HITS Palm Springs Championship 140.6

Ironman #4.  I originally didn't have this race on my schedule for this year.  Chad signed up for his first half Ironman in Palm Springs and my plan was to go down to cheer and support.  Chad encouraged me to sign up for the full.  I was hesitant knowing that HITS Palm Springs was only 6 weeks after Pony Express and my bike and swim training in the past few months had been merely cross training and not the volume I would need to finish an Ironman.  Chad said I should just go for it and so I finally signed up.  After Pony Express, I took a recovery week (reduced my weekly miles), and then wrote a training plan that had a quick build and then a quick taper.  5 weeks to be Ironman ready!

By the way, I love HITS races!  They aren't the big name Ironman brand races, BUT they are well run, won't break the race budget, and the race director Mark Wilson is awesome!  I love their transition area as well.  Plenty of room to set up, a box area to put your additional gear, and a stool.  Pretty sweet!

Friday - the day before the race.  Chad and I went out to the race site (Lake Cahuilla Park in La Quinta) for packet pick up and the athlete's meeting.  At packet pick up, the full athletes received an Xterra wetsuit dry bag, pretty cool!  Before leaving, we made sure to check out the water temps in the lake.  Not too bad!  We decided to leave our bikes overnight.  One less thing to haul down to transition in the morning.  If Chad and I are both racing, who is taking care of all our kids?!  Our amazing friends Heidi and Julio and their family came down with us!  It was GREAT having their support ALL day long!

Saturday - Race day!!!!

We arrived at the race site a little before 6 a.m.  We had 40 minutes before transition closed, plenty of time to set up.  I noticed that the velcro on my timing chip strap wasn't sticking very well, so I put a safety pin in to make sure that it wouldn't come off.  What a bummer if that happened!  I went and found Chad in transition and he had the same idea.
I was excited for Chad!  His first 70.3!  I made sure to take him on a few long bike/run bricks in training and knew that he was well prepared to take the distance on.  What were my expectations?  I had the lingering feeling of disappointment from my last race and I would be crushed if this race ended up in a DNF.  With an expedited training schedule, I knew not to expect too much.  But deep down, I have the drive to push to see what I can do.  I was going to go for a PR and if I wasn't feeling it, then I would back off and be satisfied with just finishing another 140.6.  Let's go for it and see what happens!

After setting up transition, we headed to the water to take a little dip and test out the water.  It was cold, but I knew once I started to swim it would be just fine.  A little before 7 a.m., all athletes exited the water for a few final race instructions and then those who wanted to huddled up for a prayer. Then everyone headed back in the water. 

SWIM -
The swim would be one mass start which included all athletes, full, half, and aquabike.  Full athletes would complete 4 rectangular loops, getting out of the water for a quick run on the beach to give the race director a high 5 and then back in for another loop.  Since Lake Cahuilla doesn't allow watercraft out on the water, there were lifeguards on the shore and rescue divers in the water.  If in trouble, float on your back and wait to be rescued by a diver or swim a little towards shore and sure enough it is shallow enough to stand up.

Time for the countdown.  I always get butterflies!!!  And before I knew it the wonderful chaos of the swim commenced!

Luckily it was cloudy so when I sited the buoys I didn't have to deal with the sun in my eyes.  I remembered how cold I was swimming at Grand Junction earlier this year.  Chad bought me a thermal swim cap to wear for this race and it worked like a charm!  1 loop down and then another.  Finishing my 2nd loop, my timing chip strap felt a little loose.  I reached down to adjust it and thought it would be okay since it had a safety pin through it.  As I dived back in the water for my 3rd loop, my goggles came loose and for the next 2 loops my right side leaked the entire time.

I tried to fix it, but it wasn't happening.  No big deal!  I just swam with one eye closed!  The last 2 loops were nice since most of the half distance athletes had finished their swim which meant less people to battle with in the water.  I am not a fast swimmer, but the swim did feel good!  - 1:26:08 - As I headed towards transition, I saw Julio helping out as a wetsuit stripper.  He had my wetsuit off in no time.  He has some skills!

T1 - 2:47.   As I was putting on my biking shoes in transition, my timing chip fell off.  Apparently the safety pin didn't go all the way through both layers of the strap and the velcro wasn't strong enough to keep it on.  I quickly strapped it back on.  I am so lucky it didn't come off in the swim!  And now for the bike!

