Behind the Scenes Part Duo

I returned to one of my favorite towns; Santa Cruz, and worked at the Surfer’s Path Marathon and Capitola Half. This was my second year serving on the race committee and the second year anniversary for this new event.

I was responsible for overseeing social media outlets as well as coordinating volunteers. I also ended up wearing many hats and helped out wherever was needed. The weekend was a blur of busy, but rewarding all just the same.

The race doubled in numbers from the first year and there was a two team relay added to the half marathon.When planning events, anything can happen! Some things will be out of your control no matter how many times you follow-up. Despite some small snafus, everything turned out really well!

Finish Line in the beginning before the bulk of the runners came in.

While I have never run the marathon course in its entirety, I have run all parts of the course at different times. It is hilly sure, but certainly not as hilly as The San Francisco Marathon. Quite a few friends of mine obtained a shiney new PR, so it can’t be that bad, right?! With beautiful coastal views, cool temps, I hope to actually be a participant in the event someday instead of working behind the scenes.

Regardless, whether I am working it or running, this was a wonderful event to be a part of! You really can’t beat superb race organization, fun people and great weather. It was truly a party on the beach!

Paulette & UMM volunteered their time to help out waking up at 4am! So appreciative of all that they did!

Paulette checking people in!

Elise and I looking very official! :P That's Paulette's shadow taking the pic!

SFM Ambassadors representing! Bummed that I did not get Meg in the shot!

Keri and her pup Shilo at the expo!

Hooray! Keri ran her very 1st Half Marathon! So proud!

Marcia and Jesse after the Half!

Carina who got a Half PR!

Woohoo and the lovely Shannon who PR'd on the Marathon course! 

Just Another Dirty Trails Saturday

The mind is capable of much more than the body can handle. Looking back, it perhaps was not such a good idea to register for a race but two weeks after running my first 50k. And then, unforeseen and certainly unwanted, having my bum ankle that I painfully rolled  twice. But, I do love being surrounded by the run community so who am I to complain!

I participated in the Dirty Little Secret Trail 5.8 mile race organized by Fleet Feet, Sacramento and held in Cool. I will say that the race organization was awesome! The shirts were great and the pancake breakfast even better. The race course however was not my cup of tea.

Some of the Folsom Trail Runners at Dirty Little Secret - Love how we are all looking in different directions

I love trees! I love running in lush beautiful forests shaded by canopy upon canopy of leaves. Green ferns and moss decorating the dark brown bark seen every stride of the way. Yep, I am a tree trail runner. And this course was mostly open exposed meadows. There was one creek crossing that led you up a nice hill climb surrounded by my tree friends, but that was it.

I was not racing, but did want to push myself. After a mile of running in meadow however, I mentally just couldn’t bare it. The thought that the meadow was as good as it gets tore me down. I should have pushed through, but the heat at 8:45am already intolerable, slowed me down. About to cross the finish line I said aloud “so glad to be done.” A gal I was right behind agreed with my statement. My Garmin displayed 5.85 miles, but it felt like 15.8.

Not to be a total downer, I did have fun! I mean how can you not surrounded by running friends and acquaintances. And I love the shirt! Funny, it seems that some of my worst race experiences seem to have the best fitting shirt and designs.

After DLS; UMM, Penny, and I dashed off to the Inaugural Gold Rush 100k. UMM paced Ranbir the last 20 miles and I crewed. Did I mention it was a hot day? Perhaps too hot and not the best idea to bring the dog, but she was a trooper. And oh, how cute she was excitedly greeting the runners who crossed the finish line. She is turning into a running mascot. And proud doggie mommy moment - She ran her first eight trail miles at Jenkinson Lake on Friday. Yay!!! 

Hooray! 8 miles in the books for Penny at Jenkinson Lake!

Anyway, back to the Gold Rush - Both of Matt’s buddies Rob and Ranbir battled the heat and ended up finishing in the top 15! Amazing really. I mean here I ran a measly 5.8 miles complaining of the heat and these guys ran in the heat for nine plus hours. Yep, I’m not worthy! It was a long, hot, run related day, but fun all just the same.

Ranbir and UMM at the finish!

Rob on the course photo courtesy of his lovely wife Cara

Exhausted at the Finish line! That's how the 100k finishers felt too!

