Everyone Runs Catalina State Park Trail Race

This wasn't my fastest race, but I didn't run a step for 3 weeks following Old Pueblo 50 mile and was just starting to get back into the running groove when the race came around. I love Steve's races - check them out at Everyone Runs.

The only bummer on race day was the weather. It was freezing cold before the race, so I sat around shivering until the start. I was thankful that I bought some new gloves the day before; my dog had chewed the thumb off of my other ones! 

Then a BIG thunderstorm came rolling through right after the race started and rain poured down during the whole race. I wore my rainjacket, but with my visor, I looked like quite the goober.

I was glad I had it - some race participants looked very cold in their underdressed state. Needless to say, as soon as the race was over, a lot of people booked. There is a substantial breakfast at Steve's races, but I grabbed one tortilla and got going, too. I was drenched and cold.

I saw my friend Steve H,, and he gave me ride out of the park to my car, so I didn't have to take the shuttle. Never turn down a ride in a Cadillac (after all, I was born in one!) Thanks Steve!

Distance: 10.35 miles

Time: 1:47

9th in my AG. Jeesh.

I was slow.....and I told myself it was because of the death of my Mom, because I was trained better for longer distances, because work has been stressful, etc. All of those might be true.

However, shortly after this race, I determined I was low on iron. Again. So, I'm getting that fixed, but that "I am not getting enough oxygen" feeling from being low on iron is really tiring! I get low on iron about once a year, most likely due to the heavy training.

I saw my friend Becky (she is fast!), which is always a plus. :)

And, the storm rolling in against the desert landscape is always beautiful. I stopped by Carpet One in Oro Valley to visit Dallas after the race, and then went home to take a hot shower.

That storm dropped a bit of snow on the Catalina mountains. This was exciting, because tomorrow, I'll be heading up there to help out with a run. Fun!

Recovering Emotionally, Physically, Mentally, Spiritually....

I did not run a step for 3 weeks following the Old Pueblo 50 mile race. I knew with the news of my Mother's death the day before the race that it was time to rest for a bit.

I flew out the Tuesday after the race to Nashville, which is where my mother was to be buried. The visitation was from 4-8 pm that day. I had never been to a visitation before, but it ended up being a joyous time to celebrate Mom. Attending were my Mom's 4 surviving siblings and spouses, 3 of my 4 sisters (one was still on the way), my brother, my sister from my Dad's second marriage and a few cousins. My brother had done most of the arrangements, as he lived in Nashville (thank you).

My Mom lived in GA, but it seemed fitting to bury her in Nashville, as she was planning on moving back there and 3 of my siblings live there (and a cousin). We chatted all evening about life and Mom. My sister Lisa had put together several collages of pictures of Mom, which we all enjoyed immensely. I was emotionally wrung out. This day was also the 19th anniversary of my father's death. I still miss him, too.

We arrived at the funeral home the next day an hour prior to the funeral for another 'visitation'. My one sister still hadn't arrived, so we pushed the funeral back a little to see if she might make it. She didn't and we moved forward. My brother and us 4 sisters shared about Mom at the funeral; we were all at the podium together. We really honored my Mom with everything we said. She wasn't the perfect Mom, but there was so much to miss.

After the funeral, I watched as they put the casket in the hearse and then we were off to the cemetary. I thought it was so awesome to treat Mom's death so reverantly. The ride to the cemetary was a long one; traffic pulled over all through town. When we arrived, my sister was there and everyone was glad to see her. 

A quick few words by Scott, the pastor who did the service, and they lowered Mom into the ground. Covered with dirt and then flowers, it was done. The rain held off until later on and we were grateful for that. Mom was buried in the same cemetary as her one deceased sister.

The next day, we all got up and drove down to GA (including my half-sister from my Dad's side), where my Mom lived alone. We spent a little time on Thursday looking at things at her house and then 4 of us stayed up late talking about all sorts of things (more healing).

