Finding Balance

It seems in order for me to balance life I weigh in heavy on the extreme ends therefore balancing each other out. Does that make sense?

For Memorial Day weekend my best friend (who I've know since preschool) and I traveled to Napa Valley and had a very relaxing weekend. Wine tours, sleeping by the pool, eating well and enjoying the warm, sunny weather. It was quite wonderful really. If you click on the picture of the wine glasses it should take you to the photos I uploaded to Flickr.com. Enjoy!

A couple of trip notes:
* we got mistaken for twins twice and sisters at least 5 times in the 5 days we were gone. What do you think?

* you'll notice in this picture that we are not drinking wine - we are thinking our next vacation needs to be to Mexico!
* learned to swirl wine in the glass w/o spilling
* Lunch at the Culinary Art Institute - spendy meal but worth every penny. My new favorite dessert = Lava Cake

* Towards the end of the trip I got a little antsy, so started running in the mornings and on our last night got Portia to play every game the spa we stayed at had to offer - croquette, badmitten, basketball, tennis, checkers...

Jemez Springs 50 write up

First of all I really appreciate the couple of comments left about my lack of nerves. Super encouraging and right on the mark in terms of realizing that we can get by without all of those practiced pieces.

Synopsis of Jemez:
Of any race to pick to be unprepared for, this is the one (not that I'm recommending anyone show up unprepared). Jemez Springs is organized by a group of scientists and veteran ultrarunners and not one detail is left unattended. The maps were beautiful, the course outline (elevation gain and loss between each aid station & mileage) and elevation profile were right on. The aid stations came at just the right time and were well stocked with helpful people and plenty of eats. It was a great day, we lucked out with cool weather (a little warmer in the afternoon and we narrowly missed a storm) and I teamed up with two gentlemen making for an entertaining and well run race for each of us.

The full story: (I imagine this may get a bit long)
A great run, a tough course, lots of variety in the terrain, spectacular views, something for everyone, challenging... were all comments I heard about the race course at the finish line. I totally agree with all of these claims. Multiple times throughout the day I was reminded of other courses - there were parts where I felt like I was at Zane Grey 50, or on the Wasatch course, or coming over Hope Pass at Leadville (maybe that is because Ken Chlouber was there). There are places to cruise, climbs that get your attention and technical trail that requires focus and good footing. This is a great run and a perfect Hardrock trainer.

I'm not going to give a play by play, but just hit on a few of the highlights from the day.
Blake and Rebecca were kind enough to host Roch and I for the two nights on either side of the race. Blake hiked in to the aid station he was captaining Friday night with his high school XC/track kids and Rebecca left the house before we were awake to join them. It felt like nearly everyone in town got behind this race... in fact there is a 3 page article in the local paper today, complete with pictures and results (the online version doesn't show everything).

Roch and I made our way to the Posse Shack (start/finish) just in time to check in, drop off our drop bags and head over to the start. Kyle Skaggs led the way from the get go and the rest of us fell in behind. I watched Darcy's ponytail quickly move away as I settled in behind a group of guys. The course touts 11,000 ft of climbing and from the profile you can see that the gain comes in large chunks. The first time over 10k is an out and back (mile 11-15... see the course map), so you get to check in with the rest of the field. Kyle came flying down the hill, literally flying. I watched him take a switchback by swinging around a tree rather than slowing down... didn't even break stride. No wonder the guy ran 8:09!

It was during this climb and descent that I met up with Steve of Santa Fe, NM. Turns out (after spending the next 7 hours with him I learned a lot) Steve is rejoining the ultrarunning world after a 16 years hiatus. He won Leadville in 1988, and sometime around there won Old Dominion as well. He also competed in long distance road racing and at one point posted a 5:17 50 miler. Funny thing was that it was very apparent that Steve (he even said so himself) has not tuned in to all of the technolgy that the sport now has to offer. Wearing a cotton T, and hat, he borrowed water bottles with handstraps from Nate (RD) and was trying Clif Shot for only the second time. He had lots of stories to help pass the hours as well as lots of questions about ultrarunning.

