Get Up and Get Moving

Dear Doubt: You are no longer my friend!

2011-05-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

The week leading up to Sun Mountain 50 miler ~ We had been dealing w/ a host of issues.

Friday morning: Benjamin had projectile vomit that continued for the whole day....Sat am. Gary had a 50k race ~ Luckily Benjamin made a 90% recovery and we went on to crew his race. We made it to Monday before Hannah ~ started with her projectile vomiting. She took a little longer to get over her bout with the flu ~ 2 days of solid rest.

Whew! ~ It was now Saturday morning and no others were vomiting! We loaded up the truck and headed out on Saturday morning. Destination Winthrop, Wa. As we arrive in the vicinity of Seattle....Sophia started in on the projectile vomiting! Shooting the plastic bag out of Gary's hand and sending vomit into his lap & Sophia's. We made a sudden stop and changed out Sophia's clothes and Gary was in bad shape....I forgot to pack a change of pants ~ yikes! Now we were committed to getting to Winthrop. We figured if we could get her to the motel and rest up she'd probably be fine by morning. She continued to be sick for a few hours. Gary was a trooper and sat with her. (The runner really needed to steer clear of vomit) ~ Benjamin sat next to Sophia, his fingers were in his ears and a plastic spoon stuffed up his nose to not smell the fabulous odor. We were in luck we had a shoe box lined with a plastic bag and that held out till the vomit session was over ~ many uses for a shoe box! (thank you Brooks)

Now we finally make it to the motel and Sophia is magically cured when we make it to our room. She's ready to eat and drink everything and we were scared of what that could bring. We limited her intake and waited till morning. Meanwhile, Benjamin fell out of bed in the middle of the night screaming and then proceeded to sleep walk. (Now I'm really awake!) he also had a watch that beeped every hour also he had snuck a stopwatch into his bag with some random timer that went off at 2:43am. I had visions of running it over w/ my truck. A 4am alarm went off for Gary to go help out with parking for the race and my alarm went off at 5am. No sleep for me.

Well, we made it through a night without anyone getting sick! Loaded the kids up and headed to the start line. I was able to meet Duncan Callahan ~ it was finally nice to meet him in person ~ he is an amazingly fast runner. Also, Nick Triolo was there too ~ just enough time to wave at the start and I wouldn't see much of him until mid race!(on a loop) Duncan was leading and Nick was 6 min. behind him. Duncan was all business and Nick was smiling and giving a shout out!

Starting line

Five minutes to the start James Varner RD, gave a quick speech about trail markings and barb wire fences & cowboy fences & crawling under some. I manage to squeeze through a couple and under a couple. I was good at "Limbo" when I was a kid but I really wish I could have seen some of the taller guys make it under them. Then the race started and everyone was out and gone before I knew it. Keeping my pace was all I was after. At about mile 4 I was all alone and enjoying incredible views and loving just being out on the trail. I had a "Sound of Music" moment ~ I looked around and made sure no one was looking and stretch my arms out and had my eyes fill w/ tears ~ this is what it's all about!

The kids after their 1K race (sophia even wanted to run)....she has the makings of an ultrarunner.

The kids has some great adventures & mountain climbing too!

The rest of the day I just continued to focus on my run and try to keep a consistent pace. That was my game plan and I'm sticking to it. I was not letting my mind wonder off on some doubting trip. I had been struggling w/ the distance and not really racing at all in 2011. My confidence was a little lacking. Prior to Sun Mountain I really worked on "self talk" and how to quickly steer away from negative thinking and remember prior "great" races! Midway through my race I hit a low point w/ a little too much walking. I made it into mile 36 and was greeted by Gary & the kids again...I could almost smell the barn!

getting closer to the end!

I finally hooked up w/ a guy named Jason ~ and we ran and chatted about kids, family and life! It really helped my pace and kept me running also, it was some of the sweetest single track. My climbing was getting better as time proceeded and I soon found myself running into the last aidstation. One last climb 2 steep miles up 2 steep miles down and 2 miles gradual climb to the finish. My climb went exceedingly well I was so excited and just popped right up the hill. It was fun to see people on their way down, I had fun clapping and cheering them on. I made a game of it and set my eye on a few runners and thought of how I could catch them on the downhill. My downhill was okay ~ the steep stuff was a little hard on my toes ~ The Big Toe is going to be a goner. I focused on "not" focusing on my feet and got myself moving. Running the uphills were now easier on me then the down. I kept reeling in runners and that game got me to the finish line that much easier. One last runner I almost caught her at the finish but with about 100 yards to the finish she turned and saw me and then took off! Dang!

great music at the finish line

9:37 ~ a PR for me. I would have been happy w/ 10:00 hrs, so I'm elated.
I needed this race and this outcome as I head into Bighorn 100 in June. Meanwhile, I'll continue on with my training. In a couple weeks I am headed out on an adventure w/ some great people to run Mt. Zion & Bryce Canyon.

Peterson Ridge Rumble - April DNF

2011-05-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

In April I ran Peterson Ridge Rumble ~ to only drop at 30 miles due to massively tight hip flexors w/ each foot placement brought great pain. I'm not quite sure as to why I didn't just cut it short and run 20 miles. I focused on the cut-off for the last section. After climbing the long cinder road I decided to call it a day. I only had 10 miles left of pretty much all downhill but, that day just wasn't my day. I didn't need to waste myself on this race w/ Bighorn 100 right around the corner. One good thing about it was that I would get to cheer Gary on as he finishes his race strong!

This is only a test

2011-04-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

As I head to Peterson's Rumble ~ 40 miler.....I am ready to run. I'm running against myself and am excited to see friends on the trail!

I'm stretching the legs & the brain all in one day. I haven't raced since 2010.
This posted was first suppose to be about the challenges of coming back from a injury.

This racing season is so different from last. Last year was a more "self" focused season. I actually was quite selfish w/ my schedule. No Dr. appointments, no outside interference and many sacrifices by others.

This year has became very "full". Most would say too busy and hectic ~ but in retrospect it has been one of the most fulfilling seasons of all. I have added in more visiting and on recovery runs I run with my children. Lunches with friends and making a more planned schedule has been huge. I have a "full" feeling. I think some ultrarunners can get too self absorbed and sacrifice so much. It has truly been a reward to think of all the people I have been able to hang out with and what a difference that makes for me.

Balance. I run on the trail and let my mind wander ~ it feels good! Definately more of an inward journey without that sounding too corny. Now, I'm working on the "racer" in me. She's in there and still competitive.

Let's see what happens.

Back on Schedule

2011-02-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I've managed to get back on schedule. It took a coach to get me set & motivated. I was so excited when receiving my spreadsheet of workouts!

I'm working with one of the top competitors in ultrarunning. Krissy Moehl.

I'm doing a few different things this time around. I'm incorporating some am. & pm. workouts. To help out the capillary beds. I figured if Geoff Roes & Tony Krupika talked about the benefits, I'd give it a try. I'm also doing some am. running & some form of body workout, circuit training or yoga in the evening. I'm also, adding in some minimal running. I am waiting for the release of New Balance's "Minimus" ~ minimal shoe. Great reviews!!

I'm headed into my 3 year of running. I'm so excited to see what this year holds, in terms of running ultras. My focus this year is being positive and having a blast! Pushing harder and learning from my mistakes.

I've been working with my homeschool group of highschoolers. I've been doing a 50 min. circuit training class. It's been fun to hang out with such a great group of kids. In the Spring I will be doing a running class ~ which will be a major treat for me. It'll be 7 weeks of fun Wednesdays. I'm eventually going to take them out on the trail and hopefully someone will fall in love with trail running.

The Time Has Come

2011-01-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

The pants have gotten tighter and my patience for a muffin top have grown weary!
That's what will happen with an injury prior to the holidays! Then of course, continual eating of goodies. I've also, managed to catch every cold I've come in contact with during the winter. I was always was so proud of how I hadn't been sick in 2 years. Well, I managed to catch all the 2 years worth of colds and lump them into 8 weeks.

I'm finally well and rested.
The last 2 weeks have finally found me back on track.

1- longer run
1- tempo run
2- 1.5 hour runs
2- 2+ hour bike rides

I feeling good but still working on the whole glute & achilles issue.
My left side is a continual work in progress.

Training is so much fun. I'm running so much more in the MacDonald Forest ~ I'm learning the trails w/ a little trial and error.
Climbing is going to be a big focus for me.

Gary & I have been doing more running together and that has been a blast. We take turns pushing & pulling each other. He stops to tie his shoe and I try to lose him! I did it once...he turned on the wrong trail. I'll take it ~ navigation is part of trail running success! Gary is great on the climb and is a continual push for me. There are also times when we put the tunes on and just run!

Gary spoiled me with a new Mt. bike for Christmas ~ this last Christmas has been a very difficult one for me. Having a larger family opens you up to deeper hurts in dealing w/ children. So, to ease some of my pain...he thought a mt. bike would cheer me up. Guess what??, it did.

It gave me opportunity to work some different muscles and step out a little into a scary zone. Nothing like being clipped into your pedals and stuck to your bike while riding down a steep hill or trying to find some sort of balance before slamming yourself to the ground. Funny how you can think about how you'll put your foot down to stop and then when you stop..your brain forgot to work! I'm assured that this is common.

I have a few things in the works for this coming year but, first I am waiting to see if I get in on the lottery for Hardrock 100. That won't be posted till the first week in February.

I'm hoping I get in & hoping I don't ~ make sense??

Wrapping up a crazy year!

2010-12-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

As I review this whole year ~ I can revel in all that has transpired.

Marathons, 100 mile races, pacing, injury and near death experiences with "too" many family members! Raising little ones and building friendships with my older one. Continuing a romance with the love of my life (Gary). Dealing with painful issues of what life brings. Losing friends and making new ones. Tears and laughter (the kind that make my asthma act up). Running, mountain biking and just plain living.

Are they all gifts?? Yes, for if I didn't experience each trial or joyful experience ~ I wouldn't be who I am today.

It's hard to be thankful in the moment of all of life's trials but I truly do know of the promise ~ that I'm a continual work in progress. My life is amazing and I love big! Anyone that "really" knows me....knows that for sure! I have big hopes for next year and am promised of some "kind" of adventure that lurks around the corner.

During my off season of running I have had plenty of time to chase the kid around and not enough time with my grand-children.

I've talked with a dear friend Trisha ~ who planted a seed....How can I live my life with purpose?

Romans 12:2
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Wildwood 10K, Wasatch 100, Bear 100

2010-10-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

Wildwood 10k

Benjamin had ultimate success! He ran his first 10K 1:10 (11:09pace)

He was such a joy to watch him run the course. He continually ran with his arms out like an airplane. We talked about how it's all about having fun but at the same time he wasn't too keen about people passing him. We had a younger girl (20ish), try to pass...he held her off for 1/4 mile before easing up a bit. He made me work on the downhill ~ I was very impressed. I'm trying to keep it fun and let Ben tell me when he wants to run. It's been a blast to hang out and see the excitement of running on the trail from a child's eye. When I run I run from a child's mind on what I can remember!

1:10 (11:09 pace)

The whole gang to celebrate Ben's Victory.

WASATCH 100

Oregon Crew ~ Anna, Dennis, Sander, Chip, Ward & Gary

Gary had an incredible race!

