Opinion on 28th Amendment talk:
https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1jJKuicSZ0vgPa6rqBCploezQSH9rLVzbjfBgM-WroMs&hl=en  ¶ 11:18 AM 0 Comments

  Thanks for all the birthday wishes!! I got some of my own wishes too. Had Busy BUSY day at work, following early AM 5 yr Physical Exam. Health seems purdy darn good other than some residual issues from deep vein blood clots in leg last spring. Blood pressure& resting heart rate , EKG, cholesterol, etc, etc all seem excellent. Need to see Dermatologist, Opthamologist for some routine checks. Unfortunately also need schedule the 3 yr follow-up colonoscopy to address diverticulitis and some potential risk for related complications.

Had blood tests up the kazoo and visit with hematologist on tues pm and while theres still some uncertainty , the prognosis generally seems positive. Have a probable diagnosis of PTS( Post Thrombotic Syndrome) which may wax and wane for quite some time. PTS is apparently likely for at least 50% of patients who have had a Deep Vein Thrombosis. While the blood thinner meds I have taken helped clear clots over last 6 months, the veins are not completely normal. On positive note it does not appear that I have major valve problems or too much damage, but enough so that trauma to leg results in swelling, varicosities, heaviness, etc. I also have thankfully been oked to stop the blood thinner medication, although that will have to be reassessed based on ultrasound next week.
Both Hematologist and GP agree that running has been good for me and do not currently see big reason to change that as key part of my life. I will however have to continue to assess the running priority, include other athletic and related pursuits in life and modify accordingly depending on health. Family/ relationships, Health, Personal interests and Work continue as positive priorities.  ¶ 5:48 AM 0 Comments

  Catawba Weekend - Mar 6-8.
Survived the wkend , minus two toenails... and def need and will make my tues PT! Results on MRI on foot from last week show a bone fragment most likely from fracture in recent past that hasnt fused properly according to Dr. It was only slightly problematic this last weekend. Will find out more at next Dr appt in few weeks.

Really pretty day out there in the mountains, although found that I wasnt acclimated for 70 deg heat! Took me ~11 hr for 35-36 mi. AS USUAL ran up with the fast folks for about 8 mi, which was prob good considering it still cool, plus the first section had breathtaking climbs and downhill on very rocky technical trail going to Dragons tooth.
Seriously bonked after 13 mile stretch that had initially a 3 mi close to 1500 ft climb to Tinker Cliffs, drop down 500 ft then a 1mi ~700 ft climb to spectacular view on Mcafee Knob. Ran out of water on 3 mi downhill and struggled to the aid. Seriously thoought of ending but peer pressure prevailed and ran in last 4.5 mi on ridge but without as many PUD's with 32 yr old guy from DC who felt like me.
Sophies blog & pics :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/va_dawg/sets/72157614980491692/
Charlies Pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/va_dawg/sets/72157614980491692/

Catawba run :
http://cra.keith-knipling.com/description/  ¶ 1:04 PM 0 Comments

  The TrailDawgs proudly present the 8th annual Pennsylvania/Delaware HUMP 50K+ Run (Hunt's Ultra Marathon Perimeter Run) No Fee, No Frills, No Wimps, No Whining!
WHO: Anybooby who likes to run lots of trails
WHAT: Join the Dawgs on an unofficial, unsanctioned, unapproved 31+ mile trail run around the perimeter of the White Clay Creek State Park/Preserve and Middle Run Natural Area.
COURSE MAP (pdf)
TURN SHEET (MS-Word)
WHEN: Saturday, May 23, 2009 starting at 7 AM. Pre run orientation at 6:45 AM.
WHERE: Start/finish is at the PA White Clay Preserve park office parking lot, at the intersection of London Tract, South Bank and Indiantown Roads, about four miles north of Newark, DE in London Britain (PA) township.
Directions: from the south/I-95: take DE I-95 exit 1 to Rt. 896N, follow 896N through Newark, continue ~3 mi. to PA border, turn R on South Bank Rd. (just past Chambers Rock Rd.), continue to bottom of hill, bear R at cemetery, parking lot on L next to brick park office bldg.
from the north/Rt. 1: take Rt. 896S ~5 miles, turn L onto South Bank Rd. (<1>WHY: Because you're the sort of person who will truly enjoy a 31+ mile nature jaunt. The course is a single loop, moderately hilly, with minor stream crossings, single-track trail and just enough of that "wilderness experience" to satisfy the true nature-lover. We haven't precisely measured the distance, but it's 95% trail with over a 3,000 ft. aggregate vertical gain--scenic as hell! This run is meant for experienced trail runners, but anyone with marathon experience who wants to try an ultra distance and promises not to whine if they get tired and dirty is welcome. We will have one or two snack/water refill stations on the course. The course will be roughly marked, with maps provided.
COST: $0, zero, zip, nada. But donations to defray costs will be accepted, with leftover monies donated to the Pack and park. All participants are asked to bring 1 gallon of water and snack item(s) for snack/water refill station.
Awards? Maybe a souvenir rock or something so you can say "See honey? I ran 31+ miles and they gave me this rock!" We are planning on having post-race hot dogs and other stuff at the finish or nearby.
CONTACT Hunt Bartine: hbartine@yahoo.com or 610-274-0372 (evenings) 215-204-3315 (days) for more information. Or check out: http://www.traildawgs.org/
This is an informal fun run, completely free. You participate strictly at your own risk, and are solely responsible for your own safety. You must complete and sign this WAIVER OF LIABILITY:
I, ________________________________, am a responsible adult in sound physical condition, and I am adequately trained for this event. I understand and accept the risks inherent in participating in this event. I'm not paying a damn cent for this run, and I don’t need a lot of legal bullshit. Plain and simple: if I get lost, hurt and/or killed, it will be solely my own fault, I’m not going to be a candy-ass about it, and I'm not going to sue or blame anybody else.
  ¶ 8:40 AM 0 Comments

