Western States Memorial Day Training Run Day 1 (32 Miles)

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.

Western States 100 In Photos

This past weekend was Western States 100. I was Anthony's personnel crew for his pacing duties with Kuni "The Beast". We headed up to Foresthill to support our other friends who were racing and to also be a part of the action. If you have never been at the Foresthill aid station I would highly recommend it. It was a awesome experience. There was a ton of energy flowing, runners coming in and going, and plenty of excitement all day.

Anthony, pointing the way!

Foresthill Aid Station

Fleet Feet Ultra Team Member

Refueling

First Woman Runner into the aid station

Here comes Eric, he had a awesome race

Weighing in

Meet up with the crew

Anthony putting on chap stick, the things the crew does for it's runner

Here comes Kirk! Awesome Race

Confidence with each step

The Happy Couple

Feet were a little wet, needed to change his socks

Organized Chaos when coming into a aid station

Focused on the task at hand

Almost ready to go

Off to the river crossing. He was in and out within minutes.

After all of this excitement Anthony and I headed down Bath road to meet Kuni. He came around that corner and had the biggest smile on his face. He was also looking strong and powered up Bath Road like he owned it.

Kuni "The Beast"

Anthony checking in

Little help from Lily and his crew and he was good to go.

Off to the river crossing.

After seeing Kuni off I headed home to sleep for 4hours and then I headed back up with Dustin and Michael. We were volunteering at the Fleet Feet aid station which is about 1.3 miles from the finish. Our job was to assist the runners as they came up the hill by refilling their water bottles and giving them whatever they needed. Most wanted new legs. Near the later stages of the day, we were literally doing hill repeats to assist the runners. We kept them moving and on to their goal of finishing.

Here come Kuni still looking good.

James, almost there

Stan, resting for a second and then he was on his way

Fleet Feet Aid Station, every runner that came through earned themselves a buckle that day. A few only had 20 min. to go the 1.3 miles to the finish. What a huge inspiration every single runner was that day. It was amazing to see and words nor pictures could truly describe what I witnessed.

An Epic Western States Training Run

Yesterday's Western States Training Run was an epic one at that. It had all sorts of weather from snow on the ground to it actually snowing, to rain, to sun, to numerous stream crossings, and rivers flowing on the trail itself. Epic is how I would describe it.

The day started early for me (like usual), Miss P. was going to pick me up and we were going to car pool up to Placerville high school. As we neared Placerville it had a surprise for us. Snow was on the ground and I am sure the temperatures were in the low 20's. I was expecting snow but I wasn't really expecting snow. If you know what I mean. I immediately hit the Porty john as soon, enough there was going to be a nice line and I didn't want to have to wait in line. Slowly the Fleet Feet Training group arrived.

The biggest decision and probably the toughest decision was what was I going to wear? I didn't want to have to many clothes on in case it warmed up and I also didn't want to have to few layers on in case it stayed cold or rained heavily. I finally decided on a short sleeve with a long sleeve over that and my light weight runners rain jacket, gloves, and hat and shorts.

Before getting onto the warm buses there was a pre-run briefing. Basically the buses wouldn't be able to drop us off at the original starting point and we would be dropped off 2 miles or so up the road. But no worries because we were going to stay on Quarry road instead of hitting the single track which would cancel out the additional 2 miles at the start. Sweet!!!! But that also means the first aid station wouldn't be until mile 15-16. That is a long ways to go, but I had packed enough fuel in my Salomon pack that it wouldn't be a issue.

Pre run briefing

The bus ride was about 45 minutes on a very windy road. Miss P. and grabbed the first row seat as I didn't want to get bus sick on the drive to the start and it was a bit warmer up there sitting in front of the heaters. As we drove to the start we noticed that the snow was getting a little thicker on the ground and it was really white out. This is going to fun. Before arriving at our new starting point I ate a Honey Stinger Waffle as it had been a few hours since eating my breakfast of oatmeal and I knew I needed to get some solid food in me before this run even started.

On the bus

car pool buddies!

