I love getting out there on holidays.
Thanksgiving Day I ran the north-bound trail of the Rose Bowl. I found a cell phone on the trail. The phone turned out to be a student's who I've subbed for.
On Christmas Day I ran the south-bound trail and low and behold...another cell phone.
Ben answered the phone. It was his Mom's. We met at the Aquatic Center for the exchange.
I'm looking forward to Easter. Maybe I'll find a burlap sack filled with gold coins!
I capped off a good week of training this afternoon with a chicken salad, a trip to pick up my brother's birthday present and an icebath.
This weekend's runs were satisfying. They weren't easy, but the weather, company of the team and scenary were ideal. On Saturday I ran 12 miles with Team in Training. Team in Training is the group I help coach. Participants with Team in Training (TNT for short) are folks who raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In return for their commitment to raise funds to end blood cancers they are trained and supported to complete an endurance event (triathlons, 100 mile bike rides, half and full marathons). In my case, I work with the half marathon and marathon TEAM. The above description sounds a bit clinical as I re-read.... The people who come to this program inspire. They have made a decision to step outside of the known into the unknown. Most people who come to TNT (Team in Training) have never competed in an endurance event. That takes a lot of guts. Combine that with their efforts to raise money for something positive and you have extraordinary people.
BACK TO MY TRAINING: Sunday (today) I ran 10 miles on the trails surrounding the Rose Bowl and up in The Arroyo Seco. Back to back longish runs are there in my training to train the body and mind to adapt. I need to learn what it feels like to keep moving on tired legs. Today, my legs were tired and there were moments when I questioned why I'm doing this. These dialogues go on in one's mind while training all the time. Actually that may not be true for all, but that's been the case with me. My trick is to pull back and remind myself to take it one training, one mile, one step at a time. It helps. "If you build it....it will come."
Tuesday 12-23 (4 Miles Trails)
Wednesday 12-24 (4 Miles)- deers in the headlamps / nightime run
Thursday 12-25 (4 Miles) - found and returned another cell phone on the trail
Saturday 12-27 (12 Miles) - w/ Team, pushed first 5, felt good
Sunday 12-28 (10 Miles)~saw coyote,beautiful weather, walked around float building at Rose Bowl and sniffed kettle corn, tired legs, ice bath
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Season's Greetings From SGV TNT
Playing Around With A Free Trial Slideshow SGV Season's Greetings!
Grassroots (artist: Bob Marley interview snippet / Burning Spear)
(most photos courtesy of Louis. Thanks Louis!)
GO TEAM!
Peace To You (Artist: Brent Berry)
Fly Like An SGV Eagle (Artist: Sugar Black)
Grassroots (artist: Bob Marley interview snippet / Burning Spear)
(most photos courtesy of Louis. Thanks Louis!)
GO TEAM!
Friday, December 12, 2008
It Is Not By The Wind Alone That The Thistle Travels Part II
"Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterised by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the plant family Asteraceae. Prickles often occur all over the plant - on surfaces such as those of the stem and flat parts of leaves."
Plants spread their seeds in many different ways. The wind may blow a plant's seed to it's new home or a dog may catch a seed on his fur and deposit it 20 yards away. A bird or other animal may eat the seed and "deposit" it miles away the next day.
"It Is Not By The Wind Alone That The Thistle Travels". Running 50 miles and raising $5000 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is something I do not want to do alone. I need your support and positive vibes to help me reach my goals. Be the wind, the dog, or the bird.
I have faith in my training program. Put all the pieces together and I'll cross the finish line on April 18th.
Monday, December 08, 2008
California Trail Trifecta
From the mountains to the ocean, this past year I ran in three classic So. Cal trail races. Here's a bit about each:
The Mount Wilson Trail Race
Location: Sierra Madre, CA
Distance: 8.6 miles
Terrain: Singletrack
Date: Normally takes place the Saturday before Memorial Day, but this years event was
postponed a few weeks for trail repair required due to a
spring-time fire and subsequent rain.
Shwag: A really nice technical long sleeve!
Post race food: Standard bananas, bagels and water
My Time: 1:55:17
ABOVE: ELEVATION PROFILE
BELOW: Warming up to for the Mountain
When this race was first held (1908) nine runners raced 7 miles to the top of Mount Wilson, rested for half an hour, then made the hair raising trip back down. This race has been held 55 times in the last 100 years. In the 30s, and 40s the race was run sporadically until trail conditions became so poor they stopped running it altogether. In 1965 volunteers from Sierra Madre repaired the trail and the race has been run ever since.
