FlintLand: Hey, Fat Girl.

FlintLand: Hey, Fat Girl.

You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.

I bow to you.

VIDEO: State track previews - BakersfieldCalifornian.com

The CIF State Track and Field Championships begin Friday in Clovis, and Kern County has some serious medal threats. Start with Stockdale sophomore Blake Haney, who is among the national leaders in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters. But that's not all. There are 24 local qualifiers in 30 events, plus two relay teams, so Friday's preliminaries will be full of Kern action. Several have a better-than-average shot of qualifying for Saturday's finals, which are for the top nine only.

The major headliners — Haney, his teammates Cameron Miller and Evan Eggenberg, Bakersfield triple jumper Scotty Newton and Burroughs thrower Jayson Kovar — are on the boys side. Here's a boys preview from myself and The Californian's Louis Amestoy.

VIDEO: State track previews - BakersfieldCalifornian.com

Over the Peak and Through the Pines: Wilderness Training

 I have a few mountain 100 maps in my office. When a visitor examines a map and weighs the prospects of running that far through the mountains, there's some serious doubts:

"So do you run in the dark at night?"
"What about animals? Aren't you worried about bears, mountain lions, snakes?"
"What if you get lost?"
“Don’t you get tired?”
"What if you chafe or get blisters?"
"What if you run out of food and water?"
"What if your ipod dies?"
"What if you break your ankle?
"Is there cell service?"


Over the Peak and Through the Pines: Wilderness Training

Footfeathers: Race Report Writing: The Story of the Race

Footfeathers: Race Report Writing: The Story of the Race

 After the Build Up (part 1), you now have your audience just where you want them, willing to accept almost anything you write as fact and sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to learn how you overcame harsh weather, wild animal attacks, and fierce competition comprised of probably the best athletes in the world.  Or, they're just reading further in the hopes that you fell off a cliff and are now flying piecemeal in the bellies of several vultures.  Either way, you have to give the performance of your life over the next few paragraphs that make up the bulk of your race report:  The Race itself - part 2 of How to Write An Amazing Race Report.

Haney -- the nation's top sophomore -- will have opportunity to add yet another chapter to his already remarkable young career.

2012 CIF-State Track & Field Championships Meet Preview - ESPNHS via kwout

Ultrawoman's Blog: Nanny Goat 12/24/100 Insanity

Ultrawoman's Blog: Nanny Goat 12/24/100 Insanity

 Nanny Goat was the brain child of Steve Harvey who one day was talking to his friend Shelli Sexton on how he would like to do a race to help raise funds for wounded warriors and have it in a looped format. Shelli suggested her horse ranch property in Riverside CA. And Steve and his wife Annie started putting on this stellar event.

2012 Western States 100 Training Camp Veterans Panel’s Advice

2012 Western States 100 Training Camp Veterans Panel’s Advice

RULE CHANGE NO. 1:

  NO ELECTRONIC LISTENING DEVICES OF ANY KIND – THAT

 MEANS, NO WATCHES, NO IPHONES, NO IPODS, NO MUSIC

The reason for doing this is two-fold.  The spirit of the Summer Series is to run your race without any outside influences as to your pace. That is why watches are outlawed.  With the advent of technology, there are many devices that provide the runner with time and pace; therefore, to be fair to all, we are banning all listening devices for this 5k event.  Also, there is a distinct safety issue.  This event can get crowded and part of it is on single track trail. There are persons of all abilities on the course and participants overtaking those in front of them.  Therefore, to ensure the safety of all participants listening devices are banned for this event.

Any participant using a listening device or wearing a watch will be disqualified.

We will have a collection box at the start line with tags to designate owners of devices that we will hold for the duration of the event, or you may leave your device in your car.

BTC will not be responsible for lost or stolen devices.

I am not a fan of listening to music in a race and it does make things unsafe however many of you say you can not run without them.

As far as people using listening devices to cheat, I think this is a non-issue as well. Sure a few might do it but it has been my observation over the years that many do not know how to operate the devices properly and they are not that accurate. Lastly, most people are really bad at pacing themselves especially in a 5k  handicap style race.

RULE CHANGE NO. 3

Sandbagging Rule

For any race series participant who improves their handicap time by 5 minutes or more, the following will occur:

1.     Regardless of your finishing place in that run, you will be considered as if you ran a 31 minute tape time and placed accordingly.

2.     Your placement in that run WILL COUNT as one of your 3 scoring races for consideration in the overall Top Ten finishing. On any subsequent race after the first race penalized where further improvement occurs, this same penalty will be enforced.

3.     The race director has full discretion to enforce the rule.

4.     If you do not finish a race you will be awarded last place.

Therefore, you are encouraged to run/walk/jog/wog to your best ability at each Summer Series race.  Running below your ability level for your qualifying run and then running hard for subsequent runs to move up in the ranking is Sandbagging and you will be penalized.  We realize that people accidentally sandbag, i.e. started the event untrained, injured, or not feeling well and then improve substantially, but the sandbagging rules applies to all to weed out the participants who intentionally try to take advantage of the handicap system.

In the past there was a 20% sandbagging rule and it was far to all. The 5 minute rule is not because anyone slower then 25 minutes is treated unfairly. 5 minutes is 20% of 25 minutes. So anyone faster than 25 minutes actually benefits from the rule change.

Anyone slower than 25 minutes is penalized:

• 5/30 = 16.7%
• 5/40 = 12.5%
• 5/50 = 10%

Those who changed the rule are basically saying that anyone over 25 minutes was:

"untrained, injured, or not feeling well and then improve substantially"


Well last year according to the Best Scratch Times for the entire summer, only 250 of 509 males who ran the event broke 25 minutes. So over half the males who ran last summer were "untrained, injured, or not feeling well and then improve substantially".
On the female side only 64 of the 480 females who ran the event at least once broke 25 minutes. So over 86% of the females who ran last summer were "untrained, injured, or not feeling well and then improve substantially". 


Bottom line is the change from 20% across the board to 5 minutes, negatively impacts 
68% of those who ran last year and benefits 32%.


Is that fair?

