The MCAT Ultra

Thursday, August 24, I completed possibly one of the hardest exams I have ever taken. After 7:03 tedious hours, I had ended my life long streak of #NeverStopStudying. For now...

The journey to the finish is never what we anticipate when we take the first step. It is fraught with obstacles and surprise hardships. However, we always seem to come out triumphant in our efforts and with more knowledge of our selves. And that is the ultra way.

Like most long races, we build a base of endurance and tolerance. From April until June, I reviewed every concept in science and math I had ever learned: psychology, sociology, chemistry both general and organic, biology, biochemistry, physics, and more. During this, I was working full time. I am actually grateful, in some ways, that I had torn my calf in March. For it allowed me to wake up at 4 am to study until 7, before working and to have time in the evenings to also take comprehension tests. I had been training to compete at Lavaredo but I simply underestimated the amount I would need to give to my books. All in all, during these months I would work & study about 65-75 hours per week, with no time for the trails. I also doubt the 50lb weight limit would apply to my books alone if I had travelled to Italy.

Quality WS cheerleading

Visiting Rory!

I eventually took June-August mostly off and only worked 1-2 days per week. Initially, when planning the year, I had aspirations of camping nearly every day, running long mountain miles, and studying my textbooks by the campfire under the trees. However, like most things in life, the reality is entirely different than what we expect. Given my injury recovery, I was barely running at all. And most of my studying lasted 8+ hours on days off of work, usually requiring cell service. For some time, I was getting out for "long runs" the Sunday evening after I would finish a 7 hour practice exam. When it got down to the wire, even this dissipated into loops around Seattle. I had deleted all of my social media apps except for Instagram, and I longingly followed my friends' adventures, experiences and excursions. It was frustrating at times, but I don't regret the sacrifice. 

Geting ready!

In the course of 50 miles or longer, it is almost inevitable that we have lows and doubt ourselves. This was perhaps my biggest struggle. I had days where I couldn't remember simple concepts for the life of me. Or that I just didn't understand what was meant by the information presented. The frustration by my lack of progress (and sleep), despite trying my absolute best, wrecked my confidence. This frustration created so much doubt and anxiety that I would struggle through my weekly practice exams. Unable to focus, I would score poorly and reinforce the doubt. It was almost cyclical and impossible to rid myself of. However, I armed myself against this and comforted my thoughts by knowing I was doing absolutely everything in my power to pursue this. I let the passion, desire, curiosity for knowledge guide me in my studies and fuel my determination. This was what I wanted more than anything and I was not going to be apathetic or complacent in my pursuits.

I found many new ways to study and really incorporate the MCAT into my life. I listened to Kahn Academy videos (Sal I love you) on my runs and would pause them so that I could quiz myself. Yes, I realize I must have seemed like a crazy person muttering about theta this times that is the torque of whatnot and gesturing wildly with my arms. I would find review sites/blogs and take notes on their notes and then make flashcards with the headers. With these flashcards, I would lie in my bed at night and try to discuss everything I knew about the topics. I took pictures of the comprehension tests or practice passages and completed these during any break I would have at work. I tried to relate patients and people in my life to psychology disorders/ stages of development. I lived and breathed this test.

The week of the test finally came, albeit much faster than I anticipated. Eerily, I felt calm. I knew I had done a great deal of work and exhausted my capabilities to prepare myself to reach my potential. I was emboldened knowing I had no regrets or "shoulda coulda woulda's." In a way, my test was like the penultimate ultra race. I tapered off of studying and just relaxed; reviewing the occasional notecards and sleeping lot. I prepared my "race kit" of my lucky T shirt, lucky Superman underwear, "Carpe The Fuck Out of This Diem" socks, slippers and my bag of goodies the day before. On test day, I woke up after a fitful night and ran in the dark to Meredith Grey's house for a quick adrenaline shake out. I drank my coffee, ate my breakfast and drove to the start (test center). I had packed all kinds of snacks and peppermint tea hydration for the allotted breaks. Each time I entered the test room, I had to pass security more stringent than TSA: I was fingerprinted three times, my ID checked, my glasses were inspected, a metal detector wand, and my "suspicious" friendship bracelet had to be cut off.

