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What do you most look forward to when doing a trail race? Is it the goal of having a race? An excuse to connect with nature? The new people you meet? The familiar faces along the way? If you had to summarize in just one sentence, what would it be?

I have a super-secret project going on where I need a few quotes from folks saying what they most appreciate about trail run races. If you could sum it up in one thankful sentence to a Race Director, what would you say? I appreciate any suggestions you can throw my way (if you don't want to leave a comment, you can e-mail me at scottdunlap [at] yahoo.com).

My first thought was "Nothing fills my soul with optimism like a guided tour with friends through the magic of Mother Nature, and I am thankful that tapping into this is as simple as entering and completing a race".

Thanks for your help, and have a great New Year!

- SD

Industry Source: Ted Robinson Set to become New SF 49ERS Play-by-Play Man: “A 'good tip' from someone in the biz: not confirmed, but developing...Monday, Dec. 22, 2008

Ted Robinson, a prominent national and Bay-Area broadcast veteran, is set to become the new radio voice of the San Francisco 49ers, according to an industry source.

Robinson, who is NBC's lead announcer at Wimbledon and who also covers the US Open Tennis Championships for USA Network, is set to take the prestigious spot vacated by Joe Starkey, who announced he is leaving after the conclusion of this season, Starkey's 20th year. He will continue to announce Univ. of California college football.”

More at District 5 Diary: “Thea Selby, in an op-ed in the San Francisco Examiner, laments that "San Francisco has come up embarrassingly short in gender parity in local elections." She quotes Supervisor Peskin: "We need more women [on the Board of Supervisors]." Why? What exactly do women bring to the table that men don't? And whose fault is it that more women don't run for office? What exactly are the alleged barriers to their doing so? Selby says that having 50% female candidates in the next election "is the new world I want to be part of." The real world she is part of now no longer observes this kind of distinction.

There are in fact no barriers now to women running for office. Why, for example, were there no women running against Ross Mirkarimi in District 5? The answer: Like progressive men in the district, progressive women, like Susan King and Lisa Feldstein, no doubt understood that they would surely lose to uber-prog Mirkarimi who was also the incumbent. And, more importantly, neither King nor Feldstein have significant political differences with Mirkarimi and other progressives on the Board of Supervisors. That is, they would bring nothing special to the table politically.”

-- Well stated. I would add that Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi brings a sensitivity to women's issues that's beyond gender.

More at Rincon Hill : “While you can find lots of parties in the Rincon Hill neighborhood on New Year’s Eve (Wednesday) for which you have to buy tickets/dinners (Temple Nightclub, Harlot, Epic Roasthouse and Waterbar, and The Cosmopolitan come to mind), the fireworks show on the Bay is free for us all to enjoy together as we welcome 2009.”

More at SF Gate: “(12-25) 16:13 PST -- San Francisco's labor force will get a small dose of good cheer in the New Year when the city's minimum wage climbs 43 cents to $9.79 an hour.”

I just got this email regarding this event on December 28th:

Concerts for Change – Benefiting Homeless & Hunger

Featuring some of the Best Jazz Funk Bands in the Bay Area:

Messy Guest Quartet (jazz, funk)                                      Dec 28 th

An up and coming high-energy band that will keep you dancing.

Fil Lorenz Soul-Kestra, 14 piece soul-jazz-funk orchestra.    Jan 25 th

A world-class band, impeccable, and limitless in its capabilities.

Joe Bagale, with an 8-piece band and unstoppable grove.    Feb 22 nd

These guys will make sure your booty is shakin' & souls are breaking.

Free Ticket Raffle: visit Progressive-Alliance.org to find out more.

Ages:     All Ages until 10 pm, After 10 pm 21+ Only

Cost:      Only $9 on line, and Only $12 at the door

Dates:    Sundays Dec 28 th, Jan 25 th, Feb 22nd

Time:     doors 7 pm, show 8pm

Place:     Rasselas Jazz Club & Restaurant

1534 Fillmore Street bet: Geary & O’Farrell

Organized and Produced by Progressive-Alliance.org

With Special Thanks to Rasselas Jazz Club for letting us use their venue.

Thanks so much for your time and support.

Sincerely,

Paul Warnow                  paul@progressive-alliance.org

Social Network:     http://progressive-alliance.net/

Static Website:      http://progressive-alliance.org/

Email:         paul@progressive-alliance.org

Moody's downgrades MediaNews Group - San Francisco Business Times:: “Moody's Investors Services on Thursday rated MediaNews Group Inc. -- owner of 29 newspapers in Northern California -- as being in “substantial risk” of default on its debt.

Denver-based MediaNews owns the Oakland Tribune, the Contra Costa Times, the Argus in Fremont, and the San Jose Mercury News, among other local papers.

