Marathon Dreamer

Annual "No puking on the trail" run at Elfin Forest with the running club and what a great workout!  1 mile climb to start... took my husband with me and he hated it!  LOL!!!  Although it wasn't a far run, we made up for it in intensity!  My legs are sore today.

Easy run up the coast. No pressure. Such a tiring week.

Nice easy run up the coast. Low 9's

3 miles at marathon pace (8:35), 2 miles at easy pace.

Nice scoot...

Easy does it. I am exhausted from the week already.

Worked last night... rest today.

Another night at work. My calfs hurt from running all night.

Treadmill run at the hotel... nice easy pace. 

Marathon is tomorrow and I have a bit of a head cold and my stomach is already starting to act up. I hate myself right now and have a bad feeling.

My 3rd fastest marathon. I guess I should be content with that, but NO! Oh well! I am starting to feel more defeated by the limitations of my own body more than the challenges of the marathon itself. You can see where the bathroom stops where by the splits... yeah. Just love training for 2 1/2 flippin' months to see my BQ go down the toilet... literally.

10 Km     Half       16 Mi         20 Mi 
52:19     1:56:27   2:26:19    3:02:35

I don't remember much about this race.  Does that sound weird?  At the start, the air was a little crisp in the high 40's or low 50's.  I ran into Alan and my friend Crystal.  She was running her first marathon.  A very talented gal.  She ran an amazing time.  I think it was 3:37:29! 

It was overcast and perfect running weather.  Last night, I went out to eat at PF Chang's with my husband, my pal Ellie and her spouse.  I figured that rice and chicken would be a harmless combination for me.  I was dead wrong.  The tummy cramps started about 20 minutes after I ate. I had diarrhea off and on for 2 hours and this morning, my stomach was still in knots.  My Crohn's Disease sucks.  Any bit of stress, anything slightly different and it can mean disaster for me. To top it off, I went into the race with the remnants of a head cold, and not really feeling as rested I should have been.  After 3 hectic night shifts this week at work, I still was feeling my sore calfs.  Enough with the excuses.  It is what it is.  I knew that me hitting my goal time of 3:45 would mean that everything would have to go perfectly. Already, it wasn't going that way but I hoped for the best.

The race started 1/2 hour late because of issues with the train.  I am not quite sure what the issue was, but I just wanted to get started already!  A potty break when we arrived and some diarrhea.  Great.  I got into the coral but then felt the need to empty my bladder so I did so between cars in a parking lot because the lines at the porta potties were still quite long. I got back into my coral joining the 3:45 pace group.  My husband decided 3 weeks ago that he was running the marathon.  Crazy guy.  He is in good shape and just quickly ramped up his mileage.  His body seems to recover so quickly.  He really amazes me.  He was somewhere in the crowd along with my buddy Ellie.

Ellie and I trained together.  If anyone was going to reach that 3:45 goal time, I knew out of the two of us, that it would surely be her.  Such a strong runner and so naturally fast.  I have to work so hard at it, but Ellie has gifts that I just don't have.  Ellie pulled a 3:42.  So happy for her!!!

Finally the race started and off I went.  Mile 4, I felt the cramping come on and held it until I couldn't anymore.  At mile 10, into the porta potty I went.  I was with my pace group until then and although I was feeling it a little, I know I would have hung with them longer.  I lost hope at the first bathroom stop.  It delayed me probably by 3 minutes.

Another stop before mile 16... I am pissed, but there's nothing I can do.  At this point in the race, I am thinking about all the work the past 2 1/2 months.  Although my time is respectable, it is not what I am capable of.  I don't like working hard and then not getting paid!!!  

Miles 16-20.... a complete blur.  Not sure what mile it was when I stopped at the bathroom again.

Miles 20-26.2... I am holding on.  I run, get tummy cramps, and then have to walk to work it out. I have lost my gusto.  Once again on race day, I am so disappointed that I have to keep mentally collecting myself to hold back the tears.  I didn't cry and I didn't give up.  I don't ever give up.  During the race, I was using my phone as my radio.  Several times during the race, my phone rang... my brother is calling me. Really?  Why are you CALLING me during a marathon?  Do you actually think I'm gonna answer?  Ridiculous.

The last mile hurt.  Not my legs, not my breathing, but my stomach was killing me.  I am ok with the time I got today but I am not ok with my own stupidity. I should have just eaten at the hotel and brought my own food from home. When I saw the 4 hour pace group go by me and I couldn't keep up, I honestly wondered if maybe this would be my last marathon.  The thoughts of "retiring" crossed my mind... and then so did the thoughts of doing a 50 mile race this year in the mountains.  Two extreme ways of thinking all within a matter of a few seconds of each other.  That is who I am.  I am extreme.  My husband once said something to me that has stuck with me all these years.  "Why do you always have to do things at such a high level all the time?"  I don't have an answer for that question.  It is who I am.

My husband completed his first marathon in 4:34:28.  He has a new level of respect for what I do and he realized that the last 10k was all I said it was and would be.  He crossed the marathon off his bucket list but he said that running one would have never been on it because "it is too tough."   

I am still left with the many questions that every passionate runner asks themselves.  Is this the best I can do?  Is this all I can hope for?  I refuse to believe that I can't do better than this.  I refuse to think that my genetics can't be overpowered by good training.  Is 3:49 and some change going to be my best marathon?  Will another Boston qualifying time NOT be in my future?  One thing is for sure, it remains to be seen because I will never quit.

Happy running... 

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4 miles at 7:50 pace.  YUP.

Up the coast... nice afternoon.  Not sure of the pace... don't care.

8:36 average pace.

rest... working.

rest... working.

3 miles at 7:46 average pace (only one stop), then 1/2 mile repeats at 7:16 average pace with 30 second recoveries, then 1/4 mile repeats with 20 second recoveries at 7:45 average pace (getting tired)... last mile at 8:38 pace for a total of 6 miles.

Weight lifting in the morning with 300 situps on the decline bench at the gym followed by stair stepper for 10 minutes at level 4. Stepping up on every other step and including a leg lift. PM- 3 miles on the treadmill speedwalk at 10 incline... first 2 miles with 5 lb. weights (one on each leg), last mile without weights.

Holy crap.  Hamstrings are sore today and my abs are yelling at me. Got up early and headed out to the gym. 30 minute swim following by a soak in the jacuzzi and a few minutes in the sauna... ahh.

Planning to hit the road with Ellie this afternoon... probably a nice 6 miler... will add it later. 

30 minutes on the recumbent bike, weights, abs then 6 mile run.

off... worked last night.

Just too tired... back to work tonight.

6 mile run 8:27 average pace then 45 minutes on recumbent bike hills.

Spent the day with my family....

45 minutes on the recumbant bike (hills) 15 miles, then 6 mile run... 4 of which were mile repeats at 7:24 pace.... Ouch. Weights...

45 minutes on recumbent bike (15 miles), then 4 mile run in the evening.

Took it easy. 30 minutes on the bike then weights this morning. 6 miler at noon.

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Took it a bit easy... tired from work and racing Sunday!

Resting for my race tomorrow!

