White (Out) River 50 Mile; Race Report.

My last long race at Leona Divide 50m was less than ideal. I had worked very hard focused a lot of energy on that being my A race. Long story short, it was a shit show and I stopped at an aid station halfway wanting to quit for 45 minutes. Now that I am training for a 100 miles, which is more of a mental marathon than physical, I wanted to have a race in between Leona Divide and Pine to Palm 100. I wanted a good memory and something positive to fall back on in moments of self doubt and negativity, as I would be dumb to say those won’t happen.

Bend... Just stop.

Running with Steph, Riley & Jack

This summer I have been kept super busy working in the lab and running a lot with friends over the weekends. So, I hadn’t thought much about my impending, redeeming, 50 mile race: White River. Last weekend I went on some really quality training runs near Bend, OR. Every time I go, I fall more in love with that area. On Saturday, I ran around Green Lakes and Soda Creek trails on a gorgeous day; I felt like I was floating. Sunday I ran with Stephanie (Howe) & Zach Violett and their super in shape dog, Riley. Seriously, Riley can definitely kick my butt any day. We ran this awesome loop around 3 Finger Jack. It was gorgeous but I bonked so hard as it was 100% exposed and very hot.

The day before the race, I got off work early and drove to Crystal Mountain Resort in Mt Rainier Natl Park, WA. The drive through gorgeous mountains alone had me drooling and wishing for a 48 hour adventure run rather than a race. I got to the resort in time to hear a course briefing from Scott McCoubrey, RD, and get checked in. I ate my Tupperware dinner and crawled into my sleeping bag in the back of my car.

Off & Running! PC Glenn Tachiyama

Love this girl!

6 am the race was off. For some odd reason, I led the women’s pack at mile 1. I did not intend to go out any faster than I felt was good for me. I got passed by a LOT of people in the first couple miles. Whatever, I thought, I’ll catch back up, they’ll fade back, we still have 46 more miles to go… After 5k, the course started winding up, up, up. For ten miles, I had my hands on my knees and huffed around switchbacks on the first climb. It was cold, wet, windy, and I felt like I was sucking supremely. Not again, I thought, why can’t I nail the 50 mile distance? Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed running along huge cliffs, by waterfalls, up steep stairs, and through the mud. The forest in the rain and fog is one of my favorite spots to be. However, for that climb, I was not having a good day. I felt so tired, heavy and slow. It was very frustrating. I didn’t let the thought of quitting enter my mind, but by the time we started heading back on the OAB section, I had decided today would be good 100 mile practice: long time on my feet, not feeling good, and just getting it done. Sigh.

Scott's Course Map

Fortunately, at that point, I had started running with two other women, Monica Ochs & Sarah Parker. We commiserated that we weren’t having the days we had hoped for, but filled that whole downhill with great conversation. Both women were nurses and so I had a lot of questions for them as well. By the time we hit mile 27 Aid station, my outlook had become a lot more positive. Unfortunately, I had become happy and fine with just running to finish the darn thing, but then a volunteer had to go and tell me I was 12^th woman. Drat. Now that the possibility of making top ten entered my mind, I dropped my complacent attitude and started running a little faster.

We had another long climb and I surprised myself by running most of the way up it. I knew we had a downhill then 10km to the finish, both things I estimated I could coast on, so I had to really put in the work on the hill. On the way up, I passed a lot of people to the tune of David Guetta and Spanish flamenco. Near the top of the hill, I came upon a woman in blue. I hiked/ran behind her for quite some time. Neither of us giving an inch. We went on like this for a long while until we came to a little bit of a downhill (a major fakeout before a steep pitch to Suntop- the last bit of the climb). I burst around her and sprinted as hard as I could down the trail. The mud made it a bit of an extreme slip n slide, but I made it upright, with grace and poise. I also gapped her a little. However, she very persistently followed me on that steep part to the aid station. We arrived at the same time and she opened her pack to have her bladder filled. Seizing this opportunity, I grabbed one gel and took off.

Course profile. I clocked it at 9500' gain.

This is where I put on the hurt. From Suntop, the course winds down a fire road for several miles to the last aid station. I hurled myself as fast as I could down the road. I kept looking over my shoulder and would see a blue figure emerging from the white mist. I hugged the turns as best I could to try to put physical objects like trees, in between us. Usually, when one loses sight of a competitor they are chasing, they start to give up. This downhill was painful, I was running as fast as I could and already had 37-44 miles on my legs. A bit of the way down, I really had to go to the bathroom. I weighed my options: A. I could quickly put on the brakes and pull over. Ouch. B. I could pull over, but then the girls I had just passed would catch up. Or C, my most appealing option, just pee my pants. I mean, it was raining after all, and I thought it would only be just a tinkle… Well. At least I was hydrating!

 

What we should have seen at Suntop. PC Seattle Running Club

I was pretty happy to be done with that first climb...

