Lake Sonoma 50

Flat Cyd ready to go!

Wheeeeeeeee! Finally a Lake Sonoma event finish. After crashing and burning attempting this race a few years ago, and then my silly pony falling off the trailer in his over-excitement and slicing his leg, I was wondering if this was a cursed location for me. Third time lucky though. I didn't take many pictures this time, my head wasn't really in the game, and I had to concentrate more than usual.

My big dilemma was what to do with my rain jacket - start with it, carry it all day, put it in a drop bag? As soon as I walked out to the truck I knew it was too warm to wear it, so opted for the Warm Springs drop bag, that we pass at miles 11.5 and 38. I didn't need it all day, so I'm glad to have not lugged it up all those hills. I arrived with plenty of time, most of which was taken up in the potty line. The first 2.4 miles are on road with no ducking access, so no chances taken by anybody. I had just enough time to stash my jacket under a tent ready for the finish, and join the back of the pack as we set off for a really long day.

It was really hard to watch the pack leaving on the road section, but I couldn't find my stride, there was a decent hill, and my lungs were taking a while to warm up. They're not quite recovered from the respiratory virus I finally had to admit to myself I had, part of the reason for my ridiculous taper of 1 run and 1 hike in 2 weeks. I also had a full belly from a reasonable breakfast, ~600 calories. I knew being forced to go slow early would pay off in the later miles. 

Once we hit the single track it was an easy cruise to the first aid station, a water only stop, ~4.3 miles. Nothing needed here except to thank the volunteers and start the long section to Warm Springs. I still hadn't quite settled in and the warm muggy weather was bothering me. The scenery was spectacular though, so I chose to focus on that. It was way too early in the day to be having thoughts of missing cut offs or dropping by choice. There was some limited, and not all cheerful, conversation on course, so I pushed to find a hole by myself. Arriving at the aid station cheered me up pretty quickly, there were volunteers and crews cheering for everyone and being very helpful. I found my drop bag and grabbed 3 baggies of Tailwind, 2 to refill my bottles now, and 1 to carry as a spare - my next drop bag wasn't for 14 more miles. I saw P here, who I had the pleasure of running a few miles with at MUC50k (and another race that neither of us remember). The section between here and Madrone Point aid is my favourite on the course. Spectacular views and single track makes Cyd a happy runner. There was a moment that I got a little frustrated trying to get by a group of 4 friends running together who weren't holding even a little bit consistent pace but refused to let me by. I got past 3 of them, and the leader of their pack, a stocky guy, was bombing away any time I tried to pass then literally stopping in front of me. I quickly got bored of this game and squeezed through the first gap I saw where he actually knocked into me. Yup, it's important to fight for that mid-pack spot a third of the way into the race. No acknowledgement of what you did? Screw you. I ran faster than I should have to get away from them and took a moment to remind myself that this was a very rare case in trail running and wasn't going to let it bother me too much. 

Spectacular scenery!

I caught up to the next little pack and we had a nice train going for a few miles. Every now and again the engine fell to the back, and before too long I was second in the line, and the two of us started pulling away from the group. I wasn't delighted with my pace still, until we came to Wulfow Springs aid, another water only stop. Here I realised that my Suunto wasn't keeping up on mileage and that I wasn't going as slow as I had thought. From then on I just concentrated on elapsed time, but of course I couldn't remember what my splits should be for my goals until the half way point. I knew speeding up was a bad idea, so figured I'd keep the effort level I was at until then and see what I needed to change for the second half. At 3h45 the race leader breezed by on his return journey. It was fun watching the elite runners come by, and love that so many of them spared a breath to acknowledge other runners on course. One of the reasons I love this sport! It was just a couple miles from Wulfow to Madrone Point aid and the first significant climb of the day (as per the website lol). I refilled one of my bottles, and set into the climb, fully prepared for the suckfest. Except it wasn't that bad. Not the most fun, for sure, but not as bad as I remembered. Added bonus that there were volunteers, spectators, and crew hiking up and down cheering runners as we went by, and a very encouraging crowd at the top. Next up, a long descent that I chose to forget had another big climb at the bottom and that I had to come back up it. 