The ratings service downgraded its “corporate family rating” of the privately held media company to Caa3 from B3 on $962 million in debt. It also lowered its “probability of default” rating to Caa3 from Caa1.”

The sight of our President-Elect Barack Obama shirtless in Hawaii has some in a tizzy. But look, many brothers have hairless, sculpted chests, like me! My chest is better than President Obamas!

More at Inside Bay Area: “The city of San Francisco's free New Year's Eve celebration will include fireworks over the Bay, but no public entertainment and police will be cracking down on any public drinking, police announced Wednesday.
The family event will be held on the Embarcadero just south of the Ferry Building, with fireworks launched from barges in the bay at midnight, according to police. The event is alcohol-free.
In addition to a "significant police presence" in the area, the department "will be enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on public drinking and any other criminal activity," police said.
The best place to view the fireworks will be on the Embarcadero between Mission and Howard streets, according to police.
There will be no street closures, but celebrants are encouraged to take public transportation to the event.
San Francisco Municipal Railways will be free from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m., and Bay Area Rapid Transit will offer special fares and additional trains until 3 a.m.”

-- San Francisco's the best place in America to catch a cab!

Protester arrested after chaining to City Hall tree: “Aaron Buchbinder, 25, chained himself to the so-called Tree of Hope at around 11 a.m., wrapping the bicycle chain around the trunk and locking himself to it with the handcuffs, said Eileen Hirst, a spokeswoman with the Sheriff's Department.

He also poured glue into the handcuff lock, forcing deputies to cut him free from the bindings before they could detain him. He was chained to the tree for about an hour.

Buchbinder was arrested on suspicion of disruption of public business, Hirst said.

The Tree of Hope - a 20-foot pine tree covered with hundreds of origami cranes - was not harmed in the incident.

Buchbinder was criticizing Mayor Gavin Newsom's recent budget cuts, especially cuts to the public health department and services for low-income residents, said Elihu Hernandez, who said he and Buchbinder are members of the "Citizens Committee to Save Tiny Tim."”

More at The San Francisco Bay Guardian: “As the year winds down, I’d like to note what I consider to be the most politically courageous act of 2008: Attorney General Jerry Brown’s decision to reverse his position and urge the California Supreme Court to overturn Prop. 8.
This was a deeply principled decision that went against Brown’s political self-interest considering the fact that he’s planning to run governor in a state where a majority has approved Prop. 8. And that political danger was exacerbated by Brown’s post-election statement saying he would defend Prop. 8, as attorneys general are generally required to do, opening him up to the dreaded flip-flopper label.
But his new position is consistent with important constitutional principles (as I outlined in the Guardian almost a month before Brown adopted his new stance) and well-worth taking a gamble to do what’s right, the kind of act that is all too rare in modern American politics. ”

-- We second that award!

More at SFGate: “(12-23) 17:35 PST -- Some Bay Area cities are dealing with an increase in shoplifting, a trend that police and security experts believe is linked to tough economic times prompting people to steal items out of need as well as greed.”

See SFGate for more: “An estimated 50 to 75 people were involved in the disruption at Westfield San Francisco Centre, police said.

"It felt like random, vague anarchy," said Sam Cantrell, who sells sunglasses at a kiosk near the escalators on the street level where the protesters gathered.

"Everyone's yelling," he said. "Some people started running up the escalator the wrong way. People were grabbing their babies and running away in fear."

The disruption began around 6:30 p.m. as holiday shoppers crowded the mall on the last Saturday before Christmas.

Some protesters threw food, police said. Others tried to toss a large planter onto the food court below.”

SAN FRANCISCO POLICE CHIEF HEATHER FONG NEWS: “San Francisco police Chief Heather Fong announced in an interview with Mayor Gavin Newsom this morning her plan to retire after serving 32 years with the department.

Fong, the first woman to serve as chief of police in San Francisco, worked as an inspector, lieutenant, captain, commander, deputy chief and assistant chief at the Police Department before being appointed acting chief in January 2004.”

Mar 9, 2008 - SAN FRANCISCO (CBS) Police agencies from coast to coast are furious with a new website on the internet. RateMyCop.com has the names of thousands of officers, and many feel that it helps make officers more accountable to the public.[UPDATE (April 18): It appears that RateMyCop.com is back on line with a different provider.]

read more | digg story

Emirates airline marks the arrival of its non-stop eco-efficient service between Dubai and San Francisco

read more | digg story

Extra fun at Macworld Expo! Respected author, consultant and radio personality, Deb Shadovitz again steps into her role as social hostess for her fifth annual party at Macworld Expo in San Francisco, CA as part of the conference's external festivities.

read more | digg story

Sean Penn was born to play Harvey Milk. His portrayal of this gay activist who was gunned down in San Francisco’s City Hall, while serving as the first elected gay official of the United States, is one of those milestones in film history. Penn has entered into the realm of film legends.

