Update

The past few months since TRT100 or should I say TRT 67.5 I have not done much runner to be honest. In fact I do believe and this is hard for me to say I have been injured. I somehow injured my hip flexor muscle and it was really difficult some days to even walk. Every-time I would take a step forward, I would have shooting pain and weakness in my quad. So with a heavy heart I had to stop running. I did try to run a few times, but that was cut short about .5 into a run when I ended up having to hobble home and pretty much rest the rest of the day. It has not been fun. But I would like to think that this injury is behind me and I might be able to start running again.

Since I haven't been able to run, I have increased my focus on strength training. It may not sound like much but with the injury I had I knew I needed to increase my strength so that I would be able to come back strong. I didn't start this strength training until the beginning of this month, September so that gave my body a chance to really recover. I have incorporated, some basic squats, push ups and leg lifts. On day 1 of this new training, I kept the repetitions small so I could slowly transition my body and hopefully avoid any set backs. It was pretty comical to see me do a full a push up at the beginning, because to be honest I have no upper body strength. Now, I like to think that there is progress as the push ups are being completed easier and I am able to increase the reps. I can also feel my legs and core and getting stronger. Now the real challenge is to keep this up going forward and not to lose my motivation.

The other thing I have changed is my diet. Now when I was running a lot of miles each week I basically could eat what ever. Now don't get me wrong, I still choose to eat healthy when I was running a lot. Since I wasn't running, I knew my weight could and would easily get out of control if I continued eating like I was running, and I did not want that to happen. I have increased my vegetables and fruit and lean protein and decreased carbs, like bread and potatoes but I do eat the good carbs occasionally.

It was real challenge at the beginning, because I was always hungry I never had that full feeling. I think I finally figured it out and to be honest I really don't miss those carbs. I do have a "cheat" day every now and than, but I believe that that is healthy because in my opinion one can not totally deprive one's body. I feel great, I feel energized and I enjoy going to the farmer's market each Sunday and Wednesday and eating the fresh organic fruits and vegetables has been great. I don't even think twice to make some rice or potatoes.

I am really hoping that this injury has healed so that I can get back into running. I will continue with my strength training and add some more exercises as I feel my body is ready for that. Sometimes it is good to slow down, change up the routines and just enjoy being.

Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Mile Race Report 2013

It was 4:14 am On Sunday July 21 and I had just completed 67.5 miles of the TRT 100, my second loop of the red house in my first attempt at the 100 mile distance. As I approached the aid station I could see the volunteers patiently waiting for me. I already knew what they were going to say even before I had arrived. As they told me that I had missed the cut, I told them it was OK, I know. It’s Ok, all the while smiling just as I had started.

The cut for Tunnel Creek #5 was 4:05am and I had just missed it by 9 minutes. I slowly made my way into the aid station as the volunteers removed my bib. It hit me as soon as my bib was removed, I was done. I would not be finishing my first 100 miler. I slowly sat down and it all sunk in…..the realization that my journey was done….with a heavy heart I just looked around trying not to make eye contact as I knew if I did the tears would start streaming and I needed to be strong right now, I needed to keep it together…All I could do was reflect on the past 23 hours and 14 minute while I waited seeing other runners coming through and pushing on……….

Start To Hobart:

The time had finally arrived; I was toeing the line of the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 miler. I was feeling calm and confident in my training. I was about to embark on one of my biggest journey’s. In 3…2…1… and we were off. I slowly fell into a nice rhythm, slowly making my way to first climb of what would be many for the day. The single track trail came quickly and I immediately transitioned into my power hike, along with 226 other 100 milers. I knew that I needed to be conservative, because it wasn’t about how fast I completed the first loop, it was about being smart in the first loop, being conservative and consistent, finding my pace and not the pace of the runner in front of me or behind me. This was about me.

The climb to Hobart aid station wasn’t that bad, I was fueling with perpetuem and I was also taking in gels. I needed to stay on top of my nutrition. During the descent I didn’t open it up but I remained calm and collective, very relaxed. As I neared the fire road I just thought, wow I am actually doing this! Hobart aid station arrived, I was 6 miles into the race and I was feeling good, but who wouldn’t be feeling good at 6 miles? I knew that my pace was conservative and I wasn’t pushing it. I quickly grabbed some PB&J and I used the restroom, I was very excited at this and I took a mental note to tell Trailmomma (Pam) about the restroom stop when I saw her at Tunnel Creek aid station in 5 miles.