The first section is always my worst: chemistry and physics, and it was really, really hard. I tried not to let this shake my resolve and to remain calm. I exited the room looking like a stunned deer in headlights: wide eyed and difficult to collect my thoughts. I spent the ten minute break breathing deeply and meditating. I thought of my favorite Eminem/Sia songs and used them as a mantra. I went into the reading & comprehension section ready for more. That one was uneventful and I spent the longer 30 minute break after gearing up for my favorite and best sections: Biology & biochem and psychology & sociology. These flew by and buoyed my confidence. I felt intelligent and prepared with careful consideration for each answer selected. When I finally finished the test, 7:03 hours later, I got into the front seat of my car and cried. The sobbing was mixed with intermittent hysterical laughing; I do not know how to surmise the waves of emotions that flooded over me. It was indescribable. I quickly dried my tears and changed to my running clothes. I sprinted through 6 miles around the area on a local bike path. I kept trying to push faster, faster to help dissipate the building adrenaline. I screamed out at the halfway mark. I skipped around mile 5. I really just couldn't contain myself anymore.

post practice exam respite

I spent the rest of the weekend with my good friends celebrating a birthday in Disneyland. Making the trip down to LA was awesome and we had such a good time. Other than my excessive "nerd vomit" (ie calculating my gravitational potential energy and the max velocity on Splash Mountain or the centripetal force of the Teacups ride), I almost forgot that I will not have my scores for another month.  The waiting game will be difficult, but I am so happy that it is (sort of) over. I can finally relax and be a real person.

I am truly so lucky to have had the opportunity to study and prepare for this exam. My work has been super accommodating to let me take time off and still hold my job. My family, friends, previous classmates, the doctors I work for, and many people have all wished me the very best and tried to help in any way they could. I am so grateful to really have a squad stand behind me while I'm chasing my dreams. It's never easy and the journey is far from over, but I am very fortunate to have the kind of encouragement I do in all my pursuits. Now, happy trails!

I can finally Stop #NeverStopStudying... for now...

Onto The Next One

December is an exciting time. The holidays are around us, surrounded by friends, family & cheer. Excitement is in the air for the coming of a new year. However, there is also sadness at the passing of the old one- perhaps unfulfilled resolutions, regrets, devastation...

On The Long Trail (of Life?) with mary

Post WTC 50k Cool Kids Crew

I feel so fortunate and grateful to be able to say that this year has been amazing; one of my best, really. Looking back, I have taken myself to new places, distances, mental reserves with great success and a smile. I set a personal best in the 50k by over an hour; traveled to the French Alps to run one of the hardest 100k races in the world, while experiencing living in a foreign country; I set a PR in the mile after a 10 mile workout in the am; I hiked about 100 miles of The Long Trail with one of my best friends & mentors; I ran my first 50 miler as a training race, and have trained harder than I ever have before. I still hold a sense of disbelief that I could do all of these things, but it just further supports my desire to set lofty goals and KNOW that I can achieve them. It also fuels my 20-year old ego that anything is possible... ;)

The Queen & I on Coastal

I cannot take all the credit, though. All of these dreams have been realized largely by the unending support I have received. My family cares so much about my athletic career and have been so selfless in helping me in any way they can. They genuinely desire to know how I am doing on a daily basis, what my sights are set on, and how they can fit in the picture. My mom, grandma and aunt flew to Europe to crew for me and be present to share in the experience of a lifetime. Most family members have been to almost all of my races, and I am so grateful for that. My coach, Meghan, and I started working together in March, and I am SO fortunate for her expert guidance, advice, and friendship. She pushes me hard in just the right way and I trust her 110%. Her workouts and training get me so excited to run each day and I always want to do my best. However, on the days when running sucks and I feel discouraged, she can pick me up and stop my whining. ;)

Quality Friends & Quality Badasses.

