run peter run.

Javelina Jundred, Fountain Hills, AZ - Halloween 09'

2009-11-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

photo credits: Diana Triester

3-2-1...

Lap 1. Halloween morning, 2009: Mile 0, 6:00 am - Mile 15.5, 8:51 am

RFM > relentless forward motion. Respect the sun. If the bone ain't showing keep on going.

Phrases like these keep my mind churning. I have a big smile on my face thinking how ridiculous is it that I'm out in the middle of the desert running 100 miles.

It's dawn. It's dark. As the moon sets and the sun ascends the horizon, the surrounding landscape turns blue and the sky becomes red. Ominous.

I set in with a very manageable pace. I'm going to run as effortless as possible and try to just keep steady all day and through the night. My goal is to finish, and maybe between 24-27 hours.

I feel good. For calories/nutrition I decide to go with liquids and gels for as long as possible, as they work quicker and are less difficult to digest than solid foods. I take endurolytes/salt pills every hour to start, with the plan to go every 30 minutes later as the heat increases.
Lap #2: Mile 15.5, 8:51 am -Mile 31, 12:29 pm

I'm doing the same route but in reverse. It's refreshing to know exactly what's in front of you. This will be the rhythm throughout the day.

It feels like you have a bit more of an ascent, still very gradual, but more than the original direction.

It's getting hotter. No shade to be found. I'm concentrating to stay on course, pursing and checking off aids stations - Javelina Jeadquarters, Coyote Camp, and Jackass Junction.

I make back to Coyote Camp, now at mile 25. I'm already showing signs of heat exhaustion. Brian Krogmann, a training partner with the SoCal Coyotes, tells me to quit screwing around with my electrolytes, and to up them to at least every 30 minutes. Also advising me to take the bandanna from my wrist and fill it full of ice for my neck. I do it all and instantly start to feel some relief. But the heat has definitely done some work.

Lap #3: Mile 31, 12:29 pm - Mile 46.5, 4:47 pm

I make it back to Javelina Jeadquarters. My coach, Jimmy Dean Freeman now has a native american headdress on with war paint on his chest. He's screaming my name along with all of our club's support crew. Now this is a real welcome. They're offering any and all help. More sunscreen, a taste of coconut water, a bathroom break, some ginger and a pb & honey in hand and I'm off. Jimmy reiterates the electrolyte testament, adding that I need to take at least 2 at a time every 20 minutes for at least the next hour to finally get back on track.

3 miles later, I'm attempting to take another few pills and one gets stuck in my throat. BARF. About a bottles worth of water and an assortment of food, including some spicy ginger decides to come flowing back out my nose and mouth. A runner dressed up as a hippie strolls by, acknowledges the scene, I apologize and we discuss how this is part of the deal.

Yuck.

This loop is hard. I've gotten sick and it's still hot. I've been on my feet for over 10 hours in the sun and it's getting me down. Then I think, 'hey it's the 3rd lap, if I can pull it together for 1 more that will be at least 62 miles the 100k mark'.... I can't think of the rest of the miles now. Just one loop at a time to keep things manageable.

Lap #4: 4:47 pm, Mile 46.5 - Mile 62, 9:18 pm

Caitlin hands me a bag full of night running gear. Sunset will come at 6pm sharp. Lights out. Then it will get cold. I put on my tights, a new shirt, lube everything back up, get my leg's biofreezed, and refill my necessities. As I'm about to go, I notice my friend Erin. She's coming with me! It was a big sign of hope. Only hours earlier, I had my first thoughts of quitting. The heat had gotten to me, but I progressed. Now I would have company on the trail and into the darkness, what could be a very lonely time in the race.

I had drank a coke when I saw Caitlin at Javelina Jeadquarters moments earlier. It gives me wings. That combined with Top Ramen seem to be my recipe every 5 miles from here on, along with my gels and water. We run for 3 minutes, walk for 1, walk the uphills and run any downhills. Talking about growing up, Los Angeles, running, not running, anything. A lot sooner than I thought... we were rounding it off and I say 'this will make 100K, the longest I've ever run!!' and 'if I can make it to 100K i can finish this...'.

Lap #5: Mile 62, 9:18pm - Mile 77.5, 3:08 am

Deva is my anchor. She's my official pacer for the last 3 loops, mile 62 - 101.4. We met through the race forum, and have stayed in touch through facebook, but only met face to face for dinner after the race check-in last night. She knows the plan. Talk, talk, and more talk. Help keep me in the right direction. Make sure I'm eating, drinking, and peeing... and we're good.

Well, it started out fine. Another big swig of Coke and we busted out of the Javelina Jeadquarters on a mission. Again, the first part of either direction had a small grade slope. We walked that. But I don't really remember running much more after. Every step beyond mile 62 was into the unknown for me. When I tried to run all that Coke and Ramen would come revisit the party. Not fun.

Mile 67.5 - Coyote Camp, departing again. I feel like I'm drunk. I've been on my feet for way too long. It's time to close my eyes. I'm running, but it feels so good to just close them for a sec. I open them quick, so to not fall asleep and Dominic comes flying down a hill. I look up and we're hugging. We have a quick way-to-go, man this is some tough shit moment and we continue.

I've now convinced Deva that the best thing for me to do is to get to Coyote Camp aid station and rest. Lay down. Minutes later, I then convince Deva that sitting down is a better option, because I don't want to be stranded unable to move laying down 5 miles from Javelina Jeadquarters, with the temps now below 50.

I sit by a heater. We're getting close to make it of break it time. I walked most of this loop. I walked much of loop #3 too, now I was faced with getting back to camp, and walking the next 24 miles. Confirmed that running was no longer a possibility, I struggled with my next move. 40-50 miles of walking, wtf?!

Got to get up and go. I was wrapped in a neat silver space blanket, which I left wrapped around my shoulders for the next hour and 40 minutes. All the while, wandering back and forth, spells of dizziness on set by exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Deva keeps me reminded of the water/food/salt schedule. We've added even more caffeine to the mix now, with espresso flavored hammer gel, but it's like a roller coaster - awake and alert, tired and confused. The door is still open. There is still hope.

I round back to Javelina Jeadquarters. As we approach I even say out loud, 'I hate confrontation' thinking about how my support team won't let me stop, just as I've coached them to do... I have to lay down. I have to. I'm shaking, my knees are weak, everything has become unraveled. I'm simply NOT willing to turn back around and walk out on the trail. There's a glimpse of chance provided by my peers, to rest/recover, get back up and go. It's only been a little over 21 hours. I have 30 to finish. Even at a walking pace, I can make it. AND I have planned on the last few loops to take 5 hours and 3-4 hours. THIS IS DO ABLE and it's part of my original plan, but it doesn't make it any easier to get back up.

I sat in the chair, then in the cot, then in the tent. Hope turned to anguish, anguish turned to pain, pain turned to relief, relief prompted my choice. I don't want to do it. I don't want to go back out there. I'm not having fun. I've thrown up countless times, my feet feel like hamburger, and yet I still imagine the finish. But, here it is. I just don't want it that bad. Another race, another day. I've given it what I will, and exceeded what my saftey limit-comfort factor-meter + 10% of tollerence could put up with. I've had it with the pain game. I decided to pull the plug. In an instant, you feel so happy and so sad. What was it all for? Who am I now? This isn't the way it's suppose to go. Or is it?

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. - Robert F. Kennedy

21 hours 8 minutes. 77.5 miles. #232 is out.

Hey, this wasn't my vision. But a lot of time in life things don't go the we way we plan them. And life always seems more interesting when you don't always succeed. Hell, wasn't my mantra... Always bite off MORE than you can chew?

Roll call for shout outs.

Caitlin,
Wife, best friend, hot chic, main crew chief, the reason why I get up in the morning. She made this happen. Without her support even the pursuit of this race would not be possible.

Jimmy,
Coach, cheerleader, freak. This guy came to the race with enough energy to run it, but focused all his time to help any of us with anything. You name it.

Erin,
You paced me. What, when, who? How did that happen? So glad it did. One extra bit of help to keep the race going in a positive direction. I can't thank you enough.

Deva,
I still feel like I let you down. I wish I could have demonstrated the power and will to progress. You did everything and more than you had to as a pacer and friend. I only hope you enjoyed the experience as much as I did. It was epic from the start to end.

Bev, Erin, Julie, Robyn, and Peter,
You guys are why I like to run. Meeting good people makes the world a better place. Each and everyone of you showed respect, humor, and dedication to helping every runner with their needs. Pacing through the night and cheering until everyone was done. None of you are selfish.

Runners: Kate, Katie, Katelyn, Dom, Eric, Guillaume (and all the others I met on the course),
What a weird, fun, crazy, interesting, dark, sunny, hot, dry, cold, dirty day. I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else. Seeing each of you out there made this one of the funnest races I've ever done.

