Trail Running Archives ~ Page 2 of 15 ~ TRAILMOMMA

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).

September 15, 2021September 15, 2021

TRAIL SISTERS HALF MARATHON RACE REPORT

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Everyone: “You’re going all the way to Colorado … for a HALF marathon?!”

Me: “You betcha! I am not going to miss the Trail Sisters inaugural race! Besides, who doesn’t want to go adventure in Colorado!?” 🙂

With that, I boarded a plane on a Thursday and flew two hours to Denver ready to have my own little momventure in the mountains.

I have been supporting and following Trail Sisters since it started in 2016. Gina, the founder, is one of the most motivating and encouraging people on the planet. She has inspired so many women to get out on the trails and run.

I was fortunate enough to meet Gina for the first time at Western States a few years back and then again the following year. She’s pretty incredible. It was a no brainer when I saw that this dream of hers was about to come to fruition. I was going to make the trek and be part of it.

The flight from NorCal to Denver was about two hours. It was uneventful (minus the airborne pacifier that hit me in the head from a kid who was terribly unhappy on the plane).

Once I landed, I navigated my way to my rental car and made the 2.5 to 3 hour drive to Buena Vista, Colorado.

Had to stop on the drive and capture this amazing sunset.

Buena Vista sits at about 8,000 feet, something that will come into play later during the race.

It is a beautiful little town situated between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River in south central Colorado. I had never been there before this trip.

The drive started out with some Denver rush-hour traffic but luckily, I think I caught the tail end of it. Once I left the Denver area, it was smooth sailing until I reached my tiny AirBnB studio.

I grabbed some dinner from House Rock, which came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. I actually ate there twice during my visit I enjoyed it that much.

Friday morning I woke up bright and early (despite the 1 hour time difference). I had been given some hiking/running recommendations as a “must see” pre-race adventure, so I hopped in my little Jeep Compass rental and headed 20 minutes or so out of Buena Vista.

Hello 12,000 feet of elevation! Words cannot express how incredible these views were. I am inclined to let the photos do the talking. I hiked a total of 5 miles here. I would have gone more but I kept reminding myself that I had a race the next morning.

There were a few people on the trail at the start but other than that, I was pretty much solo my entire hike out and back.

If you are ever in the area, this is definitely 100% worth the stop. The altitude wasn’t really bothering me too much either but I also wasn’t running a ton. I was hiking because I was afraid I would trip as I was trying to soak up all that was around me.

When I finally got to the top of the mountain, or one of the many mountains there, I decided I should probably call it a day so as not to tire myself out too much.

One thing I did not take into consideration however, was the sun and how close I was to it and how powerful it is. I wore a hat, but typical Pam, I wore it mostly backwards. So be warned, the sun is strong up here … my red face later that day was evidence enough.

After the hike, it was time to head to packet pickup and grab my race schwag which, as you’ll see was pretty awesome.

The packet pickup was located at this park in an area called South Main. I walked there from my studio. It is also the location of the start and finish. I am glad that I walked as it made me realize that the next morning, I should definitely drive to the start vs walking as it was a tad farther than I realized.

Gina, founder and race director extraordinaire, was handing out the race packets and bibs. She was excited to see me and was happy I was in her town. I grabbed my sweet canvas Trail Sisters bag and headed over to this adorable little spot in the park and just relaxed and watched the women interact with Gina as they picked up their bags.

To say Gina has touched a lot of women is an understatement. Just hearing the joy emanating from the women she greeted was amazing.

As I was sitting there, I received a text from my coach (and friend) Sandi. She had headed into town from her home 2.5 hours away, just to see me! I’ve “known” Sandi since 2017 but I had never met her in person.

We agreed to meet for dinner and for her to play tour guide around Buena Vista (she lived here quite a few years ago).

She drove to a trail head where we could see Mount Antero and the Chalk Cliffs and then we hiked a little bit to see the Agnes Vaille Waterfall. Sandi is a great tour guide. She explained that Agnes Vaille was a mountain climber/expolorer in the 1920’s who attempted the ascent of the east face of Long’s Peak (in 1925). Apparently she summited but on the descent, she fell and died and her training partner named the waterfall after her.