Finally, the running community I adore so much has taken me to great heights. With the love and encouragement from old friends, new friends, and everybody in between. I am always taken aback by the level of commitment and care exemplified by all the people involved in this wonderful sport. Volunteers at aid stations make them seem like parties & make all the difference in the world as we all chase PRs. Supporters and an ever-increasing fan base of this sport such as IRunFar make running-nerds like myself on top of the whos-who and what's being done happenings around the world. It's really quite amazing this culture we have, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.

This picture can't have words-Not even 1000

With all that said, we can put 2014 in the past and start looking ahead to 2015. It's been said often that it's not about the destination, but the journey. However, 2015 is looking to have several awesome destinations.  First, Bandera 100k is just around the corner; starting the year off with a bang. I am hoping to earn a ticket to Western States 100 mile through the Montrail Ultra Cup. This race is a big deciding factor in how the rest of the year will pan out. If not, I am still setting my sights on 100 miles. Perhaps Cascade Crest or Pine to Palm? Meghan and I will pick races accordingly to fill the gaps until then. There's still so much up in the air, but I am still excited and eager to see what the future holds & where my running will take me next (literally & figuratively!)

Mont Blanc in all her glory

One of the ways I define myself is that I am always making goals and trying to achieve them. Though this time of year reminds us to venture out and try new things or improve upon the old, I will always be creating new dreams regardless of the day-month-year. With that being said, I also just want to keep on doing what I love: dancing on trails, laughing with friends, exploring, and pushing myself farther & faster, through new life experiences. I am so excited to see what 2015 brings. I feel as if I have really defined myself and found my identity and I cannot wait to show who I am to the world. Plus, I turn 21 in June so I will soon be able to enjoy post race beers legally. ;)

Lastly, I'm so happy that The North Face, Julbo eyewear, & Petzl have taken a chance on me. I'm so excited to be a part of their families and represent trail running through them. They have given me the confidence and enthusiasm to pursue my absolute best & beyond.

And with that, we're Onto The Next One.

Sup.

My "First" Fifty. TNFECS Race Report

This weekend was everything I had hoped for and more. If you read my last blog post, you'd know that going into this, I was doubtful and hesitant. I had zero expectations of what would happen, and if anything, that I would blow up and fail. I was nervous and scared for the most part. CCC 100k was easier in that it was NOT that runnable due to the steepness and elevation gain, and so that made walking more efficient and totally okay.

This is usually everybody's A race. With a prize purse like that, who wouldn't put all their eggs into one basket? The competition was thick and I had no idea where I would play into all of this.

Meghan told me to go into it casually, this was not the focus, to take it easy until mile 45, then push hard.

Ma Clique. PC Brett Rivers

Friday before the race I had so much fun. I got to run with Bryon Powell, Eric Schranz, Mario Fraioli (IRunFar, UltraRunnerPodcast, Competitor Mag) as well as most of the TNF team- it was a fast taper run! whoops! After we got to collaborate in a research and development meeting about footwear and apparel. I had never been to one of these so it was super interesting! I also got to see all my SFRC friends and Mary, whom I had missed very much! My friend from NYC/VT Rachel Long flew out to do her first 50, too, so that was awesome catching up with her. All of a sudden the day had gone by and it was time for bed!

3 am. Ugh. Such an early start! I ate my oats, egg, blueberries, and coffee and my Dad and I headed to the headlands. Of course, being the rookie that I am, I forgot body glide (real smart for a wet and muddy course) and frantically had to borrow from super accomplished TNF ultra runner, Kami Semick (embarrassing!). The gun went off and we all filed out in a frenzied dash. I tried to keep it under control, but so fast! I was in the elite wave (!!), so everybody was on edge. The first two loops went by quickly and quietly. It was effortless. I got to share the sunrise with Michael Stricklan and the climb up Miwok to Tennessee Valley. That was mile 14, where I would see my crew- my mom and sister, Nicki. Wow. They were on it. Each time I saw them, Nicki would take the trash from my front pocket, my mom would put gels in my back pocket, and I would switch my water bottle for a full one. I don't think I spent more than 60 seconds at any aid station. At this point and at Cardiac later, I saw Bryon Powell taking pictures and I thought, oh no, if I'm seeing him I MUST be going way too fast! But It was such a comfortable pace! I kept thinking about an inevitable blow up...

