50 for 50 Final Wrap Up

It's nice to once again be concentrating on something more manageable than training for a 50 Mile Run--a new guidebook! I spent most of the first part of this year focused and training on participating in the White River 50 Mile Endurance Run and raising money for the Washington Trails Association in the process. It was a successful event for me culminating in my landing on the cover of Northwest Runner Magazine--a publication that I have written for over 12 years but was never able to secure getting on the cover (I shot a couple of cover shots though). Anyhow-I am now back in a more comfortable role of hiking my butt off instead of running it off- busy researching the next installment in the Day Hiking series-Eastern Washington. Here is the final column I wrote for my 50 for 50 series in Northwest Runner. It was a great journey and great way to  celebrate my new age. One thing is for sure, when I turn 60, I'll be doing any such run using the metric system!
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Fifty for Fifty

A Northwest Runner’s golden challenge
By Craig Romano

I DID IT! I successfully completed the White River 50 Mile Trail Run. It was my first 50 miler and my way of welcoming turning 50 years old this year. Before April of this year, I had never run beyond the marathon. I decided in February that I would run a 50 miler—and not just any 50 miler—but the tough and incredibly inspiring White River 50. I decided too that I would do it as a fundraiser for the Washington Trails Association to give back to the trails that I love and keep me employed as a guidebook author. I launched my 50 for 50 campaign (which ultimately raised over $4,000) making public announcements to both the running and hiking communities. After letting thousands of people know of my ambition. I was committed!

            After the initial excitement of starting such a grand journey, I would experience a full range of emotions throughout the next six months. Excitement. Nervousness. Anticipation. Dread. Intrigue. Anxiety. Self-doubt. Confidence. Determination. And Jubilation!

But in spite of a couple of physical setbacks along the way; just before the race, I knew that I had trained well. I was ready. Four weeks before race day I did my last long run—33 miles on the East Bank Ross Lake Trail in the North Cascades. My running partners were experienced ultra-runners; Alvin Crain, Joe Tompkins, and Shawna Tompkins (the woman’s winner in this year’s White River). I picked their brains as we put the miles in. They gave me great advice on hydrating, eating, staying focused, and most importantly for this race—how to properly run downhill.

            Over the past five months as part of my training plan, I had run one trail marathon and three 50K races. I had run several times up Blanchard, Chuckanut, Hamilton, and Anderson Mountains. I cross-country skied, did numerous bike rides and a fair amount of hiking as cross training. Twelve days before the race I did my last hard run; 16 miles up and over Fourth of July Pass in the North Cascades twice. The fact that I could run the 3,500 feet of sustained elevation gain gave me confidence that I could tackle White River’s infamous climbs. And I got an added adrenaline rush when I ran into a young bull moose along the way!

             I tapered to easy maintenance runs during the final week, resting completely the two days prior to the race. I spent most of that time mentally focusing—imagining myself on the run—and most importantly repetitiously seeing myself coming over the finish line.

            I arrived early at race headquarters at the Crystal Mountain Ski Area the day before the race. There I picked up my number and got reacquainted with race director Scott McCoubrey, his wife Leslie, and a handful of the wonderful volunteers. Scott had graciously invited me to spend the night at his ski club’s lodge allowing me close proximity to the race start.

            Staying at Scott’s lodge was convenient but also gave me anxiety. For also staying at the lodge were some of the Northwest’s ultra-running stars, including William Emerson, Greg Crowther (who along with Paul Morrison had given me great advice leading up to the race), and two-time (soon to be three time) White River winner Uli Steidl. Of course they were all gracious. I was just so nervous going into this race that watching these guys prepare, got my mind playing all kinds of tricks on me. I’m under prepared. I’m not in shape. I shouldn’t be out there. I had to call to my wife Heather to help rid these pre-race demons. She assured me what I already knew. Run your own race.

            I got very little sleep that night. I had anticipated that. Up at 3:30 am for a breakfast of oatmeal, banana, yogurt, a blueberry bagel with almond butter, and four cups of coffee— I was out the door at 4:40. I chose the 5:30 early start giving myself an extra hour to make the finish cutoff at 7:30 pm.

            The morning was fairly warm and as I met up with old friends and new acquaintances, volunteers and supporters; I relaxed. I was ready to run! Starting out with ultra-veteran Mike Mahaney who I completed my first Ultra, Mount Si with, we set into a good pace. Betsy Rogers joined along—and Betsy and I would see each other throughout the race.

