Happy Birthday Q

This post is long overdue and I mean long overdue. It was my nephews 3rd birthday party a few weeks ago. I can't believe how fast time goes and how big he is getting. I was off the weekend of his birthday party and was able to make it to the swim party. There were a ton of kids there of all different ages, and there were also a lot of adults. It was swim party BBQ theme and the weather was just great. I even managed to get a run in before the party.

Here is the birthday all ready for a dip in the pool!

Lil Man showing me how to play golf

I don't think they are having fun! They could have spent the entire day in the pool

I think they are racing and Nephew Q is winning.

Time for the talent portion of the party. Canyon Ball!

Enjoying the boat and time with his dad.

Happy Birthday Q. I hope you enjoy the fire truck! He also received a book and before he would move onto the next present he had to "read" the book. Now he doesn't know how to read, but it sure did seem like he did.

He did enjoy the fire truck, it even moves on it's own and makes lots of noise!

Time for cake!! His mom made a train cake for the little ones.

Happy Birthday Q. It was  a great party and you are growing up so quickly.

Rio Del Lago 100K Pacer Report

I had the privilege to crew and pace my friend and team mate Anthony at Rio Del Lago 100k. He was originally signed up for the 100 miler but due to a sprained ankle which he did a few weeks before the race he opted for the 100k.
 

My day started early as I had to go to work for a few hours as my time off request was denied. I arrived at Lily’s house around 8:15 enjoyed some pancakes help load the car and we were off to Beal’s point so that I could check in. Once at Beal’s the volunteered told me that the Bibs were handed out to the aid stations and to just head to aid station and I could get my bib there and if there wasn’t a bib I was good to pace as I had also turned in my waiver form. I did let this volunteer know that I was pacing a 100k and she said I was good to go.

After checking in we headed to Cool to wait for Anthony and help him with whatever he needed. We saw the front 100 milers come through and then we heard that Anthony was in first place. Lily stayed at the car making sure everything was ready as we really didn’t know what he would want or need, so she was ready for anything. I headed out to meet him so that I could get an update from him on how he was doing and what he would need so when he checked in at the aid station we would have everything ready.

100 miler runner coming into Cool

Jimmy Dean Freeman coming into Cool

Fleet Feet Ultra Team

I saw him coming down the fire road and he rounded the corner. He looked good he was smiling and was focused. I got the information I needed, he wanted his spiz and water and ice in his pack. He also did a quick shoe and sock change. He told me he took his time from the overlook which was probably a really good idea as the day was getting rather warm out. He was downing salt like it was candy. His fueling was on track and he was drinking plenty of water.

Anthony coming in looking strong!

As he checked in, Lily and I went to work filling his pack, filling his bottle, and making sure he had everything before leaving. It was a quick stop and he was off and running within minutes. He told me he was going to take his time heading back as this part of the course was hot and fully exposed.

Quick Stop

After getting Anthony everything he needed we loaded the car back up and made our way to the Overlook. The plan was for me to pace him from here to finish.

Heading out

Once at the Overlook I checked in right away, which turned out to be very smart on my part. The volunteer there told me that there were no pacers allowed in the 100k and that I couldn’t run with him. Now, I had done my homework and read the entire wed page. On the pacers web page it did not specify which distance and there was also no disclaimer stated only the 100 milers were allowed a pacer. Before I told him any of this he had called the race director and she said no I could not pace him. After hearing this I told him about the web page and Lily pulled it up on her I phone, I also told him that I tried checking in at Beals like the web site said too and the volunteer down there told me I was good to go. He read it and then called the Race Director back and left a message. He was very helpful and did everything that he could; now we were just waiting.

I didn’t want to do anything that would disqualify Anthony and I had to make sure I had the green light on pacing him. The Race Director eventually called back and told us I could pace Anthony. That was really good news, but a bit stressful. I re signed the waiver and had the volunteer put a side note on there that I was given permission to pace Anthony. I wasn’t taking any chances on someone forgetting this conversation and then DQing him.