Ignore my goofy grin. I was beyond excited to meet this woman.

We had dinner at the Simple Eatery on East Main Street. We both had the Carrot Coconut Soup. It was too dark to take a photo but believe me when I say it was delicious and ended up being the perfect (for me) pre race meal.

She dropped me off at my AirBnB and the activity of the day hit me, I was ready for bed and excited to run the Trail Sisters Half Marathon, the very next morning.

I woke up rested and ready. I had my cup of coffee and my pre race Picky Bars Can’t Beet Chocolate Oatmeal in the pop-up cup which made it easy.

I drove to the start and parked in the super convenient dirt lot just steps away from the starting line.

Being that this was an all women’s race … I was worried the porta potty lines would be long but nope, all was good! Everyone was smiling and in good spirits. It was chilly but not cold and it was predicted to warm up mid race. I went with shorts and a tank top and I was really glad that I did.

Since the race fell on September 11th, the 20th anniversary of the Twin Tower attacks, we had a moment of silence at the start, followed by the National Anthem.

Everyone was super polite. No one wanted to start too close to the starting line or get in anyone’s way.

Gina counted us down and we were off!

Only the first few yards were on pavement and then we turned onto this bridge and headed towards the hills and mountains.

The course was uphill after you crossed the bridge. Everyone was super excited and running at a pretty good pace. One woman behind me yelled, “Um, this is typically a walking hill!” Which created a wave of laughter … but yet no one stopped to walk!

My legs, despite my marathon of hiking and walking the day before, felt great but it was my lungs that hit me. It immediately felt like I was breathing through a straw. Never mind the fact, that having come from northern California, my lungs had been inundated with smoke from the local fires we’ve been facing. I had not run much leading up to this race either because of our terrible and dangerous air quality. Boy, I felt it.

I did power hike my way up quite a bit trying to get my breathing under control. For me, it really helps to breathe in through my nose and out my mouth and just focus on calming myself and my breath down. Sorry to those women around me who must have thought I was going through labor! 🙂

It worked though and I was able to sort of regulate myself to a pace that allowed me to run more than hike.

The trails were gorgeous. There were a lot of rollers up and down, some climbing over boulders and some amazing single track. The course was also really well marked with orange ribbons and yellow flags. I would say, that there were only a few times where I had to pause and look for the ribbon/flag and most of those times, it was up and over a rock.

All the runners eventually spread out pretty well that I did find myself running alone or just slightly behind one or two runners. It was fun to hear some of the stories. For quite a few, this was their first trail race and first half!

My favorite story of the race is one woman apparently dropped her phone on course. Another runner not only picked it up and brought it to the finish, they took PHOTOS for this person of the course along the way so she’d have a memory of the race! How sweet is that? Only in an all women’s race do I think that would happen.

I was feeling pretty good and it was getting quite warm. The entire race I had been sipping on Unived’s Elite Wild Watermelon drink mix. It’s my favorite and tends sit well in my stomach.

Around mile 6 or so I took a Spring Energy Awesome Sauce gel. I will say, I’ve never been a gel person having really ruined my stomach years ago when gels first hit the running scene. I had never even taken a Spring Energy gel in a race before this.

This (and no, I am not sponsored) was really good! I think if I had the forethought to toss it in the freezer before the race, it would have been even better. This gel tasted great but also had a texture that I could handle (one of my issues with gels). Best of all, it never upset my stomach, not even post race (my other issue with gels – um hello gu poo!) Definitely a fan so far and look forward to longer miles/races to see if it continues to work for me. At some point (I forget when), I also took a salt tab.

This was my favorite section of the race!

With some new found energy (thanks to some fuel), I started running a bit faster and passed a few people here and there. Most times, they caught up with me again later but always pleasant, always cheering and encouraging myself or the other runners. I am pretty sure that almost everyone, despite how they were feeling in the heat and altitude, were smiling while they were running.

