Ohlone 50k

So I put on my Wildcats this morning and ended up running Ohlone. A girl just can't say no to a tough run, well at least I can't say no. And, I am so fucking glad that I ran it. Ummm and climbing legs were no problem, obviously. Although I do have to say, I walked probably all the hills or as Mark Tanaka said, bounded. The crazy part of the whole day was my time. Get this, last night I am listening to my tape from the 80's that has me visualize my race. At some point the tape says you see yourself coming through the finish with the exact time on the clock that you predicted. I instantly thought 5:05 and then thought, fuck that seems fast. But that is the number I kept seeing. So what time did I run today, ummm basically a 5:05 (5:04.36). Is that not fucking crazy?! Another course record too... whoohoo!

Anyway back to the race. Damn is that course beautiful. I love the cows. I love the crazy trees. I love the hills. Unfortunately I ran a good majority of the race alone, just me, my body, and breath. I just tried to enjoy every step and I was happy when I saw that Mark was close behind and walking the hills occasionally too. Did I mention this race has lots of climbing? Yup it does, but that made me happy. After Rose Peak, I thought most the climbing was done, but I failed to remember some climbs. At some point Troy Howard caught back up to me and told me the next woman was a few minutes back. It was Prudence L'Heureux who finished right behind me... amazing race Prudence!!! Ok, other details, I peed my pants again. I only had about 4 miles left, so I thought what the fuck. At least this time I had on my Sugoi shorts instead of a pair of cotton shorts. They dried much quicker. Ummm... I felt happy the whole race and I really just enjoyed myself. I took a nice dip in Lake Del Valle when I finished. I had a great veggie burger (no not more turkey Gary) and got to talk with folks. Fellow La Sportiva teamates represented, Leor Pantilat won in 4:29 and Mark Tanaka ran a 5:09! Fuck yeah!

See sometimes you just have to put on the running shoes, go out there, and just see what happens. By the way thanks Larry for a wonderful race and also for introducing yourself at the aid station. Also thanks to all the volunteers, you were all super friendly.


(Picture courtesy of Jean Pommier)