Fast Start! PC TNFECS.

Running down the coastal trail and along the cliffs by Pirates Cove was magical. The fog and sun loved the landscape in a way I had never seen before- it was incredible. I made a friend and we talked for a bit. The he took off or I passed him, I can't quite remember. Before I knew it, I was at mile 18 at Muir Beach. Ellie Greenwood was there, unexpectedly, cheering runners on. I hit the station just under 3 hours. Which shocked me! Down the road, I saw my mom and sister cheering for me. I did not know they would be there, but it was such a welcome surprise!

Clowning around in the dark with Stricklan! (PC)

Next up was a giant climb up starting steep and then gradually tapering off to Cardiac. I thought for sure this was where the inevitable end would be. Last time I ran up this, it was an epic fail of all proportions. I was running up with a man from London, and we enjoyed some words, especially his accent! Then, I just kept running up and up and up- feeling perfectly fabulous. I caught up to Stricklan and passed him, getting some words of wisdom. At the Cardiac aid station, I grabbed some coke and refilled my bottle. The volunteers commented on how pretty my sparkly nail polish was! haha Running through Pantoll station, I again saw my mom & sis- another welcome surprise! Then onto my favorite trail in the Mt Tam area- Matt Davis.

Depiction of a "funsies" 50 mile race looks like.

Cruising through the redwoods and rushing streams was so delightful. I purposely splashed through it all! The out and back to McKennan Gulch was, in my opinion, especially tough and where I felt the worst all day. Not because it was necessarily difficult terrain or steep, but because the singletrack was so narrow and runners were whizzing past you in the opposite direction so fast. There was very little room for error. And constantly having to step up off the trail felt weird and kept me out of rhythm. However, I got to see so many familiar and smiling faces that I passed going out and back. I think this was the best part of the race, too. The community was really alive and flourishing. 99% of all people shouted out encouragements; "good job! way to go! nice work! hey kelsie! looking good! etc." It made me smile, laugh, and put a pep in my step.  Heading down into Stinson on the technical, wet trail was a little dodgy. I made a friend and we kept each other company with great conversation- he was a nurse so we had lots to talk about, which took my mind off of the task at hand.

"I'm listening to Demi!" love my crew!

Getting into the Stinson aid station, I again saw my family. I felt like I was a NFL player entering the superbowl the way that spectators were cheering and lining the road like a tunnel. Here I took two advil, which I could have done without, but I thought might be nice to take the edge off the stiffness. My new friend and I started the climb out of Stinson and up Steep Ravine. I kept thinking, okay, now this is where you'll blow up. After all, Stinson beach was mile 33.5 and I had hit my second best 50k time. But I just kept running up and soaking in the energy from the redwoods and greenery. A hiker was going down the trail and asked which way Stinson beach was. I flexed and laughingly responded in an Arnold Schwarzenneger-like voice, "The beach is that way". haha I couldn't resist and it was the PERFECT moment for that kind of stunt!

This is what 90% of the day looked like

Up at Cardiac, I prepared mentally for a long, hurting downhill back down the way we came up. By now, all the 50k-ers and marathoners were out on the course and so the trail was not only heavily trafficked, but destroyed. It was super slick, muddy, and dodgy in every way possible. On one of the sharp turns down Heather Cutoff I slipped on some mud and totally ate shit. literally. I was now covered in mud, my water bottle nozzle was brown and I was chewing on some grainy gross stuff for the remainder of the race. But I just laughed it off, thinking how silly I must look. I eventually caught up to friend Mario Diego and a female 50 miler. This gave me a little incentive to push a bit so I could stay in front of her. Finally seeing another woman after AGES sparked the competitive nature in me. However, I had a HUGE climb out of Muir Beach, so I was a bit uneasy. Up until that climb I felt like I literally had fresh legs and had just started running; the 40+ previous miles had no effect. This climb was the only spot in the race I really walked. Sure, I took a few steps here and there up steep parts, but never really, "walked". This was a grinder. I set my sights on a guy in a red singlet and tried my best to keep up fast hiking. I was getting a bit tired by the top and thankful for the downhill to Tennessee Valley, mile 45, where I'd see my family. This aid station was BUSTLING. Tons of people and so much commotion. I didn't really pay attention to anything that was going on, except for my mom and sister. I grabbed two Gus from them and my new refilled water bottle and immediately started heading up Marincello; the last climb.

