Training Log - December 29th 2009

• 2 rounds of flat dumbbell chest press, incline dumbbell chest press, dumbbell pullovers, seated shoulder press, lateral dumbbell raises, front dumbbell raises, seated overhead triceps extensions, bench dips, bent over dumbbell rows, single leg squats (back foot on balance ball), push-ups, sit-ups - no breaks
  

Training Log - December 28th 2009

• Snowshoe - Solo climb of Camel's Hump before sunrise via Burrows trail - 4.8 miles with 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Temps in the 20s, snow was frozen, a bit icy in some spots. Ran most of the way down.
  

Training Log - December 27th 2009

• Run (road) - 6 miles
  

Training Log - December 26th 2009

• Split firewood
• Snowshoe - quick run around Macrae Farm Park
  

Training Log - December 25th 2009

• Ate lots of cookies
  

Training Log - December 24th 2009

• Snowshoe - Long Trail southbound from Duxbury Road up Camel's Hump - about 5 hours of hiking in fresh snow
  

Training Log - December 23rd 2009

• Rest in peace
• PT appt.
  

Training Log - December 22nd 2009

• Snowshoe - Camel's Hump - Monroe trail (lower parking lot) to Alpine trail (5.6 miles)
  

Training Log - December 21st 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - December 20th 2009

• Run (frozen dirt road) - 4 miles
  

Training Log - December 19th 2009

• Snowshoe (run) - 40 minutes
  

Training Log - December 18th 2009

• Stretch/warm up
  
• Pull-ups - 18 (half palms in, half palms out)
  
• Incline bench (smith machine) - (12, 8, 6)
• 3 rounds of flat dumbbell press, seated shoulder dumbbell press, front shoulder dumbbell raises, side shoulder dumbbell raises, bent over dumbbell rows
• Sit-ups - 150
• Push-ups - 55
  

Training Log - December 17th 2009

• Run (treadmill) - 43 minutes (10 warm-up, 30 run, 3 cool-down)
• Bike (mag trainer) - 61 minutes
  

Training Log - December 16th 2009

• Stationary bike - warm up
  
• Barbell squats - (3x20)
• Single leg squats (back foot on step) - (3x20 each leg)
• 20" box step-ups - (3x15 each leg)
• Calf raises (heels hanging over step) - (40, 2x30)
• Incline dumbbell bench press (2x15)
• Bent over dumbbell rows (2x15)
  
• Pull-ups - 22
• Push-ups - 40
• Sit-ups - 250 with minimal breaks
  

Training Log - December 15th 2009

• Bike (mag trainer) - 94 minutes
  

Training Log - December 14th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - December 13th 2009

• Hotel workout part 2
• Run (treadmill) - 64 minutes (last mile @ 7:53 pace)
• Elliptical trainer - 31 minutes
• Pool running (shallow end) - 21 minutes
• Practice object retrieval from bottom of pool with eyes closed
  

Training Log - December 12th 2009

• Yet another hotel workout - 4 sets of pull-down machine (palms in), pull-down machine (palms out), flat bench press machine, incline bench machine, seated shoulder press (15-20 reps each set)
• Push-ups
• Sit-ups
• Sleep deprivation training (only 3 hours of sleep before this workout)
  

Training Log - December 11th 2009

• Elliptical trainer - 61 minutes @ 90+ rpm (hill setting)
  
• Run (treadmill) - 61 minutes - alternating slow/fast every 5-10 minutes
  
• Stationary bike - 11 minute cool-down @ 90 rpm
  

Training Log - December 10th 2009

• Rest in peace
• PT
• Learned how to do proper single leg squats
  

Training Log - December 9th 2009

• Pull-ups (12,10), dumbbell bench press (2x12), push-ups (2x15), dumbbell rows (2x12), shoulder press (2x12), front shoulder raises both arms (2x12), single arm shoulder raises high (2x12 each), side shoulder raises (2x12 each), barbell squats (2x12), calf raises w/ 45# weight (2x25), leg extensions (2x20 each), sit-ups (2x50)
• Run (treadmill) - 20 minutes
• Rowing machine - 15 minutes - resistance level 7
  

Training Log - December 8th 2009

• Bike (mag trainer) - 64 minutes @ 100+ rpm (estimate) - level 3-4
  

Training Log - December 7th 2009

• Cable machine workout - chest press/fly (3x13), shoulder press (3x13), cross-over rows (4x13), bicep curls (3x13 each), single arm press (3x13 each), tricep ext (3x13 each), abdominal cable pull-down crunch (3x50)
  
• Pull-ups (12,10,8), push-ups (3x20), bent over dumbbell rows (3x13), seated dumbbell shoulder press (3x13), sit-ups (3x50)
  

Training Log - December 6th 2009

• Stationary bike (upright) - 62 minutes @ 100+ rpm
  
• Elliptical trainer - 94 minutes @ 90+ spm
• Run (treadmill) - 31 minutes (barefoot)
• Stationary bike (recumbent) - 32 minutes @ 110-115 rpm
• Heel walking / lower leg stretching - 10 minutes
  

Training Log - December 5th 2009

• Rest in peace
• Attended Kaiser Permanente Runners Medical Symposium @ CIM expo
  

Training Log - December 4th 2009

• Stationary bike - 30 minutes @ 110 rpm - 50% resistance
  

Olympic hopefuls get a taste of the Death Race

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20091201/NEWS04/912010361/1002/NEWS01

Training Log - December 3rd 2009

• Flat dumbbell bench (2x12), push-ups (2x15), sit-ups (2x50), pull-ups (10, 8), seated shoulder press (12,10), front shoulder raises (2x12), side shoulder raises (2x12), bent over rows (2x12), tricep extensions (2x12 each), incline dumbbell press (2x12), medicine ball lateral throws (2x50 each)
  
• Stretching
• PT - ultrasound/e-stim for posterior tibial tendons (getting better - I did not hike or run this week)
  

Training Log - December 2nd 2009

• Elliptical trainer - 30 minutes @ 90-100 rpm
• Squats - 3x12
• Leg extensions - 4x15 each
• Calf raises - 3x30
• Single leg balance exercises - 10 minutes
• Lower body stretching
  

Training Log - December 1st 2009

• Stationary bike - 45 minutes @ 90-110 rpm (hard)
• Rowing machine - 15 minutes @ resistance level 10
  

Training Log - November 30th 2009

• 3 rounds of incline bench press (smith machine), incline dumbbell press, sit-ups, bent over dumbbell rows, front shoulder dumbbell raises, push-ups, seated dumbbell shoulder press, tricep extensions, pull-ups
  

Training Log - November 29th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - November 28th 2009

• Flat bench press (12,12 10), bent over dumbbell rows (3x15), push-ups (20,15,10,5), sit-ups (3x50), seated shoulder press (12,10,8), dumbbell curls (3x12 each), tricep extentions (3x12 each) - no breaks
  

Training Log - November 27th 2009

• Hike - Camel's Hump via Monroe Trail 6.8 miles rain/flurries
  

Training Log - November 26th 2009

• Bike (road) - 51 miles - rolling hills
  

Training Log - November 25th 2009

• Stationary bike - 10 minutes easy
• Rowing machine - 10 minutes easy
• Elliptical machine - 10 minutes easy
• Upper and lower body stretching - 10 minutes
  