read more | digg story

In my local exploration of CrossFit culture, I've discovered San Francisco CrossFit, which offers community, fun, and that ever-addictive athletic challenge that draws folks to CrossFit.

read more | digg story

NextArts' Tony Imperial thinks he can bully and threaten blogger Zennie Abraham into writing what Mr. Imperial wants him to write about NextArts' planned Inauguration simulcast. Indeed, Mr. Imperial is known for threatening and bullying the San Francisco press. But Abraham's fighting back.

read more | digg story

NextArts presses on in producing it's Simulcast Inauguration Program. I got this email today:

Inaugural Update: We are moving quickly with plans for the simulcast of President -elect Obama's Inauguration at San Francisco's Civic Center. Please remember we aren't charging admission, but you need to bring socks and underwear (new, tag still attached) for the homeless. For those new to NextArts please click here for more info.

Our goal is to have three LED projectors in Civic Center on January 20, 2009, and we had quite a surprising donor visit us today. In dedication to a grandchild named Maxann "... and all of the children in her generation...", a donation was made paying fully for one of three projectors needed to completely fill Civic Center with video imaging. We'll have more on this remarkable donor in the inaugural program, but now it's your turn.

As Abraham Lincoln once said, "We appeal to the better angles of our nature" (Or in this case, those who still have a job in this down-turning economy) to help others. If you haven't donated yet, please do and celebrate this moment in our nation's history right here at home! Click the button below and make your 100% tax deductible promise for all of San Francisco - rich and poor. That on this day, no one is excluded from the feeling of togetherness we as a nation so richly deserve.

Sponsorships are available. Everyone who donates 30-dollars or more will have their name appear in the inaugural program. VIP Sponsorships start at $500.00. Hey... While we own most everything else, LED projectors are expensive. Please contact us for sponsorship opportunities and benefits. Print deadlines are rapidly approaching.

After several months of work, the mural at 1100 Broadway in downtown Oakland is finished. The work of Oakland artist Rocky Rische-Baird, it is a step back in time as much as it is a celebration of downtown Oakland and a landmark for 1100 Broadway itself. I talked to Rocky Rische-Baird about his new classic work.

After several months of work, the mural at 1100 Broadway in downtown Oakland is finished. The work of Oakland artist Rocky Rische-Baird, it is a step back in time as much as it is a celebration of downtown Oakland and a landmark for 1100 Broadway itself. I talked to Rocky Rische-Baird about his new classic work.

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of joining 450 trail runners for the Muir Beach 12k/17k/30k/50k in the Bay Area headlands near San Francisco, CA. It was an epic adventure of staggering climbs, windy peaks, and a storm that chased us into the hills. All in all, a great way to end the season.

I think John Muir would be proud of us trail runners. Muir, the great 20th century adventurer and environmentalist for whom Muir Beach is named, was always one to engage with Nature in all of her extremes. Exploration was a necessity for feeding his relentless curiosity, and through adventure he found peace and connection to the world. “The clearest way to the Universe is through a forest wilderness”, he wrote. Hallelujah, brother. I bet if he were alive today, he would be at the starting line with his trail shoes, jacket, camera, and pencil and paper ready to live an epic day, then capture it in pictures and prose to entice the world to follow.

I took thoughts of John Muir to the starting area which was alive with runners jumping in place and filling the cold air with sharp exhales of steamy breath. Race Directors Wendell, Sarah, and Aaron Doman let us know what lie ahead – 7,100+ feet of mountainy goodness, a storm moving in, but plenty of friendly volunteers to help us out. I recognized many faces in the crowd as I shed my layers and got ready to race. Ryan Commons, the current leader of the Pacific Coast Trail Runs Ultra Series, was braving his recent Achilles injury to fend off a fast-gaining Will Gotthardt, just a few points behind thanks to his recent top finishes at the Woodside 50k and Stinson Beach 50k. Both Ryan and Will had run amazing races all year, taking their bodies to their limits. Whomever was to win, it would be well-earned. It was no gimmie though – Max Shchemelinin was here, and he got 2nd here last year in his first ultra ever before proving to everyone it was no fluke with his 4th place finish the Dick Collins 50-miler in October. Jason Reed was also here, running his 89th race of the year and showing no signs of slowing. Bev Anderson-Abbs had come down from Red Bluff, CA, joined by her training partner Joe Palubeski. Anyone who has run with Bev knows she will be in the running for an overall top place, and Joe would certainly be right there with her. At 8:30am, we were off!

The course pitched up right away, and we were soon a giant snake of runners winding down the coastal trails. The pace was fast and furious up front, with Ryan, Will, and Max mixing it up with the 12k and 17k runners. Many of us ran a more comfortable pace, absorbing the sunlight and enjoying the views. The climb up Pirates Cove quickly separated the trained from the untrained, leaving many to walk the steep stairs and spreading out the field. The reward was some pleasant downhill and a paved road to the first aid station at Tennessee Valley (mile 6).

