I ran the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon while wearing a POV (point-of-view) camera to film the race and somehow managed to run the race in under 4 hours, with a negative split of 10 minutes. This was my first “major marathon,” so I had never run with so many people before. It was like the entire San Diego endurance sports community was either out running the race or cheering from somewhere along the way. It was powerful stuff, and I had a blast out there. Here's a shot of my buddies in their post-race pose-down (three no-longer-marathon virgins in this picture):

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(Giselle, Noelle, Austin and Jake)

The 230+ miles I logged in Maywhich included a couple road marathons and tons of hilly run-commutes with a backpack onfatigued my legs and compromised my biomechanics. I’m now nursing an overuse injury in my hip area that was inflamed all of last week. After soliciting some advice, I got ART and massage work done and was also prescribed cross-training. I’m going at full tilt with two sessions per day and a rotation of yoga classes (heated to 90 degrees), pool swimming (kick board work too), 1-hour elliptical sessions (with sweatsuit for heat training), lower-body resistance training, myrtl routine , cycling, ActiveX, and LSD runs (long slow distance). I'm happy to report that inflammation and tightness are already gone, so I'll be attempting to get some quality miles in the weekend on the PCT out of Warner Springs.

Last Saturday, I went on a mellow 30-mile ride along the 101 with my buddy Nick and then drove out east to Cuyamaca State Park with my friend Kam to volunteer at the SD100. We hung glowsticks along the trail between miles 58 to 70. We ran the whole way, but stopped often (80 times!) to hang the glowsticks. This completed my trail work required to participate at the VT100. It was pretty cool to be at the event as a volunteer and see how much work goes in to putting on an ultra marathon. I respect all that volunteers, crews, pacers and event directors do for us athletes. It was also a treat to run along the beautiful PCT and encourage the passing runners and their pacers (some solo). They all thanked us for hanging the glow sticks. It was a really cool experience. 

Visit my photo site to see the album. Here is my favorite shot from the day:

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I’m going to attempt to run long this weekend, but I have no idea how peak training is going to play out because of my hip. I’ll be sure to post a report next week once I’m back from the ActiveX Charity Challenge Endurance Camp . Also, check in next week for more on my "peak training" (And yes, pun intended—you’ll see).

I’ve been using my data from last year’s SD100 as the guide for my Vermont 100 training and so far I’m hitting similar distances at a quicker pace. This is a good sign that I’m on the right track, but I’m getting into the heavy build phase now so its time to study the race logistics and get seriously dialed!

My ultra running buddy Eric Lee , who I paced at the end of the 2008 Angeles Crest 100, recently connected me with his friend Pete, who ran the 2008 Vermont 100. Pete and I exchanged a couple emails and his advice was beyond helpful so I asked his permission to re-post his advice here in my blog to share with you all. Thanks Pete!

This advice is priceless and has already helped me visualize what I need to really focus on in training to be ready for on race day. It sounds like the VT100 is a tricky course and might actually be more difficult than the SD100. The description says 18,000 feet of total gain and 18,000 feet of loss where as SD100 had 12,300 of gain. I’ll also be running in humidity for the first time, so simulating race conditions in training with more hills and heat training is crucial. Check out the VT100 elevation profile compared to the SD100:

I increased my mileage by 60% last week by re-introducing two days of run-commuting per week into my training schedule. This is the perfect way for me to get those extra “hilly” miles in during this build phase before peak training in mid-June. 

Here are some photos from a hot, hilly training session last weekend at Daley Ranch in Escondido.

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Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

The last few weeks have been low-mileage rest weeks with a focus on putting the finishing touches on my training plan for the Vermont 100 Endurance Run and gearing up to start training next week!

The lessons I learned at the San Diego 100 Mile Endurance Run continue to help dial in my strategy for the VT100. The first item of business is fine-tuning my method of fueling, not the actual content of my fuel.

While I was running with a handheld bottle of Hammer Nutrition Sustained Energy mix and a Fuel Belt with Nuun electrolyte replacement tablets, my race crew was laboring over filling bottles and mixing powders all day and night.

