Call Me Ultra

The headlands 50k. 8.24.13.

Last July I was sitting in an airport, bored, flying home after pacing Jon in the vt100. I was googling random things, mostly races. He had mentioned the Headlands 50k, which I had heard about before. Then after meticulously reading through the website, I found there was no age group record for females 20 & under. It immediately sparked my attention. I texted Mary and Liz right away and asked "what if?" The race was a month away and I was training to try and make D1 XC team at cal poly. No way was I in any shape to run a hard 50k race. So I let it go. 

Fast forward through the school year. I got injured and didn't make the D1 time standard the coach had, but rehabed my severely sprained ankle and ran club XC. In the spring I continuously increased my long runs and ran more hills, despite it being track season. I still had headlands on my mind and knew I'd run it this year. 

As soon as registration opened, I signed up. Two weeks later I also decided maybe I should run a marathon first in prep and signed up for a road one as well. That's a different race report though... :)

After track season and school got out, I came back home to work at SFRC and train on the course. With the great running community established at the store, I found many supporters and received a lot of advice. I also had some quality training runs on the course. 

Race morning I felt sharp, eager, excited, and springy. It was awesome socializing and knowing almost everybody there.

I lined up in front, behind Varner and next to the top ladies. I chased Bree from the beginning and held on for the first two miles. But going up coastal out of muir beach I fell back and decided it was smarter to race after the first half. So I kept running and enjoyed the scenery. I was still in about 6-7th place going up wolf ridge and I listened to a couple people's conversations. Coming down into rodeo beach was awesome. I had the folks on the sfrc group long run cheering me on as well as my grandpa on his bike. 

Going up miwok to Tennessee valley I felt confident. I just kept repeating my mantra: relax, be strong, be smart, be fun, be fluid. Once I hit Tennessee valley and started going up miwok from that side, I started feeling sick from all the sugars I was eating in the Gu and electrolyte drink. It was too much for me and I felt terrible miles 11-16. I just kept telling myself I'd see Mary at hwy 1, mile 14.5. Once there I switched to plain water in my bottle, which helped, and it was relieving just to see her and my friends there volunteering.

I had felt like puking up to that aid station and after down to muir woods. Strangely, I felt way better running up cardiac. It was hot and hard, but I ran most of the way up and passed several people suffering in the heat. It was like I had come back from the dead; a feeling unknown to me in my short running career. I got to the cardiac aid station and was welcomed by my friends there. They took care of me by filling my water bottle and giving me a cup of water to drink and half a cup of coke. I stayed for maybe less than two minutes and continued on to pantoll, welcoming the shade. I felt significantly better coming off of cardiac and one of the men I passed exclaimed I had, "come back alive". I felt like I was leaping and bounding down Matt Davis, which I always run with joy, towards Stinson because it is one of my favorite stretches of trail. And because I knew I just had one more big hill and a fast downhill to go. 

I passed a woman and apparently moved into 7th place according to a man who was counting on the side of the trail. She passed me again and I lost sight of her. I got to Stinson and I could feel what felt like a small rock in my shoe. I ignored it and headed through the aid station. I filled up my bottle and got some water splashed on my back. It must have taken all of 30 seconds; I don't even think I stopped! Then I started the long last trek up Stinson and steel ravine. It was hot, I was tired, and it felt hard. I power walked the hills on the moors with Andrea, a woman I had helped at the store and caught up to.  We chit chatted in between huffs and puffs. She told me I was like a little mountain fairy and would soon pass her. She pulled ahead for a little bit and I lost her in the switchbacks up Steep Ravine, but I caught up with a man and charged up the trail. I pulled him along with me and he talked to me, keeping me sane and present with my mind.  Thank goodness for that; I was starting to lose my racing mind! I caught up to Andrea and passed her soon after the ladder as if she were standing still. This did wonders to my self-esteem and confidence. I soon passed another woman at Pantoll who cheered me on. I was on fire at that point. I was ripping up the trail at sub7 min pace, anxious she'd catch me again as I had moved into 5th place.