Wow!  What a race!  My husband, son and my son's friend were running the 5k and I was the only one crazy enough to do the long race.  My son finished 2nd in his age group and my husband was 6th in his age group!  They did an awesome job!  My youngest son volunteered and helped hand out medals which earned him a free breakfast!  ;-)  The race consisted of several climbs one which left me saying holy crap before I even began to head up the 1000 rail road tie steps that finished at the top of a mountain!  Toward the top, it was super steep and there was a girl dressed as an angel cheering everyone on waiting for all of us to get there.  Ironically, it was hell and she really should have been dressed differently. ;-) The first 3 miles I felt good.  The most painful moment was on the climb up those 1000 steps.  I came to a really steep incline that was short but tortuous at the beginning of the race, where you would actually use your hand and touch the ground as you climbed.  Most of the runners did just that and we were reduced to a "hike" speed.  The down hills are my strength so I cranked on those and made up a lot of time there.

I got some compliments from people that I passed saying "go girl",  "darn you are fast."  Loved that!  Some of the down hill was gravel so I ran down it sideways almost slalom style with short fast steps and skidded my way down.  I used the gravel to help me get down.  One thing that I have learned is that I absolutely love being air-born, and I was many times as I leaped over rock and bumps in the trail as I cruised downward to ready for another climb.  It was a well organized race and really challenging.  I really wanted to place in top three but doubted that I would be able to do it.  The climbs really ate me up but the down hills were my savour.  I was so darn close... 30 seconds off or so from that top 3 spot.  I got some redemption today for my crappy marathon last month!  When I am on, I AM ON!

Happy Running! 

OMG!  I am tired!

Ouch... went to the gym and did upper body weights but I gotta tell ya... I am so stinkin' sore!

I did 10,000 meter row followed by a 15 mile bike.  It felt good and not too hard on these still sore legs.  Had a massage yesterday... my lady cringed when she felt the knots in my quads which made me realize that I needed another rest day... I also yelled a bit which further enforced the need for more rest today!!! ;-)

Ran 6 miles, hilly bike of 13 so I gave myself some partial credit for that mileage, then 300 sit ups followed by 50 squats and upper body work. 

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short 6 mile bike on my new tri-bike... then 6 mile slogger on the mill at the gym.  I am exhausted this week, but I have been training hard. I haven't been taking mileage credit for all the biking I've been doing and cross-training so the work isn't reflected in my over all mileage.  I am hoping this helps keep my endurance up, helps add some base training as my legs seem to not fair well with high mileage running weeks.

recovery run easy pace. 15 mile bike. Taking credit for 3 more miles for that.

6 mile run with some 1/2 mile repeats thrown in there, 15 minutes on the highest incline on the treadmill at a brisk walk, 40 minute bike (hill setting taking 2 mile credit for this in my mileage this week), then upper body weight routine, squats, and abdominal work.

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6 mile run... 4 at 8:34 pace. 30 minute bike (giving myself 2 mile credit for that because of intensity), Squats, planks, medicine ball work, 40 pushups.

3 mile run... 1 mile at 9:13, the next 2 at 8:34. 2000 meter row, 300 sit ups on decline bench, shoulder work.  Race tomorrow!

Great morning for a race!  Got up and had the usual GI issues before hand.  I swear that it is an inevitable thing for me no matter what I do, but it did subside and I was hoping for a good time this morning.  Several weeks ago, I decided to change up my training completely.  Although my body can tolerate running a good amount of miles each week, it seemed to be working against me, rather than working for me.  Over the past year, I have noticed that I just wasn't pulling good times in my races and was very disappointed with several of my marathons.  Although my belly has been a big contributor to my slower times, I still think that I should have been feeling stronger going into the races, rather than feeling beaten down before I even toed the line.

The cruel reality is, I am getting older.  When I first started running, I was a few years younger and I had more time on my hands to recover from all that I was doing.  I wasn't working a full time night shift on a busy hospital floor back then either.  No matter what problem comes our way in life, we have to figure out a way to solve it or acclimate in such a way that we can overcome it.  If it isn't working... then why keep doing it?  It was time to take a chance so running and cross-training daily have become my routine for the last month or so.  Two weeks ago, I pulled a great time in a very difficult mountain trail race and took 4th in my division.  It was promising for me to see that I may be making some progress, but I couldn't be sure until I tested myself in my weakest event... the 5k.

A little chilly this morning for me.  I kept my hand tucked in my arm pits to keep them warm.  I am pretty sure that I have Raynaud's Disease, a recent discovery and a total pain in the a**.  It hurts.  I forgot to bring some gloves with me.  I could feel the odd numbness and tingling pain in my fingers. The course was laid out on paved walk-ways around the marina area.  It twisted and turned a bit here and there which kept the mind busy but it really helped me mentally to push onward.  My husband Dave was running with me today.  My oldest son hurt his foot jumping around in the house the day before, so he sat on the sidelines with my youngest son.  They were planning to walk some of the course together.

 I really had no clue where I was in the pecking order so I just ran as fast as I could.  I had set my garmin for a somewhat conservative 7:30 pace just to help me not to go out too fast.  When the race started, the first 1/4 mile, my watch said 6:20... oops.  As I ran, I could see my husband ahead of me and I was gaining on him.  When I passed him at a little over the mile mark, I was sure that he was right behind me.  There was an out and back area on the course, and when I saw my husband running toward me as I was leaving that section, I was surprised.  There was a woman ahead of me and I was determined not to let her beat me to the finish.  She was slowing and I was holding pace then I passed her.  As I approached the finish, I'm not sure why I didn't just book it.  I held back a little... not sure why I did that.  I still struggle at times with this feeling of fear.  It's almost like I'm afraid to just let myself cut loose.  Who knows what that means of what that is?  Just another thing to work out, work on, and work through I guess. 

I had no high expectations going into this race today and it was wonderful to run across the finish line and find out that I had taken 2nd place in the women's division.  I was only 30 seconds from the leader.  I shaved off a whole minute from my best 5k time ever.  Dave came in about a minute after me.  I was presented with a $50 prize.  Life is good!!  My new training may very well be working and I am so happy about that!!!

When I got home, I hit the gym for a 13 mile bike at moderate intensity and I felt great, but I did take a nap after!  LOL! 

Happy running!!! 

A very gentle 6 mile run today around a 9:30 pace. Finished up with some abs, core, and shoulder/back lifting.

15 mile run at 9:00 minute average pace followed by 13 mile bike which I am giving myself some cross training credit for.  I felt good on the run until the last mile where I was starting to feel tired.  The bike wasn't bad.  More of a challenge learning how to operate and ride the darn thing more than anything else!  LOL! (got a tri bike and I am having some issues getting used to it).

Rest

Rest

Went into this race feeling tired and I knew once I started running down that trail, that I was not rested enough to pull off a fast time.  The trail was a bit technical but I enjoyed it!  Had a nice time with my husband and boys. My youngest had fun at the face painting and games, and I even got a fake tattoo! ;-)

Recovery day - 6 miles easy, a little upper body work and abs.