            Under a cool canopy of old-growth we cruised to the first aid station at 3.9 miles. Seven miles of climbing would start soon afterward. Most of the climb involved well graded switchbacks, but there was one section through a steep ravine utilizing a staircase. We walked that part, but ran most of the rest of the climb. We paused briefly along the edge of the Palisades, an impressive series of cliffs hovering above the valley we started from. Mount Rainier revealed herself—so did Sun Top across the way. We’d get to that peak later in the day.

            Beyond the second aid station we hit snow. It slowed us a little but wasn’t too problematic. Race volunteers had spent days earlier shoveling out steps and leveling sloping sections. Beyond the half mile or so of snow it was smooth sailing along a mostly open ridge hovering around 5,500 feet in elevation. Views were grand—but I mostly concentrated on the tread at my feet.  By this time the faster participants were breezing by us. Winner Uli Steidl passed us way before the second aid station around 10 miles into the course. Female winner Shawna Tompkins passed us in the snow.

            A little before the third aid station at Mile 16.9 we passed race photographer Glen Tachiyama. I made sure to smile as he captured me coming down the dusty trail with Mount Rainier shining in the background. He would capture us all and then do it all over again on Sun Top at Mile 37. We made it to the third aid station at 4.5 hours and were happy with the pace. We refueled while a volunteer refilled my camelback.

            It was then back across the ridge retracing several miles and exchanging smiles with runners still heading to Corral Pass. At Mile 22.1 it was on to the Ranger Creek Trail and a five mile descent. By this point I was running alone—Mike had gone ahead. But as I made my way down the long, but nicely graded trail, passing runners offered encouragement.

            At mile 25 I was stung by a yellow jacket, which luckily I didn’t react to. I passed my wife at SR 410 where she volunteered making sure we crossed the busy roadway safely. Reaching the aid station at Mile 27.2 was a welcome. But here over halfway was the hardest point on the run for me. I was having a hard time taking food in. The heat made me nauseous. I was 6.5 hours into the race. I had plenty of time to complete the course, but I was worried because I wasn’t feeling well.

            With a handful of animal crackers I walked—first languidly—then with more determination on my way up Sun Top. It was quite warm by this point but I kept taking in plenty of water, electrolyte tablets and gels. The aid station at Fawn Ridge at Mile 31.7 was a lift with its cheerful volunteers.

            The climb went on—but the grade eased and shade and cool creeks along the way kept me from overheating. As I approached the summit of Sun Top, something magical happened—I recharged. Here at Mile 37, a wildflower and American flag lined path through open country lured me to the aid station at the 5,271- foot summit. Mount Rainier glistened in the background. It was surrealistic! Friends Bob and Amy Wismer, who were staffing the aid station, helped me refuel for the final stretch. I took some S-caps which a fellow runner suggested to thwart muscle cramping in my calves. They worked. It was now 3:30pm. I had 4 hours to finish the race. My confidence increased.

            I ran the next six downhill miles at a good clip. It was on a hard surfaced gravel road. Uncomfortable—but I had my eyes on the prize. Race director Scott McCoubrey passed by in his truck giving a thumbs up. I reached the last aid station at 4:50 pm. Here at Mile 43.4 I figured I could crawl to the finish if I had too. I almost vomited trying to take in food. But I had been smart throughout the race and was well fueled—I continued running. By this time I was starting to chafe a little, but I had very little trouble in that department after experimenting with clothing and body lubes during my training.

            I was warned about the last 6 miles being deceptively easy—you actually climb 500 feet on a way lined with roots and rocks.  But I found the trail’s tread was generally good and the surrounding old-growth forest and paralleling roaring White River kept me in awe.

            I came over the finish line in a time of 12 hours 58 minutes and 55 seconds. I nearly broke down—not because I was hurting—but because I was overjoyed that I made it! My wife greeted me at the finish—so did friends new and old; Mike, Joe, Shawna, Julie, Janna, Uli and Trisha—all who had encouraged me over the months and over the race course. It was one of my proudest moments. I was glowing!

50 for 50 Coming to a Finale

Since the beginning of the year in celebration of turning 50 I have been training hard to compete and complete my first 50 mile trail run . I chose the White River 50, which with its 8,700 vertical feet of climbing, is not exactly the easiest 50 miler I could have chosen. But it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, prestigious, and well-organized. There will be a record turnout this year too-nearly 300 folks have signed up. The more the merrier for helping me stay excited and focused to run 50 miles in a day. The weather is looking good and may even be warm on parts of the trail-particularly the appropriately named Sun Top. I'll be wearing a camelback and packing lots of bars, gels, goos and electrolyte tablets. There is a 1.5 mile of trail still covered in snow and that may prove problematic. I have 14 hours to complete this course and I need all the time I can get! I hope the snow only proves to be a minor nuisance.

