Doonst runs the dual in the desert
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Doonst runs the dual in the desert
It was a Tuesday, the second of September. After 3 months of very light running due to AT issues, I got a PM from dgrant: If I continue to improve, maybe running the half marathon in Vegas, December sixth might be fun. It took me 24 hours to commit. 3 weeks later, he "found" that there was a marathon in Death Valley California the day before the Vegas race. It took me a little longer before I signed on to run the half there too. We had done 2 in a weekend before, as part of the 2006 fall (10 in 10) tour, but I said at the time I didn't ever need to repeat it. A good stunt beats good sense anyday though.
My brother from NYC thought that a race in Death Valley sounded irresistible. He and a friend/co-worker soon registered for their first half-marathon, and in their infinite wisdom bet the price of airfare on the outcome. Nothing like a little extra pressure for your first.
On the flight down La sat with us, also running in Vegas. We arrived in Vegas at 7 local time (10 our time), grabbed a rental car and met my brother Barry and Jan at the hotel. Dinner around 10 PM was Mexican, yes less than 12 hours before the race. Dave skipped that.
Left a little late for Death Valley, around 5 AM. Stopped an hour later in Pahrump for a coffee. Moments later we stopped at the side of the road to look at the sunrise in the desert. Also because we were the first on the scene of a car rollover.
The lovely Stephanie wasn't hurt bad, minor cuts, and actually took it pretty well, just a little shaky. We got a call through (before it dropped) to 911 and police came. They decided to dispatch an ambulance, as her neck was starting to hurt. After about a half hour, we were back on our way to Death Valley. Most admitted that their first thought on stopping was that we would miss our race, but we made it in time.
It really was an amazing place to have a race. Very unique scenery, and perfect weather: 48-60 degrees F, no wind. The race director liked giving speeches, so we shivered and started late, the half ten minutes after the full.
Barry had said his goal was 1:50, but I knew from his training that he was faster than that. I was hoping for around 1:37, but hadn't run a road race since May and wasn't sure what speed to expect. The course turned out to be harder than we knew; lots of long easy inclines. Jan and Barry stayed with for the first half, running at 4:35 pace, right on track for a 1:37. First 2 K were easy downhill so it was a fast start. Then a steeper uphill for the next 2, the easy downhill to the 10.5 K turnaround. I pretty much knew that the return section would be tougher, and I was just on pace until the half. At that aid station I noticed that I might have a stone in my shoe. I tried to ignore it and it seemed to fade. When I walked at the 16 K aid station it felt like I had a nail in my foot. I stopped and took my shoe off, didn't actually ever see a stone. Cost me a minute though. Barry had been pulling ahead slightly there, but I thought he might fade towards the finish. Jan was by this point fallen way back. I had been slowing down on the constant uphill, still had hopes for my B goal of sub 1:40 until the shoe incident. It was a long 2 K uphill to the finish and I came in at 1:41:09. That was 3/11 in my age group and 27/198 overall. My brother Barry, 47 years old, ran his first half marathon in 1:38:33. Fellow physics teacher Jan limped in just under 1:50 with knee issues. dgrant figures the course was 2-3 minutes longer than a fast course like Mississauga or Toronto. So I'm really not too disappointed in my time, it just wasn't my day or an easy course. I had a toonie-sized blister on the bottom of my foot, bandaged at the finish.
We took the scenic route home, through Badwater, the actual lowest point on the continent. Very cool. It was nice but not crazy hot, being December.
Totally below sea level.
Back in Las Vegas we spent some time walking around the race expo. I wasn't too impressed, no deals. Then Barry Jan and I had dinner at a German restaurant; I had a few beers. Later Dave and I went to see Willie Nelson at Planet Hollywood. It was a good show, but I was starting to nod off. It had been a very long day.
Part 2, Las Vegas Half Marathon.
This was just now for fun, because we had run hard the previous day. Barry and Jan flew out that morning. I was in corral 2 and Dave moved on to corral 1. Today I ran alone, with 27,000 others. I had been worried Saturday afternoon, because my legs were plenty sore. My blister had burst walking after dinner, and was fine now. Start was at 6:15 AM, still dark out.
I started out very slow, 5:30 first split. By the third I was at around 5:12, and stayed there for most of the race. Easy but not lazy. My knee hurt for about ten minutes, then when that passed my hip hurt a bit for about ten minutes. After that I was fine. It was a little laboured, just getting up to start in the dark, never done that before. Some spectators out there in the cold dark. but not a whole lot. As neat as it was running down the totally closed Vegas strip, I was glad to see the turnaround. Coming back it got easier, and I actually picked up the pace for the last 5K. Ended up with a 1:51:23. Right after the finish Bunsontherun spotted me, still in the water and capes zone. We had our picture taken with a showgirl, that was fun. Didn't stick around long at all, and I was actually at our meeting spot in the warm Tropicana before Dave. By 9 oclock I was showered and back in bed. A guy can only take so much good times.
