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Buckle or Bust at the Western States 100
photo: sleepy but excited at the start of the 2010 Western States 100 – I sorta looked like a male stripper ready for a little YMCA dance with my tight sleeve-less, running shorts and top'd off with a red bandanna and hat backwards. Team Genova nicknamed me "gunshow." {sigh}
My Western States ended abruptly at the Rucky Chucky aid station, 79 miles, and 22 hours into the race.
Officially, the medical staff pulled me, refusing to allow me to cross the river towards Green Gate; but deep down, I feared my race was over before we even got to the Rucky Chucky medical check-in.
I was severely dehydrated, down 16 pounds from the start of the race, peeing (more like, dripping) blood, and wheezing from a bout of exercise-induced asthma.
All racers wear a medical bracelet with their weight, blood pressure and heart rate stats so that medical check points have a benchmark for which to gauge a runner's hydration throughout the event and help them to make smart adjustments as the day and night go on.
Weight gain can mean a runner is drinking too much and needs to adjust down by emptying the bladder, while significant weight loss usually means the runner is not drinking enough.
Clearly, I wasn't drinking enough.
And while all this might sound horribly traumatic, the entire Western States experience turned out to be far more than I ever expected it would be, and I found myself less disappointed and more focused than ever before.
Like Nicaragua, I had a true experience.
I met people who have had a profound impact on my life in the past, and new friends who would help shape my future as an ultrarunner.
I knew coming in I was out of my league, but I wasn't going to pass up possibly the once-in-lifetime chance to run with some of the greatest runners in the world – no way!
After you read my story, tell me YOU wouldn't do the same thing.
Meet G-Mac
I arrived in Sacramento, California on Wednesday three days before the race, with an excitement that was impossible to contain. Somebody said I was like a kid at Christmas and I found that to be an excellent analogy.
It's WESTERN STATES, man! The grand-daddy of them all, and I, Christian Griffith, was in. It was the kind of excitement that is so intense, it's almost surreal – like you're watching it through someone else's eyes or on TV.
My pacer, George McAlister, whom I had never met before, not only offered to pace me from mile 62 in the race, but also pick me up from the airport, let me stay at his house, drive me 2 hours to Squaw Valley the next day, and then after the race, stay at his house yet again as I recovered for my trip home. After it was all said and done, he ended up doing far more than even all that and I am forever grateful beyond words.
George (or G-Mac as his son-in-law calls him) is a man's man. A 61-year old Vietnam veteran, experienced mountaineer, camper, runner and survivalist ( incidentally. he ran the challenging American River 50-miler from Sacramento to Auburn this year in an impressive 9:27 at age 61 – solid.)
He's a father of two beautiful, professional daughters with a 40-year marriage to a uber-wonderful woman. While he could easily be retired, he chooses to work, and not behind a desk, but with his hands. He drives a humble truck, crops the hair down low, and carries himself with a unique vibe of "tough-as-nails" combined with a genuine kindness and politeness that is impossible to ignore and commands respect all on its own. Many times I found myself thinking, "I hope someday I'm just like him."
I learned a lot about how to be a good man from George McAlister.
SacTown chillin'
George snatched me up from the airport, later telling me his first thoughts were, "does this guy think this is a 100-mile race or a weight-lifting contest?" (this theme will run through much of my Western States experience as you'll see if you don't get bored reading.)
We shook hands, hopped in the truck, and I knew immediately I'd like George when we both opted for windows instead of air conditioning, while we both shared stories of our "crazy wives" always wanting to crank down the air. Instant bonding right there.
George took me to Auburn , CA where we hiked small tid-bits of the Western States trail and talked trail running. He drove me all over to Foresthill, Robie Point, and stopped at various places along the highway to point out river junctions along the American River and teach me about the area and the history of the Sierra foothills.
In Auburn, near Robie Point and Placer High School, we saw deer and wild turkey roaming the hillside neighborhoods without fear or concern. Unlike in the east, the turkeys are not a bit skittish. They roam around like they are supposed to be there. Like squirrels. Same with the deer. It's a really cool visual representation of man and animal living together in a seemingly harmonious existence and as an animal lover it had a profound impact on me.
Squaw Valley and the Olympic Village
Thursday, George and his buddy Dennis (another cool west coast outdoor enthusiast) drove me up to Squaw Valley where I had a reservation at the Squaw Valley Lodge. Once again, I got an education from the knowledgeable local duo as we drove deeper and deeper, higher and higher, into the Sierra-Nevada mountain range.
Old railroads, tons of snow, ragged, jagged mountain peaks – it was very cool. I was staring out the window like a kid rolling into Disney World.
"What's that?"
"Whoa… Why are those people rappelling down the rocks?" (it was CalTran conducting rescue training exercises)
The boys got me to the lodge, we shook hands, and promised to meet again at mile 62 where George would jump in to pace me for the rest of the race.
Hangin' with Team Genova
So, ok – now what?
Here I am at the lodge, but I don't really know what to do with myself. I wanted to walk around and meet people and see who was here, but doing so alone seemed a little creepy.
Just then, I get a text from Jeff Genova:
"We're leaving for dinner, wanna come?"
And I spent the rest of the day Thursday, and most of the Friday, hanging out with Jeff and his crew Tom and Ryan. It was almost freaky how much I had in common with Ryan – both of us have a 15 year old in the house, both boys, both play guitars …and both play METAL. We both share a love for the creative side of life, and both work in marketing/advertising.
We spent a lot of time yapping and probably boring the other two to tears with our discussions of our teenage guitar players and our mutual love of fonts and design.
As a group, we rambled around Squaw Valley, hitting race check-in together on Friday, hooking up with "The Sherp" and taking photos with other ultrarunners – generally just running around avoiding all the pre-race jitters.
Big chair at Squaw
photo: Goofing off in the Squaw Valley Olympic Village
Krissy Moehl
photo: since I can never run as fast as elites, this is the closest I'll get to Krissy Moehl
Kilian Jornet Burgada
photo: Getting a shot with Kilian Jornet Burgada who ended up finishing third place at the Western States in a sick, sick 16:04
After gathering all kinds of cool stuff at race check-in, skarfing some quality food in Tahoe City, and sitting through the mandatory pre-race meeting, it was all starting to hit me like a ton of bricks – nerves began setting in – and I started thinking about finding a pillow.
As usual before a big exciting race, I got zero sleep at all. (and seemingly, whoever was in the room above me didn't either…)
At the start of the 2010 Western States 100
There we stood.
Ready. …as we'd ever be, for the 2010 Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.
I was literally jumping up and down.
Then, a 10-second countdown, and before I could take it all in, we started the race up the long 4-mile climb up the gut of Squaw Valley. Me, Jeff, Sherpa John, and DC Lundell – grinding out the crawl to the top.
Squaw Valley to Escarpment
Climbing, baby!
Good, ol' fashioned climbing. I actually started running up the climb until I received a warning from DC Lundell to forget about that. He was right, but as the grade got steeper and steeper, I would have had to start power-hiking anyway.
As we approached the top, I broke out my camera and started shooting video of the snow-covered trail on top of the mountain.
(unfortunately, I cannot share these photos and videos as I somehow lost my camera at Rucky Chucky with my waist pack. I'm hoping someone has it …anyone?)
For about 1/2 mile we trudged through mild snow, then gnarly steep snow, before finally cresting the climb.
It felt to good to have this section completed.
I was ready to run.
Down to Poppy Trailhead
The first part of this section was, without a doubt, my absolute favorite part of the course.
There was a ton a snow, and snow-melt mud, to run through for miles and miles and I really excelled here. While many people struggled with slipping and sliding all over the place, I tore through the snow, calling on my skateboarding/surfing background and charging through the gnarly single-track with wild abandon.
It was fun. A "hoot" as they say here in the South.
But, as soon as we hit the gate that would send us on the official "snow route", I started getting passed by all those same people that I passed above in the snow.
I seem to have a blast and go crazy on the technical stuff, but when it opens up and people with real speed can take advantage, I always get dropped like I'm standing still.
I still was able to complete the first 20 miles (well, ok, 19) in 4 hours, so everything seemed to be moving along nicely.
Duncan Canyon
I'm not sure what it's called (maybe the "poppy trail?"), but after the Poppy Trailhead aid station, we hit some beautiful, soft single-track that rolled slightly along a beautiful lake. This might be "French Meadows", but I don't know for sure.
It looked like something on TV. Giant, thick pine trees all along mountain sides as far as the eye could see, with a big beautiful turquoise lake, and all draped in bright sunshine and big blue skies.
I felt so alive!
…until we became exposed.
I caught up to Jeff Genova (who hammered the earlier snow even harder than me) and found myself in a pack of runners being led by Zombierunner online running store owner, DC Lundell.
(And yes, if you're wondering, I do buy from them – not everything – but they provide super-fast shipping, great customer service, and TONS of running knowledge; he and Gillian are true class acts in the sport. Give 'em a try!)
The climb to the Duncan Canyon aid station was my first taste of canyon heat.
Trees? gone.
Dusty, rocky single-track that winded back-n-forth, slowly climbing to a ridge that would eventually carry us to the Duncan Canyon aid station which was slammed with people and crews …and some excited dude on a microphone, who announced, "here comes a guy that can bench press more than me," as I made my way to the check-in table.
This got a laugh out of the crowd, but I was hot and tired, so all I could do was grin slightly, and carry my big ass to the food.
And as I stuffed my face with watermelon and peaches, I hear the mic dude, "Christian, how about dropping for a set of push-ups for the ladies?"
Ok, dude, I know – I get it.
Duncan Canyon to Robinson Flat
Woo Hoo! Back on the original Western States course now. Snow route, no more.
The descent was mild, rocky single-track that crossed a few small creeks, and kept us covered up with thick tree cover; but the ascent, into Robinson Flat was almost in complete 100% contrast. There were periods of coverage on the climb, but for the most part it was exposed and hot. There were lots of burnt-up trees here that appeared to be lopped-off about 35 feet high.
I'd love to know more about this section of burned trees as it was very weird.
(I'd show you a picture, but alas… camera is MIA)
Once we got a bit higher into the climb to Robinson Flat, the trail got very steep, snowy and treacherous. Much of the trail was suffering from snow-melt and we did a lot of climbing up a trail-turned-mildly-rushing creek.
I caught some folks here on the climb, but also got passed by John Holt, who was powering up the climb, but out of water.
Now, I have to take a second to SHOUT-OUT to the uber-nice little redhead aid station volunteer that stuck by me from the minute I entered the station, until I left. She filled my bottles, escorted me through the food line, secured my drop bag, helped me with clean shoes and socks AND EVEN HELPED CLEAN MY DIRTY-ASS FEET before I put on clean shoes.