2012 CENTRAL SECTION TOP DISTANCE MARKS

800 meter run: (2:03.0-2:03.14) (ss 2:05.7-2:05.84a)
Open record: 1:48.3 yc Clark Mitchell, Bakersfield ‘65
1:49.42am Vondre Armour, Bakersfield ’94
MM record: 1;50.23am Vondre Armour, Bakersfield ‘93
’12 results: 1-+I.Gonzalez, Rv 1:54.26a; 2-+C.Brazeal, Buc 1:54.99a; 3- T.Guzman, Cor 1:55.92a;
4-+U.Cabanas,MSo 1:65.54a; 5- +A.Acevedo,CN 1:56.75a; 6-T.Moffit, Lib-bk 1:56.95a;
7- N.Evans, CW 1:57.23a; 8- ++K.Chavira, Bul 1:57.47a

2012 top marks:
mm-1 1:54.26a +Ivan Gonzalez, Ridgeview-bk 5-19 master meet -1 (sa-1)
st meet trials:
1:54.99a +Cody Brazeal, Buchanan-clo 5-19 master meet -2 (na-1)
mm-3 1:55.92a ss Tony Guzman, Corcoran 5-19 master meet -3 (ss#1)
st meet trials:
mm-4 1:56.54a +Uriel Cabanas, Madera South 5-19 master meet -4
st meet trials:

1:56.75a +Derek Acevedo, Clovis North 5-19 master meet -5 (SR)
1:56.95a Tyler Moffitt, Liberty-bk 5-19 master meet -6
1:57.23a Nate Evans, Clovis West 5-19 master meet -7
1:57.47a ++Kevin Chavira, Bullard-fr 5-19 master meet -8
1:57.36a Daniel Llamas, Sunnyside-fr 5-3 cmac @ sanger
1:57.29a ++Jacob Williams, Buchanan-clo 5-9 na #4 @ ce (mm-16)
1:57.52a ++Blake Haney, Stockale-bk 3-31 w c r @ Buchanan
1:58.23a +Ismael Guzman, Madera South 5-19 master meet -9
1:58.54a Gustavo Rivera, Monache-porterville 5-19 master meet -10
1:58.66a Spencer Shotts, Liberty-bk 5-19 master meet -11
1:58.73a +Carter Duerkson, Buchanan-clo 5-3 trac @ clovis
1:58.79a +David Carrasco, Mission Oak-tulare 5-19 master meet -12 (SR)
1:58.82a ++Tyler Moore, West-bk 5-9 sa @ lib-bk
1:59.18a ss Arturo Mendoza, Wasco 5-19 master meet -13
1:59.23a Omar Nunez, Delano 5-19 master meet -14
1:59.53a ++Connor Morello, Clovis 3-10 mt whitney pioneer invit f/s
1:59.92a ++Tyler Moore, West-bkd 5-19 master meet -15
2:00.06a Nathan Esparza, Madera South 4-14 lemoore invit
2:00.15a CJ Albertson, Buchanan-clo 3-3 sanger spring classic
2:00.16a +++Sidney Ezenwugo, Edison-fr 5-3 cmac @ sanger
2:00.18a +Shayon Falls, Bullard-fr 4-27 reedley invit
2:00.62a ss Robert Leija, Parlier 2-24 buch dist
2:00.66a +Connor Fisher, Stockdale-bk 3-7 swyl #1
2:01.09a ss +Gameron Gamble, Tehachapi 5-9 ss-#2 @ kb (mm-18)
2:01.55a ++Chris Mata, Centennial-bk 5-1 swyl @ liberty-bk
2:01.06a +Ryan Walker, Clovis 4-14 lemoore invit
2:01.06a Kevin Muthima, Hanford 4-20 patriot games
2:01.18a ss Pablo Mendez, Shafter 5-19 master meet -17 (ss-#3)
2:01.78a +Diego Colunga, Mt Whitney-vis 5-9 ca #4 @sanger
2:01.97a Clay Celum, Clovis West 4-27 reedley invit
2:02.59a ss Cesar Patino, Wasco 5-9 ss #4 @kb
2:02.59a ss +++Robert Peevy, Taft 5-9 ss #4 @kb
2:02.85a ss +Jose Pelayo,Shafter 4-27 reedley invit
2:03.91a ss +Rajvir Dhillon, Fowler 2-24 buch dist

1600m run: (-1.6 yds to meter) (4:41.0-4:41.14a) (ss4:42.0-4:42.14)
Open record: 4:06.4 yc Peter Romero, Reedley ‘67
4:07.72am Cody Brazeal, Buchanan-clo ‘12
MM record: 4:07.72am Cody Brazeal, Buchanan-clo ‘12
’12 results: 1- +C.Brazeal, Buc 4:07.72a; 2- ++B.Haney, Stoc 4:12.71; 3- C.Miller, Stoc 4:13.10a;
4- O.Nunez, Del 4:20.61a; 5- C.Celum, CW 4:20.63a; 6- D.Llamas, SS 4:22.68a;
7- +I.Guzman,Mso 4:25.03a; 8- +C.Barger, Front 4:26.22a.

