2019 Holcomb Valley Trail Run

Last month on June 15 Tanya broke out our trail shoes and headed up into the mountains. Big Bear to be exact to run the Holcomb Valley Trail Race. We have run the Ultra distance there a few times in years past; but this year we decided to run the 15 miler. The sun was shining and the temperatures began to rise early! The views of Big Bear lake were stunning and the snow on the distant peaks in the middle of June was special to see!

Another fun day spent together, doing what we really enjoy; running and hitting the trails.

holcombvalleytrailruns.com

Plenty of Snow

On Saturday morning April 23rd Tanya and I woke up extra early and said to each other Mt. Baldy is calling! So we decided to go hiking. Our local mountains have had so much snow this year we knew making it to the summit was out of the question; but a fun brisk walk to the Notch was just what we needed. We made it to the Manker Flats trail head just after 6:30 am the morning sky was already bright and many other hikers where preparing for fun. Getting out doors and experiencing nature and all of its glory is so refreshing and soul cleansing.

The temperature was a chilling 32 degrees at the start but the forecast predicted that the temperatures would rise into the 50's so we dressed in layers. This would allow us to shed as needed as the temperatures began to rise. The fire road was clear and free of snow until the last half mile or so then it was completely ice and snow covered to the notch.

The sun was shining so brightly and the sky was clear and blue, millions of people in the valley had no idea of the fun we were having above the clouds.

It took us about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make it to the "Notch". Plenty of people had ridden the ski lift to the there to spend the day having fun in the snow. I think most of the ski runs were open, people were sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking like us.

That's the top of the ski lift hut in the background which ascends the mountain from the parking lot above Manker Flats. 

The outlook form the "Notch" that's the Mount Baldy Dome in the background on super clear days you can often see Catalina Island. We went inside for a short rest, sat by the wood burning stove to warm up and shared a nice cup of hot chocolate.

Time to head back down the trail. Until next time get outside and have some all natural fun.
Marc and Tanya

Back in the Saddle

On Sunday December 3, 2017 Tanya, Jeannette and I traveled to Ridgecrest Ca to run in the "High Desert Ultra; though this year we all decided to run the 30K and not the 50K. At race start the weather was chilly, windy and clear but not as frigid as it can be this time of the year in Ridgecrest. As always the race had a big turnout and seeing many ultra friends and meeting new ones is always fun. In many races we often start together and then gradually separate as we settle into our individual paces; but not this morning for what ever reason we all went our own way. When it was all done we all had a good runs! Man! It always feels good to be on the trails! Tanya had a fantastic day with a 1st place finish in her age group and a 2nd female overall finish. Jeanette and I ran good runs respectively, finishing strong, healthy and injury free. See you on the trails! MJ

WE ARE BORN TO RUN

Jumping at the Baldy Notch

On Saturday Tanya and I  with a few fellow adventure seekers headed to Manker Flats so we could walk the fire road to the Mt. Baldy Notch. We met at the trailhead just before 6am. The weather was perfect; not to waste anytime we got going on the roughly 3.0 mile walk. By the number of people at the trailhead we weren't the only ones getting away from the heat of the valley. We all wanted to enjoy the cool crisp mountain air and get a little exercise in!

Hanging out at the Baldy Notch.

Ready and Able with plenty of snacks and hydration.

Jumping for Joy to head back down the trail 😄

Downhill is always fun; and faster!

Yes dear I'm coming!

We had a great morning hiking and spending time with friends. The total round trip took three hours, can't wait to do it again and maybe we can recruit a few more friends.

Up and Running: Jamaica Reggae Marathon

We arrived in Jamaica on December 2, 2015 with great anticipation! Not only were we going to run the Reggae Marathon on December 5, but I was finally visiting the Island birthplace of my favorite musical artist; the Iconic Robert Nesta Marley! I was feeling Irie Mon! We wanted to experience the "real" Jamaica so we didn’t book our accommodations at the many beach resorts, we instead found a home to rent  in the hills above Negril. Turned out to be exactly what we wanted. Peartree Hill Estate 

The house was a traditional Jamaican home set upon a hill with a majestic view of the valley below and the mountains to the East.

