Marlette Lake 50k

I signed up for this race in February with a cast on my leg and crutches at my side because I wanted a goal, I needed a goal that would challenge me and this race did not disappoint.

In hindsight, I probably should have navigated my race week a little better but in all honesty, I would not change a thing.

A few days prior to race day I went with our basketball team (12 year olds) to a water obstacle course for some team building and bonding.

While incredibly fun, it did leave my upper body sore and my lower body a weee bit fatigued although I am beyond proud that I was able to do the entire course and was more than likely the oldest person out there. 🙂

The day before the race, we had four basketball games back to back to back to back (2 teams 2 games each). When the basketball games were over, we drove home, I ate and then literally hopped in the car and drove two hours to Tahoe.

I was pretty tired when I got to my hotel room and unpacked. I ate some more and tried to (re)hydrate myself as best as I could but my body just felt super heavy.

Despite feeling utterly exhausted, I did not sleep well at all. When I woke the next morning I believe my Garmin actually said I had had terrible sleep and was well below a racing fitness level.

Sunrise at Spooner

Morning came too quickly and I headed to Spooner Lake where the race starts and ends.

I love Big Blue Adventure races because everything is so organized. I arrived, got my bib and shirt and then had plenty of time to use the restrooms before the race started.

Spooner Lake

The race starts right next to the lake. There is a 50k and a 10 miler and the 50k started about 10 minutes before the 10 mile race did.

No frills, no bells and whistles when it comes to starting this race. It was “ready, set, go!” and we were off. The trail is wide enough at the start that you can adjust your position. I found myself some what near the back of the pack and that was totally okay.

The race start is at an elevation of ~6956 (maxes at ~8974) and I had spent the weekend prior at a soccer tournament that was pretty much at sea level. Again, not the wisest of choices but still would not miss my kid’s games for anything.

Course Profile – Big Blue Adventure

I also knew that no matter what, the first seven miles of this race was going to be tough as it was an uphill climb. I wasn’t wrong.

The elevation hit my lungs immediately and my legs felt absolutely trashed within the first two miles. This sent my mind in a little bit of a spiral at first but I just adjusted my breathing and focused instead on power hiking.

I let people pass and tried not to worry about it remembering that my goal was just to finish and enjoy the day and to just love racing again!

The course is absolutely breath taking both literally and figuratively. 🙂 I have paced a friend to her TRT 100 finish a few years ago and this seemed like the same route I ran with her but in reverse.

It was hot. To put it into perspective, I was in a tank top as it was 60 degrees at 6 am … in Tahoe! That’s hot! The race started at 7:30 and I swear it was even warmer by then. I was drenched as soon as I started running. The early miles are pretty much the the only tree coverage you get, after that, you pay the price on an exposed course but with the most spectacular views.

I tried desperately not to face plant while running as I was also trying to take in all the views and take photos.

At one point, we hit a spot that showcased both Marlette Lake and Lake Tahoe. It was incredible.

I was literally smiling the entire time even when I was struggling. It was impossible not to smile when you’re on top of the world.

The first aid-station came at around mile 7 or so and it was a sight for sore eyes. I didn’t really need anything but it was my mental hurdle. After that, the course was more rolling. The second aid-station, I asked for iced and filled my neck bandana which really made a difference.

At one vista, I stopped to take a photo and another runner offered to take my photo and vice versa.

Leaving the first aid-station – Carson City views ahead

It took quite some time for me to find (part of) my legs but I was able to move more consistently whether running or hiking after the first two aid-stations.

LeFrak Photography

When we got somewhere near miles 19 and 20, I knew exactly where I was. The Tunnel Creek Aid-Station from TRT is a spot I have spent many hours cheering, crewing and spectating. The aid-station for this race was pretty near this but after mile 20, the rest of the course was entirely new terrain for me and hands down my most favorite part of the course.

The trail sign said Marlette Lake Trail but I know it more as the Flume Trail from my husband who bikes on this section. Bikes were definitely a presence in the mid miles but every single biker that I ran into was polite, encouraging and most stopped to let me by first.

Happy girl!

I did stop to use the restroom shortly after the aid-station near Tunnel Creek and because of that, I had separated myself from the few runners I had been near most of the race. This left me 100% alone on the most glorious section of trail I have ever seen.

Smooth single track trail with a cliff and the lake to your right. It was breathtaking.

It was also super populated with hikers and bikers at times but I wasn’t bummed that I had to slow down and play the passing game. Most everyone stopped to let me run by which was really nice. The trail narrows in sections so someone did have to stop.

The other awesome piece of this race is that they have race photographers stationed at all the epic view spots.

I was in my happy place and motoring at this point. I actually picked up some speed here and felt like a normal runner. Only took 23 miles for it to happen! haha

A nice mountain biker gave me a heads up as to where the next aid-station was which I appreciated. I knew how high up we were which meant at some point, we’d have to come back down.

Sure enough, the trail started having some down hill. I made it to that aid-station but did not stay long.

Soon I found myself on a fire road that was sitting right next to Marlette Lake.

I saw one runner swimming in the lake so I took the time to climb down and really soak my bandana and buff. I thought about getting in but I was worried about my feet getting wet and having blisters. The lake was so pretty and refreshing that next time, I will definitely get in.

After that, there was another aid-station. I could practically smell the finish line by this point so once again, I didn’t stop for very long.

The trail leaves the gravel road and makes a sharp right turn up and onto some single track. The uphills were still rough on my tired legs so I power hiked.

As I was hiking, I saw a guy sitting on a rock at the top of the climb. He kind of looked like a runner who had to stopped to take a breather.

As I got closer, he pulled out a big camera. “Oh you ARE a race photographer!?” I said. He smiled, [click click click] “I AM a race photographer,” he said. I laughed and replied, “Well I would have run the climb if I had known!” He pulled the camera away from his face and said with a huge smile, “You are more than welcome to do it again if you’d like?” hahahaha! I laughed so hard, “No no, that’s okay!” I heard him laughing as I hiked the rest of the way. That had me giggling for a quite a few miles after that.

Used with permission from LeFrak Photography

The above photo is the result of that exchange. He reminded me as I continued on that the “best photos are on top of the climbs” and he wasn’t wrong. Had he not pointed it out, I would not have turned around and saw that. Wow.