The road started to flatten out and I caught sight of another woman. I don’t know why, but I had kept telling myself that each time I caught someone, I had just gotten 10^th place; I would need to seriously work hard to not let top ten slip… In reality, I had no idea what place I was in. This mindset kept me edging closer to her. We came into the final AS together, and once again, I took off. However, she stayed right behind me. We managed a couple sentences here and there before she gapped me a bit. I switched my ipod until it came to Taylor Swift and put my head down. I had made a goal for myself that I needed to break 9 hours. Suddenly, my head was filled with Swiftian boy rage and calculating exactly what my maximum pace had to be in order to break 9. I caught up to the woman in yellow and passed her. Soon, another woman. Taylor Swift kept lamenting about how she knows places as I wound my way alone through the woods. This last 10km really was a kick in the balls with wet rock, logs, roots, and constant up and down. I had no idea where I was directionally, geographically, and if I was near the finish. The rushing of the White River (it really is white) and the soft crunching of moss and leaves underfoot and the swirling wind and rain in the canopy was peaceful. It was like a metronome consistently pulling me through the never-ending forest.

All business

As the clock ticked on, I grew more and more agitated that I wouldn’t make the cutoff I had set for myself. I made little promises to myself- okay, you can hike ten steps here, you can have oreos when you are done, you can accomplish one of your goals for the day… (Because apparently I was still thinking I wasn’t top ten). Just before the trail emptied out onto the familiar road leading into the campground, I saw another woman. FML. Now I was gonna have to sprint for it. I let it out. I put everything I had into that last half mile, and not an ounce less. I crossed the line at 8:56 in 5^th place (33^rd overall and 3^rd in my 20-29 age group). I was so happy to be done.

The more I think about this race, the more proud I am over how hard I pushed and raced the second half. I passed at least 7 women in the last 20 miles and didn’t let up. I am so fortunate to have met some awesome people at the race- I love new friends! And experience a super tough course with amazing volunteers and atmosphere. Once again, the people in this community make every experience a happy, positive, and humble one! Super grateful for my coach, Meghan, giving me a ton of last minute words of wisdom and getting me to the start AND finish line. I would be still lost in the fog without her (literally and figuratively).

Strava data HERE.

Gear used:

-TNF Stow N Go Bra, BTN shorts/ singlet, visor, arm sleeves

-Stance socks & Pearl Izumi Trail N2

-Garmin 910XT

-Salomon Sense vest

-1 Gu gel every thirty minutes, including on the start line, 3 S! caps, & approx. 10 dixie cups of coke

Gear I wish I used:

-gloves & buff 

LD50- "Leona Divide 50m" or "Lethal Dose 50%." Take Your Pick.

Disclaimer: Some content and language is not suitable for children under the age of 18.

Leona Divide 50m came and went on Saturday. I was super excited for this race. Other than track 5ks, I've never raced southern California. I was especially excited to get on the PCT trail- the pictures I furiously google image & race report stalked were gorgeous.

Drawing course maps > Studying

The weekend before the race, as if I wasn't nervous enough, I got sick. I was congested, super tired, and felt overall very very crappy. For me, when I get sick, I still regain a high level of functionality and can go about daily activities (work, school) fine, but running sucks and I feel terrible. I took sunday off and tried blasting my system with every immune-boosting thing I could think of. I chugged EmergenC like it was coffee- my life depended on it. Tuesday I attempted a very light track workout but was so slow, heavy and wrecked. I took pretty much the rest of the week off & laid low after advice from Stephanie Howe and other friends.

Friday I shook out for 20 minutes and drove down with my (much more sick) roommate to her house in Simi Valley. I stayed the night there then woke very, very early after a fitful, nervous, not very sound sleep to drive the rest of the way to Santa Clarita.

I was pumped. I was excited, feeling a bit better and ready to go. I was so thrilled to test my limits in a 50 miler (I ran TNF50 for "fun" and just cruised comfortably & casually). I had so much confidence in myself and really, really trusted in my training. Meghan's advice was to challenge myself. Who knew that that would take on a whole new meaning....

Obviously too optimistic Pre-race

Seeing friends Billy Yang and Gina Lucrezi at the start was so welcome as I didn't know anybody else. Gina and I started out together, we were in the lead, and I tried my hardest to take it casual in the beginning. We were running up 2.75m to the PCT trail and then would go out and back in both directions. (See course map for reference so you know what the heck I'm talking about if you are not familiar with this course). I stopped to pee and she kept going, so I was just content on keeping her in my sights. I ran a couple miles with Billy, which was super fun, and I loved talking to someone. Though, he turned at the first aid station for the 50k and I had to keep going. At this point, I was feeling "alright". I assumed it was just a matter of shaking off the cobwebs from not running at all in the past week, and that soon I would be warmed up. (Again, would take on a different meaning once the sun came fully out).

Going up the hill from that AS, the woman who would go on to win, passed me. I was kind of struggling to get a rhythm and tried talking to her to bring myself to a better place, but she just replied, "sorry but I'm breathing out of my ass!" I let her go and figured I could definitely catch her on the downhill, my specialty. We had a 6 mile downhill to the second AS, at mi 17.5, which was also the first turnaround. On the downhill, my legs were not responsive. I stumbled over rocks and was cursing myself. On the previous climb I was wishing I hadn't even started, as a DNF idea was being entertained. Multiple guys passed me on the downhill and I could barely pick my feet up. Everything was so forced! By this point, I had tucked my skirt into the liner shorts (Real attractive look. Seriously, holla at me boys) because I was just so frustrated with life and hot and not having a good time. Misery at it's "finest." I saw Gina close to the AS on her return as well as the blue-skirt lady and exchanged high fives and words of mumbled encouragement (It was already BLAZING balls hot out.) Gina was 12 minutes in front of me at that point. I don't know why I didn't think to drop there, maybe I told myself I'd keep going, to at least get SOME mileage out of a taper week and training. But then I also had to go up that god-forsaken 6 mi hill. FML.

