Salt, The Pelvis, and Some other Random Favorites...

I've decided that chocolate covered almonds with sea salt are about the best things ever. I guess at least in terms of food. Salt on or in anything is pretty good these days especially with the early morning leg cramps that keep surprising me. So salt and headstands are two of my favorite things. I know completely unrelated, but being upside down just allows for an unseen perspective and requires balance. Oh and the pelvis, geez, that's a favorite too. With childbirth, pilates, yoga, and running, I am blown away by the pelvis, the muscles that support it, and how it is central to all that we do. Plus, it is just one of the coolest fucking looking structures of the body. I love hanging my laundry out to dry too. Laundry was my least favorite chore. Yet when clothes pins were added into the mix, things changed. Clothes pins are the shit. Running uphill, no explanation needed. Sleeping, no explanation needed. Lululemon yoga pants cost way too much, but they make your ass look good and they are cozy. Thank goodness for a wonderful mom and birthdays otherwise I wouldn't own any. My favorite blue hoodie, inherited from my sister, which she inherited from a lost in found, love it and I've loved it for nearly 7 years. Sarcasm is one of my favorites as long as I am not in a frustrated mood (you don't want to be around me when I am frustrated, hungry, sleepy, ah yeah, not fun). About the best thing ever when I get a voicemail from my nephew even if I can't understand what he is saying. Stripes, color, art, anything that is different. Striped knee highs were one of the best inventions, nothing better than fun socks. Mail, not email (that is ok too), but letters that come in the mail, super great. Something about opening envelopes, seeing ink on paper, or just getting something other than ads and credit card shit. Feeling sleepy, but hope you enjoyed a few of my favorites...

Pirates Cove 50k

(pictures courtesy of Brett Rivers)

On Friday the 20th, I decided that I would be running the Pirates Cove 50k instead of the 20k. But honestly, I considered not racing at all as fatigue was strong this week. Plus, my legs still felt the prior weekend. I woke-up Saturday seriously wondering if I've lost my mind, three 50ks in four weeks?!! I guess the addiction has begun. Will and I got to the Headlands and it was beautiful, overcast, and damp. The whole drive I was yawning (not because I was tired, but because that is what nerves always do to me before a race). As we were putting on our numbers, I did my typical nervous talk. I met Brett Rivers, Kate Morjohn, and Rick Gaston at the start. As we took off, I realized that I was running, no talking myself out of it now. The first 30k was rough mentally, my left hip flexor was tight and my breathing felt haphazard. I actually stopped to pee before heading up Marincello (I'll save the peeing in my shorts for special occasions). I just cruised along with Will acting like everything was fine. Until he asked of course, my reply = "i'm ok." As we finished the 30k loop, I seriously considered stopping, but I didn't. Jason Reed was just in front of Will and soon I could see Will gaining on him as I drifted back. My negative head took over and everything started bothering me, a little chaffing under my left arm, my shoulders felt tight, etc. I thought I was going to break down in tears. In fact I came really fucking close. It didn't help that Jason and Will were getting further and further in front of me. As I stated up Marincello, I gained on Jason and Will. At the top, I caught up to Jason who said Will passed him 5 minutes ago. I had a serious talking to myself at that point. I pulled myself out of my negative head. Glancing at the ocean and green hills and focusing on my breath helped. Then, I remembered how much I loved running and I started to pick up the pace. With just a little bit of the race left, I caught up to Will who once again encouraged me to keep going. I finished first overall and set the course record at 4:09, Will came in at 4:10, and Jason 4:17. Once again Pacific Coast Trail Runs put on a wonderful event. Thanks Wendell and Sarah. By the way, I am super grateful for the veggie soup. It was perfect to enjoy post-race as the rain came down.

Luckily I got some good sleep last night. I woke-up this morning to teach and I received another call from a doula client. She is currently in early labor. When I finished work, I fit in my yoga practice, good food, and I'll see if I have enough time for a nap. Two births and two 50ks in a week or so!

