The bike ride was supposed to be 74 miles with 8400 feet of climbing. It ended up being 105 miles with 10,800 feet of vertical, the result of one wrong turn.
I started in Foresthill headed out Mosquito Ridge Rd toward French Meadow reservoir with the idea of looping back by Oxbow reservoir to where I started. Mosquito Ridge Rd is really nice, a 10 mile descent starts you off followed by a real nice gradual climb that lasts 15+ miles. I was advised to leave a bottle at the start of the loop so I could have it for the long climb back up to Foresthill, which I did. It took me about 3 hours to reach French Meadow, a recreation lake that really has an isolated feel about it. You can't help but notice the surroundings showing evidence of past wildfires. Pretty stark.
It was a beautiful day, blue skies, not too hot (yet), light breeze. At the first intersection after French Meadow, I knew I didn't want to go to Hell Hole reservoir so I hung a right toward Georgetown. Shortly after that I was on a descent when I noticed writing on the road that said H2O with an arrow pointing toward the side of the road. Since there weren't any convenient 7-11's nearby, I decided to investigate. I'm glad I did. I found a pipe coming out of the side of the hill pouring forth cold, good-tasting water from some unseen spring. I topped myself and my bottles off and continued on. The next intersection I came to was a bit confusing. It was a non-descript fork in the road with no signs anywhere. I went left here, apparently I should have gone right.
After a long time of very quiet, deserted backroads in the middle of nowhere, climbing and descending relentlessly, I came out on a beautiful, 2 lane stretch of blacktop, nice wide shoulders, and virtually no traffic. I didn't have a clue where I was. I could go left or right. This time I chose right, literally. I rode on, completely unsure if I had made the right decision, when I passed a campground called Stumpy Meadows. I swung in and went to the RV of the campground host to ask directions. She told me I was on Wentworth Springs Rd. Shit. I knew I was hell and gone from where I wanted to be.
The nice lady said I had 2 choices, go back the way I came (I don't THINK so) or ride 30 miles to Cool then another 20 to Foresthill. I was already 69 miles into my ride so I did the math and knew I had some work ahead of me. She gave me 2 cold bottles of water, some snacks, and I was on my way. Thank you so much Stumpy Meadows Campground Host.
I figured I'd call Pat when I got to Georgetown and have him come and get me in Cool. But when I got there he didn't answer his phone, I left a message and continued on to Cool. I wanted him to rescue me but I also knew I had the fitness to make the whole ride. It would just make for a very long day. The math told me it would be about 100-105 miles to Cool, and 120 miles back to Foresthill. I was tired but pleased that I was still riding strong. I also knew my coach would think this was sooo cool.
I arrived in Cool and headed to the Holiday market to use the restroom and get some cold water and snacks to get me the last 20 miles. I called Pat again to let him know how I was doing and he asked if he and the girls should come and get me. I have to say that I was totally prepared to ride back to Foresthill but at this point my resolve crumbled. I had been on the road since 7:40, it was about 90 degrees, and I still had about 2 hours of riding ahead of me, including a descent to the Confluence, back up the other side, and then 14 more miles of hot, exposed, uphill riding. I told Pat to meet me at Old Foresthill and Foresthill Rd. That enabled me to enjoy the descent to the river and a very strong and motivated climb up to my "finish" line.
So the ride didn't go exactly as planned but it sure turned out to be a great training ride. Quite the confidence booster heading into the last month of training before Leadwoman starts. And my coach reacted exactly like I thought he would, he told me to repeat that "mistake" ride about 3 more times! The best part is I still have to complete the original French Meadow loop ride. My husband's nice insulated water bottle is still out there that I have to retrieve.
Here is the Strava link to my ride.
http://app.strava.com/activities/54263646
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The High 5
The other day I was on mile 21 of my 22 mile long run, tired and ready to be home, when I noticed a female runner coming towards me on the trail. We both had on backpack style hydration packs and recognized each other for what we were, ultrarunners. We raised our hands in greeting and I noticed she kept her hand up, she wanted a high 5. Without breaking stride or saying a single word, we exchanged a high 5, big grins on our faces. In that moment we respected and admired each other, female ultrarunners, each of us on our own, out there getting it done.