As I approached the 27.5 mile, last aid station at Cardiac, I thought, I'll finish in 22 minutes, it's not that far, she's right behind me, I don't need to refill my bottle or get anything! Wrong. Half a mile later, I stopped dead in my tracks as if I had been hit by a wrecking ball. I was hot and dehydrated. I continued running because then i'd finish sooner and get water and just be done. I wanted to cry I was so tired and dehydrated.  I painfully made my way down the switchbacks of Heather Cutoff with the finish line in sight. Two men were hounding me right behind, but wouldn't pass, so I felt pressured and even more anxious.  Moreover, the woman passed me in that last mile.  I almost cried when I saw Mary at the end of the switchbacks as she cheered me on to the finish. I ran 60 more yards to the finish.  I had absolutely nothing left. No finishing kick, no more motivation, nothing.  I didn't even have the strength to stand. I collapsed at the line and was half-crying, half-laughing.  My mom, friends and the race director, Tim, crowded around me congratulating me and asking me if I was okay.  I was carried over to the medical tent and examined by the EMT.  I was force fed a bagel, coke, water, and grapes.  But I was so incredibly happy to be done and beamed with joy.  Afterwards I enjoyed firetrails pizza (despite being gluten and dairy intolerant), and two huge chocolate chip cookies.

In just 5:45 hours, I had finished 6th female, 52 overall, and set a new CR in the 20& under age group as the youngest to ever finish the Headlands 50k.  I am beyond happy and glad of my experience. I would definitely have changed a lot of things and have a lot of "could have, should have, what ifs", but I chalk it all up to learning experiences. I can't wait to improve and get after my next ultra!

Mountain goat

So it's almost been two weeks since my first marathon. And I am feeling fantastic!!

I was sore and tired the day after, but by Tuesday and Wednesday I was virtually recovered!

Nonetheless, I still took it easy that first week back. I did a slow one mi jog with friend Loren on tues (didn't mean to run until thurs), and spun on the bike for a bit tues and wed. But by tues I was definitely missing running. On Thursday I went for a three mile jaunt through Morro bay state park and was tired from NOT running! I started doing some more miles and took Saturday "off" (we had a beer mile). And Sunday I ran poly canyon and felt relatively fit!

Monday started the dipsea and headlands training regime again. I had an adventurous run (climb) up and around high school "hill". (1500 ft in one mi!!) and promptly slid down.

Tuesday I took it easy for a flat six miler through town with the cpdc ladies for much needed girl talk. Wednesday I ran (fast) around Madonna for a hilly run and felt fantastic. Thursday I ran up and down bishops for a long hilly run again, and ended up getting my second fastest (3rd all time) ascent.  But it felt easy! And Friday, a workout. 4x1200 and 10x60 stairs. I'm pacing myself and taking today off, and only 15 mi in MDO Sunday.

This week I've had fun! I LOVE hills, and running them faster than expected, while it feeling easy, is an awesome confidence booster. I smiled as I danced over rocks and sailed down bishops. I was laughing with my friends running through the tall, golden grass on Madonna. I had a hell of a time on HS hill and around on a true adventure run- climbing through and over barbed wire fences, crashing through non-trail bushes, splashing through a creek, and "glisading" down the hill.

During my workout, despite getting some blisters, I felt awesome. Smooth and steady through the 1200s, fasting but not pushing the pace. And on the stairs, I felt like I had more in the tank.

This whole week I mostly held myself back. It was fun. It was playful. It's why I love running.

Now I can't wait for next week.  I have some awesome runs in store- dipsea tempo and 20-22 mi of the headlands 50k course!

Race report: OC Marathon

Since I am to races 50k in August, and have been doing some long runs, I thought I might as well sign up for a marathon, my first.

I had been doing long runs somewhat fast and got the idea stuck in my head that maybe I could qualify for Boston, with a 3:35 (8:12 pace).

I registered for the oc marathon because it was flat, fast, and conveniently located and on the calendar.

I did some more long runs, some tempos, and fast hill climbs (CR on bishops peak!) and then tapered like no other the last week. I even took Friday off and ran three miles Saturday.

