Dove Dialogues

Big Sur International Marathon

2010-04-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

It was beautiful, it was hard, it was fun, it was inspiring. It was epic. Touted as THE must-run marathon, Big Sur did not disappoint. Everything from the host city to the finisher’s medal was top notch. It had the excitement of a big marathon and the quaintness of a boutique marathon. The expo was huge, the pasta dinner gourmet and the transportation seamless. The host hotel was wonderful and within walking distance to many attractions. Every meal was better than the last, every hour more glorious than the previous.

Words cannot describe the Big Sur experience. Photos can come close to conveying the beauty, but there is something about the energy of the Taiko Drummers as their beat carries your legs up Hurricane Point that is beyond description. There is something about the serenity of hearing the notes of a grand piano weaving along the rugged coast line 1/2 mile before actually seeing the instrument. Even the most fatigued legs come alive again when an icy cold breeze appears out of nowhere, cutting through the warm sunshine.

I’ll be back at Big Sur, but it will be awhile. It’s not one to be run year after year, but like the finest wine, this marathon has to be savored in memory.

Mt. Si 50k

2010-04-12T18:42:00.001-07:00

Poor planning on my part had me heading to the little town of Snoqualmie for a 50k trail race early Sunday morning. Poor planning because I thought an ultra would be the perfect way to cap off my 100 day challenge and I had 2 to choose from for the weekend: the Lumberjack in Port Gamble on Saturday, or Mt. Si on Sunday. I
miscounted my days and picked Mt. Si thinking it would fall on my 100th day. As the conclusion to the 100 day challenge neared, I realized my mistake but decided to stick with the Mt Si Ultra anyway. It ended up being an excellent mistake.

Saturday was cold and windy. I wasn’t feeling good and ended up taking lots of naps in my car in between Ric’s softball games. I tried my best to eat well in preparation for Sunday’s run, but everything I ate left my stomach in knots. I finally gave up and had a light dinner of toast and cereal, then crawled into bed… half expecting to be even sicker in the morning. Surprising I woke full of energy before the alarm sounded. I quickly grabbed some coffee, my pack and a cookie then jumped in my car for the 90 minute drive to Mt Si. I arrived to a chilly but sunny start line. When I checked in I was handed a beautiful fleece vest as my “race shirt” and invited to hang out in the school hallway where it was warm. I made myself comfortable then started to watch runners as they arrived. Mt Si offers an ultra but is best known as a trail relay race. The people milling around were young, gazelle-like creatures, not the usual gnarly ultra runners I’ve come to love. They were in matching shorts and singlets, with bright and shiny racing shoes. Even their sunglasses were extra sleek. None of them had hydration packs or fuel belts or even hand held water bottles. I was feeling slightly intimidated and out of place, but soon enough we were called to the start line and I noticed the relay runners had gone elsewhere.

For every race I have a plan. Sometimes the plan is to go all out and see where I stand with speed, sometimes it’s to be social and visit as many of my friends as possible, but usually I pick an element of distance running that I want to work on. Last race I concentrated on fueling, foot care and steady pacing. This race I planned on continuing with the steady pacing and further refine my walk/run transitions. Sometimes I get so wrapped on one particular element that I forget some other important detail. For this race, the devil was in that neglected detail: the course map. I knew the footing was small, round gravel most of the way….some forest dirt and some larger chunks of rock. No roots, no mud. I’d also been warned of a substantial hill with loose footing at mile 16 that almost everyone walked. Because of the trail conditions, I elected to wear road shoes and gaiters. I planned on carrying a running backpack with extra clothes and food, and carry water in my hand-held (easier to fill than a hydration pack). For my main focus, the walk/run transition, I planned on implementing a ¼ mile walk followed by a ¾ mile run for the entire distance and see if I could hold a steady sub 11 minute per mile pace.

The race started well and I ran the opening mile before settling into my plan. Within the first mile we hit a very steep steel staircase that lead up to a bridge across the river. The entire pack came to a standstill as we negotiated the steps, one by one. After that it was smooth running and I felt a bit silly as I started to lag behind because of my walk break plan. People started to steadily pass me as I dug deep to stick with my plan. 5 miles into the race my pace was starting to slip by a few seconds. I was getting winded and broke a sweat even in the cool morning temps. 10 miles into the race we hit a hill. It was steep enough to require switchbacks but not all that bad. I walked it anyway thinking “that wasn’t too steep, those silly relay runners must be the ones who have been spreading the “hill” rumor.” I gave myself a pat on the back for conquering the monster hill on the course but was also noticeably fatigued once I picked up the run again. My pace had slipped to 11:30 minute miles. I started to wonder if I was still sick from yesterday or not recovered enough from my Pac Rim run. I continued to stick to my plan and tried my best to bring back that 11:00 minute per mile pace. Then mile 15.5 hit with a screaming steep descent through rolling rocks the size of softballs. I picked my way through at a walk so I wouldn’t turn an ankle or twist a knee and wound up at an aid station at the bottom. I’d only had one gel at that point, so I grabbed a boiled potato, dipped it in salt then turned around to go back up the way we came. O.K. THIS WAS THE HILL and it was a bugger. I started passing a few people on the way up, crested the hill then picked up my run again. My legs were light, my lungs strong.

I was zipping along…. Cruising at a sub 9 pace at mile 16. I started picking off everyone who had passed me earlier. A man in front of me caught his toe on a rock and went tumbling. I helped him up, made sure he was uninjured (just a few scrapes) then continued on. It became apparent that we were now cruising down a nice steady grade, and since this was the “back” on an “out and back” course, that meant that the whole first half that I had struggled through was uphill. I hadn’t even noticed…. I just thought I was fatigued. The devil in the details that I missed by not studying the course map. My confidence was renewed, my pacing was back to below my plan, and I was reaping the benefits of my painfully slow first half. I decided I had earned the right to skip a walk break or two, so I modified my plan to 2 miles of running, ¼ mile walking. Even with the modification it was hard for me to slow down. Eventually the trail leveled out at mile 27. The sun was out full force and the trail was exposed. I started to feel dizzy and realized I had only eaten 3 gels, 2 cookies and a small boiled potato all day. I tried to eat another cookie, but it was too late, my stomach was churning. I downed a salt tablet, and that helped immensely.

With 5 miles left the relay runners started passing us in both directions. I have never seen such respect as that paid to the ultra runners by the sleek gazelles as they passed us during the run. The respect turned into awe as we neared the finish. The young and flashy had gathered at the finish, cheering each and every ultra runner across the line. It was amazing. I know longer felt intimated by them, but instead I felt like a hero. I crossed the line and was handed a beautiful glass metal and treated to a buffet of fruit, bagels and chocolate milk. It was a beautiful end to my 101 days of running.

Pacific Rim One Day

2010-03-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

This is my year of 100's. My 2010 goals are to complete 100 pushups, 100 consecutive days of running, a 100k race and a 100 mile race. I completed the 100 pushups, I'm 3/4 of the way through the 100 days of running, so now.....

I entered the Pacific Rim 1 Day with a goal of running 100k. The nice thing about fixed time races is that you can run however far you want, then call it a day. Last year I chose to run 50 miles and discovered the footing of the course and the frequent transitions from walk to run caused some hip and ITB problems. This year I trained to handle the transitions better. I also decided to implement a “walk-the-short-ends, run-the-long-sides” strategy from the very first loop. Essentially, this was just a training run and I wanted steady pacing, good foot management and frequent refueling to be my focus.

I arrived an hour before start time on Saturday to ensure a close parking spot. The forecast called for sun turning to rain in the late evening. If I parked close, I could use my car as my aid station if the rain came in before I was done. My preference, though, was to have my stuff along side the course for easy access. Everything was packed into plastic tubs. One contained food and beverage. The other had my foot care kit, sun screen, tummy settlers, chafing supplies, my cell phone, a head lamp and rain poncho. It did not contain any pain killers. If pain developed I wanted to feel it and figure out a fix….not mask it. I also had a duffle bag of clothing: tights, long sleeve shirts, shorts, singlet, jacket, gloves, hats, socks and 3 pairs of shoes. I hauled my load over to the village of aid tables and tents and carefully arranged things near a lamp post. I thought the light from the lamp post would come in handy as night approached. This year I did not bring a chair and I avoided setting up near anything I could sit on. I have discovered on really long runs, once you sit down, you’re in trouble. As they say “beware the chair!”, so I eliminated the temptation. I had just settled in when two women approached me.

“Where’s your crew?” they inquired.

“I don’t have a crew. My family is coming later, but they’ll just stop by the course once or twice to say hi. The rest of the time they’ll be at the hotel.” I have a problem asking people to crew for me. I can’t imagine a more boring task than to sit around and cater to a runner for 15 or so hours.

“We’ll crew for you!’ offered the ladies, as they picked up my tubs and arranged them under their tent. For the next hour I watched as they gathered up a few other lone runners… and suddenly we were all family. 4 runners with 2 wonderful angels bustling around making sure we had what we needed before the race started.

The race started promptly at 9. I originally planned on walking the first loop (exactly 1 mile), but automatically started off at a run once the race commenced. I ran that first mile, then reeled myself in as we started the second loop. The remainder of the race I would proceed as planned: walk the short ends, run the long ends. Committing myself to this strategy would pay big dividends later in the race: when the body was content to walk the mind would push to run as soon as we crossed a bridge, signaling the start of “the Long End”.

The race runs primarily on gravel, with a few short sections of concrete, one concrete bridge and one metal bridge. At first glance you would call it flat, but by mid-day you discover there is a hill called Mount Sacajawea several hundred yards past the timing tent. By evening a second summit appears… Son of Mount Sacajawea. Round and round we went, passing through the timing tent every mile, then past the official aid station and finally past the personal aid stations. Every mile I tried to get something into my system. Water during 1 loop, Gatorade the next loop, a few grapes, ¼ of banana or a bite of donut the next mile. My crew opened an Ensure and a bottled Starbucks Mocha and set them along the course for me. Every few miles I would take a good swig out of one of the bottles. Lunch time brought turkey sandwiches and change into shorts and singlet.

I hit the 50k split in 6 hours, 15 minutes – a nice, even, effortless 12+ minutes per mile. I changed shoes when I started to notice a little ache in the inside of my ankle. I decided to switch from guidance shoes (Brooks Infinity) to neutral shoes (Brooks Glycerin). The ankle pain disappeared almost immediately. I kept with my fueling plan of something every mile, but now anything sweet seemed completely unappealing so I stuck to grapes and boiled potatoes dipped in rock salt. During one loop the girl running next to me was craving sugar and fat… the solution? A Snickers bar wrapped in cheese! I could barely look as she gobbled down her snack, but for her it was like rocket fuel and once finished she charged down the trail like it was her first mile. I hit my 50 mile split in 10:25, a 10 minute PR and still a nice, even 12+ minute per mile pace.

We were now almost half way into the race and runners were starting to crumble. Two of my friends, regular 100 mile trail runners, had come to Pac Rim to get in an “easy” 100 miler. Neither had run a fixed time race before and assumed it would be much easier than a trail race – flat, lots of support, easy access to your stuff, the ability to call it a day whenever you please – but that’s just the kind of thing that makes short-loop courses so hard. Both dropped out at the 50 mile mark claiming it was much more difficult than trail ultras. Other runners were having foot problems. The slip of the gravel was causing gardens of blisters to appear. I trudged on, repeating my mantra of “be the ball”. I’m not sure why, but that always works for me…. It’s a zen-like thing. At mile 51 my brother, son, and nephew came out to walk a loop with me. I was more than happy to continue with my walk/run strategy, but since they had driven over an hour just to walk with me, I decided it would be selfish to do anything else. We started to walk the first loop and I was surprised at my brothers strong pace. He kept me at 14 minutes per mile for a full 4 miles before gathering the kids and heading home Once they departed I grabbed a piece of pepperoni pizza and a cup of flat Coke before picking up the run again. The transition after such a long walk break was easy and that, in itself, was a major victory. I completed my 100k after they left in 13:45. My over all pace had slipped to 13 minutes per mile due to the long walk, clothing and shoe changes but I was still feeling incredibly fresh.

I had met my goal of completing 100k, but I had another goal I was working on: running 100 consecutive days of at least 3 miles per day. It was 10:45 p.m. I could stop and call it a day then run 3 miles at home tomorrow, or I could amble on at an easy walk and run 3 miles after midnight. I chose the latter. When the clock struck 12, I started running again putting in 4 miles. At 1 a.m. I had completed 70 miles. I briefly toyed with the idea of continuing on and hitting the magical 100 miles. I still had 8 hours, and at my steady pace I had a good shot. I wasn’t ready for it, though. I wanted my first 100 miles to be special. I wanted my family there. I want some bling for the effort. This race only offered a t-shirt and a hearty pat on the back. I wanted a buckle.

70 miles…. steady, even pacing….. no injuries….. no blisters….some energy still left in the legs and feeling no more fatigue than I felt after my first marathon. My body is adapting. I am hungry for more.

And I so I stopped.

Call of the Wild 50k

2010-02-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

Sunday I went out for a light 3 mile jog, then Monday I hit the race course again. This time it was for the Call of the Wild 50k Ultra Marathon along the Sammamish River trial. Once again I opted for the early start so I could get home at a decent hour. I felt well rested and didn’t feel at all fatigued by Saturdays marathon. I packed real food to eat, fearing that Saturdays gels caused my brief illness. I had planned on practicing my run/walk strategy during this race, without concern about pace or overall time. I started by walking a mile with Jill (she was injured), then continued on with a .75 run, .25 mile walk for the remainder of the day. The first out and back was lonely with few runners. The fog was dense, wind was cold, but no rain. At mile 18 we passed by the start/finish, then did another out and back in the opposite direction. By this time the sun was out, lots of people were on the trail, both race participants and recreational runners, cyclist and walkers. The trial was no longer lonely. The first 18 mile were flat, the next 8 miles rolled a bit but was more interesting. After I hit mile 20 I decided it would be nice if I could get a sub-6 hour 50k. Doing so meant I had to maintain a steady pace the entire distance while practicing my walk breaks. I finished in 5:54. Really nice considering I paced myself in such a way that I could easily kept going. I wasn’t tight or particularly tired. It was a nice confidence booster leading up to next month 24-hour race.

Cupid's Classic Marathon

2010-02-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Race #3 of 2010 gave me another opportunity to practice mind over matter when the going gets tough. This race was held on mid-morning on Saturday along rural roads and highways. The course was a double out and back with races being offered from every distance between 1 mile and a marathon. I opted to take an early start (9:30)….most marathoners did since we are accustomed to early morning races. The forecast called for cold rain and that is exactly what we got. It was hard to leave to warmth of my car for the startline, but once we got going it was fine. Jill Hudson and I ran together until the turn around of the first out and back. We hit a busy 2 lane highway with no shoulder at mile 4 and had to run single file. After the turn I sped up a bit, then a bit more. I passed mile 11 (and the start/finish line) well below marathon pace (first time that’s happened since October). At mile 11.5 my gut gave out. Huge waves of nausea overcame me and I slowed to a walk. The way the course was set up, we had to turn around again at mile 12 then proceed back to the start/finish at mile 13.1 before heading out for one more lap. Jill caught up with me and convinced me to try and reach the 12 mile turnaround, then quit at mile 13.1 if I had to. She is wise. I forced myself to pick up my walk a bit. Mile 12 found me running again, mile 13.1 I was too stubborn to quit and at mile 14 I passed Jill again. The second half of the race went surprising well. The rain had picked up, as had the traffic along the highway. I kept my pace deliberately slow to make sure I finished. When I passed by the finish line (for the 3rd time) I noticed that the course would be long. That was OK, an extra mile never hurt anyone, it just effects your finish time. I completed my race in 4:40 or so. I had no idea how that compared to other runners since so many races of different distances started at once. When the results were published, I managed to be the first masters woman.

Lake Youngs 50k

2010-01-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

My second race of 2010 was run at one of my favorite parks: Lake Youngs Watershed. The course at Lake Youngs is just shy of 10 miles almost entirely on soft forest trail. There are just enough hills (900 feet of elevation gain per loop) to keep the muscles working and to get the heart rate up every once and a while.
The forecast for race day was upper 40’s and sunny. The start was scheduled for 8:00am, so I knew it would be chilly. I chose to wear my yellow long sleeve Seattle Marathon shirt, Capri tights, tie-dyed green gaiters and my hydration pack. When I arrived there was a heavy drizzle falling from the sky. I knew it would clear soon so I didn’t bother to throw on a jacket. Pigtails instructed us to run the first loop counter-clockwise, then after that we could go either direction. After completing 3 loops we would be sent back out for a final 2+ miles to complete the 50k.
I started off in the back. I’ve run this course enough to know that a huge downhill waits just 1/3 of a mile into the race. Flying down that hill on cold muscles could lead to an injury that would end the day. When we hit the hill I gently jogged down, then picked up the pace before hitting the first uphill stretch. I had already planned on adding lots of walk breaks for this race as prep for my longer races later this year. I’m convinced that training for walking breaks will greatly improve my 50-100 mile races. The first loop went well. The rain kept coming but the company was good and the running was easy. I came into the aid station at mile 10, refilled my water, grabbed a few candy bars and set out to run lap 2 clockwise. Running the opposite direction was a nice change and it gave me an opportunity to see all the runners that continued around the loop in the original direction. The biggest problem with the clockwise direction is running up the big hill 1/3 of a mile from the start/finish. It’s a bugger. I finished the 2nd loop soaking wet and feeling pretty wonky. I spent a few minutes at the aid station grabbing some trail snacks, then once again charged into the woods for another lap. Less that ¼ mile into lap 3 I was hit with terrible stomach cramps. I was chilled to the bone and the rain was starting to flood the trail. I turned around and told myself “this is stupid, I’m quitting and heading home to a warm bath, 20 miles is far enough today”. I started to walk back to the finish line to turn in my number. Somehow, and I’m not quite sure how it happened, instead of turning in my number and seeking refuge in my car, I found myself back on the trail and running. Somewhere deep inside I was able to muster enough willpower to override the incredible magnetic draw of the car and get myself back out there to finish. I ran the last loop strongly even though I was trudging through a lot of water. I completed the loop and found it easy to return to the trail one last time and get those final 2 miles.
I didn’t stick around long after the race. I was really cold and just wanted to get dry and warm. This race was tough for me, but I gained so much confidence to in my ability to will myself through the tough parts…. It was a morning well spent.

First Call to Run Marathon

2010-01-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

OK, so much for taking a little time off. My friends were gathering again, it was fairly close by and FREE!!! How could I say no? I packed my car with everything I could possibly need. The weather forecast looked ominous: heavy steady rain, high winds, low 40’s. I decided to do battle with the distance wearing thick Capri tights, thick hooded tech shirt, winter running hat and a disposable poncho. I found Jill Hudson at the start line and decided it would be nice to run at least the first half with her. Today’s course would be a double out-and-back on the mostly flat, paved Sammamish river trail. The rain was steady and we did have a nice headwind, but it was pleasantly warm. Just a few miles into the race, the rain stopped and the sun peaked out. It was shaping up to be a good day. Add to that, I felt strong and rested, surprising considering how tired I was just 2 weeks earlier.

Jill and I ran a steady 5 miles, then took a brief walk break. We picked it up again when Brian Pendleton joined us and kept cruising happily along. Somewhere around mile 7, Jill commented that she thought we missed the turn-around. Sure enough, we had run ½ mile too far. As a group we decided to run to the 50k turn around, then correct the distance on the second out and back. Because this was a Fat Ass, and none of us were in a position to win the marathon, it seemed like a workable solution. We reached what we thought should be the 50k turnaround and there was no marker for at that point either. It became clear that someone had stolen the cones that marked the turn around points for the various race distances. How annoying! At mile 8 we turned and headed back to the start line, warning people heading the other direction that the markers were missing.

After the turn around, we settled into a slow, steady pace and decided it was time to plug into our ipods. Good friends are like that…. You enjoy each others company, but you don’t feel the need to fill the silence with chatter. Rocking out in our own personal world, but running side by side was the perfect way to pass the miles. We did manage to stop for awhile and walk with some of the usual marathon suspects: Brian, Jim, Monte, Ric. 5 minutes of howdy-dos and we were ready to go again.
We reached the start/halfway/finish line with 16 miles on our GPS systems. I took the time to grab a cookie and refill my water bottle and we were off again. We needed to run 5.1 miles out but decided to error on the side of going long, so we turned at 5.25. The final 5.25 miles took a toll on Jill who was just returning to marathoning after a series of unpleasant injuries. I promised to stick with her and make sure she got to the finish line. We walked a bit more than in the first 20 miles but still had a lot of fun. We finished in 4:53.

I really enjoyed this course for a small wintertime marathon and will return for future events when the goals is to get a long run in with a few dozen of my buddies.

Pigtails Flat Ass Marathon

2009-12-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

I thought I was done racing for 2009 after completing my 3 states in 8 days streak. I am weak though, and there just happened to be a cheap, local marathon that over 100 of my favorite people had entered. I had nothing better to do, so I decided to join in on the fun.

The race director (the one and only Pigtails) emailed us a few days before the race requesting that we try and carpool due to lack of parking. Fortunately Andy Fritz, a local Maniac, agreed to drive so we met at 5:30 am and headed towards the mountains. I dressed in tights and a long sleeve Maniac shirt, carried a pack with gloves and a jacket. The weather forecast called for light rain turning to dry and overcast, mid 40’s. Just perfect. As predicted, we started off in a light drizzle. The first 6 miles consisted of nicely packed dirt and gravel following the Cedar River downstream. The running seemed easy, but I intentional kept my pace slow. Karen Wiggins joined me and we spent a few miles catching up on our lives while our pace increased. One of us would notice and we would back off. 5 miles into the race, I decided I was pushing the pace too much for a recovery run (mid-9 minute miles) so I let Karen go on without me. I dialed back to 10½ minutes per mile and was all ready to just settle in and listen to music when young David Appleton caught me. I met David in Death Valley and then again in Las Vegas, so I welcomed the chance of running together. We ran fairly steadily to the half way point, taking short walk breaks every mile. We turned around and mile 14 and immediately noticed that we had been running slightly downhill the entire first half. That meant a long and gradual climb all the way back to the finish line. The drizzle had turned to a steady rain. I was getting chilled and my legs were fatigued. David was feeling the same so we increased our walk breaks to every ½ mile. To our surprise, we were actually passing people! We were slow, but others were slower….the gradual uphill and deteriorating weather was wearing people down. With 5 miles to go, Brian Pendleton caught up to us and helped make the final hour pass a little more quickly with new topics to discuss. We crossed the finish line in just under 5 hours, though my legs felt like I had run much faster. By comparison, the winning Women’s time was 4:04, so it was definitely a slow slog for everyone. After we collected our handmade finishers medals (pink bells decorated like pigs) I changed into warm, dry clothing and then made my way back to the finish line. We all huddled under the tent as we slurped down butternut squash soup and cheered in the rest of the runners.

I realized on my drive home how very tired I was. 7 marathons in 3 months had taken its toll and I badly needed a break. I think I’ll take some time off now. I’m scheduled to run the First Call to Run Marathon on January 1st. but I think I’m going to skip it and resume my racing sometime in February.

The Road to Ruthenium (or how to become a 5-star Maniac in 8 days)

2009-12-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

I’ve been stuck at Marathon Maniac Iridium level (4 spinny stars) for over 2 years. I decided it was time to go for the next level: Ruthenium. This requires the dedicated Maniac to complete one of the following:
26 - 30 Marathons within 1 calendar year or…..
4 Marathons on back to back weekends (within a 9 day window) or….
3 Marathons in 3 separate US states, Countries, or Canadian Provinces (any combination) within a 9-day time span or….
13 Marathons in 13 different US states, Countries, or Canadian Provinces (any combination) in one calendar year.