The house featured a wrap around porch facing east which gave view to the most beautiful sunrise. 

The house attendant and landscaper David was the best. Each morning as we exited onto the porch he greeted us with just pulled from the tree coconuts. With a machete he chopped and then drained the coconut  water and also treated us to freshly chopped sugarcane. We chewed and sucked the stalks to our hearts content. Pure natural sugar tastes so good. It was incredible! 

And don’t let me forget brother Bam the property manager, and our driver. When he picked us up from the Montego Bay airport I knew we were in good hands; what ever you needed Bam would  make it happen!  “Up and Running, Ya Mon”! Bam’s favorite saying. 

Fast forward to Friday night; the Reggae Marathons infamous Pasta Party! I heard rave reviews! All I’m going to say is "Chaos" their was no structure at all!  People going in and out of line; and I use the word line loosely. People reaching plates over and between people, people pushing in and out. Crazy! Glad I experienced it but, if I come back, I will eat else where the night before the race.  A little order would make it a great experience, because the food was pretty good; the little bit I had to fight to get! The possibly great culinary experience was lessened because of the chaos.

Saturday morning race day. The race start time was 5:15 am so we had to be up extra early because the road through Negril was going to be closed to all traffic from 4 am until noon. Thanks to Bam we were made it to the start line just before  4:00 am. We didn’t have to worry about catching one of the many shuttles that were leaving from hotels. The events of the morning consisted of a 10K, ½ marathon, and marathon. The early start was because the Jamaican sun as I found out later in the morning is no joke!

The race started right on time, in total darkness, the only light which was very cool; were young children lining each side of the road for about 100 yard with torches.

OK to my walker friends out there! And I know I speak for the runners/joggers out there,

Line up in the back! There is nothing more frustrating and dangerous than at the beginning of a running race when you are shoulder to shoulder and then you have to weave in and out of bodies because a group of walkers are slowly moving amongst the fury of the start. A little race etiquette would be appreciated!

The course was a flat double loop of 13.1 miles, my goal was to go under 5 hours; by mile 3 I quickly realized why the race start was at 5:15 am. I was soaked from perspiration due to early morning humidity and heat within the first two miles. Tanya and I planned to run the first half together and then let pace naturally do the rest. My breathing was hindered early so by mile 4 I had let her go. The race volunteers and the water stops were great, nice and cold water bags and electrolyte drink at each. The music was awesome and later in the race it is what kept me chugging along. The rhythmic tunes of Bob Marley floated through the air; situated every couple of miles Jamming from local motorist cars and DJ set ups. I finished loop one in 2:14:00 right where I wanted to be to run a sub 5 so I thought.  I quickly saw the majority of the people did not come to run the marathon, from the ½ way point it was just you the road plus the few souls who came to challenge the Jamaica heat and sun!  By this time the sun was in full blaze and my walk breaks began to increase, not because I was tired or weak I felt strong; but every time I tried to increase my pace; It felt like to Sun was saying "Oh no you don’t"  A few times the sun felt almost unbearable; and I wasn’t the only one looking for any type of shade. Myself and the few other’s darted for the trees lining the road when we could. I trudged on I didn’t think the second loop would ever end! If it wasn’t for Robert Nesta Marley jamming and his sounds floating through the air keeping me moving to the beat and singing my heart out I may not have made it. I finally crossed the finish line around 10:45 am in the time of 5:33 and some change. I believe my slowest marathon on record! To my dismay I wasn’t that upset with my slow finishing time! I was upset that they had run out of Red Stripe! and the post race party which was advertised to last until noon was being pack up! What the Hell! The ice cold beer I had been dreaming about for the last 6 miles was a No! And the band was packing up the stage! What a fraud finish line party, I mean it is called the “Reggae Marathon”, every participant especially the marathoners should be given a little more respect! Tanya finished in 4:55:00 and there was no beer or music playing then either! The people who suffered the most, and believe me the marathoners were suffering in the heat; got the least amount of love at the finish. Step up your game “Reggae Marathon”!