I refilled the water bottles and paced with Stephen Wheeler (17k) up the next climb. Stephen pulled me along at a great pace, with a short break to take a picture. I accidentally had it set to “movie” which produced a funny little snippet – gives you an idea of little time I spend taking a picture! We reached the peak together and gave each other our best as Stephen took the 17k loop and I headed out the 33k loop.



I took a quick bio break and caught up to the next runner. The back of his head looked very familiar – it was Jason Reed again! This makes the fourth time this year I ended up racing right behind this guy. He knew the course well, so I just hung on and made conversation while he steered the way. We were soon joined by Henrike Siemen who was leading the Women in the 33k race, and the three of us raced along the ridge of the Bobcat and SCA Trails towards Rodeo Beach.


Jason made good use of the downhill, and put some distance on us as we headed into the Bonita Cove aid station (mile 11). The volunteers let us know that there had been some course vandalism that lost some runners, but Will Gotthardt had remarked much of it from memory. Thanks, Will! We certainly managed to get through it without any issues. That sure was nice of him to add a few minutes to his time for our benefit.



You couldn’t turn your head without catching a breathtaking view of oceans, hills, and gulls gliding along the breeze. Something about cold air makes everything a little more crisp. I could hear John Muir whispering in my ear – “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”. I think that goes the same for a nature run!


I could spot Jason a minute ahead of me, charging into the headwind as we crossed Rodeo Beach and taking on the big climb. He was running everything like a man possessed, even the steep stuff. I took a walk break to get my tunes rolling, and was soon passed by Henrike who also was charging the hills. Within a few minutes I was left alone to work my way up the single track, short of a few sightings of trail runner elites like Lon Freeman and Victor Ballesteros out having a hike or joy run. Get a number, you guys! ;-)


I meandered back to Tennessee Valley (mile 17), where volunteers Jim Winne, Rocky Shone, and Marcy Shone braved the wind to keep me fed and hydrated. It was inspiring to hear their laughs and smiles rise over the challenging weather. They are the real endurance athletes for sure.



I tackled what is surely the toughest climb of the day just to remember I’ll get to see it one more time on the second loop! The wind at the top was enough to cut right to the bone –my hat, sleeves and gloves weren’t quite enough to match the coastal wind. I headed back to Muir Beach (mile 21), just in time to see Jason Reed, Bev Abbs, Joe Palubeski, and Rachel Baker heading back out. They were all within a minute of each other, about 15 minutes ahead of me. Jason was really pouring it on!


I got the turnaround and changed into my Sugoi Speedster2 hoody to step up the warmth (nothing quite like a hoody to lock in the heat). Will Gotthardt was there and unfortunately had to drop due to back pain. But he cheered us on as we headed back into the mountains again for the second loop. He thought I was somewhere around 6th place and sent me on my way.
This loop felt like a solo run. Just me, the howling wind, and crashing ocean waves. This was a sacred place for sure, and John Muir would agree. “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” He said that when he founded the Sierra Club. Talk about cool.


As noon rolled around, I was looking forward to both the beauty AND the bread. I caught a limping Ryan Commons on the final stretch to Tennessee Valley, saying that his quads were shot. But he wasn’t going to give in that easily, and was doing the math to figure out if he could squeeze out a few more points in the Series by hanging on for another eight miles. Hanging on for eight miles? That’s one tough hombre!


The dark clouds moved in on both of us as I made a quick stop at Tennessee Valley (mile 22) and charged up the hill. Within a half mile, the cold rain came showering down. A quarter mile after that and the wind pulled the rain sideways and sent the bushes dancing. The hawks and gulls landed and trotted into the brush for cover, just as the rain turned into snowflakes and a streak of sun lit up the sky with a rainbow. A crescendo of nature! Bravo! Bravo! The concert ended as fast as it started, leaving a glistening trail of fresh mud at the top of the hill. I proudly set the first tracks, my head still spinning from Nature’s show.


Santa Claus (aka Fred Ecks) was coming into the aid station (mile 28) just as I was leaving, spreading his holiday joy. How he does the whole 50k run in a Santa outfit is beyond me, let alone in this crazy weather.


I slapped a few other high fives with 50k runners as I turned towards Muir Beach and tackled the big climb one more time. “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings”, John Muir was repeating. It was a tough stretch, but I ran into Theresa Hatch who was smiling her way to the top as she finished the 33k. We power-hiked to the top, and I glided down into the finish in 5:20:18, good enough for 6th place. Ryan Commons did hold on and finished just 8 minutes behind me, enough to put a few more points on the board and seal the Series win.