It looked like 3 marathons in 3 states in 9 days was the most doable. So I came up with a plan and entered the races.

I approached the first in this series of marathons feeling weak and under-trained. I had stumbled over a pothole at the Royal Victoria Marathon in October and as a result have had pain in my lower ankle although no swelling or heat. Resting didn’t seem to help much, but running made the pain go away for several hours at a time. Still, I knew better than to try and run hard with such an odd niggle. 10 days before Seattle I came down with the flu. I was so tired I couldn’t get out of bed, then my lungs became congested to the point I couldn’t sleep. All the coughing and hacking caused tightness in my back and rib cage muscles. I was miserable and almost decided to cancel my quest for 5 stars. The Friday before Seattle I took a little 4 mile jog and was surprised that I felt almost normal. The races were back on with one caveat: run easy the first race and ease up from there.

Race 1, State 1: November 29, Seattle Marathon in Washington State

I was going to write a report for this race, but I liked Divechief’s so much, I decided to use his instead:

“Right before the start Dove spotted me. Today was the first of marathons in 3 states in 8 days. She wanted to take it kind of easy today and it turned out our paces were pretty much exactly even so we ran the entire race side by side. Often, we would be talking while the miles streamed by and be surprised at how fast our pace was and realize we needed to back it off a little so we didn't suffer in the later miles, then a few miles later our pace would be right back up there.

The course features a couple out and backs where you can see the runners ahead and behind you. We saw SR Lopez running strong, several miles ahead of us. Barefoot Jon a few miles behind us, and Franc and her friend really close to us, but her friend was having foot problems.

We also spotted Bob Dolphin and Larry Macon, world record holder with 105 marathons in 2008 on the course, more on that later. (They were mentioned in the recent Wall street journal article)

Beautiful overcast day, 50º gentle breeze was enough to keep us cool. I was fine with a throw away at the start, shorts and long sleeve shirt, short sleeve would have worked just as well.

We caught up to Larry Macon at around mile 21 (He started an hour early) Chatted for a few minutes and we discovered that he is going to be in Las Vegas next weekend. One of the same races Dove is running. Larry Proposed to Dove. He said he was going to marry 6 women in Las Vegas!!! Dove accepted. We felt that both Larry's wife, and Dove's Finance will be surprised!! We spent the next mile discussing the appropriate running/wedding wear for her upcoming wedding.

The miles continued to fly by, we didn't negative split, I had to dig a little from about miles 23-25 but I was still feeling OK. Finished under 4:30, Dove felt she still has plenty in the tank for her two marathons next weekend. Fun day.”

After Seattle I rested and tried not to run too much. My ankle was not happy with me, but still no swelling or heat. My hip was acting up again, too. It has decided that a spontaneous collapse without warning keeps things from getting boring. I ended up on the pavement a few times this summer because of such hip antics. The hip threatened in Seattle, but never quite collapsed. I was committed to completing the series, so renewed my vow to go out slow and ease up the next two marathons.

Race 2, State 2: December 4, Death Valley Borax Marathon in California

We flew into Las Vegas Friday morning, drove over to the Rock N Roll expo to pick up my race number for Sunday, then stopped to fuel up at the Mandalay Bay Buffet. The race director of the Death Valley Borax Marathon had warned us that there were few choices for dining once we left Las Vegas, so we decided to eat our big meal before starting the drive.
Driving into Death Valley was breathtaking. I knew that I was in for a special run the next day and couldn’t wait to get started.

The forecast was for a low in the mid 30’s race morning, heating up to the mid 60’s by afternoon. I decided to dress for the finish temps and made my way to the pre-race meeting wearing a Brooks running skirt in black, a white and gold Brooks ID singlet, White Marathon Maniac hat and Adrenaline 10 shoes. As always I wore my double diamond studs and 26.2 lucky necklace. I carried a handheld water bottle since aid stations would be 3.5 to 4 miles apart. The pre-race meeting was one of the highlights of my week. The self-important race director turned out to be quite a ham. He explained the rules “start time is approximately 8:00, you win a rubber chicken if you are the first to cross the line… well it used to be a rubber chicken, but now it’s a chicken purse stuffed with $1,000,000 in shredded bills because of past complaints about no prize purse”… and a few other details like the serve-yourself aid stations and self monitored turn-around points for the various race distances. He concluded the meeting with a heartfelt sing-a-long of America the Beautiful. I couldn’t imagine a more fitting way to start the race.

I really don’t have much to say about the actual run. I was completely enchanted by the magic of the valley. We were running below sea level for the entire race, but it was surprisingly hilly. And exposed. The dry air whisked away sweat before I realized it had formed, so I was careful to keep drinking water and taking electrolyte capsules. Running was effortless, but I mixed in plenty of walk breaks, honoring my promise to go out slow and ease back. The pavement had a softness and smoothness about it that cushioned each footfall. At the halfway point we turned around and headed back to Furnace Creek. A gentle head wind had picked up and cooled me just enough. I don’t really know where the time went, but I swear I was out there for less than an hour. Turns out it was well over four hours when I crossed the finish line, received my medal and shirt and plunged into the warm-spring fed pool. A quick check of the results showed I managed a 2nd in my age group. It didn’t matter one bit though…. I could have been dead last and still felt just as blessed.

Race 3, State 3: December 5, Rock n’ Roll Las Vegas in Nevada

As usual I had a hard time eating after the marathon. I did manage to choke down half an order of fried rice and a beer before calling it a day. I woke and tried to eat a breakfast bar, but could barely choke it down. And since it was Vegas, there was no coffee maker in the room to help get the blood flowing. Oh well.

Today’s race would start at 6:15. My past Rock n’Roll experiences meant I needed to be at the start line at least 30 minutes early to check my bag and work my way to the corrals. I was out the door at 5:15, dressed in a black short sleeve Brooks ID tech shirt, black Brooks skirt, Brooks Infinity shoes and a Marathon Maniacs hat. Double diamond studs, my 26.2 necklace and pink striped disposable arm warmers completed the look. By the time I had walked the 2 miles to the start line, I knew I had under dressed. I was freezing! It was too late to go back and change, and nearly impossible with all the runners walking down the strip.

I was in corral 6, a nice place to start. A few minutes after the gun went off, we moved into position and started off down the strip. Fireworks filled the chilly air and illuminated the broken asphalt they call a street. I picked up my feet carefully, trying to avoid another tumble into a pothole like Victoria. The mass number of runners, the efficient manner of the RnR staff and the too slick race entertainment made me feel like pampered cattle being seductively herded to slaughter. The bands were playing, yes, actually playing! (unlike Seattle where most of the bands were just standing around). The big screen displays that casinos have along the strip were broadcasting the race as it unfolded, allowing the mid-packers to watch the battle going on between front runners, as we ran! Despite my dislike of mega races, this one was fun. It was Las Vegas, baby. We ran down the strip with the half-marathoners, made a loop at the 6 miles mark, then head back up the strip towards the finish line. Water and electrolyte drink was flowing, GU was plentiful, bands every mile as promised. Then it happened….. the marathoners split from the half. We were cast out of the glitzy Vegas and dumped like an ugly Christmas sweater into a seedier section of town. The bands no longer played. The aid stations had dwindled. The few bums staggering down the street looked at us with pity as we began a long and steady climb that started at mile 15 and continued to taunt us for the next 4 miles. My legs were done by that time. They were shaky and felt weak. I had been careful to implement a 10:1, run/walk ratio from the beginning of the race and that was beginning to fail me. I was cold and started to shake. At mile 18 an angel know was Marathon Maniac #1382 found me and gave me a double espresso GU and a few Starbursts. The turn around at mile 20 found me with renewed energy. I dumped the walk breaks and took it home at near marathon pace (it helped that 5 of the remaining 6.2 miles were downhill). I crossed the finish line with body intact and 5 spinny stars reflecting in my eyes.

This series of races provide me with opportunity to run a small (Death Valley: 341 runners), medium (Seattle: 9,500 runners), and Mega (Las Vegas: 30,000 runners) marathon in short succession. They were all fun. Vegas is just too glitzy and polished: really a half marathon event with an additional out and back for the marathoners. Seattle will always be a favorite of mine, but after running it 4 times I was ready for something new. I far preferred the small Death Valley marathon with its devil-may-care attitude, funky awards and colorful race director.

P.S. I didn’t get married in Las Vegas. I lost my intended in a sea of grooms so I decided to just keep running. Sorry Larry.
__________________

Royal Victoria Marathon

2009-10-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

Royal Victoria was my last race in a 3 marathons in 6 week push. Skagit was my goal race, Bellingham my back-up and Victoria was supposed to be for fun. Things didn’t unfold the way they were planned: Skagit was a disaster, Bellingham became my goal race, but I wasn’t expecting the long, steep hills and miles of dirt trail. I missed my Boston Qualification by 11 minutes. Now Victoria was the goal race. My summer of focused training had one last chance to pay off and Victoria was it.

The intensity of the summer left me feeling a little achy in the hips and I was tired. I knew the course, though , and thought it suited my strengths. The weather was forecast to be ideal: sunny and mid 40’s. Slight wind (I like a little wind). I planned to hold myself to a 9:00 mpm pace through mile 20, then increase the speed and take it home. To help with my effort, I decided to run with the 4 hour pacer. Only one problem… I couldn’t find him at the start line. I also couldn’t find my usual Maniac friends, so I was on my own. I’m actually quite chatty at races so I made a few instant friends before the gun went off to start the race.

I started slow, then picked it up a bit by mile 4. After that, I had a hard time keeping to my 9:00 goal pace. Every time I took a split, I was hovering around 8:45. I knew I needed to bring it down a notch, and struggled to make that happen. I hit the turn-around well ahead of goal pace, and on my way back towards town caught a glimpse of the 4 hour pacer. He was 2 minutes or so behind me. I slowed down even more so the pace group could catch up, figuring it would be easier to hold myself back if I were in a pack. They caught me at mile 16. I latched on and settled into their stride. I just got comfortable and Mr. Pace Bunny yelled out “walk!” What? We just finished a significant climb, we should reward ourselves by gliding down the backside! Ignoring my intuition, I walked with the group. One minute later the pacer started running again. It took me a moment to get the legs moving again and almost as soon as I was motoring along smoothly, we walked again. He was on the 10 minute run, 1 minute walk routine. No matter where it fell on the course we were walking on the 10 minute mark. I managed to keep with the group until mile 20, though the constant change of rhythm was taking it's toll.

I hit that split perfectly with 3:02 showing on my watch. Now, according to plan, I could turn it on. Right now. Yep, this is it. Legs? Did you hear me? RIGHT NOW….. Nothing….. Again I summoned my inner strength and willed my legs to move faster. 2 seconds per mile faster…. 5 seconds a mile fast….. 10 seconds per mile faster. Perfect. I would hold this pace until mile 24, then increase the speed again. This is what I trained for. This was going to be my fast finish. Then it happened. Mile 22.5 and my quad seized up so bad I couldn’t move. I was dizzy with pain as I inched toward the curb. I stood there, slumped over like an old lady, trying to catch a breath and ease the pain. The EMT’s came by: making sure I was okay and offered a ride. I knew I couldn’t stop or the cramps would get worse. I had to find a way to start walking and move that lactic acid through my muscles. It seemed like minutes passed before I started to hobble towards the finish line. Half a mile later I picked up a slow jog, then when I felt a twinge in my quad, brought it back down to a walk. Once again I picked up a jog. I was too close to deny myself a finish, but time goals had completely disappeared. Somehow I managed a 9-something mile during that final push over the timing mat. To my surprise, I still managed a 4:12 and I completed my 49th marathon just 3½ years after my first.

We finished off the weekend with a lovely Canadian Thanksgiving dinner hosted by one of my friends. I wanted to feel sorry for myself, to make excuses or trivialize the importance of this race for me. None of it would do though. I have to own up to what happened and find a way to prevent it in the future. I can run an easy marathon every other week without problems, but to run with intensity that frequently left me drained. My muscles were fatigued. My system over taxed. Now all I can do is recover, rebuild and refocus.

Bellingham Bay Marathon

2009-09-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

My recovery from Skagit Flats didn’t go too well. The first week I was just plain tired. The second week I had a shooting pain in my hip that drastically altered my stride. My general rule is: if it hurts but doesn’t alter my stride and I warm out of it in a few mile… keep training. If it hurts and doesn’t alter my stride, but keeps hurting after mile 3… call it a day. If it alters my stride at any point….quit and take a few days off. So given my rule, I took 5 days off leading up to the Bellingham Bay Marathon. I also modified my goal. Originally this was going to be my second attempt at a fall BQ, instead I decided to just see if I could get through it pain free.

Race morning started out chilly but was supposed to be sunny and warm up by mid-morning. I decided to wear a singlet, gloves and compression shorts. I also decided to carry a water bottle so there would be no chance of dehydrating again. I was going to work on two things this marathon: properly timed nutrition/hydration and not walking when I started to fatigue (a bad habit that I picked up during a year of ultra running). Since my goal was to finish uninjured, I wanted to run around a 9:15 pace and hopefully pick it up the last 3 miles or so. As usual I lined up with the Maniacs at the start, and when we took off I found myself with two friends who are much faster than I am. We were having a nice conversation though, so I failed to pay attention to pace. 2 miles into it I noticed we were running 8:30’s. Too fast, I told them. I would drop off the back to keep my pace slow… then one of my friends would drop back with me, promising to go at my pace. Before I knew it, we would be running too fast again. This continued until the half way point. The pace hovered around 8:45 minutes per mile with the exception of a few big, long hills that I elected to walk. I enjoyed the company, though, and maybe a faster first half will pay off at some future race. I hit the half way point at 1:58. I forced myself to hold back again as my hip pain started to come back. Luckily the course veered onto a lovely dirt trail that eased the jarring at mile 15. I was starting to feel better, but kept my pace slow with hopes of turning on a little speed for the last 6 miles. When I passed the 20 mile marker, I decided now was the time, and worked to push my pace down to 9:00 minutes per mile again. Unfortunately, and wild downhill on a paved surface brought the hip pain back again. I reminded myself the goal was to come out of this marathon without injury, so once again I slowed my pace. I caught up to one of my fast friends from earlier in the race (also suffering from hip pain) and we managed to keep each other going to the finish line. I crossed the line in 4:12:10. I quickly stiffened up and the muscles in my hip area were very tender so I was glad I didn’t push it harder.

Now it’s time to rest again and see if I have anything left for the Royal Victoria Marathon in two weeks.

Skagit Flats Marathon

2009-09-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

The race started so beautifully, who knew what would await me?

I was ready. My training leading up to this race went perfectly. I only missed one run, and that was a 16 miler at the beginning of the cycle due to flu. I ran a test race in early August ; a half marathon where my only goal was to put in a good effort the second half. I PR’d that race without much effort. I was feeling good, well rested and well fueled when I took my place at the start line. I started out easy, constantly checking my pace, because it seemed too easy. My watch kept me honest. I would find myself wandering toward 8:30 minute miles, but would catch it early enough to dial it back again. As a result, my miles splits were coming in at 8:58 – 9:02. Perfect. My plan was to run 9 minute miles the first 20 miles, then hammer it in for the last 6.

It was already too warm when we hit the first aid station around mile 1.5. Unfortunately only 2 volunteers were manning the station and couldn’t keep up with the demand of over 600 runners. I passed that station without getting any water. I knew it was a mistake at the time, but figured I would drink well at the next station, two miles down the road. This station was prepared and I got my water. Another two miles, more water, some gel and I was right where I wanted to be. My legs were fresh, my heart rate low but I was starting to really sweat. When I passed mile 8 I realized I hadn’t taken electrolytes yet, so I popped one at the next water stop. By this time I was drenched in sweat. The roads were getting hot and the course offered no shade. My eyes were burning from the amount of salt dripping down my face. Still I was feeling good and my pace was a steady 9:00 minutes per mile. I hit the turn around point in 1:58. As I started the second half of the race I started to feel slightly qu. My head was gently throbbing and I experienced the most demanding thirst. Where is the aid station? My mouth felt like cotton and the aid station was still a mile away. I needed water badly… when I finally hit the aid station (around mile 15) I stopped and chugged 4 cups of water. I expected my stomach to start sloshing after so much water, but it went down amazingly well. I picked up my pace again and my head started to really pound. I slowed down to walk a moment. I was dizzy once I slowed down. I went through my vital check list: heart rate- good, feet- fine, muscles-pleasantly tired, stomach- settled and no sloshing. Then I noticed it – I wasn’t sweating. Me, Miss Sweat Princess, the one blessed with a super efficient cooling system that allows me to run in blistering heat, wasn’t sweating at all. This was bad. I knew if I had any hope of crossing the finish line I had to quit racing. No BQ, no PR for me today. I made a pact with myself that very moment: walk it in and save the legs for another day. pick up a slow jog if I start sweating again, drop out entirely if I kept feeling dizzy or the headache gets worse. I also knew I had to focus on getting the system functioning again. I started working on replacing my electrolytes and getting plenty of liquids down. I would alternate walking with a slow, shuffling jog every ¼ mile or so. By mile 20 I was feeling significantly better and my mile 24 I broke a sweat again. I cautiously jogged the remaining 2.2 miles to the finish line. I quit looking at my watch after I started walking, so was expecting the finish line clock to read 5+ hours. I was amazed to finish in 4:30 minutes. All that practice walking over the summer must have paid off. I walked around for a bit, drank some more water and hit the showers. As I was packing up my race gear I noticed my clothes were coated in a fine dusting of salt. More than the typical sweat rings I usually get. After the shower I started feeling much better. I started reviewing the race and noticed that even though I had gotten so severely dehydrated, I never got leg cramps. Weird.

Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon

2009-08-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

I recently joined the newly formed Marathon Maniacs off-shoot: the Half Fanatics. I hadn’t run a half marathon since I stepped up to the marathon distance, but my brief foray into the 13.1 mile world back in 2005 was enough to get me a “Moon” status with the Half Fanatics. And since I am now a card carrying member, I thought I should at least run the local half sponsored by our club.

That’s how I found myself standing at the foggy start line of the Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon. My last race was the Seattle Rock and Roll, then I decided to take the summer off and concentrate on my speed and strength. This half marathon fell on a day that I was scheduled to run 16 easy miles with 2 x 3 miles of harder effort. I figured I could run the race then tack on an extra 3 miles after the finish to hit my goal distance. For the actual race, I would run the first 6 miles slowly (as per my training plan), then pick up the 3 miles repeats with a mile jog in between. That plan would bring me flying into the finish, even though my overall effort would be relatively slow. I lined up with my friend Cat, and we took off through the fog. Around mile 4 the course started to climb as we ascended the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. This section of the course was appropriately narrow as we dodged and weaved around slower runners. Coming off the bridge, I expected to find the course flatten out. I was surprised to find we were still climbing… and climbing…. and climbing. Cat and I continued to run at a pace that allowed us to chat, I resisted the urge to glance at my watch since I knew pace didn’t matter at this point in the race.

My watch beeper went off and it was time to pick up the pace. I bid Cat farewell, and I strided off, still running uphill. 25 minutes later, I approached the “fun” part of the course… running around the bases and Cheney Stadium. I hoped to hit this section during my jog recovery so I could enjoy it, but unfortunately I was still in my speed phase and concentrating on driving down my average pace. I hit the end of my 3 mile effort the same time I closed in on 3rd base. A glance of the watch indicated an average pace of 8:11 minutes per mile for the first repeat. Fast for me! I jogged my mile recovery and started to wonder if I could even come close to that speed during my second repeat.

I didn’t have to wonder too long before my beeper went off, signaling the start of another hard effort. My watch was set to show me my average pace for the repeat and I made a game out of trying to drive the pace down as the distance passed. I started to pass a lot of runners those last 3 miles, some of which I had leap-frogged with several times during the course of the morning. On one particularly fast section, around mile 12, I passed a very fit looking runner who had passed me several times during my easy run phases and she shouted “just who are you?”. I laughed and responded “just out doing a little training run, see you at the finish” as I left her behind. My second 3 mile effort came in at an 8:04 average. I crossed the finish line in 1:53:20 for a new personal record. I turned around and started running back up the course, but offset by a block so I wouldn’t actually be on the course, and finished my final 3 miles. I was very pleased with my time, especially since I ran the first half at such an easy pace. Hopefully this is a sign that my hard work this summer is paying off and I’ll get that Boston Qualifier in September.

Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon

2009-06-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

I hate it when marathons get off to a bad start, and this one was shaping up to be one of the worst I’ve experienced. Sure, I’ve missed flights and lost my running gear before… but those things are to be expected when traveling across the country. This race was in my backyard, things are supposed to unfold smoothly.

My mis-adventure started Friday around noon. After getting my son off to camp (his ride was late), I jumped in the car and hit the freeway, or rather something on the freeway. My car pitched strongly to one side and my flat tire light came on. Someone had lost a box full of tools and one had ripped out my sidewall. Three hours later, $300 poorer, I was on the road again. I kept a nervous eye on the clock as traffic became more congested. My 1 hour drive to Seattle was verging on 5 hours (“gee it took you 5 hours to get to Seattle? I can run a marathon faster than that”) and the expo was nearing it’s close. I finally reached Quest Field, pulled into the garage and was promptly asked for $10… the advertised $5 parking fee was wrong, and I was in no mood to fork out yet more money, but I gave in. I rushed to get my number, ignored all the vendors hawking items I’m sure I needed, and went in search of “The House”. I drove right to it… finally a signal that the weekend may turn out o.k. Upon entering I was greeted by the familiar faces of Erika, Peter, Holly, Amy, Tammy and Nancy. I was also introduced to new friends: Tim, Francesca and Laura. I couple of good hugs and a glass of wine, suddenly all was right with the world.

The next morning Holly and I were up before the alarm, making coffee, eating breakfast and mentally preparing for the task at hand. Soon everyone else was up too, and dressed to run. I thought it was fun that all the Maniacs chose yellow singlets and black skirts (except for Amy, but her Race Ready shorts almost looked like a skirt).

At 6:00 am we piled into two cars and headed for the start, thinking we would have plenty of time. Wrong! The freeway was a parking lot, many runners were bailing out of cars to run to the start when it became apparent that we would miss the gun. We still had several miles to go so the group made a decision to just stay in the car and hope we reached the start before the timing mats were rolled up. Our car remained relaxed about the whole thing….we were experienced marathoners and knew we would live to race another day… no big deal. We did wonder how the car full of first timers was holding up, though. By the time we reached the start line it was 7:41, we were 41 minutes late and as a result stuck behind all the runners and walkers of both the full and half marathon. Nancy and I lined up together even though we had different goals for our marathon execution: Nancy wanted to go out fast and see how long she could hold it. I planned on starting out slow, pick it up in the second half and run a fast final few miles.

After the extremely crowded opening miles, I decided that I was running too fast for my plan, so told Nancy to go ahead and run her own race. She surge ahead, I dropped back and we both continued to dodge and weave through the crowds. Our separation lasted maybe a mile. The crowds were slowing Nancy down and the frustration was speeding me up. We rejoined, had a quick conversation and completely changed our race strategy. We decided to just have as much fun as possible. After all, this was the Rock and Roll marathon and that is exactly what we should do! So from that point on, every time we passed a band, we would stop and dance. Sometimes separately, sometimes arm and arm, occasionally hugging each other tight. What a sight we must have been: two skirted Maniacs, laughing and shouting, high fiving the spectators, greeting the other Maniacs, basically having more fun than one could ever expect while running 26.2. In fact there were many points along the course that I forgot we were running a race of significant distance.