Re-signing the waiver after getting the green light to pace

I quickly got ready, went to the bathroom ate a gel and filled my pack and than just sat and waited. It was nerve wracking just waiting. So many thoughts running through my head and the knowledge that he was in first place and we had no idea where second place was.

Katy and Eric headed down the hill and would shout when they saw him. Lily had everything ready for him. Then we heard them shout. I ran down and grabbed his pack to refill it and also his bottle. He wanted coke in his bottle and he also needed a refill on his salt. He was pounding the salt like it was going out of style. While we were refilling everything he walked over to the canal and soaked himself. It was a pretty quick stop and soon enough both of us were on our way to Rattlesnake Bar.

Crewing for Anthony at the Overlook

I let him take the lead at this point. He was chit chatting up a storm. I knew that Anthony was talkative but after being alone on the trails for a good portion of the day he was super talkative. We talked about everything. He told me his hip was feeling a bit off so I gave him Tylenol after finding out if he had any, which he did at the start. As we were on the canal I told him it would be a good idea for him to get in before we hit cardiac and the long section that is exposed. He soaked himself once at a very easy access point about half way before cardiac. I think during this 3 mile stretch we were both chit chatting up a storm and you could feel our energy and my excitement. As we neared the descent I had him get in the canal one last time. He was a bit apprehensive at first but I assured him I would be able to get him out and I did just that.

We cruised down cardiac talking up a storm and as we neared the aid station we heard howling. They had heard us coming. We drank some really cold water, filled his bottle with coke he took 1 more salt pill and we were off on the 6 mile stretch to Rattlesnake.

It was very hot out. The sun just baked us and I could feel the heat coming up from the ground and the heat directly above me. I knew that any water we came across we would use to stay wet as this was the only way to battle the heat.

I gave Anthony one more salt right before we hit the single track. As we hit the single track his legs became alive. This section is very runnable and run we did. He took off and I as was sprinting to keep up with him I noticed my Garmin was telling me 8:30 miles on the single track with rollers. He slowed down and hiked a climb and I told him he looked really good and that that was a nice clip he had going there. Secretly I was wondering if he kept this up I wouldn’t be with him much longer.

As he crested the top he transitioned quickly into a run and he was off. I kept him in my sights but he just seemed to be going faster. Slowly he was out of my sight. I couldn’t his pace. I tried for as long as I could.

He arrived into Rattlesnake about 10 minutes ahead of his original time frame. I arrived about 5 minutes later I think. I did my job as a pacer even if it was short. I think he really just needed someone to talk to for a bit, someone to bring a little bit of energy, and someone to keep him on track. I was there for him and it was amazing to see the transition once we hit the single track.

I can't believe how fast I had to run and he still dropped me

Lily cooling me off

It was cold, but felt good

Anthony picked up another pacer another team mate who original runner had dropped and just by change happened to be at Rattlesnake. It is amazing how things turn out and even more amazing at how supportive the ultra community is.

First place in the 100K

Anthony battled through some very tough conditions and preserved. I was very honored to have the chance to crew him and pace him and I would do it again in a heartbeat.  Congratulation Anthony on an excellent race and for you first place finish. You are truly inspiring. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day.

Body is slowly shutting down

This is what 100+% Effort Looks like

Totally exhausted

Excellent Job Anthony!

A Long Hot Day On The Trails

This past weekend I did my final real long run before The Sierra Nevada Endurance Run 50 mile. I met up with some great friends and some new friends as well. We were all planning on running various distances so the group would get smaller as we went on. Wonder Woman and I had planned on running 20 miles while Power Girl was running 12 but ended up doing 14 and Coach Nikon came out and did 10 miles as he is in taper mode for his 100k this weekend.

Let me tell you that this group is fast, and when I say fast I mean so fast they are a blur. I did my thing and took my place in the rear and just kept on moving. I knew that I had a long day on the trails and I didn’t need to blow up. I did for the most part keep them in my sights and they were nice enough to wait for me at the 3.5 mile mark. I wasn’t that far behind, well at least I didn’t think so.

