Not So Quicksilver 50 Mile

Photo courtesy of Gary Wang. Not only did Gary kill it out there with 7:44 and 3rd place but he also took about 600 photos from the event. He would fly by, camera in hand with his finger on the trigger as he ran by. I love this photo because it partly communicates the dusty, hot conditions on the race.

About 24 miles into the Quicksilver 50-mile I started thinking that it was going to be a pleasant day after all. There was a breeze that kept us cool, the temperature wasn't as high as I expected and the trails were not as exposed as I remembered them to be. There is a saying in ultra that I heard a long time ago, I'll paraphrase as I don't remember the exact wording, "If it feels good don't worry, this too shall pass". Ouch, it did pass. I was "racing", up to the 32 mile mark at which point I switched to "just surviving".

The First Half

As I mentioned the first half started well. However the seeds of trouble was sown around mile 11 when my gps watch was about a mile short of the actual mileage that I ran (it would get worse as the race went on) . I didn't know it at the time and thinking I was way behind on my goal times I pushed the pace a bit. I wanted to finish the first 50k around 5 hours to get a shot at finishing around the 8 - 8.5 hour mark. By the time I figured it out I had already ran a good amount of miles at a faster pace than I should have. I was feeling so good then I decided to just roll with it and see how long I could keep up the unsustainable pace. Of course, too fast too soon always feels good in my experience. If it hurt I wouldn't do it.

The Grind

Things got hard where they usually did the last three times I've run the race, the climb from the start/finish at mile 31.5 to 35.4. 50k and 50-milers start together and we all loop back to the start/finish at mile 31 for the 50k finish. Some say it's a bit cruel to see all the 25k and 50k'ers kicking back enjoying the food and beers at the finish line while we the 50 milers have to keep going. I've never had a problem with it but the climb out of the start/finish line aid station always gets me, it's usually hot, dusty and long. I polish off the first 31 miles around 5:13 or so, similar to last year. I was pretty tired at this point having pushed the pace early and really feeling the effects of the heat. Thankfully they had ice there and buckets with cold water to sponge and douse ourselves off. I got to wipe away most of the nasty salt on my face and shirt. Larissa was there waiting to pace Amy but she left with me and kept me company for a mile before turning back. I had carpooled up with the both of them and Amy was going for her second 50-mile finish. Her husband and mother in-law even came out to cheer her on. Larissa was welcome company but I couldn't keep up with her even she was walking. I felt so sapped. She said "walk with a purpose!" but I walked like I was going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Runners started passing me and I didn't have anything in the tank to chase back.

Getting it Back Together

Eventually the rolling and mostly uphill journey back to the Englishtown AS at mile 35.4 was over and I came in bedraggled and a mess - much like last year too actually. Grant Sisler asked if I had gotten lost probably because I looked like how I felt. I told him the heat had just really gotten to me. Thoughts of finishing in the low 8 hours, similar to my previous finishes, evaporated with the heat. At this point I just wanted to finish well, sub-9 preferably but not mandatory and my first order of business was to figure out a way to restart my sputtering engine. While the good stretches never last forever neither do the bad patches. I knew at this point that I was going to finish, how was the mystery.

I believe in getting out of aid stations as fast as possible but when things are not going smoothly I also believe in getting a little extra lovin' for however long it takes as the extra time hydrating, eating, addressing issues could be a lifesaver in the end. I drank cold iced soda, took a gel, sponged myself with cold water that they had available in buckets and left with ice in my bottle. Feeling much better I was able to focus on getting things rolling again. I wouldn't take as long at the aid stations for the remainder of the race but I made sure to sponge myself with the cold water they had available as it was doing remarkable job of cooling myself. Some runners, Steve Ansell and Amy Burton to name two, carried two water bottles, one with iced water for a portable shower on the go and the other for drinking - so smart. Steve shared with me his cooling strategy at the start but I forgot to pick up my second bottle at mile 31.