At mile 21 I asked Nancy if she had anything left in legs, she responded “yes” so we took off, putting in an 8:14 mile before stopping to dance again. It felt so good to have that kind of energy so late in a marathon. That dance at mile 22 was pure celebration: of running, and friendship, and spontaneous decisions. We joyously continued along, churning out the final few miles and concluding with a sprint to the finish. Our legs and hearts didn’t want to quite, though and we caught ourselves still running after donning our medals, and dancing again at the finish line band.

We looked at our Garmin’s and realized we had put in almost perfectly even splits which included 4:17 of running and 11 minutes of dancing. Textbook execution of a very complicated race.

So to you, our friends, we raise our glasses and celebrate the true Spirit of the Marathon.The same true Spirit which allowed our wings to fly.
Thanks for reading and thanks to our coaches who have to put our training aside so often while we go to visit the "wild" side.

The Green River/NODM Double Marathon Weekend

2009-06-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

Living in Western Washington certainly has its perks. For distance runners, it’s the opportunity to run 2 marathons on beautiful courses in the same weekend. Both marathons run along wooded bike paths and finish with 4 miles along the Puget Sound. This is the 3rd time I’ve run this double: the first year day one was a 50k though, not a road marathon. It was my 5th double in 2 years. I love running double marathons.

Sat – Green River Marathon. 26.2 miles on a bike path along the Green River. 1st half is flat and easy , 2nd half hits urban roads. This is a free , but certified course marathon so streets are not closed. We have to wait for lights to cross major intersections. Also a few hills so it’s definitely the slower the 2nd half. I continue to run easy until mile 21, then I pick it up for a mile to get the legs moving. At mile 22 we hit the beach and a headwind but I keep focused and run hard the last 3 miles. ½ spilt is 2:14, mile 21- 9:10, mile 24 -9:10, mile 25 – 8:55, mile 26-9:31. Second ½ split 2:11. Overall time: 4:25. The best part: it was easy! I felt great at the finish. No soreness or fatigue. One hour later I felt like I hadn’t run at all. Huge success in my opinion.

After the race I head out to the ball park to watch a USSSA softball tournament that Mr. Hawk is playing in. I eat a couple of tacos and enjoy a beer. Before long it’s 9:30 pm and we still have a 3 hour drive to Port Angeles. So much for plenty of sleep. We arrive in Port Angeles and remember that we haven’t eaten since lunch. You simply can’t run a double without eating well, so luckily we find a pizza place that’s still open. Hit the sack at 2:00 a.m., up again at 6:00 a.m. I’m not hungry and have a headache, so I force down some dry toast and black coffee. Mr. Hawk takes me to the start line then heads back to bed.

Sun- North Olympic Discovery Marathon. 3rd time running this marathon and always as 2nd marathon of a double weekend, my course PR was 4:47. 1st half is fairly flat and boring through town street and farmland. 2nd half is a tougher run through the forest and has lots of hills: short, steep hills. Last 4 miles are again run along a beach. A feel a little sluggish the first 5 miles but just take it easy. By mile 8 I am warmed up. I continue to feel stronger and stronger throughout the race. I keep waiting for the course to get hard…. I remember how tough this race is from past years. It never gets hard. I run mile 21 fast to wake up the legs and hit the beach feeling like a run-away freight train. Powerful and unstoppable. I pass people like they are standing still the final 4 miles. What fun! 1st half split: 2:12. Mile 21- 8:31, mile 24 – 9:56, mile 25 – 9:49, mile 26 – 8:54. 2nd half split: 2:12. Overall time: 4:24. Good enough for 4th place in my AG, on the second day of a double! 22 minute course PR! Double marathon PR by 23 minutes! Went home and mowed the lawn. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Or does it?

Capital City Marathon

2009-05-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

I went into the Capital City Marathon with the intention of claiming my 2010 Boston Qualifier. I was 4 minutes off in Boston, so I thought I’d take another shot at it in my home town. I should have stopped a moment and thought about the Capital City course before setting my goal.

My plan was to run like I had in Boston…. Start fast, hold on until mile 13, then let it gradually fade. I knew I could do it. As the race neared, reality started to sink in. Olympia had been experiencing a chilly spring, but as race weekend approached, the weather warmed significantly. Not good, especially since I’d been training in cool weather. I started to think I would be happy with matching my Boston time and saving the BQ for another day. Even with a slight change in goals, I wanted to go out fast and push myself instead of just completing a long training run like I did in Tacoma.

Everything started well. I got off to a nice start running 8:45’s for the first 4 miles. Then the fun was over and the climbing began. Capital City climbs and drops constantly. Steep, short climbs, long, shallow climbs, and on three occasions: steep, long climbs. By mile 7 I adjusted my goal again: I wanted to beat my previous best Capital City time: 4:13:58. I pushed hard, backing off when I needed to recover after a climb. I tried to stay focused on the beautiful, rural course and let mind wander down memory lane as I dashed across old childhood haunts. Gull Harbor Store, Cannery Ranch, Zangle Road and Woodard Bay were all so important when I was a kid, hanging out with my friends and our dogs. Later on when ran through the eastside of Olympia… down Friendly Grove Road, Miller Street and Bethel. Past my old elementary school and along my brothers paper route. Mile 20 went by the old Washington Middle School where we attended classes in school buses as we were waiting for the new Capital High School to open. Finally we hit the last long hill leading into Wildwood before dumping out on Capital Way and a 1.5 mile down hill sprint to the finish. I worked hard that last mile trying to accomplish my goal and thought I made it as I crossed the finish line (only to find out later that I ran a 4:13:59, 1 second slower than my course PR).

I was disappointed to find out that there were no medals at this years race, only results cards with a slot for our timing chips that we got to keep. After framing the results card, though, I decided that it was a nice touch and like it better than a medal.

Tacoma City Marathon

2009-05-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

The Tacoma City Marathon was just a long, slow run for me and a chance to visit with a few friends while adding another tally to the Marathon Maniacs scoreboard. I decided to take the early start again this year and follow a 5/1 minute, run/walk ratio. I was still feeling a little tired from Boston, the travel and the head cold I developed afterward so slow and steady seemed like the best possible idea.

The early start was fairly large this year. As we lined up, the race director gave us a few quick instructions then went on to explain that there were a few course changes. I tried to listen but since I am not that familiar with Tacoma, the changes didn’t make much sense. The only one that stuck out was that we wouldn’t be running down South Tacoma Way this year. If that was the case, I knew I would enjoy the course.

A little after 6:00 we were off, pounding down the quiet streets at the base of the “hilltop”. I kept my eye on the lead bike as we wound around, ignoring my first walk break. I continued trying to keep an eye on the bike while ignoring the beeps from my watch that signaled “walk time”, then at mile 3, decided it was best to stick with my plan… after all the course was marked and I wouldn’t get lost. WRONG. I passed the Stadium High School aid station and realized I had no idea where I was. There were no course markings, no traffic cones and no other runners. I doubled back and after much searching found an old, faded mark on the concrete leading down an alley. I followed, wound around a bit more, then ran out of course markers again. I searched, doubled back, went west, turned east…. No markers. Finally I sighted an aid station but when I approached it, noticed it said “mile 6”, my Garmin indicated I was at mile 5. The aid station volunteers tired to encourage me to just keep going and forget about the fact I was a mile short, but I couldn’t, so I headed uphill in search of an extra mile. I didn’t really care if it was the right mile, I just didn’t want to be short at the finish, I signed up to run 26.2, and I was going to run 26.2. 10 minutes (and 1 mile) later I was back at the mile 6 aid station and ready to continue. By that time there were other runners to follow and the course was well marked. I had a great time running along the waterfront, passing through the Asarco tunnel and finally entering Pt Defiance Park. We ran by the zoo and I could hear the animals contained within issuing their morning greetings. I brought my headphones and kept thinking I should listen to some music, but the sounds of the morning were much more interesting.

My run/walk ratio was working well for me. I had lots of spring in my legs, my heart rate was low and I was feeling fresh. The hills that seemed like such monsters last year had tamed down considerably. After emerging from the park, we wandered through residential neighborhoods and down a bike path along highway 16. The bike path was hot and lonely until we pasted by a Top Foods parking lot where an employee had a shopping cart full of bottled water. It was a welcome relief during this aid-less stretch.

We eventually found ourselves right in the middle of the dreaded “hilltop”. Thankfully, gangbangers seem to enjoy sleeping in on Sunday’s and the city had posted several police officers at each street corner, so in general it felt fairly safe. The few residents that wandered outside encouraged the runners, even gangsters appreciate the efforts of a hard marathon. We finished with the familiar screaming downhill and sharp right turn, followed by 2 miles of a nice, gentle glide to the finish line. The marathon volunteers held up the finish tape for every marathon finisher to break through as the announcer read our name and anything notable about us. A very nice touch that I haven’t seen before.

After the race I met up with my childhood friend, Ali, whom I haven’t seen in 30 years. Seeing her again brought tears to my eyes and it was the best reward for finishing a difficult marathon. We walked around a bit, I changed into my sweats, then we settled down for a cold beer and an hour of catching up. It was a perfect day.

Finish time 4:34.

Boston Marathon and 5k

2009-04-20T23:52:00.000-07:00

Prior to my trip I decided that this would be my last Boston for awhile. Boston is expensive, it eats away at my vacation leave and there are other marathons and ultras in the same time frame that I want to do. That said, I approached this race weekend as a chance to have as much fun as possible and not worry about the race itself.
Mom was my traveling companion this year, so the first matter of business was to have my traditional dinner at Whiskers on Boylston. The following day we hit the expo, picked up my race numbers (5k and marathon) and shopped. Saturday morning I put in 3 miles along the Charles River. My legs were tight and heavy. I plodded along losing confidence with every step.
Sunday morning I was up early, threw on my pink running skirt and black long sleeve shirt and walked to Copley Square for the first annual Boston 5k. Much to my surprise my legs felt light and responsive. I went ahead and let myself run as fast as I could. I hit the finish line in 26:18; good enough to place 39 out of 233 in my division. I felt good about the results. Speed has been slipping away the last 18 months as I have ventured into longer ultra marathons so I wasn’t expecting any blazing performance. After the race, Mom and I hit the subway for a trip out to Cambridge and a Masters pre-marathon party. It was great to see my friends again and to put a face to new friends that I have only met online.
Marathon morning I packed all sorts of clothing options into my drop bag, threw on a black skirt and yellow Maniacs singlet, gloves, tights and jacket and walked to the bus line. As soon as I approached the buses, I met up with a few other Maniacs and we chatted as we waited our turn to load. Once we arrived at the village, I headed straight for the lower field. For some reason, every year at Boston, I stumble across the Main Maniacs and camp out with them. It’s almost like they are wearing homing devices. Most of the Maniacs are in the first wave, so once they depart I stripped down to my skirt, singlet and gloves and made my way to the second wave start. On the way to the start, I figured I better come up with a race strategy. For the last two years I’ve followed the general wisdom and started slow, hoping to pick it up in the second half. That second half pick up never came so I ended up with a disappointing finish, 2007: 4:14:12 and 2008: 4:26:22. This year, my legs felt springy after yesterdays 5k, so I decided to go out fast and let myself fade. My marathons have gotten so slow lately that I rarely break 4:30 (I did run a 4:15 in Victoria in October but it hurt!). I figured going out too fast and crashing would be better than just lumbering along. My first 5 miles were fast: 8:30 per mile (I don’t run 8:30’s). I decided to see if I could hold it for 10k. After 10 k I decided to try and reach mile 10 before slowing down. My pace was starting to slow, but I was still holding on. I hit the half way point in 1:53. A new half-marathon PR for me. An 8:40 pace. At that point I let my head get in the way and remind me that I don’t run that fast. I listened and let the pace slack off. I was still feeling fine, just didn’t believe I could hold it. By mile 20 I was averaging 9 minute miles and stomach problems hit (I was taking a gel every 5 miles, instead of my typical one gel per marathon). I spent 3 or 4 minutes at one of those “blue kiosks” along side the road, then emerged feeling better and ready to make my way to the finish. I crossed the line in 4:04:24 shaking my head and wondering where that performance came from. I didn’t do any speed work, I didn’t train for hills, I didn’t taper. In short, I didn’t prepare for Boston and didn’t take my training seriously. All my runs in the last 18 months have been about increasing my endurance and yet somehow Boston 2009 was my 3rd fastest marathon out of the 33 I’ve run. I’ve proved to myself that there is still some speed in the legs, I just have to decide if that’s what I want then spend some time training for it.

Pacific Rim One Day Ultra

2009-03-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I’m amazed at how quickly the body and mind can adapt. What was once an inconceivable idea became a “once-in-a-lifetime” goal. Last weekend that “once-in-a-lifetime” goal became a “I have nothing better to do” activity. How and when did running significant distances become so matter-of-fact? When did my mind decided running 50 miles took no more planning or preparation than a day trip to Seattle with the kids? I think my friend Olga summed it up when she said that she no longer trains: she is trained. Now she just runs. I think that’s where I am … I run for the joy and the miles pass. They come effortlessly and without preparation. They just are.

Pacific Rim One Day was a spur of the moment race. I had planned on running the Des Moines 6-hour Ultra the weekend before and hoped to log around 30 miles. Unfortunately the weather gods had other plans and brewed up a nasty storm the morning of the race. Snow and rain don’t bother me… strong winds ripping through alder forests are downright dangerous, so I decided not to run. I needed a long run, though, so the following Saturday I drove to a small lake in southwest Washington for the Pacific Rim One-Day Ultra Marathon. The race format consisted of a slightly longer than 1 mile loop around the lake, run as many times as possible in a 24 hour period. I wanted to put in a 50 mile day and stop mid-evening, leaving me plenty of time and energy to drive home. In past years, 50 miles would have been enough to place in the top 5 of the women’s category. This year, however, the race attracted a lot of very experienced and accomplished ultra runners, so I knew 50 miles wouldn’t get me into the top 50%. Even though there was no chance of placement, a far better opportunity awaited me: the chance to spend many hours with some of the Northwest’s top ultra runners. Ultra runners are a very welcoming lot and were more than happy to discuss race management, pacing, and nutrition. They treated me as one of their own, even though I am relatively new to the sport. By mid-day I felt like part of the family. As one new friend explained to me: we are all in this together, we all suffer and we all succeed.

Throughout the day I put into practice lessons learned from Across the Years: change shoes every 3 hours – more often if something doesn’t feel right. Eat often. Don’t be tempted to sit down or stop except to change shoes or clothing. If I get tired walk…. but not too long. Have a plan and follow it. Originally my plan was to run the first 5 miles to warm up, then use 3 minute run, 1 minute walk intervals. My plan changed after watching the ultra guru’s walk anything that even resembled a rise and the two sections of concrete. Life was good and I was running well until I felt twinges of cramping at mile 13. The twinges continued into mile 20, then I started bloating. I walked several miles as I worked to get my electrolytes in balance. By mile 32 everything was good again and I was running effortlessly. I was careful to eat a bite of something every mile. A shot of espresso at mile 35 gave me an extra boost beyond what I was expecting. The sun started to set and the temperatures drop as I ticked off my final miles. I really wanted to finish under 11 hours and with 2 laps to go, I realized I could finish under 10 ½ hours if I picked up the pace a bit. Miles 48 and 49 were my fastest for the race. After passing the lap station at mile 50 I stopped my watch, pulled on my warm ups and completed a final cool down lap. By this time I was freezing so I quickly grabbed my stuff and started the 2 hour drive home.

I woke the next morning slightly stiff, incredibly hungry and only one blister for my efforts. I stuck to my plan and was happy with my time and strong finish. I missed running through the night, though, and regret that I didn’t make plans to run the whole 24 hours. There is something magical about running all night: suffering and succeeding at the same time. I’ll be back next year, ready to go the distance.

Lost Dutchman Marathon

2009-02-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

4:30 a.m. and it was time to get ready for my 3rd running of the Lost Dutchman Marathon! My legs felt fresh and full of life as I tried my hardest to eat a muffin and drink some coffee. I had no appetite, but I managed to get some food down.
I donned the same running outfit that I had on yesterday (but freshly laundered), slipped on my road shoes and headed out to meet the bus. 30 bumpy minutes after getting on the bus, we rounded the corner and saw the magical campfires blazing against the Superstitious Mountains. After letting my eyes adjust to the darkness, I found the Seattle Maniacs huddled around one of the 20 or so fires. I knew most of them, and introduced myself to those that I didn’t. We talked about goals for the race… Mary was there to win, another woman was there to qualify for the Maniacs, Lesa was running her 50th marathon the first day of being 50 years old (and after running Pemberton with me the day before). I was there just to have a good time and finish. We were all laughing about the fact I had the same running clothes as yesterday when it occurred to me that last time I ran the Dutchman I didn’t have my suitcase either (Hmmm, maybe the Lost Dutchman has put some kind of jinx on me.)

We lined up for a shotgun start and soon were flying down the dirt road. The downhill start actually felt good and I decided to let myself flow with it. There would be plenty of time to adjust my pace later (or pay for early miles run too fast!)
A little ITBand soreness flared up in the first 5 miles, but by the time we hit the flat, paved highway I was fine. I forced myself to eat a gel at mile 8 and made a vow to eat something every 5 miles or I knew I would crash hard. I caught up to Lesa at mile 9, she stated that she wanted to finish in 5 hours: we agreed to do our best to make that goal. As runners know, a lot can happen over the course of a marathon and soon I was running by myself, legs tiring and starting to feel the effects of too little food yesterday. I still had almost 17 miles to run.

Mile 10 brought an unexpected blessing in the form of Maniac McGyver. He was running his trademark 11 mpm pace with a 3 minute run/1 minute walk ratio. I decided to join him and within a mile I was feeling refreshed. We ran together the next 5 miles, then I decided to continue on my own as he took a rest break. Even though I was now running by myself, I continued the walk/run ratio. I wasn’t totally alone either. Fred and Char Thompson from Texas, whom I met yesterday during the Pemberton came out to the course to cheer me on. They were at every spectator point, sending me high fives and encouragement. Every time I saw them I was surprised and touched that they came out to watch my effort. The last time I saw them on the course was at mile 22. Fred brought an assortment of goodies for me in case I was in need. He had gels, gummies and most importantly electrolytes that I needed badly. After downing an electrolyte and a bag of sports beans I headed down the dirt road to conquer the final and toughest rolling miles, including the hill known as the Dutchman’s Revenge. Reaching the top, I found myself a little teary-eyed. 3 more miles and I would complete my 39th race of 26.2 or greater, 3 years after completing my first marathon on this very same course.

Just the thought gave me extra energy, helped along by a nice cool cross wind on what can be a miserably hot final 3 miles. I crossed the line with more energy than I would have thought possible in 4:45:00. Lesa was waiting for me, suggesting that I run the Yours Truly 50k with her next Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were also there, encouraging me to join them in Texas for a 50/100 miler or fixed time race. Mary was in the picnic shelter waiting for the awards. She had in fact won the Women’s race, an inspiring accomplishment for the 47 year old Maniac runner.

Mr. Hawk found me after completing his own training run on the desert trails. We made our way back to the hotel, sat on the lawn with a recovery beer and assessed the damage: one blistered pinky and a very happy Maniac impatiently waiting for her next race.

Pemberton Trail 50k

2009-02-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

I’ve heard about the Pemberton Trail for years. It is the site of a 100 mile desert race known as the Javalina Jundred in October. There also happens to be a 50k held on the same trail in February. Since I was planning on being in Arizona anyway and running the Lost Dutchman Marathon, I decided to make it a double weekend and do the Pemberton Trail 50k the day before. It seemed like a good way to preview the trail should I ever decide to do the Javalina Jundred, and I want to do more doubles in 2009, this was the perfect opportunity.

Ric and I went up to McDowell Mountain Park on Thursday with the intention of running a few miles on the trails to better prepare for Saturday. Through a series of unfortunate events (basically I lost my car keys), I had to leave my suitcase in Seattle with most of my running stuff. A 7 mile run on the trails confirmed that I needed to wear my trail shoes, carry a water bottle, find a hat and some gaiters if possible. Ric was surprised at how difficult trail running can be….. I wasn’t, I’ve done enough to know that a course can vary from easy bike paths to hand-over-fist mountain scrabbles. During our preview run we encountered deep sand washes, jagged and loose “rock gardens” and beautifully packed sandy trails. Ric asked me how long I thought it would take to run 31 miles on this course. I answered “6 hours” he replied “I’ll give you 6 and a half” and we left it at that.

Saturday morning I was up at 4:30, fueled up with a banana muffin and a cup of coffee, then headed for the race. When I arrived I was greeted by a nice camp fire and the sound of coyotes in the very near darkness. 200 hundred runners were milling around getting ready to race, nearly half were women (unusual for the male dominated sport of ultra-running) . I found a few of my friends from Across the Years and had a quick catch-up conversation. At 7:00, a little before dawn, we were sent off down the trail to complete the first of 2 laps. The first mile rolled lazily up and down, through soft washes. Then we started to climb. The climbing was difficult… not because it was steep, but because the loose, sharp rocks threatened to turn the ankles of the unaware. The climbing continued, interrupted by little rolling downhills every once in awhile. We hit the first aid-station at mile 5, I grabbed a few pretzels, thought about emptying the rocks out of my shoes, but instead just continued down the trail. After the aid station we continued to climb until mile 7, then rode a series of rolling hills along the ridge overlooking the green desert below. Mile 8 opened up onto a jeep road that was smooth and flat until we hit the next aid station at mile 10. From then on to the start/finish/halfway point the trail slowly descended and tired legs found renewed energy. I hit the half way point in 2:45, found my drop bag, stashed my long sleeve shirt and slathered on more sunscreen. A deep breath and I was headed down the trail again for loop two.

By now the sun was out and I noticed how exposed the course was. No shade anywhere. This time, as I approached the rock garden climb, I decided to walk and not risk turning an ankle. Most people seemed to employ the same strategy. Once I hit the ridge I became aware of a stiff, cool breeze hitting me in the face. It was cold enough that I was encouraged to keep up a good pace in an effort to stay warm, but it also made for very pleasant running. Right then and there I decided that the Javalina Jundred would not be on my race schedule: running in winter with a cool breeze through the exposed desert is one thing… having to do this same course in October with temps in the high 80’s or 90’s would not be so fun.

I continued to move forward, sometimes walking, mostly running, through the final aid station at mile 25 and on to the finish. I was a little tired at the end, but generally feeling great. I grabbed a few cookies, found Ric and some Maniac’s and just soaked in the wonderful feeling of a nice, challenging run among good friends. On the way back to the hotel, I did a mental tally of how I did: finish time of 6:06… would have been faster if I hadn’t wasted so much time at the half way point so I need to get more efficient at the aid stations. Consumed one pack of sports beans and one gel, a handful of pretzels and a few potato chips: not much in the way of calories but I felt like I had plenty of energy. I may pay the price later for not staying sufficiently fueled. Sore ankles, but everything else felt good. An ice bath followed by plenty of food and sleep should set me up well for tomorrow.

West Seattle Fat Ass 50k

2009-02-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

The morning started out dark and cool, but not nearly as cold as previous mornings. I arrived at the shelter along Alki beach a few minutes before 7. A few runners had already gathered by the fire and I was surprised that half a dozen or so congratulated me on my Across the Years race. I didn’t think anyone would have noticed… after all we are a bunch of Maniacs and running long distances is what we do. We were issued small numbers to pin to our clothing, given a few quick instructions (including “track your own time in case we get it wrong” and sent off into the dark.