I ran that last mile strong, pushing my body and my pace, my spirit buoyed, the smile never leaving my face.
I ran that last mile strong, pushing my body and my pace, my spirit buoyed, the smile never leaving my face.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
February
Seems weird to be writing about February in April but I do want to keep a record of my quest for Leadwoman. I don't know why it's so hard to keep up with blogging but it is. I keep telling myself I'll do better but I don't. Guess I'll do what I can.
February saw a heavy focus on the bike volume. Coincidentally, my bike racing team happens to hold an annual training camp in Buellton, CA over President's weekend. Circumstances with my family had me in the Morro Bay area that weekend which is only about an hour north of Buellton so I was able to spend some long days on the bike with some fun teammates.
Perfect weather greeted us each day as we averaged 60-80 miles and 4500-5000 feet of climbing on quiet country roads. I found myself working hard to stay with the main group and show that my training was paying off. I still got dropped on the climbs but I was stronger than ever on the flats and rollers, finding myself as the only female hanging with the Big Boys. But I paid a price for it and a major focus turned to recovery after each ride. Over the 5 day period I rode 236 miles with 16,000 feet of climbing and ran 25 miles with 2600 feet vertical. A solid block of training.
The rest of the month saw a focus on MAF effort runs and bike rides. Just time in the saddle and on my feet. I also tried to really push the vertical. I also took advantage of some long local runs to explore some new trails right in my own backyard.
Some final numbers for February are:
Run: 137 miles, 17,500 ft.
Bike: 326 miles, 29,100 ft.
My work schedule as a firefighter has me spending more time on the bike trainer and treadmill than I'd like. I work 48 hours straight then I have 4 days off. I also have an hour and half commute which can eat into training time. I make the most of it but sometimes that means the bike trainer and treadmill come into play at work in order to keep up consistency. But my coach uses those days for shorter, more intense workouts and leaves the longer, more vertical workouts for my days off. They are also good for recovery rides/runs.
In February I also spent 7:30 on the bike trainer.
Today is the day after the Boston marathon bombings. What a horrible tragedy. But within tragedy comes heroism. As someone in the business of rescuing people, I find it comforting to hear all the positive words being said about the Boston EMS, firefighters, and law enforcement. Thank God for so much selfless compassion by so many. United we run.
February saw a heavy focus on the bike volume. Coincidentally, my bike racing team happens to hold an annual training camp in Buellton, CA over President's weekend. Circumstances with my family had me in the Morro Bay area that weekend which is only about an hour north of Buellton so I was able to spend some long days on the bike with some fun teammates.
Perfect weather greeted us each day as we averaged 60-80 miles and 4500-5000 feet of climbing on quiet country roads. I found myself working hard to stay with the main group and show that my training was paying off. I still got dropped on the climbs but I was stronger than ever on the flats and rollers, finding myself as the only female hanging with the Big Boys. But I paid a price for it and a major focus turned to recovery after each ride. Over the 5 day period I rode 236 miles with 16,000 feet of climbing and ran 25 miles with 2600 feet vertical. A solid block of training.
The rest of the month saw a focus on MAF effort runs and bike rides. Just time in the saddle and on my feet. I also tried to really push the vertical. I also took advantage of some long local runs to explore some new trails right in my own backyard.
Some final numbers for February are:
Run: 137 miles, 17,500 ft.
Bike: 326 miles, 29,100 ft.
My work schedule as a firefighter has me spending more time on the bike trainer and treadmill than I'd like. I work 48 hours straight then I have 4 days off. I also have an hour and half commute which can eat into training time. I make the most of it but sometimes that means the bike trainer and treadmill come into play at work in order to keep up consistency. But my coach uses those days for shorter, more intense workouts and leaves the longer, more vertical workouts for my days off. They are also good for recovery rides/runs.
