San Diego 100(really really late race report)

San Siego 100(really late entry)

So this is only the second post I have done, and I'm really, really late in getting it out. But here is my experience with the toughest race I'v run so far.

San Diego 100 was to be my second 100 mile race, and I was eager to see how well I could do. I had run the Western States 100 last year and had had a great experience, no big lows, no real issues and finished very near my goal. I had put in some solid training after recovering from a pretty bad groin pull at the end of November. This was the first time I had followed a true training plan, and I felt like I was stronger than ever. I ran the Canyons 100K in May, as a training race, and managed a PR for the distance and took 1:20 off of my time from last year. So I felt ready to take on this new challenge. The SD course, on paper, looks easier than the WS course, so I was very hopeful to break the 20 hour mark. I could not have been more wrong.

Amber and I drove down to Huntington Wednesday before the race and stayed at our friend Keevins house. Keevin and Amber were to be my crew and pacers. On Thursday we drove up to Lake Cuyamaca to set up camp with our friend and fellow racer Berry. We set up camp and headed over to race check in and to listen to the pre race briefing. It was hot, in the briefing Scotty Mills told us the predicted heat index for race day was to be 108. Holy cow, I thought. I had spent some time in a sauna to help heat acclimate, but the mild spring in our neck of the woods had not allowed me to get in much in the way of true heat training. After the meeting we had dinner, got our things ready for the next day and were off to bed.

A beautiful way to start the day.

Race morning was cool and pleasant, perfect running temps(at 5:00AM). While eating, I nervously went about making sure everything was ready to go. I always seem to have trouble eating on race morning, I'm just too excited. Before I knew it we were in the starting coral, listening to last minute instructions and then we were off. Nerves quickly faded away as I set into what felt like an easyish pace. We made our way around the lake and meadow and soon began the first hill. I felt I was running easy, but after passing a couple of other runners walking that warned me not to forget to take walk breaks, decided I should head the warning and back off a little. I walk ran the first hill and enjoyed the scenery. On the first descent I noted how rocky and over grown the trail was, I'd need to take care not to trip or role and ankle. Soon we were going threw the first aid Paso Picacho, where some lovely ladies were handing out iced buffs. I took one, put it around my neck and was instantly glad for its coolness. It was already getting quite warm, and it was only 7:00.

Quickly out of the aid and up the next climb I settled into a good rhythm, enjoyed to scenery and was soon running with a Guy named Michael, who told me he had just run a 100 miler in the desert, I was amazed at how well he was running so close to running another 100. We chatted as the miles passed, the trail continued to be rocky and challenging in places, perhaps I had underestimated this corse. We continued to chat as we descended back to the lake and the Chambers aid station. I filled both waters, grabbed a handful of food and put some ice in my bandanna and was on my way. Michael had pulled away during my aid stop and I found my self alone on a long rolling gradual climb. The course becomes very exposed at this point and I was really starting to feel the heat start come on. I backed off on my pace, realizing it was only going to get warmer, and I had a long day ahead.

The next section of trail passed easily enough, I felt like I was moving well, and the scenery was nice. This section was not too technical  and soon I was into Sunrise 1 aid and the first time I would see my aid.

OH sweet ICE

Quickly Amber, Brian, (a friend that came out to enjoy the weekend) and Keevin had my pack traded for one with fresh fluids, and a back full of ICE(man that felt good) and they had me back on the trail in short order. The next section climbs up to a ridge on the PCT with great views of the desert to the east, and more sun. My memories of this section are vague, but I do remember thinking perhaps I had been a bit overzealous in my initial pace, as I was starting to suffer a bit in the heat.