My Favorite Part

From 35.4 to 47.5 is a down and back section. We leave Englishtown AS, hit Hicks Road AS at mile 37.4, turnaround at Sierra Azul AS at mile 41.4 then back to Englishtown at 47.5. I love this section as I get to see the front pack coming back from Sierra Azul. The way out is mostly uphill and it was killing my groove as I found it tough to get any kind of rhythm going. My running was constantly punctuated by walks. I did my best to keep going however knowing the return trip would be easier. I was either going to punch through my funk or crawl trying. Never say Die!

Turning Things Around

So as I mentioned, from Sierra Azul back to Englishtown the course is mostly downhill. The last 2.5 miles from Englishtown is also mostly downhhill punctuated by several steep but short hills. It was great but not so great for folks who had trashed quads. On the first half I met Emilia, a graduate student at Stanford who was running her first ultra ever. She was leading the race until Sierra Azul where the eventual female winner, Johanna took over the lead. She left Sierra Azul hobbling and when I caught up to her minutes later she was gingerly walking a downhill because of trashed quads. She told me later she walked some of the downhills backwards.

Anyway I love downhills, especially the subtle kind that makes you feel like you are running with the wind at your back or being on the moving walkways at the airport. I cruised and my new motivation to run was external. When I left Sierra Azul a runner came in looking strong. At first I conceded that he would eventually pass me and in my mind I had already moved myself back a spot. However as I got some rhythm back I made up my mind to fight, to haul ass as much as possible and see if I could keep him off for as long as I could. I figured he would either catch me eventually but not before lighting a fire under me or I successfully keep him off by succeeding in maintaining a decent pace all the way to the finish – a win-win scenario. I ran and ran and ran and he remained right behind me. There was a couple of short inclines which I walked to catch my breath and instead of being passed I noticed that he walked too so I ran up all the other uphills from that point forward in an attempt to drop him - he remained on my tail. The last 2.5 miles has some steep downhills and I poured it on testing his quads, still couldn't shake him. It wasn't until I was in sight of the finish did I let up - 9:10:59 for 13th.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Antonis. Coming in for the finish. The female runner you see behind me is a 50k finisher and not far from her was Greg who I credit for motivating me those final miles.

Post Race

Turned out the guy behind me was a runner who started running with my Thursday morning run group. He joined while I was in the UK. Nice guy. I went over, introduced myself and told him what a difference he made on my race. Maybe he was racing after me, maybe he wasn't but his presence helped my run tremendously. I rested a bit, downed more fluids and continued socializing. I made new friends and caught up with old ones. I also introduced myself to the female winner as we passed each other a couple of times during the race. When my appetite came back I ate, the food at Quicksilver is not to be missed. The post race food at Quicksilver is always good! I had just polished off a plate of ribs, salad and pasta when Emilia finally came through. It was great to see that she had stuck it out and finished. She had walked all the way back to the finish. Her resolve was put to the test and she came through. Love stories like this especially since I've walked in several races myself. It's not fun but neither is a dnf.

The ultra community is so fortunate to have these guys.

Several members of the Quicksilver Running Team, our gracious hosts. Some didn't run so they could volunteer instead.

Jonathan Gunderson, he ran Miwok the weekend before and had a spectacular 7:48 for 4th place. He was running second until he got lost and ran an extra 3 miles. He wasn't too broken up about it. He laughed about it on the trail and again recounting the tale post race.

Female Champion Johanna.

Amy and her husband Lane.

Emilia sore but a finisher on her first ultra.

The amazing Rajeev Patel.

The usual suspects, chilin in the shade.

Good eatin' at Quicksilver once my appetite came back.

Mmm…. desserts.

Moving Forward

I need to remember the gps watch is a great tool but not infallible. I need to remember not to go out too hard too early and lastly I need some heat training before the San Diego 100 in three weeks. I've already started using Quicksilver as my start point but I need more.

