We need to stop pre-judging these events. Excited to mingle with a few Major League baseball players, we thought Shadow of the Giants was a Willie Mays or Barry Bonds tribute. But, a foot race outside Fresno? Darn, no celebrity steroids on Saturday.
OK, if it’s not the 5 or 405 freeways we’re lost. Interstate 99 and Highway 41? They named a freeway after a thrift store that can’t source anything more expensive than a buck? What does a dollar buy in 2007 aside from one of Baz’s race day shirts? There are more billboards on the 91 in Spanish than in English. Funny how San Diego’s PCT50, located only miles from the Mexican border, has zero billboards in Spanish; travel hundreds of miles to the north and they litter the place. Anyway, I’m impervious to subliminal advertising and ignored the overgrown marketing campaigns while continuing the journey to Pescado Camp and the infamous Shadow de el Gigantes. Oh mierda! And, Highway 41? If one more person moves into this area they’ll have to rename it the 42. Where are the strip malls, association Jacuzzis, empty tennis courts and rarely used green belts? Toto, we’re not in Orange County anymore.
Shadow of the Giants 50K, we get it; really big trees blocking sunlight. We rarely see big trees much less run in their magnificent shadows. It’s like tanning in Newport Beach next to a fence. While running, you can yell at the foliage “Hey, you’re blocking my sun!” Most trees we’re familiar with are easily demolished by a head-on Razor collision.
Located on the southernmost tip of Yosemite National Park, Shadow of the Giants 50K is most properly coined. The trees are ancient huge with some in the 3,500-year-old category – Baz can relate. As you pass the tall wooden soldiers they peer down and smirk. They’ve seen it all before. “Move along please, your Salomons are aggravating my roots.”
The lodging choices in and around Fish Camp are endless. We didn’t see one fish so for that matter the place could be called Giraffe Camp. 
Ritzy lodges to broken-down trailers, the Green Meadows Outdoor School offers the thriftiest accommodation option of all; sleeping bag dorms at $12 per night. We definitely suggest staying at this five-star destination resort at least once in your lifetime. Literally one hundred yards from the start/finish line, it’s location, location, location. Call room service and order the Grand Mariner soufflé. Allow 45 minutes, but the bunkside preparation is superb and worth the wait.
My two young sons (Reese, 5, and Tage, 4) had a blast sleeping in the bunk bed graveyard. I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world. 
But, there were a few things we would be remise not mentioning. The mattresses were more like plastic lawn chair cushions. The hard casings sounded like grinding vinyl records when just re-adjusting a pillow. I didn’t know if I was supposed to go Boogie Boarding with the thing or line them all up for a late night Slip & Slide contest. I’m not saying the pads were skinny but ultra-fit Michelle Barton looked like Rosie O’Donnell spilling over the edges in the middle of a Donald Trump bad dream. It was “Hogan’s Heroes’’ and I half expected to wake up and see Bob Crane and Richard Dawson making fun of Colonel Klink (Baz). It was “Eyes Wide Shut” with uneasy rest but no sleep.
Paul Avedian (8:03:11) had a mountain of crud piled atop his bunk with a gain/loss of at least six feet. He looked like a homeless guy sleeping under a freeway overpass. I expected to find a rusted refrigerator mixed in with his running gear.
And, what happens when you put 10 or more heavily hydrated runners in army like bunk beds with outside bathroom facilities? The answer is continual noise throughout the night as somebody was destined to pee. The urination trek entailed falling out of an unfamiliar cot, walking across a creaky wooden floor and out the squeakiest door known to mankind. Into the wee hours, it reaches the point when you can predict who’s getting up and hitting the latrine by the unique, repeatable sounds each individual made. It was pitch-black. Paul and I were playing Name that Pee-er. “I can name that pee-er in four movements.” Scored, Erick Lumba for 50! The women’s head was 5k away. It must have been dodge-the-invisible-bear dance for the gals. Green Meadows OUTDOOR School. Note to self: pay more attention to words.