I ran the first 8 miles of the double out and back with Jill Hudson and Linda Walters. We were running at a good clip and I became a little concerned that the pace would wear me down too early in the 31 mile race. At the turn around, Linda developed hip problems and dropped back. Jill and I pressed on around a 9:30 minutes per mile pace, but kept forcing ourselves to try and slow down. We decided that running together may not be in our best interest since we kept pushing the pace and both of us wanted long, slow training runs… not PR attempts. We made an agreement that we would make it back to the start line together, then go out on our own for the second leg.

I hung around the start area for a few minutes: chatting, eating a little and letting Jill get enough ahead of me that I wouldn’t be tempted to run with her. By the time I set out, the sun was warming up the course nicely but a breeze off the water kept a chill in the air. 20 miles into the run I noticed that I hadn’t eaten much, nor was I hungry. My pace was still good, but not blazing so I decided a PR might just be in the cards for the day. I pushed through any desire for long walk breaks, instead just slowing my running pace for a quarter mile or so. I focused on the scenery, the architecture and the Sunday morning athletes with their dogs, roller blades or baby strollers. The last 8 miles became more difficult as the headwind started to increase. I made it back to the start line and a welcoming fire in 5:34. A new PR by about 6 minutes.

I loved this race and hope it becomes a Maniac tradition in the years to come.

Across the Years Ultra Marathon

2009-01-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

Many people find themselves on an endless quest, searching for the meaning of life. I have been on a similar quest and may not have the answer, but I think I know where it can be found: on an isolated little dirt track in Buckeye, Arizona.

Across the Years Ultra Marathon
One of my goals for 2008 was to run a 50 mile ultra marathon. I had completed 5 50k’s, but they didn’t feel like real ultras: just extra long marathons. I thought if I could complete a 50 miler, then I could consider myself a true ultra runner. The problem I faced, however, was cut off times. Since I had no experience, I was afraid I would miss cut-offs and be pulled off the course. Then I heard about Across the Years. Across the Years is one of the premier fixed time events, attracting athletes from all over the world. The race is held on a 1/3 mile dirt track on a private estate know as Nardini Manor and offers 72, 48 and 24-hour options. The 24-hour race seemed perfect for a 50 mile attempt. The only obstacle was getting into the race. The criteria is kept secret, and the application states that fact. In reality, I think the race director just likes to choose whom he wishes without having to explain or justify. I had no problem with that, it’s his race, he can invite whomever he wants. In early spring I filled out the application (stating that my goal was 70 miles so I wouldn’t seem like such a newcomer), sent in my money and then waited patiently until mid August when selected participants would be announced.

Let the Training Begin
I didn’t wait passively. I trained as if I would be selected. My first order of business was to try a fixed time event and get a feel for running by time instead of distance. I found a nice, low key 6-hour race just 45 minutes from home. The race was held on a 4 mile undulating, single track trail on a chilly, drizzly March morning. I loved it from the very first lap: my only goal was to complete the marathon distance, then just cruise along until the clock ran out. Many runners were faster than me… all the usual suspects who beat me at the marathon. A fun thing started to happen as the race wore on, though. All those fast runners started to drop out after they reached the marathon distance. I heard many comments on how hard it was to keep going, hour after hour. I kept running and surprised myself by finishing 2nd in the women’s race.

As summer approached I bumped up my long run schedule by completing 5 marathons in 5 weeks, concluding with a June double: the Green River Marathon/North Olympic Discovery Marathon combo. I had run a similar double last year and swore once was enough. This time, though, it was much easier. In fact I even enjoyed it. After the June double I turned to trail marathons for the remainder of the summer. One of the trail marathons, Haulin’ Aspen, was held on the same day Across the Years selections were to be announced. I was so excited that I carried my Blackberry with me so I could check my email while on the trail. Every 5 miles I stop, pull out the Blackberry and look for the anticipated message. Finally, with a little over 3 miles left to race, that message came: I’d been accepted!

I topped off my training with one final double marathon weekend in late October: the Columbia River Power Marathon/Tri-Cities Marathon Combo. My combined time was 45 minutes faster than my June double and my recovery was rapid, so I knew I was as ready. The only thing left was to formulate a race day strategy and maintain my fitness. Maintaining fitness was the easy part: a 20 mile run every other weekend and a final marathon 3+weeks from race day.

My race strategy was a little more difficult to formulate. I read reports from others who specialized in fixed time events and tried out their strategies during my long runs. I finally settled on running the first 5 miles to warm up, switch to a 1 lap walk/2 lap run ratio until I hit 50k, then adjust the walk/run ratio as needed to hit my 50 mile goal. After that I would give myself permission to quit or just move forward in any manner possible.

December 31st: Into the Great Unknown
Ric, my loyal crew, and I arrived at Nardini Manner just a few minutes before the pre race meeting. We were given a few quick instructions, mainly to watch out for the 72-hour runners since most them were running in their sleep. At 9 sharp I took off around the track while Ric set up my personal aid station. I elected to have only a chair, sleeping bag, a few warm clothes and 3 pairs of shoes at my station along with the usual electrolyte tablets, pain killers and cell phone. I didn’t want my station to be too comfortable and lull me into resting longer than absolutely necessary.

On my first lap, I started to realize I was a mere mortal running among ultra marathon giants. I came upon Daniel, an amputee that was featured in The Distance of Truth movie, we chatted a bit or rather he offered up bits of wisdom and I listen intently. Next was Lisa, the 2006 Badwater women’s champion. Then there was John, a 48-hour record hold who came to Across the Years to set the 72-hour record. John was hobbling badly but telling the most endearing stories to a 7 year old who walk beside him. I later found out that John was injured early the first day, but decided to keep going in whatever way possible to complete the race. Once when I passed John he was telling his young companion: “I have my 300 mile belt buckle, my 200 mile buckle and this year I can complete my collection with the 100 mile buckle.”

There were lots of world class athletes from over seas in attendance, too. At first the German women intimidated me…. They were strong, they were experienced, they were determined and they held all sorts of world records. Yikes! Then, a few hours later I was running past the most terrifying of them and heard the sweetest voice sing out “well hello Marilou, goodbye heart…” After that, Heinke would sing my name every time I passed, sometimes accompanied by other words of encouragement or a pat on the back, a slap of the hands.

Wars were being waged on the track as well. There was a mentally bloody battle going on between the 72 hour record holder, Martina from Germany, and American Juli. Juli was fast but also took many breaks and slept several hours at night. Martina never slept, she just kept going at a relatively slow but incredibly consistent pace. I found myself smack dab in the middle of this battle as Martina decided I was a good person to voice her frustrations to. Laps would go by while I listened to Martina… there alone without crew, talk about her racing and sleepless nights and determination to beat Juli. Then a little while later, Juli would come by and give me uplifting words of encouragement, never once talking about her own race, never once talking about Martina. I admired them both for their courage and for approaching the race their own way and didn’t know whom to root for, so I rooted for both.

My own race was like a blur. I covered the first 50 miles in a little over 11 hours following my pre race strategy and felt strong going into the night. Then when I sat down to change shoes and put on warmer clothing, I couldn’t get back up again. Thankfully Ric joined me at 9:00 p.m. , got me moving, then ran/walked with me for the next 5 miles. Right after Ric left, I caught a second wind and made my way to 100K (62 miles) fairly easily. Everyone warned me about running at night and how hard it was. I found that it was my favorite part of the race. At midnight the race director passed out hats and horns to all the runners and ushered us to the center of the track. He had champagne waiting, we toasted in the New Year then headed out for a celebratory lap together as fireworks launched from the surrounding cotton fields. Not too long after, I found myself mostly walking. I kept telling myself to just tick off the miles… keep moving. One by one runners left the course for the comfort and warmth of the big, heated tent. I started playing motivational games with myself: one more lap and I can read my mail (friends could leave me messages over the internet and they would be delivered to a track side mailbox). One more mile and I could call Mariposa and check in. One more lap and I can have a burrito, one more mile and I can have a cup of coffee, one more lap and I can sit by the fire for a moment. And so it went throughout the night. By 3:00 just a hand full of runners were left. At 4:30 the neighborhood roosters started to crow and stiff, sleepy runners emerged from their tents. Pancakes and oatmeal were brought trackside to help those hardy enough to stay on the course, missing the buffet served in the heated tent. As the sun was rising, I approached mile 80 with a smile on my face. Thirty miles over my minimum goal, ten miles over my stretch goal.

My Best Motivator is Unfinished Business
I decided to complete my race at mile 80 and over two hours early. I did this for several reasons. First, I had exceeded my goal. I was cold, tired and my feet felt like someone had taken a cheese grater to the soles. Secondly, I knew I couldn’t cover 20 miles in the next 2 hours, so 80 seemed like a good round number. Thirdly, nothing motivates me like unfinished business. Had I raced the full 24 hours, even if I didn’t reach 100 miles, I would have felt I found my limit. Leaving something undone, like running only 22 hours, gave me something to strive for next year.

The Real Test: Post Race Recovery
A lot of people judge their fitness and performance based only on how well they did at their goal event. I think there is more to it than that. I look at how I feel during the race. Is my heart rate good? Do my legs have spring and strength? Do I still feel like I want to race again at the finish? Then I look at my recovery. How quickly do my legs bounce back? My strength? My appetite? Can I walk the next day? Run two days later? I like quick recovery and value that above speed. To me, it means that I am not doing irreparable damage to my system. So how did I do at Across the Years? I was stiff the same day I finished the race and could barely walk. I took lots of naps, I had no appetite. The next day, my appetite came roaring back. I could navigate stairs and went on a 2 mile walk. By day three I was feeling almost normal except my right foot (still raw with blisters). I walked a total of 6 miles, although I did run out of energy the last ¼ mile. All and all, I think my recovery was pretty rapid. Day four found me registering for my next 50k.

And what of that original quest?
One just has to go there at the end of December to know that the soil of Nardini Manor, trampled a million times over by the soles and souls of ultra running icons, contains the answer to one of life’s greatest mysteries. Peer into the gentle but determined eyes of one of the legendary runners and you will see that they know the meaning of life. Maybe next year, I’ll find it too, somewhere beyond 100 miles.

Las Vegas Marathon

2008-12-07T22:57:00.000-08:00

I had low expectations for Las Vegas. All the past reports I have read have been very negative. I knew they were notorious for late starts, running out of stuff at aid stations, and little food at the finish line. I also knew the weather could be cold and windy, and the course boring. I made sure I was prepared for the worst. I brought lots of clothing for all weather conditions and carried enough gel with me to get me through the race.
Sometimes when expectations are low, things turn out surprisingly well. First, our hotel was very nice and not terribly crowded. The cowboys were in town for the National Finals Rodeo, so that gave a nice feel to Vegas. We found a great place to eat and watch the rodeo with all the cow folk within easy walking distance to our hotel. Also, we found the Cowboy Marketplace and had fun shopping for belts.
The marathon itself had some nice surprises, too. First, all the brides getting ready to for the run-through chapel at mile 5. I think there were 45 couples taking part this year. Second, was the whole herd of Elvi.. most were running the half, but a few were running all 26.2 in full Elvis gear. Third, was a huge fireworks show that started the race. I couldn’t believe how long it lasted and it was really spectacular. Last, and possibly best was finally meeting and running with Marathon Maniac Larry Macon. I didn’t know it at the time, but completing the Las Vegas Marathon would make Larry a world record holder: 105 marathons in one calendar year.
The marathon started at 6 am. It was cold and dark as we made our way to the start line. The race website said there would be a corral for people expecting to complete the marathon in under 4 hours. This simply wasn’t true. It was a free-for-all. 20,000 marathoners and half marathoners, runners and walkers all jammed together. The first few miles were slow. People dodging in and out, stopping without warning, slamming into each other. It was slow going. At mile 4 I ran into Larry. By that time, any hope of getting a BQ was long gone, so I decided to relax, run slow and make a new friend. Larry and I ran together for several miles, chatting and engaging in typical Maniac conversation: How many have you run? When did you start? Why did you start? What’s next? Unfortunately, Larry is somewhat famous and other Maniacs came by wanting in on the conversation. I started talking to a few of them who were running a slightly faster pace and before I knew it, Mr. Macon was left behind.
As usual, I ran a few miles with one person, then by myself before meeting another runner to become friends with before moving on again. The race itself was rather ordinary. On the way back into town, we ran through the backside of the strip. I couldn’t believe how badly it smelled. All the glamour on Las Vegas Blvd, and all the rot and all the rot and decay behind the scenes. When we rounded the corner for the final push to the finish we were presented with little plastic leis. Half a mile later I crossed the finish line in an unspectacular 4:30:00. I grabbed a chocolate milk, found Ric, then walked back to the hotel. After a quick shower, we started walking again, stopped for lunch and continued to walk. We walked until 6:00 or so, stopped for dinner, then headed back to our room at 8:00. A total of 15 hours on my feet. Monday morning we walked some more… at least 5 or 6 hours. I was pleased with all the time on my feet because it put a cap on my training for Across the Years. 3 weeks and I’ll be running the big one!

Tri Cities Marathon

2008-10-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

I woke up Sunday morning ready to run. My ankles were a little sore from the sand yesterday, but otherwise I was feeling great. After a quick coffee and biscotti (my latest “breakfast of champions”), I walked over to the lobby of the Shilo Inn. People were gathering for the early start and there were several faces I recognized from yesterday. The general consensus was that yesterday’s course was slow… mostly due to the 5 miles of sand… and that everyone was feeling fatigue in their calves/ankles. A little before 7 we were ushered outside to begin our run. There were a dozen of us taking the 7:00 start, and rumor had it that 25 took the 6:00 start. I was excited because the weather was cool and there was no wind! The 2006 race was so windy I was almost blown off course a few times. I lined up with Jill and once again we decided on a strategy. Today it would be a 1 mile run followed by a 10th mile walk until the half way point, then I would drop down to a ½ mile run, 10th mile walk.
I started off faster than I expected, churning out solid 9:30 minute miles. Jill dropped back by mile 3 and I decided to proceed on my own. It was one of those days where I wanted to be alone with my thoughts and push myself from within. Just me and the marathon.
I kept a good pace as I ran alongside the Columbia, then over a bridge. Once over the river we turned back towards the start line and bam! There was the headwind. The wind is like that, you can be fooled into think there is no wind, just easy, effortless running. Then you make a turn and realize the wind had been pushing you all along. At mile 12 we turned again and got to experience the joy of wind-at-your-back for the next few miles. I passed the halfway point feeling much better than I expect. My two previous attempts at doubles left me tired and fatigued on day two, struggling to complete the distance. I didn’t feel like that today. All too soon, we crossed a beautiful suspension bridge and turned for a final 12 miles into the wind. I considered shortening my run/walk ratio like originally planned, but decided instead to push through to the 20 mile mark before making any changes. At mile 21 I let myself slip into the 5/1 ratio. I was starting to feel a little tired and the change felt great. By mile 24 I was refreshed enough to run the final 2.2 miles (with the exception of a brisk walk up the last bridge). As is customary at Tri-cities, a local runner met me at the 26 mile mark and paced me the final .2. He kept trying to get me to stretch out and sprint for the finish, and I gave it my best shot. Unfortunately that was the wrong decision and I felt something give way in my calf. Still, I finished strong in a time of 4:34, giving me a weekend double time of 9:13, a Double-Marathon PR 45 minutes.

Back at the hotel I took an ice bath and immediately notice my calf filling with fluid. I think the stress of the soft footing yesterday really took a toll. I’m planning on resting all of next week and letting myself heal up before starting my final training cycle for the Across the Years 24 hour Ultra.

Columbia River Power Marathon

2008-10-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

If it’s October, it must be time for another double. As luck would have it, the perfect opportunity for a double was taking place in eastern Oregon and Washington. One of the most appealing things about this double was the easy logistics. Marathon 1 was in Umatilla, Oregon, and marathon 2 was in Richland, Washington… just 35 miles apart. This meant I could stay in Richland and drive to Umatilla on Saturday morning, so no long drives between marathons and no changing hotels.
It sounded good (on paper at least.) The drive over to eastern Washington was easy, we made good time, got settled into our room and turned in early. I was up at 5:45 Saturday morning and left for Umatilla at 6:30: giving me 1 ½ hours to complete a ½ hour drive. Clutching my mapquest directions I zipped on the freeway and was off. Really off, miles and miles off, by the time I realized I missed my exit and was heading for Walla Walla. I was just about to turn around when I saw a sign: Umatilla 35 miles. I decided that was better than back tracking and I still had almost an hour, so I was sure to get there by start time. I finally made it to Umatilla, then couldn’t find the school where the race was held. My directions kept trying to send me to the opposite end of town. Thankfully Umatilla is a small town and we managed to get to the proper location with a few minutes to spare.
At 7:55 we were all asked to line up at the start line. No one was willing to toe-the-line… everyone was hovering back 20 or 30 feet to allow the “fast” runners to take the lead. I was busy chatting with fellow Maniac Jill Hudson and we decided to be brave and move to the front. I think it’s the first time I’ve put my toe on the chalk line for a marathon. After the national anthem and a speech from the town mayor, we were off. The first few miles took us down to the river and across the dam. We then climbed back up the highway, and made a big loop on bike paths, then across the river and back up hill to the start line. Jill and I had been spending most of run chatting and getting to know each other better. She was running her 49th marathon, 12th in 12 weeks and first double. We decided to stick together and use a 10 minute run, 1 minute walk ratio in order to save our legs for Sunday. After we passed the start, the half marathoners peeled off, and Jill and I found ourselves alone out on the prairie. Soon, we were running along the river on a very isolated trail. The footing was loose and sandy. We decided to do our best to run through it, maintaining our run-to-walk ratio. I few times one of us would remark on how glad we were to have each others company on such a long and lonely trail. Every once and awhile we would see other runners, but they were all walking and we would soon over take them. After 5 miles of sand, we emerged out on the highway and ready for the final 9 mile push to the finish. This stretch was windy with lots of long hills but the cool, sunny weather helped keep my spirits up. We were also reeling in other runners, despite our relatively slow pace. Jill and I crossed the finish line together in 4:39:08. TP! Was the announcer and rattled off my running resume as I came into sight, that made me feel great….one of the Main Maniacs actually knew a little about my running history!

The Potato Commission sponsored a baked potato feed for all runners and family, then a brief award ceremony (I was 2nd in the 40-49 age group, 5th overall woman) and we were heading back to Richland. We got back to our hotel in time for a walk along the river front, a stop at packet pick-up and a nice protein-packed dinner. We went to bed early again in anticipation of another 5:45 wake up and day 2 of my autumn double.

Royal Victoria Marathon

2008-10-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend and I'm so glad I didn't miss it. I really enjoyed the conversations with my running friends at before and after the marathon parties. It gave me lots to think about, both running and life in general. Nothing is quite as rewarding as spending time with smart, confident women and our boomer group is full of them (o.k., the guys aren't too shabby either).

I had planned on an easy 4:30 marathon. I haven't been working on anything other than long, slow runs lately and haven't posted a time faster than 4:20 all year. I also hadn't run a marathon since August 17th, which for me is an eternity.

I got to the start with a little time to spare and started scanning the crowds as they lined up. I spotted Le Chat Noire and decided to join her. She asked if I'd be interested in helping her PR, and if possible get close to a 4:15. I decided to give it a shot, but reserved the right to bail out if I felt like it. After we started, we caught up with the 4 hour pace bunny. Both Le Chat and I decided to run with him as long as possible, then use whatever we had left to get us to the finish. The pacer was using a 10 minute run, 1 minute walk strategy. That was easy enough, but he refused to slow down through the aid stations. As a result, we had to dodge over to get water, then sprint to catch up. The run, walk, sprint, run, walk, sprint combo eventually wore me down, but I did manage to make it to the half way point with the pacer. Le Chat pulled away from me when I stopped at a vacant porta-potty and I lost sight of her. I finished in 4:14:23... Le Chat in 4:10ish (I believe that is a 20 min PR for her!) It was my 12th finish of a marathon or ultra marathon this year. The weather was perfect and the course spectacular.

Ric met me at the finish line, we started walking back to our hotel but detoured for a beer and some lunch. I had just enough time to shower before meeting MustangMom and a shuttle to the best Canadian Thanksgiving meal ever.
Mustang Sally and The Scot were perfect hosts, serving us wine and cheese as soon as we walked through the door. We sat down to eat in the formal dining room and the power went off. I though it actually added to the festivities, especially as it got darker and we resorted to eating by candlelight. Ric and I concluded the evening with a 3 mile stroll back to our hotel. Just what I needed to loosen the legs before turning in.

Thanks everyone for a memorable weekend!

Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon

2008-08-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, this marathon is one of a kind. It’s small and informal, run by Maniacs for Maniacs (although others are welcome). The big appeal of this marathon is a 2 mile run through a totally dark tunnel. That combined with the fact that it is on a trail and all downhill made it too appealing to pass up, even though I’d just crashed and burned at Haulin’ Aspen last week.

I decided to take the early start. I’m becoming more fond of early starts for my “easy” marathons. I get done earlier, I get to run with people that I ordinarily would not even see, and I feel no pressure to run a certain speed. I think my switch to early starts (and a more relaxed attitude) is the reason I’ve been able to run so many marathons this year without feeling much fatigue. Anyway, back to the marathon….

I hit the road at 4:00 a.m. It was an exciting drive through rain and lightning. I was happy to see the rain and hoped for cooler temperatures… we had been in the 90’s during the week. I made it to the finish area where we boarded buses for the startline. The rain had stopped by the time we started the race. We ran an easy mile, then hit the tunnel. I was equipped with a headlamp and small hand-held. The footing in the tunnel was amazingly good, though we had to swerve around a few puddles. It was a surreal experience, especially since the rain had turned the tunnel into a steam sauna. It was hot and very damp. At the end of the tunnel we were greeted by a self-serve aid station before continuing down the trail. I felt like running by myself, so I quickened my pace enough to gain sometime on the rest of the pack. Once alone, I turned on my Ipod and enjoyed a nice, gentle trail run through some spectacular scenery and over a hand full of high tressels. Somewhere around mile 16 the trail passed through a mecca for rock climbers. They were everywhere for several miles and added a lot of interest to the run. By mile 18 the heat and constant downhill were taking a toll. I was still having fun, but also amazed at how much I was sweating. I made sure I was taking electrolytes every 5 miles although I wasn’t able to eat much since the heat made my stomach turn sour. I had brought some ginger crews and that seemed to help a bit (plus they taste great). By mile 20 I was slowing down and walking a bit “just because”. Mile 24 found me with a second wind and I was able to push a little harder to the finish. I didn’t stick around the finish area long. I was feeling sticky and dusty and just wanted to get home to a nice shower and clean clothes.

This really was a great marathon and I will definitely add it to my calendar for next year.

Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon

2008-08-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

This has to be the toughest and most enjoyable marathon that I have run. Last year I had a real problem staying upright during the 12 mile single track downhill. I think it was partially due to my inexperience running technical trails and partially to shoes that were a little too big. Since I knew I would be running this course again, I spent a good part of my winter and spring working on my downhill running technique, sometimes in the dark to really sharpen my balance. I also bought smaller shoes.