.2012 top marks:
mm-1 4:07.72a +Cody Brazeal, Buchanan-clo 5-19 master meet-1 (SR)
(#2 AT) (#1AT jr) st meet trials:
mm-2 4:09.95ayc ++Blake Haney, Stockdale-bk 3-24 MofC @azusa ( SR)(sa-1)
(4:10.45a 1600m)(#3AT)(# 1ATsoph) st. meet trials:
mm-3 4:13.10a Cameron Miller, Stockale-bk 5-19 master meet -3 (#13AT)
st meet trials:
4:15.65a CJ Albertson, Buchanan-clo 3-3 sanger spring classic
4:20.21ayc +Connor Fisher, Stockdale-bk 3-24 MofC @ Azusa (mm-13)
(4:20.56a 1600m reed invit)
4:20.61a Omar Nunez, Delano 5-19 master meet -4 (ca#1)
4:20.63a Clay Celum, Clovis West 5-19 master meet -5
4:22.07a +Jose Herrera, Madera South 4-27 reedley invit
4:22.68a Daniel Llamas, Sunnyside-fr 5-19 master meet -6
4:22.71a +Ismael Guzman, Madera South 3-10 clo east carnival (mm-7)
4:22.98a ss Cesar Patino, Wasco 4-20 patriot games (ss-#1)(mm-16)
4:23.75a Curtis Kelly, Stockdale-bk 4-27 reedley invit
4:23.93a ss Robert Leija, Parlier 4-20 sanger metric (ss-#2)(mm-10)
4:24.43a Nathan Esparza, Madera South 5-9 na @ ce (mm-12)
4:25.51a Josh Orosco, Buchanan-clo 2-16 buchanan auto time
4:26.04a +Ivan Gonzalez, Ridgeview-bk 4-20 patriot games
4:26.13a ss +++Andrew Sutton, Exeter 5-9 ss-#3 @ kb (mm-15)
4:26.17ayc ++Jacob Williams, Buchanan-clo 4-7 arcadia
4:26.22a +Jacob Barger, Frontier-bk 5-19 master meet -8
4:26.79a +Ryan Walker, Clovis 3-16 buchanan auto time
4:26.97a +++Jacob Bilvado, El Diamante-vis 5-19 master meet -9 (SR)
4:27.27a Brian Exline, Clovis 3-16 buchanan auto time
4:27.62a +Guillermo Marcial, Sanger 4-27 reedley invit
4:27.86a Chris Mata, Centennial-bk 5-19 master meet -11
4:28.09a +Carter Duerksen, Buchanan-clo 4:27 reedley invit
4:28.42a ss ++Alek Simpson, Yosemite-oakhurst 5-9 ss #4 @ kb (mm-14)
4:29.00a Tyler Moffitt, Liberty-bk 4-10 patriot games
4:29.35a ss Arturo Mendoza, Wasco 5-9 ss #5 @ kb
4:29.91a ++Connor Nolen, Clovis North 3-16 buchanan auto time
4:29.92a Adam Awad, Clovis East 3-24 cv classic @clo east
4:29.99a ss Gabriel Rios, Washington U-easton 5-9 ss #6 @ kb
4:31.54a Juan Navia, Madera South 3-31 w c r @ Buchanan
4:32.36a ++Gustavo DelCastillo, West-bk 5-2 syl @ liberty
4:32.53a Dominic Crooker, El Diamante-vis 5-4 wyl @ hanford
4:32.66a Jorge Ceballos, Monache-porterville 4-20 kavadas / tualre county
4:32.72a +++Keane Kelly, Stockdale-bk 3-21 swyl #2
4:32.83a ss Robie Reid,Exeter 3-10 mt w pionner invit
4:33.66a ss ++Jesus Areco, Parlier 4-27 reedley invit f/s
4:32.58a ss Jose Monreal, McFarland 5-9 ss #7 @ kb

3200 meter run (3.6 yds to meter) 10:15.0-10:15.14) (ss 10:20.0-10:20.14a)
Open record: 8:49.4 yc Peter Romero, Reedley ‘67
8:51.60am Chris Schwartz, Foothill-bkd ‘09
MM record: 9:02.71am Kyle Alcorn, Buchanan-clo ‘02
’12 results: 1- ++B.Haney, Stoc 9:12.18a; 2- C.Miller, Stoc 9:12.30a; 3. J.Orosco, Buc 9:17.15a;
4- +J.Herrera, Mso 9:21.57a; 5-CJ Albertson,Buc 9:26.26a; 6- +A.Gill, shaf 9:34.02a;
7-+C.Fisher, Stoc 9:39.43a; 8- J.Ceballos, Mon 9:40.03a.

2012 top marks:
mm-1 8:54.65a ++Blake Haney, Stockdale-bk 4-7 arcadia (sa#1) (SR)
(# 6 AT) (#1 AT soph) st meet trials:
mm-2 9:08.08a Cameron Miller, Stockdale-bk 4-7 arcadia (#22AT)
st meet trials:
mm-3 9:15.15a Josh Orosco, Buchanan-clo 4-27 reedley invit
st meet trials:
9:17.24a CJ Albertson, Buchanan-clo 3-16 buchanan auto time (mm-5)
9:21.57a Jose Herrera, Madera South 5-19 master meet -4 (na#1)(SR)
9:21.82a +Cody Brazeal, Buchanan-clo 4-27 reedley invit (na#4)
9:22.54a +Connor Fisher, Stockdale-bk 4-21 mt sac (mm-7)
9:24.95a Nathan Esparza, Madera South 4-27 reedley invit
9:28.29a Curtis Kelly, Stockdale-bk 4-21 mt sac
9:33.97a ss +Robbie Reed, Exeter 4-27 reedley invit (ss#6) (mm-13)
9:34.02a ss +Angel Gill, Shafter 5-19 master meet -6 (ss#1)
9:34.42a Jorge Caballos, Monache-porterville 4-27 reedley invit (ca#1) (mm-8)
9:34.59a Clay Celum, Clovis West 4-6 arcadia
9:34.65a Cody Kinsman, Clovis North 4-27 reedley invit
9:39.02a Juan Navia, Madera South 4-27 reedley invit (mm-11)
9:41.71a Omar Nunez, Delano 5-3 eyl @ Tulare
9:41.95a ss Jose Monreal, McFarland 5-19 master meet -9 (ss#2)
9:42.18a Brian Exline, Clovis 5-3 trac @ clovis
9:42.19a ss Robert Leija, Parlier 4-3 sanger easter classic
9:43.19a ss ++Danny Garcia, McFarland 5-19 master meet -10
9:44.84a Cameron Morales, Buchanan-clo 5-3 trac @ clovis
9:46.23a Dominic Cooker, El Diamante-vis 3-23 exeter monarch (SR)
9:47.42a +++Jacob Bilvado, El Diamante-vis 3-23 exeter monarch
9:47.53a Connor Nolen, Clovis North 4-27 reedley invit
9:48.36a +Ryan Walker, Clovis 2-24 buch dist
9:48.42a +Kyle Miller, Tulare Union 5-19 master meet -12
9:48.74a +Cory Matteson, Clovis 2-24 buch dist
9:48.97a Ismael Guzman, Madera South 4-27 reedley invit
9:49.61a ss Ceasar Patino, Wasco 4-20 patriot games
9:49.90a +Jacob Barger, Frontier-bk 3-16 kern invit
9:50.95a ++Kevin Chavira, Bullard-fr 3-24 MofC @ azusa
9:51.20a +++Jose Lopez, East-bk 3-16 kern invit
9:51.88a Adam Awad, Clovis East 2-24 buch dist
9:54.17a ss ++Andrew Sutton, Exeter 3-23 exeter monarch (ss#5)
9:54.56a ss++Alek Simpson, Yosemite-oakhurst 3-23 exeter monarch
10:01.79a ss Gabriel Rios, Wash U-easton 5-9 ss #4 @kb
10:02.44a ss++Thomas Valles, McFarland 3-23 exeter
10:03.21a ss +++Kasey Knevelboard, Immanuel-reedley 5-9 ss #7 @ kb

