Volunteering

So I spent a weekend volunteering at High Lonesome 100.  This was supposed to be my race for 2018, until I had the best of luck of getting selected to run Western States.  I still wanted to participate in HL, so while I deferred my entry till 2019 (yes, I plan on running it next year), I traveled to CO to volunteer in any way they needed.

I flew out of OH on 31 Jul dodging thunderstorms and rain.  I made it to Colorado Springs the next day, after spending the night in Wichita KS.  I was amazed at how busy ATC was over the middle of no-where.  I could barely listen to music.  The nerve of everyone talking in such clear weather and barely a town in view..

I did a short run on Wed after arriving in Salida:

The next morning, i went for a longer run on the HL course.  I started out at Monarch and went towards Hancock (backwards on the course).  I kept going farther and farther, even though I was running out of time.  I kept wanting to see what was over the next ridge...  It was a bit smoky, but it was amazing.  At one point while I was photographing the lakes, an F-16 did a low-level flight almost directly over me!

Finally, I got to the High School to help with aid station organization.  When I arrived, Kelsey (Aid Station Director) introduced me to Sabrina who was also helping out.  We started organizing and separating what each station needed per the checklists.  As we were chatting, I finally realized that Sabrina was the winner of 2018 Hardrock 100. I would meet Avery the next day after they had spent the day on the pass playing board games near the St Elmo aid station that I was working.  It was amazing all the different equipment that was needed.  And how much all the different races assisted each other.  Some of the gear was theirs, some sponsors, but other gear was borrowed from Hardrock or Ouray 100.  And the amount of food needed...Wow. I never saw so many bags of perogies in one place!

I spent the entire day helping with aid station organization as well as loading the aid station captains' cars.  It was a lot of work, but fun.  Roch Horton was one of the captains that I assisted.  He and his wife had driven all the way from Salt Lake to help out.  I think some of the other captains came from even further away, but all were great people to chat with and help out.

I woke up early on Friday morning to see the start.  Afterwards, I took a short hike, then headed up to St Elmo's aid station (mile 25 & 37) for my aid station duties.  I had just missed the lead runner coming through, but got to see all the other runners make at least one trip through.  Those that I didn't see, I saw as I started my out on my sweep duties.  One poor soul was caught by me about 1.5 miles from the aid station on the way in.  He was already over cut-off, but I made sure he got in.  It was fun to chat with him, as he was part of the group from Atlanta that had come out for the race.

A small rain storm came through and cleared out the smoke while I was starting my shift at St Elmo.  Runners were steadily coming in.  Some were in better shape than others.  I helped one gal who was in tears and wanting to puke.  We got her tums, broth and crackers.  I was so glad to see her come back a few hours later smiling and even watch her finish.  She told me that while the nausea never went away, she was very appreciative of the support. 

I then swept the section to Cottonwood and back to St Elmo's.  12 miles round trip with lots of vertical gain.  The rain from the morning cleared the smoke out for some beautiful views.

Courtesy of Mile 90 Photography

The next day, I got up early and headed over the Fooses Aid station at mile 72 (I think).  I hiked the 7 miles back up to Monarch, again seeing all the runners come in.  As I got to Monarch a few minutes before the cut-off, I saw a few folks heading out.  I warned them that I didn't want to see them till the finish.  They listened, as I didn't catch them on my return trip (they did have over an hour headstart and it was all downhill). 

So what to do after all this: head to the finish line and cheer in the runners.  While there, I was once again called into action to help keep the tents upright as the wind was picking up and storms were brewing...

Courtesy of Mile 90 Photography

Shortly before the awards ceremony, the skies started letting loose and lightening was hitting the mountain tops, so unfortunately the party was cut a bit short.

On Sunday, I went for a final run to Brown's Lake.

Overall this was a great weekend.  I got to meet some great folks and support the community I have grown to love.  I encourage everyone to volunteer at a 100 mile (or any ultra).  It was a great experience!

Footnote:  I am so looking forward to this race next year!

Memories of WSER

So here's the promised second post on the memories of such an iconic race.

Memory 1:  Driving up to Squaw and looking up the mountain I would climb a few mornings later.  Mark and I played golf on Thursday afternoon at Squaw and I kept looking at the climb in awe.