By using a hydration backpack with a custom-made fuel by Infinit Nutrition, I remove the handheld bottle and the Fuel Belt from the equation. My special blend, “

Beast Mix

With an extra water reservoir, I can be drinking out of the one in my pack while the crew fills, mixes and chills the other. So when I come through an aid station, all the crew has to do is pull out the empty reservoir and replace it with the full one. This is going to save valuable time and energy for the team!

Here are a couple shots from my last two adventures:

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Camping and trekking in Joshua Tree National Park

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Relaxing in Scottsdale, AZ

Overview: Reaching my 2008 goal of completing both a 100-mile ultra marathon and an iron-distance triathlon has left me searching for an answer to the question everyone (including myself) keeps asking: “What’s next?”

2008 Review: Before sharing my intentions for 2009, let’s take a look back at the 2008 season. The year started with the Avalon 50 Mile Benefit Run in January where I learned important lessons about footwear and hyponatremia. During my recovery it was announced that the SD100 was bumped up from October to June, so I designed a periodized training plan to peak in both the spring and fall with a rest in the summer.

Just as I kicked off training in February, I was hit by car while riding my bike. As I recovered from the accident, I became more focused on my goal and after getting cleared to resume activity, I raced the Ironman 70.3 California in March. Then I went on to log serious mileage to prepare for the San Diego 100 Mile Endurance Run in June. Successfully completing the SD100 remains my proudest moment as an endurance athlete.

After a short break in the summer, I started in with triathlon training and used the Accenture Chicago Triathlon in August as a tune-up race, put in serious work on the bike and then finished off the season with the Silverman 140.6 in November.

2009 Preview: My intention is to continue to explore my potential and redefine my limits in 2009 as an individual and endurance athlete. I am registering for the 2009 Southern California Ultra Runners Grand Prix Series which features races of 50K, 50M, 100K and 100M in various state park and national forest systems in Southern California. There are typically 20 races throughout the year and the Gran Prix points are awarded for one’s top 6 performances. In addition to racing 6 of these events, there are a few other events that have caught my eye but you’ll have to stay tuned to learn more about these

Recap: It’s hard to believe I have been keeping the Active Toby's Adventure Blog for well over a year now. Looking back on previous entries is a helpful reminder of what progress looks like. I have learned so many valuable lessons from these experiences, met incredible people, visited amazing places and took in absolutely beautiful scenery. I cannot thank you enough for believing in me and joining me as I pursue my dreams.

Yours in adventure,

Toby Guillette

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Read my 2007 Review - 2008 Preview

At 6am on Saturday, 81 runners began the 100-mile journey through a trail network consisting of a 20-mile loop that returned to the start/finish area, followed by a 30-mile loop back to the start/finish. These loops were repeated for the second 50 miles of the race. Each 50-mile segment had an elevation gain/loss of 6,000 feet for a total of 12,000 feet gain/loss and runners had a maximum of 31 hours to complete the race.

Our plan was to begin relaxed and super conservative towards the back of the pack. I took my time getting into a groove and chatted it up with a fellow TCSD member named Jeff who was also attempting his first 100. I was determined to run my own race so I stuck to what was comfortable for me and eventually was off on my own cruising and feeling solid.

The temperature climbed into 80’s quickly and my crew team kept me on liquid calories, fresh fruit and gels for the entire day. We had six insulated coolers packed with ice to keep the assortment of fuels cooled off. We went through over 100 pounds of ice during the race. This was paramount for regulating my core temperature which is something many runners struggled with because of the intense heat.

I buzzed through the first 20-loop in a little over four hours and began the next loop of 30 miles in the heat of the day. My crew continued to execute our aid station routine with NASCAR-like efficiency: sock change, shoe change, clothing change, wipe sunglasses, apply sunscreen, fill bottles, food, GO! But it was more than that; it was the level of excitement and enthusiasm I could feel from each member of the team.

