Pacific Coast Trail Runs - Rodeo Beach

For some reason starting Friday I started to doubt racing this morning.  I guess I was just lacking motivation.  It also did not help that my negative mind was more present this week.  I found out that I did not get into a nurse midwife program for 2009, which disappoints me.  I know that there is always next year, but mentally it started me in the cycle of I'm not good enough.  But, I pulled myself out of it. When my alarm went off at six this morning it was difficult to slip out from my warm sheets.  Before heading to Rodeo Beach I treated myself to a couple sips of Peet's coffee and my favorite chocolate-chip hockey puck (otherwise known as a Suncake).  I don't know why, but I love those things.

When I arrived at Rodeo Beach I was sad that I wouldn't be seeing some of the folks I've met throughout the year.  Will Gotthardt and Ryan Commons were recouping from an inspiring year and Scott Dunlap was going to be witnessing the beauty of the Nutcracker.  I got my number and took a look at the memorable start. This was going to be my 3rd time this year racing up those wooden stairs.  I can't deny the fact that I love running hills.  I think my sister is to blame.  As a kid she used to have me walk down our driveway and turn around and run up it (our driveway was a 1/4 mile hill).  As I walked toward the bathroom, I bumped into Amy Moore. Amy and I swim together in Marcia Benjamin's kick-ass class (the actual name of the class is distance swimming) at Laney College. Occasionally between laps Amy and I would talk about running.  She is a great athlete and I was excited to see a familiar face that would be joining me in the 20k.  

When I lined up at the start, Amy came up to wish  me good luck and then we were off. I have to admit those stairs didn't seem so bad, especially after experiencing the final hill at Muir Beach last weekend. As the trend has gone this season, I spent a good majority of the race running alone.  Jeff Emery was in eyesight most the way, but once we got to the top of Marincello he picked up the pace.  As I came down the SCA trail, I could hear someone right behind me.  On the Coastal trail, as we were approaching the road, I found out it was Matthew McDermott.  We both ran Pirates Cove in March where we finished two seconds apart.  Once again we finished close.  This time he crossed the finish first with an impressive 1:29:49.  Ironically my goal was to finish under 1:30, but I was 2 seconds slow in meeting that goal.  Oh well, there is always next year.  Amy finished in 1:58:08 even after taking a wrong turn.  

Before heading to the car, I got to talk with Adam Blum and Alistair Adams who finished close behind me (1:33:00 and 1:35:28).   I guess there were a few races this year where they were nearby, but this was the first time I introduced myself. Yay to more familiar faces!  Hope to see you in the Miwok Adam!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I am really glad I ran today.  The headlands are gorgeous and one of my favorite places to run. It is the first year I decided to run more races and it was great getting to know some familiar faces.  The PCTR events have been wonderful and I am still forever indebted to Wendell and Sarah for saving me at Big Basin.  I still can't believe I forgot socks... thank goodness I had my shoes!  Looking forward to 2009, without the pressure of nursing school, I am hoping to get out there for some ultras.  I am in the raffle for the Miwok 100k and the waitlist for Way Too Cool and of course you'll see me at PCTR events.  Hope everyone has a great New Year and I look forward to seeing you all on the trails! 

Photography

I am always looking for opportunities to take more photos.  If you need and/or want some photos let me know!

Running Across the United States

I've been doing some researching without much luck.  I need more information about women who have completed a run across the United States?  If you have any information pass it on... thanks!

Avocados

Ok, I really don't understand people.  In the last few days I've starred rudeness in the face.  Yesterday I go to Berkeley Bowl to get groceries.  I know, but mind you I'm always prepared when I step into that store (for those that don't know it is notorious for grumpy people.)  Four years ago I recall a really great experience at the store.  A wonderful individual standing in front of me at checkout turned around and chatted with me in line.  Last night did not carry a warm experience. I take that back.  I ran into a young girl who was in my dance classes.  She had just gotten her ears pierced.  As I walked over to get fugi apples I saw her smiling face as she waved at a distance.  Within 20 feet that adorable scene faded.  I am looking at the avocados, reading the sign, and questioning why they only have organic avocados from Chile and Mexico.  The California avocado season could be at the end, but I am always amazed how many grocery stores carry non-local produce and products.  I guess I've been spoiled shopping at the local farmers' markets.  As I am going through this thought process, I pick up an avocado and give it a little squeeze.  I always do, mainly out of habit.  A lady in the rudest tone of voice walks past and says, "that is not how you tell if they are ripe."  I felt like throwing that avocado right at her.  I didn't I grabbed a couple avocados, put them in my basket, and moved on.  I saw her later as I grabbed nutritional yeast from the bulk section.  I wanted to say something, but I decided not to continue the cycle of negativity.  I got my groceries and left the store.  

Random

Some of the best inventions: down booties, cameras, pickles, floss, chop sticks, salad spinners, bikes.  Some of the worst inventions: cars, plastic, money, nuclear anything.  I can't help but think the things we do are odd like why is it that as I am riding my bike home, a Prius nearly runs me over while the 10 foot wide Ford pick-up gives me a whole lane?  Or why does United Airlines have a red carpet for first class passengers to walk on and then barricades it for the rest of us?  It is just a 4x4 piece of fucking carpet.  Why do we teach kids to be quiet, not run inside, and then continue to cut art and sports?  Why do we "grow-up" and continue to follow these rules? Sometimes screaming at the top of your lungs feels really good.  Why are people often rude to others in a long grocery line?  Maybe if we slowed down every once in awhile we would actually experience something other than the mph on our dashboards and stop lights.  I find it curious that people take better care of their cars than their bodies.  Your body can get you from A to B.  A car can get you from A to B faster, but in the process it creates cancer, anxiety, stress, pollution, war, obesity, and probably a shit load of other things.  But it seems that is the way things go so frequently, faster = better.  I can't say I am any different.  I love to run.  I love to run fast, but also slow especially to catch snowflakes on my eyelashes or jump in mud puddles.  If my coffee addiction wasn't in full force I would probably slow down more frequently.  But there is nothing like a cup of strong coffee to get me talking and thinking.