BIKE
After exiting the park, the bike course was 4 out and backs on country roads. It was flat and had some rough roads.  The first jaunt out to the turn around, I was cruising!  By the time I finished my first lap, I was on pace to finish the bike around 6 hours.  As I headed back out for my 2nd lap, I could see and hear my kids and the Aguirre family cheering me on.  Definitely lifted my spirits!  It wasn't a mile into my second lap, that I noticed that I had a bloody nose.  Not again!!  I started having flashbacks from Rage 70.3 this year when this exact same thing happened.  This time it was worse!  I had blood all over my arms, hands, and face.  I tried my best to clean up with the water on my bike and keep pedaling at the same time.  Heading back to finish my 2nd lap, the wind picked up and I could see my bike average slowly go down.  What a bummer!  All I could do is start singing in my head, "don't stop believing!"  And of course, I had to change the lyrics after awhile to, "please stop bleeding!" (you have to entertain yourself since you are out on the bike for a long time)  By the time I headed out for my 3rd lap, my nose finally stopped bleeding.  Yay!  I figured Chad was done with his bike and probably on the run.  I was so jealous!  50 or so more miles on the bike and then I would finally get to run.  I knew Chad would be finished with his race well before I was done with the bike.  I wish I could have been there to see him cross the finish line.  Thankfully, Heidi taped it for me. 

I plugged away and slowly chipped away on the miles on my bike.  There was one lady that I kept leap frogging with.  Since you can't ride side by side or draft, I quickly asked her in passing if she had done this course before.  She said that it was her first Ironman.  I told her that she was doing awesome.  I LOVE seeing people take on this distance for the first time.  It is inspiring to me.
As I was finishing up the final bike miles, I knew that this would be my slowest bike split ever - 6:37:21, which I was totally okay with.  I threw out the goal of an overall PR since it seemed unrealistic and just wanted to have a good run!  Heading into transition, I could see Chad and the crew.  As I was gearing up for the run, I asked Chad how his race went.  He said that he finished under his goal time and was glad to be done.  Sweet!!  And all I had left was a marathon!  T-2 -1:49.  2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles biking and now I can finally run!! 

RUN

The run course was 4 out and backs and pretty much flat.  Breaking it down mentally it was a little over a 5k out and back.  In my mind, I wasn't running a marathon, but just over four 10k's.  No problem!  Heading out on the run, it was warm!  The first mile of the run is always interesting.   It is like you are retraining your legs how to run.  After a mile or so in I usually lock into my pace, pushing it just out of my comfort zone and then put it on cruise control.  The aid stations on the run were around 1 1/2 miles in and then at the turnaround 3.3 miles out.   After a few miles in, I looked down at my watch and noticed I forgot to start it after I switched it to run mode after the bike.  I hit the start button and continued on.  Coming back from my first lap, I saw the CEO on the run.  The challenge offered by HITS was that if you beat the CEO's time, you would get a free race entry for next year.   I just needed to stay ahead of him.  As I completed my first lap, my wonderful family and friends were there cheering me on.  That was motivation for me knowing that after each lap they would be there to celebrate a lap completed and give me the boost I needed to start another.  

Since I can't have my i-Pod on the run, I sing songs in my head.  I would sing these songs out loud, but I don't think others would appreciate my singing voice.  There is also a lot of self talk going on in my head.  Racing is definitely mental - and luckily I am a little crazy!
Finishing my 2nd lap, I knew shortly the sun would be going down and it would cool off a little as well.  I checked my watch and figured if I could keep my pace and if I had estimated in correctly the time I had forgot to start my watch, that I may be able to get a PR run split.  2 more laps to go!  The sun went down around 5 p.m. and it was dark.  The course was well coned off and away from traffic, but I wish I had my headlamp that I had left in transition.  I don't mind running in the dark though especially when it is cooler.  1 more lap!  I was starting to really feel it!  Instead of focusing on it being a 10k, I broke it down into smaller segments and kept telling myself to just make it to the next aid station.   Focusing on the mile you are in is much easier than looking at the entire distance you have left.   I can talk myself into pushing just one more mile, over and over again.  Hitting the last aid station and with less than 2 miles to go, I knew I could PR on the run if I just kept running.  The last miles of my race I always turn in gratitude to my Father in Heaven for being with me during the race.  I rely on Him for that final strength I need to finish.  Of course I am tired and my body wants me to stop to walk, but the faster I run the faster I will be done!  I knew the finish was just around the corner and it was a welcoming sight!  Crossing the finish line is always the best!  I love seeing my family and friends! 