Baz’s pre-race speeches are epic and the 2007 Shadow of the Giants 50K was no exception. Standing in the bed of his truck, Baz looks like a self-appointed pope in the second team All World Popemobile. With so many four-letter words he quickly violated George Carlin’s “Seven Things You Can’t Say on TV.’’ 
Howard Stern, staying in cabin 6A, reportedly buzzed the concierge to ask if the guy sticking out of the trunk could tone it down. Knowing my 5- and 3–year-old sons would be in attendance, I pre-informed my offspring that Baz’s strange accent only made it sound like he was saying bad words and that “shut the f_ _ _ up” in Australian means “turn around, I’m having a seizure.” It was all pure magic and my impressionable kids only dropped twelve F-bombs the entire day. We would watch a Sponge Bob DVD later and slowly bring them back down to civility.
The start looked like most other ultras with last year’s overall winner Oswaldo Lopez and other speedsters like Dean Dobberteen out front looking to distance themselves from the pack. One of Baz’s bald tires blew a valve stem and all were off. We give Baz tons of grief but it’s because we harass folks we truly love and respect. Just like the SJT50K, Baz has the runners fight their way up the widest sections of a concrete parking lot to intentionally thin out the energetic participants before hitting much thinner dirt trails. It’s a brilliant logistical move but also great for the car-toting spectators who don’t have to stray far from their ozone-depleting metal devices.
Dennis Koors is a hardcore ultra dude, 
having placed 31st in the 2006 San Diego 100. Dennis showed up with his lovely girlfriend Amy Adams. Both Dennis and Amy met at work. They sell all-important car insurance and had intentions of picking up some easy policies until they spotted Baz’s truck. Figuring the only opportunities there was a crummy, low-commission liability policy, Dennis put the Mont Blanc away and ran a strong race by finishing in the top 20 at 6:11:34.
We should write a 
book on Paul Avedian but will paraphrase from Jennifer Forman’s very clever re-cap posted on the Orange County Trail Runners’ private site. Jennifer is fast, fit and apparently very funny. Jennifer foolishly carpooled with Pete Vara, Eric Lumba and Paul Avedian. Here are some excerpts:
Lastly want to thank my travel mates and OCTR runners Pete, Paul, and Eric, you guys are all awesome and so funny. For example, on the drive up we must have stopped 3 different times to stretch our legs…this was fine but each time Paul would buy an Ice Cream or Candy!! Did I mention that the three of them ate an entire plate of Paul’s daughter’s homemade brownies on the way up too!! After arriving (and all of us feeling a little car sick due to Paul’s driving or should I say constant swerving, or maybe all the crap they ate) we got settled in our cabin.
That’s right, I forgot to mention our luggage. I figured since me being the girl I would have most of the luggage. On the contrary, these guys brought at least five pieces of luggage each and Paul had his in "designer" trash bags. They were very nice trash bags by the way!!
I think the guys got some great pictures, I know Paul did as he carried TWO cameras!! Along with all the other crap he carried, backpack, water-pack, change of clothes, sleeping bag, lunch, dinner, extra film!!! Just giving you a hard time Paul!! But seriously you all, he did!!! And then the drive home…Paul was driving again!! It wasn’t until we reached the LA area that he mentioned he had NIGHT BLINDNESS!!! What the #@$! Pull over for god sake!!!!!
Michelle Barton, Michelle Barton, Michelle Barton. It seems like we play favorites always mentioning Michelle but she wins nearly every race she enters so what’s one to do? The iMichelle is on fire. Winning this race was Michelle’s fourth consecutive win in five weeks; all course records. 
What does one say? If this was women’s golf or even pool, she’d have her own yacht with heli-pad and I’d be her butler-boy toy hanging out in the limo. The only thing left to say is “complete So. Cal female ultra domination.” iM got lost for 20 minutes and still won on Saturday. And, I must slip this in: I spent the entire weekend with her daughter, Sierra. The only thing Michelle is obviously better at than running is being a mom. Sierra is the most polite, well-adjusted and happy 7-year-old I’ve ever met. I swear they’re both Apple Mac products.