My brother from NYC thought that a race in Death Valley sounded irresistible. He and a friend/co-worker soon registered for their first half-marathon, and in their infinite wisdom bet the price of airfare on the outcome. Nothing like a little extra pressure for your first.
On the flight down La sat with us, also running in Vegas. We arrived in Vegas at 7 local time (10 our time), grabbed a rental car and met my brother Barry and Jan at the hotel. Dinner around 10 PM was Mexican, yes less than 12 hours before the race. Dave skipped that.
Left a little late for Death Valley, around 5 AM. Stopped an hour later in Pahrump for a coffee. Moments later we stopped at the side of the road to look at the sunrise in the desert. Also because we were the first on the scene of a car rollover.
The lovely Stephanie wasn't hurt bad, minor cuts, and actually took it pretty well, just a little shaky. We got a call through (before it dropped) to 911 and police came. They decided to dispatch an ambulance, as her neck was starting to hurt. After about a half hour, we were back on our way to Death Valley. Most admitted that their first thought on stopping was that we would miss our race, but we made it in time.
It really was an amazing place to have a race. Very unique scenery, and perfect weather: 48-60 degrees F, no wind. The race director liked giving speeches, so we shivered and started late, the half ten minutes after the full.
Barry had said his goal was 1:50, but I knew from his training that he was faster than that. I was hoping for around 1:37, but hadn't run a road race since May and wasn't sure what speed to expect. The course turned out to be harder than we knew; lots of long easy inclines. Jan and Barry stayed with for the first half, running at 4:35 pace, right on track for a 1:37. First 2 K were easy downhill so it was a fast start. Then a steeper uphill for the next 2, the easy downhill to the 10.5 K turnaround. I pretty much knew that the return section would be tougher, and I was just on pace until the half. At that aid station I noticed that I might have a stone in my shoe. I tried to ignore it and it seemed to fade. When I walked at the 16 K aid station it felt like I had a nail in my foot. I stopped and took my shoe off, didn't actually ever see a stone. Cost me a minute though. Barry had been pulling ahead slightly there, but I thought he might fade towards the finish. Jan was by this point fallen way back. I had been slowing down on the constant uphill, still had hopes for my B goal of sub 1:40 until the shoe incident. It was a long 2 K uphill to the finish and I came in at 1:41:09. That was 3/11 in my age group and 27/198 overall. My brother Barry, 47 years old, ran his first half marathon in 1:38:33. Fellow physics teacher Jan limped in just under 1:50 with knee issues. dgrant figures the course was 2-3 minutes longer than a fast course like Mississauga or Toronto. So I'm really not too disappointed in my time, it just wasn't my day or an easy course. I had a toonie-sized blister on the bottom of my foot, bandaged at the finish.
We took the scenic route home, through Badwater, the actual lowest point on the continent. Very cool. It was nice but not crazy hot, being December.
Totally below sea level.
Back in Las Vegas we spent some time walking around the race expo. I wasn't too impressed, no deals. Then Barry Jan and I had dinner at a German restaurant; I had a few beers. Later Dave and I went to see Willie Nelson at Planet Hollywood. It was a good show, but I was starting to nod off. It had been a very long day.
Part 2, Las Vegas Half Marathon.
This was just now for fun, because we had run hard the previous day. Barry and Jan flew out that morning. I was in corral 2 and Dave moved on to corral 1. Today I ran alone, with 27,000 others. I had been worried Saturday afternoon, because my legs were plenty sore. My blister had burst walking after dinner, and was fine now. Start was at 6:15 AM, still dark out.
I started out very slow, 5:30 first split. By the third I was at around 5:12, and stayed there for most of the race. Easy but not lazy. My knee hurt for about ten minutes, then when that passed my hip hurt a bit for about ten minutes. After that I was fine. It was a little laboured, just getting up to start in the dark, never done that before. Some spectators out there in the cold dark. but not a whole lot. As neat as it was running down the totally closed Vegas strip, I was glad to see the turnaround. Coming back it got easier, and I actually picked up the pace for the last 5K. Ended up with a 1:51:23. Right after the finish Bunsontherun spotted me, still in the water and capes zone. We had our picture taken with a showgirl, that was fun. Didn't stick around long at all, and I was actually at our meeting spot in the warm Tropicana before Dave. By 9 oclock I was showered and back in bed. A guy can only take so much good times.