Cause sparkles make you faster, duh.

At first, I struggled. But then I just set my sights low on pace and chugged. Surprisingly, I managed and got up it in around 70mins. I was definitely off my suspected 8 hr pace, but the guy I strava stalked made it up in the same time, so I gave myself a little pat on the back for that. At this point, a woman, Ms. Neon shirt, came up and was topping out the hill with me. We ran for a stretch along the top but she gapped me towards the middle of the downhill back to the aid station. At this point in time, I had already written a DNF race report in my head, played out my phone conversation with Meghan, and accepted deep in my heart that I would DNF for the first time and not finish my 9th ultra. I reasoned that several runners have DNFed on a not-so great day and that it was fine; I'd live to fight another day, another race... I stumbled down the hill, not so much from my heavy legs, but from the tears building up in my eyes. I was crushed in every aspect of the word.

I came upon the aid station, mi 26, in the midst of cheers and horns and cowbells. What should have been a spirit booster and ragin' good time. They asked me what they could do and I just started sobbing, repeating "I don't want to finish". They sat me down in a chair and put ice on my back, while I cried my heart out. I can't remember the last time I cried that hard. Usually, when it is hot and dry, my nose bleeds. (My nose was a bloody boogery mess the whole day- right from the start). So, I was spewing blood, boogers, snot and tears all over this poor volunteer. She was force feeding me coke and otter pops (holy good lord those were effing amazing). Back up on the hill, when I knew I wouldn't continue, I stopped eating and drinking. Big time No No. (By the time I reached the AS I hadn't consumed calories in 1.5hrs). I sat there crying for 20 mins while this saint talked to me about all things- her grad studies, where I studied, where we were from, a story about a cute guy, everything. The tears subsided as I had nothing left. She kept asking me every 5 mins or so if I was ready to get back out there, and I kept responding "No, I'm done. I suck. I don't want to go. I want to go home". She never said okay, she just said well lets wait some more. At one point I stopped my watch, knowing it was final and resolute that I would drop.

This was probably the lowest point I've ever, ever reached in my career as an athlete. (Aside from season-ending injuries). I've never spent more than 10 minutes at an AS and I spent at least 45 there. She kept asking me if I was ready to go and my resolve was getting weaker and weaker. She said, "hey, so I've been dying to get out for a run, you can run out with me for three miles and can turn around and come back at any point, but I will go out three miles. Come with me." I got so fed up with sucking and being miserable and I have no idea why the hell, but I obliged and we set off. I took an otter pop to go and we started booking up the trail. I felt great. Not super fresh, but way better. We had a great conversation, but then three miles flew by. She told me go catch that guy and then she would turn around. (We were passing people like they stood still). I caught him and she bid me farewell with the best hug. I was so grateful. I knew then that I would finish. My time goals and competition goals were completely thrown out of the 87th floor window, but I knew I would get through it. I was happy.

But that doesn't mean that the last 22 were smooth sailing on an otter pop high.... I ran the rest of the way up to that T junction and the AS. I filled my water, grabbed Gu and two cokes. Unfortunately, they did not have otter pops at any other station. I continued on to the last turn around. Go ahead, look at the elevation profile the course website boasts. No. False. That is not an accurate representation of what we suffer through. What seems like small rollies with a short climb, for good measure, to the finish was actually long climbs wrapping exposed mountains. For instance, I'd come around a turn and my initial thoughts would be, "wow! what gorgeous mountains! god, I need to make a mental note of exploring SoCal more!" Low, and behold, we would be waddling our sorry, broken asses up and over those far and distant mountains... I would see a stripe of trail weaving up, of course, one hill and I'd say "nahhhhhh we couldn't *POSSIBLY* be going up there! that's too far..." Then I'd see small dots moving up it. Bloody hell. I was pretty slow heading out to that turn around, I'd walk on some of the uphill, but at least I was generally moving and passing all the 50k-ers. I kept waiting to see the first 50 milers (Cause then I knew I was at least somewhat close to the oasis, I mean Aid station...) Sure enough, after what seemed like eternities, the 50 milers began passing me on their return. I saw the first and second woman. I talked with Neon Shirt for a bit, and encouraged her to chase down the blue skirt lady (They were 20 mins apart).

Oh HELL yeah!