Training Log - November 24th 2009

• Run (road) - 1 hour
  

Training Log - November 23rd 2009

• 3 rounds of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, flat dumbbell press, bent over dumbbell rows, dumbbell curls, front shoulder dumbbell raises, side shoulder raises, tricep dips
• Stationary bike - 20 minutes @ 100-110 rpm
• Lots of stretching
  

My video for entry into the 2010 Death Race

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIcY2LihQmM

Training Log - November 22nd 2009

• Run (dirt/road) - 5k @ 8:03 pace (Middlebury Turkey Trot)
  

Training Log - November 21st 2009

• Rest in peace
• Worked on my Death Race video
  

Training Log - November 20th 2009

• Run (dirt) - 2 miles
  

Training Log - November 19th 2009

• Hike - Mount Mansfield via Sunset Ridge trail
  

Training Log - November 18th 2009

• Stationary bike - 45 minutes @ 100 rpm
• Rowing machine - 15 minutes @ resistance level 10
• 50 push-ups
• 100 sit-ups
  

Training Log - November 17th 2009

• 3 rounds of dumbbell side shoulder raises, front shoulder raises, seated shoulder press, hammer curls, tricep extensions, bent over rows, calf raises w/weight
  

Training Log - November 16th 2009

• Stationary bike - 20 minutes @ 105 RPM
• Rowing machine - 20 minutes (medium effort)
• Push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups (2 sets each)
• Stretching - 10 minutes
  

Training Log - November 15th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - November 14th 2009

• Light strength training and stretching
  

Training Log - November 13th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - November 12th 2009

• Hike - Camel's Hump via Burrows Trail
  

Training Log - November 11th 2009

• Drag/carry Tire and gear up Camel's Hump via Monroe Trail - Elevation gain 2,783 ft. - round trip was 6.8 miles
  

Training Log - November 10th 2009

• Run (road) - 4 miles - 8:51 avg pace
  

Video Death Race applications for 2010

http://www.races.peak.com/deathrace/applications_for/2010/

Race report from 4th place finisher Mike Sallade (2009 Death Race)

http://hstrial-cdunn9.homestead.com/DeathRace09.html

Training Log - November 9th 2009

• 2 rounds of pull-ups, flat dumbbell bench press, push-ups, sit-ups, incline dumbbell bench press, dumbbell rows (knee on bench), front shoulder dumbbell raises, side shoulder dumbbell raises, standing dumbbell shoulder press, barbell curls
• Stationary bike - 20 minutes (easy)
  

Training Log - November 8th 2009

• Run w/30# backpack (road/dirt) - 7.1 miles
  

Training Log - November 7th 2009

• Run in snowshoes on grass/dirt - 1 mile
• Run w/backpack - dragging car tire - 1 mile
• Walking lunges - 30 reps

Today was only my 2nd time in snowshoes, ever, and my first time running in them. No snow on the trails yet, so I ran at a park in the grass. It's gonna take some time to get used to them. Also my first time running while dragging a tire, felt like about 2 times the normal effort of running. I'll start combining the 2 tasks (snowshoes/tire) soon. My goal for those who don't know, is to complete the March 6th PEAK Snowshoe Marathon (26+miles 7200ft vert) while dragging a tire.

Training Log - November 6th 2009

• Rest in peace
• PT for left ankle/shin/foot
  

Training Log - November 5th 2009

• Hike - Stowe Pinnacle summit - 40 pound pack. Fast pace. Ran the last half mile on the way down. Picked up a 6 foot log and ran with it on my shoulders for a few hundred yards, dropped log and picked up 10-15 lb. rock and held it over my head while running for a few hundred yards. Then some quick push-ups and squats with backpack at the trail head before heading to work.
  

101 people are registered for the 2010 Death Race

I thought only 100 were allowed entry, but then I saw the "Charity Option" on youmaydie.com

It says "If you are interested in doing any of our 2010 peakraces that are full. You can still get in by:

1) Contacting Andy@peak.com and convincing him you are capable.

2) Agreeing to attend one of our camps at Peakcamps.com prior the race you are interested in.

3) Agreeing to pay 400.00 most of which will go to the charity we are supporting in 2010."

Training Log - November 4th 2009

• 3 rounds of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, dumbbell curls, front shoulder dumbbell raises, side shoulder dumbbell raises, rear lateral dumbbell raises, standing dumbbell shoulder press, incline bench press (smith machine), barbell curls
• Stretching - assorted upper and lower body - 10 minutes
  

Training Log - November 3rd 2009

• Run (road) - 2 miles @ 8:24 pace
  

Only 2 spots left

98 people are signed up for the 2010 Death Race!

http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=10177VT&tab=a3&whosreg=1924

Training Log - November 2nd 2009

• Pull-ups (11, 9, 8), push-ups (15, 15, 14), sit-ups (3x30), incline dumbbell press (12,12,8), front shoulder dumbbell raises (14,13,13), lat med ball throws (3x30 each side), seated leg extensions (3x20 each)
  
• Rowing machine - 10 minutes @ resistance level 10
• Going to PT this afternoon to get my ankle worked on (need to get back to running!)
  

Training Log - November 1st 2009

• Elliptical trainer "hill workout" - 2 hours @ 65-75 rpm
  

Training Log - October 31st 2009

• Bike (stationary recumbent) - 15 minutes @ 115 rpm
• 3 rounds of Lat pull-downs, seated ab crunches, low rows, seated shoulder press, leg curls, tricep push-downs
  

Training Log - October 30th 2009

• Walking lunges - 5-10 minutes
  
• Pull-ups - 2 sets
• Push-ups - 2 sets
• Sit-ups - 2 sets
• Seated Leg Ext. - 2 sets
• Dumbbell bench press - 2 sets
• Front shoulder raises - 2 sets
• Upper and lower body stretching - 15 mins
  

Training Log - October 29th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

The Reaper

"Seasons don't fear the reaper. Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain..we can be like they are"

- Blue Oyster Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper

Training Log - October 28th 2009

• Run (road) - 1.5 miles
  

Training Log - October 23rd through 27th 2009

• Sick - cold/flu
  

2010 Death Race is almost full

Only 8 spots left when I checked today.

http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=10177VT&tab=a3&whosreg=1924

Training Log - October 22nd 2009

• Solo hike/summit of Hunger Mountain before dawn - Carried a 25# barbell plate in my pack. I estimate total pack weight to be 35-40 lbs.
• Left lower leg/ankle still not feeling right. It's been over 10 days, may be time for a PT appointment.
  

Training Log - October 21st 2009

• Bike (road) - 20+ miles
  

Training Log - October 20th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - October 19th 2009

• 3 rounds of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, incline dumbbell press, front dumbbell shoulder raises, Lat med ball throws
• Rowing machine - 15 minutes
  

Training Log - October 18th 2009

• Split and stacked firewood
  

Training Log - October 17th 2009

• Broke apart an old couch using and axe and bowsaw. Cut into managable 1-2 foot pieces for the dumpster.
• Stacked a truck load of firewood
• Split about 30 logs w/axe
  
• Hand sawed a stack of logs that were too long for woodstove
• Hand sawed pile of kindling

Training Log - October 16th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Neither snow, nor rain...