Chiat friends,
Can we get a beer now? Thanks again for all of your time and creativity in support on my goal and cause.

MLA Parnter Schools,
If our donation can help buy a book, pay a teacher, provide a lunch for a child, anything... then everything was worth it. The patience to a run like this reminds me of school. Sometimes you can't ever see the light at the end, but you always have to try, learn and respect - yourself, others and your environment. The success and enlightenment you can achieve is only limited by your imagination.

$3000 raised for a great cause.

Two goal races, Miwok 100K and Javelina Jundred both DNF'd/did not finish or as my friend Jimmy likes to say 'did nothing fatal'. I think, 'too much for me to handle' or 'have I had it with the pain game'? I now realize trying to run 100 miles has less to do with actually running, and more to do with walking and dealing with interesting amounts of pain and challenge for the later part of the race. The training for these races has been some of the most rewarding and enjoyable time for me, but also some of the most physically and emotionally difficult stuff I've had to do. How can I hate at times, what I love so much?! This has got to be the quintessential running dilema.

Until next time,
Peter

Be the change you want to see in the world. ~mahatma gandhi

Bulldog 50K - August 22, 2009 - Malibu, CA

2009-09-17T17:29:00.001-07:00

What a great race. I’ll spare you the drama since there wasn’t any AT ALL. This was simply 31 miles of fun.

At 5am I met Katie DiSplinter with dounuts in hand at Peet’s in Brentwood to carpool. We got there in record time after a windy trip in her jeep. Making it to the start I saw nothing but familiar faces. Jimmy, Dom, Kate, Eric, Erin, Bev.... The whole Coyote Running crew was there in full effect. It’s so cool to have a new crew to roll with. It makes any run, race, whatever that much more entertaining.

At 6:30 we hit the dirt road and were off. A quick, casual, and somewhat humid start. The course goes from the dirt road to a single track trail where you twist and turn around a 15.5ish mile loop in the Malibu canyons. Scenic to say the least.
After a few miles of boring road, we hit the single track and began a patient ascent. Remember – THIS IS A TRAINING RUN – not a race. With Mt. Disappointment only two weeks prior, and 100s of training miles under my belt from the summer, I knew keeping my jets cool and playing it safe was the way to go. But what the hell, THIS IS A RACE and if I feel good, I’m going to keep going. The single tracks winds around and eventually you make it to the top were you encounter a very weird looking rock formation overflowing with eager trail runners like and ant hill. A fast decent and I’m close to finishing my first loop. Hey, that was easy. I feel, well fine. Really good actually. Time to keep it up for the next loop...

The next loop started again with the ascent... But, what’s that I feel? Rain? No. No, rain? A drizzle here and there is the product of the dark sky coming above. This never happens. But it is today. I take advantage of the cooler temps and cook. Up the hill and back down! I look at my watch. Hmmm. First lap in 2:30ish, 2:40? Second lap should take me closer to 3 hours. Well, it did. A NEW PR 5:25!!! Sweet.

Just want to admit how humbly appreciative to God that I’m able to run. To have the support of my family and friends. Another great adventure.

Next on the calendar – Javelina Jundred in Fountain Hills, AZ on October 31st! My first 100-miler!!! Note: Some of you know that I originally was signed up for Angeles Crest 100, but the race was cancelled due to the Station Fire in the Angeles forest.

Also, I’m fundraising for this race. BE A CHAMPION and check out firstgiving.com/peterwilliams to learn more. Much love!!

Mt. Disappointment 50K - August 8th, 2009

2009-08-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

In preparing for Angeles Crest 100, I have spent the last 10 weeks training in the Angeles Forest, running nearly every section of the course route, and them some - sometimes not by choice, see helicopter video below.

Mt. Disappointment 50K landed on the perfect date to use as training run. Although it doesn't follow the Angeles Crest course, it does share much of the same area and terrain, from open fire road to single track trail. It would also give me a chance to practice my race routine in similar conditions.

With all this in mind, I signed up for the 50K (vs. the 50 miler) and road up with friend and training partner Erik Skelly to enjoy yet another fun day in the woods. I was really looking forward to this, as it would be a supported run with aid stations vs. having to pack everything in.

It was around 7am and quite chilly when the race started. Due to an abrupt course change we went down a road not the trail for the first 5 miles, which in turn helped everyone's time out a ton. My split at 5 miles was right around 40 minutes. Pretty unheard of when it comes to running an ultra (well at least for me!).

Next, we ran on some single track and then a fire road going up to our first climb. A mountain race like this proves to be that much more challenging when you have long ascents, altitude, and of course heat. Alas, I get into a groove and go right along. Around 10 miles or so in, I bump into another new friend, Diana Treister. After leap frogging each other for what seemed like 10-15 miles, I though damn this girl is really cooking. Now Diana was running the 50 miler, not the 50K. Despite this she was cruising right along at a quick pace, and would later become the first female finisher for the 50 miler (congrats Diana!!!).

I'd say around mile 25ish I was gaining some speed along a flat section when I noticed ribbons/trail markings going in two
separate directions. A runner behind me followed as I decided to follow the pink ribbon - the wrong way. Seconds later another runner was howling at us to turnaround and in doing so I was back on track with little time lost. This is where I ran into Dennis, an accomplished ultra runner, who just successfully completed Badwater no less than 3 weeks earlier. We exchanged stories of running adventures and the miles flew by. In what seemed like minutes later we hit the 26 mile mark - Westfork, where the the 50 milers go left and the 50kers go right 4.5 miles uphill to the top of Mt. Wilson, the finish. Dennis says we should shoot for 6 hours. It's 5:05 or 5:10, thinking it's possible I say, 'yes'. We chug up uphill attempting a slow run and the mountain keeps pushing us down. I breakaway about 20 minutes later, put both headphones on get in a solid pace. Judging by my heart rate I run 100 ft, walk 20ft... run 1 minute, walk 10 seconds... back and forth alternating, while maintaining some running uphill. 30 miles in with one to go I crest the last switchback and I see some spectators hanging out. The finish is close. After getting to the top I round the corner of the parking lot and up to the main building. Done! 6:22

Onwards to Bulldog 50K two weeks later... But before, check out some videos and pictures from the last few months of training. Classic stuff, no doubt.

--
Peter Williams
--
Running 100 miles in a day for a great cause.
firstgiving.com/peterwilliams

Miwok 100k - May 2nd, 2009

2009-05-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

It's 3:45am. I get picked up from my motel. Time to start a long, fun day in the Marin headlands, just north of San Francisco. Although it had rained the day before, the morning was cool but clear-ish. A festive energy filled the air.

At 5:40am we're off. Running the first 100 yards on the beach at Rodeo Lagoon is a perfect way to start the journey.

Same as always, I lock. I load. Rinse and repeat. A marathon or so goes by and.......

Mile 28.4 - With tears in my eyes, I leave Caitlin at the Bolinas Ridge aid station. Obviously shaken, both in my head and body - shivering from the days endless rain and gusty winds. Soaked from head to toe, I pull forward.

Mile 35.6 - Randall Trail (turnaround): I've made it past the 1/2 way point. Now I just have to get back up the hill. Staring at a 1200 ft incline after 5000 ft of climbing over 35 miles is fun. I mean daunting. Whatever. I move.

flashback... nearly an hour earlier I run into Jimmy (coach, extreme eater, fellow-nut case) we take a moment to address the madness of the day, each of us fighting our own battles, and we're gone. I'm glad to see a friend doing so well.

Mile 42.8 - Bolinas Ridge (again). I'm on my way back. My pace has slowed. The coldness has grasped me. My fingers are numb, my teeth are chattering. I'm tired of eating, and my right leg has locked up. My inner zombie takes over. I blow my nose in a water logged bandanna, sniffle, and hobble in to see Caitlin, my bright eyed beautiful wife. Without making much demands, I again stare at her and say, 'I think I'm done'. 3 minutes later, I have a NEW and DRY long sleeve shirt, rain-proof jacket, and trash bag on. And I'm heading back on the trail with the words, 'I'm not making you do anything you don't want to do', ringing in my head.

50 yards away, first my hands start to shake and them my arms. I lean over and get the biggest chill of my life. I stop and look back, then look ahead realizing if I don't move, I'll only get colder. It's a downward spiral. Even with the dry clothes on, my core is still like a block of wet ice. I need to move.

Deep meditation takes over. The sound of music pulls a blanket over my consciousness. I'm dragging my feet through 6 inches of mud, sliding up and down, sideways and off the trail. Another 20 foot-long puddle, great. Why even try to go around? I walk through and feel the prickly needles of the frigid water kiss my skin.

I'm toast. Fuck this. What's going to happen next? I started at 5:40am, it's now approaching 6pm. The sun never came out today. Within two hours from the start first a drizzle then a steady shower, light, then windy, then light.... blah.

