This weekend was the Western States Memorial Day Training Run. Day 1 consist of 32 miles from Robinson Flat to Foresthill School. This runs would take us through the two most difficult climbs, Devil's Thumb and Michigan Bluff. The temperatures in Sacramento were to reach the upper 90's, which meant it was going to be very warm in the canyons. There are a few aid stations along the way, Dusty corner, Deadwood cemetery, Michigan Bluff and Foresthill.
I have run this year now every year for the past few years. This year just like last year I started early. My friend drove a small group of us to Robinson Flat and we started before the busses arrived. Trailmomma was very excited about this run as I was too. We arrived in Foresthill about 5:45am to check in, use the restroom, and get our gear in order. We jumped into Tina's car and off we went to Robinson Flat. This would be my first time running this section of trail as the trail has been closed due to last year's fire.
Once at Foresthill it was time to get our run on. Today's goal was time on my feet and being smart. Trailmomma and I started off and we power hiked our way to some spectacular views before descending down the single track trail. Today's run would have a lot of ascending and a lot of descending, and the name of the game was don't blow up the quads.
We arrived at Dusty Corners aid station where I refilled my hydration pack as the next section would have a good long descent and and a very tough Devil's thumb climb and it would be about 11 miles until the next aid station. I also grabbed 2 squares of PB&J and off we went. The day was warming up and I have not been able to get much heat training in.
We cruised on the fire road just focusing on the task at hand. We hit the single track and the long descent down to swinging bridge. This year due to the fire we would be crossing the river with the aid of a cable instead of the bridge as the bridge was burned in the fire. I couldn't wait to hit the bottom as the water was going to feel refreshing. I was in the lead with Trailmomma right behind me and a small group of runners about a switch back back. The trail was loose with leaves and the switch backs were pretty tight. As we continued down my foot clipped a rock and I was going down, only I saved the fall at first but then I face planted and my legs kicked up. The downhill momentum wouldn't let me save myself. I was covered in dirt, leaves everywhere, dirt in my mouth and I hear Trailmomma ask "Can I get a picture?" I shouted "NO!" got up as quickly as I could and continued on. My legs were shaky, me head hurt, and I was covered in dirt. As we continued down, I brushed the dirt off and stopped at a creek crossing to clean up and also to cool down. I was pretty frustrated with myself at this point because of the fall. As we continued down, my left knee started to hurt and my left quad was banged up a bit so the descent was taking a lot of of me.
We hit the bottom and made our way to the cable crossing. The river felt very refreshing and came up to our waist. I wasn't very excited about the climb we had coming. Devil's Thumb is a challenging climb, it is steep with a lot of switch backs. During this climb I started to really dip. My energy level plummeted, my leg strength was non existent, I had to stop numerous times, and my legs were shaking. I was in trouble and I knew it. I told Trailmomma to go ahead, but she just looked at me and said "I am good here." She knew I was hurting, she stayed with me and offered encouragement. As we climbed I ran out of water in my pack, I was dry and we still had a ways to go. This was not a good situation to be in. I kept putting on foot in front of the other. Mentally though I was in a all time low, I just wanted to be done. And when I say done I mean done for the day, not just done with this climb. I knew that I needed fuel, and that I had somehow not fueled properly in the miles earlier. I told myself that once we hit the deadwood cemetery, I would spend some time there fueling. We climbed and climbed, I stopped and climbed some more then stopped and climbed some more. We were getting closer to the top, but it just felt like the climb would never end. As we neared the top, I looked at Trailmomma and said "I am out of water." She quickly grabbed "her jugs" and offered them to me. She had 2 small bottles plus her pack, so she had plenty of water. The water tasted great. We finally hit the top of the climb and slowly made our way to the pump and the aid station. I told Trailmomma that I was done, she just chuckled and said "No you are not."
At deadwood aid station (The Pump) the volunteers filled my pack, I enjoyed 2 cups of coke, some chips, half a payday bar, some PB&J and a GU. I also grabbed some GU as the Powergels I had weren't tasting that great. We also soaked our bandannas thanked the volunteers and were on our way. I slowly started to feel better, the leg strength slowly came back and mentally I became focused. On the descent I had to take things slower as my knee was still giving me some issues. We made our way down and with each land mark I knew we were getting closer to the bottom. Once at the bottom I took in another GU as what goes down must go up. We had about a 2.5 mile climb to Michigan Bluff.
This climb I was feeling strong. I kept a nice steady clip and passed a few runners along the way. I was getting pretty excited the closer we got to the top because from there it was only 6 miles and the day would be over. We climbed and climbed and the heat in the canyons was felt by all. I took in a GU as I started to feel my energy level drop. The GU kicked in and we were moving again. We were almost to the top when we saw a runner on the side of trail not looking too well. I asked if there was anything he needed, maybe some salt. He said he didn't have any salt and Trailmomma quickly offered him 2 salt tabs. Then maybe 5 feet in front of us another runner was getting sick on the trail. I looked at him and asked him and his partner if he needed anything, a gel, salt? His running partner said she had 1 gel. He asked for some solid food, Trailmomma again came to the rescue and gave him her gluten free bar. But before we moved on I had a great idea, I looked at Trailmomma and asked "Hey, do you have any ginger chews?" She did and gave each runner a ginger chew to help settle their stomachs. They were both appreciative and as we continued on I joked with Trailmomma about how I gave her fuel away and too be sure she refilled at Michigan bluff in case I needed something. We were nearing the top and I knew. As we popped out and hit the fire road to the aid station I was excited.
We had arrived at Michigan Bluff. Here I again refilled my pack, enjoyed some chips, some coke, a PB&J and GU before we moved on. Even though we had roughly 6 miles it would be a challenging 6 miles with a scorching sun. It was warm out, we power hiked the long hills, but quickly transitioned into a run during the flats and short hills. We were both moving pretty well and that was good feeling. We hit the single track and took our time as we switch backed it down to the bottom. At the bottom we cooled off in the river before the final climb of the day. This climb would be the shortest, but very hot as it was exposed. We climbed and ran when we could. Soon we hit the paved road and it was a amazing feeling knowing we were just about back. We kept a nice power hike on Bath Road and made the left turn to the school, where we trotted in with smiles on our faces.
It was a challenging day for me in the canyons. Mentally I had a tough time staying positive, but in the end it was nice to see the perseverance and determination come through. I had many lows and I mean super lows, but I bounced back and kept moving forward. Overall it was a strong mental training run, one with many lessons I shall carry with me into TRT100. I started the day with a smile and I ended the day with a smile and that is what matters. Thanks Trailmomma for your encouragement during the lows and the laughter all day. I can't wait to go back out there.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
American River 50 Mile Race Report 2014
The American River 50 mile endurance run is a local favorite. I enjoy this race for many reasons, but the main reason is that it is local, I can train on the trails, and it is convenient for crew to enjoy. I have been running this race since 2010 and each year brings with it a new adventure and this year wouldn't be any different. Going into this race, I told myself it was a training run as my target race was in July. I was to use this day as time on my feet, to focus on fueling, and not to crack myself.
This year the event started at Brown's Ravine near El Dorado hills and we would run to Folsom and around Lake Natoma before heading back to Auburn. This was a new course which meant new possibilities and I could only wonder what this new course would do to my time.
I knew going into this race that I could a run anywhere between a 9:45 and a 10:15. I have been pretty quiet thus far this season with my training and what races I will be running and what my goal times are. I have been keeping things to myself and focusing on what I know I am capable of running and not allowing any one to influence me or to put doubt into my head. I am staying focused on the bigger picture TRT100.
I arrived at the start with my training partner Trailmomma and my wife Rachel. Rachel would be crewing us this day and I would be picking up my pacer Kuni AKA The Beast at Beals which is mile 24. I had asked Kuni to pace me at TRT100 along with Trailmomma and having him pace me at AR50 would be good before TRT. Trailmomma and I were in wave 1 which started at 6am. We both had lights as it was pretty dark. We lined up and before I knew it we were off for 50 miles of fun. This first mile we were running on pavement, but soon we would hit the fire road and eventually the single track trail which would bring us to Folsom Point where the first aid station would be. Trailmomma was booking it as this was her back yard. I just jumped onto her tail and held on. When we arrived at the levee I said to her "You know you were flying back there? We have 50 miles to go?" She replied calmly and confidently "I know, but this is by back yard and I feel good."
We arrived at Folsom Point on schedule, if not ahead thanks to Trailmomma. We did what we call the clover loop around the parking lot and then we arrived at the aid station. Here I grabbed some PB&J and we left. We weren't there too long. As we were leaving we spot The Beast and he gives us big hugs and we hand off our lights. As I am leaving he looks me in the eyes and says "Take it easy, I will see you at Beals." This stuck with me the rest of my journey.
Now we where on the pavement and we both settled into "our pace" a nice, comfortable pace. We enjoyed the sun rising over the lake and each others company. I could tell Trailmomma was feeling great and mentally in a great spot. I on the other hand was having a few issues, maybe more mental than anything. Did I go out to hard, I am pushing the pace to much. The typically thoughts, ones that can turn a race around. I did my best to bury those thoughts, but once they manifested it was hard to change them. Ohh the doubt has been planted.