This week you can find me in Santa Cruz busily working at the Surfer’s Path Marathon. While I won’t be running, I will be surrounded by my favorite community of runners. Forest of Nisene Marks Half Marathon is my next trail race where I will be among my tree friends. Following that marks my favorite weekend of the year - The San Francisco Marathon but of course! Busy running calendar and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Rolling with the Punches

Miwok 100k turned into Miwok 60k due to a red flag warning causing a park closure. UMM and I decided to camp at Pantoll Campground the night before where we were joined by some of his buddies also running. I was just there for support and crew. I had also brought our new pup Penny for her first camping experience. I must say she did quite well and really rolled with the punches!

Speaking of rolling with the punches - Tia the race director of Miwok really adapted quickly to the changes of the trail closures, worked all night to change the course and still had a smile plastered on her face the whole entirety of the race event. Kudos Miss Tia as this is what event coordinating is all about. Defining those who are really good at their jobs to those who are just mediocre.

Chicks on a Stick - My version of Smores called Smeeps.

Barely getting any sleep at the campground, we awoke at 2:30 in the morning to cook breakfast and get ready. We were in the town of Stinson Beach just before 4am for bib pickup. The race started at 5am and as we walked into the community center this is what we saw -

Ugg. At first we were disappointed. UMM more so than I of course as he was ready to tackle his first 100k. We slept in the car for an hour or so not wanting to return back to camp. Upon waking, UMM’s attitude did a 180 and he was positive and upbeat about the change in race distance. All is fair in love and trail running. Things can and will happen out of anyone’s control. Either you adapt or are bitter about the situation causing negative vibes where no one cares to hang out with you because you are such a downer! That being said, UMM truly inspires me as he certainly can turn his frown upside down and focus on the bright side.

The day was long. I had fun hanging out with fellow SFM ambassador Peter and chatting with other support crews and pacers. At the Tennessee Valley Aid Station around the 25 mile mark, UMM surprised me by sitting down and claiming that he was going to hang out for a while. Usually one to fly through aid stations, I knew he was struggling. Thankfully his buddy Ranbir agreed to pace him the thirteen miles or so back and I was happy to see UMM cross the finish line happy and strong. Everyone who crossed the finish line said the same thing - “That course was tough.” Shocked to even hear it from a few Miwok veterans. And though I didn’t ask, I wonder why it had been so tough even with the shortened course. Was it purely a mindset, the heat, or just an off day? Perhaps I will never know.

Photo courtesy of Ranbir

Even though I did not run this race, I was very impressed. If I ever decide to run a 100k, Miwok would be the one! And if nothing else, for the Lagunitas Trail Ale specially brewed for all the race entrants. I am very proud of UMM for keeping focused and battling through his demons to finish strong. 

Ranbir and UMM at the finish line

60k Finishers - Willie, Tony, & Umm

Trail Tales of my First Ultra

It was a December evening, that I came back home with UMM after a night out, delirious with wine. I had a moment where I realized I had no running goals lined up for the New Year and wanted redemption for my marathon DNF. Upon waking the next morning, I checked my email to discover I had registered both UMM and I for the Inside Trail Racing Folsom Lake 50k and wondered exactly what I had gotten myself into.

The training was tough it’s true, but nowhere near what I experienced race day. Leading up to the big day, I was nervous as I took a longer taper than I should have with travel . The forecast predicted highs in the 90’s, and I was certainly worried about the heat! And then, only two days prior to the event, I turned my ankle really bad while running at Jenkinson Lake. While I have turned my ankle many times before on the trails, I had never felt so much pain as I did that day. Of course I panicked. Wouldn’t you? I did everything I could to nurse my ankle and while the pain subsided, the swelling still remained. It was race morning that I wrapped my ankle and decided to at least try and run the course to its entirety and told myself that if I felt any major pain, I would simply just stop.

And thus began a running journey I will never forget.

Layla came out for the weekend and signed up for the Half Marathon. UMM dropped down from the 50k to the half. I had other friends running the half distance and 10k event, but none running the marathon or 50k. I had known that from the beginning though. Being the social runner I am, I prefer a running buddy. I mentally prepared myself to run 31.1 miles alone, and was ready. We all know though, that when it comes to running in a race, you never really are alone.

Photo courtesy of the Lovely layla - Me right before the start, feeling slightly queasy.

Another Pre race photo. Chilly morning = scorching afternoon. Not certain what Penny is looking at!

In a blur, the race started at Folsom Point. I chatted briefly w/ a very nice gal who was running along w/ me until she told me she was running the half. I quickly told her that the half had not started yet and wished her good luck as she stopped running, luckily.

I decided to wear my garmin only to tell me the time and not keep track of my miles and pace. Honestly, I kind of dug having the freedom of not looking at my garmin every couple of seconds. It also kept my mind distracted as every so often I would estimate my mileage and finishing time. For a mind like mine that is not very good with numbers, I welcomed the calculations as it helped keep my mind off of other things that I will mention later.