I thought about this quote climbing in the snow before sunrise this morning.

"Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"

According to the Internet, it was "said about 2500 years ago by the Greek historian, Herodotus. He said this adage during the war between the Greeks and Persians about 500 B.C."

Training Log - October 15th 2009

• Hike - Camel's Hump via Burrows Trail - Temp in the low 20s @ summit, 4-5 inches of snow, got to try out my Microspikes... they rock.
  

Over 80 people are signed up for the Death Race

http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=10177VT&tab=a3&whosreg=1924

Training Log - October 14th 2009

• 3 rounds of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, incline dumbbell press, dumbbell shoulder raises (front), Lat medicine ball throws
• 20 minutes of leg stretching - left leg still spent from Sunday's marathon
  

Training Log - October 13th 2009

• Rest in peace - lower left leg not working
  

Training Log - October 12th 2009

• Bike (road) - 21 miles (easy) 1h18m
  

Training Log - October 11th 2009

• Run - 26.2 miles - Mohawk Hudson River Marathon

This was my 2nd marathon and my goal was 4 hours. At the half way point (13.1 miles) I was at exactly 2 hours, but my legs were already feeling like lead. Stomach issues started at mile 15 and after a few pit stops, I changed my goal to 4:30. At mile 20 I realized the stomach thing was not going away, so I planned on at least finishing sub-5 hours. Which I did.

Lessons learned:

(1) I need to train properly if I am going to meet a time goal for marathons.

(2) I need to figure out a food/drink combo that works for me.

(3) I need to increase the pace of my longer training runs.

(4) I need to harden the fu*k up before the Death Race.

Training Log - October 9th and 10th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - October 8th 2009

• Hike - Mount Mansfield via Sunset Ridge
  

Training Log - October 7th 2009

• 3 rounds of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, lat med ball throws
• 3 sets of incline dumbbell press
• 3 sets of dumbbell shoulder raises (front)
• 15 minute jog on treadmill
  

Training Log - October 6th 2009

• Rest in peace (fighting head cold)
  

Training Log - October 5th 2009

• Bike (road) - 12 miles - easy recovery ride
  

Training Log - October 4th 2009

• Run (dirt road) - 10 miles - rolling hills
  

Training Log - October 3rd 2009

• Rest in peace
  

67 people have signed up for the Death Race

http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=10177VT&tab=a3&whosreg=1924

Patrick's Training Log

My old friend Patrick has started logging his Death Race training! See his site here http://pdubbelu.posterous.com/

Training Log - October 2nd 2009

• 3 rounds (without breaks) of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, incline bench (smith), Lat medicine ball throws
• Concept 2 rowing machine - 5000 meters (20 minutes)
  

Training Log - October 1st 2009

• Hike - Camel's Hump (snow and ice on summit today!)
  

Training Log - September 30th 2009

• Run (road) - 5k
  

Training Log - September 29th 2009

• Bike (road) - 15 miles - a few hills
  

Training Log - September 28th 2009

• 3 rounds of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups and incline bench (smith machine)
• 3 sets of incline dumbbell press
  
• 3 sets of front shoulder dumbbell raises
• 2 sets of lateral medicine ball throws - 30 each side
  

Training Log - September 27th 2009

• Run (road) - Downtown 10k fundraiser - PR
  

Training Log - September 26th 2009

• Brain workout - Go tournament @ Middlebury College 2-2 6kyu
• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - September 25th 2009

• Bike (road) - 11 miles (fast)
  

Training Log - September 24th 2009

• Run (road) - 5 miles
  

Training Log - September 23 2009

• Rest in peace (slacker)
  

Death Race on howstuffworks

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/death-race.htm/printable

Training Log - September 20th and 21st 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - September 22nd 2009

• Hike - Hunger Mountain
  

Training Log - September 19th 2009

• Run (road) - 21 miles .... 2.4 mile warm-up + Common to Common 30k
  

Training Log - September 17th and 18th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - September 16th 2009

• Hike - Camel's Hump
  

Training Log - September 15th 2009

• Run (road) - 5k
  

Training Log - September 14th 2009

• 4 rounds of pull-ups, push-ups, lat med ball throws, sit-ups
• Rowing machine - 15 mins
  

Training Log - September 13th 2009

• Run (road) - 20 miles (slow)
  

Training Log - September 12th 2009

• Run (road) - Archie Post 5 miler (GMAA)
  

Training Log - September 11th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Story about Chris Olmstead - Death Race finisher

http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35055:the-darien-times&catid=3:darien-sports&Itemid=1326

Another Death Race story in the Boston Globe

http://www.boston.com/sports/outdoors/articles/2009/08/19/vermonts_death_race_a_brutal_test_of_mind_and_body/

Google and the Death Race - Story from Rutland Herald

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090829/NEWS04/908290336

Dreary affair

"Dying is a very dull, dreary affair. And my advice to you is to have nothing whatever to do with it."

-William Somerset Maugham

Training Log - September 10th 2009

• Hike - Mount Mansfield via Sunset Ridge - pushed hard
  

Training Log - September 9th 2009

• Run (road) - 4.1 miles
  

Training Log - September 8th 2009

Light upper body workout

• Incline press (smith machine) - 90# 2x12, 110# 2x7
  
• Incline press (dumbbell) - 35# 1x12, 40# 1x12 45# 1x9
• Push-ups (bosa balls) - 1x8, 1x9, 1x8
• Pull-ups (palms in) - 1x7, 1x2
• Sit-ups - 1x40, 1x30
  

Training Log - September 7th 2009

• Bike (road) - 72.1 miles - Colchester to New Haven Jct and back
  

Training Log - September 6th 2009

• Hike - Mount Mansfield - Laura Cowles trail up and Sunset Ridge down
  

Training Log - September 5th 2009

• Run (road) - 18 miles
  

Training Log - September 4th 2009

• Bike (road) - 20 miles
  

Training Log - August 17th - September 3

• A few runs, and few bike rides, a few hikes, and a few workouts at the gym. Training has been inconsistent due to travel/vacation. But I am back and ready to up my training for the fall.
• Today - ran 4.25 miles.

New Death Race Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve1jsb-ukU0

Readiness

"Man lives freely only by his readiness to die."

~Mohandas Gandhi

Training Log - August 16th 2009

• Bike (road) - 18.5 miles
  

Training Log - August 15th 2009

• Run (road) - 16 miles (100 on 100 relay). I ran right past Amee Farm on my 2nd leg.... had the Death Race on my mind.

Training Log - August 14th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - August 13th 2009

• Hike - Mount Hunger
  

Training Log - August 12th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - August 11th 2009

Quick gym workout

• Incline press (smith machine) - 70#+bar 2x15, 90#+bar 1x8
• Incline dumbbell press - 40# 2x12, 45# 1x8
• Medicine ball lateral throws - 7kg 2x40 each side
• Rowing machine - resistance level 5 - 10 minutes
  

Training Log - August 10th 2009

• Bike ride (road) - 8 miles
  

Training Log - August 2nd - 9th 2009

Was out of town for a week at the US Go Congress.

Got in 3 short runs and 2 tai chi sessions.

Time to get back to my regular training schedule. 100 on 100 relay is August 15th.