Some days, some weeks this is how I feel. I wish I could go back to a kid and just cry when I need to convey something. It just seems less complicated then how we deal with things as adults. I've had a great week considering what I just wrote. It has been an overwhelming week. An exhausting week. I've ate a lot of peanut butter, agave, and banana sandwiches. I want to sleep all the time too. My coffee hasn't quite widened my eyes like normal. I am still yawning far too often. I am sure that has something to do with the 3 am call on monday from my doula client who thought her water broke. Later in the day, we discovered it wasn't her water and the hospital staff actually weren't sure what it was... ah the mystery of the body, it is endless. I love that. I made it out for a 20 mile run in Quicksilver on tuesday without any exciting news. Then wednesday at 4:30 am, she was officially in labor. I've got another client due so another baby could be coming into the world any day. Before I write more, I am going to take a nap... more to come...

Post-Way Too Cool

When I first tried to get into Way Too Cool, I didn't know much about it. In fact, all I knew was that it filled up according to Scott Dunlap's blog. When I ended up getting a spot, I took it without any goals or expectations. Obviously this changed a little once I ran Sequoia. My goal was to stay with the lead woman and see where my body could take me as the race progressed. Beverley Anderson-Abbs and Devon Crosby-Helms took off at the start and the first few miles I hung to the six minute mile pace. Inside I thought, ok I'll be happy with third. I loved hearing people cheer, "go gal in the red shorts." Being unknown in trail running is something I have enjoyed, but Bev told me that I would make a name for myself with this race. I ran 27 miles with Bev. I enjoyed talking with her a bit, seeing her strength, and extremely inspired by her and her running. As we came upon Goat Hill, (I had to ask her if that is where we were. I still wasn't 100% sure if it was Ball Bearing a few miles back. See that is the problem when you don't run a course beforehand.) she told me I was on my own for the race and I kept with Erik Skaden for the last four miles. My quads and hip flexors were hurting and tightening with every step, but adrenaline kept me going. It wasn't until the last 100 meters that it hit me I would be the 1st woman crossing the finish (I take that back, not sure if it has still hit me.) I crossed the finish at 4:12 and with a smile. I sat down and talked to Erik for a bit. He asked if I ever get tired. Answer is yes! Bev came through the finish at 4:17. I can't thank her enough for her pacing and friendliness. And my apologies for not pacing more, I am still getting used to the ultras and my abilities. Congrats to fellow La Sportiva teammate, Leor Pantilat, for winning the race in 3:39! Damn! Also thanks to those that believed I would rock the course (specifically Will Gotthardt who had a great race at 4:21, Jady Palko (4:34), and Jenny Capel (who ran a 5:07 even with a cold!). It makes a difference when there are people that believe in your abilities. Of course, I am always extremely grateful to my body and glad that it is feeling good today. In fact, I think I am going to lace up my La Sportiva Wildcats and go for an easy run. Looking forward to returning to the 20k distance next weekend at Pirates Cove (unless I decide to bump it up to a 50k) and then training for Miwok! Thanks Julie for an awesome course at Way Too Cool!
(PS. Not sure about doing Western States. Seems like a lot to ask of my body seeing that I just bumped up to 50k's. Thoughts? I've got 2 weeks to decide.)

Erik Skaden and I post-race.

Bev and I leaving an aid station.
If you want to read more:
La Sportiva Mountain Running
Sacramento Bee
Auburn Journal
(thanks to the Auburn Journal for the two pictures!)
Results

