Miwok 100k

Pictures taken at Miwok 100k 5/2/09 Results here: http://www.run100s.com/results/wmw09.htm

The weeks leading up to Miwok I was not sure I would be running. I had nagging injuries since American River and I just kept procrastinating on making a decision about whether or not I would attempt it. I decided I would still go and volunteer if I was not feeling better by Friday. I arrived Friday afternoon and met up with Devon. She lives in Sausalito part-time so she was familiar with the area and took me to a great place for lunch and then we searched the city for a place to re-pierce my nose (my instructor for hospital rotations made me take it out and it grew back by the next day)! We then went to dinner with a group of Pacific North Westerners who were down for the race. The whole day I did not even notice my hip or knee. DECISION MADE!! I would run the 100k in the morning!

Devon picked me up at 4:45 and took me to the start (what a great friend). It was so fun to see people I have not seen in years and to meet people who I have visited with on Facebook but never met. I hooked up with Elinor and her Dad who came to crew for me again after just meeting last month at American River. They were AWESOME!!! They stood in the rain ALL DAY and always had just what I needed at the aid stations. I felt incredibly spoiled.

I have heard from many people that Miwok is one of the most beautiful races out there. Unfortunately, Saturday was not the day to see the views. I left the sunshine in Seattle and experienced the rain, wind, and fog of San Francisco. I was so cold that by mile 24 I looked at my hands and they were a lovely shade of blue. All I could think of was how good that warm shower was going to feel. I did enjoy this race despite the weather. It was fun seeing the front runners at the turn-around, the course was challenging yet runnable, the volunteers were spectacular, I had no stomach problems, and my body held up all 62 miles. Would I do this race again to see those views? Absofreakinglutely!

American River 50 Mile

Photos are top 5 women at AR50 finish. Results here.

I ran American River two years ago with the hope of placing in the top 3 and gaining an automatic entry to Western States. I had a good race but placed sixth so I entered the lottery again the next year. Didn't make lottery in 2008 so I figured I was now a two time loser which meant as long as I continued this crazy ultra-running I would be an automatic entrant for 2009. Then the fires of 2008 canceled WS and people on the two time loser list were shuffled through yet another lottery. Several months ago I was told I would be guaranteed entry for 2011. This is when I decided I would try for top three again at American River. I didn't tell many people that this was my goal because I knew it was far fetched but I also knew it was worth a try. I recognized at least 7 women on the entrant list who in my mind were definitely capable of top three. I figured I needed to run at least a 7:30 to even come close.

Annette Bednosky and I decided to share travel expenses and just have a fun weekend together. She flew from North Carolina and we met in Sacramento Friday afternoon. We picked up our race numbers (I was so excited to see I was #23), ran some errands, went to the hotel, went for a short jog, and then went to dinner. I had a half veggie sandwich and a cup of black bean soup (BIG MISTAKE).

Saturday we were up at 4AM and ready to hit the trail for 50 miles of fun! Annette's husband's uncle and cousin and cousin's friend came to the start and collected our gear. They had volunteered to crew for us which was just the biggest treat ever! Annette, Kami and I started the race together and ran probably the first 10-11 miles just chatting away. It was great to visit with them and even though I felt the pace was a bit fast the miles just flew by. About 12 miles in is when the black bean soup caught up with me. I said goodbye to Annette and Kami and made my first (of five) pit stops of the day. I was able to get going again at a decent pace and crossed the marathon distance in 3:20. Other than my stomach feeling upset I felt strong and within the right pace. I don't remember exactly when but I was passed by Jen Pfeifer and then around mile 30 Jenny Capel was running right with me. We visited for a while and then she took off up the hill. I was disappointed with myself for losing that 3rd place spot. The pounding of the pavement had started to annoy me, my stomach was misbehaving, and I was feeling frustrated. Once I started running on the dirt trail my mindset improved. I was reminded why I enjoy trail running so much and I convinced myself to get out of my funk. The last half of the race is on single track, gently rolling, fun trails. The aid stations were plentiful with crew extraordinaire always there cheering. I tried to keep GU and electrolytes in but was still making more stops than I wanted to for my stomach. I knew if I could just keep my present pace I would be able to finish in the time I wanted. I just enjoyed the trail along the river, pushing my pace as best as I could and then climbed the last 1000 feet to the finish. Even though top three was not in the cards for me I was thrilled with my time of 7:26 (5th girl). Two years older and 16 minutes faster than last time! As Annette said at dinner that night...."You really are meant to run TRT this year." I think she's right.

Thank you Julie for putting on a great race. Thank you to Annette's family for being out there all day with us. Thank you Annette for being you! It was a beautiful weekend.