The second 'significant' climb was as hard as I remembered, and while I didn't pass anybody on this one, I did manage to hold my own and pull away from those behind me. At the top it was just one mile to the turnaround along another fun single track. I got into No Name Flat aid station just 15 minutes behind schedule for my A-Goal of 12 hours. There was music playing, people cheering, volunteers rushing to help me. Someone found and handed me my drop bag, while another grabbed my bottles and the tailwind bags to fill for me so I could reapply vaseline. The banana chunks looked good so I scoffed one while my bottles were replaced in my pack for me - great service here!! Another banana chunk was put in my hand for the road and I was back on trail in less than 4 minutes!

Having just come up 2 big hills and down 1, this was obviously a mostly downhill section. I fell into stride with a couple of runners before we went down the hill. I don't remember how the subject came up, but we joked about how running was so bad for our knees, which clearly offended someone near us who started lecturing on how running really is bad for your knees. Seriously? Time to go fly down a hill and have some fun instead. I had a bit of a low point at the bottom and took some extra walking time. Even though it was seemingly flat, I knew it was a slight incline with a steeper hill to come so I felt okay with taking some extra time for myself. Before I knew it we were descending into Madrone Return aid, and I had the pleasure of chatting with Gunhild Swanson of 2015 Western States fame, who gave me some great advice on training and racing - thank you! For some reason Oreos looked delicious, so I figured it was worth a try and grabbed a couple, along with the tastiest donut hole, apparently crumb flavoured? I was really sensitive to peanut butter today, just the smell of it from runners I passed who'd opted for PBJ was enough to make me nauseous, and the sight of more sandwiches being made got me out of the aid station like a shot. 

Not sure if I should laugh or cry...

Back to my favourite section, and I felt much better than I had earlier in the day. I started setting my sights on runners ahead of me and slowly catching up and passing. I set myself hill goals, run up to that tree, don't walk until the rock, to keep me running hills. I started trying to figure out how much catching up I might have to do to still make 12 hours. There's a local 12.5 miles loop with lots of climbing that I can usually do in ~2h45. It was 12 miles from Warm Springs to the finish, with lots of climbing, but 38 miles of hills already on my legs. I got in to the aid station just after 9 hours. I got my tailwind from my drop bag and snagged some oreos and soda while my bottles were refilled (have I mentioned how great the volunteers were all day?!) I also got to see J from the training run here. We were both having a great time and talking to someone cheerful for a minute really gave me a boost - thanks J! I was very conscious of my goal though, and scooted out before I could get too comfortable. 

This section wasn't as bad as I was anticipating. It was going to be 7.4 miles to the next (and final) aid station, with many more hills. It was getting harder to chase down people ahead of me, but I was still managing to pass. There was a section where I couldn't stop clock watching and the miles just weren't going by as fast it felt they should relative to my effort level. I started focusing more on my surroundings instead, which helped. Finally the sign for the aid station was in sight. I took a couple swigs of soda and some oreos, made sure they tracked my number, and headed back for the trail. I knew I was going to be cutting it incredibly tight to make 12 hours with how fatigued I was and how much up, and was a little demoralised when I vocalised this and someone agreed with me. Nooo! I told my brain to shut it out and to give it a good try at least. I kept pushing until we were going up yet another never ending hill and I realised that we had three miles to go and I was definitely not getting in under 12 hours. For some reason it suddenly really mattered to me, and I felt really defeated. The wheels fell off and I found myself a nice tree stump to lean against. I realised that I could feel my pulse in my eyeballs and my ultraddlement (the brain addling that occurs in an ultra) was not allowing me to remember how to fix it. Thank you to the red jacketed runner who came by, said something that I don't remember, and got me moving again. I checked my watch and saw that I still had time to beat my PR even if I wasn't going to get my 12 hour goal. After that no matter how much I wanted to I wouldn't let myself stop completely. Walking up, shuffling the flats and downs. Keep moving forward. Soon I heard runners behind me, and decided that I was NOT going to be passed in the last 2 miles. Whenever I heard voices I forced myself to run even a few strides. 1.5 miles from the finish I took a completely unposed picture, and my suck-it-up happy face picture. Quite the difference! Finally I was startled by a lady waiting just off trail, who said I was nearly there, half a mile to go. I started getting a little emotional, and pushed on. A few minutes later I was again told it was a half mile. This was going to be the longest half mile ever! This person said I could start celebrating, which pretty much made me start sobbing (I was told that was cool too...) It also occurred to me that these people don't know how klutzy I am, and there was still every chance I could fall over, smack my head on a rock, and still DNF. I started watching the ground like a hawk, as emotional Cyd thought this was a very real possibility. I had to give myself a stern talking to when I realised that the heaving sobs were not helping me breathe, and WE WERE STILL GOING UPHILL DAMMIT! I could finally see the finish line, and a glance behind me showed someone was right there. I was not going to be passed within sight of the line. It was such a great feeling to run down the finishing chute, lined with spectators shouting and applauding and high fiving . One of the organisers and some volunteers were waiting there and hugs were distributed, directions to the finish line gear, drinks, and food were given, a chair found for me with strict instructions to not sit down yet (just cruel!). 