I stop at a trail marker. Where am I? Why are there four possible directions forward to go in? I make a choice, and I choose correctly. All I want to do is stop. It's starting to feel like dark is coming and the trail is on some sort of eerie repeat. Did I pass by that same bush, am I going into the woods again or over the ridge??. I can't get my warmth back. And now the feeling of eating gives me a headache. Evey 30 minutes, I've had a power bar, some gels, cliff shots. It's all tasking like a mess.

Okay. Will I regret this? - yes. Do I feel unsafe - very close. Will I make the right decision? FUCK. Why am I talking to myself??????? Get my mind out of this meat grinder please.

Pan Toll - 49.5: 3 aid stations, 12.7 miles to go. Sir. Excuse me, sir. I'm #378 and I'd like to drop from the race. The deal is done. DNF. Did Not Finish.

That was Miwok 100k. And here's how I'm going to get better and get revenge.

Water-tight drop bag (wet bags = wet stuff).
Bring real rain gear; dry fit stuff doesn't dry when it's raining for 10 hours.
Plan food / snacks better vs. it being such an after thought.
Work big time on climbing. At least 1-2 days of big hill workouts every week.

I'd like to give thanks to God for allowing me to run at the race and giving me the spirit to try my hardest no matter what comes at me, my amazing wife Caitlin for going above and beyond being my one-person crew. Jimmy Dean Freeman, for his quirkiness and overall bad ass approach to such a difficult feat, and for finishing in a little over 10 hours (right according to schedule - what a stud). Dominic and Katie for the memories of the Ragnar relay (Dom's 155-mile 40 hour solo-run) one week earlier, where we all spent a long night together appropriately described by Katie as a highly caffeinated and arguably crazy crew. And lastly to Tiffany and Reed for having me over the day after the race, to feed, drink, recover, pedicure-devirginize-me, and let me clean up all my muddy running gear.

Onwards to Angeles Crest 100 miler on Sept 18-19th. Altitude and heat, welcome back to the party. 100 miles, oh my! Time to train my mind and body. Pacer or crew volunteers, hit me up! I'll need all the support I can get. This race is going to be amazing.

Viva la vida rica. Always bite off more than you can chew. -peter

American River 50-mile Endurance Run

2009-04-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

At 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2009 I went for a long run with about 500 friends going from Sacramento to Auburn, CA along the American River. 50 miles, 11 hours and 16 minutes later I finished. Here are the highlights and lessons learned.

Start to mile 25
It's dark. A horn signifies the start of a long day. I sync my watch as I cross the start, only to think about what it will feel to hit stop at the end... which won't come for a while.

The crowd of runners is both electrifying and awesome. All long distance races seem to share a similar quality at the start. Everyone is excited in one way or another. There are some who go out way to fast and crash before the end, or others who can sustain a faster pace like Maxwell King who won with a 7:28 pace / 6:04 final time... ouch, that's fast.

I set into a pace I feel like I can hold for.. well.. in my mind forever, which is exactly what I need to do. I finish my first marathon (26.2 miles) in 5 hours 10 minutes. Okay, I can run much faster, but when you have another marathon distance to run, decreasing your effort to a sustainable pace, staying hydrated, and well fed will is the key to getting through.

Miles 25-50
Beals Point aid station, mile 26.77. The course now goes from a paved bike path along the water to an interesting assortment of trails. With a dramatic end as the road winds up to the top of the Auburn Hills. I change from my road to trail shoes. My drop bag is packed full of only the essentials - socks, shoes, a shirt and shorts, sunscreen, a few cliff bars, and a RED BULL!

I quickly chug my energy drink and after running for over 5 hours, I quickly realize I'm long overdue for a bathroom break. Minutes later, and thoroughly unpleased with the bathroom supplies I'm quickly back on the run.

I'm enjoying the scene much more now. The trails seemed to duck and twist through forest along the rivers edge. Watching people boat, fish, and relax on the lake was both fantastically inviting and hellish since there wasn't anyway I could enjoy the cool water too. I was smack dab in the middle of the race over 25 miles from anything. And I loved it.

Rattlesnake Bar, miles 40.94-43. Hey, I have a PACER! After running for so long, it's amazing to have a friend with you. Kate Nelson is my pacer, she's my niece. She played soccer at UC Davis and is now training to run her first ultra, a 50K in northern california this spring. She's perfect for the job.

Miles 43-46: I'm running. Not fast, but steady. It's getting hot. I'm tired of running and getting a little nauseous. I realize it's a combo of eating way to fast when I first saw Kate and the fact that the warmer temps are making me sweat more, which can quickly lead to dehydration.

Mile 46-Finish: After some chatting with Kate about my continual need to eat, I do so despite a lack of hunger for anything. I think, wow it's getting terribly steep as we approach the beginning of large incline. I feel so much better than I did even 10 minutes ago. I think,

'Hey I feel real good. Time to run? Yes'.

I think someone yelled something at Kate about being my pacer, but Kate's philosophy of going with the flow let me 'go for it'. and a 1/2 mile later I had to walk again and that was fine.

We then climb a steep section approaching the final miles. Then I see mile 49, and need a pic.

It's time to finish this shit. I tell Kate we're running the last mile no matter what. She agrees, applauding how momentous the occasion is, and we move. Minutes later we hear something, then we see it. It's the finish! Damn, I'm so happy. In the last few hours the ground never looked so inviting to sit, lay, or sleep on. I tell Kate about my plan to sprint to the finish, and without hesitation I find the right time and go full force. I charge up a steeeeeep little hill where I thought the finish was over where I then see a little switchback fire road you had to cut around. With a quick push I round the corner passing a crew of people who I shared the last hours with and who gave there 100% support. Whoops, Hollers, it's 100 ft...... 80..... 50.... 10... and I'm done. I find the first area where I can sit, then I crumble on to the ground in a very victoriously exhausted look as I stare into space thinking about how grateful I am for everything I love, especially my wife, father and siblings, all of which I thought a lot about throughout the experience.

What I learned.

When I train, I need to eat a lot. But not a lot just at one time like normal people. I have to eat something bigger than a snack, but smaller than a full blown meal, once every 2-3 hours during the day. A huge props to my work friends for supporting my anti-hunger strike. I've given a new meaning to the 4pm snack.

Nike makes dryfit boxers that you can wear for running. They make the big miles much more manageable. I mean, who's a fan of chaffing? Um, not me.

My new year's resolution is to not go crazy when things don't go my way. I used to let the most mundane change of plans unset me. Well, after finding out that Caitlin couldn't join me (with the dogs) for the weekend due to an impending audition, I set for the road. Caitlin was smart to describe the weekend as a great personal adventure, so I took the prescribed idea and made it a reality. 850 miles of driving, 50 miles of running and 3 days later I write this. Sitting at my desk looking forward to the next race, less than 4 weeks away, Miwok 100K. Until then...

"To give less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift"
Steve Prefontaine

Montana De Oro 50K - Saturday, February 15th 2009

2009-02-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

All men should strive
to learn before they die
what they are running from,
and to, and why.
~James Thurber

My first Ultra in California the Montana De Oro 50K...What does that mean anyway? It was the first over 26.2 mile race that I've completed in California, a 50K / 31.5 miles... make that errr 34ish... Well I got lost a few times, but that's only the beginning.

Why do I do this to myself? Do I like the pain, the exhaustion, the planning? Sometimes I ask myself these things when I get to the 'let's dig deep for motivation' moments. And honestly, I feel like one of my reasons is for bragging rights. But who cares? I shouldn't be doing this for anyone other than myself.

Saturday was a difficult day my friends. Well, the weather turned out in my favor... cool (about 45 degrees at the start), sunny, BUT windy as hell (up to 60mph winds at Valencia Peak - the highest elevation point in the race... literally it was like being in a wind tunnel, doing everything you can not to fly off just to touch the hand painted sign that says I MADE IT now turn around). At 8:30 I went out with what looked to be about 75 or 100 others to go for a quick run in Montana De Oro state park, just northwest of San Luis Obispo right along the Pacific ocean. The race comprised of 2 X 15.5 miles loops with a cumulative elevation gain of 6400 ft.

Going into this, I'm thinking 'hey it's just a 31 mile training run'.... this time I have support, not like my usual weekend escapades in the Santa Monica Mtns, where I've been logging many 20+ miles weekend runs. I'm happy to find myself here, but know it's going to be tough, like my Bandera coach Robert Henyen told me 'this is not a feel good sport'. As Caitlin (with Dolly and Tosca in the car) sent me off I started to feel the nerves. 'Hell, I've done a 100K before and in Bandera nonetheless, I CAN run a 50K anywhere!'... What an ego, jeez.