As I crossed, Chad shouted, "PR!"  I thought he meant on the run.  3:21:01 (14 minute PR) - woot, woot!   He said by his watch I had come in just under 11 1/2 hours.  He was right!  My total time was 11:29:08, a 7 minute overall PR.  I wasn't even thinking this was possible because my bike was so slow, but I had a great run and finished with an overall PR.  A sweet ending for my 140.6 journey! I ended up placing 4th overall female, and 1st in my age group.  I beat the CEO's time so I get to come back next year and race for free!  What a year 2014 has been - 4 ultras, 6 marathons, 1 half Ironman, and 2 full Ironmans!  What a fantastic way to close out my race season for 2014 and I can't wait for 2015!

Pony Express Trail 100

Why run a 100 miles?  Before this year if you asked me if I would ever even attempt 100 miles, I would say that I didn't have any interest.  I was quite happy and content with the "shorter" distances of marathons and 50k's.  Plus, I thought what would be the fun in putting your body through that much torture.  But then again running and I have an interesting relationship.  It is like we get each other.  There are highs and lows, moments where you are flying high and others where you feel you need to be scraped off the side of the road.  Running is kind of like my empathetic friend.  It has gotten me through a lot of crap that I struggle with on a daily basis.  Running uplifts, humbles, and challenges me.  There are so many life parallels you can draw from running.  I love it!  So why 100 miles?  I guess I was ready to take our relationship to a whole new level - a level I wanted to only go once and check it off.  To prepare for this feat, I planned this year to build up and train for the race.  I completed the Moab 55k, Buffalo Run 50 miler, back-to-back marathons at Bear Lake, and the Kat'cina Mosa 100k all in preparation and threw in a few other races to mix it up. I had a few long back to back to back training runs (the longest being a half marathon, followed by a marathon the next day, and then a 50k to complete the third day).  Physically, I felt prepared to take 100 miles on and while training focused on mentally preparing as well which is equally if not more important when it comes to ultras. 

The race I chose was the Pony Express 100 miler.  It is a flatter and faster course than most 100's, but with this comes it's own set of challenges.  The strategy to complete an ultra is to run the downhills, jog the flats, and walk the uphills.  Most trail races have parts where you have to walk or climb, which breaks it up.  The majority of Pony Express is runnable.  And whereas mountain ultras have the challenge of climbs, they come with the beautiful views.  And then you have the Pony Express which is long, dirt roads where you can see for miles on end and there is not much to look at, an added mental challenge.   The main reason why I chose this race was so that my family could experience it with me.  This race required you to have a crew for the entire race.  Since this race was on a dirt road (58 miles out and then 42 miles back), Chad and the kids would be my crew, my mobile aid station.  They could jump out of the car and run with me anytime they wanted, which really isn't a possibility for an ultra in the mountains.

Race week came and I had crazy race anxiety and the self-doubt began creeping in.  I kept telling myself that I needed to stay positive and everything would be fine once I started running.  I was assigned a race start of 8 a.m. on Friday.  There were different start times, beginning at 5 a.m. and every hour until 8 a.m.  You were assigned by the race director a start time, based on what time he thought you could complete the distance in.  Those who would need more time to complete the distance started in the earlier waves.  Starting at 8 a.m. was intimidating.  There were 2 other 100 miler females starting at this time.  Lori from Canada and Sherry from Idaho.  Both were experienced ultra runners, Lori having ran over 200 ultras!!!  Yes, this lady was 55, running ultras and could keep a competitive pace.   Sherry, was 50, and had an impressive ultra background as well.   I was inspired by both!!  I hope I can be an awesome runner like these ladies when I am in my 50's and beyond.



 Before I knew it, the countdown began and then we were off.  I held back and ran with Sherry at the back of the pack.

