Last weekend marked the official end of the summer season so I celebrated by racing the Noble Canyon 50K and attending the Outdoor Outreach Joshua Tree Experience.
The weekend started with the 3rd annual Noble Canyon 50K in Pine Valley, CA. The race sold out with more than 180 ultra runners who took on the blistering heat of the Santa Ana winds and a course that had more than 10,000’ of climbing. I showed up with the intention of going hard and slashing as much time off my 2007 finish of 5:49 as my body would allow. I maintained an aggressive pace through mile 16, but blew up in the back half because of the heat. My calves cramped up like crazy but I held on to finish in 5:42; good for 21st place overall and 2nd in my age group. Here are the results.
Photos By Andy K
I honestly thought I’d have run much faster than I did, but once the heat got to me, I was just happy to finish feeling well enough to make the trip out to Joshua Tree.
From the race, I drove straight to Joshua Tree National Park to join the group for the Outdoor Outreach fundraising campaign. Thanks to those who donated to my fundraising efforts. I was able to contribute $1,000 to the campaign, which reached a grand total of $75,000!!! Although I missed most of the fun clinics that took place while I was racing, I was happy to celebrate that night with the group of individuals who came together to support such a noble cause. Become a fan of Outdoor Outreach on Facebook and follow their updates.
I’m also really excited to announce my latest sponsor: Exsta Energy. They make a sports drink powder that’s full of antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins and amino acids. This formula will keep me healthy and energized between and during workouts. I’m stoked to be teaming up with these guys!
Realizing that summer is officially over, I’m look back and smiling, ear-to-ear, knowing I gave it my all. So now autumn is here and weather and daylight will begin to wane, but I still plan to get the most out of what remains in 2009, and I hope you plan to do the same. Thanks again for joining me on this adventure called life.
Until next time,
~Toby
the fact that you did anything the same weekend as a 50K speaks to the animal in you. awesome, dude.
Great post Toby! As always, you inspire me!!! Tell me more about this energy powder!!