I got to the AS 10 mins later and saw F3 leave. So I thought I was 4th. I quickly filled my bottles and headed out. (Of course after dumping ice down my sports bra and down my "shorts". (Real interesting while running...)) I walked up that short little climb to recoop and process mentally that I only had 10 miles to go. (Good god I was so excited to be done). Then I started running and didn't really stop... That last part went by a lot quickly than before. So, I'll just give you the highlights: after the ice melted a guy thought I peed my pants, I got stung by a bee on my boob, I found out I could jump at mi 44 when I stumbled upon a rattlesnake, and some woman told me "wow you're doing the 50 miler? You look like a goddess!" (It was definitely due to my glorious sun burn radiating from my bloody, sweaty and salty skin). I quickly found out that I was actually 6th female, as I passed two other 50mi runners that I hadn't seen previously. The last woman I passed was walking up a short incline less than two miles from the finish. I had no idea what her legs were like so I was scared that she would catch me. I ran those last two miles like a herd (?) of snakes were chasing me, licking my heels. Once I hit the pavement, with 1.25 mi of pure downhill to go, I let loose. I could smell the barn, as Tera Dube said of her sprint finish at LS50 last weekend. I could taste my blood-booger encrusted lips as I couldn't help but grin ear to ear like a doped out dweeb. I rounded the corner and finished. I had actually freaking finished. Unfortunately, I did not have my mom or dad with me, and was caught in an embrace by RD Keira Henninger and a medic. I kept saying "I finished! I finished!" like some lunatic as they dragged me to a chair. She gave me my medal and 4th overall Female mug, which were beautifully crafted. I congratulated her on an amazing event with an ass-kicking-ly brutal course.

Thanks Keira Henninger for a great event!

I finished 4th female, and something like 9:37 hours. I won my age group (20-29) and beat enough guys to be 25th overall. I am so, so proud to have been able to finish that thing and come out alive. I didn't feel right all day, but still developed a deeper, richer mental strength to use in my impending 100 mile race. I have such an overwhelming amount of love, gratitude and respect to the tireless, energetic & saintly volunteers who really made this day happen for me. Whelp. I challenged myself. I feel I did not run to my potential or ability, which is a bit upsetting and disappointing. I know I can run a lot faster and be more a more aggressive competitor, but given the conditions and my health/mental state, I am just glad to have finished. I don't feel as completely wrecked (save a few blisters and sore feet), so I'm excited to get back out there and try, try again for the next adventure. (Cause, if at first you don't succeed...)

I have an appetite to be my absolute best and push my boundaries, and it's only gotten stronger. Now I really am determined for retribution at the 50 mile distance!

Tiger wearing my lucky T Shirt

HUGE thank you to everyone who supports and encourages me. I really thought about a lot of you and it definitely helped pull me through the rough patches. I am so, so thankful to have so many friends and people in my life that are so inspirational and encouraging- I don't know what I do to deserve it, but I love, love having you all in my life.

Strava data found HERE.

Gear Used:
Stance mid crew socks
TNF Better than naked skirt, singlet, Stow N Go bra
TNF Ultra Cardiac shoes
Julbo Sunglasses
Salomon pack & Soft flasks
1 smooth caffeinator Picky Bar
1 Clif gel every 30 mins
1 salt S!Cap every 30-40 mins
Too many to count Cups of Coke
4 green otter pops, 1 orange. (Pink is my favorite)

Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc: CCC 100k Race Report

Race day.
I could not sleep the night before. I was so freaking excited. It was really hard to calm down and get some rest. In the morning I woke up and ate breakfast and drank my coffee, then made my way over to the square. For us, since we started in courmayeur, Italy we got a free ride through the tunnel from chamonix. My mom and grandma came along too and it was so cool to show them the first climb and to see courmayeur. I love that town. It's so small, very Italian, and just has a great vibe.

Everything laid out & ready!

Getting in the start corral was nerve racking. They were playing dramatic music and the French-Italian announcer was shouting into the mic as if he were announcing a soccer game! There were thousands of people all crowded into the street. Of course, Gina Lucrezi, new friend & badass US runner, and I had to go to the bathroom ten minutes before the start so instead of just peeing on the side of the road we opted to climb out and go right next to the bank in the trees in front of everybody. Hahaha my mom and grandma were appalled but such is ultra racing!

101km to go

My grandma, mom & I!

During the start and our run trough the town streets there were gopro drones flying all around and people were hanging out of every window, balcony and street corner cheering us on with cowbells and horns. I've never experienced anything like that and I couldn't help but grin and wave to the families.

After taking a tour of courmayeur, the race gets right down to business with a 10km climb to tête de la troche with ***m gain. We poured onto a single track trail and immediately started hiking. I pulled out my poles and followed the long train of runners up. It was pretty cool to look up and see a line of runners zig zag up the mountain and then below see the line trail off into the trees. Up at the top, everybody started running fast downhill to the first aid station, Bertone. Once there, I took a sip of coke and kept on my way. At this point I was running and at a very breezy pace. The trail rolled up and down with sweeping views of the glaciers and mountains. It was breathtaking. Before the race I had completely forgotten to sharpie the course profile and aid stations on my arm so I was kind of running blind as to where I was headed. I knew there was another big climb ahead, but I didn't know where and kept getting "faked out" by mini climbs that looked giant.

