Wrapping my head (and stomach ) around it

Many of the questions I received surround what I ate, and how I prepared myself mentally for what was about to do.
The first one is easiest.  I practiced with all the foods I was going to take so I knew that my digestive system could and would function well on light weight, high calorie foods.  That being said.. my menu plan went out the window after the first day.
I learned a valuable lesson on my second ever 50K, the Run on the Sly, late summer of 2010.  At mile 26 aid station there was DELICIOUS looking water melon floating in ice water.  Those who know me closely know this story. In go a couple of boiled potato pieces at the aid station, and along with me go a couple of hunks of water melon.  Exactly .2 miles later my stomach responded with a WHAT THE.. oooooowaaaaaaaaa. And out came all of it, taking the wind out of my sales (and everything out of my stomach). My erstwhile coach, Bev Anderson-Abbs, Western States champion and elite ultra runner, when learning of the debacle, responded with the first of two quotes I will forever remember her for: "had you TRAINED with  water melon Ed?????"
The second quote was "Of course 50 miles is a long way.. why do you think we invented cars?"... but thats another story.
Back to MdS cuisine.  At the outset I planned on Natures Path Organic Oatmeal with Flax (Instant) for breakfast along with some Starbucks "Via" instant coffee to start the day.  Lunch would be Top Ramen, only chicken flavor, and Cliff Bars for snacks with a Cliff "Builder" Protein bar at the end of the day.  Dinner would be an assortment of Backpackers Pantry meals, all some combo of Chicken and Rice. At the end of Stage One I saw that the oatmeal was not sufficent and stopping for "lunch" simply didnt happen.  All the energy gels I brought were simply taking up room (and precious weight) in my pack.
Day two brought a bout a change that thankfully I had prepared for.  Out went the energy gels and the oatmeal.  Breakfast was now Top Ramen and coffee...laugh if you will but I never "bonked" the whole race. Lunch, and my saving treat became my "trail mix" of soy nuts, sunflower seeds, almond slivers, M&Ms (wouldnt melt) and cut up "sweedish fish" candy.  They seemed to stand up to the heat better than gummy somethings....This approach served me (pun intended) really well since I had trained with all of it and I never had any digestive craziness the whole week. Leaving me plenty of time to focus on my blisters!!!
As to the second question.. how did I prepare mentally? I will speak to this later during the stage reports but suffice it to say that you cant really prepare yourself for how hard this event is.  There is nothing remotely like it in my experience. I keep coming back to a bumper sticker I saw about 6 months before the race that stuck with me..
"You never know how strong you can be...until you have no choice but to be strong."

Stay tuned and run happy!

PreRace Morocco

There was so much leading up to the race in Morocco that it became part of the fabric of the adventure. Those last few days I met many of of fellow competitors including 4 time MdS champion Mohamed Ahensal who was one of the most gracious elite athletes I have ever met. Checking into the Riad Salam on Monday night I spent the next 3 days with final cutting trimming and, of course. Some shopping.

The view from my room, pre race.

Some shopping in town introduced me to Tangine.. the little clay posts used to cook meats and vegetables. I ate Tangine almost every day. Chicken, Lamb, Beef. I can't begin to describe how good this was.

  As everyone arrived, including our erstwhile "Den Mother, Jay Batchen from Dreamchasers we had a bit of a class on packing.. which of course resulted in yet more cutting, and trimming and analyzing what to bring.

 So once again.. back to the room, which bore a striking resemblance to something out of a bad Elvis decorating class.

 

But finally. It was Friday and off to the desert we all went. Loading on to several buses we stopped briefly to pick up race officials and the long awaited Race Book! We learned the course, and the length of the legs..

And stopped at a luxurious roadside "cafe" for lunch.. the lunch was actually QUITE good.. but it was a harbinger of things to come in terms of our comfort level for the next week

After just about 6 hours we had gone as far as the buses could travel. We were loaded onto military transports for the remaining 15 minutes across sand and rock to our first Bivouac.

we were fed by race organizers on that Friday and Saturday for the technical check in but starting Saturday after dinner we were expected to be totally self sufficient except for water for the remainder of the race.