Before long the woman that would end up second overall passed me and commented that it was way too early for us to be worrying about overheating. I had been running with one bottle normal mix of tailwind and the other with concentrated Perpetum, this turned out to be a bad decision as the day heated up. The Tailwind was quickly gone and as I forced down the strong thick Perpetum my stomach started to show the first signs of rebellion. I ran out of water on the last descent to Pioneer Mail aid and was so thankful when I got there and was able to down some ice cold water and get a new ice pack and ice bandanna from my amazing crew. I asked for no Perpetum and was soon off, running down, down and down. The trail soon became very rocky and technical and I was enjoying the trail. The trail wound its way toward Nobal Canyon and soon rocky downhill gave away to rolling Jeep road then to paved downhill. The paved section was downright hot and I ran out of water again about a mile from the aid station. My shins and calves were showing the first signs of cramping and every gel I took in threatened to come back up. At this point the calorie intake slowed to basically what ever was in my drink. Finally I was at Pine Creek aid, and took some salt tabs and pickle juice. I drank as much fluid as I could handle, made sure I had lots of ice in my pack and bandanna and headed out for the long climb out of the canyon. The air was still and oppressive and the flies relentless. the climb went on and on. I felt like I was going to puke every time I pushed the pace so I walked, trying to at least swing my arms and hike as fast as I could. As the climb got higher the trees thinned and the heat pressed. Still climbing I ran out of water, this was not good. I pushed on, seriously contemplating dropping out. I was not having any fun. I could not fathom how not one person had passed me in the eternity that had passed sense the last aid station. 45 minutes to an hour later I finally reached the Penny Pines aid, staggering and feeling like it was time to throw in the towel.
Then I was seated, cold drink in hand, bottles filled and kids were dousing my head and shoulder in ice cold water. 3 or 4 people came in as I sat there recovering, one being my friend Jenny, who commented that that section was brutal. The aid station crew did a great job of ushering me out of the station when they felt I had cooled down sufficiently. As soon as I was out of the aid station my shins and claves began to cramp, running ceased and shuffling ensued. Jenny passed me, offering me words of encouragement, and reminded me that the night was a new race, and she was soon out of sight. I settled into a rhythm of walking the slightest climb and shuffling the flats and downs. I drank water as best as I could, my stomach was queasy and unhappy, but I was moving. I determined to make it to the cooler evening. Finally, with about two miles to the next aid my legs finally stopped cramping at every upward pitch and my shuffling gait began to resemble a half ass jog. Things were looking up, or so I thought.

I don't want to get out of this chair

On arrival to the next aid, my crew ushered me to a chair, cooled me with water, and put coconut water into my hand. Amber told me every one was looking haggard as well. (I thought I was doing better. I guess I didn't look too good). But as a good crew chief Amber kicked me out of the chair as soon as the last of the coconut water was down. I continued to have intermittent leg cramps, which I was able to keep mostly at bay by walking for a minute. This section was short but another low was setting in and I began to struggle with motivation. I knew that Amber and Keevin had sacrificed their time and energy to help me so I used that to get me through to the next aid, Red Tailed Roost, where to my surprise Amber was waiting with running gear on and ready to pace, early, I hadn't planned on picking up a pacer until mile 64. Amber said I looked like I needed some motivation so she jumped in. I grabbed a coconut water and we headed out of the aid, at a walk. Soon Amber was pushing me to pick up the pace and jog. I finished the water and started to move better, by the time we reached Dales Kitchen 1 I was feeling better and by the single track descent started to feel good, the trail had good flow and I picked up the pace. I began to have fun, for the first time in many hours. I thanked Amber for getting me out of my funk, and being such an amazing wife, and continued to pick up the pace and was soon flying. About 3 miles into the 7ish mile descent I kicked a large rock, OK boulder, with my right foot. My body lurched forward, I ran off the side of the trail, barely managing to keep my feet under me. But my big toe and inner side of my foot was screaming at me. I tried to run it off, but the pain wouldn't allow it. So I walked for a bit. Then I tried running again and found that if I kept my weight to the outside of my foot I was able to run fairly descent pace. Nearing the bottom of the descent my stomach started to grumble and I began gaging. With much effort and occasional walk breaks I was able to keep its contents in check.
Near sunset Amber and I pulled into Cibbets Flat aid, where Keevin was waiting to pace me for the next 20 miles. I took in an assortment of fluids and calories, including chicken soup, water, coke, a quesadilla and maybe some ginger ale. Keevin and Amber pushed me to hit the trail and return up the long climb back up.

we got this.

About 200 yards out of the aid station my stomach ordered everything out. I puked and puked on the side of the trail for what seemed an eternity.

Everything OUT!!!