I am in my taper mode now-doing easy workouts and trying to stay focused. I've learned on my training runs that a couple of things help get my heart going on a long run-scantily clad good-looking women (has experienced at the Rainier for Ruston  50K) and a charging moose (as experienced in the North Cascades on a training run). I am anticipating neither at White River so I'll need other motivators and adrenaline rushers!
I am looking forward to crossing the finish line-and putting to end a six month focus, adding it to my  life experiences and challenges. I am looking forward too to turning over a sizable amount of cash to the Washington Trails Association as part of my fund raising efforts in this run. Will you please help me do this by donating if you haven't yet. Thanks! And thanks too to all of you who have encouraged me along this very long journey. White River 50-here I come! And after this, marathons will look like easy runs!

(photo-Fourth of July Pass-Ross Lake National Recreation Area)

How about a Set of Guidebooks for Five Dollars?

My 50 for 50 fundraising campaign is literally off and running! In celebration of my 50th birthday this year, I am challenging myself to compete in and complete the White River 50 Mile Trail Run on July 30th. That's a big challenge and I continue to train setting my sights on my next 50K race in two weeks- the hilly and rough and tumble Lost lake 50K. I have also challenged myself in trying to raise $10,000 for the Washington Trails Association. To date, I thorough your donations have raised over $800. I am hoping that more of you can donate to this great cause with all that money going back into our trails and public places. Any donation is good. And if you donate at least $5 this month (time is running out) you will be entered into a drawing to win a set of my day hiking books. That's right-for just a $5 donation, you may end up winning $76 in books. So, click on this link and make a donation-please! Any amount of $40 or more will also land you a one year membership in the Washington Trails Association. You'll receive a year's subscription to Washington Trails Magazine and become part of a 10,000-plus member strong community of hikers and trail users. Can I count on a donation from you? I'm running my culo off in the process!

A Si of Relief (and Joy)!

Okay-first of all I want to apologize for the long lapse of time between entries. I have been busy beyond belief! With the launch of my new book, Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge, assignments for VisitRainier.com, Seattle Met, Adventures NW, Northwest Runner, and a few others-I can't keep up! And of course there is the launch of my 50 for 50 fundraising campaign for the Washington Trails Association in which I am training to run and complete the White River 50 mile trail run in celebration of my 50th birthday and to raise $10,000 for trails here in Washington.

With our country buried deep in debt and Congress slashing the budget; trails and parks are feeling the pain. Now, more than ever, we the people need to take responsibility for funding and caring for our parks. The Washington Trails Association provides thousands of hours of trail maintenance on our public lands-and they represent us trail users going to bat for us in Olympia and Washington DC. So far, I (thanks to many of you) have raised almost $700 for WTA. Yahoo! I am excited for this response and I thank you.

Last week was also a milestone for me in that I ran and successfully completed my first 50K (31.1 miles) trail run. Taking just over 6 hours to complete, I participated in the Eastside Runner's Mount Si Ultra Runs. Directed by avid hiker and runner John Dickson, it was a great event, even though the weather wasn't optimal. But for the most part I was able to stay dry, and with the help of a drop bag was able to change into a dry shirt 10 miles into the run. I ran the entire race with Mike Mahanay who provided me with lots of support. He's a veteran at this Ultra stuff. I've only just begun-and I still have lots of training to do to reach 50 miles. Egad!! In the meanwhile I hope to see you on the trail and see your name on the donor list for 50 for 50! (photo-All smiles at the first kilometer. Photo by John Dickson)

A Golden Opportunity for a major Milestone

In this month's Northwest Runner magazine I made a big announcement through a new column, Fifty for Fifty, that I am writing for the next six months. My declaration? I'm getting old! My challenge? I will attempt to run my first 50 mile race to usher in my 50th year of living! The day and place of reckoning? The White River 50 Mile Trail Run--one of the more challenging, exhilarating, and exceptional trail running events in the country. I will be turning this journey-the training-preparing and running of this event into a fundraiser for the Washington Trails Association, too. And what better way to blend my love of hiking, running, trails, and the great outdoors than as a way to give back to an organization that helps make my lifestyle happen? I'll be announcing soon on how you can become part of the fundraising-and there will be ways for you to earn a prize along the way by joining in. For those of you who don't read Northwest Runner-here's an abbreviated version of my first column which announced my decision to do this event. I look forward to training with and seeing many of you on the trails and at the races in the next six months-and I hope that you will be part of the fundraising to help keep Washington's Trails in excellent shape and open to hikers and trail runners of all ages and backgrounds!