Don't believe everything you see!

Two days later and my quads are still on fire, and I'm still on a high. Technically I knew either a PR or a DNF were my options, since the cut off was 14 hours, and my official 50 mile time was 15:00:04 (Headlands 50, '14). Unofficially my PR was 12:25 (50 mile split at Ordnance 100k, '15). I completed Lake Sonoma in 12:15:40. I was really happy that I had managed to stay on track in the 2nd half, 15 minutes behind schedule at the turnaround, 15 minutes behind at the finish line. I estimate I took in about 2600 calories during the race: ~8 bottles of tailwind [24oz/250cals], 2 banana chunks, 8 oreos, ~1 can soda, absolutely no peanut butter!  I couldn't have asked for better weather, it cooled just enough once the rain started, and mostly the rain was a refreshing drizzle all day. I love theat my Suunto records the amount of time we spend going up and down. My hill stats for Lake Sonoma? 10946' elevation. 7:14:56 of ascent, 4:53:00 of descent. And flat time? 0:07:54! That's why they call this run 'Relentless'. 

50k Training Run

To round out my hat-trick of training runs, I planned my longest self-supported run. I have signed up for a 50k as a training run a few times, but my longest training run self supported has been 24 miles. I recruited some friends who all needed long runs that day in order to have company all the way. My chosen course? The Mendocino Coast 50k route! It's a beautiful course. Did I take pictures? Nope. Did I re-order tailwind in time? Nope. (Thank you T of former-training-buddy fame for saving me here.) Did I remember to eat appropriately the day before? Nope. Did I eat at all? Yes, six bananas blended with water. (Surprisingly satisfying, easy on my stomach, and helped me play fuel catch-up.) I was also convincing myself that my allergies were really bad, and that is why I had breathing/throat issues. I have since come to terms with the fact that I had some respiratory sickness, that finally made me take some time off. Being able to get through this run first was really good for my confidence though.

Love long runs with friends (Picture from D.L.)

Early start, picking S up at 5.15 (we had dropped his car at the point he would be finishing at the night before). The 2 of us ran the Headlands section around Mendocino, and met up with C and D at Russian Gulch. Through the campground, up North trail, and off to the waterfall, where B was waiting. The next section had a fun downhill, and a four mile section of mostly uphill. At the half way point, B and S peeled off, but H and M jumped in to run to the finish. They are both much faster than I am, but patiently toodled along with me. The wheels fell off a little in the last five miles, when I started experiencing a sharp pain in my shin. At first I put it down to having jabbed my shin into a fallen tree branch. I couldn't see any bruising though, and it had been a couple of hours. When the pain increased the further we ran, I opted to walk for a while, even though it was pretty flat terrain. Stress fracture was rolling around in the back of my head. Walking hurt it less. It did feel more like a soft tissue problem, and I went through a few range of motion tests to try and reassure myself. We ran some and walked some, and I finished my longest ever training run. If I had more time on Friday, I would have planted 2 aid stations instead of just 1. I was able to get by on what I had, but more would have been nice. I again found myself conserving in order to have enough to finish on.

Lake Sonoma Training Run

Last Saturday (now a few weeks ago...), the organisers of the Lake Sonoma 50 planned a training run on the course. It was a free event, open to all runners, not just those registered for the race. We were meeting at a parking lot near the turn around point, and shuttling to the start line in however many cars we needed. There was one aid station about half way through, and the turns were marked, but no confidence ribbons. A while back the RD had sent out an email telling us where they had stashed 10 gallons of water for runners training on the course, and which of the horse troughs had potable water. They also laid out a rope for the deepest creek crossing. It was determined a week before the training run that it would be safer to do an out and back from the turnaround point on the race. Since this is the section of course I wanted to run that was ideal for me, I always start my training runs from the Start/Finish area, so am familiar with that section.