 


  ¶ 6:05 AM 0 Comments

 

Labels: Dawg runs

  ¶ 11:07 AM 0 Comments

   




Huntington ravine was a wild hike on the MMD 50K last weekend. This is a view about 45min after I had gone thru.
When I got there a sudden squall had started with hail and lightening that made the ascent tricky and downright scary at a few points. Made it up and was very glad to get to Mt Wash summitt, with food shelter and warmth shaortly after.  ¶ 7:47 AM 0 Comments

 

Escarpment 2008 – THE STORM
-Hunt Bartine

Getting Ready ( skip on to “The Run” for less gibberish )

My 8th attempt at running the Catskills 30K Escarpment Trail run seemed like most others. I had what I thought was OK training and was hoping to do and feel better then last year( and I did feel better, except for sore arms).

The course is a point to point on the mountainous ridge of the eastern Catskill mountains by an escarpment that is formed before they drop over 3000 ft to the Hudson valley.
As a result, on a clear day the panorama is spectacular and its told that 4 states can be viewed from the peaks.

The weekend started Sat am with the trip up from Pa after picking up Jim Cramer a runner and Escarpment veteran from the Reading area who would share the ride and accommodations at the infamous Mountain Bike Inn. It’s infamous primarily due to the character of owner/ operator, Ernie who has hosted me now for the last 10 years on and off for the run and for a few ski trips. Our 4 ½ hour drive was uneventful other then my stubbornness in trying to navigate the last 10 miles without map, GPS or directions. We arrived in Palenville mid afternoon and had time to meet and greet at Dicks “Cliffhouse” pre race get-together. After a short stay we made our way farther up the switchback road to Haines Falls which is the race finish site.
Passing waterfalls and a brisk running creek along the drive gave a prelude to conditions for the following day. Ominous clouds as we made our way farther up the mountain drive may also have been a portend for further weekend conditions. Upon arriving at the Mountain Bike Inn , we encountered Ernie doing 10 ft “drops” on bikes off ramps in his back yard with his nephew, and had the usual lively conversation with him of latest happenings, status of sale of the Inn, and info that several other runners were also guests.

After getting settling at the Inn, Jim and I left to meet a group of 7 others from Lancaster for a prearranged 6 PM dinner at Pancho Villas In nearby Tannersville. Andy Charles his wife Zoe, Peter Berlanger, Greg Foster, Bob Bergman, Ed Stauffer and Amy Harmon, Jim and I, ate, talked running and planned shenanagins for the remainder of the eve.
I opted not to join the group heading to a nearby Brau Haus where some might partake in the obligatory chicken dance after sampling liquid carbs. I made my way back to the Inn and settled in appropriately watching Bruce Willis in the original Diehard movie.