The pavement portion was one of my least favorite. Pavement is tough to run on, for me that is. Every step just punishes my body. I can feel it throughout my body. I also knew that it wouldn't be long before we arrived at the second aid station at Willow Creek and not far from that we would hit the trails once again. I focused on my fueling. I was fueling with Perpetum. I started drinking if after mile 5 and had packed 2 small baggies that I was carrying in my pack. Each bottle was roughly 250 calories. I have been fueling with Perpetum for about a year now.
As we neared Willow Creek Trailmomma took off ahead as she needed to use the restroom and as she left she said to me "Wait for me." I arrived at the aid station and took my time, I refilled my bottle with perpetum and enjoyed a PB&J square. I walked out of the aid station and waited. I didn't wait that long for Trailmomma maybe less then a minute and we continued on our way.
We were now making our way to the aquatic center and eventually the bluffs. I always love reaching the bluffs because by this point I am done with the pavement and it is great to use different muscles. As we neared the aquatic center something was off with me. I was very quiet and my eyes were darting here and there. My stomach was gurgling at me and not in the way that says I am hungry. I needed to go, only there wasn't anywhere for me to go. I had to slow my pace as the discomfort was painful. Trailmomma knew something was up and looked at me and asked "Are you ok?" I looked at her and said "No, I have to go." The aquatic center came and went and now we were slowly making our way to the bluffs. We crested the top of the bluffs and for a split second I contemplated ducking behind the cars and going, but soon realized that wasn't a good idea as it was to exposed. We started down and I darted ahead and at the bottom, I darted off onto a side trail and went.
Trailmomma waited for me and we were on our way. I felt better, but not great. My stomach was still upset but at least I had some peep back in my step. We took off toward Main bar. Here I filled my pack, and enjoyed a quarter banana and grabbed a small mojo bar. This next section takes up to the bluffs and some nice single track trail. We kept a comfortable pace, ok maybe I was running a bit slow here. I didn't have much in my tank, though I had been fueling. I knew that I needed to settle down and relax, this was just a low and that it would pass. There was till plenty of race left. Trailmomma and I cruised along and as we hit the bluffs I told her "I have to go again! I think it is the perpetum, I am going to stop drinking it and switch to coke." I knew something had to change. Something that I was doing was causing this issue and I couldn't continue this race doing the same thing, but expecting a different result. I made a choice, right there and then. I was going to stop drinking the perpetum.
Trailmomma took off ahead as I once again had to use the restroom. She told me she would wait for me at the next aid station. I arrived and mentally I was defeated. I knew I couldn't keep going if I was going to be using the restroom every 20 minutes. But I also knew that my system needed to reset and my secret weapon was my wife, Rachel was waiting for me at Beals point along with my pacer The Beast and Dasie. I had to keep going, but all I could think about was how bad I felt. As soon as I arrived at the aid station Trailmomma went to action. She grabbed my bottle and rinsed it out and put coke it in. She had me moving again telling me "Rachel was at Beals. Let's Go."
Trailmomma was feeling like a million bucks and I just kept thinking I am slowing her down. I told her to go ahead, I had to let her go. It was tough watching her run and I did everything I could to muster a slow shuffle, but once again I had to use the bathroom. Ugh this is not good. I had one final hill before the small descent into Beals. I rounded the corner and shuffled under the arch and then transitioned to a walk. I saw Dasie and she walked me to Rachel. The Beast was smiling and said something that made me laugh. My crew went to work getting me ready for the next half. I told them I was drinking coke, they knew I was sick and that I had been dry heaving. Trailmomma gave me some tums. I drank a ensure and then I managed to get a gel down. I slowly ate some banana while Rachel cleaned out my pack and replaced my gels. I looked at The Beast and said, "We should start walking." The three of us started walking. I was ready, but was I ready? I looked at The Beast and told him "I have to use the restroom" and I sprinted for the bathroom. Trailmomma told The Beast, "you guys will catch me ok." I was in the restroom for a bit about 5-7 minutes. After that I felt a lot better, like everything had been reset. I am hoping this is the end of the runs for me today.
The Beast and I hit the levee and slowly ever so slowly my pace starts to quicken. I have a new pair of legs a new energy about me and I want to capitalize on this energy. We hit the single track trail and I am in full gear, I am focused and thinking clearly. I start to pass runners and when I pass them I am light on my feet. I am back and ready to take this day this race back. But first I need to catch Trailmomma.
We hit the fire road at cavitt and we are cruising, The Beast is telling me to hike this and run that, not to hard here, how about you drink some coke, a salt maybe. He is doing everything right and I am listening and following direction. Soon we hit the single track trail and at first I am moving conservatively, but then within a blink of an eye I take off. I accelerated so fast, I don't know what happened, but it feels good. I open up a bit more and we are flying. We are passing runner after runner and I am looking strong. I don't feel like I have 25 miles in my legs but rather I am just beginning my day. I challenge myself to hold this pace, now open it up some more. I do. Then I see the blue shirt and I can't believe my eyes and under my breath I say "No way." Up ahead is Trailmomma. I caught Trailmomma. As I near I shout out "Hey, hey, hey." She looks back stunned, surprised and excited like she can't believe her eyes. She jumps aside and so does the group she is running with and I pass. As I pass she hooks on to us and once again we are together. I caught her just outside the granit bay aid station. Together our pace increases and I hear her ask The Beast "What did you do? And can you do that to me?" We are passing runner after runner. Up ahead I can see Rachel, she had surprised me by being at Granit bay. I fly past and she knows I am back.
At the aid station Dasie is waiting for us. I drink some soup and take in a gel and tell Dasie "Let my wife I know that I love her." I am alive and feeling great. We exit the aid station, the three of us, me in the lead followed by The Beast and then Trailmomma. This next section takes us onto part of the mountain bike course, which I didn't like at all. We were slowed down by conga lines and there wasn't much room to pass on top of having to look out for mountain bikes, it was not fun. When I saw an opening I would take it. I would see another opening and take it. The Beast was my eyes for bikes as I was focused on finding an opening and passing. After about 2.5 miles of this loop we were back on the course I knew. We were all three still together which was a amazing feeling.
On our way to buzzards cove there was a lot of congestion, which really slowed us down. There wasn't anywhere to pass and the line was long. Here I was getting really frustrated as I was feeling strong and wanting to move only I couldn't. I kept looking at my watch, which frustrated me even more because I was losing time. I wanted by, we passed when we could, but I knew we would have to make our move at Buzzards cove. In the meantime The Beast had me on a gel an hour and a salt an hour and he would have me sip the coke from time to time. This fueling was working. I was feeling good.
Buzzard cove was approaching and behind me The Beast says "You going to eat some ice cream?" This aid station is known for the ice cream. I have never had the ice cream. I still had my wits about me and replied "Ohh so this is the real reason you agreed to pace me. For the ice cream." We all chuckled and when we arrived The Beast had some ice cream. We were in and out and finally had some room to play with on the trail and I took advantage of that. We were on our way to horseshoe bar.
I was still feeling great and made up some time, only to run right back into another conga line. Like before there was nothing I could do. I threw my arms up in the air in frustration as we were having to walk. I told myself to calm down, take this as a time to reenergize and refocus. I knew that there would be an opening up ahead where the trail widens and when I came to section I took off like my tail was on fire. I accelerated so fast I was passing runners on their left, their right letting them know I was there. They were trying to stay dry as this section was a mud pit. I took a chance and plunged through the mud and water. I looked back and saw The Beasts was with me, but I didn't see Trailmomma. Crap.....Crap....Crap....we had lost Trailmomma. I knew she would catch up and I pressed on. But every chance I had I looked back to see if that blue shirt was approaching.
The Beast and I were flying again. We arrived at horseshoe bar and I took in a gel and quickly made my way to water bucket. I was hot and needed to cool down. The Beast followed me and helped cool me off. I screamed and hyperventilated. The Beast had a huge smile on his face and I was smilling as well. The cool water felt great. As The Beast continued to cool me I looked back and shouted "TRAILMOMMA!!! OVER HERE" she had caught up to us. She looked at us perplexed (I can only imagine how that image looked) and said "I fell." I ushered her over to the water bucket and The Beast and I cooled her off and cleaned up her bloody knee. I told her it was 2.2 to rattlesnake and we took off.
2.2 until I see my wife and crew again and then about 10 miles to finish. I can totally do this. I checked my watch and I was within my goal time, but I wasn't going to be able to settle. I would need to continue to push myself, I would have to run on the fine line of cracking if I was going to make my goal time.
The Beast and I were moving well during this section. He was monitoring my fueling and allowed me to dictate the pace. He took the lead for a bit which was great as it allowed me to relax my mind and recharge. I took the lead back and kept focused. We were getting near and as we neared I could feel the aid station energy. I heard some music and then realized that what was playing was a song we played at our wedding and that energized me some more. "It's a beautiful night, I think I want to marry you!!!!! I think I want to marry you!!!!! Yup that played through my head and the memories of our wedding energized me some more. My love was waiting for me, she was supporting me no matter what, I can't wait to see her!
