Ride up to Wuling

Geographic Center of Taiwan - the starting point of today's ride

My first ride up to Wuling on Hehuan Mountain today went rather well. Went with the Bigfoot boys. After driving in the support van from Taichung to Puli, we unloaded, made sure our bikes were prepared and we had enough water and fuel to make it up. It was a beautiful morning and I was ready to get going. We set off at about 6:40.

A shot from early in the ride along Taiwan Route 14

To be honest, I was expecting the first 40 kilometers of the ride to be more difficult than it was. To be sure, it was a climb and there were some moderately steep areas of it, but it was a lot like the ride from Dongshi to Guguan - though a bit longer. With endurance, it was actually not all that difficult.

I took up the rear from the beginning, but by the half-way point, I passed a couple of the guys who started up pretty early on. I was feeling pretty good and really was not feeling fatigued.

Beautiful scenery from along Taiwan Route 14-A (甲)

It started getting more difficult about 40 kilometers into the ride. I am not sure if it was that it was getting steeper or that fatigue was starting to set in (probably a little bit of both), but the work was getting harder. I was still going pretty well. I was passing a lot of riders from other groups (there were a lot of riders out today), including two more of our guys. Still, the quads were starting to feel a little strained, but as I saw my cycle computer clicking off the kilometers, I knew I was getting closer to the destination.

At about 50 kilometers, it really got hard. I saw some switchbacks that led to the entrance to the Taroko Gorge National Park (which I thought was the end point). I pushed up, along with a guy from Taipei I met along the later part of the ride. However, once I got there, though there were lots of people hanging out, taking pictures, and otherwise enjoying the beautiful day, I found out that there were still two kilometers of tough climbing to do.

After a quick refuel and conversation with Andrew (the guy from Taipei), we set back off. Just took it one pedal stroke at a time as the top of the ridge grew ever nearer.

Got to the top and was surprised to break four hours (if just barely) on my first attempt to make the ascent up Wuling.

Me with Andrew at the top

Looking down the Hualian side of the ridge

Group shot with the guys who made it to the top (and our support van driver)

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Jieren Cup Marathon Relay

2011 Jieren Cup National Marathon Relay

July 10, 2011 - my first relay with Bigfoot, though running with a team that was a composite set up by one of our leaders.

Warming up before the race

I really didn't know what to expect as I had not run in six weeks due to a tender ankle. The ankle was still tender and I had it wrapped up in an ankle brace. I was mostly concerned about how it would hold up on the back part of the course, which is downhill - quite steep at times.

Receiving the baton at the start of the second leg

I ran the second leg of the right leg race. Right after getting the baton, I passed a runner who was in front of me. While I got out of the gates quickly, it was a bit of a struggle as, though my fitness was pretty good, I had gotten in no running in six weeks.

Off onto the roads of the Donghai University campus

I shot off. I was already pulling away from the first guy I passed on the leg and it would only be another hundred meters before I reeled in two others. Though I had to force myself on legs that really were sluggish, I was able to get a good pace going.

About 500 meters into the leg is where the long 1300 meter climb hits. Fortunately, my running legs had made an appearance by then, but I was slightly winded. I really had to work hard up the hill to both maintain my pace and keep the breathing going. I was able to do this, and pass a handful of runners in the process.

After the crossover on the top of campus came the downhill part. My ankle was holding up nicely and while I did take it a little easier than normal, I was still making good progress. I was still shadowing the kid from the university division that I had been behind since about 300 meters into the leg (the only person who passed me and stayed ahead of me the entire leg) and ran down with a high schooler who came up on me from behind. Together, we passed a handful of runners and ran nearly stride for stride on most of the downhill.

A little more than 4 km into the leg, it got relatively flat again and I was able to keep my pace going. Legs were feeling good and my breathing was fine. I also was able to pull away from the high schooler (good runner, though) and get past a couple of guys in the company division.