Training Log - August 1st 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Over 30 people may die

The number of registered Death Racers for 2010 is now 32... more potential victims every week.

Training Log - July 31st 2009

• Run (road) - 5k
  

Training Log - July 30th 2009

• Incline press (smith machine) - 90# + bar 1x12, 1x9, 1x7, 1x6
• Incline dumbbell press - 40# 1x12, 45# 1x10, 1x6
• Pull-ups - 1x6, 1x5, 1x4
• Push-ups bosu ball (kneel) - 3x12
• Sit-ups - 3x40
• Shoulder dumbbell lift (front) - 10# 1x15 each, 15# 2x15 each
• Medicine ball lateral throws - 7kg 2x60 each side
• Lumbar dumbbell deadlift - 30# 3x12
• Rowing machine - resistance level 10, 15 minutes
  

Death Race in the Essex Reporter (Tom Bevins)

http://www.essexreporter.com/EssexReporter/Death_Race.html

Guardian (UK) interview with Richard Lee

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jul/26/death-race-extreme-sports

Training Log - July 29th 2009

• Got up at 4AM and hiked to the summit of Camel's Hump (Vermont's 3rd highest peak)
  

Training Log - July 28th 2009

• Incline press (smith machine) - 85# + bar 1x13, 1x10, 1x8
• Incline dumbbell press - 40# 1x13, 2x10
• Pull-ups - 1x6, 1x5, 1x3
• Push-ups bosu ball (kneel) - 1x15, 2x12
• Sit-ups - 3x40
• Medicine ball lateral throws - 7kg 2x50 each side
• Rowing machine - resistance level 10, 15 minutes
• Run (treadmill) - 20 minutes (warm-up, sprint fast!, cool-down)
• Stretching
  
• PM Fixed gear bike ride - 8.2 miles @ 16.5 mph
  

Training Log - July 27th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - July 26th 2009

• Run (road) - 10 miles
  
• Sawed 3 downed trees into heavy 8-10 foot sections using bow saw
• Dragged (or carried on shoulders) log sections from marsh to woodpile (a few hundred yards)
  
• Sawed some of the logs into smaller pieces
  

Training Log - July 25th 2009

• Fixed gear bike ride - 6 miles (home to gym)
• Pool running (aqua jogger w/ tether) - 61 minutes
• Fixed gear bike ride - 6 miles (gym to home)
• Also started to break-in new hiking boots
  

I shed no tear

"For mortals vanished from the day's sweet light. I shed no tear; rather I mourn for those who day and night live in death's fear."

~Greek Proverb

Training Log - July 24th 2009

• Incline press (smith machine) - 70# + bar 1x15, 80# + bar 1x13, 1x8, 1x6
• Incline dumbbell press - 35# 1x15, 40# 1x14, 1x12, 1x9
• Push-ups bosu ball (kneel) - 1x14, 2x10
• Sit-ups - 2x40
• Medicine ball overhead throws - 7kg 1x25
• Medicine ball lateral throws - 7kg 1x30, 2x25 each side
• Pull-ups (palms in) - 2x5
• Rowing machine - resistance level 10, 10 minutes
  

Upcoming events

Back to running again... right foot is feeling much better. Follow-up x-ray was negative for a stress fracture. Soft tissue (ligament) damage is healing. I was able to run 5 miles w/o pain today.

Upcoming events (brain and body):

• August 1-9 - US Go Congress (US Open) http://www.gocongress.org/ Washington DC Area
• August 15th - 100 on 100 relay http://www.100on100.org/
• August 23rd - 17th Scholarship Cross Country Run 5K - South Burlington
• August 30th - (Maybe) Race to the top of Vermont
• September 12th - 41st Archie Post 5 Miler Gutterson Field House
• September 19th - 6th Common to Common 30K Memorial Hall, Essex Center
• September 27th - Downtown 10k fundraiser - Team in Training
• October 11th - Mohawk Hudson Marathon
• October 17th - Mens Health Urbanathlon - Chicago (Maybe) (Probably not)

I plan to build up mileage very slowly and continue substituting some of my runs with zero-impact pool running.

Training Log - July 23rd 2009

• Wake up 5:30 AM
• Run (road) - 5.2 miles
• Pool running (aqua jogger w/tether) - 61 minutes
  

25 people have already signed up

25 people have already registered for the 2010 Death Race... and the event is still 339 days away!

Death Race on National Geographic Weekend Radio

Here is the mp3 from youmaydie.com

Training Log - July 22nd 2009

• Rest in peace
• Brain training tonight with the Vermont Go Club http://www.vermontgo.org/
  

Training Log - July 21st 2009

• Incline press (smith machine) - bar + 70# 1x15, 1x13, 1x10, 1x7
• Incline dumbbell press - 35# 1x15, 1x12, 1x10, 1x9
• Push-ups bosu ball (kneel) - 2x12, 1x10
• Pull-ups - 1x7, 1x3
• Sit-ups - 1x40, 1x30
• Slow jog treadmill - 1 mile, 9:00
  

Training Log - July 20th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Do not fear death

"Do not fear death so much, but rather the inadequate life."

~Bertolt Brecht (1898 - 1956), The Mother, 1932

Training Log - July 19th 2009

• "Hiked" the Stowe 8 Miler race w/trekking poles and pack - 1 hour 37 minutes. It was a beautiful day in Stowe, and having a foot injury let me enjoy all of the scenery during the race.
  
• Cut small tree into logs with bow saw
• Split the larger logs with axe
• Disassembled old picnic table using axe
  

Training Log - July 18th 2009

• Fixed gear bike ride - 6 miles (home to gym)
• Pool running (aqua jogger w/ tether) - 3 hours
• Slow jog (treadmill) - 1 mile
• Fixed gear bike ride - 6 miles (gym to home)

The more you sweat

"The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle."

~ Author unknown

Training Log - July 17th 2009

AM

• Incline press (smith machine) - bar + 80# 1x15, 1x12, 1x8 - bar + 50# 1x12
• Seated shoulder press (smith machine) - bar + 20# 2x10, 2x15
• Incline dumbbell press - 30# 1x15, 3x14
• Push-ups (bosu balls kneel) - 1x8, 2x9
• Sit-ups - 2x25, 1x35
• Medicine ball overhead throws (kneel) - 7kg 2x30
• Medicine ball lateral throws (kneel) - 7kg 2x50 each side
• Pull-ups - 1x5
• Lumbar ext (dumbbell deadlift) - 30# 3x10
• Stability ball walk-outs - 1x10
• Stability ball bridges - 1x30 then hold
• Rowing machine - resistance level 10, 20 minutes

PM

• Jog (grass/dirt) - 1/2 mile
  

Training Log - July 16th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

New Death Race website from peakraces.com

http://www.youmaydie.com/

Awesome domain name!

Quotes from the site:

"...to secure a spot in our event you will be required to contact Andy,
aka the 'undertaker'"

"I agree and understand all of the ramifications with entering or supporting this event. This is a race that is one of the toughest in the world. Participants as well as spectators and support crew can die. This is not a joke and must be taken seriously. At registration you will be required to explain that you understand these statements."

Nice.

Taste of death

"Cowards die many times before their deaths, The valiant never taste of death but once."