Last edited by Doonst on Mon Dec 14, 2009 11:43 pm, edited 2 times in total.
next up:
This broken wing will fly again
One fine day
This blackbird's mute gonna sing again
One fine day
So all you sinners come out
And all you drunkards crawl out
Come into the light of one fine day
This broken wing will fly again
One fine day
This blackbird's mute gonna sing again
One fine day
So all you sinners come out
And all you drunkards crawl out
Come into the light of one fine day
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Sheldon, you never cease to amaze me. Back to back 1/2 marathons, is very impressive Great pics and report too.
Well done.
Well done.
2014
injured
2013
Snowflake 10k....stopped at 5k
Rest of the year a write off because of injury.
2012
Snowflake 10k Jan 1 done
Run 4 Kids 10k Jan 7 done
Harry's Spring Run Off 8k. April 8 a disaster, but I finished
Centurion 50k at Horseshoe Valley (cycling) done
Centurion 50 miler at Blue Mountain (cycling) done.....barely!
Snowflake 5k, Dec 16 - done
2011
Harry Rosen 8k. April. done
Rotary 5k fun run. May. done
CANI 10k. June. done
Canada Day 10k. July. done
Barrie Waterfront 5k. Aug. done
CANI 10 k. Oct. done
Base Borden Army Run 10k. done
injured
2013
Snowflake 10k....stopped at 5k
Rest of the year a write off because of injury.
2012
Snowflake 10k Jan 1 done
Run 4 Kids 10k Jan 7 done
Harry's Spring Run Off 8k. April 8 a disaster, but I finished
Centurion 50k at Horseshoe Valley (cycling) done
Centurion 50 miler at Blue Mountain (cycling) done.....barely!
Snowflake 5k, Dec 16 - done
2011
Harry Rosen 8k. April. done
Rotary 5k fun run. May. done
CANI 10k. June. done
Canada Day 10k. July. done
Barrie Waterfront 5k. Aug. done
CANI 10 k. Oct. done
Base Borden Army Run 10k. done
- Robbie-T
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Great weekend guys!! And Willie was the cherry on top.
Solid times too man.
Solid times too man.
Mississauga Marathon - 2:52
Around the Bay - 1:58
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"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the Gift." - Pre
Around the Bay - 1:58
Click>> Race History
ItsMyRun.com
"If I'm running, it will be a good run" - Robbie-T
"I just hope that people look at it and say, 'Hey if this yahoo can do it, then I can do it too.' That'd be cool if people thought that. It's just a matter of putting the miles in and working. It's not so much how much talent you have. I hope." - Brian Sell.
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the Gift." - Pre
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Great report, Sheldon. Running two half-marathons on successive days does remind me of the "idiot" days of a couple years ago. Great times on both races. Congratulations!!! Great pics as well!!!
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Great back to back races...hey...you weren't wearing your knee brace
Sounds like an action packed weekend.
I'm sure Stephanie was very happy to see you guys!! It's a pity you weren't wearing your flame tights that day...she would have known you were a Super Hero
Sounds like an action packed weekend.
I'm sure Stephanie was very happy to see you guys!! It's a pity you weren't wearing your flame tights that day...she would have known you were a Super Hero
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"Princess" J0-JO...The Awesome Running Machine.
"a precious, unique and quirky individual"...definition given by a Toronto Cop
An Ever Loyal and Devoted Official Doonst Fan.
"In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer" -Albert Camus
"Keep Going. Never Give Up." Spencer
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Nice double, Sheldon. Love the picks.
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Awesome comeback back-to-back, Sheldon ... nicely run (or is it ran ??)
Only in Vegas would those tights be considered conservative ...
Only in Vegas would those tights be considered conservative ...
Race Results: http://itsmyrun.com/index.php?display=p ... unner=HCiD
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Good times, Doonst. Good times.
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"Everywhere is walking distance if you have enough time." - Steven Wright
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Very impressive! Good times for both races Sheldon.
You're a machine!
You're a machine!
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Awesome job buddy!
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Congrats X2 - impressive weekend of running!
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Well done Crazy Young Fella - sounds like a great time. I'll have to wait till I get home to view the Pics.
Kim and I are going to Vegas in March - I now (thanks to you) have to get to Badwater for a run while we are there. Didn't realize it was so close.
Kim and I are going to Vegas in March - I now (thanks to you) have to get to Badwater for a run while we are there. Didn't realize it was so close.
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Two races, mexicanb food, beer and WIllie Nelson ... sounds like a good time. Well done.