100 miles is a long way, and you definitely have to start out slow and pace smart.  And even though we were at the back, we were still averaging below a 9 minute mile which after the first few miles, we both agreed was too fast and slowed it down.  About mile 4 we separated when Sherry briefly stopped for a moment and I ran a little ahead.  I caught up to Lori, the other lady who was in our group and talked with her a bit and then as she stopped to walk with the guy she was with, I kept going.  I tried to stay at a manageable pace and came into the first checkpoint, Simpson Springs (mile 16), in 2 1/2 hours.

I wanted to make sure that I wasn't going too fast and pacing smart, so the next section to Dugway Well I slowed my pace a little.  I talked with this guy for a bit who had completed the Leadville 100 twice.  He was going just the right pace so I fell slightly behind him and let him lead the way. 
On this section, there were some wild horses, pretty cool!   Something interesting to look at amongst the sagebrush.  There were drivers (not part of the race) that would drive by real fast on the dirt roads kicking up a ton of dust.  Running through dust clouds and trying to breathe definitely adds a interesting element to the race.  I hit the 2nd checkpoint, mile 33, 5 1/2 hours into the race.  15 miles to the next checkpoint, Blackrock.  I divided the race in my mind in sections and just focused on completing the section I was on.  It is easier to manage a long distance race this way.

A few miles from Dugway Pass, I started feeling it.  I was surprised that I was already having a low and I wasn't even a third of the way in.  Even though it was only in the lower 70's, there were no clouds and the sun was beating down.  My sweet Elise jumped out and walked up Dugway Pass with me (the only real climb in the race and it isn't too long).  This definitely boosted my spirits.  She ran down the backside with me and then my kids traded off running different stretches with me.  I loved that they could run with me.   The kids came in turns for a second round of running with me and I plugged my way to Blackrock.

8 1/2 hours and I was almost halfway done.  At Blackrock (mile 48.5), they had a huge BBQ for the runners, pacers, and crews.  This was also the finish line for the 50 mile race.  There was no way I could stomach anything they were grilling so I headed out to Fish Springs the turning point.  Chad stayed behind with the kids to get something to eat and then quickly caught back up to where I was at.  All day long, I was on top of my nutrition. 
I was well hydrated (my pee was the perfect color) and feeling pretty good all things considering.  The stretch out to Fish Springs I caught up to a lot of the runners who had started in the earlier waves.  I could see who was in front of me as I saw runners coming back from the turnaround point - there were 3 ahead of me all of which had started at the earlier times.  At this point I could feel that I had a huge blister on my big toe and knew I needed to pop it to relieve the pressure.  Chad stopped, I propped my foot on the back of the car and he quickly drained it, put some Neosporin on it and a bandaid and I was off again.  Ahhh much better!  Just before the checkpoint at Fish Springs there was a cattleguard (there were a few on the course).  It is quite the task to cross a cattleguard on wobbly legs.  I was extra careful!   I checked into Fish Springs (58 miles) only 42 miles left!




The sun was going down and so the temperatures were cooler - perfect for running.  This was my favorite stretch back to Blackrock.  I felt at my best at this part.  My pace picked up a little and I was thoroughly enjoying it!  As I was running back, I saw Sherry not too far behind, maybe 3 miles.  We yelled back and forth words of encouragement to each other.  I love the support that runners give each in these races!  Not too far behind her was Lori.  Both of these ladies were having a great run!   