As soon as the single track dumped me back onto a fire road, I knew that I was only a mile or so from the finish. I could hear the announcer and I knew that it was uphill all the way to end. I vowed to myself that I would run the entire way.

And I did! It was most definitely not my best 50k but probably one that I am pretty darn proud of. As my friend reminded me, I have only been back running consistently since May and to run 31 miles at elevation with close to 5,000 feet of climbing accomplishment.

I wanted a challenge and that is exactly what I got and even though my legs and lungs were burning at times, I enjoyed every minute. I needed this to remind myself the biggest rule when it comes to running ultra marathons, “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” Problem solve along the way and just keep moving forward. That is exactly what I did.

I had one of these post race. Not something I think I would like normally, but after running 31 miles on a really dry hot day, this actually hit the spot and it has quite a bit of potassium in it. I was grateful that I did not have any cramping issues during the race. Near the end, I passed quite a few runners whose muscles were seizing because it was so dry and so hot out.

I cleaned up, ate a little and then hopped in the car and drove 2 hours back home to the family. I am already figuring out how I can do this race again next near. I would love a better finish time, I know I am capable of that but I also just loved everything about this race. August in Tahoe is notoriously hot so there is no getting around that really and I don’t mind the heat so long as I am prepared. I just need to work on that 7 mile climb at the start and maybe not do a crazy obstacle course a few days before the race. 😉

Happy Trails!

~Trailmomma

Race Details

Shoes: Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3’s

Watch: Garmin

Socks: Injinji

Fuel: Spring Energy gels and Tailwind Nutrition

Full Disclaimer: I am not associated with Big Blue Adventure at all and was not paid or compensated for writing this report. I would also like to thank LeFrak Photography for permission and use of their photo.

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BRYCE CANYON 30k Race Report

A lot has happened since my last race report in December. I have toyed with just letting this blog go. No one reads blogs anymore really. I admit I use it as a way to look back at things I did for certain races but I have sort of just lost the momentum of maintaining this let alone finding the time. Which is ironic, given that after CIM 2022, I had loads of time.

The day after Christmas 2022, I went snowboarding with some friends at a new to me resort. The last run of the day I had a fluke accident as I exited one of the chair lifts. The tip of my board got stuck in some snow/ice but the rest of my body’s momentum did not stop. Long story short, I broke my fibula. Luckily it was a clean break but it was the first real broken bone I have ever sustained and it required a full blown cast.

Green with blue sparkles

Five weeks in a cast followed by some time in a boot followed by tons of time trying to gain back strength and mobility in both my ankle and my foot.

Fast forward to May of 2023 when I found myself on an 11 hour road trip with my friend Michele headed to my first trail race since CIM! The Bryce Canyon Ultras!

I was in no way ready for an ultra (any distance over 26.2 miles) as I had only run up to 8 miles prior to the race but I was excited to get back to any start line. Dusting off my gear, packing and looking at the race course alone made me happy. Running a 30k would be just perfect.

Michele and I left on Thursday morning and drove all the way to Panguitch, Utah. We crashed hard at the hotel that night and woke up bright and early Friday to see Bryce Canyon.

We got to the park early and did the most beautiful hike. This is definitely worth a trip and a stop as the rock formations are just incredible.

After our hike, we headed to Hatch, Utah for packet pick up. We ate lunch in the back of the car while we waited for it to open. As with all Vacation Races events, everything ran seamless.

They wanted us to color the sign.
My contribution

After packet pick up, we explored around the area more before we founds ourselves back at the hotel making dinner and getting race ready.

Race morning

Race morning was beautiful. The race this year held a few distances all starting 30 minutes apart. Our 30k was the last starting at 7:30 am.

Another seamless part of this race is that there are plenty of porta potties, plenty of parking spaces and plenty of wonderful volunteers!

They counted us down and we were off! The first 3 or so miles is on a fire road that is slightly uphill (at almost 7000 feet above sea level). It is the perfect opportunity for everyone to spread out.

Eventually you dip onto a single track climb. Michele and I separated somewhere in the first mile both ready to run our own races and catch up later with lots of stories to tell.

I was all smiles the entire time. The ankle/leg was holding up great even with the off camber trails, rocks and sandy sections.

I kept my long sleeve on for probably the first four or five miles. It wasn’t until we reached this significant uphill that was on some sketchy trail that I wish I had taken it off earlier.

The above photo does not do the trail justice. There was this one section, before the second aid-station where it was super loose gravel and a steep drop into nothing. You are pretty high up and I was stuck in a conga line of people. Luckily for me, most were okay with heights but the same could not be said for Michele.

She had a girl near her that was petrified of heights and was clinging to a rock unable to move. Michele offered help but the girl refused. Just a warning if you do have a fear of heights as this is not mentioned in their race guide.

After this, we started reaching some areas that had snow! It was so cool!

My note to Michele

I stopped to write Michele a note hoping she’d see it when she passed (she didn’t) but the guys I was running with stopped to watch me and then hollered “GO MICHELE!” 🙂

When we got to the top of one of the mountains, I noticed I had cell service so I texted the family and Coach of my daughters’ basketball teams and wished them luck in their huge tournament happening back at home.

My favorite section!

When my watched buzzed at mile 9, I did an internal cheer for myself. Longest mileage run since I had broken my leg!

As I was running down one of the rockiest terrains I have run in a long while, I started a conversation with a girl who was running strong. We chatted briefly about my leg and then she revealed that a few weeks ago, she and 19 others had been trapped in an avalanche in the Himalayas! They all survived but she said they were out there for a while, some without shoes until the Indian government finally met them. Wow! I love this community and what you learn about someone during a race. She even found me after the race to see how I held up.

I do not have much else to say about the race. It was well run, beautiful, extremely challenging and I am so incredibly happy that I decided to do it. The photos from the course pretty much speak for themselves.

You ran through all sorts of terrain over the course of these 19.5 miles.

There was even some snow running – not just by it but on it which was another spot that some people freaked out and went down on their butts!

The final miles were on this amazingly beautiful single track where I was oddly alone for many miles. It was just perfect.

When you get to the final aid-station you have to run the 3 miles back to the finish line on the same gravel sandy road you started. The difference is that this time, you are mostly running downhill.