800 meter run: (2:38.0- 2:38.14a) (ss 2:34.0 – 2:34.14)
Open record: 2:05.43a Linda Goen, North-bkd ‘77
MM record: 2:09.64a Jordan Hasay, Mission College Prep-slo ‘09
’12 results: 1-++S.Ikuma, CE 2:15.57a; 2- +++K.Strausser, Bul 2:16.19a; 3-L.Castaneda, El D 2:17.06a;
4- ++K.Jones, Ed 2:18.77a; 5-++M.Nikkel, Buc 2:19.64a 6-L.sharwood, CW 2:20.06a;
7-++A.Acosta, Ex 2:21.89a 8-+A.Teliha, Bul 2:22.33a.

.2012 top marks:
2:15.41a ++Maddy Nikkel, Buchanan-clo 4-26 fresno county f/s (mm-5)
(#7 ATsoph) st meet trials:
mm-1 2:15.57a ++Sami Ikuma, Clovis East 5-3 trac @ clovis (SR) (mm-1)
(#10At soph) (na#1) st meet trials:
mm-2 2:16.19a +++Kylee Strausser, Bullard-fr 5-19 master meet -2 (#8ATfrosh)
st meet trials:
mm-3 2:17.06a Liz Castaneda, El Diamante-vis 5-19 master meet -3 (SR) (ca#1)

2:18.68a +Ali Teliha, Bullard-fr 4-20 sanger metric (mm-8)
2:18.77a ++Korey Jones, Edison-fr 5-19 master meet -4
2:19.23a +++Morganna Hill, Liberty-bk 4-20 patriot games (SR)
2:19.33a +Hagen Reedy, Buchanan-clo 5-3 trac @ clovis
2:20.03a Lauren Sharwood, Clovis West 5-3 trac @ clovis (mm-6)
2:20.08a +Nicolette Aldape, Shafter 3-23 exe monarch (ss#1) (mm-9)
2:20.73a Myleigh Bricks, Buchanan-clo 4-27 reedley invit (mm-11)
2:21.07a +Ariana Mariscal, North-bkd 3-10 clo east carnival
2:21.12a ss ++Annette Acosta, Exeter 4-27 reedley invit (ss#2) (mm-7)
2:21.59a Taylor Samson, Clovis West 4-27 reedley invit
2:22.27a Kaylie Ogle, Clovis 5-9 na #6 @ce (mm-10)
2:22.36a +Marisa Gonzalez, Bullard-fr 3-24 MofC @azusa (mm-17)
2:24.21a Penny Ponce, Buchanan-clo 3-24 cv classic @clo east
2:24.32a ss + Ysenia Silva, Exeter 3-31 w c r @ Buchanan
2:24.54a +Jessica Petroff, Madera 5-19 master meet -12
2:25.28a Kylie Schmidt, Clovis North 3-16 buchanan auto time
2:25.33a ss +++Yasmin Felipe, McFarland 4-27 reedley invit
2:25.57a ss +++ Edith Valez, Wasco 5-9 ss#3 @ kb (mm-13)
2:25.77a ++Emme Schoenborn, Centennial-bk 5-9 sa#1 @ lib bk (mm-14)
2:25.96a Jessica Cruz, Garces-bk 5-9 sa#2 @ lib-bk
2:25.97a +++Jennifer Buettner, Clovis 4-26 fresno county f/s
2:26.27a Kaylee Moyer, North-bk 5-9 sa#3 @ lib-bk (mm-18)
2:26.35a ++Maddi Hiatt, Clovis North 5-3 trac @ sanger
2:26.47a Katie Kass, Clovis West 3-31 w c r @ Buchanan
2:26.85a Kathryn Vanderpoel, Garces-bk 5-9 sa #4 @ lib-bk
2:27.13a +++Kelsee Pottorff, Clovis North 4-26 fresno county f/s
2:27.15a ss +Ali Gursky,Corcoran 4-28 corcoran rotary (ss#6)
2:29.15a ss +++Carina Perezchica, McFarland 4-27 reedley invit (ss#4)
2:29.76a ss ++Sarah Reed, Exeter 5-2 Cseql @ exeter
2:30.62a ss ++Carmen Hernandez,McFarland 5-2 all sierra
2:30.83a ss Veronica Garcia, McFarland 5-2 all sierra
2:32.30a ss +Azel Alvarez, Shafter 5-9 ss #5 @ kb

1600 meter run: (-1.6 yds to meter) (5:50.0- 5:50.14) (ss 5:45.0- 5:45.14a)
Open record: 4:39.13a Jordan Hasay, Mission College Prep-slo ‘07
MM record: 4:53.72a Macy Bricks, Buchanan-clo ‘11
’12 results: 1-+H.Reedy,Buc 4:56.76a; 2-A.Teliha,Bul 4:59.45a; 3-++M.Nikkel,Buc 5:04.24a;
4-K.Kass, CW 5:13.88a; 5-+++K.Pottorff, CN 5:15.92a 6- +L.Morgan, Rv 5:17.14a;
7-+T.Samson, CW 5:21.75a; 8-V.Trujillo, TW 5:22.51a.