I arrived at Rattlesnake after a gnarly descent and my crew immediately went to work. I was feeling strong and focused. My wife Rachel puts a banana in front me and I just look at it. She looks at me and back at the banana and I take the banana and start to eat it. Yup my super food on this run was bananas. I then make my way to water bucket because I am hot. Dasie has my pack and is refilling it. I get cooled down and Dasie makes me a ice scarf out of my bandana around my neck. I cooled down and ready for the final part. I look at Rachel and say "I love you, and ohh yeah I heard our song." She just chuckled at me. The Beast and I are ready. Trailmomma flies in just as we are leaving. I knew she would be fine as here she was picking up her pacer.
The Beast and I took off, I hear as I am leaving "You own this Pigeon." I power hiked the hill passing some runners and then it is game on. Again we are moving and I am doing the math in my head and know it is possible to achieve if I believe. It is going to be close. The Beast continues to monitor my fueling and salt intake which is great because that is one thing I don't have to think about. All I need to think about is moving forward and catching that next runner. The next aid station is coming and The Beast tells me "You don't need anything, maybe a gel, something light that is all." We are in and out and our way. Only a few more miles. Keep moving, don't slow down. I keep passing runners and I make it a priority that once I pass a runner they can not pass me. It is a fun game to keep my mind occupied and to give me a edge, a reason to push a bit harder each time we pass a runner. Then I see it, the Damn Hill. 3 miles to go.
I am focused, we transition into a power hike and my power hike is strong as we are passing runners. It feels great to be this close to the finish and have life in my legs. Keep pushing, don't slow down. Ok we can run now and run we do. The mental talk in my head was fascinating. Run, run a bit more now power hike. I matched the The Beast power hike and had him pull me a bit. Last Gasp was near. So close keep moving. We hit last Gasp and I again cool down with the water bucket and then we push on. Running here and running there. Passing and hiking now running again. 1 more mile, "push it" I hear The Beast say and push it I do. One final hill and The Beast has me run all of it. He wont let me settle, oh the pain it hurts I am right there on the red line, the pain, but push on I do. We crest the hill and make the right turn the final little hill and then the grass. I hear the crowds, I hear my name so close keep going. Push it!!!!! I see the clock and I am so close I find another gear and cross in 10:15ish. I did it.
Rachel is waiting for me and as soon as I stop moving I immediately start to cramp. My hamstrings, my calves everything is screaming at me, but I don't care. I finished and I finished within my projected goal time. Who would have thought that would have happened with the way my first 24 miles went. I turned things around the last 26 miles. I didn't do it alone though. I had the aid and support of a amazing running partner, Trailmomma. The amazing support and sacrifice of my wife Rachel. The best crew and pacer in town with Dasie and Kuni The Beast. Thank you all for your support and drive and compassion throughout the day. Trailmomma thank you for your help all day, you turned my day around.
I completed the AR50 miler. I learned a lot during this journey. I learned even more about myself.
In the days since AR50, I have recovered well. I didn't get any blisters during this event which is amazing. I was a bit sore, but walking fine on Sunday which was a goal of mine. I took the week off from training one to recover and two because I developed a very bad cold on Tuesday that had me in bed for a few days. In the weeks to come I have a race on April 27, a trail marathon that I will be using as a training run. Then things start to really ramp up in my build toward TRT 100 in July.
This year the event started at Brown's Ravine near El Dorado hills and we would run to Folsom and around Lake Natoma before heading back to Auburn. This was a new course which meant new possibilities and I could only wonder what this new course would do to my time.
I knew going into this race that I could a run anywhere between a 9:45 and a 10:15. I have been pretty quiet thus far this season with my training and what races I will be running and what my goal times are. I have been keeping things to myself and focusing on what I know I am capable of running and not allowing any one to influence me or to put doubt into my head. I am staying focused on the bigger picture TRT100.
I arrived at the start with my training partner Trailmomma and my wife Rachel. Rachel would be crewing us this day and I would be picking up my pacer Kuni AKA The Beast at Beals which is mile 24. I had asked Kuni to pace me at TRT100 along with Trailmomma and having him pace me at AR50 would be good before TRT. Trailmomma and I were in wave 1 which started at 6am. We both had lights as it was pretty dark. We lined up and before I knew it we were off for 50 miles of fun. This first mile we were running on pavement, but soon we would hit the fire road and eventually the single track trail which would bring us to Folsom Point where the first aid station would be. Trailmomma was booking it as this was her back yard. I just jumped onto her tail and held on. When we arrived at the levee I said to her "You know you were flying back there? We have 50 miles to go?" She replied calmly and confidently "I know, but this is by back yard and I feel good."
We arrived at Folsom Point on schedule, if not ahead thanks to Trailmomma. We did what we call the clover loop around the parking lot and then we arrived at the aid station. Here I grabbed some PB&J and we left. We weren't there too long. As we were leaving we spot The Beast and he gives us big hugs and we hand off our lights. As I am leaving he looks me in the eyes and says "Take it easy, I will see you at Beals." This stuck with me the rest of my journey.
Now we where on the pavement and we both settled into "our pace" a nice, comfortable pace. We enjoyed the sun rising over the lake and each others company. I could tell Trailmomma was feeling great and mentally in a great spot. I on the other hand was having a few issues, maybe more mental than anything. Did I go out to hard, I am pushing the pace to much. The typically thoughts, ones that can turn a race around. I did my best to bury those thoughts, but once they manifested it was hard to change them. Ohh the doubt has been planted.
The pavement portion was one of my least favorite. Pavement is tough to run on, for me that is. Every step just punishes my body. I can feel it throughout my body. I also knew that it wouldn't be long before we arrived at the second aid station at Willow Creek and not far from that we would hit the trails once again. I focused on my fueling. I was fueling with Perpetum. I started drinking if after mile 5 and had packed 2 small baggies that I was carrying in my pack. Each bottle was roughly 250 calories. I have been fueling with Perpetum for about a year now.
As we neared Willow Creek Trailmomma took off ahead as she needed to use the restroom and as she left she said to me "Wait for me." I arrived at the aid station and took my time, I refilled my bottle with perpetum and enjoyed a PB&J square. I walked out of the aid station and waited. I didn't wait that long for Trailmomma maybe less then a minute and we continued on our way.
We were now making our way to the aquatic center and eventually the bluffs. I always love reaching the bluffs because by this point I am done with the pavement and it is great to use different muscles. As we neared the aquatic center something was off with me. I was very quiet and my eyes were darting here and there. My stomach was gurgling at me and not in the way that says I am hungry. I needed to go, only there wasn't anywhere for me to go. I had to slow my pace as the discomfort was painful. Trailmomma knew something was up and looked at me and asked "Are you ok?" I looked at her and said "No, I have to go." The aquatic center came and went and now we were slowly making our way to the bluffs. We crested the top of the bluffs and for a split second I contemplated ducking behind the cars and going, but soon realized that wasn't a good idea as it was to exposed. We started down and I darted ahead and at the bottom, I darted off onto a side trail and went.
Trailmomma waited for me and we were on our way. I felt better, but not great. My stomach was still upset but at least I had some peep back in my step. We took off toward Main bar. Here I filled my pack, and enjoyed a quarter banana and grabbed a small mojo bar. This next section takes up to the bluffs and some nice single track trail. We kept a comfortable pace, ok maybe I was running a bit slow here. I didn't have much in my tank, though I had been fueling. I knew that I needed to settle down and relax, this was just a low and that it would pass. There was till plenty of race left. Trailmomma and I cruised along and as we hit the bluffs I told her "I have to go again! I think it is the perpetum, I am going to stop drinking it and switch to coke." I knew something had to change. Something that I was doing was causing this issue and I couldn't continue this race doing the same thing, but expecting a different result. I made a choice, right there and then. I was going to stop drinking the perpetum.
Trailmomma took off ahead as I once again had to use the restroom. She told me she would wait for me at the next aid station. I arrived and mentally I was defeated. I knew I couldn't keep going if I was going to be using the restroom every 20 minutes. But I also knew that my system needed to reset and my secret weapon was my wife, Rachel was waiting for me at Beals point along with my pacer The Beast and Dasie. I had to keep going, but all I could think about was how bad I felt. As soon as I arrived at the aid station Trailmomma went to action. She grabbed my bottle and rinsed it out and put coke it in. She had me moving again telling me "Rachel was at Beals. Let's Go."
Trailmomma was feeling like a million bucks and I just kept thinking I am slowing her down. I told her to go ahead, I had to let her go. It was tough watching her run and I did everything I could to muster a slow shuffle, but once again I had to use the bathroom. Ugh this is not good. I had one final hill before the small descent into Beals. I rounded the corner and shuffled under the arch and then transitioned to a walk. I saw Dasie and she walked me to Rachel. The Beast was smiling and said something that made me laugh. My crew went to work getting me ready for the next half. I told them I was drinking coke, they knew I was sick and that I had been dry heaving. Trailmomma gave me some tums. I drank a ensure and then I managed to get a gel down. I slowly ate some banana while Rachel cleaned out my pack and replaced my gels. I looked at The Beast and said, "We should start walking." The three of us started walking. I was ready, but was I ready? I looked at The Beast and told him "I have to use the restroom" and I sprinted for the bathroom. Trailmomma told The Beast, "you guys will catch me ok." I was in the restroom for a bit about 5-7 minutes. After that I felt a lot better, like everything had been reset. I am hoping this is the end of the runs for me today.
