Numb and depressed. I just received an email from the Western States 100 President informing all runners that the race is in jeopardy of being cancelled. For the first time in the races 35 year history, it may not go on. After 6 months of training hard and being totally focused on my running for the first time in a decade, it all comes down to Mother Nature. On June 21st there were hundreds of lightning strikes that started more than 300 fires in
California. Currently one of these fires is within 2 miles of a race access point.
There are 418 runners signed up and each of us having support crew of 1-4 people or more. 2000 running enthusiasts are right now processing the fact that life is hard and unpredictable. In ultra running we know something will go wrong, sometimes terribly wrong and the beauty of being an ultra runner is overcoming difficulties. I had a plan for almost everything that could have gone wrong, except for a cancellation of the race itself.
DNF to most runners means Did Not Finish, for ultra athletes DNF means Did Nothing Fatal. The Race Directors, US forest service, Fire Fighters, and many more individuals are deciding right now if allowing us runners to be on the course this weekend means increasing the risks of DNFs. I pray that I can run this weekend in the Western States 100. I pray I have the strength to be okay if I don’t.
I have already decided that if the race is cancelled I will go down and volunteer to support the fire fighting efforts in any way I can. If I would be more of a hindrance than helpful I will have to make a plan B. My sister Julie was to be my crew, she is a fire fighter paramedic and maybe we can still make a difference down there for this beautiful forest and the people the fires are impacting.
The race race was offically cancelled. I don’t know what to do with all this emotion. My brain knows it is just a race…but my heart and soul are totally lost.
How long does it take to ready 9 drop bags for a 100 mile endurance race that may take up 30 hours in the Sierra Nevada Mountains?
Answer: 3-4 hours.
How much money can an out of her head ultra runner spend on her drop bag supplies?
Answer: $500-$600
What does a neurotic put in her drop bags?
Answer: You would be surprised……read on ….
I have been hyper-focused on the contents of my drops for the last week. I finally gave in to my need to prepare early for the race this weekend and put together the finest supply bags in ultra running history.
There will be 9 places on the course to access my bags. Here is a list of items in my bags: This list is by no means is all inclusive and depending on were the bag is on the course other specific items are added to help with the particular needs that will present themselves during the day or night.
Mini jars of Vaseline 6: $2 each, Band-Aids: $1, Blister repair kits 2: $8 each, Socks 7: $10, Energy gels 20: $2, Electrolyte capsules 1 bottle: $10, Bandannas 4: $1, Sunscreen: $ 10, Replacement Technical Shirts 3: $20-$30each, Replacement Shoes 2: $125 each, Hats 3: $14, Sunglasses 2 pair: $40, Flashlights 2: $100, Batteries: $16, Headlamps: $100, Rain gear: $60, Chapstick: $2
Two of my bags have complete clothing changes as I have one river crossing at night that will most likely soak me and since I do not tolerate the cold very well I will have to take the extra time to change all my clothing. The second set of clothes is a just in case set.
Workout:
- Type: Run
- Date: 06/23/2008
- Time: 14:00:00
- Total Time: 00:25:00.00
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Average Pace: 10:00/mile
Day 2
What a relief to see blue skies this morning as we checked in for our day’s run. I had looked at the weather forecast online before going to the camp, and it was supposed to be similar to yesterday. I decided to keep all my clothes on, under armor, shirt, heavy jacket and tights. We started running and of course within the first hour it was warm. Hot for me with all my layers. I slowly started to disrobe and tie my tops around my waist.
I also had started the day with a slightly questionable stomach. I was wary of having to live on gels for the next 4+ hours. We were scheduled to run 19 today, the last 3 of which a grueling uphill grind out of the canyon. After all the climbing yesterday I was not sure there would be much “climb” left in me.
As the run progressed my tummy tolerated the necessary calories. The heat did not bother me much either, I was down to my running bra at this point and had pulled my tights up to my knees. I also took a sodium replacement tablet each hour: for future reference I think this helped my stomach take in the GU.
The portion of the course we ran was much easier terrain than yesterday (still impressive by normal running standards) and I ended up running stronger than expected. I hit the 16 mile aid station more than 20 minutes ahead of my projected time: 2 hours 48 minutes. I knew the 3 mile hike out would take me 45 minutes so I set a new goal on the fly to do the climb in less than that anticipated time. I took me 44 + minutes, don’t know if that was a victory or another sad realization how difficult the WS 100 really is.
If the course itself does not break you I found out today that there is poison oak all over this course. According to people in the know, getting poison oak is a truly miserable experience. On this information I wondered about my potty stops yesterday. Did I squat on a plant and in a few days the oils that may be deposited on my bum will start an itchy painful, nasty rash? Poison oak has a 2-3 day incubation period, again new information for me. I made no potty stops today, but know this is not realistic for the race. Just another thing to consider 3 days from now as I am peeling off my toenails….what is that curious itch??
I will take a few ice baths tonight; I am wimpy so there will be very little ice in my cold tub. Tomorrow we are set to run 21 miles. I am hesitant to say I can accomplish this third day. I will go in the morning with the most important piece of equipment: a good attitude and an intention to complete the task at hand.
Workout:
- Type: Run
- Date: 05/25/2008
- Time: 08:30:00
- Total Time: 3:32:00.00
- Distance: 19 miles
- Average Pace: 11:09.14/mile
Day 1
It rained….all day every step for 6 hours. Well that is not completely true, it snowed for about 45 minutes early in the run. Just for the record it was 100 degrees last week covering the same terrain. I was ready to leave the winter gray and rain of Seattle and test my ability to run in the heat. As I was packing for this 3 day training camp I laid out several running outfits, none that would have been enough cold weather protection for the 40 degree day. At the last minute I packed my new tights and jacket, to be honest, only because I think I look totally cute in them and wanted strut around the post dinner gathering looking svelte. Once again my huge ego comes through for me. The outfit kept me toasty warm all day.