The race starts out in Kersting Court in the City of Sierra Madre. From the start runners make their way up Baldwin Avenue and onto The Old Mt. Wilson Trail. Documented use of this trail dates back to 1771 when Gabrieleno Indians used the trail to carry timber for construction of the San Gabriel Mission. I recall reading that this trail was in use by the Gabrielenos for their own needs prior to the 1771 date. In the early 1900s mules made 60 plus trips up the mountain trail hauling parts of the original Mt. Wilson Telescope.
From the start of the trail head runners make their way up 4.3 miles to Orchard Camp. At Orchard Camp runners are greeted by one of the oldest dated oak trees in the front range of the San Gabriels(core tested to be 1500 years old) as well as boy scouts handing out water. From Orchard runners turn around and retrace their steps back to Kersting Court.
ABOVE: Heading back from Orchard Camp
I'm amazed nobody has ever been seriously injured in the course of this race. Frankly, I'm surprised nobody has tumbled into the canyon below. The runners share a trail that is narrow and has drops of 100 plus feet in numerous places. The faster runners are already making their way down as the mid packers are going up. The downhillers have the right of way. Much of the vegetation had been burned away in the recent fire taking away a visual cue that separated trail,cliff and hazy spring sky. The vegetation would have also come in handy for stopping someones plunge, Thankfully everyone made it off the Mountain. One lady did, however, have to be airlifted off the trail due to heat related illness.
ABOVE: The charred slopes of Little Santa Anita Canyon
Below: Sierra Madre Search and Rescue
I'd been wanting to run this race for a few years, but could never make it due to commitments. This year I made Mt. Wilson a priority. I really enjoyed this event and the friendly little town of Sierra Madre. I plan on being back in 2009.
Below: Post race Mom, myself and Barbara
Mt Baldy Run To The Top
Location: San Gabriel Mountains, Mt. Baldy
Distance: 8 miles
Terrain: Single track and dirt fire road
Date: Labor Day, September 1, 2008
Shwag: Neat looking cotton race t-shirt
Post race food: Water and oranges air-lifted to the top of Baldy
My Time: 2:11
ABOVE: Pre-race w/ Louis, Steph, and Vickie
Some say that this is one of California's toughest races. With a 4000-foot-elevation gain and a bit of altitude Baldy does provide a challenge. This race was started 42 years ago as a fundraiser for the Mt. Baldy Volunteer Fire Dept.
ABOVE: Race start
The race starts at the Baldy Ski Lifts (6000 ft) goes down the road maybe 1/4 of a mile then jumps on a dirt fire road and up up up! At 7800ft the runners come to the Notch and then continue to climb the snowless ski slopes.
ABOVE: At the Notch
At mile 6 one hits a narrow section of the trail referred to as the Devil's Backbone. It's a bit of a spill on both sides so if someone had issues with heights, my advice would be "don't look down".
Above: A section of Devil's Backbone
After the Backbone you have about another mile to go to the summit. At this point you're above the timberline. The final scramble takes the runner up the steep, scree covered upper slopes of Baldy to the top.
After you catch your breath you are rewarded with a few oranges and beautiful views of the mountain range. On a clear day you can see Mt. Whitney some 200 miles away.
ABOVE: Search & Rescue
This is a point to point course. So once you've rested and taken in the views you walk back to the Notch to catch a ski lift to back to the starting line.
This is a tough race, but a lot of fun! This year was my second time doing this race and I beat my 2007 time by a considerable amount. What's best about this race is the type of person it draws; a lot of friendly, interesting trail runners. One guy I met has a tradition of riding his bike (overnight) from his home in Long Beach to the start of the race. When the race is done he hops on his bike and rides back home to Long Beach.
Above: Baldy on Baldy
Below: The very rare Baldy Terrier in his natural state; loafing in the shade.
BALDY VIDEO
Lasse Virgen 20K
Location: Pt. Magu State Park
Distance: 20K or 12.43 miles
Terrain: Dirt Roads
Date: 12-7-08, Pearl Harbor Day
Shwag: A really nice technical short sleeve race t-shirt.