The Beast and I hit the levee and slowly ever so slowly my pace starts to quicken. I have a new pair of legs a new energy about me and I want to capitalize on this energy. We hit the single track trail and I am in full gear, I am focused and thinking clearly. I start to pass runners and when I pass them I am light on my feet. I am back and ready to take this day this race back. But first I need to catch Trailmomma.
We hit the fire road at cavitt and we are cruising, The Beast is telling me to hike this and run that, not to hard here, how about you drink some coke, a salt maybe. He is doing everything right and I am listening and following direction. Soon we hit the single track trail and at first I am moving conservatively, but then within a blink of an eye I take off. I accelerated so fast, I don't know what happened, but it feels good. I open up a bit more and we are flying. We are passing runner after runner and I am looking strong. I don't feel like I have 25 miles in my legs but rather I am just beginning my day. I challenge myself to hold this pace, now open it up some more. I do. Then I see the blue shirt and I can't believe my eyes and under my breath I say "No way." Up ahead is Trailmomma. I caught Trailmomma. As I near I shout out "Hey, hey, hey." She looks back stunned, surprised and excited like she can't believe her eyes. She jumps aside and so does the group she is running with and I pass. As I pass she hooks on to us and once again we are together. I caught her just outside the granit bay aid station. Together our pace increases and I hear her ask The Beast "What did you do? And can you do that to me?" We are passing runner after runner. Up ahead I can see Rachel, she had surprised me by being at Granit bay. I fly past and she knows I am back.
At the aid station Dasie is waiting for us. I drink some soup and take in a gel and tell Dasie "Let my wife I know that I love her." I am alive and feeling great. We exit the aid station, the three of us, me in the lead followed by The Beast and then Trailmomma. This next section takes us onto part of the mountain bike course, which I didn't like at all. We were slowed down by conga lines and there wasn't much room to pass on top of having to look out for mountain bikes, it was not fun. When I saw an opening I would take it. I would see another opening and take it. The Beast was my eyes for bikes as I was focused on finding an opening and passing. After about 2.5 miles of this loop we were back on the course I knew. We were all three still together which was a amazing feeling.
On our way to buzzards cove there was a lot of congestion, which really slowed us down. There wasn't anywhere to pass and the line was long. Here I was getting really frustrated as I was feeling strong and wanting to move only I couldn't. I kept looking at my watch, which frustrated me even more because I was losing time. I wanted by, we passed when we could, but I knew we would have to make our move at Buzzards cove. In the meantime The Beast had me on a gel an hour and a salt an hour and he would have me sip the coke from time to time. This fueling was working. I was feeling good.
Buzzard cove was approaching and behind me The Beast says "You going to eat some ice cream?" This aid station is known for the ice cream. I have never had the ice cream. I still had my wits about me and replied "Ohh so this is the real reason you agreed to pace me. For the ice cream." We all chuckled and when we arrived The Beast had some ice cream. We were in and out and finally had some room to play with on the trail and I took advantage of that. We were on our way to horseshoe bar.
I was still feeling great and made up some time, only to run right back into another conga line. Like before there was nothing I could do. I threw my arms up in the air in frustration as we were having to walk. I told myself to calm down, take this as a time to reenergize and refocus. I knew that there would be an opening up ahead where the trail widens and when I came to section I took off like my tail was on fire. I accelerated so fast I was passing runners on their left, their right letting them know I was there. They were trying to stay dry as this section was a mud pit. I took a chance and plunged through the mud and water. I looked back and saw The Beasts was with me, but I didn't see Trailmomma. Crap.....Crap....Crap....we had lost Trailmomma. I knew she would catch up and I pressed on. But every chance I had I looked back to see if that blue shirt was approaching.
The Beast and I were flying again. We arrived at horseshoe bar and I took in a gel and quickly made my way to water bucket. I was hot and needed to cool down. The Beast followed me and helped cool me off. I screamed and hyperventilated. The Beast had a huge smile on his face and I was smilling as well. The cool water felt great. As The Beast continued to cool me I looked back and shouted "TRAILMOMMA!!! OVER HERE" she had caught up to us. She looked at us perplexed (I can only imagine how that image looked) and said "I fell." I ushered her over to the water bucket and The Beast and I cooled her off and cleaned up her bloody knee. I told her it was 2.2 to rattlesnake and we took off.
2.2 until I see my wife and crew again and then about 10 miles to finish. I can totally do this. I checked my watch and I was within my goal time, but I wasn't going to be able to settle. I would need to continue to push myself, I would have to run on the fine line of cracking if I was going to make my goal time.
The Beast and I were moving well during this section. He was monitoring my fueling and allowed me to dictate the pace. He took the lead for a bit which was great as it allowed me to relax my mind and recharge. I took the lead back and kept focused. We were getting near and as we neared I could feel the aid station energy. I heard some music and then realized that what was playing was a song we played at our wedding and that energized me some more. "It's a beautiful night, I think I want to marry you!!!!! I think I want to marry you!!!!! Yup that played through my head and the memories of our wedding energized me some more. My love was waiting for me, she was supporting me no matter what, I can't wait to see her!
I arrived at Rattlesnake after a gnarly descent and my crew immediately went to work. I was feeling strong and focused. My wife Rachel puts a banana in front me and I just look at it. She looks at me and back at the banana and I take the banana and start to eat it. Yup my super food on this run was bananas. I then make my way to water bucket because I am hot. Dasie has my pack and is refilling it. I get cooled down and Dasie makes me a ice scarf out of my bandana around my neck. I cooled down and ready for the final part. I look at Rachel and say "I love you, and ohh yeah I heard our song." She just chuckled at me. The Beast and I are ready. Trailmomma flies in just as we are leaving. I knew she would be fine as here she was picking up her pacer.
The Beast and I took off, I hear as I am leaving "You own this Pigeon." I power hiked the hill passing some runners and then it is game on. Again we are moving and I am doing the math in my head and know it is possible to achieve if I believe. It is going to be close. The Beast continues to monitor my fueling and salt intake which is great because that is one thing I don't have to think about. All I need to think about is moving forward and catching that next runner. The next aid station is coming and The Beast tells me "You don't need anything, maybe a gel, something light that is all." We are in and out and our way. Only a few more miles. Keep moving, don't slow down. I keep passing runners and I make it a priority that once I pass a runner they can not pass me. It is a fun game to keep my mind occupied and to give me a edge, a reason to push a bit harder each time we pass a runner. Then I see it, the Damn Hill. 3 miles to go.
I am focused, we transition into a power hike and my power hike is strong as we are passing runners. It feels great to be this close to the finish and have life in my legs. Keep pushing, don't slow down. Ok we can run now and run we do. The mental talk in my head was fascinating. Run, run a bit more now power hike. I matched the The Beast power hike and had him pull me a bit. Last Gasp was near. So close keep moving. We hit last Gasp and I again cool down with the water bucket and then we push on. Running here and running there. Passing and hiking now running again. 1 more mile, "push it" I hear The Beast say and push it I do. One final hill and The Beast has me run all of it. He wont let me settle, oh the pain it hurts I am right there on the red line, the pain, but push on I do. We crest the hill and make the right turn the final little hill and then the grass. I hear the crowds, I hear my name so close keep going. Push it!!!!! I see the clock and I am so close I find another gear and cross in 10:15ish. I did it.
Rachel is waiting for me and as soon as I stop moving I immediately start to cramp. My hamstrings, my calves everything is screaming at me, but I don't care. I finished and I finished within my projected goal time. Who would have thought that would have happened with the way my first 24 miles went. I turned things around the last 26 miles. I didn't do it alone though. I had the aid and support of a amazing running partner, Trailmomma. The amazing support and sacrifice of my wife Rachel. The best crew and pacer in town with Dasie and Kuni The Beast. Thank you all for your support and drive and compassion throughout the day. Trailmomma thank you for your help all day, you turned my day around.
I completed the AR50 miler. I learned a lot during this journey. I learned even more about myself.
In the days since AR50, I have recovered well. I didn't get any blisters during this event which is amazing. I was a bit sore, but walking fine on Sunday which was a goal of mine. I took the week off from training one to recover and two because I developed a very bad cold on Tuesday that had me in bed for a few days. In the weeks to come I have a race on April 27, a trail marathon that I will be using as a training run. Then things start to really ramp up in my build toward TRT 100 in July.
Believe and you will Achieve
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Way Too Cool 50k Race Report 2014
This past weekend weekend was my first race of 2014, or I should say training run as I knew going into this event I was not focused on a PR (personal record). I was focused on seeing where my fitness was and I didn't want to break myself, I wanted to a run a smart race a hard race, but also a race where the following the day I would be able to run.
Going into race day I was a bit nervous, as my last long run which was suppose to be 26 miles ended up only being 19 miles as I had fallen and was pretty bruised and bloody. That meant my longest run going into Cool was 22 miles. I had a few goals going into this run, my first goal was to run a 5:45 as I figured my fitness was around this time goal. Second goal was to get Trailmomma a PR as we would be running most if not all of this race together.
Now let's fast forward to the race day. It was going to be a beautiful day. Trailmomma and I lined up in the middle of wave 1. I was excited as you could feel the energy coming from the crowd. I was also nervous because I knew with the amount of runners in the race that there were sure to be some conga lines along the single track trail and I told myself to use it my advantage. The one thing I really didn't think about and probably should have was all the mud as it had rained the week prior and it would be pretty muddy out there.