~William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

Training Log - July 15th 2009

• Deep water pool running - 1 hour 20 minutes
  

Training Log - July 14th 2009

AM

• Incline press (smith machine) - 105# 2x15, 1x10, 1x7
  
• Incline dumbbell press - 30# 3x15
• Crunches/Sit-ups - 3x20
• Push-ups boca balls (kneel) 3x10
• Medicine ball overhead throws - 5kg 2x50
• Medicine ball lateral throws - 5kg 2x50 (each side)
• Rowing machine - resistance level 10, 30 minutes
• Pull-ups - 3

PM

• Fixed gear bike ride - 20 miles (Colchester to Milton and back)

Training Log - July 13th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Found another 2009 Death Racer's blog post (El Toro)

http://mrbimble.com/WordPress/2009/07/my-little-death-race/

Training Log - July 12th 2009

• Fixed gear bike ride - 41.2 miles (about 3 hours of rolling hills)
  

Time to get working on a video

Info from peakraces.com

Due to increased interest in this race only previous finishers from the past 3 races are guaranteed entry. All others must submit a link to a video detailing training and why they deserve to race to pittsfieldbikes@earthlink.net and pittsfieldultra@yahoo.com

Training Log - July 11th 2009

• Move and stack a bunch of condo windows
  
• Deep water pool running - 2 hours
• Rowing machine - 30 minutes
• Brisk treadmill walk w/dumbbells - 20# 20 minutes
• Recumbent elliptical - 20 minutes
• Pull-ups - 2
  

The most unjustified of all fears

"The fear of death is the most unjustified of all fears, for there's no risk of accident for someone who's dead.”

~Albert Einstein

2010 Race Info from runrace.net

• Register Friday, June 25th from 7-9 p.m. at the General Store.
• Pre Race Meeting at Midnight.
• Race Starts at 2 a.m. on Saturday June 26th, 2010
• Very challenging race. Course has been determined. 24 hours to finish with cut offs. The cut offs will not be in affect until Noon on race day. You must make the cut offs or you'll be eliminated from the race. Expect to cry, scream, barbed wire, wood chopping, mud, water, ponds, waterfalls, etc. $2000 in prize money. Remember - 24 hours to finish.

Training Log - July 10th 2009

• Push-ups using boca balls (kneel) - 3x15
• Crunches - 3x15
• Medicine ball overhead throw - 5kg 2x60
• Medicine ball lateral throw - 5kg 2x60 each side
• Stability ball walk-out - 5 minutes
  
• Stability ball bridges - 10-15 minutes
  
• Incline dumbbell press - 30# 3x15
• Lumbar ext dumbbell deadlift - 20# 3x10
• Incline press (smith machine) - 95# 3x10
  

Training Log - July 9th 2009

• Recumbent elliptical bike - 20 minutes - Target HR 150 Avg HR 131 Max HR 148
• Rowing machine - 20 minutes
• Upright bike - 17 minutes
• Seated leg ext/curl - 30# 5x20 each leg
  

Game of life

"I'm not afraid of death. It's the stake one puts up in order to play the game of life."

~Jean Giraudoux, Amphitryon, 1929

Registration is now open for 2010 Death Race!

http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=10177VT&tab=a3

Video - Surviving the Death Race

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/07/06/sports/1194841322337/surviving-the-death-race.html


Ha! .. I'm in the video for 2 seconds (around 4:09) ... walking next to Richard with my camera and tripod.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rtMFKpOYqo#t=4m08s

Death Race makes the New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/sports/07deathrace.html

Training Log - July 8th 2009

• Deep water pool running - 40 minutes
  

Training Log - July 7th 2009

• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - July 6th 2009

• Deep water pool running - 1 hour
  

Only 100 will be accepted into the 2010 Death Race!

Word on the interwebs is that the 2010 Death Race will be the biggest yet, and we must convince the race director to let us enter.

From PEAK.com "2010 DEATH RACE - ONLY 100 ACCEPTED, THOUSANDS CONSIDERED. PLEASE EMAIL ANDY WHY YOU DESERVE TO RUN THE RACE."

Seems the race has already begun. :)

Do what we want

"We've got to do what we want in life... because some day we'll be dead. And you can't do shit when you're dead!"

~Bob Lundy

Training Log - July 5th 2009

• Fixed gear bicycle ride - 24 miles - Colchester to South Burlington along Lake Champlain (out and back)
• Split a couple logs with axe
  

Found a video/post from the 11th place finisher of the 2009 Death Race

http://mocean365.blogspot.com/2009/07/death-race-2009-video.html

http://mocean365.blogspot.com/2009/06/peaks-death-race-2009.html

http://vimeo.com/5418865

You only live twice

You only live twice. Once when you are born and once when you look death in the face.

IAN FLEMING, You Only Live Twice

Training Log - July 4th 2009

• Ignored the doctors and jogged the Clarence DeMar 5k (nice and easy >27 minutes) with Kristin, Aaron, Tasha and Sherry. Wore my Vibram Fivefingers for the race.
  
• Iced foot :)
  

Training Log - July 3rd 2009

• Dug out 2 shrub stumps with axe and shovel
• Converted 2 wood pallets into kindling with axe
• Dug up huge shrub in back yard, pulled out root system by hand
  
• Split a few logs with axe
  
• Cut a log in half with bow saw
• Stacked firewood
• Assembled wheelbarrow in rain storm
• Filled and emptied 10-15 wheelbarrows full of yard waste
• Cut large limb off tree in front yard with bow saw
• Raked yard/dirt
  
• About 9 hours of work
  

On the edge

Life and death are balanced on the edge of a razor. ~Homer, Iliad

Training Log - July 2nd 2009

• PT appt. for foot
• Rest in peace
  

Training Log - July 1st 2009

• Deep water pool running - 2 hours 5 minutes
• Cool down swim - 10 minutes

Death Race blog posts from Chris J. Dunn

He raced the 2009 Death Race

http://raceacidotic2.blogspot.com/search/label/Peak%20Death%20Race

Not everyone lives

"Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives."
- A.Sachs

Blog about 2008 Death Race from Chris Mitchell

http://ultrabongo.blogspot.com/2008/07/pittsfield-death-division-2008.html

Training Log - June 30th 2009

• Seated elliptical - 20 minutes - Target HR 150, Avg HR 142, Max HR 157, Time in target zone 14 minutes
• Rowing machine - 20 minutes - Avg pace 2:19 /500 meters
• Upright bike - 30 minutes - Avg HR 153, Max HR 176
• Medicine ball overhead throws (kneel) - 10 min w/o break - medium weight
• Medicine ball lateral throws (kneel) 3x30 each side - medium weight
• Knee extentions with knee table - 20# 5x60 each leg
• Pushups using bosu balls (kneel) - 2x15 and 1x12

Also - Visit to Green Mtn Rehab to get right foot worked on, professional number 2 says "no running"

Worth watching

"One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching"

Unknown Source

Training Log - June 29th 2009

• Ran quick 5k in the morning
• Went to get foot x-ray (possible stress fracture) ... x-ray came up negative, but they said it may be too soon to see. Doctor says no high-impact activities. Going to gym tomorrow.