In February I also spent 7:30 on the bike trainer.
Today is the day after the Boston marathon bombings. What a horrible tragedy. But within tragedy comes heroism. As someone in the business of rescuing people, I find it comforting to hear all the positive words being said about the Boston EMS, firefighters, and law enforcement. Thank God for so much selfless compassion by so many. United we run.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
January 2013
I've started feeling guilty about not updating my blog. I started out so gung-ho when I signed up for Leadwoman, I wanted to chronicle this amazing adventure of trying to do something so challenging. But the days, weeks, and now months are slipping by with nothing written, other than keeping track of workouts in my training log.
When I attempted the Leadville 100 in 2009 I kept up fairly well with my blog and I enjoy looking back and reading those posts. I need to be as diligent with this blog as I am with my training log. Before I can move forward though, I need to catch up. May as well start with January.
The New Year really started out well. Christmas was celebrated with family at my house and we continued the new year's celebrations by heading to my parents house on the central coast. Every day was spent either running or road biking. I sought out hills, hills, and more hills. One day the wind was blowing so strong while on the bike it almost broke me. Almost. Instead, it made me stronger. (I know, what a sappy cliche).
On January 1, early in the morning, I found myself standing on top of Hazard Peak in Montana de Oro state park. It was the kind of run where I didn't want to be anywhere else in the world. I hiked strong uphill, pushed the downhills, and went "wheeeee" through the switchback down hill whoop de whoops. I told myself to remember this exact run, this exact moment, when I cross the finish line of the Leadville 100 run on August 18. This is why I run.
After my run, the first day of January was spent with the family. What better way to celebrate 2013 than by taking the Polar Bear Plunge in Cayucos with thousands of other crazy people. Now Caitlyn loves the water, even really cold water, but we discovered she doesn't like really cold OCEAN water! But she's a gamer and we all made a quick dip into the Pacific.
January saw me doing a lot of volume without any intensity, typical for a lot of athletes this time of year. Lots of long bike rides, long runs, and lots of elevation gain. One place where I know I failed in my Leadville preparation in 2009 was I didn't do enough climbing. I'm not going to make that mistake again.
Due to the weather, I found myself visiting the Cool/Auburn area quite frequently. 4 weekends in a row actually. A couple of solo long runs, a Way Too Cool group training run, and the Robert and Linda Mathis Memorial Run. Some nice photos of the memorial run can be found here, on Gretchen's blog.
I've really enjoyed the consistency of my workouts and the daily juggle of bike rides, runs, work, kids, school, sports, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and being a wife and mother. No moss growing under these feet, no sir. But without all that structure (and good time management skills), I would get lazy. In January I ran 128 miles (15,000 ft) and biked 380 miles (41,600 ft). 5:15 on the stationary bike. Stay tuned for February.
When I attempted the Leadville 100 in 2009 I kept up fairly well with my blog and I enjoy looking back and reading those posts. I need to be as diligent with this blog as I am with my training log. Before I can move forward though, I need to catch up. May as well start with January.
The New Year really started out well. Christmas was celebrated with family at my house and we continued the new year's celebrations by heading to my parents house on the central coast. Every day was spent either running or road biking. I sought out hills, hills, and more hills. One day the wind was blowing so strong while on the bike it almost broke me. Almost. Instead, it made me stronger. (I know, what a sappy cliche).
 |
| The girls enjoying post Christmas holiday lights at Cambria Pines Lodge |
On January 1, early in the morning, I found myself standing on top of Hazard Peak in Montana de Oro state park. It was the kind of run where I didn't want to be anywhere else in the world. I hiked strong uphill, pushed the downhills, and went "wheeeee" through the switchback down hill whoop de whoops. I told myself to remember this exact run, this exact moment, when I cross the finish line of the Leadville 100 run on August 18. This is why I run.
 |
| Looking at Morro Rock from Hazard peak |
After my run, the first day of January was spent with the family. What better way to celebrate 2013 than by taking the Polar Bear Plunge in Cayucos with thousands of other crazy people. Now Caitlyn loves the water, even really cold water, but we discovered she doesn't like really cold OCEAN water! But she's a gamer and we all made a quick dip into the Pacific.