I was feeling pretty good my legs felt strong I was mentally focused and I just told myself to enjoy the day. It was a bit muggy and we were all sweating buckets when we regrouped at the 6 mile mark. Here I enjoyed hearing about some stories of the guys adventures at their 100 mile ultras. While I was enjoying the story I suddenly let out a loud scream and jumped for the sky. I had been stung by a bee. It was following me and I yelled “I got stung by a bee” and then I took off running with the others close behind. It felt like I was in flight mode, I was just running scared. Out of all 6 of us I was the one that the bee decided to sting.

I was running at a very fast paced, dodging bushes here and trees there, when all of a sudden a huge bug flew into my nose. Wonder Girl just laughed as I flung my arms about. It was a sight to see. Soon the guys decided to turn around and it was just the three of us. Power Girl, Wonder Woman and myself.  

About a mile down Power Girl decided to head back, but before she did we let 3 horses pass us. The three girls on the horses seemed to not like this section of trail and really wanted a place to get out. The closest place for them was about 4 miles to Twin Rocks. As the horses passed us we said our goodbyes to Power Girl. We started to laugh though as we had just let the horses pass us and now Power Girl was headed in the same direction as the horses and would be moving much faster than them. Opps bad planning, but I am sure Power Girl had no problem passing the horses.

Then there were two, we started the run with 8 and slowly everyone turned back. Wonder Woman and I continued on as we had 3 miles to our turn around spot at Horseshoe bar. I let Wonder Woman take the lead as she is much faster than me. We kept in contact though; she would either stop and wait or do a quick look behind to see how far back I was. We safely arrived at the turn around spot and all I could think about was how nice the dip in the river was going to be, but also how satisfying my new treat was going to taste. You see I had made myself a honey stinger and peanut butter snack. I was really hoping it tasted good because I had been looking forward to this snack for 2 hours now. When I bite into my waffle creation it tasted soooo good. It was a sweet and savory all in one and had about 400 calories as each waffle was 160 calories and I used 2 waffles and a layer of peanut butter. I just might have to try this at my next race.

Once I enjoyed a bite of my waffle and refilled my pack as I was almost out we headed down to the river to cool off. I submerged myself and I felt 100% times better. I was thinking a little clearer, I had a smile on my face, or maybe that was because of the waffle snack or maybe both. Whatever it was I felt better and ready to tackle the last 10 miles in the brutal heat.

On our return I was running a bit slower and we stopped and talked to just about everyone we saw. There were a ton of runners on the trail as everyone was getting in their long runs or taper runs before Rio and the Sierra. Miss P. came flying by me at an incredible clip, I think if I didn’t get out of her way she would have run me over that is how fast she was going and she was looking really strong. Great Job Miss P.

Wonder Woman and I slowly made our way back, or I should say I was slowly making my way back in. The heat had really taking a toll on me and I knew going into this run that I was a little dehydrated. But I continued on and found Wonder Woman waiting for me at Granit bay horse staging area where I had to use the restroom and also refill my pack as I was completely out of water. I knew I only had 3 miles to go but those 3 miles was totally exposed on the fire road and it was only getting warmer.

Wonder Woman took the short cut back and I stuck with the fire road. I slowly made my way running and hiking. I was almost back when I saw Miss P. and I decided to join her for a soak in the river as my legs were really stiff and my feet were hurting. This time though the river wasn’t as cool as I had hoped for. But it helped none the less.

This run took a bit longer than expected, but I managed to get it done. I know that the heat will be a huge issue for me and I will need to find a way to keep myself cool. I have a few ideas come race day. I might carry a bottle to squirt on my head. Maybe pick it up at the overlook or if it is warm earlier in the day pick it up at Rattlesnake, but at this point I am still just tossing around ideas.

I am looking forward finalizing my plan as I have a stellar crew and an awesome pacer. I am ready for redemption!

A day with Lil Man

Yesterday I spent the morning hanging out with Lil Man and my sister at the Fish Hatchery. Now I haven’t been to the fish hatchery since I was a little kid, so many moons ago. I actually wasn’t going to go at first because I had just come back in from a six mile run. But when Lil Man asked “You want to come with us Meme?” I just couldn’t say no.