I start at a gentle pace. Letting others pass, I pass, we pass each other.... then we all climb. I hit Valencia Peak for the first time (about 4.5 miles in) and let loose on the way down. Now if there is one thing I can say that enjoy it's fast, technical downhill trail. I enjoy it thoroughly. The nastier, the more twisted, the better. I scoot down and it's near mile 7. I stop at the first (and only aid station) to get some water eat some fresh orange slices and quickly after, I pull out and I'm back on the trail. Then the trail turns to sand. I think, 'oh fuck, they expect us to run on this' and I jump up the ridge of the trail and bushwhack my own route through the weeds instead. At some moment I make it to a 3-way unmarked turn. This my friends is the moment I should have turned around, but instead in the heat of the race I looked at the next person over and followed them, only to burn about 15 minutes on a 1.5 detour.

Ok, back on track. The second half of the first loop climbs you up to another ridge line with amazing views. But the wind was so harsh I kept on bracing myself, and having to put my jacket / gloves back on due to the cool chills. Once atop the first ridge you get a prospective of where you are headed.... very far away from where you started. Along the crest of the trail, from top to top, then back into the canyon where you have a nice, flat, yet boring 2.5 mile fire road run.

I get back to the aid station and grab some different socks in my drop bag. Sit down to change, get water, and eat some food. By this time, doubt sets in. Doubt or hesitance? Confusion or just exhaustion? I've run for 3.5 hours, endured the sickest winds and I'm feeling tapped out. Well, I have too much pride, so I get back on my feet and say 'see you in a few miles' to the aid station volunteers as I hear back up to Valencia peak. Now I'm getting pathetic. I'm saying to myself, you might as well just run the peak then quit, that way you're at least already getting in a 20+ mile run.

I make it to the peak. But this time I almost can't get down due to the hard gusts of wind pushing me upward. I have to nearly sit and wobble down, but I make a few big steps pushing my body unnaturally forward and I make it off the highest part. As I twist around the corner, I pick up speed. About that same time I see a woman and her son hiking to the top, and take note as I rush to pass by them going down. Then BAM! I slip going AS FAST AS I CAN down hill along the edge of a VERY SCARY ridge. My left foot hugs the edge, then it gives way. My right foot struggles to get a grip against the trail, but by this time I've already hit the ground and rolled.... OVER THE EDGE. I do one more roll and grab hold to the shrubs that touch the edge. The woman and her son hurry close, she gets down to the ground and offers me a leg to grab and pull myself up with. All I can think is how stupid this is, and right when I try to move I look at my right leg and I can't move it I have a HORRIBLE charlie horse. What the fuck is a charlie horse anyway??? Ugh. I grab another shrub, then another and help myself up. I get to my feet and whelp with a nice growl of pain from my leg, and all the razor looking scrapes I've received from my fall. A fellow runner comes by to let me know how graceful it looked as I tell him,

'hey did you see me fall off the cliff?'

I make it around a corner, and start to wince with pain from my leg. Now it's time to quit. DNF = DID NOT FINISH. Is that how it's going to be? Now I have to quit? Nope. I keep on. Making it to the aid station yet again for my last 8 mile trek. Now I'm a zombie, I've lost time by getting lost, had the worst running-related fall ever, and I'm on the verge of a mental breakdown. I push past this, and try to zone out. Not think about anything. Just listen. CCR, Tribe Called Quest, Guns and Roses... Whatever was on my ipod, I went to. I didn't care anymore. I had to run far enough away to give myself no choice but to run back. I make it ALL the way out and start my way back. I'm toast, but I've decided with about 4 miles to go that even if I have a steep climb, I'm running. I've been out for over 6.5 hours and run 30 miles. FUCK IT..... I can run another 4 miles.

I make it to the finish to yell 'THANK YOU GOD' and make a few more screams for myself, only to look at one shy volunteer and say 'hey that was pretty anticlimactic', and she smiled. And so did Caitlin, Dolly and Tosca. My crew, all there with smiles to bring me warm clothes, hot soup, and relief.

7:13:48, and I told Caitlin.... I'll be done in 6 hours FOR SURE.... 5.5 if I'm having a good day.

Now, I don't mean to be coy or abrupt, but these races can be hard. Hard on your feet and head. I'm going to take this week to rest both my body and mind. I need to rediscover my motivation. Maybe it's time to bench the Miwok 100K dream for a bit, and live my own life. What am I afraid of, judgement? Hell, half of you reading this would be glad to see me pick up another fun pass time, rather than continuing down this dark path. I guess once you get a taste, you want more, but to be smart you have to know your limits and be empowered to choose your own path, despite what your ego may want.

31st Annual Santa Monica-Venice Christmas 10K - 12/13/08

2008-12-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month I enlisted the help of a runner named Jimmy Dean to help me train for my second 100K race, the Miwok 100k. Before we could nail down a training plan, he needed to see where my fitness level currently was. And to be quite honest, I've been ready to get a better assessment also.

Here I go. 7:30 am, I'm at the start with my friends Eric and Kelly. It's my first race in California. And a very festive-themed one also, the 31st Annual Santa Monica-Venice Christmas 10K. The gun goes off and so I follow. My heart begins an anxious beat, followed by another and another. I quickly start checking my Garmin like a speedometer. The only three things on my mind from start to finish are how fast I am going, how hard am I breathing, how much energy do I have left. I'm hovering at a 6:45-7:15 / mile pace. Back and forth, faster and slower. I decide that I want to negative split (my second 5k to be faster than the first), and around mile 3 I realize I'm cooking about as hot as I can, and I better just go with the flow. My second decision is to pull away around mile 5. And so I push a little harder, but all I can do is stay steady, with maybe a few quick bursts. Speaking of bursts... now I decide, and this is typical of any race I do, that in the last quarter mile I'm going to sprint for the finish. Well, I really tried, but then I felt a quick heave come from deep inside. I keep it cool, coast, then hit the engines with about 50 feet to go.

Result...

Time: 43:39... a NEW PR (personal record) by over 2:37!
Pace: 7:02/mile

#10 in my age group! But, what aways gets me is when I look at other results and realize, that if I ran a 6:50 pace... I could have contended for 5th position. Well, I know I can do it. So, I'm going to. I'm going to run another 10K at a 6:50 pace.

Onward towards January 10th. That's the day I find out if I made it into the Miwok 100K. My destiny.

Best,
Peter

Rocky Hill Ranch 25K - April 19th 2008

2008-04-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

This was my third year on the course. Each time something very special happens.

2006 was my first trail race, and I placed 3rd in my age group for the 25K
2007 was my first ultramarathon, the 50K
2008 was my first race with my brother John (see pic above), and his first trail race - the 25K

Around a month after the 2008 AT&T marathon I was back to running as usual, but I started to get really weird knee pain... After a few days of trying to ‘run through it’ I finally decided to go see a doctor. Ends up I had some IT band issues caused by a combination of lack of stretching and recovery exercises while training. This was enough to rethink my initial thoughts of doing the 50-miler, then my secondary thoughts of ‘just’ doing the 50k. After John signed up, and as I began to understand my injury the 25K was the best and least damaging option.

And what a great time it was. No pressure, no fuss. John and I ran side by side during the whole race. From the slow start to the strong finish we kicked that course’s ass. 3 years in a row. A BIG thanks to race director Joe Prusaitis and all of the volunteers for making this race happen. Year after year it never seems to disappoint me.

Details:
25K results - Place # / Time / Name
30 / 2:54:40 / John Williams
31 / 2:54:40 / Peter Williams

Race website: http://www.tejastrails.com/RockyHillRanch.html

2008 AT&T Austin Marathon

2008-02-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

This is a road race. Many of you have heard me say I never plan on running on the roads again, since I picked up trail running. Well, this was confirmed today at the marathon.

5.6 miles: 48:23, pace: 8:38/M
10 miles: 1:26:50, pace: 8:41/M
15 miles 2:11:40, pace: 8:47/M
20 miles: 3:00:51, pace: 9:03/M
Finish: 3:59:41, pace: 9:09/M

Finish time: 03:59:42

RIGHT under 4 hours.... Yeah, after doing this in 3:34:59 last year, it's easy to say I didn't PR.

This year I had run a 100K the month before (January) and a 50 miler the month before that (December), so after nearly 140 miles of racing in less than 90 days, I'm good with a 3:59:42... but it just shows EVERY second counts.

Bandera 100K trail race

2008-01-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Blood, sweat and tears. The Bandera 100K - 01/05/2008

A 100K isn't something you can fake. You might be a casual runner and get away with doing a 1/2 marathon or even a marathon, but a 100K, and one in a place like Bandera especially takes everything you have - both emotionally and physically. Just the distance is enough to drive you crazy. A 100K translates to a little over 62 miles, which is broken into two 31 mile loops on the course. The terrain in Bandera is fierce. Rocks galore, climbs that kill your legs and scenic views that will take your breathe away. So, with the far distance and rough terrain, I knew I had to really put all my efforts into training properly. Getting my short and long runs in, including over 5 weeks of over marathon distance Saturday runs ranging from 30-50 miles each before the race.