He had a goal of 28 hours and I know some people thought that was too big of goal for such an inexperienced ultrarunner. Gary is underestimated!! He has grit and determination like no other. He started w/ a 29 hour pace chart but continued to come in ahead of schedule at each aidstation. I was so excited to see him. We'd see each other and get teary eyed ~ to share in each others triumphs and the joy of loving to run in the woods has been such an amazing experience! It touches both of us!

Pep talk time (although, he didn't need it)

I started to pace Gary @ Brighton ~ It is always so exciting to jump in and run the last part of the race together. Gary ran strong and made me work to keep up!! The last 25 miles where so hard. The "plunge" and "dive" were quite physically challenging ~ Gary had a few spills in those sections. Running Wasatch 100 w/ Gary made all other trails look easier!

28:27 ~ AMAZING and STRONG Finish!!

BEAR 100

I didn't have the same success that Gary did but I learned a lot about myself that day.

Drake, Joe and Me at the start

The Bear was a very different race. Very laid back to say the least. I was mostly conserned about the marking of the course but it never crossed my mind that running out of water at aidstations would be a problem! Luckily Gary carried several gallons of water and he was able to save the day for many other runners.

The course was marked well and it was beautiful. The first climb of the day was the hardest for me. The day continued to warm up and so was I. Saw Gary at Leathem (20m) ~ was just what I needed. Leaving the aidstation I walked w/ Jamshid. A huge herd of cows took over the road. I tucked in behind Jamshid and a few other runners and the cows parted like crazy. I had no idea that cows are terrified of you. They will try to climb straight up a mountain to get away from you. Also, another extra that no one mentions...most of the run all you smell is "Cow Poop"! Plenty of landmines too.

I was warming up on the climb out of Richard's Hollow, it was very warm on that climb. Coming into Cowley Canyon was a nice descent. I headed out of Cowley on another gravel road. This is where I found my race. I gained an incredible powerhike!!, at least for me. I am usually passed on the uphill but this time I was walking right past people. I continued w/ a steady downhill but not fast. Getting into Righthand Fork ~ it was good to see Gary and have him walk me out of the aidstation and feed off his energy.

From Righthand Fork to Temple Fork was so beautiful. There was a section of canyon (little) after descending off another road. The canyon was green & a gradual rolling ~ I loved it w/ a small river beside the trail. Getting into Temple Fork I surprised Gary, because my pace was picking up and I was feeling strong & positive!

Leaving Temple Fork I started the climb. I passed quite a few people and was feeling good......out of nowhere I felt my left soleus/calf begin to tighten and within a few min. I was stopped dead in my tracks. I was only able to walk on my tip toe w/ my left foot, even then it was quite painful. As I walked the next 1.5 hours to get into Tony Grove, it gave me plenty of time to come to terms w/ having to quit. I couldn't do this another 50 miles and I didn't want to need surgery afterwards either. So I called it a day at Tony Grove.

The hardest part about quiting is that I felt good. I was happy and my body was not tired! My leg however didn't. This is an injury I had back in July and didn't take it serious enough ~ I had actually forgotten about it.

The agony of defeat ( Tony Grove aidstation)

I will be back next year...at least that is my plan.

This years running season has been a great year!! We have had so many adventures and travels! My truck offically knows how to get to Idaho, Utah and Wyoming! Gary and I already are talking about next years races and what we want to do and what we hope to do! Hardrock is on our wish list, just like so many others. We have met new friends and it has been incredible!!

Let's see what kind of Winter adventures we can find......

Waldo 100K - 14:48 (50min. Personal Record)

2010-08-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

Maiden Peak

The last year flew by so fast...now, I'm back again running Waldo 100K.

We once again made it a family affair and took the kids along w/ camping the night before at the start line/ ski lodge. It was nice to see so many locals and a few that I had met at Bighorn 100 too!

The alarm went off too soon and I was at the lodge eating & preparing for the start.
Ready, set, go! ~ And we're off.

The first climb last year kicked my butt! ~ I was dead last...This year it still pushes me but I'm not "dead" last....close but not last. I enjoy the downhill probably a little too much but it's the reason why I run uphill, so that I can run back down!

AS #1 - Gold Lake ~ I see Josh and hand off my light & gloves (thanks) and head out to start climbing. This year I wanted to do more climbing and less walking.

AS#2/#2 - Fuji ~ I was there before I knew it and I was very excited that it wasn't too bad of a climb. Although, there were a few short but sweet kickers! Getting into that AS, I have to say a big THANK YOU to the people up there. Mosquitos!!! everywhere in swarms. I'm glad I dawned the "DEET" for Waldo ~ I hate that stuff but, I use it only once a year, when it's really needed.

AS#3 - Mt. Ray ~ My descent was good. A controlled effort while trying to be nice to the knees. Next up the climb to Twin.

AS#4 - The Twins ~ I worked hard on that climb. It was a little tougher on me but I just kept moving. I loved the theme both times up at Twin. Heaven & Hell. It was so nice to see familiar faces of friends! Thanks Gabi & Sanders.

AS#5 - Charlton Lake ~ I had a great run into Charlton...much better than last year. Last year I cruised into the aidstation telling Gary..."Do not push me through!!" I was crying but managed to make it out. This year I made the aidstation before Gary! Yipee that was a highlight for me ~ no crying and a few minutes faster.

AS#6 - Road 4290 ~ I made it to the road that I thought would never come. I was slower on this section than I wanted but at least I didn't know it at the time.

AS#7 - Twins (2nd time) ~ Okay, I don't know what happened to me here last year...but I forgot just how hard that climb was...ugh! I made it to Twins again to find Gary waiting to run with me! I was tired and he was a great cheerleader. I asked how far Bret was ahead of me....and then I thought I'd play a game with myself and try to reel him in.

AS#8 - Maiden Peak ~ I had a very slow shuffle and made slow time on this section.
Climbing after the aidstation was actually fairly good on me for at least the first mile...I caught up to Bret & Gail, it was nice to have a quick hi & fake a smile (fake because I was in pain) ~ my butt was killing me!! I was always on a quest for a new one!, then the straight up section about killed me!! The rolling little boulders before you reach the summit of Maiden Peak are murder. Being greeted by Kelly and a quick chat session & photos, we headed down. Last year I felt nauseous coming down from the altitude and once again, I was feeling light headed and nauseous. Hurry and get down to the next aidstation is and was my plan, since it helped last year.

AS#9 - Maiden Lake ~ Maura!! ~ I was looking for her all day! She definately made the aidstation. Even Barb was there (Hannah made friends w/ her grand-daughter Piper) A quick bite to eat, a face wash & a back massage.

This next section seems to take forever to get to the lakes...Gary kept pushing and I tried to listen...sometimes I did, sometimes I didn't. We got out to where we could see the lakes and Gary said, "let's get going...faster, faster, faster" ~ I was getting a little bugged by the train driver!! I guess it worked. I got very upset about to cry and cranked up my music VERY loud and shouted, "I have my music blasting I can't hear you and I running as fast as I can!!". That was Gary's cue to sit back and let me find my pace.

I found my pace and I was flying down the hill! I started passing people again and it felt good. When I would pass, I always passed "very" fast so that no one would hold on to me. We got in a groove and kept a good solid pace. I was trying to give Gary some kind of a workout.

I was so happy with my time it was a 50 min. PR! ~ I made it back before dark time & before the award ceremony started. I always seem to come in too late to hear the awards being handed out.

Gary & kids were great cheerleaders, even my mother came out and made many rounds to the aidstations. I don't think she'll be back next year it was a lot of hussling around for her but, she was able to see what these crazy races are all about.

I'm so thankful for what I get to do almost everyday ~ my husband has been so generous with giving me time on the trail. I'm so glad that he loves running in the woods "almost" as much as I do!

The Lone Runner

2010-08-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Alone and embracing it!

I've been hitting the trail alone. It is a different season for sure. It has all come to this, not necessary by choice but it's here nonetheless. I know there is a lesson to be learned. So I'm relaxing and enjoying the trail & it's solitude.

Focus, Strength and Dance ~ is my new motto!

Focus: A point of concentration ~ Feel the trail and run.

Strength: Solidity; a toughness application of force without breaking or yielding.

Dance: Let yourself get into the dance; Lose yourself in the process.

With change comes growth. Running the trail alone has become a real time of reflection and strength.

"Without change, nothing ever changes"

Adaption or Not That ~ Twas the Question?

2010-08-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

White River 50 Miles ~ 8700+ Ft. Asc/ 8700+ Ft. Decent ~ 11:13

The week prior to WR50, I had a short & sweet run on a very familar trail (Wildwood). After about 2 miles I felt tightness in my calf & then a sudden zinger. Needless to say I walked back to my car not wanting to make things worse.

I was hoping to run WR50 strong....If I would have know how hard the course was I probably would have stayed home. All I can say is that WR50 is an amazing 50 mile run!!! It is only 2 climbs, but they are major climbing.

The night before the race we had a thunder and lightning storm and heavy rain to top it off.
I couldn't sleep very well thinking...all I brought was shorts & a tank! Waking in the morning....all rain was gone & the day was looking to be good.

Micheal & Ronda were sure to run a smok'in fast day and they did! Gary just ran Tahoe Rim Trail 100 2 weeks ago ~ and he rocked the course w/ 100 mile legs & very little training.

I put on my ace bandage & compression sleeves and ran a good race. I warmed my leg up for the first climb. I was apprehensive about "really" tearing a muscle but the compression really helped. Although, I know the prayers helped too! I was in dead last place for the first 42 min. of the race. I kept telling myself, it's okay....you'll catch'em later. Finally catching up with people it was nice to visit along such a beautiful trail. It was fun to cheer the front runners on and to see Micheal & Ronda & Gary on the out & back section too.

As I ran WR50 ~ I started thinking about "adaptation". My injury was adapting and it was freakishly weird.

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/3_Ways_to_Prevent_Running_Injuries.htm

I'd love to see just what Ronda could do out on that course "if she was racing" She said, "she wasn't even pushing it" ~ Meanwhile I was dying on the last 13 miles! Ronda ~ sub 10 hours!Micheal ~ sub 9 hours!!

My leg held out & Gary and I finished close together. Although, I finished before Gary by only 11 min. ~ He is definately back!! My days are over beating him. He's built up his strength & is running strong once again.

Let the Summer Begin!

2010-07-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

The next few weeks are getting the body back in the mode of training. White River 50 Miler is right around the corner.

This is a new course for me. It's suppose to be beautiful and promised plenty of running!

I've been enjoying the trail and pushing the pace. If I can get my life a little more organized it will be a smoother transition. It looks like summer is finally here and sure to promise some really hot races this year. Where's Waldo 100K, I'm guessing is going to be a real scorcher!!

I'm just hoping the heat keeps the bees @ home!! You can't out run those babies.

Gary and I are headed for Tahoe Rim 100 miler ~ June 17th. His training has been sparse but, I have no doubt he'll pull this out of his hat. All I can say is "He's one tough cookie". I'm hoping to get in a couple runs while I'm there and read through a couple books too!

Bighorn 100 ~ Epic Adventure Had By All!

2010-06-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hannah (11) ~ Ben (8) ~ Sophia (6)

Where do I begin? We had such an amazing family vacation & 100 mile run all wrapped up into one.

We loaded up the kids and headed out on a drive to Dayton, Wyoming. We travelled down through Boise and up into the Teton National Forest and into Yellowstone, through Cody to Dayton, Wy.