Do you like his boots?

We spent a good hour at the hatchery. We walked the perimeter where there is a nice path and the river is right there. It was a good ¼ mile hike and of course Lil Man and I ran some of it. We made our way into the fish hatchery and spent some time feeding the fish. I cannot believe how many fish were in the holding area. There are thousands of them.

Having Fun on the hike

Time to feed some fish

The machine just kept feeding out the food! Score

It's amazing how quickly the food empties out of the cup. 5 seconds and it was time to refill it.

Check out those fish

After we feed the fish we made our way into the museum and learned about the Salmon and the life a fish. Pretty interesting. Than soon enough Lil Man had had enough of the fish hatchery and it was time to head home.

We saw some birds

Lil Man and his Mom

Now that is a big fish

Learning about the fish and the water

I had to make a trip to Target, Nephew Q birthday party is on Sunday and I needed to pick up a present. So I brought Lil Man along with to help me decide. I mean he is the expert in the 3 year old field. He played and played and played with the toys. Testing them out and of course “hinting” that he wanted something. I held strong today and explain to Lil Man that today we were picking out a birthday present for Nephew Q, and I needed his help. We finally picked out the perfect birthday present. A fire truck, which makes all sorts of sounds and even has flashing lights. I know a noisy present. I am sure payback will be in order next month Lil Mans birthday party.

The day wasn’t over yet, Lil man and I enjoyed a movie in the afternoon. We “fought” over Rio and The Fox and The Hound. Why I try to reason with a three year old I am not sure. Lil Man had some good points, I wouldn’t get scared because Traildog would be right there to protect me. Now I had no interest in watching The Fox and The Hound. So I did what any good auntie would do, I just started Rio and sure enough Lil Man settled in and watched the movie with me and Traildog. The best line that really grabbed Lil Mans attention was “pop it off like a soda can.” You will just have to watch the movie. He has been running around the house saying that all evening. Overall the movie was cute and had some great songs and  nice message.

It was a busy day, but a relaxing day with Lil Man. I enjoy spending time with him and soon enough there will be some big changes that I am not quite sure Lil Man fully understands. SO it might be a shock to him. Today I have a 20 mile run planned with some awesome friends and than a BBQ in the afternoon. Another full day.

A Nice Break

Things have been crazy over here at the Pigeon household or I should say work. I am still covering two stores. Once I finish up my process I head over and assist with clearing out the back room for the remodel store. I will say that things are moving nicely on the remodel, and it is pretty cool going in day in and day out and seeing the changes. Do I miss it? Yes, but I am glad I wasn’t the lead Executive on this project. It is tough. I am glad I am only helping support them.

Last week I took 4 days off to celebrate my birthday and to enjoy some time with Lil Man and Traildog. I didn’t run that much I think I logged only 6 miles last week. I decided that I needed to take some time off after the 50k and rest and recover and come back even stronger. I have 4 weeks before my big Target race this year. The Sierra Nevada 50 miler. If you remember last year, this is the race that I had my first DNF with less than 5 miles to go. It was a tough day out on the trail and I have Redemption in my sights this year.

What did I do on my days off? I spent a lot of time of relaxing. I spent most of my afternoons playing with Lil Man and Traildog and I even spent a evening with my family at dinner. I can’t remember the last time we have all been together like that. It has been awhile.

Time for some stroller derby!

This way Q, this way! Corner, Corner

Lil Man shows Q how it is done.

Ohh no man down!

Ahh how cute are they. This was right before they both tumbled into the wall and loud crying followed. But I am proud to say that I got this shout.

Time to mow the yard.

Nephew Q who turns 3 this weekend.

Lil man is ready to play baseball

Batter Up!!

Nephew Q showing me how it is done.

Traildog trying to stay cool and as close to his mommy as he possible could.

Slip and Slide time

Mommy I don't want to get wet, I want to stay right here in the shade with you.

Lil Man had a blast showing me how he could slip and slide.