One of the Aid Station parties

I then pulled down my pants for all to see. #chafingsucks

Two really important questions I learned to ask were "c'est loin la refuge?" (Is The refuge far?) & "combien kilomètre jusqu'à la refuge?" (How many kilometers to the refuge?). At the bottom of the first downhill I came to the first big aid station, Arnuva. People were lining the course on the way cheering and yelling your name. "Allez Kelsie allez!" "Tres beau!" At that aid station I had some coke, coffee, filled my water flasks, and drank some soup. The soup and coffee were amazing and quickly became the aid station staple. They also had giant platters of fruit- dried and fresh, salami, dried sausage, chocolate, tea, and I'm sure other things. I tried not to linger and just went on my way. At the aid stations and major checkpoints, they had volunteers out there scanning our bibs, which was pretty legit and cool.

Soon we started climbing again up to the col du ferret. It was another long monstrous climb, but the views were again insane and I actually enjoyed it! The wildflowers on the hill were every type and color imaginable and the light shining through the clouds hit the grass in such a way as to illuminate each hill and cascade of rock. At the top I stopped to put my poles back in my pack as I had 20km of downhill. Kim Gaylord had told me earlier before Europe that the downhill and valley part was super runnable so I was looking forward to banking some time. This was not the case. I was having issues not being able to go to the bathroom and my stomach cramped the whole way down. It was painful and I was very slow. It was also very steep and painful. The downhill and rolling gravel road alongside the river to La Fouly. La fouly was a giant aid station and once I scanned in, the announcer shouted to the crowd "Kelsie Clausen arrive à la fouly! Elle est américain et la pommier espoir femme!" (Kelsie arrived at la fouly! She is American and the first espoir female- Which is my age group). At this station I drank my coffee & coke, ate bananas wrapped in salami (go down faster) and drank my noodle soup. I was confused about the course and thought champex, the halfway mark, was much closer. I was surprised la fouly was so big because I thought champex was just down the road maybe 5km... Thankfully I had eaten (thinking I could breeze through champex) because when I asked how far to champex, a man replied "quatorze kilomètre". 14 kilometers. Fml. I started running, weaving through the woods along the river. I was having a really rough low point and was super discouraged that champex was far. I was already about 7-8 hours in and feeling very crappy. I walked-jogged along, and just kind of sulked. I was so far deep in the pain cave at that point and was kind of falling apart. Then we got to go a little uphill and weave through a forest trail. On my shuffle, a song I really liked came on so I started singing along. I started moving faster, passing people on the uphill while actually running. I was bringing myself out of that dark place. I don't think all the men I passed liked that some young American girl singing Taylor swift or some Disney song was flying past. Eventually we got to a small town and we weaved through it. Champex was taking forever to get to, but at least all the families and townspeople were out waving and cheering. Small children crowded the roadside and held out their hands for high fives. I felt like a super star whenever this happened.

Not my finest moments

We came out of the town and started climbing up this giant hill with no town in sight. I asked around but nobody spoke English. A man pulled out a map of the profile and showed me that we had a big climb to get up to champex. Again, the course threw a curveball that I had forgotten about. Ugh. I got back into my dark hole as it was too steep and hard to sing and the miles were catching up to me.

Putting my head down leaving Champex. Primal Mode: <ON>

I finally got to champex and was welcomed by my aunt who ran with me into the aid station. I was so relieved to see them after 9 hours it was incredible the emotions I felt. My mom rushed around inside to get me some food and I sat down for a bit to eat it and prepare my pack with picky bars and gels for the next bit. My grandma and aunt watched from behind the wall as I sat sullenly looking at my feet and sipping my soup. I had no energy to do anything and just felt like crap. Everybody in the aid station also got to see me pull down my pants and put stuff all over my inner thighs for the chafing. I walked out of the aid station 12 mins later with my family for a bit. I told them how long it might take for the next climb and descent to trient and then I was on my way.

I ran along the lake and down a sort of fire road that was flat. Something must have just clicked because I started to feel better and just busted up the climb to bovine/ la Giete. Kim had said this was a really difficult climb to get a rhythm on and feel good, but I thought I was cruising up. I didn't think it was too bad. It had started to rain in champex so I had my rain jacket on and buff since it was cold. Up near the top there was a giant field full of the biggest cows I had ever seen. I had heard the cowbells and so I thought it was the top and people cheering. But my spirits were brightened as I really loved the beautiful sound the bells made. At the top it had gotten dark so I traded out my petzl rxp for the buff. The man said I had cinq 5 km to trient and I took off. I was running/flying downhill. I really owe a lot of it to the petzl. The light was so bright and the reactive setting helped when I would look ahead to see how much more downhill there was. I came into trient and was again greeted by my family. This stop was very efficient and I walked with them out again very quickly. I don't think I ever spent more than ten minutes at a station other than champex. My main goal was to keep moving towards the finish. I didn't want to stop for a while just because I knew I could stop at the finish and wanted it to be done faster.