Reunited

I would reconnect with Greg and Emilia the following Thursday on our group's morning trail run. Emilia came all the way from Stanford to hang out and behind the camera was Gary. Another great time at Quicksilver. Miwok 100k the weekend before is a great race, I've completed it 4 times and I'm tempted to test myself on the new course but with the price increase and the lottery I may just stick to Quicksilver. The race sells out but its entry fee is reasonable, there is no lotter and the post race food is one of the best.

br>Photo courtesy of Chris Jones. Emilia on the far left and Greg Benson 4th from the left.

Gonna Suck for Sure

Pardon the language but that is what comes to mind when I think about my event tomorrow:)

Finally back from the UK with a ton of pictures and a few stories, one of which I've already typed up for a future blog post. First things first though. I miss being with Mash and sharing a home with her but it is also good to be home. Home is home. These are my routes, my trails and my hills so to speak. I thoroughly enjoyed all those non-hilly miles in Regents Park in the gloomy, drizzly weather of London, in fact I have a special place in my heart for Regents Park now, but that experience is in sharp contrast to the sunny skies, warm weather and hills of San Francisco. The hills look bigger and I swear the Marin Headlands and Mt. Tam across the Golden Gate Bridge grew in size while i was gone. Then there's the heat… when did it get so warm? I went for an early afternoon run yesterday, to the bridge and back, and I was not comfortable.

I'm whining about being a bit unprepared for the Quicksilver 50-mile at San Jose's Almaden Park tomorrow. It's going to be warm, stinking hot for me and I'm not sure where my fitness lies. I've never started a year so unsure of my capabilities, so late in the year. Usually by this time I've already run a couple races and have some heat training under my belt. This time last year I was hitting the sauna and attending my spin classes with layers of long sleeve shirts, a lightweight shell and sometimes a beanie.

Ah well no use bemoaning what I don't have going for me. I did run well in London. It's gonna be hot, it's going to suck, it's going to be a long, long day but it's nothing I haven't experienced before. it could always be worse, it could be the Mt. Diablo 50-miler, 13,000 ft. of climb in 90+ degree weather. Quicksilver is perfect for kicking off my final preparations for the San Diego 100, might as well go big the first day of heat training:) Quicksilver's terrain and exposed trails is also similar to SD which is a huge plus.

It's going to hurt a bit but it will most likely be a great time with friends and a chance to reconnect with my inner ultra self, the part of me that has gotten me through to the finish of all of my races. A tough talking, motivating, no-nonsense but sometimes funny part of myself that keeps the wheels turning up here and down there. The part that is not scared of a DNF but fears that it won't do everything it can to prevent one. I'm not a front runner, I don't grace podiums. I just try my best to finish a race that I start.

So here's to tomorrow and when it gets to it's most difficult I will try to remember that I have to two friends, Dana Katz and Kara Teklinski, running their first 100-miler in Mt. Zion in 90+ weather. They started today and those ladies will still be going when we start Quicksilver tomorrow.

It can always be worse, there is always someone suffering more than me and next to my ultra personality stands one that likes to whine and bitch who needs to shut up so I can put up. Deep down, I love this!

London and the Finsbury Park 15k

A London Tube Station in downtown. We would call them subways in the US. This is why I stick to parks although the Oxford Circus Station is an extreme example, most of the tube stations I've seen are not this crowded.