The Run

5:30 AM came early , after a night of semi restless sleep mainly due to numerous thunderstorms from midnight till 4. After coffee, and a quick bfast, Jim and I were off to the bus ride from finish to start. Dick still has not added a small bus to go with his admonition to those running that most will lose a few MORE of the precious few brain cells remaining. We arrived in time to linger for a bit before boarding and said hi to the Lancaster folks and a few others we knew including Joe Clapper and Michelle Harmon from Va. Jim saw John Geesler who he was hoping to run with.
During the 45 min hilly bus ride it was interesting to contrast some in almost meditative preparation versus the more typical chatty, excited group. I was somewhere between those styles.Arriving at the start, everyone seemed a bit anxious and would have preferred not to have another ½ wait to get numbers, hear announcements, cautions and confirm non-attendees.
At a few minutes after 9, RD Dick Vincent also running again this year, gives the signal and we are off but only for a few feet since the 180+ person field backed up due to single track and a literal lake that formed from the past eves storms. Most tiptoe around to avoid the ankle deep muck without realizing its minor compared to whats in store farther on. The first section is a 3 mile 2000 ft climb to 3600 ft Windham High Peak. Runners are commenting on prior Escarpments, other recent runs and about anything and everything that’s talkable during this first section in naive excitement of whats to come. Contrary to past years, I purposely kept back a bit, walking every climb of much consequence, having a number of people I've been with at past years go by. As a result, upon arriving at Windham peak and knowing there was a short section of steep switchback downhill I opted to pass a crowd of 10 or so to pull ahead on the down.
While the rocks were slippery the footing at this point was not bad since washout conditions hadn't started yet. I made the downhill well, although had already started a tree grabbing technique to slow some and had plenty left to do a good pace on a small plateau to the next 500 ft climb up Burnt Knob. By this time the weather had started to change from a steamy overcast to more threatening clouds. Stopping for just water at the aid at the peak, I could see the dark clouds to the west were about to descend.
Shortly after the descent from Burnt Knob the skies opened with a deluge, and thunder could be heard nearby. Ascending to the next peak at Acra , the thunder became closer and the first lightening strikes were seen. Shortly after Acra and another aid I began to see what I thought were odd seeds hitting the ground. The “seeds” in fact were hail as I quickly found out as they enlarged to a size just bigger then a pea and I began to wonder what I might do if they became any larger. I saw Joe Clapper ahead in the distance at this point with Michelle and wondered even more what he and others not wearing shirts were thinking now. From this point on I essentially kept with a group of Joe, Michelle, and a portion of the Lancaster group of Amy, Bob and Ed , but only by leap frogging with moving ahead on the steep downhills, dropping back on more level and maintaining on the climbs.
The major climb of the run is about halfway through the course to 3900 ft Blackhead Peak. It’s over a mile climb but includes several hand over hand sections and definitely takes the longest of any section, even more so with conditions which while not including hail any longer still had heavy rain, nearby lightening strikes and for a few times clouds so dark sections of trail were hard to see. The balloons, streamers and music with cheering volunteers despite the rain were very much appreciated as I made my way to the Blackhead aid. Taking a bit more time at this stop, I found I still had ample reserves to work the next downhill to Dutchers Notch , although passing a few smoldering trees that had just been hit , was a bit disconcerting. With another aid at the Notch I was told I had a 10 k to finish which sounded not unreasonable with only one major climb to Stoppel point and then rocky downhill to finish. By this time I had forgotten that the last 4 miles even though downhill seems to take forever. I hadn't checked my watch yet during the run and was determined not to till closer. I finally broke down and with a few hundred yards to get to Stoppel Point glanced at my watch which read near 1:15. With just over 4 miles to go I figured I could make my unstated goal of a faster time then 2007. Knowing that helped to keep me positive and determined to run most sections remaining. The best view of the day was at this spot and with some clearing the Hudson and valley 3000 ft below could be seen. By now the rain had subsided to an occasional burst but not the relentless stuff we had earlier. Finally Passing North Point without its usual good view of the mountain lakes at the finish as I leap frogged past Joe and Michelle for the last time I was chided about scampering downhill again as Michelle offered up a comment on combining genetics that used my ability down and her and Joes for climbing up. Finishing after 2:15 PM, I was greeted by Jim who had been ahead by an hour and a host of other tired and glad to have made it again runners.

Post Run
The post race feed had a welcome assortment of fruits, pasta, sodas and bagels that were fine to hold me over for more on our ride home. After comparing notes and experiences for a bit at the finish, Jim and I headed off for the 5 hour drive back.
Jim and I both agreed that although less distance and time then most much longer runs, the effort expended competes with most 50ks, and arranging a day off and another night over as many from the Lancaster group had might be good to shoot for in the future.
Surprisingly other than slight stomach cramps which I think may have been as much hunger pains as anything, I felt decent enough to drive back for the 1st 3 hours and let Jim do the remainder. By 11 PM I was very much ready to collapse as I pulled into my place.
With no significant lingering aches on Mon other then very sore arms from tree greeting I experienced on the downhills, I am counting my 8th run a moderate success.

An older picture from nice weather year:

  ¶ 1:07 PM 0 Comments

  My updated run list is below. I am a member of the 50 staters trying to run a Marathon in every state and have run 56 Marathons or longer distance but only in 15 different states. My goal in next several years are to try to run in more states.


