This weekend was the big 12 miler for our team. Well, 12 miles for the runners. The walkers covered 10. But not only was this the furthest distance for the team so far, it was also on the toughest course we’ve faced… Red Rock Canyon. This is a beautiful place to run, let me share with you a photo I took there while running in 2008:

Sadly, sometimes people forget about the magnificent scenery there when running because it’s also full of intense hills. I kept reminding my Team that the run was not about speed, but about endurance… they just needed to cover the mileage. And if they had to walk up the hills, that’s fine! Ultramarathoners often walk up hills because it’s more efficient. So if we can compare ourselves to ultra runners, even better!

The Team really did great, most of them even finished smiling! We had a couple of times with crazy cyclists yelling at runners, they seem to think they don’t have to follow any rules while biking the loop there and treat others like crap. But they all finished feeling exhilarated and pumped, knowing that after tackling this course they’re fully prepared for the race in Napa on July 18.

The only bad thing about the run was that I was foolish and paid more attention to my runners on the course than I did to my own needs. Failing to adequately hydrate/fuel myself was bad bad news, and I suffered the repercussions post-run. So like they always say on the airplane speech before take-off… secure your own air mask before assisting those around you. Trust me, it will save you a lot of pain and problems.

I am coaching a group of runners for the organization Team Challenge. They are fundraising for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America while training to run the Napa to Sonoma half marathon in July.