Racing Archives ~ TRAILMOMMA

August 22, 2023August 22, 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

May 17, 2022May 18, 2022

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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. 🙂

April 28, 2022April 28, 2022

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!” 🙂

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

February 23, 2022February 23, 2022

2022 FOURmidable 50k – Race Report

Two years does not seem like a long time, but when it comes to running and racing it can feel like an eternity.

Photo from Single Track Running

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2020 was not a total bust, I did manage to run the FOURmidable 50k before the world shut down but that was about it in terms of races. Instead I did what everyone did, I ran, played with my kiddos, found other hobbies and let my body heal from a really full and challenging 2019 year of racing (for me).

Then 2021 came along and I started the year with a calf tear that took quite some time to get over. I could have run a 100k but I decided to defer to ensure that my body was 100% and instead focused on some pretty nice trail half marathons that were destination races (my favorite) and then started back with training and racing CIM in December.

VANS drove me to the start which was great. Also great? The start was at 8:00 am which means he did not have to wake up at 0’dark thirty to drive me.

This year, the race held all four events (50k, 35k, half-marathon and 13k) all in one day which meant I would be able to see my friend John before he started his race!

It was a nice boost to see and laugh with him before my race because for the first time in probably forever, especially in Auburn, I did not see anyone else that I knew. In a way, this was nice as I needed the mental time to think about what I wanted from the day. Finish time was not my priority at all. I had other things I wanted to work on … like trying to remember how to run an ultra!

Race Director Paulo gathered us at the starting arch and went over the race details (course ribbons, cupless race etc). The energy was pretty palpable as I think a lot of people were excited to be back running and racing again. It was also windy and chilly at the start (about 43 degrees) but the “veteran” in me knew that I would not need anything more than a tank top because it would warm up quick and believe me, it did!

The first three or so miles are basically downhill to the river and the base of Cardiac (the first of the “four”-midable climbs). In past years, I’ve been caught up here and would always “fly” super fast (again, for me 😉 ) down hill totally exhausting myself so that by the time I got to Cardiac, I was already tired.

This time, I had a plan. First and foremost, I trained quite a bit on this hill in preparation. I ran down and up quite a few times in training. Second, I did not go all out at the start. I kept my pace pretty steady the entire time. Looking at my stats, I ran almost the same pace for each mile and I was not out of breath.

Another thing to note, the course start was different than it was in 2020. In 2020 we ran the fire road after the single track portion all the way down to the base of Cardiac but this year, we meandered through some more single track trails staying off the gravel road which was nice and kept us spaced out a bit more.

When it came time to climb Cardiac, I felt good! There was no conga line of people, we were spaced out nicely and I just power hiked. I was between a nice group of men who I think were from out of town (or at least one or two were) who joked about the climb. I ran the flatter sections when I could and before I knew it, Cardiac was over!

Photo by Facchino Photography – after climbing Cardiac

The first aid-station (Gate 142) is at mile 5.4 and is essentially back near the starting area. I had every thing that I needed so I did not stop. I could hear Paulo on the loud speaker starting the runners for the 13k race which I knew would intersect with us 50k runners soon.

Sure enough as we were running down the single track, I heard the pitter patter of super fast feet and it was the lead runners of the 13k. I yelled, “Runner back!” and the 50k runner in front of me waved a thank you as we both moved over letting the 13k leaders pass. Trail etiquette at its finest. The leaders all said or waved thanks.

When I made it to the No Hands Aid-Station (mile 9.6), I was feeling pretty good. In previous races I’d have to stop to use the restroom here but my stomach felt great. I did not stop at the aid-station, instead taking a sip of some fuel and made my way towards the second of the “four”-midable hills, K2 (aka Training Hill).

Another one of my favorite hills to train on and climb. Again, everyone was pretty spaced out despite there being four different races happening at once. When I got to the top of K2, I was all alone so I ducked off the trail and used mother nature. My first and only pee stop of the race, which is a new record for me. 🙂

Mile 13.4 brings you to Knickerbocker Aid-Station #1. I did stop and refill a bottle here with water and dumped another packet of Unived drink mix in. For the first time ever, I ran without my hydration bladder and instead relied on water bottles which was something new for me.

Back on the trail I started running and realized there were some runners close behind me, it kind of made me pick up the pace a little. Then we came to a mini-stream/creek crossing and in classic Pam fashion, instead of going slow and just hopping on the rocks that were there to get across, I panicked I would slow those behind me and totally tripped and bam, my left foot submerged into the water. 🙂 Newbie move! I laughed, the runners behind me laughed but they stayed dry. 🙂

The gravel road down to the third “four”-midable hill, the Old Auburn Dam was rough on my legs. It was here that I started to feel like my legs were heavy and not turning over well. It was also getting pretty warm and the climb is in some sun.