I was alone on this section almost the entire time and the way the mountains work, you really can’t see or hear the finish line much at all. There were a few times where I doubted myself but eventually I heard the announcer.

I rounded the corner and made my way through the finish line!

Finished!

If I am being honest, the smile did not leave my face the entire time. I am not a social person by nature but I was probably the most social person out there because I was just SO excited to be back out there running again and feeling GOOD!

That was the best part, I really did feel good. I felt like I had surpassed a mental hurdle I had made in my head afraid to go farther.

To make things even sweeter, I finished second in my age group! I was not trying for a AG placement at all but it helps make for a great end to my first race back of the year.

I didn’t have to wait long for Michele to finish either. She rocked that course. It is a pretty fun finish line to chill at as well. Lots of post race food options and it seemed everyone was just hanging out ready to cheer runners past the finish line.

Overall, I would highly recommend Vacation Race’s Bryce Canyon Ultras. There were 315 runners doing the 30k distance, for many, it was their first time at that distance. This was not an easy course, add in elevation and they had a few DNFs but for the most part, it was gorgeous.

The elevation did not affect me as much as I thought it would given that where I live and run it is only 768 feet above sea level and this race started at almost 7000 and we ran up to almost 10,000. I am happy that I chose to do the 30k and didn’t get too cocky and attempt to do the 50k or 60k or 50 mile.

After Michele finished, we recovered a bit, ate and then hopped in the car and drove 5 hours back towards home and got a hotel in an effort to shorten our drive time on Sunday.

For being my first race of 2023 and my first road trip, I am beyond happy and grateful.

Happy Trails!

~Trailmomma

RACE DETAILS

Shoes : Topo Athletic Ultraventures

Watch : Garmin

Fuel : Unived Drink Mix and Spring Energy Canaberry gels

Socks : Injinji

Breakfast : Picky Bars Oatmeal

Full Disclaimer: I am not associated with Vacation Races at all and was not paid or compensated for writing this report.

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QUICKSILVER 100k (Race Report)

I finally saw the infamous ultra “pain cave” that everyone talks about looming in front of me. I took a few steps inside, looked around but I refused to stay knowing that if I went in, I might not get back out.

Quicksilver Endurance Runs

Like a lot of runners who toed the line at the 2022 Quicksilver 100k this past weekend, this was supposed to be our 2020 race. Some chose to run the bonus race in September of 2021 (hindsight – it is way cooler in September than in May), but others, like myself, bumped it to May of 2022. A new course or really, just a new finish was the biggest change. For me, it was the farthest I have run since my 100 miler at Pine to Palm in September of 2019. There were many mental and physical hurdles between then and now which made my stomach a ball of nerves when race week arrived.

All throughout the week I would organize my race gear on my dining room table. Another big change between previous Quicksilver 100k races and the new course is the number of drop bags allowed. When I ran it in 2016 and 2018, there were 5 different spots you could potentially leave a drop bag. Now, there are two with the last one being at mile 44.1 of the race. Mentally, that threw me for a loop since I knew that in prior years, some of the aid-stations later in the race (namely the second to last) are so remote, they run out of ice and other items.

I worked a half day on Friday and took the afternoon off to drive to San Jose. I actually made great time and was there well before packet pick up was open. I swung by Whole Foods and got what I needed for my post-race meal and then drove over to Sports Basement (this place is incredible – I just love it) and wandered around the store until I could grab my race bib.

“Shopping” – I should have bought this. 🙂

As I was leaving with my race schwag and bib, I ran into S who was also running. He’d run the bonus race in September of 2021 as well so he knew the new course. Seeing him always makes me smile and got me more excited for race day.

This race is a tough one because it starts at 4:30 am. Yes, 4:30 … check-in is at 3:30 am. So that means waking around 2:00 am to start getting packed, fed and ready. Sleep did not come super easy. I went to bed as early as I could, I ate as early as I could but I still tossed and turned quite a bit with my brain overthinking everything.

Start line – that’s Miss P with the pony tail

I got to the starting area just fine. S and C arrived two seconds behind me. I checked in, then had to move my car and then used the porta potties about three or four times before it was time to line up. A headlamp is required to start this race and one of my goals was to NOT need the headlamp again for the finish.

Miss P my dear friend who I met when I first started doing ultras in 2010 was running as well. I helped pace her at her first 100 quite a few years ago, and I know, she is a super strong runner. She makes it look so easy. She is fierce and fast.

When the “gun” went off, the crowd started the run/march uphill. S took off, wanting to get ahead of the big crowd. After a while, I could not get footing myself, so I started to run uphill bobbing and weaving around a lot of people until I could get a nice spot. It is not super steep, and I felt it was runnable but I also wanted to make sure I did not trip as it was also quite rocky.

Rising above the Bay Area fog

The temperatures were predicted to be somewhere between 85 and 90 degrees. That’s not really abnormal for a May Quicksilver BUT the week leading up to the race was downright chilly and rainy making the transition from cool temps one day to squelching hot unbearable temps another, a tough one. It was hot at 4:30 am! I just told myself to keep running as much as I could, comfortably so that I could get a lot of miles out of the way while it was dark and cool(er).

That was the last photo I took for a while because I decided I needed to focus on running.

Hicks #1 Mile 6.1 (6.4 to the next AS)

I ran through the first aid-station, not really needing anything here. I carry a lot in my pack because I try and rely on mostly what I carry with me until I no longer can.

When I started the race my stomach did not feel “awesome” … it wasn’t bad, more like a nervous pit kind of feeling so that is what I chalked it up to be. By mile 7 or so, it was making itself known that it wasn’t disappearing. It wasn’t getting worse, but it was making running uncomfortable at times.

Woods Road #1 Mile 12.5 (5.4 to the next AS)

Refilled my water bottle here. In and out.

Lexington Mile 17.9 (7.9 to the next AS)

Lexington is just off a paved road. I knew that the next aid station was quite a ways out and that we had some killer hills coming up. I just made sure I had water in my bottles and I started soaking my bandana to keep my neck and face cool.

