Sunshine Makes Me Happy!

Best Day Ever!

2011-09-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

This summer has flown by. I have been to the desert, the cool rain of Washington, on my bike, AND in the WATER.

I have missed the water. I have missed swimming, and decided in May that I would endeavor on a swim event to get back into it. This 4 mile swim event, well it is not just an "event" it was a journey, an adventure, and such a gift. The best way to share is with a video of one of our training days (I am the one in the blue swim cap) and a video of the swim (my first attempt at making a video).

On Friday, what would have been Colin Holst's 8th birthday, I swam 4 miles in Lake Austin from the Pennebaker (360) bridge to Hula Hut. It was incredible! We were painted with our generous donor logos on Thursday evening (thank you: Drymax and NOW Foods), and painted with the Got2Swim logo (I got a bonus Dory on my back)...such a cool way to represent. I am honored to be part of representing water safety and drowning prevention programs and will take all I learned and share with as many as will listen!

So much more to share on the summer, which I will with pics, but these two videos are the best way to summarize the "Best Day Ever."

Thank You

2011-06-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Western States 2011,

I have spent the past few days reflecting on the gifts, memories, lessons, and experiences of this past weekend and what crosses my mind the most is just how thankful I am.

It all starts with an incredible trail. I feel so fortunate to know and love all the miles of beauty. While I didn't get to enjoy every step of the trail, I got to see the miles through someone else's eyes and see the trail at different times of the day. I am forever grateful for my runs on the trail with Dana Gard, and learning every special detail that comes to mean so much when you are out there counting down the minutes to the next aid station. As he said to me on Friday, while we were remembering my first runs on the trail, it just takes a few runs with someone who knows the trail and open eyes and ears to fully absorb. I was a sponge on those runs, and will forever remember every detail. It is in those details I fully appreciate just how special this trail is. But, on Saturday it was even better! I caught myself looking around as we were running, just in awe of the incredible sights. I would look down at the river, and have to stop myself from telling Aliza to look, as I didn't want her to fall. No Hands Bridge is everything I love it to be, even when you are rushing across it. Thank you WS trail for never disappointing in all of your glory!

It happens because of an amazing husband. I love that Paul embraced the idea of being out on the Western States trail, and that we could coordinate to be there for both of our runners. We got the best of all worlds: some time to ourselves to run and enjoy time together, and time to be with and help friends! What an awesome way to spend the weekend and I am so thrilled that he is such a part of this world with me. So lucky!

The appreciation is rounded out with a day with friends. Getting to catch up with old friends, making new friends, and sharing a singular passion and focus to be there for people you care about in the most incredible place.

And, in the end, it is all possible because of the strength, fortitude, and desire of a runner! Our stories and memories on the trail will not soon be forgotten, but it wouldn't be a true thank you without detailing some of the time we shared:
- for letting me push her to drink and eat to get back on track.
- for knowing how to manage her ability and pushing through pain, even when an easier option sounded more appealing

- for going against her personality to "make everyone happy" and remember that Saturday was HER day! I know this was a tough one for her, but in the end doing what was best for her race was the reason we were all there to support her!
- And, for trusting me...even with things she hadn't touched in over 10 years!
- And, mostly, because she is just so damn tough! Two of my favorite stories to ilustrate this point:
M: "time to take an electrolyte"
A: "ok"
a few sec later
M: "did you just spit out your pill?"
A:"I can't swallow them anymore so I have been chewing on them and spitting out the empty capsule."
This continues for every 20-30 min from approx. mile 65-98 (I had her take more electrolytes for the final push up from No Hands).

For the final approx 2-3 miles of the race she was incredibly light headed and her heart rate was up. Unfortunately, for fear of how close someone might be gaining from behind it was time to put her head down and run up the climb no matter what. She gave everything she didn't have left in those miles, but didn't get passed! After finishing, it was time to put the pieces back together. As we thought she was in the med tent getting an IV, Paul and I walk over to see that they have turned her into a pin cushion. It was a scene. The final straw for me was when "med" folk #3 was digging a needle around in her hand saying, "her vein keeps moving on me." Seriously?!?

Aliza with her new friend

As we had been running earlier I had told her the story of our friend, Stephan, and his adventures of drinking IV fluid so he wouldn't get pulled during an Ironman (kids don't try this at home). I kind of politely asked the woman digging around in Aliza's hand to take the needle out, and looked over at Aliza and asked if she could do it. She knew what I meant, and I asked the med folk if they would pour IV solution into a cup for her. Before she even questioned it, she started drinking it down. From there, we started breaking electrolyte pills into water (warm water thanks to Paul in effort to get her warm), and she drank that down, too. In a matter of 10 minutes her color was coming back and she was up and headed to the hotel for a shower.

I got to be witness to what is so deep in the heart of a true champion. She holds such grit and determination, but this is in addition to such a genuine heart of gold and a great great soul.

Western States - maybe 48 hours in complete duration, although I know for many it is an everyday to make it what it is, but always a memory that you can store for an entire year. Thank you so much for filling my memory bank for another year! Can't wait to see you again!!

mer

Trailrunning Family

2011-04-18T04:57:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that Paul is a much better runner than he is a race report writer. I can't capture exactly what his race was to him, but I can paint a picture of just how tough he is.

