3 Years Later....

I woke up in the middle of the night to hear the rain pouring down outside. California has been battered with storms lately and a new one had moved in overnight, promising to last through the next day and soak the bay area. While Ed and I kept hoping that the storm would hold off, it made it clear that it was here to stay.

I fell back asleep and before I knew it, it was seven o'clock and time to get up. The rain had stopped and the weather report claimed only a 10% chance of rain during the race time.  I chose to wear my running skirt, short sleeved shirt, and jacket. I figured if the rain held off, I wouldn't need to dress that warmly and, with all the hill climbing, I didn't want to overheat.

After a breakfast of oatmeal with half a banana, we jumped in the car and headed to Woodside.

PCTR's Woodside race holds a special place in my heart (which I talked about a few weeks ago), and I was looking forward to traversing those trails once again. It was even more special because this would be the first race that Ed and I would get to do "together". Yes, he was doing the 35k and would be going much faster than me, but our races started at the same time and would be traveling a lot of the same trails.

We picked up our numbers and then took shelter in the car until 15 minutes before the race start, as the rain continued to sprinkle down on us. I did a last minute switch into a long sleeved shirt underneath my jacket (great decision) and then we headed out to line up. I got to see my friend Sarah, who I hadn't seen in ages. She was running the 35k, just like Ed. Being faster, both Ed and Sarah moved their way up in the pack, while I edged backwards, content to seek out slower running folk. Wendell gave the traditional directions and then we were off!

From the first steps, mud made itself known as a constant companion on this race. From the muddy hillside to the sticky trails, it would be with us the whole time, sometimes sticky, sometimes slippery and always wet.

We all rushed down the hill, only to be brought to a standstill as we entered the singletrack. This beginning was, I think, the most memorable part of the race the first time around, and I still got a little bit of that feeling that I was embarking on an amusement ride of sorts, about to be launched down a fast and fun track.

As we got going again, I began to chat with the two women behind me, who were talking about running AR50. I forget how I entered into the conversation, but ended up telling them about Dick Collins (giving it a hearty recommendation) and talking a little bit in general about how elevation isn't all that scary if you just practice (the 7,000 + ft in DC had them a bit unsure about contemplating that race). We shifted into the more general small talk (where you from? what do you do? etc?) and just generally enjoyed a nice pace along this relatively flat section of the course. I also got something I didn't expect along this section - a compliment on my skirt! I ended up getting a few along the way, which surprised me. I didn't realize that I was making a fashion statement with my skirt :).

As the fireroad shifted from flat to uphill, we slowed to a brisk hike. It was here that I ended up meeting my running partner for the next several miles, Cally. She and I were going about the same pace (though she was doing the 35k) and it was great having the company on the steady uphill. We shared stories and histories, and she even gave me some advice about ways to try to deal with my leg.

However, as we got nearer to the summit, I felt ready to pick up the pace, surprisingly enough, and so we exchanged contact information and I went ahead. It felt good to be going a bit faster until I reached what felt like a wall - the singletrack had opened up to an incredibly steep fireroad, and it took all I had to hike up. I commiserated with a few other racers as we hoped for the trail to flatten.

Once we reached a more manageable steepness, we all picked up the pace again, and in not too long, we were finally at the aid station - the halfway point for me!

I looked with longing at the spread set before me, but that little voice in the back of my head reminded me that 10 miles wasn't really that long, and I didn't really need junk food calories. So, I chose 4 slices of orange, which was nice and refreshing, and then headed back, retracing my steps the quarter mile back to the fork, where I would get to go straight down an incredibly fun and thrilling downhill singletrack.

The next few miles flew by and I rocketed down the winding trail. The misty fog was hanging in the redwoods and I was drinking in the heady air with glee. I did have brief (well, maybe not so brief) moments of worry as I looked around for the potential mountain lion. However, I reasoned that no self respecting mountain lion would be out in such dreary weather when it could be curled up in a cozy cave somewhere. It helped that I passed a fellow racer at one point, so I didn't feel quite as alone.

I also had an embarrassingly selfish thought about that runner (which only serves to emphasize my psychosis when it comes to mountain lions) - the runner I passed was dressed head to toe in a beige tracksuit and my fearful mind told me that, if anything, his clothes made him look much more like a deer than me so, if the mountain lion had a choice, he would look much  more tempting. I know, I'm a somewhat horrible person - please don't judge me too harshly! I promise I didn't really want him to be eaten :(.

