Let me get this out of the way up front: I became a Dean Karnazes groupie this past weekend.  OK, I’ve said it.  I feel better.

You see, I live in Boulder, where ultrarunners are a dime a dozen, including a strong flock of true old school “deans,” themselves.  They include 100, 200 mile record-holders … all of whom have never sought the spotlight of sport and achievement.  Thus, when Dean Karnazes began his amazing “business” of ultra marketing, there seemed to be a rather pompous, somewhat arrogant, resentment of this guy who was seemingly doing nothing special in their world of ultras.

However, this past weekend - January 17 - I participated in the inaugural “Dean Karnazes Rock & Roll Ultra Marathon,” a race of 50K in Phoenix.  While 35,000 people did the half and full marathons, 150 of us did the 31 mile version.  I had done ultras - including the Leadville 100 Mile Trail Run - before turning back to triathlon in 2005; and,  now was simply seeking a new challenge as I entered 2010.  What I discovered, though, is what I predict to be a surge of interest in the world of ultrarunning … thanks to one individual, Dean Karnazes.

Of the 150 ultra folks, at least 80-100 were doing their first run beyond a marathon; and, judging by their clamoring for pictures and autographs with Karnazes at the start, most were inspired by simply being in the presence of the “Dean of Ultras.” 

Sure, Karnazes - the self-proclaimed, advertised, and uber-marketed “Ultramarathon Man” - is making a strong living from his amazing feats (50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states, e.g.), his book, DVD, and sponsors (see www.ultramarathonman.com); but, what makes the guy so admirable is his ability to inspire others to do things they would not otherwise venture to pursue.  He is personable, approachable, and super positive and encouraging to anyone who speaks with him.

I ran next to him for several miles during the run on Sunday, and throughout the miles, people continuously came up along his side, peppering him with praise and questions;

Wearing my traditional running outfit vs. Team Timex apparel at the Boulder Beer Mile (Hawaian shirt)

 and Dean - in every instance - was cordial, helpful, and encouraging.  He obviously loves what he does, and that love is being spread with every step he does.  Today - Tuesday, 2 days after the ultra - Dean is running another marathon … on a treadmill in a San Francisco radio station (KFOG) studio, as a fundraiser for Haiti. 

OK, lest I come across like a soon-to-be-stalker, I will end what may sound like an “Ode to Dean.”  But, mark my words - just like “50 is the new 40,” we will now be seeing shirts and races proclaiming “50 is the new 26.2″ - hey, maybe I should market that before Dean does!

Oh, footnote to all of this, and my last month of running: our Annual Boulder Beer Mile was held on New Year’s Eve Day; and, once again, Team Timex was represented by yours truly, but not as strongly as last year.  Cold temps, cold beer, and less pre-race practice & training led to a mile of just 9:40 something, compared to my 8:20 something the year prior (1 mile, 4 beers).  Of course, doing this race just 18 days before my ultra was great preparation! 

And, as for the 50K, I ran 4:15 for the 31 miles.  My goal was 4:06, and I was well on my way until mile 27-28; which, apparently, is the wall associated with a 50K.  Regardless, it was a good day, great event; and, particularly cool to see the impact this one person can - and will - have on so many people and, potentially, a new sport. 

Now, back to the pool, bike, and triathlon!

 But, back to commitment. When I ran for Boulder City Council this year, I jumped in with both feet, both arms, and my entire body and soul. Unequivocally, no candidate worked harder than me; although, some may say that was because I had the most to learn! Regardless, I was committed!

Two weeks ago, it was minus 7 degrees here in Boulder. Wednesdays have become one of my 2 long runs each week, and my goal was to run roughly 16-18 miles on this day in order to see whether I should attempt a 50K run in January. Well, I did it! Throughout the run - on hardpacked snow and in absolutely frigid temps - I kept thinking about making that commitment. It is what kept me going, and the satisfaction of the result was enormous. The picture here shows me at the end of the 2:21 run. Funny - when it’s that cold, the first part of the run is a cool down, and the end is a warm up :).

Well, like finishing 4th when there are 3 Kona slots up for grabs, I finished 6th with 5 seats open for Boulder City Council.  This was my first foray into the world of politics, and I finished less than 1% out of the money - just 600 votes short out of over 74,000!  Not bad for a newbie.

The 6-month long journey/adventure was an incredible learning experience.  I am now fully engaged in so many varied issues that I absolutely consider the experience a great success.  Without a doubt, I plan on staying quite involved in Boulder matters, and I have already been asked to be on the Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.

But, as far as racing goes, the campaign definitely made it as challenging as any time in my 29 years of being competitive.  There were functions virtually everyday; and, mentally, you just have to be “on” at all times.  I was scheduled to race Ironman Arizona last weekend.  While my wattage on my bike, speed on the track, and 100 times in the pool were all equal to or better than last year’s IMAZ, the long stuff was virtually impossible to get in.  Instead of 3-4 six hour rides, and doing 20+ 800’s on the track each Sunday, I got in just one 5+ hour ride, and Sundays meant 15 X 800.  So, I was not nearly as confident with my training.

Election Day was November 3.  At 5 AM on November 4, Jodee and I took off on a much needed getaway to Mexico.  I was looking forward to letting my mind clear a bit, and get in some good training.  And, lo & behold, what appears but the “Puerto Vallarta Marathon.”  Called a marathon, it’s actually a half, and I learned about it right after a 3 hour mountain bike ride … happening 2 days later.

Naturally, I do it.  Over 1,300 people and $250,000 pesos prize money.  Kenyan runners went 1-10; and, my 1:33:01 landed me 4th in the 50+ group … but, like my election campaign, just short … prize money for 50+ went 3 deep!  About 2/3 through the race (there were no mile or kilometer markers - none!), I felt a small tear or pull in my upper left quad.  Yep - couldn’t run for a few days after; and, between the injury, my sub-standard training, and my mind racing all over the place, I decided to postpone IMAZ to next year (it was a Community Fund spot).