Around a 9 minute pace... my gps watch died again. Last 4 miles I pushed hard.

20 mile hard bike, giving myself half the mileage credit.... followed by weights.

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Hard bike at level 9 for 60 minutes for about 16 miles. Giving myself some credit towards my mileage this week. Did arms and abs after.

3 easy miles followed by 2000 meter row.

Slow and a bit painful from mile 13 onward.  It was a lot warmer today than I am used to ...low 80's. I think that is why I was cramping.

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3 miles easy, 1 mile at 8:13, 1 mile at 8:21, 1 mile at 8:34.  I am tired from working the past few nights. abs, arms and squats.

6 mile gentle bike.

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Decided to run this race last weekend while chatting with my husband one morning.  He was doing his first triathlon scheduled for Saturday 3/10 and I said to him, wouldn't it be an awesome challenge for you to do that on Saturday and then run a half marathon on Sunday?  Dave is always up for a challenge.  I also decided to challenge myself by running this and then running my full the following weekend.

Perfect running weather this morning.  Dave and I arrived at the start.  He was feeling a little tuckered from his triathlon the day before but I knew that he would hold tough.  No major tummy issues for me, so I felt good.  I started in coral 3 with my husband.  I had hoped to run this with him, but from the start, he took off.  I am slow to get warmed up and don't usually run like a bullet at the start so I lost him in the crowd.

Felt strong today.  My plan was to run this like a tempo run but not too hard as too burn myself out for the full marathon.  I finally saw the back of Dave at around mile 7 and soon I reached and passed him waving and said, "Hey!"  He later said to me after the race, "I couldn't believe how strong you were at mile 8."  Dave was doing great and I was really impressed with how fast he was running despite his race the day before.

At around mile 9 or so, the "fun" began.  Hills and then a stinking monster hill about a mile long.  It was eating up the runners.  Because of my Ultra training, I have learned to run walk hills like this and it paid off.  Those around me that were running the entire time I kept up with and at the top, I wasn't tired.  When the downhill began for the next several miles that lead into Petco Park Baseball Stadium, I was tired mentally but physically felt good.  At times I hit low 6's on my pace and stopped once to collect myself.  As I came into the stadium, people were cheering.  I was pumped and sprinted to the finish!  All smiles and very happy with my time.  I wasn't tired and knew at this point that if I had raced this, I could probably have pulled at least a 1:46.  This was the first time I ran a 1:48 in an "official" half marathon.  The last time I ran a time like that was when I lived in Mazatlan and ran 13.1 miles with my friend Alan.  I remember how exhausted I was after I had done that in Mazatlan.  Total different story now.  I am just hoping that I have not jeopardized the marathon next weekend with this run, but I do think that I have the ability to recover quickly since I held back.  My husband finished up with a 1:51:35.  So proud of him!!!

After the race, Dave and I kicked back and watched other people finish at the stadium.  Saw Meb as he was there to give us all inspiration.  It was great seeing my friend Mary and Ele. A few beers together in the stands with live music put a great ending on a wonderful race.  Loved the course despite the monster hill and the finish at the stadium was truly epic!!!  Now... time to recover and gear up for LA on 3/18!!! 

Gentle bike at the gym... 30 minutes. Gave myself a little mileage credit.

One mile brisk walk on the treadmill. Tried running but just wasn't feeling it so I hopped off and went to the recumbant bike for 30 minutes on there. Gave myself some credit for what I did although it wasn't much.

Very easy pace today. mid 9's on pace with my friend Ellie followed by abs and arms at the gym.  Feeling a bit fatigued but I did work the past 2 nights.  I am sure it will come together by Sunday for the marathon.

Gentle 6 mile bike at the gym. 2000 meter row, I am not in the mood to run.

Another gentle bike 10 miles today and weights.

REST

I was concerned about the weather all week.  Each forecast that I looked at was calling for rain and a lot of it for LA on Sunday for the marathon.  I absolutely hate running in the rain.  I hate being frozen to the bone from it.  I knew that if the weather held true to the forecast, that this race would indeed be one of my most difficult.

I slept pretty well up until around 3 am.  There were people loudly talking to one another in a different language for about an hour and a half out in the hall.  Some people are so rude and oblivious.  I probably should have opened the door and said something, but now a days, you just don't know if it will make people act worse, so I rolled over and mumbled to myself. 

When I opened the curtains that morning and looked out at the sky from our hotel room window in downtown LA, the clouds seemed to scream rain.  I touched the window pain and felt the chill in the air through the glass.  I must have shifted through my clothing for about 20 minutes just trying to figure out how to dress.  I usually like to dress a bit stylish for a marathon.  After all, they cost a bit to enter and if I'm going to run all that way by choice, I choose also to look good doing it!  ;-)  

This morning was a different story.  I dressed for warmth and comfort.  I wore my LA issued long sleeved tech shirt over my singlet, brought a rain jacket, and one of those emergency rain ponchos.  My lucky superman fleece pants completed the ensemble and I was out the door by 5:15 with a kiss for luck from Dave.  I was prepared.  I had a great day the day before driving around and seeing some of the local sites including the Hollywood sign and La Brea Tar Pits.  A great meal at The Cheesecake Factory topped off the afternoon and I hoped that my stomach would tolerate it.  Thankfully, I was ok this morning.  As I left the room, one thing that I was sure not to forget was my gloves.  Now with this Raynaud's that I have, my hands have to be covered or they get so painful and numb that I seriously think that it could put me out of a race if coldness was allowed to settle into them.

I walked about 2 blocks to the shuttle pickup with several other marathoners and hopped on board the warm bus.  The ride was short and sweet.  I had an hour and a half until the race start, so I hit up the bathroom and found a nice warm spot next to the spot light generator.  It was blowing out hot air.  I had it blowing onto my backside and I faced outward as to not breath in the fumes.  Before too long, I had several other people standing there with me.  I stood there until 6:45 then I shed my layers, dropped my gear bag, and lined up to enter the corral.  It was already full to the brim.  I couldn't see the pacing group and I knew that I may be on my own to try and pace myself.

After a great vocal from one of the Pussycat Dolls singing the national anthem, the race began.  The horns blared and the wave start surged forward.  To this day, I still don't understand why someone that runs a 10 minute pace would get in a corral for an 8 minute pace.  I was stuck behind slower runners quite frequently throughout the race.  The first several miles, it was like playing a game of dodge ball, weaving in and out of people trying to avoid being stepped on or elbowed.  I kept pace with my little moving guy pacer on my garmin, and held that pace regardless.  I named him "Ralph."  The silly things we do when we are alone with our own thoughts.  I needed someone to encourage me and keep me focussed and the little digital man "Ralph" on my watch did just that.

It was a hilly course but I kept my mind focussed on pace.  At least when I ran up a hill, I knew that there would be either a level or some downhill on the other side.  To PR on this course would be a challenge and to BQ would be even a greater challenge.  I was determined to make one of those things happen today.  I had trained really hard the past 2 months, and I wanted to see results.

