The Honor Scroll- Covering the Distance

There is a quote, by an unknown author, that says, "There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream." I can't begin to explain how powerful these words are to me. I used to think the "dream" was about ME and MY desires. I thought it was about winning. About reaching a high level of endurance and conquering seemingly impossible distances. I thought the dream was all about me......

That was before I realized the "dream" has NOTHING to do with my personal achievements. It is about all of us. About our parents and grandparents. It is about our children and their children. It is about the HOPE that we will, one day, live in a world without cancer. So many of us share this dream. So many are putting in the "miles" without asking, "How many more must we go?" Without giving up, quitting or becoming overwhelmed by the distance. This is something we ALL share and I am so proud to be just a small part of this effort. The Honor Scroll 50 mile run was only successful because of this attitude, perseverance and the combined miles that we all "run" everyday in pursuit of the DREAM.

In total, there were 161 names that made it on the Honor Scroll this year. There were also a couple of last minute names that came along on a separate piece of paper (not written in marker on my belly- sorry). The support for this was awesome and the donations reached close to $1200 between online contributions and personal checks/cash received. Considering that I "JUST ASKED" for money back in February... and November.... and June..... and last April.... that is incredibly generous on your part. I will NOT ask again..... until I do. That reminds me- you can still donate by clicking here ------>DONATE<------

On to the race.....

My friend Charley and I made the trip together. We arrived in Little Rock, AR on Friday evening, set up camp and made our way over to the packet pick up. When I told them my name they said, "You will be bib #3. Because you were 3rd overall last year." Great. No pressure there, right? I had confidence that I would run a faster time but you never know.....

The race started in the dark at 6 a.m. in the typical ultra-marathon way. "Go." And we were off. With the 50k and the 50 milers starting together it was easy to start too fast. But I quickly settled into position behind the lead pack and ran "my" pace. After about 2 miles of pavement we hit the trail head and things slowed down some. The sun was starting to rise and we continued knowing that Mt. Pinnacle was only a few miles away.

Mt. Pinnacle is a very steep CLIMB that has to be negotiated around mile 5. It is a CLIMB, not a run or walk. The pace slows down considerably along this stretch. Luckily, it only lasts about 10-15 minutes. I think the total distance is only 1/4 to 1/2 mile but DUDE.... it is crazy hard. As I reached the top, I offered to kiss the photographer but he declined. Guess he wasn't as happy about my reaching the top as I was. At this point I realized that going down the backside was going to be just as slow going.

After the successful crossing of Mt. Pinnacle, it was time to start the real race. I didn't even attempt to keep pace with the leaders. I have learned, for me, that is the quickest way to crash. I would much rather run my own pace and hopefully close the gap on the back half. This strategy usually works for me. Charley, on the other hand, was right there with the leaders. He went on to place 2nd overall in the 50k. Dude is a freaky awesome runner.

Around mile 10 something happened that would cause me to change my strategy. A little pain in my right knee showed up. This was not a new pain but it had been almost non-existent in the past week or so. I chose to ignore it. This is a "child-like" strategy that usually works for me. You know, the "I can't see you, so you can't see me" approach. By mile 12, it was evident that this would not be the case. The knee was hurting and starting to swell. I knew that the 50k trail would split in about a mile and I had the option of dropping to the shorter distance. I felt that 31 miles was a much smarter distance for me considering the circumstances.

There has only been a few times in my life that people have confused me for smart. This was NOT one of those times. I took the 50 mile fork in the trail and didn't look back. This is what I came for. This is where the Scroll was going. Just the way it was. I am a huge fan of the mantra, "Rub some dirt on it- you'll be alright" and this is what I used for the next 12-13 miles. I hit the turn around in 5th place and found my drop bag. I spent a few minutes wrapping my knee and refilling my hydration pack. Opting not to change shoes or socks because all the creek were up and there was no hope of keeping dry, I left in 8th/9th place.

Despite my knee issue, I was still on pace for a sub 9 hour finish. I realized that a top 5 finish was not going to happen but I could still come in with a decent time. All I had to do was keep moving. That was all. Easy. How hard could that be? Uhhh........

I got passed by a few people over the next 10 miles. This is demoralizing and not something that anybody likes. For me, it is a very rare occurrence to be passed on the back half of ANY race and I HATED it. But I also knew the deal. Didn't make it okay but helped to keep my spirits from sinking to low. Just keep moving. No problem.