As I changed into warmer clothes (ie, everything I could get my hands on), I learned that Jason Reed had powered past everyone to win the event in 4:41:20, just five minutes ahead of Max Shchemelinin. Bev and Joe finished in 4:49:01 (that gave Bev the 1st female), with Rachel Baker finishing 5th in 5:14:06. Santa Claus finished in just over 6 hours. ;-)

I stopped at the Pelican Inn to warm my toes and get a beer, and reveled in the closure of the last race of the year. Time to toss the shoes, let my toenails grow back, put a few comfort pounds on, and spend some quality time with the family. I raised my glass to the RD’s and volunteers who have been there all year long, especially on the challenging days like today. You are my heroes! Until next year…

SD

"Liza The Wine Chic" Liza Zimmerman On SF "View From The Bay" 1/9/2009: “Liza Zimmerman, my friend who's based in San Francisco and locally 
known as "Liza The WIne Chic" just sent this email:

Dear All,
Please join me for my Bay Area TV debut! I was on Captain Kangaroo many years ago, but this will be more fun. The show tapes live on Friday January 9th from 3pm to 4pm, so members of the audience will need to be there by between 2:15 and 2:30pm. Tickets are free and it's going to be fun! Here are the RSVP directions:
Please direct people to our website www.viewfromthebay.com and click on "be in our audience" and fill out a ticket request form. In the request form they would request the date that you will be on the show and under comments they can comment that they are a friend or family member of "Liza who will be on the show that day" or something along those lines. Or they can also call me at 415-954-7733 to request tickets. After requesting tickets, information and tickets will be emailed to your guest.”

Diane Feinstein gets nod to chair intelligence panel - SF Gate: “Feinstein gets nod to chair intelligence panel: “California Sen. Dianne Feinstein has been tapped as the chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Majority Leader Harry Reid said Monday, a post that would give her immense clout over U.S. intelligence agencies and the power to shape policies on wiretapping and the treatment of detainees.

Feinstein's promotion was welcome news for other state Democrats, as well as Republicans who plan to run for governor in 2010. The 75-year-old senator has flirted with the idea of running for governor but has told friends and allies she would be unlikely to make a bid if she got the top post on the intelligence panel.

She would be the first woman to lead the committee in its 32-year history.”

--- That paves the way for a gubenatorial battle between SF Mayor Gavin Newsom and Cal AG Jerry Brown.”

Diane Feinstein gets nod to chair intelligence panel - SF Gate: “Feinstein gets nod to chair intelligence panel: “California Sen. Dianne Feinstein has been tapped as the chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Majority Leader Harry Reid said Monday, a post that would give her immense clout over U.S. intelligence agencies and the power to shape policies on wiretapping and the treatment of detainees.

Feinstein's promotion was welcome news for other state Democrats, as well as Republicans who plan to run for governor in 2010. The 75-year-old senator has flirted with the idea of running for governor but has told friends and allies she would be unlikely to make a bid if she got the top post on the intelligence panel.

She would be the first woman to lead the committee in its 32-year history.”

--- That paves the way for a gubenatorial battle between SF Mayor Gavin Newsom and Cal AG Jerry Brown.”

Illinois scandal from politician's view: “Willie's World - Illinois scandal from politician's view. Have you ever seen two people more in love with the spotlight?

In all my years of practicing law, I have never seen a U.S. attorney take to the podium to announce an arrest, then answer any and all questions while at the same time condemning the accused as if he'd already been convicted.

But I'm telling you now, for all the accusations about Blagojevich trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama, the feds had better come up with something more solid than just a couple of guys sitting around and talking.

Otherwise, this case could go up in smoke.

Keep in mind, politics is a crazy business. When you're appointing people, you expect them to be supportive of you. You expect them to be loyal to you. You expect them to work for your re-election.”

Clint Reilly » Your Memories of Mervyn'sClint Reilly: “I recounted my childhood memories of the first Mervyn’s store in San Lorenzo, and how that single store eventually grew to nearly 300 across 12 states with $4.5 billion in annual sales, only to be brought to its knees by corporate greed.

I received dozens of thoughtful messages from folks who came from families like my own and who wished to share their own fond memories of Mervyn’s.

The unnecessary demise of this Bay Area retailing icon evoked deep emotions. It was more like the death of a person than the passing of a department store chain.”

The 2009 Way Too Cool 50k opened for registration yesterday, and filled over 400 slots in 8 minutes and 55 seconds. In case that wasn't enough proof that ultrarunning continues to gain in popularity, the wait list also filled in the next 20 minutes!

Personally, I wasn't able to get my slot thanks to some connectivity snafus caused by a storm. Race Director Julie Fingar let me know that being on the wait list isn't so bad - thanks to injuries and changes of plan, most of the wait list gets flushed out by race day. I'll have my fingers crossed!