We camped our first night in Glenns Ferry, Id. We were treated w/ high winds all night making sleep next to impossible. Sophia (6) was scared of the wind..snuggled up to daddy and then suggested that we get a motel. Daddy comforted her and she finally fell asleep. The following day was Hannah's Birthday (11), we treated her with a snuggly blanket she wanted & of course a movie (Bedtime Stories). As we travelled on through the Tetons we were treated with heavy rains...just as we saw the Tetons the rain stopped and the clouds somewhat lifted. It was enough time for us to get some pictures w/o getting too drenched! We drove through Yellowstone and it was so beautiful at every turn. We felt like you could have stopped every 15 min. and been mesmerized at the beauty. We saw buffalo, elk, pronghorn, beaver and GRIZZLY bear! ~ that wasn't too comforting the day before the race.

We made it into Dayton, Wy. Checked into our motel and then headed to the sign in location to pick up my packet and drop off drop bags and then head to dinner.

At dinner we met up with the Corvallis group of runners. All I can say is wow!, one great group of encouraging runners! They had so many positive things to say. Gary was sure to get pictures ~ he makes sure I have photo's for the memory books.

Race Day:

Picture perfect weather. The first climb came in approx. 3 miles ~ it was a major climb for about 6+ miles. Making my way to Upper Sheep & then Dry Fork ~ I just took it nice and easy remembering it was going to be a long day.

Dry Fork:

Gary & the kids were there, I made a quick exchange of bottles & gels and said hi to the kids and headed out. From Dry Fork to Cow Camp was probably my least favorite, just because it was on a rutted out ATV road. The views were still incredible so, I didn't have much to complain about!

Cow Camp:

Making it to Cow Camp was nice...seeing single track up ahead sounded nice. Although, the single track was "tight" single track w/ sage brush that banged against your legs at every step. Once again, the views were spectacular it was right out of National Geographic!! Meadows & Aspen trees & Many, many mountains!!

Bear Camp:

Making it to Bear Camp I knew my downhill section was coming soon that would drop into Footbridge. It was a pretty section w/ wonderful views of wildflowers & canyon walls.

Footbridge:

Coming into Footbridge ~ that was a busy Aidstation. I gathered my stuff and was weighted & headed out to Narrows.

Narrows:

3+ miles to Narrows came quick & sweet. All I can say about the volunteers was that they were so incredibly nice and I loved all of the real cowboys on the back end of the course! Nothing like mountain men/women of Wyoming!

Spring Marsh:

Running from Narrows to Spring Marsh was beautiful as well. You expected to see wildlife at every turn. I could hear some Elk blowing their trumpets as the sun was beginning to set.

Elk:

From Spring Marsh to Elk seemed to take forever. Spring Marsh AS said it was about 3.5 miles but, it was more like 6+ miles! There was one section that had the largest Aspen trees ever! It was a total swamp through that grove of trees.

Porcupine:

From Elk to Porcupine section, that was the muddiest, slipperiest, wettest mess ever! The meadows of shin deep cold wetness was very slow going. Finally dropping down into Porcupine AS was a relief.

At this point my hands were beyond frozen! Getting into the cabin and getting some warm broth & hand warmers & standing by the propane heater was good. I didn't want to stay too long. Grabbing a jacket and heading out, I was a little nervous going out alone into the freezing cold temperatures w/ no one to talk to or distract my mind. I focused on getting to lower elevations and that seemed to work just fine.

As I passed through Elk and then Spring Marsh ~ that's when my better judgement went out the window. My stomach was getting tired of eating gels and I started to eat more real food at Aidstations...then I'd skip a gel....and that would continue for too long. By the time I made it into Footbridge ~ my stomach was revolting and I wasn't feeling too good. I ate more food & used the porta potty and the Corvallis group encouraged me to leave w/ them. Once again ~ They had kind words to share and they would pull me through the rest of the race!

Making the climb out of Footbridge wasn't too bad. As I entered Bear Camp ~ I shouted "The Lone Ranger"! They were very good to me and encouraging as well.

From Bear Camp to the finish it was a painful walk w/ an occasional sluggish jog. I just kept going, putting one foot in front of the other. The last 13 miles from Upper Sheep to the finish was a painful one. I had intense pain on the bottoms of my feet and my stomach would cramp every time I ran.

Once I hit the road I met a gentleman by the name of Jake from Missouri ~ He was an angel! He walked the last 5 miles w/ me. He had already ran the 100 and had came out again to stretch his legs (crazy huh?) ~ I really needed a buddy at this point. I was hoping Gary would pop around a corner to run home w/ me, but he was sitting at the finish with the kids.

Finally making it to the bridge & then hitting the park was such a relief. I mustered up enough to run through the park to the finish line.

31:25 ~ I did it and am glad that I didn't quit or miss the cutoff's

The race was amazing and the volunteers were incredible and the scenery was the most beautiful I have ever seen!

Coming down the home stretch

2010-06-03T21:22:00.001-07:00

I'm headed into the finale of training for Bighorn 100.

Things have calmed down for me somewhat. I've been running and having a great time. The mud & rain has been an extra bonus!! I've had several adventures up in the gorge w/ torrential rain! It helps to be doing 6000+ ft. of Asc ~ to keep you warm.

The gorge ~ headed down from Devil's Rest to Angel's Rest

I've managed to get a grip on my heartrate while doing tons of climbing, which is exciting to see such a drastic change from 1 year ago. My resting heart rate is 48! Wow, pretty good if I don't say so myself. I do all of this training and it's cool to see some physical changes.

We are gearing up for our "family" trip to Wyoming ~ Gary & I, 3 kids in tow & a truck load of stuff! The kids are excited to hit the road and have some time away from home.

Know matter what happens it's going to be very memorable!!

Enough already!

2010-05-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

I love this statement, it is totally me:

Courage and strength are often depicted in many cultures as a lion or a tiger. There is incredible power within those huge jaws and claws and giant muscular limbs. These attributes for strength and courage as applied to human beings are not necessarily physical in nature. Athletes will tell you that success within athletics is 95% (maybe more) mental and 5% physical. The mechanics is a small part of the control. The brain takes over and dictates the rest. Attitude is everything; the belief that one can accomplish the necessary is more than half the battle. Where the mind leads, the body will follow.

Training for a 100 miler takes a lot out of you.

I was told but, didn't fully grasp it until now....

Running is fun and training is even more of a blast.

But, it's exhausting. My memory fails and my emotions are raw and on my sleeve!

I have a family of 5 at home. Many resposibilities that go along w/ that.

I homeschool my children. I have a houseful of animals.

I try to divide my time between myself & the whole sha-bang!!

Phew! ~ I'm tired already

I'm still running hard and having a great time discovering more about myself everyday!

People may read my posts and come to their own conclusion of who I am.

I work hard & love greatly.

I think being a strong woman is sometimes too much for some people.

I'm not a follower but, I don't mind tagging along.

I'm opinionated.

Some people see my strength as too much or as cockiness.

That couldn't be further from the truth of who I am.

How is that for wearing my heart on my sleeve.

I'd love to hear about other people out there who train for 100 milers and your experiences!

Please share!!

The Big Mac Daddy! 50K

2010-05-10T15:11:00.001-07:00

5:37 for 31.6 miles ~ Perfect weather & a perfect race! I ran it picture perfect. ~ Plenty of prayer and many great answers. My goal was to run my race and have a consistant pace. Success. I ran certain hill climbs that I had walked last year. The firelane road out of Extendo, the climb up to Dimple Hill and from the last AS to the finish ~ ran them all without walking! That was an accomplishment to be proud of! My husand and kids cheered me on and crewed me at each AS except Dimple Hill. They made their mother proud! Even my oldest daughter & her husband showed up w/ my adorable "grandson"! A great turnout ~ all for me! It was a nice feeling to have support.

I finished strong and am looking forward to Bighorn 100 ~ it's going to be the same game plan. Run my race ~ stay focused ~ Let the mind "dance"!

The next few weeks are some great training! Look for more after Bighorn.

Gary is crewing me and I'm running without a pacer! This should get exciting! 8 hours of night running "alone"!! Jeff Browning's quote ~ "You don't need no stink'in pacer" ~ that was just what I needed to hear.

The Zen Zone.....

2010-05-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

A lot to be said about finding "The Zone".... I'm always looking for the magic bullet or suppliment that will give the edge, but as I become more familiar with what works for me, it all comes down to having "FUN" and "Pushing Hard".

That's pretty simple,,,right?? Kind of two counter productive words that don't seem to go together. As I get in the truck to head to the trail, I am somewhat reluctant..even during the warm up. Then, it's time to crank it up! It takes me about 1 hour to get in the groove, but the feeling is elation!

It has been a struggle w/ running alone the last couple of weeks but, I'm learning to grab a hold of that and own it! It has set a new fire in me! I really have fallen in love with the trail all over again! I'm strong & focused. I'm excited for Bighorn 100 it is right around the corner!

Someone asked me what my expected time was, and I said, "I don't know?? but, I want to win"..you should have seen the stares I received. When you run a race, don't you want to win?? Some race to finish, some race to win. I'm not saying I will win....but I want to win! Either way I'm a winner. I'm going out to do something amazing!! I'll be elated with the outcome of a great finish or survival! I've got a plan and a strategy ~ I'm excited!!

Peterson Ridge Rumble 60K

2010-04-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing run @ Peterson's! 5:54:50 - 9:43 pace.

I ran my race strong and was successful at keeping a steady pace from the beginning.

I ran the majority of my race running from Julz, just when I thought I had dropped her she'd pop up! I managed to get an occassional glimpse of Ronda and that "pink" shirt. At one time she stopped for a potty break and I continued on down the trail, right before we climbed the cinder road I hopped off the trail to hide behind a tree or at least try. My outfit was bright and the tree was small! :-)

Julz passed me on the road like I was standing still. As we came into the AS after the climb I took a breath, filled my water bottle, took another gel and got in the downhill zone! I pushed pass a lot of people that had passed me on the climb. I was in my element realized the push that layed ahead. In the final last mile I saw the "pink" shirt and got very excited. Varner passed by me and I told him to tell my twin that "I'm coming"...then I changed my mind and said, "wait, don't tell her I'm coming". I watched Varner as he ran past Ronda and then watched her look at her watch and then look behind her and pick up her pace. I continued to push the pace and draw a little closer.....but she continued to hold me off. We headed around the track and she ran into the finish as I was pushing my final 100 yards. I had a very successful race I was so elated with how I ran and how I was able run fast for a large partion of the race.

It's taken me some time but I am learning about how to pace myself and to be confident & strong in what I can do. Remembering that each race is "mine", to run for myself even when competing against others. Remembering that I don't start too fast so that I have something at the end.

McDonald Forest 50K, is my next race and a continuation of my training for Bighorn 100.

Last year I ran 6:28 - I'm hoping to run a sub 6 hour race this year.

Chuckanut 50K - The smile says it all!

2010-03-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

Chuckanut 50K -5:41

This race was all about me! I know that sounds selfish to some and not to others. I've been training hard and really wanted to reach out of the box!

Ronda & I had on our Lululemon attire. Some people thought we just bought matching outfits but that was not the case. We are sporting "Lululemon Racing" clothes. Many people were very confused as I would run into the aidstation.....I could see puzzled faces, thinking....didn't I just see her?? It doesn't help when you have the same hair color & same size.

I really wanted to focus on: 1.) Not being nervous before the race 2.) Run my own race.