The ocean water was a nice refresher from the last 5+ hours. We swam and relaxed for a while and cheered in a few more runners; then it was off to the house and the rest of our vacation!
Would I run the Reggae Marathon again? Maybe but more likely the half! But I will be back to Jamaica definitely! Soon Come Mon!

Tanya Johnson: Ultra Runner

I love this picture of my wife, it was taken a few years back while she was running the Javalina Jundred. The Javalina in a 100 mile ultra-endurance race held each year in AZ. Why do I love this picture? Well I see so much there, maybe things only I can see. I see strength, beauty, focus, intensity, determination, dedication,... poetry, but most of all I see the woman that I love. To love someone, and to be loved is the greatest gift. I thank the creator for allowing me to spend my days with her.

Freedom 5000

She still has a pep in her step, on Friday July 4th Tanya ran the Claremont 5000(5K). Claremont, Ca is a quaint college town that puts on a fun running event each year on the 4th. We have both run this race in the past, but I decide to sit this year out and be a cheerleader instead. Along with Tanya a circle of our clients and friends ran. They were Allyson,Emily,Yvonne,Becky & David,Jack & children, Alex,Roberto,Rose,Debbi & Tim,Conrad, and Laura.

Tanya and Allyson a few minutes before the race.

Tanya sporting a running skirt

Running the last turn.
Tanya ended up taking 2nd in her age group.

Allyson finishing strong!

YOU GO TANYA GIRL!

One week after running the Rocky Racoon 100 mile endurance run in a time of 26 hours and 32 minutes our own Mrs. Tanya ran the inagural Inland Empire Half Marthon. Not only did she run a 1/2 marathon PR but she won her age group and was the 12th overall female! AWESOME!! What a recovery run!! Only time will tell what she is capable of. Keep inspiring us!

MJ

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

Badwater Solo 2007: A husbands view

I'm smiling as I write this report, thinking back on such an amazing event. I knew what to expect and I didn't know what to expect, I read "On the edge" I watched "Running on the Sun"... multiple times. Seeing and reading about the challenges that the terrain and the extreme heat does to runners is one thing. But when it is your wife out there facing the elements , well it is another emotional trip. I never doubted whether Tanya could complete this 135 mile trek through death valley; but I had reservations within myself. Could I help her make this Badwater dream a reality, could I handle seeing her suffer through it! Tanya's primary goal was to finish the run, but I also knew she would love to do it under 48 hours.

On Sunday July 1st, after months of training our journey from Badwater Death Valley to the Mt. Whitney portal began. My fellow crew members where Jeannette Ewing, Allyson Roberts, Marty Kennedy, and Angela Clark. After spending the night at the Stovepipe Wells resort we met the other runners at Badwater at 5:30am. The Park Ranger wanted to go over a few specifics regarding road traffic and other safety issues. Instead of the 6:00am group start, the ranger informed us that the runners would have to start staggered with 15 min intervals between each. I signed the start list and Tanya was set to start at 7:00am.

We had two vehicles a primary van which never left Tanya and a runner vehicle used for back up and any other issues that might arise. We started with myself, Jeannettte, and Allyson in the van and Marty and Angela in the runner. Our plan was to leap frog Tanya every 1/2 mile with the vehicles. This way we could keep her relatively cool by spraying her with water and be attentive to hydration and food needs.

