The Crawford Hang Glider Convergence!

Saturday's forecast looked great for flying the Crawford Mountains at Randolph, so Cody, Landon, Clover and I made a day of it - and what a beautiful Fall day it was! We met up with Bruce, Greg and Doug in the LZ, changed out Greg's flat tire in about 3 minutes "flat", piled into Cody's rig and headed for launch.

We set up on top with two other pilots.

Bruce walked back from the edge with a big grin on his face and said, with his best British accent, "I say, it's definitely honkin' out there!" Landon and I checked it out and it was blowing straight in at 25 - 30 mph under sunny blue skies. We took our time setting up, as it was just a bit strong, and we knew it would smooth out and be stellar all afternoon.

After two other pilots launched, Landon, Clover and I hooked in while Cody, Greg and Thomas helped us with a hang check and wire assist on launch. As soon as I felt neutral & level wings, I yelled "Clear!" We executed a strong launch, punched through some minor juniper-induced turbulence, and began climbing up, up and away as Landon exclaimed, "WOW!"

Clover immediately found her spot between my shoulder blades while Landon and I got comfortable in our harnesses and began to take in the incredible view. The lift was smooth and widespread, with some large thermals here and there. We noticed a parade of vehicles driving up the canyon on their way to launch, each one with two or three hang gliders on top! Usually when we go to Randolph there are a couple of other HG pilots, and five or ten paragliders. Today it would turn out to be just the opposite. Somehow people from all parts of Utah saw the forecast and had the same idea as we all converged over the Crawford Mountains for an impromptu Fall-Fly-In!

We effortlessly climbed to about 2,000' over launch, explored the mountain, watched other pilots setting up and launching, waved to other pilots in the air, and just enjoyed the moment, after moment! At one point we counted fourteen hang gliders over the mountain, with at least six others not in the air yet. Only two PG's finally launched later in the day from the lower launch, but even from there they had no problem climbing up over the main mountain range. We explored the lift band as our vario continued beeping "up" at least a mile out over the valley, and then we raced back over the mountain. The Big Falcon flew effortlessly, with no problem penetrating due to such a strong vertical component. We repeated this dream-like sequence for over an hour until, as the shadows lengthened, we decided it was time to go out and land.

After landing, Clover and Landon were ready for a little nap.

Before long, it started "raining" hang gliders,

one by one from the sky.

It was great to see so many flying friends,

and familiar faces as the party transitioned from the air to the landing zone.

We finally loaded up,

and said our good byes as the sun dipped below the horizon. We recounted the day's flying tales while dodging cows, deer, jackrabbits and Harleys on the drive home. This day of magical Crawford "hang glider convergence" flying will be etched in our memories for a long time!

Here's a mini-movie I made using Cody's Flip Video, Edited with Windows Movie Maker: You can watch it in a slightly larger format at this link: http://www.vimeo.com/6785303

Airtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes!

11th Annual TOU 26.2!

Saturday marked the 11th running of the Top of Utah Marathon, which starts up the Blacksmith Fork Canyon and drops a total of 1,045 feet in elevation, finishing in Logan... (this 'blog posting is not a solicitation for congratulatory comments, but rather an opportunity to document and share my first-hand experience while it is still fresh in my mind.)...

Friday evening I went to the host hotel to pick up my runner's packet and "goodie bag", complete with timing chip, numbered bib, and a bright orange long sleeved shirt. Keri said, "it's ugly!" I told her it would be great for hunting, and she said, "yeah, but you don't hunt!"

After a restless night of sleep, I awoke at 4:00 am and looked at my alarm clock. I knew there was no point trying to sleep any more, so I turned off the clock alarm and my cell phone alarm, and began my race day preparations. While driving the dark streets, traffic congestion increased the closer I got to the finish area. I found a parking space less than a block away, and walked to one of the waiting school buses, showing my race bib and ankle timing chip as a "boarding pass".

On the 25 minute ride to the start line, the bus was filled with a steady din of excited "runner talk" as the long anticipated day had finally arrived. I shared a seat with a first-timer from SLC who had put in many training miles and long runs, but was still uncertain of what to expect. My advice to him was to "start slow, run your own race, and have fun."

Upon arrival at the start area at 5:30 am under starry skies there was ample time to utilize one of the many porta-potties (complete with glo-sticks for light inside) lined up in the upper parking lot. Then I walked down the light-stick lined path to the start line area and took some time to relax and stretch in the huge, heated warm-up tent. As the tent began to get too crowded, I went outside, walked around the start area as the skies began to lighten, and took in some last minute fluids and nutrition. Now in the upper 30's, it was a little chilly at this elevation (5,610'), but warmer than most previous years.


As the race director began announcing on the PA the "minutes to start time", runners began shedding warm-up clothing, stuffing them in their marked bags, and tossing them in the clothing bus for transport and post-race retrieval. Signs on the sides of the start area marked different anticipated finish times, reminding runners to line up accordingly to keep faster runners up front. I saw many familiar faces as runners exchanged nervous conversation as the moment of truth had arrived. The wheelchair racers started at 6:55, and the excitement continued to build as over 2,000 runners stood elbow to elbow anxiously anticipating the start.