Memory 2:  Meeting coach Corrine for the first time.  In this day of virtual everything, I had not yet met Corrine, despite working with her for over a year.  We had spoken on the phone many times, but never actually met. As I mentioned in my earlier post, CTS was crewing for the athletes at Robinson Flat (mile 30), Foresthill (mile 62) and Point Rocks (mile 94.5).  They had an open house on Thursday night so we could leave drop bags and chat with the team.  Mark and I stopped by for a bit and met the crew that would be helping me.  Coach Koop would laugh later at Pointed Rocks, when the first thing I was asking at each stop was about Corrine.  It sounds like she was asking about me as well.  I was so happy to hear she had finished as F9!

Memory 3: The atmosphere at packet pickup and the start line.  It was charged with excitement.  The sponsors all had booths and all the athletes that I've admired from afar are walking around and chatting with everyone.  

Memory 4:  The start was crazy.  I got to see my friend Eric, a fellow Eagle from NE OH.  Debbie took a picture of us together at the start, as well as one with Mark.  A few announcements were made and the countdown proceeded.  A shotgun start and we were off.  I stopped a few times on the climb to take in the view and the scene.  Fog formed over the golf course below.  The line of runners going up the mountain.  The crowds at the top of Escarpement.  Seeing Eric Schranz from ultrarunnerpodcast playing his alpenhorn.  

Another thing I noted was the lack of conversation going up the hill.  There were a few people chatting, but not many.  Was that because it was a climb?  I'm not sure.  I've done other races that started out with big climbs and the conversation was flowing.  I wonder if because of the lottery if odds of friends getting in are slimmer.  I did have to laugh at two of the conversations that I was in throughout the race...after I mentioned I was from OH, both assumed that Burning River was my qualifier.  Interesting that that's the race that is known in OH...although Mohican is also a qualifier.  For the record Georgia Death Race was my qualifier (Bear is also qualifier,  but you only get one ticket race a year to count).


Memory 5:  The high country was a lot more technical than I expected.  Lots of rocks and loose dirt.  Beautiful vistas.  The river at the bottom Duncan Canyon was a sight to see, as it was starting to get hot as we headed down into it.  Sat down and splashed water on myself to cool off.

Photo Credit:  Tonya Perme

Memory 6:  Robinson Flat was crazy.  While other aid stations had crew access, this was a crazy busy station, the energy was amazing.  I saw Debbie as I came in.  Iced up and found the CTS crew.  Change of socks were in order after all the rocks and dirt that I had run through.  Adam St Pierre laughing at my tan lines on my feet ( I wear Xero sandals for my golf shoes, so I have crazy tan lines). One of the crew's little girl trying to help me by wiping off my legs (it was quite cute).   Koop pulling my buff over my head instead of my hood.  I couldn't figure out why it was so tight and choking me.  We finally figured that out and got me straighten out.  The advice from AJW on the aid stations on the way to Michigan Bluff.  He told me the ladies at Dusty Corners were top-notched and he wasn't joking.  They rocked it when I got there!  They had a great laugh when I told them my ear-worm that seemed to be sticking around (excerpts from Jesus Christ Superstar).  My 'handler', Deanna, loved my attitude so much, that she wanted a picture with me. That's too funny.

Memory 7:  The heat of the canyons.   After leaving Last Chance at mile 43, you drop down to the swinging bridge prior to the long climb to Devil's Thumb.  You could feel the heat building up as you descended. The climb up to Devil's Thumb was not easy.  It was a million times worse than I recalled from a few weeks prior on the training run.  While I didn't jump in the river, I did get wet at the natural spring just after the bridge (exactly where AJW had said it was).    

I wish I would have taken a picture or could recall exactly where, but somewhere between Last Chance and El Dorado Creek, there was guy in an RV, playing  'Chariots of Fire' on a cello.  I laughed and told him thank you, as I needed the motivation this trail angel provided.  It brought a smile to my face!  Later we would see a gal playing a guitar singing running songs on the trail down to No Hands Bridge.