She fetched me more food while I struggled with my shoes, and even found me some real food – turkey sandwiches!
Thank you – whoever you were – you were a dream and blessing for someone who just ran 30 miles.
Almost 1/3 of the race completed, and I felt great!
Robinson Flat to Last Chance
Once again, like a broken record, I loved the early part of this section, too!
Exposed, winding single-track that was dusty, dirty, rocky and rugged and reminded me of what I expected a western trail to be like. There were about three of us, spaced well apart, for this entire descent, so I really got to enjoy some alone time descending this section.
The views of the Sierras were immense and I found myself saying "damn!", and "wow!", every 25 seconds.
I felt so lucky to be there – to be experiencing this epic adventure, and so early in my running "career."
…but at the bottom we hit some really, really fine dust.
The trail became a sort of double-track jeep road and I've decided I don't like jeep roads, gravel roads, or anything like 'em — well, at least not nearly as much as I enjoy rugged single-track.
The dust was harsh and it was the beginning to one of the medical problems that would eventually equate to my being pulled late in the race. As someone who experiences exercise-induced asthma, dusty conditions or excessive cold can really cause me problems and make me wheeze.
I started wheezing.
I caught up to Alan Geraldi (who also hammered the early snow sections) and he was starting to have some foot problems. No doubt, you will read about this in his report, so I'll let it go for now, but it was nice to see him – too bad I couldn't chill with him though, but instead had to duck into the woods to do as the bears do.
Did you know that there are no leaves in the Sierra's?
Seriously. I'm running along, about to explode, and cannot find a single, normal tree leaf.
All pine.
Try wiping with pine branches someday. It's an experience.
I rolled into the Last Chance aid station feeling less-than-fantastic. It didn't help that I heard the old dudes in lounge chairs discussing how I looked more like a rugby player than a runner.
I felt a lot of fatigue instantly, and I was beginning to develop this odd problem where I'd feel like I had to pee, but when I'd hang him out, it would just dribble.
This would get worse later on… and by the time I arrived at the next aid station, I was starting to see blood in the dribbles.
But, I charged into Last Chance as best I could and immediately got called over to step on the medical scales.
"204," said the medical lady. "let me see your bracelet for your starting weight"
"214!" she gasped. "You've lost 10 pounds"
…and with that, they all started whispering to each other and stuff.
"We might need to keep you here."
"please don't," I begged.
And with that a really nice medical volunteer walked with me, got me some soup, and told me to drink more, take more salt and see where I'm at once I get to Devil's Thumb.
The Canyons – The dirty, nasty evil canyons
The descent to the bridge before Devil's Thumb hammered my quads, but I ran the whole way, determined to suck it up and then take my time on the climb.
Like I had a choice…
Climbing Devil's Thumb was a brutal experience for me – all 36 steep switch-backs of it.
Clearly, I was not alone.
Throughout the series of switch-backs, it looked like a war zone, with people sitting on various rocks along the climb puking, resting and/or nursing some kind of problem. I saw a woman throw up violently, then get up, and push her way up the climb and out of sight.
I guess it helped.
I saw a couple of dudes, head in hands, just trying to catch a breath.
In fact, every now and then, I'd disassociate from the climb, lean a little too much back, and almost fall ass over tea kettles down the mountain.
I really had a rough time on this climb.
But I eventually got to the top, 12:20 into the race, and was happy to see that I was on about 25-hour pace.
Alan arrived and we shared some laughs with the volunteers, skarfed some Popsicles and started to the very long and dusty descent to El Dorado Creek where we would again cross a bridge and make a mean-ass climb …this time, to Michigan Bluff.
Running with a savior
A long time ago (well 3.5 years ago), when I first decided I wanted to become an ultrarunner, I reached out to Catra Corbett for some much needed personal advice and she proved to be the most helpful and influential person to me at that time. I told her that WHEN I got to the point in my weight loss and running where I was running 100-milers, and I saw her at a race, I would thank her personally for all of her kindness and consideration.
I finally got that chance at race check-in.
Then, descending this long dusty series of switch-backs and looking behind me, who is it…?
Yup, Catra.
What a treat this was for me. In my eyes, Catra is as legendary to ultrarunning as they come. I *think* she's completed 72 one hundred mile races, and countless of other 50Ks and 50-milers. Like me, she obviously seems to like attention; but she is also a tremendous ambassador for the sport of the ultrarunning, as well as, strength-training, CrossFit and any kind of solid health and nutrition.
I've followed her for years (just like you, admit it) – and it was an absolute honor to spend trail time with such a character in our big, worldwide family of crazy runners.
…however, I eventually lost track of her on the climb to Michigan Bluff, and once again it was me and Alan Geraldi – huffin' and puffin' up Michigan Bluff.
Fixing my Feet
That's right, at the top of Michigan Bluff I was treated by none other than Dr. Jon Vonhof, author of Fixing Your Feet, as he ripped off the shoes, and treated me to a real foot education and some preventative taping.
It was the first we've met in person and we chatted a bit about Internet Marketing, foot care and general business. It was cool.
I was damn stoked to be spending quality time with legend after legend – it was just the coolest thing ever.
It chewed up a lot of time, 23 minutes, but it was worth it to meet John and feel secure with a job done right.
Found Alan again, waved to some friends in all the crowd madness, and headed down the road sweatin' the time and stuffin' my face.
Yet another impact person
Rolling out of Michigan Bluff, standing on the side of the dirt road {trying} to pee, I hear "Is that Christian Griffith?"
"yup," I said as I quickly packaged things back up since I saw it was a female coming.
"It's me, Linda."
"Cool!", "Killer!" …and I ran up and gave her a hug.
You see, back in what, 2008, I toyed with the idea of running a hundred-miler. I knew I wasn't ready, and I knew it was far out of my league, but I wanted to anyway, and Linda Dewees sent me the most profound email, personally, encouraging me to "just do it." – Most specifically, I remember her telling me, "if a 50-something housewife like me can do it, you can do it."
It was specifically at her encouragement that I man'd up and signed up for my first 100-miler – now, with over 35 ultras under my belt, here she was, strolling right along next to me.
So crazy…
Are you catching the vibe yet?
Are you understanding why this race meant so much to me? Can you see how much of an impact this personal interaction has on me?
I love it, man…
The people? The legends? Putting faces to names and emails, and making new friends.
This is ultrarunning. This is one reason why the sport is so addictive and why I love it!
Through Volcano Canyon, to Foresthill
I was excited to see my pacer, George. Remember George from waaaay earlier in the story?
I knew a pacer would help a bunch as I started a pretty rapid decline with dehydration, fatigue and the pesky bloody stage-fright pee problem.
Alan told me to run on ahead as his foot was really getting crazy and I was feelin' some downhill, so I took off.
I had a pretty good section through Volcano Canyon. For one, I really liked that section, and two, I rolled into yet another friend, Kate whom I only knew from the "the ultralist" and through various email correspondences.
Each time I made contact with someone that I wanted to meet, it made me happy and lifted my spirits long enough to get a burst out of it.
Where were all y'all from miles 70-79?
I ripped through the Volcano Canyon, climbed out to the Auburn Running Company aid station at the bottom of Bath Road, and was actually feeling ok – not great – but, good enough.
It's George!
At the top of Bath road I heard someone announce my number over the walkie-talkies. I think they do this so the microphone announcer-dudes at Foresthill can let the crowd know who's coming and runners' pacers can get prepared for their approaching runner.
As I ran into Foresthill, George saw me, called out and started running with me into the aid station.
People were giving me lots of attention and it felt really good. I felt like a superstar …like what it must feel like all the time for the elite runners.
It felt so good, I forgot my good headlamp and ended up being stuck with my little bitty small one from Michigan Bluff; and even worse, I had a clean, long-sleeved shirt for the cooler nights and a fresh pair of shoes and socks in the drop bag …and I forgot all that, too.
I'm such a sucker for the attention, that I get caught up in it, waving and thanking everyone, and I forget to think.
Can I blame my parents?
Anyway, we didn't stay at Foresthill long, only 4 minutes, before we blazed out to California Street to hit the Western States trailhead once again.
I had 13 hours and 13 minutes to go 38 miles.
…piece of cake, right?
Like a couple of gazelles
George and I started off great!
We started passing people left and right and we were moving really well.
At one point George said, "reel 'em on in, Christian, reel 'em on in"
Some bitter irony.
Because once we got to Dardanelles (Cal 1) aid station, I tanked in the most horrible way ever…
This was to begin my complete collapse.
Dropping deeper and deeper into Hell
You know things are starting to go badly when not only are you being passed by those you just passed a few miles back, but now people are passing you who you haven't seen all day long.
My bloody pee problem was becoming very problematic and I didn't know what to do.
For one, I respected George so much and looked up to him and didn't want to disappoint him, so I tried to keep it low and downplay it a bit, but I knew it was going to become a serious factor soon.
Running made it worse.
Walking was ok, but with all the bouncing, especially when running downhill, I would constantly feel like I had to pee like crazy, but nothing would produce but drops of blood.
I finally could no longer hide it from George as I had to stop constantly, like every couple o' hundred yards, and try to pee; and of course, constantly rubbing my shorts to the side to get "the man" out was starting to chaff me.
Downward spiral on 78 speed.
I went from running like I was somewhat fresh, to walking entire stretches. I could walk pretty fast, but even a fast walk was slower than a slow run, and I knew it was only a matter of time before my problems began to cut into my walk. Once you can't even walk, as I learned in the Keys 100, you're pretty much outta' mobility options.
The walking dead
This went on for miles.
I felt like complete shit.
Not only physically and for myself, but for George. This man opened his home to me, picked me up from the airport, fed me and showed me around town. Not only that, he offered to let me recover for a couple o' days at the house until my flight.
Plus, a good friend recommended me as a tough runner and convinced George to run with me, but instead of a tough runner, he was getting an asthmatic, blood-peeing, dehydrated fool of a runner who was staggering around in the poison oak with a weak little dribbling johnson in his hand.
Let me reiterate, I felt like complete shit!
He was out here in the middle of the night FOR ME, to help me get my Western States buckle, and here I was just walking in pain and unable to keep up. Each time he stopped to wait for me, I felt worse.
Like a loser.
When your physically sick and mentally trashed, everything bad is magnified 1000%.
Now I was emotionally coming unglued as I do not handle failure well at all.
The End
About two miles from the Rucky Chucky aid station, I knew I had to come clean with George. He knew I had the pee problem …how could he not with me stopping every 3 minutes to "try to go"; but I don't think he knew the severity of how I felt with all the various problems compounding upon themselves.
My breathing was now a full-on "wheeze" – both inhale and exhale.