I was looking forward to coming back to Blackrock because I knew my friends, Heidi, Liz, and Betsy would be meeting up with me shortly to pace me.   I came into Blackrock, mile 68, in just over 12 hours and 10 minutes.  They had soups waiting, so I downed a little and continued on.   2 more sections left!  A 15 mile section and then the final 17.  I knew what pace I had to keep for the next 2 sections to break 20 hours, which totally felt manageable.  I was leading the race and my legs were still feeling pretty good.  I was in good spirits, and then my stomach instantly became upset.  At mile 71, I was puking on the side of the road.  Initially, I felt a lot better after I threw up.  I knew I would have to start refueling quickly.  The moment after I downed a gel, I was sick to my stomach again.  A little ways down the road another visit to the side of the road.  And then I had other issues in which I won't get into, but let's just say I was definitely feeling depleted.  At about mile 73, my friends found me!  Yay!!  I was excited, thinking the overwhelming nauseous feeling would pass and I could keep plugging forward and this would be a minor setback.  For the next 6 miles, I did a lot of walking and a lot of puking.   Nothing would stay down.  This reminded me of my Ironman I did this year when I had the stomach flu the week leading up to the race and then puked a ton on the run.  But for some reason, I felt worse than I did in that race.  I felt really light headed.  It was suggested that I lay down to see if I could get my stomach to settle.  I jumped in Heidi's car and laid there for what seemed like forever, but was just a few minutes.  My legs started to cramp up and I was worried that I would not be able to get moving again.  So I jumped out and started walking again and puking again.  Walking up Dugway Pass, Chad was with me for a bit.  I told him that I didn't think I would be able to finish. He was surprised to hear me say it.  He knows that I can push through pain and that I am not one to easily give up.  I didn't have anything left and at that point still had just over 20 miles to go.  My friends knew that if I called it quits that I would have a hard time with it when it was over.  At that point, Sherry came by.  I told her what was going on and she offered suggestions, which we had already tried.  She said she was so sorry and I told her to keep on going.  She was looking good!   In fact, she ended up winning the race in just over 20 hours.  Impressive!!!  I finally decided to lay down in the car again.  I was way ahead of any cutoff point and if I needed to sleep for a few hours and give time for my stomach to settle than that's what I would do.  I still had that desire to finish even though I had that gut wrenching feeling that it just may not happen.  I laid down in the car and my nausea was overwhelming.  Even laying down I felt so sick and then it wasn't long before I was outside the car puking again.  Laying down, sitting up, walking - it didn't make a difference.    My body was rebelling and I had not control over it.  I was praying for a miracle, but sometimes things play out for a reason.  I was so frustrated and so discouraged.  My legs could go, but my stomach put any movement to a stop.   After a total emotional breakdown in the car, I told Chad I wanted to start walking again.  Liz and Heidi walked with me.  I felt extremely dizzy and then the next thing I knew it I was sitting in my car.  I had passed out and Chad told me that I was done.   Calling it quits was hard!  I was at mile 80.  Only 20 more miles left!!!  My body felt awful and I knew it was the right thing to do, but it totally sucked.  I felt horrible that my friends had come all the way out and I couldn't go on.  We were 3 miles from the next checkpoint.  Chad let them know that I was dropping and we headed back on the road to civilization, stopping every 5 minutes for me to get out of the car to throw up.  I just wanted to be home and at this rate is was going to take forever!  Heidi had a Big Gulp cup that became my throw up collector so we could keep moving.  There was nothing left in my stomach, and I was just dry heaving.  It took us hours to get to the Riverton Hospital.  The worse ride ever!  Finally, I got an IV of fluids and Zofran and started feeling a little better.  My blood work came back and my blood had high amounts of salt, electrolytes, and other crap.  The doctor said that I had became severely dehydrated because of the vomiting which was causing my kidneys to start to shut down.  Bottom line - the ibuprofen I was taking didn't mix well with my kidneys and caused my body to react horribly.  She said that it was a good thing that I stopped when I did or it could have gotten a lot worse fast.  After a lecture on how running long distances is bad for the body, in which I was too tired to share my perspective, I convinced her to let me go home.  I was so tired and stinky and just wanted to shower and go to bed.

And the aftermath!  I can handle the physical yuckiness, it is the emotional aftermath that is hard to overcome.   To be completely honest, I felt like I had totally failed and I was angry and frustrated with myself.  These feelings could easily swallow me whole, but I know deep down that I need to look at the positive.  80 miles is a long way to run!  That is an incredible feat in itself.  I am blessed that Chad and friends were looking out for my safety so things didn't end up worse.  It is important to listen to my body and take care of myself.  So the question is, will I be satisfied with 80 miles and check it off or will I attempt another 100 miler?  Right after the race, I said never again!  A little time has passed and there is no doubt in my mind that I will try again. 