Memory 8:  Michigan Bluff and Foresthill aid stations.  Crazy busy with crews and spectators.  Great to see Debbie, who walked with me as far as she could getting me to eat and focus.  Getting to Foresthill was a relief.  I was an hour behind my planned arrival time and it was quickly getting dark.  Again the CTS crew rocked it.  I told them I wanted out of the chair in a certain time and they had me out and moving.  David and Jim (my soon to be pacer) walking/running me to Cal Street section of the course.

Memory 9:  Coming around the corner on the single track and seeing skunks scatter in front of me.  5 babies, but never did see mom.  I was very cautious getting by them.  The last thing  I needed at this point was getting sprayed.

Hallucinations...once again, my hallucinations were during daylight hours.  Actually the first was between Robinson Flat and Last Chance.  I saw some really fancy futuristic motorcycles on the side of the trail.  No people around.  Turns out it was pile of logs.  After the sun came up, I started seeing flocks of song birds landing on the trail, but not moving when we got close.  Or turtles (which is what I felt like).  Finally however, we saw a lizard and when it really moved as I almost stepped on it, I knew it was real!

Memory 10:  The American River crossing at Rucky Chucky.  That was an experience to remember.  After eating some food and collecting myself at the near side, I had a lighted necklace placed around my neck and a personal flotation device put on.  I then stepped into the river.  Volunteers stood along the way in the cold water to guide me along the rope.  Lights were on the bottom of the river to show me where to put my feet.  One step put the water above my waist.  I hate to think how high it went on some of the shorter folks.  I did a complete clothes change on the far side and felt refreshed.


The almost full moon rising above the mountains and reflecting on the river as I ran/hiked beside it was beautiful.

It was at the river that I picked up Jim as my pacer.  The first 2 miles are all uphill, so we got into a strong powerhike. When we hit single track, we tried having him leading, but that didn't seem to work as well as when he was behind me.  I am very thankful for having him ask to pace me.  It helped more than I ever imagined.  We chatted here and there, but eventually fell into that quiet that works well for me, with occasional prodding from him to keep moving.  He was determined to help get me to the finish line in the 27th hour...and we did.

Coming into Pointed Rocks, it was great to see Koop and Adam again.  They helped take my pack while handing me my handheld.  I ran out of there knowing I had a 10k left.  After crossing No Hands Bridge, my left leg started bugging me and I had to hike a very runnable section.  However, the climb to Robie didn't seem as bad as I recalled.  

Memory 11:  Seeing my friend Deirdre as I came up from Robie Point.  Funny story:  I saw another person just as I was starting my climb to Robie, who to me at the time,  looked like Deirdre.  I called her name but to my embarrassment, it wasn't her.  However, she immediately knew who I was talking about.  Everyone knows Deirdre!

Memory 12:  The finish.  Stepping on the track was, well, I can't describe the feeling.  I had made it and had only to make my way around to the other side and be a finisher.  Mark was there waiting for me like the great husband he is.  Coming around the corner the announcer tells the crowd who is on the way down the stretch.  I came through the finish line, proud and victorious in my endeavor.

The finish was only part of it.  The ceremony was held graduation style, calling each runner up with their finishing time to give them their buckles. 191/299th.  Not bad in my opinion.  

The CTS crew and athletes.

Afterwards, Mark and I left for Monterey and some golf at Poppy Hills on Monday.  I had all intentions on using a cart, but when it was cart path only, we decided that walking was going to be easier on me, so I used a cart...

I'm sure there will be more pictures, as there were a number of photographers along the course.  I'm really excited to see what they captured, especially the one crossing the river.

2018 Western States Endurance Run

Wow is probably all I need to say about this race.  However, that would make a boring blog and I need to indulge myself.  I am going to split this into two posts.  This first one will be the details of my race, while the second will be memories that I want to share from this run.

Pre-Race Photo

First, I need to thank everyone for the support throughout these long few months of training.  Mark had to kick me out the door on days when I didn't want to run. And of course, he suffered dearly when I dragged him to CA for wine and golf all week.  I also want to thank Coach Corrine Malcom and the CTS crew.  The guidance and support that I had was wonderful.  Corrine understood my needs and desires and shaped a training plan that works for me. 