Up until this point, I had been fueling pretty well using a new-to-me method and new(er) fuel that I’ve started in training runs. However, on this climb after taking in some fuel, I felt a twinge of nausea which is not something I experience typically in races. I didn’t panic, I just continued to climb and think about what I had done so far.

It was then I realized that I had not been taking in any extra sodium. This was definitely the first warm run in a long time and I am sure my body was thinking, “WTF?!” I dug through my pack, found some salt tabs and took one.

After a little while, I started to feel better. I made a mental note of the time and decided that I would do better at keeping track of sodium intake in addition to my regular fueling.

I was excited to be back at Knickerbocker Aid-Station #2 (mile 18). I cannot recall but I do not think I refilled my bottles here. I grabbed some aid-station fuel, thanked the volunteers and headed down toward the creek.

This creek was fresh in my brain from my 2020 race. It was here that I fell into the creek by accident. Like FELL IN! 🙂 This time, I knew better. I figured out the best way across and stayed dry. I saw other runners sitting in the creek which was a smart move in this heat! By now, my left foot had dried completely and ironically, getting it went in that creek earlier actually made what I thought was a blister forming, totally disappear so yay!

I rarely train on this side of Cool and I often wonder why when I am out here during this race. It is absolutely beautiful. It’s warm, sunny and exposed a lot of the time, but the trails are gorgeous.

The distance was longer than I realized though. In my head I miscalculated the next aid-station but luckily, all the aid-stations are imprinted on your race bib, so really, I have no excuses. 🙂

Mile 23.4 brings you to the Cool Aid-Station. When I came through the gates the volunteer checking bib numbers told me to grab some ice and stuff it down my shirt. How have I forgotten that piece of amazing advice!? Hello newbie!

I got to the aid-station and filled up both of my bottles with water and then fought stuffing them into my vest. I know it is easier to stuff them back in with the vest off, but I hate doing that so instead, I stood there stuffing, fighting and shoving them in. While I was doing that however, I did ask the volunteer about ice down my shirt!

She whisked me aside and totally made life amazing. I overheard another runner who looked like she was having a rough time say, “Can I also have ice down my shirt?” I am hoping it brought her back to life too.

When I was back on the trail I decided to add another Unived drink mix packet to my now newly filled water bottle that was IN my pack. Too stubborn to remove the bottle, I thought I would be amazing and just unscrew the lid and dump the mix in. Any guesses on what happened? 🙂

A geyser of water and drink mix shot up and out of my bottle and straight into my face! Drenching me from head to toe and because of the pressure of the pack on my body, it did not-would not stop. I could not stop laughing at myself. I finally got everything under control but was a pretty sticky wet mess from that point on. Ah, the newbie lives on!

The miles down rollercoaster are some of my favorite in all of Auburn/Cool. In previous races I have bombed this section, feeling invincible, feeling like air, feeling like I could fly to the moon! This year? I felt like I was wearing cemented moonboots trying to run through quick sand.

I did pass a few runners so I was actually running but I flat out laughed at myself, out loud too at how awkward I felt, how just impossible it seemed to make my legs turn over.

It took a good couple of miles for me to feel like I was running normal down this section and before I knew it, I was arriving at the No Hands Aid-Station #2 (Mile 27). I came down the trail and the volunteer said I had one of the biggest smiles yet.

There were only four miles to the finish and my bottles were (almost) full so I just grabbed some fuel from the station and walked myself across No Hands taking in fuel and texting Vans that I had four miles left and that more than likely, it would take me about an hour.

That is when I found out that he’d gone to the hospital to get x-rays of his shoulder (minor biking incident earlier in the week) and that he was trying to make it to the finish. I knew once he was at the hospital, there was no way he would make it in time.

Despite doing a great job on fueling and a mediocre job at taking in additional sodium, I was feeling the miles on my legs but my head was in a good place. I saw some female runners up ahead running strong and they were in good spirits so I just kept running.

When we were in the final miles before the finish and the last and fourth, “four”-midable climb (Overlook Hill), I noticed a runner up ahead that looked like she was struggling.

To be honest, the only runners I could see between me and the miles ahead were all female! It was a flock of strong running females and it was awesome. When I got to the girl who was struggling, I stopped and gave her some salt tabs. She was drenched in sweat but in good spirits.