As I continued my fast descent, I had a small moment of panic when I realized that I was enjoying myself so much, I had forgotten to keep my eye out for the bright pink ribbons that marked the race route. When was the last time I had seen one? I couldn't remember, and didn't see any in the near future. As I kept up my pace, I told myself that this downhill was so fun, even if it wasn't part of the course, I would just figure it out later. I had a map after all.

Thankfully, after a few more minutes, a bright spot of pink appeared in the distance, and I knew I was still on course. However, while I was happy to be going the right way, I wasn't happy when the downhill suddenly stopped. I didn't remember this from my 1st race here, but the ribbons affirmed that this was correct. Well, darn...I wasn't counting on doing any more uphill! Much to my relief, it didn't last that long and I eventually got back to the downhill once again.

With all this pounding, my legs were beginning to feel it. I hoped that it wasn't much further, but my Garmin claimed I still had over 2 miles ahead. I tried to keep up the pace, and eventually saw another racer on the trail ahead. She was going a good pace herself, but I soon caught up. I stayed with her for a few minutes as we chatted. She told me she thought we had less than a mile left, and I didn't want to break the bad news to her that it was much further, according to my GPS. I said goodbye and, just when I was just about to slow down, I saw something amazing.

Cars. A whole row of them! Wait, was I really seeing the parking above the finish? Indeed I was. I started smiling as I realized that my Garmin had lied and I was about to finish my longest run in years. As I speeded towards the finish, I gave a smile to the camera and said hi to Hao, yelling hello as I passed and then, that was it, I was done.

After I crossed the finish (in 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 2 seconds), I slowed to a stop and milled around the finish, picking up my shirt and taking in the scene. It was still drizzly and I started getting cold. I knew it would probably be a while until Ed finished, so I headed back to the car, where I changed into a dry shirt and sweatshirt, and curled up in the car with a few jackets over me and a good book.

Less than an hour later, Ed arrived, happy with his own race (4th place!!!) though a little put out that I wasn't at the finish to cheer him in. If only it hadn't been so wet and cold!

We drove back home, contented and exhausted, having given our best efforts to the trails.

The conversation on the way home?

Our next race. Looks like we'll be racing together next month at Pirate's Cove :)

Our very muddy legs post race :). You can tell that we had fun!

Child's Play

Well, after a long hiatus, I finally got to rejoin the TTT (tam trail trekkers) for an amazing run through the forests and hills of Mt. Tam. I woke up to 50 degrees and a slight drizzle, with a chance of real rain. Having been unable to fall asleep until after 2am and waking up at 5, I was tired, but excited about a good run.

No real traffic getting over, meaning that it took just about 45 minutes to get to Mountain Home. The fog over there was intense! The worst that I have ever driven in!!! I was a little afraid of driving off the road. I made it okay though, and had about 25 minutes to wait until the rest of the crew arrived, which is when I took some pictures of the fog.

(Mountain Home Inn)



(looking out over the 'forest' (or fog here!) It was really disconcerting, because I could hear all the birds and so I knew the forest was down there, but couldn't see anything!)



(A pretty tree in the fog. Look for this same shot in the later pictures)

Everyone else showed up around 6:45, and we waited around for a few no-shows until a bit after 7. The plan was to go out the matt davis trail to stinsen beach (a first visit for me!) and then back up the dipsea to steep ravine to (I think) troop 80 back to our cars.

I stuck with the 'walkers' again, only to discover that actually, we'd be doing more running as Lucy, the designated walker, was getting in shape for a half marathon (she was out there today after having cracked a rib last week on the run! This group is tough!) So much for my easy 'hike' day :)

The weather when we left was cool and foggy. However, after less than a mile, the rain started. Soon, moving became a matter of staying warm, so we tried to keep moving at a good pace (mostly walking). A new matter to deal with as well was the amazing amount of poison oak! It was everywhere!!!