Western States Endurance Run...the Boston Marathon of ultrarunning.  I think that's the best way to describe it.  However, unlike Boston, you need a qualifier and the luck of the lottery gods to join the field of 369 runner in Squaw Valley, CA on the 4th Saturday in Jun.  

The trip to Auburn wasn't easy.  I was shocked when I found out that my ticket was selected. Corrine and I started planning to make sure I was prepared for this journey.  From Dec to Jun, I ran just over 1300 miles, not only putting in long runs, but speed as well.  I completed two training races (Black Mtn 40 miler and Big Turtle 50 miler) as well as attended the WSER Memorial Day Training Camp, where I got to experience the last 70 miles with no pressure.  My biggest month was almost 250 miles.  That’s a lot for me.

The week before the race, Mark and I headed out to CA for some relaxation in the form of wine and golf.  What a perfect way to taper.  A few rounds of golf, a private wine tasting at Terra d’Ora, a few easy runs (well, except that last speed workout after golf and lunch in the heat of the day).

The temperature in Auburn the week prior wasn’t looking good.  It was shaping up to be a hot race.  At one point the forecast called 101.  That meant that the canyons would be closer to 110.  Luckily race day never got that high, but it was the 9^th hottest WSER at 98, with the river crossing showing 106 at 4 pm (about the time I was climbing up Devil’s Thumb, the steepest climb of the day).

Per my normal ops, I was planning the race as if I had no crew or pacer.  Turns out I was able to have both without much extra planning or effort!  CTS went all out to provide support to their athletes, both elite and those of us normal humans (ok, normal is not what most people call me).  The provided crew support at Robinson Flat, Foresthill and Pointed Rocks.  Another friend Debbie, who was crewing a mutual friend was at Michigan Bluff and kept me moving.  At Foresthill, a gentleman name Jim Carman asked if I wanted a pacer for 20 miles.  Sure, why not.  Jim met me after the river crossing at ran with me in.  I was much appreciative of the company.  I never realized how much just having someone nearby can keep you moving.

To break down the race into chunks…the start was amazing.  The energy was so much more than I had ever seen at an ultra.  People at 4 in the morning were hiking and biking up the trail to watch runners come up.  

As the sun rose over the mountains, I stopped and looked back a few times.  Fog had formed over the golf course (my picture didn’t turn out too well).  It was spectacular!  There was some scrambling up to the top of Escarpment. I stopped and asked a spectator to take a picture of me. 

The high country was beyond belief beautiful. The running was a bit more challenging than I had imagined, with lots of loose rocks.  I had a hard time getting a climbing rhythm.  At one point I was running with a group and one of the guys asked if we all had 24 hr aspirations.  While that had been a stretch goal if conditions were right, I also found that I couldn’t keep up with them, so let them go.  I needed to run my race at my pace.  

I was in/out the first aid station pretty quickly, just refilling my flask and grabbing some chips.  Coming into Red Star Ridge at mile 15, it was chaotic.  Everyone grabbing for ice that was melting already in the morning heat.  I finally stepped away and started going through my dropbag, when a volunteer came up to me and helped me out.  In the chaos, however, I left without getting food.  Luckily, I had enough in my pack, but it was a mistake that I don’t like to make. 

The rollers down to Duncan Canyon Aid station at mile 24 were still more of the same, loose dirt and rocks.  Here I completely topped off with ice.  To include my bra.  I was not going to overheat.  Down to Duncan Canyon, I went.  I sat down in the river to cool off before heading up.  The climb to Robinson Flat was getting hotter and I knew what was coming up wasn’t going to be easy. 

Coming into Robinson Flat at the 50k mark, I was feeling good.  I found the CTS tent, where Koop, AJW and others were waiting to help me out.  Clean socks, some food and off I went with some sage advice from AJW.  The next 4 aid stations are a bit of a blur to me. Lots of ice and more ice.  Filling both bottles with electrolyte and the bladder with ice.  Ice in the hat and down my bra.   I do, however, remember the ladies at Dusty Corner.  They were wonderful, filling me up with ice and sponging me down.  Deanne was my ‘handler’.  As I left, she asked to snap a picture of me, as she loved my attitude and the joy I was having.   I was having a blast!