I couldn't pee, which most likely was what was preventing me from drinking enough, and when I did dribble it was bloody and neon.
Little did I know I was about to get the biggest shock of all at the aid station…
…but, I did come clean.
I told George that I was worried. That I have exercise-induced asthma, but that it doesn't always bother me, and no, I didn't have an inhaler. I explained that there was no way I could run because the shaking made me feel like I had to pee a river …only to produce droplets.
I told him I was scared to tell the medical peeps about the pee because they would almost for sure pull me.
He suggested we get to Rucky Chucky, see the medical team, and evaluate from there. …which we did.
But when I got there I just could not get my head together. The medical team had to balance me on the scale and I simply could not make my body do what I wanted it to do.
Then came that shock – 198 pounds – I was down 16 pounds from the start of the race.
More medical team whispering ensued, lotsa questions tossed at me, George looking concerned, more runners coming into the aid station and leaving the aid station…
I started to get cold sitting there but feared the blanket knowing it would almost surely be my nail in the coffin.
I had some grilled cheese and soup, stood up, and tried to make my way to river crossing but it wasn't happening so well.
A doctor came up behind me with a stethoscope, put it against my back, and that was it.
After hearing the wheezing again, he said, "you're not going anywhere."
And my race was done.
(but I already knew it – just needed someone else to say it)
A snip that cuts my heart in half
I laid on a cot under a furniture moving blanket, being petted and attended to by the nicest of nice volunteer-lady, a woman who really did make me feel better as she talked about how much she liked my writing and wittiness on the ultralist, and reminding me how far I had come. I sure wish I knew her name because I want to thank her again.
Some people are just genuinely good people. I wish I was that "good."
But like the grim reaper, the medical station captain came over, knelt beside me and said that he had to cut-off my medical bracelet to make the drop official.
*snip – and it was over.
That snip went through me like a bolt of lightening and I'll never forget it.
I'll have to cross my fingers for next year, and this time, train like my life depends on it.
No excuses.
So now what?
I was so crushed after my Keys 100 race, I'm sure people are bracing for hateful Christian to appear, but that's just not the case.
YES, I wanted a buckle, but Western States for me ended up not being only about the buckle. It became about the experience.
I may not have my buckle – yet – but I developed and nurtured new friendships and relationships that will only blossom over my time in this sport. I thrive on the sociology of ultrarunning and I took that up a notch at Western States.
I love ultrarunning.
I love training.
I love suffering for personal satisfaction and reward.
I'm a fighter and I'll be back.
Becoming consistent at 100-milers is proving to be the most difficult thing I've ever faced in my life of self-imposed challenges and I'm not about to give up now.
Another shout-out…
Thank you Raj for your wisdom and strength and counseling as I lay on the cot a defeated, dejected loser – your words have stuck with me profoundly and have provided me with a much greater sense of not only what I want to be, but what it takes to get there. I realize you most likely never intended for me to make such a fuss over what you said, or even the fact that you said it, but I want you to know that you have a gift for uplifting people and I thank you.
I'll be back.
I'm not finished.
I will recover and I will use this experience, just like my Keys 100 experience, to grow and become a better ultrarunner.
I'm only 3 years in to ultrarunning and I've got a long way to go.
Watch out!
The following are just some of the contacts I made, faces I met, and people who have had an impact on my Western States experience: Shaking hands with Anton Krupicka, chatting with MoeBen Shannon, photo with Krissy, catching up with Devon, friending with Jill, cutting up with "The Sherp", chilling and bonding with Team Genova, getting lengthy trail time with Catra, wishing Hal good luck, meeting Gordy, Cow-man, building a true friendship with Alan, learning from George, the little redheaded aid station angel, meeting Linda, and Tropical John, and Hao, and Rajeev, the Brocks, Kate, and the nice aid station lady who filled me with compliments, and the med dude that walked with me outta' Last Chance, and the girl that invited me to suffer with her through the dark night, and chatty tiara girl, and "Dave?" in Vibrams, and the Euro dude who after 3 "huh's" I still didn't understand his name …and seeing Charlie Crissman again and all his band of Pacific NW Cascade Crest alumni runners. DC Lundell, the king of straight-forward succinct advice. Super-fit Claire, despite being Type-1, and although I never got to speak much to him, Andy Kumeda. Oh, and the local Georgia girls that cheered for me at every station even though they were there for another Georgia runner. And yea, that other Georgia runner was Susan – Way to finish Susan.
I sure hope I didn't forget anyone, but as you can see my heart is filled, man – I had a truly great experience.
Next time, it'll be with a buckle.
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I read "Born to Run" (like everyone else…) and want to run this one day. Very inspiring. I have only run 28 miles at one time before, and I have not even run a marathon. My first Ultra run is the "Earth Day 50k" in 4 weeks and I am scared sh**less about that! I can't imagine running 79 miles at all. I get the ITB-version of runners knee around 22-25 miles anyway, so I just can't run that far. Some day maybe. Only took up running again after 20+ years about a year ago — so maybe I can get over the knee thing if I keep at it? If I do, I want to run Western States. Another great report.
Thanks for the play-by-play. Truly inspiring the way you toughed it out. I'm making my way to ultras. Curious how you advanced through 1/2, full marathons, 50k, 50M – was it gradual or did you make big leaps on your way to 100M? Any guidance is appreciated.
You are an inspiration to this 40 year old body of mine. I am getting ready for my first 100miler and your report sure inspire me. I cant wait to get into WS100 2012. did not make it to 2011. Good luck to you!! I will keep checking your reports.
Your site is inspiring.
I've made it through 2 timed 50′s and a few 50′s while hiking. My longest so far is a 70 in 24 hours (on trail, not "official", but with no aid stations and my own orienteering, so I count it…) Anyway. This is the year I'm breaking into 100′s.
Anything you wish someone had told you before your first 100? Any tips on not letting the night close in and slow me so much? Do you know of anyone with a "published train for your first 100″ plan?
(I'm signed up for Rocky Racoon, entered in the lottery for WS and entered in Leadville.)
Maybe see you out there! (And Thanks! This site is good reading for me.)
If you get signed up for another 100 you might want to consider(although you might not like going without some fun for a few months)giving up exercises that bulk you up during the months of training that lead up to the event. You can always go back to those exercises after the run.
Runs such as Old Dominion or Mohician Mania might be friendlier or easier to pay for/get into than big $$ ones like W.$.
glad i found your blog.
amazing recaps!!
and cant wait to meet you at Rio Del Lago!! I will be there helping my great friends Molly/Jimmy of Desert Sky Adventures!
HI Christian,
I am the Studio Manager at Auburn Community Television. We were out there on the trail that day filming everyone for a documentary we are putting together on the race. I just read your article and it's fascinating and so inspiring and tragic too! I would love to contact you and further discuss your experience and add it to the richness of our video. After all the race, like you said, is all about the experience. Please email me at [hidden]. Thanks! And good luck on all future "experiences."
You showed up and pounded out 79 miles. There ain't nothing to be ashamed of and plenty to be proud of.
Great report and love the details. I know what you mean – Feeling great one minute and rock bottom the next. That's ultra running for you! I have a couple of DNF myself, but I realized this only males me a better and stronger runner. Hopefully I will get my name pulled out of the bucket for next years race – See you there.
Great story. I am an endurance rider, via horse back. I am going to be crewing for some of my friends on the Tevis Cup, Western States 100 horse race. I've started the Tevis 3 times and had the 'Tevis gremlins' thwart my adventure each time. I got sick twice (didnt know I was pre-diabetic) from dehydration. Did the same peeing every 15 minutes thing. Wound up peeing brown. (blood) Only I wasnt running (much) mostly riding. Another time my horse fell with me & I had to pull him because he was slightly off. Its tricky when you have a partner you are caring for & monitoring as well as yourself. Anyhow, good blog & hope to be at the ultra run next year as a helper at one of the aid stations.(paying it ahead) Also, going for my buckle again next year too. Good luck Christian.
I loved your report! ~ I was teary eyed when they cut your bracelet! Keep pushing & tearing up the trail!
I loved the report! ~ I got teary eyed when they cut your bracelet! ~ Keep pushing & tearing up the trail!!
Thanks, that was a great read Christian… I'd love to see the photos if you get your camera back. Well done on getting as far as you did… I'm sure you learned a lot out there and will get that buckle next time. Cheers!
Christian, you may never get into the Hardrock lottery again for a long time. Even if you aren't recovered, I would encourage you to go walk the thing until the clock catches up with you. That is an amazingly gorgeous part of the country.
I still feel like you did a great job Christian. Loved reading your report. Cant wait to follow you and to run Western States with you someday myself! – Peter
Very nice race report. You do just fine painting your own pictures. It IS all about the experience. You put into words some of the things I feel about ultrarunning. I do love to run but it is the people and the beautiful places that keep me coming to events and feeling like I can never get enough.
Don't lose that "little kid at Christmas attitude". It is priceless! Take care and hope to see you at a race soon. Join us in Castle Rock roundabout July 20th
Thanks for sharing your experience at Western States. Great report. Considering how tough it all was you have a great memory! This will probably make you so much stronger as an ultra runner. Pushing your limits is what it's all about.
Sorry I was the captain at rucky chucky (aka grim reaper) that had to cut you out of the race . I wanted to let you know that we did find a fanny pack that had a small camera in the bag. Try to email Greg the race director and he might be able to direct you to the person that has it if thats your camera. I gave it to a guy that looked just like robin williams but shorter (I forgot his name). Whitney who was the rn at the aid station was looking through the camera and noticed some people that were in the shots and that is the name that we put on the side of the fanny pack so if you took pics of someone it might be under that number bib as well. When I dropped it off that morning at the field he (robin williams looking guy) said he would put it with the lost and found.
Email Greg and hopefully he can get that back to you if its yours his email is email@example.com
Sorry Christian the last thing I wanted to do is cut you and four others out of the race that night and into the morning (I was in denial really by not even bringing scissors)
If you have trouble after that hit me up and if they do find it I can grab it and send it to you my email is email@example.com
Good luck christian and hope to see you coming through mile 78 with a big smile on your face next year
A few weeks ago I stumbled across your blog and have been reading it ever since. Very inspiring like everyone says. So much so that, along with Anton and Geoff, I followed your results via the ws100.com all the way thru the race. Well maybe not all the way. At 11pm I went to bed thinking, wow, this guy is still out there running, and he's been out there since before I woke up today! Anyways, I woke up and immediately went to check your results. When I saw the DNF I figured something really bad must have happened because you have forced yourself through finish lines before. It's great to read your report, and enjoy all the details. It gives a glimpse into a 100 miler, for a non-ultra runner that is motivating. Anyway, hopefully someday I'll get to meet you out there…