The race started at 5:30, so before I ate chicken, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and had my banana ice cream for dessert. I went to bed early full and happy and insanely excited. I had been antsy all week going through taper crazies! I couldn't believe I would toe the line and be finally doing my first marathon?!

At the start! It was early...

I woke up at 3:00 am and got my gluten free oatmeal, and then tried to sleep for another hour. But I had all the details and excitement going through my head that I just ended up staring at the ceiling until my alarm went off. When it did, I put on my race gear, taped two Gus to my sides and drank some water and waited for my mom to get out the door at 440. We showed up early, but it was fine. I was assigned corral 1 based off my 335 projected pace. I was excited because I was starting up front with the fast people! I got in line with the pace group and waited anxiously for the start.

I would see her 26.2 miles later

Gun went off and I started. I thought I was running conservatively, but after what seemed like two seconds we hit the two mile mark at around 730-735 pace. Whoa that was too fast. I felt great but tried to reel it in. The best I could do was around 745 for the first 6 miles. I was with some other people and moving up, we passed the ocean and my chattering was awkwardly to nobody as everybody had headphones. I forgot to pee in the morning so I had to quickly stop at mi 4. I lost my pace group, they were far behind me, and I kept pushing. I caught up with more people, chatted, and eventually found my way to the 330 group. I still felt great so I decided to stay with them and if I felt terrible, I had a cushion on 335 so I could fall back if necessary. I took the first gu at 9 mi and pocketed the gu they gave at 10.5. I used it at mi 14 and then again at mi 18 and pocketed the gu they gave at mi 20. Which I ate at mi 23. I took some Gatorade and water here and there not too much, but when I felt I needed it.

only a marathon? no problem... loving every second! 

At mi 10 I completely abandoned the splits I had worked out and written on my arm beforehand and had a great time talking to the pacer from mi 10-17 and exchanging stories. I was having a great time.  It started to feel Hardish around mi 18 but I kept pushing, telling myself I was strong, beautiful and finally a marathoner. I had to push myself. I could do 330. I was so excited by that idea. I followed the commands of the pacer and kept up. Mi 20-23 were the absolute hardest. I had separated a little and was about 50 ft behind the pacer. It was tough mentally and physically. My splits were the slowest there. But then I got encouragement from the cheering crowds and spectators and dug deep. I ran faster the next 3.5. I was averging 730s-740s, which was unimaginable at that mileage. I'm still shocked I could do that. I knew the finish was coming up fast and I was ready for it. I was tired. But I kept pushing. I passed people and sprinted the last 1/4 mi. I was grinning though the whole time. I finished and started crying tears of joy. I had dreamt of this moment for years but never new when it would happen. I hugged my mom and cried on her shoulder, it was really an emotional moment for me.


 hitting the wall clearly

I finished with a chip time of 3:30.06, a Boston qualifier! my garmin read 26.4 at 3:29.33 (26.2 split was around 3:28) but oh Well. It was good for 16th female and 1st in my age division by 28 min margin. I was ecstatic.

#1 for first of many!

I was soon hit by a brick wall of pain as the lactic acid and fast running caught up to me. I cramped up hard and my muscles still ache 24 hours later. Yes, I did the marathon shuffle all day, and being in a car for 6 hours coming home didn't help either. But I recovered well. A hot bath, lots of leftovers from last night and a delicious burger did me well.

So ecstatic about my race and excited to see what's in store for me. I ran comfortably for 18 miles and was chatting. It was my first marathon and I broke 3:30 barely training for it. Imagine what I could do! The potential! I'm psyched.

My skoras didn't fare as well as I did haha. They've taken a beating over all the miles they logged and are ripped, torn, and worn down... Maybe it's time for a new pair...

I was a bit emotional finishing

With my mom!

Race report: Track Season

This track season was one to remember.

In the first race, at Cuesta Invite, I ran the mile and 4x400. I was originally going to double and run the 3k as well, but a bad case of allergies got the best of me. I still PRed in the mile and run sub6 for 5:54. I ran the 4x400 leg in 74. The mile was hard. It was hot, my allergies were raging, and there wasn't any clear competition. I went out hard the first two laps and clearly faded in the third. I'm still happy. With a PR but I was definitely disappointed it wasn't lower with all the training I had been doing. And my split in the relay I knew I could pull out any day any time. I think it's my "max" speed. Haha well, it was a great day for CPDC regardless.