Post race food: Coffee, chocolate chip cookies, wraps (choice of seared ahi, prime rib, veggie), bananas, oranges, and bagels
My Time: 1:57:49
ABOVE: Looking up the coast outside of Pt. Magu State Park
Like Wilson and Baldy this is a great course. Named after the Finnish four-time gold medalist the Lasse Virgen 20K takes the runner up lush Sycamore Canyon to the top of a hill and then back down. This year marked the 31st running of the race. The race is the brainchild of a Finnish-American sculptor named Eino who was inspired one day back in 1977 after a training run in Sycamore Canyon. Eino was able to attract big time atheletes, including Lasse himself, and corporate sponsors and his event became a success.
BELOW: Lasse Viren running the 5000M
This is a loop course that, while challenging, doesn't have the tough climbs akin to Wilson or Baldy. From the start, the course takes the runner through about 5 miles of gradual uphill. At mile five there's a major hill that continues 3/4 miles to the summit. Once at the top you're treated to two things 1)views of the coastal canyon land below and 2) a few miles of downhill running. Around mile 8 you're back in the flats and are again rewarded with some fantastic scenery. At mile 10 a gradual downhill to the finish.
Although this race lacked super steep climbs it was still very challenging. It's pretty much all uphill for the first half and it would be easy to get too aggressive on the downhill after mile 6. I appreciated some of the old timers who told me to take it easy on the downhill and save it for the flats. I was happy with my effort, but glad to see the finish.
My race bib number was #1 for the day. Often #1 is given to the winner of the previous year's race. I received a lot of friendly ribbing as I made my way to the starting line. I joked back that I would be taking it easy on everyone and was using this race as a recovery run.
I guess Lasse Virgen assigns bib numbers alphabetically.
This was a great trail race and I hope to be back next year to enjoy again and improve on my time. Standing at the finish of Lasse Virgen I struck up a conversation with Warren. Warren's probably in his late 50s and sported a ratty old LA Marathon T-shirt. He remarked, "this is what it's all about. A good run, beautiful morning, and meeting so many friendly folks." He pretty much expressed my thoughts exactly.
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
~John Muir
The Mount Wilson Trail Race
Location: Sierra Madre, CA
Distance: 8.6 miles
Terrain: Singletrack
Date: Normally takes place the Saturday before Memorial Day, but this years event was
postponed a few weeks for trail repair required due to a
spring-time fire and subsequent rain.
Shwag: A really nice technical long sleeve!
Post race food: Standard bananas, bagels and water
My Time: 1:55:17
ABOVE: ELEVATION PROFILE
BELOW: Warming up to for the Mountain
When this race was first held (1908) nine runners raced 7 miles to the top of Mount Wilson, rested for half an hour, then made the hair raising trip back down. This race has been held 55 times in the last 100 years. In the 30s, and 40s the race was run sporadically until trail conditions became so poor they stopped running it altogether. In 1965 volunteers from Sierra Madre repaired the trail and the race has been run ever since.
The race starts out in Kersting Court in the City of Sierra Madre. From the start runners make their way up Baldwin Avenue and onto The Old Mt. Wilson Trail. Documented use of this trail dates back to 1771 when Gabrieleno Indians used the trail to carry timber for construction of the San Gabriel Mission. I recall reading that this trail was in use by the Gabrielenos for their own needs prior to the 1771 date. In the early 1900s mules made 60 plus trips up the mountain trail hauling parts of the original Mt. Wilson Telescope.
From the start of the trail head runners make their way up 4.3 miles to Orchard Camp. At Orchard Camp runners are greeted by one of the oldest dated oak trees in the front range of the San Gabriels(core tested to be 1500 years old) as well as boy scouts handing out water. From Orchard runners turn around and retrace their steps back to Kersting Court.
ABOVE: Heading back from Orchard Camp
I'm amazed nobody has ever been seriously injured in the course of this race. Frankly, I'm surprised nobody has tumbled into the canyon below. The runners share a trail that is narrow and has drops of 100 plus feet in numerous places. The faster runners are already making their way down as the mid packers are going up. The downhillers have the right of way. Much of the vegetation had been burned away in the recent fire taking away a visual cue that separated trail,cliff and hazy spring sky. The vegetation would have also come in handy for stopping someones plunge, Thankfully everyone made it off the Mountain. One lady did, however, have to be airlifted off the trail due to heat related illness.
