Patriot's Day Marathon

This is how badly I want Titanium.

Right after that Drag 'N' Fly torture fest, I drove 400 miles to southern California to get to my next marathon. I arrived a little bit after midnight and took a quick nap in a gas station parking lot by the beach. Mind you, my mode of transportation is a tiny Mini Cooper, so there isn't too much room to stretch out during my slumber. I set my iPhone alarm and 90 short minutes later, I abruptly woke up to the sound of ducks quacking. Why I chose this to be my alarm ring tone, I do not know.  Fortunately, The Chiweenie wasn't around when the iPhone went off or she'd try to attack the ducks in the box! I simulated my morning shower by splashing bottled water on my face, leapt out of the Mini-bago for the very early start, stretched a bit, and then crossed the starting line at 2am. Occasionally, I'd dose off during my 26.2 run, walk, crawl-a-thon on the beach, but after nearly 7 and a half hours, I crossed that finish line.  I then jumped back into the Mini-bago, took a one hour nap, and headed back home.

Yes, this is how badly I want Titanium.

Dark, dark, dark.

Hope I don't get arrested for being out here before the beach opens!

The first few hours of this race was mentally grueling. I've come to realize that I don't function well when I am in solitude. I am a people person and I like having human contact during a race. The other thing is that I had to be cognizant of was my surrounding. These Charlie Alewine races are not ultra events where I know there are other runners and aid stations out there in the middle of the night. I needed to be aware of any potential danger out there, whether it be a giant pot hole in the middle of the path that cannot be seen in the dark or a serial killer lurking in the sand dunes of Huntington Beach! Of course, the physical fatigue and exhaustion from sleep deprivation magnified these thoughts in my head. At 3am in the dark, serial killers ruled the beach! Thankfully, I made it through the wee hours of the morning without getting sliced and diced! Life got much better when all the runners showed up. I also got faster!

Yay! People!

In my delirious mind, each wooden board of this beach fence was a 3 foot serial killer waiting to fatally wound me with a big knife. That's what they looked like in the middle of the night!

Smiling for two reasons: I'm almost done! And I got a negative split!

So there you have it. This is what I will do to reach my Titanium goal. I really want this and I will not let anything stop me. People think I am insane for doing this, and I have to say that I agree with them! I guess that's why I am a Marathon Maniac.

Doh! How did Homer Simpson get on my medal? mmm...Chicken McNuggets. Marathon #36 done! Titanium score board: 29 down, 23 to go! Woo Hoo!

Drag 'N' Fly 10k

My doggie nanny, Chris Bliss, has decided to pursue the Brazen streak next year. Her goal is to complete every half marathon Brazen Racing has to offer. We are big fans of Brazen. These guys have never disappointed us. They always put on great events complete with a wide selection of post race food, free photos, and super cool medals. It's no surprise that the Chiweenie's nanny wants to go all the way. The only challenge is that quite a few of Brazen's races are on trail, a surface that Chris Bliss is not too experienced with. For this reason, she wanted to give this half marathon a shot.

Drag 'N' Fly is located in the Contra Loma Black Diamond Mines in Antioch, CA, and is arguably Brazen's most challenging half marathon. Chris Bliss knew coming into this race that she would have to pull out all the stops. On top of the demanding rolling hills, she would have to deal with the scorching East Bay heat. All this sent Miss Bliss into panic mode, so I upgraded my 5k to the half marathon so that she would have some company. The added bonus was that our Cribbage partner, "The C.B. Cruiser," registered for this race as well, so the three of us would trek the hills of Contra Loma together.

It's like that big burning ball in the sky is following Chris Bliss up the hill.

Drag 'N' Fly earned it's reputation as the toughest Brazen Race out there. The three of us toiled our way up hills and through trails that never seemed to end. As the clock ticked away, the sun beamed harder and harder, zapping all of our energy. Even with the well stocked aid stations and the fuel that we carried in our Camelbacks, there wasn't anything that could have made us go any faster. At least we had each other, and that was what kept us going. I could go on an on about this how grueling this course is, but I think it would be best to post photos so that you can actually see it for yourselves.  I hope you're sitting down and have a gallon of water. This could tire you out!