When I was finally able to stop retching Keevin and I started to move. This time my hamstrings chimed in and seized up. I tried walking backward, no dice. So I just suffered and tried to replace some of the fluids and calories I'd just left on the trailside. Before long my body started to cooperate and we began to power hike and run a little. we were soon joined by a woman running her first 100 and her pacer. They encouraged us to stay with them and toed us up the hill. By the top at Dales Kitchen 2 I was feeling much better, and much to Keevins delight, I began eating. I was actually hungry. We moved quickly through the aid and were back on the trail, chatting and catching up on life. I was feeling pretty good, only my right foot still hurt and now my ankle felt tight, I stopped and loosened my shoe several times, but it just seemed to keep getting tight again. We reached Tobys Cabin aid, which was like a party in the woods. I didn't want to leave, the fire, chairs and beer looked mighty good, but the race finish called.
The next section seemed to go forever. We could see the next aid, then the trail would turn and head the wrong direction. It was a big mental challenge. We made it through Penny Pines 2 and were on to Pioneer Mail 2. ON the descents on this section I began to have trouble running. My ankle and foot were starting to hurt, but I pushed on,  determined to finish. As we approached Pioneer Mail my ankle was getting increasingly tight and painful.
I reached the aid station, sat in a chair and commented on the issue of my ankle. I figured I would be able to push to the end.  Amber joined me and we headed out. The first part out of the aid is a slight uphill and I was able to jog ok, then the down came and I was only able to manage a shuffle. I figured I would loosen up as we moved on. Before long I found I was unable to run. I would try and stop after maybe 10 strides. This was not good. OK I can walk the last 15 miles right? NO. Every step was painful, I was having trouble getting over rocks. At one point I hobbled over to the bushes, grabbed a large dead manzanita branch and broke it off, making it into a walking stick.  The walking stick soon became more of a cain/crutch. Through all of this Amber encouraged me, never telling me it was time to throw in the towel. With perhaps 3 miles to go the the next aid I sat down on a rock and holding back tears asked Amber to call Keevin and tell him to meet us at the nearest escape point. She checked her Gaia App on her phone, called Keevin and had my escape planned. Now was just to make the 2ish mile hike out. Time dragged on, but finally, after nearly 2 hours, as we started to crest a road and saw the lights of the car. I flopped into the front seat and we drove to the Sunrise 2 aid where I handed in my bib, thus ending my race, 9 miles from the finish.

Me, Berry, Brian, Keevin and My extraordinary wife.

The next morning my ankle and foot had mostly morphed into a big puffy painful thing. The next couple weeks would find me going from using a cain to walk to wearing a walking boot(bootsy returns). I didn't run at all until 5 days before Western States(where I was happily able to pace my friend Ryan Peel to a outstanding finish of 2230ish hours).
So how does it feel to drop so close to the finish? Crummy. I gave this race my all, from training, to changing my diet to leaving everything I had on the trail. I know Ill be back to conquer this race, maybe next summer.
Lessons learned.
1) Heat train more
2) Don't bomb the down hill 60 miles into a race
3) It's going to hurt.
4) Save it for the night time.

Ultraman 2013- A different kind of race

Sometimes races don't end up the way we expect. In April when I signed up I wasn't even sure if I would make it to the start line, and as the year went on I fought hard to turn my fitness around. Things sometimes don't go the way we want, but this year turned out even better. I came to the start line knowing that I didn't have the fitness to compete with Hillary. My race was with myself and to make it to the start line. 

Through last winter and spring I fought my body and depression when I started working night shift. When I was finally diagnosed with hypothyroid and started on medication I thought things would get better quickly, but the turnaround to my normal self hasn't been as quick as I had planned or hoped. A large part of that is I'm still working night shift and every day is a struggle. I used to be a 9 hour night sleep person and now I'm having a good day if I manage to sleep at least 4 hours. It's not for lack of trying, and I think I've tried every herb and now sleep med on the market. The best way I can describe how I feel is to say imagine flying from Hawaii to Europe and doing a 12 hour time zone change, work all day and then fly home. Every 3-5 days I do a 12 hour time zone change and then 3-4 days later I switch back. Some people seem to manage...... I'm just not one of those people. Looks like I have another year of night shift before a day position is open. I can't wait to get back to my normal.

As the thyroid meds started working I started feeling better and I had a choice to make whether I wanted to race Ultraman again this year. I knew going in that I wasn't going to meet some peoples expectations. I knew my training wasn't there, but I wanted to go for the experience and to hang out with my husband and friends. This wasn't my year to compete, but it was amazing to experience the race in a different way. I appreciated the opportunity to get travel around this amazing island. It was a celebration for me that I was able to make it as 8-9 months earlier I had a hard time finishing a 6 mile run.