Mile 20.7 – the start of some serious climbing

It was around mile 20 that things started to change. I looked down at my hands and noticed that my fingers looked huge. I could barely bend them they were so swollen. I also had “tried” to go to the bathroom a few times along the course with no luck. Something wasn’t right.

Mile 21.21

This section of the course is pretty gnarly. You have the Kennedy Rollers (photo above) followed directly into Dog Meat (photo below).

Dog Meat – it goes on and on and on

I was lucky enough to be with Miss P during quite a bit of this section or rather behind her watching her just cruise and crush every runner hiking up these hills. She just has the most steady, consistent and powerful uphill hike. She was blowing by runners with poles even.

All I could do was hike. It was hot. It was sunny. I was swelling a ton in my hands. Every step I took up, I felt like I slid back a few inches the gravel was so dry. I focused on my form and what I tell the kids I coach “hands follow feet – move your hands and your feet will follow.” So that is what I did until we got to the top and had to turn and go way way way way down.

On this crazy 3 mile-ish downhill stretch you pass runners hiking back up so you know, once you hit the bottom, you have to turn and hike back up. I was using gravity to just pull me knowing that perhaps this may come back to bite me later if I blow out my quads but my power hike I felt ate up so much time.

I passed S hiking his way up. He looked hot but smiley and it was nice to see his face.

Kennedy Road Mile 25.8 (5.5 to the next aid-station)

When I got here I had to make a decision. I tried (again) to use the restroom (no luck) so I switched from what I had been consuming to just plain water. I was hopeful that maybe I could flush out the sodium I was clearly retaining in my hands. I also grabbed a Coke which is rare for me this early in a race (if at all) but I was hoping it would act as a diuretic.

Luckily, I was still able to consume the Spring Energy gels I had on me, even if they were warm.

The climb back up is long, hot, brutal and when you get to the top, you still have to go even farther before you get to the aid-station.

Woods Road #2 Mile 31.3 (6.5 to the next aid-station)

This aid-station is always a site for sore eyes because by now you’re dying for an ice cold refuel, shade and the awareness that you are half way done with the race! The volunteers (at all the aid-stations) are awesome but these guys are great because you are SO happy to see them.

Hicks Road #2 Mile 37.8 (3.6 miles to the next aid-station)

I am not entirely sure, but I think it was in this stretch that I accidentally kicked a rock with my LEFT foot. I immediately felt my toenail sort of dislodge a bit. I have been blessed in my ultra career to not have any foot issues. That was all about to change in this race.

The stretch here was uplifting for me because we were heading back to the start (and finish) area. This is where I had my only drop bag and I was ready to dump what I had been carrying, that wasn’t working and pick up some new gels and items to see if I could continue to make progress in my hand swelling and stomach discomfort.

Hacienda Mile 41.4 (3.1 miles to the next aid-station)

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This was a downhill stretch coming in and so I ran it and then my drop bag. I was starting to worry about the lack of electrolytes. I didn’t want too much sodium, but it was just so hot. I changed one of my soft flasks to the fuel being handed out at the aid-stations (Skratch Pink Lemonade). At first sip, it made me nauseous but then, it really started to help make me feel better. I would continue to fill one bottle with that.

The rough part here is that you have to walk/run past the finish line and head back out for another 20 something miles while watching 50k finishers run into the finish, see the food trucks and everyone chilling in the shade. Mind battles!

The stretch to the next aid-station is only 3.1 miles but for me, it has always been a struggle. It is up hill. Paula was with me for a bit and then in Paula fashion, she blazed ahead uphill like a machine. I struggled to just keep hiking, focusing on my form, fueling and ignoring the weird feeling in my stomach and in my left foot (didn’t hurt but I could feel the toe nail).

Mockingbird Mile 44.5 (3.9 to the next aid-station)

Another aid-station – same ritual. Ice down the sports bra, water in one bottle at all times.

From here, you climb some shaded (finally) single track but it’s rocky and uphill. Paula and I were once again together. We caught up a lot here. She said she was struggling a bit but she looked amazing. Most of the runners around us had pacers with them so it was nice to have someone to chat with and pass some miles with here. I was feeling pretty low, like I wasn’t going to qualify for Western States. I knew I could finish this race, but would I qualify? I realized I didn’t care whether I did or didn’t (that’s what I was telling myself). I even texted C to tell her that I didn’t think I would qualify but that I would finish. I told her about my sodium issues and my struggle with my stomach.

On the way to the next aid-station, there was some downhill and I separated from Paula because I started to feel really good. Maybe it was the Scratch kicking in (yay electrolytes) but I got a second wind. I also decided that it was ok not to qualify for WS but I’ll be damned if I miss it by just few minutes.

I ran into a runner and her pacer here as well. I learned that it was her first 100k and she was struggling a bit. I told her to put ice in her sports bra when we go to the aid-station and to start counting down the miles. My jedi mind trick. Helping her, in turn helped give me a boost.

Bull Run #1 Mile 48.4 (5.7 to the next aid-station)

I love this aid-station because they are usually so fun and loud and energetic and best of all, fully stocked. I arrived, grabbed ice for my sports bra, some fuel and headed out.

To add some mileage, you have to veer right onto what I’ve always called the Lollipop loop. You run out around a tree and then back and someone is at the entrance marking when you entered and when you come back to ensure all runners honestly do this loop and do not bypass it.

It was on this loop that kicked (hard) a rock with my RIGHT foot. Earlier it was with my left. This one was SO hard that expletives came flying out and I hopped a little bit. Like my right, I felt the toe nail dislodge. What in the world was happening with my feet today???!!!!

I made the right turn out of the lollipop trail and knew instantly what was coming … my favorite section of the course, Tina’s Den (no longer called that I don’t think). This is a single track shaded downhill section that in 2016 and 2018 I just FLEW down. I have always had the energy and the power here … except this year.

I’d let gravity pull me and then have to hike some, let it pull, then hike again. My toes were killing me, my quads were finally starting to protest all of those earlier hills I bombed. My second wind, my second life, was slowly deflating.

This used to be the “fastest” section in my head but this year, it went on forever and ever and ever. I was mostly alone. A few runners passed me, I passed one or two who were struggling.

Finally we are dumped off the single track and onto the fire road, I knew that the second to last aid-station was coming. I knew when I got to that aid-station, I had to look at my watch to see what my time was to see if I was still within range to qualify for Western States.

