Tag: #CSAUP

Completely Stupid and Udderly Pointless

  • Stubbornness beats Athleticism

    An ultra legend (Saab)  and an ultra virgin (TYA) showed up early Saturday morning for a short trip through the woods just north of Charlottesville.

    The Thang:

    50k, no, 55k, no 56k through the trails and roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  My super accurate Garmin GPS clocked us in at 34.91 miles (17.46 on the way out and 17.45 on the way back).  GPS said it was just over 5,000 feet of climbing though the run.  Here is how it was from my perspective.  Nice downhill start for 2.5 miles on the road, 5 miles up and down in the woods, steep 1 mile descent (25k turnaround), 6 miles mostly flat or downhill in a valley in the woods, and 3.5 miles on a torturous paved/gravel road that was uphill both ways.  Turn around and try to survive the ascent after the 25k turnaround spot and limp back to the finish line.

    NMM:

    Weather was definitely a factor.  For some it was negative, some folks had a problem with the camelback tubes freezing.  For YHC it was a huge positive as itcut down on the sweating and made hydration a much more manageable issue.  Only time we were really cold out there was prerace.  Temperature was around 18 degrees at the start and we opted to stand next to the fire and keep warm versus being cold and listening to the preface instructions.  Once the running began, weather did not cross our minds much at all.  Just a few minutes of cold wind at the highest point of the race, but that is all.

    For the first 8 miles all the Richmond PAX (except Lab Rat) were within spitting distance of each other.  So good to have 9 of us out there for support an encouragement.  A familiar face and a few kind words when trying to accomplish a huge task like this is invaluable.  Post 8 miles, Saab stuck with me the whole way.  From mile 8 – 14, we kept up a pretty pace and I don’t think I slowed down Saab too much, Mile 14 – turnarounds was tough and we both slowed down a little.  For the rest of the race, I was definitely the pacer (holding Saab back).

    Once we passed the turnaround, I knew that I would make the full distance.  I still felt pretty good and was mentally in a good state.  I also knew that I was holding Saab back.  I told him on many occasions that he was free to go, that I was good and that he could press on at his pace.  He would never leave.  At some point in a race this long, you just want to be DONE.  That, I think is true for everyone.  For Saab to prolong his run to provide me with support and companionship while his mind and body were telling him to finish ASAP was incredible.  I cannot express the gratitude and emotion I have at his self sacrificing actions.

    Running is fascinating to me.  For me, it is all mental.  The first mile and the last mile always suck.  The number of miles in between, really do not affect my mood much at all.  For this race, I just told myself that I had 9 hours to finish and had nothing else to do with that time except hang with my buddy Saab.  That kept me pretty happy and occupied the whole time.  I just stayed in the moment and enjoyed the company, scenery, and at times the lack of talking.

    Interesting things we learned along the way

    • Traversing a creek is much easier without walking poles.  Saab was ready to kill the guy in front of us who had poles and was gingerly crossing the creek trying to avoid any contact with water
    • The ladies love Saab.  At one particular aid station, Saab had his own personal assistant.   She was attentive to Mr. Saab from the moment he entered the area, and was real concerned about the minor cut on his knee.  I think she wanted to go all Clara Barton on him.  Good new for her, was that Saab got to visit twice
    • Best snack was the peanut butter pretzels.  Yes, saltines with pb&J are awesome, but the pretzels were the best.  Worst snack pb&j on a corn tortilla.
    • Saab is a bit competitive.  When we were about a mile from the finish, I looked back to see if any of the 50 milers were coming.  He said to me that if one started to catch up to us, I had no choice but to run as fast as I could the rest of the way so that they could not catch us
    • Nothing is better than finishing a race and have F3 Pax members waiting at the end.  WOW.  the support is amazing.  It is very much like finishing a BRR leg.  You have all the guys there interested in one thing and one thing only: what do you need and how can they help you.
    • Just keep moving.  One step forward is one step closer.  It is that simple
    • Water freezes below 32 degrees.  Ask Lab Rat about the person he helped whose Camelback tube had frozen.

    TYA and Saab Out.

    Last thing, for Honeydo, I hope you noticed that Upchuck listed Saab and I in his backlist PAX list.  That means we double dipped for BIG DATA on Saturday

     

  • I have been to the Bel Monte Top

    “In the pursuit of awesomeness, there is betterment.”
    — Chris Sterling, (Chum Bucket)

    9 intrepid cragsmen, including one FNG (Liberace), strapped on their climbing shoes to take on the Bel Monte Endurance Race. 7 PAX started the 25K and 2 opted for double-pain, 50K-style.

