Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Feb 8, 2012, 1:03 pm
Wasatch course (photo Matt Galland)Now its decision time. Do I run UTMB August 31 in Europe, or Wasatch Front 100 miler in Utah the first weekend in September? I just got accepted to run Wasatch. So now I'm in a predicament. Run UTMB, one of the hardest races in Europe if not the world with 31,000 f...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jan 29, 2012, 10:20 am
Age Group And Overall WinnersThis weekend I celebrated with many of my fellow ultra runners at the So Cal Ultra Grand Prix Awards picnic. What a great event! A culmination of a long season and a kick in my ass to get back in the saddle for 2012. Gary Hilliard, the grand master of ceremonies, put out...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jan 20, 2012, 10:01 am
photo UTMB websiteIts official. After stumbling upon the application deadline for Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) just two weeks ago, I submitted my application with only hours to spare. What the hell, I thought, it’s a lottery and I probably wont get in anyway. Like a traveler passing through Vegas...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Oct 31, 2011, 12:00 am
I recently posted that wisdom is not a flower to be plucked. It is a mountain, and it must be climbed. The idea here is that it takes time, years even, to gain an awareness of the trail that you tread on. I still believe this.  However I think there is more to this story. Yes, wisdom is gathered f...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Oct 17, 2011, 9:20 am
For those of you who follow this blog, you know I'm a believer in training principles espoused by Phil Maffetone.  The key objective to this type of training is to teach your body to burn fat for fuel. The method to achieve this is built around training at a lower heart rate (180 minus your age +/-...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Oct 9, 2011, 3:33 pm
I never was an Apple fanatic. I never understood the cult-like zeal of Mac mania. Steve Jobs? To me he was just another tech billionaire capitalizing on our materialistic, trend crazed society. But then something changed for me regarding Jobs. When a friend told me this week that Steve Jobs had died...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Sep 22, 2011, 4:30 pm
Columbus SkylineToday wraps up my midwest trip that took me from California to Chicago, IL, Des Moines, IA, Indianapolis, IN and now Columbus, OH. Five states in five days. The good news is I still got around 4 hours of running in, albet mostly on bone crushing concrete and asphalt. It reminds me of...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Sep 11, 2011, 9:37 pm
The Osprey I Saw TodayOne of my favorite runs is going slong. I walk out the front door with no particular route planned. No particular destination. Just my Nathan, GPS and heart rate monitor. I start running—really, really slow—with nothing to prove other than time on foot. Time to myself. Time...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Sep 6, 2011, 9:54 pm
This is a heads up to the ultra community. Two women are in critical condition after competing in an ultra marathon last weekend that was engulfed by a raging out-of-control brush fire. The race was in a remote location in northwest Australia. It took 5 hours for rescue workers to reach them. Both s...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Sep 1, 2011, 12:20 am
Found this hill the other day. I'm really excited about it. It's a half mile long with 400 feet of elevation gain, all single track. At the top is a panoramic view of California's southland -- Saddleback Mt., the San Gabriels, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. It's very difficult to find from t...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Aug 24, 2011, 10:27 pm
Marker One - The Start of the Boarder with CanadaSometimes it is good to just go easy and enjoy the scenery when running. I got to do just that this last weekend while on vacation and in Vancouver, Canada and Point Roberts, Washington. Vancouver is amazing and has an extensive system of bike trails....
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Aug 11, 2011, 8:54 am
While taking what I believe is a well deserved break from running, my mind wonders more than what I'm accustomed to lately. Heck, it's only been a little more than two weeks since I crossed the finish line of my sixth race this year, but it seems longer. Some have asked me what I have planned next. ...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Aug 5, 2011, 9:43 am
My Pacers Bino and Chris Yesterday The Orange County Register published an article I wrote about my experience leading up to and running the Angeles Crest 100 mile endurance run. Click here to read. Enjoy!