When it came time to go up Overlook Hill, I just channeled all the time I have spent training on this hill. I passed two ladies and encouraged them to keep going, one step in front of the other. When I could see the finish arches in sight, I started to run (the term run is used loosely here as it probably didn’t look like running to those watching). I heard some cheers and from the looks of it, all the women I encouraged followed suit and were right behind me pushing it on that climb! I love it!!!

I crossed the finish line with a huge smile. After two years and lots of ups and downs, I had finally finished an ultra and a tough one too.

I had accomplished all the things I had set out to do. I wanted to finish ignoring the clock, I wanted to try some new fueling techniques and I wanted to remember what it feels like to be comfortable being uncomfortable and to problem solve along the way. For me, I succeeded in all of it.

Vans and Squeaker eventually showed up to the finish. Vans did not break any bones (yay) and Squeaker had a blast building little villages in the dirt. 🙂

Overall, I am happy with how things transpired out there. I need to work on sodium intake I guess or maybe my legs were just not remembering how to work properly in races like this. 🙂

Her shirt!!!! It was a hit at the hospital with the doctors. 🙂

Grateful to my family for being there for me and to Higher Running for getting me to the starting line.

Now, to rest and recover so I can get back out there. It feels good, normal almost, to be back doing things like running ultra races and trails again.

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.

Unived – The Wild Watermelon drink mix is my absolute favorite but I do use and enjoy all of their drink mix flavors and I used their Salt Tabs as well. I also really love their Recovery Mixes – Chocolate Turmeric being my number one favorite.

Picky Bars – Their Fudge Nut Bars save me so many times when I am running to coach practice after a long run or race. My kids also love them and usually eat them before I can get to them.

Spring Energy – new to the line up, their Awesome Sauce (vegan) gel is pretty darn good (and I am not a gel person typically).

December 7, 2021December 7, 2021

2021 CIM (CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON)

They called it the, “Comeback Year” and while it was a little different than prior California International Marathons, it still went off without a hitch and thousands finished, BQ’d or just had a blast. For me, it was my 12th CIM and my 18th marathon finish. It is also the ONLY road race I do and my goal this year was to finish strong, uninjured (after being sidelined by a calf tear) and to be able to walk and not feel destroyed at the end.

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PRE RACE: Why fix what isn’t broken right? So like my 2019 CIM, I woke up at 4:30 am, had my bowl of Picky Bars Can’t BEET Chocolate oats, a half a cup of coffee and water. This combo has seemed to work for me the last few races so I am sticking with it.

At 5:45 TiggerT my friend and ride to the start arrived and we laughed our way over to Folsom. We hopped on the shuttle buses that took us to the start and the minute I got off the bus, I realized that I had to pee …. like right then. I sort of rushed off from the group to get in the mile long porta potty line.

I almost ditched being in line when I saw that the race was starting in a minute. I was IN the porta potty when the announcer said, “We have 40 seconds until the race starts!” Even though I knew my plan was to start with a pace group and that all the groups start in timed waves, I was a little stressed and panicked. I made it though. When the “gun” went off I was standing with my pace group … and 9 minutes later I crossed the starting line with my wave. So yea, I stressed for nothing really.

I will say, that even though this is the only pavement race I do all year long, I did train more on pavement this year than I did in 2019. I ran all of my long runs on a bike trail and kept shorter distances or speed work on dirt (for my sanity). So truly, one run a week was on some form of pavement in an effort to get my body prepared for the pounding that pavement brings and also the mental aspect. Nothing is more boring for me mentally, than running on pavement and the same loop or bike trail over and over (which is what I did each week).

My last few long key training runs where a struggle though because I’d received some awful news that a friend’s 12 year old son had passed. Dylan Flinchum is the grandson, son and nephew of a family that I grew up next door to my entire childhood. They have been like my second family to me my entire life, so when I heard that Dylan lost his battle with MLD (metachromatic leukodystrophy) after 10 long years on the morning of my first real long run … I almost bailed on it entirely. However, I know that Dylan and his family never gave up during his 10 years battling this disease so I laced up and headed out running in between tears but running with Dylan and his family in my heart every single mile. I thought of them often during the race as well.

My final last long run happened to be during Dylan’s funeral which was held virtually because he’s touched so many lives and it truly would have been a packed church back in Jersey. Another long run met with tears but I found strength in listening to his service and all who loved him.

So when race day neared, my coach and I discussed pacing. One piece of CIM that was different this year than prior years, was the lack of lots different pace groups. Typically in years past, there were pace groups every 5 minutes. This year, they were intermittent. As I said earlier, my goal was to finish strong, uninjured, not destroyed and as close to 4 hours as I could manage. My CIM PR is from 2015 with a time or 3:54. That year I ran many many road races as CIM prep.