McAbee Mile 54.1 (4.9 miles to the next aid-station)

I arrived at McAbee and there was some carnage like there is every year. There was no ice so I refilled with warm water. I looked at my watch and saw that I had 45 minutes before the cutoff for a Western States qualifying time. Dang it, that’s too close in my math challenged head. Realistically, I probably had TONS of time but I am bad at math and luckily in the right direction so it pushed me forward.

Lots of uphill here again. At mile 55 I suddenly had to pee! Oh my gosh! I had to pee, FINALLY! There is pretty much no where to pee on a lot of these trails so I scrambled up a side hill and ducked behind some trees. Finally! My flush with water plan was working. My fingers were slowly reducing in size too.

Hiking toward what would be the last and final aid-station of the day (and again, my favorite) I ran into a guy who reminded me that this aid-station had otter pops! I had completely missed it on my first stop but I was hoping they had some left because that sounded amazing.

Bull Run #2 Mile 59 (3 miles to the FINISH)

When I arrived at the aid-station it was mellow, not too many runners at one time. I had one volunteer take one bottle and fill with water and ice (just in case), another pulled the trash out of my pocket and another got me an Otter Pop. Seriously could not love these volunteers more!

Otter pop heaven. Ready to be done with this.

They told me it was 3 miles down hill to the finish. I asked if it was REALLY downhill … because on the previous course, it was touted as downhill but there were a few sneaky rollers in there.

Once I got my legs under me, I took off. Sure enough it was down freaking hill! I inhaled the otter pop and just flew. You know when you feel like you’re just sprinting and flying and then you look at your splits and you so are not? 🙂 That is what this felt like. Mile 60 was 13:41 and mile 61 was 10:05 … but I felt like I was doing 7 minute miles. 🙂

I heard the finish and tried to run even harder. I crossed the finish line and the crowd went crazy. I guess I ran in faster than anyone had in a while. I just want to be done!

What the???

When I finished, a nice volunteer handed me my finishers medal and a second one handed that above medal, “Nice job Pamela! That was some finish!” he said. I looked at the medal and replied, “You must be mistaken. This can’t be right.” He said, “Nope, you got third in your age group! Congratulations!

My finish time was 14:46. I qualified for Western States and while technically, this is a new course (the finish was the only difference), I ran faster than I had in 2018. However, I was toast.

I still couldn’t believe I had gotten 3rd AG. Not going to lie, it gave me that feel good boost to get my body in the car and drive all the way back to my hotel. It was a nice thing to text the family too who had been cheering for me.

Later when I checked the results, I saw I was actually 5th. I felt horrible. I emailed the race directors and told them I’d be happy to mail the medal to the appropriate owner. They said that I DID earn it. The two ladies who placed first and second, placed first and second OVERALL (my age bracket is a tough one) and since they don’t provide second sets of medals, I got 3rd via 5th. 🙂 I did get 12th female overall. None of that actually matters to me though, it’s all bonus and glory and great for a blog story (and to impress the kiddos). 🙂

What matters most is that I finished. I overcame some serious pain in my feet (which by the way look horrendous and are super painful). I also discovered the largest (and only) blister I have ever had on my big toe when I got back to my hotel (seriously, this is all new to me!). I had problem solved whatever was going on with my sodium intake and stomach. I stepped inside the pain cave, but I did not let myself stay there. I refused to let myself stay there.

My A-race for the year is over. Mentally, I have jumped that distance hurdle. The one that was nagging at me for the last two years. I felt so behind, so out of the ultra running loop. Now it is time to recover and heal and figure out what I need to tweak.

If you’re still reading (which I think no one does – but these are great for me to look back on), thank you. Thank you to S and C for being out there even if I never saw you. Thank you to Miss P for those miles and inspiring me to up my power hiking game. Thank you to Sandi and Higher Runner for your continued support, guidance and for always being a proponent of mind over matter and positive talk.

I fully believe: If the mind breaks, the body will follow.

Happy Trails!

~Trailmoma

EDITED TO ADD:

I do not think, that I really had a (dangerous) sodium issue during this race. What I DO think happened here for this race is that it was my first 100k back since 2019 and a really hot and difficult race with over 13,000 ft of climbing, 90 degree temps after a week of 50 degrees and rain and a course with very little shade. That’s my explanation for the finger swelling, it was hot and truly the first hot run of the year. Mentally, I had forgotten how difficult running 62 miles really is perhaps as well (I know I did).

As for my feet, that is me being super clumsy I guess and fatigued hitting those rocks. The blister can again be explained by perhaps my toes were swelling due to the heat. The lucky part about that, is that I never felt the blister. I did not know I even had one until after the race.

I am not done with racing or doing difficult races. I just now know taking a year or or even two year long breaks makes coming back a lot harder. 🙂

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2022 Mendocino Coast 50k – (Race Report)

Well, that did not suck!” Those were the first thoughts that ran through my head as I crossed the finish line. I was ear to ear smiling as I heard my name announced and was given a fist bump by the race director. What a beautiful race!

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First, we need to back up just a little. I registered to do this race in April of 2020 but much like a lot of races, it was postponed. When April of 2021 came around, things were still not in the clear enough to have the event.

I always say things happen for a reason in life and having this event in 2022 meant that I was able and ready to run it even if my instructions were to, “Have fun, treat it as a training run and take lots of photos!” 🙂

ROAD TRIP!

I love a good road trip and Mendocino turns out to be the perfect distance from home (roughly 3.5 hours) and the drive was beautiful.

I had never been to Mendocino before and it did not disappoint! The weather was spot on perfect with sunshine, a breeze and temps that were perfect for running.

First things first. I drove straight to the Stanford Inn (by the sea) for packet pick-up. I was greeted by the wonderful and creative Lynda Layng who I “met” through social media years ago. She greeted me with the biggest smile ever. We chatted and caught up and she recommended a place to stop for lunch.

Good Life Cafe Mendocino – SO DELICIOUS!

After my late lunch, I wandered to the start/finish line area and then eventually back to my place to get my gear ready for the race.