I'm back! Back in London that is. Actually I've been here for about three weeks now, visiting Masha again, and I will be here for another two weeks before heading home. Running is different here but it's going very well. I'm enjoying my park runs and I don't mind the absence of hills or the weather as much - would love more sunshine though. I've found a running home in Regent's Park where I run loops around the perimeter. A loop is about 2.75 miles and I'll go round and round for whatever time I have available. It's flat but not as boring as I thought it would be and inside the park there are dirt trails, interesting sights and open fields where a good number of people play team sports. I stay on the outside perimeter though to maximize my miles and one of my favorite parts is running past the gate of the Winfield House, home of the US Ambassador to the UK. They always have British Police guarding the gate with their German made machine guns, HK's, slung across their chests looking ready for action. Unlike their famous cousins, you know the ones with the funny hats, these guards actually move and are always on the lookout. They try very hard not to stare at people as they walk or run by but I've caught the eye of a few who notice me doing my rounds. Just this evening two guards outside the gate stared at me curiously as I ran by for what was probably the fifth or sixth time. Guys you have a gorgeous park, well maintained, well attended, bereft of wind or heavy traffic and I love it. A bonus is to run into the Nike Run group with their fluorescent traffic vests (can't believe they actually have to run in these) or being passed by groups of cyclists training on the road of the outer ring. I've run in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens but Regent still remains as my favorite.
Speaking of running and favorites. My favorite girl has taken up running. I know by saying "favorite" it seems to imply she is one of many but no, she is the only one. After the holidays when both of us were busting out of our fat pants, I started training for races and she joined her college gym. She started taking gym classes and got on the treadmill and started running. She's no stranger to running having run track in high school but she is new to distance having specialized in the 100 meter dash. When I first met her here in London last Fall I didn't know this little fact and was always surprised when she would out sprint me to the bus. Not that I'm fast or anything but she would out sprint me on her flats:) As far as I can tell she's enjoying herself. She ran her first 10k last month and two Sundays ago I ran with her on her first 15k race. It was quite a treat for me as it was our first race together and my first running event in the UK, win - win right? It was a great time especially since Finsbury park had rollers in it; truly, I was surprised too. If it was closer I'd put in some laps on that park too. It was three loops of a 5k course and the event also offered the 5k and 10k distances.
Masha had fun but lack of training because of school, lack of sleep because of school and her first crack at the distance left her a bit disappointed with her time. She can be so hard on herself but I told her to look at the bright side, she can only do better once she gets back into her running after her papers are done. I try to give her running advice but I don't think she really listens to me. She looks up to Larissa though so maybe I just have Larissa call her and give her advice:) Ah well, it's her own journey of self-discovery. She will learn her own lessons, make her own mistakes despite all the caution and advice I give her but she will also reap her own rewards as she has done so already. She survived her first 10 and 15k and now she doesn't think it's that big of a jump to the 21k / Half-Marathon distance. I did tell her to spend more time at the shorter distances first though. No rush needed for the longer distances but as I mentioned, she doesn't really listen to me. It's her not so secret desire to beat me at a race, she's told me so.
Enjoy the pictures. I have more stories from the UK coming up!

With Robert, a classmate in her master's program.

I designed these trail running shirts for my triathlon club last year and she had to have one. It looks good on her.

In action. This is actually a downhill section. Can you tell? You had to be there.

Happy to be done. Yes I wore my Tamalpa ultrarunning team shirt to a 15k. Love the club, love the shirt, love the girl, not in that order.

Sonoma and Napa

Ian Sharman and Devon Crosby-Helms at mile 8 of the Napa Marathon. Ian would end up finishing 7th and I believe, achieve the fastest marathon for a runner dressed as Elvis in the Guinness Book of World Records. Devon would finish 6th, first woman and break the course record set in 1992 by Diana Fitzpatrick by 5 seconds. Awesome right. Devon had also won the women's race in 2007. Incidentally, Diana and her husband Tim are the new race directors for the Tamalpa Headlands 50k.

Well this past weekend was quite calm and laid back mostly because my body was fighting through another bug. Maybe a bug, I say that because I didn't feel sick. I had none of the usual cold symptoms just some minor sinus congestion, sinus pressure and lot's of fatigue. No idea what it was just that it knocked me on my butt for 3 days. Great, like I'm not slow enough these days. Usually I have allergies this time of the year so I started taking allergy medicine again and just got more sleep. Felt better by the weekend but I cut out the long run. Now I feel super, even better than before, so strange but I'm not complaining. I'm up to two speeds now; slow and not so slow. Soon I'll get more of my gears back!