The first 8 miles take us down the haul road before we reached the fire road and our first stream crossing at Knickerbocker creek. I knew from past experiences to go wide left as there is congestion with a lot of runners using the rocks so as not to get their feet wet. I went left and quickly passed runners. I hit the single track and sure enough the conga line had us stopped in our tracks. I was a bit upset as this section of trail was very runnable, but with all the runners I wasn't going anywhere fast. I settled down and just went with the flow. I knew that I didn't want to spend a lot of energy trying to pass as there was a lot of miles left so I relaxed and got comfortable and soon enough the congo line would run for a bit and then come to a screeching halt. Bust soon we hit the fire road which gave plenty of room for others to pass and or be passed. Eventually we arrived back at the Start/Finish and it was here that I exchanged my hand held for a fresh handheld as my wife Rachel was waiting for me. At the aid station I enjoyed 2 bananas and was on my way as the next aid station at Lower Quarry was only 3 miles away.
As Trailmomma and I started the descent my stomach started to knot up. I had to use the bathroom. I love this downhill section, I like to open it up and let the trail take me only I wasn't able to as my stomach was really bothering me. I managed to peel off and as I did I yelled to Trailmomma that I would catch up, she kept going and I made a necessary pit stop in the bushes. After my much needed pit stop I felt so much better. I quickly hit the trail and let it open up. I was probably doing sub 8 on this section. I made it to the HWY 49 crossing and spot Trailmomma at the port-o-potty. I shouted to her that she can catch me on the fire road as it isn't my favorite section. I hit the aid station and filled my hydration pack, grabbed some bananas and some granola bars and was back on the fire road where to my surprise Trailmomma was right by my side. We set a nice and steady pace for ourselves and hiked the large hills and ran everything else.
Our next aid station was Maine Bar which was 5.6 miles away and at mile 16.7. I was fueling with prepetuem in my handheld and relying on the solid food as I really wanted to see how my body would react with solid food as I haven't been enjoying gels. Trailmomma and I plugged away and soon enough the aid station appeared, only it was at mile 15 which now meant we had 6 miles to Auburn Lake Trails (ALT) instead of 5 miles. At this express station I again grabbed some granola bars as those were tasting really good.
I knew that this next section had some climbing and that I needed to stay focused. Trailmomma and I had a nice rhythm going, and my legs during the climbs felt very strong and I could keep a nice strong cadence. We would run and hike run and hike. I was feeling pretty good but slowly I could feel my energy level slowly dropping. I didn't take a gel in and in hindsight I should have. I was trying to wait until the Aid Station. I hit the climb to third gate and plugged away at it, again keeping a nice strong cadence and pushing myself a bit on this climb. It was after this climb that I really wanted that aid station to appear. Only it didn't and I started to get a bit angry. I should have taken in a gel, or something as I knew I needed some fuel. I kept plugging away and eventually we arrived at the aid station.
At ALT aid station, I took in some food as well as refilled my handheld with perpetuem and took in some more food. Trailmomma and I took off and walked a bit so that we could finish what we were eating. I knew that this next section was very runnable and I had been looking forward to to it all day. This section would just take you if you let it and you could really pick off some runners. Only that wasn't the case for me. I tried to increase my pace, but it wouldn't happen. I would like to think I managed a nice steady clip. I just kept plugging away. We were nearing goat hill and that was all that I was focused on. Get to goat hill and from there only 5 more miles. But I was really low on energy and I knew I needed to do something about it. At the initial climb to goat hill I took in a gel. Then I took in another gel. And my energy came back to me.
Trailmomma and I hit goat hill and I was feeling really good. My legs felt strong and I just put my head down and power hiked up the hill. We climbed goat hill in 9 minutes with the conga line. At the top of goat hill I was pumped. I quickly filled up my hand held with what Trailmomma calls "crack"...which is actually coke and looked at her and we took off. I was on top of the world. I hit the descent and shouted to her that this was very runnable. We took off.
We were now on our way to HWY 49 crossing. We were slowly passing runners and picking off runners who had passed us on the section to goat hill. At one point though I started to dry heave, it didn't slow me down I kept right on running. I was probably a bit dehydrated when that happened. Trailmomma was really funny and wanted nothing to do with it. (Note to self for when she paces me at TRT.)
I saw the grandpa tree sign and knew we had 4 miles to the finish. I also looked at my watch and knew that a 5:45 was out of the question but that Trailmomma could still PR. So I did what any good friend would do, I pushed the pace. I encouraged us to run a bit more of the hills and to power hike quicker. I'm not sure if Trailmomma was cursing at me, but if she was she didn't tell me.
We hit the 49 crossing and I filled my hand held with more coke and took off. I had us running the hill longer then I normally would have. I was focused on Trailmomma's PR. Then I transitioned us to a power hike and kept shouting encouragement to Trailmomma. I think other runners thought it was obnoxious, but who cares. I was energizing myself and had my eye on the goal. My legs were feeling great and really strong on the hikes. We had 1 mile to go and I pushed the pace even more, telling Trailmomma to run up and over this hill and you look good, nice and strong. Now only .5 to go. We hit the home stretch and I told Trailmomma "Let's open up." Trailmomma did. I knew we had more to give so I said "Push a bit more, pass those 2 girls." and she did, then Trailmomma said "This is good enough", but when I heard that I said "Push some more." and she did. One final hill, and I told her "Up and over, keep going, push it." And we did. Then Trailmomma turned on her fuel jets and sprinted. Luckily I saw the acceleration and matched her foot step for foot step. I pumped the crowed up and the crowd yelled louder.
We crossed the finish together and I threw my arms in the air. We crossed in 6:14:09. A new PR for Trailmomma. I was proud of her, proud of how she pushed. I was pretty happy with my time, considering that my last long run was 19 miles. I ran within my ability. I pushed myself on the climbs and I pushed myself those last 5 miles to see what was left in the tank. Honestly when I finished I felt really good physically. This wasn't my target race, and I kept my eye on the ultimate goal TRT100.
As for how I thought my fueling was, I could have used a few more calories. Obviously that was a given. I did enjoy not having as many gels, but I needed a bit more solid food. That I can work on. I never got sick of the solid food. I took in a lot of salt, about 2 an hour as it was warm. I should have had more water as I was a bit dehydrated at the end. The perpetuem I got sick of. I think it was having the same flavor and consistency. Overall I learned a lot and that was what I was looking for. I ran a smart race. I ran within my fitness which was great and I was able to run a solid recovery run on Sunday.
Now to focus on AR50 as again this will be a training run for me.
Thank you to the volunteers who were out there all day and to my wife who has supported me from the beginning. You believe in me which makes me believe in myself. Thank you to Trailmomma for all the training runs and for being my running partner. We have laughed, we have cried, but most off all we have fun each time we hit the trail.
Going into race day I was a bit nervous, as my last long run which was suppose to be 26 miles ended up only being 19 miles as I had fallen and was pretty bruised and bloody. That meant my longest run going into Cool was 22 miles. I had a few goals going into this run, my first goal was to run a 5:45 as I figured my fitness was around this time goal. Second goal was to get Trailmomma a PR as we would be running most if not all of this race together.
Now let's fast forward to the race day. It was going to be a beautiful day. Trailmomma and I lined up in the middle of wave 1. I was excited as you could feel the energy coming from the crowd. I was also nervous because I knew with the amount of runners in the race that there were sure to be some conga lines along the single track trail and I told myself to use it my advantage. The one thing I really didn't think about and probably should have was all the mud as it had rained the week prior and it would be pretty muddy out there.
The first 8 miles take us down the haul road before we reached the fire road and our first stream crossing at Knickerbocker creek. I knew from past experiences to go wide left as there is congestion with a lot of runners using the rocks so as not to get their feet wet. I went left and quickly passed runners. I hit the single track and sure enough the conga line had us stopped in our tracks. I was a bit upset as this section of trail was very runnable, but with all the runners I wasn't going anywhere fast. I settled down and just went with the flow. I knew that I didn't want to spend a lot of energy trying to pass as there was a lot of miles left so I relaxed and got comfortable and soon enough the congo line would run for a bit and then come to a screeching halt. Bust soon we hit the fire road which gave plenty of room for others to pass and or be passed. Eventually we arrived back at the Start/Finish and it was here that I exchanged my hand held for a fresh handheld as my wife Rachel was waiting for me. At the aid station I enjoyed 2 bananas and was on my way as the next aid station at Lower Quarry was only 3 miles away.
As Trailmomma and I started the descent my stomach started to knot up. I had to use the bathroom. I love this downhill section, I like to open it up and let the trail take me only I wasn't able to as my stomach was really bothering me. I managed to peel off and as I did I yelled to Trailmomma that I would catch up, she kept going and I made a necessary pit stop in the bushes. After my much needed pit stop I felt so much better. I quickly hit the trail and let it open up. I was probably doing sub 8 on this section. I made it to the HWY 49 crossing and spot Trailmomma at the port-o-potty. I shouted to her that she can catch me on the fire road as it isn't my favorite section. I hit the aid station and filled my hydration pack, grabbed some bananas and some granola bars and was back on the fire road where to my surprise Trailmomma was right by my side. We set a nice and steady pace for ourselves and hiked the large hills and ran everything else.
