Way Too Cool 50K

Friday's drive up north to the Way Too Cool 50K was pretty uneventful...until Stockton...

The dark clouds that seemed very far away were suddenly overhead and pouring rain.  Traffic stopped and any hope to reach Auburn by 5pm was gone.  And I was a little worried about what the race would be like Saturday.

But Saturday dawned with clear blue skies and awesome cool temps, perfect for running a 50K.

Driving down the road to Cool, the sun just starting to come up behind the fog was just beautiful.  I wish I'd stopped to take a few pictures, but since I'd missed the packet pickup on Friday, and I was sure others did also, I wanted to get to check in early pick up my stuff and have time to fine tune the "outfit".  I'd packed an entire duffle bag of clothes...goretex shell, windpants, fleece etc not knowing what to expect for race day.

Turns out, tights, short sleeve top and sleeves would be all I would need to run in.

Here's a pic of the check in table with Catra Corbett.  Soon after this was taken she took off to the Hwy 49 aid station, where I had a chance to say "HI".

The start of the race was amazing!  Over 400 trail runners-and we are a colorful bunch-all shapes and sizes anxiously waiting for the "Go".  There were 128 first time Cool runners, including myself, and I had a chance to talk to a few of them before we got going.  We chatted about gear, "ball bearing"(when they name a hill you know it's got to be a good one), and our race resumes.  Before long we were off running down a stretch of fireroad looking forward to the actual trails and the beauty of what this race is all about.

 Soon after we left the fireroad and started on the trail, I saw this little tree...was the rest of the race going to be this quirky?

The first few miles were rolling hills, open and green.  The ground was wet and pretty muddy in spots but not too bad considering the deluge the night before.

A few more miles then the American River came into sight.

We climbed a bit then dropped down into the canyon and crossed what would be the first of "too many to count" creek crossing.  I wore my Montrail Mountain Masochists because of the rain...boy, was that a smart choice. The first creek crossing was no problem.  The water wasn't too deep or fast, plenty of stepping stones and just a few quick steps and I was over.  But the trail was getting pretty sloppy.  The mud holes stretched across the entire width of the singletrack, so there was no getting thru cleanly. 

I was making pretty good time, by the half marathon point I was at 2:35, and thinking I may break 7 hours.  Mile 16, still under 7 hours but I was losing time...

I was not doing well with the creek/stream crossings.  They were getting deeper and wider.  And the choices on how to get across were either just plow thru the middle or try to tip toe across over some very precarious rocks.  After losing alot of time trying to navigate around, I took the easiest way across-right thru the middle.  Plus it helped wash off the mud.  

Pretty much the remainder of the run was run thru mud, run thru water, run thru more mud and run thru more water. By mile 20 my legs were feeling the weight of my heavy shoes.  The montrails were built for this abuse, they drained the water pretty quickly after every crossing and didn't hold the mud in the treads, but still they weighed tons compared to when they are dry.  After one creek crossing where the water was up to my thighs, I resigned myself to a less than stellar finish time.  Enjoyed the scenery and took a few more pictures.

                                                           One of the few dry spots!!

Miles of beautiful tree lined trail                                                    

Soon after this picture was taken, as we approached the last few miles, there was another mudhole.  Now, by this time I wasn't walking around the mud anymore, I was just slogging thru the middle...taking the shortest route since I was already covered in dirt and soaking wet.  Well, that last mudhole almost did me in.  With that first step, my right leg sunk down to my knee.  I was stuck!!!!  And still sinking!!!!  There were two runners trying to pick their way around the mud when they saw me being eaten by the goo, they each had to grab an arm and hoist me out!!! My gloved hands were muddy, my water bottles were muddy...my shoes now were weighing about 50 lbs each..  It was time to have a good laugh and get-er done. Oh, one last little bit about that man-eating mudbog.  I'd passed two gentlemen about a mile earlier.  Now by the time I'd been pulled out of the slime, they were getting pretty close, I could hear them laughing and talking. They were just out of sight.  Soon I hear a bunch of whooping and loud laughing...seems they took the same path I did, right thru the middle!