My brother was so into it and so were Marie and her dad. The three of them held it down all day and were joined by Rebekah and Mindy at 3pm when I was just finishing 43 miles. The staggered arrival of additional crew support was planned--the girls arrived with more ice to replenish the supply and they also brought with them fresh energy and excitement.

This is funny, watch how much food I stuff in my mouth:

My 50-mile split was right on track at 11 hours, 45 minutes. Arch had arrived wearing his ActiveX shirt and had a chance to meet my support crew. Marie’s father was first to run with me as my pacer from the half-way point to the next aid station. It was a steep climb and we walked most of the way. My legs were still going strong but my core temperature was raised and this was the worst I felt all day. I remained positive and enjoyed the opportunity to run with Marie’s dad. We were greeted by our crew along with Arch, Airey, Jesse and Emmy who drove all the way out to support. It was a grand arrival and they made me feel like a rock star. I was still not myself internally as my insides felt like they were boiling but I knew the sun was about to set and things were going to cool off. (Check out Jesse's impressive mustache--only took a week to grow!)

Rebekah joined me for this stretch along the PCT which was the most beautiful portion of the race. With the Anza-Borrego desert vista to the east and the sun setting over the mountains to the west, I was beginning to cool off and could feel my core temperature leveling out. Soon we ran out of daylight and switch on our headlamps and hand-held flashlights. From somewhere deep within, I felt my energy surge and soon Rebekah and I were kicking fast. We passed a whole bunch of runners during this stage and surprised our support crew at the next aid station by our prompt arrival.

This is when the tempo changed for me--62 miles and 15 hours into the run and I felt better than I did when I started that morning. I also ran this section faster the second time through. This is when I realized that I had prepared for this race correctly. I still didn’t want to push too hard but I could see the relief and the excitement in the eyes of my support crew. They were supporting a runner who was still very much in the race and gaining strength

Mindy and I cruised through this section because there was a long climb out of the next aid station and I wanted to run while we had the chance. We passed more runners and entered the camp at mile 70 and were greeted by the support crew. I stretched out for the first time that day on a mat that we brought along. My housemate and his girlfriend had arrived and joined the support crew. It was fun to see everyone and see how pumped up my big brother was to finally get the chance to run with me. We didn’t get to run much on this section as it climbed significantly to the next aid station but it was still a pleasure to run in my first official race with Steve under such unique circumstances.

The rest my legs got from walking so much during this climb was perfect for the next flat section that Marie and I ran. We passed a couple runners during this short but fast section and arrived back for hot soup before the final big push of the race. It was also brought to my attention that I was now in 15th place!

My brother and I took on the arduous climb up Middle Peak and then the taxing descent down the other side. This portion isn’t accessible to support crews but there is an aid station out there. We were in and out of the station within 1 minute and on our way to the next point. We ran this section 10 minutes faster than I did earlier that day and jumped in rank to 13th place!

By the time we arrived at the last aid station, mile 92.4, I had the sub-24 hour fire in my eyes. Marie and I took off for the final section and within minutes, I began to realize I was less concerned with a sub-24 hour finish and more interested in reflecting on the experience with Marie. We walked, talked, held hands, ran the downhill sections and some of the flats. When the glow of daylight from the east was enough to switch off our headlamps and flashlights, we were running the final descent into the finish area. We were welcomed by the race director and our entire support crew.

I crossed the finish line at 6:32am on Sunday and shook hands with Scott Mills, the race director, as he presented me with a bronze belt buckle for completing the race in 24 hours, 32 minutes. The months of disciplined training and a well-organized race plan enabled me to enjoy every minute and every mile of my 100-mile ultra marathon debut.

Results:

24 hours, 32 minutes

2nd AG (20-29) Youngest finisher

13th overall (53% finish rate)

My support was simply amazing: my brother, Marie, her dad, Rebekah, Mindy, Tim, Elizabeth. Plus my other friends who stopped by to show their support: Quinn, Mike, Arch, Airey, Steve, Jesse and Emmy. And at an even deeper level, it was all of you sending us good vibes all weekend. Check out how my friends in the Marine Corp Marathon online community tracked my progress throughout the entire race. Thank you all for joining me in this memorable and exciting journey and I assure you that this is only the beginning. Stay tuned for the next adventure...