- SD

Deeper S.F. city budget cuts next year: “Erin Allday, Chronicle Staff Writer - The city bureaucrats in charge of everything from San Francisco's Public Health Department to the library system and the Police and Fire Departments will have to cut another 12.5 percent, or $144.7 million, out of their budgets next year - on top of the $71 million they've already slashed, Mayor Gavin Newsom said Wednesday.”

Mayor's Office Treatment of Anne Campbell Washington Example of How Terrible City of Oakland Can Be - Chip Johnson, SF Chron: “Chip Johnson SF Chron: - Loyalty or else in King Dellums' realm: “The city of Oakland no longer operates under a representative democracy - it's now a monarchy.

And within the confines of that form of government, any criticism or disloyalty directed at the king - whether real or imagined - is dealt with.

Her crime: She gave an affectionate hug to an elderly woman who spoke at a City Council meeting against a Dellums appointment to the city's housing authority commission in early October.”

--- This is unfortunate but nothing new. It's what happens when you are in an arena where people are not compensated for creating wealth but for artificially giving loyalty just to get paid. Thus, the way to rise in such organizations is via the backstabbing Johnson points to.

It's why we didn't get the 2005 Super Bowl. Forget the Raiders and the legal matters, it's this kind of rampant disfuction that is the reason. It's fair to say if you see a person of high rank in the offices of elected officials, it's commonly for this reason.

Now here, I'm going to give my friend Oaland City Attorney John Russo his "props" -- you'd never hear of that coming out of his office. And there's a way to measure how people do their jobs. Mayor Dellums should be ashamed that a story like this ever developed.”

Ultrarunner David Goggins, the Navy SEAL and "100 Mile Man", will be featured on the NBC coverage of the Ford Ironman World Championship this Saturday, Dec 13th, 2:30EST (check your local listings for times). Here's what the press kit said:

"David Goggins, a member of the NavySEALS, as well as an endurance athlete who has completed several ultramarathons. He races to raises money in honor of 11 military personnel who were killed in Afghanistan in 2005 - Goggins attended training school with four of them. He has raised nearly $300,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which pays the college tuition for children of special-operations personnel killed in the line of duty."

I've heard that David is a nice guy, so I suspect he will do us ultrarunners proud. But his new Web site ups the ante of self-promotion to near-Karnazes levels, and I can't help but wonder if that's the best way to bring attention to his endurance achievements (which, to be honest, pale in comparison to his services to our country and need no promotion whatsoever). The Web site claims to that he "ranks him one of the Top 20 ultrarunners in the world", and his video starts by saying he is the "SICKEST endurance athlete in the world" complete with how many pull ups and sit ups he can do. Oh, my! It is impressive, but do you think this level of self-promotion is the best possible means?

I don't mean to nitpick or judge, since I don't really know the guy. I will say that one thing does sort of get my goose as an ultrarunner - it appears he doesn't like the sports he is participating in. According to the site, he got 2nd in the Ultraman (2x Ironman distance) on a rented bike with little training, and didn't really enjoy it. Completing the Ultraman is impressive, but is a lack of preperation really the horn you want to toot? Isn't that like me saying I did the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 in flip-flops? Perhaps highlighting that this isn't out of desire for the sport itself is to emphasize his drive for his chosen charity, which is admirable. But I couldn't help but think it was a lost opportunity to connect deeply with an audience of passionate people that could carry his message forward.

I'm doing some armchair critiquing here, but I don't mean to judge. I suspect there is a story here that I don't know, and there may be good reasons to make his claims in the manner he does. If David is able to get a few more folks to check out this ultrarunning thing, I'm sure the sport will be better for it. Certainly the Special Operations Warrior Foundation will too. I'm just curious what others think, so I will blog away. Honestly, it's a bit unfair to even raise the question without meeting him first. I'm hoping one of you has and can shed some light on the subject.

Regardless, I wish David the best in his pursuits and hope to have a chance to meet him in the future. If you would like to donate to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, just click through on the link. I'll give Mr. Goggins this much - he's brought to my attention a very worthy cause. NBC will do this for millions more.

- SD

Why Are Newspapers Dying? - O'Reilly Broadcast: “
”

Holy cow...if you haven't seen this video, be sure to prepare yourself before clicking PLAY. It is easily the craziest toe blister I have ever seen!


Thanks to Craig Thornley for the footage, captured at the 2007 Javelina Jundred. I will have nightmares tonight for sure. ;-)

- SD

Autoworkers rally in support of bailout: “Anxious autoworkers gathered outside the San Francisco office of Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Saturday and urged quick passage of a federal bridge loan plan for the auto industry that will help stave off potential job losses.