Finally we hit the long dirt road stretch that Gina had warned us about. I was actually excited to get here so that I could finally find a stride. The course really is a bit technical with a lot of up and down that finding a smooth stride was hard for me. Prior to this race, I’ve recovered from a calf tear and then more recently, an ankle sprain just the week before. This nice gravel road made it so that could run more evenly and consistently. It lasted about a mile and a quarter before we turned left and headed down towards the finish.

I was really excited thinking that the final miles were mostly downhill. There were a few rollers but not enough to kick the wind out of my sail knowing that I would be crossing that finish line in a short while.

The finish was perfect. You crossed a bridge, made a right turn and had lots of people cheering you towards that finish line where Gina, the race director and founder of Trail Sisters greeted every.single.finisher with a high-five or a hug.

Photo Credit : Sandi – ALSO, the look on my face says it all! Darn altitude! 🙂

What a race! What an adventure! Seriously could not have asked for a more beautiful day either.

Because she is awesome and the sweetest, Sandi came to watch me finish and we sat near the finish chatting and cheering on the runners as they came in.

Check out Sandi’s YouTube channel Running Wild

Even though this is the first time we’ve met in person, I feel like I’ve known Sandi forever. We have a lot of similarities and both really enjoy being outside, adventuring and most of all we both love animals.

I am so grateful that she came to meet up with me and cheer me on during the race. Truly, the core of the meaning behind Trail Sisters. Thank you Sandi!

Gina thanking her other half and trail Mister for all his help with Trail Sisters

After the race, right near the finish, we had an awards ceremony and a raffle! I am the worst when it comes to raffles and in classic Pam style, didn’t win a darn thing. It’s okay, my heart was already full. Nothing could have taken away from that.

After the raffle, I made sure to refuel and stopped yet again to get the House Rock Salad with a side of quinoa.

The final piece of Gina’s dream for this event, was a post race social. She made it happen.

We gathered at a place near her home, in front of a nice fire pit and enjoyed some snacks and drinks. It was perfect. Gina was glowing, as she should be. She had just put on a stellar event, one that I think will only get bigger and better next year.

Thank you Gina and thank you Trail Sisters! And ladies, if you are looking for an adventure or a momventure, this race is it! It was all parts exciting, relaxing, breath taking and fun. Keep an eye out for the race in 2022 and mark your calendars, believe me, you won’t want to miss it!

Happy Trails!

~Trailmomma

September 20, 2019October 29, 2019

2019 PINE TO PALM 100 (Race Report)

“Has anyone seen a flag in the last five miles?” …. “Nope. Are we lost?” Not what you want to hear the first 10 miles into a 100 mile race. But let’s back up and start from the beginning shall we?

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As a (hobby) blogger, I love to read blogs and race reports. In 2012 I read Jen Benna’s Pine to Palm race report and fell in love with this race. That report planted the seed in my brain and through the years it has grown until finally, at some point, I decided, it was time to run my first hundred and to make it a memorable one, I chose Pine to Palm in the beautiful state of Oregon. Go big or go home right?

Training had gone exceptionally well. I ran Canyons back in April as my Western States qualifier because I wanted to run Pine to Palm for me. I did not want the added pressure of needing a qualifier. I ran this race for me and the challenge alone. My coach was 100% supportive of this and believed that I could do it too.

Finding a crew to drive to Oregon with me would be easy. All I had to do was tell Stonegate and Not Chris that I had signed up and they were practically packed and ready to go. Stonegate in particular had been waiting patiently for this moment for years. Burning Girl rounded out the crew and I could not have had a better group of friends behind me for this adventure.

Race week was filled with lots of excitement. Typical taper tantrums were in full flux. Every ache or pain was causing mini freak-outs in my head. My kids’ schedule was out of control as I found myself driving all over the place and work was also pretty crazy at the time. When it rains it pours right? All I could do was remember to breathe, trust my training and try to get decent sleep and food as much as possible.

Thursday before the race, I loaded Stonegate’s car with all that I thought I would need and we hit the road to Oregon. The best part about traveling with friends, is they helped keep me calm and relaxed. It was almost game time and while I joked with them about puking because I was nervous, they kept me laughing the entire drive.

