Ran a 5K Today, and Won

Yea, it was a low key local 5K with about 30 runners, 1/4 of the field were women. I did not PR today and ran it in 21:00. I definitely felt the 50K in my tired legs today, and the lack of speedwork in the last 3 weeks reared its ugly head in the form of lactic acid taking over my entire body. But after starting workouts on Monday, given by my new coach, I think I'll be in PR condition for the next 5K at the very end of June.

Anyway, a very well organized race put on by my coworker at the running store. (In picture). I'm proud of him for organizing and directing his first race and pulling it off without a hitch. He's only 28 years old and he's not only a talented runner (with a 2:45 marathon PR), but one of his goals is to continue to organize and direct local races, eventually bringing back the long absent marathon to the area.

After working at the running store all day, which I absolutely love doing, I'm very sore now. But I followed my shift by having a nice Mexican food dinner complete with the BEST margarita I've had in ages. After we got home I had to pop some Ibuprofen. Ugh.

Gonna be a busy week ahead, working more at the store AND at my old full time job (still part time hours though). Have a great week.

2nd Week of Recovery Almost Over

Okay, so that first run back after a week off was a little harder but I have been eating non stop this week so I had to run! I ran 43+ minutes on Tuesday and felt very good. Then ran 51+ minutes on Thursday and felt very fatigued, very tired. My legs actually kind of hurt. To top it off, I was actually fallingn asleep at the dinner table! I went to bed at 9 p.m. and woke up at 7 a.m.

Today I bought new DS Trainers and decided to break them in with a 55 minute run at 2 p.m. I don't know if it was the lasagna and bowl of Cheerios with milk I had for lunch, but the run felt absolutely awesome! I ended up running for an hour and 4 minutes. My Garmin read 7.5 miles when I finished. My legs feel pretty good. My big left toe is mildly sore and I'm sure I'll lose the toe nail, but such is life!

I talked to my coach yesterday and he said he'd give me a cruise/tempo interval workout to test the waters next week, and that if I felt more fatigue than normal it's back to easy running for another week. He said he knows recovery from ultras on a course like Ohlone will take some time, but that easy running will be fine. Gives me hope for when I ask him about the 50K in August and the 50 miler in October.

I've narrowed the trail shoe choices down to either the Montrail Streak or the Inov8 RocLite 315. Just gotta decide and order.

Okay, hope everyone is well! Happy running.

The Mind IS Willing, but the OLD BOD is Weak!

Okay, so I was really good with recovery last week and cross trained up until today. Legs felt great all weekend. No issues with stairs, bending down, etc. etc. Today I put on the Balega socks and the Asics DS Trainers and both felt awesome. No toe issues at all!!! Headed out for at least 30 minutes recovery pace, but was aiming for 45. Felt a little stiff in the first half to 3/4 mile, then loosened up a bit, then started to feel little pulls, aches and soreness in places where I hadn't been feeling anything, prior to this little run. They started to nag me more and more as I got the the 30 minute point, so I decided to head home instead of go longer. Total run time of just 34 minutes. That's okay!

I got home and did the 10 core exercises from Running Times magazine. Yeeeouch! My sit bone area could use some good strengthening. I want to prevent the hamstring tendinitis from acting up when I resume speed training.

Overall I'm happy to have run. Beautiful day out, not too hot. Nice breeze. Not a lot of traffic. Couldn't ask for a better day to run. :)

Maybe You Can Help Me???

I need your opinions on something running related.

First a quick update... I'm really enjoying recovery. It's been 7 days since Ohlone and although a few toe nails are still quite tender, my legs are feeling good to go. I cross trained just 3 times last week with pool running and fast walking, (is walking even considered cross training)? Haha. By the way, I had to walk in flip flops because of my toes. In any case, my legs are back. I have one more week in May in which to run nice and easy miles or cross train for aerobic fitness, if I choose to do so, and then I start workouts with my coach, Miguel. Can't wait!

Anyway, can some of you experienced Ultra Runners and Marathoners help me? I posted this question on the forums at Runner's World: "Can running a 50-miler 8 weeks before my goal marathon hurt my marathon goal or help it?" A little background before you weigh in. Before Boston I peaked at just over 70 miles per week and averaged several weeks in the mid to high 60s. This fall I believe my coach will get me closer to 90 mpw. The 50 miler I'm considering is the Firetrails 50 on October 11, and my goal marathon, where I hope to run as close to (or under) 3 hours, is the CIM on Dec. 7. My marathon PR set at Boston is 3:17.

I got varying answers from, "Yes you can do both, and do them well," to "I wouldn't do that if I were you." If I run the 50, my plan will be to mostly stick to the marathon training plan my coach gives me, but to add a few back to back long runs preceeding the 50, and then recover in the week to 10 days after with easy running and cross training (depending on what coach has in store), and then do whatever speed training and mileage my coach requires in the leftover weeks prior to the marathon.

I'm definitely an ultra running rookie/newb, but I have lofty dreams and goals (I always have). It keeps me happy in this hobby!

So, please chime in. And while you're at it, help me out with some good trail shoe recommendations. I have a very neutral foot and any kind of special arch support causes pain. I'd prefer a shoe that handles courses like Ohlone very well. My Mizuno Wave Ascends were okay, but man were my feet in bad shape (and still are... a little).