Unived Hydration

I’ve been drinking Unived’s drink mix for the last 3 years I think. I love it, my stomach loves it and it has been working great. I am not sponsored at all and I promise to post a review and my thoughts on the stuff sometime soon (especially their new product) – but that is what was in my pack along with some gels for this race.

Once my pack was ready, I went to bed eager to explore the trails I have heard so much about.

Good morning!

The race starts at 7:30 am (a perfect time in my opinion) and I specifically picked my lodging so that I could walk to the start. It was probably a little more than half a mile to the starting line. door to door.

Over cast but setting up to be a stellar day

I made sure to have a bag with me that could dump my warm jacket into and stash at the finish line. I knew post race near the water, it might be a chilly walk back.

The race starts and ends at Big River State Beach. This place is so cool as it is where the river actually intersects with the Pacific Ocean. It’s crazy to see the calm water run right into waves.

At the starting line they had warm coffee and scones for all. Not many races can do this, I grabbed a half a cup of coffee just to keep my hands warm. There were quite a few restroom options. 😉 The morning was cool but it eventually warmed up.

Let’s go!

Soon it was ready to line up and have Sid, the RD count us down to go time. Seriously, look at that photo, easily one of the most beautiful starting lines ever.

The first four miles or so are on this beautiful path that meanders past the redwood trees. It is wide enough for everyone to space out. It is also flat and perfect for getting a rhythm.

The first aid-station comes around mile 4.33 or so and then you take a sharp left then veer upward.

The course was very well marked with blue ribbons. We were given strict instructions that red ribbons were “bad” … however, a group of us at one point did run into a bunch of red ribbons. Thinking we’d missed a turn, we turned around as a group. Turns out, those red ribbons were either park ribbons or logging ribbons and we were on the right trail after-all. Basically, if a turn was happening, the course ribbons were VERY obvious both on the trees and on the ground. No chance of missing any.

If I could stop a million times and take a million photos I totally would have. Almost every turn I’d stop and go, “Woah! Look at that!” I was grateful and blessed to be in a small pack of strong women who were having a great time.

From Mendocino Coast 50k

Those first three bumps or climbs on the map, were not that bad. I felt the climbing was gradual and manageable. I even had the power to run quite a bit of them. Those smaller “bumps” near the end of the race? Those are the suckers that were vertical.

The downhill in this race though is outstanding! Soft dirt, very few obstacles, just a beautiful trail that pulls you so easily. At one point I came upon a group and they asked if I wanted to pass and as much as my body was like “Yes!” my brain was smarter and said, “Still a lot of race left Pam. Your quads are going to hate you later.” I pretty much responded with that to the group and they all agreed. They all wanted to fly but were keeping a steady pace and so I took up the caboose of our train.

Look at the size of that tree stump!

Aid-station 2 was around mile 7.35 or so. Like the first one, I ran right through it. I knew that aid-station 3 was the important one.

At some point, I lost the girl group (aid-station I think) and began running with Greg from Sacramento. Funny to meet and run with someone who lives near where I do at a destination race.

Greg was so nice. He had a lot of knowledge about the redwoods. He pointed out a redwood cathedral which is where a bunch of younger redwoods grow in a complete circle around an older one. It was so cool but no, I did not take a photo.

The night before the race, we received an email from Sid the race director with a link to a video of him crossing a river. It was more like, “Hey! So there is a river crossing around mile 13 or so. It looks deep but isn’t that deep but there is a rope for you, please use it and this is how you cross.” It made me laugh but I am SO glad he sent that as it did make crossing this a lot easier.

The water was cold but it actually felt really good. I say that about all water crossings I know.

Aid-Station 3 came around 13.24 miles in and was the aid-station I had been waiting for as the distance between 3 and 4 was almost 8 miles apart. I knew that I had to refill here.

I mean … come on!? How cool are these trees?

Still in my happy place, still feeling amazing, I thanked the outstanding volunteers and was on my way.

The rest of the race I was mostly by myself. I ran with two other ladies who I think were locals and then a downhill came and I was off again like a kid in a candy store.

Sacramento Dan ran by me at one point and said “Hi!” he looked strong and motored his way up a hill.

Mile 21-ish I distinctly remember hitting one of those vertical hills I mentioned earlier. It was on the way to aid-station 4 but it was a doozy of a climb.

The race is a mix of fire roads and single track for the majority of the miles. All very runnable and beautiful.

Smiling at mile 20 something.

After some time though, you do get dumped onto some pavement. We were running through Russian Gulch State Park and while there were quite a few people out hiking and enjoying their Saturday, I will say they were all super nice and eager to move to the side of the trail if they heard me running behind them. Some even said good luck!

The 5th and final aid-station came at mile 26.13 and at a place that had me stop in my tracks and ask, “Is this for real?

I was in awe. I was also alone so no one was around (probably better) to hear me say how insanely beautiful this all was!

I probably lost quite a bit of time on this section but I reminded myself that I wasn’t running for a time, I was running for joy and this was it.

While this section of the race is breath taking, there is a section coming up that I knew would take my breath away … the rope climb.

Yea, I said a rope climb. Once you leave this beautiful sea side spot … you run along highway one until you come to a really nice volunteer who tells you that you should grab the rope and head down the side of the bridge to the bottom.

Mile 27

Keep in mind, this is mile 27 of the race and that rope extends straight down after that edge along a watery little path to the bottom where another lovely volunteer helps you navigate. My legs were laughing at me but luckily, my hands had a tight enough grip on the rope.

Once you’re at the bottom you have to cross the water and climb straight back up the other side. Now, you’re on your way to the Mendocino Headlands State Park and eventually the finish.

This section is more pavement-ish but I caught a glimpse of a familiar van in one of the parking lots and the silhouette of two of the sweetest people I know. Then I heard my name being yelled and someone waving! S (my old running partner) and his beautiful wife C had made the drive up and were cheering for me! Huge boost. He high-fived me as I passed and said he’d see me at the finish.

The finish came after running through this huge stretch of sand!!!! My mental nemesis is sand but I was so elated to have seen S and C that I did not mind one bit. I was honestly a little bit sad as I knew the race was ending soon.

So I suck and didn’t get very many photos of the finish. Maybe I will leave that a mystery so you can run it for yourself and experience it but please know that the finish is like one big party at the end. Everyone was enjoying food (lasagna and salad) and cheering for runners as they came in.