2012 top marks:
4:56.26 +Hagen Reedy, Buchanan-clo 4-27 reedley invit (mm-1)
(# 7 AT) (#3At jr) (na#1)
mm-2 4:59.45a +Ali Teliha, Bullard-fr 5-19 master meet -2 (#7 AT jr)
st meet trials:
mm-3 5:04.24a ++Maddy Nikkel, Buchanan-clo 5-19 master meet -3
st meet trials:
5:08.78a ++Leigh Moffeitt, Clovis North 3-24 cv classic @clo east
5:10.41a +Taylor Samson, Clovis West 3-24 cv classic @CE (mm-7)
mm-4 5:11.40a Katie Kass, Clovis West 5-9 na @ ce (mm-4)
st meet trials:
5:14.18a ss +Ysenia Silva, Exeter 5-9 ss#1 @ kb
5:15.92a +++Kelsee Pottorff, Clovis North 5-19 master meet -5
5:16.23ayc ++Sami Ikuma, Clovis East 4-7 stanford invit (SR)
5:16.58a Lashya Morgan, Ridgeview-bk 5-2 syl @ lib-bk(sa#1) (mm-6)
5:17.64a Sydney Roman, East-bk 5-1 seyl @ liberty-bk
5:17.88a +Marisa Gonzalez, Bullard-fr 5-9 na #7 @ce (mm-12)
5:18.13ayc ++Korey Jones, Edison-fr 4-7 stanford invit
5:18.18a +Brittany Laygo, Clovis East 3-16 buchanan auto time
5:19.47a +Liz Castenada, El Diamante-vis 3-31 w c r @ Buchanan
5:19.81a +++Jurnee Fernandez, Hoover-fr 3-31 w c r @ Buchanan
5:20.06a Celina Vera, Tulare Union 5-3 eyl @ tulare
5:20.34a ++Darby Emmons, Clovis North 4-26 fresno county f/s (mm-9)
5:20.52a +++Hanna Beniot, Buchanan-clo 4-26 fresno county f/s
5:20.58a ++Molly Pruett, Centennial-bk 5-9 sa @ lib-bk
5:20.61a +++Jo Jo Zorn, Monache-porterville 4-20 kavadas / Tulare county
5:21.15a ss ++Annette Acosta, Exeter 4-20 kavadas / Tulare county
5:21.41a ++Savannah Berry, Highland-bk 5-9 sa @ lib-bk (mm-13)
5:21.70a Kendal Sharar, Clovis East 3-31 w c r @ Buchanan
5:22.51a Viri Trujillo, Tulare Western 5-19 master meet -8
5:24.65a Myleigh Bricks, Buchanan-clo 4-27 reedley invit
5:24.93a Megan Osten, Sanger 4-20 sanger metric
5:25.33a Katie Sandoval, Clovis North 3-24 cv classic @clo east
5:25.55a ss +Nicollete Adaple, Shafter 3-23 exeter monarch
5:25.71a +++Camille Campos, Stockdale-bk 5-9 sa #4 @ lib-bk (mm-10)
5:25.78a Sofia Rios, Madera South 4-27 reedley invit
5:27.46a ss Arianna Gibealt, Sierra-tollhouse 5-9 ss#2 @ kb
5:27.47a ss+++Yancy Felipe, McFarland 5-9 ss#3 @ kb (mm-15)
5:28.17a ss +++Sarah Reed, Exeter 5-9 ss # 5 @kb
5:28.90a ss +++Carina Perezchica, McFarland 5-2 all sierra
5:29.24a ss +++Edith Velez, Wasco 3-31 w c r @ Buchanan (ss#6)
5:30.41a ss ++Brittney Hughey, Yosemite 4-27 dinuba invit
5:30.46a ss ++Carmen Hermandez, McFarland 4-27 reedley invit (ss#7)
5:31.20a ss Blanca Hernandez, Firebaugh 5-2 all sierra

3200 meter run: (3.6 yds to meter) (13:00.0-3:13.14a) (ss13:10.0-13:10.14a)
Open record: 9:52.13a Jordan Hasay, Mission College Prep ‘08
MM record: 10:20.69a Jordan Hasay, Mission College Prep ‘06
’12 results: 1-+H.Reedy, Buc 10:37.16a; 2-++L.Moffett, CN 10:56.75a; 3-+Y.Silva, Ex 11:16.79a;
4- C.Vera, Tul U 11:20.66a; 5- ++M.Pruett,Cent-bk 11:27.23; 6- +S.Roman,East-bk 11:33.44a
7- M.Osten,San 11:43.42a; 8-+K.Sandoval, CN 11:44.08a.

2012 top marks:
mm-1 10:21.68a +Hagen Reedy, Buchanan-clo 4-7 arcadia (SR) (na#1)(mm-1)
( # 2AT #2at jr class) st meet finals:
mm-2 10:56.75a ++Leigh Moffett, Clovis North 5-19 master meet -2 (SR)
(#9at soph) st meet finals:
11:12.58a +++JoJo Zorn, Monache-porterville 4-27 reedley invit (mm-10)
mm-3 11:16.79a ss +Ysenia Silva, Exeter 5-19 master meet -3 (ss#1)
st meet finals:
11:19.36a +Ali Teliha, Bullard-fr 3-10 clo east carnival
11:19.77a ++Maddy Nikkel, Buchanan-clo 4-27 reedley invit
11:20.66a Celina Vera, Tulare Union 5-19 master meet -4 (ca#1)
11:27.23a ++Mollly Pruett, Centennial-bk 5-19 master meet -5
11:29.56a Brittany Laygo, Clovis East 4-27 reedley invit (mm-9)
11:31.21a Megan Osten, Sanger 3-31 w c r @ Buchanan (mm-7)
11:32.40a ++Korey Jones, Edison-fr 4-27 reedley invit
11:32.80a Katie Kass, Clovis West 3-10 clo east carnival
11:33.44a +Sydney Roman, East-bksfd 5-19 master meet -6
11:33.94a ss Blanca Hernandez, Firebaugh 5-2 all si @fow(SR)(ss#2) (mm-15)
11:35.28a +Lashya Morgan, Ridgeview-bk 5-2 syl @ liberty-bk (mm-11)
11:36.31a ++Savannah Berry, Highland-bk 3-31 w c r @ Buc (sa#1) (mm-12)
11:38.56a +++Kendal Sharar, Clovis East 4-27 fresno county f/s (mm-14)
11:39.21a ss +++Yasmin Felipe, McFarland 4-27 reedley invit (ss#5)
11:40.89a ss +++Sarah Reed, Exeter 4-27 reedley invit (ss#3) (mm-13)
11:42.43a +Cristal Rivera, Madera South 4-27 reedley invit
11:42.77a Katie Sandoval, Clovis North 4-27 reedley invit (mm-8)
11:44.56a +++Jurnee Fernandez, Hoover-fr 3-31 w c r @ Buchanan
11:44.89a Angel Valdez, East-bkd 5-2 seyl @ liberty
11:46.29a +++Hanna Beniot, Buchanan-clo 3-31 w c r @ buchanan
11:48.18a Sofia Rios, Madera South 4-14 lemoore invit
11:48.30a ss +Nicolette Aldape, Shafter 3-16 kern invit
11:48.59a Lindsey Gray, Clovis 5-3 trac @ clovis (mm-18)
11:49.48a Liz Castaneda, El Diamante-vis 3-23 exeter monarch (SR)
11:56.95a ss ++Annette Acosta, Exeter 3-23 exeter monarch
11:58.98a ss ++Veronica Garcia, McFarland 5-19 master meet – 16 (ss#4)
12:01.52a ss + Cambria Tudor, Shafter 4-27 reedley invit(ss-5)
12:06.32a ss ++Veronica Garcia, McFarland 5-2 all sierra (ss-4) (mm-16)
12:13.40a ssCarmen Hernandez, McFarland 3-23 exeter
12:16.6 ss ++Alma Sarabia, McFarland 3-3 red cat relays