Thanks friends!!!

Update on Steve Shultis, the Downed Runner, and More Reflections

The race directors had sent an email to all the Ohlone participants and volunteers about Steve Shultis, as well as the female runner who had been airlifted. The female runner was released quickly, and Steve was expected to be out of ICU yesterday. Yaaaaay!!!

Rick Gaston also left this comment on my previous blog entry... sometimes when all you can do is pray, it works. :)

"Speaking of prayer. Monday I had coffee with a friend from church. He told me about a prayer group that was hastily put together the evening before for the brother in-law of our friend Karen. The guys name was Steve and he was airlifted out of a 50k. What are the odds of two Steve's collapsing in a hot 50k and being airlifted? As you probably heard by now he's ok. The prayer group was ecstatic, they had been praying since Sunday night. I got a hold of Karen and she filled me in. The family is so thankful to the folks who came to his aid."

Some more reflections:
I talked to Danny yesterday and he's recovering very well and was planning on running yesterday. Just like Victoria (flirtyndirty), and Catra. What did I say about Ultra Runners? Tough? They go back for more just days later? Yup! Anyway, Danny asked me what my favorite part of the course was. I can tell you that several times I looked at the view of the Bay and the surrounding hills and mountains and was blown away. At times I would look out there and say, "I can't believe I am this HIGH up on this mountain!" But after some careful thought and consideration, my favorite part of the course was between Schlieper Rock and Stromer Spring.

I felt LOVE for the course as soon as I got to the bottom of the steep downhil single track and came to the stream where the runner plopped himself down in the cold water. The love came when I looked across the stream and saw the steep uphill because I knew that meant relief on my feet and legs, and therefore relief on my tired brain. I could just trudge uphill for a while and my lungs would suffer, but not like my feet had been.

The TRUE LOVE came when I was high up on the last ridge and 'straight-a-way' before I hit the Stromer Spring aid station and headed downhill for the last 2 miles. On that straight-a-way, I felt peace and comfort, and fear and agony all at once. I have to say that those feelings combined to give me the biggest rush. It was up there that I looked around and told God, "Thank you!" It was the calm before the storm for me. I knew I'd feel lots of pain again as I made my way downhill to the finish, and that area before the downhill was like my husband's arms, loving, comforting, forgiving, sweet. I remember it clearly now as I write about it. I can't wait to get back there next year!

While I pondered how I got through to the end, this came to mind: I first chopped up the race into mini races from aid station to aid station (thanks Bob Gentile for that idea), and as things got really tough, I'd break it down into distances (you know, just a mile to go, or just a half mile, then a quarter mile, etc). But when things got to the point of "I JUST WANT TO STOP NOW," I'd focus on trees, rocks or shrubs that were no more than 5, 10, 20 or so yards apart. I'd say, "Make it to that bush, okay, now get to that rock, okay, now haul ass to that tree." Hahaha, I must've been feeling desperate out there in those last 8-10 miles.

Okay, time to finish my coffee. Did 30 minutes of pool running yesterday and although the water drag made my toe nails hurt, it felt good to loosen my legs. I'll probably pool run some more today.

Honeymoon Phase is Still Here

It's been 3 days since Ohlone and I can't stop thinking about it, mostly because my legs and feet won't let me. Hee hee hee. Just a few post race thoughts to share today. I don't think I included this in my race report but my Garmin recorded a net ascent of 10,440 feet and a net descent of 9,998 feet. That little device has always been pretty accurate for me, give or take a little, so I'm sure it's pretty close as far as elevation changes too. After having seen those numbers, it is no wonder the course was so difficult.

The day after the race (Monday), my legs felt bad and my feet felt worse, but I was okay. Maybe still high from the race effort. I remembered what my favorite in-law said to me the day before the race, and what I said back to him. He said, "GB, I can think of a thousand things I'd rather do than run for 31 miles over mountains and streams." I had to smile and immediately said, "I understand that. Let me ask you this... are you doing any of those 1,000 things?" He turned beet red and said, "Well, no."

Then he asked me why I would do such a thing and I said, "God gave me the gift of running, and I'm going to use it until I can't use it anymore." After that, he was speechless. Uncle Bob, you know I love you!!! :)

Monday night, my legs and feet were so swollen, like when I was pregnant. I could barely walk. My blisters had filled again with that juicy yellow/green crap. My hubby popped them again (he rocks). I didn't sleep well because the blanket kept irritating my feet, but when I took the blankie off my feet, I'd freeze. Did I tell you I'm a wuss???

Tuesday was just miserable. Oh my goodness, freaking miserable and way worse than Monday. I'm glad my husband was still on his 4 days off because if he was scheduled to go back to work, I would've asked him to call in sick. The blisters were back when I woke up, and I literally hobbled everywhere because my legs were just shot. I finally told my husband to tear the damn blisters open and let them drain. He did. Ouch! But they are ALL BETTER today!

Lastnight I finally took ibuprofen before bed and I woke up this morning feeling much better. Walking downstairs is still a challenge, but at least I can walk almost normal otherwise. I definitely won't be running until maybe Saturday, but I will pool run today and tomorrow. I need to get the blood flowing through my legs.

