Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon
Bend, Oregon
August 9th 2009
Awesome morning for a run in beautiful country. I was feeling good today given the summer of pounding I've subjected my body to in an effort to take my bowhunting to the next level. As of late, some runs and races are better than others depending on weekly mileage totals. Running through the timber of Oregon's high desert, today's marathon was challenging even though it was only the standard 26.2 mile distance. I say "only" not to minimize the challenge of a marathon (I have hurt in many a marathon), however, it is a far cry from the 100 and 50 mile races I have done this summer (5 marathons or ultras total so far). The race started at about 3,500 feet elevation and topped out at just over 6,000 feet, which of course added to the fun/difficultly. That 2,500 feet of climb all came during the first 14 miles of the race. Granted many western trail races have more climb, but today's was pretty hard for me as the sustained pace was quicker than in my typical, longer, slower ultra. Most of the race was on either on a rocky two track or winding single track. Lost of dirt!
I had a goal in my head to run hard, finish in the top 10 and even though the Haulin' Aspen run is a trail marathon with all that elevation gain run in rugged country, I wanted to beat the Boston Marathon qualifying standard for road marathons. For runners my age, the BQ time is 3 hours and 20 minutes. I didn't quite get that last goal, but I am still satisfied with the performance. I finished 5th overall in 3 hours and 22 minutes (7 minute 43 second miles), in a sold out race (the runner limit was maxed at 500 total for the full and half marathon). Also, there was some good competition as this race is part of the Trail Runner Trophy Series, which is certain to bring out some fast guys. And, as a bonus, before heading home we swung by Fleet Feet in Bend, where Sean Messiner, fresh off his Canadian Death Race win, is the manager. In addition to being an ultra running stud. I also rely on Sean for training guidance...he is one of the nicest most helpful people I have ever met. Swing by his shop next time you are in Bend.
Of course, no race, or training for a race is ever going to interfere with my shooting regiment....I shot 100 arrows before we left for Bend yesterday and shot 100 after getting home today. Does it get any better than practice in the backyard during the summer. I'll answer that...no sir, it does not. Man, I love bowhunting. Today's shooting gives me an even 1,000 arrows total for the week and I can say, without a doubt, I have never shot better. The AlphaMax is killin' it!!!!
Keep training hard fellas, we are on the home stretch now. Cam
42 comments
The Absent Game
Between me and my husband we have owned more MP3 gamers through the years than I can count, which includes Sansas, iRivers, iPods (traditional & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few a long time I’ve settled down to one line of gamers.
Cam:
Lost your new e-mail address……e-mail me….I have some photos to send you.
Roy E. Grace
Hello cam! I believe you work with my uncle Bruce and your book is more than inspirational. I grew up in Elmira OR and have been in the Air Force 5 years before becoming an Alaskan resident this month. I planned a 10 day Dall sheep hunt since last November and I just got back. I killed my first Dall sheep on day 8 of the hardest hunt I have been on bar none. He is full curl, double broomed, and heavy @ 9.5 years old. Your stories and inspiration for back country mental and physical toughness really helped me dig in, combined with the fact I would do anything for a ram and I achieved my dream of harvesting a mature dall sheep. I almost payed the ultimate price when we got stuck on the mountain. In the End I wouldn’t trade my sheep for anything! I plan on hunting caribou, moose, brown bear, and I know I will read your book again before I go on these hunts. I saw your buddy Roy Roth’s latest brown bear with a bow @ the sportsman’s warehouse in Wasilla and recognized him. I drew the Eklutna management bow only tag for brown bear which opened for the first time this year in an area never hunted before, there are not many tags given out and I feel I won the lottery. I just wanted to thank you again for passing on your experience and wish you the best of luck.
Doogiehauz@yahoo.ca
Cam,
I have the silliest question but I am gearing up for the backwoods and taking your PB&B sandwich idea with me. BUT Im worried about food poisoning!! How long do those sandwiches last and is there any secret? do you keep the bacon seperate until you want to eat them……bacon cooked “really” good???? etc. Thanks for all your ideas and inspiration!! Good luck this season
Man, I love how you always get your bow shots in – every single day. That dedication is what makes you so successful, Cam.
Great job at HA. And thanks for stopping by with the fam to say hi. See you Friday at Waldo!