Misty start, already climbing

Not staying there the night before meant getting up a stupid o'clock and leaving shortly after. I didn't eat sufficient breakfast at home or in the truck, which didn't help later in the day. After a quick briefing from the RD about important things to note for the day, we were off. It was a like a race start with everybody tearing away, and it was so hard to pace myself and watch everyone leave. A little up, a little down, and it was lake crossing time. We had been forewarned that a couple of days ago, the RD had to swim this section for about ten yards. They gave directions for a way around by going back up the hill, um no thanks.

Uh, there's some lake in my trail..

It turned out to be not that deep, as long as you didn't wander into the lake bit of the lake - a few runners did get very wet trying to take a short cut. On the way back it was very refreshing, I was hat-dunking at any water stop. Keeping cool is going to be a big part of my race day.

Wading across

The Orange Mud pack was great, although not quite enough for the lack of aid stations. I really could have a used a third bottle on the way back. It was comfortable and didn't chafe even though I was in a t-shirt all day.

At least we'll have amazing scenery to enjoy

Cloud cover would be welcome on race day

There were some fun people on course to share miles with, so I had company for more than half the run. It was fun to hear lots of excited chatter about S's Mendocino Coast 50k.

It was very reassuring to feel strong on this run a week after a hard effort at Marin Ultra Challenge 50k. I was certainly tired at the end and ready stop, but on tired legs and under-fueled it was great training - 26 miles and about 5000'. I'm excited for the race this weekend, but due to various things, I've only run once in the last ten days. Guess I'm going with well-rested?

Marin Ultra Challenge - Race Report!

Please excuse the radio silence. I promise I'm not dead, I'm running! Running like a crazy person. Although right now I'm stuck on my couch trying to figure out how to fix my lungs. Which means I'm sitting down long enough and awake enough to actually hammer out a couple of catch up posts. Yippee!

Beer-consuming Cyd should not be allowed on UltraSignup. Beer-consuming Cyd's finger just happens to slip a few times and before she knows it, the 50k entry is paid for. Oopsies. Well I did need a long training run, and I love running in the Marin Headlands. The next day I decide to further look into the race I signed up for on a whim. 7100' of climbing? Eep, time to get my hill legs ready. I read a few race reports and decided this was going to be really tough, but a lot of fun, and it was just a training run so I had nothing to prove. I planned a short taper, but that got skewed when my poorly friend had to spend a couple of days in the hospital. Training is important, but so is cheering up and driving for your sickly buddy (she's doing great now!). So more of a taper than I hoped. Oh well, let's go run a really hard 50k.

The week before there was plenty of stormy weather - yay rain! Everything is so green and beautiful. Except it doesn't make for great race conditions. A couple of days before the race we got an email from the RD that the Start/Finish line was moving to Rodeo Beach since Fort Baker was underwater. An extra loop was added to make up for lost distance. Mileage was then 31.5, with a total elevation gain of 6900'. I left town early on Friday to give myself plenty of time to drive down. I opted to save some money by sleeping in the back of my truck at Rodeo Beach, and knew there were several other runners doing the same. It rained occasionally during the night, but wasn't too cold. The wind was a different story, the whole truck was wobbling around and woke me up a few times. It was still one of the better night's sleep I've had before a race. Also, it was great having my alarm go off at the same time as most runners were arriving. I heard lots of people talking about getting up at 3.30, some even earlier. All I had to do was change into running clothes and roll out the truck. Definitely the way to do this. 

Stormy skies on an early climb

Check in was cold and windy but there was that great pre-race buzz from runners anxious to hit the trail. They kept the pre-race briefing short, and soon we were on the way. I started near the back, and still had a few people passing me in the first mile while we all found our stride. We soon hit our first climb of the day and I settled into a good hiking rhythm. It wasn't long before I was passing people, and there was plenty of amazing views and excited chatter about the trail ahead. I got a little carried away coming down the first descent, and rolled into the aid station more than a little ahead of schedule. Whoops, bad Cyd. Training run, training run, training run... A dixie cup of coke and back off up Coastal Trail for the second time.

I was surprised to find myself power hiking by people on the climb. I got to spend a few minutes chatting with J of Pacific Coast Trail Running fame, who is heading back to Zion 100 next month - good luck! I then caught up to P, who I've run with at a race or two in the past and will be seeing at LS50 in a few weeks. Nice chatting with you, P! 