The real work happened Friday. We spent about 7 hours going through her possessions. We kept some, gave away a lot, and threw away some. I got my Mom's 5 year diary from high school, among many other things, and I'll be getting a collectible vanity and sideboard mirror that were in my Grandparent's old farmhouse years ago. It was this day that I found out that not only was I the same shoe size as my Mom, but also the same glove size. A day later, I found out I have the same ring size, too. I have a few pairs of her shoes now, a pair of her gloves, and I hope to have her Garnet ring (her birthstone) once the estate is settled. It all helps me feel that she is a part of me today, even though she is gone.

That day in her house I'll never forget. The one sister that was late for the funeral couldn't stay to help, so it was me and my 4 siblings. We spent the day finding things from our childhood, sharing memories, exploring the past, and meeting a woman that we never fully knew - our Mom. She was a private person and a sentimental one, too. She kept everything.

The healing that began at the visitation continued at my Mom's house. To touch all of her things and get a glimpse into the life she led was cathartic for me. This experience at the house was so rich and full of meaning for me and my siblings. So much healing, so much love, so much sadness, so much joy. To watch all of us in service at my Mom's house was amazing. We cleaned out her whole house, except furniture, with teamwork, love and respect. I am so grateful to have the siblings I do.

We drove back to Nashville that night. I got to spend 7 hours in the car alone with my only brother - I've never spent 7 hours talking to my brother alone!! It was amazing. We talked about our childhood, our father, our mother, our lives, you name it. I will treasure that time forever.

Back home in Tucson a few days later, I still feel in shock about my Mom's sudden death. I got out and did a little walking here and there, and two weeks after OP 50 I hiked up to Wasson Peak with Dallas. 9.2 miles in 3:03. Very cool hike; felt good to be back out there in the desert.

At the top of Wasson Peak in the Tucson Mountains

A week later, I made it out to the TTR Mica Mountain run and went up to Cowhead Saddle and back (18.4 miles) in 5:15. I ran a little on the way up (but hiked a lot) and ran a lot on the way down. Felt good to run.



At Cowhead Saddle in the Rincon mountains



I'm now back to my morning runs, but short ones (3-5 miles). I ran 9 miles last weekend (4 weeks after OP 50) with my friend Julie from CO and this Saturday, I'll be running the Catalina State Park 10.35 miler, even though I'm not in shape for it at all...

So, I'm still recovering - emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Not just from Old Pueblo 50, but also the sudden death of my Mom. I'm all grown up now, I guess?

After learning about my Mom more after her death, I asked myself why it was that I couldn't have done that when she was alive. The answer is - she let us get to know her as much as she wanted to. I think this was the only way I could get to know her better was after her death.

I found out she was a much more amazing person than I ever thought she was. She raised 6 strong and independent children and was a very strong and independent woman herself. We found out after her death that she had more friends than we thought; we believed that she was lonely and should have been living a 'different' life than she was. She was retired and didn't go out much. But, her life was full of the things that made her happy.

If I wish one thing, it is that I see people for who they are; see through their sometimes crusty facade and see the dreams and aspirations they had as a child or young adult; see the disappointments in relationships as an older adult; realize that they are who they want to be. So often, I saw my Mom fall short of what I thought a Mom 'should be'. I should have appreciated all that she was.

So, I celebrate you now, Mom. I know a lot about who you were now, your faults and your beautiful, kind nature. I know you aren't reading this, but if somehow, you are watching over me, just know that I love you and appreciate so much that you were my Mom. And, I really miss you.

2011 Old Pueblo 50 race report

This report has been a long time coming. I needed some time to deal with what happened the day before the race.

I got a call from my brother on mid-afternoon Friday (March 4th) telling me that my Mom died suddenly. I was devastated. I wasn't sure then if I was going to do the race. My brother and sister were driving down from Tennessee to Georgia, where my Mom lived, to check things out on Saturday. I realized that I needed to run the race. I would not have received any information until late Saturday about my Mom or arrangements, etc., and I needed to be with my friends. Dallas was doing AS (aid station) 25, so he wouldn't be home either. Staying at home in my grief was not an option.

