Frozen Looper - 4hr Ultra Run Race Recap

     Introduction...

         On Sunday, January 4th, I participated in the "Frozen Looper" 4hr run. A half mile loop consisting of pavement and dirt, that you repeat for 4 hours as much as you can. Man, what an experience that was, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here. So some friends from a local running group a week or two before the race had been sending me the flyer for registration. I definitely didn't want to do it at first glance. Also it was a week away and I hadn't trained for that type of race.

        I thought to myself, maybe it would be a good idea just to get that type of run in regardless due to my other upcoming ultras this year. I have a 50 and 70 miler coming up. Not to mention other timed events(6 hour and 12 hour.) I saw that my friend Brendan signed up from the run club, and that was what sold me. Plus you can't beat a $5 entry fee, I mean come on!! So, me and my dad signed up, literally just 5 days away from the race! 

    Thoughts and training going into the race...

    As I stated previously, we had signed up 5 days before the race, so training for it really wasn't much of an option. However I was able to squeeze in one long solid effort related to the race, but we'll get to that. I've been running a decent amount and have started a run streak. Race day puts me at 65 days in a row. I figured my consistency if anything could pull me through this race. To be honest, I am the most fit I've ever been. The only thing that worried me was that I haven't done anything over 15 miles in a really long time. Must have been long before I started my streak. So it was months ago.

        Sure, 15 mile long run is still something, but I wasn't doing ultra training, running through heavy legs, and getting used to that type of beat down. I was just being really consistent, averaging 8-10 miles per day. Personally I think a 20-22 mile run would have been optimal but there just wasn't time for it. So 6 days before the race(not knowing if I was doing it still at the time, but did the training run just in case) I squeezed a 2 hour effort around the pace I was planning on going. That run went really well however it didn't feel like a pace I could sustain for 30 miles, but it wasn't a race environment. I was hoping that 5 days of short runs would be sufficient enough for a decent taper. I have little knowledge on the process of tapering, but I just figured days leading up to the race I progressively shorten mileage. So the day before race day I did only one mile. After my so called "training week" before the race, I felt surprisingly confident and ready to race!

        This was my first time doing a looper event. For those unfamiliar you don't run specific mileage, you just run as far as you can go in that designated time limit. For this race, I had 4 hours to complete as many half mile loops possible. A rookie in this environment, but I was ready to tackle the challenge. As far as goals for this race I kinda made a tier list! The absolute minimum was to run a marathon. This to me seemed very doable to me based on my training. A 9:10 pace or under. However I really wanted to break 30 miles. That was my real goal. A goal that would not be easy whatsoever. Maintaining under an 8 minute pace for 4 hours. But then that got me thinking maybe try for a 50k! It's only one more mile haha! But 7:45 pace seemed really hard to hold for that amount of time. Either ways I was going there to do what I love and what I am so passionate about, and that's just to run. No need to complicate that, just RUUUUUUN!

    The race day...

        Waking up on race day, I had already felt way better than I did my first ultra. I was way less nervous, got better sleep, and had a lot of down time before the race, which was ideal for me. Me and my dad had an hour commute to the race. A somewhat annoying commute as there was a million turns. I packed my stuff the day before so I had no issues getting stuff together. I was super organized in that regard. Luckily didn't forget anything! It was a nice smooth commute and I was able to get some good nutrition in prior to the race. Had a clif bar and banana and hydrated well. 

        So me and my dad pull up to the GPS location where we were directed to go for the race. At first glance we were greeted with a very small park with a big field in the center, having a big loop around it, simultaneously having paths that go elsewhere. There was also a small pond across from the field. You could tell we were in the right spot because the course was very visible with cones and signs notating runners/walkers. The temperature was absolutely brutal when we pulled up. We got there precisely around 7:30, before a sharp 8am start. The temperature said a chilling 16 degrees at 8am, and with wind chill the real feel was lower single digits. This was definitely the coldest day ever I was about to run in, no question about that. Low 20s, maybe higher teens, has been my usual training weather in the winter so far at the coldest.

