Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Viaduct Trail 100 Miler Info

I'm officially 1/2 way through my self-imposed month-long break from running. I know it's doing wonders for my injured leg, but it's also driving me a little crazy. All of the usual "caged runner" side effects are now present:

Waaaaay too much energy all day long? Check.
Recurring dreams about running happy and free? Check.
Waking up from those dreams, realizing they're not true, and spending the next few minutes punching my pillow? Check.
All sorts of extra time to do things like sleep and relax and not apply bags of ice to my various limbs three times a day? Check (ok, maybe this one isn't that bad).

Anyway, in an effort to fill some of this new-found time, I've done a little advanced research on my next run: The Viaduct Trail 100. Sure, it's still 2 months away, but I need to distract myself with SOMETHING productive, and since I can't run, I might as well start the "mental" preparation. As it turns out, this is a pretty cool race:

First off, one of the best things about the Viaduct Trail 100 is it's a "Fat Ass" race. For those of you who don't know what that means, it's essentially a race that has no entry fee or fancy aid stations. You are responsible for carrying your own fuel and supplies. On this particular course, the race directors are going the extra mile and putting out water at each end, and in the middle, of the 25 mile out-n-back. They're also bringing runners' drop bags to the far side of the out-n-back if needed. Since I'm a Fat Ass runner by choice (always carry tons of fuel w/ me so I don't have to stop very much), this type of race is right up my alley. Another reason I'm running this race is the terrain is essentially flat, so I can use it as early pace training for the 24 Hour Championships in Cleveland. It's never too early to focus on that goal!

Aside from the above, this race is also super cool from a historical standpoint too. It's called the Viaduct Trail 100 because it begins at the Starucca Viaduct in Lanesboro, PA. Never heard of it? Well, since it's in the middle of nowhere, I don't blame you...but check out how cool this thing is!
According to Wikipedia, this was the largest and most expensive stone arch bridge at the time it was built in the 1840s. On a trip north, President Millard Filmore asked his train to stop while traveling over it so he could marvel at its construction. He called it the greatest example of American masonry he had ever seen.
Another cool thing about the Viaduct? While using the Google Maps satellite function to try and find the race course, I zoomed in on the starting area and look at what I found - Check out that shadow!!
Needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to my trip up to the PA countryside in a couple months. I think I'm just about as excited to check this thing out in person as I am to run the race!

5 comments:

Chris Roman said...

Great post. Glad the cabin fever is being tolerated OK. Just think how happy you will be when fully recovered and kickin' butt for your patience.

Bob Adams said...

Dan,

I too have been taking a few weeks off. Im trying to heel my foot (plantar) now that I have a slight break in the race schedule. I have way too much energy as well. I'm probably going to start back up running this weekend. Hope the healing process goes well for you. I have a blog up now that describes some of my recent races. Feel free to check it out.

Jamie Donaldson said...

The question is are you driving Elizabeth crazy yet? You have a great attitude and will be back and HUNGRY for it soon! If the Viaduct 100 doesn't work out for you, there's this great burro race in August here is CO!

Dan Rose said...

Hey Bob! Smart move to heal up that plantar...I ran with it in my right foot for TEN months last year. Hurt like hell on my long runs, but somehow I gutted it out. If I had to do it again, I would have rested a month like you to let it heal. You're a wise man! It'll be fun to follow along your progress on your blog from now on. You've got incredible talent!

Dan Rose said...

Jamie - That burro video on your blog is the greatest thing I've ever seen!...and I was there in person to see my beloved Red Sox win the World Series in 2004!
Seriously, a mountain race with a donkey...how awesome is that?!!