Chuckanut 50k

Photos by Glenn Tachiyama

I stayed close to home this past weekend and raced in Bellingham, WA at The Chuckanut 50k. It had been raining all week and predictions were for rain on Saturday but we got LUCKY!!! It was a beautiful day with perfect racing temperatures. This year's race had over three hundred entrants, all ready to spend a day on a beautiful course with a little bit of every type of terrain. The first and last six miles are on the Interurban Trail which is basically a fast and flat dirt road. At about mile eight we head up a few miles to Fragrance Lake on a single track trail and then down to a logging road which heads back up for about another 3 miles. Once done with the logging road the fun begins. This is when we get to test our nimble feet on the Chuckanut Ridge. I have run Chuckanut five times and this was the first year I have been able to observe the gorgeous views from the Ridge. Usually it is cloudy up there and difficult to see. After several technical miles on the ridge we hit another wide trail and headed up, up, up. This is where the mud was. I was wearing my brand new La Sportiva Fireblades which were such a pretty shade of yellow! No more. Now they look loved and used. Speaking of the Fireblades they were comfortable right out of the box. The race was the first time I wore them. Not one blister. They felt light yet supportive on the logging road, single track trails, and the mud. When done with the muddy climb we reached "Chinscraper" which is a short (maybe a mile 1/2) steep climb. Then it was time to head down and back to where it all began. Thank you to Krissy, her Ma, her friend Porsche, and all the volunteers who made this race a ton of fun, safe, green, and well supplied with good eats.

A wet Napa Valley Marathon

When I was running CCC100 last summer I had this crazy thought. I decided I wanted to try and run a sub-three hour marathon. My fastest marathon to date was 3:00 flat and I figured taking a minute or two off that was doable. I also thought if I could be on the trails for over 24 hours then I could push myself for 2:58! I did the speed work, the long runs, went to crossfit. I ran Orcas 50k 3 weeks ago to give myself a final long run. I felt ready. I flew to Sacramento Friday afternoon after school, drove to Napa, picked up some food and went to the hotel to study. Saturday I spent the morning exploring the valley and I picked up my race packet. I was feeling more nervous for this race then I had in a long time. I think it was do to my expectations. I ate a great dinner at a vegetarian restaurant called Ubuntu (if ever in Napa check it out, it's wonderful). After dinner I returned to the hotel for some more studying and an early bedtime. Sunday was an early get up to catch the shuttle to Calistoga. It was pouring down rain and the wind was blowing. Thank goodness we could stay on the buses for the hour before the race instead of standing in the rain. Even with the weather the way it was Napa truly is a beautiful marathon. 24 miles of the race are on the Silverado Trail (road not dirt) which has gentle rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eyes can see. I ran the first half right on pace for a 2:58. I consistently ran between 6:40s and 6:50s. I felt good with my second place standing but I knew it was early. By about mile 15 I started feeling my legs get heavy. My times were slowing to the upper 6:50s and I was passed by a speedy girl who did not even look tired! I was able to hold 3rd place (3:03) but I was not able to hold my goal pace. It could have been I was not as prepared as I thought I was or maybe the rain and wind got to me. Maybe it just was not my day. Whatever the reason, in running just as in life, there is always a new day. I now look forward to finishing school and getting back on the trails!

Orcas 50k

Photo by Glenn Tachiyama

Orcas is the perfect example of why I enjoy ultra running and the crowd it attracts. This race, put on by James and Alison was not only held in a beautiful location with views from Vancouver B.C. to Seattle (yes, to see these views we needed to climb a bit), but the communication from the race directors before the race, the "greenness" of this event, the great support at the race, and the post race party made it one of my favorite 50ks out there. As for the crowd, and this applies not only to Orcas but to almost all ultra runs I have done, the people are what make it all worthwhile. There is nothing better then reconnecting with friends and meeting new friends at events. It is nice to be with people who share a love for the outdoors and an understanding of what spending a day in the woods can do for our psyche.

This is the second year I have run Orcas. Last year there was too much snow so the route had to be adjusted. This year, other than a little snow and ice at higher elevations, the trails were in phenomenal shape. The hardest part for me was the downhill. One of these days I will learn to be speedy and just let go when heading down. In true "fat ass run" style, there were only two aid stations for the 50k. I carried my Nathan hand held and wore my Nathan "Krissy" vest so I was able to carry all the gel and drinks needed for the 5+ hours I was running. I used First Endurance liquid shot which tasted great! I liked not having to open a new packet each time I wanted gel. My time was slower than last year but I think we climbed a bit more. I ended up 4th girl and 16th overall. Next up...Napa Valley Marathon!

Tribute To The Trails 2009

Don't forget to order the 2009 Tribute To The Trails Calendar! Great cause and beautiful photograghs.

Rose Valley 33 Mile (Substitute for Santa Barbara Nine Trails)

Due to the Tea Fire in the Santa Barbara area the race that was originally scheduled had to be moved to trails in the Ojai Valley. Race Director Luis Escobar accomplished this task with only a week until race day. I am so impressed with the work he and all the volunteers put into this race. Having never run the Santa Barbara Nine Trail Run I don't know what I missed, but from all accounts it is THE race to attend! I hope to go back next year for the real deal!

Rose Valley 33 mile Run was great! The sky was clear blue and the stars were bright at the start. It was cold with temperatures in the upper 30s but after the first climb I warmed up nicely. By 8:00 I was wishing I had applied sunscreen and worn sunglasses! This race was held on part of the course that Coyote 2 Moons 100 mile run is on. It had long climbs (9700 feet total elevation gain) and over 20 miles of single track trail. The views were incredible of the Ojai Valley, Lake Casitas, Pacific Ocean and The Channel Islands. I ran the first 10 miles or so with Krissy and Luanne and then settled into my own slower pace as they took off down hill. Even when running alone, since the course was an out and back plus a couple more out and backs off the main course I was able to see people and keep up with how everyone was doing. I ended up placing 2nd girl and 8th overall with a time of 5:39.