American River 50 Mile Race Report 2013

I was nervous upon arriving at the start line of AR50. Why? I am not sure. I have run this race before, I know the course, I had my estimated times of arrival based on my fitness. I was ready. Maybe I was nervous because anything can happen during a 50 miler. Once I lined up at the starting line all those nerves went away. 3---2---1--- it was go time!

I settled into a nice comfortable pace, not pushing it and running very relaxed and comfortable. I was going to run my race and not get pulled into the wrong pace. I mean 50 miles is a long ways and I knew I couldn't make any big mistakes at the beginning. My projected time I  knew I could achieve going into Beals which is mile 27 was around a 4:20 - 4:30. My fitness was about where it was last year based on my finish time at Way Too Cool 50K back in March. I knew I was capable of running a 4:20 in to Beals and my projected finish time was a 9:30.

The first 8 miles came and went my crew chief/fiancé Rachel was at the 8 mile marker and it was comforting to see her and know that she would be along the course the entire day helping me achieve my goal. I also saw a bunch of my friends who offered encouragement and shouts along the way which always brings a smile to my face and makes the daunting task of running 50 miles more enjoyable, as running 50 miles is enjoyable some would say no. But to me it is. It is about the challenge, setting the goals and achieving those goals throughout the day. Overcoming adversity, overcoming the lows and embracing the lows to slowly ride it back to a high. There were many lows this day as well as many highs. But that is to be expected in a journey of 50 miles.

I was right on pace at the 8 mile marker; my pace didn't feel force it felt comfortable and sustainable as this would be a crucial key for the day. I was fueling and hydrating along the way, but the day felt humid and I was sweating pretty good, even my hands were sweating. I had originally planned on carry a bottle for hydration, but a last minute change the night before I choose to wear my Salomon pack, which I think was a good idea as I was needing the extra water and I find when I wear my pack I actually fuel better as my hands are free.

The next spot I would see Rachel was at the fish hatchery, so I just counted down the miles. I was still on pace and feeling comfortable and was actually looking forward to the Hazel bluffs as my legs were getting tired of the flats and the asphalt. At the fish hatchery a quick wave and I was off. Again smiling on the inside. I hit the bluffs and went into a power hike, then as I neared the top I felt strong and started running up and over and around the corner and down I go to connect back with the parkway for a bit before hitting the fire road and some sweat single track. I arrived at main bar and filled my pack and grabbed a pb&j and I was off. I powered hiked for a bit stretching out my quads as they just weren't feeling right.

Here Christine from the fleet feel ultra training group had caught up to me and I locked on to her heals and she carried me to the single track. Her energy was just what I needed and I knew that I needed this pace. I just hoped she didn't mind me locking on. We hit the single track and just motored on. We arrived at the bluff and powered hiked up. Here I went by her but I knew she would be close. At the next bluff I just kept on running, it didn't feel forced it felt comfortable to be running the bluffs so I just went with it. With every step forward I knew I was nearing Negro bar and my ultimate destination of Beals point. I was mentally breaking the race and focused on running only aid station to aid station. By doing this my brain could remain focused on the small task instead of the bigger task.

I arrived at Negro bar and grabbed a pb&j and some coke and headed out on my way to Beals. During this next stretch I was slowly starting to feel my energy level dropping. I took in a gel and continued on. I hit the hill and ran some than transitioned into a power hike and ran again. I remained focused on my task. I took in another gel in hopes of getting some much needed calories in as I knew something was off, but I couldn't figure out. I hit the 26.2 mark in 4:13 and knew that I was almost there, just a short ways to go where I will see my crew and change my shoes and hit the trails. Ohh how I was looking forward to the trails.

I arrived in Beals in a time of 4:21, which was right on pace. Rachel quickly directed me to the chair and we went about our business of changing shoes, she made sure that I had my gels replenished and did everything that was on the list. Anthony arrived while I was changing shoes and his first words to me were "You look really pale. Are you eating? Drinking?" My reply, "Yes, I am eating and drinking. I just think I am overheating, I am really hot." He told me continue eating, and keep drinking as it was warmer than usual and then he asked me if I had used the bathroom. My reply "No, I haven't peed." He then said that I feel really dry and I need to keep pushing the fluids. He rubbed my quads down as I had told him my quads feel funny and next thing I knew I was up and off to the aid station. At the aid station I refilled my pack and took some coke and was off.