So, here it goes...

It's 7:30 on Saturday morning. I'm at the starting line, surrounded by familiar faces. I'm thinking about all that has happened to get me to this place... Countless months of training, incredible support from my wife, friends, and co-workers, and tons of planning. I was, and still while I'm write this, am mourning the death of my wife's father who passed away on December 30th. His funeral was on the January 3rd and only what seemed to be hours later I'm about to run a 100K race. To say the the least the start was packed with emotion and anticipation for me. And I'm off... 100K / 62 miles to go!

I'm on cruise control. I know that feeling and stride I can keep forever. A gear I can switch into and just sail. Next thing I know it we're ascending a few small hills and some people are starting to slide around and it's crowded... surely this race can't be such a cluster f&*@! And within a few minutes it begins to spread. And BOOM from out of no where here comes Fagan, a friend of mine, flying by while hitting the down hill. I think 'well shit... if he's going at it like this, I gotta save a little face and go after him'. And so I jolt. Whizzing past some season veterans I hear 'just wait, we'll be passing those guys in a few miles', I shrug and think 'aw fuck you too', then it clicks - 'oh shit, I'm in the first 5 miles of this 100K and I'm running it like I'll be done before lunch'. BAD idea. The words of the other runners and my sensibility check in. It's time to loosen up and relax. I kicked it back into a manageable but fresh pace and decide to run my own race.

I start to knock out the aid stations, all within 5 miles of each other - Nachos, Chapas, Cross Roads, back to Cross Roads, Last Chance and Lodge. Then it's time to do it all over again!

Time passes, I get through the first 50K in under 7 hours. I check for some critical gear needed in my drop bag - a towel, new shirt, hat, and bandanna. But wait, a little before I got into the lodge, I noticed my hands were starting to look a little puffy and I was having a hard time peeing (sorry guys this is just the real deal). I have Robert my coach, a random (but awesome) volunteer from the aid station and Fagan surrounding me. I told them of my issues. Off the bat, here's the problem - I'm taking in too much salt (you take this to offset the loss of electrolytes while running, and I've taken some ibuprofen, which to Robert's knowledge messes with your kidneys which I interpret as my peeing problem. Solution: lay off the salt pills for a few hours and no more ibuprofen. I take all the advice get going.

From this point, you can start finally counting the miles down. My approach was by the aid station. You have 6 total - six fingers. Each time you knock one down you have whatever left to go. It sound caveman-ish, but when you're only holding 3 then 2, then 1 you get going.

Nacho's Aid station - mile 36.60
I'm ready for food, real food and they have it! A brisket taco, while running?!? WTF? Yes, and it was delicious. Every ounce of my body craved the protein. Nacho's aid station, I salute you.

Chapas Aid station - mile 42.04
Food worked. I need more. Hell, I'm eating at every stop from here on out. And wait, what's that I see in my drop bag I see, a Red Bull? Alright. A grilled cheese and Red Bull. I start feeling WAY better. My friend Diane has been running with me for a while. She tells me that that unless I say out loud

"Red Bull gives me wings"

it won't work properly. So, I did it and boom I was fresh again! Did I mention, it's around 6pm now? I've been running for over 10.5 hours. Darkness is coming. Gotta get going.

Cross Roads Aid station - mile 47.89
2 cups of top ramen, a brisket sandwich and a Red Bull later, my headlamp is on, I've got my super 10-LED green flash light in hand I'm back on the course. I feel like that guy Survivor Man from TV. I'm tearing through this brisket while traversing through the woods in the dark. A very primal instinct is taking over. Food, running, and eventual rest are the only things on my mind, aside from the random Jimmy Hendrix or Michael Jackson song blaring away in my head. My head felt like a house party does at 3am, wasted but still moving.

Back to Cross Roads Aid station - mile 52.85
I've just traversed the 3-sisters, a chain of three steep climbs and long downhills. I've run over the distance of 2 marathons back to back. At one point in the day, I could run downhill so fast that it looked (or seemed) to me that my feet were just gliding across the ground as I took them each head on. Now, I walked, jogged, crept... whatever it took. It was dark. I was tired. I'm ready to finish. And speaking of finishing - I'm really going to do it!! So many times during this race I could only rationalize things by saying, 'it will be alright to quit by the next aid station' but by the time I got there I didn't feel like it, then by the time I crossed the lodge in the first loop I knew I could do this. And with that attitude and 3 red bulls, a coke tons of good food and support, I knew I was there.

Last Chance Aid Station to the finish, miles 57.10 - 62.00
I look at my hand. I've have two fingers out. With Last Chance out of the picture that leaves the final hit to the Lodge. One last section. More hills come and go. With the darkness and exhaustion I set into whatever pace I can and just go for it.
I see the ASHA group at Last Chance. They all give me some great support. I think how much I love these people, I scarf yet another gilled cheese down while drinking a coke and leave for the last miles.

I really can't tell you what the last section was like. It seems like a blur. I was so caught up in the finish it just seemed to move. I do recall an overlook I crossed at the top of a very scenic peak. Earlier in the day I crossed this right before hitting the Lodge and completing my first loop. The sky was so blue, the hills, trees and rocks looked so calm and peaceful. I thought of Caitlin's father. How he must be now in Heaven. Now, I can't say this has ever happened to me while being in a race, but I cried. Like a big sissy. I let it out for about a mile, all the while making sure no one was coming up on me to see what I looked like. It was raw emotion. I needed it. I left Caitlin the same day as the funeral to head home to take care of the dogs and house, then left for Bandera the next morning bright and early. I had mixed feeling about this and Caitlin and I had a serious talk which (with some calls to my sibs) ended with me running and getting this thing done. I remember, recall, and reveal in this brief moment and continue running. Just like in regular life, you can't just stop or you won't go anywhere you have to keep going, keep moving.

I twist, I turn, I anxiously await some light somewhere to signify I'm approaching my destiny - rest. Then I see it, like a flight path, the trail is illuminated with glow sticks all in parallel shooting me towards to the finish line. Just like every race, I pick it up - muster what else I have left and sprint. I cross, get my finishers belt buckle exchange some handshakes, hugs, congratulations and I'm done. Done with this race and training for a while. I've got my fix. It's time to rest and recover now.

I dedicate this race to my late father in-law Bill Thornton. I felt his spirit out there. Bill was a gambling man. I knew somewhere in Heaven he had a bet on me that day and I couldn't let him or Caitlin down. And I didn't. I finished.

Time: 15 hours and 45 minutes 51 seconds. Pics to follow. A big extra props to Rob, my brother for crewing for me during the whole race, and helping out the whole weekend. Rob, you're awesome.

What's next? Who knows, but I'm sure it will be hard. Stay tuned and God Bless.

Sunmart Texas Trail Endurance 50 mile Run

2007-12-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

Huntsville State Park, Saturday - December 8, 2007

7am and we're off. The first of four 12.5 mile loops to go. It's a warm day already. The heat has started early. (Not a good thing.) With an expected high in the mid-80's and humidity around 80% I knew I couldn't think about the weather I just had to run.

The first loop was great. Starting with my group, listening to friends chat, going out easy... thinking about all the miles and miles of training runs and countless hours on my feet that all went into being out here in the park. Running through the trees around the lake. I was happy.

Quickly I begun breaking the loop out into sections... The first few miles are quick, then you cross the park entry road, next you hit the jeep road, a long straight section. The hills on the road were gradual, but with 50 miles to go, you learn quickly that there's little advantage to running up any inclines. A brisk walk and you're good. Next, you go through some more small sections and you hit the dam. It's the half way point in the loop. About a half mile later you actually hit the other side of the damn, then you cruise a few hundred yards down a straight path parallel to the lake. Most of us hated this part, as you could see and hear the finish directly across the lake, but you knew it might be another hour and a half or two hours until you would be there. Cruel, but sometimes it would give me the little inspiration I needed to keep going. A turn after that and you made it to the opposite end of the lake and to 'bridge land' a collection of wooden springy bridges that carry you over the marshes across the edge of Lake Raven. At this point you have around 4 miles to wonder through the trees and your back at home. Rinse and repeat.

After the first loop, I felt hot, tired, a bit nauseous and ready to lay down - but wait, I had about 38 miles more to go! And boom, after a quick stop at pit crew central (with Caitlin, Rob, John, Hank, and the gang) I was off on my second loop. It's a mind game at this point. Break the race into the most manageable pieces tolerable. You can't think - "shit! I have to run almost 40 miles more, how in the hell am I going to do this??" No, you have to think about it one lap at a time, one section of each lap at a time, maybe even every aid station or conversation at a time.