The 4x400 anchor

My girls!

Now for Ben Browne, this was my first track 5k of the season and the second time I ever raced the distance on the track. Latest September my PR was 21:24(ish). I went out hard, but stayed relaxed. Mando, my coach, was yelling splits every lap and telling me what to do: patience, stay relaxed, move up, catch those girls, go hard, go for it... I never was passed and even lapped people. It was one of the best track races I've ever ran. I PRed with a time of 20:04. Way more than a minute! It was so exhilarating. Especially since it was a big time meet, under the lights, in a stadium, against other collegiate athletes!


With my lovely teammates!

The next week I was to race the 5k at the cal poly invite. I was nervous as hell. It was me vs Mollee, my fast teammate, and TWO other girls from the NCAA team. Me vs three! Mollee and I stayed together the first two laps, but it spaced out a LOT after that. I was running alone, kept getting slower, and everybody I knew that ran was on the sidelines. It was crazy uncomfortable. I was pissed, I was not feeling it. I had a bad per race the night before and just wasn't into it mentally. Mando told me just to quit at the two mile mark. It was my first ever DNF. I hated that. It was so rough. I went on a seven mile cool down, a little too fast, and balled my eyes out. I was embarrassed and I felt like shit. So that race was the low of the season, but at least I met Ashton eaton and got a signed team USA shirt!


Teamwork makes your dreams work!

Next race: sfsu distance carnival. I didn't have a good enough qualifying time for the 5k, so I ran the 2 mile instead. Which is fine by me. This time, I did not look at the clock, time was arbitrary, I knew I'd pr so I didn't pay attention to it. I listed to Mando, and I raced my competition. I started off fast, I s in the second pack, which separated right at the first lap. I kept with them, maintaining my position until the one mile mark. Then I made my moves, I started to move up and pass each girl, chasing the first pack. I finished gloriously with a pr of over 30 seconds in 12:28.05. I was so happy. I got 13th overall (2 heats) and couldn't stop smiling. The race was crazy. I let in the pain and the animalistic instincts. I put myself out there. Which was shown when I was spiked and almost fell face first in the 5th lap, before catching myself on another girl.

So happy to be victorious in my OWN race!

We didn't race for a while after that. but at the beginning of April, I biked out to the 6 mi mark of the SLO marathon and jumped in. Mollee was pacing the 3:45 group and I thought that was a reasonable pace. It would be a training run. I felt awesome. I was talking and had lots of energy. Soon, dean karnazes caught up with us and we got to talking and catching up, soon I had out some serious distance between Mollee and I without even realizing it. I felt good though so I kept going. Soon dean had to stop at a bathroom but I kept charging and found a new, much more unwilling, chatting buddy.the miles clicked by and I was smiling the whole time. I laughed as I finished the last three miles at 720-730 pace. It was so great. It was basically flat, with a few rolling hills. My garmin registered 21 miles at 2:40-2:45 ish and 1000'. I felt fantastic and fresh. Even thought it was probably the farthest I had ever ran!

Making new friends!

My friend Dean Karnazes: "You inspire me!"

Post run beach nap!

The next week, I ran a 5k track race: Beach Invite, hosting by CSULB at Cerritos JC. It was my last race of the season. I tried to be competitive and kept with my pace group. We were all seeded fast. It was pr time. I felt crummy warming up but I knew that was usual sometimes. I just thought, the faster I run, the sooner I finish. I listened to Mando and I listened to my competitive nature. I welcomed the pain, and kept it within me. I had my best friend Taylor giving me splits and my teammates lining the track giving me cheers of encouragement. I had slowed the last three laps and I realized I was still close to a pr and breaking 20. I sprintined the last 300m but alas, I finished 20:01. It was a pr, but it was somewhat disappoitining. I'm still happy, because it was a record breaking track season. I know I have fast gears and can enter the pain cave and REALLY compete. I am so excited to see what I can do.

  

sprinting to finish