Check out that snow!

Once at our new starting point we jumped off the buses. I noticed right away how cool it was and knew that I needed to get moving before I became any colder. I started running on the pavement trying to stay out of the snow that was on the ground, I didn't want to slip and I wanted to try to stay dry before hitting the single track. Soon enough the trees started to drop a few snow flakes and then the snow flakes became rather large and it was then that I realized it was actually snowing. Wow! I felt like a little kid seeing snow for the first time.

Just off the bus getting ready to run

Of course with it snowing and already being cold I had to quickly decide if I was going to hike the road hills or run them. I knew I didn't want to get cold so I decided to run some and hike the others because 21 miles is a long ways to go with some great descents and climbs.

Partner Jim in red! It is white out

Soon enough I came to the fire road which is a bit gnarly. It is an ankle turning for sure, but I safely made it down and onto the sweet single track. I was maybe 4.5 miles in this entire run when I turned my ankle and felt a pop. Immediate pain and then a noticeable limp. Crap!#@$ My ankle was hurting and I had at least 12 miles to the first aid station. I decided to keep running because if I stopped it would probably would have blown up on me. The limp eventually went away but I knew any wrong footing or loose rock could be it for my ankle.

The first hour flew by. I started fueling an hour in, I took in some Gu. I wouldn't have any solid food until about mile 15. The single track was very tricky yesterday. It was mud soaked, where some spots were so muddy I couldn't find a proper footing to climb. There were streams coming down the trail and stream crossing it felt like a few per mile. The terrain could have mentally defeated me, but instead I embraced this new challenge to push myself and see what my legs could do.

One of the many water falls on this run!

One of numerous stream crossings

Just as quickly as the first hour went by mile 10 was upon me. Miss P. and I had been playing hop scotch with each other taking turns on the lead. She is a awesome trail runner and when I run with her she may not know it but she pushes me because I want to keep up. I was in the lead with Miss P. right behind and then at least 5 other trail runners hooked onto us. Miss P. asked if any one wanted by, but they refused saying the pace was good. In this group was Power Girl and her husband. It was fun running with them and it also challenged me again. I challenged myself during this section of trail. I knew this section was very runnable with only a few minor climbs. I tackled those climbs with what felt like new legs. My legs were feeling really strong and my pace felt very consistent. I did walk a larger hill, but I used this as an opportunity to fuel with some Gu. It was time for more fuel and fuel I did.

The group and I made good timing from mile 10-15. We hit Quarry road and the group split up. Around mile 15 I ate my first solid food of the day. I enjoyed a honey stinger waffle. It tasted really good, I knew the aid station was near but I also knew that I needed something in my system before I arrived at the aid station. I hiked and ran Quarry road but I was finding it hard to get any sort of rhythm. I continued on just knowing the aid station was near. I wasn't sure where, but I had to be getting close. Just as I started to have doubts go into my head a group of hikers gave me the greatest news, the aid station was near. Yeah!!!! Just as I crested over the hill and rounded the corner, there it was, the tents and the aid station. Here I had 2 cokes, the best thing ever, a quarter of a peanut butter sandwich and a handful of gold fish. I didn't stay too long just long enough to get some solid food in me.

Aid Station #1

After leaving the aid station I had a new life. Sometimes it is the small things that can brighten any run. It made me feel happy, I had enough fuel on me but there is something about the aid stations.

Look the sun came out

I continued on Quarry road and after a few rollers my legs started to ache a little bit. I took in a salt and that seemed to help. I arrived at the 49 crossing and I saw 2 crossing guards. No need to be the unofficial crossing guard today which means no whistle. I safely crossed and had just a short distance until the no hands aid station #2. I arrived into this aid station feeling really good and grabbed a square of peanut butter sandwich and walked and ate. Just 3 short miles to the finish at placer high.