The climb out of Tennesee Valley towards Muir Beach was longer and steeper than I remembered, but I definitely felt stronger heading up than I have done on previous attempts. Once you hit the top, the trail is rolling for a while before dropping you down to the beach and the aid station. There are a couple of technical-ish sections, especially in the wet. There were a lot of people walking through here, so I took the kinda-trail to the side and passed at least 20 people here. It was a gamble - I was making up time, but if I fell it was going to be very very bad! I did my best to channel my inner gazelle (ha! right...) and managed to keep myself upright all the way through. 3rd Aid Station, 3rd dixie cup of coke. I wasted a couple of minutes in the bathroom line, but a wonderful volunteer came and got my bottles from me and refilled my Tailwind supply so I was on my way quickly. Not long from here was where the 50m and 50k runners separated. This whole loop was new to me, and I loved it! The climb gradually got steeper, and a few of us were close enough to egg each other on some as we wound up the switchbacks. It was around here that I started running some with H, who would be my on-off running buddy for a good chunk of the 2nd half. Thanks for the miles, it was fun running with you! See you at TNF50 in December.

Every now and again the rain dumped on us, sometimes the really cold spiky rain that hurts when it hits your bare skin. My jacket did a great job of keeping me warm and dry, and only a couple of times was I too warm or a little chilly, to be expected when you're not adjusting layers as you go. I still haven't found a running jacket that I completely love though. It was on this climb that we ran into J from Let's Wander Photography, who always gets great shots. Was I delighted at seeing a photographer 18 miles in and when I'm going uphill? Not really, but I am grateful that they braved the elements to come out for us, I love my race pictures. Thanks J!

Photo Credit: Jesse Ellis

Being on this side of the ridge kept us sheltered from the worst of the wind for a while, which was a nice break. The scenery is just amazing, and even on such a grey day the views were fantastic! This was the longest section between aid, just over 7 miles. Once back at Muir Beach we realised that somehow we only had 10 miles to go. How did that happen? Miles were flying by, I was feeling great, and having so much fun. It was nice that only cheerful people seemed to be on the course this day, maybe the storm kept the Debbie Downers at home? Thank you fellow runners for helping us all have an awesome day. I got two dixie cups of coke this time while a volunteer topped off my bottles for me. The next section was new to me too, another big climb (surprise surprise). I took this one a little slower. About two-thirds of the way up I went to take a step with my left leg and an adductor muscle completely seized on me. It was one of the most painful cramps I've experienced, and found myself thumping that leg to try and get it out of it's cycle. For the next ten minutes it would claw at me if I flexed either my left hip or left knee, which certainly affected progress. Have you ever tried to climb a mountain with a straight leg? I don't recommend it. I chugged tailwind as much as I could without making myself nauseous, and slowly kept moving, trying to stretch it out as I went. It was a short but intense section for me. For a few days after the race I had some pain in my right knee, so I'm wondering if I had subconsciously been compensating for something that I didn't notice in my through my race-brain and the additional fatigue along with dehydration was what set it off? Who knows, but it hasn't happened since and the knee was totally recovered in 4 days.

Not even faking it! 4 miles to go

Once we crossed the ridge and began descending back to Tennessee Valley the wind was back. It was strong enough that H was knocked off her feet. One of the problems many of us found was not just staying upright (or as close as we could) against the wind while making time, but as soon as it let up for a second, there was no need to brace against it, so it was hard to not topple over with no resistance. It was annoying and hilarious at the same time! There are so many reasons you have to be able to laugh at yourself in ultra running.

This was also the only section I had a little stomach upset. I'm not sure if it was the 2nd cup of coke at Muir Beach, or just a funny moment. I never felt pukey and didn't need to walk, but I did opt for a cup of ginger ale instead of coke at Tennessee Valley. In a new twist for me, the banana chunks looked delicious, so I went for it. The volunteer with the big jar of peanut butter got a good laugh at my response of "Oh gross, definitely not. Oh but thank you" when she offered out a big scoop of PB to slather on my banana. Just the mention of it turned my stomach. But the bite of food and ginger ale did the trick and I was steadily climbing up the last big hill of the day. It was such a great feeling getting to the top and still having gas in the tank. I knew the trail home and there were no challenges left! This was the only section I was really by myself, but there were a few brave hikers on the trail who all cheered as I ran by. At one point I was running right into the wind, and struggling to hit 12:00/mile going downhill. This was driving me crazy, and a little discouraging. But with two miles to go I wasn't about to start complaining. One foot in front of the other, just keep going. I cheered for the winning 50 mile racer as he cruised effortlessly by me a mile or so from the finish. The last little section is along the road, where faster runners were all congratulating those of us still on course as they headed back to their cars which was great for getting a last kick to the finish line.