I walked the last bit and saved enough to run across the finish line.  

There were some amazing runners on this course, a 75 year old who beat me by 20 minutes...I saw him on the trails, I think he was wearing a pair of shoes that were at least 30 years old!  A pair of young ladies who were so upbeat and happy to be there.  A man and a women, they looked like tri's, she was struggling a bit and he was helping her along.  She found what worked for her and they took off somewhere after mile 20 and I didn't see them again until the finish.  The two gentlemen who's family met them at the end and ran with them across the finish line.  

There was a time where I was letting the "long run demons" get into my head.  Even considered dropping at the 26 mile AS.  But there was a volunteer there, who must have seen my darkness-after filling up my bottles handed them to me, looked me in the eyes and said just 5 miles left.  He escorted me to the trail head and waved me on.  And on I went.

Way too cool shoes!! This is AFTER I hosed them off at the finish!

                                                         

                                          

Ultra Season Begins!!

Woo Hoo!! So the fun begins!!
As with last year the SJT 50K was my first ultra of the year.  It also was my first ultra trail run ever.  To kick off the ultra season, I went back to Baz and ran his 50K in the Santa Ana mountains.  It was more fun this year than last because the pressure was off.  The fear of the unknown mileage was gone.  The fear of the DNF or DFL was gone.  In fact, because this race fell into the catagory of "training run" I was planning to take it slow, keep my self healthy enough to make it thru the Way too Cool 50K the next weekend.   We were in the running for the DFL, but we couldn't help ourselves and ran hard the last 2.5 miles to the campground and passed a few racers. 
Next up, Way too Cool in Auburn.  I'm getting pretty excited, the course sounds like it's challenging and very beautiful, I'm definitely bringing a camera along.
Read the course description last week, we will run past an area where a woman trail runner was killed by a mountain lion years ago....

A Year of Trail Running

2009 was an amazing year for me.  I'd met goals that 5 years ago I'd never thought possible. 
A year ago I ran my first trail race, that was Baz's WTRS 12K.  From there, the rest of the series and onward to my first "ultra".  I'd posted a picture of me at 26.5 miles, officially over the marathon distance, and into the ultra realm. 
Now, a year later, where am I in my running?  Well, kinda starting over!  I ran the 12K again, but skipped the middle runs.  But I am back to run the 21K.  I reread my post from last year, how I was worried about the challenge of climbing West Horsethief....This year the challenge is the miles.  My running mileage has been less than optimal for the start of the ultra season.  Too much work!  Trying to squeeze in 52 miles in my birthday week took so much organization and motivation...it felt way too hard!  While on the subject of the birthday week, a big thanks to Rick, you were there with the support-I don't think I could have finished that last mile with out you!  
The SJT 50K is the first week in March, gotta get in some long runs!  Next is Leona Divide in April.  Gotta win the lottery....

We Have "Weather"!!

Living in southern California means pretty good weather all year round.  Maybe some cooler weather, a little rain and snow. 
But, it seems the Chimera brought a weather pattern that is wetter than the previous year.
So...this south Orange County gal has had to learn to love to run in the rain!  and mud!!!
Brrrrr!!
Running in the wet hasn't been so bad.  Once ya get going it's very nice to be cool.  But the trails...
All the nice trails are closed! 
I understand we need to let nature heal herself. 
I just can't wait to get back and listen to all the froggies!

What's Up?