By mile 4, my long sleeved shirt was off tied around my waist.  I kept my pull off sleeves on along with my gloves.  There was a head on wind that varied from 5-15 MPH throughout the race, but amazingly no rain.  The clouds gave way to peeking sun and brought with it some much needed warmth along the course.  The "bad patches" would come and go where I would feel terrible... I would say "Talk to me Ralph" and look down at my watch.  I would then hear my affirmations.  "Yes, you can do this, disappointment is forever and pain is only temporary, so suck it up!"  It works for me.

The hydration stations are my only area where I typically allow myself to walk.  I can't drink and run at the same time.  It always leads to choking and burping which I really don't care to experience while racing.  This is an area where I lose time and I do need to work on this because I could shave off minutes in my marathons if I could run and drink but it is a mental relief to me to know that I have a place to rest and regroup along the way. I lost track of the miles and deliberately didn't look at that on my watch.  I didn't want to know what mile I was at because I don't like counting them down.  I took the race moment my moment and suddenly my watch died ( I guess around mile 17).  Along with that, there went my pacer "Ralph."  I had to judge pace the last several miles.  I think it was mile 20 when I finally asked someone what mile it was.  I was feeling a lot of pain in my upper left shoulder blade.  My right foot had pain in the pad of it (I think I have a morton's neuroma) which I have been trying to ignore the existence of it for the past several months.  Then soon, my left foot toe area lit on fire.  I knew that either meant bleeding toes or blisters.

 I had several stops the last few miles because of the knot in my upper back.  It was so bad that I was having a hard time even swinging the left arm while running.  I think I may have run too fast early on and was now paying the price.  At several points earlier in the race I was ahead of "Ralph" on my watch.  The last 2 miles, I could feel the wind really picking up.  Gusts of 30 mph make it for an interesting end.  Finally when I could see the finish line, it almost seemed like it took forever to reach it.  When I crossed and heard Dave yell my name, I felt like at that moment, everything came together.  I knew that a BQ didn't happen for me today, but I knew it was close.  I was feeling confident about a PR though.  Sure enough... it was mine.  I finally felt like I reaped some of the rewards of hard training and consistency that I have put into my training over the last several months.  True disappointment for me, comes in the form of seeing lack of improvement or progress.  I am indeed a work in progress and I do know one thing to be true.... I have only just begun.

 Splits-

10k 54:06

20k 1:47:03

30k 2:40:26

40k 3:37:25 

Gentle bike at the gym for recovery...45 minutes. Will give myself some mileage credit. Hit up the weights.

More biking. 45 minutes.

More biking... I have no urge to run at the moment... hit up the weights.  I am heading to Mazatlan in about two weeks, so having some decent looking abs in a bathing suit has motivated me to do lots of crunches!!!

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Added a little intensity... biked for 12 miles. 

6 mile slogger at 9:03 average pace, then 7 mile bike at moderately hard intensity. Ouch. Gave myself some credit for mileage on the bike. Then hit the weights with my usual routine of upper body work, abs, and squats... the legs will feel this tomorrow.

I am sick with a cold but I sucked it up and hit the gym anyway. 45 minutes on the Elliptical.  My legs are fried. I have a race this coming Sunday... the Carlsbad All Day 25k- five 5k races in a row!  I hope to have some snap in these legs by then!  Last year I was 3rd in my division and didn't realize that until a day or two later when I looked at my results.  This year, I hope to kill it and stick around after the race... an award would be nice!!!

Moderate to hard 18 mile bike in 60 minutes, intervals with setting 7, 8, 10 alternating. Gave myself 6 mile credit. Lower abs today.

60 mins on the elliptical in the AM then weights and I was working hard! 4 mile run in the PM with friends!

45 minutes of intervals on the elliptical, 20 minute bike, worked chest, shoulders, upper abs..

spent the day in bed with the stinking flu...

45 minute bike.... I have no desire to run. I am sick and I have a race this sunday.

easy 6 mile bike...

Well, I did this race last year and really enjoyed the challenge of racing five 5k's in a row all on the same day so I just had to subject myself to the torture again.  I knew this was going to be tough for me being that I just raced a marathon 2 weeks ago, but I was hoping to have a little speed in my legs for this race after 2 weeks of laying low, biking, and minimal running.  I honestly have had little desire to run since the marathon.  I have just been so fatigued mentally over the thought of heading out the door and hitting the pavement.  I guess it is some post race depression, and trying to get over the fact that I missed qualifying for Boston over just a few minutes.  I am still trying to wrap my mind around training that hard or even harder next time around and then running that far again to try again.  Lord have mercy!

Being that I had come down with the flu/respiratory infection last week on Thursday, I wasn't feeling my best still and it had been over a week of illness for me.  Really difficult to shake this bug!  I even called out of work one night which is totally not me but I had no choice with the fever that I had and pounding headache.

My husband decided to run this race with me and last minute, we signed up our son Kyle (17 yrs. old and has never run more than a 5k distance).  Kyle was being punished for mouthing off and my husband proposed to take him off punishment if he completed the all day 25k with us, so being the "surfing" lover kid that he is, he agreed to try.  Kyle did so well that he was the fastest person that completed all of the races for those under 20yrs. old.  He is paying the price dearly now however, walking down stairs backwards (the typical marathon walk) and unfortunately he now has the flu that I had :-(.

My husband had been razzing me all week how he was going to kick my tail.  Talk about pressure!  I couldn't let that happen... after all, I am the "marathoner/ultra gal" in my family and I have a reputation to uphold ;-) so I went into the race with crossed fingers.  I doubted that I would PR because of how sick I had been all week and still feeling fatigued from the marathon, but I had hopes of showing some improvement from last year in this challenging race.

Race 1- My husband and son ran like banchies while I held back.  I had master's women race next.  Since I had experienced running this race before, I knew better! We had a short break... then....

Race 2- It went ok... I had no speed in my legs yet ran it faster than last year.  After a PR 2 months ago of 22:20 in a 5k, it was a tad depressing to see the time below, still it was an improvement from 2011.  OMG... ten minutes till race 3....hurry over there then....

Race 3- Ok, this wasn't too bad, but I could feel myself slowing down a bit... that darn side cramp and coughing fit didn't help. S***.... ten minutes till race 4.... hurry over there then...

Race 4- This sucks... I am tired and I need a break!! REALLY?  I have to do this again?  If I have to run by that girl in the pink tu tu again... more slowing and that darn side stitch is killing me!!!! Ok phew done and 45 minutes till the last race... thank God!

Race 5- By the 5th time you hear someone singing the National Anthem and the horn blare, you seriously want to grab that horn and beat the singer with it!  Somehow I managed to get through it but this was really hard on me today.  That footlong meatball sub from Subway couldn't have hit the spot any better afterwards though, nor could that beer that I drank when I got home!!!

My husband did exceptionally well... finished 94th in the overall 25k results!  He is an animal!!!

I finished 89th overall and was the 19th overall female finisher for the All Day 25k with a total accrued time of 2:06:21 (8:08 pace average - which is 6 seconds per mile faster than last year).

