Monday, August 16, 2010

Mt A Day


Running against Oregon's elite

By Peter Fain

This past weekend I went to Ashland, Ore., to compete in a different uphill race, the Mt. Ashland Hill Climb Run. It's a different kind of tough uphill: 13.2 miles, 5,600 feet of climbing, and yes, on dirt.
It wasn't as steep as the Squaw Mountain Run, but it had its moments. But what made this race special for me was the caliber of runners who showed up. Now, don't get me wrong, there are great runners here in our area, but I've had great success locally, so it's good to get humbled.
Many athletes who have resumes that go on and on were there — Western States winners, Way Too Cool winners, major race course record-holders, you name it, the list goes on. So, for me to toe the line with this kind of talent was a treat.
Well, from the moment the gun went off Max King (the new course record-holder) and Erik Skaggs were gone before the first mile. The rest of us held together until we passed Lithia Park. The climb was quite steep initially, and the pace was feverish.
I labored for a bit to stay in the top 10. By mile 5 I slid into 11th place. An old acquaintance passed me, Dave Dunham of Massachusetts. I wasted no time letting him know that he had to take off his shirt to be in the top 10. Did I mention practically none of the Oregon elite runners wear a shirt? I think running as close to naked as possible is the theme in Oregon. Believe it or not, that goes for some of the women too. Moeben running bikinis.
Dave and the shirtless guy next to him laughed as they pulled ahead.
I held my own and kept that next group within site. I slowly got closer until we reached the ski resort lodge. There the trail turns from nice, clean fire roads to a rocky, steep, technical single-track for the last 3/4 of a mile. Most groaned. Me, I let out a sigh of relief. Heck, that's what we run here. I maintained a strong pace and cruised by four guys. The last 200 meters were straight up a black diamond ski run (well, maybe a blue at Squaw).
All my efforts left me about 20 seconds behind fifth place. Finishing sixth in such company felt really good.

full results can be found here


Amazingly enough, separation had begun before mile 2! 


At least some of the runners decided to work together.  Josh B., J.C. Callans, Sean M., Renn and Ian work on their cadence. 


A supreme effort, even for 2nd place on this day. 


This doesn't look like 4 people passed you from the lodge Jeff.  


John, they make light weight titanium poles for this very reason, and I know you planted that stick the day before. 


Melissa S, eyes 2nd place and crushes her PR. 


Oh it feels so much better from this vantage. 

It looks like the camera was too fast to capture this precious image. 

The Dinger's celebrate! 

So close.  Till next year! 


Thanks to Andy Atkinson for all the poignant photos. 

6 comments:

dtc said...

When I go to sleep at night, I have dreams that I am running with you all in these amazing races with your unreal efforts. And then I wake up with my calves cramped up, cry, and then decide to sleep in:)

vch\ said...

Hills look pretty tame. You actually have switch-backs, not just straight up.

Try running some mountain-bike trails and you'll see some real hills

dtc said...

OUCH, next years challenger, the infamous vch\?

Rogue Valley Runners said...

I don't know what switchbacks you were looking at, try using your feet and then YOU'LL know what hills are.

Unknown said...

I need to sign up for this one next year...also gives me a nice excuse to see mom & dad

Maria said...

Try running some mountain-bike trails and you'll see some real hills.
britney spears perfume
ed hardy perfume
vera wang perfume
calvin klein perfume
paris hilton perfume