At mile 18.5, Jennifer Forman 
(6:39:52) looked remarkably relaxed. That’s likely due to the van ultra she had endured driving up to Fish Camp alongside the Three Amigos (Pete, Eric and Paul). No doubt psyching up for the ultra drive home, Jennifer felt safest and sanest while running the 50K versus the OCTR rented mini-van with Stevie Wonder behind the wheel.
Eric Lumba (7:22:04) was creaking around with some annoying joint issues before the race and we wondered how he would fare. He’s always in a good mood so it’s hard to tell how Mr. Positive is really doing. Halfway thru the race and after hugging a few trees, Eric looked real good and would go on to finish strong despite the bonus miles.
Dean Dobberteen (D2) blew his training secret with us so we’ll share. 
On weekend nights, the OCTR heartthrob pulls a rickshaw somewhere in Universal Studios to build up those calves and develop the base. For all the women reading this, that means you can go to Universal Studios and watch Dean pull you around for as long as the tips continue to flow. We should charge for this kind of star runner intel. The LA poster boy is fast and almost always amongst the top five finishers. Dean would finish fourth overall in a blistering time of 4:54:48. With his new hair highlights, we’re expecting even better results.
Pete Vara (8:29:06) 
got jacked by a gang of tree squirrels and was depleted of gels, salt tabs and other goodies by the time he hit the Big Trees aid station. Rifling thru Paul Avedian’s and Michelle Barton’s extra stash, we were able to re-stock him with at least some of the energy items he would need for the grueling 16 miles ahead. Not having the best day, we knew Pete would finish. There are certain folks that just don’t have the DNF gene regardless of the pain racing through their veins.
Eric Clifton (4:56:48) is a class act. He could win the most composed runner of all time. 
It wasn’t until he completed the 1-mile loop at the Big Trees aid station that we realized he wasn’t carrying any water. Obviously half camel, Eric shotgunned a few cups of H2O and took off. No sooner did Eric split than my 5-year-old son comes running up from the fire road to inform the adults that someone was going the wrong way. Reese repeated, “Some guy in long pants went the wrong way.” That could only be one person so in my fake Grizzle Adams voice I screamed out, “Eric, you’re going the wrong way,” and low and behold Mr. Clifton answered off in the distance, turned around and got back on track for a 5th place finish. It was a proud-dad moment as my young son had the presence of mind to not only inform us but provided calm detail in a timely manner so we could rectify the situation. The fact that Reese helped one of our favorite legendary runners made it that much sweeter.
We love talking about runners who aren’t even there so when Rob Cowan misses a So. Cal ultra we have to find out why. Turns out Mr. eight ultras in eight consecutive weekends was in Wisconsin running in the Kettle Moraine 100 where he would take 18th place in 22 hours. That kind of excuse gets you a TRD hall pass.
2002 overall winner (4:27:51), Big Frank Bozanich blessed the event with his new killer shades and relaxed style. 
Frank holds so many ultra records and accomplishments it’s a joke even hanging out near, next to or in the same county as him. He runs and we…we’ll we move forward. Frank has recorded a 5:10 fifty miler and has more trophies than the number of lifetime Gu’s we’ve collectively consumed. It was like having Arnold Palmer drop in to play a few holes. He didn’t think we knew who he was but we read Playboy.
Steve Harvey (7:47:41) and his infamous feather in hat were present in full form. 
Steve is one of the most enthusiastic runners you’ll find along with his ultra wife Anne. Steve will be hosting this year’s inaugural Old Goat 50 on Nov 10th on beautiful Saddleback Mountain in plastic surgery epicenter Orange County. Mark the date! Steve is a reclusive billionaire and pulls out all the event stops with private massage tables, post-race lobster tails and Armani tech shirts; all expected for this ultra endeavor. The Old Goat 50 will be a hoot but doesn’t take American Express. Bring cash and keep it away from Baz.
All kidding aside, the Shadow of the Giants 50K, as Baz puts it best, is pure magic. The thick forest is endless. The meadows, streams and clearings are stunning. About one hour outside Fresno, it’s a slice of runner’s heaven that you better experience before Baz gets busted by the IRS. Check-in is a breeze, aid stations are properly spaced, staffed and stocked. Medical assistance is on ready alert and the whole deal is very thought out.