 |
| It was a quick dip but it was enough! |
January saw me doing a lot of volume without any intensity, typical for a lot of athletes this time of year. Lots of long bike rides, long runs, and lots of elevation gain. One place where I know I failed in my Leadville preparation in 2009 was I didn't do enough climbing. I'm not going to make that mistake again.
 |
| On top of "The Wall" on Santa Rosa Creek Rd. |
Due to the weather, I found myself visiting the Cool/Auburn area quite frequently. 4 weekends in a row actually. A couple of solo long runs, a Way Too Cool group training run, and the Robert and Linda Mathis Memorial Run. Some nice photos of the memorial run can be found here, on Gretchen's blog.
I've really enjoyed the consistency of my workouts and the daily juggle of bike rides, runs, work, kids, school, sports, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and being a wife and mother. No moss growing under these feet, no sir. But without all that structure (and good time management skills), I would get lazy. In January I ran 128 miles (15,000 ft) and biked 380 miles (41,600 ft). 5:15 on the stationary bike. Stay tuned for February.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Turkey trot and Lottery results
I love the tradition of a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. This year our plans took us to southern California to the family ranch so it was a no brainer that the Oceanside Turkey Trot would be in our future. In 2009 I set my 5K PR (22:39) at this race. However, things would be different this year. My 8 year old daughter has started running 5K's and she was so excited about this one. I knew it was a race that I had to stay with my daughter and husband and put my own racing aspirations to see if I could set a new PR on the back burner.
Early Thursday morning saw my husband, daughter, my two cousins, and nephew headed west for the 1:15 drive to the ocean. As we arrived the fog was lifting and it turned out to be a gorgeous morning. We picked up our numbers and settled into the front of the second corral.
We started and quickly settled into a nice pace. I wanted Caitlyn to be comfortable and leave something for the last mile. The crowds were pretty thick but she handled it great. Pat and I dodged around people and tried to keep the 3 of us together. By the second mile I knew Caitlyn was getting a little tired because she started asking about distances. I kept the pace steady and she stayed tough. As we dropped down onto the beach boardwalk in the final mile, Caitlyn found a new gear and took off, passing people left and right. I had to run hard to stay with her and we dropped Pat. I knew she couldn't hold that pace to the finish. She slowed a bit, regrouped, and when I pointed out the finish line about 200 yards away, she took off again. At this point I hit my max heart rate trying to keep up. It was amazing. She passed about 200 people in that last 3/4 mile.
We crossed the finish line and she collapsed, tearful, emotional, and exhausted. I let her regroup before we slowly made our way through the finishing chute. I could not have been more impressed with this incredible girl, no, runner, who left everything out on the course. I proudly placed the finishers medal around her neck.
My cousins Joey and Jamie did great despite running with some injuries. Joey's son PJ out-ran us all, setting a new PR and taking a few minutes off his time from 2009. It was a great morning, shared with family. After collecting our shirts we headed back up to the ranch for some much deserved turkey.
Lotteries, lotteries.....
In order to prepare for Leadwoman, I put my name in a couple lotteries, Way Too Cool 50K and Miwok 100K. I found out last Monday that I had been selected for WTC. However, I started having second thoughts about Miwok. It's an incredibly tough course and I started thinking I don't want to be in 100K shape in May since Leadville 100 isn't until August. So last Tuesday I emailed the RD and asked that my name be pulled out of the lottery hat. I guess I missed the deadline though because I checked the entrants list the next day and there was my name. 2 for 2, for better or worse. I'm looking forward to Miwok and building my confidence on a long, hard course but it also scares me. I don't want to push myself too hard this early in the season and get hurt. I'll have to be smart about it, treat it as a long training run. And I have confidence in my coach.