At 7:03 the race began, signalled by the sound of multiple black-powder muzzleloader blasts fired by men in mountain-man garb, echoing off the canyon walls. I crossed the start line a minute or two later. The first mile I mostly concentrated on keeping enough of a cushion around me to avoid tangling feet with other runners at a 9:07 pace, which was fine with me.

We also had to deal with vehicle traffic, apparently because the Highway Patrol was not satisfied with the race director's paperwork and refused to close the canyon. I thought to myself, "I paid good money to be able to run the tangents - not to stay on the right side of the road!" So myself and most other runners still cut the corners anyway, because that's how the official race distance is measured. There were only a half dozen or so vehicles that braved the sea of runners anyway.

The first 15 miles of the race down the beautiful canyon with fall colors on display begs to be run fast, with a gentle downhill and nice tailwind.

Because I knew I was undertrained, my plan was to hold myself to an 8:45 pace until the last 11 miles, when I could slow to a 9:15, and finish under 4 hours. In my race-day excitement, especially after a 5 year hiatus, I allowed my pace to increase to about 8:20, until before I knew it I was 12 minutes ahead of a 4 hour finish!

One of the neat things about witnessing a marathon, is seeing people of all different shape, size, age, race, interest and ability - all running the same race, but each with a different reason, motivation or cause. A few miles into the race I saw a young lady with a stride and gait as normal as any other runners, then I glanced down and noticed that she had a prosthetic fiberglass "spring" for her lower left leg. Two years ago, while volunteering at an aid station, I gave water to a visually impaired runner, who ran with a guide "wing-man" the entire race.

Another young lady ran in memory of her husband, who was killed in the Iraq war in February, and was scheduled to return the day of the Marathon. There is story after story of personal triumph over tragedy, or just overcoming difficult obstacles or life challenges.

At mile 13, just before the half-way point, I was greeted by Tanner, Landon, and a number of other friends at the "Bobcat Bend" aid station. I made it a point to drink a full cup of water and gatorade at each station every 2 miles, as I knew hydration could be critical as the temperatures climbed near the finish. I knew I was getting enough, because I had to duck behind a tree or bush a total of 4 times along the way to quickly tap my kidneys.

As the course flattened in the valley and sun began to beat down, I slowed to a 9 minute pace. I passed by more familiar faces of good friends, such as Dallen, Alyssa, Cody, and numerous others. By mile 19 fatigue began to set in with tired, cramping legs, and by mile 20 the sun and heat began to take its toll. I did my best to drink fluids, but my stomach was shutting down too.

At mile 21 I took personal inventory to see if I needed to downgrade my finish goal: I had a whole hour left to run 5 miles and still meet my goal - all I would have to do is run 12 minute miles and I would still make it! Easy, right?! But my legs were shutting down, screaming "Just walk!" or better yet, "Stop and lie down in the shade - Give up, it's just not your day!" I could tell that many people around me were struggling with the same dilemma.

So I considered my options, and began a "running conversation" with God in my head, that went something like this: "Okay, if it is Your will, could you possibly help me get through this? I have done ALL that I physically can myself, so I'll just turn this whole thing over to You, and if it is Your will, help me by making up the difference, and allow me to reach my goal today! Of course if not, that's fine too - You've already done so much for me, but at least help me finish the race."

I waited for a sudden miraculous burst of energy, but it never came. Instead, an idea popped into my head, that if I would run a 10 minute pace the last five miles, I could allow for a walk and stretch for one minute at each mile marker, and still reach my goal with a little cushion! So my mind somehow talked my legs into it, and off we went. Now at each aid station I drank a cup of gatorade and grabbed two waters - one to drink and one to dump on my head as I walked for a minute.

My strategy seemed to work, as I would hit numerous "mini-walls" and talk my legs through each one. When I came down the hill from River Heights and turned west, runners were teased with a glimpse of the finish line in the distance to the north, but we still had nearly two winding miles to go. It was not until I reached mile 25 at about 3:45 that I knew I would make it. As I turned the corner with 2 blocks to go, there was a man down on the grass with medical personnell treating him for severe leg cramps and acute heat illness. Many other people suffered similar problems as the day heated up. By now it was in the 70's, which for a marathon is a bit too hot - especially in the direct sun.

I turned the final corner and once again saw the finish line and the gauntlet of cheering people. I saw Keri and Clover cheering with the crowd on the left and I threw my arms in the air when the PA announcer called my name as I approached the finish line. I crossed the finish line with an incredible combined sense of relief, euphoria, exhaustion and gratitude that is hard to explain or describe. In an instant, all of the work, effort and pain became worth it.

One volunteer removed my timing chip as another placed a finishers medal around my neck.

As I walked through the recovery area, I became emotional as my legs realized that "it was over" and lost what little coordination they had left. I attempted to drink more fluids, but my stomach rejected that idea, literally. I scanned the mass of people, until I saw Keri and got a post-race kiss. After slowly walking for about 20 minutes, I found a shady spot on the lawn to stretch out as my stomach began to settle, while listening to the live band play 80's tunes.

