Pemberton Trail 50k

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!