Sunday morning I was up at 4am getting dressed, eating and rushing off to catch the 5 am shuttle. The shuttle driver managed to get us to the start line in record time and a group of us huddled together trying to stay warm in the sub-40 degree temperatures. The Race Director took pity on us and announced that anyone who wanted start early could: at 6:00. I decided that was better than shivering for the next hour so I made my way to the start line. Unfortunately, things were delayed a bit, but they finally allowed us to start at 6:30. The pack was running nice and easy, taking time to warm up cold muscles. After the first mile we heard shouts from behind. Somehow the pack had gotten off course and we had to double back. Finally we were on course again and starting the 14 mile climb. I was struggling with cold muscles and high altitude, finding myself short of breath within the first few miles. I think it was the early fatigue that was my downfall, literally. Right after mile 5, going uphill, I stumbled on a rock and came crashing down. I landed on lava scree and completely knocked the wind out of myself. It took me a few minutes to get up and access the damage: bleeding from my shoulder, elbow and lower leg. Cuts on both hands and a very sore hip. I walked a bit and actually felt pretty good. I picked up a run and my hip immediately started to collapse. I slowed back to a walk and again felt fine. The next aid station was 3 miles away so I would wait until then to decide what to do. I had to make a choice: I could quit, take the turnoff for the half marathon, or keep going on the full course and walk the whole way if needed. By the time I hit the mile 8 aid station I was alternating ¼ mile walks and ¼ mile runs. This seemed to be working fine. I decided to try my best and finish the full marathon, even if I ended up walking most of the way. I continued to alternate running and walking until mile 10 when the real climbing started. I walked the next 4 miles, keeping the fastest pace I could manage. I think that 4 mile walk did me more good than anything else I could have done. By the time I hit mile 14 and turned onto the most delightful single track imaginable, I was ready to run. I ran well, too. My downhill training really paid off as I floated down the trail, wide stance, arms spread like wings to balance. I didn’t trip once! I did throw in a couple of walk breaks when my hip would suddenly collapse on me, but a few strides of walking was all it took to set things right again. I finished strong with plenty left in the tank (last year I really struggled the last two miles). I quickly found the medics and had them scrub all the dust and rocks out of my wounds, then grabbed a beer and some lunch. My finish time was 5:27, 22 minutes slower than last year but I was happy with my results. I think most people would have dropped out, but instead I pushed through and finished my 30th marathon.

Lake Youngs 50k

2008-07-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

I wasn’t planning on running a marathon/ultra in July, I intended to take it easy all summer and give my body a good rest. BUT… Lake Youngs is a fun, relaxed course… Ric was playing in a tournament only 8 miles away… and I needed to long run on trails anyway to prepare for Haulin’ Aspen in August. My only reservation was that I didn’t want to spend all day out on the trail and miss Ric’s tournament, so I emailed the race director and asked about an early start. He emailed back saying I could start whenever I wanted: just keep track and let the race officials know my elapsed time when I passed through the aid station. (This is why I love ultras: everyone trusts that you will be honest and self-sufficient.)

I decided to start my run at 5 a.m. Last year I ran 2 hour laps so a 5 a.m. start would get me to the aid station right about the time of the official 7 a.m. start, making it easier for the timing crew and giving me a chance of meeting up with other runners. Race morning came and I was a little nervous when I pulled into the dark parking lot. Thankfully, I noticed a car was already there, and soon another pulled in. I dilly-dallied for a few minutes while I waited for the other runner to start… I had visions of running into a bear or cougar on the pre-dawn trail and thought it best to let another runner go first. I officially hit the trail at 5:15.

The first lap was incredible. I love listening to the forest wake up. Birds start singing. Quietly at first, then louder as their voices warm up. The morning was cool and drizzly, almost perfect weather for running. I covered the first 8 miles easily, but the last 2 seemed to go on for ever. I finally hit the end of the first 10 mile lap (and the aid station) just as the official start was underway. Lap 1 – 1:53. I took a few extra minutes at the aid station before heading out again. The mouth piece on my hydration bladder had started to leak, so I removed it from my pack and replaced it with a water bottle. Not as comfortable, but a least it wasn’t dripping all over my singlet. Once again I headed down the trail, this time electing to run counter-clockwise. I had only run this trail clockwise in the past, but the race director allowed your choice of directions after Lap 1 so I decided to give it a go. To my surprise, counter-clockwise seemed much easier. I completed Lap 2 in 1:50. After a quick bite to eat at the aid station I was out again. This time I chose to run counter-clockwise. I plugged in my ipod and let Madonna and Antonio Banderas (soundtrack from Evita) serenade me through my last lap. My last lap was as nice as my first, this race wasn’t nearly as difficult for me as last year. I finished lap 3 in 1:59. I debated for a few minutes on whether I wanted to stop at 3 laps, or run the 1.5 mile out-and-back to make it an official 50k. I elected to run the extra three miles, so down the trail I went one final time. I covered those 3 miles in exactly 27 minutes. Pretty good, I thought, for the final 3 miles of a 50k and that included one big hill in the last ½ mile. I finished a little before 11:30 a.m., hurried back to the hotel for a quick shower before heading to the ball park for a lazy afternoon. Final time: 6:09:00

North Olympic Discovery Marathon

2008-06-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

I woke up on day two of my double feeling like my normal self - no unusual soreness or fatigue. I was a little amazed since I hadn't trained specifically for this double, I was running it on a whim after chatting with Little Leslie last weekend in Newport. The marathon was scheduled to begin at 9:00, rather late by marathon standards. Ric and I didn’t make it to Port Angeles in time to pick up my packet Saturday night so we walked to the start line an hour early to I could get my number and chip. The morning was cool, but after standing around for a few minutes, I decided to wear my black Marathon Maniac singlet and my yellow running skirt. Ric graciously took my long sleeve shirt back to the hotel for me.

I found Little Leslie at the start line. We had lots of unfinished business to talk about from Newport so we decided to run together for awhile. I was actually feeling really good, much better than day two of my double last year. We started slowly, especially since the NODM course starts uphill. As hard as it is, I think it’s a good thing because the heart and muscles get warmed up quickly. Before the first mile, we passed Ric on the sidelines. He waited on the course with my long sleeve shirt “just in case” I had changed my mind about wearing the singlet. I was really touched by that gesture: Ric is not a morning person and I’m sure he would rather have been in bed but he wanted to make sure I was OK.

The miles ticked away uneventfully. The weather was cool and overcast, but no rain. I was really feeling great and enjoying the very scenic course. I especially loved the sections where we passed through the rainforest on an elevated pathway. Leslie on the other hand was having a rough go. By mile 20 she was getting silly, mile 22 she was complaining about feeling like her blood sugar was messed up and we started taking frequent, long walk breaks. I still felt strong but decided I needed to stick with Leslie in case things went horribly wrong for her. She’s not the type to quit and I wanted to make sure she got to the finish line. I had originally hoped for a 4:30, but then decided beating my time from last year would be just fine, and beating my time from yesterday would be even better. Earlier in the race we had been talking about wildlife, and I mentioned how whenever I saw a Bald Eagle on my run, I knew it was going to be a successful day. Sure enough, at mile 24 as we ran alongside the beach, a Bald Eagle swooped down and flew along side of us. At that point, we both knew our goals would be met. We finished together in 4:47:34. A minute faster than yesterday and 6 minutes faster than last year.

So there we have it. 2 marathons in 2 days (over an hour faster than last year) - or 5 marathons in 5 weeks - or 3 marathons in 8 days. Anyway I look at it, it's a record streak for me and it will be hard to take a break. I now understand how Maniacs get sucked into running a marathon every weekend. It's addictive and actually easier than it appears.

Green River Marathon

2008-06-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Green River Marathon is a favorite amongst Marathon Maniacs, more than likely because it’s a Maniac sponsored event, it’s local AND it’s free. The added appeal for me was that it ran along bike paths for ¾ of the distance…. bike paths that I have run segments of at various times and I was curious how they linked together. I had decided to take the early start so Ric and I could be on our way to Sequim early in the afternoon and prepare for race two of my double weekend.

It was cool on race morning, so I decided to wear my pink Brooks skirt, white singlet and a black RunderWear top. I also carried my hydration pack with a rain shell, plenty of gels and my phone. I knew there were supposed to be aid stations, but since it was a free event I decided to do my best to be self-supported. I felt well prepared, but the one thing I hadn’t counted on ended up being the most difficult part of the run for me: there were few course markers and no mile markers. It was difficult to gage my pace, so I just ran by feel. I thought I was doing well in spite of having to stop at stoplights and getting off course with a few other runners. At one point we were running through South Park (didn’t even know it existed) complete with junk yard dogs and gang symbols spray painted on the trail. I managed to catch up to a big guy running the marathon and stuck with him until we were clear of this questionable neighborhood. I was quite surprised when I hit the 20 mile aid station with 3:45 on my watch. I thought I was running faster than that and felt a little demoralized. When the trail finally emerged on Alki Beach a headwind hit. There was plenty of activity on the beach though, so my mind focused on the volleyball tournament and the outrigger races instead of the wind. My legs were tired but I could see the finish line on the horizon. Unfortunately it stayed on the horizon and it felt like I was making no forward progress. But, as all marathons do, the Green River Marathon eventually came to an end and I crossed the finish line in 4:48:10. 18 minutes slower than my goal time, but I still had fun and suspect the course was a tad long.

Newport Marathon

2008-05-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Newport Marathon was a comedy of errors. The trip down the Oregon Coast was good enough… excellent in fact. The weather was beautiful, we stopped in Tillamook to eat grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream at the Tillamook Cheese Factory , and we made it to Newport in time to play on the beach before dinner. After a dinner of pizza, we all went to bed with the alarm set for 5:00. I told the family to sleep in and have fun at the beach. I’d call when I reached the finish line and we would meet up.

I woke up before the alarm, ate a light breakfast and slipped out the door while everyone slept. I drove to the finish line, boarded the bus for the start and commenced chatting with a few new maniacs. Once we arrived at the start line, I saw all of my favorite running friends and immediately fell into a big group conversation. Before I knew it, the race director was announcing “5 minutes until the start!”. I quickly made my way over to the sag wagon and checked my drop bag. Within a minute or two panic set in: I had forgotten to take my gels and electrolyte tablets out of my drop bag. I had no gel. On any other marathon that may not have been a problem, but the race directions clearly indicated gels only at mile 15, and only one per runner. That simply wasn’t enough to get through 26.2 miles, I usually need two and sometimes 4. That wasn’t my biggest worry, though. I didn’t have my electrolytes! After being cursed by leg cramps since the last Octobers Northface Challenge 50k, I finally had figured out THE formula. One tablet every 5 miles, then 2 at mile 20 if I needed it. Water and gel as necessary. I started to fret about what to do, then the gun went off and I was swept away on my journey to another marathon finish.

It just so happens that the course passed our hotel at mile 2. I thought briefly about stopping to get some gel out of the room, but didn’t. We passed the hotel again at mile 4. this time Mom was standing on the sidelines watching us pass and I decided a quick stop at the hotel may save me from walking the last 6 miles of the race. I grabbed the key from her, bolted to the elevator and down the hall to our room. Alec and Evan were in the hallway and took great pleasure in helping me search for gels. Of course there were none to be found, I had packed them all in my drop bag. Back down the hall I went and plunged down the stairwell, barefoot kids in jammies in hot pursuit. I reached the lobby door, gave them both a kiss and continued on my journey down Yaquina Bay. My watch indicated I had lost almost 6 minutes, (there goes my PR attempt). I was also in the back of the pack so I sped up a little, hoping to catch one of my slower Maniac friends. By mile 6 I caught Leslie Miller. Leslie is great fun and was my running angel on day two of my double last summer. I knew I’d need her inspiration again today so I decided to throw out any time goal and spend my hours with Leslie. We chatted about everything: mostly running, but also work, travel, relationships. I think we solved some of life’s major problems while out on the course. Maniac #3 tp!, tossed me a gel at mile 10. Leslie gave me a salt tablet at mile 12. My fears had vanished, I knew my friends would make sure I had what I needed. We reached the gel station at mile 15 and the volunteer gave me 3 gels. We passed the gel station again at mile 17 (the way back on this out-and-back course) and I was handed 2 more. I was the gel queen! I had ‘em stashed everywhere! We continued to lope along, ticking off the uneventful but beautiful miles. Soon we were crossing the finish line, getting our medals and looking for food. I called Mom and was told they were just settling down for lunch so I spent some time relishing the post-race glow with the main Maniacs. My time for marathon #26? 4:29 and it really isn’t important.

Oh, one little detail: Somewhere along the course I promised Leslie I would run the Green River/North Olympic Discovery Marathons with her next weekend. It’s time to rest up, eat lots of quality food and tackle marathons 27 and 28 in a few days.

Capital City Marathon

2008-05-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

The Capital City Marathon was significant because it was my 25th marathon/ultra marathon. I can’t believe I’ve run so many in such a short period of time …. this marathoning thing was something that just kind of fell upon me. You see, in the beginning I only wanted to run one marathon and check it off my “life list”. I did a lot of research on marathonguide.com and settled on the 2006 Vancouver International Marathon. The timing was perfect (giving me 6 months to train) and the location ideal. My training went better than planned, and so did my research: in February, a full 3 months before my scheduled marathon debut, I went to visit Ric in Arizona and ran a little race that marathonguide touted as one of the best of the west: the Lost Dutchman Marathon.

Okay, I can check running a marathon off my list.

One problem, though, I had already paid for Vancouver and I wasn’t going to let that $100 entry fee go to waste. Less than three months later, I was heading to Canada. I had a great time in Vancouver and enjoyed it more than the Dutchman. I even started contemplating a marathon as an annual tradition. I posted my race report on Coolrunning and sat back to watch the kudos come in. They came flooding in, in droves, and private emails too. One such email from a Seattle runner pointed out that if I ran Capital City in the next two weeks I would qualify for that exclusive Marathon Maniacs club. I was tired and ready to take the summer off, but the idea was too tempting. I wanted one of those yellow singlets… then I would settle back and run my once (or maybe twice) a year marathon. Of course it didn’t stop there, on those familiar streets of Olympia. Another marathon, this time in Bend, Oregon was calling my name. Then another marathon, and another. Suddenly I’m toeing the line at the 2008 version of Capital City Marathon: preparing to run my 25th and reflecting back on the last two years. As friends and familiar faces came up to chat, I realized this is who I’ve become. I’m a marathoner, one of the regulars.

The actual running of the marathon was rather uneventful. The morning was hot and the pavement even hotter as it radiated heat from the previous days 100 degree scorcher. The air was still as we made our way along the Puget Sound, talking about this marathon and that one. “I first ran with you in the 2006 Tri-Cities, that was a nasty headwind. Remember? Didn’t you set a PR that day?” one friend asked. “Oh, this is my 363rd marathon” another friend would comment when I asked his stats. Yet another would quip about our leg cramp mishaps in Boston, or the time we trudged up the final hill in Apache Junction in 85 degree weather. Not all the talk was happy, though. I passed my friend Uhna Lee attempting to finish her 100th marathon. I always pass her…. she goes out fast, I slow. I speed up, catch her and depending upon which mile marker that happens we make a comment on our relative runs. On most days I catch her around mile 20. This day I catch her at mile16. I ask about her health… she tells me she’s cramping badly. I give her my best healing hug (as best as I could do while running), offer her salt (which she declines) and tell her I’ll see her at the finish line. I continue on and catch Tom on the final, long hill before we head back into downtown. Tom runs my pace but always manages to beat me by a minute or five. As I come up to him, I can see he’s hurting. I try to get him to run the final 2 miles with me but he is clearly done for the day and just needs to dig deep and keep trudging. I finish feeling strong. Ric is waiting for me with a big hug and congratulations. He helps me untie my shoes, retrieve my clothing and buys me favorite post run treat: a coffee (and an extra pair of those great customized Capital City Marathon running pants). 25 is done but no time to rest… 26 is in two weeks.

Tacoma City Marathon

2008-05-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

I just finished running the Tacoma Marathon. The course was nice and hilly, and the weather was perfect (mid 40’s, clouds, a little drizzle). I took the early start since I was planning on using it as a training run. I had a couple of goals: Tweak with my electrolytes and try to get it right this time, practice a 5-1 run/walk ratio in preparation for a 12-hour race later this year, and feel recovered within 24 hours. I am happy to report I met 2 out my 3 goals. The 5-1 walk/run fell apart right away. The early start had about 40 runners so we were accompanied by a pace bike. It just so happens I was in the lead along with another woman. As we chatted the first few miles, I forgot to walk. Then I looked back and the two of us were alone with the pace bike. We couldn't walk because the pace bike was showing us the way, and he wasn't slowing down (we didn't want to get lost). We made a decision to keep our pace until the lead runners from the regular start passed us. We figured that would be about the half-way point. It didn't happen so we kept running. By that time it was conceivable to the spectators that we were actually leading the whole race, so everyone started cheering for us as we passed. It wasn't until mile 17 that the lead man overtook us. Relieved, we started to walk... but the spectators wouldn't let it be. Now it really appeared that we were the first women, and the leading women don't walk! At mile 21, the first woman passed us, quickly followed by another one. I finally allowed myself that walk break and walked the next 3 miles. I picked up my run again at mile 24 and cruised the last 2.2 miles .... my fans told me I was 5th woman (I didn't have the heart to tell them otherwise). My final time was 4:22:39 and some change. The last two miles were my fastest at a little under 8 minute miles. My legs didn't cramp (I took electrolytes every 45 minutes) and I felt good enough to walk a few miles in the afternoon. Even though the course as hilly, I didn’t have any leg cramping following the race or leg soreness the next day. This Sunday I have the Capital City Marathon: another long training run, then Newport at the end of the month. I may actually taper and race Newport if everything goes well.

Boston Marathon

2008-04-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

I worked hard preparing for this marathon. I wanted to do really well with a goal of BQ for 2009. All winter I trained hills, increased my average run to 10 miles (with a 13 mile medium-long run mid-week). Things were looking good, then 3 weeks from Boston I strained my hamstring during a cool down. The strain forced me to miss my last long run (the Dizzy Daze 50k), and as a result my final long run was 5 weeks prior to Boston.
By the time Boston hit, I was just happy to be healthy enough to run. Alec and Ric were both joining me on this trip, so I decided to have as much fun as possible and not worry about resting up for the actual marathon. Friday we hit the expo, the aquarium, played catch at the park, worked out in the hotel fitness center and had dinner at Fenway park, under the bleachers during a game. Saturday we did some siteseeing, worked out again then made our way to Cambridge for a gathering of friends.

We were up early Sunday morning to help Brooks organize high school kids into cheering squads for the Women’s Marathon Olympia Trials. The high schools were competing against each other for three prizes: each a complete outfitting of their track team for the year. Our team was a small school from New Hampshire. 6 kids, the coach and two parents had taken the 3 am train to Boston to try and win a prize. Coming from a small, rural community, they had little funding for their team and have had to hand-patch their track uniforms for the last several years. The Brooks prize package was a huge deal for them. They were the first high school to show up. The kids and parents were dressed head-to-toe in Brooks/Hansen colors (red/yellow/black), they had painted their faces, glittered their hair added beads and leis. We started our quest for the prize by parading up and down the course, trying to get the crowd warmed up. Right before the marathon start we lined up in “our” spot, feeling good about our chances. Then the other schools came…. the big Boston schools. Our little team felt their prize slipping from their grip as 50-60 kids per school descended on us. Drums thumping, horns blaring. Still they cheered on, in the cold, doing their best to bring victory to the Brooks runners. After the trials, and hugs and best wishes we went our separate ways. The kids from Masenic headed back to New Hampshire. Ric, Alec and I headed to the Brooks post-marathon trails party.

The party was a blast. It was held in a retro bowling alley next to our hotel. Brooks provided free food, beverage and bowling to all of their guests. I got to meet several ID members and Alec and Ric bowled along side marathon legend Joan Benoit. We finished the day by attending the BAA sponsored pasta dinner. The food was good but nothing fancy, I’m glad we went though.
I was up early and heading for the buses to Hopkinton at 6:30. I was amazed at the long lines through the Boston Commons, but chatted with several Maniacs I hadn’t met before so the time passed quickly. Just as I was getting ready to board the bus, I ran into Steve Yee, Chris Warren and T.P. We sat together at the back of the bus and spent the hour-long ride catching up. I hadn’t talked to Steve or Chris much since Yakima last year and I had never met T.P. When we got to the athletes village I wandered for a minute or two then stumbled across Maniacs Marc Frommer, Brain Pendleton and Ami Yanni. Maniacs must have a some super sense that allows them to find each other, because even with over 30,000 people in the Village, I’ve quickly found the main group of Maniacs both years. I had just settled in when the call came to head for the starting line. I miscalculated how long it would take to change into my racing gear and check my drop bag. As a result I got to the starting corrals late and couldn’t work my way up to my starting corral before the gun went off. Once again, I was stuck in with the charity runners. I really didn’t mind too much. I was actually tired from a busy week of siteseeing and knew I wouldn’t be running fast, so I decided to just enjoy the ride. It was quite a ride, too! The weather was perfect (60+ degrees and sunny), the crowds were huge! The entire course from Hopinkton to Boston was lined with spectators at least 3 deep. They were screaming and cheering. Music was blasting out from all corners. There were the official aid stations and many more ad-hoc aid stations offering oranges, popsicles, chocolate, beer. My favorites were the oranges and the popsicles. I made sure to take an electrolyte tablet every five miles. I was running better than I expected and on track for a 4:10 or so marathon. Unfortunately I forgot to take an electrolyte at mile 20 and by the time I crested Heartbreak Hill, it was too late. I cramped badly at mile 23. I was completely immobilized in the middle of the street. Somehow I managed to make my way over to the curb, put my hands on my knees and proceeded to get really sick. I knew there was no way I was going to continue and run. I also knew that I had come too far to drop out… I only had 3 miles left. After what seemed like an hour, I started to hobble towards Boston. First it was barely a walk, I made it to an aid station, took two electrolytes and some water. Soon my hobble became a brisk walk, then the walk turned into a slow jog. Before long I was running again and turning the final corner on to Boylston. I spotted Alec and Ric, ran to the side to give them a high five, then ran across the finish line.

After the race we walked down to Fenway park for dinner, then Alec and I took the long way home with a stroll through Back Bay. Just before we came to our hotel we saw the last 5 people finishing the marathon (somewhere around 9:00 p.m.) Alec was thrilled he got to see the first and last place finishers.The next morning we rented a car and drove to Newport. We had a great time touring the mansions and taking in the harbour side sites.
It was a great trip. Great weather, great company and good running. I’m already qualified and booked for next year.

Des Moines Creek 6 Hour Trail Ultra

2008-03-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

I have been intrigued by set-time events for the last year. I’ve had a hard time wrapping my mind around running a 50 mile ultra, but running for 12 hours somehow seems more doable. I have tentatively added the Ultracentric 12 hour (Dallas in November) to my 2008 race calendar, but thought it would be wise to try a 6 hour first and decided if I even like the set-time format. With that thought in mind, I signed up for the Des Moines 6 Hour Trail Ultra on March 1st.
My drive north to the race start was miserable. Heavy rain and wind made visibility next to zero. Early in the morning I had packed my car with every article of clothing imaginable. I had a raincoat, thermal coat, vest, tights, long-sleeve shirts (both heavy and light weight), shorts, three pairs of gloves, two hats, three pairs of socks, two pairs of trail shoes and one pair of road shoes. I also had my Nathan hydration pack and a hand held water bottle. I packed a drop box full of Sports beans, pretzels, Ensure, Gatorade, BodyGlide and BioFreeze. I was prepared! I learned last year that trail ultras can vary greatly and not to assume any level of difficulty or support. I reached the race start and parked in a soggy, muddy meadow just as the clouds parted, revealing a glorious late winter sunrise. Given the present conditions, I decided my bright orange Brooks running skirt, black Brooks long sleeve Runderwear shirt, Black Maniac singlet, gray Brooks Cascadias, and orange/pink paisley Dirty Girl gaiters would be just right (topped off with gold hoops and champagne diamond studs, of course). If the weather changed, I’d pass by my car every 4 miles and I could change.