I know I always talk about prayer, but because it really has affected my life in wonderful ways. I prayed on the course, so much. I have been praying since (not every second, but often), to give thanks, and for a good recovery. I firmly believe that God really helps those who help themselves. When I prayed on the course, I said, "Jesus, I will push as hard as my body will let me, but I still need your help. Please help." And I know he did.

Okay, time to prepare lunch for the toddler before we pick the kids up from school. Hubby is back at work today. I've been eating very well, post race, to aid in recovery. I was pretty famished after Boston and ate everything in sight, but this time I'm kind of forcing myself to eat. I know my body needs it. Maybe I'm just too tired to eat like before, but I'm sure my appetite will be back soon.

To Mark Tanaka, Rick Gaston, Tom the Mountain Runner, Bob Gentile and Danny, thank you for urging me to give more ultras a shot. You guys are such phenomenal runners and to hear those encouraging words from you is very motivating. I definitely will be training for more ultras. I'd like to try some less strenuous 50Ks and then a 50 miler within the next 6-8 months. But my main focus for fall is running as close to a 3 hour marathon as possible. It's always been a goal of mine. And I know you know about those personal goals! :)

Run strong, everybody!

My Long and Winding (first) Ultra Marathon Report

I have never been so proud to show off my feet as I am today. They are the ugliest they have ever looked, but I worked HARD to get them that way!














I ran my first Ultra Marathon yesterday, May 18, 2008. I have to say I was more excited and fired up about this race than I was for Boston this year. My life (and possibly my feet) will never be the same. But I say that with nothing but love in my heart. They say, "Ignorance is bliss," and most of the time I disagree with that statement, but now I am in complete agreement. If I had known or had any indication of what the Ohlone Wilderness 50K would be like after the Sunol Aid Station, I would have pulled a DNS (did not start).

I had always heard about the mysterious trail that you could run from Fremont to Livermore, but I never really believed it was there. Well, the beauty of that is now I know it is very real, indeed!

In early 2008 I knew it was time to sign up for my first Ultra (which is any distance greater than a marathon). I had two in mind, the Quicksilver 50K in San Jose and the Ohlone Wilderness 50K in Fremont. My friend from high school, Danny, talked me into the Ohlone 50K. He had run it three times prior and said I could handle it, but he neglected to describe the difficulty of the course! God bless him for that.

As I shared in a previous blog entry, I did a practice run with Danny on Mother's Day. We ran from the Ohlone 50K start line to Little Yosemite Valley, about 2 miles beyond the Sunol Aid Station. It took me a good 5 days to feel truly recovered. I remember that Danny pointed left and uphill and said, "During the race you will run up there and continue on to Rose Peak." I looked at where he was pointing and thought, "Oh, Dear God." My stomach was doing butterflies. Here was the cause of my butterflies.

In the car on the way to the starting line on race day, my husband held my hand. I looked to the mountains and said, "Honey, I'll be running over those today." As I said it I felt fear. I felt doubt. I started to cry. He asked me why I was crying and I said, "I'm going to miss you and the kids today. I wish you could all do it with me. I need you there today." Yikes, my moment of weakness.

He just squeezed my hand and said, "Babe, it's just another run. No big deal. You'll be fine." But I know he was thinking I was crazy. It was supposed to be in the high 80's during a good portion of the race. Turns out it was closer to 100.

Anyway, at the start the race director said there was one change to this year's race. He said that in the past runners had skipped going up to Rose Peak, cutting it out of the course completely. He said this year we had to have proof that we ran up and around Rose Peak by picking up a rubber bracelet at the top and wearing it back down. I knew at the very least, I HAD to get that bracelet.

The starting gun sounded and off we went. Mike, Danny and I all started together. It was awesome to have friends there. We power walked the steep climbs until we got to points that we all felt were 'runnable' and then we'd run. I remember hearing Mike say, "Jesus!" a few times. Or "Holy shit!" You know, things to that effect. :) Yes Mike, I know what you mean.

There was a lot of friendly conversation among many of us runners while we power walked that first climb. At one point we even joked about the grade of the climb we were on. My Garmin said 26%. The funny thing was that later during the race I would look at my Garmin again and see 46% on what I felt was the gnarliest climb! Yes friends, it was that steep out there.

While going up the Horse Heaven Trail another runner asked me if I was the person that ran the 3:14 marathon. In my head I was saying yes, but I know the Boston Athletic Association wouldn't cut me any slack on my potty stops so I said, "No I only ran a 3:17." He seemed disappointed and we ran in silence for a while. :( Eventually we separated and I never saw him again.

All was well as I hit the Laurel Loop aid station. I took my first S-cap ever. It really did leave a salty taste in my mouth as I was told it would, but the good part about using those is they pretty much make you WANT to drink fluids. The volunteers there were beyond helpful and nice, and I would find that to be the case at EVERY aid station. The volunteers at the Ohlone 50K were first class! Mike, Danny and I were still together as we got into the Sunol Aid Station. Danny's mom was working at that station and it was nice to meet her. I had some boiled potatoes dipped in salt, more fluids and another S-cap. Tasty stuff.