        So here we were, on the start line, freezing our asses off about to embark on a 4 hour journey. I was so pumped to start running; an excitement and confidence I usually don't feel. There was 90 competitors to my knowledge according to registration. Not everyone was running, and not everybody was committing to the whole 4 hours of running. But there was a solid chunk of us. Myself, my dad, and Brendan from run club were in that mix! We all planned on doing as much as we could in the 4 hours, no stopping early or no stopping late. So with a brief 2 minute talk from the race director and a check that everyone's watch was set to 0, we were off right at 8am on the start of our 4 hour run. I was just so happy to get moving finally! 

        I set off with the lead pack, nobody was going outrageously fast or anything. Around 8 minute pace to warm things up. Two people in the group had Boston marathon jackets, so that was interesting and that's some serious competition! There was about 5 guys in that group that slowly started picking up the pace. I decided to stay back after about a 5k with them because I knew I wanted to stay around 7:45 to sustain the whole time. By this point, I was basically by myself the entire race in terms of pace. I was passing people quite often because it was only a half mile loop and several people walked. Things felt extremely well for the first hour, I was having so much fun honestly. I passed my dad the first time around an hour so he was doing really solid for himself! After an hour I hit 8 miles, so I was slightly faster than I needed to be. By this point I needed to use the bathroom. As I did that I scarfed down my first GU. And off I went. 

        Heading into Hour 2 my spirits were high. I remember passing my dad again around that time saying "wow this is actually not bad, it's a lot of fun!" He also thought the same thing. But we would resent that statement later. There isn't much to say about this hour because it went by like a breeze honestly. By this point also there was absolutely no way to tell what the placing was. Everybody was just everywhere! Towards the end of it was when I started noticing the beginning signs of heavy legs, joint pain, and everything else you can experience in an ultra.

        Nutrition and hydration were solid! No issues there. The way the course was set up, you were allowed to access your car as an aid station. I utilized this heavily and made several stops there opposed to the actual aid station. I prefer my food over theirs because I know it won't upset my stomach. I prefer GU energy gels for food, maybe a clif bar if I want hard food. Don't fix something that isn't broken, right? I also had my own water, because the cups they were setting out for the runners were literally frozen...     

    Now it was hour 3, halfway done, 15.5 miles in, and I was beginning to feel it. I was only halfway done, so much more to go but in a really good mental state and physical. I was pacing extremely well, but by this time I committed to the 30 mile goal and nothing was going to stop me from getting it. At least that's what I said to myself from that point on. I was slightly ahead of pace for hour 3 which was good because I knew I needed that buffer space because I was going to slow down. When I pictured the race in my mind, I though that, maybe the 3rd hour would be the hardest but I was soon to be proven wrong.

    Hour 4 with out a doubt will be an hour I probably will never forget. It was so tough, emotionally and physically draining! I went through some really low moments, and although my mile splits may not reflect that, I really did. I still was determined to reach my goal trying disregard all the pain I was in. I mean just everything hurt. Every single foot-strike just felt incredibly painful coming into the last 5k. And that was the longest 5k of my life. That felt like an hour within itself. I had to take several walk breaks at this point but I was on pace and had 4 minutes of room. I stopped when I passed my dad for the last time. I was nearly crying in pain literally. I was getting emotional and just so ready for the pain to be over. 

    I pushed through what felt like an eternity and was able to complete 60 laps at the Frozen Looper. Meaning that I had just run 30.35 miles in just 4 short hours! I was so relieved to cross that loop line for the very last time. I was extremely happy with what I had just done! I hit my goal with some time to spare! When I finished the race director immediately asked me how many miles I had just run and I told him my numbers. He then told me that I just came in second place overall! This came as a really big surprise to me because I thought I was behind at least 5 guys or so, but they ended up dropping early. The leader had a whopping 32 miles meaning he only did a few more laps than me, so kudos to him! Outstanding race it was.

    Post race...

        Right after the race ended, all the runners met up at the pavilion to collect their beads(every lap is rewarded with a single bead to make a necklace or bracelet) and record their miles! We were met with free Athletic Brew Beer and Rise Brewing Coffee! It was awesome. However it was still bitter cold and we had to make our stop there quick. They also offered us hot soup and plenty of snacks. I congratulated the winner, recorded my miles, skipped out on the beads, said my goodbyes and thanked everyone for such a great event and then headed out! There was no awards or anything like that. It was more just about the run and having fun! It was only $5, and they provided way more than I thought they would. 