I survived the day with no apparent injury and not too much pain. As I reviewed the day in my mind, I wondered if it would have been an easier finish if I had not gone so fast the first half... or maybe without the extra time cushion I wouldn't have made my goal. A day later I am getting around okay, although stairs will be challenging for a day or two.

The Kenyans did not run away with the race.

Actually, the hometown favorite, Paul Petersen won with a time of 2:23:07! (That's a 5:28 average per mile pace for 26.2 miles! crazy!) For a news article about the event go to: http://hjnews.townnews.com/articles/2009/09/20/sports/sports03-09-20-09.txt

Also, here is the link to the official TOU web page. There is a link to the official times and results there: http://www.topofutahmarathon.com/

Special thanks to my wife and boys, friends, TOU organizers, volunteers, the boys spraying water on runners as we passed mile 23, the young lady and her sister with the sign "Run with your Heart" who I saw four different times as they leap-frogged along the course, - and thanks to my "Higher Power."

2.027 total runners finished the entire race, 36 dropped out somewhere along the way, and a number of others who signed up did not even show up. In my mind, however, all of them are winners, because each of them dared to dream. Yes, I'll do it again. I'll take a few days off, and then ease back into it. My goal is to keep running without going overboard. The challenge is to find that balance. Hmmm... Let's see... When is the next marathon? :-)

Crawford Airtime!

The Labor Day forecast looked great for flying the Crawford Mountains at Randolph, UT - So the 4.5 amigos (Cody, Bruce, Greg, Clover and me) met at the nicely cut huge LZ, and then truck-pooled to the top!


We set up under a blue sky with poppin' cumies, and a stiff W/SW wind at launch. The clouds were looking so good, that we had to draw straws before launching to decide which one of us would land and drive chase if the other three decided to go XC over the back! Both Greg and I volunteered to drive - so we agreed to "flip for it" in the air if needed :-)


Cody helped wire Clover and me off of launch, where the wind was gusting from 25 to 30 mph. We immediately began climbing steadily in the strong lift, as my vario chirped happily non-stop. Once we climbed away from the main ridge, the strong SW component became very obvious. We spent the next half hour beating straight upwind toward the big bend in the range only 3 miles away.


When we finally made it to the corner, it was just not producing the lift I had anticipated.


So we turned around and headed back toward launch, finding widespread lift all the way back. It seemed to be mostly "ridge lift" extending well in front of the range and thousands of feet above - with a few strong thermals mixed in.


We worked the lift under some big clouds while watching the shadows on the mountains below. I managed to climb to 9,500', and Bruce made it up to about 10,500' at one point. The view up and down the mountain range and beyond into neighboring states was incredible!


The winds finally straightened out to a more westerly direction, allowing us to relax and enjoy the huge lift band.


Greg took the opportunity to explore the VG range of his new topless glider, zooming from cloudbase to cloudbase!


Clover tolerated the strong lift and occasional turbulence very well. This was my first soaring experience over the Crawfords, and I was in awe of the indescribable 360 degree views. As the afternoon air began to mellow, Cody and I took turns practicing some climbovers before flying out over the valley to land.


Clover (the Landing Zone Monitor) had a great time in the air watching birds and enjoying the view, but after over two hours she was happy to get her paws back on solid ground.


What an incredible flight to kick off the Fall flying season! Here is a mini movie I edited together from our day. The keel shots are courtesy of Cody's Flip Video, and Bruce took the final landing sequence. It's not the best quality, but it's fun to watch! (If it starts and stops, just pause the movie, allow it to fully load and then click on play.)

Airtime: 2 Hours 20 Minutes!

K-9 Air-Time!

Saturday's forecast called for some pre-frontal SW winds, but quite a bit of cloud cover. Cody, Clover and I checked the wind on the internet, looked out the window, and decided it was worth the short drive to Short Divide. Upon arriving at launch it was blowing straight in at 16-18, with patches of blue sky above and about 85 degrees, although the skies were quite hazy due to smoke from wildfires in southern Utah and California.

Klobberhead looks like she is smiling in this picture, as I finished my pre-flight and prepared to launch. By now the windspeed was down to about 12 mph, but a local red-tail showed us signs of thermal activity, so we hooked in and went airborne!


Clobber the "Thermal-Snooper" was a bit nervous at first, as there were some strong, sharp-edged thermals, with plenty of sink mixed in-between. We had to fly a tight, figure-8 pattern, right over the tree tops to stay in the narrow lift band on the small launch ridge.


Clover was able to relax a little when some workable thermals came through, allowing us to climb to about 500' over launch, and attempt to bench up over the upper mountain. The two times I was high enough, I lost the lift as soon as I began to drift back, and had to return out front. Cody found a good core that took him to about 600' over taking him to the upper face, but he said it was just too westerly to produce enough lift, so he had to scoot back out over launch. Overall it was a fun, challenging flight, allowing for some good low altitude thermal practice.


After we landed, conditions on launch had mellowed enough to allow some other "locals" to take to the air.


It didn't turn into a magical glass-off, but there was still a nice, buoyant lift band, and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Airtime: 1 hour 15 minutes.