I started working with a coach a couple weeks ago and it's so nice to have structure to my workouts. I have confidence that what Lucho is having me do now and what I'll be doing in the future will get me to Leadwoman. I'm already noticing faster times with easier efforts with the consistency in my workouts. Right now I'm doing a nice mix of running and biking, with the emphasis on the bike. Just this week saw a 2:30 mtn bike ride in the cold, sleet, and mud and a couple days later a 4 hour road ride with 5800 feet of climbing. It's more than I would have been doing on my own but my body is handling it very well.
As I prepare for Christmas my heart goes out to those in Connecticut. Keep loved ones close and give those kids an extra hug.
Early Thursday morning saw my husband, daughter, my two cousins, and nephew headed west for the 1:15 drive to the ocean. As we arrived the fog was lifting and it turned out to be a gorgeous morning. We picked up our numbers and settled into the front of the second corral.
We started and quickly settled into a nice pace. I wanted Caitlyn to be comfortable and leave something for the last mile. The crowds were pretty thick but she handled it great. Pat and I dodged around people and tried to keep the 3 of us together. By the second mile I knew Caitlyn was getting a little tired because she started asking about distances. I kept the pace steady and she stayed tough. As we dropped down onto the beach boardwalk in the final mile, Caitlyn found a new gear and took off, passing people left and right. I had to run hard to stay with her and we dropped Pat. I knew she couldn't hold that pace to the finish. She slowed a bit, regrouped, and when I pointed out the finish line about 200 yards away, she took off again. At this point I hit my max heart rate trying to keep up. It was amazing. She passed about 200 people in that last 3/4 mile.
We crossed the finish line and she collapsed, tearful, emotional, and exhausted. I let her regroup before we slowly made our way through the finishing chute. I could not have been more impressed with this incredible girl, no, runner, who left everything out on the course. I proudly placed the finishers medal around her neck.
 |
| Jamie, Joey, PJ, Caitlyn, me, and Pat |
My cousins Joey and Jamie did great despite running with some injuries. Joey's son PJ out-ran us all, setting a new PR and taking a few minutes off his time from 2009. It was a great morning, shared with family. After collecting our shirts we headed back up to the ranch for some much deserved turkey.
Lotteries, lotteries.....
In order to prepare for Leadwoman, I put my name in a couple lotteries, Way Too Cool 50K and Miwok 100K. I found out last Monday that I had been selected for WTC. However, I started having second thoughts about Miwok. It's an incredibly tough course and I started thinking I don't want to be in 100K shape in May since Leadville 100 isn't until August. So last Tuesday I emailed the RD and asked that my name be pulled out of the lottery hat. I guess I missed the deadline though because I checked the entrants list the next day and there was my name. 2 for 2, for better or worse. I'm looking forward to Miwok and building my confidence on a long, hard course but it also scares me. I don't want to push myself too hard this early in the season and get hurt. I'll have to be smart about it, treat it as a long training run. And I have confidence in my coach.
I started working with a coach a couple weeks ago and it's so nice to have structure to my workouts. I have confidence that what Lucho is having me do now and what I'll be doing in the future will get me to Leadwoman. I'm already noticing faster times with easier efforts with the consistency in my workouts. Right now I'm doing a nice mix of running and biking, with the emphasis on the bike. Just this week saw a 2:30 mtn bike ride in the cold, sleet, and mud and a couple days later a 4 hour road ride with 5800 feet of climbing. It's more than I would have been doing on my own but my body is handling it very well.
As I prepare for Christmas my heart goes out to those in Connecticut. Keep loved ones close and give those kids an extra hug.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
My New Best Friend
For most people, the game plan goes something like this: decide to ride an epic 100 mile bike race. Pick the Leadville 100. Get in the lottery (good luck with that). Get selected. Buy a new bike for the new adventure. I did it backwards. I bought my dream bike and decided that it was made for Leadville. Enter Leadman to guarantee that I can do the bike race as well as some incredible run races. Train hard.