Right before the race start, the race director explained the race. Everyone would run a 4 mile loop, when the clock ticked down to one hour remaining runners would be allowed to continue on a 1.1 mile short loop for the remainder of the race. Only completed loops would count and you could drop at any time. Loops completed at the time you stopped would be your official result. After one loop was completed (either long or short) there would be no DNF’s, just shorter distances in the results. I already decided I liked that format. There was no pressure to complete any set distance.

I ran the first loop slowly. I didn’t know what to expect for terrain and didn’t want to waste energy I may need later in the day. The first 2 miles wound up and down through a wooded ravine. The footing varied greatly: sand, mud, nicely packed dirt, rocks, roots and logs. There were a few steep inclines and gentle down hill sections. The next 2 miles twisted and turned through an old housing development. All the houses were gone, but ghostly stairways would peek out of overgrown shrubbery. Remnants of foundations would jump up out of the mud and grab unsuspecting runners. Roads from nowhere would appear from underneath blackberry brambles then conclude in a jumble of broken concrete. These obstacles proved to be much more treacherous than the roots and rocks of most trail races. At several points there were drop-offs that had to be navigated. I took special note of which drop-offs had dangerous footing at the bottom, and which ones provided safe landings. I completed the first 4 mile loop in 45 minutes, grabbed a granola bar and started out on lap two. I felt a little more confident, ran the flats faster, walked the up hills with more purpose and started to come up with pet names for the obstacles. I finished seven 4-mile loops before I was diverted onto the short loop. I managed to complete 2 short loops before crossing the finish line in 5:58. I racked up a total of 30.2 miles. I’m not sure how I placed, but only 6 people ran the entire 6 hours. Most dropped out after completing the marathon distance.

I really enjoyed this type of race and am looking forward to trying a 12 hour later this year, although I don’t know if I can wait until November.

Carlsbad Marathon

2008-01-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

My first marathon of the year was uneventful (a welcome relief after several difficult marathons in 2007). Mr. Hawk and I flew into San Diego the Tuesday before the race and headed straight for Yuma, Arizona to catch some sun. Yuma was sunny, but the Santa Anna winds were kicking up the whole time we were there (up to 35 mph gusts). We spent the days before the marathon working out at the World Gym, running along the river and lounging by the pool.

Saturday morning we drove to Carlsbad, selecting the scenic but longer route through the mountains to see the damage from last Falls wild fires. We arrived at the ocean in time to pick up my packet and meet some Maniacs for dinner at a great Italian place in old Carlsbad.

Sunday morning I woke up extra early because I selected the early start option, blasting off at 6:30. It was a good choice. Unlike last year, driving to the start took 5 minutes. I quickly found Karl since there were less than 200 early starters and promised to run with him through the early miles, hoping to pace him to a 4:15 finish. We started off well, although maybe a bit too fast. Mr. Hawk met us at mile 4 and I was already warm so I stripped down to my Maniac singlet and handed him my long sleeve shirt. Much to Mr. Hawks relief, Karl decided to keep his “throw away” sweater for another mile or two. Having Karl to chat with (and with lots of catching up to do since our last marathon at Haulin’ Aspen) made the long, uphill miles pass quickly and painlessly. We reached the halfway point right on target for a 4:30 finish, then Karl started having a few side stitch problems. I felt like I was just warming up so I continued on without him. I picked up my speed a bit, hoping to still get that 4:15. I felt really good the entire race and got a real mental boost out of seeing the elites several times during the out-and-back sections of this race. I finished in 4:17 with plenty left in the legs. The next morning I didn’t even feel like I had run a marathon, so Mr. Hawk and I went out for a little 4 miler on the beach. All in all, it was a perfect week away. I got lots of quality training in and a nice long run that I could count as marathon number 21.

Seattle Marathon

2007-11-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

After Boston last year, I made the tough decision to focus on running lots of marathons this year instead of running just one or two at maximum effort. As I expected, more frequent marathons meant my pace slowed considerably and I found myself firmly in the 4:20-4:30 finish times by mid-summer. I felt frustrated (even though I knew this would happen) so I turned to 50ks and adopted the more laid-back attitude of trail runners. I really enjoyed my new running world and found that even with slower times, I was making respectable placements in my age group. I approached Seattle (my first road marathon since July) with one goal: HAVE FUN. I also had two “it would be nice if it happened” goals: get my 2009 BQ and a PR. I really didn’t think the last two were much of a possibility since all of my training has consisted of a slow marathon or 50k every 2-4 weeks with lots of easy runs in between.
It turned out to be a great weekend in Seattle. One that I’m sure will become one of those “Boomer Legends”. I’ve attended enough Boomer gatherings to know it’s best not report on them, and everyone else has given their version anyway, so I’ll skip directly to my marathon report….

Race morning was cool and clear. I wore a black Brooks long sleeve tech top, yellow Maniac singlet, black skirt, Brooks Adrenaline 6’s in copper and blue Smartwool socks (I decided to wear the dorky ankle-length version to protect my ankles from chip-strap chafing). I left my hair loose and finished off the look with diamond studs and white gold hoops.

As usual, when the starting horn sounded, everyone went off way too fast. I got caught up in the momentum, but I was feeling good so I decided it was best to go with the flow and not risk getting trampled. The first hill was hard since I didn’t feel adequately warmed-up. The tunnel was horrible: all the walkers were crowded around the aid station and it was impossible to grab a cup, plus the smell of old car exhaust made me sprint towards open air. Once out of the tunnel, the cool breeze of the lake swept over me and I felt great. I hit the half way point around 1:52: much faster than I expected. I was starting to sweat so I reached into my pocket to retrieve an electrolyte tablet only to discover I had left them in the hotel room. Eek! I knew this meant trouble down the road. Sure enough, after topping Galer hill I felt the first twinge of a cramp in my quads. I cursed my legs and told them “we’re finishing this race and running the whole way, so buck up.” I forced myself to keep turning my legs over even though the pain was getting worse. Then it started to migrate: left quad, right calf, left hamstring, right arch, left toes etc….Something would seize, then let up as I kept forcing a quick cadence through the Arboretum. I looked at my watch, but couldn’t think clearly through the pain and couldn’t tell if I was on track for a BQ. I thought briefly about stopping, then decide a little cramping never killed anyone so I forged ahead. I flew down the last hill towards the stadium and suddenly all the pain went away. I crossed the finish line in 3:59:10. I got my 2009 BQ out of the way but missed a PR by a few seconds (my PR is 3:58:46). I finished 21 out of 402 in my age group. And, in spite of the horrible cramping, I had FUN!

Autumn Leaves 50k

2007-11-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

I entered this 50k at the last minute as a result of a DNF at a 50k in October. That DNF was haunting me AND I wanted Seattle (Nov 25) to be my 20th race of marathon or greater distance, so I needed a redemption race.

The race morning weather was perfect: 30 degrees and pitch-black at the start, requiring me to wear a headlamp for the first time ever. By mile 9 the sun was trying to come up but we were blanketed in the fog, mile 20 saw the sun in all it's glory and made for a relaxing and joyful final 12 miles.

I intended to run this race slow... as a last long run before Seattle. Unfortunately, my legs didn't get the memo and started out much too fast. The whole group I was running with went off course at mile 7 due to darkness and did a nice little extra loop through mud and roots. Same thing happened at mile 12. (This was a 5 mile course that we ran 6 times plus a 1 mile out and back at the start of the race). By mile 17 the sun was up enough that we actual stayed on course and it was much easier! I lapped my first group of runners at mile 20, then lapped several others during the last 12 miles. Lapping people gave me an energy burst, but I managed to slow myself down by remembering this was a training run to prepare for my goal race in 3 weeks. I started the last lap and decided to take it really easy and slowed down considerably, walking every mile
for several minutes.

I crossed the finish line in 5:40:00, picked up my finishers medal (nice, handmade piece) and headed home. Last night I received an email for the Race Director with the draft results: I was 3rd woman and 17th overall out of 103 runners. I'm ready to start tapering for Seattle.

Fashion report: Black Triks Marathon Girl running skirt, black Brooks long sleeve tech T, Nathan hydration pack, Smartwool socks, Brooks Adrenaline 7 shoes, Black Brooks hat, gold hoops and diamond studs.

Northface Endurance Challenge 50k

2007-10-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

Brutal...humbling...dnf. Biggest lesson learned: NEVER forget to respect the distance.

Very little was published about the course for the Northface 50K. The website described the 32 mile journey from Cougar Mountain to the top of Sauk Mountain and back in very poetic terms, talking about things like trolls living under bridges and owls stealing hats off runners heads. There were no elevation profiles published either. I had hiked a bit in that area and thought the trails were nicely maintained and very runnable, even the long uphill switchbacks could be walked at a good pace. I had already run 2 trail races of marathon distance or greater, so this race looked like the perfect 1st 50k. I couldn't have been more wrong...

The week leading up to the race had been stormy. Autumn had arrived a month early to the pacific northwest. I was prepared, though. I had a great packable rain jacket, wool running socks, wool gloves and nice, new winter tech gear from Brooks. I stocked my hydration pack with extra gels and sports beans in case the rain and cold sapped more than the usual amount of energy out of me. I even tapered for this race, something I rarely do.

Race morning I was up at 3:30 to make the 2 hour drive to Cougar Mountain. I arrived to find the starting area shrouded in darkness and veiled in a heavy mist, sometimes turning to rain. After a quick briefing by the race director (“it's slippery out there, you'll be jumping lots of logs, watch the descents!”), we were off. the course rolled gently until we hit the first aid station at mile 4, then it was a screaming downhill just as the sun was rising. Mile 7 start ed the first ascent of Suak Mountain. It didn't seem too bad at first. The trail was wide, steep and long. We climbed and climbed and climbed. Some of the leading 50 miler's flew past us on their way back down Suak and I got my first view of what real ultra marathoners look like when they descend: downhill lean, arms out like chicken-wings, legs wide and feet splayed in duck fashion. I made a mental note to hike a bit more before my next trail ultra and to practice downhill technique. I was getting tired, but still marching on, then suddenly the course veered off the main trail and straight up the mountain side. What started as a run, then turned to a hike suddenly became an all out scramble. I found myself using my hands to hold onto roots and branches as I climbed upwards. I finally understood the quote on the race shirt “run when you can, walk you need to, crawl if you must.” We reached the summit then quickly descended down the backside.... and on my backside too. The trail was so steep and muddy that I found myself sitting on my heels as I weaved through the trees. Two miles later we were on the valley floor, finally able to run again. I've never been happier to run. The small group I was traveling with were all rejoicing in the glory of actually running a segment of this ultra. Our joy was short lived, however, as we faced climbing Suak Mountain again..... first a hike, then back to scrambling up deer trails. The second ascent fried my quads. They became weak and wobbly, but I still managed to reach the top. Once again, we headed back down, this time toward Cougar Mountain. Our small group had scattered and I was running all alone. I liked it that way. I knew people were all around me, but at the same time could enjoy the solitude of the forest. I reached the 17 mile check point and for the first time looked at my watch. It was 11:00... 4 hours into the race and I was only half way! I had estimated a 6 hour race for myself based on past trail races. That wasn't going to happen, so I called my family and gave them an update so they wouldn't worry. I had one problem though, I had to be done by 2:00 to make it home in time for evening obligations. That gave me 3 hours to cover 15 miles. Very doable as long as we didn't continue to scramble up sides of mountains. Right after I left the aid station we started to climb again. Within 20 minutes my stomach started to act up, then around mile 20 I jumped over a log and when I came down my legs seized up in one gigantic cramp. I was completely immobile. I fished around for an electrolyte tablet hidden in my vest, downed it with a big swig of water and forced myself to continue hobbling down the trail. It seemed like hours passed, but in reality it was only minutes before my legs loosened up again and I was able to resume running. The cold rain had tricked me into thinking I wasn't sweating and therefore didn't need electrolytes. I decided to start popping succeed tablets every 30 minutes and try to restore some balance in my system to fight off future cramps. I passed what I thought was aid station 22... an unmanned water station...an hour after I left the station at mile 17. I looked at my watch. An hour had passed so that meant I had picked up my pace. Finishing by 2:00 seemed a real possibility and my spirits lifted. I ran on, and on and on. 30 minutes later I rolled into the next aid station. Great this must be mile 25! The aid station volunteers were all huddled around a few runners that were dropping out but I managed to get their attention and asked if I was indeed at mile 25. Nope, mile 22! It had taken me over and 1 ½ hours to cover 5 miles. My heart sunk. There was no way I was going to be able to run another 10 miles over this terrain, especially if I wanted to get home by 4:00. I decided to continue on and drop at mile 25 which should put me back at the start line. I struggled through the next 3 miles questioning my decision to stop my run. When I rolled into aid station 25, I gave up my chip and announced my decision to withdraw. Everyone tried to convince me to keep going, including some of the people I had run with earlier in the day. It was hard but I stuck to my decision to quit and headed back to my car.

Later that week, some of the marathon maniacs went out and remeasured the main loop since many of the experienced 50 milers were questioning the distance. The loop that was supposed to be 25 miles actually came in at 28 miles which explained the tremendously long time between mile 17 and mile 25. Somehow knowing I had actually ran 28 miles before dropping made me feel much better about everything.

I've been analyzing my performance and some of the lessons I learned may help others:

You can not predict your ultra time based on past performance. My two previous trail races of 26.2 or greater indicated a 6 hour finish for me. I was not mentally prepared to run for 8+ hours.

Do not rely on race websites for info: talk to people who have actually run the course. This was a new race though, so it wouldn't have mattered.

Never make promises to be somewhere the evening of a long race. I had family obligations and promised to be home by 4:00. As I was struggling along the course I kept weighing the advantages of finishing (even at a walk) against the disappointment of my family if I didn't show.

Electrolytes are still necessary even when it's cold and rainy.

Never check the race results when you DNF. Once the decision is made to drop, don't look back and start playing "what if" games with yourself.

All in all, it worked out for the best. I'm not injured. I am hungry to race again. Also, as I was driving home a huge explosion happened in Tacoma right when I passed. The whole freeway shook and debris starting hitting the pavement. I managed to get through, but the freeway was closed for hours afterwards. If I had finished the race, I would have been stuck for hours on I-5.

Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon

2007-08-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting much lately because work and family have been taking all of my time.I have been running though, and had the chance to run a great trail marathon with Karl last weekend. Here's my report:
My second venture into the world of distance trail running was a blast and enough to make me want to focus on trails instead of roads. The Haulin’ Aspen Trail Marathon starts just outside of Bend, Oregon (around 4,000 feet) and climbs 2,500 feet in the first 14 miles, followed by 12 miles of downhill technical single track. I was worried about the elevation at the start and the climb during the race since I suffered greatly from altitude during my road marathon in Bend last summer. I was also worried about the heat. It turns out I had no reason to worry.

Race morning started out cool and crisp as we loaded onto buses at 5:15 a.m. 45 minutes later we arrived at Shevlin Park and stepped out into the 40 degree morning. I was bundled up in a long sleeve tech shirt and Marathon Maniac jacket. We had an hour to kill at the start, but it went fast as Maniacs gathered in a big huddle and talked of races past, present and future. Minutes before 7:00 I stripped down to my race attire: black coolmax running skirt, Marathon Maniacs yellow singlet, black Brooks hat, gold hoops and diamond studs, tomato-red Brooks Cascadia trail shoes and Iron Butterfly Dirty Girl Gaiters in shocking pink. I decided to carry a Brooks handheld bottle of Gatorade because the aid stations were 3-4 miles apart.

Karl and I started the race together, covering the first 3-4 miles at a very conservative pace. I knew the first half would be hard and wanted to warm up properly before starting the climb. We started climbing at mile 2 and it didn’t let up. Karl began using walk breaks according to his pre-race plan and I slowly pulled away from him. I was feeling good, but continued my slow and conservative pace. I caught a glimpse of Karl again at the 6 mile aid station and was pleasantly surprised to see him so close behind me. At mile 10 things turned nasty. The course sent us up a very step forest service road, in full sun and so steep everyone was walking. I remembered the advice I was given on the Ultra Board: walk with purpose, don’t just amble along. I tried my best to walk “with purpose”. I think I did fairly well, but I need to really practice my hiking before my next trail race. My legs don’t do walking. The aid station at mile 12 was in full blazing sun (although temps were still on the cool side) . I thought it would be good to refill my bottle before continuing the climb and was surprised to find I had barely drank any of the contents. Oops, that was a bad sign and I had to make myself start drinking more. Mile 14 marked the end of the climb and we turned onto single track trail for the 12 mile descent to the finish.

The trail was great… fully engulfed by forest and out of the sun just in time to avoid the heat. The downhill felt good but I had to keep my focus sharp since rocks and roots were jumping out of nowhere and taking unsuspecting runners down. I was a little concerned that my legs would tire from so much downhill and I would be stumbling near the end. Fortunately all of my hill training the past 6 months paid off and I was able to stay upright the entire distance. Others were not as fortunate and I saw many bloody marathoners doing their best to keep putting one foot in front of another as they edged closer to the finish. I crossed the finish line in 5:05. Good enough for a 4th in age group.

I grabbed some food, looked for the beer (gone thanks to the half-marathoners) and made my way to the shuttle bus line. I felt incredibly good without the stiffness and aching joints that are trademarks of a road marathon finish. I think I’m ready to tackle the Northface 50k in October.

Seafair Marathon 2007

2007-07-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

I found myself at the start line of the Seafair Marathon facing the possibility that I may end the day with my first DNF (Did Not Finish). I had hurt my back cleaning the barn the weekend before, so the week leading up to the marathon consisted of a lot of rest and two short “loosen-up-the-legs” type runs. My back was feeling good, but every once in a while a pain would shoot through my lower back and into my hip. Standing there at the start I could feel myself favoring my back and being very careful not to bend over too quickly or turn suddenly. On top of having back problems, I was also facing a very hilly course on a hot and sunny day. I knew there would be very few flat sections of road and even less shade, especially the last half. Even so, I had plenty of energy and was looking forward to the run.

At the start line I found the huddle of Marathon Maniacs and joined in. We were busy talking about up coming races when I glanced at my watch: 6:55… 5 minutes until the start. Then suddenly the starting gun fires and off we go, 5 minutes early! Not a big deal for me, because I was ready, but a lot people were caught off guard and had to run to the start line from various locations in the athletes village. The course immediately started up the first hill and I was warming up well. I worked hard at controlling my speed since I’ve learned from experience that running my intended race pace (9 minutes per mile) during opening miles spells a finish line disaster for me. I’m best off running the first 3 miles at 10 mpm and then slowly increasing my speed. This ends up being harder than I thought on this particular day because the rolling hills prevent even pacing. Still the miles ticked by and I felt good, strong and fast. Unfortunately, the time on my watch did not agree with the feeling in my legs: my watch indicated I was slow. At the half way point I meet the Marathon Maniacs newest inductee, MM#611. We chatted a little as we climbed up yet another hill. I asked him if the course felt slow and he responded that it is a very difficult course to pace and that the race director actually published a mile-per-mile pace chart specifically for Seafair to help runners determine if they are on track. Dang, I didn’t see that and it would have been helpful. At mile 15 I did an all systems check. This is about the point I had expected to drop out because of back problems, but amazingly everything was feeling great. At mile 20 another big hill loomed before us, it was long and in direct sun. I managed to crest that hill only to find a screaming downhill that reduced many runners to a funny shuffle-limp as their quads gave out. Thankfully I had been doing lots of hill training and many hilly marathons over the past 6 months, so my quads didn't even know they should be fatigued. I passed a lot of people on that downhill. By this time the sun was out in full force and the course continued to roll. Eventually we turned the corner at mile 25.5, and I expected to coast into the finish chute, but no… another hill, and a steep one! As I crested the hill, I see Mr. Dove standing on the corner, cheering me in. I crossed the line in a disappointing 4:22. I felt like I had run a 4:00 and couldn’t believe I was as slow as the clock indicated, but physically I felt good and was happy with my performance. I finished, that was more than I thought I was capable of for this race.

When I returned home that evening I checked the results. To my surprise I was 5th in my division. It seems everyone was slow because of the course and the heat. The best part, though, is the marathon cured my back problems… not even a hint of soreness since mile 12 or so of the marathon. I'm planning on running lightly the next week or two before ramping it up again for the Haulin'Aspen trail Marathon in August.

North Olympic Discovery Marathon

2007-06-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

I barely slept Saturday night. A few things were haunting me: First was a comment several Maniacs made after the Ultra when I said I was going to run the NODM. The gist of the comments was that it was a tough course and would be a challenge following a short but hilly ultra. Yikes. The other thing keeping me awake was the fact I barely ate following Saturday’s run. I have a hard time eating after marathons and even though I made a huge effort, I just couldn’t get much down. A major bonk during the marathon would be disastrous. I ended up rolling out of bed at 5 even though the race started at 9. I tried to eat breakfast and managed a cup of coffee and half a cliff bar. When I looked out the window I saw enormous black clouds billowing up to the west, but stuck to my initial plan of wearing my red Brooks short sleeve tech shirt, black running skirt, black hat, double diamond studs, Brooks Adrenaline 6GTS in copper and my watch. My goal time was 6 hours and I was planning to run my opening miles with 5 minutes of running, 5 minutes of walking until the legs warmed up. I was surprised that my legs didn’t feel tight at all as I walked to the start line. In fact, they felt quite good and even had some spring in them. I saw Lydenruner just in time to give him a big hug and wish him well on his BQ quest. Then I caught sight of one of my favorite Maniacs, Little Leslie. The NODM was the last of a 7 marathons in 7 weeks streak for her so we decided to start off together, knowing we would both be slow. As soon as the race started, someone dropped a full bottle of red energy drink and both Leslie and I were drenched from the knees down in sticky liquid. Then some guy in the back started running up my heels and even clipped my Achilles a time or two before he bumped me and passed in a huff. With all the commotion at the start, I forgot to turn on my watch so decided to pretend it was a no-tech run. At mile two I did an all systems check. My legs were fine, heart rate low, energy high. We passed Mr. Dove at mile 8. He wanted to be there in case I decided the marathon was too much, but after seeing the ease in which I was running, he knew I’d make it to the finish. Leslie and I were running well, too well for significant walk breaks and limited them to walking through the aid stations. The half way point came quickly, and with it the rain and head wind. The sticky stuff was washed from our legs and replaced with mud as we splashed along. The course started climbing and descending, with some of the descents so steep and slippery I was afraid of falling. Mile 20 I was still feeling great although the fear of bonking was always on my mind. At mile 23 I decided to speed up and get out of the dang wind/rain combo as fast as I could, but Little Leslie started to drop off the back. Finishing together was more important than finishing a few minutes faster, so I dropped my pace back down and waited for her to catch up. We crossed the line in 4:50:02.

The double weekend ended up being much easier than I thought possible. The soft trails of the ultra left my legs undamaged and the marathon was challenging enough that I didn’t slip into boredom (my nemesis). I can’t wait for my next challenge, I just have to decided what that will be. One thing I do know, this distance stuff suits me.