So it was a good thing that the weekend before was fun enough for two weekends. It started Saturday morning when a group of us headed up to Lake Sonoma for another training run. This time we ran it counter clockwise which caused it's own problems but now I'm confident that I won't get lost on that course if I ever run the race. Unfortunately we took a shortcut and only ran 20 or so miles so I can't technically say that I've done a 50 at Lake Sonoma:) We took longer than expected so we rushed the changing and clean up and hit a winery for some wine tasting in Sonoma. We only had time for one but this small winery specialized in big reds, my favorite. I could have stayed there and had a couple more glasses. From there we hit the town of Healdsburg for some food then on to Petaluma to visit our friend Chris and have dinner with him. The night was spent in a motel room in Petaluma so we could watch friends run the Napa Marathon in the morning. Reason 101 why you know you are a runner: you are willing to sleep in the floor of a small motel room with 3 other people just to watch other people run. Not the first time that has happened and probably won't be the last.

We were up at 6AM, the ladies and Randy were done getting ready by 6:20 but I needed till 6:30:) Stopped off for some coffee and were off, racing to Napa to catch our runners at the mile 8 mark. We would catch them again at 18 before finally seeing them again at the finish line. Our Thursday morning run group, the Ninjas, had a great showing with three of them in the top 10; Nathan 4th, Victor 5th and first in his age group, Devon 6th and first female. We stayed for the awards ceremony, helped Devon with her haul of wine before finally making our way back to San Francisco.

The weather all weekend was sunny and warm, it got too warm at Napa for the runners in fact. When we got to San Francisco I was glad to see that it was sunny there too. You never know with San Francisco, it can be foggy and cold in the city while it's sunny and warm everywhere else.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. It was such a great weekend of good weather,running trails, indulging in good food and wine, catching up with friends and spectating at a great event. Incredibly blessed, my cup overflows.

Jenn, Mary Beth, Larissa and Charles on the Lake Sonoma 50-mile course.

Jenn carefully making her way across the log, what is not pictured are the thorn bushes on the other end which is giving her pause.

Wine tasting in Sonoma. Unfortunately we only had time for one winery after our run although that may be a good thing. This place only had big California reds - my favorite.

One of my favorite pictures from the weekend. Jenn finishing off a glass, mud from the days run still on her legs. Actually we all had mud on our legs after the run. There was no bathroom facilities at the parking lot and we ran out of wipes:)

With Randy outside the winery's tasting room. Don't know why I was sneering.

Finally getting some solid food at Healdsburg, nice place, my first time in the town.

The bbq oysters were awesome, reminded me of summer days in Honolulu where I had them for the first time.

Victor Ballesteros, 5th at mile 18, he would finish 5th and first in his age group.

Nathan finishing 4th overall.

Catching up with Ian afterwards.

Devon, shortly after saying a few words to the crowd.

Unfortunately with the good there is also the not so good, my buddy John Branderhorst after his 3:15 marathon. He's disappointed because he was on pace for another sub-3 hour marathon until cramps got the better of him. In my best form and lightest weight, maybe, just maybe I could hit a 3:15 but I get it. It's always a disappointment when a goal slips away like that.

Quick lunch break at Oxbow where I witnessed Devon and Nathan wolf down their food while dressed for the slopes in their puffy jackets, sunglasses and beanies while sitting outside in the sun. They even had the heat lamp on but turned it off when we sat with them. I guess they were totally running on empty:) I had mercy on myself and my knees and had a salad.

Rushed back for the awards ceremony where we witnessed Devon getting her weight in wine for being first woman.

Champions and AG winners also got magnums.

Victor with his AG award. This was his first marathon, great job Victor.

This was my reward on Sunday, an unnamed pasty from Bouchon with my coffee. It was spectacular, like a circus in my mouth and I can't wait to visit Bouchon again.

For more pictures click here.