This is me coming toward the finish … lots of spectators.

So, a less than stellar tri season.  Several solid running races (halfs and full marathons).  And a political experience well worth the time and energy.  Next up: a few winter duathlons, a marathon in January somewhere (probably Phoenix or Miami); and, hopefully, Team Timex Camp in February!

Having run well over 50 marathons, several ultramarathons, 8 Ironman triathlons, and many multi-day adventure and expedition races, I am now embarking upon a totally different type of race - I am “running” for a seat on Boulder City Council. And, after being in this “race” now for nearly 6 months, it’s amazing the similarities between an athletic race and a political race.

GOALS - It’s all about setting a goal, and working toward it: finishing a marathon and feeling like a winner … finishing a political campaign and being a winner.

PLAN - When you are working toward a marathon - maybe 3-6 months away - you make a plan, and stick to it. Running a political campaign is similar - establish a plan - complete with dates and actionable items - and stick to it.

BUILD - When I ran my first marathon (1981), I was able to run 5 miles at once. Over a period of 3 months, that amount gradually built, such that I was able to run the necessary 26.2 miles on race day. Boulder City Council meetings are known for their duration -not unusual to run for 6-7 hours (to midnight or 1 AM). I attended my first Council meeting in April … and lasted 2.5 hours. Two weeks later, I made it through 4 hours; and, with strong determination, sometime in June, i did it - an entire City Council meeting! I am now “comfortable” with a 6-7 hour meeting. However, warning: when I gain a seat on Council, I will do all I can to expedite the meetings through stronger leadership and better business techniques.

TEAM - As a runner (or other athlete), one may have a coach, massage therapist, PT person, training partners, and other persons who support you toward your mission/goal. In a political campaign, it is equally important to surround yourself with a team who will support you - a campaign manager, issues advisers, writers, treasurer, volunteers and others.

RACE PRACTICE - When getting ready to race your first major goal event, you will race a few shorter events leading up to it. Politically, you will find yourself in front of large groups and voters in meetings, forum, and public debates. It’s a good idea to do a few “practice races” leading up to the big ones - getting in front of small, “friendly” groups, and getting comfortable with that arena and Q & A sessions.

CONSISTENCY - I learned a great deal last year, after 28 years of racing, of the importance and value of consistency. I literally had the same workouts (building, of course) on the same days, in the same order, for several months, leading up to my Ironman. It worked. Politically, I have found value going to every City Council meeting, answering emails related to the campaign every day (answer each within 24 hours ideally), and spending time each and every day (for me, 8-12 hours right now) on the campaign.

BALANCE - Finally, both type of races can put havoc into your “normal” lifestyle and, particularly, relationships and emotions. One must never lose focus on the truly important things in life … beginning with loved ones. Balance must be achieved. We know triathletes are notoriously Type A achievement-at-all-cost individuals. Try taking a triathlete and placing he or she in the political world! Answer - Type A times a big multiplier. Remember - balance.

People have said that running for political office is a true endurance event.  I can now attest to that! With about 6 weeks to go, if all goes well, we should be celebrating the finish line on November 3.

Having directed 4 triathlons and 3 running races June through now (just one more left), I finally got to race twice myself the past 3 weeks. 

First up was the La Sportiva 10K Trail Run at the Nordic Center of Eldora Mountain (30 minutes outside of Boulder).  Heavy rains the night before made chips unusable, as race management worried that chips would be lost in the deep mud we would all be running through - they predicted shoes would be lost!  Well, it wasn’t quite that bad; but, it was gnarly enough to love it if you’re a true trail runner; which, at heart, I am.  Anyway, I solidly won my age group (50-59 … pays to be old) and a new pair of La Sportivas.  Nice!

But, this was just a tune-up for the August 16 Pikes Peak Marathon.  Billed as “America’s Ultimate Challenge,” you run up Pikes Peak 7,815 feet in 13.3 miles on a single track trail … and, then, run down.  The Peak is at 14,050 feet … not a lot of air up there.

Anyway, the day before the Marathon is the Pikes Peak Ascent - “just” the run up the mountain (shuttles down).  Team Timex superstar, Tim Hola, toed that line in the morning, and against over 2,000 competitors - runners - finished, uh, 18th (!) overall.  Major kudos to our #1 Real Man!  At the start cheering Tim on, along with myself, was Team Timex “Mr. Young Up-and-Comer,” Brian Schaning.  Brian was also decked out in full kit, getting ready for his day of a 6 hour bike ride and one hour run (prepping for IM Moo).  So, so cool to be there as part of Team Timex - we looked good!  Oh, and Tim ran good!!!

Sunday was my Marathon day, and it went great.  I was able to run the first 10 miles with just walking at the few aid stations there are on the course.  My training was not that focused for running this long, nor at this altitude; but, i seriously felt great.  I have been using Power Breathe ever since April, and I really do feel it has strengthened me for this type of effort.  You can literally hear everyone breathing and wheezing when at 12, 12, 14,000 feet; but, I was fine; well, maybe until about 13,500.  I ran 3:36 up, and 2:12 down, good enough for 7th out of 73 in my age group.  I was pleased.  I also used our awesome Sugoi compression socks in this race, and my recovery was absolutely aided.  We are blessed with such terrific, high performance gear!

Next up - Ironman Arizona in November.  But, first, this unpaid political announcement: I am running for Boulder City Council.  Please check out www.siffforcouncil.com … a new kind of ultra-endurance race!  Cheers all.  Barry.