John Muir Trail in California is one of the best hikes in the world.

John Muir Trail in California is one of the best hikes in the world.

2012 Ultra Trail Mount Fuji Profiled

2012 Ultra Trail Mount Fuji Profiled

While many eyes were turned towards various Skyrunning races in Europe and several other quality ultras around the world, a major new event had its inaugural year in Japan, The North Face Ultra Trail Mount Fuji (“UTMF”). It’s the brain-child of Tsuyoshi Kaburaki, the Japanese ultrarunner who has had great performances at ultras for years, especially UTMB and Western States.

Heavier Runners Less Likely to Get Injured?: Marathon Study Shows that Higher BMI Is Not Linked to Increased Risk of Lower Extremity Injury | Runblogger

Heavier Runners Less Likely to Get Injured?: Marathon Study Shows that Higher BMI Is Not Linked to Increased Risk of Lower Extremity Injury | Runblogger

Fastest Known Times vs Races

Fastest Known Times vs Races

 There are many changes occurring in ultrarunning racing right now, and some of these changes are making the pursuit of Fastest Known Times (FKTs) on various trails more attractive than traditional races.

Kilian Jornet’s New Project: Summits of My Life

Kilian Jornet is about to embark upon Summits of My Life, a multi-year project to explore the world’s mountains. Unlike some of previous projects, these projects will be stripped to the core: just Kilian and the mountain with a single photographer, Seb Montaz, there to document the experience.

Kilian Jornet’s New Project: Summits of My Life

Mt Baden Powell Hike

Andy Noise walked: moreac100trainingtime... | dailymile via kwout

Bakersfield at the 2012 Strawberry Stampede 10k

Strawberry Stampede (May 27, 2012) (Eternal Timing) via kwout

• 321    Rodriguez, Rey    Bakersfield, Ca    M    34    Run 10km Individual    1    7    10    00:39:25    00:06:21
• 230    Tobin, Hayley    Bakersfield, Ca    F    43    Run 10km Individual    4    18    60    00:48:39    00:07:50
• 150    Moore, Trey    Bakersfield, Ca    M    37    Run 10km Individual    4    51    78    00:51:55    00:08:22
• 122    Berckes, Ken    Bakersfield, Ca    M    55    Run 10km Individual    2    54    89    00:52:52    00:08:31
• 408    Newberry, Brennan    Bakersfield, Ca    M    22    Run 10km Individual    4    55    90    00:53:11    00:08:34
• 310    Diaz, Norma    Bakersfield, Ca    F    52    Run 10km Individual    5    36    92    00:53:16    00:08:35
• 324    Rodriguez, Connie    Bakersfield, Ca    F    39    Run 10km Individual    4    37    94    00:53:25    00:08:36
• 148    Oberg, Wes    Bakersfield, Ca    M    35    Run 10km Individual    6    61    102    00:53:51    00:08:41
• 151    Moore, Varina    Bakersfield, Ca    F    35    Run 10km Individual    5    47    112    00:54:57    00:08:51
• 419    Rodriguez, Daniel    Bakersfield, Ca    M    58    Run 10km Individual    3    79    152    00:59:42    00:09:37
• 311    Servadio, Jacque    Bakersfield, Ca    F    42    Run 10km Individual    15    87    174    01:03:21    00:10:13
• 204    Kaprielian, Glenn    Bakersfield, Ca    M    63    Run 10km Individual    7    92    183    01:03:59    00:10:19
• 406    Newberry, Devan    Bakersfield, Ca    F    22    Run 10km Individual    13    100    195    01:06:12    00:10:40
• 407    Newberry, Stephanie    Bakersfield, Ca    F    18    Run 10km Individual    2    103    199    01:06:46    00:10:46
• 325    Smith, Taylor    Bakersfield, Ca    F    8    Run 10km Individual    2    108    206    01:09:32    00:11:12
• 131    Smith, Phillip    Bakersfield, Ca    M    34    Run 10km Individual    23    99    207    01:09:32    00:11:12
• 123    Berckes, Kathy    Bakersfield, Ca    F    56    Run 10km Individual    2    112    213    01:18:34    00:12:40

Bakersfiield at the 2012 Straberry Stampede 5k

Strawberry Stampede (May 27, 2012) (Eternal Timing) via kwout

•  7125    Vanderhorst, Julie    Bakersfield, Ca    F    52    5k Walk Individual    12    27    40    00:51:40    00:16:39
• 7304    Parker, Terri    Bakersfield, Ca    F    54    5k Walk Individual    13    28    44    00:53:10    00:17:09
• 7221    Gregorio, Dariel    Bakersfield, Ca    M    31    5k Walk Individual    8    20    58    00:55:32    00:17:54
• 7219    Alano, Sarah    Bakersfield, Ca    F    30    5k Walk Individual    20    40    59    00:55:32    00:17:54
• 7116    Gann, Corrine    Bakersfield, Ca    F    32    5k Walk Individual    29    50    76    00:58:37    00:18:54
• 7117    Gann, Jason    Bakersfield, Ca    M    37    5k Walk Individual            0        
• 7410    Lopez, Bernard    Bakersfield, Ca    M    52    5k Walk Individual            0    00:14:50    
• 7412    Moreno, Jeffrey    Bakersfield, Ca    M    13    5k Walk Individual            0    00:14:53    
• 7411    Lopez, Debbie    Bakersfield, Ca    F    51    5k Walk Individual            0    00:14:56