Saturdays technical check was a bit of a zoo.  Although we lined up at appointed times according to our bib numbers it still took a lot of time standing around in the hot sun.  Ultimately, bib, flare, timing chip and water ration punch cards in hand we felt like official competitors. Next up.. Stage One and an introduction into Race Director Patrick Baur's sense of what constitutes a "sandy rise"

 

To the Brink and Back

I am working on a day to day race report but to satiate all my inquisitive readers.. ;-P
Here is a piece my employer did on the campus blog to tide you both over!
There is a public link to some of my pictures up on Facebook.


California State University Chico

Now that the dust has settled!

Came back to a maelstrom of things at work and wanted to let my experience at MdS settle and gain some perspective. So thanks to all for your patience. I am going to spend the next few posts on the race and the experience and try to communicate if possible the amazing "foot print" that this adventure left on me.

I met some of the most amazing people in a country that is almost impossible to describe.  The harshness of the environment and the landscape were, at times overwhelming. In complete juxtaposition to this starkness was the hospitality and friendliness of the  Moroccan people. I can't begin to describe how hard this race was, nor the graciousness of the Moroccan people I met but I will try over the next few posts.

I also met athletes in my fellow competitors that I know will be life long friends. We laughed so hard at times I had tears in my eyes and my sides hurt... We also shed equally hard the tears of emotion and physical effort laid bare by what we collectively experienced, each at such a personal level.
I can't wait to share my experience ...

Home again home again jiggity jig

Three days of travel....in the same clothes (thank you Air France for loosing my bag) and I am back in Chico. I am "assured" that my suitcase is going to be on todays flight from Paris to SFO but I find myself taking a pragmatic attitude about it.

 As soon as I get settled here at work I will upload some pics and final race information. My head is still swirling a bit. I can't actually believe I finished this damn thing and as many of you have surmised, at several points I wasn't sure I would.  I am still hobbling a bit, feet still "knackered." Thank you again for all the encouragement, the support and the well wishes. It truly made the difference. :-)

Run Happy
Ed

Altered Expectations

The long stage is over and for anyone who has been following on the race site you no doubt see that it was anything but a running stage for me. Taking just under 22 hours, I elected to run through the night and not sleep at any of the check points. I use running loosely as with the terrain and my blistered feet it was anything but a run except for between CP 4-5 when I actually felt awesome under the 2AM African sky. Short lived however and while I started out from the last check point with 10K to go at dark chasing the laser they shoot up for us,I arrived well after sun up. I managed a run in but like others had an emotional finish of this VERY hard stage. A couple of hours in the medical tent for my feet which are in the words of my Aussie tent mates "knackered"... tomorrow will prove interesting running to say the least but I am determined to finish. ed

Tough and Thanks

First, thank you everyone who has sent e-mails. It means more than you can imagine. Stage 3 was very tough and very emotional. Lots of sand, sun, and blisters. I have more bandages on my feet than you can imagine. Tomorrow starts the long stage and I am nervous. Thanks everyone!

Windblown

Stage 2 began with the wind howling into the bivouac in the middle of the night. very little sleep and the main tent poles fell on me twice. Today the route (33K) was rocky, More dunes and very difficult to run. Made tougher by 30-40 mph winds all day,blowing sand and blisters multiplying like rabbits.. tough tough day. :-/

Wake Up Call

Stage one is done but was very hard. They opened the race with a 33K run through the Mazouga Dunes,including a trek through Erg Chebbi. In plain terms: a nine mile warm up and then 9 miles through the dunes...it was very hot, very steep and felt like one step forward for two back. After the dunes we had 4 miles across flat volcanic type basalt fields. It took me 8 hours....longest 23 miles ever! I am generally ok. -Ed

Getting Hot

Greetings

Its heating up and not just temps

last day to cut down gear and packs before we head to desert tomorrow

Ed

Chico State Highlights Ed's Adventure

Inside Chico State's March issue came out today. Check out the article on Ed. http://www.csuchico.edu/pub/inside/ (Submitted by Peggy)

Things are heating up

Runners are arriving and the level of anticipation is growing.. ok maybe thats just me.. and maybe its aprehension because I am now meeting veterans of MdS who are sharing stories and advice.. such a gracious bunch, but I have packed and repacked my kit three times now and I sense there is more to do.

This morning I had the honor of meeting Mohamed Ahansal, three time winner of MdS and one of the most gracious people I have met. The commradery is amazing and advice (and horror stories) are free flowing. I also met the woman evac'd last year due the to scorpion sting and what a character.. all in stride and back for more.