Kat'cina Mosa 100k

My first 100k!!  This would be the farthest distance I have ever gone.  I chose to do this race to help build my confidence for the Pony Express 100 miler in October.  And what a race to choose!  The course description: "A VERY, VERY challenging, difficult and scenic loop course through the Wasatch Mountains above Provo, Utah.  Elevation gain is 17,404 feet and loss is 17, 404 ft.  13,000 feet of elev. gain by mile 28.5 in 3 separate climbs, then the last half only has about another 4,000 feet of climb."  Just looking at the elevation chart was intimidating!  My goals for this race: stay positive and don't get lost!  I printed off the elevation chart and distances between aid stations and taped it on the back of my bib.  The race director also sent out detailed course descriptions for each section of the course which I made sure were on my phone so that I could reference them if needed.  

Race start - 3 a.m.  (There was also an option for an early start of 1 a.m. for those who needed the extra time to finish.)  Since the start was so early, I ended up with no sleep.  I figured I would be on the course for at least 16 hours and knew that the lack of sleep would eventually catch up to me.  I didn't have any drop bags to drop off at the race start since Chad was going to be my crew.  There were 9 different aid stations and he would have access to 4 of them.  I started off with just my handheld water bottle and my Spi belt to hold gels.  The weather was cooler since the sun wasn't out and I knew I wouldn't need my hydration pack until later on. 

Start - Camel Pass (8.49 miles)  The race started 5 minutes after 3 a.m.   We headed up the paved road up Hobble Creek Canyon for just over 2 miles until we came to the glow sticks marking a left turn onto a rocky dirt road. The course would continue on this road for the next 14 miles.  The light in my headlamp wasn't as bright as I would have liked it to be and so I eventually joined up with 2 other runners, DJ and Jason, so I could share in their light.  I love meeting new people and hearing their running adventures.  Both were experienced ultra runners.  DJ had already run 9 ultras this year.  As we went up the dirt road, I took the opportunity to ask their advice and tips for running ultra marathons.  The advice that they gave me that stuck with me the most is to not look at the whole distance since it can become overwhelming, but take it mile by mile.  Just run the mile that you are in and accept it for what it is. 

AS #1 Camel Pass - Slate Canyon (8.49 - 13.06) - I didn't stop too long at this aid station.  Just long enough for a volunteer to top off my water bottle and for me to quickly down some cantaloupe and I was off again.  Jason went ahead and I ran with DJ to the next station.  This section we were still climbing and then enjoyed a mile downhill before it leveled out to the next aid station.  

AS#2 - Rock Canyon (13.06 - 16.42) - I loved this section!  The sun was starting to come out and finally a good downhill section where I could stretch out my legs.  I was running at a good pace, but didn't want to push it since there were still a LOT of miles yet to complete so I slowed my pace a little.  DJ went ahead and I followed not too far behind. Coming into the aid station I could see Chad and my little Lindsay cheering me in.  I gave Chad my belt, water bottle, and headlamp and he handed me my hydration pack all filled and ready to go. Chris joined me at this point.  He graciously volunteered to be my pacer through the middle section of tougher climbs.  He would join me for the next 3 sections of the race.  It was GREAT to have someone to share in the journey.

AS#3 - Big Springs (16.42 - 23.48)  - And CLIMB!  Up and up we go!  This section was challenging, but sooo beautiful!  As we climbed higher and higher, I got a little dizzy, but still kept moving forward. The views were definitely worth the climb!

 

And then after the climb, came a good steep downhill section.  The downhill sections can be just as challenging as the steep uphill sections.  With my legs not being fresh, and a little more wobbly then normal I definitely had to choose my steps carefully.  The downhill section went from rocky to a smoother dirt path. 

Up to this point, I had some stumbles, but was always able to regain my balance.  And then the inevitable happened, I tripped and made a not so graceful plummet into the dirt.  Luckily it was on smoother dirt and I just had a few scrapes on my hand and on my knees.  I got up and was covered in dirt.  I had to laugh a little.  All part of the adventure!!  Coming into the next aid station I took some water and cleaned off my hands as Chad refilled my front water bottles on my pack.  I should have grabbed something to eat before I left, but wasn't really thinking and headed out.  I still had gels in my pack I could refuel with and thought that it would be fine.  

AS #4 - Windy Pass (23.48 - 29.58)  Starting out on this section was a downhill, woo hoo!  AND then we were climbing again up to Windy Pass.  There was little shade in this section and a lot of sun!  It was getting hot!  Good thing I had lots of water with me.  There were parts of the trail that were really rocky.  I began feeling a little wiped and told Chris that I should have refueled better at the last aid station. 