Lake Youngs Ultra

2007-06-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

My last few marathons have left me with plenty of energy left at the end and an urge to go just a little bit farther. Stepping up to ultras seemed like the next logical step and gave me a new goal to focus on. There was a slight problem though: I didn’t have anyone to go on long trail runs with me. I have access to plenty of great trails, but several deaths and disappearances in our local forests in the past year or two was good reason to avoid training solo. What I needed was a fairly easy ultra I could run as an introduction to the sport. I was delighted when a fellow Maniac suggested the Lake Youngs Ultra, just an hour from my house and covering 29 miles in 3 loops. It sounded perfect. I could run 1 lap, 2 laps or if I felt really great, I could run all three. To make things even better, there was only 900 feet of elevation gain. With all that in mind, I sent in my entry.
Several weeks later, some friends started chatting about the North Olympic Discovery Marathon. The word on the street was that the NODM was flat, fast and incredibly scenic, run mostly on bike trails. OK, this one sounded like a must do, so I sent in my entry. This presented a challenge, however, because the NODM was the day following the Lake Youngs Ultra. I decided I was up for the challenge. I would probably run just one loop of Lake Youngs and I’d still get in a June marathon which was my primary focus. As the weeks went by, I started daydreaming about actually completing the full distance of both runs. It would be sweet to “do a double” and earn my 4 star Maniac status. Daydreams soon turned into goals and goals into training plans….

Saturday Morning: Lake Youngs Ultra

I woke at 4 a.m. to the sound of light rainfall. I dressed in a butter yellow coolmax t-shirt, black running skirt, black hat, Brooks Adrenaline 6GTS road shoes and double diamond studs. I decided to go no-tech (no watch or GPS) and run by feel. I arrived at Lake Youngs and immediately noticed a calmer, more laid back crowd than I’ve seen at marathons. 5 minutes before the start people started gathering around a white chalk line in the grass, kind of in a huddle. A few announcements were made and then the race director said “doesn’t anyone want to line up in front? No? Ok, then, I guess you can go now” and off we went, up a slight rise then plunging down a steep gravel hill. I did a little side step to avoid a pile of fur where some poor animal met its demise the night before. I kept my pace slow and my heart rate down as we made our way up and down the undulating course. At that moment I realized there was a 900 foot elevation gain PER LAP, 2,700 feet overall, oh well, I’d manage. The runners started spreading out and soon I was all alone. I lost track of time and distance, but it didn’t matter because I felt like I was ten again, racing through the woods looking at plants and searching for animals. There was a light drizzle, just enough to make everything smell so fresh and alive. Before long I found myself back at the start (now the aid station) and was surprised to see fellow runners milling about, eating cookies and fruit, talking on cell phones, and making clothing changes. Eventually one of these runners would get a determined look on their face and off they would go, down the trail for another lap. I wanted to fit in so I milled about awkwardly. The race director filled my water bottle, I grabbed a few cookies, did my best to don that determined look and shot off down the trail. Lap two was a bit slower as I added more walk breaks in an effort to conserve energy for Sunday. When I hit the aid station the second time around, I was a pro. I milled with the best of them, made a phone call, ordered up my bottle refill, made that determined face, and took off down the trail just in time for a heavy down pour. For a brief minute I thought about turning around, going back to the aid station and grabbing my rain jacket. I’m a true PNWer though, and decided to embrace the rain on my skin, letting it trickle down my back and drip into my eyes. The sound of the rain falling on leaves was like a metronome that set the cadence of my footfalls the last 10 miles. I crossed over the chalk-line in the grass in 5:45. I couldn’t believe I had been out there that long. I changed into dry clothes, gave Barefoot Jon a big hug and headed off for the marathon expo in Port Angeles.

Next: Sunday Morning, North Olympic Discovery Marathon

Capital City Marathon 2007

2007-05-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

Marathon number 14 is in the bag. It was a great run and I’ve never felt better during a race. The day was bittersweet for me, though, as I found myself surrounded by my family of Maniacs and Boomers but also filled with suspicion and mistrust of a new friend…. I’ll get to that in a minute.

Saturday night Tet, Karl, Divechief, Rasmussenmp and Rnrwife had dinner at a neat little place down by farmer’s market. It was the first pre-race dinner that I have attended where everyone was a Boomer and a Maniac (or Maniac spouse), so the conversation revolved around various marathons: which ones to run, which to avoid, comparing notes on how to prepare for frequent marathons, etc…

Sunday morning was cool and wet. I met up with Hippo, Karl, Tet and SR Lopez at the start but quickly settled in with a group of Maniacs that I hadn’t really run with before. The first 7 miles were full of conversations that only Maniacs would find interesting, mainly how to train when you only have one to two weeks between marathons, how to recover and strategies for running doubles (two marathons on two days). We decided that someone needs to write an Owners Guide for Maniacs since none of this information is available anywhere except as pleasant conversation during races. It felt like a casual Sunday stroll with my best friends. I had decided not to wear a watch and run by feel, knowing there would be no clocks on the course, so I was not surprised to discover we had been running a 12 or 13 minute per mile pace. Around mile 7 the hills started and marked the beginning of my favorite part of the Capital City Marathon. I bid goodbye to my buddies and started the roller coaster run through the forests, farmlands and inlets of southern Puget Sound. At mile 13 I asked another runner what our split was: 2:16. A bit slow, but I am trying to let go of time goals so after a quick assessment of all operating systems (all systems running smoothly) decided to be happy with it and continue to enjoy myself. The miles ticked by effortlessly with mile 24 appearing out of nowhere along with Mr. Dove offering to run with me over the next mile. Mr. Dove got me to mile 25 and the start of a long descent to the finish line. I crossed amongst cheers from my family and co-workers (one of the hugh benefits of a hometown marathon) in 4:16. A negative split of 2:16/2:00.

Everything was wonderful. I felt great, I was in my town, I had just run my favorite course: then I checked the results. My son’s baseball coach, a 46 year old fitness runner who logs 15-20 miles per week, had finished 3rd overall. He finished ahead of well-seasoned, fast Maniacs; our local race favorite who logs 100 mile training weeks and several other talented, trained runners. I had just met the coach this year. He is a great guy who has been spending a lot of time with the little Dovelet, believing in his abilities and offering that tough mix of discipline and encouragement. He is also highly competitive. As much as I like Mr. Coach, I doubted his ability to run his first marathon in under 2:30 hours. I went home wondering how this could happen and what I should do about it. I checked race results on the internet… maybe he was a sandbagger or just humble and hadn’t mentioned his racing to me. Nope, no race results except a DNF at our local ultra several months ago. I continued to fret about this all night, trying to decide what to do. Monday morning the local paper had front page coverage of the race, Mr. Coach was still listed as 3rd overall. I decided I would wait until Monday night’s baseball game and innocently ask “how’d the marathon go?” before I alerted race officials.

Before the game start, Coach walked up to me a said “Did you see this morning’s paper?”

(Oh no, here we go, the moment of truth…. Get ready Dove….)

“Yes,” I replied “You ran a great race”.

“No, I didn’t. I ran the half and someone at registration forgot to make the change. I knew I had a different colored number than everyone else, but didn’t know why. I’ve spent all day trying to fix things. This is so embarrassing.”

Whew! My red alert signs were back to green, crisis over, faith in friend restored, universe is back in balance and I don’t have to worry about my son being coached by a cheater.

Marathon 14 is in the bag.

Vancouver International Marathon 2007

2007-05-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

I’ve been in a bit of a slump since Boston. My times have been steadily
increasing since the beginning of the year compared to last year when I
was PRing every race. After Boston, I sat down for a long talk with myself. I realized I could only PR on base-building type mileage for so long, then I would need to train specifically for a target race and quit running maniac-style. I came to the conclusion I could either run a few fast marathons a year or many slow marathons. I was at a "fork in the road" with my running career and goals... quality or quantity? To make my decision I asked myself "Who do I admire most? Someone who spends 6 months to a year training for one fast marathon, or a mid-packer who cranks out 50+ a year?” Do I want people to say "Hey that's Dove, she's running her 101st marathon today!" or "Hey that's Dove, she ran a 3:30 once". I decided I value frequency over speed. Brooks also decided to sponsor me based on my presence at many marathons, not my chance of winning one. That tells me that much of world admires ordinary people leading extraordinary lives, not just elites that seem out of reach.

All that said, I approached Vancouver with the primary goal of trying to discover how to run a marathon for the quickest recovery, not the fastest clock time. I forced myself back into walk breaks (10-1's), even though conditions were perfect for me (49 degrees, steady rain) and marathon morning I felt like my legs had a PR in them. That first walk break was the hardest thing to do but I stuck with my plan and continued to do so the entire race. Did I set a PR? Not even close.... 4:21, 7 minutes slower than last year, despite the fact I am in much better condition. Am I happy with my race? Absolutely! I crested Burrard Bridge at mile 23 smiling and shouting to the spectators "I love marathoning, it's the greatest sport in the world!" The other runners sure shot me some dirty looks after hearing that!

Who knows, next year or 10 years from now the need to be speedy may win out, but for now I'll take the opportunity to run as many as possible. Next up: Capital City on May 20th. It’s a tough, hilly course and I’m sure I’ll be even slower than Vancouver… but it will be my 6th (and probably best) marathon this year.

Boston Marathon 2007

2007-04-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

Even weeks out it appeared the perfect storm was brewing for the Boston Marathon. High winds, cold, rain and snow. The early forecast gave me plenty of time to obsess about traveling (especially after my Myrtle Beach Marathon fiasco), what to wear, what to take on the bus to Hopkinton and race strategy. I wasted a lot of energy fretting about things beyond my control.

Thursday morning I woke at 5:00 am and checked my flight status online because a storm had blown into Chicago causing the airport to shut down for several hours. My flight from Seattle to Chicago was on time, but my flight from Chicago to Boston was cancelled. This was one of my worst fears, all the effort it took to qualify for this race and not be able to physically get to the starting line. We went to the airport anyway and thankfully, by the time we arrived our Boston flight was showing as delayed, not cancelled. Finally, at 11:00 pm, we checked into our Boston hotel, exhausted from a day of travel, but so happy to get to our destination.

Friday morning we bundled up, walked ½ mile to the train station and caught the Blueline for downtown Boston. We hit the expo just as it was opening, picked up my race number and did all my shopping before the crowds arrived. We ran into Divechief (Dave) and wa5yom (Tim) at the expo as well as a few Marathon Maniacs. Those bright yellow Maniac jackets do wonders when it comes to picking out members of the clan and luckily both Divechief and I were wearing our Maniac colors.

Sunday we were up early and ran the ½ mile to the train station then ran another ½ mile through downtown. At 7:45 we meet other Boston Boomers for the 2 ½ mile Freedom Run. The Freedom Run was one of the highlights of my weekend and anyone misses the Freedom Run is missing a major part of the Boston experience. I was wearing the Maniac jacket again and had several MM come up and introduce themselves during the run. The Korean Marathon Team took a liking to me and Mr. Dove. We must have been stopped a dozen times by the Koreans to pose for pictures. In front of this monument with this Korean team member… that statue with that Korean member…. running with arms wrapped around other team members…. running with the girl in a traditional Korean dress…. it was so much fun.

After the Freedom Run we hopped the Greenline to Henry and Marj’s for brunch with the wonderful Boomers. We also got a chance to chat with the NW contingent who now seem like old friends even though we only see each other at pre-race dinners. The Nor-easter had blown in during brunch and made for a miserable hike back to the Greenline, and a grim taste of what was in store for us race morning. Mr Dove and I ended the afternoon with a ½ mile run from train station to hotel.

Fashion Flash: Marathon morning I decided to wear a red Brooks Podium Marathon Maniac long sleeve tech shirt, Brooks tights, black running skirt, Red Brooks hat, Brooks socks and Brooks Adrenaline 6 GTS shoes in copper.*

I woke several times during the night as the raging storm shook our hotel. Streets were flooding, power lines were down… it didn’t look good. Race morning was cold, wet, and windy. I grabbed my bag and headed for the buses. My timing was just right and I got on one of the first buses to Hopkinton. When we arrived the athlete’s village was flooding. I looked for Divechief and wa5yom who promised to save me a spot under the tent. I couldn’t find them but found one of my new Maniac friends from the Freedom Run and settled in for the long wait until start time. By the time the second wave was staged, the volunteers had given up on trying to sort people into their proper corrals (rain gear was covering up all the bibs) and it became a free-for-all. I found my assigned corral and noticed it was full of charity runners and bandits. I eased my way forward towards the 12th corral and was still surrounded by bibs in the 20,000+ range. No one was honoring their assigned corrals.

The start was a mess, charity runners 5 abreast blocking the way, bandits wearing ipods oblivious to the world and people walking right down the center line. This was not the Boston I expected! I worked hard to qualify and end up in a race that felt like the mega-Rock-n-Roll-a-thons. I wasted way too much energy dodging people who shouldn’t have been on the course, throwing on the breaks to avoid collisions with people who were walking by mile 2 or moving 10 feet sideways to get around a herd of runners in matching t-shirts. I was finally able to settle into a pace but my hamstrings had stiffened up after sitting for hours on the cold, wet ground and they were complaining. I ran the first half conservatively, clocking 9:20 minute miles. I sped up slightly the second half, then slowed down to a 9:35 pace in anticipation of “The Hills”. They never came. Oh sure, there was a rise here and there, and then a bump that got my heart rate up a bit and by mile 23 I was starting to wonder out loud “just where is that Heart Break Hill”. Of course some one answered “you passed it already”. So with three miles to go, plenty of energy left in the engine and no hope of getting a BQ time, I slowed even more and coasted in, saving my legs for another day. I crossed the finish line in 4:14:12. I chilled quickly after the race, even layers of polar fleece couldn’t keep me warm. We got back to the hotel, had a nice, hot shower and prepared to go back to town for a celebration with the Maniacs. I was too cozy though, and the thought of heading back out into the weather wasn’t pleasant so we stayed decided to go downstairs to the hotel restaurant instead.

The next morning I woke up with fresh legs and ready for another day of sightseeing. We took in a few sights, had lunch then the rain and wind picked up so we called it a day. Boston was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The spectators were amazing even in the nastiest weather. All the marathoners were treated like world class athletes and everywhere you went people were asking about the race. I can’t wait until next year, hopefully it will be 45 and sunny with a tail wind!

*Details to follow in another post.

Yakima River Canyon Marathon 2007

2007-03-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

Yakima River Canyon RR

I still can’t wipe the grin off my face. The whole weekend was fantastic, one big party with a marathon in the middle. The thing about Yakima, though, is it is a marathoner’s marathon. Small, remote and NO SPECTATORS. None. They are not allowed on the course. Aid station volunteers and race officials are the only people besides other marathoners that you see and they are few and far between. Aid stations were located every 2 – 3.5 miles providing water and Propel, you were on your own for gels or other sources of energy. The course is also on the tough side. It is a net downhill course with major climbs at mile 14 and 22. It also offers a screaming downhill from mile 24 to the finish… perfect for a last long run before Boston. I knew all of this when I signed up so I didn’t expect it to be my best marathon ever.

The weekend started out with a Marathon Maniac Reunion which attracted over 80 Maniacs. The 50 Staters and 100 Marathon Club were also having small reunions, so serious marathoners were everywhere. The pre-race pasta feed featured John Bingham as the guest speaker. He did a great job tailoring his talk for the crowd… no need to talk about tips for completing a marathon, or what a great accomplishment it is, or any of those things that are covered during most carb-load dinners. We all knew marathoning and certainly didn’t need anyone to motivate us.

Race morning was chilly with temps well below freezing. Rain clouds were hovering overhead, but the forecast called for only a 10% chance that we would actually see raindrops. Mr. Dove and I joined the others to march the 1/3 mile from the parking lot to the actual start line, bundled up in gloves and throw-away sweaters. Mr. Dove was about to tackle his first marathon, so on the way to the start we went over our strategy: 10:30-11:00 minute pace with a ¼ mile walk at every aid station. I was going to be the pacer until Mr. Dove got sick of me, then he would send me on my way. Our goal was to finish, our secondary goal was to finish under 5 hours.

The race started nicely. Our first split was exactly 10:30 and remained there as we hit the first aid station. As planned, we walk ¼ mile then resumed our run. The ¼ mile walk only added 1½ minutes to our mile pace, but did wonders for our legs. I felt great. The running was easy and the scenery breathtaking. Our pace continued at a consistent 10:30 during running miles, and 12:00 during miles that we added a walk-break. We hit our first hill at mile 4 and I didn’t even notice. A bigger hill came at mile 14. We happened to reach the climb during our scheduled walk break and I noticed we were actually passing people who were running up the hill. Because we were walking so fast we decided to walk the entire ½ mile hill, picking up the run just before we crested the top and started down the other side. At mile 20 we were just where we wanted to be… on pace for a sub-5 hour finish. We continued on at 10:30 pace until we hit THE BIG ONE, a 1.6 mile climb at mile 22. Mr. Dove’s back cramped and he was having a hard time keeping his legs moving forward. We stopped to stretch, walk backwards, stretch again but nothing was helping. Mr. Dove gritted his teeth and managed to keep going, but in obvious pain. We reached the summit, stretch one last time then picked up our run, hoping Mr. Dove’s back would behave for the final 2 ½ miles. The back cramped again, but somehow he managed to ignore his pain and we ran across the finish line hand-in-hand in 5:12:13. The prez of the Marathon Maniacs was waiting for us with his camera, a big pat on the back for Mr. Dove and inquires about his next marathon. Hippo was there, too, ready to welcome Mr. Dove into the ranks of Marathoner. I was ecstatic: I had just run my best marathon ever, on the most scenic course imaginable, with my favorite person by my side and my friends cheering us on.

Myrtle Beach L.D. Marathon 2007

2007-02-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

Short Version:

I ran a marathon this weekend. It was my 10th and completed 364 days after my very first marathon. My time was slow (4:21), but considering what I went through to run this marathon, it was the one I’m most proud of finishing. My family and I had quite a victory dinner afterwards.

Long Version:

I woke up at 3:00 am Wednesday morning to catch a flight to South Carolina for the Myrtle Beach Marathon. The weather forecast called for cool temperatures and I was looking forward to a nice, flat run along the coast. I was also bringing my mother along so she could visit with her best friend from high school, someone she hadn’t seen in 50 years although they talk almost every day. We arrived for a layover in Washington D.C. a little before schedule… then we sat….and sat…. and sat some more on the tarmack. Finally, an hour and a half after landing we pulled into the terminal. Rushing out of the plane, we quickly checked the departure board, afraid we may have missed our connecting flight. Thank goodness it was delayed and we had an hour before taking off again. An hour passed, then two before we were boarding the plane. As soon as we found our seats the crew ushered us back into the terminal: no co-pilot. We waited again. An hour later the co-pilot arrived, so back on the plane we went. And we sat….. and sat…..and sat again, watching planes around us de-ice and attempt to pull away from the gates. It was no use, the planes were frozen to the ground and trucks couldn’t get enough traction to break them lose. The crew eventually announced our flight had been cancelled and we were to deplane. We proceeded to customer service and we were informed that all flights to Myrtle Beach were full with huge standby lists. The soonest we could possibly get a flight would be Monday, two days AFTER the marathon. Could we fly somewhere in S. Carolina, N. Carolina or Georgia? Not a chance until mid week. Then we tried to rent a car with a few other stranded passengers only to find no cars available. How about Seattle, could they fly us home to Seattle? Nope, not until Saturday night or Sunday. Argh! O.K. maybe it wasn’t meant to be, could we get a refund or voucher for another trip? No again, act of God and all that stuff. We tried to get a hotel room but couldn’t find anything under $200 dollars a night. I looked at my watch: 1:30 am Thursday. I’d been awake almost 24 hours and had only eaten a bagel and two veggie tacos since Tuesday. Not the best pre-marathon diet. Then I had an idea (I think it was the lack of food/sleep that sent this delusion my way), maybe we could get to Arizona in time to run the Lost Dutchman! I checked for flights to Phoenix, no luck. Tucson? No. Palm Springs? Nope. San Diego? BINGO! 2 seats were available to San Diego the next morning, but it would cost us because we were changing our itinerary. Oh well, I forked over the money and we had two tickets in our hands. I called my wonderful S.O. who winters in Yuma, Arizona and asked if he could pick us up in San Diego and drive us to Apache Junction. He agreed and met us in San Diego only to find our luggage was hopelessly lost. The airline had no idea where it went and, unfortunately it contained all my running gear, including shoes.

We finally arrived in Apache Junction Saturday afternoon. A few quick calls and I located a pair of my favorite running shoes, then stopped at Target to pick up Champion shorts, a singlet and a jog bra. At the expo I registered for the race and bought some GU, Body Glide and sunglasses.

I arrived at the pre-dawn start line decked out in black Champion shorts, white Champion singlet, blue Brooks Adrenalines and socks that were too big and too thick. I had just five minutes to enjoy the pre-race campfires and coffee that have become a legendary part of the Lost Dutchman experience. The race director asked us to make our way to a chalk line drawn in the dirt as a shotgun blast signaled the sunrise and start of race. The remote location meant that the marathoners started alone, without crowds to cheer them on… just the company of fellow racers. It was a fast start, too, with the first 7 miles up and down (though mostly down) a dirt fire road. I let myself get caught up in the momentum…. partially because I was so happy to be running after 5 days off and partially because I didn’t have the mental strength to hold myself back. Mile 8 put us on pavement and along a highway. We would alternate between dirt and pavement, but the constant climbing and descending would remain with us throughout the day. The heat and hills were starting to take their toll on runners as many were reduced to a walk. By mile 20 my early speed caught up with me and I was having a hard time controlling my heart rate. I slowed to a snails pace, reminding myself that this was a training run for Boston and time didn’t matter. I continued to the finish with the slowest jog I could muster. I crossed the line in 4:21. My legs were cramping and my socks had caused my toes to look like they were capped with a series of red Jelly Bellies. I ate a little, sat around on the grass a little then hobbled back to the car. I looked down at my medal and thought how appropriate it was to be wearing the Lost Dutchman around my neck, my 10th marathon, 364 days after I ran my first and on the very same course.

Marathoning… it’s about the journey, not the race.

Carlsbad Marathon 2007

2007-01-30T20:17:00.000-08:00

Carlsbad was my first of three marathons I'm running as "long runs" in preparation for Boston. I had enough of our horrible PNW winter and decided to head south for some sunshine, some beach time and a little hill training in the form of a marathon.

I arrived on Wednesday and it appears I brought the snow with me. Malibu was reporting snow fall and it was downright chilly in Carlsbad. The days leading up to the marathon were filled with 3-4 mile runs on the beach and longer barefoot walks. Since I was approaching the marathon as a long run, I didn't feel the need to taper.

Marathon morning I gave myself an hour to get to the start line. That seemed reasonable since my hotel was less than 5 miles away. I was wrong! Traffic was at stand still approaching the parking area, so I detoured and parked in a strip mall about a mile from the start. By the time I parked, I had less than 15 minutes to get to the race and as I approached, I heard the start gun go off. I found myself behind thousands of half marathoners and walkers... it took me an additional 5 minutes to cross the chip-mat ( both the marathoners and half-marathoners started at the same time). I was with my BF who was running the half, so we decided to stick together until the marathoners split off at the 5 mile mark. It was great fun to run together, weaving and dodging through the crowd. Soon I split-off to follow the full marathon course east and up a long grade while the rest of the crowd continued along the ocean. There were only 1,000 marathoners compared to over 6,000 half marathoners, so after the split the course really opened up. I really enjoyed the run up past the Airport. It was enough of an uphill to get the heart beating but not horribly difficult. The downhill was great for conditioning the quads! We returned to run along the ocean at mile 15, through nice rollers and a slight headwind after mile 18, which I found refreshingly cool.

I crossed the finish line in 4:14 chip time. I had a nice negative split of 2:13/2:01 with the last 6 miles being my fastest. The best part of the race was the way I felt afterwards… like I had just been out for a 4 hour walk. It’s nice to feel that way after running 26.2. Later in the afternoon I had enough energy to take a 3 mile barefoot walk along the beach for a total of 30.2 miles for the day. Maybe it’s time to think about an ultra!