I hit the dirt fire road and tried to put something together, but I just couldn't find a rhythm. My pace had dramatically slowed down. I immediately started doing the calculation in my head and I was able to calm myself as I had given myself enough time to reach Rattlesnake. I didn't have to push but I needed to be consistent. I took in a gel, by this point my hands were swollen and I thought that maybe I had stopped processing my fuel. This has happened before, but from experience I knew that it would be ok, I just needing to battle through this low and not let this damage me.

I hit the single track and kept a descent pace; it wasn't anything stellar, but I was just glad that I was moving. I neared Granit bay aid station and there I took in some coke and used the bathroom. That is a good sign, it helped me out mentally I know that much. I was now on my way, but my feet were starting to really hurt. I was developing blisters, I could feel two blisters under two toes on my left foot and I could feel a blister under my big toe and between by big toe and on the sole on my right foot. This is not good.

Then everything came to a screeching halt. I wasn't running anymore, I was hardly shuffling. Every step I was in agony; each rock I stepped on during the meat grinder section was painful. All I could focus on were my feet and how much pain I was in. I was now stepping off the trail to let others pass, but I was still moving forward. Aghh the blisters. Again I did some calculation, it would be close, but I was still within my target goal, if only these blisters weren't causing me so much pain.

I stepped off the trail to let some other runners pass, but this time the runner didn't pass. It was my team mate Dan. He knew something was wrong with me. He asked me what was going on. I looked at him and said "I have blisters on both feet and it is so painful." He immediately went into fix it mode. He told me "I have super glue, we can take care of them, I have band aids, whatever you need we can do this." Then he said some magical words, "I have Tylenol or Motrin you want some?" "YES!! That would work, because I am afraid to take my shoes off and see the blisters." With that I took some Motrin and both Dan and I were off.

Dan stayed with me offering encouragement to run up the little rollers. It was amazing how supportive ultra runners are especially when another runner is in need. Thank you Dan! We made our way to Rattlesnake and I could feel the Motrin kick in right as I arrived. Here Rachel was waiting and Pam (trailmomma) was going pace me the last 10 miles. Rachel had everything ready just as I had instructed. She had my bottle with water ready to go. I immediately told her "empty the bottle and put coke in it I am keeping my pack. Does Pam have my gels? Ok I am having some major blister issues but the Motrin is kicking in." I had arrived into Rattlesnake about 15 minutes passed my schedule time, and I knew that historically it would take about 2 hours to finish the last 10. Hmm I wonder if I pushed it if I could make it.

10 more miles and I am 15 minutes back, which isn't that bad considering what I was dealing with. Pam and I were off; I took the lead as I like my pacer behind me unless I tell them to go in front. I pushed the pace up the hill and ran when I could. Slowly my energy level was coming back and the pain was calming down, but with each step I could still feel the pain shooting up through my feet. We hit Avery's Pond and both Pam and I chuckle, ah the memories with Avery's Pond.

Slowly we were gaining on other runners and then passing them. Pam was the voice of reason in my head. She would say things like "how about catching the guy in orange then the guy in white?" Now who am I to say no to a challenge? I would slowly bring them in and pass them. I think each time I passed someone Pam would call out another target I mean runner. With each step my pace quickened. I was on a mission. I wasn't going down I was going to finish strong.

We were running the rollers and with each roller my legs were feeling strong. I was mentally focused and clear, unlike when I came into Beals. I knew what I needed to do and Pam knew what needed to be done to encourage me. She pushed me, but not enough to break me. We were making good time. We hit the aid station in no time and I refilled the bottle with coke and we were off. Keep moving, keep moving, and don’t stop, is all I kept thinking. Again my legs were feeling strong on the rollers and I knew with each step forward I was nearing the end of this journey.

Pam kept me moving being the calm steady voice I needed, the voice of reason. We were almost to the base of the dam hill. I started to grab for a gel as when I hit the base I would take a gel in. We hit the base and I took the gel in. I transitioned into my power hike and I had the biggest smile on my face. I was in beast mode. Nothing was going to stop me, except my blisters. With this 3 mile climb all I could feel with each step was pain. But I wasn't going to stop.

I power hiked the step section and transitioned into a run. Pam matched me step for step. At last gas I had my bottle refilled with coke and kept on going. We hit the pavement and started running and then my bottle of coke exploded onto the runner I was passing. I immediately stopped as I couldn't believe that just happened and apologized. He said no worries; I will get you back with a big smile. I started running and Pam called out the land mark to aim for only I would aim beyond her goal and keep going. Than I would call out 'HIKE" and we power hike. Pam would get me running again. I was nearing the top and with each step I could feel my blisters getting bigger. Each step was painful, but I buckled down and let out a shout and ran.