 Race                             Time    Pace    O'All Sex Div

Masters Men 40+         24:47 / 7:59     118     22   22 

Masters Women 40+   23:53 / 7:42        85    23     5

Men 30-39                    25:21 / 8:10      109    21   21

Women 30-39              26:03 / 8:24        92    30   30 

29 & Under                   26:19 / 8:28      108   28   18

Happy Running!!! 

My created cardio-circuit (just to liven things up)...15 minutes on the cross trainer, 2000 meter row, 15 minutes on the elliptical, 20 minutes on the bike, upper body and abs. A little sore from my race yesterday mainly in the quads.  Still coughing from my flu/respiratory thing I caught last week.  I am looking forward to vacation in Mazatlan next week!

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Nice and easy pace

3 mile bike, 5000 meter row, 15 minutes on the elliptical, weights and ab work.

Nice run along the coast...

I am back in Mazatlan!!!  Got to run  along the malecon just like old times!  Saw my friend Guy who I ran my first marathon with a few years ago!  We are having a blast!!!

5 miles at the El Cid gym on the treadmill.... at least there is A/C... it is hot!!!

A short run along the malecon.... it was so hot!!!

a nice easy scoot through the El Cid golf course this morning!

rest today... a little hung over....and some belly issues over night after eating out.... gotta love Mexico!

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6 mile run in the golf course.  Beautiful morning!!

off... busy last day in Mazatlan!!!

6 mile run followed by 8 miles on the recumant bike at 16 miles per hour at level 8- will give myself mileage credit for this... totally kicked my own butt!!

6 mile slogger inlcuding some 1/2 mile repeats not as fast as I would have liked, followed by 6 mile bike.... back and chest weights done.

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15 miles on the bike, took some credit.

8 miles on the mill at 8:20 average pace followed by 30 minutes of biking at 10mph, weights and abs. Taking some credit for the biking.

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Ran 6 miles and biked 10 miles at  20mph on the recumbant bike.  Taking some credit for the biking. Felt good today.

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6 miles on the treadmill at 8:34 average pace.

Started the day with weights and abs work at my home.  Later, we drove to downtown San Diego on the Embarcadaro.  So pretty down there running by the big ships.  Followed it up with some shopping with my family in the area.

Did a 20 mile bike on the stationary bike with hill setting at level 13. It was tough when I hit the highest peaks on there where I actually had to stand  up on the bike.  I was sweating big time and it hurt my rear!  Finished up with weights and some ab work.

off... sore and just tired in general.

3 miles at 8:34 average pace, 2 miles at 8:20 average pace.

60 minutes on the bike at level 9 with a total of 4 columns at level 13 spread out evenly through the workout for a total of 18 miles. Another 30 minutes on the recumbant bike easy. Giving myself some credit for the workout.

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easy does it.

8 miles at 8:20 average pace.

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I decided to run this race 2 days before the half.  My intentions were to get a good tempo run in as I don't do well running fast without a crowd to keep me going.  It went well for the most part.  I ran on tired legs with a very short taper and could feel the ache in them when I toed the line.  A very BIG hill at mile 7 which kicked my a**.  I know if well rested, I could have done better.  The course was nice but I was thinking that I was going to be running through the Safari Animal Park but we ran towards it, in it for a short time and then finished in there.  At the end, I did see elephants!!!  The run was mostly through the country with wafting smells of animals, grass and poo.  I have to say, I breathed through my mouth multiple times along the course as it was quite stinky running through farm country.  I am just not used to that!!  LOL!  This was my longest run since my marathon in March.  I haden't run anything over 8 miles since the marathon and was wondering how I would do.  I have been doing a lot of cross training and was wondering if it would show today but I was pleased with the results.  10th in my division with little rest to prepare isn't too shabby and I will take it with a smile!!!

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13.1 miles on the bike.... very challenging hill repeats so I am giving myself some credit.

Total slogger today... so tired this week!!!  9:13 average pace.

3 miles on the mill.... 6 miles on the bike

Who the heck runs 20 miles on a treadmill?  I thought I would start on it early then run the roads but then opted to just keep going.  Insanity for sure. First 4 miles hurt and I was thinking about bagging the run, then suddenly those thoughts disappeared.  Started out at 9:13 pace for the first 4 miles then increased to 8:57 but put the mill on down hill for many miles. I have been doing so much training on the inclines on the bike that I thought that off setting it on the mill today would be good.  Killer.

Cross training day- recovery somewhat - 30 minutes on the elliptical followed by a 1 hour bike on hill repeats.  Up to 15 on level setting on those hills. 13 has become a little too easy.  Weights and abs done. 

off- worked last night

Hoped to cross train but so tired from work... slept instead!

6 mile slogger at 9:13 average pace.  I had to talk to myself the whole time to get it done.

Progressive  intervals... 7 miles on the mill starting at 9:13 for warm up, then progressively faster from 7:30 to 6:40 pace for 1/2 mile repeats. Killed me towards the end.  Then upper body weights followed with abs and weighted squats. Ouch.

On trails around my home nice and easy.

Last long run before the marathon in 2 weeks!!

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13 mile bike at level 9. Pretty easy and used it as a recovery day. I have a sore right foot (mortons neuroma). Gave myself some credit for the workout. Finished up with upper body weights and abs.  My dumbell rear flies are up to 25 pounds on each side!!!

1 mile warm up, 4 miles at 7:30 with 1/4 mile recovery, then 1/2 mile at 7:16, 1/2 mile at 7:03, 1/2 mile at 6:49, 1/2 mile at 6:40, 3/4 mile cool down.

1 hour bike including hills weights and abs done.

very tired run. had no watch.

10 miles on the bike. Took credit for 4.

rest

Bike at the gym.

0ff

easy

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Again, not my best marathon, but not my worst.  I was reminded soon in the race why I hate this course so much and with that being said, next year, I WILL NOT BE RUNNING THIS RACE again.  If I start talking about it, please remind me that it totally bites and don't allow me to even entertain the thought of running it again.

Arriving downtown was a breeze this year as I decided to take the Coaster.  Last year sitting in traffic for hours waiting to park was a nightmare, so when this option was presented to take the Coaster and a shuttle from Old Town to the Start, I jumped on it.   There would be no pacing group for me this year as they did not have someone running with my goal time. The weather this morning was ideal for running.  It was in the low 60's, with cloud cover and a light breeze. Going in to this race, I did not feel like I was where I needed to be.  I hadn't run a lot of long runs (only 2), I had a very short taper, and I have been dealing with a painful foot issue.

Didn't sleep that great and my stomach was off this morning so when I started running, I knew that I was going to eventually have to stop to use the facilities.  My left earphone wasn't working. Bummer.  My first stop was at mile 1 to pee.  At mile 7, I was holding on to pace but was suddenly feeling like all the wind was sucked out of my sails.  My legs became heavy.  Odd to feel this so early in a race.  A friend of mine was running the race, and I tried to stay up with her as she and I had similar goal times.  I could feel it falling apart. For me to get a BQ, everything has be perfect and it all has to come together just the right way.  I am not blessed with speed, so it really is important that it all feels right.

At my next potty stop before the half way point, I discovered that I had started my period  which totally explained why I felt like hell.  A bit of creativity with toilet paper helped keep things somewhat contained.  It was going to be a very long next half. 