The morning was cold 32 degrees to be exact. I was sporting my Lululemon tank & colorful shorts & gloves. It was amazing how I warmed up @ about 1/2 mile into the race. My heartrate was higher than normal, my nerves were kicking in a little. I kept reminding myself to run my own race. I didn't have a pace chart, I was running by effort; Although, I was aware of my time to the first aidstation & hoped to make it on the return trip in at least the same time.

Out of AS#1 - I ran through, hoping to refill my water at the next AS. I started the first climb of the day. It went well and I felt strong. I tried to run as much as I could. A nice downhill into

AS #2 - A congested build up of people pushed me to go on to the next AS for water, luckily I had 2 water bottles.

Out of AS#2 - I began the ascent up the road...on and on and on. I ran strong and worked on my power hiking skills! Then the "trail from H-e- double toothpicks". I had fun with this section, technical trails is the fun part of running trail! Some straight stretches to top off until the last AS before Chinscraper.

AS#4 - at the bottom of Chinscraper...I began my climb. My legs were on fire and I had plenty of company, some people had to stop and stretch....I kept moving. Nearing the top I saw Glen Tachiyama & Matt Hart. I finally crested the summit, looked at my watch and realized that if I made it down the hill in 30 min., I'd have 1 hour to get to the finish and I'd be ahead of my predicted time. I took a potty break, and then headed downhill!! I ran fast & I ran strong, passing a handful of people along the way.

AS#5 - I passed right through the AS & headed for the finish. My legs enjoyed the switch in the incline for about 1 min. I had some work to do. I stayed focused and ran my race...slowly passing more & more people along the way! I was only passed by 2 people in the last 6 miles.

As I ran into the finish I became happier and happier. I was so thankful for God's strength and that I too was strong and that anything was possible!

My fastest 50k! Up next.....Peterson's Ridge Rumble 60K.

Chuckanut 50K ~ Ready or not here I come!

2010-03-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Larch Mt.

My training w/ Karl Meltzer has been so good for me! I'm stretching my noodle & running my butt off!

As everyone begins to taper.....I am doing a mini taper. My miles have only been pulled back a little and intensity slowed, so I am excited to get out there and try to test this body & mind.

I have been having some psoas issues ~ yoga,yoga,yoga! Lululemon Hip Series is amazing for this runner! I am so ready to run Chuckanut 50k. I'm working on the mental aspect of things and remembering to run "my own" race. I always seem to go out too fast. Although, this year I will start a little faster than normal, it still will be a slower start for me (if that makes sense). My whole goal is to run strong the whole way & save some gas in the tank for the last 11 miles! I'm hoping to have some major energy for the last 6 to really stretch those legs and move ground.

My goal is a sub-6 ~ there I said it out loud! A group of friends & Gary too are headed to Washington for Chuckanut on Sat.

I'm hoping I have some fun posting to do on the return of the trip!

Running Within

2010-02-24T21:27:00.001-08:00

Running Within: page 67

Taking risks makes you inwardly strong, instilling in you a profound awareness, adding new meaning and richness to your running and racing; taking risks usually leads to breakthroughs in your running. When most runners are asked how they improve, they say it's their willingness to go out on a limb with the courage to take risks and learn from the outcome, whether favorable or not.

My new montra for this training cycle:

God is My Strength
I am Strong
Anything is Possible

I am feeling stronger everyday. Trail Season is in full swing and half way through my 1st training cycle of the season. I'm pushing beyond my normal and my normal was fairly high to begin with.

Gary was gracious enough to give me a running coach for my birthday. At least, he's planning my schedules and I'm putting in the miles. Who's the coach you say??? Well, it's Karl Meltzer! 100 miler extraordinaire. Like I said, I'm shaking things up and pushing the envelope and I'm gonna have some fun! I'm getting stronger and it's exciting.

Anything is possible and the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves.
Does it sound ridiculous?? Anything is Possible!!

Dream to Live

2010-02-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

Ronda & I headed to Huntington Beach, Ca. for the Surf City Marathon. We stayed at the Hilton. While we were there we noticed a group of people from Herbalife. Some wore a pretty silly button - "ask me how to lose weight" & handbags that said "Dream to Live". I feel like the bag should have read Live & Dream! Yes, dreams are important I get that part, but in order to dream you first have to start living. My motto is "Get up and Get moving", as you move you'll get motivated and then your ideas will change and grow. See that we are then capable of so much more. People think it's all about fanatical running and that is the farthest thing from the truth. For me when I run I am alive and I see things differently and things around me come alive, in turn I start to dream about different things.

When I sat in a chair for eight hours a day....I dreamed....but about what?
To be honest not a whole lot. Same Ole same ole. What do you dream about?
Live and then you'll start to dream.

*THE MARATHON *

Surf City Marathon is done and over....some relief and some trepidation. I didn't run it how I had planned but, that's how it happens sometimes. I ran a 3:49 a 5 min. PR.

I bought some new socks for the marathon. Yes, I know the rule.."never try out anything new on a marathon". I had used Smartwool socks in the past so I figured they'd all be about the same. "wrong" - I had a good strong first half and then I had succumb to a run/walking after mile 16. Metatarsal pain...ouch!

We both know that we are stronger for all of the training that we have done. Now, this week is about rest & then trail season training begins.

One of the great things about the trip...we had some sunshine! We both managed to get at tan while putting in some miles and we haven't be able to say that for quite awhile!

2010-01-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, the 1/2 marathon is Sunday and it is like a trial to see exactly what I can put out. There is not anymore time to jump things up or add to the major workout plan. It's now or nothing.

What will the weather do? What will I do?

Buck it up! & I'll Do My Best!

I've trained and I've put in the time and I've worked hard.

Now lets go have some fun. Run in the rain; hang out with friends; and run so fast and hard that I feel like I want to barf! Ouch, it doesn't sound too fun....but it "is" exciting none the less!

I'm shooting for an 1:44 on my 1/2 marathon. I'm hoping that my rear "glute" issues hold the course. It's only 13 miles.....right? What can happen in 13 miles???

All fun aside, I've had a great time running this Winter and I am "so" ready for the trail running season to begin soon, after Surf City Marathon - Huntington Beach, Ca. - Feb. 7th. Ronda & I have been having a great time!

Another Year Begins!

2010-01-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

Blast From The Past!

Before running (almost 3 years ago)

Who is that person?

Me now! - 1/2010

As the New Year is just getting started. I decided to look back over the last 2 years of "Ultra" running. It wasn't that long ago, I was sitting in a recliner chair for 8+ hours a day taking large amounts of pain pills! I had a chronic illness that the Dr.'s could not label....so they called it Fibromyalgia. That's a band-aid term to me!

Gary took a picture of me and I looked at myself and became so very unhappy with the way I looked. Stoned! The Lord put a hunger in my heart to "LIVE" again and reclaim my life. So that's what I did. It started with less than 1 mile on the treadmill in 20 min. to 3 miles on the road. Meanwhile, I read a book called, "The Ultra Marathon Man". Some crazy guy running over a hundred miles and stopping to eat whole pizzas. I loved it.

So, now 2 years later I have fully dived into "Ultra" running and it has been so much fun, I can't explain it! Last year I ran my farthest race...100K - 61 miles and I was able to run w/ Gary on his 1st 100 mile race.

This year is my year to kick it into high gear!! I have my first 100 mile race in June - Bighorn 100 miler in Wyoming and Bear 100 Miler in Utah. Along with some other cool adventures!

I wasn't a runner in highschool or college, but my love for running has always been there. I ran in Jr. High & Grade school. So now when I run I feel like a little kid again. It is a freeing feeling and I thank The Lord for what a blessing He has given me to be able to run! He gave me my life back and I promise not to waste what I've been given.

I'm not saying everyone has to become a crazy long distance runner, but what I'm saying is..

Is there something you want to do but just don't?
Do you make promises with yourself but never follow through?
Do you want something to change but don't know how to do it?

Get up and get moving! You'll be amazed at what happens...things change if you change what your doing!

Winter Training

2009-12-16T18:44:00.000-08:00

The temperatures have been all over the chart. From: 56 degrees & rain; 26 degrees & ice; 40 degrees & "really" cold rain! I have my assortment of clothes laying around all over the house. Always gloves!, maybe hand warmers - those are my new addition to my arsenal.

A group a girls to run with has been such a change from last Winter. All of my long runs were by myself for the most part. It is a nice to run and chat and be pushed further than I thought I could go and a much faster pace! Thanks to Ronda and Sarah!

I have made plans for my first 100 mile race: Bighorn 100M. It will be another adventure to add to the books. I hope I can walk away and not only walk away but feel good about the race. I have my 3rd marathon in Feb. & the late Spring adventure trip looks like Mt. Timpanogos marathon (a training run), along with a few other training runs in between. I will take a good stab @ Waldo this coming year too..and then end my year with Bear 100M.

Looks like we have some traveling to do. Gary has a few races he is "praying" he makes it into. Hardrock 100M is his dream race; Wasatch 100M (2nd runner-up), we'll have to wait and see what the Lord has planned for him & myself. He knows our "hearts" desire...and has given us the strength and endurance to have a ton of fun running & running together!

We are thankful to be alive and to be fit. No prescriptions and nothing a run in the woods on a good muddy trail that can't be worked out!

My Thankful "runners" ABC List:

2009-11-26T23:37:00.000-08:00

A - adrenaline & ability
B - brooks cascadia
C - courage
D - dirt & downhill
E - excitement
F - forest & friends
G - grit (it turns out, is an essential and often overlooked component of success.)
H - heart & "hammered"
I - insight
J - jumping, in my brooks.
K - kid like running.
L - love, of the trail.
M - mud & miles
N - nature
O - orange, the color of fall.
P - passion for puddles
Q - quick, being quick.
R - running & recovery
S - speed
T - trail & training
U - underated
V - vengeance & vertical
W - weights
X - Xtra time on the trail. (that was a tough one)
Y - yoga
Z - zippy

I can run therefore...I am thankful!
The Lord has given me the delights of my heart. Ps. 37:4

Life is a balancing act

2009-10-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

As my running is starting to pick up again I find myself already trying to figure out how I'll balance my running. Managing a family & church & running can be quite challenging.

At times I find myself in my kitchen with the music blaring and the driving music pushes me instantly to the woods....running for all I'm worth! Voices call, "mommy,mommy", and reality is rushed right back.

So as I begin to get back into the swing of things I have to re-evaluate what I'm willing to sacrifice and what I'm not. What's important to me and what isn't.

This last week was somewhat scheduled for me. Being able to run again since my gluteus injury, has been absolutely wonderful! Saturday was our 1st "Long Run" in awhile. 3 hours on Wildwood was so enjoyable! I had some major downhill running and it felt amazingly exilerating!! I know I did too much but, my body took over and ran hard. I was slowly making it back to the parking lot just as I could feel my hip tightening up. I need to remember to take it easy coming back from this so I can be strong for next year.....but when I get out on the trail I just seem to forget everything and run like a dog!

I'll try to be better next week...........

Is it "back in the saddle" or "on the road again?"

2009-10-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Back in the saddle or on the road again, either suits me just fine!

My gluteus Medius has been an issue for me for quite sometime. My hip flexors and IT Band went along for the ride as well! I have spent too many days "walking" on the trail and even more beating my rear with a tennis ball & then finally moving on to the big girl "foam roller".