ABOVE: The charred slopes of Little Santa Anita Canyon
Below: Sierra Madre Search and Rescue
I'd been wanting to run this race for a few years, but could never make it due to commitments. This year I made Mt. Wilson a priority. I really enjoyed this event and the friendly little town of Sierra Madre. I plan on being back in 2009.
Below: Post race Mom, myself and Barbara
Mt Baldy Run To The Top
Location: San Gabriel Mountains, Mt. Baldy
Distance: 8 miles
Terrain: Single track and dirt fire road
Date: Labor Day, September 1, 2008
Shwag: Neat looking cotton race t-shirt
Post race food: Water and oranges air-lifted to the top of Baldy
My Time: 2:11
ABOVE: Pre-race w/ Louis, Steph, and Vickie
Some say that this is one of California's toughest races. With a 4000-foot-elevation gain and a bit of altitude Baldy does provide a challenge. This race was started 42 years ago as a fundraiser for the Mt. Baldy Volunteer Fire Dept.
ABOVE: Race start
The race starts at the Baldy Ski Lifts (6000 ft) goes down the road maybe 1/4 of a mile then jumps on a dirt fire road and up up up! At 7800ft the runners come to the Notch and then continue to climb the snowless ski slopes.
ABOVE: At the Notch
At mile 6 one hits a narrow section of the trail referred to as the Devil's Backbone. It's a bit of a spill on both sides so if someone had issues with heights, my advice would be "don't look down".
Above: A section of Devil's Backbone
After the Backbone you have about another mile to go to the summit. At this point you're above the timberline. The final scramble takes the runner up the steep, scree covered upper slopes of Baldy to the top.
After you catch your breath you are rewarded with a few oranges and beautiful views of the mountain range. On a clear day you can see Mt. Whitney some 200 miles away.
ABOVE: Search & Rescue
This is a point to point course. So once you've rested and taken in the views you walk back to the Notch to catch a ski lift to back to the starting line.
This is a tough race, but a lot of fun! This year was my second time doing this race and I beat my 2007 time by a considerable amount. What's best about this race is the type of person it draws; a lot of friendly, interesting trail runners. One guy I met has a tradition of riding his bike (overnight) from his home in Long Beach to the start of the race. When the race is done he hops on his bike and rides back home to Long Beach.
Above: Baldy on Baldy
Below: The very rare Baldy Terrier in his natural state; loafing in the shade.
BALDY VIDEO
Lasse Virgen 20K
Location: Pt. Magu State Park
Distance: 20K or 12.43 miles
Terrain: Dirt Roads
Date: 12-7-08, Pearl Harbor Day
Shwag: A really nice technical short sleeve race t-shirt.
Post race food: Coffee, chocolate chip cookies, wraps (choice of seared ahi, prime rib, veggie), bananas, oranges, and bagels
My Time: 1:57:49
ABOVE: Looking up the coast outside of Pt. Magu State Park
Like Wilson and Baldy this is a great course. Named after the Finnish four-time gold medalist the Lasse Virgen 20K takes the runner up lush Sycamore Canyon to the top of a hill and then back down. This year marked the 31st running of the race. The race is the brainchild of a Finnish-American sculptor named Eino who was inspired one day back in 1977 after a training run in Sycamore Canyon. Eino was able to attract big time atheletes, including Lasse himself, and corporate sponsors and his event became a success.
BELOW: Lasse Viren running the 5000M
This is a loop course that, while challenging, doesn't have the tough climbs akin to Wilson or Baldy. From the start, the course takes the runner through about 5 miles of gradual uphill. At mile five there's a major hill that continues 3/4 miles to the summit. Once at the top you're treated to two things 1)views of the coastal canyon land below and 2) a few miles of downhill running. Around mile 8 you're back in the flats and are again rewarded with some fantastic scenery. At mile 10 a gradual downhill to the finish.
Although this race lacked super steep climbs it was still very challenging. It's pretty much all uphill for the first half and it would be easy to get too aggressive on the downhill after mile 6. I appreciated some of the old timers who told me to take it easy on the downhill and save it for the flats. I was happy with my effort, but glad to see the finish.