Christian, Like so many others, I really enjoyed your report. Wish I'd gotten to run into you up there, and looking forward very much to the next time we get to run up there! Your experience, and all you learned, are a perfect illustration of the insane richness of this sport. Hugs!
Surftrip,Smurftrip, Youtrip, Itrip, wealltrip.
Great Report. I learned a lot reading your race report. I didn't learn half of what you learned living it. Try not to beat yourself up the trails and roots and rocks will rock your world enough.
Rock On.
Best race report I've read in a long time. I continue to learn from your experiences and value that immensely. I hope to one day have the guts to attempt the WS100. You are truly inspirational!
I'm from the ultra list Christian. Training for my first 100. I loved this post and I loved your insights.
I hate a/c…battle the husband who would keep it at 68 if I wasn't around…
I have exercise induced asthma as well.
I can't pee during a race, 50 milers. I anticipate this will be an issue during my 100.
Been following Catra ever since I saw her at Rocky. Amazing and inspirational doesn't begin to describe her.
Looking forward to your next adventure!
Good run, C., and GREAT report! remember, DNF also stands for "Did Nothing Fatal." You'll live to buckle another day, and meantime a lot of people got to share your incredible experience. GOOD JOB!!
Enjoyed the read Christian. Sorry about the DNF and no buckle.
WS is one of those races w/ major elements that are "musts" and "shalls" to get right or the DNF's are sure to happen. Maybe you can put them all together next time out.
(I told you Geroge was the man huh?)
Firstly let me congratulate you for gutting it out to Rucky Chucky. You are a fighter and a lover of Life and I love reading your race reports.
No journey is ever a "failure". If you can learn something from it, that becomes the "success" you can apply to your next one. I bet you learned a lot about yourself in WS!
Neale Donald Walsch said these beautiful words "The voice of caution knows nothing of real joy. What joy is there in doing what you know you could do? Try something you could fail at… that might just be living".
Following you on the Ultra list for the past few years has shown me that you are always trying something you could fail at! That takes a tremendous amount of chutzpah and you have loads of it. WS was just a stop in the long journey called ultra running (and Life) and I have the utmost confidence that you will soar even higher.
Until we meet again.
Still think you ought to give HR a shot. You just had a nice long training run, will have a forced taper, just the thing for a successful San Juan romp. It is a hoot, total opposite of the hoopla of WS, more like a family reunion. Your report is full of great advice, should be required reading. Glad someone had the head to pull you before serious damage took place. (Ask any of the rhabdo folks.) Hope to see you in Silverton.
Gunshow, your one of the Team. We will keep you around for entertainment and inspiration. I think you need to come run the Traveller this fall with us and have a big time in Arkansas!
i admire your unyielding desire to snatch every little drop out of life…awesome dude and i for one look forward to your report after completing the trek next year.
Wow Christian, that was a great blog! You are a great writer and we truly couldn't tear ourselves from the blog….as you can see from the time we are entering this comment! It's waaaay past our bedtime!
We just returned after 3 days of traveling back to Key West. You are an inspiration to us and Scott has been thinking a lot about those of you that had to stop or were otherwise pulled for various reasons. He didn't know what to say but wanted to say something. He knows it was very hard … but could tell, after reading your posts, that nothing needed to be said and your mind is in the right place. You are looking forward with nothing but positive mojo!
Just like you look forward to meeting so many people out there, we looked forward to meeting you – hence us coming up to you with a freakish eagerness to shake your hand! We know we'll see you at the Keys and who knows where else. Keep up the good work.
By the way, one of Scott's pacers, Nick Andrews, used to live in GA and he wanted me to tell you GO GUTS!
As always, super-duper awesome. You keep me pumped…even as I continue to be a non-running runner.
(it sounds like I'm in AA or something…)
Once this femur is healed, I'm gonna read this report again (fingers crossed, just a few more weeks…) and explore my new surroundings in Virginia. Rumor has it, there's some pretty fine running' out here.
Possibly a new favorite quote posted by Scott Sanders in his comments – "Remember: Losers don't line up at the start of 100′s." Love it!
I'm really enjoying your race report. Reading and sensing your awe of the terrain through which you were running gave me a new perspective on the area and trails which I've run for more than 20 years and which I take for granted. That lake you liked prior to Duncan was French Meadows. The trail you were running down after Robinson Flat was on Cavanaugh Ridge which has always been my favorite part of the course. As you saw, the views are immense and beautiful. Yes, this is conifer country although down lower there are some oaks and madrones with leaves. The climb up to Robinson, even without snow, is the beginning of heat for mid-pack runners. They don't call that spot on the dirt road about 6 miles after Robinson Flat Dusty Corners without good reason. The descent into Deadwood Canyon and the bridge can be a quadbuster. I was surprised by your description of all the people and their problems on the climb up to Devil's Thumb. You should have taken time to drink and fill your bottles from that stream just about 50 yards after you crossed the bridge and started up to the climb to the Thumb. That climb was just a 1 hour hike to me. Did you see the actual Devil's Thumb?
I always liked the descent from Deadwood Cemetery down to El Dorado Creek. In fact, the last really good run I had flying downhill with abandon was on that descent before my knees mad that a thing of the past. Ah, fond memories of the past. The climb up to Michigan Bluff is longer than the climb to the Thumb; and it is quite steep for the first third and, again, for a short stretch before the top; but there is one stretch of runnable, slightly down trail about two thirds of the way up the climb.
I understand your guilt feelings about George, but I'm sure that he respected you for giving it all you had. That is the most a pacer or anyone else can ask of you.
As I thought you would, you didn't pound your head against a wall because of the DNF, you thought of all the things that have made this one of the most memorable experiences of your life, one you shall probably never forget. I'm very happy for you. I really enjoy the enthusiasm with which you absorb so much of what life has to offer; and thanks again for making me think of those trails and that terrain with a different light. See you in December.
You can have all the attention you like, my man…….you deserve every sweaty, dusty, gritty, dry-mouth, cotton-tongue, salty-eyed bit of it. You earned this. Big Time. Thanks for all you inspiration.
Rock on my friend. As we say at CCC, there's no fame in finishing (well, unless you run 15 something at Western States) and no shame in coming up short. You add a ton of inspiration, good vibes and humor to this sport. That's worth a lot more than a belt buckle. It was great to see you.
Your reports are the best , felt like I was on the course suffering with you. You will be back and taking the gunshow on the road.
Did your trail angel have short punky dyed-gray hair? That was Michelle Jackson Tauzer. I marked the course with glowsticks from Foresthill to Ruck-A-Chuck and she and her husband Morgan were working at that the river station. She and Morgan helped save my ass at the Auburn Trails 34m on 6/5 after suffering from severe dehydration.
You are totally in your "league." You are also a very entertaining writer. (I like the windows, btw, cosmic husband goes for the a/c – just sayin.')I bet Catra thought you were hot too. I have the asthma problem also, actually wound up at the ER after 80 miles of Mother Road..
Good luck at Hardrock. I hear its wild and tough. Like you dude. You're in the arena.
As always, Christian, a pleasure to read, and a superb story. Congrats on your time in the mountains.
Once again a great story. Failure is simply a needed step to success. The easier one gets there the less it means. I got my best lesson in life watching a baby try to walk. Fall down, cry, and get up and try again and again.
Keep on keeping on.
Well I finally found someone worse at hydration and electrolyte intake than me.
Minus 16 pounds. MINUS 16 POUNDS. MY—- okay you get the point. They saved you some really bad damage. God bless the volunteers.
I see Hardrock over on the right. I live at sea level in SC and just finished the San Juan Solstice. Its 12,000 feet of climbing, 12,000 feet of descending and 50 miles. We were over 12,000 feet for several miles and over 10,000 feet for probably 40+ miles. So one half the distance and one third the elevation differential. You have GOTTA eat eat eat and drink drink drink to hang around that one long. Some of those climbs are at 30%+ at 13,000 feet and will take you an hour to go a mile. Go back over everything you ate/drank/etc at WS and decipher whatever you can to try and improve it at Hardrock. I'm jealous you are doing that one…what a beauty. Its in my bucket list but my sorry carcass isn't ready for it yet.
Hi Christian,
Reading your race reports always makes we want to go out and run – really far. (thank you for writing them)
Looking forward to seeing you at future races. Thanks for sharing time with me at Keys 100. (the people are the difference!) We have already have reservations for Keys 2011, and I'm seriously heat training, and speed training.
I crew for Collin Anderson at Badwater next week. Should be fun!
Remember: Losers don't line up at the start of 100′s.
Maybe we can share a beer or two when I get back in Atlanta!
This was a great read, Christian. I'm happy for you that you were able to experience this legendary ultra firsthand and meet some of your inspirations, just as those of us who are inspired by you have enjoyed meeting you. Even in the races where things ultimately fall apart, we all have those perfect moments when we feel like we're doing what we were born to do. It looks like you had several perfect moments like that during Western States 2010.
Great report – I love the details that you've provided. Sorry you didn't get to the finish, but it sounded like one hell of a journey.
– Greg
Man, I teared up reading your report. No question you'll get that buckle next time you're in. Thanks for sharing your experiences, and especially for getting across what is just so damn cool about ultra-running. I look forward to running with you some day!
Tough break Christian! Been there, done that. '99 Old Dominion 100 I lost 12 lbs in 12 hours (and I'm only 150lbs!) ended up a shivering, pale mess at mile 75 (huddled under a wool blanket in 90 degree heat!). I was toast!
I'll be totally honest. It will be very tough for you to complete these mountain races with the size you are, not to be rude, just stating the obvious. It take so much more effort, energy, hydration to haul a 205 lb man along a course like that. I'm not saying it can't be done, my friend Larry Duke got through States weighing in right about your weight and he wasn't buff like you if you know what I mean! Just something to consider, if you want to be a runner you need to be better built as a runner, lighter is better. Simple. Please don't take this the wrong way.
Don't fret over your DNF overly much, yeah it sucks to have to stop but you'll get over it and will have plenty more opportunities. So what about Hardrock? You're not seriously considering starting that are you? If you've already planned a trip out there, why not volunteer to crew/pace somebody; I promise you you'll get your fill of adventure in without having the bare the stigma of another DNF.
Good Luck!