The climbs were really testing me now and the first set of downhills into Sunol had already started irritating my feet. I found myself just plain out of breath on some of those hill climbs. I just kept telling myself, "Move. Just move. Just fricken walk." And sometimes I would just stop, but then it hurt more to stop so I'd keep moving. It was a vicious cycle, really. The heat was also starting to get to me, but I still felt strong for the most part.

Somewhere between Sunol and the Backpack Area, Danny, Mike and I separated. I latched on to a very strong runner named Clare. She said she has run several ultras and I later found out that she had recently won a 50-mile race a month before Ohlone. Ultra runners just do not stop! We had actually all kind of been running together from the beginning, but she was power walking like crazy up all the hills and I could not keep up with her. I was only able to catch her on the downhills. We traded "leads" back and forth for quite a while, and she was so kind and positive. She was also wearing a running skirt! Right on, Clare! Anyway as I ran right behind her on one of the downhills, I looked up from the trail for a split second and then SNAP, I rolled my left ankle something fierce. I let out a big, "OHHHH," and started to bounce up and down on my right foot. Clare asked if I was okay and I really didn't know at that point. I told her to run strong and that I'd try to stay with her as long as I could.

I trailed behind her for a while and met up with her again at the Backpack Area (12.48 miles) This is where I met Rick Gaston, another blogger and quite a talented ultra runner. I took a liking to him right away because he looked like my younger brother. It was not until after the race that I learned that legendary ultra runner and ultra pioneer, Ann Trason, was there volunteering! Oh what a moron I am to have missed her. :( I hope I was at least polite. I took my fill of boiled potatoes in salt and potato chips, refilled on the fluids and head out and back UP. UP, UP, UP. Time to get to Rose Peak and claim my bracelet.

Somewhere between the Backpack Area and Rose Peak, Clare and I separated. I got this burst of energy, my left ankle felt fine and I ended up taking off. I never saw her again until after she finished. I thought about her a lot while I was on the course and kept saying, "If she catches me, I won't be disappointed in myself... I'll be happy for her!" But she never caught me.

It would be about 5 miles to the next aid station and I did not see this coming but I ran out of sports drink, and was down to about 4 ounces of water before I hit Rose Peak. When I left Goat Rock I had 40 ounces of sports drink and 20 ounces of water! During this 5 miles, I experienced strange things. I couldn't see the trail or the trail markings, I wobbled as I ran, I had a hard time keeping my balance. For several moments here and there, I wondered where I was. I don't know how I came out of it, but I'm sure my guardian angel was with me, holding me up.

Due to the lack of fluids, my quadriceps cramped very badly as I got to the base of Rose Peak. I asked the volunteer guide if he had any drinks or food and he told me the next aid station came down the trail AFTER I went up and around Rose Peak. Bummer! I power walked up to the peak and that helped. I was cramping so badly. I took the melted Power Bar out of my waist pack, ate half of it and washed it down with the last 4 ounces of hot water I had. Within minutes the cramps were gone! Thank you, God!

I got to the top of Rose Peak and saw a box not much bigger than a shoe box. It was loaded with the rubber bracelets. I picked one up and threw it on as I made the descent.

I ran past the helpful guide and waved as I said thank you and headed on to the Maggie's Half Acre Aid Station. Oh yes, this is where I drank Coke and Sprite and ate a little peanut butter sandwich and chips and boiled potatoes. I made sure to fill up on fluids and I took an S-cap. Then I ran down, just enough to get my feet burning again. Ouch! My legs actually felt okay though because if I recall correctly this downhill stretch was a little gentler. I started to feel a little better.

It believe it was somewhere around here that I met Joe McDonald, Beth Vitalis' boyfriend. By the way, Beth is 42 and she not only WON the woman's division yesterday, she set a new PR with 5:28. But I digress. Joe said he and Beth ran the course out and back TWICE (in one shot) over Mother's Day Weekend. Goodness gracious! And here they were racing the course a week later. Amazing, I tell you, amazing.

He asked me if I'd run Ohlone before and I told him I'd never run any Ultra before. He told me I picked a doozy for my first and I told him I'd heard that all day long! I was already convinced that they were all dead on in telling me that. Well, Joe did a wonderful thing. He pushed me when he saw I was slowing down, and he encouraged me to get to certain points on the course. He said he's run Ohlone 18 times and has seen something new and different on the course each year. So cool! He's tough, though. There were times when he actually yelled at me to get going. At first I was irritated because who was this guy yelling at me? He didn't even know me. And I was tired. I wanted to say, "Look dude, run on and leave me alone," but then I realized he wanted to see me succeed at Ohlone. He said, "I don't know if this matters to you, but you're the 5th woman right now and the 4th woman is only about 200 meters ahead of you." With that, I got another wind and left him.

Shortly after I left Joe, I came upon my Ohlone good luck charm, Catra! I told her that if I saw her on the trail while she was doing her 100 miles, I would take it as a sign of good luck. And it was! She also told me about being the 5th woman, and encouraged me to try to catch the one ahead of me. Catra, you were fantastic out there! I'm so happy for your accomplishment!!!

I saw the 4th woman many times from there to the last aid station. She looked strong. She pumped her arms as she power walked the steep uphills and as soon as she got to a runnable portion, she wasted no time and took off. Damn! The closest I got to her was within 100 yards. I never did catch her.