BADWATER to FURNANCE CREEK (17.4 miles)
It is hard to describe the beauty of death valley, but the vastness of the valley and the enormity of the surrounding mountain ranges are incredible. The temp. was already in the 90's snd we where expecting 120's. Tanya started in her usual fashion, which is to start off slow and let the pace come naturally. This first section is 17.4 miles and and relatively flat. We used this section to work out any kinks with the crew, and how to best serve Tanya. For most of our crew this would be the first time they had done crewing like this. But everything seemed to work like clock work. Another runner named Steve said to me before the race, crewing is tougher than running, and I would find out as the hours passed that he may be right.
We made it to furnance creek without incident, Tanya was getting stronger and the temps where getting hotter! We made sure she got off of her feet for a few minutes, and she changed her socks and shoes. Her stomach was a bit upset, but we where able to get and endurox drink into her. Calories are so important, especially early. There will be times that food will just make you sick. Speaking of being sick, as I left the general store after buying some ice. I used my foot to kick open the swinging door, I was wearing sandals; as the door swung back I put my foot there to stop the door. Instead the door caught my toenail and almost ripped it clear off. AHHHH not the time or the place for this to happen, but I was a trooper :)
We fueled the vehicles and were back on the road in less than a hour.

FURNANCE CREEK TO STOVEPIPE WELLS(41 miles)
This section proved to be the hottest section of the entire run. It was a long anf flat 24 miles to Stovepipe wells. Stovepipe was where we had our hotel room and would be our first major rest area. Tanya had asked us not to tell her what the temperature was, I think if she had known it would have played with her mind. We started this section just before noon at it was 121 degrees! We had a outdoor temp gauge in our van, and at one point I glanced up at it and it read 127. Tanya at this point was doing great, she asked what was the temperature but like a good crew we refused to tell her. She was drinking, eating a little better, but most importantly she was peeing regularly. Allyson and Jeanette where doing an incredible job keeping her hydrated and fed; a runner is only as good as their crew.
We made it to Stovepipe a little after 6pm. Tanya went into the room took and shower, not sure how refreshing it was; even the cold water is hot in death valley! I set up the stove and cooked soup and beans and rice, while the rest of the crew bought ice and other essentials. Everyone was in good spirits including Tanya. Dr. Ben Jones stopped in to see Tanya, and said the toughest part was behind her. He shared some updated on other runners, many where having blister, stomach, and kidney issues. Tanya looked great, her feet where in perfect shape, not even a hot spot. She changed clothes, shoes, ate a hearty dinner and was ready to tackle Townes Pass.

STOVEPIPE WELLS TO TOWNES PASS(58.7 miles)
After 40 miles the runners are allowed to have pacers, and it was my turn test the desert. We made changes with the crew Angela and Allyson took over duties in the van, and Marty and Jeanette rested at the hotel. The climb to Townes pass was ascent of 18 miles that gains 4960 feet in elevation. Though the sun would be setting soon it was still hotter than heck still over 110 degrees! I had been in the heat all day ( no use AC in van due to fear of overheating) the dryness of the air was very prominent, and before the climb was over I developed a bloody nose. Nothing to be alarmed about shove tissue up there and keep moving. This gave me an opportunity to spend some quality time :) with T as I call her. We discussed how the day went and I shared with her how hot it had been earlier in the day and she thanked me for not telling her. The day quickly turned to night, and what a beautiful night it was. For a short period of time the sky was full of stars, but as the moon rose over the mountains the stars disappeared because the moon was full. We had a party going up towns pass, Barbara was sharing the road with us and having a ball. Our van was rocking to the tunes of Bob Marley, Kirk Franklin, Beyonce to name a few. After 3 hours of rest Marty and Jeanette joined the party and Angela and Allyson went back to the hotel. We continued onward the night was so nice, the heat was still there but the blazing sun was gone for a while. Somewhere along the way we marched into Monday morning. The closer we got to the top of Townes Pass the further away it seemed, those false summits can be frustrating. Finally the top , a long awaited rest, the cot was set up for Tanya when we got there. Tanya ate another big meal of Beans and Rice and soup. Temperature began to drop and we had to actually put on long sleeves, but that was short lived.

