Looking back August 2010

10 Years Ago: August 2010 – I kicked off the month with a cortisone shot in my plantar fascia but didn’t let that slow me down much (I wore a walking boot for most of month only taking it off to run).  Eric Morse and Al Bernier joined me for a short trip where we bagged three state high points (WI, MI, MN) along with some county high points and a couple of fire towers. 

Next up was the Mount Ashland hill climb (08/07/10) one of the longest continuous climbs for a Mountain race in the U.S.  The field of about 220 headed off for the first couple of miles of paved road. I found myself in the top 15. By the time we hit the first aid station at 3.8 miles I had moved up to 8th place and was feeling very comfortable. I could see Tim Van Orden moving through the pack and I’d passed Richard Bolt around 3 miles. I was still feeling good at 10.5 as I grabbed a water and Gatorade to wash down my third and final Gu of the day.  The final part was very steep, it was a leg burner.  Somehow, I managed to hold off the guys closing on me despite my calves, shins, and quads starting to give out.  Tivo ended up having a great race, finishing 3rd overall and breaking the masters record (running a 1:55:33).  I surpassed my stretch goal of 2:00-2:05. Richard Bolt had a solid run in his first race as a master, taking 15th overall (5th 40+) approximately half-way between his two previous times on the course.

Next up (08/22/10) was the Moose 4x2.5 mile relay.  My plan was to run somewhere from 6:00 to 6:30 pace.  I got to pick which leg I'd run so I took the leadoff leg.  Mine Falls was busy with lots of folks enjoying the coolish (70's) weather, although it was a bit humid.  I headed out in the top five.  About 400m in Titus Mutinda moved to the front and I picked it up a bit to go with him.  I stayed close through about a mile then Then Titus just floated ahead.  I was pleasantly surprised to hit the line in 13:46, just a tick over 5:30 pace.  That was a lot faster than I'd hoped for.

I headed down to NC to act as the USATF liaison for the 10km trail championships (08/28/10). The Continental Divide race in Laurel Springs NC also hosted last year. Tim Van Orden and I headed out for a nice easy 2 mile warm-up. I got in the second row at the start and off we went.  I kind of eased into the race and by the half-mile was around 25th place. Then the climbing started, and I moved by a few fast starters. I passed a few guys in the second half of the race and moved into 14th place. TiVO had an excellent run, taking the top 40+ spot and 5th place overall. I exceeded my goal of 50 minutes running 48:58 and just missed money (top 3 40+) with my fourth place in the masters. I did take home a silver medal in the 45-49.

 Continental Divide 10km - USA National 10km Trail championship

1 41:59 Bobby Mack Raleigh NC

2 42:31 Ryan Woods Boone NC

3 44:22 Ryan Moravec Belle Vernon PA

4 44:51 Jared Scott Flagstaff AZ

5 45:25 Tim Van Orden Bennington VT CMS 40+

 14 48:58 Dave Dunham Bradford MA CMS 40+

 Masters

1 45:25 Tim Van Orden Bennington VT CMS 40+

2 45:45 Chad Newton Pisgah Forest NC

3 47:35 Andy Ames Boulder CO

4 48:58 Dave Dunham Bradford MA CMS 40+