It started back in 2011 when Pat and I visited our friends who live in Crested Butte during the Fat Tire Bike week. Specialized was there with some demo bikes. I rode my Specialized Stumpjumper to a Leadville 100 finish back in 2001. My husband rode the same bike to a finish the next year. That's still my primary bike and needless to say, it's a bit behind the times. Even though it was against my better judgment (we couldn't afford to buy me a new bike and I knew I'd love anything I test rode and it would just torture me to not buy a new bike) I decided to test ride a Specialized Epic 29er, a $10,000 bike.
I can't explain what it was like riding that bike. You couldn't scrape the smile off my face. Instead of avoiding any rock bigger than a pebble, I was searching out the biggest, baddest things I could roll my tires over. The 29 inch wheels were incredible. This bike rocked. I was born to ride this bike. It had a 1x10 gearing set up which I had never seen before but really liked. I wanted it. Bad.
I sure didn't want to return that bike but I guess taking it home with me wasn't a wise idea (I left my 10 year old Stumpjumper with the Specialized folks as collateral, isn't that a fair trade?) Needless to say, we left Crested Butte without a new bike and I returned home and continued to ride my faithful Stumpy. But it was getting more and more difficult.
Fast forward over a year and things finally fell into place and I was able to get a great deal on a new 2013 Specialized Epic Expert 29er. My first ride elicited the exact same feelings I had experienced in Crested Butte over a year ago. I was born to ride this bike. And this bike was born to take on Leadville. I decided right then and there that I was going to sign up for Leadman. First time I've had disc brakes and I put them to the full test on Wednesday when I discovered a new trail aptly named Scott's Drop. It's geared with a 2x10 which I prefer over the 1x10.
For the next couple months my run training is officially going to take a backseat to bike training. And I have no problem with that. Buzz and I have many dates planned on the local trails. My new best friend.
It started back in 2011 when Pat and I visited our friends who live in Crested Butte during the Fat Tire Bike week. Specialized was there with some demo bikes. I rode my Specialized Stumpjumper to a Leadville 100 finish back in 2001. My husband rode the same bike to a finish the next year. That's still my primary bike and needless to say, it's a bit behind the times. Even though it was against my better judgment (we couldn't afford to buy me a new bike and I knew I'd love anything I test rode and it would just torture me to not buy a new bike) I decided to test ride a Specialized Epic 29er, a $10,000 bike.
I can't explain what it was like riding that bike. You couldn't scrape the smile off my face. Instead of avoiding any rock bigger than a pebble, I was searching out the biggest, baddest things I could roll my tires over. The 29 inch wheels were incredible. This bike rocked. I was born to ride this bike. It had a 1x10 gearing set up which I had never seen before but really liked. I wanted it. Bad.
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| Sweet bike |
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| Sweet singletrack for test riding |
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| Happy rider |
I sure didn't want to return that bike but I guess taking it home with me wasn't a wise idea (I left my 10 year old Stumpjumper with the Specialized folks as collateral, isn't that a fair trade?) Needless to say, we left Crested Butte without a new bike and I returned home and continued to ride my faithful Stumpy. But it was getting more and more difficult.
Fast forward over a year and things finally fell into place and I was able to get a great deal on a new 2013 Specialized Epic Expert 29er. My first ride elicited the exact same feelings I had experienced in Crested Butte over a year ago. I was born to ride this bike. And this bike was born to take on Leadville. I decided right then and there that I was going to sign up for Leadman. First time I've had disc brakes and I put them to the full test on Wednesday when I discovered a new trail aptly named Scott's Drop. It's geared with a 2x10 which I prefer over the 1x10.
For the next couple months my run training is officially going to take a backseat to bike training. And I have no problem with that. Buzz and I have many dates planned on the local trails. My new best friend.