Hobart To Tunnel Creek:

I was slowly approaching on one of the many beautiful views on the day and I was excited. I was feeling good, my fueling was on point and I was focused. The view when I crested the top and rounded the corner was breath taking. I knew this section of trail and I knew that I would have about a nice 4 mile descent into Tunnel Creek with some very runnable switch backs. I was looking forward to it. I hit the switch backs and just enjoyed them, not hammering the pace but staying focused on my nutrition and staying relaxed. I was nearing Tunnel Creek and I quickly assessed my situation and what I needed from my drop bag. I was 11 miles in.

Tunnel Creek to Red House back to Tunnel Creek:

I arrived at Tunnel Creek and the volunteers grabbed my drop bag, I quickly  grabbed a small zip lock bag of perpetuem and refilled my bottle. I was in and out of this aid station and now making way down to the red house or “The taste of Hell.” This was a 3 mile descent, that could potential destroy my quads and my spirits. I took the descent nice and easy keeping everything under control. As I hit the bottom and started the climb to the red house I took in a gel, and continued to remind myself to keep drinking both my water and my perpetuem. The day was warming up and I could already feel the power of the sun just beating down on me.

As I neared the red house I remained focused on my day and not what others were doing. I power hiked the steep hill and slowly transitioned into a run during the flats. I hit the red house and grabbed some chips and continued on my way. Both of my bottles of perpetuem were doing fine and I had enough water. I power hiked the climb and continued on my way. Again, I could feel the heat of the sun and made a mental note to get wet at the aid station. I was now nearing the steepest climb thus far and just put my head down and kept my arms pumping and legs hiking. It was during this climb I noticed a weakness in my legs and dryness in my mouth, like cotton mouth. I didn’t think anything of it besides I am at elevation, that is the dry air causing the cotton mouth. I was nearing the steepest section of this climb and weakness was slowly traveling up my body, I kept moving forward. When the grade wasn’t too steep, but gradual I took out a MOJO bar and began enjoying some MOJO! Maybe I just needed a little bit of fuel, even though I had been fueling.

I was nearing Tunnel Creek, and I again assessed my situation, mentally I was fine. It was just the sudden onset of weakness in my legs and the cotton mouth, but as I got closer to Tunnel Creek that all became a after thought as there was Trailmomma (Pam) my crew. She quickly started firing questions at me, when did you Pee? How do you feel? What do you need? Are you drinking? I was excited to see her as I had just missed her on my first time through. I told her I had peed at Hobart, and yes it was clear. I was going to get more perpetuem and use the bath room but other than that I am feeling good. She couldn’t come into the aid station with me so I was on my own but that was OK as the volunteers were amazing. I weighed in for the first time and my weight was spot on. I then refilled my bottles, my pack grabbed some jerky another MOJO bar and the volunteers took my bandana and filled it with ice and put it around my neck. I was like a pit stop at nascar, everything happened so quickly. It was here that I also took my shoes off and emptied out the little grains of sand that were in my shoes. Once I was done with that I walked over and used the bathroom and happily reported to Trailmomma that I had gone #1 and #2 and that I am happy about that and plan on taking the next section easy to allow my stomach to digest the calories I had been putting in. Trailmomma thought that was a great idea and quickly took a picture and I was on my way. Oh the things ultra runners talk about with their crew.

Tunnel Creek To Bull Wheel:

I was now on my way to Bull Wheel which was 3 miles from Tunnel Creek and 9 miles to Diamond Peek. This section was exposed and super hot. I was maybe at mile 18 when a huge wave of nausea came upon me. Before I knew what was going on I was vomiting, ugh this is not good. Hmm maybe that is way I felt weakness and cotton mouth not too long ago. Great, not what I needed is all I could think about. After getting sick, I thought it was best to slow my pace down even more. I needed to recover from this as well as try and push the liquids and calories back in me. But I needed to wait to make sure I was done being sick. I kept moving forward and could feel the nausea and unsettling feeling in my stomach. I was hoping this would pass. In time, I slowly and I mean slowly tested my stomach by sipping on some perpetuem. Ok, seems to be staying down…..ugh I can feel it coming back up….stay down….stay down…ok, it stayed down. Or not….I knew at this point I was going to have to trick my system, I needed calories. I took an even smaller sip. This time it stayed down. Ok, good. Big sigh of relief. Maybe that is all and I am good to go. By this point I thought I would take a gel in. Bad idea as this did not sit well with my system. I then thought maybe some solid food would help, but nope not working either. The only thing I could do was keep moving and keep sipping on my water and perpetuem to try and get some calories in me. This was a long 3 three miles. I arrived at Bull Wheel and decided to take my time here. I nibbled on some cashews knowing that they had a ton of energy and the salt tasted good and it stayed down. Good, maybe I am done????