Somewhere in this stretch, I ended up getting my head wrapped around my times.  I noted a sign at one of the stations that had times on it for 24 hr finish, 30 hr finish and cut-offs.  I looked at my watch and noted that I was between the 30 hr and cut-off.  WTFO?  I started to get down on myself for not moving fast enough and I wasn’t sure why.  Finally, I unscrewed my noggin and realized that I had been doing 4 mph average and cut-off is 3mph. Ignore the signs and keep moving...

Now it was time to head down to the dragon’s lair and Swinging Bridge.  The long descent gave my legs a beating.  The climb back up to Devil’s Thumb almost killed me (figuratively). I could tell it was a furnace and I was slowing down.  However, I wasn’t over-heating.  In fact, I was cold at times from being so wet with ice.  However, climbing wasn’t as easy as I am use to.  I had to stop a lot to settle my breathing and heart rate.  While I was eating at every aid station, and even in between I’m not sure I was taking in enough calories.  I wasn’t hungry which from my experience is my indicator to eat.  If I eat on a set schedule or too much, I’m more susceptible to tummy problems.

When I finally got to Michigan Bluff, it was so great to see Debbie.  She walked with me through town and got me to eat some noodles.  Into Volcano Canyon and up to Foresthill I went.  It was almost dark when I got to Foresthill (mile 62).  Although I had a headlamp in my pack, most of my night stuff was there, as I had expected to be there an hour earlier.  Again, CTS coaches were awesome!  I told them I wanted to be out of the chair in 10 mins.  At 9 min they had me up and tying my shoes.  David and Jim walked/ran me out to Cal Street. 

Cal Street…I should just skip this section altogether.  It was my nemesis.  I thought I had ran the first 100k conservatively, but my legs just didn’t want run.  Then I started to sleepwalk.  It was way too early to be feeling that tired.  I got to Peachstone (Cal-2), got some iced coffee and a bit of food in me and started to feel better.  I put the powerhike into full afterburner.  The feeling didn’t last too long, within 5 minutes of leaving the next aid station at mile 73, I was vomiting.  That was a first for me (and it wouldn’t be the last for this race, as a similar situation came up around mile 92). 

The river was a sight to see.  The energy here was radiant.  I took a long time here, probably too long, but I needed it.  First on the near side, eating some broth and crackers.  Then the dip in the river.  Brrr….that was cold.  On the other side, I did a full change of clothes/shoes and we (Jim as promised was waiting) started power hiking up to Green Gate.  I was alive again!  I passed quite a few people in this climb.  We chatted a bit, but for the most part it was just the two of us running/hiking along silently clicking off the miles the best I could. 

I got my running legs together a bit for the last few miles and ran into Pointed Rocks at mile 94.5.  CTS was here again.  I handed my pack to Koop and left with a handheld.  I was so glad to be rid of the pack.  Climbing from No Hands Bridge up to Robie Point was not as bad as I remembered if from the training run a few weeks ago.  Maybe it was the energy there and people lining the streets.  Deirdre was there to snap a few photos.  

Once I hit the track, Jim stepped off and I saw Mark standing there.  I almost cried then and there.  Coming around the corner, I could hear the announcer call my name and running history.  People were cheering me on.  Raw emotions were felt when I crossed that line and I just stood there in disbelief.  While I had not run my goal time, I finished on a day when things could have gone really wrong.

So how do I feel 4 days later?  A bit sore.  My feet are swollen and my lower leg is a bit wonky.  I’m not running for a few days that’s for sure.  I had no blisters, despite wet feet for most of the day.  I few toes are bruised from kicking rocks, but that’s it.  I ran in Altra King MT’s for the first 78 miles, then switched to the Superiors.  The Swiftwick socks worked great.  Squirrel’s Nut butter prevented chaffing in spots that I normally chafe, but other spots are raw due to the ice.

I got lucky getting in with one ticket, and yes, if given the chance I’d go back again.  It may be a few years, but it’s worth the wait.

#seeyouinsquaw #ctsathlete #altrarunning #snb #wser100