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| Buzz after a muddy ride |
Monday, November 5, 2012
Lithia Loop and Leadville
Last Saturday I joined 142 other runners up in Ashland, Oregon for the Lithia Loop Trail Marathon. The girls didn't have school Friday so we decided to make it a family trip. I'm so glad we did. Ashland is beautiful, especially this time of year. From reading Scott Dunlap's race report previously, I knew we were in for a treat.I had originally intended to only stay 1 night and head home Saturday after the race. But the 11:00 check out had me concerned. I wasn't looking forward to no shower after running 26.2 miles and then driving 4 1/2 hours back home. So before we even arrived in Ashland, I was on the phone with the hotel extending our stay an extra night. After checking in we walked the 2 blocks to downtown and made our way to Rogue Valley Runners to pick up my race packet. I had really been looking forward to this and the icing on the cake was meeting Hal Koerner. He really IS as nice as people say he is.
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| Hal Koerner and I |
We arrived at the peak of color change. Warm days and cool nights. Race morning had me wearing only shorts and a t-shirt although I was underdressed compared to many. I knew the race would climb for the first 10 miles so I wasn't chilled for long. I paced myself well and before I knew it, I was on the next 10 mile section that is rolling. For some reason I expected after all that climbing that we would be treated to some nice views. But this is Oregon and so trees abounded. We were mid-slope and although the views were limited, I did enjoy how lush and green everything was.
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| Hal Koerner sending us off |
It was along this section that my legs decided to let me know that my longest run has only been 14 miles. They started to ache and I started to tire. I found myself running with another lady named Flora from Hawaii. We gabbed quite a bit and it really helped the miles go by. She continued ahead as I paused at an aid station and I was on my own. I gutted it out to 20 miles where the next 6 miles would be downhill. Now that may sound good on paper, in actuality, it's quite painful. After 2 miles of torture, my muscles started to adapt (and we got onto some fun singletrack) and I started to fly. The last 4 miles were definitely the most fun.
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| Every mile marked |
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| "Super" volunteers filling up Flora |
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| Nice view of Mt. Ashland |
My best moment came at the half-marathon mark when I noticed my time was 2:36. I went into this race expecting to run about 5:15-5:30. Doing the math I knew I could go sub-5 hours. (I also figured at this point the winner was probably crossing the finish line).
Right as we hit the last bit of pavement, my right calf started to cramp. I had to slow a bit and run in a "toes up" position as my leg swung forward. I downed some S-caps and that helped immediately. As I approached the finish I saw my family playing nearby. I yelled to them and Caitlyn came bounding over and continued a nice tradition of running across the finish line with me. Pat took a cool video of us crossing the line but I'll be danged if I can figure out how to get it on this blog. I know just enough about this computer stuff to be dangerous.
Thank you to Hal Koerner and the wonderful folks in Ashland for the wonderful race. I'm so glad we decided to stay the extra day. I was able to shower and slip on my new 2XU compression socks which I have to believe really helped in my recovery. For how sore I was right after the race I figured I would be having some serious issues with stairs the next day. I was pleasantly surprised when I felt really good. At least better than expected.
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| The girls enjoying Lithia Park |
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| Ashland's sulfur water |
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| Mt. Shasta dominated the skyline on the way home |
Sunday night I stayed up past my bedtime in order to catch the opening of registration for Leadville's Leadman/Leadwoman. Time to put up or shut up. I did the 100 mile bike ride way back in 2002 (could it really have been that long ago?) In 2009 I attempted the 100 mile run but came up short (you can read about that here). It's been 3 years and now it's time to go back. And why not take on the whole enchilada. For those who don't know, Leadman consists of 5 (or 6) events. Starts with a 26.2 mile trail marathon, a 50 mile Bike Or Run (or both), 100 mile Bike, 10K run the next day, and finishes with the 100 mile run. And all this is done between June 29 and Aug 18. And all above 10,200 ft.
After signing up, I went to bed and slept really well, for about 3 hours. Then my mind started racing. When should I start training? How should I train.? How do I work out the trips to Leadville with family? How many trips should I make? One minute I'm confident that with the right training I can succeed. The next minute I wonder what the hell am I thinking? I finally got up and went for a run. That is my center right now. I've decided that November is my month to play. Let my body heal after Lithia Loop. Get on my mountainbike. Explore new trails. Improve my technical skills. Have fun. There is going to be plenty of time for serious training.
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