The 2nd loop.

I don't really remember that much about it, other than I wanted to stop. I kept trying to find my love for the sport, but the heat was melting my mind. I couldn't get enough ice to cool me down and even running 25 miles (two loops) was seeming to be quite the impossible task. Okay then, the 2nd loop is done. I get back to my crew and my mind is thinking, alright I'm going to put on the biggest smile and tell everyone I feel awesome, then I get there and I actually look worn to shit my speech is starting to slur. Not sure if it was the salt, lack of calories, mild dehydration, or just pure exhaustion, but I didn't look pretty and it was just the half way point.

The 3rd loop.

I realize that I'm hitting a wall. No, not hitting, I just collided with a wall and I'm accessing how to pack things up and get out of this without loosing too much respect. I'm ready to quit. I went almost a week without eating a solid meal before this race. I had the stomach flue for almost 5 days and here I was trying to run the longest distance ever in my life. No, I didn't want to die today. This wasn't worth it. And right when I'm feeling about as pouty as you can be... Here comes Mike, one of my friends from Rogue. I perk up, throw a thumbs up and tell him that I'm trying, but I'm feeling low. He gives me some good words, and I move forward. Somehow a prayer was answered and a random guy named John, who just ran the Leadville 100 miler (and extremely difficult trail race in the Colorado mountains), decides that I'm a worthy cause and gets me to follow him, keep his pace and continue on. I follow for about 10 minutes then get stuck feeding at an aid station. Not wanting to hold John back, and not like I have a choice, I see him go. I realize about a minute later that if I don't catch up with him, I'm toast. I muster up some strength and try to catch up for about 5 minutes. I'm sure this changed my speed walk into a hobbling jog, but I felt like I was really picking up the pace. Then BAM, I hit a root and go down. Adrenaline fills my system and I book ahead to find John and his friend Penny up ahead. A few moments after that and I realize John was about at the same point I was earlier, but he's injured and knows he can't finish, especially in time for the cut off. CUT OFF! Shit, the cut off to start the 3rd lap is at 3:30pm . By this time. I had started with a 2:20 (2 hour 20 minute) lap, then a 2:30, but my 3rd lap was looking like it was going to be over 3 hours. If I didn't try harder I was going to come close to being pulled from the race. Well, as you guessed it. Something worked and I made it.

The 4th loop.

I stopped by to greet my crew and I was nothing but slurs and stutters. Okay, not time to talk... gotta go do this thing. I have to go finish. I want to get this over. Now, not later. Now. And I'm off. More like walking, then trotting, then a steady jog. Miles and more miles pass. 40, 42, 44 - hey I'm at the dam again. 46 - I just turned around the lake. 47 - night takes over. Headlamp on. Trees become shadows. The dark surrounds me. Bushes move. Shapes take form. I hear weird sounds. My heart races. I picture my finish and I loose my breathe. Quickly I must go. I need to leave this place and get home. I run. I run. I run. Then I see lights. The end is near. I whistle for my crew. Drop my bag and run, fast... real fast, so fast I feel like I'm about to win the whole race and I cross the finish line. 11 hours and change. Holy shit. I'm so glad this is done.

A HUGE, HUGE, HUGE thanks to my perfect wife Caitlin for all of her loving support, to my brothers John and Rob for keeping me laughing, to Hank for keeping it real, and to Trish and her family for being the extra support I needed on my last lap. Sometimes it really takes your family and friends to realize how much you appreciate life. Without them, I don't think I would have been able to finish and to them and God I say a BIG thanks!

P.S. Join me on my next adventure in less than 4 weeks when I attempt a race in Bandera, TX. I signed up for the 100K, but I'm beat. I mean real beat. It may be time to finally rest. But hey, I can still run the 50K right? Who knows. Stay tuned.

Silicon Labs Marathon Relay - September 30, 2007

2007-10-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

It was a warm morning. At 5:00am I wake up. I had around 3-4 hours of sleep the night before. New rule - always bring your own car out when it's the night before a race and you're going out for one beer... maybe two... Less that ideal conditions for race morning.

After my typical pre-race routine I was off in my car on my way to the race.

The race starts at 8:00, but I show up just before 7:00 to grab a close parking spot to Auditorium Shores where I first see the starting line.

I walk in and find Noah already setting up our make shift relay camp. A few chairs and a blanket never looked so inviting.

After a bit of chatting, I realize it's nearing 8:00 and I'm the first runner in the relay for my group. Our group, who entered into the corporate men's division, was composed of 4 other runners from LDR Spine. I was hired contract for the day to be a marketing consultant, thus being eligible to be included. (That's a joke)

I jump right at the front of the starting line. In my last race at Pike's Peak, I got stuck in the back of the herd and it was a frustrating mistake I won't make again. As I glance at my watch about to bolt, I feel a person tapping at my shoulder, I look to the right and there's a news camera in my face asking me if I can beat the Texas Governor Rick Perry, who's about 4 feet ahead of me. I quickly say yes, because I'm younger, faster, and stronger and I go. In hind site, I wish I could have sounded a little less like a bonehead, but that's what you get from me on little sleep and a slight hangover.

Boom - I'm off. The 12K leg is underway.

The first mile of the race, I was around a 6:45 pace, and I really felt like I was holding back. Weird, I think that was just all the excitement from the start, as I knew I wouldn't be able to comfortably hold that for the remainder of the race. Hell, I haven't run a road race since my last marathon in February. All I'm on are the trails, many, many miles of trails. I'm also training for a 100K trail race, which is the opposite of a 12K on the roads. No eating, no walking up the hills, no camelbak. Just legs moving as fast as possible and lungs pounding.

I make it from Auditorium Shores to South First to 1st street then down Congress going south of the river. I find a good pace, something between 7:15 to 8:00ish and I lock in.

I hit a turnaround point on South Congress and headed straight towards the capital. I remember this from last year's Silicon Labs Relay. Such a cool sight - running right down Congress Avenue into downtown Austin.

After I loop around the capital I realize that it would have been a good idea to look at the race map before the race. Now it's well marked, but I like to have a sense of where my next turn is, especially since this is my home town and I can equate where I need to be pace-wise on what's ahead. Next I see Gilbert, a local Austin amazing runner, leading the pack and I realize that he must have made a turn back from 1st street. I cruise ahead and see that we go all the way down 1st to hook around Austin High then back to South 1st and to the finish line.

The next 2 miles are quick. I feel great. My momentum is strong. I make it to the final stretch, the claps, hoots and hollers get louder. I look ahead and see a few guys in front of me who I know I can pass up in the last 50 feet, hey - it's my style (sorry). I jet ahead and finish to see my next runner as we slap hands and he's gone for the 1st 10K leg.

Fun race. Fun times. Great group.

Oh and to add a little icing to the cake, while having a few drinks in the post-race beer pavilion we hear from the stage that we've won third place in our division. We go to the main stage to receive our awards and get our picture taken. In the picture you can see how happy I am. It was truly and awesome time.

Race Results:

LDR Spine - Overall time: 3:20:37.3, Pace: 7:08/M, Overall Mileage: 28.100 
                           
Peter williams, Lap   1 (12K)     56:19.4     7:31/M    7.500
Tom reidmuller,  Lap   2  (10K)    48:43.2     7:10/M   14.300
Noah Bartsch, Lap   3   (10K)   49:18.4     7:15/M   21.100
Randy Meyer, Lap   4   (5K)   22:45.5     6:30/M   24.600
Guillaume Quetier, Lap   5   (5K)   23:30.7     6:43/M   28.100

Pikes Peak Acsent - Saturday, August 18th

2007-08-22T21:09:00.001-07:00

Okay, let's first start with some fun facts.
Austin's average elevation: 597 feet above sea level
Pikes Peak elevation 14,110 feet above sea level

The Pikes Peak Ascent starts at the base in the center of Manitou, Colorado and finishes at the top of Pikes Peak. In the 13.32 mile course you ascend over 7800 feet. And no, it's not as easy as it sounds.

Here's how it went...

It's a little before 7:00am. I'm at the starting line staring at the mountain, imagining how I get from where I'm standing to the top of something so far away. I look at my watch its 5 minutes to go time. I take another sip of water and boom we're off. Next thing I know I'm past the main part of the town and hiking along the bottom of Barr trail. The first part of the course is called the W's, appropriately named for the zig-zag W-shape the trail makes with the miles and miles of switch backs ascending along the side of the mountain. Quickly I realize this is more like a power hike where you have to constantly pick up the pace and jog ahead 2 or 3 people at a time, sometimes more, sometimes only 1.

