Training Log #3

Still ramping up my weekend mileage and surprised with how good I'm feeling. These weekend miles are relatively tame for what I'll encounter in a month. I'm keeping it simple by focusing on one training at a time. Other than continuing to hit the trails my goals for the upcoming training week are:

A) Develop a weight training program specific to my ultra goal....and do it! I used to regularly lift weights, but that became monotonous. I'd rather take it outside. I can't see myself getting into the gym more than twice a week. I may start with one day a week and build up to two. I'm training to run a long way so my focus will be on the running.

B) Outline my weekend training locations. So far I've been hitting the local trails and getting mileage in with the Team in Training group I work with. I want to get in some training on the actual Leona Divide course to become familiar with the terrain and environment. I'll also make use the many choices that sit in my backyard...The San Gabriel mountains.

1/6/09 - 4 Miles PM
1/8/09 - 5 Miles PM
1/9/09 - 4 Miles PM

1/10/09 - 12 miles AM This was an interesting run. The night before I had trouble getting to sleep. Once the sandman paid me a visit I slept for an hour and a half until awakened by a dream of being buried alive in a mudslide. Pleasant stuff. I wonder what that's all about?I was planning on getting in my miles with the TEAM, however wide awake I decided to get in my run early. I arrived at the Rose Bowl at 5AM, put a headlamp around my waist and one on my head and proceeded to make my way up the Arroyo Seco. I skipped my normal turnoff onto the trail and proceeded to stick to the streets of Altadena. It felt good to run on the pavement for a change and just zone out without worry of rocks and roots. Near JPL I caught a service road that took me into the canyon and up to Elmer Smith Bridge. Once there I turned around and stuck to trails for my return trip. I was surprised with how good I felt considering the lack of sleep. My only concern was the gas I was experiencing throughout. On my return trip I became familiar with the ancient saying that goes....."He who eats spicy Indian food the night before a long run will be followed by quacking duck long run" 10/11/09 PM

1/11/09 PM Ran from Switzers to JPL (Arropy Seco) = 12 miles. Mostly downhill and a lot of dancing around rocks. A beautiful course, but I don't think I'll do this route again. I'm beat tired and my legs are hammered. Thankfully Monday is a rest day.

Training Log #2

Another week of good training to report. Knock on wood that the injuries stay away and I remain healthy. It feels really good to be working towards a running goal again. It's been awhile!

12/30/08 - 5 Miles, Felt great. So good in fact I took a spill on the trail. Fortunatly only my pride was injured!

1/31/08 - 4 Miles, A bit tired.

1/1/09 - 10 Miles, 5AM Rose Parade Run. This has become one of my favorite holiday traditions. Five years ago Sean (Team in Training Alumni) started a small group that meets early New years Morning and runs the Rose Parade route. We start at the end of the route, run the route to the floats, view the floats and return. The total course is about 10 miles. Afterwards the group heads over to a local diner for breakfast. Over the past five years the group has grown to about 25-30 runners.It's nice to meet up with friends old and new alike. Felt surprisingly good durning the run.

Step Back Weekend (build, build, recover....repeat)
1/3/09 - 8 Miles slow with the TEAM

1/4/09 - 6 Miles

Rose Bowl Run Pictures



La Canada Float (Winner, Animation)



Rose Float Dogs

Welcome 2009

The Healing Game

Training Log #1

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

Season's Greetings From SGV TNT

Playing Around With A Free Trial Slideshow SGV Season's Greetings!

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!

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.

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

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

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!

The Trail Race That Wasn't To Be

Saturday the 12th of May I was set to run The X-Terra 4 mile trail scramble at beautiful Malibu Creek State Park. I arrived at the site only to find that the race sold out and that they were not accepting new participants. I made the best out of the day however and proceed to lace up my shoes and run an 8 mile training run on the trails of Malibu Creek. I have never been to this location before and found the terrain and scenery to be quite beautiful.

After my run I headed down Los Virgines to PCH and then Zuma Beach. Zuma was a favorite getaway during my days at UCLA. It's been awhile since I've been to the ocean and enjoyed my dip in the the water.

All in all a good day despite missing my entry into the race. Next time I'll make sure to register early.

Inside The Forest

To the Celts, time was circular rather than linear. This is reflected in their commencing each day, and each festival, at dusk rather than dawn, a custom comparable with that of the Jewish Sabbath. It is also reflected in their year beginning with the festival of Samhain on 31 October, when nature appears to be dying down. Tellingly, the first month of the Celtic year is Samonios, ‘Seed Fall’: in other words, from death and darkness springs life and light. At times when I run a song pops in my head that fits the mood or scenary of the run. My most recent run took me on a trail with sections covered in pine needles. Portions of these lyrics ran through my head:

Celtic New Year by Van Morrison If I don't see you through the week See you through the window See you next time that we're talking on the telephone And if I don't see you in that Indian summer Then I want to see you further on up the road I said, oh won't you come back? I have to see you my dear Want you come back in the Celtic New Year? In the Celtic New Year If I don't see you when I'm going down Louisiana If I don't see you when I'm down on Bourbon Street If you don't see me when I'm singing Jack of Diamonds If you don't see me when I'm on my lucky streak Woa, I want you, want you to come on back I've made it very clear I want you to come back home in the Celtic New Year Celtic New Year If I don't see you when the bonfires are burning, burning If I don't see you when we're singing the Gloriana tune If I've got to see you when it's raining deep inside the forest I got to see you at the waning of the moon Said oh, won't you come on back? Want you to be of good cheer Come back home on the Celtic New Year Celtic New Year, Celtic New Year Celtic New Year In the Celtic New Year In the Celtic New Year Come on home, come on home, come on home, come on home In the Celtic New Year

Footstrike Pine Needles

When despair grows in me
and I wake in the middle of the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting for their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

"THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS"
by Wendell Berry

A Late Afternoon at Chantry Flats

Above / Charley Chantry and his dog Patch

Friday afternoon (4-27-07) I found myself driving up Santa Anita Ave. into the San Gabriel Mountains. I love these mountains that sit in my backyard. There's always something new to be seen. I have yet to see many places in this mountain range, however these peaks and canyons feel like home.

There was no trail running for me today as I just wanted to explore the pack station at Chantry that has been in operation and servicing the cabin dwellers of lower Big Santa Anita Canyon for 70 years.

Chantry flats sits on a bench that was formed thousands of years ago by a mud slide. A huge chunk of earth slid off the side of a hill years ago and now hundreds of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts visit this place on any warm spring weekend.

Chantry got it's name from Charley Chantry years ago as this restelss pioneer looked to start an orchard and homestead on this land. The Forest Homestead Act of 1906 thwarted Chantry's plan and Charley moved down the mountain to Sierra Madre, CA to operate a general store. In his later years Chantry could be seen sitting on the grassy sloping grade high above Big Santa Anita Canyon watching and greeting passing hikers. Charley Chantry passed away at the age of 63 leaving only his name as a legacy to the little mountain flat.

Visit this place if you have a chance.

http://www.adamspackstation.com/store2.html

The Renegade 3 Mile Trail Race

Sunday (4-22-07)I ran my first race since October of 2006. A three mile trail race (The Renegade 3 Mile Trail Challenge / Bonelli Park, CA)is a far way from a marathon, but my foray back into racing was a tough experience despite the short distance. Since that marathon in October 2006 I've managed to put on about 15 lbs. and my running has suffered because of it. Despite the extra girth I managed to place 3rd in my age group and came home with a pint glass as my reward. It was a small field.

The race (which ran in conjunction with a triathalon) began and the trail quickly ascended a long ridge. The course featured numerous climbs and some technical downhill single track sections. They were technical to me at least. I was sucking wind from start to finish and crossed the line with a time of 34:28.

In all this race was a nice jumping off point for my series of races honoring those we've lost from cancer and those who continue to fight. I'm looking forward to the challenge of my upcoming races and the training associated with them. I've got a ways to go, but I've started. For that I feel pretty good. It was a good day!

Sending An Angel

My friend's Mom is battling cancer and as a tribute to her he set up a website that supports The City of Hope and The Make A Wish Foundation. Click on the following link to send a loved one an angel and words of inspiration once a month: http://www.sendinganangel.com/

Happy Trails ~~~~~~~~

Enough is enough already!!!

More and more it seems like cancer is everywhere. Today I learned that a friend's husband's mother lost her life to cancer last night. Another friend's Mom has courageously been battling cancer for some time now. She's been at the City of Hope for months now in and out of the ICU. ENOUGH!

Today marks four months since my Dad passed away fighting lymphoma and I still find it hard to understand. Life is still fuzzy for me. Months later and it hasn't fully sunk in. It's been a mixed bag of emotions for me; feelings of love for my dad, sadness, and anger. The feelings can come one right after the other with no rhyme or reason. Some days I think about it quite a bit, while other days go by with less sadness. Life goes on and I'm beginning to accept that the only constant in life is change.

Back to my anger: I truly believe that one should look to the good things in life yet as I reflect on the good times and fond memories I can't help but feel cheated at times. This makes me angry. I'm angy that I don't have more time with him and it makes me angry that he didn't have more time to enjoy travelling, spending time with his family and simply enjoying this LIFE. My Dad was too young, too robust, too good of a man to have to endure the suffering that comes with cancer. I expected him to be around for a long time. This is an irrational thought though as we all know that life isn't always fair and tragedy and terrible things do happen to good souls. Again, there is no rhyme or reason.

Literally I never want to personally have to face cancer, but today's fantasy involves me, cancer, a boxing ring, one round, a fair fight, winner takes all. I'd take that chance to knock that bastard on his ass for good.

I feel better now. I'm off for a run to blow off some steam.

Happy Anniversary

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. Jackie Robinson

Today is my Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! They would have been married 41 years today. Today also marks the anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking into Major League Baseball. The first black man to play in the Majors, Mr. Robinson paved the way for others and to me symbolizes what is RIGHT with our great country.

After a run on the treadmill I took a drive up the Angeles Crest Highway this afternoon. It was cloudy out this afternoon and I noticed some hail on the windshield. I drove up into the San Gabriels because I wanted to pick something up from the visitors center. The visitors center was closed, but I wasn't disappointed for more than ten seconds....the views and the the drive were great.