text:
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subset: commoncrawl


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webcast extra
The panelists review the role of the Obama administration in brokering the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Also, we examine the post-election politics behind the looming fiscal cliff crisis. Plus, what factors could slow down the U.S. economic recovery. Joining Pete Williams of NBC News: Peter Baker, New York Times; Molly Ball, The Atlantic; and Jim Tankersley, National Journal.
On the Webcast Extra: From one-time opponents to partners, we discuss Hillary Clinton's last months as Secretary of State and the dynamics of her relationship with Barack Obama. Plus, the panelists explore the partisan politics surrounding her rumored successor, UN Ambassador Susan Rice. Also, which loopholes and deductions are likely to be eliminated to avoid the fiscal cliff?
Barack Obama | ceasefire | economy | fiscal cliff | Gaza | Hamas | Hillary Clinton | Israel | Jim Tankersley | Molly Ball | Pete Williams | Peter Baker |


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Photo by jencalkins
I really wanted to have a little girl. With our first baby, when we found out the sex, I was utterly disappointed to learn it was a boy. Oddly shocked, too, although of course the odds were 50/50, as they always are. It took me several days to rebound, but I did. And when our son was born it no longer mattered a bit -- I loved him with my whole heart. Would I have been interested in picking the sex? I don't know, we didn't go down that road. But many mamas do.
I read an article on Babble recently about healthy moms- and dads-to-be willingly participating in procedures like IVF in tandem with PGD (pre-implantation genetic determination) and MicroSort, the spinning of sperm, in order to pre-determine the sex of their child. And these elective procedures come with a hefty price tag, which just goes to show you how important it is to these parents to have one sex over the other.
Just why is it so important? Dr. Daniel Potter, author of the new book Family Balancing: How to Choose the Gender of Your Next Child, explains it this way in the article:
"For a high percentage of women, when they're growing up, they have a lot of thoughts about parenting and what they're going to be like. The baby they see in that image, often of a little girl, this baby, this image in their mind, lives in their subconscious just like a human child. When you have to let go of that image, that dream, it is a mourning process."
Pretty interesting stuff. Sometimes it's just about having a certain equitable vision of your family, too -- a mom and dad have three girls, but they'd also like to have the experience of raising a boy.
Of course there are less scientific, less expensive ways of trying for one sex over the other, too -- when to have sex, position, etc. One resource that focuses on the timing issue is the decades-old book (recently updated), How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby, by Dr. Landrum Shettles.
Moms around here are interested in the idea of gender selection, too -- if you have questions or are in the process of trying to conceive a boy or a girl, connect with TTC a boy/girl -- methods and myths or Choose the sex of your next baby.
What about you? Were you attached to the idea of having one sex over the other? Did things turn out the way you hoped they would?
Piping Hot Posts
In the Mix
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kellybelly7570November 24, 2008 at 12:31 PM
If i had the money, i'd choose the sex of my next baby in a heartbeat. I know it's probably "wrong" but i have a strong gender preference. It means a lot to me. But, in the end, I'm grateful to have a healthy baby!
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Mama0f3grlzNovember 24, 2008 at 12:57 PM
I wanted a son badly but it just wasn't in my cards. I had three girls and each time we found out the sex, my husband almost died of disapointment. I wasn't prepared to face that again so I had my tubes tied after my third daughter. I don't know, choosing the sex seems kind of selfish to me. I don't like getting too involved in natural processes. Maybe I'll be blessed with a grandson, who knows.
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beachmamaof2November 24, 2008 at 1:02 PM
I wanted a boy very badly and we ended up with two BEAUTIFUL girls - my fiance is thrilled with his princess' but I can't help still wanting a boy too! =)
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3peasinthepodNovember 24, 2008 at 1:09 PM
I think it's horrible. I understand wanting a particular gender of child, but to actually start playing around with this kind of stuff ...it's just wrong. This is just my opinion.
As a side note, I did NOT want a son. My second child was a boy and I was so upset. He is the joy of my life though and I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Star76November 24, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Interesting. I personally think it shows a lot about our desperate need for control and this illusion we've created around parenting.
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kelly611November 24, 2008 at 1:27 PM
hmmm daniel potter? is he realated to harry lol
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litstargazerNovember 24, 2008 at 2:44 PM
I feel blessed to have a boy & a girl. I am expecting my 3rd and am just praying for another healthy child. I did nothing to plan or try for one sex over the other, I never had a desire for a girl more then a boy or anything like that. I think that science is wonderful for helping people become pregnant but then adding gender selection to that just doesn't seem right to me.
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PollymomNovember 24, 2008 at 4:19 PM
With my first baby, I really wanted a boy and was delighted to have my son. With this second pregnancy, I'm kinda hoping for another boy, but my odds are 50/50....I would just let nature take it's course, I don't think I'd ever (even if I had tons of money) go the clinical way of choosing a gender.
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KatieCrandallNovember 24, 2008 at 7:09 PM
If I were in my sister's shoes (3 boys and #4 due in two weeks), I'd maybe be interested, as I want children of both sexes...but I do think that science can be a little TOO much sometimes.
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lipstickcloudsNovember 25, 2008 at 1:20 AM
I wouldn't want to choose or have control over that, having a child is about their life and them becoming who they are, not what I want and my expectations.. I can't imagine having been dissapointed either way.