What should you not be doing on a 50k race-come-training-run if you run smart? Setting a PR is not what you should be doing. But I'm still delighted with my official time of 6:45:06, besting my previous trail 50k PR by 8 minutes, on a much tougher course. And I didn't completely trash myself in the process. I managed to squeeze in a comfortable 7-miler between clients the next day. Maybe I'm getting a bit good at this running thing :)

With new trail buddies at the finish line, thanks for the miles!

Directionally Challenged

Writing time is pretty slim lately. I'm trying to cram so much into my days that by the time I sit down in the evening words don't turn into sentences effectively. Some great running (and riding) has been happening though!

My poor new Altras busted with less than 200 miles on them. This damage happened in one 9 mile run. I sent this picture, my receipt, and my mileage to Altra, and was sent a 50% off coupon for a new pair. They have just released a slighter newer version of this model, specifically mentioning the reinforced sidewall so it seems to have been a problem they were aware of. I had a mishap ordering my replacement, so now I have two new pairs coming, oopsies... In the meantime I had alread replaced them, but since I got ready for our 12 miler in the dark, I missed a tag! I then forgot to take it off for the FogDodger run on Sunday as well.

Our Saturday runs have been increasing in length, and adding longer runs on Sunday to start practicing on tired legs. Saturdays we now start in the dark, which is definitely an easier way to get practice for night running, though won't help with the fatigue factor. Tuesdays are typically 10 miles or so also, and I'm trying to start those in the dark also. Learning point of the week - a head lamp and rain makes it pretty hard to see, more like having a disco ball attached to my visor.

I have a new midweek running buddy, B, who is training for the Mendocino Coast 50, her longest race beyond a 10k. She's been getting some great training in, and we seem to be pretty well matched so can run well together. We went for her longest ever this week, a gorgeous route in Jackson State Forest with some decent climbing.

And the title of this post? This morning we excitedly set out (in the dark and rain) to run the final 16 miles of the MC50k course. We met at Big River, left S's car there, took my truck out to the trail head in Caspar/Butteff Nowhere, and got ready to run. The plan was to run the Manly Gulch trail to the Woodlands, and take the trail down to the river, following the haul road 10 miles home. A couple of spots we had to pause and think about the correct route, but it seemed pretty straightforward. We got to what looked like the haul road, and a 9.5 mile marker. Seems about right, off we go. Long story short, we realised this was definitely the wrong direction. Where's the sun, that will help. Except it's behind a cloud. Watch the water flow, nope that isn't really helping at all. Eventually find a Forest Service road marker. Rd 23000. Nope, never heard of it, and definitely not where we should be. Call multiple people to check online maps for us. Nobody gets back to us. Well, the mile markers are going down, so we must be heading SOMEWHERE...

Pull up Strava  and Google Maps on phones to at least pin point where we are. It doesn't show the roads, just a blue blob in the middle of nowhere. Decide to keep running, trying to co-ordinate with various people with spotty cell service. Unaware that a member of our online team recently joined SAR and is ready to go guns blazing, already contacted our mutual friend who just happens to be the Sheriff's Officer in charge of SAR, who thankfully J told them to hold off, that I have half an idea of what I'm doing in the woods. We've established we seem to be heading for Highway 20, the main road out of town. That seems like a good plan, keep going that way. Finally finally make it to the road, to no cell service. Conveniently there's a call box, so we try that. No, my vehicle is not disabled or blocking the roadway, in fact I have no vehicle. Bad line and miscommunication (Yes, I see the mile marker that says I'm 14.11 miles East on Highway 20, that's actually my problem!) ended that idea. The first car we stuck our thumbs at pulled over, with a nice guy who was happy to give our stinky selves a ride into town. Half way home, and I spot two vehicles that I know heading out to search for us, apparently having not got our message that we're safe. Oh well, we make it to town, S's wife comes to get him, and I freeze my butt off outside the store waiting for J to get my message that I'm safe in town waiting for him. We get halfway out to get my truck, realise the road isn't Mini approproate, turn back for his truck. At least I can get jeans and a jumper on. Finally make it back to my truck, realise I have to go straight to work, in my poorly fitted, not work appropriate jeans, and the only clean shirt in my truck being a long sleeve. At least I keep wipes and deodorant at work! Thanks to the dumbass that forced me into the ditch on the dirt road taking the short cut to work (yay 4wd works, first time I got to test it). Make myself somewhat presentable, do the 90 minute Deep Tissue massage, and fly to town for FOOD! I highly recommend not waking at 5.15am, eating a banana on the way to a run, running 15.5 miles, driving around all over the place, working at your very physical job, and not eating anything! The bonus? Adventures are always fun!!