All Business heading into Tennesse Valley

My eyes set on hunting down Luanne & Jon

At the start of the climb, I saw Jon Bretan, who was coming out of a rough patch. He looked at me and went, "kelsie?! okay, if you're running up this, I have to, too." And then he took off. Thank god, because I was prepared to walk this one. But I slowly tried to keep him in sights and make my way up the hill. Meghan had said to go hard the last 5 miles and so I was really pushing at this point. My ipod died, I was tired, mentally hurting and now physically feeling all of those miles before. I wouldn't call it a low point, but it definitely wasn't comfortable from here on out. As we neared the Alta aid station, I shared a couple meters with a man in an orange shirt. He told me he had two daughters and that I was super inspiring for him and that he cannot wait to tell them I was up there running with him for 50 miles. He was the one who really turned it on for me. He told me, "okay, you will definitely break 9 hours, now you have to go for it!" I'm so grateful for that extra push and boost in confidence. I took off down the hill, giving everything I had. I caught Luanne Park, fellow Tamalpan, and also Jon Bretan. We raced it in together. I felt like I was sprinting. The cheers from the finish line were audible and I was gritting my teeth. That last little uphill on the road really, really sucked. I felt like I might have kicked too early and that I'd pass out right before the finish. But I heard my name and kept going. God, that finish line felt so good. I was so happy to cross it and be done!

The Best feeling.

I finished 112th overall, 18th female, and 1st in my 20-24 age group in 8:57.03. I really was astounded at the whole day. I had so much fun, smiling, laughing, dancing and singing along the course. I got to splash through mud and make friends, while seeing so many others. The aid station volunteers and spectators were so efficient, helpful, and set the bar extremely high for all other races. I am still in shock that I felt so good for so long and so comfortable at that distance.

The damage.

Jon Bretan & I

Post race, I got to hang out with some awesome friends, share in our accomplishments, trade stories, and recover well. I even got to swim in the Pacific Ocean for "ice bath" recovery! Now, I feel perfectly fine. My body isn't sore and I have no fatigue. So, I am super excited for Bandera 100km the first weekend of January! Western States ticket, I'm coming for you!

Rob Krar & I

Blue Skirt Posse- this chica is awesome!

This race and weekend wouldn't be possible with all the friends & family that support me so much. I am so grateful to my family as they are my #1 fans and the best support crew! My coach, Meghan Arbogast, has the best advice, and knows how to push me hard in training in just the right way. We work so well together and she is ever so patient with some of my whining and self-doubts! My trail running family up in the bay offers encouragement and advice that I would be lost without. A big thank you to The North Face for giving me the confidence and believing in my goals as an athlete.

Gear used:
TNF better than naked singlet & skirt
TNF arm warmers & Ultra Cardiac shoes
Petzl Tikka RXP headlamp
Nathan 18oz handheld bottle (2)
S! caps every hour
14 Gu gels (every 40 min, then every 30min 2nd Cardiac on)
coke 3x at various aid stations
Stance compression 1/4 calf socks.
Taylor Swift & Drake & Others on the iPod shuffle

USATF National 50k Champs- Bootlegger

11/9/13

After the Headlands 50k, I was pretty jazzed about ultra running and excited to be jumping in. I soon after signed up for the Bootlegger 50k.  My attraction to this particular race was because it had less elevation, was in a desert canyon outside of Vegas, and was the USATF National Championship race for 50k.  Pretty great incentives, right? I pitched the idea to my roommates to see if anyone was down to road trip to Vegas and split gas money, two of my friends even signed up for the 25k.