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I'm going to post about last night's "Wait, Wait…Don't Tell Me!" show at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre later today, but as it turns out, Atlanta is kind of a public radio darling this weekend. Local musicians that performed at a live recording of "From the Top" last month will show up on the airwaves this weekend, too.
Those of you who attended the show already know what's coming from the young performers on stage. For the rest of us, AJCer Bo Emerson wrote this story about how they managed to fit "prodigy" into their schedules. The story appeared in Sunday's AJC, but hasn't yet appeared online.
Meanwhile, if you're interested in performances by local youth orchestras, keep an eye on the AccessAtlanta.com calendar listings. There are several holiday concerts coming up!
Till the, here it is, "Young musicians master classical works"
Xavier Foley, 15, is shorter than the instrument he is playing, but somehow this Marietta teen makes music on his double bass leap and spin like a Russian gymnast.
He's zipping through Giovanni Bottesini's Concerto No. 2 in B minor, a piece rippling with runs and high-register fireworks. It is a bravura solo showcase, the opposite of the stolid background role to which the bass is usually relegated.
Navigating these high-speed curves is an accomplishment for any bassist — the wild-haired Bottesini was considered unplayable not so long ago. The fact that Foley has mastered the piece before he can legally drive is even more impressive.
And then there's the fact that he's playing it in front of a full concert hall and a national radio audience. "He's never been nervous, " said his father, Anthony Foley, a Cobb County middle school teacher. "I don't know how he gets in front of those crowds of people and just plays."
"It was fun, " the son said later.
Xavier was one of three metro Atlanta teenagers performing recently at Emory University's Schwartz Center, during a taping of "From the Top, " a National Public Radio program that shows off young classical musicians to a national audience. In Atlanta, the program will air three times in the next week, beginning Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. on WABE, 90.1 FM.
The youngsters and their colleagues from elsewhere played the music of Liszt, Brahms and Widor, then chatted on-air with host Christopher O'Riley, answering questions about the sketchy pianos they must play when visiting retirement homes (they call them "piano-shaped objects"), about high school studies and the life of a young prodigy.
Richard Prior, director of the pre-college Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra, which also performed, is accustomed to hearing youngsters with outsized talent. But this group astounded even him.
"It was shock and awe, " said the transplanted Englishman.
O'Riley, in his 10th year helming the show, complimented the talent pool in Atlanta on the air. Afterward, he said he wasn't just being polite and pointed out that the show has come to Atlanta five times to tape local musicians.
He credits the city's excellent teachers, youth symphonies and public schools where string programs are still being taught.
One also might offer a nod to parents such as Anthony Foley, who drive their kids to lessons, take out second mortgages to buy excellent instruments and drive or fly to competitions up and down the east coast.
While Xavier's choice of instruments came out of the blue, Hally Davidson, 15, of McDonough, said she began playing the flute to copy her mother. A kindergartner at the time, Hally had arms too short to play a full-size instrument, so they found a flute with a curved head-joint.
Today, the home-schooled teen practices flute about two hours a day, plus another hour on piano to stay sharp for her keyboard responsibilities during weekly worship at The Rock Presbyterian Church in nearby Stockbridge.
At Emory, she performed with her regular accompanist, Bryan Anderson, 16, of Stockbridge. Their parents have been friends since the two were in nursery school, and Hally and Bryan have been performing together almost as long.
After dashing telepathically through Charles-Marie Widor's Suite for Flute and Piano, opus 34, they answered some gentle questions from their host, O'Riley, who is not only an accomplished pianist, but a witty interrogator.
The duo revealed that they frequently converse in German, particularly if they want to keep something secret from others.
"What do you say?" O'Riley asked.
"Insults mostly" Bryan said.
"Say something mellifluous and insulting to me."
Bryan called him a bonehead — "eine trottel" — but in the nicest way.
Xavier performed his concerto with O'Riley as his accompanist. Show producer Tom Voegli cautioned the young musicians, "You do not have to make eye contact with Chris. In fact, I recommend you don't, because he makes all kinds of horrible faces."
In addition to the local musicians, Ming Wilson, a 14-year-old pianist from Johnson City, Tenn., played part of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody, and returning performer Melissa White, 25, who appeared on the show in its second season, played Brahms Sonata No. 3 in D minor on violin.
There were nerves, but not in evidence.
"They all did a fabulous job keeping it cool, " said Hally's mother, Ginny Davidson. "They supported each other in the green room above and beyond the call of duty."
Want to listen? The episode of "From the Top" featuring Atlanta artists, taped last month at Emory University, can be heard in Atlanta on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. on WABE 90.1 FM and Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. online at WABE Classical and Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. on Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Hally Davidson, 15, flute, McDonough
Education: Home-schooled, though she studies German with an outside tutor.
Played since: Kindergarten.
Other musical interests: Plays piano for her church.
Outside of music: Fascinated with "Lord of the Rings." Speaks Elvish.
On growing up: "I grew an eighth of an inch in the last two years. I hope my lung capacity changes because right now I need a pump."
On practicing: "Some people can practice for long amounts of time and get better. For me, I'm utterly exhausted at the end of two hours. I can't do it anymore."
Possible career: May consider veterinary medicine as well as music. Sits in on surgeries at a local veterinarian clinic, where she helps out after school.
Bryan Anderson, 16, piano, Stockbridge, a senior at New Creation Christian Academy, McDonough.
Education: Home-schooled until high school.
Played since: Age 4.
Other musical interests: Practices organ three days a week at two different churches. Next year will audition on organ at several different conservatories.
Why keyboards? "I did play flute for a good while, I just hate having to play only one note at a time. I need harmony."
On accompanying his string-playing siblings: "I'm like the community lackey accompanist."
On practicing shorter, but smarter: "You just have to get to what you need to. Just try to maximize it and get a lot out of every time you play it through."
Xavier Foley, 15, a sophomore at Pope High School, Marietta
Played bass violin since: Sixth grade.
Other musical interests: Played piano since age 8.
Why bass? "I'm not good with playing two voices at once, I'm only good at one voice. … The piano was like doing the Olympics and a math competition at the same time."
Why not another stringed instrument? "I thought violin was for girls and cello was just too scratchy."
What conservatory does he favor? "Curtis. The big guys are there."
Pop music interests: Biggie Smalls, Snoop Dogg.
Where did his talent come from? "I have no idea, " says his dad, Anthony Foley.
His instrument: A Rumano Solano.
For instant updates, follow @insideaccess on Twitter.


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WAUSAU, Wis. (Woodchucks PR) -- The Wisconsin Woodchucks are about halfway through a major renovation of Athletic Park. On the field Woodchucks are adding more seats behind home plate to provide a new fan experience.
Fans will also see new and upgraded concession, seating, open – air breezeway that will allow direct views from the concourse to the field and a new team store. Fans will also see new third level to the stadium that will feature three new climate controlled luxury suites.
The renovation project has been a challenge this offseason with the below normal temperatures. Most of the stadium has been covered and heated in order to pour concrete. "The Samuels Group has done a good job of keeping us on schedule", said Woodchucks General Manager Ryan Treu. " We originally built the schedule with some buffer days in it, just in case we had a winter like this. The project is still set to finished in mid April."
The Woodchucks will be soon announcing some events in May before Opening Day on May 30th to allow the public to get an early look at the stadium. We are excited for the community to see the all the improvements," Treu said.
The Wisconsin Woodchucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind.


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Sometimes I stop and ask myself "Oh my God AnnaGrace what do you think you're doing?". But then I generally keep on doing it just the same.
Yeah, so, um…four seasons into Dawson's Creek and I'm realizing that 70% of this show sucks. At least. And yet…I'm definitely going to continue wasting my summer this way.
Someone save me from myself.
Why does doing the right thing feel like drowning sometimes?
No, I can't construct a poem because words - like boys - get bored and run.
Ces't la vie.
I say "I've got so many better things".
I've got nothing, you should see me.
My friday night just caught up to my sunday night awkwarrrdddddddd


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Perfect July 4th outfits for every occasion
Backyard barbeque
Perhaps the most common Independence Day festivity of all, the humble backyard BBQ allows for some sartorial freedom. It's festive enough you can wear something a little bit dressy, should you like; but shouldn't you like, than casual works, too. So, go ahead: mix and match pieces from either side of the spectrum! You outfit will be better for it.
Bing: Cat-eye sunglasses, $495, Cutler & Gross, jcrew.com; RGB Cerulean nail polish, $18, rgbcosmetics.com; Nyota Ndogo star friendship bracelet, $20.36, us.asos.com; Molly check jersey dress, $248, marcjacobs.com; Marina mini-wedge espadrilles in chambray, $110, jcrew.com; Cannes tote, $134, Bop Basics, shopbop.com.
Picnic in the park
Do you really want to deal with sitting on a blanket in a skirt? What if you want to be cross-legged while you eat watermelon and potato salad? Or lay down for power nap afterwards? No, it's better to prevent wardrobe malfunctions with a pair of slouchy cutoffs, paired with flat(ish) shoes; you know, in case a impromptu game of frisbee breaks out!
Bing: Chambray sleeveless tie front shirt, $88, canadccalifornia.com; Mini wedge gladiator sandals, $59.99, Zara.Com; Double wrap bracelet, $14.99, mango.com; Fresh Sugar berry tinted lip treatment, $22.50, fresh.com; Nash slouchy shorts, $187, J Brand, shopbop.Com; Snap backpack, $65, everlane.com; Set Of 2 pyramid-design bangle bracelets, $29.95, Stately Steel, hsn.com.
Chillin' at the beach
Hanging around on the sand all day means you can keep it easy; just you, your bikini and a few low-key accessories. Of course, given the occasion, bonus points are awarded for squeezing in a red, white and blue color scheme. (Just please, no American flag swimsuits, okay?! The great thing about this particular look is that the other 364 days of the year no one will know you bought it for July 4.)
Bing: Konjo beehive cover up, $200, lemlem.com; Kilgore antique gold sunglasses, $119, toms.com; Bikini wrap flat sandals, $255, k. jacques, shopbop.com; Kevin Murphy Hair Resort spray 5.1floz, $20.99, amazon.com; Farmer's Market tote, jcrew.com; Women's pique mix & match string bikinis, $15 (each), oldnavy.com.