Anyway I wouldn't see Joe for a while, but I would meet him again before the finish line. For a while I ran downhill and it was really just HURTING my feet. But I kept telling myself that my LEGS felt great and who cares about irritating blisters and toe nails, and then I'd push on.

I passed right by the self service water pump at Stewart's Camp (mile 23.6) because I didn't even see it. Running this downhill section was okay. I think I just felt numb. Lucky for me I still had enough fluid to get me through to Schlieper Rock (mile 25.65). At this aid station I drank more Coke and Sprite, took another S-cap, soaked my head and upper body with a sponge (which I had done at every aid station prior), and ate more food. A male volunteer asked me if Glorybelle was my real name and I said it was. He said, "My wife's name is Glorybelle, too." I thought he was pulling my leg to cheer me up and make me feel better, but he wasn't! He told me she spelled it differently and went by "Gloria" but that her name was the same as mine. Small world after all!

I quickly asked another volunteer how much downhill was left. He said that I was about to embark on a single track, steep downhill for a while and that I could make up some time. Little did he know that downhills were my weakness. He then said I'd hit a fire road and head uphill. It would feel like fire because there was no shade and it's steep climb. I was actually okay with that. Then he said, "And after that, it's 2 miles downhill into the finish." I almost cried right then and there. I couldn't even fathom more downhills. I already had hamburger toes.

I headed out and before I knew it, I was on the single track. BRUTAL. STEEP. Downright scary for me. I prayed and prayed. I think my Garmin said -40% several times during this downhill section. I was slowing way down because I was afraid of flying off the side of the mountain into a ravine. My feet were on fire. I just told myself that it probably felt worse than it actually was. Joe and another male runner that I had passed way back when went flying past me as soon as I saw a safe spot to step off the trail. Joe yelled as he flew by, "Come on, get going!" Hahaha, damn that Joe! ;)

I was so happy to see the little stream at the bottom and the immediate, steep uphill portion of the trail across the water. The other man that passed me on the downhill plunked himself right down into the water and I was tempted. I said, "I wish I could do that, but I just want to get this over with." I wasn't kidding. At this point, I was just ready to be done. I was barely making it up the hills, shuffle walking is what I'd call it. There was no more power in my walk. Finally I hit a flatter portion of the trail that I could run. Well, barely jog is more like it. It was in full sunlight, no shade, high up on a ridge. The views were beautiful but I was too pooped to even enjoy them. I was so relieved to make it to the mile 29 Aid Station at Stromer Spring.

I soaked my body with a sponge, ate, drank, tried to work up a smile for the volunteers. The guy from the stream came into the station, went off to the side and puked. Then he got fluids and a little food. Damn these ultra types are TOUGH! I needed to suck it up and go. I took a deep breath, looked at all of them with fear in my eyes and said, "Okay, off I go." They said, "Don't worry, just 2 miles of all downhill." OH I CRINGED WHEN THEY SAID THE D-WORD!

As soon as I headed down it felt like my right pinky toe nail popped off and was cutting into my toe. I tried to run through it but it felt like a thumbtack was embedded in the tip of my toe. Boo hoo. I plopped my sorry butt down on the dirt and pulled off my shoe, then gaiter, then sock. The nail was still on but looked like it was lifted off the nail bed, and the blister that had formed all around it was just so nasty. At this time the male runner from the stream, who puked, ran by and asked if I was okay. I said, "I think my toe nail is about to pop off. Should I just pull it?" He said, "Nah, do it later. Who needs toe nails anyway?" And he was off. Freaking stud! With that I told myself to harden the fu** up.

I got everything back on as fast as I could and just ran down the hill as fast as I could without screaming in pain from the fire in both my shoes. Two miles of downhill to go. I kept telling myself that it should take no more than 20 minutes (if I walked). I knew I wouldn't walk though, so I'd finish even faster. That was my way of getting through it.

Then JOE caught me! It was so good to see him. This is where he got really tough with me though. Kept yelling my name this time and telling me to speed up, tuck my hips forward and lean into the downhill. Ha! Right. Mentally I was done. I think at one point I yelled back very sarcastically, "Yea, Joe. Okay." He would not leave me alone though, God bless him! He said, "Come ON. Two laps around the track to go. You can do that. Anybody can do that. Let's give them a show." Then he took off and I tried to keep up. He was awesome! I finished a few seconds behind him, and he was so gracious afterward. He immediately turned and shook my hand and congratulated me for finishing my first ultra!

I crossed the line in 6:45:36, 5th female, 31st overall, 2nd in age group and Female Rookie of the Year for being the first ultra-rookie to cross the finish line. Talk about being stoked! All the pain was worth it. I had finished my first ultra!
Steve from the Runner's World Forums had told me about the Rookie of The Year in the week before the race and I jokingly said I would go for it, but never did I think I'd actually get it! Thanks Steve for the heads up.

I met the woman I couldn't catch on the course. She finished strong in 6:38. Clare came in about 3 minutes after I finished. We all looked relieved. Clare said Ohlone was the most difficult 50K she'd ever run. That made me feel even better the effort I put forth out there. :) Mike finished in the top 50 at 7:28 and took Male Rookie of the Year! Danny finished in 7:53. The heat took its toll on him and thankfully he's okay. Two runners had to be airlifted of the course to nearby hospitals. One was still in the ICU as I type this. My prayers are with him (his name is Steve).