Hunt Bartine – Marathons & Ultras
( completion times except PR’s at bottom are based mostly on memory, and as such may be slightly in error)


1 Feb 1988- Smokey Mountain , Townsend, Tenn; Knoxville Track Club; 3:52
2 May 1989- Buffalo, NY; 4:02
3 Nov 1989- Newport, RI ; 3:50
4 May 1991- Buffalo, NY; 4:10
5 Nov 1991- New York, NY; 4:12
6 Nov 1992- Newport, RI; 4:01
7 Nov 1994- Philadelphia, Pa; 4:07
8 June 1996- San Francisco, Ca; 4:20 ( Leukemia Team In Training fundraiser)
9 Nov 1999- Philadelphia, Pa; 3:43





10 Apr 2000- Big Sur, Ca ; 4:22
11 Oct 2001- Marathon in parks, Rockville, Md; 4:24
12 Jun 2002- Nipmuck Trail , Ct; 6:02
13 Mar 2002- HAT 50K, Md; 7:13*** first Ultra
14 Sept 2002- Stumpy’s Trail Marathon, De; 5:15
15 Nov 2002- JFK 50 Mi, Md; 11:20
16 Mar 2003- Buzzards Trail Marathon, AT in Pa , 7:10
17 Mar 2003- HAT 50K, Md; 6:43
18 Sep 2003- Stumpy’s Trail Marathon, De: 6:10
19 Sep 2003- Big Schloss Mountain Trail 50k, W Va & Va; 9:05
19 Nov 2003- New York, NY; 4:22
20 Nov 2003- Philadelphia, Pa; 4:16
21 Jan 2004- Frigid 50K, Newark, De . 6:10
22 Mar 2004-Catawba 35 mile, AT outside Roanoke , Va. 10:15
23 Mar 2004- Buzzards trail marathon. AT in Pa. ; 5:50
24 Apr 2004-HAT 50 K , < Md.; 5:38
25 Apr 2004- Bull Run 50 Mile, Va.; 11:10
26 May 2004- MMT 100, Va( pace 55miles); 19:20
27 May 2004 – HUMP 50k, 7:10
28 Jun 2004- Highland Sky, 40 mi. , WVa; 10:20
29 July 2004- Catoctin 50K, MD, 6:59
30 Sept 2004- Big Schloss 50k, Va 8:05
31 Oct 2004- MDI Marathon, Maine, 4:05
32 Nov 2004- Phila marathon, Pa , 4:20
33 Dec 2004- Hellgate 100k, Va( completed 50 mi), 13:15
34 Mar 2005- Catawba 50k, Va, 11:15
35 Apr 2005- Bull Run, 50 mi, Va, 11:45
36 May 2005- Hump run 50k, Pa , 8:00
37 June 2005- Laurel Highlands 70 mi, Pa, 20:50 (lost for 1+hour)
38 July 2005- Vermont 100, Vt, 11:10 ( 44mi)
39 Aug 2005- Catherines 50k, Va, 7:30
40 Sept 2005- Stumpys Marathon, De, 5:15
41 Sept 2005 – Big Schloss 34 mi, va, 8:15
42 Oct 2005 - Mystic Places marathon, Ct, 4:02
43 Nov 2005 – Ky Arches Ultra, ~35 mi, KY, 8:05
44 Dec 2005 - VHTRC 50k Fat Ass, 6:45
45 Jan 2006 – Phunt 50k, Md, 26.2 mi, 6:00
46 Mar 2006- Hat 50 K, Md , 6:03
47 Apr 2006 – BRR50 , Va, 11:45 ( severe mud)
48 May 2006- Pocono Marathon, 4:21
50 Aug 2006 MMD 50K+ Gorham, NH,19.5 hrs running
51 Feb 2007 Uwharrie 40 M , NC, 11:15
52 Apr 2007 BRR50, VA 12:10
53 May 2007 MMT 100, Va, 34:25
54 Feb 2008 Hashawa 50k, Md, 28 mi, 6:15
55 Mar 2008 Catawba run around 33 mi, 10:30
56 Sept 2008 Stumpys marathon 27.5 mi , 5:15

State mthon ultra
TN 1
NY 2
RI 2
PA 9 5
MD 2 5
CA 2
De 4 1
VA 15
WVA 1
ME 1
VT 1
KY 1
CT 2
NH 1
NC 1
Total 25 30
Grand Total 56






Other PR’s:
5k- Bluegrass 5k, Lexington, Ky; 1986- 19:23
10k- Morehead, Ky; 1987-39:49
Kentucky Derby ½ Marathon- Louisville, Ky; 1987- 1:30:02
Completed 130 miles of Mason- Dixon trail in Pa, De & Md solo in 2 ½ days consecutively , Sept 2004  ¶ 10:26 AM 0 Comments