I ran and I ran. Pam was right there. I hit the last little hill, hiked the last section and was off and running. I hit the grass and the final stretch. I had just enough for a final sprint. I crossed the finish line in 9:46:53. I was only 16 minutes passed my initial goal. But that is OK, as this journey was about overcoming and moving on.

Thank you to my amazing fiancée Rachel who supported me all day and throughout my training. Thank you for your understanding when I am off training and thank you for being apart of this journey. Thank you Pam (Trailmomma) for your amazing pacing duties during the last 10 miles. It was truly special to be running those trails with you once again. Thank you to my friends and family who have supported me and seen my life change over these past few years, and thank you Fleet Feet for your continuous support. 

Quick Update

It's been a bit since my last post and I am sure that you are wondering why? Well, truth is it has been crazy busy and I haven't made the time to post anything. So, let's catch up......

Work has been busy the past few months with non stop freight coming in and well it was Christmas time so you can only imagine the chaos that comes with that.

Things at home have been even busier but great and I am looking forward to what this new year will bring.

One thing at home that hasn't been great is my car, my car of 10 years little Zippy, or the Honda CRV decided to crap out. It is still drivable but really did I want to risk being stranded somewhere because I wanted to take a chance. I have been having issues with it. The Drive light has been coming on when I am in park and just flashing and than one day earlier this week I tried to put it in reverse and nothing. Nothing so I waited and waited and than tried one more time and it worked. The check engine light was on and I took it in.

My fiance urged me take it in because truth be known I was in denial that anything was wrong. And she was right it was the transmission that was going out. So I was car less for a few days. My fiance was driving to work in the early morning the past few days and would pick me up on her way home from work.

Yesterday we went out car shopping and I came home with a 2011 Chevy Equinox, fully loaded. I have a new car and now I have a car payment which I have enjoyed not having for a long time. But what was I going to do.

It was time to get a new car as little Zippy had been good to me for some time, 10 years. Now to come up with a new nickname for the new car.

So I have updated you on work, it's was busy and still is busy, I have updated you on home, going great plus a new car. The last update is running.

Running, it has been challenging during this busy holiday season, but I managed to get some runs in. Not as many long runs as I have been just exhausted after everything is said and done. I have been running consistently though  these past few weeks and I have my eyes set on the big picture. The big picture is a 100 miler this year. I signed up for The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Miler. This race of different distances has called my name over the past two years and this year I signed up for the 100. I am excited and nervous at the same time.

With that I am getting focused on running again, getting that drive and passion back has been challenging with everything that has been going these past few months, but I am ready. I am ready to do this and to spend the time and dedication on the training as it will take a lot.

With that being said, Happy New Year and Happy Training!

The Adventure Begins

This week marks the start of the training season for me. Now don't get me wrong I have been running these past few months it just hasn't been anything to long. In fact I think my longest run was 14 miles on the parkway. I haven't been on the trails in months and let me tell you how good it felt to be on the trails this morning.

Today was the first workout with the Fleet Feet Ultra Training Group. I am once again running with the group after not training with them last season. Today we met up at Cavitt for 10 miles along the fire road and single track trails. I know I was super excited to be hitting the trails, even if Cavitt isn't my favorite place to run.

Today's run I kept it mellow still allowing my body a chance to remember what it is like to run consistently. This week I will have logged 40 miles which is the most miles I have logged in a long time, which is also another reason why I kept it pretty mellow.

For the rest of the month though I will have to be running my long runs by myself once again as I am working every weekend until January. Once January hits I will be able to meet up every other Saturday and hopefully every Wednesday evening. I know that training by myself will be challenging. But I am dedicated and committed to my goals this year.

Speaking of goals, I didn't get into Western States 100, so I will have to come up with another 100 miler that works with my work schedule. I am kind of leaning toward Tahoe Rim Trail 100 which is in July. But I still haven't made up my mind. I do know that what ever 100 I run I am keeping September open.

The adventure begins once again and I can't wait to see where the trails take me this year.

Giving Back

This past weekend was filled with Volunteer activities in the Pigeon household. On Saturday Rachel and I volunteered at Anthony's race; That Damn Run. It was a half marathon and 10k run. We of course headed up to Cool early, so early the sun wasn't shining, it was still dark and cold and it was only going to get colder as the sun came up.