Oh, by the way...did I mention my name was picked for WS100 2010?
But, sadly, I will not be running this wonderful race.  I did not qualify.  My 2 attempts at 100 milers were failed ones.  My 2 50 miler times were both greater than 11 hours.  I'd thrown in my name into the WS lottery pot before JJ100.  After not finishing, I'd gotten an email from the lottery folks asking if I'd like to enter my qualifying run at this time.  I had to let them know that I did not qualify and to take my name out of the pool.  So, on the morning of the lottery, I'm at work, and I can hear my blackberry making all kinds of noise.  It's busy so I ignore it all until I get home.  Imagine my surprise to see several texts and emails congratulating me on getting into Western States!  I knew there was a mistake, but still....my first time entered, I'm the second name picked...I didn't know whether to laugh or cry !!!! Soon after, I got an email from the lottery guy confirming there was an error.  Boo....Maybe next year?
Which brings me to this post...What's up for next year?
This is my list...and it is all subject to change.
1.  Transrockies-we are officially signed up.
2. Miwok-no i didn't get picked, but I will help Rick out if he wants it.
3. Coyote 2 moons-looks like fun?
4.Way too Cool
5. SD 100-unfinished business
6. LD50-my first 50 this year, will try to run it for time next year
7. PCT 50
8. Death Ride-a bike ride!
9. Quad Dipsea-gotta practice running stairs for next year
10  ?? open to suggestions!
E-Rod...got any idea's??

The Mighty Chimera

We'd been watching the weather forecasts all week. A couple of storms were due in the week of the Chimera 100K/M race. Maybe the Wednesday before and maybe the Saturday of the race. Wednesday was overcast but no rain, looks like the storm stayed north. What about Saturday? Could we be lucky and skirt that storm too? Friday was cold and cloudy. I decided I'd better be a little proactive and get some warmer running gear. My North Face Summit series jacket would work-seemed to be warm enough on Whitney, but I needed some running pants. Got an online deal for some NF rain pants. That would have to be enough...maybe it won't rain that much...

Packing up my drop bag, more like a drop suitcase, I put in a complete change of clothing, a waterproof shell and matching pants. These were just in case items, I was figuring the storm to hit in the evening, and clean dry clothes would be a big pick me up at mile 44.

We arrived at Blue Jay campground at 0530, and discovered the race start was pushed back to 0630. We relaxed a bit, chatted with other runners and tried to get a glimpse of Karl Melzer.

At 0630 we took off down the first 9 mile loop. Narrow singletrack, rocky and rooty. The first couple of miles were great fun, bombing the downhills. But then came the mud and uphills. At least the weather was cooperating! A bit of drizzle, but pretty warm-good running temp. We get back to Blue Jay to stock up on essentials, then head out to the main divide. The majority of the next 50+ miles were to be on the main divide road, a short downhill on the motorway and maple springs trail.

As we head out to the trabuco trailhead aid station the weather takes a dump. It is now pouring rain. Along with the wind the rain feels like hail hitting my face. Temperatures are dropping. And we are climbing...and climbing....and climbing...The Trabuco Trailhead aid station was manned by many familiar trailheadz. Steve Harvey, the RD made sure his runners would be well taken care of. Hot soup/drinks at all the aid stations. Heaven!

Next stop, trabuco peak aid station...

I must say, for all the cold and wind and rain...this run was a true adventure. We had a great time slogging thru the mud. Dodging falling rocks. I'd long ago given up skirting the puddles. My montrail mountain masochists seemed to be made for this type of punishment.
We finally arrive at the trabuco peak aid station. Those poor volunteers had their hands full. Their tent was barely standing, and they seemed as wet as the runners. Yet they were still there offering help, food and water. After a brief stop we headed up again, to Santiago Peak.
We'd been out on the trail for 6.5-7 hours. The last 4 in pouring rain. Running the downhills allowed me to warm up, but the slow hikes uphill were hard, you feel the cold. In my mind I just wanted to get to the Maple springs AS to get some dry clothes and waterproof clothing. So I was counting down the miles. Finally we make the peak AS. As soon as we enter the tent the Kristen the Ham operator in charge of the AS tells us the race has been called. The conditions are too dangerous now. The trabuco peak aid station has completely blown away leaving runners having to navigate 9 miles unaided. The roads are washing out and people are getting hypothermic.
We have the option to continue on 5 more miles to the Maple springs AS, or wait it out until the rescue vehicle can haul us out. The tent is filling fast, the wind is howling and snow is falling. We all are trying to make the best of a seriously crazy situation.
After an hour a rescue vehicle arrives, a young man with a SUV who volunteered to drive the 13miles in crazy weather to pick up standed crazy runners! We are packed into the Exterra, dirty, wet and muddy, slipping and sliding over the main divide. Great fun!!! All part of the adventure!! Over an hour later we finally pull in to Blue Jay campground. We thank our driver and head over to warm up on hot homemade delicous soup.