California State 5000m Championship - Schwartz takes 3rd

DirectAthletics | California State Championships Men's 5,000m Run via kwout

California State 1500m Championship - Schwartz takes 3rd

DirectAthletics | California State Championships Men's 1,500m Run via kwout

My 2012 Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim

Our first view of the Grand Canyon was after our all day drive from Bakersfield. We thought we were staying in the park but were mistaken. But we got this great view the evening before our hike. The other van went to the hotel first but since we were in the park, I suggested we go see the view.

• Garmin Data HERE. (Died at Mile 38)
• Daily Mile HERE and HERE.
• Videos HERE.

Pre - hike

Bright Angel

It was windy that afternoon and this was an omen for the next day because we had a lot of wind on our hike. While we were checking out the Bright Angel Trail head (the goal for the following day), we saw a great example of how people get in trouble at the Grand Canyon. There was a girl with a guy (do not know their relationship) and the girl wanted to go down the trail for a photo op. The guy had a big camera but was holding on to the fence by the trail head for dear life.

He was terrified and he had only entered the trail. She on the other hand was yelling at him to go to her and take a photo. he was scared out of his mind. I told him to not go any further and ignore her but he tried to go further down the trail. It was a sad sight to see and was really cruel for her to do that to him. I do not know if he continued down but I hope not and I hope he gets her out of his life.

After that little show it was time to eat! When we drove through town before, I made fun of the restaurant called "We Cook Pasta and Pizza". I thought it was a really dumb name and figured they named it that so foreigners would know what they did. Well the other van wanted to eat there and the food was a joke. I got a plain cheese pizza because I knew they could not screw it up too much. But I hear the pasta was awful.

Perhaps the sign should of said "We #$&% Up Pasta and Pizza"! After our meal we headed to the hotel to unpack and figure out the plan for the next day. The plan was I was going to lead the early group and the rest would go later. Some would try to do the whole thing while others would go to phantom ranch and back.

Michelle & Kristina

We started at 3:20 am with headlamps and some really strong winds. I had never been on the South Kaibab trail so I was slightly stressed that I could find where we had to park and where the trail head was. We meet in the lobby of the hotel and our first adventure was getting the van out of the parking lot. I looked like Dr. Evil in the Austin Power movie trying to turn around the golf cart in the hall way.

But I found the parking lot and we hiked the 3/4ths of mile to the trail head. Everything went well until we got to the first mule station. The trail seemed to disappear and it took me 5 plus minutes to find it. The above photo was taken around 4:20am.

As we descended, the winds started to pick up a lot. I left my head lamp on just to keep my hat on. Kristina was still able to take photos despite the crazy conditions. On the way down to the we only caught one group of hikers but we did have an odd encounter. Around 4:30 am we went around a bend and an old Indian just appeared out of nowhere on a mesa. At first I was not sure if I was seeing things but the girls so him too. Where he cam from and how he got there is a mystery.

Our first view of the river and the reason you only descend South Kaibab. Note how the trail changes from red to grey. SK doesn't have any water stops on it either.

Kristina's first obstacle! She was not a fan of heights but made it across quickly to the north side.

This was my first descent of South Kaibab and it is the way to get to Phantom Ranch. It is 2 miles shorter than Bright Angel and there was no opposing traffic like there is on BA. When I did the hike last year I went down Bright Angel and had to stop a lot for hikers coming up the South Rim.

After crossing the bridge, the trail is flat for awhile as we headed to Phantom Ranch. We got there around 6am and got to see the mules getting ready to take tourists back to the South Rim. I heard that mule teams only go to Phantom now and there are no day trips. This means less mess and waiting on the trail.

If you can not hike out of the canyon, I guess you can pay for a mule ride but I am out of luck because the mule weight limit is 200 pounds. I read that the mules are from Tennessee. I have been to Tennessee and it is pretty and green there. If I was a mule I would be pissed to be in the desert going up and down the canyon for the rest of my life. 

It is about 8 miles from the SK trail head to Phantom Ranch:

• Mile 1 - 20:17
• Mile 2 - 26:58 (Where we got lost for awhile.)
• Mile 3 - 20:55
• Mile 4 - 20:06
• Mile 5 - 20:25
• Mile 6 - 16:31
• Mile 7 - 22:36
• Mile 8 - 29:02 (Stopped to eat and get water.)
  

The popularity of running the Grand Canyon has exploded. Right out of Phantom we came across our first runner. I was told by one trail veteran that he counted 204 people going North to South before he headed to the North Rim.From Phantom to the ranger station at the base of the North Rim climb we had a steady flow of traffic going south.

Often the runner were not obeying trail etiquette at all. We were climbing and they should of got out of our way but that rarely happened. The backpackers were much more friendly and thoughtful

Of course the first 8 miles out of Phantom are very runnable and we made up some time there. The runner with the yellow hat passed me Cottonwood camp but then some how I got in front of him again. He was surprised to see me the second time. I saw him again descending the North Rim. He was the only person to catch us going to the North Rim.

About the time I saw him, Michelle decided to turn around and head back to the South Rim. This just left Kristina and I from the first group and we were being pursued by four from the later group as we headed to the hardest part of the hike.

It is about 8 miles from Phantom Ranch to the base of the last 5 mile climb to the North Rim:

• Mile 9 - 1703
• Mile 10 - 1244
• Mile 11 - 1348
• Mile 12 - 1001
• Mile 13 - 1629
• Mile 14 - 1926
• Mile 15 - 1941
• Mile 16 - 1754
• Mile 17 - 2218
  

The last 5 mile to the North Rim climbs over 5000 feet and it is also exposed to the sun the whole way. We were lucky with the weather but we had a lot of wind at times. Plus by leaving early we went up a lot of the trail in the shade. The weather was mild and I never felt work going to the North Rim.