    The Thang:

    Start in Love, VA, head south on Blue Ridge Parkway for roughly 4K (downhill), then proceed off-road on single-track. Route tracked roughly (pun intended) down, up, down, up, down, up, down for many kms.

    Intermittent stops were made for frozen water and various nibbles, pickings, and goodies (Camp Marty was a favorite stop).

    Post-Camp Marty, route descended at conservatively a 40% grade. Maybe 60%.  After .8km downward, 25k runners hit the turn-around point, and headed for home.

    50k travelers continued up, down, up, down, up, down…AMRAP…until 50k turn-around.

    Post the respective turn-around points, the route was up, down, up, down, up, down in alternating fashion from outbound route.

    All PAXs, on the return leg, met the Blue Ridge Parkway and completed the final 4k UPHILL to the finish. Many PAX learned to swear during this period.

    Moleskin

    PAX, minus FNG Jim (Liberace), met for pre-race dinner at Blue Mountain Brewing Company. Meals were ordered, beers were consumed, and a schedule assembled for the following morning (alarms, coffee brewing, etc.). Rise and shine came at 4:30 a.m., when approximately nine alarms, all synchronized to the mobile phone networks, erupted simultaneously.  Symphonic.  Teeth were brushed, dry showers were taken, Glide was applied, shoes put on, and coffee was made (well, one pot…then a second pot….no, wait, coffee not made….ah, THAT’s how it’s done…coffee made, bullet dodged),…and the PAX were off.

    Temps were chilly (mid-20s at start time), but as the sun rose steadily on the last day of Standard Time, it was sunny and 70 in the PAXs’ hearts. Until it wasn’t.  Props to the Bad to the Bone Crew for having a bonfire pouring out heat in the pre-start Gloom.

    After the start, eight PAX hung close together for the initial 4k black top section, with the appropriate mumble-chatter and backslapping.  Except for Lab Rat. “Gde Lab Rat?” Gone, but not lost. Lab Rat was on it from the start, having said “Dasvidanya” to the PAX early and moseyed at break-neck speed down the mountain. More on that shortly…

    Once onto the trail, the PAX spread out into roughly groups of two. YHC ran most of the way with Honey Do, Flashdance with Liberace, and Chum with Circle K. 50kers TYA and Saab lost themselves in the moment and owned it all the way. That left Lab Rat running on his own, and a good thing too as he crushed this race. 3:41 minutes if YHC’s post-race hallucinating is to be trusted. Well done, sir. YHC attributes Lab Rat’s performance to a solid training regimen and a mysterious red blood cell donation (transfusion?) 4 weeks prior the race.  In unrelated news, Lab Rat issued a one-word statement at the finish in response to allegations that he had met pre-race with Russian Olympic team officials,“Nyet.”

    With the PAX spread across various mountain ridges, YHC spent most of the day with Honey Do, who provided an indomitable spirit throughout the day. Thank you, kind sir, for strong support.

    As this was YHC’s first off-road race, a few observations are in order:

    1. Funny thing about nature… there were rocks of all sizes and the occasional fallen log throughout the trail. YHC realized that concentrating on the trail step-by-step was key to not ending up face-down. In short, over 4.5 hours on the trail, YHC spent approximately 30 seconds scanning the scenic vistas for which the Blue Ridge Mountains are known. Conversely, due to selecting Honey Do as his running partner, YHC spent approximately 3 hours looking at red leg hair and black socks….the defining scenery of the day.
    2. Two saltines + peanut butter + Welch’s Concord grape jelly = Nirvana.
    3. Also, having started the day with minimal expectations for a podium finish, YHC will engage in shameless self-congratulations for finishing FIRST in the inaugural Bel Monte 33k Endurance Race. Kudos to Honey Do for finishing 2nd.   This duo proudly represented F3 Richmond!! But wait, you ask. How do PAX finish 1 and 2 in a 33k race when the advertised options were 25k, 50k, and 50 miles? Ah, therein lies the magic of the Q and his compadre losing themselves in the moment and running an extra few miles. Any mathematician knows that it’s hard to finish 3rd in a 2-man race. Counting extra credit, a 20.43 mile race. To quote Honey Do, ”That’s a ballbuster.”  FEBA all the way.

    Finally, two big shout outs…first to Lab Rat, who, having completed his own race, drove back to help his injured teammates (Flashdance and Liberace).  When Round 1 of his search came up empty, he nonetheless found a cramped runner literally curled up in a roadside ditch, administered modest life-saving first-aid (have some of my soda?), and returned the man safely to base. A simple act of kindness, perhaps, but a lifesaver to that man, for sure.  Double-well done, sir.

    Lastly, a round of backslaps to Flashdance for offering lodging to the PAX. What a place! YHC had hoped for a free floor space – bonus if carpeted. No, sir. This was first class all the way. Thank you, Flashdance.

    Announcements

    Bel Monte 2018 Sign-up opens soon.  Circle back for details.

  • F3RVA Podcast…Listen Closely

    Ok, that’s close enough.

    You can also listen on the soundcloud app.

    PODCAST 11

    PODCAST 12

    and in case you missed it

    PODCAST 10

    The back story on the photo, These was part of the ski gear YHC was wearing on the day YHC had a catastrophic fall on the slopes. Listen to Podcast 11 for the rest of the story.

  • Podcast…Listeners beware


    You have been Warned:

    Podcast 8

    Podcast 9

    Special Thanks to Hardywood for being part of the Show

    The story behind Podcast 9: Realizing that bringing photos to a recording studio might not be the brightest move, but then leaving them for the YHC to properly insert them into the Backblast so that all can enjoy the photos and story behind them, is a level of bravery and courage that few people in the world possess. KUDOS to TYA!

    Enjoy!

  • Next level Podcast…Caution advised


    You have been warned:

    Podcast-6

    Podcast 7

    Thanks to LabRat for Participating this week.

  • Inaugural F3 RVA CSAUP…”and it’s not even noon yet…”

    44 intrepid gents presented themselves for the first F3 RVA CSAUP.  The following is just some of what transpired and YHC has no doubt there are countless other stories to be told here…

    Swirly Q (Dogpile):  COP in amphitheater.  Perform the following on each step (18 steps total):  10 Merkins, 15 Dips, 25 LBC’s.  Run (3.3 miles) to next AO – Punisher

    Circle K (Punisher):  COP.   Perform exercise at 3 points…25 LBC, 25 WWII, 10 Burpees.  Three rounds…first round, Lunge from point to point, second, Kerioke, third round, bear crawl from point to point.  Quick COP at end and then run (3 miles) to next AO (Mary Munford)

    Sippy Cup (Mary Munford):  COP.  First round:  Person throws frisbee.  PAX runs until frisbee lands.  Perform 5 merkins and then “crawl” to frisbee (alternating bear crawls, crab walks, broad jumps, one legged bear crawls, others?).  11’s:  Jump Squats and LBCs.  6’s:  Burpees and Merkins.  Run back to original AO beginning at Grove (2.5 miles).

    Swirly leads COT.  Adjourn to cookout thoughtfully prepared by Circle K.

    Moleskin:

    Beginning the first workout in the pre-dawn hours, the PAX appeared to fill the entire space of the amphitheater.  After a few disclaimers and a warning to “pace yourselves fellas” for the long morning ahead (i.e. 3 hour workout) Swirly began the COP.  Given the large number of PAX, the outright enthusiasm shown by all – the sound of Swirly and the PAX hitting their cadence resonated throughout the park…It was all the Q and PAX could do to keep chubs from forming and continue the work at hand.  As everyone began the first exercise and advanced up the steps, initial concerns regarding the lack of mumble chatter were quickly laid to rest as the-usual-suspects made their presence known.  Once everyone advanced to the top of the amphitheater, the PAX proceeded to run through the city toward the next AO with at least half a dozen flags in hand.

    As the PAX began to filter in to Punisher, they were greeted by Circle K who had a full set of provisions available for everyone to refuel.  Once everyone was  accounted for, Circle K took the Q and led us through the aforementioned beatdown…It’s a frickin’ triangle people!  It was about that time that YHC realized this was no ordinary workout and we weren’t even half way through.  The mumble chatter of surrounding PAX was alive and well, however, which made the call to advance toward our next AO seem to come somewhat sooner than expected.

    It was during the run to Mary that YHC extended an offer to carry Hampton Roads flag being carried by Dreamliner.  Having carried a flag during prior run, little thought was given to the fact that this was  a) a different flag and b) an industrial grade flag built by RVA brethren.  It was at that point that YHC’s pace slowed considerably and he began imagining running with one of Honey Do’s sand bags as a mild form of relief.  Tclaps to Dreamline and the rest of the H.R. contingent for carrying that flag through all three legs!