Photos from the 2009 Death Race

http://picasaweb.google.com/JackCary/DeathRace09#

Story from Rutland Herald

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090628/NEWS03/906280368

2009 Death Race Summary (at least what I saw)

I'm going on zero sleep so this may be off.. but here is what I remember

1. 8-9 PM FRIDAY
2. Start at Amee farm.
3. Follow glow-sticks in woods.
   
4. Take gear and mandatory bike up 1800 feet to top of Joe's hill.
5. Remove front and rear wheel from bike.
   
6. Remove chain from bike.
7. Hangout by the fire pit and "strategize".
   
8. Race director says: "You will carry your bikes with you for the entire race"
9. 10 PM FRIDAY
10. Pre-Race meeting - Thanks to volunteers, staff, private land owners, and thanks to all the nuts that showed up to the Death Race.
11. Race Director says: "Matches and Lighters are not approved gear".
12. 11 PM FRIDAY
13. Take bikes/gear but not wheels/chain back down mountain to Amee farm
14. MIDNIGHT
15. Try to get some sleep
16. 3:30 AM SATURDAY
17. Head lamps start to come on, people getting out of cars, packing gear including axe.
18. 3:55 AM SATURDAY
19. Race director says: (while holding huge tree stump) "First task will be to find a tree stump with your bib number on it and dig it out of the ground with your axe, or what ever tools you are carrying with you." Reminder, whatever gear you start with, you must take with you the entire race.
    
20. Race Director says: "You must keep roots on stump.
21. 3:57 AM - Race director - when you get your tree stump, you will carry it for the entire race.. with all of your gear and bike... also there are 2 hour task cut-offs. If you don't finish in time, you are out of the race.
22. 4:oo AM - Race start
23. It's pitch dark
24. The next 12 hours went something like this...
25. Cross route 100 get in drainage ditch
26. Crawl uphill in long ditch under barbed wire (about 1 foot off ground) with gear
27. Turn right into uphill clearing full of trees cut off about 1 foot from ground
28. Find the tree with your number, in the dark it could be anywhere
29. Remove your tree from ground with whatever tools you have
30. At least 3 people drop out here or do not make the 2 hour cut-off
31. Once you have your tree stump, carry it with your gear back down hill in ditch under barbed wire
32. Back across route 100 to Amee Farm
33. Take your gear, bike and stump down hill towards river into another ditch under barbed wire.
34. Crawl under very low foot bridge with barbed wire with all gear, bike stump
35. Exit ditch and enter extremely rocky river
36. Rocks are from baseball size to watermelon size, there is no flat ground, water is knee deep. All rocks are very slippery. Walking is very difficult, most people fall in.
37. Walk in river down stream a mile or two.
38. You will see a man.
39. Man gives you a single match (not waterproof) which you must carry with you for another task.
40. Turn around in river and head back upstream
41. Still carrying gear, bike, match and stump.
42. Back into ditch this time uphill under bridge, under barbed wire and back up to Amee Farm
43. Cross rt 100
44. Find pile of 20 large logs
45. quarter/split every log in pile
46. Some larger logs take racers 30-40 minutes each
47. More racers drop out
48. After logs are quatered, stack all but six logs
49. you will carry 6 pieces of wood up to the colton camp
50. Start hiking uphill to colton camp with 6 logs, bike, gear, stump and match
51. Once at colton camp (about a mile up hill) put your logs on the wood pile (keep your stump)
52. Next instruction, hike up very very very steep mountain trail with all gear, bike stump
53. at the top of the trail there will be a list of 10 names.
54. Memorize the 10 names
55. Return down very steep trail to colton camp to recite the names
56. if you forget any names, you must climb up again and again .,. with your bike, gear and stump
57. From colton camp hike back down to Amee farm
58. You will see a pond.
59. Get in new ditch under barbed wire and crawl up hill to foot bridge
60. on the bridge there will be an object made out of Legos ... yes Legos.
61. Memorize the structure/colors exactly
62. run down hill jump into pond and get a bag of Legos from the far end.
63. Take Legos to shore and build the structure that you just saw
64. if you do not make an exact copy, back in the ditch you go under the barbed wire and to the foot bridge.
65. Until you get it right
66. *by the end of this task, 50% of the racers have dropped out or missed the cut-off
    
67. Rain storm
68. Back to Amee farm
69. Back downhill with your gear, bike, stump under barbed wire
    
70. under bridge
71. back into river
72. this time turning right (upstream)
73. Very very long river walk with river rocks carrying everything
    
74. Get to flame/torch in water
75. Get out of river and read instructions for next task
76. drop your bike and pack, and hike up hill to riverside farm
77. find hidden chicken egg in field
    
78. find fire wood
79. bring egg and wood back over hill to the riverside where you left your gear, stump, bike
80. Use your single match and wood to build fire
81. Use old cans (some were dog food cans) to boil water
82. cook egg in boiling water
83. if you crack your egg, you must go back up hill to riverside farm and get another
84. eat egg
    
85. more racers drop out or miss the cut-off
86. It is now mid-day
87. rain starts hard
    
88. pick up gear, stump, bike and head back over hill to riverside farm
89. you will find your bike tires
90. put the tires back on your bike
91. go to pond
92. dive to retreive your bike chain out of pond (not sure how this was done, as i was trying to catch up to race leaders)
93. Put chain back on bike
94. Ride bike around Joe's field and then put your bike in the barn
95. You are done with your bike
96. go back to pond and get weighed on scale
97. grab bucked and fill with 20% of your body weight in rocks
98. take bucket of rocks, gear and stump up a fucking killer hike to Joe's hill
99. Most of the hike is strait up a revine with waterfalls
100. lots of non-trail hiking through thick woods and nettles
101. Close to top of hill (this was about a 2 hour hike) dump your rocks
102. hike up to top of joe's hilla
103. you must now hike back down the other side of the mountain with your stump, gear and empty bucket
104. this hike is very sketchy, branches in the way, a 4 foot drop off etc.
105. at the bottom, you must completly fill your 5 gallon bucket with water
106. then turn around and go back up steep steep hill with full bucket of water, gear and stump
107. oh, and if you spill any water, you have to do it again.
108. this hike up took the fastest racers over an hour
109. Once back at the top of Joe's hill, dump out your water.
110. Head back down front side of mountain
111. back uphill to Amee farm in trench
112. under bridge
113. under barbed wire with your gear and stump
     
114. 20 hours have passed since you hiked your bike up Joe's hill for the first time
115. First finishers cross the line. Most did not make it.
116. It's past 4 PM on SATURDAY ... hardcore.
     

Back from the 2009 Death Race

Details and photos coming soon

Training Log

• Hiked/walked most of the course with the racers, including all hikes up mountains, and a good bit of river walking. No barbed wire for me this year :)
• Stayed awake 38 hours from 6 AM Friday to 9 PM (minus about an hour "rest" in my car)

Pittsfield facts

Because of the town's mountainous terrain, the invention of the one-legged milking stool is attributed to Pittsfield "...as a means of conquering a stern difficulty."

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsfield,_Vermont

When death came

"'I'll just go around this rock and think
About it later.' That's what you said.
When death came, you said, 'I'll go there.'"

--Robert Bly, excerpt from "When William Stafford Died"

(Thanks Aaron!)