A little help from daddy to reach the "pool"

Of course when I did return back to work on Friday I was immediately overwhelmed. I was “asked” to return to the remodel store and help them sort out their back room. When I read the list of what needed to get done and how much of it was bone breaking labor I was terrified. It takes a lot of energy and effort  on my part to complete a 2600 piece trailer and then to head over and continue with the physical work load is even tougher. But I did, and maybe that is why I wasn’t running that much because I have been exhausted after my 10 hour shifts of nonstop lifting, problem solving, ect.

I am glad that it is my 4 day weekend. I really needed this break. I can’t wait to hit the trails on Saturday enjoy some good BBQ with some awesome friends and then a birthday party on Sunday for my nephew Q. Busy weekend but one that will bring joy and happiness to this tired and overworked Pigeon.



Run On The Sly 50k Race Report 2011

Run On The Sly 50k was my birthday present to me. It also wasn’t my target race for the year, but rather a training run to log some miles before my 50 miler in September. Race morning I was up really early, I have been having a hard time getting a normal sleep pattern since moving to the early morning shift and my internal clock was still on work mode. But being up early wasn’t that frustrating for me, I was able to enjoy my morning and the weird thing was I wasn’t nervous or anxious about this race. Probably because I didn’t put any real expectations for the race. I did have a time goal, but once I was out there I threw my time goal out the window. Here is how my race unfolded and the early low I had to battle through that lasted for 5 tough miles.

The first 3.89 miles of Sly is all climbing, with a few nice rollers, but straight up. What a way to start the race and really shock my legs and cause that dreadful dead leg feeling. I did my best and kept on trucking. I walked only a short bit, but I was secretly hoping that the next bend would bring relief and some downs or some flats, but nope I was still climbing. I hit the first aid station and quickly grabbed 2 triangles of PB&J and was off just as quickly as I came in. I was trying to stay with solid food as long as I could before I taking GU. A strategy that I am sure caused my extreme low so early in the race.

After the initial 3.89 climb there is a gradual descent where my legs were alive and I took full advantage of making up some time. But just as I was getting comfortable there was another grueling climb that took the wind out of my sail. I kept on moving knowing there would be a nice long descent coming. As the second aid station neared I had the same plan in place, 2 PB&J and I was out. I had enough water in my hydration pack and I didn’t want to start drinking Pepsi this early in the race as I was only at mile 7.

As I continued on I found myself in the company of Eric, who I know from the last ultra training group. We talked for a bit. As we neared the single track I took the lead, but soon he passed me. My legs were not feeling right. I kept a nice pace, but backed off a bit.

As we made our way around the lake my legs would come and go and I was just focused on keeping a nice comfortable pace. The views were gorgeous, but I dare not look to long as part of the trail had a nice drop off to the water. Going around the lake was very runnable and I was frustrated because I couldn’t find a rhythm. It had nice rollers that weren’t that large and the single track trail was smooth and for most fast, but for me it was just the opposite. Eric slowly left my sights as I slowed down, but not before the hornet invasion. I saw Eric fling his arms and I couldn’t figure out why, then I heard the buzzing sound and then I felt the searing pain as the hornet stung my wrist and flew into my face. I screamed and yelled out and then the guy behind me was yelling. I would say that in the line I was in more than half were stung.

After the invasion I had another runner on my heels. I mean he was really on my heels and he was doing everything I did. If I hiked he did, when I started to run he did and he stayed really close. This started to annoy me and I tried to pick up the pace, but he also picked up the pace. I was dragging this runner around the lake and I could feel my energy being drained. Usually having a runner trail me doesn’t bother me, but there is also a “zone” I need. This guy was invading my “zone “and I could do nothing about it. I finally stepped off the trail because it felt like he wanted by. As I stepped off he yells “Oh you are going to make me lead now?” and as he passes me he stops dead in the middle of the trail and doesn’t move. I am speechless, I manage to say “I thought you would run as it is a downhill” He starts walking and I am pissed off now, I tell him “move over than, let me by!” I retake the lead and just as I start running so does he. Really? Now, maybe it is just me but shouldn’t he have taken his turn pulling me for a bit, or was that asking too much? Eventually I make it into the next Aid Station with the guy right on my heels even though it is a fire road.