Day 1: For me the swim is tough. Luckily I really enjoy swimming this course but every year that last 2 miles really kicks my butt. This year was no different and just as I started getting tired a current seemed to kick up and I swallowed some water. I had my amazing kayak support again this year with locals Karen and Don. As I got out of the water I saw 3:08 on the clock and I asked where everyone was. This course can vary so much with currents it's hard to judge how fast or slow I had been. I felt beat up and tired, but heard that the course was slow for everyone. Whew, it wasn't just me.

The bike is usually my favorite and strongest part, but I just didn't feel right.  Please come back legs I miss you. I felt slightly sick to my stomach on the first climb, but tried to force down some nutrition. It forced it's way right back up. It was going to be a reaaaallly long day. One of the things I've found this year is that about 50% of the time I feel good and the other 50% I feel like gravity is 10x stronger. Today was a 10x gravity day. I kept plugging along and tried to enjoy the day, but it was a battle. The highlight was my amazing crew for being there and always trying to put a smile on my face. Starting in Ocean View the winds kicked up and rain came down in sheets. I slowed down and took it easier as falling on the slick roads would make for a really long day 2 and 3. I like keeping all my skin intact. Finally about 80 miles into the day my stomach stopped revolting and I was able to take in some food and fluids. The last 10 miles were finally fun.

Ryan in one of his many costumes

My dad :-)

Angie just before the South Point turn

How can I not laugh? I nearly fell off my bike the first time I saw him.

Day 2 we were treated to perfect weather. No rain on the descent from Volcano and a tail wind up the Hamakua coast. We're allowed to ride as a group on the descent down from Volcano until the first right turn so I sat in the group and enjoyed the free ride. At the corner some of us split up and it's supposed to be non drafting at this point. I was disappointed to see some racers still drafting after the turn. Come on people there are only 35 athletes. It's really not that hard to ride your own race in a field this small and kind of irritated me to see this happening at Ultraman. I expect it at Ironman and don't care anymore, but Ultraman is special to me. I was bummed. As soon as I got to red road I smiled. I wasn't feeling great but I was feeling good and the views were stunning! Coming into Hilo I hit the first red light, then the second red light, and got my first flat. I looked around and didn't see my crew anywhere. Bummed I pulled over and waited and waited. I took a couple deep breaths and tried to relax. I know I wasn't competing, but it still sucked to be sitting on the side of the road.  I had my rear wheel pulled off and Ryan quickly changed over my race wheel for a training wheel. Off I went. I made it almost all the way through Hilo and was getting close to the singing bridge when pop.... another flat. It was my front tire this time and I pulled the wheel off and started walking. The crew cars get separated from the athletes for a small section in Hilo and I wasn't sure if they had made the right turn to get back on the same road as me so I figured I should walk across the bridge to make sure we'd be on the same road. Steve Brown (race director from Canada) stopped and called my crew for me. Thanks!! Turns out my crew was stuck behind a stopped tour bus on a single lane road. They finally got around, but I spent about 15 minutes on the side of the road. Front wheel switch, and off I went again. The Hamakua Coast was amazing! The nice little tailwind was fun and the views on this section are stunning. I slowed down and reminded myself to enjoy the experience... and a spam musubi. Just as we started the climb to Waimea I heard another pop. Really!!! 3rd flat tire. Luckily my crew was right behind me and my wheel was switched out in about a minute. I couldn't stop smiling on the climb up the Kohalas. It is my favorite section of the course. I took in the views and soaked it all in.

The Kohalas!! My favorite part.

One amazing husband

Day 3 I woke up feeling tired. I guess that's to be expected, but in prior years I usually feel fairly good. I guess this lack of training/sleeping/thyroid function stuff really does add up. I took off really easy from the start. My goal for the day was to enjoy it as much as possible and not go backward through the field. Mission accomplished! The only bummer was that the shaved ice place in Kawaihae wasn't open when we ran by. The popsicle I got was great, but I had been dreaming of shaved ice. It was a different experience to chat with other runners and look around and really take in the views. Prior years there was such a race focus I just missed everything else. The last 10 mile hurt and the finish line was a very welcome sight! Sitting at the finish until the final runners came through was a treat and an inspiration. 