Pre-Way Too Cool

Last night, I get a phone call from my doula client whose due date is March 19th. She is showing signs of prelabor or early labor potentially. Of course, this weekend I am going out of town for a race, so I could miss the birth. Thank goodness I've got two back-up doulas (although one has just reported she is ill). But, the reality is, I would be sad not to be at the birth. I am hoping the babe can wait until Saturday evening or Sunday. Ah, which brings up Saturday and Way Too Cool... eek! I am nervous and excited. Not sure if it is the nerves or just my body gearing up, but I've done lots of sleeping this week. It could be that I finally have a bed and micro fleece sheets. I slept on a futon for 8 years of my life. I had no idea what I was missing out on. Other than sleep, my running has been mentally harder since Sequoia. My body has been in recovery mode. I have had some good runs regardless. I joined Leor and Will for a 15 miler, the first section of Ohlone 50k, on the 6th. Steep and challenging, but beautiful. Sunday I was up at 5:30 am for a 18 miler at Lake Chabot. Took it easy on Monday, Tuesday a flat 12 miler, and Wednesday easy with my favorite, stride outs. No running yesterday, but yoga and a good swim with 4-100 meters fast. When I am finished typing this entry, I am packing my bag. I got some goodies from La Sportiva, so I can sport some of those at the race. Just so you know, my stomach just dropped (probably the 100th time in this past week). Did I mention I was nervous? Anyway, yoga this morning to calm me down. I also have a sports psychology tape from the 80's that I'll listen to tonight. For some reason, it has become tradition since high school cross-country. Well... as I tell my doula clients, there are lots of unknowns, but trust your body, this is what it was made to do. I am not having a baby, but I do believe my body was made to run, more to come post-race! And good luck to all you other runners out there! Hope to meet Devon Crosby-Helms , Bev Abbs, Joelle Vaught, Karl Meltzer, Thomas Reiss, and of course whoever else is willing to say hi... I just love that there are other people that love to run. Ok I really need to practice some yoga, I think my heart is already beating faster!

(Some how this picture seemed appropriate).

Hey look who it is to the left!

my first 50k (Sequoia)

Life is unpredictable. Last week, I had about the craziest, most intense week of my life. Pre-week, my boyfriend and I started discussing the status of our relationship. On Monday, I got done with work with a message saying that my shit was packed and I needed to come get it. I lived out of garbage bags at my friend Jordan’s house for a few days, searching for a place to live, and occupying my time with work, running, and being around friends. I emailed a few people about places to live and the first place I saw, I fell in love with, a simple, quiet, and peaceful studio. By Friday, I was moved in.

The next morning, I woke up at 5:30 am to eat and get ready for my first 50k. The nerves started to settle in as I put on my pink shorts and laced up my shoes, La Sportiva Wildcats. Will Gotthardt helped prepare me for my first ultra. He started me with essentials like water, electrolytes (SaltStick Caps), and fueling (Clif Shot Bloks) and we spent the last six weeks running 2-3 days a week together. Will picked me up at 7 and we headed to the race.

It was cold and breezy at the start as we picked up our numbers. Goosebumps covered my legs even after my warm-up. The race started and as I headed through Joaquin Miller Park, I hoped to keep the splits that were taped on my bottle. I was aiming for a 4:32. I kept arriving places ahead of my splits and started to wonder if my pace was too fast. My body felt good though and I just paid attention to my breath and staying relaxed and in the moment. There were several times throughout the race that a huge smile would appear on my face and my heart would beat a little faster. Before coming into the 30k aid stations, I peed my pants for the first time while racing. So yes people, that is what you saw on my shorts as I headed off for the 20k loop.

The 20k loop was great and I continued to be well ahead of my splits. I got lost in my excitement and the redwoods. I passed a couple 50kers, Joel Lanz and Barry Smith on the French Trail and I caught up to Will with about six miles left in the race. He told me to keep moving forward and to not look back. I kept my pace and as I approached Moon Gate, my heart was beating even faster. I couldn’t believe I was almost to the finish. I was smiling ear to ear. My heart was out of control and the last 20 yards of the race I thought I was going to cry. Wendell and Sarah were right at the finish. It was awesome to give them a hug and see their excitement too. I ran a 4:22, taking 34 minutes off the course record! I came in second behind Jasper Halekas who ran a 4:08. Will Gotthardt came in 3rd with a 4:32. I am still in disbelief, but eager for more running and more ultras.

Thanks to Pacific Coast Trail Runs, Sarah and Wendell you guys are amazing! Seriously without your events I would never have raced a 50k. In fact, I would probably still just be out running in the woods by myself. And, Will thanks for the training and building my confidence (maybe you built it a little too much).

Looking forward to Way too Cool in two weeks!