    As the PAX filtered in to Mary they descended upon the provisions which were well received by all.   Doner Kebab, who was experiencing a bit of chafing, began polling the PAX for some form of lube to ease the friction.  Although no one seemed to carry DK’s preferred brand, Big Tennessee (BT) did offer up a pack of his “One Wipe Charlies”.  Not knowing if the wipes were suitable for the area upon which DK was looking to apply them did not stop him from giving it a go.  YHC learned later that DK was demonstrating odd contortions during the COP due to a burning sensation brought about by the Charlies-wipes.

    Sippy led the 3rd Q with his usual precision and timing.  Despite leading a PAX which had been moving for over 2 hours, he brought a workout that was diverse and kept everyone on their toes, if not knees.  (YHC personally did not have any ability to perform one-legged bear crawls…on a good day they represent a challenge…after running several miles they were fairly impossible.)  Sippy then gathered us up at Grove and gave final instructions on how to get back to the starting AO and conclude the workout.  Offers were extended to “race” for those who were willing – a challenge taken up by some…not taken by YHC by the way.

    As we circled-up we took inventory of those who were there throughout the morning and present.  Marv took us out with some highly inspirational words.  Many then adjourned to the tailgate where Circle K already had a fire going with his weenies roasting.

    Acknowledgements:

    Extreme thanks to Circle K, Sippy Cup, and Swirly for pulling this together.  Provisons, logistics, and leadership were outstanding!

    Particular thanks to Circle K for purchasing all provisions, ensuring proper provisions were available at each AO, and for pulling together an awesome tailgate.  IMPORTANT:  If you haven’t already, PLEASE throw some deceased-presidents Circle K’s way – in whatever amount you feel appropriate.

    Thanks to “Lab Rat brewing company”.  I know a lot of effort goes into making what I personally view as an outstanding product…

    Thanks to the Hampton Roads PAX for making the trip and joining in our first ever CSAUP.  We look forward to attending your first someday

    I am certain there were many more achievements and stories, which I look forward to hearing about in the back blast.  Thanks for a great day gentlemen.  I am truly proud and always appreciative to be part of such a fine group.

    Saab abides.

     

  • F3RVA Podcast Intro… listen carefully

    Vans
    Explicit
    With hours of hard work, miles of roads driven, mounds of paper destroyed, Hundreds of thousands of emails deleted (no wait that was something else), many words used incorrectly and a few dozen packets of sugar.

    The F3RVA podcast is now here:
    Hosted by TYA, Swirly, Bleeder and Saab, also, (with the occasional special guest)

    All the F3RVA Podcast

    First Podcast..one at a time

    Second Podcast..one at a time

    You get the idea…one at a time

    You get the idea…one at a time

    You get the idea…one at a time

    If you like what you hear, you are welcome…… if you don’t blame TYA (He will take comments in his office; his office hours are every other Thursday from 9:00-9:01 am)

    Enjoy!

  • Pre-Blast : F3 RVA Frozen Triangle CSAUP

    F3 RVA is celebrating the only way we know how, F3 style.

    How are we celebrating? Frozen Triangle CSAUP (Completely Stupid And Utterly Pointless)

    What are we celebrating?  Nothing, that is the whole point.  F3 RVA does not need a reason for a 3+ hour workout, across three AOs totaling 9-10 miles of running. (might be more for Circle K and Chumbucket depending on how lost they get)

    Why are we celebrating?  Why not, just show up.

    When are we celebrating? January 21, 2017, 6am, Dogpile

    Details: 

    F3 RVA Frozen Triangle CSAUP

          0600 DogPile  (Swirly Q for 20 minutes)

          0620 Depart Dogpile for 3.5 mile run to Punisher

          Route : Exit Dogpile parking lot, Left onto Blvd, Blvd turns into Hermitage, Arrive at Punisher

    0655-0700 Arrive at Punisher (Circle K Q for 20 minutes)

    0720 refuel

    0725 Depart Punisher for 3.1 mile run to 45MOM

    Route : West on Laburnum, Left on Saunders, Right on Westwood, Westwood turns into Malvern, R on Grove to MM

    0755-0800 Arrive at 45MOM (Sippy Q for 20 minutes)

    0820 Refuel

    0825 Depart for 2.7 mile run to DogPile

    Route:  Race—make your own route!  Or, if you prefer : East on Grove, Right onto Boulevard to Carillon

    0845-0900 Arrive at Dogpile (Sippy will lead some minutes of Mary as people finish)

    0900 Finish 

    Cookout to follow with Firepit.  (Circle K will cook some hotdogs and hamburgers)

    There are many ways to participate in the Frozen Triangle.