We continued on our way up to Windy Pass and was so grateful when we finally reached the next aid station!  I quickly ate a part of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some fruit and then was off again. 

AS #5 - Little Valley (29.58 - 38.78) Coming out of this aid station, you are still climbing for a bit.  Then it levels off and eventually heads downhill.  I turned on my music on my i-Pod and had to chuckle since I could hear Chris singing to his music.  Chris has the same singing ability as me.  It definitely made for some good entertainment. 

I went from feeling better at the start of this section to feeling awful right in the middle.  The sections that I should have been able to run and pick up my pace, I couldn't find the energy to get my legs to go.  I felt if I closed my eyes, I could easily fall asleep on the side of the trail.  This was definitely the low part of the race.  Luckily, I had Chris with me to offer me words of encouragement even though I felt a bad that my effort on this section was pathetic. There are definitely highs and lows in an ultra and I knew even though I wasn't feeling great now that if I kept going things could change.  I knew I was going to finish the race, I just didn't know if I would have to walk the last 20 plus miles or if I would be able to find the energy to begin running again.   Being a little discouraged, I came into the next aid station.  Chad handed me my handheld water bottle and I gave him my pack.  Chris joined me for a short .65 miles out and then back while Chad refilled my pack with water, electrolyte drink, and gels.  Coming back to the aid station, Chad gave me back my pack and asked if I needed to sit and rest for a minute.  He knew that I was feeling great and was a little worried since he wasn't going to see me for the next 17 miles since he couldn't access the next 2 aid stations.  I knew it wouldn't be good to sit and that I should keep on moving.   I had to say good-bye to Chris.  I was grateful that he could join me for the tough middle section.  I decided to drink some Red Bull that the aid station offered to see if it would help.  This was a gamble since I had never tried Red Bull before and had no idea how my body would react.  Well, turns out that it worked wonders!!  It wasn't long before I headed out the aid station with a little bit of spring to my step. 
AS #6 - Bath Tub (38.78 - 45.83)  After a short jaunt down the dirt road, the road turned and I was climbing again.  I had a renewed energy and plugged away until I reached the top.  I loved the views at the top! 

Then came the bumpy dirt road with big rocks scattered everywhere.  I carefully placed my feet as I ran to make sure that I didn't trip.  I was just grateful to be running again.  I was feeling pretty good coming into the next aid station.

AS #7 - Dry Fork (45.83 - 52.51)  Leaving the aid station, I decided to mentally break down the rest of the course.  I had just over a 10k, 5k, and another 10k and then I would be done!  I tried to stayed focused just on the section I was on.  There was more uphill on this section and then finally some downhill.  I just have to add that the course was well marked.  Blue and orange flags marking the turns and then orange flags indicating you were on the right trail.   Whenever I saw an orange flag, it was always a sense of relief that I was on the right trail.  As I passed 50 miles, I had to smile.  I was going farther than I had ever gone before! 

AS #8 - Corral (52.51 - 56.28)  Just over a 5k and I would be able to see Chad and my family at the last aid station!  I downed some more Red Bull at this aid station and headed down the narrow wooded trail.  I came to what I would like to call the mud pit.  I held onto the bushes on the side of the trail and did my best to maneuver around it to keep my shoes dry.  After the mud pit, I headed down the trail to the next aid station.  My left ankle was starting to throb and the top of my right foot ached, but I knew I was getting soooo close.  Nearing the last aid station I could see Chad and my kids cheering me on.  It was good to see them!  I told Chad that I was feeling much better since he last saw me and he was relieved. 

AS #9 - Finish (56.28 - 62.17)  Leaving the aid station, Chad told me the finish was just down the paved road.  Less than a 10k - I could totally do this!  I knew if I continued at my pace running that I could break 15 1/2 hours.  I could walk/run and break 16 hours, but knew I could push myself.  I told myself to just take it mile by mile and then the finish would be there in no time.  

Step by step, mile by mile, I made it down the road.  Coming into the finish I could see my family and my good friends Tami and Kylie that came to cheer me in.  They were AWESOME to come down to support me.  It was sooooo good to make the final turn and come into the finish. 

