Monday, April 27, 2009

Skyline to Sea 50k

Let me start by saying I do not recommend sitting in the back of a school bus and sitting sideways in the seat especially when the bus is taking winding roads. This was the start of my Skyline to Sea experience and I thought puking was going to be involved as well. Luckily I was off the bus and enjoying fresh air at Saratoga Gap just in time. This being said riding the bus was great hang out time. I got to chat with Chuck Wilson, Brian Wyatt, Leor Pantilat, and Will Gotthardt. Ah and they talked about Miwok for at least part of the ride, so yup, my mind and body were not even realizing today was a "race".

The beginning of the race had me laughing to myself. I was now doing the opposite direction than Will and I's first 40 miler. Net downhill feels much different when there wasn't 20+ miles of net uphill first. I cruised right pass the spot where I had my breakdown and enjoyed each and every tiny climb. I love hills and I fucking love running hills. Ok, so I stopped to take a pee in what I thought was the perfect hideaway, but Brett Rivers and Ken Parnow came cruising past. Not the first time someone has seen me squatting during a race. I made my apologies and caught back up to them. We all chatted for a bit and then I cruised past.

Ok my second recommendation, fucking pay attention to course markings. You know it is not a good sign when you've been running for 5 minutes without seeing any course marking. Also not a good thing when you see a big sign that says "dangerous: no bridge ahead, 8 foot drop." So that is when I knew I had fucked up. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't pissed for a few seconds. But I think it is good I got lost, it reminded me to not push this race. As I was back tracking Mark Tanaka saved me. It was perfect timing and we headed uphill, on the right trail (thanks again Mark). The redwoods were amazing and I stayed more aware of the ribbons. Of course I was also asking backpackers if they saw runners on the trail. I was paranoid that I would zone out and be well off course again. Anyhow I caught back up to Ken with a few miles left. I came through the finish at 4:17.54, set a new course record, and honestly wanted to do the whole thing again, backwards. Ok maybe not backwards, but felt like I wanted to run more, which is perfect for next weekend. Leor won the race setting a new course record at 3:38. 05. Lots of other impressive running, Will ran 4:02.02 (so now were 4-1), Brian 4:21.40 (after running Diablo the previous weekend), Ken 4:24:54, and Mark 4:26.30 (after a 150 miler!).

It was great hanging out after the race and talking some more with people. I finally met Dave who ran a 5:12 PR and also enjoyed a personal detour, in fact two of them. Sarah and Wendell thanks again for a wonderful event. And looking forward to seeing your photography Aaron.

Alright more to come regarding pre-Miwok...

11 comments:

Andy B. said...

I've gotta get me one of those "lucky thong" things...maybe it'll help me get faster and win every race I enter!!! ;-)

Congrats on another win and well run race, Caitlin. You just continue to tear it up, and it's pretty damn impressive. See you this Saturday at Miwok.

Devon said...

Atta girl! That is awesome. Glad to hear you are running so well heading into Miwok. I hope you crush it out there. I will be out on course crewing and pacing, so I will be cheering for you!!

David Ray said...

Congrats again on another win! Looks like a great race.

Dave - Atlanta Trails said...

so one of my female running friends knows how to pee standing up. I saw it mid-race at the Golden Gate Marathon a few weeks ago and it was incredibly impressive. I should introduce you.

It was great to finally meet you in person. See you soon. Perhaps at a local Peet's! :)

Scott Dunlap said...

Course records while getting lost and not going fast? I think Miwok will go well! Looking forward to seeing you there. Congrats on a great run.

Donald said...

Sweet run! Congrats on a great race.

Rick Gaston said...

Nice race Caitlin and you had so much energy left in the end. See you Saturday, I'm rooting for ya.

Suzanne Halekas said...

I can't wait to see you flying back toward Pan Toll on Saturday! I promise to dive out of your way and cheer loudly. Wait, I will get to see you, right?...must do calculations...

By the way, it makes me happy every time I read about you ducking off the trail for a bio-break. And eating something other than a shot block ;-)

Jo Lynn said...

Damn girl! You rocked it. That's going to be a hard record to break. I did this run last year and barely made the 8 hour cut-off. LOL
Are you doing Miwok? I'll be volunteering at the Tennessee Valley aid station, if you are.
Really, you STILL squat when you pee? I thought by now you would have learned the secret of standing while peeing. ;)
Congratulations again on an awesome race!

Mark Tanaka (Ultrailnakaman) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mark Tanaka (Ultrailnakaman) said...

I caught up with Kami Semick when she squatted to pee going up to Pantoll last year at Miwok. She didn't seem to be trying to hide, so maybe that's the elite female thing to do, squat anywhere, don't stress. Don't worry--we guys can handle it! Anyways, my pleasure to bail out a teammate on our first mutual race....maybe this will be a good excuse for Buzz to keep me on the team...

Hope you've relaxed this week. You're allowed to screw up your first time at a longer distance, but hopefully things will click all 62 miles. Best of luck, remember to have fun!