Mile 35 aid station is the last cut-off and opportunity to drop with the guarantee of a ride back to the start/finish area. I limped in and the questions started. How bad was it? Can you run? Do you want to drop? Do you....... WHAT???? Drop?? I told them that I would rather eat a bullet than quit now. Everybody got quiet except for one lady. She said, "Well then, you'd better get going. There's still 15 miles left and you're wasting time." As I limped back onto the trail, I couldn't help but smile- she understood the insanity of an ultra.

The last 15 miles were rough and I couldn't help but think that maybe it was supposed to be rough. That somehow this was showing me that it won't always be easy. No matter how prepared or confident I am- there will be days that are harder than the others. Days when 15 miles seem like 150. Days when I don't think I can run one more step. Days when the pain is all I can focus on. Days that suck. There is no way that I would even dream of comparing this to the fight of those on the Honor Scroll but it seemed almost symbolic. Just keep moving. Don't quit. Believe in the dream......

I hit the finish line in 9 hours 28 minutes and 11th place overall. This is 45 minutes slower than last year and a full hour slower than my target time. Just looking at those numbers, it my be misinterpreted as a bad day. I can honestly say after a week of reflection that it was a GREAT day. I had ONE hard day. ONE. That is nothing. I should be thankful for that ONE day. As I continue "running those miles" in pursuit of the DREAM, it is a great comfort knowing that I am not alone and that, together, we will one day cover the distance.

The Next 50 Miles.......

Here we go again........

On April 16th, I will be running in the Ouachita 50 Mile Trail Race in Little Rock, AR for the Second Annual Honor Scroll Run. Just like last year, the “Honor Scroll” will bear the names of those that have had or been diagnosed with Cancer. This event made an impact last year and attracted some attention- It is my hope that we can build off that and get even more people involved this year. If you know somebody that has been affected by this terrible disease then PLEASE allow me the high privilege of bringing them along on this journey. If you will send their name and status we will add them to the Honor Scroll. It would be great to have at least 50 names to carry on the scroll for the 50 miles- though more would be awesome. (Last year the scroll honored 191.)

Awareness is only a part of the fight so I am also asking for donations of $5 per name to benefit the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life. Just like always, the donations are secondary and not mandatory, I will carry the names regardless. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DONATE in order for a name to be added to the scroll. I believe that it is very important to raise funds but I do understand if you are unable to donate at this time-please don't let that stop you from becoming involved in the fight. You can send the name by clicking the “contact me” button on the right, send a message on Facebook or email runlikeamug@yahoo.com. Donations can be made online by clicking here -------->DONATE or through the link on the right of the blog.

Checks can be made out to the American Cancer Society and mailed to my address:

David Murphy
HC 72 Box 324-8
Wasola, MO 65773

Please just take a minute to think about it. Remember- I will consider it a privilege to carry the names with me even if you do not make a donation. Help me spread the word by sharing this with as many people as you can. It is an unfortunate but real fact that everybody knows somebody who has been touched by this MONSTER- please help us fight back and honor those that you know. This really is a group effort and together we must continue the hard work so that one day our children won't have too.

In times of great despair and uncertainty, it helps to know you’re not alone and that there is an answer–hope.

Expanding the Limits- Rocky Raccoon 100

A few weeks ago, I was on a training run with a friend. As usual on a long run, the topic of discussion was scattered and all over the place. At one point along the way, the subject of limits came up. In a joking manner, he stated -A man has got to know his limitations. Yep. I agree. But you will never know your limitations until you FIND them. That is what I love about running, specifically ultras, you are constantly pushing the limits of your own perceived endurance. Overcoming the fear of failure and the fear of inability is what it's all about. The more you push, the more the limits expand.

As a runner, I have come to believe that limits are set ONLY in our minds. This means that WE are the only ones that decide how much our bodies can take. Training is only part of it- of course it can change how MUCH we rely on the second part- Attitude is the most important part. How bad you want it. How hard you are willing to push it. How important it is to finish. All of these beliefs were tested and reinforced last weekend at the Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Trail Race in Huntsville, TX. It is not often that I wonder if I had found my limit but there were some rough patches along the way where that question entered my head.

I arrived in Huntsville on Thursday afternoon after about 10 hours of driving. The drive wasn't too bad because I had my "crew" with me. Jon and Charley had both agreed to come down to crew and pace me. Four days away from their families and 20 hours of driving just to stand around waiting for me to run 100 miles. Seems insane but I think they were just as excited to do that as I was to actually run. That is why they are full-fledged members of The Idiot's Running Club.