Finisher’s gift

For what was supposed to be a training run, I ended up finishing 7th female overall and 4th in my age group. Not too shabby! Imagine if I didn’t stop to take a bunch of photos!? 🙂

After I finished, I found Lynda and she gave me the biggest hug ever! So nice especially since I was so smelly.

S and C where there as well. We hung around for a bit but they wanted to go eat at their favorite place, Fog Eater Cafe and I was starving.

C and S

The food here was outstanding especially if you are plant-based and gluten free. Our server was SO awesome at making sure I was okay and safe from gluten. 🙂

After fully refilling my body with all the calories it needed post 50k, I went for a walk along the coast line.

My belly and heart are so full here.

Post race I was feeling pretty good which made my mind relax. It meant that training is going well and I was ready. I am ready, for whatever lies ahead.

Best race swag ever!

Like I said, things happen for a reason and the fact that I ran this in 2022 instead of 2020 was meant to be. I was meant to have the adventure that I did and meet the wonderful people that I met and run the race the way I wanted to feeling pretty amazing the entire way.

Thank you to Sid and all the volunteers for this outstanding event! I know they were short on volunteers but they made it happen seamlessly from a runner’s perspective.

Thank you to Lynda as well! For the hugs and for everything!!! So happy we finally got to meet face to face!

Until next time Mendocino!

Happy Trails!

~Trailmomma

Shoes: Topo Athetlic – Ultraventures

Fuel: Unived Watermelon drink mix & Elite Hydration Mix (naked) and Spring Energy Gels

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2020 FOURMIDABLE 50K RACE REPORT

pssst! Honey, wake up. I kind of had an accident in the kitchen. I tried to clean it up but I have to leave for my race now … I am SO sorry!” Not the best way to start a race but it sure added some excitement. 🙂

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I have run the FOURmidable 50k twice before. Once in 2017 before it was a USATF race and then again in 2018 when it was a USATF race … and it was insanely muddy that year. I love this race because it really gives you a test of where you are training-wise on some beautiful familiar trails.

The attempted clean up of my early morning disaster.

While the house was quiet and I was waiting for Not Chris to pick me up, I started putting together my race pack which means sticking my soft-flask that was filled with Unived Wild Watermelon drink mix into my race vest. I love using soft-flasks for the lightness of them but man, the same thing that happened to me at Canyons, happened in the middle of my kitchen.

This is how it went down: I try to gently squeeze the full bottle into the pack while covering the nozzle with my mouth so that the liquid wouldn’t shoot out when I squeeze it. Well, the nozzle on my soft-flask popped off in my mouth and the bottle became more or less a fountain shooting up, out and everywhere! You can’t really stop it either because the pressure from the vest is so much that it really just looks like a hose in your face. Needless to say, my kitchen floor was a sweet sticky mess. Sorry Vans!

I am normally a solid food runner when it comes to ultra races but I’ve been trying to experiment more with gels lately and this race, was going to be my gel race test. It also helps that I am a Unived Ambassador . I absolutely love their drink mixes and their recovery mixes but the gels are something I am not entirely used to using but I am working on it.

What is awesome about FOURmidable is the start time … 8 am!!! That’s later than when we normally run so it took some getting used to when it came to timing my breakfast (Picky Bars Can’t Beet Chocolate oatmeal for the win as usual). It was super chilly at the Auburn Overlook race morning because of the wind, but I knew it would warm up so I went with a tank top and shorts to start.

The race bibs are distributed right before the start of the race. I was lucky enough to see and say “hi” to a few friends I haven’t seen in forever when I was picking up my number. Soon enough though, it was time to line up and get ready to run.

The plan going into this race for me was: Treat this as a long training run – practice fueling and work on form. I’d say part of that held true. 🙂

At 8 am we were off and running down to the bottom of Cardiac. The trail meanders around a little bit but I noticed quite early on that my legs felt a little stiff. I had battled all week with a stomach/gluten contamination issue so I had not run much all week and I was feeling that in the beginning. Luckily gravity helped so I just let it pull me.

Not Chris took off like he stole something and was never seen again. He had been looking forward to this race and had trained pretty well with intentions to beat a certain time. Needless to say, he crushed it … and I just let him go.

The climb up Cardiac was brutal as always. That is never an easy climb for me for some reason. My breathing took some time to get under control and for 3/4 of the climb, I was leading a pack of runners who didn’t want to pass. I offered, they declined. Finally near the top, a little annoyed at the closeness (and my inability to breathe), I moved aside and let three or four of them go ahead of me.

Photo: Facchino Photography

The first aid-station is mile at mile 5.4 at Gate 142. I had decided that I’d take a gel but not stop. I smiled and thanked all the volunteers who were cheering for us excited to make the descent down to No Hands Bridge which has been our training ground the last month.

Photo: Facchino Photography

The gel I took however, a different flavor than I had taken before the start of the race, just hit my stomach the wrong way. I immediately felt some stomach discomfort. I quickly wondered if maybe I should consume the same flavors during a race (total gel newbie here)? There was nothing I could do and it wasn’t hindering my running that much, just a little uncomfortable.

You run up and around Robie Point, one of the historic sections on the Western States Trail and then you make your way to No Hands Bridge.

Stomach wasn’t too bad – still smiling

When I reached No Hands Bridge (Mile 9.6) Aid-Station, I battled internally if I should stop and use the porta potty here. I went for it. Prior to this moment, I had been solo on the trails for quite some time but while taking care of business, I heard runners coming in and it kind of defeated me for a minute.

I quickly shook it off. I felt 100 times better for having stopped. I then grabbed some fuel and made my way up to K2 (aka Training Hill) for another brutal but familiar climb. When I was training for last year’s Broken Arrow Sky race, I spent a lot of time on this hill. I know every nook and cranny inside and out. I just put my head down, engaged my glutes like I’ve been told and motored up. I passed a few runners on this climb.

The next aid-station is Knickerbocker 1 at mile 13.4. Still feeling pretty good, I took another gel and had zero problems. Maybe it was just that one flavor after all? I didn’t waste any time at the aid-station as I was eager to get to the downhill that leads to the old dam and another familiar climb.