The temperature is also going up and while everyone keeps saying it is waaaay cooler than last year.. I also keep hearing its much warmer once we get out to the desert.

The scenary is spectacular. Ouarzazate is at the base of the snow topped Atlas Mountains.. but that seems far away from the heat that starts building by mid day... oh joy...

So long for now.. I think I just thought of more stuff I can cut from my pack....

Run Happy

Ed

safe n sound

LONG travel day, 37 hours but finally got in late last night! Woke to feeling I was in an aviairy there are so many birds!
Finally found a cyber cafe that can change keyboard to english but typing is nightmare as non of the keys line up
Wonderful food,  interesting town and culture
E

And away we go

At SFO waiting for flight to Paris to take off. Its surreal traveling without my iPhone (left it home) and not being connected the way I normally am but thats kind of part ot the point!

Moment of apprehension going through security with all those energy gels

Thanks to everyone for you support

Adieu

Test of the EBS

This is a test of Ed Broadcast Service..
beeeeeeeeep
:)

counting down!

Bags packed, checked in online now just a few errands and I'm on the way.
Thanks to all the people at work for the send off and funny cake... pics later

Gearing up

 With just 18 days before I leave, I have had quite a few questions about what all I have to carry for the duration of the race. There are several "compulsory" items required by race organizers as well as whatever competitors feel they need for the week. Those are marked by an * in the list.
Here is what I am bringing.  Total weight, before trimming packaging etc is just under 20 lbs.

*Backpack

Osprey Talon 33

            2 x 750-800ml. water bottles

(Attached to the front straps on my pack)

*Sleeping bag

Western Mountaineering - Highlite 

*Flashlight-Headlamp

Xtra batteries for light

I have lithium  - they are lighter and last longer.

*10 saftey pins

1 medium; 1 small… 8 xtra small

 *Compass

With at least 2 degrees of precision!  

*Lighter

*Knife

I use a ultra small “leatherman” b/c is also has scissors

  *Topical disinfectant (alcohol pads)

 *Anti-venom pump

  *Whistle

Very small, lightweight plastic; mine is built into the buckle of the pack's sternum strap

  *Signaling Mirror

*Survival sheet

You know, silver mylar like whats handed out at marathon finish lines

Flare

**provided by race organizers

Salt tablets

**provided by race organizers

 Light Stick for 50 mile stage

**provided by race organizers

EKG - dated within 30 days of event

***must have original copy signed by doctor!!

FOOD

All my food for duration of race

(You must have a minimum of 2000 calories per day)

7 -Breakfasts I have bars, oatmeal, 6- 7 Lunchs: Top Ramen, jerky,    6 - Dinners freeze dried meals… a good variety, mostly rice and chicken compinations   Electolyte drink mix enough for each day… and I have a variety so I don't get sick of one flavor. Suceed Caps (salt pills) for each stage, NUUN (Electrolyte tablets) A variety of Cliff, protein and honey bars/waffle cookies.

Clothing:

One pair of shorts (Brooks Sherpa)

I am also bringing compression shorts as they tend to chafe less (and keep the sand out)

  One race shirt

Brooks Rev T with UPF protection

Moeben UV Arm Sleeves 

Buff

Protects neck, face.

  Sunglasses and/or Goggles

I wear Wiley-X with Light Adjusting lenses that have a foam seal around the eyes to keep out the sand

 Earplugs

 Hat

I use a Brooks breathable running hat… 

One long-sleeve shirt

1-4 pairs of socks

I use Smartwool… PHD Trail Socks

 Windbreaker Brooks LSD cause it balls up into something I can use as a pillow

Tyvec Suit- (Painters overalls-weighs only a few grams/ounces and can keep you a bit warmer at night

 Running shoes WITH Gaiters

Brooks ASR with a custom sewn gaiter

Sunscreen

BodyGlide (well DUH) 

Babywipes

Dehydrated, rehydrate with water

  Lip balm (w. SPF)

Hand sanitizer

Blister care kit- New Skin, needle, disinfectant, Elastikon tape, BlisterShield Powder

Tiny toothbrush

Tiny tube of toothpaste

Deodorant (bet the tent mates will be happy)

Multi-purpose soap

For bathing, cleaning utensils and clothing

Camera (super lightweight and water/sand proof)

Spork

Collapsible bowl

Pencil & notebook (to keep notes on the race)

Sleeping pad -Lightweight foam…

One Month Out

With just about a month to go it was time to tally up all the gear, separate the food out to what I will need for each day and see if it all fits into the pack.