Happy in Trient

The next climb up Catogne was harder in my opinion. There was lots of really rocky and scree-like sections or creek crossings. I had noticed two women I was yo yo-ing with all day and I got a little competitive. On the downhill to vallorcine I passed a woman and rushed to get out of sight so she couldn't chase me. But that downhill was a lot harder and it took me a while to get down. I felt like I was hiking downhill and I had to use my poles to support myself as my hamstrings were gone and my quads were beaten. I commiserated with an Aussie for a bit but then he took off. I got into vallorcine and it was just my mom there. I took a Tylenol pill and rushed out (I saw another woman there and wanted to get in front of her). My mom had told me I was around 13,14th at champex and so I was super excited that I might break into the top ten. Leaving vallorcine, I grabbed a dry pair of gloves and started running. It was rolling along the river and I finally knew this part of the trail. I knew what was coming and where to go. For the first time all day, I was completely alone. There were no headlamps in front of behind me and nobody along the course. It was just ten after midnight when I left so most of the little town was probably asleep! I ran past a bar and everybody was out blowing vuvuzelas and cheering and told me I was very fast and looked good. (In French of course). When people are out standing in the middle of the night to watch you struggle run by, you can't help but smile and shout back "merci beaucoup! Bon soir!!" From vallorcine I knew I had one more climb up col de montets to the tête aux vents then it was "all" downhill to flegere and chamonix. I had tunnel vision for the finish. Everybody had told me that the last climb was the worst and the slowest and the hardest.

Excited to be running through the night?

But I flew up to the Tête aux vents. I passed so many people on such rough terrain. I didn't feel any pain or soreness or fatigue. I was too excited. I could see why it would be so hard, because there were lots of big steps and parts where I actually had to use my hands to climb up rocks. At the top the officials told me I had dix 10km to go. I took off running thinking flegere was close and it was all downhill. It was not. It was super rocky, not runnable terrain, and rolling (mostly uphill) to flegere. The rocks were wet and slick with mud and the rain. A couple times I had to get on my butt and slide down for fear of tripping and falling. This part was discouraging. I retreated back into the dark corner of my pain cave and stayed there. My iPod died and I was left with silence and darkness all around me. The worst part was that I could see the lights of flegere (the last aid station at a ski lift) but it seemed I wasn't making any progress. There wasn't anybody around me and I realized it would take me maybe another hour to get to chamonix. My feet were tired and sore and I didn't have any more gels with me. (After 8 hours the picky bars got really old and I had to keep forcing them down. I abandoned eating them after 15 hours when I got to vallorcine). Finally I made it up the very pronounced hill to flegere but saw a woman just in front. I snuck my way past her and completely bypassed the aid station. I just wanted it all to be over as fast as possible. The downhill to chamonix was long and hard. It was steep and hurt a lot. I needed to use the poles and slowly made my way down. Once I hit the pavement road I started running. I knew the course weaves trough town so I was mentally prepared for the fake outs. I ran as fast as I could (probably jogging speed) through town. It was shocking to see so many people out and about cheering me on. It was 3:45 am after all!!

All smiles.

Rounding the final turn and seeing the grand arch is the best thing I had seen all day. I crossed the line amidst photographers flashing pics, families cheering and an official shouting like the man at the start. I immediately sat down and started bawling. All the emotion I didn't have to energy to feel pent up for almost 19 hours came pouring out. I didn't know how to react after finishing the hardest thing I had ever done. I had run 101km (63mi), climbed/descended 6110+m (20,000') in 18:53 minutes. I was 275th overall, 21st female and won my age group as the youngest finisher (ever?). My family was there to congratulate me and share the amazing moment.

No words.

I really can't describe the finish in words or even expressions. It felt so good and so deeply affected me that this is pretty much all I can say about it.

After the race, I went back to my moms hotel and tried to sleep. My legs were in so much pain that all I could do was lie there. In the morning I got up and did some more walking around which really helped. I felt better as the day progressed. Unfortunately, I didn't really have much of an appetite. The only thing I ate post race was a pizza, some bread and gelato.

How to recover properly

Gina & I!

In the afternoon, I got to watch the first utmb finishers arrive. When François arrived you would have thought the queen of England was finishing. The streets were packed with people, the announcers going crazy, the dramatic theme song blaring, cameras everywhere. He had broken the course record and it was just so exciting to watch it all unfold. A couple hours later I went back to watch rory bosio, who I'm very proud to call my friend, win for the second year in a row. I felt overwhelmed with happiness to see her cross the line. She did all her little jumps and dances and curtsying for the cameras and crowd in typical utmb drama fashion.

This girl rocks!

Later that night we all went out dancing at a local bar. I'm still impressed how late she stayed out and all her dancing shenanigans... You must get a superpower if you win!! Haha

Sunday morning there was the award ceremony. It was verrrryyyy long and dramatic and all in French. It was thrilling though. I'm very inspired and now determined to return for the full utmb and make my way onto that stage. For winning my age group I won the best prize ever. I got a TNF backpack with a gift certificate to TNF and a big cowbell with an inscribed leather handle. The cowbell is now one of my favorite possessions. It has such a beautiful sound and sentimental worth.

My most prized possession!

Unfortunately my time in chamonix has come to an end. I spent 26 days in the most beautiful, cultural, fun mountain town. I am already dreaming of coming back and I already miss it greatly. The opportunities I had, the people I met, food eaten, the trails run and sights seen will forever be etched in my memory as the trip of a lifetime.

J'ADORE FRANCAIS!