We arrived in Jacksonville at our hotel and learned there was an Alpaca/Winery just a few miles down the road. Say what?! We didn’t even unload, we hopped back in the car after a 5 hour drive and drove straight to see the Alpacas … and have a few sips of wine. It is exactly what I needed to calm my nerves and these Alpacas were the best!! I even got a kiss!

Seriously one of the best times ever with my friends. We laughed, talked and explored the grounds making it the perfect start to our journey.

Friday morning we had serious recon plans. First we wanted to find Pacifica Gardens where packet pickup was going to be held later in the day, then we found the start location, next the first crew aid-station spot and then finally the road that leads to the second crew aid-station spot. We did all of this because it helped calm my crew to know exactly where we had to go at 4:00 am the next morning .. in the dark and because the area of Williams is pretty remote. It also helped me visualize the start of the race.

Pacifica Gardens is the coolest place. When we arrived back later in the day for packet pickup, it was all decked out in Rogue Valley Runners and Pine to Palm 100 signs making the reality of what I was about to do, come to life. Up until this point, it didn’t seem real, not yet, but seeing other runners, seeing Hal and actually picking up my bib changed all that. It was however, still very low key and down to Earth. Another bonus of doing this race.

Call it fate, luck or just a coincidence, when I approached the check in table, my bib was sitting on the very top of the pile, number 59 …. “That’s me. Right there on top.” I said to the guy as he checked me off the list. Next stop, medical where I had to fill out a contact sheet for emergencies and get my bracelet that I would wear for the next two days.

Last stop was drop bags. I had to leave what I thought I would need during the race for locations that crew could not reach me. Then, it was time to wait … and wait … wait for the pre race meeting.

Admittedly, my biggest concern about this race was getting lost. I’ve heard the stories, I’ve read the blogs and from what I could tell, it was very easy to get lost and getting lost was not something I was wanting to experience. Prior to the race, we were told that volunteers had hung over 700 ribbons throughout the course about a 1/4 mile apart each for confidence. That made me feel 100 times better and Hal reinforced that during his pre race meeting.

We left the meeting, headed back to the hotel connected with Not Chris who had flown into Medford and went over the race start and plan of attack. After that, nothing left for me to do but go to bed.

Sleep didn’t come quickly but it did come or felt like it did a little at least but I was awake before the alarm went off ready to get this show on the road.

The drive to the start was 35 minutes from our hotel. My crew played my pump up music and did everything they could to keep me calm. I was quiet but I appreciated their excitement.

We were one of the first cars in the quarry parking lot and I was the first to use a “fresh” porta potty. I had an hour to kill before we had to line up at the starting arch and I must have hit that porta potty a million times the nerves doing loop-de-loops in my stomach.

Finally it was time, Hal counted us down and we were off and just like that, my nerves went away … this was just another race. One foot in front of the other was all that I had to do. Just.keep.moving.

Start (mile 0) to Seattle Bar Aid-Station (mile 28.5)

You start on a fire road that goes up hill. Here I mixed up power hiking and running. Everyone around me seemed to do the same. When we reached the top of the hill where you veer right to hit the single track, I realized I had made it just as Hal, the race director, was pulling over in his truck with water. This was our first “aid-station” of the day though it came much earlier than expected. My pack was still full so I just continued on the trail behind a bunch of other runners as you go down a nice soft single track.

We had headlamps and the sun was rising yet the trees here are still too dense to let much light come through. One thing I noticed very early on in this race, was that everyone, and I do mean everyone, had hiking poles! I, however, did not. I am not a fan of poles. I understand the benefit of using them but I find that the more races I have done where people had poles, the more people do not know how to use them. I was poked or jabbed or a pole ended up in my shoe more times than I can count.