My right foot with the Morton's Neuroma had started burning around mile 8 or so.  The roads are banked and slanted for a good middle portion of this race and it killed me!  I had no choice but to take walk breaks to alleviate the burning.  Another potty stop to move the bowels somewhere along the way.

I would say mile 7-24 was my bad patch.  Usually a bad patch goes away after a few miles, but mine stayed mile after mile.  At mile 22, I took a shot of beer (totally hit the spot!) while I was out on the island, affectionately know as "no man's land."  When you are out there, you feel like you and a few people that are running around you are the only survivors of the human race.  It looks as if a massive bomb went off around you leaving nothing but a desolate landscape.  While out there, you pray and hope God hears you.

For the last several miles, I sea-sawed back and forth with several runners.  I met a man that was using this as a training run for an upcoming Ironman.  He was hurting.  I talked with him for a bit and in doing that he helped me too.  I finished the race strong and I have hung yet another medal along with the others that I have collected over the past several years.  There is no PR, no Boston Qualifying time associated with it, but it was well earned as they all have been.

I have learned however, that I essentially have one really fast marathon in me a year and my opportunity presented itself this past March in LA.  I should have purchased a new running watch for that race so that I would have been able to pace myself correctly for it.  That was a huge mistake in hindsight.

I have decided to change gears now and focus on bigger things for the fall racing season... Ultras and a 100 mile race.  Some people view a Boston Qualifying time as something that is like a right of passage and the "ultimate" accomplishment.  I have qualified before, and I will again when things all come together.

I used to think that I would gain more respect among those that run if I maintained that "BQ badge."  I can only say at this point, that after running as many races as I have in my short running career, if I haven't earned that level of respect among my peers, then they do not really understand what it means to be a marathoner.  I have run despite multiple issues whether it be pain related, bowel issues, and injury.  I run when people around me don't support me, snub their nose at me because I don't run as fast as them, and question my sanity when I run several races in a month.  I am a Marathoner.

Happy Running! 

5 Km        10 Km       Half         16.8 Mi        20 Mi         25 Mi

26:43          52:02      1:57:58       2:33:08       3:05:31      3:56:14

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easy as it should be...

6 mile fartlek run followed by weights and abs work.  Great run through the campgrounds.  I have decided to change up my routine at the gym.

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4 mile run to the gym, did some weights and core strengthening then 4 mile run home.  This is a hilly run.

Total slogger through Encinitas.  Tired the whole time.

7 miles total... 1 mile warm up then 1 mile at 7:30, then 3 miles at 7:18 pace. Each with recoveries of brisk walking in between with incline increased to 8%. Weight routine followed.

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45 minute bike followed by crunches on the decline bench,70 pound squats, and pull up machine routine. I am sore!

mile repeats x4 the rest ez

13.25 mile run on the treadmill at the gym and set it with a decline to beat up my quads a bit.  Gotta start training for the downhill at Nobel Canyon in September.  Squats, abs, and arms weights done.

Very gentle 5 mile run... stop and go. Very tired today.

Bike and run combo.

Killer run with 10 guys through the trails and hills of San Elijo. I did well the first half and kept up with them just fine until we hit the steap areas.  I have some work to do for my Ultra.

off... work

Easy pace 9:13/mile but felt hard today.  I have some very sore legs from squats and stair stepper!!!

off- work

nice scoot around the neighborhood.

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9.5 miles on the mill with 6 miles worth of repeats followed by 1250 stairs on the stair stepper, then 8 mile bike on level 8. Lots of weights today... abs, upper body and squats. I am toast.

ez on the mill

7 miles in the morning and 4 in the evening.

ez 4 miles this evening. Hit the gym this morning for some cross training on the bike.

off today...my les are toast.

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12 x 800 at 7:23 pace with 400 meter recoveries for a total of 10 miles. Could have gone longer but had to get home to sleep for work.

Tired!!!! Rest! !!!

slow on the mill... abs, upper body work then squats with medicine ball.

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easy 5 miles on the mill followed by abs and arms weight routine. No more lifting for the legs until after the marathon!

nice and easy with my son Kyle (17yrs), Ellie, and the girls... 9:13 average pace.

off...I luv taper!!

8:50average pace running with Carlos...

easy 3 miles on the treadmill... upper body weights and abs routine.

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Nice and easy.

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It was a beautiful weekend in SF! My friend Beth and I left San Diego on Friday afternoon. I had only slept about 2 hours that morning since I had to get up to go with my husband to go sign for our new house before I left town for the weekend. Beth nearly missed the flight and for a minute there, I thought I would be flying solo to SF. Beth and I had such a great conversation on the plane. For the first time, we really got to talk without others around. We arrived in SF without issues and found our hotel with the help of our totally manic, high strung loony toon of a cab driver. We were actually scared riding in the car with this woman! What a nut!

 The Marriott was nice and the room had plenty of space for us gals.  There were going to be four of us staying in the room. It would be the first time I met Tenille, and Treasure was to arrive on Saturday night. Tenille, Beth and I met up with some friends of Tenille's. What a nice group of gals. We spent the evening walking around SF downtown, found a great place to eat, and froze our butts off! On our return to the room, we ventured down to the jacuzzi tub to soak our legs and let all our worries drift away with the bubbles.   The following day, we headed to the expo and had a blast shopping! We got some awesome pictures of us with an extremely tall and buff dude dressed in his underwear wearing an animal mask with horns... Not sure what that animal was! But, that dude was built!!! The reast of the day was pretty low key as we knew we would be running the next day. Tenille and Beth got spa treatments. I cheaped out and didn't get a treatment as I was feeling a tad guilty about being in SF without the family.

We all seemed to sleep pretty well that night but 4am came quickly for all of us. Getting ready in the morning was easy for me as I showered the night before. Some oatmeal, and some coffee and we were out the door. Treasure bought a bib off a gal that planned to run the half. We were going to try to sneak Treasure onto the full Marathon course. She was caught at the gait entrance but we managed to distract the staff long enough to get her in. 

Beth and I ran together for the first 8-9 miles and when we approached the Golden Gait bridge, the excitement grew among the runners.  The area that separated runners from the traffic was a bit narrow, so dodging people to keep pace was difficult.  Beth had a goal of 4:30 and I was determined to help her reach that goal.  I kept losing Beth in the crowd while I was trying to keep the pace required to pull a good time.  When I lost Beth the second time and couldn't find her again, I was really bummed. As the race went on, it became more clear to me that we would indeed have to run this race our own way.  The hills of San Francisco are not kind, nor are the downhills.  However, the weather could not have been any better with cool misty fog cover for miles.  I didn't see the sun until a few miles out from the finish. Passing through neighborhoods, seeing Alcatraz out in the distance in the ocean while running the coast line, and just running for the fun of it really made this race that much more enjoyable for me.  Most times, races are just that.  A race. A race against the clock, a race against yourself or a race to achieve a lofty goal.  Today my goal was to see someone else reach her goal and when that didn't happen, my goal changed to just enjoying the experience. Although around mile 21-22 my right foot plagued me with burning pain, I was still having the time of my life and loving every painful step!  Crossing the finish line was relief.  Finding my friends after and seeing them all sporting their beautiful and hard earned medals was by far the hi-light of my day (although that post race meal and beer was pretty darn good ;-) along with the post race fabulous foot massage!)  A great weekend and a tough but awesome race.  I would definately run this one again!!!