We helped with the Start/Finish set up, than we hit the course and helped deliver water to Aid station #1, aid station #2 and also helped place directional signs for the runners. After that we hung around the start/finish saying hi to my friends. Than it was time to head to aid station #1.

During the set up phase Anthony received a phone call that his friend who was the aid station captain for aid #1 couldn't make it. He didn't stress about it, but I was promoted on the spot to Aid Station Captain. Awesome, huge responsibility, I had to make sure we as a aid station team managed to get the half marathoners on their way and also make sure the 10k runners made their way along the 10k course as each race was going a separate directions.

Anthony introduced myself and Rachel to the rest of the volunteers, in total we had 5 working aid 1. We all loaded into my Honda CRV and off we went with me honking the horn and waving at everyone I knew. Almost like I was in a parade. We arrived at aid #1 and immediately began the set up process. Water on one table Gatorade on another, improvised trash can for the runners and we were set. At first when he runners started coming through it was a few here and a few there, but than the big waves hit and we were busy. Well, not really as most runners just blew by our aid station, but that is OK. If the runners didn't need water or Gatorade we gave them energy with the our screams and cheers. As the final runners came through we quickly packed up and headed back to the start/finish.

I would say that aid station #1 was a huge success. We kept every runner on the right trail and it appeared that everyone was having a great time. After we finished we hung around the start and finish and talked with my friends and just enjoyed seeing everyone come through the finish with a smile on their face.

On Sunday we headed out once again at 0 dark thirty. But this time we headed to Folsom which is about 15 minutes away to help aid station #1 for the Four Bridges Half Marathon. This race is a good tune up race for those training for CIM in December. It was cold this morning but that didn't stop us from taking the motorbike. I just dressed really warm.

The set up didn't take very long, as there was a ton of volunteers at this aid station. We were a bit competitive and table #1 rocked the handing out the water thing. I think it had something to do with my sales tactic; "Free Water, Free Water!" is what I was shouting. Some of the runners chuckled and others just looked at me like I was crazy. But it doesn't matter as we were there to help them in any way we could.

Overall it was a very busy weekend giving back to the running community. It was a lot of fun volunteering with Rachel and this was another opportunity for her to see a different side of me. What's up next for me you might be wondering? Well, getting back into consistently training. Getting my body ready for next season which is quickly approaching. By next month I will have a updated list of which races I plan on racing, but be ready as there will be a 100 miler on that calendar. Until next time!

Angry Bird Bithday Party

Wow, I have been a bad blogger. Well a lot has happened and been going in Pigeon household. Let me start off with wishing my nephew Lil Man a Happy Birthday!!!! His birthday was October 14, so I am a little late getting to this post. Sorry Lil Man.

Anyways onto his birthday party!!!! He has been obsessed with Angry Birds, and this is all he has been talking about. Angry birds this and Angry birds that. When my store set Halloween back in September his mom (my sister) went into the store to pick some things up. And he of course had to look at the Halloween costumes. When he saw the Angry Birds costume he just had to have it. The conversation went something like this:

Lil Man: "Mom, can I get the Angry Birds Costume?"
K: "Not today."
LM: "But mom I really, really, really want it."
K: "We are not getting it today."
LM: "But, mom what if they sell out?"
K: I think by this point it was a no win situation, "OK. let's get"

Lil Man squeals for joy!!!!!!!!

Now that Lil Man had his costume he was all set for Halloween, now onto his Birthday Party.

The bounce house!

With his obsession he of course had a Angry Birds Birthday Party with a bounce house his favorite. He had an angry birds birthday cake, angry birds candy which he called angry birds poop, angry birds tattoos. If you can imagine it he had it.

Enjoying the bounce house with his cousin Quinn

 

The Angry Birds Shooting Range

 

Quinn taking his turn at the shooting range

 

Special Moment with Uncle Brent

 

Kaylee had a blast hanging out with everyone!

 

I don't think she is having any fun, do you?

 

Angry Bird Birthday Cake

 

Quinn having fun in the dump site

 

Happy Birthday Lil Man!

 

Wow, I can't believe you are 5 years old now. Where has the time gone? I enjoy our special Meme time when you come over and we play like little kids. I love your smile and enthusiasm and I love how when I pick you up from preschool you are so excited that that is all you talk about with your teachers. I have loved watching you grow up and I can't wait to see what this year has in store for us. I am sure more grand adventures, more Meme time and Traildog time. You will always be a special part of my life and know that I will always be there for you no matter what.