I am glad to report that things are on the up swing and I am on the road again & trail too! I am trying to pull back on the reigns and be a good girl and run nice and easy. The trail still works me harder than the road, so I'm taking great care to move slowly. I ran a 10K on Sat. It was the first time I had ran any kind of a track workout in months. So, the end result was a slower than usual pace. I was so out of shape, I never knew I could get "so" red.

About 30 min. after the race, a storm broke out with thunder and all. I love the Oregon weather, the wind & rain are a great change of scenery. Mud puddles & the rain on my face are alright by me

I'm offically signed up to run Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, California on Feb. 7th, 2010. It will be the first time I have "trained" for a marathon.

I am so excited for the new year to get here! Meanwhile, the Fall & Winter season bring - 1 of my daughters turning 6 years old in November & my oldest daughter giving birth in December! Thanksgiving & Christmas are around the corner, the new year is looking like it too will be full of more adventures!

McKenzie 50K

2009-09-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

The last "Race" of the season! McKenzie 50K. I headed into this race with some trepidation. I had no pace chart and I hadn't ask a million and one questions about the race. The course was beautiful and an easier trail with some fun technical which is usally my favorite. I pushed where I could and just kept counting down the aidstations.

My glute muscle was worn out from pacing Gary in CCC 100. I was just going to run a good race!, and that is exactly what I did. About 45 min. into the race I started to feel pain in hip/ITB/glute, I knew it was the beginning of something not so good. I tried to make my brain go somewhere else and not dwell on the fact of what was to come. I decided I needed to pick a word. I needed a "word" to focus on when things hurt...Fierce! - That was the word of the day!

The pain would come and go as I would allow it. The hill climbs although they were small used all the muscle I had in my glutes and the strain was felt all down my left leg. I know I also tried to compensate for hurting on the left and over using my right leg. It was a very runnable course. I kept running "my" race. I came into the home stretch and of course found some zest for life once I heard I was only about 2 miles from the finish! I headed up to the finish line with hoops & hollers!

The race was over @ 6:03. I went on to win my age division for women in the Oregon Trail Series. That is a major accomplishment for only running for 2 years.

Now is a time to heal my injury and build some muscle and loose some fat! Cardio/weights are on my schedule for the Fall. I going to take a small break from running probably 2 or 3 weeks. That means me and my bike will become closer friends!

Cascade Crest Challenge 100 - Pacer

2009-09-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Starting Line - CCC 100 Mile Race

The previous week I did Where is Waldo 100K. Now we headed up to Easton Washington to "Do" Gary's first 100 mile race! He was nervous and ready to go at the same time. The 10am start gave Gary plenty of time to get things done and then sit and wait! They took off and Gary was going to be starting off nice and slow. I wouldn't see him for 23 miles. When I saw him @ 23 miles he looked good and way ahead of schedule. We had a hard time gauging how long the race would take him, so we settle on someone else's times and made our chart. He was now 1 hour ahead of schedule.

Gary @ the Start

Gary @ mile 33.

At mile 33 - He looked great and felt great.
At mile 40 - He felt the same.
At mile 47 - He had a small hotspot but nothing major so they left the small blister.

I was sure at mile 53, that would give me a good gauge at how things were "really" going. Gary came into Hyak AS, he looked great and said, "everything was firing and his legs felt great". That was when my adreneline really began to race! I was so excited for him. We ran along the paved section for about 5 min. together. I encouraged him to take it easy up the next climb and gain on the downhill if he could. I would be running with him from Kachess Lake to the finish.

I met him up @ Kachess Lake, we ran the "Evil Forest Trail or the Trail from H-e-double toothpicks! It was an amazing trail, I was fresh and he was not but we stayed right together. I was running with a handheld light which was new and a disaster...I dropped it about 10 ft. off the trail and then the battery died. We ran for about 1/2 mile with only Gary's headlamp with me out front which was quite tricky and scary. Finally Rod H. from Hawaii, came by and we asked if he had an extra light and "YES" was his answer. The 3 of us stayed together for most of the time till No Name Ridge. I took pictures of Rod & filled his water bottle, trying to make up for such great kindness.

Rod H. - almost to No Name Ridge.

After No Name Ridge - Mile 80, I knew it would be a challenge for me to keep up with Gary. The views were spectacular and amazingly hard! After Thorpe we headed down to French Cabin AS. We had a couple of really hard climbs - Cardiac style. From French Cabin - we had 6 miles of major downhill.

Gary shot like a bullet on the steep downhills and I hung tight on his heels. The last mile before AS - Silver Creek the incline was so steep that my IT band was becoming unbearable. Approx. 200 yards before the AS, I shouted to Gary to go ahead and I'd see him at the finish. He dropped his pacer! That was the last thing I thought would happen, but he was so strong and had such a great race!

He finished @25:12, 28th overall out of 128 people. He is so amazing!! I came in about 12 min. after him. We had a long drive home, neither one of us could keep our eyes opened. I drove for awhile then stopped for a triple espresso & a burger. Nothing seemed to help. Gary took over and drove the next 1.5 hours home. We made it to Beaverton to pick up the kids and took a small nap at my moms before loading up the kids to drive another hour home.

CCC 100 - Is all we can seem to talk about! And of course, next years races are dancing in our heads!

W.W.W.D.

2009-08-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

What Would Waldo Do? There is no way around it...Waldo kicked my fanny!!
It was the hardest thing I've ever done. If I would have "really" known what I was in
for I would have been really scared!

5:00am Start time: We started at 5000 ft. with approx. 1500 feet elevation gain in the first 2 or so miles. When I crested the top and headed to single track trail, I felt motion sickness...which I'm sure was the sudden elevation gain. My ears were popping like crazy. Then for the downhill, it was a nice gradual slope and the daylight was starting to break and that was nice. I hit my AS 1, right on schedule. Gary met me and handed of fresh bottles and gels and away I went to climb Mt. Fuji for another apprx. 1500 ft.

I did a lot of run/walk up to Mt. Fuji, it was nice to turn and head back down to AS2 & 3. I was on schedule for the most part. It took me a little longer to climb Mt. Fuji, but I was a little faster on the downhill, so it all evened out.

AS4: I met Gary again, this time the kids were awake and screaming for me! Hannah was my big cheerleader of the day. I grabbed my stuff and Gary pushed me through the AS.

Now I was headed to the Twins & Lake Charlton. I was not feeling it at this point. No music was allowed on the course and I was talking to myself very badly! That isn't helpful!

AS5: Charlton Lake - I entered the AS with thoughts of "NOT" being pushed through. I changed my shirt and looked at Gary and almost cried! This is hard, I don't feel good! - He reassured me I was doing good, just keep moving and that Kris Ryding wasn't too far ahead....he knows I like some kind of challenge. He just didn't know that the challenge would be just to keep me moving.

AS6: Road 4290 - I was feeling better and knew that I would finish the race, it just wasn't going to be the pace that I wanted.

AS7: Twins - I was somewhat dehydrated and grab my stuff again from Gary and headed to Maiden Peak AS.

AS8: Okay, I thought this is where the hill repeats would come in.....I had no idea that it was an 80% grade!!haha. - I did some running right out of the AS and did that for about 1/2 mile. I tried to walk with a purpose, but I think I was still lacking.

Maiden Peak: It was the most spectacular views! It truly was beautiful, but I wondered how I was going to get down after all this climbing....my downhill is usually good, but I was seriously moving slow. I was a little dizzy, so I fueled and headed down to lower elevation.

AS9: Maiden Lake - When I got here, it was not pretty...I was pooped!! I was greeted by two friends - Caroline & Stacey. They were pivitol in getting me refocused for the downhill. Stacey gave me the mileage breaks and gave me some time projections in order to make the cut-off of 16 hours. At 16 hours you get a hat....past that Nothing! It sounds crazy but, I wanted that hat!

I headed down the trail slowly. I knew I had 3 1/2 miles to the PCT trail and then another 4 to the finish. Once, I hit the PCT - I looked at my watch and knew I had to get moving to get in within 16 hours and to beat the sunset.

I started passing people that passed me earlier, my pace started to pick up! I was feeling it and took off. I had some flat running around the Rosary Lakes but, managed to keep a consistant pace. After the last Rosary Lake, I met up with Eric True. We had been taking turns passing each other all day. I passed Eric and he jumped in behind me and we ran together the rest of the way to the finish. It was nice to push/pull each other! The last 2 miles it was "dark", we managed to run as our eyes adjusted. It was a GREAT sight to see glow sticks, that meant we were close to the finish. We saw a group of people with flashlights. I said, "How much further?" They said, "About a 100 yards". We rounded the corner and I started yelling!!! Yes, lights & the finish line. I was so happy to finally be done! 15:38!

I learned a lot from this race.

1. Waldo is hard!
2. It was really hard!
3. Super dooper hard!
4. No joking it was hard!

It has been so amazingly hard and I walked like a stiff legged person for 2 days! I had one big blister but that's it. I've learned a lot this last race.

Me & Eric True on the finish!

Me, Kassidy (daughter) & John (son-in-law)
Sophia, Ben, Hannah. We were only missing Joey & family!

Next week I pace Gary the last 25 miles of his 1st 100 mile run! woot woot!

M&M'S - (And it doesn't stand for candy!)

2009-08-18T00:39:00.000-07:00

Mosquitoes & Mountains, Oh My!

Waldo 100K - Sat. Aug. 22nd.
Look for my next post. I'm excited, It's going to be incredible to see what God can do with this "shell" of a body.

But they that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Is.40:31)

Is someone inside your head?

2009-08-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, how many people remember the little alien in Rosenburgs head from MIB? Well, I had this little guy in my head for the past few weeks.

I've been training all year for Waldo and the distance isn't what scary's me (well maybe a little)...but, I know the effort it will take and the mental demand that lies ahead.

I have officially kicked that guy out of my head!! I'm free.

I know that a longer race is about so much more! I know I've trained and prepared and have been good to myself. No injuries. I've be good with fueling and listening to my body. It's anyone's race.

What's your plan? What's your pace? Uphill & Downhill? How's your stomach? How focused is your mind?

I'm ready. This racing season has been a blast and it has been so fun to run through the woods and meet some really awesome people! I have met some amazing "women" ultrarunners!! Ronda Sundermeier has been a real inspiration to me. I love how "ultrarunners" are so very modest about how incredible they are!

BRING IT ON!

Recovery Week

2009-08-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

My recovery week has been good! My hill repeats were only 2x20, on Saltzman Rd. I actually had fun on hill repeats! It sure sounds sick. I think it was just because I was used to running up on the PCT out of Herman Creek. That is so much harder and a totally different hill workout.

For my long run it was to be only 2 hours but, I couldn't resist being invited to run up to Yocum Ridge with Ronda & Trisha. 4:24 hours. It was beautiful and not too hard of a run. Although, it was hot the last 2 miles.

I am heading into my Modified Build Week - I am hitting "Hammered" w/ Ronda @ Sledge Athletics. I think I'm just going to give Ronda a good laugh and some new entertainment in the pain department!

Taper weeks are around the corner....I need to relax and settle into the mental game of the race! Waldo 100k here I come.

PCT 50 Mile

2009-07-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

Preparation is the key. Friday night we dropped the kids off at grandma's and headed up to Timothy Lake. A night of sleeping in the back of the truck on the side of the road, was the plan. The mosquitos were out and starving for blood! We jumped in the back quickly and made sure that no misquitos had made it into the canopy. It took me about an hour to fall asleep and 4:30 was going to come way too early.