We completed 28 + miles today. It took exactly 6 hours. I ran the entire distance with
Pierre; he will be my pacer at WS for the last 38 miles. I met him online through the WS pacer request site. I swear it was like match.com or trying to e-date. But Pierre and I chose each other and after today I know I made the right choice. He is in excellent shape, better than I am. Knows when to talk, knows when to encourage, knows when to go ahead and follow. He is a very nice guy and wants to run WS next year hopefully this is good training for him as I know he would be a lot faster without me. He is great!
Much of the course was muddy…..so many colors of mud in the Northern California Mountains. Today I ran through gold colored mud, some might call the color newborn diaper yellow, but I prefer to see it as gold. Each runner was covered in mud and my shoes were saturated by 3 miles. Pierre who boasted briefly about his Gortex shoes was soaked through shortly thereafter. I brought another pair of trail shoes as well as a pair of street shoes so tomorrow I will switch into my Asics.
Pierre only brought one pair of trail shoes, so in true running partner form I brought his shoes to my hotel and I showered with them to de-mudify them. They are currently sitting on my hotel room heater drying (I hope), as Pierre and many other camp participants are tenting it in the rain with no chance to dry out today’s gear.
All in all today both boosted my confidence for the WS 100 and scared me. I felt pretty good and the pace is well within the 30 hour time limit, more importantly it is also within the 24 hour Silver Buckle pace but…..can I keep running another 18- 22 hours?
Tomorrow is supposed to be similar weather so my tights and jacket are next to Pierre’s shoes. I ate some chicken, mashed potatoes and mac & cheese. I will take some Advil and try to sleep. What a perfect day.
Workout:
- Type: Run
- Date: 05/24/2008
- Time: 09:30:00
- Total Time: 6:00:00.00
- Distance: 28.5 miles
- Average Pace: 12:37.89/mile
- Ascent: 9,000 ft
- Descent: 9,000 ft
Feeling remarkably fine 48 hours post run. My body no doubt completed a 50 mile adventure, yet I have no worrisome aches and pains. I will lose 2 toenails which is probably fine to lose them before the 100. I have one nasty blister that has been drained 3 times from a rock that I ignored for 20 miles, won’t ignore the next rock in my shoe for more than 5 miles.
I managed my fluids and nutrition very well and have not had any nausea or fatigue post or during the event. My feet are not swollen like they were after my first 50 (too much sodium intake), only took two sodium tablets over the nearly 12 hours and only drank Accelerade.
Headlamp worked perfectly for the predawn start, so I have my lighting figured out. Not so scary running in the woods in the dark.
Things I need to do differently for the 100? 1. A different pair of shorts…..How do I explain…..not enough buttock support? I have a little butt with a lot of bounce :) 2. Cannot eat peanut butter and jelly crackers while running…..the crumbs get aspirated into the lungs who knew? 3. I love the Jelly bean electrolyte product, very fun to eat and kill boredom, but does not fuel the muscles like a GU. I will keep them in my repertoire but only for entertainment value 4. Be more aware of the beauty, I had forgotten for a least a moment that I was running in a beautiful national forest and was reminded at mile 46 when I saw a huge bald eagle perched in a dead tree near the edge of the lake, he was awe inspiring and I gave me such an emotional lift. I will remember to take some time to honor the surroundings.
Health:
- Date: 05/12/2008
- Mood: Normal
- Sleep Pattern: Normal
I am so sad that this cold or flu or whatever I have has completely kicked my butt for a week. It seems life keeps gettting in the way of stringing together the type workouts I need to be successful in my 100 mile race. I am not worried yet….I have 100 days left and that should be enough given my overall level of fitness and ability. I plan to run the 20 mile race this weekend hopefully can get a short run in by the end of the week. For today my victory is finishing all the laundry and clearing my desk of a 6 week old “to do” pile. Good news….doctor gave me top shelf cough medicine so I will finally sleep tonight!
Health:
- Date: 03/18/2008
- Weight: 115
I will run with my old & new training running friends Saturday. We will do 10 miles at the Ft.Steilicoom road race. My goal is to start fresh with my Western States training and get a clear head. Thanks to all who gave me their best wishes.
My father unexpectedly passed away Tuesday 1-15-08. Since this is a running blog, I have not posted any workouts as I have not run a step. I don’t even want to run. Maybe tomorrow.
Hosting a party tonight for about 20 neighbors, had a great day watching Chris master 5 beautiful appetizers. Not at all sore from the treadmill workout.. Good news. I will hit the trails in the morning, maybe Cougar Mountain. I will see what 2 hours feels like.
The story: Woman turning 40 years old with two kids and a business to manage goes for the one of the most prestigious ultra runs in the world!
The goal: qualify for the Badwater 135 ultra run
The how: To do this one must run a qualifying race of 100 miles. To qualify for many 100 mile races one must run a 50 mile race within in certain time limits.
The progress: I ran my first 50 mile ultra this summer and completed it in 10 hours 8 minutes, which is a good enough time to get into the Western States 100.
The unknown: There are currently 1350 runners that have applied to run next years Western States 100, there are only 350 open spots.
The Golden Ticket: On December 1st there will be a lottery drawing for those 350 spots, my application is in and I am praying for a GOLDEN TICKET! I will be in Las Vegas running the half marathon with the Sweat365 group when I find out if I get in.
If I get the ticket I will use this blog to document my training for this somewhat insane event and balancing my life and the lives of those who count on me while staring 40 in the face.
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