I got to the start just in time to get my bib, go to the bathroom and chat with a few people. Chris A., Scout, and Joe from TTR were so wonderful to me when I told them my Mom died. Chris gave me a huge hug - the kind your Mom would give - thank you Chris. I needed that.

We got the call to line up at the start and we were off in the dark at 6am sharp. I didn't use a headlamp, just picked my feet up and stayed near others with lights until the sun peeked up over the horizon, about 20 minutes later. What a sunrise.

I ran near Gene from TTR and Jon from Phx. for quite a while on the dirt road. I blew past AS 3, and headed onto the singletrack trail between miles 3 and 7. Arriving at AS 7,  I saw Patricia and Jane from TTR and Robert from Phx. I was still hanging near Gene at this point. Patricia snapped my picture - I asked if she could take a few pics of me during the race. I wasn't going to be carrying a camera! She took pictures of me at almost every aid station as she was crewing her husband Wayne. Thanks Patricia!

I like the sun on my face.

I traveled light this race - only one handheld bottle, which held 2 gels, lip balm and had a bandanna on it. I had my iPod, but otherwise, I was unencumbered by a heavy hydration pack. I had been working out my shoulder muscles the last 3 months to prepare me for holding a bottle for 11+ hours. It doesn't seem like very much until you hold it running for that long!

I wolfed down one of my chia/pinole brownies and I was off. The stretch between miles 7 and 13 is mostly dirt road/sandy wash. I was treated with a smile from Mary from TTR at AS 13. I needed that so much today.

I then ran with Kamran from WOG (Workout Group) for a few miles; he was so friendly to me when I told him about my Mom. It was so good to talk about her and how much I missed her. About mile 15, where the 4 miles of downhill starts, the wind really started blowing. Had a good tailwind heading downhill, so I was cruising. This downhill section, all on very rocky, rutted jeep road, is one of my favorite parts of the race.

My good friend Steve caught up with me around mile 17 and we ran together until AS 19. What a treat; I rarely get to run with Steve. It was good to see Ross and Bruce from TTR at this aid station. Ross was taking pictures as usual.

Yes, he is Ultraman!

After AS 19, we change directions on the course, and we had to deal with a headwind for over 10 miles. It was very hard to run and I became pretty exhausted during this part of the race.

I stayed pretty close to Steve between AS 19 and AS 25 and we finally passed Kamran. He had smoked the downhill, but appeared to be slowing a bit. He seemed happy despite the wind tunnel we were running in.

I continued to think of my Mom a lot during the race. I cried a little here and there and just thought about her life and the things she used to say to me when we talked on the phone. I think it gave me focus.

Finally I arrived right behind Steve at AS 25 and got to see Dallas! Woohoo! I was happy to see him.

Dallas took very good care of me! Mike from TTR was there, too. Lots of kisses from Dallas, some hugs, a V-8 and another chia/pinole brownie and I was off again with Steve. He quickly left me in the dust about a mile down the road, about the time we passed....Boone!

OMG - I couldn't believe we passed Boone. He said he realized that his walking speed was slow (thank God that mine is fairly fast - I'm not a fast runner like Boone). He appeared to be in good spirits, but I think Steve was a little worried about him. I also passed Joe from Phx, who ended up dropping. Guess doing Ragnar the weekend before was a little too much...

I made it to AS 29 and saw Patricia and Robert again. The wind finally stopped howling around mile 29. Thank God.

I finally shed my long sleeve black shirt and revealed my pink arm warmers!

Back onto the single track from miles 29-33. Another V-8 and chia/pinole brownie at AS 33 and I was headed towards AS 40. I knew I would be tight on water in this section, as it is partially uphill, rocky, slow going terrain and 7 miles long, which is the longest stretch between aid stations so far. I ran out of water about mile 39, but I was pretty hydrated. The weird thing was, I ran into Steve again about this time! He had been out of water for 5 miles. I guess he thought that AS 33 refilled his pack, but they didn't. Bummer. He was definitely not doing well at this point. This section is hard; lots of rocky sections, downhill and uphill, and a few creeks.