Here I grab some Pepsi, but the Pepsi isn’t flat it is still bubbling. I decide against any food, as my stomach doesn’t feel right. In fact it is bloated and as hard as a rock. I think I am not processing my food or water and that is why I am feeling sluggish. At this aid station I ask the volunteer “How far is the loop?” He tells me 8 miles with an aid station out there. All I really wanted to do was turn right and take the path the 20 milers were running. I really didn’t want to venture out on this loop. I am at a low point and it is far too early in this race to be hitting a low. There is still a ton of miles to go and I had no clue how long this was low going to last. I slowly make my way out of the aid station; I was walking this fire road just trying to wrap my mind around this 8 mile loop. How tough could it be?

I knew my stomach wasn’t feeling right, so I slowed down my water intake and took a salt pill. I also knew I needed some fuel so I started taking my GU, hoping it would digest quickly. I also started having severe back pain with each running step. I continued on and hit the single track to be treated to a gnarly climb once again. I swear this 8 mile loop felt like 7 of it was climbing. I was passed left and right, by at least 7 male runners. I couldn’t pull myself together. I did know that this low would and could go away but I had to start readjusting my fuel. I focused on fuel and salt and positive thinking. I kept telling myself it was a training run, time on my feet was the most important thing, just keep moving, one foot in front of the other, and you can do it. Eventually I found myself running again.

I was on a nice fire road with a runner just ahead of me. I was comfortable at this point just following, he kept going straight up a nice hill. I for some reason looked to my left and saw the orange ribbons and arrows. I yelled “Hey!!!” to him as he reached the top. He stopped and yelled back “Are you OK?” I ask him “are you in the race? Because the trail goes this way.” He comes back down, questioning me and saying he was just following the runner in front of him. Another came upon us and reassured us that yes in fact we were suppose to go the left. All three of us continue on the single track trail and those two guys slowly leave my sights. I am climbing again. I took some Tylenol a bit earlier to help with the achiness in my legs and the pain in my back. I keep telling myself that once the Tylenol kicks in everything will be alright. Stay comfortable and keep moving forward.

I finally make it to the aid station and am so relieved, only they don’t have any flat Pepsi; it is still in the can. I didn’t think that my stomach could handle the bubbles. I refilled my pack as it was running pretty low and it was also starting to warm up a bit. I was at mile 15 and I am still not feeling too hot. My legs were sluggish and not really responding, how long is this going to last? I left the aid station walking. I hit the fire road found myself run walking. Soon Robert passed me and I run with him a bit. As we neared the single track I tell him to take the lead, no really please take the lead. As he takes the lead I find myself walking again. I have a nice mile hike to the top, but a beautiful thing happened during the hike. My legs started to feel better and I found quickness with each step a new strength.

My legs were slowly coming back. As I crested the top I started running and it was the most awesome feeling of the day. It had been a long and slow 5 miles of death, but I was reborn and ready to finish this race. I took off on the descent and slowly started passing everyone who passed me. As I passed I yelled out in excitement “my legs are back!” I was gaining speed and enjoying this newly found strength. I cruised into the Aid Station, downed some Pepsi saw that there were 3 guys there and I slowly and quietly left the aid station. I was feeling good.  

This descent was a bit technical, but it was very short. I hit a fire road and kept on moving. I fueled with my GU and took another salt. During mile 17 to 19 I had passed everyone who had previously passed me. That was a superb feeling and one that carried me on. The adrenaline was unbelievable.

As I neared the water crossing I saw on the other side Grahm. He was just making his way out of the water and I yell out to him “Hey!” He yells back “Hi.” But I am not sure if he knows who it is. I quickly cross the water and now I have a new target. I am now hunting and my prey is Grahm. I don’t push myself on this next section as it is a bit of a climb. Grahm is a solid climber and quickly puts some distance between us. I knew that I was a good downhiller and if I had any chance to catch him that was where it was going to be. Slowly he would come into my sights and then slowly he would leave them.