I am so so grateful for everybody who had helped me get here and finish this amazing race. My family has been so supportive of me running at all hours of the day and night to prepare and going to the aid stations to crew me. That was the highlight to get me moving along and I couldn't have done it without them. The community of runners and friends have me shocked with their love and care and congratulations. I'm taken aback by all the support. My coach Meghan is awesome. She is a badass ultra runner and has really helped me build the confidence and physical/mental ability to get through something this epic. I completely trust in her training, advice and have very much appreciated her feedback. I would be stumbling aimlessly around Mont Blanc without her!

I also want to thank The North Face for all their support and kindness. Their apparel was so great that I had no need to touch the other gear in my pack. The many people behind the brand that I got to meet have been so kind and encouraging as well.

Lastly, thank you to Taylor Swift and Disney for getting me out of the bad times :)

Gear used:
Salomon sense 12 set
Black diamond Z poles
Salomon waterproof gloves (required gear)
TNF e tip gloves (much warmer)
TNF t shirt, long sleeve, arm warmers, capris, feather lite jacket and rain jacket, rain pants
Victory sports design buff
Lulu lemon beanie
Julbo sunglasses
Swift wick socks
Salomon sense ultra sg
2xu calf sleeves
Picky bars & Gu gels
2 Petzl rxp headlamps

Bittersweet

Chamonix Week 2

This week was beyond epic in so many ways.

Italians do it better.

Hanging out with Tim Olson in Courmayeur!

On Tuesday I took the bus under Mont Blanc to Courmayeur. I was planning on just doing the first climb and really get a good feel for it, as it is the hardest and worst of them all. (Of course). I step on the bus and sit down to none other than Timmy Olson, 2 time Western States 100 winner & CR. It was great to chat a bit and then he graciously led me up the first 5k hiking to Rifugio Bertone and showed me the way (Who knows where I would've ended up without him!). Then he took off and I continued along/up a ridge to Tete de la Troche. (The top of the first climb). It was supposed to be 10k of uphill but only ended up being about 5 miles, so I was pretty confused. I looked at a French hiker's detailed map and discovered I had gone up the UTMB bypass route and took some other way to the top. I then went down to Courmayeur and followed the route I was supposed to go up. In short, I did the loop backwards, whoops! But the day was gorgeous, I caught my first sight of the summit of Mont Blanc, ate incredible Italian pizza and gelato, and had a blast bombing down switchbacks through fields of wildflowers.

Foggy above La Flegere

Wednesday it was POURING rain all day, so no gorgeous vistas. However, I met up with Ashley Arnold, super cool TNF runner & dancer, for a rainy run through the forest around Chamonix. It was so nice to have such great company and so fun to dance around the puddles! Her advice and her chill attitude was so welcomed.

Above Le Tour

Col de Balme

Friday I took the train to Vallorcine and ran back to Chamonix with the intention of doing the last climb and descent (10 miles) of the race. I got directions from a french runner on the start of the route and headed up and up. (In the pouring, freezing rain). This was really a turning point for me in terms of my training here. I've been majorly struggling on the uphills and getting my footing on some of the steep, but friday I finally found my rhythm (thanks to the Chicago soundtrack!) and was skipping and running all the way up. That is until I got to the ladders... I arrived to a rock face and the only way to go was up these metal ladders, about 10ft+ long and scattered up the mountain. It snaked around and just when I thought I was at the top, there'd be three more... I lost count after 12... It was miserable. I was getting blown by huge gusts of freezing wind, pelted with rain and my gloves were soaked holding the ladders. I was so afraid of falling off. (It would definitely have been to my death as I was very high up...)

A Refuge above Col de Balme

But then I got onto a rolling ridgeline and was feeling great. (After I changed into a dry longsleeve and new gloves) A french guy caught up to me and we started talking. He is from Annecy and is training for the CCC too! So we ran together and had fun talking. He had a nice map and seemed to know where he was going, and I had absolutely no plan or anything (haha!). We got to La Flegere and started running down... All of a sudden I see a flash of neon pink and Rory Bosio, '13 UTMB winner & CR, is running up the trail. She promptly informs us we took the wrong way, and I took a UTMB variant on my climb up and completely bypassed the trail (duh ladders are not in the race...) And we chatted for a bit before going on our ways. The guy I was running with was stoked haha. The run ended up being pretty sweet and I felt awesome.

Making faces at 2800m

Saturday I got another ride up to Le Tour and CRUISED up to Col de Balme! I felt incredible and just kept wanting to go up and up and up! It was SO beautiful and I even saw some snow! After, a couple friends and I went to a bar and had some red wine for recovery and a delicious meal of macaroni, salad, and melon! So Euro!

So much fun to slip n slide through the fresh powder!

Polar Bear Plunge anyone?