Despite the coldness and the rain (I've really got to get a waterproof jacket, my little wicking jacket was sorely undersuited for today), it was simply beautiful. We came out in an open section, where Ken (the leader) informed us that this was the place he had seen a mountain lion a few years ago. With my fear of these creatures, I definitely didn't want to be out alone ;) so when he started running, I picked up the pace. This was one of my favorite sections because the rain was intense enough to turn our singletrack into a small muddy stream, and keeping my feet dry became pointless. I starting running with abandon down the trail, splashing everywhere and feeling like a little kid. I couldn't help by giggle softly to myself with glee...this was just so much fun!

We reached the end of the Matt Davis trail and headed over to the beach to use the restrooms (and see the beach!). On the way, per apparent tradition, we each grabbed a rock and played a game of hopscotch at a little playground. I've sort of forgotten how to play, but we improvised :)

At the beach, we discovered, lo and behold, there was a race going on! We arrived as the envirosport's 1/2 marathon was just about to take off. My running friend Sarah was running this race and I tried to see if I could spot her, but was unsucessful. We talked to a race director, and discovered they were running the same trails we planned to use to get back! Not what we had in mind. However, going another way would have meant an extra 2 or 3 miles, which we didn't have time to do, so we went with it. We stopped and ate some food here as well, trying to keep our energy up in the cold!

Ken is the director for the double dipsea (a race that, I think is now going onto my calendar!), and so knows that trail quite well. In order to bypass distance (and the crowds) we took one of the imfamous 'shortcuts' which, well, wasn't the best idea. The shortcut was horribly horribly overgrown with poison oak!!! It was completely unavoidable, and I"m really hoping that the tecnu I used will save me, but that remains to be seen.

We met back up with the racers, and headed up 'Steep Ravine' where we got to experience the famed ladder and lots of muddy trails and stairs.


Finally, after we got to the parking lot (perhaps at pan toll I think?) we got to leave the main race course, and had some more space. Only to discover we were now going backwards on the marathon course! Luckily the racers were pretty spread out at this point, and we just made sure to jump to the side when people came by. We cheered for everyone we saw, which people seemed to appreciate (though some runners were quite worried that they had gotten off course when they saw us coming). This part had some just fabulous running through redwood forest, with amazing soft runnable trails. So so so much fun!!! I honestly couldn't help from laughing out loud at how fun this part was. I'd give Ken a bit of space in front of me, then just 'fly' down the hill. It really felt like I was a kid again. It was amazing!

Eventually out trail ended, and we hiked up the 1/2 mile of road back to the cars. All in all, about 13-14 miles in a bit over 4 hours (including lots of stops!)

By the time we got back to the car, that area's weather was so much nicer. It was actually not that cold and the fog was starting to lift.

Some Scenery Shots!

(Me with the beautiful backdrop of Mt. Tam after a long and fun morning!)

(Shot of my lovely muddy legs (can almost see all the scatches!) That are likely completely covered in poison oak! My trail shoes are definitely broken in now)

(Sporting my new injinji socks! My shoes literally were filled with water, and yet no blisters!! I am officially sold. Plus, I get to put on flip flops w/out losing the socks :) )

(Check out that dirt tan line!)

(On the way home I stopped at In n out to use the facilities, and on my way back to my car, one of the boys working there looked at me, looked at my legs, and just stared. I answered his look by telling him that 'I just went on the most amazing trail run' with a smile in my voice :) I think this is the muddiest I've ever been!)

After the run we headed to the Dipsea Cafe for some much needed hot food and hot drink. Amazing restaurant with a ton of Dipsea paraphernalia on the walls! I had a great time hanging out with the rest of the group! I then headed back to Berkeley, stopping at REI for tecnu, and then finally getting home.

All in all, one of the best bay area days (or, really, anywhere days) a person could have :)

Some Days Getting Out There is Enough

Well, after getting 13 hours of sleep I woke up do a light drizzle and cold weather. Called Sarah about meeting up for a run, but the outdoors looked about as appealing to her as it did to me. We decided on a rain check (haha) and I settled back into bed. But of course, I was up, and it really didn't look that bad outside. I thought how cool it would be if I did a nice long run. I haven't done a long road run in quite a long time and it seemed like a good idea. So, I waterproofed the ipod and cell phone (i.e. wrapped them in a plastic bag), put some clif shot blocks and a gel in a clip on side bag thing, got the water and went out with the lofty aim of 18-20.