PS. Congrats to Jill and Jeff for running a great race, finishing strong and making TCSD proud!

San Diego 100 Mile Endurance Run

When: Saturday, June 7- Sunday, June 8.

Where: Start/finish area will be at the Camp Cuyamaca Cedar Groove, Cuyamaca State Park in Descanso, CA 91916. Google Maps

Directions: Approximately 50 miles and 60 minutes travel time. Travel east on I-8 for ~35 miles and take exit 40 for Hwy 79 (Descanso direction). Turn left at Hwy 79 (Japatul Valley Rd toward Julian). Go 2.75 miles (past the small town of Descanso) and go left on Hwy 79 toward Cuyamaca State Park. Follow this winding road for 7 miles to the Park Museum road. Turn right and go down the hill past the gate. Park below the dirt road at the bottom of the hill and park perpendicular to the dirt road.

Parking/Rules: Please follow the instructions of the aid station personnel related to parking, you may have to park a short distance and walk on occasion. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL PARK RULES--FAILURE TO DO SO MAY LEAD TO THE DISQUALIFICATION OF YOUR RUNNER.

Links:

Weather

Course Map

Course Overview

Race Website

PACE CHART

The course consists of two 50 miles loops that allow you to meet your runner seven times during each loop, for a total of fourteen times during the 100 miles.

My peak training session for the SD100 began Friday with a 16-mile run-commute and then I purposely stayed up all night to simulate race-day conditions and started a 39-mile trail run at 3AM Saturday.

It was pretty spooky running solo because I was in a nature preserve and there were creepy sounds in the woods and brush. At one point, I saw 2 sets of really large eyes staring at me from the underbrush--I was running on the flight or fight response the whole time!

I made it alone from 3-6AM and the cool part was at 5:15AM when it was light enough to turn off my headlamp and flashlight. It felt really good to have the sun back and I’m glad I will have a pacer with me for the entire night portion of the SD100.

At 6AM, I met Carrie Smith and her friend Paul and we ran another 13-mile loop, 15 minutes faster than my first loop. I was really happy to see them and have their support.

At 9AM, Carrie and Paul left and Airey arrived. So did the heat. The last loop took longest; my feet were sore but not much else. We finished at lunchtime Saturday. I got to sleep by 2PM and slept until 7PM, woke up, went to an amazing sushi dinner, stayed up until midnight with good company, good beers and finally got to use the fire pit in the backyard.

I got up Sunday at 8AM with no soreness and met Jesse and his girlfriend at Mission Trails Regional Park. We ran a 7-mile loop together and then they left and I ran the same loop 2 more times. I was great having these guys come out to support.

Total weekend mileage, 60.

I’ve run for more than 80 hours in the last 6 weeks.

The hard part is over and my taper has begun!!!

It was great to meet/run with new folks during the SD100 group training run on Saturday. There were 9 of us to start out, 7 of us went 20 miles and 4 of us went 28 miles. Run time was 5:34 a swift 12-minute mile pace, 20-mile split was 3:58 and 25-mile split 5:06. (Thanks for the data Jill)

I added 9 more miles after the group left for a total of 37 miles on the day. My final out and back effort was slow but steady as the trail climbed from 4000’ to 5000’ in 90 plus degree temperatures. I’m glad I pushed myself for the extra distance.

Running in new shoes was a relief and so was taking yesterday off to rest

4/25: 14M Run-commute

4/26: 28+9= 37M Cuyamaca State Park

4/27 0M

Next weekend:

5/2: 14M Run-commute

5/3: 30M Cuyamaca State Park (Second Loop)

5/4: 9M Mission Trails Regional Park

April training log

6 weeks to go!!!