The hills are alive with the sound of Endorphin Dude, The CB Cruiser, and Chris Bliss panting.

First aid station stop. I didn't like the look of that mountain!

The sun was so scorchingly bright that my camera didn't know what settings to automatically click on!

Chris Bliss pushing her way up the mountain.

Yay! I made it to the top. I got excited too early. Once I turned the corner, I saw more mountains to climb!

The view of the aid station from the top!

Ooh! Down hill! And shade!

This was only mile three.

After we climbed that first mountain, we bowed down to the second aid station. Ah, water and gummy bears saved us!  Well, it saved us for about four minutes and then it was off again to climb more mountains. The second set of quad-killing hills may have been in a shaded area, but it was very technical. If we weren't careful, we could have very well slipped on a rock, banged our heads on a boulder, dropped dead to the ground, rolled down the hill, and surrender to the coyotes, where the savage four legged canines would gnaw at our bloody carcasses. Chris Bliss, The CB Cruiser, and I continued forth, one step at a time.

Chris Bliss continues to climb. At this point, her asthma started to act up.

Not happy.

We knew we were in trouble when the sweeper caught up to us. The stress of being followed nearly made Chris Bliss collapse.

By the time we reached the 10k mark, exhaustion and lack of oxygen wiped Chris Bliss out. She worked hard to get to this point but the elements proved to be too much for her.  I applaud her for making this far, especially for her first trail race. While we waited for Miss Bliss to catch her breath, The CB Cruiser interviewed me. Here are my thoughts on Drag 'N' Fly:



After six miles of our quads being pulverized by a meat tenderizer under a heat lamp, we decided as a team to pull out. We figured we hit the 10k mark and there was an aid station right around the corner, so this would be a good stopping point. We would load up on gummy bears, chips, and soda, and then get a ride back to the the finish line. Wishful thinking! HA! The thought of just jumping on to the back of the aid station volunteer's truck was one big fantasy. We had to hike back to the second aid station to where the parking lot was! Just when we thought our 10k was done, we had to back track three miles! Boy oh boy. Knowing this, we prepared ourselves by replenishing our system with fuel, and then away we went!

Can you hear me now?

Here we go again.

A cemetery? How eerily apropos.

Family portrait. All the men in these womens' lives have been buried. By them!

Woo Hoo! Victory!

At the end of the day, I dragged and just couldn't fly. This was one tough course and I was glad to have been able to squeak out about 9 miles. It would have been nice to get another half marathon under my belt, but I'm happy with the 10k medal. 

Gotta love the Brazen medals.

Labor Day Marathon

Imagine the Boston Athletic Association implementing an artistic impression requirement to their qualification criteria. Runners would be scored not only on their technical merit, which would be how fast it takes them to get to the finish line, but also for their presentation skills. That would mean that the likes of Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher would have to step up their game and add some flare to their supination! Imagine receiving extra points for best high five to a volunteer handing out cups of water or getting high marks for most creative action shot pose for the paparazzi. Running marathons would be like figure skating! If this new judging criteria were implemented, Endorphin Dude would not only BQ, but he'd probably win!

Eat your heart out Kristi Yamaguchi!

There's always a madness to the Endorphin race reports, and there is a reason why your marathon caped crusader is referencing figuring skating. The first reason should be painfully obvious: I WANT TO BQ, and the only way I can do this is via my presentation scores! The second reason may not be as apparent. In figure skating, there is a move called the "Double Axel," which is a jump that consists of two and one-half revolutions in the air. Endorphin Dude executed the Double Axel of marathons this weekend, having completed two full marathons and a half. This is the first time E-Dude has finished a combination of this kind: 65.5 miles in three days. The most he has ever run in one weekend is the treacherous marathon/50k combination of the Labor of Love ultra weekend, so landing this jump is a big deal! Now if only the Boston Athletic Association would recognize this feat...hmm.

Yes, I am insane.