Aid Station #2

I had a challenge this section of the run I wanted to own it. I wanted to run as much as I could including the climbs. I did a pretty good job with Stan's help. He is running States this year. We both tackled this section and ran as much as we could before we had to hike. The water fall was unbelievable and was flowing heavily. I could hear it before I even came to it. Just a few more miles, but first the climb up to Robbie point. Then it is all pavement from there. I hiked the first initial hill as fast as I could. Then I started running, then another hill and I hiked and then I was running. I wasn't going to stop running I could smell the bacon and pancakes I was close. Stan passed me which sparked another gear in  me and I was off.

I finished this run 30 minutes faster then last year. I know that bypassing the 2 miles of single track and staying on Quarry road had something to do with it. But for the trail to be as tough as it was I was excited with my time. It was an epic run indeed.

Captain Kirk and Coach Nikon waiting for the group to come in.

I feel that I fueled properly. I probably could have drinking a bit more water but overall I was pleased with my fueling. I am definitely working on the getting the fuel in because without fuel I wont make it very far.

Thank you to all the volunteers for being out there today. It was a great day had by all but especially by me. Here is to proper fueling, an unbelievable run and to enjoying the day and trails with some great ultra runners.

Photo by Kathy AKA Boss

Feet Feet ultra Trail Running 2011

Western States Training Run!!!

Saturday was finally here!!!! I have been looking forward to this day all week. The Western States Training Run from Robinson Flat to Forrest Hill. Trailmomma and I met up at the school and our adventure continues from there. We did see the Fleet Feet crew were out in force. Here is our adventure of 28 treacherous miles (Fun).

Trailmomma and myself at the start, just jumped off the bus. There were 7 bus loads of ultra runners. The first bus loads of runners took over while we were busy taking photos, but that is O.K. they compacted the snow for us.

Very excited to run in snow! All smiles

The first 4-5 miles we ran uphill in snow. Surprising though it wasn't to cold! It was exciting to be running in some new conditions, but also a little nerve racking because running in snow is no easy task. I was trying not turn an ankle or go knee deep in the snow. The first aid station was at mile #2, GU and water only, they told us to hydrate because once you got in the canyons is was going to be hot and the weather today was warmer than originally predicted.

Approaching Aid Station #1, next aid we didn't know. But it ended up being at mile 15. That is a long ways away, with lots of climbing and down hills so steep you couldn't run them for fear of losing control and going over the cliff. We didn't spend much time at this aid station but once we left a mile or so up the snow I had to use the bathroom. I have a confession to make, during my entire training for AR50 I didn't ever go in the woods. So this was my first time.

I did it. Not so bad! I also have to say that when I woke up that morning I was having some stomach issues and that didn't resolve until I got home well after 5pm. First and only pit stop for me.

We climbed for a long time and the old saying is true what goes up must come down. These entire portion of the course was up, down, than up some more and than down some more and when you think you have had enough there is another down followed by another up. But the views were to die for.

At the top of our first major climb. It was worth it.

While we were running today trailmomma and I were relatively quiet. I think we were both so focused on staying on the trail and enjoying the stillness of it all that we didn't need to talk to keep us positive. Just being out there and in the moment was all I needed. We did occasionally bump into some other runners but for the most part we were alone. Which was great. I never would have thought that at the start with 7 bus loads all full to capacity.

It was great being able to enjoy this with someone. The picture don't do it justice, it just gives you a small taste of what we saw, what you don't get is the smell of the pine trees, the snap of twigs, the tussling of the leaves as we ran through them, the roar of the river-you could here it but not always see it-

After the first climb it started back down again on a fire road of some sort. This was a great opportunity for some off trail adventure. But be careful when off trail because things can get tricky. Just ask trailmomma.

Trailmomma down!!!! Let me tell you what happened. Going "off trail" was needed, she emerged and was telling me her bag wouldn't zip. Huh, that interesting. While I was waiting for her to come maybe 15 feet she just feel over, it happened in slow motion. Of course I didn't want to miss out on this perfect opportunity and told her not to move, I quickly ran over and at the same time pulled my camera out and was ready to take the picture when I paused and asked "are you alright?" and just as the last word came out of my mouth I snapped the picture. This moment was needed and kept me laughing throughout the day. Trailmomma brushed herself off and we went on our way only to see this....