Happy Running!! 

Off... A little sore but not bad!

Another day off... My right foot is burning.

Easy 5 ... Still suffering a bit.

Moving day.... Worked all night to come home to a moving truck in the driveway and I'm not even fully packed yet. Lord help me!!!!

Yesterday was a marathon of a different kind. I woke up at 4pm on Wednesday, worked all night... Then moved all day and didn't put my head down on a pillow until 11pm that night. I literally was losing it and seeing clouds and smoke in the rooms by the end of it all. Exhausted. My gal pals came over later in the day to help me unpack. I love my friends!!!!

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Slow 19 miler... My son Kyle did about 21. He is ready for his first Marathon on August 18th!! Excited for him!!! My right foot started acting up around mile 8 and burned for the remainder on the run. I did do some walking the last few miles. I know that I am still recovering from the marThon 2 weeks ago. I can really feel it in my lungs and I just feel lethargic. Moving last week killed me too.

Rest

Off... Work.

5 mile run... Exhausted. Squats at 160 pounds, upper body, abs done.

Hot out there today... Very slow and pokey run. I am just so tired from the move and from everything in general. This darn right foot burns. Heading to the doctor tomorrow for a cortisone shot. I have no choice as this really is becoming a problem for me.

Ran easy... Cortisone injection later today :-(

No run today, post cortisone in ejection to right foot. I have a Morton's neuroma and metatarsalgia. It was a terrible experience and boy did it hurt. I could have hurled!!!!

Another 8 hot and sticky miles. Thank God my friend Ellie can talk a tin ear off a brass monkey!!! I don't feel like running lately. My foot was ok up till mile 5 and then the burning pain came back in the pad of my foot. Next Sunday's marathon is sure to be interesting. It will be my 17 year old's first marathon and I am to run it with him. I may be running it on Vicodan. :-/

My first attempt at any real speed work since my lays marathon on July 29th. 1/4 mile repeats at 9.5 miles an hour with 1/4 mile recoveries. I feel just weak and tired. No gusto. The marathon is Sunday... Saying a prayer for some improvement with my foot by then.

Off... Worked last night.

too tired... Another rest day.

4 easy miles at the gym, abs and arms done. I feel fat.

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Today was to be an epic day because my 17 year old son was to run his first Marathon.  I have been training him over the last several months and we have come very far with his speed and endurance.  Kyle planned to run this race with me today because of his inexperience with running long races and pacing.  The race was a very low key event in Santa Monica along the coast and pier.  As you can see, it was so low key that I actually won the marathon in the female catagory with an unimpressive time of 4:23:06 LOL!!!  Kyle turned on his speed swith the last several miles and came in about 3 minutes before me.

 We drove up to Santa Monica... Kyle, Beth, Tenille (who planned to run the 50k distance), and my son Kyle.  It was a beautiful morning but that sun was going to present some challenges later in the day and I could feel the humidity in the air already!  Kyle, Beth and I set out on our run together and Tenille went in another direction for her 50k distance. The course was a bit confusing and the race director had to go over the course layout several times with all of us because there were 1/2 marathoners, marathoners, and people doing a 50k all on the same day at the same time.  Even though we ran further than we were supposed to the first loop, we were able to make adjustments to the course layout to give us the full marathon distance.  Kyle began to struggle at around mile 14-15. His hip was really starting to hurt.  Running on the cement walkways along the ocean can really take a toll on the joints.  He was struggling to keep the pace.  He was thinking about calling it quits and told me to go ahead.  I hated to leave him but I pushed onward.  I got my second wind and started cruising!  I felt really good and I am sure I was running in the 7's on pace.  

Kyle fell behind and was probably about a mile behind me when he got his second wind and managed to catch up.  By mile 18, Kyle and I were once again running together.  We took our time in the aid stations, sometimes 3 minutes or more.  I wanted to be sure that he was hydrated enough and that he wasn't pushing too hard.  The first full marathon can really be tough on the body and Kyle is only 17... call it a motherly love, although I like to push him, I certainly don't want to hurt him or cause him injury.  It started to get really hot.  I am so glad that Kyle and I both wore hydration waste belts because we needed it!!!

Beth pulled off her best marathon time yet!!!  Tenille decided to complete the marathon distance due to the heat and finished strong as well!!! 

It was my third marathon in 3 months and my 2nd in 3 weeks.  I am glad that I finished, but so incredibly proud of my son!!!  He stuck it out and didn't quit!!! He is turning into such an incredible young man and one that I think many others will look up to!!!  Running this race with him today was very special for me.  Although we didn't talk much the hours that we ran together, we learned a lot about eachother. Great job Kyle!!!

Happy Running!!! 

Rest.  Ran a marathon yesterday, took an hour nap and then went into work and worked a 12 hour night shift!!  Yeah.  crazy .

rest... working

Nice and easy then hit up the weight room!

I am so tired.

easy does it.

11 miles in the Santa Anna Mountains with a group of trail runners and my son Kyle.  What an awesome place to run.  Kyle absolutely loved his first trail run!!!  It got hot though as the day went on!!!  Very steep climbs today which will make for some very sore legs tomorrow!!!

off... I am totally sore from that trail run!!!

30 minutes on the bike followed by upper body weights and abs routines.

off working...

Easy 6 on the mill but it felt a little hard. Still think I am recovering from the 11 mile run in the Mountains this past weekend.  Followed this run up with lower body weights routines.

4 miles at 3.4 mph on 9% incline followed by weights/leg work.

6 miles at 7.2-7.4 mph, 1/4 mile recoveries at 3.4 mph at 9% incline. So pooped! abs and upper body done.

off... big run tomorrow!

Beautiful  morning for a run in Noble Canyon with my friends Jeff, Carlos, and Vanessa.  Overcast and cool with a breeze at the start... 7:15 am.  Headed up 10 miles with a gain of 4000 feet and then turned around and ran back down.  It is more like a speed walk/hike on the way up because of all the rock and the steep areas.  Coming down could be an easy way to turn an ankle and I had tweaked my left ankle twice so the last 2 miles I really took it easy.  It was very HOT by then (pushing 90) at the bottom of the canyon.  Later, my runners knee kicked in and I hobbled around at work.  Thankfully they let me go home early from work due to low census.  One interesting site today was the Bob cat I saw when I came around the corner at the top of cresting a hill.  He must have heard me coming because he was running away from me up the trail and then jumped off into the brush.  I then pulled out my mace for the rest of the run... kinda freaked me out!!  LOL!!!

off working...

off working ...

so tired. hardly could run and still sore from the weekend. shoulders done!

45 mins on the crosstrainer... intervals. then upper body snd abs. topped it off with squats using the medicine ball.

Hilly loop around my house. My legs are just killing me.