My race bib number was #1 for the day. Often #1 is given to the winner of the previous year's race. I received a lot of friendly ribbing as I made my way to the starting line. I joked back that I would be taking it easy on everyone and was using this race as a recovery run.
I guess Lasse Virgen assigns bib numbers alphabetically.
This was a great trail race and I hope to be back next year to enjoy again and improve on my time. Standing at the finish of Lasse Virgen I struck up a conversation with Warren. Warren's probably in his late 50s and sported a ratty old LA Marathon T-shirt. He remarked, "this is what it's all about. A good run, beautiful morning, and meeting so many friendly folks." He pretty much expressed my thoughts exactly.
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
~John Muir
Thursday, December 04, 2008
It Is Not By The Wind Alone That The Thistle Travels
Left - Fred & his homemade telescope
Dear Family and Friends,
Two years ago my family lost a husband, father, brother, and grandfather to Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I lost my Dad. He is missed, but I take comfort in knowing that I will carry my Dad’s love in my heart always.
On April 18, 2009 I will be attempt to complete the Leona Divide 50 mile endurance run. Why am I doing this?
1. To honor the memory of the loved ones we have lost and to celebrate life itself. To encourage cancer survivors and those going through treatment to keep moving forward.
2. Because this seems almost impossible. To test and break through my own perceived limitations as to what is physically and mentally possible.
3. To raise awareness and funds for an amazingly helpful and positive organization; The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
It is not by wind alone that the thistle travels. I need your help. Will you support me in my journey and most importantly donate what you can to help move us one step closer to a cure to blood cancers?
In a time the state of economy can wear on us all, making a commitment to raise $100 dollars for every mile I run ($5000 in total) is one that I have not made lightly. This is because I know for a fact that in addition to being impacted by the high cost of living, people living with blood cancers are being helped by the LLS with these everyday expenses while they endure treatments that have a profound physical, emotional and financial impact.
Make no mistake – the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has made life-saving strides in research. It is because of the LLS’s funding for research that my friend Virgina Garner is alive today. LLS funded the research for a drug called Gleevec. Virginia takes Gleevec once a day in the form of a pill. She suffers minimal side effect from the drug and enjoys her life running marathons with her husband Van. Gleevec and drugs like it are now used to treat other cancers as well and it’s development and success has heralded a new era in the world of cancer treatment and research
Consider too as the LLS web site notes, “…the many challenges of a blood cancer diagnosis include managing household finances and healthcare insurance…” So in addition to funding life giving research, the funds I generate from my campaign will assist with the Society’s Patient Financial Aid Program and Co-Pay Assistance Program.
100 percent of the funds received for my specific campaign will go directly to LLS to cover research, financial assistance to patients/families, education and overhead for the non-profit. No monies generated will go towards my training, race entry costs, or operation of my fundraising website.
My Dad was the ever exploring scientist. When diagnosed with Non-Hodkins Lymphoma he turned his energy towards building a telescope for his grandson Jack and researching ways to overcome his obstacle. We never gave up hope and neither did he. He took detailed notes in his medical journal and documented his treatments and condition.
His last entry before he passed read:
6AM (11-16-06)
-Flushed intravenous catheter
-Flush w/ normal saline
-Nurse said “eyes look clear”
-*TAKE IT EASY
-Will take several vials of blood
-I have much courage
“I have much courage.” Those words inspire me to take on 50 miles and continue the mission to end blood cancers. Please join me and make a difference in someone else’s life. Let’s turn our energies towards something positive. Donations are tax deductible and can be made via my website or by sending a check made out to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to the address below.
With Gratitude,
Kiley Akers
4862 La Canada Blvd.
La Canada, CA 91011
To visit my fundraising website click on the LD 50 banner in the upper right hand corner of my blog
Friday, November 14, 2008
A Year And A Half Between Posts!
(From the top. 1)Tyler our youngest champion and honored TEAMMATE, 2)contemplating Leona Divide 3)two good friends Virginia and Van @ Dorian and Steve's wedding)
Well, if your reading this most likely you received my fundraising letter. It's been so long since using this thing I forgot my password. Had to reset! Anyways I've started up on this blog again to keep those interested in my training abreast of recent happenings. Give me a little time and I'll get familiar with the features here and post about once a week.
Happy Trails!
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