Coming near the 5km mark - about 300m to go

I then came in near the finish. I was feeling good, but with the humidity and the fact that short distances are really not my favorite, I was ready to get the baton on to the next runner. I have become a much better finisher over the past twelve months and was able to get into a good kick by this point.

My cheerleading section

Of course, seeing my two beautiful little angels (and my better half taking photos) also helped me to drive toward the finish line.

150 meters to go with the university student (in blue) who passed me early in the leg and who I was shadowing for most of it.

I put into my final kick to try to give my teammates every second possible. While I have never been a great sprinter (that is why I am a distance runner), I have picked up some speed lately. Still, not a lot today due to lack of speed training. I was still able to hold my position. I was really please to get that baton off to the third runner on the team.

I felt great about today's run. It is a tough course for such a short distance and the lack of training really did not help. Still, great to know that I can still generate a good pace and hang in there at the end. Shows that I don't have that much do to to get back race-ready for the fall season.

Hui-Wen Elementary School team bringing in their last runner

The group that impressed me most today was the 5th graders from Hui Wen Elementary School. There is no elementary school division, so they had to run with the middle schoolers. They were definately getting the support of everyone out there and while they finished last in their division, they did not finish last overall and they were on the top of the standings for the respect they gained today. Congrats kids. Well done.

"I am not afraid, I am very brave"

This is my favorite team name of today's race. I have no idea how they finished and it really doesn't matter. Their team name deserves first place in my book.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Wednesday morning cycle workout

Wednesday mornings always begin early for me. The Bigfoot cycle workout begins at 5:15 in the morning, so at 4:20 yesterday morning - up I got for a light breakfast and get on the bike to head out to meet the guys in Dali.

The adventurous morning started with me getting chased by three stray dogs on Wuquan South Road as I was about to cross into Dali District. Fortunately, the dogs were no match for me on the bicycle.

5:15 - we set off from the OK convenience store on the corner of Wenxin South Road and Zhongtou Road.

Heading south on Zhongtou Road toward Wufeng District

Coming off the bridge between Dali and Wufeng districts was a very unusual incident. It is quite common at daybreak to have small, low-flying birds whipping under the bridge. There was a small flock of birds flying just in front of us as we were coming down the ramp from the bridge - surprisingly close. Then suddenly, something bumped up on me just above my right-side chest. I looked back and saw a small bird writhing on the ground. I think it was dead. Nothing I could do coming down the ramp at more than 40 kph, but since I love birds, once I got over the initial shock, I was pretty sad about it.

Still, the workout was on and I was one of three riders who were pushing the pace pretty hard on the morning. In Fenyuan, we were pushing 50 kph and really we were having a great ride. Three of us broke away toward the turn-around and raced for the line, which I won by just half a wheel.
Looking toward the mountains from the turnaround in Changhua City

We took it easy for about 3km after the turnaround to catch our breath and collect everyone who had been dropped over the last few km.

Sign at the turnaround in Changhua

7km marker on route 14 in Changhua

It was here that I decided that the rest period was to end. I pushed up the pace not especially hard, but enough to send the message that the recovery period was over and that it was time to get back to work. The others answered and off we were for the return ride.
Maoluo River in Fenyuan

While we were riding fairly briskly, I took out the camera to snap a shot looking south at the Maoluo River. While we don't do this route for the scenery, there are definately nice aspects to the ride. Not only is traffic relatively light on most of the route, there are some nice scenic spots that can be enjoyed.
Looking toward the mountains from the bridge between Caotun Township and Wufeng District

I took a little bit of a risk to grab this shot. This is an area where the pace usually gets picked up for the last 12 of the ride. And, unfortunately, this is exactly where one of the riders decided to make a push and I quickly fell more than fifty meters behind while getting this shot. It took me about 3 km of hard work to regain the pack. No more pics after this. Hard riding the rest of the way.

We finished the 55km ride in 1 hour 35 minutes - the fastest I have been on this route. We had a great ride and I love riding with these guys. If you want to ride with us, see is at the OK in Dali at 5:15 in the morning.

The Wednesday morning bike route