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Sounds like you had quite a weekend. Congrats on the double!
Darth Tater
"Wherever you go, there you are."
"Wherever you go, there you are."
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
I'd say you're officially back to be able to pull off a double like this.
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
I thought 2009 was "the year of messing around"....back to back, hmm that's alot of messing....
Next you'll need to sign up for the goofy.
Well done, and loved the pictures embedded in report.
Dave
Next you'll need to sign up for the goofy.
Well done, and loved the pictures embedded in report.
Dave
'10 ATB 2:27, Boston 3:43, Missga 3:42, Sulphur Spring 25k, Niagara 50, ITT,Toad 50, Marine Corp M,
09 Chilly 1:43; ATB 2:37, Boston 3:50, Missuga Mara 3:49, Run for Toad 25k 2:22, Oakville half 1:51, Detroit 3:45
'08 Chilly 1:42; ATB 2:31; Miss Mara 3:43, Westover, Erie (DNF), Detroit 3:36
'07 Chilly 1:45, Detroit 3:50
'92-93 Half 1:27; Detroit 3:10, Boston 3:56
09 Chilly 1:43; ATB 2:37, Boston 3:50, Missuga Mara 3:49, Run for Toad 25k 2:22, Oakville half 1:51, Detroit 3:45
'08 Chilly 1:42; ATB 2:31; Miss Mara 3:43, Westover, Erie (DNF), Detroit 3:36
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Way to go man! I saw your Vegas time and thought you were slacking. I didn't realize you ran the day before. Well done!!
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Nice job Sheldon. Wow, brave to eat spicy the day before but what the hay!! I would say your form is still there, but take care of your blister.
Nice to see you at the nog!!
Nice to see you at the nog!!
Cheers,
Jill
Ongoing plan :To start running, continue with eating habits, positive outlook.
OTTAWA HALF 2014
Jill
Ongoing plan :To start running, continue with eating habits, positive outlook.
OTTAWA HALF 2014
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Like you said...stunts are good fun. LOVE the stunts. Made even more fun with some pretty decent times.
Keep me posted on your next stunt plans.
Keep me posted on your next stunt plans.
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2011 Wishlist
Sulphur Springs 50 miler
Dirty Girls 12 hr night run
Haliburton 100 miler (gulp!)
"Try the meditation of the trail, just walk along looking at the trail at your feet and don't look about and just fall into a trance as the ground zips by..."
-Jack Kerouac
"I am no longer a runner, I am now a father who runs. I will let the running come to me and I will make the most of every km I am fortunate enough to receive."
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Great racing - those are impressive times even without having to come back from the issues you've had on and off for the year. Congratulations! And thanks for the super reporting too - I always enjoy your race reports. See you in Hamilton on March 28?
Jacqueline
--------------
19 marathons (3:24:56), 9 30 km ATBs (2:21:33), 2 Midsummer 30 km (2:22:07), 15 half marathons (1:33:53), 5 10 Ks (44:17), 1 5K (22:59), 1 50 K (4:29:22)
2015: London
2016: Boston, followed by injury rehab and then ???
--------------
19 marathons (3:24:56), 9 30 km ATBs (2:21:33), 2 Midsummer 30 km (2:22:07), 15 half marathons (1:33:53), 5 10 Ks (44:17), 1 5K (22:59), 1 50 K (4:29:22)
2015: London
2016: Boston, followed by injury rehab and then ???
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Well done, Sheldon! Sounds like you had fun and are still keeping up with the young folks
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Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Great times! Great pics! Great legs!
Running is cheaper than therapy and I need a lot of therapy.
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Get off the friggin' assfalt and run dirt. ~Strider
What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger.
I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good. ~Harry Potter
Get off the friggin' assfalt and run dirt. ~Strider
What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger.
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
Love you guys and your adventures.
I'm glad you're back in form!!
I'm glad you're back in form!!
"I was thinking of you yesterday as I was running through the woods. As I jumped over a fallen tree I said "If I were [bruyere], I'd be bleeding by now"." - Turd Ferguson
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
BJH wrote:Two races, mexican food, beer and WIllie Nelson ... sounds like a good time. Well done.
Hey! You forgot the German Food and more beer!
How are you feeling now? Hope there was no re-injury?
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Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
~ Dr. Suess~
Life is short. Drink the good wine first!
Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
~ Dr. Suess~
Life is short. Drink the good wine first!
Re: Doonst runs the dual in the desert
There's running. There's doubles. Then there's the Southwest. All three are incredible on their own. But running back-to-back races through the Southwest? Perfection. Thank you for sharing your races with us. Congrats on the perfect double!
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