About 100 demonstrators turned out, mostly from the United Auto Workers Local 2244, who work at the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. factory in Fremont. The Nummi plant produces cars for both General Motors and Toyota. Shouting "Dianne Feinstein, save our jobs," the marchers called for Congress to quickly pass the proposed bridge loan worth about $15 billion, enough to keep the companies afloat until March. "The big thing is we're here to protect jobs," said Victor Quesada, international representative for UAW Region 5, which represents about 5,000 workers at the Nummi plant. "It would be devastating if we don't get the loan. These are American workers. It'd be a shame to lose such a big group of workers."”

Matt Carpenter and Kami Semick brought home the $10,000 paycheck on Saturday for their respective wins at The North Face 50 Championship. Carpenter clocked a 6:49:33 on this challenging course, five minutes ahead of last years champion, Uli Stedl. Semick showed no signs of fatigue from her silver medal finish at the IAU 100k World Championship on her way to a 7:58:43, five minutes ahead of Oregon's Suzanna Beck. All results here.

In Hawaii, it was Team USA Cross Country star Max King and Hawaiian local Cynthia Anderson who won the 2008 XTERRA Trail Running World Championship half marathon. Bend, OR's King led from start to finish in 1:18:23, beating Ben Bruce, of Eugene, who finished second in 1:21:55, and Thomas Taylor, of Phoenix, AZ, who finished third in 1:29:33. In the women’s race Anderson, a former cross country and track stand-out at the University of Rhode Island, was in a tight duel with Canadian Danelle Kabush the entire way. Kabush, the race favorite, had the lead until about mile seven when Anderson passed on a steep uphill. Kabush stayed close the rest of the way and was right on Anderson’s heel for much of the final six miles but ultimately finished 32 seconds back with a time of 1:40:10. Anderson’s winning time was 1:39:38. King and Anderson each received $2,000 for their win. Photos here and story/results here.

A big payday weekend for trail running!

Newsom swears in Campos - SFBG Politics Blog: “By Steven T. Jones

A day after appointing David Campos to fill the Board of Supervisors seat vacated by new Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (which Campos won in last month's election), Mayor Gavin Newsom marveled at the huge and enthusiastic crowd that showed up at City Hall for Campos's swearing in ceremony.”

Barack Obama On Meet The Press - The Activist President-Elect: “President-Elect Barack Obama appeared on the last "Meet The Press" hosted by Tom Brokaw who filed-in masterfully to take the place of Tim Russert after Russert's untimely death earlier this year. On the telecast, Obama presented a plan which can be summed-up as the "Activist President." The convergence of economic problems and President Bush's horrible performance has paved the way for an economically aggressive agenda by Obama that's the child of necessity.”

On Saturday, I had the great pleasure of joining 350 trail runners for the Woodside 50k/35k/17k/10k in my hometown of Woodside, CA. We had a perfect day of sun and 55 degree weather, which was more than enough to put smiles on faces all around as we enjoyed the romp in the redwoods. Another fantastic race put on by Pacific Coast Trail Runs!

I was pleased just to make it to the starting line thanks to a nasty cold bug that Sophie brought home from school a week ago. I’ve been hacking up enough green oysters over the last week to stock a fishbowl. But I was on the final stretch of my recovery, so I just loaded up on cold medicine, planned to drink plenty of fluids, and lined up at the start of the 50k with no intentions other than enjoying the Fall colors and crisp air. The weather was unusually clear at the starting line, and we squinted into the sun as RD’s Wendell and Sarah (and Aaron) Doman gave us last minute instructions. At 8:30am, we were off!


The front runners set a brutal pace from the beginning, with speed demon Leor Pantilat, collegiate track star (28:50 for the 10k) and Stanford graduate student Keith Bechtol, perennial top finisher and PC Trail Runs Series top contender Will Gotthardt, and Redding, CA’s Trevor Nelson taking off like they were being chased. I was impressed that Leor and Will had any legs at all, since both of them had run the Quad Dipsea last weekend. Given the perfect conditions and newly groomed trails, the 3:52 course record was definitely going to get some pressure. I paced along with Jason Reed and Jamie Olsen as we launched into the big climb to the top of Huddart Park.

I recognized the back of Jason’s head and his efficient stride, and we quickly figured out that I had run along with him at a couple of races this year. He was tackling the full 50k this time which was, and I’m dead serious, his 87th race this year. Yowza! He also did the Quad Dipsea last weekend, but you would never know from his effortless climbing and friendly banter.

Jamie, a swimming and wrestling coach from Sacramento, CA, was a road racer (marathon and ultra) who was giving this “trail thing” a try. He and Jason really hit it off, talking about the best marathons and races in Northern California and their various experiences. Jason and I were familiar with this course, so we had plenty of tips to share. My big one for this race was “don’t go anaerobic until you hit the first aid station, then make up ground by charging the downhills on the way to Wunderlich”. I had figured this out at the Woodside 50k earlier this year, where I clocked my best 4:14.


