Thursday, January 31, 2008

Monday, January 28, 2008

The Hour is Near

Only a few days until I attempt to finish some unfinished business. I think that statement makes sense! But this weekend we travel back to Huntsville, Texas to run the Rocky Raccoon 100 mile endurance run. Last year I made it to mile 76 and had to call it a day. Am I upset about last year? Yes. Am I ready to take on the challenge again? Yes. Am I a little nervous? Yes. But is that going to stop me from attempting my 100 mile goals? NO WAY MAN!! I know it is a novel term "failure breeds success", but that is only true if you never quit!
Find a goal and go for it!!

See you on the trails,

Much trail Love,

Marc

Badwater Solo Slideshow 2007

It's a little late coming but I hope you enjoy. Death Valley is a incredible place.


My Public Shoebox
See you out there!
Click here for 24 more shots!!
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561139312UiFyVN?vhost=good-times

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Calico Ghost Town 50K

Tanya decided to sneak in a race without me before the RR100. Well I guess not sneak one in, I was there with her. I just didn't run.

Tanya and our Ultra-running friend Dorsh, getting ready to hit the trail


There they go!! Have a safe run everybody.



Our good friend Michelle on her way not only to another win but to a new course record!!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

We had a great time running the Avalon 50 miler:

Tanya, Jeannette, and Marc.
The 3 amigo's back together again for another ultra run.




















Friday afternoon (Jan 11, 2008)we caught the Catalina Express from Long Beach California. The island of Catalina is a small island 22 mile off the California coast.



















Good Bye Long Beach and the famous Queen Mary which has been turned into a hotel.
The ride to Catalina is about an hour.


















Jump to race morning.
Jeannette is getting her hydration pack together and I am getting into the zone!! The weather was a bit chilly at the start of the race, but it quickly warmed up. We could have not asked for a better day on such a beautiful place.



















Minutes before the race started at 5:00 am Tanya and Jeannette synchronizing their watches. There was a big field of runners, I think the RD said the most ever 198 starters.



















The sun rose quickly, and the beauty of the island came alive. This picture was taken on the back side of the island. What a great place to have a trail run, it doesn't get much better. The terrain consisted of black top and hard packed fire roads; which made for a fast course.


















Tanya kicking it into gear, as always leaving me behind. It's not that I want to be left behind, I just cant keep her quick pace. But, it is fun to have such a good looking carrot to chase!!




















Hey Mister Bison! Don't mind us, we are just running by. Enjoy your grass and don't even look our way.



















Tanya climbing out of Twin Harbors after the turnaround point. The weather was as good as it gets.
This was an opportunity to see all of our ultra friends who where ahead of us and those who were behind.



















Still smiles at the finish. To our surprise we both ran PR's in the 50 mile distance.
Tanya 10:43 and Marc 10:48. With only days to the RR100 we used this run as our last long training run. But getting a PR just added to an already spectacular day!



















Hey who was that speeding ultra runner heading to the finish line!



















It was Jeannette passing by, on her way to another 50 mile finish. Way to GO! RR100 here she comes!!



















Good bye Catalina. We had a fun time and we will definitely be back.
If you are looking for a fun, friendly and fast 50 miler. Then the Avalon 50 on Catalina Island is for you!!

Much Trail Love

MJ and TJ

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Going to Catalina Island to run

This weekend we will be traveling to the Channel Island called Catalina off the coast of Southern California to run the Avalon 50 mile race. Three years ago Tanya and I registered for this race, but due to a winter storm the race was cancelled. This year as a training run for the RR100 we decided to head out to Catalina. The weather forecast is calling for sunny skies and mild temperatures. This will be our first time to the island , and I am really looking forward to it.

The course is an out and back with a 12 hour time limit, and the terrain is hilly and challenging. See you there!!!!

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

2008 is Upon Us

Tanya
Marc
Jeannette

It is hard to believe 2008 is already here, and only 29 days until Tanya, Jeannette and I travel back to Huntsville Texas to take on the Rocky Raccoon 100 again. Last year we made the trip, but were all disappointed to say we all came home without belt buckles! We plan on changing the outcome this year. Training has been going well and we all feel strong and ready to take on the challenge. Run,walk or crawl 100 miles in 30 hours or less; what ever it takes.
As a precursor to the big day we have decided to run the Avalon 50 miler one January 12 and then begin our taper for February 2 nd.
Check out the Rocky Raccoon race site at: