My Cuyamca 100k Race report

 I woke up at 3am made some coffee got all my gear in the car and made my way to my friends house. We carpooled to the race because I know  that running a long race and trying to drive home alone can be really hard.  We made it to the race by 5:30am
As soon as we got there I felt better. We got great parking and had lots of time to check in and hit the bathroom. I got my number 119 and got my picture taken. Then got in line and ready to start. This is one of the best races in San Diego. The race director Scott Crellin really makes sure that everything is ready for us the runners. We had our morning briefing and then right at 6:30 am we where off.  I felt good and ready. I do want to say this.. I know I am not recovered from the Tahoe 200 and that I should not be running yet but I love this race and I love the ultra running community so much. That my will power lost and there you have me at the start. 

This course is beautiful but it will kick you ass if you are not trained.  The aid stations are amazing. They want you to succeed so they encourage you to keep going. They get you ready to keep going by feeding you good food or hugging you and believing in you when you stop.
This year my back and feet where not happy with me. I didn't carry any water in my pack and I thought maybe my back would be just fine. It still hurts from Tahoe I think the pack I chose for that race was way to big .
 I got to Cuymaca peak that was Angela Shartel's aid station. (she is this amazing ultra runner)  I wanted to quit because my back was on fire. I sat there and Angela in a very sneaky way got me back on the trail. She did that thing that helps you get your head back in the game with out letting your self know thats what your doing.  A young man at the aid station cracked my back twice and that really helped so before I knew it I was running again. 

I was not moving really fast but I was moving and I was loving running . I could manage the pain in my back so I was good to go. I needed to finish the first loop with a little bit of a cushion in order to be timed out. I was chasing cut offs ( almost chasing them) I finished loop 1. Becca and Nartaya got me ready and next thing you know I was off again. Loop 2 is hard even though its only 13 miles. The thing I told myself is its 13 miles G. You can run 13 miles.

I took this picture at the point I knew I was not going to be able to compete this race.  My back was killing me, Tahoe caught up with me and my feet where so sore. I decided at this moment to count my blessings. I would end up running 48 beautiful miles at the Cuymaca 100k and that is a huge positive. I love this hard race and imagine this . Here I am in this beautiful field running and sharing stories with other runners. The part of me that really wanted to run this under 17 hours was let down but my heart is way bigger than that and running owns so much of my happiness that just being a part of this amazing event was enough for me this year.
Miss G got a DNF at the Cuymaca 100k this year and yeah a DNF always sucks but I love running so I will be back next year. 

Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.   Rumi

Sunday Love

This morning I woke up at 6:30 and I thought I would get ready and go my run. I heard that Jack was up and a part of me was thinking I would not be able to go. You know a part of my brain was thinking oh well ! no run for me today. Then after a bit I just decided that you know what I will get him dressed and get the stroller ready and he can come with me. Jack was super happy to get out the door. Just like me he loves spending time outside. I was happy to let everyone else sleep in and they did.

 We walked to the local coffee shop had pan dulce and then made our way to the park. He was so happy to be out so early. Jack and I shared a cup of decaf and all I just kept thinking why did I think this would be hard because I wouldn't get my way, maybe I would be inconvenienced . Instead I got some miles in and a really happy morning. The best part was it started raining so Jack jumped in the stroller and I ran home. We got really wet but it was awesome !! Another thing I love about being active is it make the day feel lived.

Its time for the PCT50

Tomorrow is the PCT 50 miler. I will be running with a bunch of friends and taking easy . I am going to try and use this as a training run for W.S. This would put me at 70 miles for the week. I am nervous and excited. It is going to be a beautiful day so it should go well and be fun. This is almost a 25 up and 25 back down race. I am trying new nutrition and I feel rested so fingers crossed I do better than last year 11:45. I am going to shoot for 11 but my first priority is really enjoy myself. Life is to short for anything else. I have a picture of my sister I am bringing with me. So I am off and I will tell you all about it Sunday .. Happy Trails G

28 miles…Why yes please

This weekend our run took us to Lake Hodges. It seems like we run there a lot but it seems to be our most of our winter runs take place there. You can run a long way and still see people along the entire trail. Saturday we ran for about 6 hours. Mt girl friend is going to race a 50 mile race there so we are training. Ever since finding out I got into Western I feel like I really need to convince myself that I can do this. My friends seem to think I can so now I just need to believe it too. That's why when my GF said she was running 28 miles I felt like I wanted to join her. It was not a hard run we kept it easy. I just love spending all morning outside so when I was asked if I wanted to run the 28 I said yes please 

Jazz Hands Peeps

It really felt like a great morning. It was cold and the sun was out. There was lots of talking going on and we saw friends out there. I am really excited about Western so much so my tummy hurts every time I think about it. I just need to keep showing up for long runs long work outs and anything else I can do to make sure I run that race in under 30 hours. I am sure I will be focusing a lot on that race.

Cuyamaca 100k race report

This is one of those races that you hear a lot about. It has a reputation of being hard so, to say I was nervous, well I WAS. I left my house at 4:15 am as to avoid any stress of getting there late. My dad drove me there and this way I didn't have to worry about parking either. From the time we found the parking lot and drove in I could tell this was a really well organized race. The parking was well marked and there seem to be plenty of room for everyone. The Cuyamaca Camp ground is beautiful anytime of day but getting to watch the sunrise in the mountains is always special to me. I walked into the campground and found the pre-race checking table got checked in was handed my number. 187 and I also got a rad shirt some gloves that came in handy that night and I dropped of my gear bag. Then we took some before I get my butt kicked pictures. 

Here I am. The thought that kept creeping in my head is do I have what it takes to finish this race? I really didn't care about the time but I knew I had 19 hours. I saw so many familiar faces at the start and that is always so nice. These are people that will help you out and honestly give you whatever they could to help you if you needed it. Before you know it it was time to go. I settled in the middle with Robert and Nartaya. Then off we went. 

 The views are amazing and I started of at about 13 min miles . I kept it easy and just kept moving along. I ran half of the race with Nartaya. The aid stations had everything you needed but the most important was smiling volunteers telling you how great you were doing. It's always a plus to leave an aid station with good food and some positive vibes.

This race is made up of three loops . The first loop was 35 miles long. Let's remember you are fresh and super excited . The first 35 miles felt long but not really hard. I am also not a fast runner so I was happy. Hanging out with my friends.

Lets talk about the second loop. It was 12 miles long. It was hard. I suck at running down hill because I am scared to fall and I honestly need to practice down hill a lot more. It was hard terrain and it even though I feel we got really lucky with the weather it was warm and its all exposed. It was challenging. My thoughts at this time where DON'T be afraid of hard work G. 

I was eating my GU every hour and I was drinking water and water ever they had. I think it was Heed and Trailwind. I ate bananas and watermelon at the aid stations. I really need to remember to eat something besides fruit. I did not want to complain but, man, I was getting tired. Every loop we completed we were handed a different color bracelet and I can't tell yo how many time I looked at my bracelet to remind me where I was and what color flags to look for. Thank you to whoever thought of the color bracelets they made me feel more secure and reminded we where the heck I was many times. This picture was taken at the race by Paksit Photos . If you run a big race you have to buy a couple pictures.

Narataya and I stopped at this point and just looked around. It was so beautiful. I thought about my sister home in her wheel chair and my heart just felt so grateful to be able to run. I love the feeling of having all the crap stripped away from you because your tired and my mind feels so clear when I am out here. What really matters is really clear when your out here. The trick is not forgetting when you go back. I almost forgot I talked to the coolest guy while I was running. His name was George and he has the craziest stories. He is a English Teacher by day and night . He is a crazy runner all the other time. He told me stories about when he saved Dean. He told me all these stories about the many many 100 mile races he has ran. What stood out the most to me was what a great story teller he was. I was so entertained and just in awe. Ultra runners are so cool. 

I finished my second look at 6:45 . 12 hours after I started. I picked up my pacer and changed my wet clothes . I really did not want to change my clothes but I am so glad I finally listened because I was totally wet and it was going to be cold and windy at Sunrise Aid Station. Mike was ready to go and I told him I was tired and that the next 19 miles would take us a while. It took 6 hours. The last loop was hard mostly because my right foot was hurting so much. I have this bone at the bottom of my foot I should have a doctor look at it was not happy. Anyway I slowly made my way to the finish line and finished 17 hours 49 minutes. 

Here I am getting my medal from the race director. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment when I finished. This was so hard but I never felt like quitting I just felt like hurry your ass up G … You might not make the cut off. I made it. This was a really well put on race I highly recommend it. You have to train for this its  legit. 

I also got my Jacket. I completed the San Diego Grand Slam. I feel so grateful to this amazing community of such awesome people. Ricky and Robert also got their jacket. They finished way before me but they still waited how, nice huh? Ricky came in 3rd so he waited a long long time for all of us to come in. Training with The Trail Crashers made this adventure accomplishable for me. I love this group. So there you go. If you have ever wanted to do something really hard as long as your not afraid to work hard you can do it. I had lots of great support both at home and from my friends.

I finished it was awesome.

Big Morning RUn

Another Saturday and another trip out to the PCT. That means getting up at 4:15 am so I can make it up there by 6:45. That's the part I could do with out. I am at a point in my training that makes me feel like I am going backwards. I am staying optimistic but man I feel like I am just getting slower. I am really happy I still have a month before my next race so I can keep giving this my all. Its very humbling to being slow. So the part that keeps me smiling is I can't get slower that means I should get faster right ? I am also going to lose some weight before my next race and that should help too. This whole entire running season is going to be a challenge for me . I did go and sign up for some crazy distance races but that can also be looked at as a very cool challenge  that should come with great stories . I am making some great friends on this new path and that is a very good thing. So besides sucking right now at the thing I love doing so much everything else is going well. Oh did I forget to mention that being outside in the mountains all Saturday morning is a most wonderful thing. It is.

Back to the PCT

This past weekend we hit the trails again because that is what you do when you are training. I feel like I can not miss any training runs right now because the race is getting closer . The long runs are the really important ones to me. They help with my self confidence. These are races that for me I need to believe 100 percent I can do in order to be successful. So back to back long runs in my book just can't be missed. I drove back up to the PCT to meet my friends. 

I was the only girl and the only slow person to show up. That meant this guys because they are total gentlemen would be waiting every couple miles for me. I always feel bad when I hold people back. In my head I just pushed and looked at the bright side at least they cared enough to wait and you can only apologize so many times for being the turtle. So I embraced it and just kept plugging along.

Here we are again. My friend Robert and me. He was the lucky one who waited most of the time . My IT band hates the trails. It has been really bothering me. I really hope it clears up soon because I am going to run either way.

The guys ran 25 miles I ran 22. It felt like a long day but I was always feel so lucky to be out here. It was a fun not to hot kinda run day. I love that. I had to push myself because all I wanted was to take nap many times. I hope you had a good weekend full of movement too.

The Old West trail 50k ultra and 30k fun run.

Today I ran The Old West trails 50k ultra and 30k fun run. My dad went with me and I drove there at 4 am and he drove me home. I have never been to Shelter Valley before it was really pretty there. Specifically, in the morning before it got hot. When we got there it was 5:50am and I needed to pick up my bib by 6 am so I was feeling nervous about the getting there on time. I forgot how cool it is to get out of your car so early and see all the runners with flash lights or their phones making there way to the registration desk. I could smell breakfast at the recreation room and just made my way in there. They had serious breakfast situation going on in there. It was well lit and it was nice to see familiar faces and say hi and to hug old friends. I love the shirt it is so soft I am wearing it now. 

Here I am all excited and a little bit nervous . I saw lots of really good people I knew and that's always nice. I love the people that run these races because they are all so real. I was so conflicted as I always am about how much clothes to wear. I knew I would get warm with in 30 minutes but it was cold so I wore my long sleeve shirt. (someday I will suck it up for 30 minutes bc I waste so much time changing )

So off we go. The first 5 miles it was cold but it started warming up quickly. It was really pretty out there and the course was marked so well. It felt good to know I would not get lost today. I love knowing I won't get lost it takes a huge weight of my shoulders. I started near the back and I knew I had a long day ahead so I was fine.

This is what most of the course looked it. It was beautiful. I did stop to pee and take of one layer of clothes and I lost Mike's Garmin. :(  I put it down while I changed and when I looked down to get it it was gone. Everything looked the same so I think I must of taken a couple steps while doing that and then I just could not see it. I looked for 20 minutes and I just got more confused. Things looks so much alike in the dessert. So sad but its my fault. If I would of listened to myself and not wore the long sleeve I would of been fine. 

It took me 6:45 minutes to run 31 miles today. I came in 4th in my division. It was warm but my legs did not feel rested and I have felt so tired lately so I was happy with my time. To be completely honest, I am grateful I am healthy enough to complete a race of this distance. So if it took me 6:45 minutes then, hey, that's great. When taking on a challenge like this it is important to stay positive because I am happy. 

All in all it was a great day. The volunteers were awesome, kind and very helpful. They were excited to see you come in and cheered for you. They also cheered when you left. They had lots of good compliments too. This was a really well put on event/race. Everything seemed to go smoothly and they really cared. I also loved my leather medal.  

Another crazy run put on in the town of Julian, California. The heat did not affect me as much as I thought it would. I definitely made myself drink a ton of water (over and over and over). I almost forgot to tell you after I was done there was a full on buffet waiting for me.  

For The Love of Running

This morning I had the best run. I was actually thinking I want to blog about my run now. To start we ran on the street this morning instead of trail. 
I love running on the street because it is so easy compared to a the trail. Trail running is an entire body work out.
I love that I do not have to focus on where I am running and I can just day dream.
 I loved that it was supposed to rain so it looked like the sky was angry. 
I loved the short showers fallowed by quick visits by the sun that came and left quickly.
I loved the rolling hills. 
 I felt so good and happy the entire time even though I forgot to wear my running undies so my pants where bothering me I really did not care because it was just so good. I needed a good long run. I needed the freedom and distance.

This was the part I loved the most. Running with a great group of people that make me laugh and love to run as much as I do. We ran an easy 20 miles and it was what I call good stuff !!!

Ragnar race report

Here they are my new friends I made and bonded with over the weekend. 8 very cool chill human beings. I felt very lucky and happy to be a part of our Team. The Ragnar Del Sol took place in Arizona. We did a 9 person really and coverers 205 miles. Totally fun. I felt like a big kid playing outdoors for 30 hours. It is also nice getting to know completely new people that have a common interest as me. Running

Here I am running my first leg and feeling happy. We got super lucky because it never got to hot. The weather was perfect and a little overcast. We had blisters going on . People sleeping while others ran. Lots of bathrooms stops we ate a-lot of snacks and we made more u turns than I could count.

My favorite part was getting to cheer your team on. Being right there when the trade of happened. This is John handing of to Chris.

The views are always amazing when your talking about the desert in the winter. We mostly ran on the pavement but some of us got lucky and got some short trail runs in there. Mine was at 2 am. Running at night is a very cool experience. I highly recommend it. Talking about each others run every couple of hours is so much fun too. There is excitement in the air . Your a little nervous about running your leg but when you come back you are totally excited about the experience. I really loved running The Ragnar and I think the company did a great job putting on the race. 

The San Diego 50 miler

The night before the San Diego 50 miler  did not go as planned. My little boy was teething and he was miserable. Unfortunately I did not get to much sleep but staying up with him helped me feel less guilty about leaving him in the morning to go run.He finally settled down and went to sleep and shortly after  my alarm went of and I was up at 4am. I got ready  drank coffee did what I had to do and was out the door by 5:15. As soon as I stepped outside I thought to myself this is going to be a good day. The weather felt perfect. You know when your outside at 5am and the weather is just amazing and I knew that  this would be a good day to run. The race director Paul Jesse sent us an email everyday telling us what we might need and I knew the trail I was going to run on  so I felt prepared.  I also felt good knowing there was people I knew at the start line. I got to the start line checked in and said hi to The Trail Crashers. The super cool group of people I run with. I felt excited because I knew everyone in our group had put the miles in and worked really hard . 

The start was really pretty the sun was coming out over the mountains and there are different patches of green grass and brown dirt fields. Ahead is Raptor Ridge and its early enough that your starting to make all this out because the sun is starting to shed light all over. I always have to remind myself to take it all in. We started on a single track for about 4 miles than we ran or walked up Raptor Ridge and then came back down. First of all you know how you always read that with out the volunteers races like this could not be possible  its true. SDtrail50.com had a great group of volunteers they smiled at me when I came in and checked my pack. They made me feel like at every aid station some one was there looking out for me. I felt great for the first half. I felt strong I only had one GU and the Trail Wind and I just kept saying hi to people and feeling really grateful. I walked up the hills and ran the rest of the way and when I didn't want to run I made myself run anyway. My knee was bothering me but besides that I was great.

 This is the map of the marathon that took place during the race. It is the same trail only ours was longer. I text ed a friend at mile 15 and asked if I could barrow his knee brace and if he could bring it to me because my right leg was really tight and it just hurt and he met me at like 30 (thank you ) . Its always nice to see people you know during this races even if they are out there to bring you stuff.   Mile 30 to 40 were not my favorite. I felt tired and like I wanted to go home and lay on the couch with a smoothie in my hand. I think its the first  time during a race I really wanted to be done. I think its because it was hot at this point and I lost my focus. I kept repeating Mikes mantra strong mind strong body. Then I told myself that if I just kept running at mile 38 I could turn on my music. This is mile 38. I turned on Pandora and I chose the Michael Jackson station. First song totally reminded me of my sister and I growing up and watching her sing this to me when we were little in our bed room. The sugar hill gang rappers delight. I know how could anything go bad at this point. I love this song so much I could cry because my sister was always my hero growing up. So there I am so happy because I felt good and I had music and I am out here running this rad race.

 I got to the aid station at mile 40 and the volunteers made me feel like I had this. The lady made me a large very fancy paper cup with ice and ginger ale. The guy there told me I only had 10 miles and that I could do that in my sleep. I smiled and then he said You know you can do this in under 10 hours if you just keep running at this same pace. Suddenly I felt amazing in my head. Yes my legs still hurt and a bunch of other stuff bothered me but for me an under 10 hour 50 miler was not something I thought I could do. I got up and gave it everything I had and danced and I even cried. I just kept thinking how fortunate am I to be healthy enough to do this. My little sister has been in a wheel chair her whole life and I ran with her in my heart.That's the thing about these longer distances they take me a place that's not about any wordily belongings its just about appreciating what is in front of me. I am able to let go of any stuff I have been holding on to that does not serve me and I feel like its God and me saying thank you.  I feel overwhelmed with gratitude that's the word. 

I am almost at the finish when I see my kids sitting on a bench and they get up and run in with me to the finish line Then I see my friends cheering for me. My dad my Nina, Mike and Jack and Courtney. I felt so happy and exhausted at the same time. OK so my time was 9:55. 9 hours and 55 minutes. I am so happy with that time. I did better than I ever thought I would.

SO yes it was a great race I highly recommend running any             Off Road Pursuits race. Paul Jesse the director  offers all sorts of distances so you can run whatever distance you want. 
Until next time I am going to go roll my legs now :)

Day 10

7:20 am   Lake Cuyamaca
15 miles
42 degrees
Many good people

Day 3

Oh My Gosh it was so cold this morning. We started running at 6:30 am and it was 32 degrees. I was freezing my a-- off. I even made cold noises for about 20 minutes. I thought to myself what are you doing G. Then when I got to the top of raptor ridge even though I have been up there so many times I looked down and thought to myself.  I run so I can experience moments like these. Its just that feeling of I love this and I love this view and hey people I am doing what I love. I am running . Its passionate and so filling. Maybe that's why there are so many pictures of runners jumping they feel Passion too.

On my way back to my car the sun was shinning I felt warm and all was good. 

Then I took this little guy out for a run. I chased him and he chased me and all of this and so much more fill my heart to the core with love and happiness.
I read this quote today and it really hit home. You must take responsibility for your own happiness. I do not know the author but its so true. In life you have to seek out what you want and need no one else can do it for you.