Ugly Mudder 7.25 Mile Run - Reading, PA

I had a number of local race options this past weekend for running, but when John mentioned that he was running the Ugly Mudder in Reading, I knew I wanted to join him. Ron Horn of Pretzel City Sports organizes great races in and around the Reading, PA area. It it is a two plus hour drive so it has to be a great race for me to go that far in one day.

The Ugly Mudder runs on the same trails as the Dark & Dirty 6.66 mile run in the Spring which John and I ran last year. I like trail runs, but this course is treacherous in my opinion. There are lots of rocks, brush, tree stumps and roots. You really need to watch your footing and keep your head up.

John and I left Monmouth Junction at 7:30 and after one stop to get some coffee, arrived at the Liederkranz where the packet pick was taking place. We actually got there before they were open and were one of the first to get our t-shirt and numbers. It was a good thing because they had over 200 same day registrations which delayed the start by 20 minutes.

We were getting lucky with the weather as temps were in the 40's and the sun was out although we weren't going to see much of it in the woods. Before the start we chatted up the race with other runners and got ourselves ready to run.

No one seemed to know where the exact start would take place as Ron organizes many races in these parts and starts them in all different locations. When Ron did show up near the start, John and I found ourselves at the front of start line. We are fast but not to be confused with serious runners so we had to have a plan to get out of the way when the gun went off. These trail runners are crazy and take no prisoners when it comes to running the hills.

After a brief run on the roads we headed into the woods and quickly climbed to the point where I was breathing real hard. It is so hard to get into a rhythm when running uphill right out of the gate but I tried. I think it was mile 2 when I got my breathing under control and began talking to anyone who listen to me on the trails. I think I was even annoying people with my talking but I wasn't going to go all out as a way not to get hurt.

John and I were running together and I was taking many photos. It was such a great course and pretty day, I had to take pictures. We hit the famous Pagoda at mile 2.5 where I took some great shots. At the Dark and Dirty last year this was a beer stop but not here.

The first 2 plus miles seemed like it was all uphill including some hiking portions. Once we got to the Pagoda we were overlooking the city and started going downhill. Normally I would fly down the hills but with rocks, tree branches and tree stumps, I made sure I stay under control. There was no personal best today so i just wanted to enjoy the run and not get hurt.

We hit the beer stop at 4.5 miles and it tasted real good. At this point we were already running for 60 minutes. the last 2.75 miles were a combination of sharp downhills and hard climbs up rocks. In fact, there was one climb that just stopped everyone in their tracks but it was fun. The course got muddy towards the end of the race but only on your shoes. As we approached the final 1/2 mile we had a steep decline which quickly went back uphill. We had to cross a road then start climbing the last 1/4 mile uphill.

At this point all the finishers are lining the course sitting waiting for the rest of the finishers, cheering us on. They were urging us to try to pass people and push the last 200 yards. There was no running this portion so you just wanted to get up without getting hurt. Once we got to the top it flatten out and a sprint to the finish.

John was slightly ahead of me as he takes the downhills much faster than me. I was calling him Johnny Downhill. I could see him ahead of me but just wouldn't go all out on the downhills.

John finished in 1:26:48 and I finished in 1:27:19 which amount to 12 minute miles. Before the race, I told John I would like to go under 1 hour for the race. He laughed at me then and now I could see why. After getting a bagel and some chips we headed to the breakfast of pancakes and eggs which was included in the cost of the race. After quickly eating that we headed inside for a beer and to hang with other runners. We both tried the Warsteiner beer from Germany, which I thought was pretty good, but after running today, any beer would have tasted great.

Although we both wanted another beer, we knew with a two hour ride home it wasn't a good idea. We stopped again for coffee on the way home just to keep our eyes open.

Once I got home, I felt like making German food. I searched the internet and came up with potato pancakes and Tarragon Ragout - Estragon Geschnetzeltes in Rahm which was chicken in a cream wine sauce. I use a Riesling for the wine and I thought in tasted great.

