100 miles did me, My bloodstead 100 Re-cap.
"Perhaps the genius of ultrarunning is its supreme lack of utility. It makes no sense in a world of space ships and supercomputers to run vast distances on foot. There is no money in it and no fame, frequently not even the approval of peers. But as poets, apostles and philosophers have insisted from the dawn of time, there is more to life than logic and common sense.
The ultra runners know this instinctively. And they know something else that is lost on the sedentary. They understand, perhaps better than anyone, that the doors to the spirit will swing open with physical effort. In running such long and taxing distances they answer a call from the deepest realms of their being -- a call that asks who they are ..." (David Blaikie).
The ultra runners know this instinctively. And they know something else that is lost on the sedentary. They understand, perhaps better than anyone, that the doors to the spirit will swing open with physical effort. In running such long and taxing distances they answer a call from the deepest realms of their being -- a call that asks who they are ..." (David Blaikie).
This quote was sent to me from a fellow FL Ultra runner, Robyn Flores..Thanks Robin and so fitting for my Umstead Adventure especially the LAST two loops (25 miles), as I trekked every painful step my legs got stiffer and stiffer as each hour passed by... I met up with another runner Derek Hills about a mile in and he was in the same condition so we closed it out together...(see video below of our blazing speed finish)
Derek and I had many laughs, cries & pissed off moments but the BEST LINE by far of that long ass loop was when Derek said
"Forget the dang Buckle, I hope they give us each a belt so we can beat each other with it for doing this chitt in the first place"
LOLOL Classic- some fitting words after being on our feet for 26 hours plus ...
I think at that point we were walking at a 25 min. per mile pace with like 5 miles to go, (I know, it's INSANE and we were both losing it big time!!!!)
We had newborn babies passing us - lmaooo...(read below for the rest of the story)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Roommate and good friend Tony Portera came into this race trained well and proved it on the course with an outstanding performance of 21 hours 39 minutes - a new 100 mile PR by about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It was great to see all those early morning workouts he has done pay off, CONGRATS BRO!!! You rocked the course and HUGE thanks for staying around after wards for my slow ass to finish :-(
I also met Wayne Bates for the first time, great guy who got in under 24 hours as well in 23 hrs 12mins- Sweet Bro ...
Winner Dave James who I met and had dinner with on Thursday. Layed the Hammer down right from the beginning and never looked back with a time of 15 hours 5 mins -- then after the race he volunteered and ran a few miles on Sunday GEESH!!! Congrats Dave, your a machine, best wishes at Western States this year!!
Winner Dave James who I met and had dinner with on Thursday. Layed the Hammer down right from the beginning and never looked back with a time of 15 hours 5 mins -- then after the race he volunteered and ran a few miles on Sunday GEESH!!! Congrats Dave, your a machine, best wishes at Western States this year!!
Other amazing performances to note of some fellow ultra friends :
Dave James (15:05:10) - 1st Place Overall
Doug Vaughn (21:05:48)
Emmy Stocker (22:18:49)
Wayne Bates (23:12:49)
Joe Galioto (23:26:02)
Tammy Massie (27:46:48)
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Good News is I have the first 50 miles down but second half is vulnerable to blisters EVERY friggin time and this by far was the worst... because they were on the bottom of both feet (see video below)
First 50 miles: 10 hours 30 mins (on track for 24-25 hours and feeling great)
Had awesome crew support from Therese Triumph Tom's wife and Mary Vaughn Doug's wife. THANKS Ladies for the support ! ! !
Second 50 miles: 17 hours 44 mins ((((((( SIGH))))))))))
Started to get blisters on the bottom of my feet by the 5th of 8 loops and had to drop down to walking more to not tear them off... Stopped TWICE to repair them to no avail unfortunately. Walked like 30 of the last 37.2 miles (last three loops)
LOOP Seven by far was the hardest for me because it was the 2 - 3am ish, it was getting colder and I was moving Slower and was So SLEEPY, did this LOOP all by myself, had no pacers and started to lose it a bit... Nobody was around and a lot of people dropped at the 50 mile mark so the course was very quiet and spread out. Might have come across 2 to 3 runners the entire loop. I was seeing things, I thought I saw the AID Station tent coming up and it was NOT even close --lol Also because I was getting SO cold I was swinging my arms like a freak as my blistered feet said whatever I am not running (ahhh this was a mentally tough loop and the next loop gets even worse (sadface))
The 8th (final loop) I had to walk the ENTIRE loop, the RAW blisters on both feet were getting worse and started to BLEED through my left shoe.