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jul 31, 2011, 7:22 pm
“The Mountains are Calling. And I Must Go”                            John Muir Before the start with Bad Rat Tracy M. There is so much more I have yet to learn about this sport. So much! And I’m beginning to realize it's what I’m learning that keeps drawing me back into it. ...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jul 25, 2011, 7:08 pm
Here is my brief take on last weekend with more to follow... What a course! Just when you feel like letting loose it roles you up again in a wad and spits you out! The hiking, oh the hiking! Relentless climbs. Started out very conservative in 44th place and slowly made my way to 11th overall, but sh...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jul 21, 2011, 11:39 pm

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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jul 18, 2011, 9:10 am
A bright sun was shinning over my head. But every step I took was into darkness. I was struggling just to hang on. My stomach, legs and feet had all abandoned me. My mind was now slipping. I recently wrote that running ultras is more about trust in yourself than your god given talent. Sometimes thi...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jul 11, 2011, 12:06 pm
A friend of mine once said it. No matter how focused you are on your training. No matter how committed you might be to accomplishing a goal. Sometimes life gets in the way. After 23 years of running, I’m still learning how not to fight this rule, but to embrace it. This morning I hitched a tandem...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jul 3, 2011, 11:04 pm
What, we're lost? How do you use this compass anyway? I spent the better part of today on the Angeles Crest trail with two very cool runners, Travis C and Larry R. Until two weeks ago I’d never set foot on the AC trail so today offered a great opportunity to see some of what’s in store come Jul...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jun 29, 2011, 9:45 am
I came across this analysis of various races and their relative difficulty from realendurance.com. Very revealing and seems in line from my experience at San Diego and Western States. I'm about to find out about Angeles Crest 100. Three weeks and counting... Relative Event Finish Time to Western Sta...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jun 25, 2011, 8:45 am
National Cathedral - One of My Favorite Places to VisitThis week I spent some time on the road. On the road as in traveling. On the road as in “off” the trail. Normally a double dose of “don’ts” when training. But I’ve learned there is no such thing as perfect preparation when training f...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jun 13, 2011, 1:00 pm
Ever tried to mix things up on a 100 mile run? Make it fun? Keep it interesting? Its not easy because it’s still, well, 100 miles.   Whether it was the copious amount of Cabernet and the gineormous hamburger I had for my pre-race dinner, the Vespa drink and mayo-smothered turkey sandwiches durin...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jun 6, 2011, 10:02 pm
After running the Bishop High Sierra 100k two weeks ago I was feeling pretty good about my conditioning, as well as my preparation for the San Diego 100 miler this weekend. But after catching a stubborn cold a week ago my confidence has been facing a stiff headwind. A cold in June? Yes.  I hate co...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - May 31, 2011, 9:56 am
It wasn’t long ago that I was having serious doubts about finishing my ultra racing season. Routine long runs, something I look forward to, were becoming nearly unbearable from the pain in my foot caused by a neuroma. I went to a podiatrist who did to me what western medical professionals do so we...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - May 23, 2011, 9:50 am
When Rob M and I arrived Friday evening in Bishop for the pre race dinner I quickly made a beeline to the beer garden that was serving up free local brew for runners. The restaurant was buzzing with runners chomping on pasta and garlic bread.  But when I lifted the clear plastic cup and pulled on t...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - May 14, 2011, 9:24 am
Three races are now in the book. Avalon 50 mile, Old Goats 50 Mile and Leona Divide 50 mile.  All behind me.  So now comes the fun stuff. Bishop High Sierra 100k (10,000 feet elevation gain) next weekend, San Diego 100 mile (12,300‘ elevation gain) three weeks after that, then the grand daddy A...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - May 4, 2011, 4:51 pm
Today I was on my elliptical machine churning out a few miles before going to work and I happened upon an article on Manny Pacquiao in the Wall Street Journal.  What caught my attention was the article’s focus – which is on Pacquiao’s conditioning methods.  Pacuiao’s has won world titles i...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - May 1, 2011, 3:33 pm
I don't normally post from my Iphone but since I'm at my kid's swim meet today with no Sunday paper, I'll indulge. The 2011 Leona Divide 50 mile race was held yesterday with a record attendance of runners, good weather and great race support.  In her second year as race director, Keira Henninger ha...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Apr 24, 2011, 10:09 pm
"The burden which is well borne becomes light."  Ovid
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Apr 22, 2011, 5:00 pm
I'm often reminded how much music influences my mood, thoughts, even my perspective.  I remember when I was in college and I changed my major because of music.  I won't go into detail for fear of reprisal by big brother but I owe it to the Clash, more specifically Joe Strummer, who often sang abou...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Apr 17, 2011, 11:33 pm
Have you ever run through tall grass only to have a blood feeding parasite attach itself to your skin?  You don’t realize it because it inserts its chelicerae (cutting mandibles) and hypostome (feeding tube) into the skin with little notice. The feeding tube is covered with recurved teeth so th...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Apr 10, 2011, 6:36 pm
Santiago Trail - Cleveland National Forest As training runs go, today's served up some good climbing (and descending) and a good mix of terrain.  Starting on Serrano Creek trail I made my way into Whiting Rance under clear skies.  Its amazing how empty the trials are at 7 am.  I ran for a couple ...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Mar 31, 2011, 1:13 am