Total miles...about 23. Would I do this again next year...absolutely!!

Still Running Along

I haven't posted since September! Time flies much too quickly. This year has flown by at a supersonic pace.
Let's see, much has happened since we summited Mt. Whitney. I had to take a few weeks off from running to let my ankle heal. That was very hard. And it was even harder to start running again. Javelina Jundred, my second attempt to run 100 miles, was Oct. 31, so my goal was to get my ankle healthy enough to run that race. By the end of September I could hobble thru a 5 mile run. 2 weeks before JJ we shuffled through a 19 mile flat road run...that would be our long run. Rick's heels were bothering him and my ankle was still weak, but getting stronger. The JJ course is sandy and mostly flat, so our hope was to make the most of this "easy" trail run.
It was a 100 mile Halloween party! Runners in costume and families with their kids filled the start area and campground.
Now the JJ course feels very flat. Especially the first loop when your legs are fresh. But it is actually about 6-7 miles of slight uphill, and then back to the start with a slight downhill. So pace is critical. Most runners burn out starting at an all out run and having nothing left by the 5th loop. We completed the first loop in 3.5 hours. Very easy, a good mellow pace. 2nd loop was a little slower, but the temps were going up too, about 3.75 hours. Loop 3 was hot. Staying hydrated was our big concern. Alot of people were not looking good. We finished in 4.25 hours. Now, loop 4 was started at dusk. Hot, tired and undertrained we fell way off pace. We both had ugly painful blisters. People looked like the walking dead...these were the ones without costumes! We both were considering dropping at the 100K mark-the end of the 4th loop, but hadn't yet spoke our minds. At the last aid station before the start/finish line we sat, drinking hot coffee and taking IB. I was exhausted and my feet were killing me. After about 30 min. we gathered whatever strength we had left and headed out to finish. Kris B. runs past us, looking absolutely marvelous! She say's she's gotten her second wind and flies by! Her bewildered pacer trailing behind... The coffee and IB kick in, suddenly both Rick and I feel pretty good and we chase after Kris. It was a good last couple of miles. We arrive at the campground somewhere around 4.75 hours. Nearly 5 hours to complete the 4th loop. We would have to complete the next 36 miles in less than 12 hours. Our feet were toast. So we accepted the 100k belt buckle and offically dropped.
Considering we didn't train for this, I think we did pretty well.
Rick and I had an extra day to enjoy Scottsdale before heading back to the OC.

Quad Dipsea-This race is run the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 2 up and backs along the Dipsea trail in northern CA. Beautiful views, a hill named "Cardiac" and 600+ stair steps make this a memorable run for all those who attempt it. Rick's run this about 10 times, when he asked me if I'd like to run with him this year I was thrilled that he felt that I could finish this tough race. I am not much of a hill runner...

There is a "generous" 8 hour cutoff for this 28 mile race, and we used pretty much the whole time to finish. But, we took alot of pictures...too many great views to let slip away, and chatted with some great people, Catra Corbett, Ann Trason and her husband Carl, and Errol the rocket Jones. Life is too short, gotta stop to smell the ocean air and meet some wonderful runners along the way. After crossing the finish line, we had grilled sausage and some bean soup (beer was long gone) and headed home.

Next up...Chimera 100K Dec. 12.