It's very fitting that the final race of my Double Axel weekend was The Labor Day Marathon. This was a very laborious weekend for me. I was very nervous about this particular race because the last time I attempted this course, I showed up on the wrong side of the canyon! The Dove Canyon Marathon became the "Endorphin Dude Raiders Of The Lost Dark Foot Race." The "dark" in that name refers to the fact that I spent the bulk of that race both literally and figuratively in the dark. 

After enduring the intensity of the other side of the canyon, it was only natural that I would be just a little nervous. It didn't help that the course description read, "Entire course will be run on a hilly and challenging out-and-back route with beautifully scenic views of the canyon and the mountains surrounding the Dove Canyon community." To my shock, this course was significantly less technical and much more pleasing to my quads. It certainly wasn't easy, but compared to the other side of that canyon, this was cake. With my before the crack of dawn early start, a Camelback full of water, and a pair of Ultra Woof approved chopsticks, I was able to finish this race in seven and a half hours. Along the way, I got to high five a bunch of Marathon Maniacs.
 

Who says marathons can't be fun?

One of the most inspiring figures in running. Rosemarie Jeanpierre took control of life and dropped 110 pounds without surgery. She did it on her own. It just goes to show that exercise and eating right does work!

I was so happy when Cadillac Steve, Sofie, and Sue Bear showed up. I was delirious all by myself out on this trail at 3am. They arrived and the sun came up. These three got me my negative split! These guys are speedy. They're way ahead of me here.

Charlie Alewine Racing regulars: Jim Grimes, Dale Roberts and Luigi Giovanni. How did a Mexican guy get the name "Luigi Giovanni"??

Seriously, I should get a BQ just for this pose.

Yes, I've become quite the nature nut now. The flora and fauna that I saw were really great. Extra credit to those who can name that tune from where that line came from!

So there you have it: 65.5 miles in three days. Endorphin Dude has completed the Double Axel of marathons! This was not an easy feat, but I had my eyes on the prize the whole time: TITANIUM. In order for me to capture this prize, I will need to stay focused from now to the end of the year. There is no room for error. At this point, I feel like I'm coming into the free skate in fourth place and that I will have to pull out all the stops to land on that top podium. I believe I can do it. I am injury free, healthy, and motivated. I know I can get there based on my technical ability alone, but it sure would be nice if I can get bonus points for my presentation!

Marathons #34 and #35 done! Titanium Score Board: 28 down, 24 to go.

Disneyland Half Marathon

The only time I have ever been able to get a picture with Walt Disney and Mickey in front of the castle without a billion other people trying to do the same is on race day!

When I crossed the finish line of The Goofy Challenge back in January, I let out a huge Lion King roar that pretty much woke up all of Orlando. 39.3 miles in one weekend: GOOFIFICATION!  Runner's high reached the code red level and I really thought that The Mouse was going to call security on Endorphin Dude! I don't think anyone has ever been ejected from the park from extreme excitement, but you never know! The Goofy Challenge was a big deal for me.  I never thought that I could have pulled off such an incredible feat.  Sure enough, I did, and I walked out of the Magic Kingdom with three shiny medals around my neck.

Fast forward eight months later.  Endorphin Dude visits Mickey Mouse's west coast estate to run another 13.1 miles to collect that coveted Coast To Coast medal. By completing Goofy and the Disneyland Half, E-Dude earned five shiny medals.  Hakuna Matata!

I have to admit, getting to that finish line was a bit stressful.  I could easily make up the excuse that my body was exhausted from the marathon the day before or that I needed to preserve my body for the marathon the day after, but that wouldn't be the complete truth.  The truth of the matter is that I had a little too much fun in the park! Miles two through five were in Disneyland and I stopped to pose with every character!  Once I left the park, I looked at my Garmin and gulped.  Never before had I ever run a one hour fifteen minute 5k!  I knew I had to hustle, but it wasn't easy, as the sun got hotter as the clock ticked away.  The last thing I wanted was to get picked up by the Disney sag wagon, so I kept focused and plugged along.  It took me about four hours to get to that finish line, but I made it.  Woo Hoo!