Bull Wheel to Diamond Peak: 

I continued on my way and tried to remain positive, but a little seed was being planted I tried not to water that seed and remain focused on the task at hand which was to get to Diamond Peak. I slowly started running again and was feeling ok, not great, but not nauseas. I enjoyed the views and kept the calories coming in. At this point I knew that I was behind on calories but I also knew I needed to be very careful and not overload and ultimately upset my stomach again. I took calories in when I could and got sick when I couldn’t. It was a vicious cycle. But I was still moving, I was still clear mentally and I was still moving forward. I was running and slowly approaching the downhill. I hit the downhill and let me tell you what happened. I started feeling a lot better, I mean I was feeling so much better I started pounding the liquid calories and let my legs go. It felt so good to be running again, and it was such a huge mental boost to be running again. It was during this section I put my plan together, I needed to spend a little bit of time at Diamond to take in calories, change my socks, ect…but the most important thing to do was get calories in. Because at this point I was playing catch up and would be feeling great and then crash. I hit the pavement and made my way to the resort.

I could see Trailmomma and Rachel (my fiancée) approaching. I immediately told them I haven’t been feeling good and I left some on the trail and that I needed calories in me before I left. I quickly was ushered to the scale to weigh in and surprise surprise I was only down 1 pound. Which was pretty surprising to me, but hey I will take any small victory that I can take right now. I then used the restroom as Rachel tried to refill my pack, but the aid station was out of ice and water. I came out of the bath room and sat down. Daisy and Kuni were there and were a huge help. I took my shoes and socks off and sat there. Someone gave me an ensure (this was a last minute purchase and was in all my drop bags, thank goodness) I slowly drank it and I also ate some blueberries and grapes and I even nibbled on a PB&J sandwich. Wow this is great. I am getting calories in. Kuni jumps in and I tell him that my heel has been hurting. He looks and there is no blister, in fact I don’t have one blister and I am 30 miles in. Kuni dries my feet and changes my socks and I retie my shoes. At this point I am getting ancy and need to go; only I can’t find Rachel. Rachel was filling my pack with our ice and getting water from the hose. Pam filled my bottles one with water for getting me wet as I climbed up Diamond and the other with perpetuem. I also took some fruit with as this tasted very good and I carried/ate half a PB&J sandwich. I was ready to go. Daisy offered me some soda and I said sure, I gave Rachel a kiss and thanked my crew and I was off. Ready to take on this beast.

Diamond Peak back to Bull Wheel:

Such a big improvement from a few miles ago. I started hiking and I was feeling strong and focused. I rounded the first right turn and all of a sudden I was vomiting. Agh all those calories gone…SHIT….As I was getting sick a runner behind me told me she had some Tums and offered them to me. I gladly took them and she told me to take it nice and easy on this climb. I thanked her and we both continued on our way only I was now moving pretty slow. The wave of nausea was back and I was doing all I could to keep everything down. Slowly but surely I was making my way up the beast. Right, left, right left, one, two, three, four, five….I was doing anything to keep my mind occupied and off the fact that I was about to vomit again. I leaned over and dry heaved and kept moving. That is all I could do, keep moving. I have to keep moving. I knew back at Tunnel I had ensure and that was about 250 calories, but I also knew that I was playing catch up and it was going to be vicious roller coaster.

I neared a shade tree and I did what I thought I wouldn’t do, I went to the shade tree and sat down for a minute. It seemed to help my stomach and I took this opportunity to take in some perpetuem. I think I took in half the bottle. I knew I needed the calories. I also took in a salt tab. I sat here for another minute or two and slowly got up and continued hiking. I was getting close only a few more false summits and I would be at the top. I hit the top and ran down the few hundred yards to bull wheel, with a huge smile on face knowing I was a bit closer.