Last weekend I accompanied a stand-up paddle boarding team that raced from Catalina Island to Dana Point California -- 39 miles across the Catalina channel. The two-man team consisted of my brother Al C and Keith.  The crew boat was captained by Greg P who was supported by his son and first mate Da...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Mar 27, 2011, 12:26 am
Knowledge is patience. Patience is knowledge. These were the words I kept repeating to myself at the Old Goat 50 miler.  Over and over. Going in I knew this was going to be a big hurdle.  Old Goats is the second race I entered that is part of the Southern California Ultra Grand Prix series.  A r...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Mar 21, 2011, 9:44 am
The moon breaks through the twilight.  Its light glows on the path before me. Over my head looms the night’s sky and in front of me the steely blue horizon is fading. I notice a tiny yellow star, twinkling.  Then it finally occurred to me why I’m out here.  This week I signed my name on an ...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Mar 13, 2011, 11:59 am
Now is a good time to send a donation to help the victims of the worst disaster that has struck Japan since the dreaded American atomic bombs destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  All you have to do is send a text and you can donate $10.  The American Red Cross raised over $32 million in a similar ca...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Mar 8, 2011, 10:38 pm
Can somebody tell me what kind of a sport we compete in when somebody dressed up as a gets all of the press? One of the most interesting things about ultra running is the lightening rod effect Dean Karnazes has on the sport.  The guy is not considered by many to be an elite runner in the sport (al...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Mar 6, 2011, 5:08 pm
Lyrics not to be confused with My Sherona.  No, this song goes something like this... What the &%$# is wrong with my foot!  It feels like it is on fire.  And we’re not talking about a small brush fire here.  Holy crap I’ve got another 20 miles to run.  What am I going to do?  I wish they ...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Feb 28, 2011, 9:13 am
Orange County California.  Known for its warm weather, sandy beaches and oceanside communities.  But most don’t know that the highest elevation in the OC exceeds that of Denver Colorado.  That’s right, the OC trumps the mile high city 5,689’ vs 5,280’. When Rob M and I started running Ha...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Feb 24, 2011, 8:46 am
I'm getting ready to step outside for a 5 to 8 miler.  The range is due to my lack of confidence in how I'll long I'll last out there.  It's 21 degrees and still dark out where I'm at in the So Cal mountains and according to Weather Underground, where I am is the lowest temperature in the State of...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Feb 20, 2011, 8:40 pm
Sometimes you just have to liven things up a bit.  Today Rob M and I kicked a tennis ball for 6 miles along the beach during a 20 mile run.  Sprint, stop, run, in the water, out of the water...great strength builder.  You should try it sometime!
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Feb 7, 2011, 9:29 pm
A Trail of Snow in ChicagoThis last weekend I tried a new training technique that should hold some promise for some long races this season.  I was in Chicago for the weekend which is nothing but flat and mostly road/asphalt running (and lots of snow!).  This stuff really tears me up if I'm running...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Feb 3, 2011, 8:44 pm
I'm going to cancel my trip".  The words rolled off my tongue as I sat in front of the tv  monday night watching the "mega" storm pummel the Midwest on it's way to the East coast.   But when I boarded the plane to New York tuesday I decided the media was hyping the storm for ratings, and, after a...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jan 30, 2011, 10:01 pm
Forgive me officer, I am a runner.  I run these trails with no malicious intent.  I just like...."do you want to be arrested son?!  This could cost you $1,600!"  No sir.... Moments after being "busted" by Irvine Police (photo J.Rowland)
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jan 28, 2011, 10:43 pm
"Men and women who race at distances longer than marathons—also known as ultrarunners—are by reputation and reality a strange, obsessive, and somewhat socially awkward lot." Ok, they're taken from last year's Runner's World article on Scott Jurek (the King of Pain), but do these words really de...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jan 18, 2011, 10:12 am
Bino M Finishing the 50Have you ever seen the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean? Stood 20 feet from a wild buffalo?  Peered 1,000 feet over a school of dolphin?  If you haven’t, it's time you check you calendar and run the Avalon Benefit 50 mile run on Southern California’s Catalina Island. Aval...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jan 7, 2011, 1:44 am
Today’s run almost didn’t happen.  As I sat at my desk this afternoon feeling run down from working through my second cold in a month, my head felt like it was full of enough Elmer’s glue to supply a second grade craft project.  I coaxed myself into it by making a promise just to go out easy...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Jan 2, 2011, 3:33 pm
"Black Move"Ok, I admit, I’ve been a Polar heart rate monitor (HRM) purist for more than 20 years.  I’ve owned dozens of Polar HRMs, so many that I’ve started to discard them like old socks.  Well, now it’s time to try out some new socks.    I recently contacted Suunto, another manufactu...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Dec 30, 2010, 2:17 pm
Sometimes it's good to get away to look at things with a new perspective. Running can get a little routine, even monotonous at times.  The last week of the year was a good one for me on this front, spent on the island of Oahu with my extended family to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday.  What a gre...
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Will C. posted an article on An Ultra Runners Blog - Dec 25, 2010, 6:30 pm
I hope all of you runners got what you wanted from Santa and are celebrating a great holiday! Don't forget to get you miles in!
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