ECO-MARATHON CATALINA ISLAND, CA

The 2010 Eco-Marathon proved to be a real challenging, tough race. I knew I had the fitness, knew it was going to be an elevation challenge.( both up and down) Whatever my preconceived thoughts were you can multiply by 5....


Challenge #1 getting there (photo #1 of me and the plane I took. Most use a ferry out of Longbeach)

photo #2 (me finishing in 10th place on main street, downtown Avalon)

The first 9 miles are up. I mean UP as in 9:15 minute miles. And I was in 6th place at this point. I stayed here till mile 12 or so and then the HEAT (75-80F)was starting to be a factor. I love the heat but it being mid November back in Tennessee, I'm not as acclimated so I backed off a little.

Photo #3 (pre race J-PRO sporting the ROCK CREEK race attire)

Miles 13-17 I was by myself and not feeling good (emotionally/mentally) It was here I hit some low points, no crowd, got passed by one or two people, asking myself lots of questions, I knew this wouldn't last forever, so just kept running and fueling. At mile 19 you come upon a big climb named Catalina Crush. It wasn't as bad as I heard so that renewed my spirits some and was happy to be back on top of the mountainous island course.

Photo #4 (Catalina Island and site of the race, you can see it's not flat)

I suffered more on the decent at miles 23-25. I still had to protect my feet some as I didn't want to bang them up anymore than I needed too! My finish was strong coming back into town. I was 36 minutes out of first place but placed 10th overall (My Main GOAL).

If you want a trail Marathon, this is the ONE. Go do it!!!!!

Thought of the day: Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can

go.!!!

T. S. Elliot