Roots Rock 50K

It was a trail race with 2 laps of 25K loop in Port Gamble.

I had a bad split of 2:32 - 3:07. I needed better race strategy since it’s not a road marathon but a trail ultra.

Rain was pouring all day except a few chances of sun break. Weather for the last 7 mi was worst. Dark forest with pouring rain turned suddenly bright followed by a series of thunders right over the head. Narrow single track trail turned to be a creek. Climbing up against down flowing water made me feel as if I were a salmon swimming upstream. Being passed 3 mi before the finish is not always pleasant. Surprisingly I was still 3rd place male (4th overall) and received an award (with humble record of 5:39) for the first time ever in the race.

Redmond Watershed Preserve Marathon

While all good marathoners were running at Cascade Crest 100 Miler today, I happened to be the 2nd place overall at Redmond Watershed Preserve Marathon.

I almost caught up with the guy in front of me at the final lap, but ran out of gas, and ended up about 50 yd behind.

I got PR time of 3:52:43 today which was not bad at all.

The course had 3 laps of identical trail loop. The trail condition was very good, although there were a lot of short ups and downs throughout the course. I still feel strong and will be ready next Sunday’s Roots Rock 50K in Port Gamble. Oh, I earned one more Maniac star to be in gold level now.

Crescent Forest Run

Crescent Forest trail run in Gig Harbor had 4 laps of beautiful trail loop. This is a good way of running a long range race in summer time in pacific northwest since most of the course was shaded. I ran into a tree after twisting left ankle. Actually I bumped a tree with left knee, but I had more pain in ankle so I didn't even know my knee was bleeding until somebody in aid station told me so.

However, it was overall a fun race with a lot of obstacles to run over. I also love the home-made wooden finisher's medal.

Finish time 4:29:36

20th Century Ultra

First ultra (50 Km) and 11th Maniac race. Pretty solid run for marathon distance and then it turned out to be a survival game. I missed the first and very obvious turn at 7 mi point, and ended up running some extra distance to come back where I was supposed to turn.

I loved the after-race chilli, hotdog, and oh my "BEER"

Finish time 5:21:44

Green River Marathon

Another great race with comfortable weather from Kent to Alki beach. I kept very consistent pace throughout the race. Almost broke 4 hr barrier.

Finish time 4:02:05 ...PR