Training for this race was a little less than ideal. After headlands, I had huge notions of training even harder and longer and doing more.  I guess I didn't really take into consideration how time consuming school would be.  After all, I was literally just studying to get my A's in 18 units of hard science, sleeping a decent amount, spending some time with friends (not much), and getting in some runs.  I thought I'd be running so much more, but I only really had time to average 50 miles a week.  There were some weeks I had a stellar workout or tempo, a great long run (22-23 miles was my max unfortunately), or I got some more mileage.  One such example was when I went up North back to the bay. I ran with the SFRC crew and added on to get 23 hard trail miles on Saturday and then double with a hard, but somewhat conserved NWM 1/2 marathon effort on Sunday.  However, there  were also the not so stellar times that comes with training, no matter what level you are on.  There were the weeks I only got 40 miles, was very tired on a lot of runs, didn't get a quality workout, or just plain didn't have the time to run because of studying and class. Another example was about three-four weeks ago. I was very very sick for a couple days and felt awful on the (probably) 9 miles I got out of that week.  Nonetheless, I did what I could and tried my best. I now know how to manage my time better and commit for the next one.

Ian Torrence counting down

Pre race chit chat!

On Friday the 8th, we all packed into my car and drove the 7 hours to Henderson.  I ate the dinner I had pre made and pretty much went straight to sleep.  I woke up at 5:15 to get ready and check out of our hotel.  We arrived at the start at 6:15 and got my bib. I was just relieved to get to the start after stressing about traveling and worrying about the logistics.  It was fabulous to see Alex Varner and Dylan Bowman at the start and I got to chat it up with several others.  When the race finally started, everybody started very fast, but I kept with my pace and bided my time.  I didn't need to run 6:30s at the beginning of a hot, desert 50k.  I was in 7th place through the first climb, which was pretty challenging, but very cool.  The red rocks were incredible, 

and climbing up to a ridge just after the sunrise was amazing.  I passed the 4 mile, first aid station and had a pretty good clip going. After that aid station, the course meandered through the desert for a couple miles.  There were a couple steep pitches, but it was pretty manageable and even fun.  It was very rocky and technical though.  That part was a bit unexpected and added a lot of difficulty to the course.  After the second aid station it started to get pretty hot out.  We were running back and forth on these really sharp-turned canyons up and down.  The out and back to the last aid station on the loop felt decent at that point, but I was starting to feel tired and dehydrated. I hadn't gone to the bathroom at all that first loop which seemed concerning since I filled up my 18oz bottle twice and had two cups of water or heed.  When I was two miles out, I could see the cars lined up next to the start in the distance and that was such a relief. Just the thought of being halfway done and seeing Taylor and Ashley was pulling me onwards.

Taylor, my fabulous crew!

Off on the next lap!

I ran through the start line, Taylor squirted her water into mine (I was halfway done and it had only been two miles since the last one). She smeared Aquaphor on my face and everybody cheered me onto the second lap. I had passed one woman and moved into sixth place at that point.  A highlight was having Hal Koerner cheer me on! I settled into pace next to a man named Andy, who I found out is from Marin as well! It was great talking to him for a mile, but I felt good and pulled ahead.  The first climb the second time around was pretty brutal. It was so so so hot and there were tons of tourists watching me suffer.  At one point I pulled down my pants to pee, pretty sure 20 people saw my ass, and noticed that the little that came out was dark brown. (shit). Sorry if thats TMI, but this is my account of what happened during the race, and that includes all the nitty gritty gross details.  Once over the climb and down in the back area, where I before felt fast and strong, I felt flat and tired and dead.  I only saw one man in that stretch and I passed him at the mile 19 first aid station.  Heading towards the second aid station was probably the worst part of the race.  I had to climb and meander through canyons and sketchy turnoffs.  It was hot, I was dehydrated, out of water, and just wanted to be done. I knew I wouldn't have the time I had hoped for as the course was a lot harder than expected, but I just kept telling myself to be "ultra tough" and finish and set an age group CR and have two ultra finishes under my belt.  Also, quitting was not an option for me, so just finishing as fast as I could muster was my only goal for moving forward.  However, finding that second aid station was exasperating.  I kept thinking it would be around the next turn and when it wouldn't, I felt like crying (but I didn't; because I was trying to be "ultra tough"). When I finally got to them, I had passed another man and was so thankful to finally see people.