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Totally Decadent Hot Chocolate
Notes: After using the vanilla bean, rinse it, let dry, and store airtight to use again. Use a vegetable peeler to pare orange peel and make chocolate curls.
Yield: Makes 4 servings
More From Sunset
Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
- Calories: 296
- Calories from fat: 55%
- Protein: 5.8g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated fat: 11g
- Carbohydrate: 33g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sodium: 104mg
- Cholesterol: 34mg
- 2 cups milk
- 1 vanilla bean (6 or 7 in.)
- 4 strips orange peel (orange part only), each about 2 inches long
- 3/4 cup chopped semisweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons purchased caramel, butterscotch, or fudge sauce (or 1 tablespoon each of any 2)
- About 1/2 cup whipped cream
- Semisweet chocolate curls
- 1. In a 1- to 2-quart pan, combine milk, vanilla bean, and orange peel. Warm over low heat to blend flavors, about 15 minutes, stirring often; do not boil. Discard orange peel; remove vanilla bean and save (see notes).
- 2. Add chopped chocolate and caramel sauce to hot milk; stir over low heat until chocolate melts.
- 3. Pour hot chocolate into mugs (about 8 oz.), top with equal portions of whipped cream, and sprinkle with chocolate curls. Serve with spoons.
My Notes
Only you will be able to view, print, and edit this note.Add Note
Totally Decadent Hot Chocolate Recipe at a Glance
- COURSE: Beverages, Beverages, Nonalcoholic
- CONVENIENCE: Entertaining, Kid-Friendly, Quick/Easy
- CUISINE: American
- MAIN INGREDIENT: Chocolate
- DIETARY CONSIDERATION: Low Sodium
- OCCASION: Winter, Christmas
- PUBLICATION: Sunset
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text: shockey-sapp By DJ Digital March 21, 2012 3:24 PM Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Category: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More Leave a comment Send to a friend! Print this page Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr! More From Hot 107.9 Peyton Manning Says New Laws In Colorado Have Increased Pizza Sales Man That Can Outrun A Subway [VIDEO] Men Get Bikini Waxed For The First Time [VIDEO] Armed Robber Demands Pills From CVS Pharmacy In Lafayette Best of the Web


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Today Mill Mountain Zoo announced it is in the "silent phase" of a campaign to raise $3,000,000, which the zoo will use to attract a new "signature" exhibit that might include bringing back tigers, adding bears, and housing more macaques.
The $3 million would also help refurbish current exhibits and infrastructure, explained Ray-Eric Correia, the zoo's executive director.
The Horace Fralin Charitable Trust recently donated the zoo $25,000, and promised to add another $25,000 if the zoo can raise $50,000.
Correia said that drive to $50,000 started Saturday.
Correia said the zoo is also producing educational videos for local schools, which he said will make money for the zoo once they find businesses to sponsor the videos.
Correia explained it wouldn't cost the schools a penny, but could be a big money-maker for the zoo.
The videos are also in line with SOL requirements.
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NVDAILY.COM | Community News
Posted March 5, 2013 | Leave a comment
Heishman added to dean's list
Lauren Heishman has been named to the dean's list for the fall semester at Bridgewater College. She is a senior majoring in liberal studies and will graduate this spring. She is the daughter of Stephen and Tina Heishman of Woodstock.
Copyright © The Northern Virginia Daily | nvdaily.com | 152 N. Holliday St., Strasburg, Va. 22657 | (800) 296-5137


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Deleted Scene: Cristina Snaps at Owen
I can't just drop it.
Liz Shepherd (Neve Campbell) makes Callie and Jackson think she is backing out of the nerve transplant. No worries though, she's just keeping them on their toes.
I can't just drop it.
Let's get going.
Is this creepy?
I need to stop.
My interns don't respect me.
You won the lottery.
Do it yourself...right now!
It's a big day.


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Chequered Flag International is pleased to offer this 1963 1/2 Original 260 V8 4 speed Ranchero in Rangoon Red. 6315 Rancheros were built in... More
1963 Ford Falcon Ranchero Nicely restored 1963 Ford Falcon Ranchero equipped with a Ford 302 (5.0L) V8. Has a Weiand aluminum intake with Edelbrock... More
The 1963 Ford Galaxie was built to win in the NASCAR circuit and it's one of the few full-sized cars of any era that... More
Affordable top-down fun this 1963 Ford Falcon is the daily-driver hobby car. A little rain won't scare it the thrifty six-cylinder engine is easy... More
1963 Ford Thunderbird Two Door Hardtop: V8 Engine, 3-Speed Automatic, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, "Swing Away"- Tilt Steering Wheel, AM/FM Stereo with... More
1963 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE, NICE CONVERTIBLE NEEDING ONLY LITTLE COSMETICS. ENGINE RUNS GOOD , BODY , INTERIOR LOOK GOOD. FAIRLY PRICED. PLEASE CALL +1 418... More
For sale in our St. Louis showroom is a beautiful 1963 Ford Galaxie Convertible. The Galaxie got its name in the late 50s... More
For sale in our St. Louis showroom is a 1963 Ford Galaxie XL. This Ford has plenty of charisma. The interior is comprised of... More
1963 Ford Falcon Convertible Northwest Classic Auto Mall advertises this vehicle for the owner. If you are interested in this vehicle or have any questions, please... More
1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL 2drDate code 289 cui small block ford (code 3B18) to align with the build date. Cruise-o-matic auto transmission (code 4).... More
dy Style: Convertible Ext. Color: White with pearl in Mileage: 62k Engine: 5.0 Transmission: AUTO Drive: RWD Vin#: 3Y87Z157922 Stock#: Roadster clone Vehicle Options Air Conditioning Alloy Wheels Bucket Seats Center Armrest Center Console Chrome Wheels Dual Exhaust Gauge... More
The Thunderbird was redesigned in 1961 with a distinct bullet-like appearance. Along with the big overhaul of the styling, the Thunderbird came with impressive... More
VERY RARE SPRINT 260 CONVERTIBLE. 1963 FALCON SPRINT CONVERTIBLE, MATCHING NUMBERS 260-2 V8, AUTO TRANSMISSION, POWER TOP, WIRE CAPS, SINGLE EXHAUST, RADIO, DASH MOUNTED SPRINT... More
How about 17 and 1/2 feet of long and low cruising style for the driveway! This 63 Galaxie 500XL ragtop has a nicely built... More
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1963 FORD GALAXIE 500 2 DOOR HARDTOP FASTBACK CODE "63B" NOM 390-4 WITH AFTER MARKET INTAKE AND CARB, CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION,"CRUISE-O- MATIC" JUST REBUILT, FACTORY... More
1963 Ford Pickup Frame off restoration with a powerful 302 cu in. 1963 Ford Custom Cab F-100 Shortbed StepsideComplete Frame off restoration in 2008. Solid... More
SAME OWNER THE PAST 25 YEARS. GARAGE KEPT, NOT DRIVEN IN SNOW OR RAIN. ONLY 7,000 MILES PUT ON IN 25 YEARS FOR A... More
1963 FORD GALAXIE 500 "BOXTOP" 2 DOOR SEDAN. CODE "62A" BODY CODE FACTORY Z CODE 390-4 OPTION, MANUAL SHIFT ON THE COLUMN, RADIO, CLOCK, VERY OLD... More
1963 1/2 Ford Galaxie 500. Finished in beautiful Rangoon Red with matching Red interior. Powered by a massive 390CI V8 engine which was recently... More
High quality restoration to factory specifications. Low production Futura convertible. The convertible model was introduced mid year in 1963. The 260 V8 engine option... More
1963 Ford Galaxie Black with red vinyl interior, Four door, 352 V8, Automatic, Just completed a 400 miles round trip, Runs and Drives 100%, Pennsylvania... More
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible. Restored. Ready to enjoy all summer long! Known ownership history. The original owner enjoyed this wonderful Ford for 30 years. Previous Lady owner 15... More
1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible. THE REAL DEAL! Rare Z-code with Air Conditioning. OUTSTANDING! THE BEST OF THE BEST, we have not seen a better one! Off Frame Restored to... More
1963 Ford Thunderbird coupe,a rock solid car,just out of lengthy storage,finished in the factory Chestnut,with a Corinthian White top,and an immaculate,original, Chestnut interior.The 390... More
Beautifully restored and loaded with options like A/C, dual power seats, power windows and locks, plus an AM/FM radio. A/C is cold, top is... More
1963 Ford Fairlane as the story goes this little black beauty was once owned by a school teacher who only drove the car... More
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible,an Atlanta built,rust free car,finished in the factory Corinthian White,with the original Red interior,complimented by a recent Burgundy convertible top.The... More
1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Sunliner Fords "Total Performance" campaign was running full steam in "63", with several drive-train combinations available. The owner of this gorgeous... More
Imagine a simpler time, when winning a race on Sunday translated to selling your cars on Monday. The big three started battling it out... More
1963 Ford Falcon Futura, good solid body, nice redone int, 6 cyl, auto, cold a/c, great driver, 90,xxx miles, drive it home. ... More
1963 Ford Galaxie 500 two door hardtop,finished in the factory Viking Blue,and Corinthian White,with 352 V8 power and Cruisematic transmission.This Ford runs out well,has... More


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These paper iced tea filters are made to replace Bunn's genuine part numbers 20100.0000, 20100. Save money on buying expensive genuine parts and enjoy high quality after market filters that will do the same. Each filter measures 5" in diameter at the base. Pack includes 250 paper replacement filters for your iced tea machine maker.
Fits Bunn Tea Brewers: TB3
Replacement Part Number: 20100.0000, 20100, 56-50B, 5650B, 56 50B


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Your Postpartum Body
What's happening the first six weeks after the last nine months
Stretch Marks
You can blame your mother for these! Doctors say there's a hereditary component, meaning if your mother has stretch marks, you're likely to get them. At least half of all women get stretch marks on their abdomen, breasts and/or hips. As the name suggests, they're caused by a stretching of the connective tissue. "All of the fancy creams are not going to penetrate deep enough. Nothing's really been shown to be effective in preventing them," says Dr. Carolyn Cline, who works with Brigham and Women's/Faulkner Hospitals OB/GYN Associates, PC. She adds, "If you're going to get them, you're going to get them." They gradually fade to a silvery color after appearing red or purple during pregnancy.