My husband said it was 97 degrees when he pulled into the finish line area down by the lake. I can only guess that it was much hotter up on the mountain ridges where we were running. It was a beautiful and brutal day all at the same time. I learned that ultra runners ARE special. I had always heard that they had a friendlier demeanor among us runners, and that they had a wonderful spirit. I heard that they were always supportive of each other, even in the dead heat of competition. And all the things I heard were absolutely correct! I was so happy to have run Ohlone with such a wonderful group of people. The course might have scared me away from ultras, but the people will definitely draw me back! But I think I'll pick an easier course next time. :)

Thanks to all the race organizers and volunteers for putting on a top notch trail ultra. Your smiling faces and incredible help at all the aid stations kept pushing me forward. Definitely one race I'll never forget.

And thanks to my sweet hubby and children for being there at the finish. I couldn't keep up this crazy hobby without your love! By the way, my hubby popped 5 blisters for me when we got home. What a champ!

Mike, Victoria (from Runner's World forums), Catra (dirtdiva), me and Danny at the post race picnic.

The Marathon Training Plan I Used to BQ

I'm sorry I've forgotten to post the link to the marathon training plan I used to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I actually used this plan for my last 4 marathons and have had great success, setting new PRs every time.

For Boston '08 I wanted to peak at 70 miles per week, and I needed to do several weeks of build up to get there. I added mileage in the form of more warm up and cooldown miles to the hard workout days, and added a couple of miles here and there onto the easy/recovery run days. I also added an additional running day to take me up to 6 days instead of 5.

Please keep in mind that I was able to make the switch to higher mileage after almost 2 years of getting accustomed to just under 60 miles per week. So don't do anything crazy! Build slowly, run smart, follow the recommendations of the plan and when you feel like it's not challenging enough anymore, tweak it (but stick to the basics of it).

I love the training plan and am nervous about going to something different, but at least I will have a coach who will tell me what to do and listen to me when I am not feelin' it.

Anyway, the plan I used is from Runner's World online (www.runnersworld.com) and it's called Your Ultimate Marathon Training Plan. There is a beginning, intermediate and advanced plan. I did the advanced plan. Happy running! I hope to see you in Boston.

If my brother qualifies for Boston at the CIM in December, then I for sure will go back and run Boston again in '09! Go, bro!!!

Countdown to OHLONE

Thanks to all of you kind, lovely people who left me comments on the previous blog post! I really appreciate it. :)

The countdown has begun. I am in the carbo load and hydration phase, and officially letting my legs rest for the next 2 days. I could barely walk straight on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday while the kids were in school, I put the toddler in the jogger and we went for a recovery run. My quads were SO shot that I had to alternate walking and slow jogging every other half mile. I managed an overall pace of 12 minutes/mile for 3 miles. Ouch!

On Thursday I decided to do a run around the track in 98-degrees while the kids had track practice. I felt a lot better, but still very sore. I ran a little over 4 miles at a 9:40/mile pace. Today I am able to walk down our stairs without any stiffness or soreness in the quads. Thank God. I'm praying just to stay healthy, and to finish the race on Sunday. The more I look at the course profile, the more I think this will be the toughest physical challenge I've had since giving birth 3 times without an epidural. Even that seemed easy in comparison!

After the 50K, I'll be recovering for 2 weeks and then I start following workouts that my new coach will be giving me. We begin during the first week of June. I am very excited to work with him, to better my marathon times. He's an elite marathoner whose PR is 2:15 and he finished mid-pack at the Men's Olympic Marathon Trials.

Here he is, having just won a local 10K in 30:00 in 80-degrees.


He seems to have my best interests at heart and doesn't want to overwork or overwhelm me, but will be giving me tougher workouts and I think I'll be peaking at about 80-85mpw in the fall. For this summer he wants me to maintain about 50-55 mpw, and to work on leg speed and turnover.


Okay, time to finish cleaning house. We're celebrating my son's 9th birthday tomorrow. Yaaaaay!!!

Should be in the 90's and we'll all be making good use of the pool.

Practice Run at Ohlone

"Holy sheeit. Oh my God, help me. What the heck was I thinking? This absolutely sucks. I am so stupid. God, this hurts! Now I'm just pissed. Fricken walk. Oh yea, power walk. Aaaah, that's the ticket."

These were just SOME of the things going through my head as I made my way up to Mission Peak on Mother's Day. Danny B. who is a friend from high school, a fellow former cross country runner back in the day, and an Ohlone 50K veteran said, "Let's get your practice run in," and so here's how it went.

We met at the parking lot on the Sunol side of Mission Peak and left a car there. Then we drove over to the Fremont side of the Peak and commenced our run back into Sunol. All in all it would be about an 11 mile trip, but at the end we added another 1-1/2 to 2 miles, but I digress.

I hadn't even hiked up Mission Peak in at least 10 years, let alone run it, and looking at it from the base was like looking up at a monolith of some sort. I KNEW, just KNEW this was going to hurt. I had two 20 ounce hand held bottles of sports drink and a 20 ounce water bottle on my waist pack. Up we went. Danny jogged, but as I got going and my heart started to pound into my throat, I started to power walk. What a lifesaver.