        This was definitely my type of race. I'm not the type that wants a t-shirt for every race or a medal. I'm fine with the thoughts and memories that I just accomplished something great! I don't need a medal to remind me that. But anyways this was such an amazing experience, and a unique one! I totally would do something like this again! I have a couple other races planned that are similar to this. A 6 hour in march followed by a mountain 12 hour for my birthday in April! Shit is gonna get real this year!! Stay tuned!!

        As always thanks for reading. I appreciate each and every single one of you :)

        sincerely,

        ya boi mottsy <3

Sandal Running: Behind the Madness

   Introduction...

    Oh yeah, this is the one you all have been waiting for! An explanation into the craziness that is sandal running and why I do it. A simplistic and natural way to approach running, but is often regarded as unbelievable and crazy to the common eye. I can't tell you how many people look at me like I'm some insane madman on the loose. The encounters you get on the trail are well... interesting to say the least. 

    Never am I greeted with a hello, but a "holy shit, is that guy wearing flip flops.." or, "oh my goodness, please be careful, and watch your toes!!" Like Ma'am ya think I don't know that? Thanks for the tip... Every once in a while you' ll come across someone that appreciates it, however that is not what I am seeking wearing sandals at all. I am seeking natural, healthy, and injury-free running. And you my friend, are about to find out why ;)

    How I got my start in sandals...

    So yes, how did I get into the sandals? How did I find out about them?.. etc. So my very first memory was back in 2016. It was at my first ultra race experience. No, I was not racing, I was a spectator. Way before I was a so called "runner." This was my fathers first attempt at a 50 miler and I came at the end to support! 

    As me and my friend Josiah were watching the runners come in as we waited, we caught a glimpse of a select few wearing what looked like sandals. I couldn't believe my eyes at the time. I was dumbfounded, really confused, and was telling myself "there's no way they just ran all the way in those.." but I couldn't have been more wrong. At the time, I was a high schooler, pretty close minded, and I thought nothing of it or at least forgot about it quick. That was until I became an ultra runner...

    As I explained in my last post, 2020 was the year I became a true ultra runner. I started as most would. A complete rookie, not knowing much about anything really. I just picked up whatever running shoes I had lying around and off I went. The beginning was rough and I went through so many injuries wearing normal shoes. As all runners know injuries are the absolute worst thing and it really is heartbreaking when you want to run but you can't. Injuries were what made me despise running when I was younger, so I wasn't about to let myself be ruined and burnt-out by injury again. 

    After about 3 or 4 injuries I kinda hit my limit. I was getting so angry and it seemed like every time I started to get back another injury would pop up. So after getting severe plantar fasciitis, I became a self proclaimed foot health expert.... Obviously not really, hence the "self proclaimed." But I put in hours upon hours of research in injury prevention, proper form, breathing, you name it! I soon learned about barefoot running, natural form, and things you can do to improve it!  I stumbled upon running sandals(earth runners) that were branded not only to the runner, but really to do anything and anyone. I rediscovered the sandal running movement years later. 

   After realizing all of the amazing benefits(I will soon touch base on) that running with sandals can have, I was hooked you can say, an instant believer. After reading the philosophy and some scientific evidence out there, I knew it was something I had to do or at least try. I stumbled upon sandals called "Earth Runners." I purchased them and never looked back.

    The philosophy...

    From what I was reading, it was almost a no brainer for an endurance athlete like myself to want the benefits that sandals could give you. So the theory goes like this ok... Sandals basically mimic being barefoot which is essentially the best thing for your feet(and entire body) to perform as naturally and as efficiently as possible.  I know that sounds crazy at first, but really think about it. 

    Our ancestors and the human species have been here a long time. Do you think the cavemen were wearing "HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoats" to catch their prey in a fast manner? Hell no if you ask me. Our ancestors were barefoot, walking, running, adapting, as they were meant to be. Sure footwear has been around a long time, but it was always minimal barefoot-wear that didn't alter the human body's natural movement. Hence, the sandals! Barefoot, minimal-wear that doesn't alter my natural way to move on this earth.

