Kris emailed me last week and asked if they would be able to make it to the Top, they did!
It was time to go back down, the 4 mile walk to the ski lift, that they don’t tell you about in the brochure. Roberto grabbed an empty water jug and I grabbed a trash bag. The first mile down took 27 minutes. The trail going back to the ski lodge was like the 405 at rush hour. Over an hour later we were at the bar lifting a pint in celebration of another great Labor Day at the Top.
Roberto and I get the annual picture at the Top
Look for the video soon,
Train Focused, Steve Mackel – Co-founder SoCalRunning.com
Trail Running with the Sole Runners
What an unbelievable weekend in So Cal.
i am looking forward to a fantastic 2010. Join us
Sole Runners
Train Focused, Coach Steve, Sole Runner Head Coach
Tahoe Rim Trail 7-18-09 50k Runumentry
Here it is! The views, people and race were spectacular. This is a must do race and a great first ultra because they give you plenty of time to finish. I almost forgot to mention the fantastic aid stations.
Thank you to the TRT staff, volunteers, families, friends and supporters.
Race Focused, Steve Mackel – Ultra Marathoner
Tackling the Tahoe Rim Trail 50k – Checkout the Charts
I was just going over the charts and said to myself, wow, thank gosh I know the ChiRunning® hill running techniques (you can learn these techniques at the Sunday, August 2, ChiRunning® workshop in Santa Monica). There is one section that is 1.5 miles of steep switchbacks on single track. We’ll make it up to 9,000 ft.
Tomorrow will be about running with my good friend Lucy. On paper I am a little faster than her yet this is an ultra, in the mountains, so I am respecting mother nature and going to run with Lucy and not worry about my time. In fact, I will not wear a watch. My focus will be to (in)joy the beauty, stay as cool as possible (it is HOT up here) and the sun is intense, have fun and finish. Because when finish an ultra-marathon you are an ultra marathoner.
Look for the video next week. Have an awesome Saturday! And, thanks for all the kind messages.
Race Focused, Steve Mackel – Ultra Marathoner (Holcomb Valley 2 years ago)
Catalina Marathon Saturday, March 14, 2009
Here it is, up only 48 hours after the race. I never know how it is going to turn out while I am filming and I wanted to show the whole day, because the Catalina Marathon is so much more than just a race. I hope this video does it some justice.
As usual, I had a great time and wished I could have interviewed more people. I was going for a PR which makes it difficult to pull the camera out in some sections, when I was pushing through some pain or flying down hills. Sorry if I missed you.
Remember, if you see me come up and say hello. I will pull out my camera and film you.
Steve Mackel – Sole Runners, Head Coach
Los Angeles Trail Running: New Years Day 2009
The SoCalRunning Tribe goes trail running in Los Angeles on a foggy New Years day in 2009.
Hear the best wishes from many of the runners that day.
Wonderful video. Lots of love to everyone.
To a happy healthy 2009.
Coach Gary GoBliss
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