I think I ran with Peter Muller for about 30 miles

Ryan, Peter, and myself somewhere on the Queen K

Day after race breakfast at Lava Java

We had a flight home Wednesday to be back to work on Thursday. I wanted to see something new so we headed to Pololu Valley. It was a treat for the eyes but not the legs. The AED at the trailhead should have been an indication for what was in store. Steep but short trail to the first beach followed by a climb to a stunning lookout. I recommend this hike if you've already done Waipio and are looking for something new. After the initial beach we hiked up to the next lookout and came across no other hikers. It was a treat to have the trail to ourselves. 

It was kind of bittersweet heading home. Each year at Ultraman is a unique combination of people. For a couple of us it was our last race and it was sad to say goodbye. This race has such a special place in my heart, and I hope I'm able to come back someday (probably as crew/maybe as athlete). For now it is time to move onto other life goals, but I will always look back on these years and smile. I'm going to miss coming here every year, but it's time to let my body rest and experience new challenges.

Seriously an AED at a trailhead

We had this spot to ourselves for a hour before heading back

Really cool lookout

Clowning around

I didn't pick the easiest trail to hike

Our last Kona sunset for now

Bike Adventures

Yeah, I know this was a couple weeks ago, but we've been busy living life. We got back from our bike trip worked 6 days and then went to Bend, OR for a week to get away from the Rim Fire smoke.

I did this ride a couple years ago to return a bike to a friend in Huntington. I rode the bike down instead of shipping it. Way more fun! Ryan and I have been itching to go on a big bike trip this year, but with the new jobs and move we did a shorter version than what we pictured last fall. In the short version we only carried the basics in a backpack and stayed with friends, family, and a couple hotels along the way. We each brought one bike kit, one change of clothes and shoes, toothbrush, sunscreen, rain jacket, and arm warmers.

We dropped the fur kid off at the grandparents and bummed a ride to the train station in Auburn. Took the train from Auburn to Oakland and then the ferry to San Francisco. From there we rode around the north part of the peninsula and headed south down the coast to Santa Cruz. Day 1 100 miles.

waiting for the ferry

almost to SF

Day 2 was from Santa Cruz to Ragged Point. It was a bit of a frustrating start as you can't ride on Hwy 1 from Santa Cruz to Monterey. We weaved back and forth on rutted farm roads before finally hitting the bike path just north of Monterey. From there on the riding was amazing! We took the scenic route around 17 mile drive which added some miles, but they were beautiful. South of Carmel the coastline is rugged and hilly. We underestimated the ride or overestimated our legs and we finished up the day in the dark. Good thing we brought out MTB lights. We overnighted at the hotel at Ragged Point. Wish we could have spent a little more time there, but we had places to go. Day 2 130 hilly miles.

 Somewhere on Hwy 1... 

 bonking in Big Sur

Day 3 we rode to Solvang. More scenic coastline and then some more farmland and finally some climbs through vineyards. We were both tired this day and struggled on and off. 130 miles

Somewhere near San Simeon

Don't remember what town this was, but they had the best cookies!

Day 4 we rode to Santa Monica. One big climb to get over the mountain into Santa Barbara and the rest of the day was flat with a lot of route finding. Back on the coastline it was like we had landed back in civilization. After 2 days with low traffic and no big towns it felt weird to be riding on city streets with lights and lots of cars. We had bike maps from adventure cycling to help with the sections where you can't stay on Hwy 1. It was still scenic, but much more tame coastline. The traffic got worse the further south we got and the last section from Malibu to Santa Monica was a mess of cars trying to get back on a Sunday afternoon. Bumper to bumper with cars pulling out and car doors opening. I don't think I've ever been more ready to be off my bike. Another 130 mile day. Apparently we were tired and I didn't take any photos.

Day 5 was a short 50 miles to Huntington. We were broken and slowly limped our way south. Venice Beach was entertaining as always. We got slightly lost through the ship yard in Long Beach which was sketchy and scary but eventually we made it to my friend Keevin's house in time for the BBQ! Thanks Keevin for hosting us. We spent 2 days in Huntington and took the bus to the beach (we were done with bikes). We napped on the beach, ate beach stand food, and played in the waves. Bikes were packed up and shipped home while we caught a flight home.

It was a fun time and I was so glad to get to share this adventure with Ryan. We're apparently both into the same time of fun!