The post-race awards ceremony is fantastic and one of Baz’s many calling cards. If you don’t get a trophy or medal you’re either already on the way home or me. 
Baz rightly believes in recognition and has so many categories to pick up a medal he makes the Special Olympic’s where “everyone’s a winner” look skimpy. This year, Rob McNair pocketed a stunning crystal vase for the Shadow of the Giants 50K lifetime achievement award. Rob has run in all 18 events. There you have it, an attendance award. The raffle is full of really cool, functional and useable running stuff and if you’re either not on your way home or me, you’ll win something
On paper, the Shadow of the Giants 50K looks like an easy course. Don’t be fooled, nothing is further from the truth. The initial five miles are extremely uphill and give the runners little time to acclimate into the run. Consisting of 85% fire road, the course demands a larger than normal amount of repetitive turnover which tires the legs similar to an evil street marathon. Elevation and thin air are a factor. If Michelle Barton tells us it’s one of the hardest 50Ks she’s ever run, then we leave it at that and move on.
If you get through this course early enough, it’s shade central. If you’re still out pounding gravel at 1 p.m., with the sun directly overhead, the course changes names by dropping Shadow and going with The Giant 50K. At 33.5 miles, this race could be arrested for impersonating a 50K. It’s a beautiful run but after 32 miles even the flowers look irritating.
Baz’s map is once again a thing of pure beauty. As an accomplished tool designer, the guy has the best handwriting in Oakhurst. However, we’ve also viewed 17th century pirate maps that possess greater clarity. Print these suckers out on gold paper, burn the edges and it’s a treasure hunt for crackers, crunchy raisins and Gatorade. Rule of thumb with Baz’s ultras goes something like this: When in doubt, go straight. He’ll mark the turns where necessary. 
No need to waste white flower, pricey chalk or expensive ribbon. The strategy appears to works 99.9% of the time. In 18 years of running this race, Baz has only lost one runner, 66-year-old Isabelle Fortress. Like any homicide, there has to be a body – thus, Baz avoids incarceration. Legend has it Isabella was kind of a stickler and refused to leave the 1990 Big Trees aid station until she got ice. Unfortunately, when hell freezes over was her best bet. All these mountainous ultras are in regions forged millions of years ago by slow-moving ice glaciers. If you’re lucky enough to find an ice cube during a six-hour ultra, it’s similar to hitting the lottery; all very ironic.
The course endured a small trail change for 2007 and stampeding over dead people through the infamous Indian burial grounds was no longer part of the run. That area was kind of a killer anyway with grave consequences. Apparently, the Cliff Energy deer balls, White Man blood-flavored gel and peace pipe bong rip were no longer aid station options. The handy Tee Pee porta-potties were missed but it did eliminate the previous confusion of weather on not you were supposed to use the actual Tee Pee to finish things up or utilize your own Wipies. In the end, it appears the incumbent Indians had reservations about the whole deal. Did anybody even get that?
We only witnessed one aid station so I’ll assume they were all consistently similar. The Big Trees aid station located at mile 17.5 was manned by Dr. Jack Perrodin, Dr. Calvi (Cal) Lau DDS, Reese Nickell, Tage Nickell, 7-year-old Sierra Barton and Amy Adams (girlfriend to participant Dennis Koors). 
Jack and Cal are consummate professionals, experienced endurance athletes and aid station veterans. Good thing they were in charge. Amy was there against her will and after helping prep bananas was forced to play three hours of Candy Land with the kids. Baz made my children fill out W4s and it hit me later that I was probably the only volunteer who actually paid to work. I registered for the race before injuring my leg and the SOTG50K customer service department has been giving me the runaround for my refund. This lady, who sounds remarkable like Baz, offered me store credit but who needs tee shirts from the 1981 Bakersfield Hotties for Lost Aussies?