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A Community prayer vigil will be held at Community Clubhouse in Crisp County on Sunday, September 14,2014 at 7pm.
By Ryan Houston - bio | email ALBANY, GA (WALB) –Homecoming at Albany State University is a time of celebration for all past, present, and future students. For more than 100 years ASU, has been producing lawyers, doctors, and teachers.
One of those graduates is 80-year-old Edgar Martin. He graduated back in 1950 and has only missed one homecoming celebration since graduation.
Edgar Martin remembers his Alma Mater by a different name." It was called Georgia Normal Agriculture College," he said.
There were no high schools for African Americans then, Georgia Normal Agriculture college opened it's campus for those students."I graduated from high school there, the name of the school was Georgia Normal Agriculture High School," said Martin.
During his time at ASU, he participated in many activities. "I was the president of my graduating class, and I participated in Drama plays," said Martin.
The cost of college back then was a lot different. "The cost was considerable cheaper. I was only paying $45 for a semester, and I paid about 6 to 7 bucks for books," said Martin.
Although his degree was inexpensive, Martin believes his time at ASU was priceless and prepared him for the future. Since graduation, he's been a teacher and the first African-American Supervisor for the Albany post office.
"ASU prepared me for teaching for three years, and I became a supervisor at the Post Office for 28 years until I retired," said Martin.
During homecoming, he reflects with other graduates about the way things were. "At homecoming I get to see other graduates that I haven't seen in quite some time. It's just a good time of celebration for ASU," said Martin.
He enjoys recruiting future students to a school from his past. " I would advocate anyone who wants to secure a higher education to come to ASU. If I had to choose all over again what school to attend, it would be ASU," said Martin.
Edgar Martin is a proud and successful graduate of Albany State University. Also he has served as deacon at his church for 56 years.
While serving as ASU Dougherty County Alumni President, he's raised $3,000 dollars for the university.
More homecoming activities include a golf-tournament fundraiser to benefit Hip Hop Grows Up. Pretty in the City starts at 8:30am until 1pm at the flint river golf course.
©2010 WALB News. All rights reserved. Feedback
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Albany, GA 31706
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I think its good that they did. Balance issues mostly.
I think its good that they did. Balance issues mostly.
Imagine holy shock being forced to ret rotation? If it does too much damage they will nerf the damage making it useless GCD in raids (but maybe not leveling) maybe even removing damage part.
Imagine holy shock as "death strike" version for prot palas? Prot palas will now take "more damage beacuse they can have self heal on-demand"(see reason dks take more damage: death strike healing) and they would either nerf the healing of it due the amount of QQ about prot palas claiming that they never used it for starters, gimping healers holy shock.


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News from WTOP
News from the AP
Mike Causey
Shows & Panels
Shows & Panels
Shows & Panels
Shows & Panels
- The 2014 Big Picture on Cyber Security
- AFCEA Answers
- Ask the CIO
- Building the Hybrid Cloud
- CDWG/NetApp
- Connected Government: How to Build and Procure Network Services for the Future
- Continuing Diagnostics and Mitigation: Discussion of Progress and Next Steps
- Federal Executive Forum
- Federal Tech Talk
- The Future of Government Data Centers
- The Future of IT: How CIOs Can Enable the Service-Oriented Enterprise
- Government Perspectives on Mobility and the Cloud
- The Intersection: Where Technology Meets Transformation
- Maximizing ROI Through Data Center Consolidation
- Mitigating Insider Threats in Virtual & Cloud Environments
- Modern Mission Critical Series
- Moving to the Cloud. What's the best approach for me
- Navigating Tough Choices in Government Cloud Computing
- The New Generation of Database
- Reimagining the Next Generation of Government
- Satellite Communications: Acquiring SATCOM in Tight Times
- Targeting Advanced Threats: Proven Methods from Detection through Remediation
- Transformative Technology: Desktop Virtualization in Government
- The Truth About IT Opex and Software Defined Networking
- Value of Health IT
- Air Traffic Management Transformation Report
- Cloud First Report
- General Dynamics IT Enterprise Center
- Gov Cloud Minute
- Government in Technology Series
- Homeland Security Cybersecurity Market Report
- National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
- Technology Insights
- The Cyber Security Report
- The Next Generation Cyber Security Experts
Shows & Panels
Sponsored By:
This is a transformative time for the Department of Defense. Our military is progressing toward a smaller, nimbler force capable of rapidly responding to any threat around the globe. Secure, next generation communications capabilities are essential; ensuring personnel can get the information they need from virtually any location, any time, on any compatible device. Microsoft offers today's military leaders the next wave of technologies providing advanced security features without compromising productivity and mission effectiveness all at a price that makes sense. From the front lines to the command center to the Pentagon, Microsoft and its global partner network are working with defense leaders to create solutions that not only meet but anticipate today's service members needs. Whether it's providing secure, online collaboration and editing capabilities, or voice and video through unified communications, Microsoft is equipping warriors in motion with the familiar technology they use every day to get the job done. That's real impact for tomorrow's military. Learn more about defense I.T. solutions at microsoft.com/dod.
Transforming Business operations at the Defense Department
Thursday - 6/28/2012, 12:19pm EDT
Today, is one of the few times technology improvements and budget cuts are hitting agencies at the same time. The result of these two game-changers is a more dramatic change than we've seen previously. And just like previous eras, the Pentagon is taking a leading role in figuring out how new technologies can improve how they meet their mission and cut costs.
DoD is using cloud computing, mobile technology, virtualization and a host of other leading edge or cutting edge technologies to move money from tail to tooth to better support the warfighter.
A big reason why DoD, and many other agencies for that matter, can keep its head above water during these uncertain times is the more focused adoption of commercial technologieswhether for mobile computing such as smartphones or tablet computers, or the use of the public or government-only clouds provided by vendors.
DoD is in the midst of figuring how to do business differently in light of both the technology advancements and budget cuts that many say have come sooner and deeper than they expected.
Using commercial technologies is not new for DoD. It has been 15 years since Congress told the Pentagon to buy commercial products and services. By fiscal 2011, commercial acquisition procedures were used for almost one-fifth of all the contracting dollars DoD obligated nearly 13 million contracts worth almost $75 billion. Since 2005, DoD funds spent on those simplified acquisitions have more than doubled.
But even with this huge push for buying commercial products, DoD's success has been inconsistent.
Today we will talk about how DoD is adapting, and how military leaders can take advantage of innovations in the commercial world to be more mobile and, in many ways simplify how they use their systems to meet their missions.
Moderator - Jason Miller - Executive Editor and Reporter with Federal News Radio
Gino Magnifico - CIO Army Contracting Command
Mark Goodge - Chief Technology Officer for Military Health Systems
Terry Edwards - Army ASA(ALT) Director Office of the Chief Engineer & CIO
Tim Solms - General Manager, US Department of Defense, Microsoft Corporation


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Latest Issue
Latest Issue
PharmTech Europe
|Email Newsletters from Pharmaceutical Technology and Pharmaceutical Technology Europe
News from Europe's pharmaceutical manufacturing industry coupled with upcoming events, and exclusive articles and interviews from industry experts.
Risk Management and Contamination Control
Rita Peters, Editorial Director for Pharmaceutical Technology and BioPharm Inernational talks with Alan Fisher of Dycem. They discuss how risk management can be applied to contamination control for pharmaceutical manufacturing and how risk can be measured. The discussion also covered the standards or practices that should guide facility operators in developing risk management strategies and the special risks facilities, particularly contract manufacturing operations, may may face and these risks might be mitigated.


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|LEMONGRASS Cymbopogon flexuosus
Wellness Uses
Calm & Stress
*EOU, EOUdb, Lemongrass (India) 1
About Lemongrass
Lemongrass has a sweeter, more powerful citrus aroma than Lemon. It is an effective pain killer. It has been proven to lower cholesterol. It has been used for soothing aching feet, tired muscles and painful backs. It helps with excessive perspiration and flatulence. Lemongrass' antifungal properties make it effective aiding athlete's foot and nail fungus. Many migraine sufferers find it effective. It is considered an antiseptic and astringent useful by some people to cleanse oily skin and help close pores. It can increase mental acuity and help stabilize and balance emotions, especially during times of distress and emotional trauma. DōTerra Lemongrass Essential Oil is grown in India and steam distilled directly from the grass.
Typical Applications
Apply topically with massage for effective analgesic effects on the back, feet, and large muscles. Also apply direct for antifungal qualities. Lemongrass is certified by the FDA as GRAS and can be taken internally for digestive or stomach issues and for high cholesterol. Add 1-2 drops in ¼ cup of water with agave, honey or on a sugar cube. Add to water (appx 5%-10%) and spritz for excessive perspiration. Diffuse, cup and inhale or use a full body massage for help stabilizing emotional trauma.
Precautions: Can be a skin irritant over time. Use a skin test. Use with care during pregnacy.
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NOTE: The advice shared in this site has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help. As members offer or look for answers, kindly understand that essential oils work to help to bring the body into balance - thus helping the body's natural defenses to restore homeostasis. Essential oils are not used to "treat" medical problems.


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Nom Nom Paleo: Giveaway Time! TONS of Gumball Poodle Socks!
Who wants to win FOURTEEN pairs of awesome knee-high athletic socks by Gumball Poodle?
What's that, you say? You only count twelve pairs in the photo above? Don't worry your pretty little head — I'm also throwing in some limited edition Nom Nom Paleo AND Paleo Power socks!
Normally, I very much look forward to spending A LOT of time in the kitchen with my family during the Holidays. We spend days baking cookies and prepping food for Christmas while getting our last minute present wrapping done. It is a chance for me to bond with my two Sisters, my Mother, and my wonderful Grandmother. This year, my brand new 4 month old Niece will also be joining us to total 4 generations in one (tiny) kitchen!!! Things will be crazy, but fun nonetheless. However, this year (between some intense WODs) I plan to incorporate my newly adapted Paleo lifestyle to our Christmas traditions. Lately, I've been baking some alternatives for special events (birthdays/parties/holidays) in order to maintain Paleo while still indulging. Thanks to Nom Nom Paleo and some other very helpful websites and blogs (see links page to the right) I've collected a number of recipes that are similar to our traditional cookies, cakes, and pies for Christmas that I hope to share with my family. I love to show them that I can still enjoy our traditions and they can now hopefully take part in my new healthier traditions as well. Wish me luck!Source: nomnompaleo
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Normally, I very much look forward to spending A LOT of time in the kitchen with my family during the Holidays. We spend...
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