While the official race recap is in the works, we’re extending the following offer to everyone.

Is it me or was the climb out of the Anza-Borrego desert a tad longer then expected? Like eight miles or so? A few rocks shy of a diamond mine, I don’t think the course description conveyed the degree of difficulty the Oriflamme 50k dished out on Saturday. With this crowd, that’s generally really good news. Congratulations to everyone for participating in such a tough, sandy 50k run; they’re all difficult, aren’t they?

I was hoping women’s champ Michelle Barton and I could have hung out after the race but, we had a groovy birthday party at Legoland to attend and left the finish area much earlier than normal. It was like running back-to-back ultras.

While on the trail, I had quite a few runners ask me where they could get an OUT-N-BACK tech shirt. I carry INKnBURN shirts in my low-key TRD Jeep (sarcasm) but speedy Howard Cohen (overall 6th) was the only runner able to snag one before we bailed. Therefore, I’m extending the parking lot offer on a few popular shirts for those I missed.

The Oriflamme 50k turned out to be one of the more epic out-and-backs. It was fitting that I forgot to bring my Run or Die 2010 Oriflamme 50k shirt. I really wanted to be like Deborah Acosta as she always outfits properly. Deborah is se en here waving off a nice group of folks sneaking across the border area. Politically correct, Deborah explains that she’s not in a position to place an order for a Double-Double with fries. Maybe the shirt should read “Powered by Dead Things (beef)” instead of “ULTRA RUNNER.”

Who do you like for ultra PCT male model of the year? Hard-working Paul Escola or to the right, missing-in-action Kirk Fortini?

There’s something to be said for actual volunteer shots but Kirk, according to certain females and a few guys (?), is looking rather hot. Personally, I don’t see it. Paul helped me out during the Oriflamme 50k and I guarantee Kirk was home eating Doritos so guess where I vote? Online catalog boy does look rather fit for a 909 couch potato. It must be all those out-and-backs to the refrigerator with that heavy ankle bracelet.

This is my favorite Oriflamme 50k action shot of women’s winner Michelle Barton. She’s going to kill me for posting it but, it shows the flat tummy required to run up mountains like a deer in the crossfire of Ultra Todd’s crossbow. Consider that a training tip.

Like most reading this, I completed the inaugural running of John Martinez’s Oriflamme 50k. There’s something special about participating in a first-year event. Next year, I’m wearing my Run or Die 2010 Oriflamme 50k tech shirt for instant trail respect. On Saturday, I fell twice in the first half mile alone. A shirt change to alter my mojo is in order.

To commemorate running in soft sand and having Stevie Wonder mark the final few miles before the turnaround (like I was going to leave that alone), I’ve created Coupon Code OFLAME50K for all Oriflamme 50k entrants interested in having a second skull accompanying them on their next run/race. At check out, the coupon code will give you 15% off any INKnBURN order.

I admit it, I didn’t actually run the Oriflamme 50k. When was the last time I went sub 6-hours? It was clearly my Avatar covered in sunscreen with a visor hiding the pointed ear while I slumbered away in the stasis chamber. I’ve come clean.

The fabric on all INKnBURN shirts is high-end, with a soft feel and brushed finish. The performance fabric is 100% polyester featuring CoolFit along with an added antimicrobial treatment. This is a very upscale, comfy competition shirt that retails for $33.00 with zero graphics. I’m going to add a cool INKnBURN logo on the back bottom right that looks sharp.

Down the line, these tech shirts will fall in the $38.95 range. However, I’ve left the price at $28.95 for the time being. At checkout, use Coupon Code OFLAME50K for 15% off the total order. That’s a great deal for a high-quality tech shirt with a unique ultra theme.

The Coupon Code OFLAME50K will expire on Monday (3/29/10). Here are the respective links to access all the above tech shirts.

Men’s Run or Die 2010 Oriflamme 50k (grey)

Women’s Run or Die 2010 Oriflamme 50k (desert yellow)

Men’s OUT-N-BACK (white)

Women’s OUT-N-BACK (white)

Men’s Run Far Greek for Ultra (blue)

Women’s Run Far Greek for Ultra (grey)

Never Stop,

Charlie Nickell

The Run Down