We woke up on Friday morning to ice and snow. Ice and snow? What? Yep. It really wasn't too bad but the locals were spazzed out and Houston had to shut down the interstates. This combined with snow and ice in other areas of the country made travel tough and, in some cases, impossible. Around 80 registered runners of the 100 miler couldn't make it to Huntsville for the race. It was a good thing we drove down a day early....

So, we had some time to kill before the packet pick-up on Friday afternoon. What to do? Hmmm..... Jon and Charley came up with a brilliant plan. "Let's go for a run on the trail." And because I am part of The Idiots Running Club, I agreed and we loaded up and drove to the Huntsville State Park. First sign upon entering the park? A "Do Not Litter" sign? Nope. An "Alligator's Exist In The Park." sign? Yep. Huh? Alligators? Sweet. We continued on and found the start/finish area and met the Race Director, Joe. He was very friendly and we chatted briefly before hitting the trail. I ran 5 miles while Charley and Jon went out for 6.2. It was nice to get a feel for the trail and the conditions were fine. No major patches of ice or snow. Just a few roots....

We hit the packet pick-up that afternoon. Watched all the "rock stars" roll in to grab theirs. I don't think they were intimidated by me. Afterward we grabbed a few supplies and went back to the hotel for an early night. After a few slices of pizza and a couple of beers, I was ready to sleep. I did. I slept for almost 3 whole hours before starting the old "what time is it" roll. Finally, at 3 a.m. I gave up and decided it was close enough. Sleep is over-rated anyway. I was pretty nervous but managed to eat a couple of microwave-able sausage biscuits and suck down a BUNCH of coffee. I discovered a card from my wife and kids in my bag that was very inspiring and motivating. Just the kind of thing I needed before this monster of a test. At 5 a.m. we were off.

Just before 6 a.m. the racers started to line up. I knew that I wanted to go out at a decent pace so I lined up towards the front. After a few minutes, a group of dudes come rolling up right in front of me....... What's up with that? Oh- I see. Kupricka, Jurek and company (including the now WORLD famous Ian Sharman) decided that was a good spot too. Fair enough. It is a pretty awesome sport where an average schlubb like me can line up shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the world. Killer experience.

The RD did the final countdown, I let out a loud WOOOOO!!! right behind Jurek-(though I'm sure he didn't hear me) and we were off. This was the last time I would be that close to the leaders but, because the course was a 20 mile loop, not the last time I would see them. The first few miles went pretty fast and somewhere just past the 6 mile aid station, I decided to back off the pace some. I had ran the first 10k at an 8:40 overall pace- great for a 50k but STUPID for 100 miles. By the end of the first 20 mile loop- the pace was sitting at 9:09/mile with a total elapsed time of 3 hrs 03 minutes and things were feeling really good. I met my crew, grabbed a few essentials and went out for round 2.

The second loop went about as smooth as the first. Everything felt great, the pace was fine and the hydration/nutrition seemed just right. The only thing that I did notice on this loop was that the 6ish mile leg of the "Damnation" loop seemed to stretch a little longer- this was a sign of things to come- but overall, miles 21-40 were pretty good. This loop slowed down some, but remained pretty steady and reasonable- I thought.... Total elapsed time after loop 2 was 6 hrs 25 minutes and the overall pace had dropped to 9:37/mile. Still on track for a great finish. (remember this is my 1st 100 miler..... I had no idea what was coming)

The day was warming up fast and I got rid of the long sleeves and gloves, opting for a short sleeved tech shirt and a dry doo-rag before heading out for the 3rd loop. Things felt pretty good here too. I hit the 50 mile mark with a PR time of 8 hrs 14 minutes. Nice. But it was starting to get a little tough and the pace slowed over the next 10 miles. At mile 55- I had officially gone farther than I ever had- and still was barely half way done. An interesting thought came into my mind at this point- "Dumb-dumb.... you have never even SNIFFED 100 miles- are you freakin' insane?" Kind of made me laugh. I continued through to finish miles 41-60 with a total elapsed time of 10 hours 29 minutes and the overall pace had dropped to 10:29/mile. Still not to bad...... I was also informed that I had started this loop in 25th place overall. I was quite confident that was no longer the case- in fact I would have bet that I was closer to 70th place. I would have lost.