There was a road crossing with a Sherriff there to help us safely across. I asked him as I crossed “how far is the guy in front of me?” He responded “maybe 100 yards” sweet!!! I am gaining on him. I could see a runner in my sights, but it isn’t Grahm. I slowly pass this runner and then I see Grahm again. I am within striking distance. We hit the single track and I call out to Grahm “Hey, you know I have been hunting you for the past three miles right?” He says “I know, I can feel it.” He steps off the trail and as I pass I ask him if everything is ok, he is having some trouble with his quads and calves. I offer him some salt and or Tylenol. He tells me he is good. I continue on knowing that he is now hunting me and I am the prey. That fuels me and I hike with a sense of urgency more so than before.  

I am climbing and I know he can climb, I have to keep moving, don’t stop keep moving. He is literally 5 paces behind me now and he could pass me at any moment. I hike faster and as I round the next corner I see it. The next to last aid station. What a sight to see. I inhale 3 Pepsi and for some reason I had in my head that it was 4 miles to finish. When I stated that nice fact they were quick to tell me “oh No you have 7 miles to go.” Umm not what I wanted to hear and boy did that slow me down a bit. It was pretty warm and the volunteers offered me a shower. A shower, what is that? Oh you mean you have a hose to cool me down. I took that offer and that cool water was so refreshing, I was probably over heating a bit. Before I left I refilled my pack and had the best thing every, ice put in my pack. That cool water tasted so good and was so refreshing. Grahm came into the aid station and we chatted a bit, he sat down and I told him “I need you to go first so that I can hunt you.” I was joking and he said he was hunting me. I left and Grahm told me he would leave 15 seconds after I did. Ok so I had a 15 second head start with 7 miles to go.

I can do this, I am feeling confident. I am also climbing the fire road that has minimal shade. I find myself hiking to the side of the road that the shade is on and I go back and forth from shade spot to shade spot. The fire road was dry and dusty and hot.

I run when I can and I see a few spectators, they tell me the next aid station is .5 miles away. I yell in excitement “Thank God” .5 I can do that. That .5 felt longer, but I made it.

The volunteers said “welcome back, and what do you need” “Um was I hear already?” “Yes this is the first aid station and you look much better now than when you first came through.” “ohh I don’t remember I choose to forget the first 3.89 miles, maybe I need some Pepsi.” I could have sworn I saw them at another aid station, but all I knew was I had 3.89 miles to the finish that was pretty much downhill. I chit chatted with them a bit. I told them I did TRT four weeks ago, and that this was a training run. I was pacing my friend at Rio in three weeks and then I had a 50 miler 2 weeks after that. Why I am not sure, it just all came out. The guy couldn’t believe I did TRT and told me that mountain races are tough but nice job getting the miles in. I saw another runner approaching and I quickly thanked them for being here and the talk. I was off, just 3.89 miles to finish.

I was hammering this downhill stretch. But it wasn’t all downhill, it had some rollers which I power hiked but as soon as I crested I was running. I was transitioning pretty well and my legs were still strong. I was almost done, I could hear the announcer but I still had 2 miles to go. Wow, only 2 miles especially after the low I hit from 12-17. It is amazing I managed to pull myself out of that low. 1 mile to go almost there and it really is all downhill from here. I hit pavement and I can see the finish line. I cross in 7:01:41.4, 63 overall. As cross I let out a huge breath of relief.

This race didn’t go exactly as I wanted it to. But what race does? I learned a lot out there during my low point. I pushed through and managed to correct my mistakes. I learned that solid food really doesn’t process fast enough for me. I need to have a combination of solid food and GU. I learned that I am a strong runner and that I will bounce back, it just might take some time.

It was time on feet that counted most, but the most memorable experience for me was when I came out of that low with legs that were alive and I slowly picked off each of those runners that had passed me. Even during my darkest moment I still have a competitive drive that will carry me to the end.