Bull Wheel back to Tunnel Creek:

I was once again back at bull wheel, I knew I was behind on calories and took in some cashews and they tasted great. I also ate some oranges and refilled my water bottle as I had used the water to keep me cool. I was hot, that climb took a lot out of me and I began to question how much longer I could keep this up. I quickly dismissed that thought and put a smile back on my face and thanked the volunteers and made my way to Tunnel Creek.

This section is a nice 3 mile single track completely run able section, only I was having to walk some here and there. I would put together a small section of running and then I would have to walk. I just didn’t have the energy and I feared taking in a gel as the last time I did I didn’t keep it down. I did what I could and I dug deep and shuffled along. I wasn’t about to have a pity party, I was still moving, I was still focused, and I was still able to shuffle/run forward. I knew that once I reached Tunnel I would need calories and it seemed that the only thing that was working was liquids. I made my way down, switch back after switch back and slowly arrived at Tunnel Creek.

Here I weighed in before doing anything else and I was still down one pound I think. I than was ushered to a chair as my drop bag was retrieved by the amazing volunteers at this aid station. It seemed that every time I turned around a volunteer was by side asking what I needed, if I was ok. It was here that Tina H. caught up to me as we were within shouting distance on the trail a few miles back. She knew I was having some stomach issues and offered me some pedialite.  I thanked her and was able to drink it all. I also managed to choke down an ensure. I also refilled my bottles, one with perpetuem and another with coke. I knew that the coke would help, but for how long I was not sure. I knew that the next section was going to challenging as it was a climb back to Hobart with very few down hills.

Tunnel Creek Back To Hobart:

I was 35.3 miles in on my 100 mile journey. I kept telling myself to keep putting calories in no matter what happens. I needed them. I thought that the waves of nausea and vomiting would stop, but it didn’t. I left Tunnel Creek knowing I had no other choice. I had to keep moving, I had put some calories in me and I knew that this low would pass eventually. I ran out of Tunnel Creek with one goal in mind to get to Hobart.

I power hiked a lot during this stretch of trail. At least I could still do that, but the nausea and vomiting where still with me. Tina caught up to me and together we continued on our way. We talked and power hiked and then an incredible thing happened….my energy level increased and I was able to increase my power hike as well as run some sections. I took full advantage of this and shouted out to Tina that we needed to run here, now let’s run to that rock, keep going just a bit farther and together we made up some ground. It is amazing how one second I am feeling like total crap and the next I am as high as a kite. Just like earlier though I knew that a crash was coming and sure enough it happened, but the good news was I was near Hobart. I arrived into the Hobart aid station and the energy from the volunteers was contagious. They grabbed my drop bag, and I enjoyed another ensure, this time not choking it down. I was starting to feel better and I left Hobart knowing I had 3 miles to Snow Valley and an amazing view ahead of me.

Hobart To Snow Valley:

I had about 10 miles until I saw my crew again and that sparked me. I was off, power hiking and pushing it up to Snow Valley. I was actually feeling good and getting use to the nausea and vomiting. It was an interesting cycle, I could feel it coming on in waves so when I felt I backed down a bit and when it passed I would push. I wasn’t done and this wasn’t going to stop me.

The climb to snow valley is challenging but I have had worse climbs today compared to this. I think the hardest part was seeing the signs and knowing I had still about 1.5 miles to go and then 1 mile and then .5 is when the juices really started to run. I arrived at Snow Valley, and refilled my coke bottle, took in some broth which tasted great and also another ensure. I knew once again that I needed the calories and I was hopeful that they would stay down.

Snow Valley to Start/Finish:

From here it was all downhill so to speak. The first mile or so I couldn’t put anything together and it was frustrating. But I knew it would open up and I would be running soon. When it opened up I ran knowing that I had less than 5 miles to go in this first loop. I started to put a plan together for when I saw my crew and what I needed. I knew I needed my feet fixed, I could feel the blisters. I also knew that just like every other stop I needed calories only I wasn’t tolerating solid foods and it was getting challenging taking in perpetuem. But I had no choice I had to get calories in me. The hard part about this section for me is when I hit the bottom, I could see where I needed to be, but I still had at least 1.5 miles to go. I just put my head down and remained focused and calm.