This year, my coach and I were deciding whether to run with the 4 hour group or the 4:05 group because after that, it jumped to 4:20. We decided to start conservatively and start with the 4:05 group. I found them and started with them but quickly was finding myself very frustrated. Pace groups tend to be crowded. No one wants to lose their pacer. The pacers in this group however were not holding up the 4:05 sign (I don’t envy that job at all – running 26 miles holding a wooden sign takes a lot of endurance and strength). Not seeing the sign every once in a while though frustrated me as I couldn’t find them at times and kept losing them in the crowd. Instead, I decided to run just in front of the 4:05 group and this led to me eventually pulling ahead of them.

The entire run I just focused on my breathing and keeping it even and steady: in through my nose and out my mouth. Basically, I just ran. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone really but I saw Todd and Nicole just before crossing the starting line, I saw Diane Hanes who ran out and gave me a hug (thank you Diane!) as I ran by and I saw April in Old Fair Oaks who screamed my name SO loud the runner next to me said, “Man! That’s cool! She’s SO happy to see you!” 🙂 And I saw got a boost from Jen from Fueled by Frosting IG fame near Watt Ave. All of those faces helped propel me.

Also while running through Old Fair Oaks, I heard a volunteer/spectator yell, “Don’t worry! It’s all downhill from here! I promise!” I turned and looked and it was Deirdre … a fellow trail runner. I chuckled and yelled back, “You lie!” and all the runners around me including Deirdre laughed. When it is your 12th time on this course, you know it well.

The weather was decent. It was foggy and cool. I prefer hotter temps but overall it wasn’t bad. I never took off my long sleeve. I could have but just decided I did not want to carry it. My calves and hamstrings were tight and I think in warmer weather they might not have been but they never got to the point where I was overly worried they’d cramp.

My nutrition was going perfect. I carried Unived in my handheld and sipped on that the entire first 11 miles. I refilled it at mile 12 and continued to sip and run. I had zero stomach issues the entire race and I never once stopped to use a porta potty (rare for me in this race).

Most of the race was uneventful. I was just running, keeping my pace steady each and every mile and focusing on my breath. Around mile 21 or so another spectator yelled, “It’s all downhill hill from here!” Wherein I sort of said out loud, “Except for that one hill up ahead. ”

The runner next to me goes: “I heard you tell another person they were lying for saying it was all downhill. How many of these have you run?“

Me: “This is my 12th CIM.”

Runner: “Oh! Wow! So you do know this course! You have looked solid and steady this entire race. You look really good. So is there another hill?“

Me: “Thank you! Yes, around between 21 and 22 there is the J Street bridge. It’s the last “hill” and then from there, it really is downhill or flat to the finish.”

She thanked me and I gave her some extra advice for when she was ran down L Street. Hint: Ignore the numbered street signs, they’ll mess with your head. 🙂

At the start of the race, I had decided that miles 24 and 25 is when I’d leave the pace group and try and push ahead but at this point, I was already ahead of the 4:05 group. I did however, look down at my watch at mile 24 and noticed the time … I was close to a PR. Dang it!

I started to slowly pick up the pace a little bit. My calves, hamstrings and quads were not loving this spontaneous decision but I just kept breathing.

I just focused on the road ahead. At mile 25 I looked at my watch again and realized a PR was out of the question but sub 4 wasn’t if I pushed it. I heard my name and glanced to my right and saw Vans and Squeaker smiling and cheering me on! They made it!!!! They’d spent the morning at some basketball tournaments in Rocklin and I thought for sure they’d miss the finish.

Squeaker racing to the street to try and catch me. Photo: Vans

I made the final left turn and tried so hard to sprint. My finish line photo is of me smiling I am sure as I was ear to ear with a goofy grin when I saw that my watch said 3:58. I’d done it, sub 4, I was walking (not hobbling) and I felt uninjured. Mission accomplished.

Best of all, my family, minus the Peanut (she had her own basketball tournament) were there at the finish.

Vans and Squeaker – her 10th CIM finish photo (she’s only 10) and Van’s 12th CIM finish photo (minus any relays we’ve done).

Super grateful to my family for being there, to TiggerT for the ride and laughs before the start of almost all of my CIMs and to my Coach for her continued support, direction, advice and encouragement.

It is a few days later as I write this, and I am feeling good. I am mobile and walking. Stiff and tired but no lingering issues that I can tell. I am taking the necessary recovery time and just enjoying the holiday season with my family.

And yes, I’ve already signed up for CIM 2022 … it is tradition. I can’t help myself. 🙂