In the morning we made our standard cup of coffee on the tailgate (Peet's!). We rummaged around to get things together for drop bags and handhelds filled with water, etc. We headed to the start to get our share of use of the porta pottys. Just as the race was about to start Gary remembered that he left his number in the truck...He had to run and get it then catch up.

The beginning was nice and cool and the group headed onto a "dusty" singletrack. We made it to Little Crater and I was a little too fast. Then up toward Frog Lake. The climb wasn't too steep so I ran most of it only walking a small section. Once I made it to the top up by Frog Lake, Gary, was gone and running his own race. I was so happy on the downhill - I totally get excited!! I ran into Frog Lake filled up with water and headed back out. Knowing the next section downhill was very soon, I fueled a little early and had an S-cap and cranked the music and "flew" down the hill!

I spotted Gary at Hwy 58, he was walking! We arrived at the same time to fill with water. I slid in beside him asking for water too...He looked over and saw that it was me and hurried and put his cap on and then took off like a bullet!! I laughed, and continued on with my pace. I caught him again at Little Crater Aidstation and once again, he saw me and took off! I had to use the bathroom, so away he went.

I tried to keep consistant on the flats and just push myself into the start/finish line which was only mile 29, I filled with water, had a coke & banana and headed out. A gal was sitting talking about her achilles freezing up on her. I told her to punch it and it will release, at least that works for mine. I was sad to see later...she didn't finish, she dropped.

Now, I had some work to do..approx. 10 mile section out and back. We hit this "LONG" 2.5 gravel road and ran and ran. I could now see Gary in the distance. I just kept working on catching him and little by little I was getting closer. Then we finally got off the gravel road and headed up a single trail toward Red Bluff, 2 miles. It started with a decent climb but, runnable (thanks Micheal). Once again, I could see Gary...I walked/ran a small section until he got really close, then I continued to run without walking. I yelled, "She's catching you!" He was walking again and I caught up. We decided to hang together and finish out the race. I pushed him on the uphills and we had a good groove going. I had my sections were I was lacking and his where his quad froze up for a 4 min. section. It took me a little time to find my downhill legs but, once again I did. I turned the tunes up and ran fast! We finally hit the dirty long gravel road for the 2.5 miles return to finish. This leg of the race was the hardest!, I was getting fatigued and I wanted my shoes off! I'm sure if I had to run farther I could have found a second wind. I finished strong and didn't feel too bad! I was a little dizzy but Coke and a burger helped (Thanks Trisha for serving me! you such a great friend!!)

Waldo 100K is around the corner and I am so excited and scared! I am already getting excited for NEXT years running season! It sounds weird but, I have been feeling so strong and seeing a huge changing in my running.

Incredible Season So Far!

2009-07-18T19:22:00.001-07:00

In June,
1st - I ran The Seattle Rock'n'Roll Marathon, it was a great run!

2nd - The following weekend I ran Sauvie's Island Flat Marathon with about the same outcome. It was a good run but a little on the "HOT" side.

July 11th

3rd - I ran SOB (Southern Out and Back) 50K (31 miles). It was my best run of the year. I wasn't feeling it around mile 12, but once I made it the 1/2 way point at 15 miles my time was better than I was expecting. I got excited and enjoyed the down hill for quite awhile. I had several things continuing through my mind.

"Don't get the walkies"
"Walk with a purpose"
"Ask yourself - "Is this runnable?" if it is "RUN"

I always try to listen to other helpful hints and words of running wisdom.
I continued to walk/run some sections and passed quite a few people on the return trip. I too was passed by only men! I passed some guys too. It's fun to pass the young guys, when I'm an older gal!! My last hill to the finish I ran the whole 3/4 of a mile and had a good stride in to finish. 5:51 - my fastest 50k, sub 6 -WootWoot!!

Three Weeks of constant running.

I am still amazed at what I can ask of my body and it responds with "Okay, if you really want me too!"

I'm working on Build 2 Week and am getting pooped!
Peak Week is around the corner with PCT 50 miler on July 25th - out near Mt. Hood. It will be a beautiful run with a lot of amazing runners and nice people!

I'm in need of a slogan for this race???

Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon

2009-06-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Trisha & Me @ 5:40am!

My first marathon. Trisha and I and our daughters headed up to Seattle early on Friday am. We went to get our packets and attend the Expo! It was tons of fun. We sampled all kinds of snacks and drinks. Hannah and I got our picture taken in the little "phonebooth", making lots of silly faces! I had a parafin wax hand treatment and a quick hand massage. I wanted to put my foot in but they weren't doing feet! haha. We grab lunch at Grand Central Bakery it was delicious.

My very own Cheering Section!!

We were pleasantly surprised with the Holiday Inn, Kent - It was nice and clean and cheap! I definately will go back there if I need to go to Seattle again.

Still happy @ mile 17

The race was bright and early - We left the hotel @ 5:40am. The crowds were huge but we were toward the front which was nice. The idea with the run was for it to be a progressive run. I started with a 9:15 pace and continued every 5 miles to bump it up a smidge. I did ok for quite a while. I had a burst somewhere around mile 19-23. Mile 24 was getting hard for me, having to climb yet another hill so close to the finish. My last mile of course, was faster. I finished @ 3:54 and I was excited! I had absolutely no pressure for a certain time and I felt fairly good throughout the whole run. I was amazed with the road running that my legs and feet didn't hurt. I walked away feeling fairly good - I guess that means I didn't give it my "all". It was just a training run so I think I ended it just fine.

Trisha - wootwoot!

It was a nice get away for the family. Afterwards, we took the kids back to the pool so they could swim a bit and then we went out for sushi before we returned home.

The trip was a success! A friend asked me on Sun. if I wanted to run the Flat Marathon in Portland this Sat. Julie has broken her toe and can't run....did I want to run with her number??

With my sick and twisted mind I said, "Yes". So, this Sat. I'll be running the Flat Marathon! Once again, no pressure.....it's just a training run, my goal is to keep it under 4 and have fun!

Doubt: It's a matter of the mind!

2009-06-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

Build 2

This week as been incredible. Discovery of a new level is really amazing. Pushing my body harder than before is intense but, to see the response is even cooler. Doubt is a matter of the mind! That statement is so true! Thinking back to so many times during my 2 years of running "doubt" has been a huge factor. Pushing through pain and demanding more from yourself is so hard to do. Your body responds differently with each phase. Ronda talked about how training different levels effects you and changes happen.

Friday, was hill repeat day @ the Gorge on the PCT. I was able to make my first 2 x 40 min. Micheal and I ran the first 1 mile to the trailhead and then off we went at our own paces, which meant saying "goodbye" to Micheal as he disappeared up the hill. We saw each other in passing for a couple of high fives and woohoo's. I ended my workout around 10:40ish My heartrate was fairly good this week. I kept it no higher than 172 on the steep sections and 167ish for the gradual slopes.

Sat. Night- 5.5 hour run. we met up with Trisha and Darin for a "double date"! We started at the zoo @ 5:00 and met them up on 53rd about 6:50 or so. We were coming off the climb to 53rd and they were bounding and ready to go. Darin had ran 21 earlier in the morning....I was hoping he might not be "so" peppy....but, he was pushing the pace for most of the run. It was a good "push

Being pushed out of your comfort zone is a good thing. It has had me thinking. I'm not pushing myself hard enough. I'm not asking enough of myself. I slow down when I don't have to or at least slow down too much. I try and think to logical on somethings and "what if" a lot of things that have to do with Ultrarunning. From here on out......I will not say "what if"....I'll try to push out of that comfort zone and forge through something different. If I go too far then I'll know what happens instead of pulling back before I ever get there.

Doubt: It's a matter of the mind!

Build 1

2009-06-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

I have just rounded the corner in finishing up Build 1 week. My hill repeats and long run went really well. I felt good on all of my runs with not a whole lot to complain about. I actually am excited to see what my body does!

Black Saturday went well too. Ronda & Michael & Steve were doing 2x50 + 50 power hike. So, that would have left me sitting by the trail for too long, so I took my own car. I arrived early at the trail to find Steve there. He was kind enough to wait for me and we headed up the trail....he walked the first mile, and I was in a full sweat within the first mile! I put my music on and headed up the hill for my 2 x 35, that was my longest hill repeat! and I didn't walk! wootwoot!! Then came Sunday, Gary had to help his sister move so I was "very" worried at how I was going to get my long run in.......Luckily Gary is crazy about running too and we headed out on a night run from 7:30pm to 12:30pm - Through Forest Park. We were wondering if the car would get towed or not since it was past 10pm. We met some interesting kids on the trail. They were doing road riding on bmx altered bikes.....shooting down the hills from the zoo. They had double decker bikes, it was pretty crazy! I think they were happy we weren't cops.

Monday we took the kids to Champoeg Park and let them ride thier bikes for about an hour while we ran along with them.

I have just started Build week 2. I have the longest hill repeat week ever (again)and a decent long run to put in. Let's see how I feel on Monday!?? I have measurements with Mark on Tuesday. I also, am struggling with getting in the weight training and eating so "many" meals in a day.

I feel stronger and kind of a new heightened experience. As I think back to the long runs 5,10, 20 miles and remembering how sore I would be...now I'm not! It really is amazing at what the body can do. I truly am blessed to be able to run in the woods and feel the wind blow in my face.......I am always thankful!

On a lighter note........I am the official Proud owner of a copy of "Buns of Steel" vhs. This is the old eighties VHS tape that I have been wanting ever since I started this crazy stuff called "running". I'll keep you posted on the progress - unless you happen to notice on your own....then I will have definately gotten my $5.05 monies worth!

The Grand Grand Canyon - Double Crossing 46 miles

2009-06-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

The Grand Canyon -our first vacation! and it's a running vacation. I'm so fortunate that Gary (my husband), is crazy about running too! The flight from PDX to Las Vegas was quite scary for me. A 2 hour flight was plenty. We had turbulance along with tense sweaty hands. Darin & Trisha, Ronda, Micheal, Drake and Susan all flew

together.

Once we got to the Grand Canyon Lodge. Everyone got settled in for the night. I layed out all our food, gels, bottles and lots more! The little cabins we stayed in were terrible! paper thin walls, you could hear all the conversations. We were real lucky our neighbor was throwing up our second night! ewwww.

Sunday morning 4am. we headed down a steep and stinky trail (mule urine) for the first 1.5 miles or so. You could see lights all going down the canyon since there were approx. 11 or more people going down. It looked like fireflys in the canyon. As the sun started to break the colors were so brilliant! Gary and I continued to soak in everything. Animals, flowers, rocks and more rocks. The 7mile section through the canyon floor was so nice with a little downward slope....that would haunt me on the return trip. The sun started to really break on us as we started to climb slowly up the South side. We still were fortunate, because the heat reached around 94ish degrees.

Making it to the South Rim, it was amazing at how good we all felt 22+ miles and we all felt really good! We grabbed a bite to eat and used the porta potty and fed the squirrel (I know your not suppose to do it...but I needed the picture for my son - he loves squirrels). Gary took off on the downhill and I followed shortly behind. He told people that he was running because his wife was chasing him. Yes, the canyon floor was now uphill and I walked/ran it. Then the real climbing started....about 1 mile out of roaring springs I kicked things in and pushed hard to see if I could pass anyone. Gary and I passed 2 young guys in their 20's....woohoo. They kept passing us earlier in the day, but we made it to the top first. I never thought I'd be so happy to smell Mule Urine, but it meant that we were really close to the top. Not bad for "old people".