When we started the climb, I was ahead of Kristina at the start but she caught me about half way up the North side. We caught a number people going up the North Rim and it is always amazing to see people on the trail who really should not be on the trail.

I saw three really big over weight people a couple miles down the trail who could not break 45 minutes in a 5k if their life depended on it. When we descended later in the day, they had barely moved and a ranger was with them trying to coordinate a rescue. I guess that helicopter landing pad at the base of the climb comes in handy. Earlier in the day I got to watch a helicopter fly into the canyon and land on it.

We also saw several families with little kids on the trail and that seemed crazy but truly crazy was the bare foot runner with a one year old baby in tow. Kyle saw the mom trip with the infant on her back and actually grabbed for her near a cliff. later in the day they we on the trail below hiking during the hottest part of the day with the infant. Totally crazy!

At long last we got to the North Rim trail head. I got to the North Rim in 7:50 and Kristina was a little ahead of me. We only stayed there for about ten minutes. We filled up with water and threw away our trash and then head back to the South Rim. I think getting to the North Rim is like being 2/3rds done despite only doing 22 of the 46 mile hike. We were in a good mood going down and were really happy and surprised  that the fast boys did not catch us (we had a 2 hour head start.).

The last 5 miles to the North Rim climbs 5,000 plus feet almost:

• Mile 18 - 2728
• Mile 19 - 3050
• Mile 20 - 4020 (Stopped for water.)
• Mile 21 - 3506 (Lunch at North Rim)
• Mile 22 - 1831

About mile from the North Rim, we ran into the first fast boy. Kyle had just recently came in second in the Leona Divide 50k. We later heard that he had issues with nausea and spent awhile on the North Rim trying to recover. As Scott Jurek recently tweeted "Throwing up in ultras is like grass stains in little league.".

The distance, the descents, the ascents and the altitude (8200 feet on the North /  6200 on the South) all are factors in getting sick to your stomach. Shortly after we passed Kyle, we ran into Travis who heard had really trashed his quads by flying down the South side. His goal of a sub twelve was not in the cards.

Not far behind was Travis's Sole 2 Soul boss Scott who was looking a lot better than the young guns. He was joined by Josh who would later help Scott get the young guys back to the South Rim. I was told that Scott and Josh beat Kyle and Travis to the North Rim. Josh had just had staples removed days before the hike. His lung had collapse earlier in the month.

Going down the North Rim was not that fast either:

• Mile 23 - 2535
• Mile 24 - 2556
• Mile 25 - 2009
• Mile 26 - 2610
• Mile 27 - 2242

After we past the fast boys, Kristina and I stayed together till we descended the steep 5 miles but when we got on the easy 8 miles to Phantom, she started to run while I hiked and took in the sights. During this stretch I did not see anyone for quite some time. It was kind of warm and only a few backpackers were still on the trail.

With about 2 mile to go to Phantom, I finally saw Kyle and got ready to take a photo or two but then he never showed up. This was sort of confusing and I wondered what was going on.

Then a few minutes later Scott came running up and I found out what was going on. Kyle was still throwing up and Travis's legs were blown up so Josh stayed back to help them and Scott went ahead to get to Phantom before it closed at 4pm. So I ran to Phantom with him and got a delicious lemonade.

• Mile 28 - 2324
• Mile 29 - 1639
• Mile 30 - 1751
• Mile 31 - 1637
• Mile 32 - 1600
• Mile 33 - 1714
• Mile 34 - 1856
• Mile 35 - 1103 (Scott caught me.)
• Mile 36 - 3056 (Phantom Ranch Lemonade Time)

Scott got them drinks and food and decided to wait for them and Kristina and I left around 4pm for the last 9 miles of the hike. But first Kristina had to go over another bridge.

But she survived and we headed up the Bright Angel trail.

• Mile 37 - 2531 (Crossing BA bridge.)
• Mile 38 - 2152
• It took us a little over 2 hours to do the last 9 miles from Phantom Ranch to the South Rim (left PR at 4pm and got to top at 8:07pm)

When we got to the first switchback section, she just left me like I was standing still. So I just took my time and finally got to Indian Gardens around 6pm. Usually there are people here but it was a ghost town with only a lonely raven hopping around. Since Kristina was not around, I assumed she meet up with someone and was hiking with them.

So it looked like I would be doing the last 4 miles on my own but after a half mile I caught a group who told me that Kristina was hiking up with one of their friends. This was good for her but bad for me because having a strong partner is always good. But IIcould see her and I started catching groups of hikers so I thought I had a chance to catch her.

At the 3 mile water station, I finally caught her and her new friend (Who has done the hike over twenty times.) and fell in behind them. The rest of the hike we just tried to keep moving and not run out of light. Then just before it got dark, we finally got to the South Rim. Our total time was 16:47 and we finished at 8:07pm.

The fast boys with the help of Scott and Josh got to the South Rim about a half hour later.

In summary, I would like to thank Scott of Sole 2 Soul Sports for putting together this trip and inviting me to come! Scott also hooked me with my Hoka One Ones and my Black Diamond Ultra Z Poles too! They made the hike a lot easier!

Also I want to thank Matt who was the driver of my van. He did an outstanding job in difficult conditions. I have driven home from the Grand Canyon and it is a long boring drive and he had a lot of wind to deal with.

And lastly I got to thank Travis "0 and 2" Hobbs!


In 2011, I did the Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim but I hiked from the South to the North in about 11 hours and spent the night and then hiked back the next day  (2011 Blog HERE.). So my total time was 37 hours or so (I left at 4am and got back at 5pm the following day). This year I did it in 16:47 and it was a lot more enjoyable. Spending the night on the North is not really worthwhile in my opinion when trying to do a R2R2R.

You have to carry everything with you and you really do not get to sleep very much. So you end up spending money on a cabin and food and do not get that much rest.

lastly I want to thank my hiking partner in crime Kristina. She is one tough momma. She had done one 50 miler (American River) but you could not tell by the way she moved up those final switchbacks. We were a good team out there and pushed each other. I would not stop very long and would leave water stops before her but she would always catch me.

Plus she was always so upbeat and happy to be out there!