    Myself and the barefoot/sandal running community basically believe that modern running shoes are the cause of most injury. I know that might sound weird because you've been told by doctors your whole life that your feet need excessive cushion and support to work properly, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Cushion, corrective shoes, inserts, all that stuff is no good folks. 

    I ain't no doctor but these are just some of the questions I was asking myself. How can your foot perform well if its at a 3 degree or 6 degree drop(most modern running shoes??) It wont, it will put excessive force on your calves, or pressure elsewhere when you try to correct it.  Is the cushion really absorbing the ground impact and making you lighter on your feet? Hell no... It does the exact opposite. Cushion isn't absorbing anything at all, it just directs that pressure elsewhere. Ankles weren't meant to be wrapped and suffocated(high top shoes.) They are supposed to be able to bend, twist, etc. BE NATUAL. I mean that really is the key. So simple, yet so misunderstood.

    The human body is such an amazing thing. Over years upon years of adaption We were made to be barefoot, be minimal, adapt to various terrain, etc. Why would you ever want to alter something like that? It makes no sense if you ask me when you say it out loud. 

    How sandals saved me...

   As I stated previously, injury was really what led me to rediscovering Earth Runners(running sandals.) I actually didn't intend on using them at all for running at first. I figured I'd build up strength with them if I used them as a normal shoe, which I did. So I walked, hiked, and basically did everything in them. The point was to get my feet strong so they can endure more for running. I still wasn't a full believer that running in sandals was an all around good thing.

    It wasn't until after my first 50k, a couple weeks later, I experienced the worst injury I have ever gotten. There was something that wasn't right about my meniscus. I could hardly put weight on it at times, and the pain would come and go. This was the last and final straw with shoes. I basically just blamed all my problems on shoes. I was just so angry that I couldn't run! I wanted to do everything in my power to run without injury.

    So after that meniscus issue, I became a full fledged sandal runner! I didn't run at all in them really, so my plan was to start slow. Like really slow. I started with about 20 miles a week and only added about 5 extra every week! I did this for a while, all while my meniscus was still fucked. I got up probably to about 45 miles a week. I was pushing through so much pain probably for close to a month, every single run. My meniscus had nothing to do with the sandals. The injury started with normal shoes. It was not an easy transition at all, but one that had to be made if I wanted to become the best endurance athlete I can be.

    I was more committed than ever to running. But I still had this damn knee problem. I then got in my head, that taking days off was what my body didn't like. I know that sounds ridiculous, but every single time I took a day off, my injury would get worse. And that's a fact. Once I noticed somewhat of a trend going on, I decided I was going to run everyday. Then something crazy happened.

    I started my run streak and it couldn't have went any better. I started easy, only doing 2 miles or so a day.. I was feeling really strong and I liked the consistency. After about two weeks of running everyday, my meniscus flare ups were non-existent! I couldn't believe it, my injury has gone away! Two months of pretty constant pain, gone just like that! And no, not from rest, but the exact opposite. And, this was all done in sandals. My training really propelled forward after what I called "the building phase."    

    As far as statistics and pace go, my times have never been faster. That seems to be the biggest concern when transitioning. You think there is no way that you'll be faster, but I proved myself wrong. I've been constantly hitting new PRs every week, hitting times that I would have never thought possible. These sandals are true mountain goats, or at least make you feel like one!

   Final thoughts...

    In recent times. I have been running about 50 miles a week on average with relative ease. I peaked at 70 miles and ended up doing 250+ miles for the month of December! It doesn't feel hard on my body like it used to. I have never felt more strong and more confident in my running. I haven't received an injury since I switched to sandals. Maybe sandals aren't for everyone, but they sure have helped me and made me a better runner. 

    I truly believe that running in sandals/barefoot/naturally can have tremendous benefits on your training. And as I said before, I cant say sandals are the only reason, but it's the knowledge that comes with it! I've become quite knowledgeable on the subject! And anyone that runs in sandals would be too.  It really has done a great deal for me and I am forever grateful that I stumbled upon the running sandal movement. If I hadn't who knows, I probably would have quit running again by now. 

As always thanks for reading. I appreciate each and every single one of you :)

    sincerely,

    ya boi mottsy <3