I felt pretty good on the switch back climb up the dam. The old giant bird’s nest that was pointed out to me in 2017, was still there though no longer occupied. There were no runners near me this year for me to point it out to them. It is really a sight to see.

When I reached the top and the tiny bit of paved section of the course, I decided to run. I was feeling pretty good and it was getting warm.

Photo: Facchino Photography

You come back to Knickerbocker Aid-Station again from a different angle at mile 18 and when I did, I was greeted by two of the nicest guys! One of them was a fellow Topo Athletic Ambassador! Finally we get to meet face to face. Nice to meet you Chris!

Once again, barely taking any time I was off headed to the dreaded stream crossing. I’d been dry the whole race and while normally I don’t mind stream crossings, I just wasn’t thrilled about getting wet at that moment.

When I got to the bottom, I quickly looked at the crossing. It was considerably lower than in years past but definitely above the ankles. I noticed some rocks off to the side, decided against trying to balance on them. Knowing me, I’d slip and crack my head open so I waded in. Suddenly right behind me some dude comes by and just dances across the rocks.

He looked me and I said, “Show off!” He laughed he said he really didn’t want to get wet! I said, “I didn’t either but I would have totally fallen in if I had tried that.” We laughed and then made our way up the hill.

The back side of this race is absolutely beautiful but it was sunny and getting warm. I typically really enjoy the sun and the heat but this was the first ‘warm’ day of the season so it took a little out of me I think initially.

I had to pause for some horseback riders at one point, they were super gracious and nice and told me that I did not have to pull to the side but that “horse has the right of way” etiquette is ingrained in me.

Photo: Facchino Photography

Once again, I found myself relatively alone this entire time. I ran into a set of hikers who said, “Wow! You have the biggest smile we’ve seen yet!” That made me feel great and totally gave me a boost. I’d been slowing slightly through this section, I think the heat partially getting to me and I started thinking about my mom. 26 years ago to the day, she passed away from a massive and unexpected heart attack. She was 47 years old. I am 43 and it just hit me that I was running a 50k race something she’d never been able to do and I knew, that my two girls were at the end waiting for me to cross that finish line. Some how, my mom gave me a boost from above and I started running. Thanks mom.

Mile 23.4 is the Cool Aid-Station. I dropped some trash here and continued on. I was eager to get to the roller-coaster trail, one of my favorites in Cool.

As soon as we entered the start of roller coaster I took off. I felt like I was moving faster than I probably was but I managed to pass 4 runners here and made my way back to No Hands Aid-Station (mile 27.2). Once I was there, I knew in my head that there were only 4 miles to the finish and I was eager to get there.

I walked across the bridge fueling and trying to recover a little from the downhill push. Earlier in the day, I had met a nice guy from Reno who was running his first FOURmidable. I ran into him again on No Hands, his stomach having taken a turn.

Together he and I yoyo’d down the trail chit chatting when we were close enough. He was super nice and remained positive despite not feeling very well. I loved that.

When we finally made the sharp left to head down to the river, I was on fire. I could smell the barn and once again, I took off. Reno stayed close and asked some questions about the finish hill … like “Are you going to run it?” I told him, “I never have but my kids are there today and I am going to try!

We soon separated and I just kept motoring on. The finish line seemed to never want to appear. Finally, I knew I was on the last long final climb of the race. I passed a few dudes, one guy was hiking down and cheered us on. I knew I was close to my 2017 time but I wasn’t sure I was going to make it but I was however within distance of beating my 2018 time (which happens to be the same course – 2017 had a slightly different course).

Then, I saw my girls racing down the hill to greet me! They cheered me on! I told them I was going to run so my 11 year old (Peanut) joined me.

Seriously one of the happiest moments ever and I am so grateful Vans caught it. She ran and said, “Woah, this is tough!” 🙂 I just said, “Just keep going. No stopping!”

She left me at the finish shoot but cheered me in all the way from the sideline along with her sister.

Photo: Facchino Photography

Happy to be done but even more happy that my girls were there to watch me finish.

Not Chris was there too. He’d been done a while as he kicked butt like I knew he would. He had a great race and I am so proud of him.

Post race, I enjoyed a Sufferfest beer (thanks Michael!) and cheered on all the other runners finishing the race. It was such a beautiful sunny day. I even cheered on Reno has he made his way to finish and I gave him a nice high-five. He came back from the dead and finished strong.

Overall, I am happy with my race. I didn’t execute as planned – this was supposed to be a training run and I guess I pushed a little harder than I thought that I would but I felt good and went with it. I did set a new PR for myself (on this course) and I finished 11th female overall which surprised me but hey, I’ll take it.

Clearly I have some things to work on. Perhaps that one flavor of gel just isn’t for me? I also think a combination of gels and solid food may help too. I do like the ease of taking gels and my Unived drink mix continues to work in my favor – minus when it shoots out of my bottle. 🙂 By the way, I have found the solution to that problem since the race . Fingers crossed my new locking soft-flask works. Vans was pretty understanding about the mess he woke up to and in turn, cleaned ALL the floors in the house while I was racing. Win win. 🙂

Thanks for reading this monstrosity. It has been a while since I’ve blogged and being brief is not my strong suit. 🙂 Oh and a special thank you to Single Track Running & The Aid-Station in Auburn for a great race.

Happy Trails!

~Trailmomma

I’d like to thank the companies that continue to support me and whose products I stand behind and use:

Topo Athletic – I ran this race in their Ultraventure model. I love the company and this shoe and I was super stoked to see a lot of runners wearing Topos on the course.

Picky Bars – Can’t Beet Chocolate Oatmeal is my pre-race go-to and their Fudge Nut Bars save me so many times when I am running to coach practice. My kids also love them and usually eat them before I can get to them. I have been a long time Picky Bar fan and now I am one of their AmBADASSadors. 🙂

Unived – The Wild Watermelon drink mix is my absolute favorite but I do use and enjoy all of their drink mix flavors. Pre Fourmidable, I took a Black Cherry gel and one of my other favorites is the Orange Twist! I also really love their Recovery Mixes – Chocolate Turmeric being my number one favorite.

Sage Running – My coach, my friend and my sounding board. Always supportive and encouraging. They have helped me tremendously over the years.

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