The Big Trees aid station had plenty of cold water, Coke and Gatorade. We have no idea where Baz gets these cookies. We didn’t recognize one company name and noticed that the expiration dates were hand-written in Arabic. Yet, they were crisp and fresh as a daisy. Not sure who is eating raisins aside from the deer. This Big Trees aid station sits at the entrance of The Shadow of the Giants preserve and features the most scenic one-mile loop ever witnessed. The runners were afforded the luxury of dropping all hydration baggage at the aid station and running hands free like the Cleveland Indians and settlers before them.
This race was all about the finish. It doesn’t happen too often when a 33.5-mile race comes down to the final 50 feet, but this one did. After 33.3 miles, 2005 & 2006 winner Oswaldo Lopez and legendary “don’t take my picture and no email” Rob McNair were doing the 100-yard-dash to determine first place. Rob trailed Oswaldo by as much as 20 minutes past the halfway point and closed the gap with six miles to go; a photo finish after 4 ½ hours? 35–year-old Oswaldo and 52-year-old Rob were in an all-out sprint for top honors. Having ditched their water bottles ½ mile back, it was an all-out anaerobic effort to break the tape. In the end, youth would edge out experience and Coors Light. Shirtless Oswaldo would inch out Rob by two one hundredths of a second; about 10 feet. It doesn’t really seem fair, but oddly enough the one least bothered by the outcome was Rob McNair. Rob would have a few laughs, down a beer, grab his trophies and head to San Diego where he would run 26.2 pavement miles on Sunday in the San Diego Rock & Roll marathon. For any of you first timers, a nice three-mile recovery jog also works on Sunday. Mr. McNair is a complete stud and fantastic human being but don’t try Rob’s antics at home.
Homemade chicken & rice soup was a nice post race treat. It was even piping hot if you can believe that. If you run this race, don’t be a stiff and miss icing the legs in the lazy stream paralleling the start/finish. Both Rob McNair and the iMichelle were smart enough to chill in the frozen waters after the race and were admittedly much better off than the other 78 people who missed the recovery opportunity. Some natural medicine still exists, so put the Cytomax recovery drinks down and go French kiss a rainbow trout.
The Shadow of the Giants 50K is a wildlife sanctuary. 
We saw deer, a million birds, tree squirrels, a toad and…possibly a black bear. Reports are sketchy on the bear sighting. Some called it a brown bear, others thought it was Big Foot and a few speculated it was Kirk Fortini running bandit. Whatever the case, bears were in attendance but with all the food Paul Avedian lugs around, nobody was stressing out about being mauled; except Paul.
Evidenced by this re-cap, my family and I returned safely to Orange County. I’ve never been so happy to see a king-size mattress in my life. My kid’s bunk bed looked like a Beverly Hills aircraft carrier. In reality, the only other thing I could think of was that gorgeous course and how far away 2008 seemed when we all have the chance to experience it again. Thanks Baz Man, it is and you are, “truly magic”.
Your health is your wealth,
Written and reported by Charlie Nickell
Edited by Greg Hardesty
Click Here for the 2007 Shadow race day slideshow featuring some defunct 80s band. Picture #79 of Michelle Barton cruising through Nelder Grove courtesy of incredible photographer Mark Haymond.
2007 Shadow of the Giants 50K Summary
When: Saturday, June 2nd
Where: Outside Yosemite, CA (east of Fresno)
Race Directors: The Big Baz (Baz Hawley)
Course Description: 85% access/fire roads through the scenic historic trails of the Sierra National Forest. The 56k run takes you past 3000 year old Giant Sequoias in the famous Nelder Grove. The brand new 25k run course takes you on many of the same trails as the gorgeous 56k course. Elevation is 5,000 – 6,500.
Number of finishers: 80
Top three male finishers:
1) Oswaldo Lopex 4:32:98
2) Rob McNair 4:33:00 (slacker)
3) Ron Guitierrez 4:44:07
Top three female finishers:
1) Michelle Barton 5:22:57
2) Diane Lundy 5:55:09
3) Dee Dee Grafius 6:17:10
Web site: http://www.shadowofthegiants50k.com/
Category: Shadow of the Giants