 

Happy Birthday Bradyn!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

The Small Things in Life

Yesterday I hit the trails for the first time in a few weeks and let me tell you how amazing running on the trails was. It was awesome. It was just what I needed. I headed up to Auburn and decided to run to Cool, only I turned around at the 5 mile marker. This was a good thing because my legs were feeling the pounding of the descents and the climbs. I think I need to start my hill workouts again. But that is beside the point. The point being is I was out on the trail enjoying something I love, enjoying the moment and all it had to offer me at the time. What a feeling.

I miss the trails. My back has been feeling a lot better, it's still not 100% but it is good enough to hit the trails. Yesterday's run may not have been very far but it was a stepping stone for what is to come. I mean any day on the trails is a good day in my book regardless of how the run went. I am just the lucky one to be able to run the trails anytime I want.

I do miss my weekly runs with Trailmomma and I am sure we will need to plan a run together. HINT>>>HINT>>>>HINT>>>>

Right now I am just enjoying maintaining the base miles, not following any sort of training program and running how my body feels. When the Fleet Feet Ultra Training program starts up in December though I want to go into it fit, but not over trained. Which will be a fine balance, as this is a very busy time for me at work and running will most definitely help keep me sane.

Things on the home front are really great, I am enjoying my new place and Traildog loves it. He is much more happier as am I.

Here is to enjoying those small moments in life and loving life for all it's worth! The small things in life is what will make those moments that much more special.

Four Grills Later

This past month I have been really wanting to BBQ on a real grill. When I lived in Folsom, grills were not allowed at my apartment complex so BBQ'ing was impossible. I really enjoying cooking outdoors and best of all there is hardly any clean up as I cook everything on the grill. From the meat to the vegetables and if we have potatoes potatoes. Did I mention how much I enjoying BBQ'ing???

Anyways, I had been waiting all summer for the grills to go on clearance. I waited and they went 30% but I knew I could wait a bit on longer. They didn't go 50% and I was starting to sweat a bit as there were only 2 left on sales floor. I waited taking a chance hoping they wouldn't disappear. Then one day a Wednesday to be in fact they went 70% and that is when I made my move. 2 left, they were on floor for over an hour when it was time to buy it. Yes!!!! I had just bought a grill for $55, a four burner grill along with a side burner. SCORE!!!!!

Now all I had to do was get the grill home, you see I had walked to work. Luckily my friend said she would take me and my grill home, but we had to get it in her car. So we took it out of the box and I am pretty sure it was very funny to watch. Us trying to get the grill in the car. But eventually I think 30 minutes later we were on our way to my house. The next step was to build the grill, only I had not eaten all day and was really low on energy, my brain wasn't working and the instructions were not making sense. I left the grill and decided I would work on it later. Even though I really wanted to BBQ that night.

Friday came and the grill still wasn't put together but a good friend of mine Rachel offered to help me. She came over and went right to work, only the grill was damaged. Sadly we would not be enjoying some BBQ that evening as it was getting late. Rachel came back Saturday morning and helped me return it back to the store and we than went over to the rental house and picked up the grill that was left behind from the previous tenant. Ohh what fun this was, I was scared because the back yard was a bit overgrown and ended up screaming while high stepping my way to the patio. Ohh what a sight that was.

Once home we cleaned up the grill and hooked up the propane tank and we were in business. Only we weren't. The dang grill wouldn't lite, no matter what we tried. AGHAGHHHHHH.........
Finally I had had enough and we drove over to Lowe's and I bought a new 4 burner grill that was on sale that also had a side burner and was already built. Now we were in business.

So if you have been keeping track this is grill number 3, something that should have taken a few hours has now taken about 3 days. Crazy, but how awesome of Rachel to help me during all this. I mean I don't know what I would have done as she had the truck and that totally made it easier with all the grills we were moving.

We did finally get our BBQ, and have been enjoying the new grill sense, but remember this is four grills later. What we found out is that the first burning on the third grill does not lite up. Really, I mean really. This is crazy, how can this be?

We will be heading back to Lowe's and exchanging the grill with the busted burner and getting a new grill. Hopefully the fourth grill will be the charm. All of this trouble because I really wanted a grill. But being able to BBQ anytime is great.