I had made it and after 15 hours and 24 minutes I was definitely ending on a good note!  2nd place overall female.  This was the most challenging race that I have ever ran - but with the challenge it makes the feeling of finishing even more amazing! 

Timpanogos Marathon

I originally signed up for the Sogonapmit (Timpanogos spelled backwards) marathon for uphill training.  The appeal was that you start at the bottom of American Fork canyon a few hours earlier than the half marathoners and then run up to the half marathon start.  You try to make it to their start line before they start and then race back down.  Due to a communication error, the U.S. forestry denied the permit request for the runners to run up the canyon.  So they changed the course and the name.  The starting point would be the same as the half marathoners, up at Tibble Fork.  After running down the canyon, the course would be an out an back on the Highland City trails and Murdock Canal trail.  In order to compensate for the change of course, the race organizers offered a Sogo jacket and an oversized finisher's medal.  The jacket is pretty sweet!  I decided to not have my money refunded and go for it!

Race morning:  Boarded a bus at 4:00 a.m. at Lone Peak High School.  I sat by a girl who was doing her first half marathon.  I love talking to people on race day when they are getting ready for a "first."  I get excited for them!  At 4:30 a.m., we unloaded the buses up at Tibble Fork.  The hour flew by and it wasn't long before the marathoners started right at 5:30 a.m.   This was a small race and I knew I may have a chance at placing.  I was going to run this race a little conservative since Kat'cina Mosa 100k is in 2 weeks.  The first 7.5 miles down the canyon were beautiful.  I fell right behind the lead female and let her set the pace.  At the bottom of the canyon, the course turned onto the trail.  I was keeping a pretty good pace and felt good.  I continued to follow behind the lead female.  The course on the trail wasn't clearly marked and about mile 10, a group of us stopped wondering if we were on the right course.  I saw a sign that said Murdock Canal trail.  I thought for sure that we were going the right way.  The girl that I was following and another guy decided to stop and try to figure it out.  A group of guys and I continued on.  Little did I know that the Murdock trail has different forks and we ended up going off course.  After about 2 miles, and seeing no aid stations, we knew we were off course.  We turned around and made our way back and finally got back on the right course.  A 4 mile detour!!!  I hit 13.1, the halfway mark, at just under 1 hour and 35 minutes, but by the time I got back on course I was mentally deflated and slowed my pace.  I kept telling myself that it was ok and that I had my 100k in 2 weeks and I didn't need to push myself.   I didn't want to run 30+ miles, so my plan was to try to figure out and compensate for the miles I got off track.  I knew if I turned short of the turnaround that I would most likely be disqualified, but at this point I was already deflated and chalked it up to being a training run.  I asked a few marathoners what their mileage was at as they were coming back down the trail.  I knew I was way off!  I decided to turn around at mile 20.5.  There was finally a mile marker at mile 22.  At this point, I knew that I would end up with 2 extra miles.  Shortly after mile 22, I saw Chad.  He was waiting for me at the turnaround and when I didn't show up, he was worried that I was injured.  I told him the story - trying to keep it together.  I admit I was a little bummed.  He gave me words of encouragement and I continued on.

I hit mile 26, still 2 miles left, and ended up walking a little with a guy whose leg was cramping up.  I figured I would try to encourage others on their way.  The final .2 was a lap around the Lone Peak High School track.  I could see the 2nd place female just finishing as I entered the track.  I knew I was in 3rd, but didn't feel quite right about it.  I went to the race director and told him that I went off course for 4 miles and then didn't hit the turnaround.  I showed him that I had completed 28 miles. 

He said that I was fine, and I was awarded the 3rd place female.  There were a lot of thoughts going through my mind.  I didn't feel like I deserved 3rd place.  Yes the course wasn't marked well and I did end up doing 2 extra miles, but I wanted to make sure it was a fair race.  And then a part of me was disappointed since I knew that if I had stayed on course I would have placed 2nd or pushed myself and came close to 1st.  Deep down, I know that placing isn't everything and being honest and doing what's right is the most important.  And through all of the craziness of the race, I have to laugh - I am horrible with directions and it is just like me to get lost - a race I definitely won't forget! 

Core Power -  a sponsor of the Timpanogos Marathon - sweet!!