Okay, let me just say that going up the face of Mission Peak is pretty bad, but then getting onto the side trail that loops us around to the south side of the peak is excruciating. It was on this trail, that was only about 12 inches wide and either had switch backs or went STRAIGHT UP, that I was regretting my decision to do this 50K. My legs were burning as though I was doing hundreds of squats at full speed. My heart was pounding out of control. I was a mess.

I was swearing and cursing. I was pretty much acting like a toddler going through a temper tantrum. It was during my fit of fury that I also began to think, "Ultra runners are truly insane. How do they do this and love it so much? How can they enjoy this much pain?" I was so angry at myself for being such a wimp that I started just stomping up the hill, and as it turned out I found a rhythm, and then started to feel better. I would run/jog anytime the incline leveled out a bit (but it was still all uphill).

Here are some pics of us at the top of Mission Peak. Mind you, it felt like the dead of winter up there. The wind whipped through us and whatever cloud was passing over the peak landed on our clothes and bodies and made us shiver. Brrrrrr!

Wow I made it to the top!!!


Mission Peak's landmark. Just a pole with arrows pointing to different views off the peak.


Time to go downhill now!









Okay, so the downhill off the peak is SCARY. Dowhnill is Danny's specialty and he FLEW! It was steep as steep can be, pretty much straight downhill to this novice trail runner. And the tiny trail is full of rocks of all shapes and sizes as well as loose sand! It was like trying to run on a slip and slide. So I did what I do best... walked carefully downhill until I got to a wider, less rockier portion of the trail. It was during this downhill portion when I learned what everybody meant when they said, "Ohlone is a technical course." Basically you're not allowed to zone out when you're tired because you have to really watch your footing.

When the trail got nicer we went back onto the single track (aka 12 inch wide trail). We were slowly going downhill now and getting into the sunnier portion of the course. I have to say, it was really breathtaking! I knew that THIS was why Ultra Trail runners love this sport so much. Talk about being one with nature, and close to God. Wow!!!

It was so green, so peaceful, the sky was so blue. I had never been down the backside of Mission Peak into Sunol so this was all new to me. It was awesome. I found some newfound strength in my legs. We took in some gels. I hid behind a manzanita bush for a quick potty stop, and then we jammed down into Sunol.


On the way down I saw jack rabbits, a buck and 2 doe, a snake, and of course, cows. When we got into Sunol we decided to go a little further back up the trail toward Little Yosemite Valley. Another CRAZY, ABSURD uphill climb, but this time I handled it better mentally. And power walking up those inclines saved me, I tell you. I was able to run strong on all the other parts of the course.






Here is a pic of Danny coming up the hill toward Little Yosemite Valley. He's one of those hard core trail runner who just DOESN'T walk!
Unfortunately I have no more pics to share, but by the time we got into Little Yosemite and headed back toward the parking lot, my legs were FRIED CHICKEN! Done, finito, toast. As it is today, my quads are seizing! Danny estimated the total run at about 13 miles. With the snack, potty and picture stops and a few breaks here and there, it took us about 2:45 to get back to the car. I estimate our total run time was about 2:35. We quickly got water and then headed over to the other side of Mission Peak so he could get his car.

I left with a better appreciation of the task ahead of me on May 18. I don't know why I thought it was going to be easy, but it's not. The climb to Rose Peak from Little Yosemite Valley is even higher and more arduous than the climb up Mission Peak. I anticipate being on my feet for at least 6-1/2 hours. You can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be having some serious conversations with God along the way. I think the downhills are going to be even tougher than the uphills.

I really can't wait to do this. It's going to be a refreshing change from running the usual marathon. 31 miles of God's country! If the Costanoan Indians did it a couple hundred years ago, I can too. I think! ;)

Thanks for reading!!!

10K Race Recap

What a fun race today! Let me get the 'bad' points out of the way. It started at 11 a.m. and by that time it was already in the mid-70s. There was no water on the course, and even though I normally don't take anything during a 10K, I also normally don't run one at 11 a.m. MANY people needed fluids out there, including me. And I felt sorry for the volunteers who had to control traffic because motorists today were just plain jerks and some even attempted to fist fight a couple of volunteers. That just angers me! Next year they need cops to do traffic control!

Okay, the good points. Beautiful, sunny day. Light wind which helped cool us somewhat. Some very fast runners showed up and that always pushes me harder. I purposely left my Garmin at home and ran only with a normal sports watch. There were no mile markers so I couldn't get hung up on pace and was forced to run by 'feel.' And let me tell you, it felt so difficult and challenging and it just HURT! But my goals were to take a spot in the top 3 females overall, to place in my age group, and to PR. That being said, I met all 3 goals!

I took 2nd place overall female, and 2nd in age group behind the overall female winner, and I shaved almost 2 minutes off my previous 10K PR. Finished in 41:26 which is a 6:40/mile pace. Not bad considering I have done only 1 quality workout since Boston and have just ran mostly recovery miles. Marathon fitness does have some perks! The fun part: I won $150 cash. That'll buy me some new running gear. Hee hee. But I think I'll treat my hubby to a nice dinner instead.