 

This is pretty much everything except a couple pair of socks, some earplugs (recommended) and the water bottles that mount on the front of my pack.

Here is a fairly typical days food.  Instant oatmeal and poptarts for breakfast, Top Ramen for Lunch and some high calorie backpackers Risotto for dinner.
Next its time to play MdS "Jenga" and see if I can get it all into my backpack.

I didnt much care for the way the sleeping pad ended up so trying some different approaches suggested by some of my hard corps back packer friends.

All totaled up I was right at about 20 pounds. A bit heavier than I wanted so this weekend I will pare some things down and try a different carry method for the sleeping in pad. But it was good enough to get some running miles in and I took it out both Saturday and Sunday.  Saturday was a dual purpose run, try out the weight and check out a new course for the training groups towards Honey Run. The pavement was pretty tough to work on and my knees and ankles were NOT happy!
Sunday I faired better by staying on the dirt and got a solid 15 miles in along the trails and fireroad in Upper Park.
This weekend I am going to try eating all weekend on a similar type and amount of food.  THAT post should be fun!
Run Happy!
Ed

Whats in a name?

I have been asked about the name of this blog. When I began running seriously about 4 years ago my goal was to finish a half marathon on my 47th birthday.  I did that, via a Fleet Feet Chico running program and I finished the Four Bridges Lake Natomas Half Marathon that October. Since that time I have set other goals, and eventually took on the marathon. Along the way I found that I loved running, the running community and the energy exuded by runners of every speed and ability. I began coaching for the local Fleet Feet and get to be part of my fellow runners achieving their own goals. Having finished three marathons including the Paris Marathon in 2009 I set my sights on the next step, ultrarunning.  An ultra is defined as anything over the marathon distance of 26.2 miles.
 I originally came up with the idea of Greater Than Or Equal To as expressing the distances I have run as a play on the mathematical symbol: ≥
Since the symbols doesnt translate to a blog title very well for web browsing, I typed it out and in typing realized its more relation to the goals we set for ourselves.  Be it a 5K, or a 100 miler, a duathalon, a full tri we have to ask ourselves are we up to it? I strive to be better than the goals I set, more than the target. I think that translates outside of our physical endeavors as well. At work, at home, raising your kids, quitting a bad habit or starting healthy ones.. Always set your sights higher.. be Greater Than or Equal To whatever you take on

Run Happy
Ed

New Video

Race organizers have a new video out.  Worth watching:
25th Marathon de Sables

Flights are booked!

Finalized by flights today.  I am leaving on March 28th and winging my way to Ouarzazate via San Francisco, Paris and Casablanca (of all the gin joints in all the world)!

Training is going well though perhaps a little behind. After 15 miles with the pack on Saturday in some new shoes I am wear testing I woke up Sunday to a pretty sore knee.  Took the day off.. Superbowl had NOTHING to do with it! I am averaging about 50-60 miles a week right now with three long runs a week.

My pack, The Osprey Talon 33 has been awesome, now I just need to see if I can start fitting everything into it.

Counting down

Fifty-eight days until they load us all on buses in Ouarzazate, Morocco and take me and some 60 other Americans out to the middle of the Sahara, along with the rest of the international competitors, to run the 26th Marathon de Sables (The Marathon of the Sands). Runners from 42 countries will converge that first week of April to test ourselves against heat, sand and fatigue in an ultra marathon called "the toughest footrace on the planet".
Over the course of 6 days and approximately 150 miles runners are completely self sufficient except for water rationed at check points and a bivouac each night. Carrying fully loaded packs with all our food, supplies, clothing and sleeping gear the course is broken into stages equaling about 20 miles each day with a middle stage of 50 miles followed by a full marathon, 26.2 miles the next day.  Compulsory items such as a compass, anti-venom kit, survival blanket and flares are checked by race officials along with a requisite 2000 calories per day each runner must have in their possession. The Sacramento Bee posted these pictures from last years race.
I have been training and accumulating equipment since December and over the remaining 2 months I will share my experiences running with a back pack, the gear required and my thoughts during the race.
Run Happy!