    1. Show up at 0600 and complete the whole Frozen Triangle.
    2. Not feeling up to running the whole route – Show up at one of the AOs, participate in the workout to decrease the mileage
    3. Volunteer to help with the H20 and food distribution and clean up
    4. Volunteer to light the firepit and charcoal grill so they are ready when the PAX finishes Circle K can start cooking some hot food,
    5. Show up at the cookout for great 2nd F.  Ms and 2.0 are welcome at the cookout.

    Now that the PAX knows the details, you may be asking yourself what do I need to bring to the Frozen Triangle?

    1.  Yourself
    2. Shovel Flag
    3. Camping Chair (for cookout)
    4. Dry Clothes

    Please respond to this Pre-Blast so YHC can get a HC, in order to plan accordingly for food drink.

    You don’t want to miss this event.  How cool is it going to look as F3 RVA travels down the Boulevard with shovel flags in tow.  Looking forward to a large attendance at the first of many F3 RVA CSAUP events.

    Circle K

  • 3, no 4 runners on the AT

    3 hardy souls took the trip to Waynesboro to hit the AT and put in some trail miles.  One stalwart headed out on his own to the same trail to put in a few miles.

    The Thang:

    Drop the car off at Blackrock Gap and take a shuttle back to Rockfish Gap.  Hit the AT and traverse our way back to the car (a reported 18.7 miles).

    NMM

    After about an hour into the trip, we ran into the Whittler who had just turned around to head back to Rockfish Gap.  Since he had an aborted trail run on Monday, he was worried about going the full distance so was going to put in 10+ on his own.  We pleaded and cajoled him into joining us and making the remainder of the trip to Blackrock.  Great to have four of us out there together to make this trip.

    The first three or four miles of the trip were uphill and rocky and provided very little opportunity for actual running.  The terrain and vegetation took a quick turn thereafter and was much more runner friendly.  This section of the trail saw some major elevation changes.  We climbed just over 4500 feet and descended about 4100 feet, gaining just over 400 feet for the trip.  Also along the way we crossed the road 4 or 5 times.  After a while, once I saw a road, I was pretty unhappy because each road signaled a major climb on the other side.  For the trip, Lab Rat had us logged in at just over 20 miles, while YHC had us at 19.4.

    More people on the trail today than our last trip to the AT.  We saw one hiker that was covering out route today and an older gentleman from Colorado who was one segment away from finishing the 105 miles in the park (later in the spring, his wife is going to join him and traverse the whole trail).  We saw this gentleman hitchhiking back to his car at the end the day and Upchuck turned his vehicle around and gave him a ride back to his vehicle.

    An obligatory stop at Bodo’s on the way home saw each of the PAX ordering enough food to feed several people.  Bodo’s is always good, but after miles on the trail, it is exceptional.

    The trips to he AT are long days, but incredibly fun and challenging.  Nothing like the hills you get on the AT to train you for a long distance jaunt.  Also, running the trails of the AT brings a whole new appreciation and understanding of the challenges or trail running.  YHC, incredibly, was the only one to take a fall today.

  • Pre-Blast: 12/28/16 trip to Appalachian Trail

    In the name of training for spring trail runs…or just for the hell of it…a few pax members are heading up to Afton for some trail running on the AT.  The planned route will be a 1 way long slow run on the AT heading into the Shenandoah National Park.  The planned route is 18-20 miles, and should take around 5 hours.  Those that would like a shorter route or would like to bike on Skyline Drive should feel welcome to join us and we will come up with a game plan for alternate activities.

    We will meet at the Park and Ride at the Gum Spring exit on I64 (exit 159) at 6:30 a.m., carpool up, run, then swing by Bodo’s on the way home.  We should be home in time for you to fix dinner for your family (or at least dump a load of fresh bagels on the table).

    If you are interested, please post up in the comments section, or get in touch with Lab Rat or TYA.

    Also, tagging Roanoke, just in case our brothers from the other side of the ridge would like to join us.

    Lab Rat out.