and what really sucks from walking so much is your legs get stiffer and stiffer (another BLISTER BENEFIT --Haha)About a mile into it I met up with Derek who was moving like I was and we shared the painful walk together the rest of the way...It was our Frankenstein walk
OR
lol....ahhh it was awful how long it took :-(
Feet Before race and after race (click on pics to enlarge if brave enough)
2009 Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run - Bob Gentile and Derek Hills
My fast Umstead Finish provided by Tony Portera, thanks Tony.Blisters look after race back in hotel room
Derek Hills and I finished in 28 hours 14 mins....cut off time was 30 hours so we had plenty of time - haha
Obviously, I am not excited about this finish and those who spoke with me afterwards will attest to this fact, it was just long and painful but it's done and now time to recover and move on to the next 100 (Vermont 100 in July)
Thanks all for your support and kind words before during and after,
Bob
BONUS CLIPS:
2009 Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run - Suffering Runner
A must watch ! U can't see anything but just the sounds of a puking ultra runner !My POOR Pinky toe
Ripped My Skin off my toe blister after hitting my luggage WARNING - Very Raw Poor little pinky toe :-(
31 comments:
Bobby, of course I enlarged the photos. Those bottom of feet look darn frickin' familiar, but the cute bloody toes are not as often a problem (read - rare). So, boy, you had a double-whammy, you win my award, for what it's worth. Good talking to you. I've got nothing to add for the audience:)
Awesome job, Bob!! 100 milers, evidently, is all about blister management! You are just getting better and better. Toughen up those feet and on to the next! :-)
Them are some nasty feet. I thought the pics comparing your feet before and after the race were great as they let you really see the amount of swelling that occurs.
Well, you may not be happy with your race and time, but you should be proud of your accomplishment. You could have easily thrown in the towell and saved it for another day, but you instead kept moving forward to the finish line. Logic and common sense would have dictated a DNF, but you defied logic and common sense and instead learned a lot about who you are.
Congratulations on a great finish. I look forward to busting your a$$ to the finish line at Vermont 100.
First off, congratulations on the finish. Any 100-mile finish is a victory. You have me scratching my head on the blister problem. Somehow, some way we are going to get those feet solved so you can run to your potential and bank a great time.
Incredible!! Congrats on finishing despite your circumstances, you're one tough dude!
I am about to run my first 100, I am scared after looking at your pics. Could you please share what brand of socks/foot prep you did? (so I can do the opposite LOL j/k)
Thank you!!
Mary
Great job, Bob. You are a disgusting mess when you finish these things. Always a great read with many laughs (especially on the finishing Frankenstein walk video). Good luck with the recovery. Congratulations!
WOW! I can only imagine how those toes felt! And then...to hit your pinky toe on your luggage!! Look at the bright side, you will have calluses so tough you could run barefoot on fire after a few runs like that! You and your blistered toes are an inspiration to us all.....great job!
Gaaaahhhh!! Damn, those feet always get so beat up in these races. Well as always you still find a way to joke around out there. Way to hang on and finish anyway, getting that buckle. On to Vermont.
OMG.... your poor feet dude!! I do not know how you do it. MACHINE!!! Hate I missed it and was thrilled to get the word that you finished (not that I thought anything would stop you).
Another one in July. Those enlarged photos are sick/nasty.
Love the part about the belt vs. the belt buckle.
OMG! Bob, I just watched this on lunch at work. I was laughing at and crying for you at the same time. People came to see what I was watching. You're a star now here at my clinic.
But oh dear! You said you had blisters...but wow, you REALLY had blisters! The problem is the swelling. Shoes and socks are no contest against that swelling. Way too much. I think it might be a good idea to play around more with your fluid and electrolyte supplementation. Perhaps too much sodium like we talked about? I think that swelling is the primary problem.
I have even greater respect for what you did there at Umstead now that I saw that video and those pictures. You are one tough crazy ultrarunner! Yep.
Congratulations Bob!! I know you suffered a lot but WOW I am inspired by and proud of your accomplishment. You are amazing!!
Bob,
I can't even begin to imagine what the HELL is going on with your feet!!!! Good Lord! Give us all a post about what shoes and socks you typically wear and all that good stuff and see if someone can't help you figure this shit out! Bless your feet! Peace!
Mark
Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS on such an amazing finish! You definitely got the cajones!
New shoes... do they make them with a solid jello padding... hmmm a new product... running totally surrounded by jello...
Congrats on the 100 miles... and your war wounds from your triumphant finish...
May your next race be blister proof...
wow, that is some extreme running...your poor feet...congrats on finishing!
Congrats I think....those feet are leaving me speechless. Wow, you are one tough cookie. The blood through the shoe is sweet. I would never wash those. Okay, I need to wait a bit before I eat. Nice work!
congratulations Bob outstanding wow just awesome. You did great I am very proud of you. You have truely inspired me..just awesome
Congrats again, bro! Glad we could at least hang in there together on that death march. I would have just tossed myself into the ditch if I had been by myself.
See you at the online poker championships!
Bob,
Congratulations on an impressive run/walk/hobble! You are really tough.
You need to subtract a significant amount of time from lap 8 because of that "all important picture" I needed. I would propose turning around so we could optimize the light for our mile 99 picture added hours to our finish time:-)
See you at VT100.
Tammy
No matter what speed you run in a 100 miler,man - onehundred miles - something to be proud of. I can't look at your feet, but is it a wonder they look like this?!
