Ray Miller & Bandit Race Reports + Old Goats Prep.

RAY MILLER 50K

photo by Chandra Farnham

Felt good to finish in 2nd place, but a little embarrassing that the first place finisher, Chad Ricklefs, beat my by 26 minutes... ouch.  But I had a great time running with Dominic Grossman for the first 20 miles, then slowly being able to pull ahead of him towards the end.

It was also embarrassing to have the 50 mile leaders pass me at mile 15 or so.  Hmm, maybe I went out a little too fast?

While it felt really good to run hard and race again for the first time since July last year, and the first time since my surgery in September (thanks for the pre-race shout out Keira!), something was missing.  Can't describe it any better than by saying that I was missing a gear.

Enough about my race.  My wife Elissa ran her first 50 miler, on a difficult course, in less than 10 hours and was out smiling, goofing around and really enjoying herself.  Can't wait to see what she does next =)

photo by?

The atmosphere of the event was phenomenal:  many good friends sitting around the picnic tables in the campground, rehashing race day stories, devouring food and sipping delicious beverages.  Didn't hurt that it was a gorgeous day and the course offered many views of the Pacific Ocean.  Thanks for putting on another perfect event Keira!

"Here Jimmy, this Pliny will help you get over your DNF."
photo by JB Benna

BANDIT 50K

Loved the new course with more climbing, more serene single track and removed loop.  Randy Shoemaker, his wife Sarita, Larry, Eric and all of the other people putting on this event did a great job.  Reminded me of Ray Miller, how we got to finish in a park, then sit around eating and drinking with friends, watching other friends finish, all on another California Bluebird day.

Chan taking a picture of Chan-Chan, taking a picture of me.

I thought James Walsh was going to run away with a W, but he ran a tough 21k the day before and wasn't fresh.  We ran pretty much together for the first 6 miles, I pulled ahead just a little bit, and kept that tiny lead for the next 20 miles.  I pulled ahead just a few more minutes, finishing first in 4:10.

Chris Zurbuch on the left, James Walsh on the  right.

Thanks for crewing for me honey!

Now that I've got a couple weeks to put in some proper training for Old Goats, I've had to eat wayyyyy more food, what a good problem to have.  A month ago I was trying hard to lose a couple pounds, eating celery, watching what I ate.  Now that I've put in a 100 mile week running around the mountains I've been able to chow down without gaining any weight.  Best diet ever.

Building up an appetite.
photo by Colin Cooley

Another dreamy shot from Baldy.
photo by Colin Cooley

Hoping to put in another 100 miles and 20k'+ of climbing this week as my training for Old Goats is nearing its peak.  I'll dig up some insider information on the contenders and post my predictions in the next week or so.

Bandit 50k Predictions

Bandit 50k Predictions:

(Old Goats pre-match)

This course keeps drawing more and more people each year, including a bunch of fast locals.  It’s a gorgeous course, especially this year with the new single track added (by eliminating a loop from last year’s course).  Randy and Sarita Shoemaker, Larry Lee and co.  put on a great event, tomorrow will be no exception – can’t wait!

Men:

James Walsh – Ran Baz’s 21k today.  Is that going to affect him much for tomorrow?  He’s on fire lately and will probably win anyway.  He’s one of the fast cats racing Old Goat’s next month.

Guillame Calmattes – I work with Fellows (MDs) and they’re too busy to train sufficiently.  He’s very talented, and will wind up on the podium, but he won’t be on the top. 

Trey Barnes – won this race last year.

Josh Spector – he’s legit.

Chris Price – hammy and hip are a little out of whack, but I’ll have fun chasing people.  Enjoyed running this race 2 years ago and it’ll be a good test of my racing ability as I gear up for Old Goats next month.

Keith Yanov – will have a breakout race, I’ve run with him lately and he’s looking good.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see him finish top 3.

Mike McMonagle – I don’t think he ran to his potential at Ray Miller a couple weeks ago and will be eager to perform tomorrow.

Chris Z – Old Goats after this.

Elan Lieber – Old Goats next.

Mathew Ardine – won the tough Red Rock 50 miler

Women: 

Margaret Nelson – almost sub 7 at Avalon 50 miler!  Speeeeedy.  Will be at OG next month.

Keira Henninger – Super solid runner.  While she excels at longer distances, I think she’ll like the new course this year with more climbing and more single track.  She’ll be at Old Goats next month too.

Maggie Beach – previous winner of this race, always performs well. OG next month.

Kim Gemenez – very impressive record.