I was more scared of the sag wagon than the Evil Queen!

Gotta love the fuzzy characters.

I had to stop to take a picture with this lady. Love the sign.

It's like the Goofy Challenge reunion!

I am not a Disney guy, but I have to admit that every time I run in that Mouse's house, I feel like a five year old all over again. This race marked my 42nd life time half marathon since October 2009. It still seems surreal to me that I've done all this in such a short amount of time. I sometimes feel like I'm living in a fantasy world.  It gives me great pleasure knowing that my awesome life is very real.

Woo Hoo!

Run Into Fall Marathon

Earlier this summer, Endorphin Dude met his match. The marathon caped crusader got struck from behind by his nefarious nemesis, Battle Star Sciatica! Out of nowhere, this evil villain shot vicious venom straight into the Endorphin L4 lumbar, knocking E-Dude out of the race and rendering his right leg unconscious. No amount of endorphins could save him, and sadly, Endorphin Dude had no choice but to cower in the corner and watch his Titanium dream quickly slip away.

Being on the injured reserved list is no fun, and E-Dude had to drop out of eight races to recover.  He tried everything to reverse that pernicious affliction. He consumed large quantities of drugs. He visited a man in a white coat who cracked his bones. He allowed a cortisone specialist to stick a very big needle in his back. Nothing seemed to work, and with nothing else to lose, Endorphin Dude consulted the wise old Chinese man. This pins and needles guru from the Far East instructed E-Dude to let his aura free and allow the needles to push the evil sciatic intruder out. Sure enough, it worked. Acupuncture did wonders for this running super hero, and now he's back on that Titanium track!

TAKE THAT!  Endorphin Dude shoots down the Battle Star Sciatica!  HA!

I don't believe in giving up, and I was not going to let this injury knock me out of contention.  Reaching my Titanium goal is still very much in the cards, but it's going to be much more challenging now.  Because I was knocked out for a few weeks, I now have to cram in a few doubles and triples between now and the end of the year.  First up is the 65.5 mile weekend: Run Into Fall Marathon on Saturday, Disneyland Half Marathon on Sunday, and the Labor Day Marathon on Monday.  How apropos that this should happen this weekend, as these three days will be quite laborious!

First up is the Run Into Fall Marathon, which took place in Lake Forest, CA. I ran this exact same course a few weeks ago at the Run The Forest Marathon, so I didn't mind the darkness of my 3am start.  I did mind the fatigue, but that goes with the territory.  I thought I was the first one out there, but sure enough, fellow Marathon Maniac Jo Jo Starbucks took a 1am start!  I felt good knowing that I had company out there because the first few hours in the dark were not too fun.  I kept myself entertained by taking photos. I suppose that probably doesn't come as a shock to many of you.

You think I'm crazy for starting at 3am? Jo Jo Starbucks was out there at 1am!

"Jo Jo Starbucks says to turn." I love it. Even in the dark, I couldn't miss this.

I kept hearing rustling in the bushes. I sure hope it was rabbits and not crazy homeless people ready to pounce!

I've come to realize that I really do need people around.  I am a social runner and being alone out there made me go a little nuts. Talking to myself took me only so far.  Fortunately, the three hours in dark flew by fairly quickly, and by about 6:30am, other runners appeared. By then, I had finished a little more than half of the 26.2 miles. I headed back to the start line for a quick meet and greet and I took off for my second half with everyone.

Endorophin Dude and The Manimal, Wayne Sherman.

There's Todd Hine and his wife.

Sally and her dad Harold, both Maniacs. I love seeing these two.

Deo!

I first met Cyndie the week before in Santa Rosa. Now we're buds!

It took me a little over 7 hours to finish this marathon. I walked most of the 26.2 miles. I figured, I still had 39.3 miles to complete over the next two days, so why stress out my body out. It doesn't matter how slow it takes me to Titanium, as long as I get there. With this Run Into Fall Marathon, I am now more than halfway there. Woo Hoo!