I tried to focus on finding flags but the terrain was so nice that it was more natural just to follow the runner in front of me … up…down…up…down. Finally, after a good solid period of hiking up hill, I noticed, that we had not seen a flag in a very long time. We were maybe 10 miles into the race and we were supposed to be (I thought) at the top of Grayback Mountain by now. I was in a line with 10 other runners when I posed the question, “Has anyone seen a flag in a while?” Silence. “Has anyone else run this race before.” I received 10 “Nope. This is my first 100.” … in return. Finally, at what looked like the top of Grayback (as I have seen from YouTube videos and other blogs) we all paused to discuss. Some pulled out maps. Finally, a runner approached us from behind and I said,”Have you run this before?” He said that he had and that they probably couldn’t hang ribbons on this section because of protected land. Whatever. I was just happy to hear we were on the right track. In reality, there really were NO other off-shoots or sections but the quarter mile confidence ribbon reference was still fresh in our minds from the meeting the night before.

Downhill came next and it was glorious! That is until I felt an excruciating pain shoot up my left forearm. I looked down and there was a yellow jacket sitting there stinging and biting me. Holy crap that hurt! I flicked it off my arm and just kept going. My arm started to swell and burn but I didn’t want to stop. Twelve miles into a 100 mile race and I was just stung by a yellow jacket. What the heck?!

I entered the O’Brien Creek Aid-Station (mile 14.5) and a sweet volunteer took me aside and told me I was third female. WHAT!? I actually laughed and choked on water at the same time. It was way too early to have that kind of chatter but he was sweet. He filled my bottles, I found my drop bag and then was quickly on my way.

Steamboat Ranch Aid-Station (mile 21.5) was next. Here I had found a nice group of runners who were into walking and running stretches. We had a nice time chatting about all the races we’ve done. I met Eve from Phoenix, Ryan from the Bay Area , Holger from Edmonton, Canada and another guy from Portland whose name I never caught. Together we all ran and just had a nice time each of us eager to get to the next aid-station where our crew would be waiting.

Seattle Bar Aid-Station (mile 28.5) appeared like a dream after a little stretch on some hot pavement. I saw Not Chris up ahead hooping and hollering for me. He was a sight for sore eyes. I was in good spirits and nothing was wrong at all, I was just eager to see my friends and get some ice!

Like a fine tuned machine, my crew met me, handed me a cup of water to drink and sat me down to remove rocks from my shoes. Stonegate poured ice down my sports bra and wrapped an ice bandanna around my neck. It wasn’t horribly hot but the next section up Stein Butte was notorious for chewing up and spitting out runners who were not ready for some exposed hot trail.

Seattle Bar was such a lively aid-station. Not Chris was showing me were I had to check out and I saw Eve from Phoenix sitting there and I called to her. She hopped up and joined me and Not Chris across the field and under the bridge. Holger also ran up and joined us. It was nice to have some company.

Stein Butte Aid-Station (mile 35) to Hanley Gap Aid-Station (mile 52)

The climb up Stein Butte was not too bad at first. I had expected something a lot worse. Both Eve and Holger had poles. Their uphill was strong. Mine was starting to slow a little and I took that as a moment to have more calories. Soon, I lost sight of the two of them and I was by myself just power hiking as much as I could. It was a solid 6 miles up hill. Then we entered a section I had been warned about, Elliott’s Tract and man-alive that section was brutal.

The top of Stein Butte, though hot, was pretty gorgeous. I had to stop and take a photo. I tried eating more calories but the sun and heat were making it a bit difficult. At one point I had found Holger and Eve again. We all entered the Stein Butte Aid-Station (Mile 35) together.

I made quick use of it because I wanted to get to the next aid-station desperately to see my crew. I left without Holger and Eve.

The downhill into Squaw Lakes 1 (mile 41) was AMAZING! It was shady, soft and just the sweetest single track ever. The forest was also incredibly quiet! Not even a bird could be heard. I was bombing it and I even commented on how awesome and quiet the trail was and another runner agreed. Together he and I were super excited to get to Squaw Lakes and see our crew. Stonegate was at the top and she let out a big “WHOOP!” when she saw me. My runner friend said, “Awe! That’s going to make me cry!” and so I told Stonegate to cheer for him too and she did. 🙂

Squaw Lakes is where you come into an aid-station and then have to run 2.5 miles around a lake and then revisit the aid-station and your crew again. My crew did exactly as I had asked them to do. They removed my pack and gave me a handheld to run around the lake with instead. Stonegate was allowed to run the 2.5 mile loop with me which was so nice. We walked and caught up and she had me run some too and try to eat. I shared with her the day so far. This lake is absolutely gorgeous. It was breathtaking. I would love to come back and camp and paddle board some day.