A lot of runners from our running club showed up and that was so great. The overall female winner is a friend from the running club, and the overall female MASTERS winner is also from the club. So cool! The men's winner was none other than Miguel Nuci, our hometown hero who ran in the Men's Olympic Marathon Trials last November. He finished in 30:29 and he was followed by 2 guys he coaches... all from our hometown. :) My husband says there must be something in our water!

Well, time to get ready for a little birthday party we are attending today. I'm going to have some cake, and a frosty, cold beer! Yum!!!

Training Day & I'm not talkin' about runnin'.

I had a great training class for work today. I wish I could share every detail with you, but unfortunately I can't. I'll just say it had a lot to do with firearms and 'bad guys.'

The class was part of mandatory yearly training to keep my Peace Officer status. I miss my job so much! I am not kidding. However, not working full time has its advantages. The best one being that I get to be here when my kids need me for all the little thankless things that parents are needed for. :) When I worked full time, I felt like I never saw them and it just broke my heart. They are so much happier now that they see me before school and after school, instead of just at bedtime (and sometimes I wouldn't even make it home in time for that). I'm going to enjoy these years as much as I can, before they get deep into their teens and hate me. Heee hee.

Another advantage of not working full time is I get to devote a lot of time to my all time favorite hobby, and you all know what that is... RUNNING! Surprise.

Now, what this post is really about is my career. It's not down the tubes because I still get to work about 20 hours per month, which is great. My full time career is just on hold for now. Anyway, the 20 hours per month lets me get my fix when I need it most, and then I get to be home the rest of the month. But alas, I miss the ACTION, talking to ALL TYPES of people from walks of life that are far removed from my own, I miss my good girlfriends that I used to see everyday (and now I'm lucky if I see once every 6 months), I miss the adrenaline rushes, I miss making order out of complete chaos, I miss taking suspected criminals to jail, I miss making a difference in people's lives in ways that I normally would not when at home, I miss the constant contact with the entire community!


I know my 'job' as a stay at home mom is the most important one I will have, and while I'm here I will do my best, just like I did when I worked full time outside the home. But I can still miss my career, can't I? Of course there is a lot I don't miss about it, but those things aren't as fun to talk about. ;)

Anyway, back to running. Before work today I did 5 miles, which included 6 x 400 meter speed intervals with 1 minute recoveries. Man did it feel good to the old legs moving. I ran them all between 1:24 and 1:27.

Okay, time to get ready for bed. Thanks for reading!

Yes, I have been running!

Let's see, I ran on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday it was gorgeous outside and I was motivated to run faster than the 2 weeks prior. I put the toddler in the jogging stroller, put the dog on his leash, and off we went with a couple miles of warm up.

Got back, put the dog in the back yard and then ran 4 x 100 meter strides while pushing the jogging stroller. Feeling good and warm. Then we did 4 x 5 MINUTE (not mile) tempo intervals with 1-1/2 minute recoveries. Damn near made me keel over and pass out! I was pleading for God's help, big time. I ran them between a 6:52 and 7:02 pace and covered between .71 and .73 miles for each. Then we jogged a mile to cool down.

Tuesday while the kiddos had track practice (it was fun to watch them learn and practice the long jump), I ran around the dirt track. It was 85-degrees and absolutely perfect. Light wind which provided decent resistance but had more of a cooling effect. I covered 7 miles in 53 minutes and change, about a 7:38/mile pace. I threw in 10 x 100 meter strides toward the end and my body was getting tired. Somehow I managed to do 3 sets 10 of pull ups and 3 sets of 10 dips immediately afterward... then we all piled in the car for a minor league baseball game. It was a great day!

Today my dear daughter woke up with a temp of 101 and she got hotter as the day wore on. :( Poor gal. Needless to say, no running today which is a good thing because my whole body was sore this morning! Hubby comes home from work tomorrow and I'm excited to run again. Will probably do something like an hour's worth and throw in some pick ups along the way, or maybe I'll go for 400s to get my legs moving fast. I have a 10K on Saturday I just hope my legs find some speed after all this time off.

Okay, bedtime. I hear the kids snoring loudly in their rooms and it makes me sleeeeepy. See ya' soon.

2 Weeks to the Ohlone 50K - Oh Boy!

I was just reading Scott Dunlap's blog and found his Ohlone 50K race report (again), and so I reread it. I am in for quite a run!

I hope he doesn't mind if I post some pics here that he included in his race report from 2006. I used to hike these trails to Mission Peak as a teenager and in my 20's. I even ran up to Mission Peak once (slowly) when I was in my 20's, but cut the run a little shorter than I had wanted because a momma cow didn't like that I scared her little baby. (Cows run fast)!!!

Here's the kicker, the trail up to Mission Peak is only about 4 miles out of the 31 I get to run! Hahahaha, joke's on me!

Anyway take a look at some of the nice climbs I have ahead of me... YOWZA!

(photo courtesy of Rick Gaston on Scott Dunlap's blog)

(photo courtesy of Scott Dunlap's blog)

(photo courtesy Scott Dunlap)

(photo courtesy Scott Dunlap)











Thankfully Danny B. and Mike B. will be there to push me along to the finish. Thanks guys!

Danny is on the right.