Gary said, "you were holding out on me".

It's just a real mental game, sometimes I want to play and other times I don't give myself enough credit. Total mileage: 46 Miles (approx.) Total running time: 15:20 (includes all snack times and potty breaks). It was the farthest/longest either of us had ran.

We woke the next morning and did 10 miles with Ronda & Micheal. Gary and I were scared about the stiffness of our legs, but things worked out in a couple miles. We keep saying over and over, words can't describe how beautiful everything is.....YOU must GO!! Even if you hike from the North Rim down to the Caretakers place & first creek w/a bridge, it's about 12 miles round trip. Plan to leave early and make a day of it. Just go. We are trying to adjust with being home. We both loved running each day it was so exciting!

I Double Dog Dare you!

2009-05-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

Dog Mountain for hill repeats! It was so beautiful and once again the Gorge is proving to be a great place to run and get stronger. Ronda, Trisha, Michael and I all headed up to Dog Mountain. Wildflowers, switchbacks and views that went on forever. We could see Mt. St. Helen's & Mt. Hood.

It was my first trip to Dog Mountain and it did not disappoint. I did 2 loops and it was good.(except for that fact that I pushed hard and puked about 45 min. after we left. Nice.........get a ride with the big girls & boy of Ultra running and then have to ask them to pullover on the side of Hwy 205 so I could throw-up! Yuk & embarrassing! After that I was good to go.

Me & Trisha

Tomorrow another long run before heading to The Grand Canyon for an absolutely memorable trip! I am so excited about the beauty we will see and the fun of hanging out with friends!!

Hill Repeats in the Gorge

2009-05-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

I finally made it to the Gorge. I met up with Ronda, Michael and Steve after getting lost for 30 min. The Gorge is tough, very tough. I have been running Saltzman Road and that is totally different. I only did 2x25, with a little bit of walking included. If I can get proficient on running in the Gorge, I will be a stronger runner that is for sure! I'm excited once again, at how this new training will change things.

McDonald Forest 50K - 2nd year!!

2009-05-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

I must say this year has been so exciting and full of surprises. I was nervous for weeks leading to McDonald Forest. Asking questions to anyone and everyone who would listen and answer. My first year of "not" taking the early start.

I divided up my run by Aidstations and worked on each section at a time. I was so surprised at how good I felt coming out of "lovely rita" - last year I thought I was going to die! After Extendo Aidstation, I started to climb and actually felt good! the climb was over so quick, I was so excited I had to tell the guy up top, how last year I thought I was going to die again!

I made it to the dreaded gravel road before Dimple Hill, I ran the whole thing, only stopping for a gel. -major accomplishment!! Climbing again after Chip Ross Park Aidstation...I was starting to feel defeated. I had a really strong runner in front of me, I kept thinking wow, she looks strong! what a good uphill climbers she was.............then I finally saw hands on her hips and realized, Hey she was tired! That got me excited and I started first with my powerwalk and gained ground and then I started to run! I walked the corners, and ran the straights.

When headed for home on the last section I was walking and running. My last mile downhill, I found a good/bad song on the Shuffle and ran like crazy! 6:28 woohoo! - Last year I ran 7:19, so I had a 50 min. improvement! When I finished I wasn't whiped out, yes my quads were tore up but I felt good! As I look back there definately is room for improvement!

1. I have be better a taking a "pee" break on the trail. I'm always afraid that I'm going to bare the bum and then someone is going to pop around the corner and see me!

2. shorter stops at the Aidstations

3. being stronger on the hills - here I come Gorge!

Me and Trisha & Darin (they have been a great source of encouragement)

The kids worn out waiting for me! haha.

I'm so excited for the rest of the Oregon Trail Series. My goal is to stay injury free.

Peterson Rumble - 34 Miles -6:38 (11:41 miles)

2009-04-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a week since Peterson's Rumble. It was 19 degrees to start the early start! Brrrr....but thanks to Nancy she gave me her glove warmers........Oh was that wonderul!

I enjoyed my run, it was to be a training run. I have a hard time on how to gage things. Walk a little even when I know I could have pushed through with running. Not knowing if I would have kept running, how much more wiped out I'd be?? It's all trial and error.

2 races down & 5 more to go! Also, the Grand Canyon rim2rim2rim as a training run. I have heard horror stories so the heat is our major consern. How do you train for heat here in the NW? Hydration has to be optimal!

Reason to Run

2009-04-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

What's my reason for running.....because I can! I always try to "remember", when my body didn't and would not move. When I was in continual pain and then remember how gracious God was to free me from that pain. The joy I have when I run is undescribable. Other runners would understand the freedom, joy and sheer delight in being able to run.

My 1st 10K went well - 50:17 (8:05 mile). My shins are bothering me, so I feel I could have done better. We had a great time as a family. Sophia did her 1st race and Hannah & Benjamin completed their 2nd race. The kids ran 1/2mile. Gary is still recovering from the flu bug so he just hung out.

Once again we scored in the prize department.....Ben won a basket of pansies. Hannah won some socks from Lululemon.

We look forward to next years Reason to Run 2010.

All By Myself - NOT!

2009-04-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

Finally, company on a run. I have a "real" schedule!, thanks to Darin. With the change has come a change in my weekly routine. I have been missing out on my weekly run with Trisha :-( So on Sunday it was a nice treat to have some company & head out for my long run of the week. We ran 14+ miles Wildwood/Maple/Wildwood. Perfect weather, we were actually a little on the hot side. The wind would blow and the sound was incredible. I love the sound of the wind it is so refreshing. It reminds me of the ocean, minus the sand! I'm not a beach person.

My training is going good. I get a massage on Friday so I am way excited. I need to get all of my leg muscles to let go!! They are way too tight everywhere!

Hill repeats - They have been going good, I try to stay focused in a good way when I head out to do them.....they are so hard and I know what my body is in for before I get there. I wish there was a way to surprise myself. The hill repeats are hard.......I'm landing in the same spots, but feel stronger when I get there, if that makes sense.

Back to Backs - This is my first time doing back to backs since Christmas Camp - suprisingly I'm feeling well, just some tight muscles. I'm not really sore.

Track - Track is going good. I am ramping up my pace slowly. I feel so much stronger about 1 hour into it and then it's time to go home. I need some warm up time. I know a lot of it is mental and pushing myself hard early on is a little scary. I'm always afraid I won't have much left at the end.

Peterson's Rumble - This Sunday is Peterson's Rumble, everyone in my house is "SICK", I'm am taking every misc. vitamin I can find that might help to stave off the deadly bug! So I'm hoping I can at least not get sick until Monday! But, I"m praying that I wont at all.

I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Interview.

2009-03-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

1. What race are you most proud of and why?

2008 - MacDonald Forest 50K. It was my first "Ultra", it was a large undertaking but I knew I had entered a different bracket with my running.

2. What is your favorite trail?

Wildwood. I love the ups/downs and Mud that it offers!

3. What is your pie-in-the-sky, "dream" race and why did you choose this race?

WS100. I saw the video 2 years ago and thought, wow!, if I could only complete that.

4. How did you make the progression from non-runner to ultra-runner so fast?

I was sick for 1.5 years with an undiagnosed illness. Pain all over my body which continued to only get worse. Despite the pain I wanted off the narcotic drugs, so I tapered and got off the junk and regained my sanity! I first ran on my treadmill...then outside 3M., then started reading a book called "Ultra Marathon Man".That was it I was hooked. I went from 5K's to 30K to 50K.

5. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from your experience with ultrarunning?

Anything is possible if you really want it! It's hard, not easy but more things are possible than we chose to believe!

:
If you would like to play along and be interviewed by me:1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."2. I will respond by giving you five questions (I get to pick the questions.)3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

S.O.F.A. aka Southern Oregon Fat Bottom!

2009-02-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

I haven't wrote on my blog for quite some time. On Jan. 24th we ran - S.O.F.A.

Well, we arrive late. No shocker since we were driving down from McMinnville. We were off on the time by 10 min. We could see the Ashland crowd from a distance and that is how it stayed for most of the time until they headed back. We met a few new people and saw many faces from running magazines! I pointed all of them out to Gary.

My whole focus of the run was to practice fueling and enjoy the scenery. Gary started the run out thinking we were going to catch the Ashland group. Once, he realized that, that wasn't going to happen we set into a comfortable pace. I worked on a breathing technique that Mike Burke had given me, for the uphills. It was almost like "in labor" breathing or practicing Lamaze all over again. Which is fitting because I see so many connections between Ultrarunning and Childbirth!

The views were incredible! I was somewhat getting an idea for the Grand Canyon, the cliffs were quite high and crumbly rock under foot. On the way out I was really concerned with the heights and edges, but no so much on the way back. I just wanted to get back to the truck.

For the first 15 miles I felt pretty good and continued to run up every hill! I impressed myself. My fueling was going great. At the turn around (15+ miles), I started munching on food every 30 min., which I feel probably wasn't that good of an idea. I still felt stronger although, not a lot faster. I'm not quite sure if that makes sense?

Ok, now the Gary part! He is my Hercules.....here is a man that can run 31 miles with 2 very large kidney stones and peeing blood! He kept himself well hydrated and didn't complain once. I was very impressed. He's "all Man"! - Let's see if he gets in to Cascade Crest this year?? He is sent in his entry.

Fun & Muddy

2009-01-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

Monday, i headed out with Trisha for a great run. The weather was perfect and the company great. We ran 53rd to Maple, at the end of Maple Trisha headed down Leif & I headed up to Wildwood.

I turned on my ipod and stepped it up a bit and had a great 6 mile push "tempo". I love when you run the trails and you finish 3 hours later feeling exilerated instead of wiped out.

Closing of 2008 and Bringing in 2009

2009-01-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas Camp 2008 - Wildwood Group

Well, we would have a larger group, but other chose to run loops around a fitness park. So we headed out for the mud that Wildwood had to offer. There were some slippery parts but not many. It was a great day out there! Gary was a great aid station - pumpkin pie and all!!

As for my review of the new year.

What can I say about 1.5 years of running......I love it! It has totally changed me. I love the challenges that have come my way this last year. I have completed 5 - 50k's this year & my first 100 mile week!! Its very hard for me to put into words how swelling with pride in myself I am. I have lost approx. 37 pds. and I weight less than I did when I was in my 20's. I have made some new friends! Pretty good for a shy person!

I'm so excited to see what the new year holds. Last year my objective was to complete the races, this year I want to beat my old times. I want to at least finish 2 races - PCT 50 & Waldo 100K.

I've learned how far to push myself, even with an injury. It's amazing what the body can withstand. I believe childbirth prepares you for "ultras". If I can have 5 kids - I can run an ultra!

Let's see what the New Year has bring it on!!

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

This is the most snow I've seen in McMinnville since we've lived here for 5 years! We walked at 10pm last night, it was silently beautiful and bright. The kids and the dog ran and ran. I am wanting to run and run but, I have kept my running 5 miles per day. My injury is getting better but cabin fever is hard. Me and my treadmill aren't speaking.lol. We will talk tomorrow...desperate times call for desperate measures.

Christmas Camp starts on Christmas! 100 mile week! first ever. It's just preping me for PCT 50. I am hoping to run R2R2R this summer with a group! I am so excited!!!!!

Oh the pain we weave!