Northwest Runner magazine excerpt-

I suppose it was inevitable that the day would finally come when I would have to accept that—gasp—I’m middle age! While 40 may be the new 30, and 50 the new 40; new 40 or old 40, I’m finally there—middle age! Of course, we runners do our best to try to beat aging, but who are we kidding? Time keeps ticking away for us, too. But, at least we try to beat time in the process. And this time, since I have stopped beating my running times long ago, I decided I am going to beat being over the hill, by running over the hill. Lots of hills actually and 50 miles in the process! Yep, I’ve decided to mark my turning 50 milestone by running 50 miles.
Now if you’re a seasoned ultra runner, you’re probably yawning at this announcement. But if you’re a runner contemplating going beyond the marathon, and if you’re a runner staring at your own mortality, then you might be interested in this new column. For the next six months I invite you to come along with me as I prepare to run my first (and probably only) 50 mile run. My target race is the famous White River 50 Mile Trail Run on July 30th. I actually turn 50 in May so I have two months to acclimate to my new age!

Those of you who are perfectly content running 5 and 10Ks—heck half and full marathons even, might be wondering, why am I doing this? Good question. I’m wondering about it too! But, seriously—I have always been aerobically active and always enjoyed a good challenge. When I was 18 years old I rode my bicycle around America on a 41 state, 9 month, 13,000 mile bicycle trip. The following summer I rode 8,500 miles on another cross-country bike trip. This time to Alaska via Arkansas (and the other states I missed the first time) and started back home (I was living in New Hampshire at the time) across Canada until I had to finish early in Manitoba due to sickness. The next year I biked east to Newfoundland polishing off my last Canadian province.
I eventually tired of cycling (but I still do it for fun, now!) and took up hiking and running. I’ve logged over 20,000 lifetime miles on the trail from Quebec to Argentina. And I make my living now primarily by writing about hiking. I’ve been running religiously since the late 80s. I ran my first marathon at age 29 and qualified for Boston at my second marathon. My third was Boston. Then due to injuries I fell out of marathoning.

I’ve returned since to the marathon, but I don’t train like I used to. After all I’m older, slower and fatter now than I was back then! I ran my 10th marathon in October of 2009. I didn’t run any last year as I was too busy hiking and researching a backpacking book. I did however log over 1,200 miles on the trail last year, and fit in 800 miles running. I figure 2,000 miles running and hiking should give me a solid base to run a 50 mile road race.

Mentally, I’m ready for this. I’ve wanted to do this race for some time, but my hiking obligations were always in the way. Now, my next manuscript isn’t due for some time and you only turn 50 once (thank God). This is the time to make this happen!
So, that’s it. I’m about to begin a long journey to successfully compete in and complete a 50 Mile Ultra Run. I’ve had 50 years to think about this! Bring it on!

(photo-still standing-barely-after doing a "training" trail marathon on President's Day Weekend)

Lions and Bears and Owls-

Oh My!

Well, it finally happened to me. It was only a matter of time before I would be attacked by a wild animal. After all I spend an inordinate amount of time in the woods-and it was bound to happen eventually. A bear? Nope! A mountain lion? uh-uh! A randy moose? Nah! How about an owl! Yep! I was off on a trail run in Alice Lake Provincial Park just north of Squamish, British Columbia, when a large barred owl flew onto a nearby limb. Gorgeous creature indeed. I tried to photograph him with my small point-and-shoot that I was running with. Watched him for awhile-tried to focus on him- (her actually) when she swooped down at me! Yikes! I have heard of this happening-now it is involving me! I started running down the forested trail and she came down at me a couple of more times. I start running faster- and that blasted owl kept flying down the trail at me. I picked up a stick and started singing in as a I ran- this would have made good video coverage- a crazy Italian lancing at the air with an alder limb! After about a third of a mile or so, the owl let me go! It was exhilarating and a bit unnerving. Of course there are bears and cougars in this park and I was out on an evening run all alone-but it was the owl that got me! Trust me- her chicks have nothing to worry about-I will not be returning anytime soon to look for them. Be careful out there-its a jungle outside!