Bob --I cannot be more proud of you for hobbling to the finish in pain when you physically felt fine, except for the feet. You did an awesome job -- now as long as you get the pro. fixed before VT you'll be fine --remember to experiment with the no-salt intake long runs...
it was so great to finally meet the famous Bob --can't wait for Frank to meet you at VT..man, I can't believe I am even thinking about anther 100-LOL
f my feet looked like that I would have dropped. Way to stick it out. Congrats.
Oh my goodness bob!!! That Derek quote is so Derek and I am bummed I was not there with you guys (well, not for the death march part, but you know). I think it is awesome that two of my favorite ultrarunners met up and shared some miles together :)
Your feet are a wreck! LOL. I give you super credit for finishing in those conditions. Most people would have dropped long before they bled thru their socks and shoes. We need to figure out your feet problems before VT, where it can be quite wet.
You did great, and you should not get down on yourself. Last year I puked my guts out and did not have the stellar finish I set out to have, BUT i DID finish (just like you did) and did take some satisfaction in the fact that I gutted it out when most people would have given up. You went a hundred miles, dude, way to go!!!!!
Hi Bob, don't think I can take another peek at those pigs without comment. When I started ultras in the mid 90's, I had a similar foot problem. The damage was unreal and the pain was excruciating taking weeks to heal. Finally, I said enough is enough and began to try and figure out how to fix my feet. I tried everything imaginable. I sense looking at your foot damage that you have several issues that probably won't be solved by one suggestion. So here is my unsolicited recommendations:
See a podiatrist that understands ultrarunners. They can evaluate your foot type, and may recommend orthotics or other measures to correct foot/biomechanic imbalances. It looks like you have a 'Morton's toe' - 2nd toe longer than great toe, so you probably have some biomechanical issues.
Feet swell during ultras. Slower runners out there for longer period of time probably have a bigger problem with this. Review your Electrolyte/fluid plan! If sodium levels drop relative to higher free water intake, your feet will swell. Fluid in the feet affects shoe fit and also makes your tissues more prone to damage.
Sock and shoe combination is also a huge factor. It looks like you are having alot of sheer forces on the balls of your feet. I started wearing a two sock combination years ago: I really like the Injii toe socks (they help protect between the toes), and then I wear a drymax trail sock or coolmax thin sock over the top of the Injii. Oh, I am not sponsered by these folks. This combo seems to help provide a friction layer between the socks rather than between the sock and my feet. I also wear a trail gaiter to keep out the dust and rocks. I gave up on potions/powders/lubes and pretaping. I am lazy, and think less is better. In my first 100 at Wasatch, I wore road shoes. Yikes, that was a huge mistake. I now am a Montrail fan. However, shoe selection is a very individual matter. But, it is essential that your shoes are large enough to accomodate swelling while still supporting your foot. The shoe must also be appropriate for your foot type. I remove the manufactures foot bed insole and put a more cushioned insole in its place; then, I put my orthotic on top of that. Okay, just some suggestions. Take it for what it's worth. Just know that feet like yours shouldn't be the norm at ultras...Thanks, for the great blog, inspiring videos. Congrats!!
From Colleen: Take it for what it's worth. Just know that feet like yours shouldn't be the norm at ultras...
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Thanks Colleen for your feedback and YES I so agree that this is not the norm...and shouldn't be!!
I am going to post more next few weeks about my feet plan of action going into Vermont 100, what things I will start to apply and also some things I have to do during the race.
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THANKS ALL for your kind comments!!
OMFG BOB!!! HOLY CHIT! First, CONGRATS you totally rocked out! Second . . .I hate you for showing those pics LMAO! I don't think I will evah evah evah in my life do a 100 miler LOL
Congrats on hanging tough through such difficult conditions! That finish line video was great - it really gave a sense of how much you were struggling.
Think of how much easier the next one will be if you can solve the blister issue! Sounds like it's time to do some sock shopping (I've told you about Drymax, right?) - good luck figuring it out.
Whoa, some war wounds you have there!!!!!!!! And, the shoes!!
I really admire ultrarunners and love, love reading about these races you do. Never in a million years could complete one myself, but am quite intrigued by your adventures.
Incredible that you had the fortitude to carry on despite those major blisters. And, you beat the cut off time too!
You did so amazing, and I'm looking forward to reading about your Vermont 100 expedition - 'cause that's what it really seems like, not only a race, but an Expedition, with a capital "E"!!
Dude, you are amazing! Bob, I don't know how you could keep going with those blisters, but you pulled through. I am beyond impressed with your guts and determination. Way to go! Rest well, and continued success to you! :)
Wow gnarly feet Bob!!!
How you kept walking/running is beyond my comprehension...once again congratulations another successful 100 miler!
Bob, you must get this toe porn addiction under control. Now your videos are starting to best resemble scenes from Saw VI.
Seriously, it sounds like you've gotten good advice from other commenters. I watched Tony's videos of your finish and winced with you. That you finished under those trying conditions is something to be mighty proud of.
Congrats on 100 miles! I love your blogs. Not only humerous, but also very 'human'. You truthfully describe the highs and lows a runner goes through. I wish you well in your recovery.
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