Our next aid station was Maine Bar which was 5.6 miles away and at mile 16.7. I was fueling with prepetuem in my handheld and relying on the solid food as I really wanted to see how my body would react with solid food as I haven't been enjoying gels. Trailmomma and I plugged away and soon enough the aid station appeared, only it was at mile 15 which now meant we had 6 miles to Auburn Lake Trails (ALT) instead of 5 miles. At this express station I again grabbed some granola bars as those were tasting really good.
I knew that this next section had some climbing and that I needed to stay focused. Trailmomma and I had a nice rhythm going, and my legs during the climbs felt very strong and I could keep a nice strong cadence. We would run and hike run and hike. I was feeling pretty good but slowly I could feel my energy level slowly dropping. I didn't take a gel in and in hindsight I should have. I was trying to wait until the Aid Station. I hit the climb to third gate and plugged away at it, again keeping a nice strong cadence and pushing myself a bit on this climb. It was after this climb that I really wanted that aid station to appear. Only it didn't and I started to get a bit angry. I should have taken in a gel, or something as I knew I needed some fuel. I kept plugging away and eventually we arrived at the aid station.
At ALT aid station, I took in some food as well as refilled my handheld with perpetuem and took in some more food. Trailmomma and I took off and walked a bit so that we could finish what we were eating. I knew that this next section was very runnable and I had been looking forward to to it all day. This section would just take you if you let it and you could really pick off some runners. Only that wasn't the case for me. I tried to increase my pace, but it wouldn't happen. I would like to think I managed a nice steady clip. I just kept plugging away. We were nearing goat hill and that was all that I was focused on. Get to goat hill and from there only 5 more miles. But I was really low on energy and I knew I needed to do something about it. At the initial climb to goat hill I took in a gel. Then I took in another gel. And my energy came back to me.
Trailmomma and I hit goat hill and I was feeling really good. My legs felt strong and I just put my head down and power hiked up the hill. We climbed goat hill in 9 minutes with the conga line. At the top of goat hill I was pumped. I quickly filled up my hand held with what Trailmomma calls "crack"...which is actually coke and looked at her and we took off. I was on top of the world. I hit the descent and shouted to her that this was very runnable. We took off.
We were now on our way to HWY 49 crossing. We were slowly passing runners and picking off runners who had passed us on the section to goat hill. At one point though I started to dry heave, it didn't slow me down I kept right on running. I was probably a bit dehydrated when that happened. Trailmomma was really funny and wanted nothing to do with it. (Note to self for when she paces me at TRT.)
I saw the grandpa tree sign and knew we had 4 miles to the finish. I also looked at my watch and knew that a 5:45 was out of the question but that Trailmomma could still PR. So I did what any good friend would do, I pushed the pace. I encouraged us to run a bit more of the hills and to power hike quicker. I'm not sure if Trailmomma was cursing at me, but if she was she didn't tell me.
We hit the 49 crossing and I filled my hand held with more coke and took off. I had us running the hill longer then I normally would have. I was focused on Trailmomma's PR. Then I transitioned us to a power hike and kept shouting encouragement to Trailmomma. I think other runners thought it was obnoxious, but who cares. I was energizing myself and had my eye on the goal. My legs were feeling great and really strong on the hikes. We had 1 mile to go and I pushed the pace even more, telling Trailmomma to run up and over this hill and you look good, nice and strong. Now only .5 to go. We hit the home stretch and I told Trailmomma "Let's open up." Trailmomma did. I knew we had more to give so I said "Push a bit more, pass those 2 girls." and she did, then Trailmomma said "This is good enough", but when I heard that I said "Push some more." and she did. One final hill, and I told her "Up and over, keep going, push it." And we did. Then Trailmomma turned on her fuel jets and sprinted. Luckily I saw the acceleration and matched her foot step for foot step. I pumped the crowed up and the crowd yelled louder.
We crossed the finish together and I threw my arms in the air. We crossed in 6:14:09. A new PR for Trailmomma. I was proud of her, proud of how she pushed. I was pretty happy with my time, considering that my last long run was 19 miles. I ran within my ability. I pushed myself on the climbs and I pushed myself those last 5 miles to see what was left in the tank. Honestly when I finished I felt really good physically. This wasn't my target race, and I kept my eye on the ultimate goal TRT100.
As for how I thought my fueling was, I could have used a few more calories. Obviously that was a given. I did enjoy not having as many gels, but I needed a bit more solid food. That I can work on. I never got sick of the solid food. I took in a lot of salt, about 2 an hour as it was warm. I should have had more water as I was a bit dehydrated at the end. The perpetuem I got sick of. I think it was having the same flavor and consistency. Overall I learned a lot and that was what I was looking for. I ran a smart race. I ran within my fitness which was great and I was able to run a solid recovery run on Sunday.
Now to focus on AR50 as again this will be a training run for me.
Thank you to the volunteers who were out there all day and to my wife who has supported me from the beginning. You believe in me which makes me believe in myself. Thank you to Trailmomma for all the training runs and for being my running partner. We have laughed, we have cried, but most off all we have fun each time we hit the trail.
Believe and You will Achieve
Sunday, February 2, 2014
2 Loops of Fun
Yesterday on my running schedule was 22 miles. Trailmomma and I decided that a few loops would be best for our long run. One of the cool things about doing loops is the aid station at the car, which also means we didn't have to carry as much water and fuel, only enough for each loop. I enjoy doing loops every now and than as it makes my long runs not seem so overwhelming.
Trailmomma and I met up and carpooled to the base of stagecoach as this would be our starting point and mini aid station. I was excited about today's run because I was going to be showing Trailmomma some new trails that I had been running on since last summer.
We had and early start of 7am which meant it was cold out so cold that when we started we pretty much were sprinting and didn't realize it for bit until we both sort of looked at each other and said it seems we are running rather fast. We ended slowing down knowing we had plenty of miles left. Our first loop I was taking us on was the Clementine loop. This loop has some climbing which was going to be our theme for the day. Lot's of climbing. It is a pretty tame loop, nothing to technical but it does have a nice steady climb at the beginning which we would run and then power hike run some more and power hike some more. I was focused on my power hike and noticed that my legs were responding really well and felt strong. Must be the previous weeks worth of hill repeats.
We hit the green gate and I told her now we are going down, as I wanted to show her the boat launching area and the Clementine lake. Once at the lake I took a quick restroom stop, and Trailmomma took some photos and then we were off to start our second climb of the day. Again we tackled it like before, run some power hike some. This climb has a nice gentle grade and is very runnable. I even took the time to point out where we had been. I always enjoy doing that, just to get a different look on things. Instead of looking at how far I have to go, I look at it like wow, look how far we/I have come (or climbed) or whatever the case the may be. I seem to do it every run, I will stop at a random spot and point out over the horizon where we just came from and it blows my mind some time.
At the top of the climb we hit the descent we took the short cut trail this time as there are many options available. The descent was nice and smooth and my legs were feeling great. I was fueling with a handheld of perpetuem and I had a packed some gels and salt and my hydration pack of water. The single track trail brought us into the sun light and warmed us up. The sun felt really nice. We arrived back at the car in no time and quickly grabbed a snack, filled our bottles, used the restroom, and took off our long sleeves and we were off for loop #2.
This time we were going up stagecoach, which is also very runnable. Again, I found my legs were responding really well with the climbing. There was only one mishap when a mountain biker came flying around the corner, I was on the left side of the trail and trailmomma was on the right. I looked up and just about froze, well I did freez but quickly regained my composer and ran over to the right side of the trail just in time as the mountain biker flew past us. Trailmomma and I both laughed about this for a bit. In fact most of the day we were laughing and in really good spirits.
We hit the top of stage coach and made our way through town and over to the overlook where we would hit the single track trail and on over to No Hands Bridge. The descent felt great, again my legs were feeling strong, I was fueling properly and most importunely I was having a great time on the trail.
We arrived at No Hands in no time and from there we decided to climb K2. Which is a pretty steep climb. We started climbing and my legs felt strong. I quickened my pace and kept things lively. I joked about each false summit as we arrived, I even started singing and once on top just let out a taadaaaa. I was feeling great.
We took the Western States Trail back down to No Hands Bridge crossed the bridge and ran the trail along the road to the base of stage coach. 21 miles never felt so good. I am liking where my fitness is. My legs are getting stronger each week and my mind is getting focused as well. I have my eyes on the big picture called Redemption and I can't wait to get there in July Tahoe Rim Trail 100.
It was a great day on the trail for us both and I can't wait to do it again.
Fueling:
-Fruit and Spinach and Flax Seed Smoothie when I woke up (I wake up really early due to work 2:30am)
-Oatmeal and blueberries for breakfast about 1.5 hours before the start
-Banana at the start
-2 bottles of pertuem, one on the first loop and one on the second loop
-1 Mojo bar at the aid station
I found it interesting that I didn't take in any gels or salt, I felt a steady flow of energy during my entire run.
Trailmomma and I met up and carpooled to the base of stagecoach as this would be our starting point and mini aid station. I was excited about today's run because I was going to be showing Trailmomma some new trails that I had been running on since last summer.