FASHION FLASH....
Black marathon skirt, yellow Maniacs singlet, orange Brooks Adrenalines and sunglasses that BF deemed as making me look cool and unapproachable. No watch, no diamond studs, strictly business.

Seattle Marathon 2006

2006-11-26T20:16:00.000-08:00

I love the northwest. Every single training run in November has been cold, windy and extremely wet. If I ran in the morning I would be chilled the rest of the day. If I ran at lunch I would sit at my desk looking like a wet mop all afternoon. So I resigned myself to evening runs, in the dark, through puddles I couldn't see and through driving rain that chilled me past the point of feeling. It was good training.
The weather forecast for the Seattle Marathon was ominous and ever changing. One station would call for high winds and rain, another for snow, and still another for partial clearing. The next hour the forecast would change, but the main theme was constant: it would be cold and wet. I packed for all conditions and headed for the big city Saturday afternoon. After a very quick stop at the expo we checked into our room then straight to the elevators to make our 5:30 Boomer Dinner. When the elevator doors opened we were shocked to be greeted by a red-stilettoed Goddess....
Fast forward to Race Day:
By now everyone has heard about the conditions: rain mixed with snow and wind. I decided to wear black tights, a red Marathon Maniacs long-sleeve tech shirt, safety yellow Maniacs jacket, black hat and black gloves. I tucked some hand warmers provided by Divechief into my gloves for extra comfort.
Waiting for the start was miserable, but as soon as the gun went off all was forgotten and it was time to run. I felt good and thought I was running strong, but my first mile split came in at 11:45. Oh well, it was crowded so the next one would be better. The next split? 10:30... no excuse, I guess it was going to be a slow day. Mile three came in at 9:30, better but still not good enough for the elusive BQ.... almost 5 minutes behind my pace in the first 3 miles. Everyone told me Seattle would be a tough course to PR or BQ on, I was probably foolish to even think it was possible especially with the weather conditions. (I had trained for a BQ attempt in the Tri-Cities three weeks earlier, but mother nature gifted us with a nasty wind storm and though I PR'd, I missed qualifying by a little over 3 minutes.)
My splits were bad, but my spirits were up. I was having fun with the rain, the cold and the other runners. I finally felt like I was hitting my stride as we came off the floating bridge. I shed my jacket and gloves and settled in for 18 miles of constant, consistent effort, putting myself in an almost meditative state. I don't remember much about the middle miles except an all-too-brief hug by an aqua-socked Boomer at mile 16. At mile 20 I caught the 4:00 pace group, hung out for a few minutes then went on ahead as we climbed towards the arboretum. Almost too soon I was flying down the long down hill approach to the finish, through the tunnel and onto the football field. My feet took wing as I crossed the artificial turf (one of the best parts of the Seattle event) and into the finishing chute in 3:58:46. A 5 1/2 minute PR, a BQ and an age group placement award.
Yes! I'm going to Boston!

Tri Cities Marathon 2006

2006-10-29T20:15:00.000-08:00

I had high hopes for the Tri-Cities marathon in eastern Washington State. I was feeling great. My body was fresh and strong after a two week vacation which included one week that I logged 40 training miles at high altitude (and hills!). I approached the weekend knowing I was ready to smash that 4 hour barrier. The Friday evening weather report was favorable, too. Low’s in the mid 30’s, highs in the mid 60’s, light winds, sunshine. I even slept well the night before the race, confident that I had done everything right.
I woke on race morning to cold, clear skies and horrid winds. The revised weather report called for sustained winds 30-40 mph with gusts to 60. The marathon course follows a river that runs east to west. The winds were coming from the south which meant primarily a side wind with a slight tail wind on the way out and slight head wind on the way back. I had planned on running a negative split, but with the weather conditions made a last minute decision to change my strategy. I decided to use whatever tail wind was present and bank some time on the way out, then ease up on the way back and hope for the best. The first half was wonderful. I felt like a kid playing in the autumn leaves. Occasional gusts blew the hat from my head and I’d have to detour to catch it. I hit the halfway point in 1:52, a nice half-marathon PR for me and I hadn’t even put out an effort yet.
Then it happened….
The wind shifted. Some time during the last miles of the “Out” portion of the race, the wind shifted to blow from the west. The river was now churning with 4 foot chop and white caps. We crossed the river at mile 17 to begin our journey back and were hit with a wall of wind. It stopped everyone in their tracks. The runners had bunched up and were at a 45 degree angle fighting the head wind. There was still enough of a side wind to slam your raised foot into your other foot, tripping runners and bruising ankles. Tumble weeds were appearing out of nowhere causing all sorts of problems for the wheel chair athletes. Lots of people were walking. Walking kept one foot planted and minimized your chances of blowing off course or into another runner. I started a walk/run rotation since walking seemed as fast as running. I looked at my watch; although I felt I was standing still somehow I was covering a mile each 12 minutes. My quads and ITBs were tiring from pushing against the wind AND I was still having fun! Out of nowhere I managed to find the strength to start continuous running again at mile 20 and I was running well. By mile 22 I was back to sub-9 minute miles. As I approached the finish, I knew I wouldn’t break that 4 hour barrier but I also knew I had an outstanding run and lots left in the tank. I was thrilled to cross the finish line in 4:03 something… a new PR for me. I was even more excited about my performance when I heard about all the PW's that people were clocking….
I even came away with a 2nd in my age group. It was far and away my best marathon. Not just a PR, but I felt so good through out the race. My heart rate stayed low and my energy stayed up. I felt this was truly a “mental” marathon and I faced the challenge.
Unfortunately the adventure was not over for the western Washington marathoners: the same wacky weather dumped unexpected snow and hail on the mountain passes. Two of the main routes back to Seattle were closed for hours, leaving many of us stranded on the wrong side of the mountain range. Mr. Dove and I detoured south and avoided most of the mess but still added hours to our drive home.
Fashion Report: Yellow Marathon Maniacs singlet, black knit gloves, black hat, black running skirt, Brooks Adrenalines and diamond studs. I topped it off with a coating of Dove’s Secret Sauce on the legs (baby oil and Red Hot liniment) that collected all the blowing dust, maple leaves and even a few tumbleweeds on the course so that I looked like Pigpen when I rolled across the finish line.

Portland Marathon 2006

2006-10-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying the pre-race dinner party arranged by Mr. and Mrs. Labduck was great. I ran into Hippo and his very-much-not-a-Hippo wife on our way in. He introduced me to Julia by saying something like "look! This is not one of my imaginary friends, this is Marilou, she's normal, she's a Maniac." The hostess wasn't sure which party of 18 we were with, so she asked us to look around and see if we recognized anyone. It's a little hard to recognize people you have never met, but when we spotted the Boomers, it was obvious that this was our party. Everyone looked like the fit, youthful, athletic person I had imagined.
Econo and Tet gifted us with chocolate, keychains and little blinky things. Tammy got something special that I'd rather not describe. After dinner there was much jostling as pictures were taken, Tet was determined that every picture had to be goddess-Tet-goddess, although he reluctantly shared the wealth with the other guys. Econo took the fashionista award for her lovely black outfit complete with short skirt and cowboy boots.
Race morning was a big rolling party. I like the start of marathons the best and was reminded of that as we headed off into the newly breaking daylight to the sound of beating drums. I wasn't feeling well since I was just coming out of a terrible chest cold so I adopted the 1 mile run, 1 minute walk method of marathoning. I decided my goal for the race would be a new PW and to take things mile by mile, giving myself permission to drop out at any time. Despite feeling like I wasn't getting any oxygen to my legs, I had the best time! Spectators were everywhere, bands were set up every mile or so, and two out-and-backs gave plenty of opportunity to spot other Boomers. I was still hanging in there after climbing up the bridge at mile 17 (despite coughing up a lung) so decided to try and make it to the Boomer Aid Station. I thought it would be a perfect place to stage my first DNF and I could cheer on boomers that were behind me. Well, Tammy had other plans. She met me with a bottle of Gatorade and didn't even give me a chance to slow down or quit. Her enthusiasm and willingness to run with me for a stretch gave me new faith that I could finish and collect my medal.
I continued on for the next 50 minutes, smiling and enjoying every inch of the remaining miles. The beer at mile 24 added an extra spring to my step. The finish was amazing with huge crowds, great volunteers and wonderful food.
I didn't make my goal, though: I finished in 4:28... two minutes too fast for a PW.
I think I'll give Portland another try next year!

Fashion Report: Bright pink skirt, white singlet, pink running cap, Brooks shoes, diamond studs.

Skagit Flats Marathon 2006

2006-09-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

Mandatory fashion report: Black Triks skirt, yellow marathon maniacs singlet, Brooks Adrenaline shoes, black runners cap, diamond studs.

The weekend of the Skagit Flats Marathon started off on the wrong foot. My 9 year old son, Alec, woke with a slight fever on Saturday morning. He didn’t seem too bad, and I decided to proceed with my plans to drive to Mount Vernon with Alec and my mother. I figured that a 3 hour drive would give Alec plenty of time to nap and we could sit around the hotel room and watch movies for the remainder of the day: a perfect way to fight off whatever bug was trying to take hold. The bug had other plans…

By the time we checked in Alec was feeling worse. I left him with Grandma, rushed over to pick up my race packet and pick up some take-out Italian for a late lunch. When I returned to the hotel room and unpacked lunch, I noticed that they had forgot to include my pasta and bread. I had eggplant and salad, pretty skimpy for a pre-race meal. I sent my mom out for a few snacks later in the evening: she came back with cookies. I was greatful for anything. Alec continued to get worse as his fever came on strong so I decided to call it an evening and get all of us to bed even though I was still hungry. Alec tossed, turned and coughed all night (we were sharing a bed) so I barely slept.

I was up the next morning feeling OK. I had a quick cup of black coffee and an energy bar before rushing off to meet my ride. Alec didn’t look like he was feeling any better, but grandma assured me that he would be just fine and they would meet me at the finish line. At the start, I meet up with Hippo (I didn’t know Soundrunner was going to be there, so didn’t look for her). The race starts and I bid Hippo a nice run as he bolts into the rising sun.

I don’t remember much about the race itself, except that it is through absolutely flat, treeless, spectatorless farmland. I could tell it would get tedious. By mile 6, at the half marathon turnaround, I was already bored. Mile ten was slightly more interesting since the leaders started appearing on the back side of this out-and-back course. A ray of mental sunshine hit me at mile 11 as Hippo ran by shouting a greeting to this goddess. He was looking strong and fresh but was out of sight way too soon. At mile 15 I started playing a game of adding some striders the last 100 yards of each mile. That held my interest for 5 miles, then my legs started complaining. About that time I became pre occupied with the turkey vultures soaring overhead, I was sure they were waiting for some insanely bored goddess to give up and they would come sweeping down to finish her off. Mile 21 I finally allowed myself to plug into my MP3 player although by that time the music just annoyed me. I trudged along and passed under the finish clock. I could have sworn it said 4:10:38. Oh well, I finished. I got my medal, a hug from a few Maniacs and set out to find Alec. He was all bundled up: pale and wilted in the stands. I decided to get him home ASAP so I bypassed the food and headed for the car. I stopped briefly to chat with Hippo, making sure he would join us in Portland for the pre- race dinner. He looked like he just returned from a weekend at the Spa, not like he had just run 26.2.

As you can read, it was a totally uninspired race for me. But I did finish and felt I gained some mental strength from the whole experience.

Here is what went right:

That night, I checked the final results. My time was 4:07:38. Good enough to place 2nd in the 45-49 age group although they were only giving awards in 10 year increments so no hardware for me.

I felt good enough after the race to drive 3 hours home, do some yard work, and play with the dogs.

I had no soreness or fatigue the next day. I ran on Tuesday and Wednesday and my legs felt fresh and springy.

I can’t wait for Portland!

Pacific Crest Marathon 2006

2006-06-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

It all started 3 weeks ago when I visited my local running store for new shoes. I had been running in the same model for the past 2 years, then they were discountinued. I managed to stock pile enough pairs to get me through the Capital City Marathon, but now I was down to one last pair with 200 miles on them. The morning I visited my running store, I was greeted by a new face. He seemed knowledgable enough, so I trusted my delicate feet to his recommendations. After I bought my new shoes, I had an uneasy feeling about the whole deal so I ran on a treadmill the first few work outs and they felt fine. Two weeks ago I took a 16 miler in them, and at mile 10 my hip started acting up. A trip back to the running store, with the knowedgable manager confirmed that I was in THE WRONG SHOE and that caused my hip problem. I dutifully iced and rested, no running for 4 days.
Last weekend I was feeling fine and ran a 10 miler (including a 5k race in the middle) in different new shoes. Everything seemed fine and I was moving fluid and fast.
Fast forward to race day....
I was up at 5:00 for a light breakfast and pre-race prep. I arrived at the start line half an hour early dressed in a yellow Marathon Maniac singlet, black skirt and my trusty Nike AST8's that now had a little over 200 miles on them. I was worried about my feet because I managed to get a heel blister the day before while hiking in the canyons around Bend Oregon and trying to acclimate to the high altitude. Lots of body glide and well-fitting shoes seemed to solve the blister problem.
The race was due to start at 7:30, but we were staged at 7:15 in the athlete village for a "Parade of Athletes". Pacific Crest is a huge endurance weekend in which the marathon is only one of a dozen or so events (triathalons, Duathalons, various foot races, etc...). Because of this, the event had a festival like feeling and runners were treated like stars, including a parade to the start. It was already warm by the time the start gun went off and I was wishing we had started an hour earlier. The first few miles were hard, but they are always hard for me. I found a few other maniacs and passed the warm-up miles in pleasant chatter. Slowly they started to lag behind and I would catch another one up ahead. A little chatter later, I would lose them, too, and set my sights on some one else to get acquainted with. By mile 7 I was feeling great. No problems, everything was functioning better than normal. The sun was starting to heat up and I made a mental note to start dumping water over myself when we passed this point during the second of our two-loop course.
Mile 13 took us back through the athletes village and the only clock on the course. I couldn't believe my split: 1:56. Hey! I'm on track to BQ! I'm not supposed to do that until January, this is just a training run. I even have time to spare!
I started the second loop full of energy. But then the heat really hit AND the altitude. I'm OK, just a little winded, just a little hot but I'm gonna BQ!
Mile 14 found us out in the sun again, winding our way through high desert meadows. There was no hope of shade anywhere. Temps started climbing towards the high 80's when, at mile 17, I completely fell apart. First my stomach gave way and I had to hit every porta-potty for the next 4 miles. Then my back tightened up. Legs got heavy at mile 19. at mile 20 my hip gave out. The porta-potty trips were dreadfully as my legs cramped up every time I stopped. Some how I managed to keep moving forward. Some how I kept passing people and some how I found myself approaching the finish line, still upright and running. My boyfriend was waiting several hundred yards before the finish and yelled out: "your number 12!". I had no idea what he was talking about, I was only think about my hip, and my feet, and the salt dripping in my eyes. I crossed the line in 4:05. A PR by 8 minutes but no BQ.
When I emerged from the recovery area, my boyfriend greeted me with his usual "you did great, sweetie." I shook my head... no I didn't do great, I fell apart. This one did me in and I hurt, especially my hip. "No" he said, "you did great, you were the 12th woman in!"
I didn't really believe him and during further questioning discovered he hadn't been at the finish line when the first racers were arriving. Then while standing around and chatting with fellow Maniacs, the awards ceremony started. To my surprise the announcer called my name as the winner of the women's 40-44 age group! And number 12 overall woman. Yeah! Some how I hurt a little less with that gold medal hanging around my neck!
Now I'm home. My hip no longer hurts but I'm icing it anyway and planning to take a week or so off to mend. I'll miss the Seafair Marathon, then be back at it in September for the Skagit Flats if everything goes well.

Evergreen 5k 2006

2006-06-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Even though I've been running for years, some how I never managed to enter a 5k. I ran several 10k's when I was in my 20's but only as cross training for cycling. I have no idea what my times were back then because I didn't realize they even timed "fun runs" and never paid attention to the clock. Anyway, my 9 year old son talked me into running the Evergreen 5K. He thinks his mom is fast and was sure I could win. I tried to explain to him that I have lots of endurance, but I'm NOT fast enough to even place in my age group... still he had faith in me and talked me into sending in an entry.
I woke up this morning after an almost sleepless night. I was more nervous about this race than any of my previous half and full marathons. I drove to the course early: I'm running a marathon next Saturday and didn't want to miss my scheduled 10 miler so I ran the course once to check it out and get a few miles in. By mile one of my warm-up lap I was silently cursing... why do I always pick the hilliest courses? Why can't I find something good and flat for a change? My first mile split was 11:00. Like I said, I'm not fast and I was warming up. My legs started to loosen up as I climbed up and down the hills and finally crossed the finish line in 35 minutes. I had just enough time to spare to pin on my race number and find the potties.
I settled into a spot at the startline some where in the middle of the pack. I heard a couple of comments and maybe a snicker or two about my attire. I wore my little black marathon dress, sparkly new adidas, a diamond necklace and matching studs. I left my watch behind so I wouldn't be depressed with my splits.
The race started, and as usual everyone was passing me. My freshly warmed-up legs didn't like that very much so they kicked in a little. I reached the one mile mark earlier than expected, then by mile two I was passing lots of heavy breathers. Approaching mile 3 I finally settled into a comfortable rythm and then........... it was over. Just like that. Finished. I grabbed a bottle of water and decided to run the course one more time to get my 10 miles in while I waited for the results to be posted. As I loped along the last loop, some spectators were still on the course and shouting encouragement to me, thinking I was still running the race. I realized I was still wearing my number as I started to pass people that were still completing the race so I quickly tore it off. I didn't want to be timed twice!
I finished my third lap just in time to watch the awards. I couldn't believe it, I won my age group! AND I won the Masters Woman! My son was so proud! My new (and only) PR for the 5k is 24:46! Now I need to rest up for that marathon on Saturday.

Capital City Marathon 2006

2006-05-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

This was one tough marathon! It was the first year for a new course, and since it is in my hometown and I love challenging courses, I had to run it. I had my fair share of doubts because I just ran Vancouver two weeks ago and I wasn't really sure my legs were up to another hilly marathon. I knew I would be plodding along and just running to finish.
The start was fast. I started in the very back and still had an 8:00 first mile. It took a huge mental effort but I managed to slow down and settle into a nice, comfortably slow pace. We started up the first hill at mile 2, rolling hills continued to about mile 9, then we really started to climb. Big hills attacked us from mile 9 until mile 18 or so (I didn't pay much attention to mile markers so I could be off a little). The downhills were much tougher than the climbs and my joints were starting to complain. I hit the half way point in 2:07, slightly faster than I had planned. The course flattened out for a few miles then we had another significant climb at mile 22. I was feeling great when I hit the 24 mile mark and knew it was down hill from there. I also noticed that I was faster than Vancouver by several minutes and I may just get a PR. I cruised the last two miles, crossing the finish in 4:13 (by my watch), a PR by 2 minutes! I quickly grabbed a mocha at the local coffee house and walked the 2 miles back home, feeling pretty darned good about my run.
This is a great course for those who like a challenge and visiting Olympia Washington can't be beat. (I'm so lucky to live here!)

Vancouver International Marathon 2006

2006-05-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is going to be brief, since I just got home and need to warm up in the hot tub....
I woke up this morning to a heavy rain, reluctantly boarded the bus and headed for the start. I was surprised to see how many half marathoners were there compared to full runners. I tried my best to stay dry under the bleachers then at the last minute moved to the start line. Once moving, I actually enjoyed the rain. The course had lots of twists and turns and many hills, so the rain felt refreshing. I planned on an easy pace for this one, more like a training run. I felt great. My run was non-eventful except for the fact they ran out of water between mile 8 and mile 15 or so. How can a large marathon run out of water? Mile markers were hard to spot and many were wrong. I passed a sign that read "half-way full marathon" then a bit later one that said "13 miles full marathon" later still was a "half way there!" but I THINK my 1/2 split was 2:10. Weather started to clear and turn to mist as I picked up the pace. I crossed the finish with plenty left in my legs with a finish time of 4:15. Beautiful, challenging course. Great medal, too! Sorry for the short and incomplete report but I'm brain dead after running in the rain, then driving 5 hours.

The Lost Dutchman 2006

2006-02-19T19:59:00.000-08:00

I never really intended to run the Lost Dutchman as my first marathon. I have been training for the Vancouver International Marathon on May 7th, and part of my plan was to include a half marathon every month just to keep my interest up and not lose motivation. My January half marathon was the PF Chang Rock n’ Roll Arizona. I met a lot of people during that trip and many locals were talking about the Lost Dutchman that was coming up in February in Apache Junction, AZ. I looked it up on marathonguide.com when I returned home. The reviews were wonderful. I decided that would be my Febuary half and made all my travel plans. A few days later, after a great 20 mile training run, I got this hare-brained idea that maybe I could actually run a full marathon at the Lost Dutchman. I had 4 weeks to get ready and already had an 18 mile and two 20 mile training runs under my belt. The only thing really holding me back was the difficulty of the course: lots of hills and dirt roads. I decided to train as if I were going to run the full 26.2, and give myself the option of dropping back to the half if the course looked too hard or I didn't feel ready. I also decided that if I did run the full, I would run it as a training run and not push myself.

Jumping to race day….

After a sleepless night, I finally got out of bed at 4 am. The RnR experience in January taught me to get to the shuttles early (I waited an hour for a bus at the RnR). My boyfriend drove me to the shuttles and I went directly from the car to the bus and within minutes we were headed to the start at the Peralta Trailhead. It was too dark to see any of the course as we jostled up the rutted dirt road. Our bus was the first to arrive. We were greeted with bonfires and pre race treats including coffee, hot chocolate and pastries. I spent the next hour chatting with fellow runners and enjoying the night sky. As the buses rolled in and more runners joined us, I noticed that these were serious runners. Every one was fit and “Seasoned”. I only managed to find one other marathon virgin. My nerves were starting to build and I regretted that I hadn’t driven the course the day before.

A few minutes before seven we were asked to line up at the start. A real shotgun blast signaled the start of the race. I took off slowly while everyone around me sprinted down the hill. I think I must have been the very last person to cross the one mile marker… simply a sign along the dirt road. I have no idea what my split was because I had decided to leave my watch at the hotel and listen to my body to set my pace. The sun was slowly rising over the desert as mile two went by, then mile three. The dirt road rose and fell through the foothills of the Superstition Mountains for a total of 7 miles then leveled out to a paved shoulder along the highway. Slowly I started to pass people, and every time I did I reminded myself to slow down. At mile 9 we started to climb back into the foothills and wound around Gold Canyon. We were either climbing or descending every step of the way. Mile 13 came quicker than expected, although there were no clocks along the course so I had no idea what pace I was running. I do know I felt good and my heart rate was low. At mile 15, I ate a banana at the water station. Big Mistake. I didn’t eat bananas while training and this one caused major cramping. Suddenly I’m not feeling so good, but I continue on. I am passing more and more people as the course continues to rise and fall. Mile 21 finds us back on dirt roads and almost everyone is walking. Not me! I’m passing people! I pick up the pace a little and head for a hill they call Dutchman’s Revenge at mile 23. The organizers actually constructed a cardboard “wall” at the top and the photographers are there to capture the moment everyone “Hits the Wall”. I was worried about this part of the race, but it seemed like nothing as I ran up it. When I crested the hill, I was still feeling great and once again picked up the pace. As I rounded the final corner to the finish line I spotted the only clock on the course. I was fully expecting a 5:00+ time, but the clock said 4:30:28! I was thrilled and my legs still felt great! My thoughts as I crossed the line: “Where’s the pain? Where’s the agony? When’s the next marathon?”