Save it and preserve it

"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it." ~Plato

Training Log - June 25th 2009

• Recumbent bike - 60 minutes - Target HR 150, Avg HR 132, Max HR 195 (I think the monitor had an error)... time in 150 zone 20 minutes.
• Rowing machine - 15 minutes - Avg pace 2:25 /500 meters

My feet will like this

Looks like a lot of good information on this site.
http://www.fixingyourfeet.com/

No concern to us

"Death, the most dreaded of evils, is therefore of no concern to us; for while we exist death is not present, and when death is present we no longer exist."

• Epicurus

Training Log - June 24th 2009

• Started walking again in my Vibram Fivefingers . Right foot is feeling a bit better.

How Far

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." -T. S. Eliot

Videos

Peak Adventures Death Race 08

Death Race Training '09

Death Race Training Jan 09 - Winter running up icy hill pulling sled

Peak races - Death Division and Ultra Marathoners

Death Race in the news

Misc. Training Advice

Here’s training advice from Andy Weinberg (race director): "I've cc'd my friend Joe. He may be able to give you some advice on training. Seeing you live in Florida I'm thinking you can find some wildlife to train with or you can find a airboat driver who may be willing to drag you through the swamps a few days per week." "check into the florida state prison for 30 days and get in as many fights as possible."

Jack's notes - WTF?

Training advice from Joe Desena (race director): "The best training tip: jog with a sledgehammer and weighted vest."

Training advice from Tracy Cross (barn manager): "and i personally think you should still swing it (the sledgehammer) like a wild man as cars pass...."

Doug Lewis Death Race Training (Joke) :

Do not under any circumstances try to replicate this training. Doug Lewis is a very unique and "special" person and he does not reccomend this type of training for normal people! Peak Races does not endorse these training techniques! This is purely satire!

Death Race Training

Nov 2nd: Using Duct Tape and shards of shale I made a hatchet and cut down a 30 foot White pine and sawed it into 3 foot section. I then peeled off the bark using my two front teeth.

Nov 4th: At 8:00 am, I carried newly cut 3 foot logs up 1400 vertical feet, through a flowing Mad River tributary and piled them onto a rock pile I built at 6:00 am. After lunch I carried the logs back down the 1400 vertical feet and buried them in the ground vertically so only one foot was visible.

Nov 5th: At 2:00am I ran up the Antelope trail at Mad River Glen with no shoes or socks on. I then stripped off the remaining clothing I had on and tried to roll in any Animal scat I could find. I then stayed completely still for 90 minutes crouched in a gulley.

Nov 8th: To recover from Hypothermia from last workout, I put on 7 sweaters, set the heat to 77 degrees and rode my stationary bike for 2.5 hours with no fluid replacement until I finished. I then drank one gallon of water in 4 minutes.

Nov 11th: I sang the National Anthem for 55 minutes non-stop while walking blindfolded through the Winooski river.

Nov 14th: I laid down on a bed of barbed wire on my back and held up a five gallon jug of water for 80 minutes while Kelley tickled my feet with a feather duster.

Nov 16th: I watched 8 hours of "America's Next Top Model" balancing on a physioball without falling once.

Nov 19th: I tied my right arm behind my back for an entire 24 hours. I wore a mitten on my left hand the entire time and had to do a 1000 piece puzzle. The picture on the puzzle was of David Goggins playing badminton in Navy fatigues.

Nov 24th: I killed 40 Turkeys with my bare hands and de-feathered them. Then, donated them to the local food shelf for Thanksgiving.

Nov 29th: I stood in front of a snow gun at Sugarbush for 3 hours with only goggles on my head.

Nov. 30th: Took a bath.

Right on Schedule for June...

Jack's notes - WTF????

What do you mean that was only a pre-race test ?

Race Information

What: Challenging race that may kill you - 10 miles.

Jack's notes - The race is much longer than 10 miles. Cracking your egg (yes you have to carry an egg for parts of the race), forgetting something, dropping a log etc. means repeating parts of the course over and over again. The winners in 2008 took about 16 hours to complete those "10 miles"!

When: Pre Race Meeting at 1:00 a.m.Race Starts at 3:00 a.m.

Jack's notes - Race start time is bullshit, from what I've read in the blogs, the race could start as soon as you pick-up your race packet. Expect to be sleep deprived going into the race... including but not limited to "pre-race fitness tests" in which you run/crawl/carry parts of the course.

Course: TBA - You can expect barbed wire, mud boggin, wood choppin, tunnels, deep water diving, running, crawling, crying, screaming, and sweating. Doubtful you'll finish but be proud of yourself for trying.

Jack's notes - Word on the internet is that you should expect things like getting cement blocks from the bottom of a lake, building a wheelbarrow, digging holes in rocky soil, bringing your body weight in rocks to the top of a mountain, and many other assorted suck-ass tasks. Sounds like bootcamp, a week of farmwork, and a marathon all in 24 hours. I have also read that people do not cheer you on, in fact they tell you that you will fail, and that you should quit. It sounds like a physical beating and a complete mindfu@k.

Packet Pick Up: General Store 6-8 p.m.

Jack's notes: A.k.a the real beginning of the 24 hour race.

Start/Finish: Amee Farm - Pittsfield, Vermont. 1/4 mile north of the General Store.

Parking: Amee Farm - across the street from the General Store.

Camping: We will have camping at Amee farm. This is also the start of the race.

Entry Fee: $75.00

Jack's notes - You are paying for the adventure.

Prize: Breakdown will be announced later. $2000 total.

Awards: Unique finishers awards.

Jack's notes - you probably get a bucket of dirt if you finish. BTW, 75% of people do not finish. Only 30-50 people even sign up for this "race" each year.

Aid: Water and choice of Jerky or Peanuts.

Questions for the Race Director: Andy Weinberg pittsfieldultra@yahoo.com 309-642-2230

Accomodations: Special accommodations available for racers... inquires to tracy@peak.com.

100 on 100 Vermont Relay

It's official, Kristin and I are now on a 6 person relay team for the Vermont 100 on 100 (Heart of Vermont) relay.

The 100 on 100 relay is a team based distance running experience. The event starts early in the morning and most participants finish between 8:30 PM-10:30 PM. The total distance is 100 miles and the course follows scenic route 100 the entire way. Our course displays all the angles Vermont has to offer from small towns and farms, to mountains and lakes. This event serves as a charity fundraiser for Vermont based youth charities that promote active and healthy lifestyles in support of self-esteem development.

The race is August 15th 2009.

Here is the link:

http://www.100on100.org/

This will be my 2nd year in the race. Last year we had a few issues, including but not limited to 1. Only having 5 people. 2. Last minute replacements 3. Shin splints for 2 of the runners. 4. Attitude problems :)

It was hilarious!

Training Log - June 23rd 2009 - New Gym!

Joined the Rehab Gym in Colchester. Had an hour long consult with a PT, learned about the equipment, learned a number of new exercises for endurance and core strength. Amazingly they didn't laugh at me when I said my goal is a "Death Race" a year from now.

Did what I could tonight with my right foot bandaged up.