The trails were fast, much in thanks to most of the Crystal Springs Trail being smoothed and paved with some base asphalt. I missed the roots and rocks, but this was definitely faster. We made the first aid station (5 miles) in 50 minutes, with a chorus of coyotes bringing us in. The awesome aid station volunteers said we were already 10 minutes behind the leaders. Wow! One of the volunteers handed me a note from Christi and Sophie which they left on their way out a few minutes earlier (the aid station is next to our driveway). Go, Daddy, Go!


Jason, Jamie and I kept a comfortable pace on the Skyline Trail towards Wunderlich. I kept telling them what was ahead and when to sprint, and Jamie asked, “how many times have you run on these trails?”. I shocked myself when I did the math – it was nearly 1000 times! Guess I don’t have to pre-run this course. ;-)


About halfway in, I took the lead to show the other guys how to bomb the little downhill stretches. My feet found the right footing like only a local could, and I quickly gapped them by two minutes before reaching the second aid station (mile 11). The crisp Fall air cleared up my throat and sinuses, allowing my lungs to soak in the oxygen. It felt great! I made a quick stop for refills and headed down into Wunderlich.

The next stretch of downhill was just gorgeous, and the trees were full of birds singing the praises of a beautiful Fall day. I couldn’t see a soul in front or behind me, and for a moment it felt like I was just out on my weekly long run. There was no need to turn on the iPod – my senses were alive with the sights and sounds of the lush and leafy canyons. Is there any better place to be on a nice sunny Fall day? My heart filled with joy knowing hundreds of people were out today enjoying the trails I am so lucky to frequent.




About half way down, I caught a glimpse of Will and Trevor about a ½ mile ahead. Maybe I wasn’t that far back! I did my best to pick up the speed but went miles without seeing them again. I reached the climb back up and knew that Will was probably mountain goating up and trying to break Trevor. Ten minutes later, I caught up to Trevor walking and regrouping with some tunes. I should have warned him about Will and those climbs!


The climb back became an out-and-back, and the smiles of other runners powered me up to the top. I reached the aid station (mile 18) and Will had definitely put 7-8 additional minutes on me. Even scarier, Keith and Leor were 30 MINUTES ahead of me. And we’re only half way! The course record would fall for sure. I chugged a Vespa, grabbed some jelly beans for the road, and joined the 35k runners to head back home. Trevor entered the aid station as I left, so he was rallying!






I ran the whole stretch back, chatting with runners along the way. All of them were smiling ear to ear and enjoying how the sun was breaking through the redwood canopy. The temperature remained ideal – mid-50’s with a slight breeze, just enough that you couldn’t overheat if you tried. I came into the last aid station (mile 26) and got one last refill before taking on the final downhill descent. They mentioned that Bechtol and Pantilat were well on course record pace, with Bechtol a few minutes in the lead.

My pace was good down the last hill, but not good enough to hold off Harry Walter who was having a PR kind of day. He looked great! He quickly put 30 seconds on me, so I picked up the pace to keep him in sight. I knew some fire roads were up ahead, and suspected I had the leg speed to catch him again. I hit the roads and turned up the pace to 5:45 min/miles, and caught him with a mile to go. I offered to run in together with him, but he said, “nope, we should race to the end”. You gotta respect that! So I turned up the speed and charged and Harry stuck right on me. The last 800 meters were flat out, and I crossed the finish in 4:22:30, narrowly beating Harry by less than a second. We both staggered to the rest area and held off dry heaves, patting each other on the back for a well-earned finish. Harry did PR by a large margin, and was quite pleased. I was so proud of him!

Keith Bechtol did bring home the win in a smokin’ 3:35:15, taking nearly 20 minutes off the course record. Leor Pantilat was second, just three minutes behind and also well below the course record. Look out Krupicka and Skaggs – we got some new California young guns to give you a run for your money! Will Gotthardt finished third in a respectable 4:08, bringing him within a few points to win the PC Trail Run Series. Heather Burcar from Golden, CO, won the Women’s division in 4:53:19.



In the short course races, Elliot Wright (2:45:37) and Jennifer Dolson (2:58:28) won the 35k, Gary Gellin (1:10:39, new course record) and Bonnie Niesen (1:28:32) won the 17k, and Michael Skaff (48:36) and Christy Haddad (53:37) brought home gold in the 10k. (All results here)



As we ate chili and snacks in the sun, more smiling runners came flying down the home stretch. Sarah Doman was surprised with a birthday cake, and hopefully got a slice before the hungry trail runners devoured what was left. I smiled into the sun, listening to the laughter and camaraderie around me as friends new and old wished each other a happy holiday. Another epic day in the mountains!

- SD