Shortly after the W's we had a few little flat areas, some even with a small decline. I learned quickly that around 10,000 feet you can't even run down hill without getting out of breath. It's the weirdest feeling. Very restrictive. Almost like the mountain is commanding your respect.

A little before 9:00am, about two hours into the race I hit Barr Camp. I've heard this aid station referred to as 'Buffet Palace' before as it's stocked to the brim with volunteers filling your water bottles, handing out food and asking if you need help with anything. I take a quick break to eat some real food. In the past few hours I had only eaten a half handful of pretzels, when usually I would have eaten almost a whole sandwich by then. It's intriguing how in this type of running you learn how to eat solid food and run fine. In fact I have to take in some form of calories to sustain any kind of pace and feel good. Its kind of like when you get a headache when you hungry except when you get hungry during a long run I swear you can feel your stomach through every muscle.

My next challenge is timberline, around 12,000 feet all trees stop growing. Why? Because there's not enough oxygen for them to survive. From here I hit A-frame, my next to last last station with approximately 3 miles to the Peak. 3 of the most difficult miles I've ever run in my life.

Soon enough I can see the finish but it seems so close and yet so far away, going directly up is your only choice. Of course you're still on switch backs, but by this time the terrain looks like Mars with little of anything growing on the ground and massive granite-looking boulders surrounding you.

I hear Caitlin and know my finish is coming soon. I try to get some energy, but I can barley move. A mix between the lack of oxygen and the extremely weird feeling of fatigue was over coming me. I felt like a zombie moving one foot at a time. I make my body move forward. Then I see it - a sign that says 'The Golden Stairs'. By this time, I've already talked to God. I pick up my pace a bit, then pay for it two-fold. I make the final turn. Caitlin yells. I hear her. I see the finish. I tell the guy I helped early to get out of my way by saying 'they're calling for me' and I bolt. A few quick steps jumping from rock to rock and I finish. I'm overcome with emotion and my legs nearly give out. I can't breathe. A spectator grabs and brings me to a group of friends close by. Immediately I realize just how amazing this experience is and how fortunate I feel to have made it to the Peak.

This all could not have been made possible without my group from Rogue. We camped, ate, went on car trips, crossed countless creeks, and of course, ran together every week for nearly the past 5 months. Starting in the spring and running all summer long. Every rainy weekend. Making these friendships alone was worth so much.

Moving forward I've already made plans for 'what's next'. I'm doing a winter trail running program with Rogue, stating this September and finishing mid January 2008.

I'll be training and participating in the following races.

Palo Duro 50K (10/27)
Sunmart 50 miler (12/15)
Bandera 100K (01/15 - a day before my 27th bday!)

As always wish me luck, just don't say break a leg.:) Peter

2007 Rogue Trail Series

2007-06-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

These past few months have been fun. I've been training with the Rogue Pike's Peak group in preparation for the Pike's Peak Ascent and while doing so have been able to race in all three of the Rogue Trail Series races. I completed all three in the 30K distance.

Stats:
overall position in the series: #25 with a cumulative time of 9:46:41

Individual race times and reviews:
The Maze: 3:01:07
This race was the first in the series. The rolling hills in this course were abundant but fun. At times I felt like I was in boot camp from all the foot work going up then down, through a water crossing, up then down, then through another stream of water. The race was also broken into three 10K loops, which made it fun for spectators and runners alike to see each other each time around. I finished strong and felt good after. I really ran this more as a training run than as a race, so taking a little time to enjoy myself made it all the more worthwhile.

The Loop: 3:04:43
A lot hotter this time around... The course also had many little plateau size steps which slowed my pace down a bit going up hill and added for a little knee intense downhill action. On my third lap I finished less than 1/100th of a second ahead of a friend who unknowingly had been ahead of me the during the whole race. After, we drank some beer and relaxed. Another fun summer trail race. Oh yeah, and Caitlin came to this one also and taped. Her taping skills are awesome. I'm planning on getting a bit of video edited and posted online soon.

The Belt: 3:40:51
What a fun race. This time it was one 30K loop all on the greenbelt were we do our training runs 3-4 times a week. It was fun, fresh and diverse, with deep water crossings to boot. I ran even a little slower on this one as well, but honestly I could have gone much faster. It was the most technical of all three course routes for me, which is great because it also became one of the most challenging as well (in a good way).

All the final results are on here.

If I can find my pics, I'll also post them here. Until Pike's....! Wish me luck training.

Rocky Hill Ranch 50K - April 15th, 2007

2007-04-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

There I was at the starting line. 31 miles ahead and I would be done. Man, I've never before been more intimidated than I was at the thought of running this race. The Rocky Hill Ranch 50K was my first ultramarathon (any race that's longer than your standard 26.2 marathon) and run on the trail not on the road.

I did the run as a training run, not racing style. 6 hours 7 minutes later I finished.

What I learned:

Take it easy - walk the up hills, set your pace back

Eat a lot - carbo load a ton before the race, indulge at the race... Eat what you crave at each aid station, which comes around only every 5 miles, but it's well supported. Anything from m&ms, to potatoes with salt and pringles and pretzels out the wazoo.

Breathe it in - I just read The Extra Mile a great book from Pam Reed an epic ultramarathoner, where she says your only a virgin once - to your first 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon and of course ultra, whether that be a 50K-100 miler. Every new race is its own unique experience and should be enjoyed in the moment. The Rocky Hill race was that for me, and despite the many hours it took to complete I enjoyed every last second.

Garmin's = Good - when you get lost in the woods, it never hurts to be wearing a GPS watch. Yes, very nerdy, but handy at plotting your course while counting miles and averaging your pace.

Well, that's done. Now what's next???

I'm currently training with the Austin's Rogue trail running group preparing for this year's Pike's Peak marathon. Though I didn't register in time to make the cut, I plan on possibly doing the Leadville Marathon (26.2 not the 100 miler). While training with Rogue we will also be doing a local series of Austin trail races called The Maze, The Loop, and The Belt. Each race is a 30K.

Wish me luck, just don't say break a leg!
-peter

AT&T Austin Marathon - February, 18th 2007

2007-02-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

What a race. Perfect weather, awesome crowd, a great day to set another PR.

26.2 miles of Austin, from central to south to north and everywhere between, today was a great day for running. At 7am today I went for my last long run of the Distance Challenge with around 12,000 of my friends. There were plenty of 'ups' and a few 'downs' - both mentally, physically, and of course on the actual race route..:) A quick recap...

Mile 0 - Caitlin's dropping me off, and I realize at 5:30am that I forgot my gloves. She proceeds to find some white women's cotton gloves in her purse and with a grin I accept my fate.

Mile 4 - I dropped both of gel flasks (little bottles full of energy gel that attach to the belt I wear around my waste, aka the bat belt) in the middle of the road while adjusting my fuel belt. I notice one directly on the ground in front of me then I look to my surprise and I'm missing my other flask. To my luck a sweet smiling young runner comes whipping up to me with it in hand saying. I thanks Jesus and keep moving.

Mile 14 - I get a weird pain in my foot that I've never felt before. I break to the left try to stretch in a frantic hurry, I continue and it hurts no even more. I say prayer, try to shift my footing, and keep going.

Mile 20 something - Man this must be a marathon! This is when you have to get your mind right, stay on target and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I feel a bit winded but not enough to slow me down too much.

Mile 26 - 26.2 - I see the end in sight I just crossed the capital and the turn for work around 8th and congress. I see some familiar faces and instead of the death march I muster all I have left and go for it. Sprinting to the finish I hear plenty of whoops and hollers, a 'way to finish strong' and then I hear the announcer call my name as I cross the finish line with my hands in the air.

Details: Overall time -- 3:34:59 / Pace: 8:13

That's all folks! I did it! I finished my second marathon in the past 12 months, setting a new PR and finally completed the Austin Distance Challenge!

I want to thank everyone who helped me get here, including but not limited to God, my wife, my family, friends, and co-workers. During the past 5 months, I've had to make a lot of personal sacrifice to enjoy this selfish activity. I want to let everyone know that I appreciated all your support and really have missed the late night Fridays, the countless happy hours, plenty of concerts / shows, and some dates with my wife. I plan on getting back into the groove again, but I like this new lifestyle too much to let it go. It's given me another reason to live and learn, and the satisfaction of making it through the Distance Challenge is one goal I will never forget. So, thank you again everyone for getting me here and always supporting me.

And if you've read this far, I'm sure you're wondering what's next?... Or at least I hope you are..:) Well, as for training, the next event I hope to concur will be my first Ultramarathon (anything that's beyond the 26.2 distance), the Rocky Hill Ranch 50K Ultra-trail run on April 15th 2007. Wish me luck!

3M Halfmarathon - Sunday, January 28th

2007-02-18T13:54:00.001-08:00

This by far seemed like the fastest race in the DC series. When I started, I knew I was trying to set a new PR (personal record) and much to my liking I did.