There was Bob from TTR right before AS 40 yelling, "That's what I'm talkin' 'bout! Git 'er done!" When I crossed the creek, he gave me a hug and said, "I heard a rumor that you and Dallas were getting hitched. Is that true?" I said, "Yes it is!"

Next to Bob was Steve B. from TTR, who was really saying some encouraging things, too. Up the small hill to AS 40 (bagpipe music?) was Bob's wife MaryAlice, Denise, and Joan from TTR, too. And Patricia again, who snapped another picture of me. I was feeling good at this point. Seeing all of my friends during the whole race made me feel so alive. I felt pretty great for most of the race actually.

I left AS 40 at the same time as Steve, but he needed some time to get hydrated, so I lost him after a mile. Before long, I was back on singletrack and headed toward AS 46. I had to do a bunch of walking, but overall, I felt good. I knew I wasn't going to make my 11 hour goal, but I knew I would finish and finish strong.

AS 46 - they had G.S. cookies, so I had one! Tonja, Pete and Christie from TTR were manning this station, but Tonja had headed out to pace Julie from TTR from miles 40-46, so she wasn't there. Christie and Pete were so nice!

After AS 46 is a lot of singletrack trail, which is fun. I was running fairly well off and on the last 5 miles, but I was getting tired and ready to be done! About a mile from Kentucky Camp (the finish), I saw Heidi, with whom I used to do personal training. She was hanging out waiting for her husband Dan to come in. She knew my Mom had died and gave me a big hug and told me she loved the pink! Just what I needed to finish.

As I rounded the corner coming into Kentucky Camp, I heard some people yelling that Boone was right behind me! I turned around and there he was, on my tail! I hoofed it and crossed the finish line about 10 seconds ahead of him. Great comeback Boone.

Elation and grief all mixed up in one ultragal.

More of my TTR friends were there cheering us on at the finish - Tom, Chris, Sarah, Joe, Ken and Glenn. Chris said this in an email to me about my finish:

"Just wanted to let you know that what you did Saturday was incredible.  In a sport that becomes more mental as the day goes on you still finished with a smile on your face.  I'll never forget that."

Wow. Thank you Chris. Sometimes people's words just hit where you need them to.

The stats:
Distance: 51.3 miles

Finish time: 11:25

AEG: 6,200 feet (that's what the adjusted Garmin reported - I've heard it reported at about 7,500 feet)

I got my 2nd 50 mile buckle!!!



That was fun. This one was for you Mom.


My friend Steve came in shortly after I finished. Steve, you rock. I knew you could do it (he could have beat me if he hadn't run out of water). It was one of the highlights of my day to get to run with Steve so much. For Boone, Steve, Kamran and Ally, it was their first ultra. You guys were amazing!!!

Other stats:

Last year's finish time: 11:48

I finished:

• 7th out of 33 female finishers
• 3rd in my age group out of 17
• 48th out of 125 finishers (not sure how many dropped during the race - around 30-35?

What I consumed:

• 3.5 chia/pinole brownies
• 7 gels
• 8 bottles of Xood, some diluted
• potatoes/bananas
• 2 small cans of V-8
• chocolate chip cookie and thin mint (G.S cookie)

The love I felt from all of my runner friends before the race, while running, at aid stations, and at the end of the race was amazing. I received so many emails, FB messages and comments, texts and phone calls from people letting me know they cared. I really have never felt so loved in my life. Thank you all of loving me at one of the lower spots in my life. I needed all of it.

Mom, I think I have your smile.

My Mom will not be reading this race report, but she was a faithful reader of my blog for the last 4 years. I know she would have been proud of me for what I did out there today. She was always so proud of me and my sisters and brother.

I miss you, Mom. More than I ever thought I would. Thank you for making me the independent and strong woman I am today.



Burnout. Overtrained. Last week of OP50 training

Old Pueblo Training Run #2:

Total distance: 21.14 miles
Total time: 4:40

Total AEG: 2,348 feet

This training run started at the parking lot at Kentucky Camp (1/4 mile off the official start of the race) and covered miles 1-3 and 33-51 of the race course (well, the race is allegedly 50.5 miles instead of 50, but many consider it to be about 51 miles. All of us must have gotten off course, because at some point, Lynda (who was sweeping) ended up in front of us. She was pulling ribbons thinking we were ahead of her. No wonder we had a tough time for a while trying to figure out which way to go!