Desert Sunrise!

I started towards the last aid station much happier and had a better pep in my very slow step.  I finally got to the third and my legs and feet were sooo exhausted and beat up from all the sharp rocks.  The volunteers were all very excited to see me and were incredulous that I was 19 years old.  They also told me they thought I was in third place because some women dropped out. This was the caffeine boost I needed and I eagerly grabbed my water bottle and booked it out of there. I only had 2.5 miles left and was ready to be done. Also the prospect of getting third place and making my first podium at A. a race. B. an ultra race. and C. a national championship ultra race.  It felt fast compared to my previous miles but I was still pretty beat and tired on those last 2.5 miles. I pushed forward though and gave it everything I had.  I passed one more man that was not having a good day and about 1/4 mile away I stepped on a rock and felt like I split my foot open.  When I got onto that downhill homestretch… no emotion could describe how excited and happy I was. Everybody was cheering and my friends were lining the way screaming. I dropped my water bottle and flew.  I was high on emotion and finishing that I powered over the line.  I sat down and was immediately surrounded by DBo, Alex and my friends, which I couldn't be more content to be surrounded by.  I ended up getting 5th place and a very cool medal to show for it! I don't think they did age group awards, or they did it later but we had already left since it was getting pretty late to be hanging around the finish.  However, I am now the youngest finisher ever for that race and hold an AG CR for the course.  I set a new PR by only a minute, but hey, it's a PR in unexpectedly tough conditions.  I was told that it was over 100 degrees at various places along the course, which is just unfathomable.

Clearly giving everything I've got towards that finish

As far as nutrition goes, I think I had a pretty good handle on it. I never experienced any cramps or feeling sick. I had a tropical punch shot block every half hour and a salt cap every hour for the first four hours, then I took one every half hour after that.  I took heed at the aid stations and coke the last lap.  Right before the second lap I took a double espresso shot GU, too. I filled my water bottle every station except the very, very first one.  I would like to blame my "bonking" (was it even a bonk?) or just my tiredness and slowness on the middle part of the second lap on lack of hard training and dehydration, which I couldn't have really helped.  I felt like maybe I could've eaten more and I would've had more fuel, but I don't think that was the solution, especially because I felt like I was eating a lot.  However, it was only 46 calories per hour and 16g of carbs.  I will have to learn to either eat more or figure our my exact caloric needs.

"That area over there was hell"

In terms of the competition, it was definitely faster and tougher than Headlands, as it was the national championships. However, there were several females who took it out fast and raced each other way ahead of me.  I saw that one woman that I passed on the first loop maybe twice in a three mile span.  In that sense, I felt like I was only competing against the clock and the elements.  I barely saw anybody out there; it was a very lonely race.  One reason for getting to the next level is that I'd have more competition and can challenge myself in that sense. At Headlands I was constantly leapfrogging with women and chasing them down.  I felt like Bootlegger was almost like a well supported very long run that had others than a competitive race.  

Glad to be done!

After this, I am looking forward to putting my feet up and resting for a week and taking it easy before gearing up for the next one! I just want to say Thank you to EVERYBODY who supported me in this and my endeavors: My family and zealously caring friends, Ian Torrance & USATF for putting on a fabulous race with great volunteers and definitive course markings, SFRC and Red Rock Running Co, and everybody else cheering me on- you all inspire me to push further and explore the physical, mental, emotional, and geographic limits.

5th Place medal!

Photo creds: Ashley Fisher

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!