17 miles in the hills with the Dirt Devil running group.  Faired ok the first 13 but the last 4 it was hot and my legs are just shot from trail running, the rocks and the hills and down hills.  I just don't know what's up with me... gee!?!  Could it be the 3 marathons I have run in the past 3 months!!!?  Dumb dumb.  

Nice and easy... My legs are toast!

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My legs are so fried. Off.

2 miles of inclines 9-15% @ 3.4 mph then 3 mile ez run. Abs, squats, shoulder work.

6 ez miles then 4 mile bike. 200 crunches, 60 pushups.

30 mins on elliptical and 30 mins on the bike

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2 miles of incline training alternating between 9% - 30% incline for equal intervals then 4 miles downhill at -3%. Finished with ab work and arms.

2 miles of incline work alternating between equal intervals of 9%-30% incline... 30 minutes on the bike with some intervals thrown in there. Arms work afterwards.

3 miles down hill, 3 milrs with incline then one mile cool.

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I feel like crap.... this was hard.

rest today.... 50 k tomorrow. Btw....just in tim for my race! A visit from an unwanted friend!!!! :-/

The night before the race, I struggled to sleep. I attribute that to just being overtired from work but when the alarm went off at 3:50am, I hoped that a cup of coffee or two would do the trick for me. By 4:45, I was out the door with bags, gear, and a small cooler of beer. I anticipated it to be a hot day, and a cold beer after running 32 miles in the mountains had to be a part of my recovery routine. After all, I was wearing my motivation on my socks that said "BEER" written in large black letters down the sides of them. If beer can motivate me, I was sure that it would motivate another to finish the race.

Seeing so many of my good friends really added to the wonderful vibe of the morning! Some of them chose to camp out overnight up there. I chose to stay home and drive up alone the next morning. My son Kyle would not be joining me for the ultra after all. He recently started cross country with his school and we knew that if he ran with me today, he would not be able to compete for his school for several weeks due to his inexperience and recovery time needs. I missed him and thought about him a lot today on the run. Kyle plays piano quite well and when one of the songs came on my phone, it helped push me along as I thought of him.

My goal today was to beat last year's time. I had no idea how I was going to do today because I have done so many marathons since June but I was eager to get this done as fast as possible. My plan was to get down to the bottom of the canyon as quickly as I could so that while heading back up, it would be early enough in the morning where the heat hopefully wouldn't be as brutal. Standing at the start with so many amazing runners is such a awesome feeling and knowing that many of them are some of my closest friends made it emotional for me. My friends Beth and Trisha were running their first ultra today and Chad, Chris, and Jeff were all striving for that PR. Chris would go on to finish in 3rd place today. He is such an amazing runner!!! I need to say, that if it wasn't for Jeff, my PR would not have happened. Jeff helped me train the last several weeks. We ran these trails and some other tough trails around northern San Diego. He is a powerhouse of a guy and amazing in his own right as a 100 mile finisher.

Typical of the course, be expected to catch a toe multiple times on rocks while running here. It is an art to run trails, and also an art to save yourself from a trip that most would anticipate a massive fall as a result. I somehow saved myself multiple times from falling while running down that canyon!!! Seeing friends along the way helped me stay strong. When I reached the aid stations, I would grab some chips, salt tabs and refill my bottles. The volunteers were awesome and so helpful. They made sure we had everything we needed to continue on our way. I saw Chad scoot by with his smooth effortless stride. Then soon on the return from the bottom, I saw Vanessa... looking like a hot Momma in her inknburn pants. Then I think it was Trisha next (i may have the order confused). She looked like she was having the best time! She was beaming! Shortly after, I saw Beth. Beth has a gorgeous smile, and she lit up the trail with it when I passed her by. Hey... Wheres Jeff? Somehow I missed seeing him!

I bonked a little by the time I reached the next aide station. I was breathing hard, stuffed my mouth with fritos and as I breathed, the crumbs spilled out onto the ground as I leaned forward. It must have been quite the site to see. Lol! Very unladylike but after a farmer's blow and a few snorts, I felt better and frankly.... When you run this far, all the pretty ladylike and girly mannerisms go to the wayside because you just don't give a sh** what people think!!!!

When I finally got out of the canyon, I only had 9 miles to go and another aide station in 5 miles. I have to say that my incline training really helped me getting up that canyon. Using the treadmill at a 30% incline makes the body strong. I felt exhausted but still able to keep moving quickly. The only real issue I had was a sore upper back. Surprisingly my right foot gave me no issue. As I caught up to people that passed me long before and passed them, I felt totally excited that I was still able to keep a good pace despite the climb that eats many runners up. At the last part before getting out of that darn canyon, I caught my foot again on a rock, but this time I couldn't save it. I fell like a tree that had been cut at it's base. If I had thought of it at the time, I should have yelled "Timber!" With a bloody elbow and a face full of dirt and dust, I brushed myself off, swore a bit and continued on my way. My bottle of ice water helped to clean off the elbow and rinse the dirt from my mouth.

The beauty of the last climb is so stunning. I stopped just for a moment to take in the view. I hadn't seen anyone for a long time and wondered if I missed a turn but soon I found another orange strip marker which verified that I was indeed on the right trail... I was just ALONE and it seemed like it was forever until I caught up with the next runner. Lance was his name. We chatted for a bit and it helped get me through a bad patch. Before I saw Lance, I had resorted to talking to myself... and I wasn't being a very supportive person to myself at this point. I just wanted to be done and in trying to motivate myself, I swore like a truck driver out loud under my breath. When Lance and I reached the last downhill heading into the finish, I said my goodbyes to him and took off down the trail. Downhill running is my strength and whenever I could, I used that strength today.

Coming to the last aide station, I ate a few pickles, dumped out my water bottles and kept just one bottle with fluids to lighten my load. I only had about 4 miles to go. Up ahead, I can see that darn lady in the white spandex shorts that passed me 8 miles back. I wanted to catch her but just couldn't seem to muster it although I came close enough to see her pink bikini underwear glimmering through the backside of her shorts. ;-)

This year, I didn't have Evan to greet me and help run me in to the finish as he decided to stay home. I was ok with it. When I set my mind to do something, I will do it no matter what. As I came across the finish line and saw Dave and Kyle standing there to greet me, I hugged each one of them. Not only had I finished the race with a huge improvement on my time, but I had felt like I had finally arrived home.

Post race.... A beer, some chilly, crackers and lots of pictures! Thanks to everyone for making this a fabulous event!!! Kyle and I stayed to wait for everyone to finish. I wanted to be there to show my support for them as it is a big accomplishment to finish this tough race!!!! Great work to all of you and love you all so much!!!!

Ouchie....rest

More rest

2 mile walk... Ugh. Not ready to run yet.

Very easy going...practiced my speed walk for the 100 miler. Covered 8.5 miles in 2 hours!!! Not bad!!

9 miles worth of running, speed walking and inclines. Then biked 10 miles in 30 minutes.

Off...work

Off.. Work

Off... I am a bit sick.

Combination of running, speed walking, down hills and inclines. Weights done.