TOWNES PASS to PANAMINT SPRINGS RESORT (72.3 miles)
After an hour of sleep Tanya was ready to continue (3:30am), and I continued with her; it was downhill from here. We picked up the pace a bit, but she still had a long way to go. As we descended into Panamint valley the heat quickly regained is fever. Angela and Allyson soon rejoined us, the group was complete again. As we entered Panamint Valley, Tanya stopped to change her running shoes. At this time Jeanette hit the road and started pacing Tanya, and I tried to close my eyes for a quick nap.

PANAMINT SPRINGS RESORT to FATHER CROWLEYS TURNOUT (80.2 miles)
After a short rest she began the long steep climb up the second mountain range, it was now 24+ hours into the run. This was an extremely challenging section, not just for Tanya and Jeanette, but also for the crew because of the steep narrow road; we had trouble pulling off to the shoulder at times. After 3 1/2 hours of climbing we made it to Father Crowleys turnout where we scared out of our boots by two F-16 fighters blazing over head. Awesome to see! We stopped here and Tanya had soup and beans and rice again. Bean POWER!!! YEA!!! But the climb was not over she still had 2000 more feet to climb to get to 5000 feet.

FATHER CROWLEY'S to DARWIN TURN OFF (90.1 miles)
This section tested Tanya. I believe the heat was getting to her a bit, and temperature was rising again. This was the first time I started to see stress on her face, some was fatigue but I think most was sleep deprivation. With the help of Allyson and Jeanette as pacers they kept the pace up and ran a lot of this section. Having a little fun trying to catch the runner in front of us. At around mile 89 Tanya was having a little bit of a break down, she just kept telling me she was tired and was crying. We just started taking more frequent shorter breaks, and tried to keep her spirits high. Her appetite was back and she ate a few pieces of pumpkin cake.

DARWIN TURN OFF to LONE PINE WHITNEY PORTAL ROAD (122.2 miles)
Thank the Lord, we never thought we would make it to this road, but it did not get any easier from here. You talk about a long road to nowhere. The memories get fuzzy from here on, it is around 6 pm, day two or 36 hours into the run. Over the next nine hours Myself, Jeannette, and Allyson would pace Tanya. We experienced emotions from joy to rage. Tanya experienced the effects of sleep deprivation and maybe an hallucination. She is not sure. I think she may have been sleep walking. This was one hell of a 32 mile section, and we saw a 48 hour finish slipping away. But wait rebirth, a few minutes previous a female runner (Marcia) passed us with about 5 miles to Lone Pine. Then Tanya's alarm on her watch went off (beep, beep,beep), and to my complete amazement she just woke up, and it was like one of our early morning runs. We both picked up the pace (did I mention I was running with her at this time), and her sleepy haze just faded away. A 48 hour finish was possibly back in our reach. Just as we reached the Portal road we passed Marcia, from here it was 13 miles uphill to 8360ft to finish.

LONE PINE to Mt. WHITNEY PORTAL (135 miles)
Tanya never ceases to amaze, she is the best athlete I know. For her to be able to literally run the last 13 miles to the Whitney portal after already run/walking 122 miles and 43 hours virtually without sleep. This ability still blows me away. She asked me to set the pace, we drank some coke and blazed that hill. I started to fade at 5 miles to go and Allyson took the reins, then at 2 miles to the finish Marty became her pacer, and with a mile to go I jumped out of the van and finished with them. 48:29 I think it just took her a little over 3 hours to finish this section.


At the finish we all celebrated her accomplishment, and everyone was in awe that her feet where blemish free, not one blister, or rub of any kind. I had an enjoyable experience in Death Valley one I will never forget. I cherish this time I am able to spend with Tanya, and I am thinking of maybe trying the Badwater Solo in 2008. I'll see you all out there on the road and the trail.
God Bless. Marc S. Johnson

Check out the results at: www.badwaterforum.org/solo/