We crossed a dam that was exposed for a mile until hitting the single track that was not foreign to me. I had run this single track that led to the Marina with the Folsom Trail Runners every Tuesday at noon for the last couple of months. I knew every hill and was confident. In the first six miles, it was obvious that I was running, but it all felt effortless. Like I was just merely using my body as a vessel to carry me. It was almost like I was floating. It was strange, but I was happy as I felt no pain in my ankle. At the second aid station around mile 6 or so I was assisted by the awesome and super nice Karen who was apologetic that her AS was not complete due to a volunteer not showing up. She peeled me a tangerine and warned me to watch out for a tree that had fallen in the middle of the path. I thanked her for her kindness and warning and headed on my way. In my mind, I figured I would just have to jump over a log. In reality, I found myself lost in a tree tunnel. I used my superb (insert sarcasm here) navigating skills to get myself out of the jungle of branches and leaves. Please believe me when I say that I write of no exaggeration here. The tree was certainly an obstacle adventure. It was a fun addition to the race I think! Shortly after, I had come to my least favorite section of the trail which was an exposed meadow. I am not one for exposed meadows especially in the heat. I managed to pass through it as fast as I could. I later discovered there were a few more exposed areas I would face on the course.

As I mentioned in the beginning, I was worried about running in 90 degree weather. I had not trained in such and therefore felt unprepared. I tied a wet bandana around my neck. It was karen actually, who when I saw at the aid station again just a mere 10k from the finish,wrapped ice in the bandana for me. I had not thought of this and man, what a treat! It’s the little things right? While it did not take long for the ice to melt wrapped around my overly heated neck, it held cooling powers I just can’t explain!  I was also constantly drinking water. At the aid stations, I consumed double the electrolytes and refilled my hydration pack more times than I ever had before. Because Inside Trail Racing does a spectacular job of having an aid station every 3-5 miles on the course, I never had a fear of conserving. I drank to my hearts content and never once peed!

Around mile 13, I was giddy with the idea that soon I would be at the last aid station that would mark the 50k turn around point. I was enjoying the beautiful views of Lake Folsom and the lupin that surrounded it. Runners at this point were heading back on the single track and I was happily shouting words of encouragement to each and everyone of them that passed.  And then, it happened. I turned the very same ankle I had rolled just two days past, again! I screamed in pain and fell to the ground. The pain was so excruciating I thought I had truly snapped my ankle in half. I started to bawl. No one was around. Not behind or coming towards. Still bawling, I struggled to pick myself up and carry on. I was limping. I did not know what to do so, I walked on. I figured I would get to the next aid station and decide what to do there. The thought of DNFing pulled at my heart strings, but the thought of running in pain for the next 18 miles did not appeal to me. I bawled hard until I had no more tears. Runners came towards me again and not wanting them to know I was in pain, I continued to shout words of encouragement even though the dirt stained tears on my face made it obvious I had been crying.

I got to the last aid station where the pain was slowly subsiding. I had even started running again at a very slow pace. Despite the progress, to my surprise, I started bawling again. I literally had a meltdown telling the volunteers that I did not know what I was going to do. Both of them looked at me and simply said; “Can you make it 4.5 miles to the next aid station? If you can, just keep going and if by the next you are still in a lot of pain, stop.”

“Just keep moving forward!”

These words were all I needed to hear. It was exactly the push I needed to get me back on track. I am truly grateful for these two people as I might not have done it without them! And though I failed to get their names, I will never forget how so very encouraging they were! My heros of the day! I left that aid station with a new found energy. I would not let the rocks and sticks defeat me! I would carry on. I don’t know if the pain ever did go away completely or if I just felt numb to it, but on the return, I ran hard. I passed people. I made friends. I talked to caterpillars. The heat did not bother me as much as I thought it would, but then again, I did take extra precautions.

I also made sure to eat. It was with trial and error that I discovered besides drinking electrolytes, what I need most on my long runs is not sweets nor carbs, but protein and calcium. Not found at the overly stocked aid stations, I packed a hard boiled egg and two string cheeses. At the aid stations however, I would eat potatoes w/ salt, and oranges. While I don’t drink soda on a regular basis, Mountain Dew never tasted so good in the midst of running through the forest.

I had just under a 10k left when a guy came running towards me. “Are you the dehydrated one?” he asked. I recognized him immediately from social media channels.

“I think at this point it is safe to say we are all dehydrated.” I responded.