A old tractor, we had to take some photos. During this stretch I kept thinking were is that aid station. It has to be getting close. The miles were ticking away quickly, so fast that I thought my Garmin was broken. But it wasn't I was just enjoying the run so much. I really had no clue where we were. We were going down hill and sure enough before we knew it we hit the river and crossed the bridge and started the accent without a aid station in sight.

There was a sign that read -No more than 5 runners- but of course more than 5 went across and all I hear is trailmomma saying hurry, hurry. The bridge swung back and forth, luckily we all got across alright and started the accent up Devils Thumb. This climb took a lot out of me. We passed a few runners or should I say walkers and we were also passed, but that was o.k. All I was hoping for was a aid station at the top. We climbed and climbed and climbed but it never ended. This must have been what coach Nikon was talking about. The never ending climb.

As you can tell I am way behind but I do have two thumbs up and a smile on my face. On this climb at some point I took in a salt tab and was drinking water. I wanted to do a GU but thought that it wouldn't stay down. Around every switch back up the mountain we went, and went and than some more. Finally we did it we made it up devils thumb.

yes at the top, wait.....No AID.....All I wanted right now was a coke. I was running low on energy and spirit but onward we went. About a mile or two done the road at mile 15 was the second aid. I downed 3 cokes, 2 payday chunks, and grabbed a handful of animal crackers than filled my pack with water and off we went. Once again we headed downhill. At least this downhill was more runnable than the previous. We were going down into Michigan bluff and down we went. I would take the lead for a bit than trailmomma would take the over. It worked out great taking turns. While we were running we discussed how we would tackle accent this time because devils thumb took to much out of us. We decided that at the bottom we would take a GU in and a salt and head up. That is just what we did. It helped for a bit. But all of a sudden I heard a rumble in my stomach and than again another rumble only this time louder. Ugh ooh. I was empty and I mean empty not good. It was mile 21. I didn't realize how much this trail was taking out of me. I was pale also which is not good. I told trailmomma and she thought that maybe around the next corner was Aid station #3. Nope nothing, I was in trouble. I inhaled a GU and a cliff bar and washed it down with water. Luckily everything stayed down.

Taking photos of the view on the ridge line. Don't fall.

After climbing we came upon this.....

Aid station #3. YES!!!! Only I didn't eat, I learned from AR50 the food takes too long to process so I skipped the food drank some coke ate a payday for the sugar and took in a GU and off we went after filling my pack again with water and ice. Thank you!!!!

6 miles to go or so. I was expecting no more big climbs but I was wrong we climbed some more and came upon this gorgeous view.

After climbing we went downhill for a few miles. Taking turns in the lead.

It is amazing we started running in snow, than rivers of mud, than mud, than pine needles, than leaves and now just plain dirt. In the canyons it was extremely warm. I just baked in there. We heard the roar of the river and soon enough we came upon it. A stream crossing, but the current was strong enough to take you away.

Trailmomma went first and I followed. The water felt really good on my legs and it also lifted my spirits by cooling me off. I had dunked my hat in previous crossing in hopes of staying cool. We crossed with no problem and continued up yet again. Only this time it wasn't so bad because we knew we were nearing the end of this journey. We powered up the hill.

Of course once we hit the pavement we still had to climb. I was smiling though because all I was thinking was this reminds me of AR50. We would walk some and than I would say "want to try running?" and sure enough we would, we gave ourselves goals to reach before we would walk again. it seemed to really work because before we knew we were up that hill and only had a bit to the end.

We had made it. The end was great reward. We both a had smiles on our faces just like when we started. 28 miles in 7hrs and 44 min. Wow!!! I ran AR50 in 10hrs and 27 min. That just tells you how hard this section of trail is. I am glad I did it and who knows maybe one day the actual Western States 100. One day I am sure!!! I have a taste of it now and a tiny thought in my head.

It was a great day had by all.