Finally, the time had come for a pacer and I was READY. It was starting to get lonely out there and my legs were feeling it. It was still daylight and warm but we knew that wouldn't last long so I put on a jacket and grabbed my head lamp. Jon and I headed out for the 4th loop. We hit the first aid station at about mile 63 and, because pacers get to partake in the aid station food just like the runners, Jon finally got to eat some "real" food. Him and Charley had existed all day on peanut butter and jelly- this made the aid station food look like a 5 star meal to him. I took my time getting some hot soup while he munched the quesadilla's like Scooby-snacks. Not sure WHY I found this funny- but I did. We hit the Damnation loop and I started struggling. I was starting to question if I wanted to continue running- I didn't want to but I also knew that I would.

Jon pulled me through as it got dark and cold. We talked about all the folks that had sent emails and told their story- very inspiring, tearful and motivating- finally after mixing in some walking and much slower running- it was over. Miles 61-80 were completed in a total elapsed time of 15 hours and 28 minutes with the overall pace dropping to 11:35- not great but I did NOT really care at this point. 11:35 seemed smokin' fast to me.

Before embarking on the final 20 mile loop- I needed to sit down and assess the damage. My right ankle had been hurting pretty good and it appeared swollen. Jon wrapped it with an Ace Bandage, I put a few more clothes on, grabbed some hot soup and we were off. Charley was pacing this time and I can guarantee that him and I have never gone this slow EVER. He managed to keep me running for the first 12 miles of this loop- but after the Damnation loop- around mile 92- I was zapped. The next 8 miles would be the longest and most important miles of my "running journey". It was time to decide where I would set my limitations.

Charley and I had met at a local 5k back in 2007. We started training together and decided to run a marathon. Who knew that we would end up on a trail in Texas, freezing as I struggled to step off the last few miles of a 100 miler? Man, we had come a long way and as we approached the final 5k- Charley encouraged me to keep moving. His reminder of my "hatred" for 5k's gave me a great laugh when I really needed it. 5k's kill me- I hate them but I keep going back for more- and here I was, 97 miles in and it was only a stupid 5k between me and the finish line. Awesome.

I couldn't run. My ankle was swollen, both feet hurt from the pounding and I couldn't lift them up high enough to avoid the roots covering the trail. When I tried to run, which was only a slow shuffle, the pain would shoot through me and when I would catch a foot on a root or rock, the ensuing stumble hurt more and more. So I chose to walk. It hurt less. But it was COLD. Really cold. Finally, Charley said, "You only have about 1/2 mile to go- you CAN run it in." Yep. I CAN. I did. I kicked up that Texas dirt and blew leaves off the trees with my tremendous speed. (maybe I'm embellishing a little here) It felt slow- it was slow- but it was all I had. Soon I could see the lights from the finish area and knew that it was over. 100 miles. Sweet.

As I approached- I let out my final WOOOOO!!! of the day/night. I crossed the finish line with a total elapsed time of 20 hours 59 minutes and 40 seconds. I had finished my first 100 miler with 9 hours to spare. Even better was the sub- 24 hour designation and sweet belt buckle to commemorate the achievement. Without the support of my great friends and crew- this would have been much more difficult and the outcome may have been different. Awesome dudes.

Here is a link to my splits and overall time ---> MY STUFFS <---- if you are interested. Other numbers that I found interesting..... 316 starters with 190 finishing under the 30 hour cutoff- for a finishing rate of 60%. Of these 190, there were 77 (about 40%) that finished sub 24. I will be the first to admit that mistakes were made. I am a firm believer that success comes way before race day- it comes in the early mornings spent in the gym, the hard miles of a long run and in the discipline of the daily miles. I am thankful for the opportunity to make these mistakes because they will help guide my training for the NEXT one. Oh yeah- there will be another. Not only was this the most difficult and painful challenge in my "running life" it was also the sweetest and most euphoric feeling I have ever had. Bring on the pain- I'm ready to roll.

Thanks to EVERYBODY thatsupported me on this quest. So many of you donated money to the ACS (and you still can by clicking ---->HERE<---), shared your story with me and encouraged me along this path. It is a very unique situation where I am able to chase my goals while helping in the mutual dream of beating cancer. Seems almost selfish for me to actually enjoy the journey- but it is the only way that I know to contribute and, with your continued support, WE will keep on running. Cancer sucks and together we will make a difference.


Here is a link to the video. It is kind of long at 8:35 but it tells the story pretty well. You can see me bouncing all around at the start line right behind Scott Jurek. Guess I was ready to get moving.......

Rocky Raccoon 100 Miler 2011

This video is pretty long- but really, it WAS 100 miles. I will write a race report soon but this pretty much tells the story.