Not sure what my next race will be, but I am scheduled to run the NYC half on March 20th. I would like to get one more race in before that day.

Run, Swim and Eat - A full day in Brooklyn

Today was all about two friends. Frank, a friend who I have been running with for 15 years and Bob Croce, a friend who I haven't seen since graduating Lafayette HS in 1977.

Anytime I have a chance to run a race in Brooklyn I like to do it. When I suggested the Cherry Tree 10 miler in January, Frank was eager to run it as well, so I put it on my schedule. This would be my 3rd Cherry Tree in 4 years. It is a well run race put on by the Prospect Park Track Club held exclusively in Prospect Park. It is 3 tough laps around the park which includes one long ass hill that seems to go on for 2 miles. Although the temps were in the 30's and the sun was shining, it was still windy and it seemed to be in our face for the whole race. Our plan was to take it easy and enjoy the run and the get together. We were running 8 minute miles so it wasn't too bad on the legs except the last hill was tough.

Both Frank and I were satisfied with our 1:20:15 finish time and it serves as a good tune up for me leading up to the NYC 1/2 marathon in March. After the run, Frank and I enjoyed really good Brooklyn bagels in the basement of Bishop Ford HS where the post race awards would be held. After a quick free massage I was off I went to event number 2 for the day.

Now Bob Croce and I use to pal around together back at Lafayette HS in Brooklyn in the mid 70's. We were good friends that once asked the same girl out for a date back in '76 (she chose him). After HS we went our separate ways, not to get in contact with each other until Facebook came into prominence. It is on FB that I saw he had a passion for taking a dip in the Atlantic in the months, November thru March aka the Coney Island Polar Bear club. He is a committed dipper and the club raises money for Camp Sunshine with the annual January 1st dip.

I didn't realize that they met every week at 1pm on Sundays regardless of the weather and conditions. Once we got talking online I decided to show up one Sunday to join him and catch up on old times. I did my first Polar Bear plunge on December 26th at Asbury Park in a blizzard, so I figured today's dip would not be so bad, boy was I wrong.

Maybe it was because I had too much time to think about the cold waters as I drove from the race to the beach. This group of Polar Bears are a hardy bunch and they look forward to their swim every week. Once the President of the club, Dennis Thomas, makes a short speech, he leads the charge, and off to the beach everyone goes.

We disrobe near the shoreline and in we go. These guys and gals don't just go in and come out, they frolic and play in 40 degree water. They all hold hands and circle to the left and right, waist deep in the Atlantic. There is another group of Polar Bears further out just hanging out catching up on last night's news. After about 60 seconds of holding hands I take my full body plunge which was numbing. I tried to stay a bit longer, but just couldn't do it. Meanwhile Bob and others spend 10 minutes in the ocean which I later found out was the norm every week. Ten minutes would have stopped my heart for sure. The cold water dip felt good for my tired legs and I am sure help the swelling, but it took me 15 minutes to get warm again.

Bob and I caught up on 30 plus years, chatting on the sun drenched boardwalk. It was great seeing him and I told him I will be back. While chatting he introduced me to a guy named Gary Atlas who was riding his bike on the boardwalk. Gary is a man after my own heart. He is 60 years old and has run the length of the Coney Island boardwalk and swam in the ocean for over 1200 straight days. The New York Times did a story on him in January and he is well known in the area. I just love these stories about folks who are dedicated.

The last event for the day was two Nathan Famous hot dogs for lunch. I have no desire to challenge Joey Chestnut for the hot dog eating contest, but I needed to enjoy a couple although I was heading to mom's for a Sunday Italian meal. I have to say the manicotti and veal Parmesan really hit the spot after a full day of activity.

I met some great people today who really show a passion for what they do. Life is not a spectator sport and these folks understand it fully.

Next up for me is the Ugly Mudder 7.25 run in Reading, PA which is another fun unique race.