After the loop around the lake (Squaw Lakes 2 (Mile 43.5) I told them I needed a restroom and sure enough, there was one there and it was available. Score! While I had been running, the crew had refilled my pack and was ready to send me off.

The crew had did some recon on the next section of trail and warned me that it was a lot of uphill but that after that, I would see them again at Hanley Gap (mile 52).

After seeing them, I was alone for a long time. My climbing legs seemed to have disappeared completely but I still had my flat and down hill running legs. French Gulch (mile 47) was a water only aid-station which was a little sad only because it meant I would continue to be alone. Eventually some younger ladies passed me on the trail looking really strong. I told them to go get it!

When I came into Hanley Gap Aid-Station (mile 52) I was SO excited to see my crew. They had set up the perfect spot but they shared with me that I had to climb up to Squaw Peak to get a flag and bring it back down and that I had to do so alone.

They had me remove my pack again and handed me my hand held for the 1.5 mile climb up and 1.5 mile climb down. They also handed me baggies of food in hopes that I would eat. What I forgot to bring was my phone. The climb up was pretty relentless. Steep with a lot of switchbacks but on a fire road. You had runners running down with flags so that was exciting to see. I just continued moving, one foot in front of the other.

When I reached the top where the bin of flags were held, the view took my breath away. It was gorgeous and I didn’t have my phone. Probably for the best because it forced me to grab my flag and head back down.

When I reached the bottom my crew whisked me to the side. They massaged my calves, my quads, my hamstrings. They shoved food in my face, covered me in bug spray, gave me my charged headlamp … they were in short, fantastic!

Stonegate walked me out of the aid-station almost a mile. The next time I would see them it would be at Dutchman Peak where I would be able to have Not Chris pace me to the finish. It was all I could focus on.

After she left me, I ran some until all of a sudden I couldn’t. My stomach decided that every downhill step that I took, it would start to rumble. I’d stop to take care of business but nothing would happen. I’d start to run, rumble, stop again, nothing. This happened 8 times total. It was beyond frustrating. My saving grace was the sun had set so at least it was dark and I was alone on the trail.

Squaw Creek Gap Aid-Station (mile 59.5) to Grouse Gap Aid-Station (mile 80)

When I made it to Squaw Creek, I was excited. This was the last solo aid-station of my race. After this, I would have Not Chris with me. While here I ate a banana with a huge slab of peanut butter on top. This really helped my stomach situation. I asked the nice volunteer what was next, and she said, “You go that way, make a right at the parked truck. Then it is 6 miles straight uphill.” Um, what? No sugar coating it. It was going to be brutal.

Prior to this, a lovely trail angel had told my crew to give me a new buff to wear around my neck so that I could cover my face as the 6 miles up to Dutchman is the same fire road that every single car uses to climb the mountain so the smoke and the dust kicked up, was pretty bad. I am so thankful for that bandanna.

The climb up was pretty relentless but we had a full moon which made the sky absolutely beautiful. I just kept moving. I saw hundreds of dead and alive scorpions on the ground on my way up … I also saw a lot of puke from earlier runners.

The climb goes on forever, not going to lie … and at one point you can see the lights of the aid-station but you’re no where near close when you do. Just keep moving.

When I finally reached the top, there are some logistics to figure out. To the left is the aid-station where you need to check in but to the right is all the crew parking. Ryan from the Bay Area had informed us to go left and visit the aid first then go find our crew so that is exactly what I did.

When I reached the aid-station I was handed a cup of warm vegetable broth which was great because the winds blowing around at the top of Dutchman were probably 45 mph. It was also freezing .. if you stood still. The key? Don’t stand still. I found Burning Girl who helped me check in, made me take another cup of broth to go and then led me to our car which was 2 miles away. Yes, 2 miles.