My trail 'gangsta' outfit.

Miles 33-51 are the harder miles of the race. Fairly rocky, stream crossings (although not much water this year) and in general, more slower going terrain. But, very pretty in some sections.

One of my favorite views in the race - right after mile 40 aid station.

Big thanks for Joe and Lynda (the RD) for putting on both training runs.

TTR Cowhead Saddle run:

Total distance: 18.31miles

Total time: 4:49 

Total AEG: 4,008 feet (whew!)

This run was supposed to be Tanque Verde Loop to Javelina picnic area (around 20-21 miles). I was moving too slow to keep up with anyone, so I made the decision to turn around at Cowhead Saddle (about 9 miles up). It is at 6,100 feet elevation, and I still had about 900 feet more to climb - I just couldn't climb anymore. My legs were wiped from the OP training run the day before. I also didn't realize that my Camelbak bladder was leaking from the drink spout all over my long-sleeved shirt, until I got really cold around 5,500 feet elevation. I looked down and my whole shirt was drenched. I put my jacket on, but knew that I should turn around at Cowhead and call it good. 

Yep, everyone is ahead of me.

I was in the clouds by the time I got to Cowhead - luckily the weather was good - no rain until later on in the day.

I was happy with the decision - I still got in 50 miles this week plus the 6 mile Blackett's hike on Monday. And I was tired. Really tired from the training. I've been going at it for 3 months now.

Scout came out for her first TTR run! She did all 29 miles and did great! I met Scout at the GT 38.5.

Since I got back before a lot of people (shorter route), I saw many runners come in, which was fun.

Sion was first. Him in all his humbleness.

Chris, Jerry, Steve, Chris and Joe took a vehicle back from Saguaro to the start, but they still got in 21.5 miles.

Doesn't Joe have the best smile?

Dallas finished the whole 28.5 mile loop and was looking peppy as usual.

For my friend Kathleen in CO:

Peace!

A week of training

Old Pueblo 50 training run #1 (2/12/11):

This follows the Old Pueblo course on a loop from the 7/29 mile aid station (during the race, we visit that aid station twice) and back to the 7/29 aid station (basically, miles 7-29 of the Old Pueblo 50 mile race).

 

Joe said, "And that's when I ran out of flagging. Good luck on the rest of the run!"



Total distance: 21.76 miles

Total time: 4:22

Total AEG: 2,825 feet

From mile 1-8 (7-15 during the race), it is hilly and works gradually uphill, going through some sandy, wash areas and some rocky spots. I ran the first 5 or so miles with Miro, who is from Italy. He talked a lot, which was great! Eventually, I had to make a 'bush' stop, and he went on ahead.



Miro says he never runs more than a marathon dstance - TTR will change that!



I love miles 9-12 - downhill!!! Quite a tailwind out there today, so I felt like I was being pushed downhill! It is pretty rocky on this section, but sooooo much fun.

Joe was going to meet us at the 12 mile point (just past the aid station 19 during the race) to provide aid. I saw him right before that driving away - he was going to check on some runners who got to the aid station before he did. He asked if I needed water, but I was good.

As soon as I took a left after seeing Joe, the wind became a headwind!! I would guess the gusts were around 30 miles an hour. At least it kept things cool out there, but it made it hard to run. Around mile 18 or so (mile 25 of the race), the road heads uphill again. Joe passed by again, and this time I took water. My Camelbak had some water in it, but I was starting to conserve. The wind was drying me out a bit.

On this run, I tried some things Dallas and I have been making - a pinole/chia muffin and a pinole/chia brownie (that has pinto beans in it - makes a complete protein). They aren't super sweet (sweetened with agave nectar) but they are supposed to provide more 'slow-burning' carbs. They were very filling and didn't bother my system or anything. I didn't even eat as much on my run as I normally do. I felt like I had plenty of energy. I am still doing gels, but not as many. I'm going to be weaning myself off of so much sugar for the really long runs.