Happy New Year

2016 - I'm ready, are you? The year kicked off with a fun, mellow trail run on one of my favourite routes. I made the mistake of waiting for it to warm up a little. Hitting a popular trail at 10.30 meant I had plenty of company. I do like to see people enjoying our beautiful area, but have become accustomed to only seeing the occasional hiker, not multiple groups. Everyone was very friendly and seemed to be having a lovely day, and only one was a little tricky - five off leash dogs, and at no point did I see her with all five. This is not a dog-permitted trail but many people, including me when Rocko could go, takes dogs there. I often had him off leash, but he was always right with me, and leashed as soon as we saw someone. I have no problem with "rule-adjusting" when it's a dumb rule, but at least be responsible about it. This woman had way too many dogs and no idea that one of them was half a mile ahead of her, and none of them had a good recall. It was still a fabulous morning in the woods.

This morning I met S bright and early in Jackson State forest for seven or eight trail miles and some hills. Except it wasn't bright, it was still fairly dark at 7:00, and guess who forgot her headlamp? Luckily there was just enough ambient light to have a pretty good idea how to not fall down and before long I could see just fine. Successfully made it up the two mile hill, luckily it's not too steep and has occasional flat spots to take a breath. There's a creek crossing about a mile from the trailhead, that is usually low enough to skip over or use a rock in the middle as a stepping stone. Nope, not today. We did get to see some Coho salmon swimming past.

Then we had to figure out how to get across. There was no way around getting wet, and no way we were going to jump clear to the other side, but if we were going to get wet anyway we might as well try. My "try" was pretty pitiful though, and I have video to prove it...

I got a great ride in on my pony for New Year's Day, so all in all an excellent start to 2016. J started the wiring project on my truck, and didn't quite get it done but soon we'll be ready to go! I see lots of adventures coming this year :)

Bye 2015

Happy New Year! A quick round up of what happened this year before I figure out how we're ringing in 2016!

Ordnance 100k, Jan '15. Photo by Jesse Ellis

Goals relevant to this blog set for 2015:

• Run every day (Part of a run streak challenge)
• Run <26:30 5k
• Run a 100 mile race
• Run 2,015 miles for 2015
• Ride 750 miles with Bugsy
• Complete Bugsy's first LD or endurance ride

Lake Natoma 50k, photo credit: stranger at the finish line :)

So how did we do? 

• I am about to set out for my final mile of 2015, which will also be the 365th day I've run this year! It's also the official end of the run streak, at least a mile every day since November 24th, 2014. 403 days. Since I always run on New Years Day, then we have Saturday trail run, then Sunday group run, so I guess it will be 406 days streaking.  
• PR'd the 5k at 24:37, so definitely smashed that goal! I also PR'd the 50k distance by more than half hour, and set two distance PRs.
• Completed Zion 100 within the allowed time
• Missed 2015 miles by quite a long way. I think I'll be finishing out the year with about 1600 miles. Well over 2015km though :)
• Bugsy and I just missed the 700 mile mark this year. Close, and we had some great rides.
• Bugsy completed both the Humboldt State Redwoods 35 mile ride, and the Cuneo Creek 50 mile ride. Huge success!

HRSP 35 - photo credit Elicia Kamberg

Other goals were reached, such as buying a truck and trailer. The truck came in October, and I completed it last night with the purchase of a really nice 2 horse slant at a great price with a late night road trip to be first in line. Yay for great friends willing to jump in the truck at a moment's notice to haul it home for me. Still sad that my 4runner's gone, it was most definitely my favourite car and I didn't realise how attached I was to it. But I finally have my own trailer, so I'll be happy :) Will post 2016 goals tomorrow, I have one last mile to run! Hope you've all had a wonderful new year, and I'll see you in 2016!

Grand Canyon trip on the way to Zion 100. Credit: Richard Handley (my dad!)