When I finally reached Stonegate’s car it was go-time. Not Chris was ready to pace. I changed into some much needed warmer clothes, switched out to a stronger headlamp and tried to ingest some calories. Soon, Not Chris and I were headed off on the PCT to finish this darn race!

Going from running completely alone for 66 miles to running with a friend, is like Christmas. It was a whole new day for me. I was excited to tell him what I had seen along the way. He was in pure heaven running with me on the PCT. The sky was just littered with stars and as instructed, Not Chris made me pause and look up as much as we could.

The next aid-station was Siskiyou Gap (mile 73.5) and my stomach was doing that wonky thing again where if I tried to run down, it would rumble in an unhappy tone. I had asked for some Tums when I saw the crew but there was so much stuff blowing around from the wind, we all got distracted and I forgot to take one.

When Not Chris and I entered the next aid-station I made sure to ask and some Tums magically appeared. I took one (something I never take but I was desperate to make the stomach issue go away).

It worked. About 30 minutes and one stop later, I felt brand new though it was still hard to ingest anything other than liquid calories. I just knew we had to keep moving to get to Grouse Gap, mile 80 where Stonegate and Burning Girl would be waiting. For me, at this point, I had broken the race down into 10 mile increments. Looking at it that way, made it seem so much easier to conquer.

I came whooping and hollering into Grouse Gap (mile 80) and quickly found my girls. They whisked me over to the fire so I could remove my shoes and take out some stones while simultaneously feeding me some veggie broth.

The runners already at this aid-station looked like death warmed over. I wondered briefly if I looked that bad. I didn’t feel that bad, tired but not like death. I wanted out so I stood up ready to go when Burning Girl mentioned some “vegan treats” at the aid-station.

“Holy crap! I forgot! The balls!” Earlier in the week, a volunteer had posted to us runners that they had made gluten free vegan rice crispy balls – and they even used fresh new pans to avoid contamination (not intentionally but it worked). I ran back to the aid-station and asked about the balls and sure enough, they had some (I mean, how many gluten free vegan runners are there in a 100 mile race? haha). I thanked him profusely and started off up the hill excited to have one of them. They had to have been the most delicious thing in the world at that moment and probably the most amount of calories I had consumed in a single shot in over 5 hours. Heaven.

Weasle Creek Aid-Station (mile 90) to Finish line/Ashland (mile 100.5)

Next stop, mile 90 … then only 10 freaking miles to the finish. Nothing was stopping me now. I felt like I was moving decently but later on, Not Chris shared that I wasn’t exactly breaking any records. The sun would also be rising very soon, bringing life to the day.

Before we could hit mile 90 however, we had to conquer Wagner Butte, the last major climb in the race. An “easy” 7,000 foot climb to the top of the butte where I had to grab a flag and then descend 7,000 feet to the bottom. Piece of cake right?

The trail to and up Wagner Butte wasn’t smooth. It was semi technical or as technical as it can feel at mile 86 in a race.

The climb to get the flag was legit rock climbing and bouldering. Hand over foot up these giant rocks to the top. You had to laugh and even though my legs were shaking with fatigue, I was having a blast.

When you reached the top and grabbed a flag, you were met with the most amazing view and Not Chris and I had timed it just perfectly with the sun rising. I have never seen anything more beautiful. It was impossible not to smile ear to ear.

Then we soldiered down. Slow moving due to some tired quads but we just kept moving. I was on a mission. I was counting down the miles in my head and I knew I would finish this but I wanted to get to mile 90.

When we finally reached Weasel Creek Aid-Station (mile 90) I tossed my warm clothes into my drop bag that I had there. It was warm enough again for a tank top and shorts. I ditched my lights and any bottles I had too as I wanted to be as light as possible for the final 10 miles into town.

I quickly tried some goodies from the aid-station and just kept moving. Not Chris had to catch up with me because I didn’t want to stop. We were a little confused on what the volunteer had said the trail conditions would be like for the next 10 miles.