We had and early start of 7am which meant it was cold out so cold that when we started we pretty much were sprinting and didn't realize it for bit until we both sort of looked at each other and said it seems we are running rather fast. We ended slowing down knowing we had plenty of miles left. Our first loop I was taking us on was the Clementine loop. This loop has some climbing which was going to be our theme for the day. Lot's of climbing. It is a pretty tame loop, nothing to technical but it does have a nice steady climb at the beginning which we would run and then power hike run some more and power hike some more. I was focused on my power hike and noticed that my legs were responding really well and felt strong. Must be the previous weeks worth of hill repeats.
We hit the green gate and I told her now we are going down, as I wanted to show her the boat launching area and the Clementine lake. Once at the lake I took a quick restroom stop, and Trailmomma took some photos and then we were off to start our second climb of the day. Again we tackled it like before, run some power hike some. This climb has a nice gentle grade and is very runnable. I even took the time to point out where we had been. I always enjoy doing that, just to get a different look on things. Instead of looking at how far I have to go, I look at it like wow, look how far we/I have come (or climbed) or whatever the case the may be. I seem to do it every run, I will stop at a random spot and point out over the horizon where we just came from and it blows my mind some time.
At the top of the climb we hit the descent we took the short cut trail this time as there are many options available. The descent was nice and smooth and my legs were feeling great. I was fueling with a handheld of perpetuem and I had a packed some gels and salt and my hydration pack of water. The single track trail brought us into the sun light and warmed us up. The sun felt really nice. We arrived back at the car in no time and quickly grabbed a snack, filled our bottles, used the restroom, and took off our long sleeves and we were off for loop #2.
This time we were going up stagecoach, which is also very runnable. Again, I found my legs were responding really well with the climbing. There was only one mishap when a mountain biker came flying around the corner, I was on the left side of the trail and trailmomma was on the right. I looked up and just about froze, well I did freez but quickly regained my composer and ran over to the right side of the trail just in time as the mountain biker flew past us. Trailmomma and I both laughed about this for a bit. In fact most of the day we were laughing and in really good spirits.
We hit the top of stage coach and made our way through town and over to the overlook where we would hit the single track trail and on over to No Hands Bridge. The descent felt great, again my legs were feeling strong, I was fueling properly and most importunely I was having a great time on the trail.
We arrived at No Hands in no time and from there we decided to climb K2. Which is a pretty steep climb. We started climbing and my legs felt strong. I quickened my pace and kept things lively. I joked about each false summit as we arrived, I even started singing and once on top just let out a taadaaaa. I was feeling great.
We took the Western States Trail back down to No Hands Bridge crossed the bridge and ran the trail along the road to the base of stage coach. 21 miles never felt so good. I am liking where my fitness is. My legs are getting stronger each week and my mind is getting focused as well. I have my eyes on the big picture called Redemption and I can't wait to get there in July Tahoe Rim Trail 100.
It was a great day on the trail for us both and I can't wait to do it again.
Fueling:
-Fruit and Spinach and Flax Seed Smoothie when I woke up (I wake up really early due to work 2:30am)
-Oatmeal and blueberries for breakfast about 1.5 hours before the start
-Banana at the start
-2 bottles of pertuem, one on the first loop and one on the second loop
-1 Mojo bar at the aid station
I found it interesting that I didn't take in any gels or salt, I felt a steady flow of energy during my entire run.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Missouri Trip
The past week and half has been very busy in the Pigeon household. My wife and I had to fly out to Missouri last minute on New Years Eve. I have never been to Missouri, but I knew and was told many times that it was going to be cold, very cold. It was pretty stressful getting ready for the trip, luckily our friend was able to dog/house sit for us as we do not ever want to board our boys in a kennel. My wife found the airline tickets, rental car, and hotel and booked them 2 days prior to our departure.
Our flight out of Sacramento was delayed about 20 minutes, we were flying into Salt Lake City and had a connecting flight that originally would give us a 40 minute layover. We arrived at Salt Lake City and grabbed our things and took off running to our connecting flight. We ran so fast, it was like a impromptu speed work at the track. We ran to our gate with minutes to spare. I think we were close to the last passengers on the flight. But we made it as I didn't want to be stuck in the airport all night.
We arrived in Missouri later that evening and before leaving the baggage claim to get our rental car my wife had me bundle up, jacket and gloves and she made me put my hood on. It was cold, but this wouldn't be the coldest day, in fact it might have been the warmest day. While in Missouri we spent a lot of time with her family. I met a lot of family I have never met before. One day we drove over to her parents house which was about 3 hours away from our hotel. We spent most of the day/evening there and left just before dark. There was a snow storm coming in, which if you lived in Missouri you would call it "A light dusting." The interstate was down to 1 lane and we were driving 30 miles an hour at one point. I was scared that we were going to slid off the road, get sandwiched between the other cars. We eventually arrived home but it took about 4 hours of stressful and painfully slow driving to get home.
As the week drew near we started watching this massive storm come our way, hit Missouri and then continue onto the East Coast. This storm canceled thousands of flights and delayed thousands of flights as well. We knew that there was a possibility of our flight leaving Kansas City could get delayed (Which it did) and also the possibility of our connecting flight in Denver being delayed or cancelled overall.
We left Kansas City late which meant that we were going to have to hussle to our connecting flight in Denver. Once on the plane we were waiting for our pilots arrive as they were coming from the East Coast and once again we were delayed roughly 20 minutes. We left and settled in for the flight. We arrived in Denver with no time to spare. We had 5 minutes to get to our connecting flight which was all the way at the other end, and the bad news was we were last passengers off the plane. We took off running, using the moving sidewalks so we could cover more ground faster. Rachel told me to run ahead so I did. I ran my little heart out. I neared the gate at the end of the terminal and looked out the window and I could see our plane. Only it was slowly ever so slowly backing away. The gate agent apologized saying they couldn't hold the plan as they needed to get the planes back on schedule. I had arrived exactly at 7:55pm right when our plane was due to depart. Really, you couldn't hold the plan. There were at leases 8 passengers on our flight and numerous other passengers that were heading to Sacramento. Agh, frustration sets in.
Now we have to walk all the way back to customer service to try and get on a different flight. The line at the customer service counter was long. It took us 4 hours to get to the ticket counter. And guess what? There were no flights leaving Denver that evening. We were stuck in Denver. Also, the hotels were booked so we were sleeping in the air port.
We were really tired by now. While waiting in line at customer service I made some calls to make sure our boys (dogs) were taken care of, as our dog sitter was leaving town the next day for New York. Luckily my brother in law was helping us out. Rachel and I found a corner near the terminal where our flight we were flying stand by on would leave and tried to get some sleep. I was unable to get comfortable and I think I managed 2 hours of sleep sitting in the chair, while Rachel was out like a light as soon as her head hit the suitcase.
In the morning we checked in as stand by passengers on the early flight and luck was on our side. We were able to get on the flight. We finally arrived in Sacramento after a long 2 days of traveling.
It felt good to be home again and our boys were super excited to see us. I am glad that I was able to make the trip with my wife. I learned a lot about her grandmother. Even though she is no longer with us and I never had the opportunity to meet her, I know that she will always be looking over us and is apart of us to this day. If you were to describe Rachel's grandma in one word....that word would be perseverance. When I heard that I smiled as I have a tattoo on my left arm that says perseverance. She will always be with us, and right now she is with my mom looking out for us and smiling.
Our flight out of Sacramento was delayed about 20 minutes, we were flying into Salt Lake City and had a connecting flight that originally would give us a 40 minute layover. We arrived at Salt Lake City and grabbed our things and took off running to our connecting flight. We ran so fast, it was like a impromptu speed work at the track. We ran to our gate with minutes to spare. I think we were close to the last passengers on the flight. But we made it as I didn't want to be stuck in the airport all night.
We arrived in Missouri later that evening and before leaving the baggage claim to get our rental car my wife had me bundle up, jacket and gloves and she made me put my hood on. It was cold, but this wouldn't be the coldest day, in fact it might have been the warmest day. While in Missouri we spent a lot of time with her family. I met a lot of family I have never met before. One day we drove over to her parents house which was about 3 hours away from our hotel. We spent most of the day/evening there and left just before dark. There was a snow storm coming in, which if you lived in Missouri you would call it "A light dusting." The interstate was down to 1 lane and we were driving 30 miles an hour at one point. I was scared that we were going to slid off the road, get sandwiched between the other cars. We eventually arrived home but it took about 4 hours of stressful and painfully slow driving to get home.
As the week drew near we started watching this massive storm come our way, hit Missouri and then continue onto the East Coast. This storm canceled thousands of flights and delayed thousands of flights as well. We knew that there was a possibility of our flight leaving Kansas City could get delayed (Which it did) and also the possibility of our connecting flight in Denver being delayed or cancelled overall.
Now we have to walk all the way back to customer service to try and get on a different flight. The line at the customer service counter was long. It took us 4 hours to get to the ticket counter. And guess what? There were no flights leaving Denver that evening. We were stuck in Denver. Also, the hotels were booked so we were sleeping in the air port.
We were really tired by now. While waiting in line at customer service I made some calls to make sure our boys (dogs) were taken care of, as our dog sitter was leaving town the next day for New York. Luckily my brother in law was helping us out. Rachel and I found a corner near the terminal where our flight we were flying stand by on would leave and tried to get some sleep. I was unable to get comfortable and I think I managed 2 hours of sleep sitting in the chair, while Rachel was out like a light as soon as her head hit the suitcase.