Sunday was pretty amazing. I got an email saturday night from Rory Bosio if she wanted to adventure all day and I promptly responded yes. So I biked to her place and we drove to La Gorge by Les Contamines. We ran-hiked up to Col du Bonhomme through wildflowers, fields with cows and then snaked along this ridge. We started going down huge patches of snow and were pretty much skiing on our shoes. Rory, being a skilled Nordic skier, took off and I was left slipping and sliding and falling on my butt after her. We then scrambled up to this other ridge and took in the INCREDIBLE scenery. This was our highest point at 2750m (almost 9000'). We literally rock climbed our way down to these two beautifully blue alpine lakes. We sat down for 45min-an hour and ate and talked and jumped in! (got some applause from the hikers haha!) Then we ran down to the finish. Not including the lake, it was 17.5-18 miles & 5:05 hours of fun adventuring. Down at La Gorge we sat by, tanned, and swam in a lake with tons of french picnickers. And then devoured some gelato. It was such a fun adventure and she is such a cool, fun, awesome person. Girl talk was very fun and we had a lot of laughs... :)

View from Col de Bonhomme

Unintentionally twinning with Rory- Tete d'enclave

This week I ran 62 miles and climbed 18,900'!!!!! Best part was, I felt so at ease and comfortable running all of that! (Or hiking). Now for the taper!!!!

Time to Enjoy the views & rest!

Chamonix- Trail, Ultra & Mountain Running Mecca

After several flight delays (Thanks United), I finally arrived Wednesday night. I immediately went for an easy 4 mile run around town to get my bearings. What a vibrant, beautiful city framed by the most picturesque mountains I could imagine and lush green forests. After my run, I went down to the center of town to get something quick and cheap to eat. I found out that the French, instead of putting it to the side, stuff the fries into the burger along with everything else. It was sooo filling, but very delicious.

After my first Vertical Kilometer

I went back to my hostel and crashed. The next morning, I woke up and went for a run. Now, this was no ordinary run, this was a run up the Chamonix Vertical Kilometer course. A VK is a super steep run, with over 3000' elevation gain in just over 2 miles. This is on tight switchbacks up a ski run, which later turns into a scramble so steep ropes and ladders and footholds were needed to be built into the rock. It took me an hour and five minutes to "run" up. I immediately collapsed onto the platform for the Gondola at Plan Praz, an elevation of 2000m (6562'). I didn't know how else to go down, and didn't want to risk getting lost in the mountains, so I went down the VK route. bad decision. It was more of a hike as it was very steep and I did NOT want to turn an ankle! However, the view of L'Aguille de Midi and the Mont Blanc range is unbelievably worth it.
I came back and just hung out in the city and explored some more.

Le Tour glacier

The next morning, I went with the guy that owns the hostel- Aaron- to Le Tour. He paraglides for sport, so while he and his friend went flying, I tried running up the La Refuge D'Albert 1er and the Le Tour Glacier. I really really wanted to touch, see, and run on the glacier. I got up to the ridge in and was zoning in on it. But I was on a really high/steep singletrack, alone, along a ridge that was super windy. There were also chances of a storm later in the evening and the clouds rolling in did not look too good. I went with my gut and just decided to turn around. Wow that singletrack was awesome to blaze down!!! As soon as I got back to the start and found Aaron, it started pouring rain and thunder loudly clapping. A giant bolt of lightning also struck very close to the trail I was on just 35 minutes ago...

Going crazy over the view and wildflowers

The long, technical, back way to Le Brevent. With views of the Aguilles Rougues Nature Preserve

Saturday I had my best run. I went up the VK route (improved by 7 minutes), and then continued up. I took the route less traveled by to Le Brevent. Literally though. It was super technical and long. It wound its way along the backside of the ridges. It gave beautiful sweeping views of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. It was so high, I even got to run in some snow!!! (Exciting for a coastal Californian...) And I saw some of the locals super close up and personal. I finally made it to the summit of Le Brevent (altitude 2500m- about 8300'). It was so hard and so steep and so long. I examined strava and realized that I had climbed 6000' in about 6-6.5 miles. Craziness. I took a few pics, and then descended back to Plan Praz the fireroad, shortcut and took a new, epic singletrack down to where I started the Vk. The singletrack was winding switchbacks through a meadow of wildflowers, which quickly turned into a beautiful green forest. I was so joyful and happy running through it!

after 6000' of climbing, Le Brevent is conquered!

Earlier that morning, I met up with Timmy Olson and his sweet family at the local farmer's market. My dad would've loved it. They were selling every produce imaginable, meats, cheeses, cooked foods, wines, jams, honey, baked goods.... All for very cheap. They also were selling clothes, trinkets, jewelry, puppies (and a baby pig!), mattresses, Salomon shoes, etc... It was all so foreign and interesting!

Sunday, I was so beat up from such an exhausting week of traveling, so many vertical feet climbed in not so many miles, and so I took an easy short run along the River L'Arve to Les Houches and back.

Met a couple of these guys heading up to Le Brevent

Over this week I've had my share of explorations, practicing my terrible French, being noticed as the dumb American on a mountain, and I'm loving every second of it. I feel so comfortable and at home here. The community and culture is incredible and I'm trying my hardest to assimilate into it!! The trails are so steep and unlike anything I've ever encountered. The mountains can change everything in such a short amount of time. I'm very nervous, scared, anxious for CCC. But I am also excited and loving every second. I cannot wait to run around this beautiful massif and see these mountain towns.

Do I look ready to run 100km in the Alps?!

I am so grateful to everyone supporting, encouraging, cheering me on. I treasure every nugget of advice and all the help I am getting. Huge shoutout to everyone that's making this wonderful opportunity possible.  I am eager to represent all my friends, the SF bay area, Cal Poly, TNF Flow and young female athletes with huge dreams!