I also wore my new compression socks (pink!!) I'm still dealing with shin issues (since Redington 50k on 12/19). My shin didn't bother me much at all today; maybe it was the socks. Yay!

Sabino Basin trail run (2/13/11):

Dallas was running Esperero today, so I ran out on the Sabino Canyon tram road and connected up with the trails and went out to Sabino Basin. It took me quite a while, because I chatted with Dallas on the tram road as he was finishing Esperero and I also saw Gene (doing his 475th Bear Canyon Loop! Wow!) and chatted a bit with him, too. I was tired from running the day before, but my legs felt good.

Yeah, I washed the compression socks from yesterday's run...

Of course, when I got to the basin, he had fixed the heart! How nice!

Happy gal

I returned on Phoneline trail and Dallas met me in the last few miles.

He was easy to spot.

Total distance: 13.37 miles
Time: 3:29
Total AEG: 2,870 feet

We got pretty sunburned (it was 82 degrees for the high today). Just two weeks ago, we had a hard freeze! Crazy global warming weather!





Valentine's Day Blackett's Ridge hike (2/14/11):

Total distance: 6 miles
Total AEG: 1,882 feet 

It was only my 2nd time up there - the first time was last Valentine's Day!

We got to the top as soon as it got dark.

Nice calf.

We headed down with headlamps on, and just tried to be careful - it is pretty rocky in spots. Neverthless, Dallas managed to slide off the edge about halfway back down. Scared the hell out of me (I never curse, but I did this day!!) He went about 6 feet over the edge and stopped when he dug his handhelds into the side of the switchback. He was able to climb back up on his own.Tore his leg up pretty good. Exciting Valentine's Day!!

I got in 51 miles last week and should get about the same this next week (excluding the hike).

♪ "My Body tells me no!

But I won’t quit

I want more, I want more..." ♫

~ Finger Eleven

TTR Soldier Trail/La Milagrosa Run

I hadn't run all week since Cave Creek, so it was good to finally run.

Got to see a great sunrise at the trailhead before we all started.

This is the first time I've done Soldier and La Milagrosa trails. Quite a few TTR's came out, which was cool.

Distance:  15.96 miles

Total time: 4:02

AEG: 3,274 feet

Soldier trail is the hardest trail ever!!!!!!! It is super steep. My legs are trashed from too many weightlifting workouts. I think I'll be abandoning them for a while. My quads and calves were on fire. I didn't think I'd be able to finish the run.

Dallas made it look like a stroll in the park. Ugh.

But, of course, we pressed on. Almost everyone in the group passed us by the time we reached Prison Camp. The trail from Prison Camp to La Milagrosa is familiar - we do it during the Reddington 50k. I like that part. After passing Molino Basin and crossing Catalina Highway, we continue East, heading up and over a ridge. On the other side of the ridge, it is fun running downhill!

The turnoff to La Milagrosa trail was hard to miss. Dallas said, "If we didn't take a right here, we'd have to be idiots."

2 LARGE cairns and 3 or 4 flags. We got it.

Dallas ran with me so we could 'scope' out a spot that Ross had suggested might be a good lookout point to have a wedding.

Who wouldn't marry this man?

We ran into Mari right at the end. She took a few pics of us and then Dallas got some pics of me and Mari.

Renee and Mari

Runnin' down the road with Dallas, my best friend...

At the end, Chris said he had never seen me when I wasn't 'happy'. He passed me on Soldier trail and asked how I was doing, and I was whining about my trashed legs and not feeling good. He had definitely never seen me like that before. Gene commented that he rarely passes me. Yup, I was trashed out there and my mental state was bad for a bit. But, eventually, I made up my mind that I was going to finish and Dallas and I had a great time. We always do.

"I wouldn't focus on the negative, there's no point in that
Nothing says you can't enjoy the ride
Even if you are off the tracks..."
~ Finger Eleven