In the morning we checked in as stand by passengers on the early flight and luck was on our side. We were able to get on the flight. We finally arrived in Sacramento after a long 2 days of traveling.
It felt good to be home again and our boys were super excited to see us. I am glad that I was able to make the trip with my wife. I learned a lot about her grandmother. Even though she is no longer with us and I never had the opportunity to meet her, I know that she will always be looking over us and is apart of us to this day. If you were to describe Rachel's grandma in one word....that word would be perseverance. When I heard that I smiled as I have a tattoo on my left arm that says perseverance. She will always be with us, and right now she is with my mom looking out for us and smiling.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Our Wedding Day
Let me go back to September 21, 2013. It was a crisp cool morning with not a cloud in sight......who am I kidding. It was a crisp cool morning with plenty of clouds in sight. The back yard was set. The high bar tables were around the pool, we had moved the work bench from the garage to the pool deck to be the bar for the evening. The chairs were set up for the ceremony, the tables were in place under the gazebo for the buffet. We were ready, we were both filled with anxiety as the weather was not cooperating. We were looking at intermittent rain showers through out the day, but secretly deep down in our hearts we were hoping the showers would blow through and not interfere with our wedding day. When was the last time it is has rained in September in California????? My biggest concern when we choose this date was the heat, hence a evening ceremony so the big Oak tree would provide shade for our guests.
This was our wedding day. I was going to marry the love of my life rain or shine. It was about 1:00 pm and Rachel my fiance at the time was outside placing the table clothes on the high bars and the buffet tables. I looked outside and the weather had moved in and then it happened, it started to rain; slowly at first with just a drizzle. I looked at Rachel and I could tell she was holding back the tears, the frustration was overwhelming. I went to her and just hugged her saying "It's going to be Ok, the rain should pass in time for the ceremony. All that matters right now is us and that we are together."
We stood there holding each other trying desperately to keep the tears back, standing there in the rain feeling defeated. All I was thinking about was what were we going to do. I knew I couldn't shut down and that we needed to come up with a plan in case it did rain. We both went inside knowing that we each needed a little space, some time to decompress. I turned the television on and watched something on DVR, what, I don't remember and Rachel played a calming game of tetris. About an hour later I looked over at Rachel and said "We need to come up with an option 2. We are running out of time, the caterers will be here around 4 and the photographer will be here around 3." Rachel knew it, but I think she didn't want to accept the fact that we might be having our ceremony in our house, nor did I for that matter. I had a few ideas and I looked deep into her eyes and said "Rachel, let's walk." Yes, I was using work terms.
With those few words we stood up walked into the living room and frantically started rearranging the furniture. It was still pouring outside and everything was soaked. We moved the dinning room furniture into the spare bedroom as this area was now going to be the buffet room. We removed everything from the kitchen counter and this space was now the bar. We than removed all the furniture from the living room and placed it in the family room as the living room was now going to hold the high bar tables and potentially be where we would have our ceremony if it came down to that. We moved so quickly, it was amazing how fast we moved the furniture. We brought the high bar tables inside, the buffet tables and quickly put the table clothes in the dryer. I immediately jumped in the shower as the photographer was due to arrive at any moment. I walked out to the living room and it looked amazing. We had completely transformed our house. The flowers were out, the candles were in place, it literally took my breath away.
Our photographer arrived a little before 3 pm. At this point the tears and disappoint are about to be shed, it was still raining. She immediately went to work and started getting the photos before we had to finalize getting ready and the family pictures.
The black umbrellas came in handy as it was drizzling a bit on and off again. After that we drove over to the park near our house and it was time for family pictures. Luckily the rain had stopped. Just as we finished up the family pictures and arrived back home it started to rain again. And when I say rain the skies opened up. We still had hope though that we would be able to have our ceremony outside. Our guests were arriving and were enjoying themselves. I could hear the laughter and see the delight and happiness on their faces. The rain let up and then the most amazing thing happened. Rays of sunlight started to appear as the clouds parted. It was at this point I knew that all was going to work out. We had weathered the storm and it only made our relationship stronger.
Everything was going to be perfect. The rain had stopped. The ceremony was just about to began. I was nervous I wont lie. I was more anxious and excited because I never thought that this day would come.
That I would never meet someone who made me as happy as I am today, who loved me as much Rachel loves me. Someone who loved me for me; even if I am a nerd and a bit random at times. Rachel, brings out so much happiness in me. She is my light. When I see her my face lights up. We were about to began our lives together, to travel down a road that I thought I would be traveling alone. She understands me and accepts me for me and never questions that. I love her so much and all I want to do is spend the rest of my life with her.
The ceremony was special to us. The officiant was a friend of a friend and he did an outstanding job. During the ceremony he made a last minute change that just about melted my heart. You see, my mom passed away when I was 14 from endometrial cancer. Even though she wasn't physically there I know spiritually she was there that day. She made her presence known through the words. Rachel as her gift to me is refurbishing my mom's guitar. Our officiant didn't know anything about this. When we came to this part of the ceremony I about cried.......
I surprised Rachel with cufflinks! Her reaction was price less.
"Love
one another, but make not a bond of love. Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup, but drink not from the same cup. Sing and dance together and be joyous,
but let each one of you be alone. Even as the strings of thelute guitar are alone, though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping for only the hand of life can contain your hearts and stand together, Yet not to near together for the pillars of the temple stand apart.
And the oak and the cypress Grow not in each other’s shadow"
but let each one of you be alone. Even as the strings of the
And the oak and the cypress Grow not in each other’s shadow"
I looked at Rachel and Rachel looked at me with a twinkle in her eye. How did he know? We asked him afterwards about using the word guitar and he said it just came to him during the ceremony.
Trailmomma signing the paper work!
That day I will never forget. I married the love of my life, in front of my family and close friends. The weather challenged us that day, but we came out on top. We made our relationship that much stronger. Now matter what is thrown in our path, together we can do anything.
Michael our officiant signing the paper work!
We enjoyed the rest of the evening laughing and talking. There is a long standing belief that it is good luck for a couple to marry on a rainy day. A knot that becomes wet is strong and hard to untie and some in the Hin-du tradition believe the same about a wedding in the rain. We tied the knot on a rainy day and our knot will never become untied for it is as strong as ever.
A special thank you to our photographer Gabriella Clavel, all photos you see were by her.
GSMCLAVEL@YAHOOCOM
A special thank you to Anthony Brantley for the music
Thank you Michael Hill our officiant
To our Family and Friends for joining us on this special day and for celebrating our love and commitment to each other.
To Trailmomma, Kortnie and Emily...Thank you so much for all that you did that day.
Monday, October 21, 2013
21 Miles For The Week!!!!!
This past week I would say was pretty successful. I managed to log 21 miles in running which is a huge jump from the previous 10 miles the week prior. Overall I am excited that I am able to run again and even more excited that Trailmomma and I are meeting up on Sunday's for our "long run."
Yesterday I went to work about 3:45am and worked until 11:45ish. Once I arrived home I immediately changed into my running clothes grabbed some water and then headed off to Trailmomma's house. Trailmomma was all ready to go and she even had a surprise for me. A new route that she wanted to try. I was looking forward to trying a new route. This new route would take us to Brown's Ravine and a small loop over by the lake and then we would tackle the hills on the last mile back to her place.
The run was pretty great, it felt like we were in the middle of the woods when in fact we weren't. It was also warm out there about 84. I of course didn't bring any water for the run which was a mistake on part, but Trailmomma being a great friend let me have some of hers. The route took us on the road and even some dirt trails. It felt great to be back on the dirt again. We even got a little silly and took our classic JC Penny pose while out there. You will have to check out her site for the pictures though.
All in all, it is tough getting back in shape, but what makes it easier is having a training buddy who can keep you motivated and focused. I am sure that if I hadn't made arrangements to meet Trailmomma yesterday, then I probably would not have run as far as we did. 7 miles is a big thing. I do know that soon I will start incorporating some hill work to rebuild my leg power and next week we have plans for hopefully a 10 mile run and yes, I will bring water next time. Thanks Trailmomma for the run and thanks to my wife for all the support.
Yesterday I went to work about 3:45am and worked until 11:45ish. Once I arrived home I immediately changed into my running clothes grabbed some water and then headed off to Trailmomma's house. Trailmomma was all ready to go and she even had a surprise for me. A new route that she wanted to try. I was looking forward to trying a new route. This new route would take us to Brown's Ravine and a small loop over by the lake and then we would tackle the hills on the last mile back to her place.
The run was pretty great, it felt like we were in the middle of the woods when in fact we weren't. It was also warm out there about 84. I of course didn't bring any water for the run which was a mistake on part, but Trailmomma being a great friend let me have some of hers. The route took us on the road and even some dirt trails. It felt great to be back on the dirt again. We even got a little silly and took our classic JC Penny pose while out there. You will have to check out her site for the pictures though.
All in all, it is tough getting back in shape, but what makes it easier is having a training buddy who can keep you motivated and focused. I am sure that if I hadn't made arrangements to meet Trailmomma yesterday, then I probably would not have run as far as we did. 7 miles is a big thing. I do know that soon I will start incorporating some hill work to rebuild my leg power and next week we have plans for hopefully a 10 mile run and yes, I will bring water next time. Thanks Trailmomma for the run and thanks to my wife for all the support.
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