As I rounded the corner and saw the bridge I knew I was close. I saw my crew and though I may have looked unsure I knew that I was going to continue on in hopes that the cooler weather with the night will bring me back.

I saw my crew and they quickly ushered me to the scale in which by some miracle my weight was spot on. Either I wasn’t processing my calories or I am just lucky. I then immediately sat down and told them I needed calories but I didn’t know what I could keep down. Rachel went to work on my blisters, I had blister on the inside of my toes (pretty much each toe) and the back of both heels. Trailmomma (Pam) focused on refilling my pack and bottles and my safety runner Jenn also focused on blister repair. My feet were in bad shape. I changed my shirt as well as cleaned my face off and I took in an ensure and attempted to eat some fruit. My crew was awesome, all I did was sit down and they went into action. Mentally I was fine; I wasn’t loopy or confused I was focused on what I needed to do so that I could get back at it. By now I knew that this second loop was going to even more challenging and that I might be racing the cuts.

In what felt like no time, but in reality was longer then I remember I was ready to go. I hugged and said thank you to Trailmomma as she had to get back home, and I thanked and kissed Rachel telling her I will see her at Diamond Peak. I didn’t know how long it would take but I was determined.

Start/Finish to Hobart:

Jenn and I left the start/finish area and I was in great spirits. I was talking up a storm as the cooler temperatures felt great; I was having a huge runner high. As we started on the single track trail I told Jenn that this is the farthest I have run ever. She was amazed that I was power hiking so strong. I still had legs which was great now all I needed was for my stomach to settle down. At that thought a huge wave of nausea came over me and I dry heaved stopping me in my tracks. Ugh I wasn’t feeling good, but I had to keep moving. Just keep moving is all that was on my mind, well that and the Klondike song somehow managed to get stuck and loop through my brain.

We passed a few runners here and there and not once was I passed which was a huge morale boost for me. The nausea and dry heaves were still present. We hit the descent and I took it nice and easy. Still having legs was great. We arrived at the fire road and this climb took forever. Just when I thought we were near the top surprise we weren’t. It was during this section that my dry heaves became more violent. So violent that tears came to my eyes after each incident. The fire road took a lot of out of me, but we crested the top and arrived at the aid station.

Jenn did a fantastic job keeping my mind occupied and she stayed real positive even when the violent dry heaves hit me. I was concerned, but Jenn wasn’t. At the aid station, I immediately sat down, I was spent I was running on fumes. I took in some broth as well as a bottle of ensure. Only this time it took awhile to get the ensure in me. Every time I took a sip I thought it was going to come back up. I used the restroom before moving on and Jenn and I were off to Tunnel Creek.

Hobart To Tunnel Creek:

I was 56.2 miles in and just doing whatever I could to keep moving forward. I remained focused on getting to the downhill section as I knew I still had legs and I could let the trail take me. The climb up to peak was brutal, it was long and each step forward was tough. I was again running on fumes. I was just hoping that the ensure would kick in soon. We arrived at the peak and I just dropped my bottles and told Jenn I am spent. This is where I wanted to throw the towel in. I was empty. Jenn wouldn’t let me though. She told me to try and take a gel in, let’s see if that works. I listened and managed to choke the gel down. I picked up my bottles and we continued on our way.

We were still moving forward but the demons were in my head and I knew that I couldn’t keep going like this for 40 more miles. It was time to talk about what we as in I was going to do at Tunnel that is if I even reached Tunnel. Not the greatest attitude to have right now, but I was empty, I had been nauseas and vomiting most of the day and I was just physically spent. Jenn of course would not hear of it and talked me into chocking down another gel. Hmm, she may be on to something here. I managed to keep both gels down, a good sign and also a small much needed mental boost.

Soon we arrived at the downhill section. I actually started running/shuffling. Again, I still had legs I was moving really Jenn commented so well in fact she had to put her light on the brightest setting. Amazing what a few gels can do and some positive motivation. I was digging deep, deeper than I have before. I even started to think that I can do this. I am coming back, I am keeping gels down this is a great sign. Then ever so slowly the wheels slowly came off the bus. I was once again empty. I could hear the aid station and that motivated me to keep moving.