2008-12-13T16:07:00.000-08:00

I am trying to recover from some kind of calf strain...my running has been slowed down. I have been taking that break your suppose to take at end of each season. I usually never take. Well for running for 1.5 years this is my first real injury. I guessing it was caused by a few reasons. Not stretch or drinking enough water and i'm sure other things. So now I am building back up again and feeling happy again. There is nothing like splashing through the mud on Wildwood trail with my friend Trisha! She was patient with me last Thursday and putted around with me on Wildwood/Maple Trail. I hope to be fully recovered by this time next week. I wore the heel raises for one 8 mile run.....that was a mistake it caused pain in my achilles, so out they came and i have recovered from that.

I'll have more posts soon.

My Oldest Weds!

2008-12-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

Kassidy does it! She gets married and continues to change my world! And her's too.

John has become a great addition to the family. I hope he feels the same way about us. You see we are NO quiet family! Kassidy was drop dead gorgeous on her wedding day. It was simple and painless and over quickly. John and Kassidy were anxious to begin their life together and get on with the honeymoon.

We were thankful that John's parents opened their home for the wedding. I was a warm and cozy place to have a beautiful and simply wedding.

My running Partner for Saturday!

2008-11-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

What started out to be a 24 Mile bike ride, turned into a 9 Mile bike ride and a 2 Mile run with my bike. part way into my ride I felt a strange feeling in my rear tire. I stopped and felt my rear tire and I could tell it was low. I was trying to figure out if I would have to shorten my ride. Within minutes, I discovered that I would be taking the quickest route home since my tire was really low! I was out on a country road and it was dark....so i opted to ride my bike staying off the seat and hoping i didn't mess up my rim. After I made it into town, I now not only had a low tire but it was really flat!, so I walked and then ran with my bike home. My bike is now at the shop, it was due for it's first tune up (my gears where sticking) and repair of my flat.

Now that my bike was gone I missed it even more! It has been sitting in my room haunting me for weeks and now that it's not there, "I want my bike!!" Hopefully, by Wednesday She'll be home again and I won't neglect her anymore! lol!

We Were Law Breakers!

2008-10-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

Night Running! It was my first time dawning the head lamp and heading out on a night run. We went to MacDonald Forest Park....signs posted no entering past dusk. For those that know me, disobeying a sign is a big no no in my books! So I was truly running on the wild side. Boy, this "Ultra" business is turning me into a real rebel! lol. We started up @ Saddle Mt. and headed up to Upper Horse Trail/Dan's Trail to Dimple Hill and back. It was freaky running and looking a some eyes glowing in the distance, sounds scared me good too....that'll give you a little boost in your step! I found myself almost on top of Gary as we ran on some tighter trails by blackberry bushes, I could hear leaves crunching in the bushes. I kept telling myself that it was a bunny and "not" a Mountain Lion. I was driving Gary crazy and a little motion sickness with the rotating of my headlamp. He said it was like a beacon moving from side to side and was a little too much. I figured "someone" had to keep a lookout for wild animals in the bushes waiting to pounce on us. Gary said, "stay close", i hear some noise up ahead.....he didn't have to tell me twice!

We had a great run. The view on top of Dimple Hill was pretty with the clear night and the town lite up below. It took us about 53 min. to get there and about the same back. I was amazed at how strong he have both become. We didn't walk!! woot woot! it was amazing for us. By the time the run was over I wasn't "quite" as scared, either that or i was too tired to care. We will continue so that I can get over being a night time scaredy cat ! So, when I run those 100 milers i wont be too bad off. lol. ps. I will always have a night time buddy to run with.... I can only be so brave.

OUR 14 YEAR ANNIVERSARY RUN!

2008-10-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Sisters Poker Run - 37 Miles

The race started @ 8am, it was 30 degrees...burrr. We all pretty much

stuck together as we climbed our first mini mountain in the first 2 miles. We

climbed to the top to get a poker chip for a special prize. Then we headed

back down the other side, that was when quite a few people lost sight of

the yellow ribbons and got lost. Prior to the 2nd aid station we had the

pleasure of going down the "grunt" and ran along the river. It was so beautiful. Then we headed up to

AS3 - wow what a climb! We didn't realize just how long of a climb until we headed back down. We seemed to

run forever downhill. My knees were killing me but it was a pain that I live with.

We had several water crossings. One crossing we had to walk on a

board and hang on to a rope, - Another river crossing we had to go

knee deep across...brrr it was sooo cold!

As we continued on to the finish we kept watching the clock thinking how we

wanted to beat our time from our previous 50K last month on our Cle Elum

run. We ran that in 8:02, so as we hit the road to the finish we picked up the

pace and finished strong.....7:59:44 !! We had no idea that there was a cutoff

time for the poker hand. We beat the cutoff time by 15 seconds! amazing!!

My poker hand won me 2nd place - 1 pair of shoes, 1 shirt, 1 pair of shorts & socks!

Gary had the winning poker chip! He won a quilt made by the RD's wife!

We won all around! by mere seconds! It was perfect weather and perfect

company - we each come with our own strengths which makes it so that we

take turns pushing each other. That's how it goes in the marriage too!! We

take turns encouraging or pushing one another to do better!

We truly are best of friends!

Cle Elum 50K

2008-09-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

AMAZING! and incredibly hard! Gary & I ran this one together. Gary went to get my number for me and asked sarcasticly if he could run, the RD said "yes". He was racing around like a mad man. He was lucky that I bought extra munchies and an additional water supply. The race started with 18 miles straight up.

The first 12 miles were real do-able, but the next 6 miles just about killed me.

We made it to 21 mile AS, before the cut off. The last 10 miles were rolling hills.

We finished together and had a great time. We had some beautiful views and the people were great cheering on the late finishers like myself and Gary, 8:02.

Fiesta Fun Run

2008-09-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

We had a great time. It was a full family experience.

Hannah & Benjamin ran their first race. 1 mile.

We tried to prepare the kids that they wouldn't win and to be good sports. Especially Benjamin. Well, he fixed us.....He won 1st for his age group!

He was so excited 8:40! Now he has set his sights on getting on the news or in the newspaper. Never say never.

Hannah did great too!

2008-09-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

Mom's first eight mile bike ride!

2008-09-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well I convinced my mother to go on a bike ride while I ran. I was going to do a 5mile run while working on my tapering over the next couple weeks. Although, I was pleasantly surprised that she was able to do a full 8 miles! Yeah! Believe it or not, she wasn't sore! (only in certain spots)lol.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of an additional running partner!

Brooks Cascadia Review

2008-07-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

First of all - These are great shoes!! I figured if Ronda S. would wear these shoes on her 100M run without any blisters, they would be worth a try. I'm so glad - They are a great shoe. I ran for 2 hours on Wed. night in Forest Park, no pain or hot spots. I hope to buy a couple pairs of these!

PCT 50 - 2008

2008-07-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Volunteering at Little Crater Aid Station and watching the PCT 50 miler was so much fun!! I couldn't believe how great everyone looked even at mile 44! (my aid station - Little Crater). All the runners were so thankful and that was sooo cool. I am so excited to run it next year. With every run I go to, I enjoy the people and the beauty of the trail more each time. My only complaint would be the mosquitos! They were huge and hungry!! The bug spray was only for us to "feel" like we were protected but, it really wasn't helping. Running will be the only way to avoid the mosquitos. Look for me next year.

Jim and Jane - great new friends!!

Olga, looking fresh even at the end of the race.

Monika, handling all the finer details!

All those years of hopscotch paid off!

2008-07-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Can someone say, "rolling rocks" - Grey Rock 50K - wow, what a beautiful run!! It truly had the most beautiful views i've ever seen. Perfect conditions, blue skies and lupine in full bloom, meadows packed with color of wildflowers!

As I started the race we headed straight uphill with winding switchbacks for 3 miles, then 5 miles of downhill. That is where all those years of hopscotch paid off! Letting loose and running alluding all of the many rolling rocks was an absolute blast! Down to my first AS, for a quick refill of my water and start my next climb of 6.5 miles straight up. Once again, a hard climb for me which turns into a faster hiking trip, my buns feel the pain but, the views are spectacular. Next, 1 mile to the turn around then I'm headed back and half way home. On the return trip the last uphill climb of 5 miles was very hard on me, my nutrition suffered because, I just didn't want to eat another gel and I ran out of water. As I hit my last downhill stretch and heading for the finish, I kicked it into high gear turned on my ipod, listening to "Kutless", and kicked up some dirt! I was third in my age division and received a medal. 7:34:35.

I can hardly wait for next year!, I wont miss it for anything.

Thursday Run

2008-06-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

I dropped the older kids off for Water Wars at Ibach park. Sophia and I headed out on long run.

Woot!Woot! 1st Run up in the gorge

2008-06-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, my first run in the gorge! I have done plenty of short hikes but, i haven't even hit the tip of the iceberg. The run was beautiful and incredibly soggy! We started up Wakena Falls, i was tired before I even started. The steep switchbacks turned into a hiking trip for me.....

Julz was patiently waiting for me at the top with an occasional run back down to check on me that I didn't fall off the trail. Once at the top, I finally had some reprieve of running down the hill!! yippy my favorite is to run downhill, feeling free in the beautiful green woods with the wind howling and the rain pouring. Julz and I take turns she smokes past me on the uphills and I run ahead on the downhills. Although, I am slow on the going up and my calves burn with pain, i love running in the gorge it is so beautiful. I can hardly wait to do it all over again!!

My Running Story

2008-06-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

April 2006-May 2007

The picture is me 1 year ago!

That year my arms and hands had intense pain that radiated from my shoulders. After a month or so, pain spread to my legs . Dr.'s tested me for everything imaginable and I exposed myself to a cluster of tests and chemicals/pharmaceuticals. To no avail, the doctors could put no label on the problem. They listed in my file possible fibromyalgia/chronic pain.
The only thing they could offer was non-stop supply of percocet and antidepressant. I had tried the antidepressant and that was totally out of the question for me. Although, I continued on with the percocet. I increase my dosages monthly. I convinced myself that the narcotic was not changing me nor was I feeling high. But, I was fooling myself and I truly didn't even know it.
In May 2007, we ventured out on a family weekend camping trip. I had no excitement for the trip. My husband took some photographs of me and the kids. I was drawn to the one photo of myself.....I looked horrible and drugged. Who was that person?
That was when the Lord put a desire in my heart to get off the drugs and take control of my life. I contacted my local pharmacist and sought some help in finding pain relief with a non-narcotic. Then from there I took 3 weeks to wean myself off of that drug. I had gained so much weight in the last year of being sick. I started walking/jogging on my treadmill for 20min. 3x weekly. I didn't even make a mile run out of it!

After a couple months I decided to run 3 miles down our dead end road, at that time I was up to a 15min./mile pace. I can remember that pace killing me! As I ran I started to eat better and I told myself I am going to get healthy again and be in the best shape! As the pounds dropped off 30 lbs. in total. I was so thrilled it was the extra boost that I needed to keep it up. Once a week I had a snack day, all other 6 days I was well behaved.

As I head onto May 10th, 2008 - I am running the MacDonald Forest 50K. I remember every run and the feeling of completing such races from my first 5K in Corvallis 2007 to my most recent run at Peterson's Ridge Rumble April 2008.

Running has been a blessing for me and "one" great adventure! Now I am logging the most miles of my life. Last week I hit 48 miles, which was a great accomplishment for me. I can remember that life I used to live and the one that I am in now! Running has changed my life and given me the opportunity to feel physically and mentally healthy again.