It was indeed Clint who not only was a Folsom Trail Runner like myself, but shared my love of beer as we were buddies on a beer app called UnTappd. Clint was volunteering at the first and last aid station. I missed him coming through so it was nice to run a few miles with him and talk about our favorite subjects running and beer! Very glad I got to meet him in person. He was also patient with me for it was around this time that I started to walk. I needed the walk break. I was ready to be done and though I kept telling myself the faster I run the quicker I will finish, I just couldn’t get my legs to work.

I left Clint back at his aid station and once again set off. I ran. I walked. I ran and finally I got back to that damn dam! Even though the dam was exposed, I had a new found energy in my legs. Always being one to get that kick in the end knowing the finish was not too far off, I started to sprint. A half mile later, still on the dam, I slowed to walk. My sprint picked up again as I ended the dam up the hill and onto the pavement for a nice downhill trot to the finish.Victory was finally mine! Upon crossing the finish line, UMM, Layla, Katie, and my parents quickly met me. I guess they spotted me running across the dam, but since it was so far away they couldn’t tell it was me. And,since I had such a great stride they figured it couldn’t be me. My dad actually thought I was a guy in the distance, but they were all wrong, it was me!!! I didn’t care that they weren’t right there at the finish though, I was just happy that they waited for me to finish! Such great support and love! Truly grateful for such wonderful friends and family!

Photo courtesy of Katie. See the arrows? I'm that speck! Ugg that damn dam!

My loves!

I discovered that UMM placed 2nd overall in the Half, and Layla got a kick in her legs at the half way point and finished strong! I also discovered, that despite my slow time of 7:19, I placed 3rd in my Age Group! Mind you, there were only 35 runners registered in the 50k, but so what! I will take my victory thank you very much!

In all honestly, I was hoping to finish in 6:45 and not a half an hour past that. I am however proud of myself for finishing at all and shocked at my determination to keep on going despite the ankle issues I was having. And to think, I almost gave up! It was a running journey I will never forget filled with lows and highs and everything in between.

Photo courtesy of Layla. My prize for running 31.1 miles!

My ultra cherry is officially popped now. I am still in disbelief that I did it and I am certainly glad I did. These next couple of days post 50k race, my body aches in spots I didn’t even know existed. If I am not itching at the bug bites all over my back and arms, then I am scratching at the poison oak on my legs. My ankle is in pretty bad shape and taking a wee break from running is mandatory. Despite all my woes, I can’t seem to stop smiling and thus an ultra marathoner was born!

Food and yummy beer post race at Fat Rabbit!

Victory is mine! Love the color of the shirt! They must have done that just for me!

Peace. Love. Run: The 117th Boston Marathon

Because UMM qualified for the  Boston Marathon, I was able to tag along and live vicariously through all his glory. I fell in love with the city immediately upon seeing it. Normally not much of a tourist, here I eagerly took in the sights. Became knowledgeable of the history and had a true Boston experience staying on a houseboat.

Qualifying for the Boston Mary is a big deal. Many will try, few will actually have the experience. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of it. I did not run the marathon. I might never have the opportunity, but being involved with all the activities leading up to the marathon was a true honor.

I participated in the 5k event that was held on Sunday. It was the biggest 5k race I had ever run, and while no PR’s were to be had due to a crowded course, I simply just took it all in. Amazed at all the people running and feeding off their energy of positive vibes. We were all happy to be there. Running in Boston regardless of the distance.

And if UMM and I were not doing running related activities we would see runners everywhere! Sightseeing with their families, riding the T, drinking beer at a pub and eating cannoli. Amazing to turn a corner and all you see is runners. Yes Boston certainly holds the mecca for running!

All this leading up to the big day, where I dropped UMM off at the buses in Boston Common ready to take him away to the starting line. Wide eyed and smiling, he resembled a five year old about to start school for the very first time. I reminded him of his snacks and told him to make friends. I left him as he stepped on the bus, nervous like an excited parent.

On the course I stood with Paulette and Ann at the 17 mile marker and cheered on everyone that passed us. The spectators were excited, happy, and supportive. Like nothing I had witnessed before. When UMM passed by us, he stopped quickly to kiss me which made my heart melt. Sure he also kissed two Wellesley girls on the cheek before me, but that was all part of the experience. His Boston marathon experience.

I decided to avoid the finish line and wait for UMM at the family meeting place instead. The crowds were massive. Usually I am not one for crowds, but with everyone being in such high spirits, I didn’t seem to mind. When I finally connected to UMM. he was ecstatic, tired, sore. Did I mention sick? He ran the marathon sick. I mean it is Boston! Wouldn’t you? Regardless of how UMM felt, he wanted to take a nap and after celebrate his marathon achievement as well as our last night in Boston.