We arrived at Tunnel Creek and I sat down. A volunteer grabbed my drop bag and I can’t remember if I was able to get an ensure in me or not. I did manage to eat 2 triangles of quesadilla and I didn’t have to choke them down. Then I hear a volunteer shouting if you are going on you have 5 minutes to depart the aid station. They had a hard cut. Crap!!! I looked at Jenn and asked her if I could complete the red house loop before the cut which was at 4:05? She said wouldn’t it better to try instead of giving up? Wow, those are fighting words. As I am reaching into my drop bag and looking at here I say something to the point of 2 hours to do this loop seems not doable. She looked at me chuckled a bit and said; well it looks like you are ready as I shove some gels into my pack. I stand up and am ready to go.

Tunnel Creek to Red House back to Tunnel Creek:

I had about 2 hours to complete this loop which is challenging especially in the dark. We hit the descent and my quads are yelling but not screaming at me. I kept going, knowing I had to get down. We arrived at the bottom and start the climb to red house. I took in a gel and am power hiking like it is the beginning instead of 61.2 miles in. I am feeling great; hey I just might do this.

We arrived at the red house I refill my bottle with coke and we are off. Only the next climb drains me and I find myself walking the flat section. My legs are getting really stiff, so I take in a salt and keep moving. At this point I have maybe 25 minutes to get back to the aid station. I hit the climb and just power hike my little heart out. I knew it was going to be close. If I made it I would be fighting cuts all day, and Jenn just kept reminding me that it will get better with the sunlight. We kept moving and as I see the aid station I look down and it’s 4:05am, and I still had a bit to go.

As I approached the aid station I could see the volunteers patiently waiting for me. I already knew what they were going to say even before I had arrived. As they told me that I had missed the cut, I told them it was OK, I know. It’s Ok, all the while smiling just as I had started.

The cut for Tunnel Creek #5 was 4:05am and I had just missed it by 9 minutes. I slowly made my way into the aid station as the volunteers removed my bib. It hit me as soon as my bib was removed, I was done. I would not be finishing my first 100 miler. I slowly sat down and it all sunk in…..the realization that my journey was done….with a heavy heart I just looked around trying not to make eye contact as I knew if I did the tears would start streaming and I needed to be strong right now, I needed to keep it together…All I could do was reflect on the past 23 hours and 14 minute while I waited seeing other runners coming through and pushing on……….

As I am writing this I don’t have any doubt that I did what I could even when the elements were fighting against me. It isn’t a journey that ends when I cross finish line but a journey that is only beginning. Every step I took that day was a step into the unknown. The unknown of endless possibilities. It is amazing what the body can do, the body’s ability to rebound. It was a roller coaster of emotions all day, but this I know….I completed my farthest run to date and with that is the victory.

As my good friend told me “Your victory was in the fight you gave, not the outcome.”

Well, I be back you might ask? Yes I will be back; I have redemption on my mind.

I send a great big thank you to my fiancée Rachel, who supported me during training and the race. She always has confidence in me. Thank you for making me pancakes, eggs, and sausage before each long run. Thank you for your patience during training and for your understanding when I would leave and not return many hours later. Thank you for your support during all my races leading up to this.

Thank you to Trailmomma (Pam) who gave up her weekend to support me. Thank you for hiking into Tunnel Creek and for your support and energy all day. I look forward to training with you once again in 2014. 

And thank you to my safety runner Jenn. You were calm, motivating, and pushed me when I thought I had nothing left to give. I enjoyed every minute we spent together.  Thank you to my friends and family who believed in me and supported me. 

My journey is not finished and I will be back. 

American River 50 Mile Race Report 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Adventure Begins

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giving Back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Angry Bird Bithday Party

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

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

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

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

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

The bounce house!

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

Enjoying the bounce house with his cousin Quinn

 

The Angry Birds Shooting Range

 

Quinn taking his turn at the shooting range

 

Special Moment with Uncle Brent

 

Kaylee had a blast hanging out with everyone!

 

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

 

Angry Bird Birthday Cake

 

Quinn having fun in the dump site

 

Happy Birthday Lil Man!

 

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

 

Happy Birthday Bradyn!!!!!