• Recumbent bike/machine - 20 minutes - Target HR 150, Avg HR 123, Max HR 153.
• Upright bike - 25 minutes - Max HR 152 - Avg HR ~130
• Dumbbell deadlift - 15# - 3x10
• Lumbar hip/knee flex prone w/ball - 1x10 and 1x6
• Push-ups kneel using bosu balls - 1x10 and 1x5
• Stretching 15 minutes.

Training Log - June 22nd 2009

Still unable to run due to foot injury, so I figured I would spend some time in the gym at work.

Very light workout to ease back into non-running exercise.

• Flat dumbbell press - 20 lbs. - 3x14
• Incline dumbbell press - 20 lbs. - 3x14
• Stationary bike - medium intensity - 15 minutes
• Crunches 2x15
• Full body stretching - 15 minutes

Gear

I wonder if I should dust of my old thru-hiking backpack and wear it on some of my runs.

More info on the Death Race this weekend

From the PEAK site:

Pre Race Meeting at 10:00pm
Race Starts at 4:00 a.m.

I want to go spectate, so I think I will show-up at 10PM (which I think will be the actual race start).

Also:

Minimal aid at Amee Farm you need to be able to support yourself for 3-4 hours at a time. Water will be available at some stations.

This means I may want to think about having some Gu/snacks/water in my backpack during the race next year.

Training Log - June 21st 2009

1. Faced my fear of needles today as I got a tetanus shot in my right arm. (pretended it was barbed wire)

2. Had my foot injury cleaned and dressed ( ripped the bottom of my foot down to the meat in yesterday's 10k)

3. Ate enough candy to feel a bit ill. Thanks Kristin!

4. Tried not to scratch my bug bites.

Training Log - June 20th 2009

1. Ran the Burlington 10k "Race for Empowerment" in 50 minutes 12 seconds wearing Vibram FiveFingers.

2. Dug up 8x16 garden with shovel, tore apart 2 pallets with a hammer to use wood for edging, hammered 5 wooden stakes into the ground, moved a few small logs, moved 8-10 medium sized stones, carried 3 full bags of soil/clippings (one at a time) on my shoulder about 200 yards.

Article by Ri Fahnestock

Here is an excellent article from Ri Fahnestock... last year's 5th place finisher and winner of the $10,000 PEAK Ultra Challenge (The Death Race was only one the the races in the challenge)

http://hstrial-cdunn9.homestead.com/DEATHDIVISION.HTML

Saturday June 27th

The 2009 PEAK Death Race is happening next Saturday down in Pittsfield. I emailed the race director to find out if spectators are welcome.

I will be bringing my camera along. Lori (one of our Sunday running buddies) said her husband would be running the race. If so, it will be great to find out just how nuts the course/challenges are.

Here is the reply from Andy:

Jack,

You are more than welcome. In fact, I'm glad you are interested in coming and especially racing for 2010. You should get to Pittsfield by 4 a.m. if you want to catch the start.

Andy

Misery loves company

My friend Patrick will be joining me in 2010... He is training for the Urbanathlon in Chicago Oct. 17th 2009. http://www.menshealthurbanathlon.com/

We are going to try and talk his brother Dan into the Death Race... should not be hard, as I remember Dan is slightly insane too.

Seven Days

Found an article about the Death Race in Seven Days (Burlington's alternative newspaper). Here is the link http://www.7dvt.com/2009race-die

More people (2009)

Looks like close to 50 people are registered for the Death Race next Saturday. http://www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=09208VT&tab=a3&whosreg=1571

Cut offs

Seems there are cut offs that you must make during the race or face elimination ... here is a quote from the registration site "Very challenging race. Course has been determined. 24 hours to finish with cut offs. The cut offs are reasonably generous but you must make them or you are eliminated from the race. Expect to cry, scream,
barbed wire, wood chopping, mud, water, ponds, etc. $2000 in prize money. Remember - 24 hours to finish the 10 mile course"

First hand accounts

Lots of first hand details in this blog!
http://sherpajohn.blogspot.com/2008/06/rr-2008-pittsfield-death-division.html

Death Race 2008
http://peak.com/view-site.php?site_url=http://peak.com/jkxyz/blog/376/

More coming as I find them...

Pittsfield Weather

http://www.accuweather.com/us/vt/pittsfield/05762/forecast-normals.asp?partner=netweather&traveler=0&zipchg=1&metric=0&month=6

Jack's notes - I bet crawling through a stream with a bucket of sand, in the middle of the night, under barbed-wire, while on the border of hypothermia, kinda makes the weather report less important.

Photos

Photos from Peak Races website
http://www.peakraces.com/index.php?inc=photos-deathrace&albumid=95

Training advice

Here’s training advice from Andy Weinberg (race director): "I've cc'd my friend Joe. He may be able to give you some advice on training. Seeing you live in Florida I'm thinking you can find some wildlife to train with or you can find a airboat driver who may be willing to drag you through the swamps a few days per week." "check into the florida state prison for 30 days and get in as many fights as possible."

Jack's notes - WTF?

Training advice from Joe Desena (race director): "The best training tip: jog with a sledgehammer and weighted vest."

Training advice from Tracy Cross (barn manager): "and i personally think you should still swing it (the sledgehammer) like a wild man as cars pass...."

Doug Lewis Death Race Training (Joke) :

Do not under any circumstances try to replicate this training. Doug Lewis is a very unique and "special" person and he does not reccomend this type of training for normal people! Peak Races does not endorse these training techniques! This is purely satire!

Death Race Training

Nov 2nd: Using Duct Tape and shards of shale I made a hatchet and cut down a 30 foot White pine and sawed it into 3 foot section. I then peeled off the bark using my two front teeth.

Nov 4th: At 8:00 am, I carried newly cut 3 foot logs up 1400 vertical feet, through a flowing Mad River tributary and piled them onto a rock pile I built at 6:00 am. After lunch I carried the logs back down the 1400 vertical feet and buried them in the ground vertically so only one foot was visible.

Nov 5th: At 2:00am I ran up the Antelope trail at Mad River Glen with no shoes or socks on. I then stripped off the remaining clothing I had on and tried to roll in any Animal scat I could find. I then stayed completely still for 90 minutes crouched in a gulley.

Nov 8th: To recover from Hypothermia from last workout, I put on 7 sweaters, set the heat to 77 degrees and rode my stationary bike for 2.5 hours with no fluid replacement until I finished. I then drank one gallon of water in 4 minutes.

Nov 11th: I sang the National Anthem for 55 minutes non-stop while walking blindfolded through the Winooski river.

Nov 14th: I laid down on a bed of barbed wire on my back and held up a five gallon jug of water for 80 minutes while Kelley tickled my feet with a feather duster.

Nov 16th: I watched 8 hours of "America's Next Top Model" balancing on a physioball without falling once.

Nov 19th: I tied my right arm behind my back for an entire 24 hours. I wore a mitten on my left hand the entire time and had to do a 1000 piece puzzle. The picture on the puzzle was of David Goggins playing badminton in Navy fatigues.

Nov 24th: I killed 40 Turkeys with my bare hands and de-feathered them. Then, donated them to the local food shelf for Thanksgiving.

Nov 29th: I stood in front of a snow gun at Sugarbush for 3 hours with only goggles on my head.

Nov. 30th: Took a bath.

Right on Schedule for June...

Jack's notes - WTF????