The guys hiking down around us were not in the best of spirits so we ran ahead. Not Chris turned to me and said, “So you are okay with 30 hours?” I looked at him like he was crazy, “It’s not going to take me 4 hours to do 10 miles. I can do this in 2.5 tops!” He said, “Okay, but you’ll have to run. We can do it. You just have to keep running.” So, run we did. The final splits the last 10 miles still blow me away. I would pick an object and run to it, take a quick break and run again. Along the way, there was one more aid-station, Hitt Road which was just a table with some water but it was at mile 95.5 and I wanted it. I didn’t need any water, I just wanted a marker, a destination.

Down down down, we continued to run. I was passing guys left and right along the way. To be fair, there was only 22 women that started the race and only 12 finished so the race was very male heavy.

Eventually we rounded a corner and was met with a slight uphill and another female. This girl had run strong all day long. She had passed me way earlier in the race but I had entered aid-stations just as she was leaving most of the day. I just had not seen her in a long while so it was quite a surprise to see her in the last 10 miles.

Not Chris looked at me, “You can do this.” So, I ran. I ran uphill past the girl and continued on down for as long as my body would go. Now, it was a matter of just how much I could run in a single stretch. Our little walk breaks became just a few steps and then no steps. Just run.

Finally we reached that water jug aid-station and I said, “Now I want the pavement. I want to see the pavement!” Not Chris laughed at that is not something I would normally prefer over trails but I knew pavement equaled Lithia Park and the finish line.

With 3 miles left to go, still on the dirt, Not Chris clipped a rock and went flying. He hit the ground bounced up and kept moving. I was shocked and concerned but he was hell bent on getting me to that finish line.

When we finally hit the pavement my heart swelled. This is it! There is NO walking on the pavement. As steep and as painful as that downhill section was, I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. I wanted to get there and I wanted to get there as fast as I could.

Finally we rounded a corner and I could hear cheering. I pushed as hard as my body could go. It felt like I was running 8 minute miles hahaha I wasn’t but I was moving!

I crossed that finish line, gave Not Chris a high-five and was engulfed in the biggest hug from Stonegate I have ever had. An awesome camera guy near by caught the whole thing on video! I thought I would cry but I didn’t but I could not stop smiling.

This race meant a lot to me and I am beyond grateful to my crew, the volunteers and my family for all their support. I wanted a challenge and I wanted a race that was beyond beautiful and I received exactly that.

After celebrating at the finish, we went to our hotel where I had some time to shower and take a nap before heading back for the buckle awards ceremony.

This was one of my favorite parts. Hal, the race director handed out our buckles and some gifts. In return, he asked us to stand and say our name, where we were from, how many 100s this was for us and a turning point in the race. I truly loved hearing everyone’s journey while eating one of the best post race meals I have ever had.

Pine to Palm 100 is breathtaking. I had a near perfect day something I am forever grateful for and I will never forget. If the body breaks, the mind will follow and I was hell bent on not letting my mind falter, not ever. It wasn’t that hard, the trails, the beauty, the magic that is the Siskiyou Mountains makes it hard to get down in such a beautiful place and my crew is the most positive, uplifting and fun bunch of friends a girl could have.

I am still feeling that high, that joy of knowing that my two feet covered 100 miles up and over some pretty big mountains. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

A special shout out needs to go to Hal, the race volunteers and the other runners. The ultra running community is generally friendly and supportive normally but this race, everyone seemed to go above and beyond. Thank you to Adam Boyd for my finish line video!

Hal, me and Not Chris aka pacer extraordinaire

To my crew, my friends, there is no one else I want by my side on our next adventure. I am forever grateful for all that you sacrificed for me and my dream and to do so with smiles, laughter and love really made the journey 100 times better.

Thank you to my Coach for your continued support, belief and never ending advice. I am so happy our paths have crossed and look forward to more adventures for us both.

To Vans and my girls, thank you. Thank you for supporting me and this crazy idea. Thank you for handling weekends without mom and all my early morning runs. I could never have accomplished anything without your never ending support.

If you are still reading this monstrosity, thank you. My blogs tend to be an ultra in and of themselves but you never know, maybe some day, someone will read this race report and it will inspire them to run Pine to Palm too. 😉

Happy Trails!

~Trailmomma

Some extra photos:

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