Here are the deets:

First 6.4 miles -- 51:46.35 / Pace: 7:38/M
Second 6.7 miles -- 50:49.35 / Pace: 7:35/M

Overall time: 1:39:38.50 / 7:36/M

Due to my sweet time, I officially moved up to the coveted #5 spot in the 25-29 age group!

Distance Challenge race # 6 - DONE!

ARA 20 Miler

2007-01-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

January 7th, 5:00am: Woke up, ate and hit the road with Caitlin snuggled up half asleep in the passenger seat. The race started at 8:00am in San Marcos.

Miles 1-5: This isn't so bad! The weather was perfect, cool (but not too cold) with some light wind. My pace is around 7:30ish... I try to back off, as I know this isn't the race to 'push it'. With 3M only a few weeks away, and AT&T around the corner, I settle back to my slightly sub 8:00 min pace and hit cruise control.

Miles 5 -10: We've got hills. Rolling hills, some ups and downs. All the while, I feel strong, and am taking in fluids and gels routinely on time. I'm feeling good.

Miles 10 -15: We've hit the turnaround... man this racing is going fast. I feel my pace slip a bit, I take a gel and I'm back to business. Bud, a friend from work, cruises by on his bike to offer some crew help. With a smile, I give him two of my 8 oz. water bottles and he shoots up to the next station to fill them up. I've learned any run over 13.1, it's good to carry fluids with you. That way you can stay hydrated on your own schedule.

Miles 15 -18: It's starting to look like a death march. I'm feeling fine. The gels are keeping me up. I'm down to one bottle of fluid left, and I'm passing some of the people I've been running neck to neck with the whole race. It seemed that some runners either bonked after mile 15, or just can't stand to run the last few hills. Really the majority of people I pass are starting a run / walk method. This is crazy to me. How could you be on pace for 18 miles then start walking. I ask a runner how he feels next to me, with a sigh he says 'IT band issues...', I give him a brief smile and word on encouragement then I'm on my way.

Mile 19 - Finish: Strong winds + hills after 19 miles = no fun. I see the final turn, then the finish line. I bolt with a rush of energy. The announcer reads my bib number and name over the loud speaker as I throw my hand in joy while approaching the finish line. He then says, 'Peter Williams must have also been out on the course playing some flag football'. For the life of me, I still can't figure out what he meant, but I imagine it had to do with the funny look on my face, and the way I was waving my arms (like I was shooting two guns in the air). Hell, I was happy, I just ran 20 miles in 2:42. That's the fastest I've ever ran such a distance.

ARA 20 miler DONE!!!! Yippee! 3M's next on 1/28. It's my PR Half Marathon race. Can't wait to hit the road!

2006 Decker 20K

2006-12-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

What comes up most come down. That pretty much goes for gravity and for hills, and it's where my story starts. It's Sunday afternoon. This morning I hit the snooze only once to wake up at the crack of dawn, 5:15am. I check the weather... 37 degrees, 10 mile winds, feels like 30 degrees. Great - What to do now? I get my pre-configured wardrobe on, which included running gloves a dry-fit beanie (new purchases!), along with a long sleeve technical t-shirt and vest, with some short shorts to match.

7:07 am:
We make it to the race. I run feverishly to the bathroom, to only discover that I left my race chip at home. Quickly I run back out to the car to find Caitlin and ask her to run back to the house and get my chip... I can't run the race without one. Alas, I did find out they had additional chips, but I'm not sure how that would have registered with my name, ect... Anyway, I bought one for the series and needed it. Without a doubt, Caitlin zips to the house and back in under twenty minutes with my champion chip in tote.

8:00 am:
We're off! It's cold... The first 4 miles we're nothing but wind, cold, brisk, bone-chilling wind. I was glad I had worn the right clothes.

The hills gradually start. My pace slows a bit as I try to adjust for the conditions. Should I push it, should I?? That's what keeps popping in my head as I feverishly check my watch.

Somewhere around mile 5 I realize the wind is now at my side, we've changed directions. I take a GU (new espresso flavor with 2X the caffeine). A smile breaks on my face. I'm past the 5K mark. My body feels good, my pace increases.

Mile 7 - the dirt road. I wish I had a camera. The sight was incredible - the road, dark and muddy brown, looked like something from a war film, but instead of soldiers in combat, I see a mile worth of runners - from the top of the hill approaching the valley where the sun is still rising to the peak nearly 3/4 of a mile away. Again, I smile and think, wow this is what the training is all about.

Miles 8-10. We hit the hill. This is the big one. Not like motive (over a mile), but steep nonetheless and not alone in the otherwise described hilly course that is Decker. I get into crunch mode, laying low using my arms to thrust my body up this pavement giant. We reach the top. I exchange a 'we're almost there' to a fellow runner, and he smiles back. We've made it. I hit another water stop and head for the final push.

To the finish...
2 miles and change to go. I'm almost there. I take another GU and I'm off.
With less than a mile to go I see Shawn, my coach and Jessie, his girlfriend. It's exactly the motivation I need to finish strong. I head to the final stretch only to hit another wall of wind whipping at my head... I snake around the final turn and see the finish line in less than 1/2 mile ahead. I stop thinking and start moving. Fast, very fast. Uncontrollably fast. I finish. Tired, cold, and very happy.

Stats:
5K time: 24:37.3, pace: 7:56/M
10K time: 49:57.7, pace: 8:14/M
15K time: 1:13:43.3, pace: 8:03/M
20K time (finish): 1:37:53.4, 7:59/M

---

Hope you enjoyed the report! I wrote a bit more than usual, but it's race's like this that make the Distance Challenge so rewarding. Distance challenge #4 - DONE!!!!!!!!!!!

ARA 20-miler to follow on Jan. 7th. 2007 here I run.

Motive Bison Stampede Half Marathon - 11/12/2006

2006-11-13T12:56:00.000-08:00

I write this with sore legs and a big smile.

This was officially my second half marathon to do. The first being Freescale at the beginning of the year. The difference? I completed this race nearly twenty minutes faster, with a time of 1:41:34.

The weather was optimal, a brisk 50 degrees at the start. Perfect for the 13.1 mile trek. The first few miles felt effortless, though I kept checking my watch to make sure I maintained my pace... as the big descent (first hill of the course) hit at mile 4. The 'King of the Hill' challenge was at mile ~5-6. This, ever so appropriately named challenge went by rather quickly, and in retrospect, I should have gone a little slower, as it took much longer for me to recover than in my previous training runs at the same point. I finished the king of the hill mile in 7:41.

Next came mile 7-9, when a major cramp hit right under my heart, and slowed things down quite a bit. I did some breathing techniques, and thankfully the pain subsided to allow me to pick up my pace and continue towards the finish.

The final miles flew by and I was joined at the finish line by my coach, wife and friends. Another GREAT race is now over. Distance challenge number 3 - DONE!

Stats:
Chip time: 1:41:34
Average pace: 7:45

Girl Scouts-Lone Star Council's Scenic 10 Miler- 10/22/2006

2006-11-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

What a cold morning. The first two miles were brutal, but fun. Running on concrete took a little adjusting to. Overall this was a very cool race. I'd like to thank my buddy Jim-bo for running it with me. Without his elbows constantly hitting me, and the awesome gu I kept on pounding, I'm not sure how this would have turned out. Distance challenge event 2 - done!

Stats:
1st 5 miles: 38:27.9, pace : 7:41
2nd 5 miles: 37:10.9, pace : 7:26
overall time: 1:15:38.8
overall pace: 7:34

IBM Uptown Classic 10K - 10/1/2006

2006-11-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

The first of the distance challenge races! It was a hot, muggy day out, but the race was full of energy and lots-o-fun!

Stats:
First 5K: 23:18.9, 7:28 (pace)
Second 5K: 22:57.3, 7:21 (pace)
Chip time: 46:16.8
Average pace: 7:27

Silicon Labs Marathon Relay

2006-07-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

I did the frist 10K. Here are the final results:

Division: Open Mixed
Finishing place: 14 (out of 81)

Team name: Mashing Face
Finish time: 3:25:39
Average pace: 7:51/M

Time / Lap
Lap 1 7:13/M (jill) 54:07
Lap 2 7:58/M (peter) 49:25
Lap 3 7:28/M (noah) 46:20
Lap 4 9:18/M (pepper) 29:44
Lap 5 8:24/M (scott) 26:02

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

2006-07-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

This was the my first TNT marathon. I raised over $5K for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I want to dedicate my race and experience to my honored hero, Maya who passed away recently.

Rocky Hill Ranch 50K (I did the 25K)

2006-07-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Freescale Marathon - race pics!

2006-07-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the past few races I did.

Freescale Marathon (I did the 1/2)