About 30 miles into the run we caught up to Charles of Boulder, CO (who I also met at my birthday run) who then stayed with us the remainder of the race and with 6 miles to go we decided to finish together. I didn't have to turn my music on all day (okay that I didn't charge my iPod). We shared typical trail talk and gave each other a hard time. For example: at the 35 mile aid station I grabbed a fig newton, then a quarter turkey sandwich, then another, then chips and as we were walking out of the aid station I stated (with my hands and mouth full of food) - guys I think I was hungry. Charles said I was eating them out of house and home. I also managed to belch (not just burp) after downing a glass of coke... they didn't think that was very feminine. Maybe it was them giving me a hard time...

The views we enjoyed and the terrain we covered were spectacular, ever changing with climbs & descents that took your breath away. Just when you might be tired of running downhill the terrain would change. We were on mostly single-track and I got the feeling this course was pieced together to share someone's favorite training grounds. I could go on and on, but check out the pictures taken last year and put this one on your calendar.

Nerves would be good...

Not nervous. Can't muster it. Didn't plan well and tomorrow I'm headed out to run a pretty knarly (did I just write knarly) 50 miler at elevation. I probably didn't bring enough Clif shot or bloks, I didn't charge my iPod, forgot a light (actually didn't even think to bring one). Only read the course description in the car ride out here... And as I'm realizing all of this I'm wondering, what is wrong with me? I'm usually a pretty organized, detail oriented person, but for some reason coming to this race my brain shut off (or is otherwise preoccupied). I've got enough to get by and the aid stations (fortunately) are not too far apart so I'm just headed to bed looking forward to a long run with friends. Funny after just having that interview on Thursday about competition and preparation.

*just my random prerace thoughts.

Something to think about...

Why do we do what we do? Yesterday I had an interesting interview with a running friend who is doing research on female ultrarunners for her dissertation. She asked a variety of questions about competition, positive body experiences while running, times of doubt and many more. It was a great opportunity to really think about why I spend so much time running and being active and I appreciated the opportunity to do so. If possible when the interview is transcribed I might share a few of the questions and answers here.

For now, here are some questions to think about: What motivates you to race? What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? Why do you train? Why do you go to work each day? What gives you your drive? Are you competitive? What is competition to you? What do you do when the bottom falls out and you feel horrible? What does it feel like when you are having a perfect run? What is a perfect day? Are you doing what it takes to have a perfect day?

I am at the airport (again); I have an early flight to New Mexico for the Jemez Springs 50 mile Trail run. This is only the race's 3rd year, but they had to put a limit on it as the numbers topped out very quickly; a positive sign that our sport continues to grow.

The course hangs out above 7500ft for most of the race and goes over 10,000ft twice; coming from sea level this will be a good test of patience. The exciting part is the group of people that will be there. Traveling to an ultrarun is like heading to a reunion of sorts - at the races is usually where I get to see this group of friends. Which reminds me of last fall, the opportunity to visit some of these friends in their daily lives... I would love to road trip again!

Training on the Road & Disneyland

Lucky for me there are people all over the country that love to run trails! While in California for work and a family vacation 5 special ladies picked me up at 6:15 Saturday (4/28) morning to join the OC Trail Runners for an excellent morning running in California's Chino Hills (near Anaheim).


Everyone was out for different distances; the starting group of nearly 20 runners had a lot of energy and it was obvious everyone was happy to be there. We did a 7 mile loop, then a couple of us went out for an additional 10 mile loop and then Michelle and I did an out and back to make it a 20 mile morning. Follow it up with a stop at Starbucks sitting on the patio in the sun - what a great morning!