Celebration as you well know, was not to be had. Instead of cheers there were tears. There was panic for everyone I knew present and for those that I didn’t. There was chaos and fear. My heart broke for everyone; runners, spectators, families, volunteers, but especially those victims who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Wrong place? How could a finish line be the wrong place. Where thousands of runners crossed that line of victory as thousands of cheerleaders celebrated in their achievements.

Just days before, I had a horrible thought that later UMM shared with me he thought the very same. If someone wanted to create a scene, terrorize or be noticed, the Boston Marathon would certainly be a place to do it. Both him and I pushed the horrible thought out of our head as we both are positive people. We had no idea that our thoughts would become a reality.

A large number of runners were not able to cross the finish line. Some were but a half mile away if not closer. Of course the marathon would stop. Of course the injured were a first priority. It is understood and accepted. And while at this point a medal is of little significance, I can’t help but sympathize for all those left out on the course not able to cross the finish line. They worked just as hard to be there if not harder. Just as I write this blog, B.A.A submitted an announcement on Facebook - “..And we will soon announce a procedure to mail medals out as well.”

This made me happy to read as everyone out there deserves their medal regardless whether they were able to finish or not.  

The next day upon boarding a plane, we spoke with other runners and spectators describing the events that unfolded. Instead of congratulating each other on their victories, we were somber and confused. Detached however, was certainly not what we were! Bonded together, we were no longer strangers regardless if we knew their names. Out of the ugliness of the explosions, came beauty. And thus the running community became a stronger unit.

You don’t have to be a runner to be affected by this. It touched everyone in Boston, across the country, and globally. Runners, walkers, couch potatoes alike are all affected. I was deeply touched not only by how volunteers and others responded and rushed in to aid the injured victims, but also by the flood of texts, calls, messages, comments, and tweets UMM and I recieved making sure we were okay. It was nice to hear from friends and family. It was good to connect to those we have not heard from in quite some time.

It is heartbreaking to know that there are people out there that take joy in causing pain to others. It is comforting and inspiring to know, that yes through tragedy, love will prevail. And after all is said and done, I will continue to run. I will continue to cheer for my friends crossing the finish line. And I will live each moment as it is my last. This disgusting turn of events has not weakened my spirit but made it stronger.

Peace. Love. Run.

More Joyous moments from our visit to Boston -

Pre 5k event with fellow SFM Ambassadors  Paulette and Keith

Photo courtesy of Keith - The start of the 5k

Post 5k w/ Keith, Vinh, UMM and Paulette

Lewis Wharf where our houseboat was located

On Deck - Paulette and Ann enjoying beer and super yummy cannoli on our houseboat. Ahoy Mateys.

Found fellow SFM Ambassadors at the buses on marathon morning Celia and Susan

Hanging out w/ more SFM Ambassadors Chris, Emily, and Paulette

Vacation Mode

I dropped my mileage down last week as my body was quite tired from the Canyon Meadow trail marathon. It didn’t hurt persay, it just felt drained. Perhaps dropping my miles was not the best thing to do since I am still in training mode for my first 50k, but I did what I did. Maybe I listen to my body a little too much.

Very excited as I leave for vaca on Sunday! UMM and I are heading to New York, a city we love to visit. We are then heading to Boston where not only do I get to cheer UMM and other friends running the Boston Marathon, but I am also running the 5k event that happens the day before the Mary. I am very excited to visit Boston as I have never been. UMM and I are staying on a houseboat and that is also very exciting as I love love love boats!

I expect there will be no PRs for this 5k though. And that’s okay. My focus naturally has been getting time on my feet. Learning how to run long distances on trails in preparation for the 50k. I have had no speed training. I will still sprint my little heart out and enjoy the race. After my 50k, I would like to work on improving my sprint and 5k time. I have not had a 5k PR (21:25) in a couple of years and I am just itching to break it.

I also hope I can get some miles in while on vacation. Traveling certainly puts a toll on my body though. I will try to get out there as much as possible especially with my 50k at the end of the month. EEK.

Before I head off, I will be volunteering with the Folsom Trail Runners at the American River 50 mile race on Saturday. I will be at the 22.4 mile mark passing out water and cheering everyone on as they run by. Good luck to all those running!

Boston roll call - Will you be there running? Spectating?

And just because I am madly in love - Pictures of Penny our new Pup!