Anyone else remember that I ran a hard 11.5 Thursday night?

Well, my body sure did. After 6 miles I was tired, I was cold, and I really didn't want to go out for 2 more loops. I convinced myself to start out on another 6, seriously wanted to stop at 7.35, but told myself that I had made a commitment to at least 20 miles on the weekend. That meant I had to get at least 10 in today to make that happen. So, I kept going forward. I stopped to walk a hill just before 8 miles and had 3 blocks, which made me feel a little better (nothing like food when you're feeling down ;) ). Made it to the turn around point, but walked the steep uphill at the end of it.

Walking was nice so I decided to go up behind the stadium but walk the uphill for that. At this point some chafing on my inner thighs started making itself known. I always chafe there when my skin gets wet, and the constant drizzle definitely had that effect. I had brought a small chapstick tube with me, so I smushed that up and rubbed it on the affected parts, which seemed to work. Did that, ran down the other side, and the walked up the steep hill to the track, hoping that it would have the magic that it had last time. Well, I guess because it was slightly exposed on the one side, it felt a lot colder up there and after I got myself up to 11 miles, I was not too happy and feeling chilled.

So, I headed up the firetrail. Up and up and up. The fog was thick meaning I could see little around me or that far ahead of me. I'm sure that trail has some amazing views in clear weather. It was quite steep in parts and I wished that I had my trail shoes for what was sure to be a somewhat slippery trip back down (remember, its still all wet outside!). Finally I made it to the top of the hill and ended up at a spot I had gotten to via the other part of the firetrail before. It was nice to get my bearings and reaffirmed that I had made it pretty high up, as I had been up there before in good weather and been blown away by the view. After I had gone exactly a mile uphill (in 22:xx) I turned around and headed down. A couple parts had a nice singletrack on the side, which seemed a little less steep. I only was really afraid of falling a handful of times and soon it levelled out. Felt like the journey down took a lot less time and soon I was back out onto the berkeley streets. I did see what looked like a fun singletrack cut into the hillside that I want to find sometime when the weather was nicer, but I was really ready to go home.

Luckily at this point, home wasn't too far away. I ran the whole last mile back (at a fast 10:30) and finished up my 14 mile experience in 2:51:xx. For just over a 12 minute mile pace.

All in all, I'm glad I got out there. It wasn't that great of a run, necessarily, but I didn't give up when I wanted to at 7 miles and instead ended up with double that. Also, I really do feel I needed that great run thursday night, even though it meant I had a not so great one today.

(my lovely home on a nice day)

Now I'm going to have a nice hot meal and enjoy being bundled up inside :)

It's Raining!

Well, my first run back was a bit on the wet side. Never really passed beyond just sprinking, but it was wet enough to leave the music at home and to internally question my decision to run in the rain while I was still sick. Luckily, common sense seems to have no real place amonst my running thoughts, so that question was immediately silenced in exchange for my feelings of happiness at running again.

Unfortunately, those happy feelings were competing with feelings of tiredness. Apparently the workout yesterday took more out of me than I thought (thank you cold) and I definitely didn't feel as fresh as I had hoped I would. Tired legs, weird side ache, and a bit of blahness, on top of my few moments of trouble breathing, led me to turn around at Bancroft for 4 miles instead of 5. I don't want to do anything that will make me too tired since I have that 30k the weekend. A little worried about going 18.4 on Saturday after having a not-easy 4 miler, but I'm planning to walk a lot, so I should be fine. Plus, I'll bring my brand new inhaler, just in case my lungs decide to give out on me :)

Not sure yet if I want to brave the trails tomorrow night (I miss them and it would be fun, but would probably be harder on my body) or just stick with road running this week so that I'm fully recovered for Saturday. Hmm....delimmas :)

Right now I'm killing time while waiting to meet with Sue about thesis stuff. I planned to go the gym during the break (have my gym bag with me and everything) but I left my umbrella in the car, and I really don't want to walk all the way down there in the rain (yes, I'll run it it, but I won't walk in it). I just need to do weights, so I think I'll just do them at home later. My arms are actually a little sore from doing the push ups yesterday, so I'll give them a break.

And speaking of breaks, spring break starts in just a few days. Only 5 days until I'm home with my family!