Disneyland! (why I was in Anaheim)

Okay, family moment. My parents have been married for 35 years! To celebrate our family met up at "the happiest place on earth" and spent the weekend in Disneyland and California Adventure. Like most things I do, must be a personality thing, I found myself wanting to see and do it all and in some instances multiple times. California Adventure has some great attractions, my favorite (I nearly lost my voice from screaming) being the Tower of Terror - a 13 story elevator drop. The California Screamin' Rollcoaster is a blast as well.

The nostaligic part of me loved walking around Disneyland. Having family in California I grew up going to see Mickey & Minnie nearly every summer. The unforgettable catching tunes of the parades, the storybook rides and the multiple Mountains (Space, Thunder, Matterhorn, etc) put that silly smile on my face and kept us busy for three days.

Clicking on this photo should take you to a set of pictures from the whole weekend, running and Disney.

Happy 35 years Ma & Pa - that is inspiration!

SNOW?

SO excited to be home! Perhaps I got a little over-zealous, but I am so happy to be in the NW for a weekend and at the same time feel like I am cramming for an exam, so I was happy to get out and enjoy some of our trails this weekend. Also I had one of my favorite 4legged running partners with me for Saturday and Sunday, Piper.

Cramming for an exam? Try cramming for 33,000 feet of elevation gain. Hardrock is July 12 and with a lot of work travel, which means a lot of training from the hotel or on a treadmill, lets just say I don't feel prepared for the long climbs that await me in the San Juans. Never-the-less, I am excited for it and hope that with a couple more weekends like this one I can feel a bit more confident going into that race.

Thursday: I met a group for a threshold run: 3 mile warm up, 3 mile TH, 6 mile cool down
Friday: Double Si - this is where it snowed on me! Last weekend I was running in Sunny California in a sportsbra and this weekend I had to wear my Houdini and gloves and was still cold. What month are we in? It was pretty up there and as usual I heard the "again?" comments from the hikers. One guy said "I don't know if you are an inspiration or an annoyance."
Saturday: 4 hours on Tiger with Piper, Tom and Bill. Mind you I'd never met Tom or Bill before, but through mutual running friends we ended up running together and after Si Friday these guys were great! It was so nice and I really appreciated the company and motivation.
Sunday: what I thought would be a mellow hike up Granite turned into another tough day. More snow, and lots of it so we didn't make it to the top. So instead we opted for Si and Mike (friend that is supposed to be getting me into road cycling) decided he wanted to beat my times up Si from Friday... I didn't think it possible but sure enough, wobbly, screaming legs and heaving lungs we were up about a minute faster.

Great, great training weekend in the NW, intermixed with helping a college friend celebrate her birthday and seeing Spiderman 3... I slept well last night.

Leona Results

www.leonadivide.com

The results are up! Once again Glenda and company put on a wonderful, true to the bone race for the lucky 100+ of us that got to run that beautiful course Saturday April 21. Personally, I really had a great time in spite of not being in the best shape for it. :) This race was a great reminder and kick in the butt to get back training on the hills! With Hardrock only a few weeks away the time is now to put together some decent training.

A unique touch to this race is the previous winners board that lives about 15 miles into the race on the Pacific Crest Trail. For me, it was very special that my name is on that board. Don Hughes hikes out there each year after the race, removes the board, takes it home to hand carve the new additions and paint them white before returning the board to it resting place near the bench dedicated to Mr. Kimmerly who founded the race 16 years ago. Running by that and catching the white paint with my name definitely put a boost in my stride and a smile on my face.

Glenda has organized this race for 16 years and continues to pay special attention to each runner. She offers a 28.4 mile event to the 60+ and has a generous time limit allowing most runners to finish. I write this while kept warm in my comfy hooded Leona sweatshirt that each runner receives. She also showers the runners with a random drawing, beautiful age group awards and the overall Male and Female received a very generous gift certificate to REI this year - lucky me!

Thank you, Thank you Glenda and Dennis! It was once again spectacular!