Rewind a few weeks...unless you are living under a rock in the Ultrarunning world, you know that Lake Sonoma was unfortunately cancelled due to weather. John and Lisa made the call early enough so that we could cancel all of our reservations. As Paul laughed about later, this cancellation opened the flood gates to me adding in a few extra races. Take one out, add three more :) But, for Paul, he was wanted to run his first 50-miler. He didn't want to wait until the end of the month, and after all of his marathon pacing he didn't want to run another "marathon" as part of the 50, thus eliminating AR50. So, we decided to stay local and he got excited to race Hells Hills 50-miler.

Hells Hills is a great race in Smithville. It has kept the low-key feel of early ultras, while growing and still having all of Joe's first class pieces. I love the race more than anything because it is one of my favorites to volunteer at. The trails are on a closed ranch, so it is safe and night running by yourself is not daunting. Two years ago Jason and I started running at 2AM and then hooked in with the racers at 5. Last year I used it as a good night run for WS, and spent the night in the woods hanging glowsticks. This year since I didn't need to be out until the middle of the night, I waited for the sun to set and Flyer and I set off to hang glowsticks. It was a beautiful night, and just so enjoyable.

After we finished, before midnight, we tucked into the car for sherpa duty the next day. I woke up with Paul around 4ish and sent him on his way. Spirits were good, and he had folks to run with. Our friend, Steven Moore, was running and would hopefully set the pace of experience for Paul.

Loop 1 - The guys came in about 6 strong, all within a minute. They looked good and sweaty. It was not hot outside, but the humidity might take a toll later. Paul and I had a quick transition and he was off...smiling and with ease.

Loop 2 - Paul comes in from loop 2 and asks how far back he is. Oops...I never saw another guy, hmmm. complete failure on the sherpa duty. I yell some encouragements to Paul, and folks laugh about how strong he looks and that he probably could follow my encouragement to "pick it up." Steven comes in about 10 minutes later with cramps in his legs. I hand him a handful of electrolytes that he tries to pick through, but I insist that he take them all. He gets enough in to rally the third loop and finish strong.

When Sandi, his wife, comes in from the 25K she tells me that Paul was about 9 min down on the 1st place guy. I tell her about my not seeing the guy, and not being able to give Paul any info. We chat and watch racers come in.

The first guy comes in 6:59 and change. He says that he has been running scared thinking Paul would catch him. Paul comes in 7:02 and change like he had taken a jog through the park...wow, did he make it look easy! The only downfall of the day was that he set his feet on FIRE, and Asa (Liza's son) had to extinguish the fire. See her blog for the fireman reference :)

It was an awesome day with friends, catching up, and watching Paul make it look easy. Oh, I guess I should rewind just a little bit more to the 130+ bike ride he did the Saturday before...nice taper, huh?

Last weekend...as if the 50-miler wasn't enough to warrant rest Paul rode 90 mi on Saturday and was going to "run" the Loop 30K trail race. I am thinking that he will be tired and take it a little easy...I thought I was the race/mileage junkie of the family? Not so much. He follows his 50-miler with a win at the 30K. There was a funny incident of odors and claims of Paul in the woods, but I will leave that story to be told in person. It would lose it's effect on paper :)

With all of Paul's trail racing, I was thinking of retiring to solely road running...just to be different in the family. Just kidding. Although, I have been enjoying my running crew and they have been dishing out a good beating to me regularly! It keeps my schedule on target, and keeps me very honest with running hard, vs. slower than I am capable of. I am so appreciative of them for the early morning company!!

This past weekend I headed out to Hogs Hunt 50K. It was going to be a good training run for Quicksilver. I have had two big weeks leading up, so it was going to be easy to keep things at a training pace. I will start off by saying it was definitely not my finest, but nonetheless I held things together and ran decent. Here is the quick breakdown:

A couple of things (aka excuses):
- I slept 30 min Friday night
- with the above just felt sleepy and that weird "I haven't slept nausea feeling"
- am NIGHTBLIND...running fast in the dark on trails is HARD!
- don't take your glasses off mid-race. It takes your eyes too long to adjust...again not a great idea on trails.

- don't chase a girl that passes you when she has never run a 50K. Experience is useful in this sport.

I did not run a smart race. I took off and was out of breath trying to focus in the dark, and find my pace. I was happy to hit the jeep road, but didn't settle down. After the first aid station, things didn't improve when I saw a girl not far behind. I just kept pushing the pace. (Larry - I don't know what the heck y'all were running on the jeep road, but my geek-o-meter review ranged from 7:20s-7:46...and y'all were minutes ahead :) )

Fortunately/ unfortunately, the girl caught me about 10 miles into the first loop. She was in from out of town for a wedding, and had never run a 50K. She picks up the pace, and takes off...literally out of sight. In my head I tell myself that she will blow-up, and I should just run my race but it bugs me that she took off and I proceed to pick up the pace and chase, chase, chase...to the end of the first loop. Yup, one loop left to go.

I get my lead back after the first loop, but I feel that she is close. Again, I run hard to the first aid station and see her on the turn-around. She is making me work!! I run strong on the jeep road, but am definitely getting tired. I have gone too hard too early, dumbass...I know better.

Now I just have to hang on. I am in good spirits, but definitely slowing. I just have to hope she is too, but won't know until the finish. And, then, I have to go to the restroom...ugg. I get back on the course and this guy I had passed was right in front of me. I ask if she passed and he says no. I plug away, and a few miles later...back in the woods. At this point, again, I don't know if she passed or not. So I push, and convince myself to push to the finish. I catch back up to the same guy, and, again, I am stll in the lead. I still continue to push. I am ready to be done. I had a solid 5 mile close after 6 miles or so of bathroom/tired legs/stupid early running.

My first loop was 2:08 (25K) and my 2nd was 2:18 (with 2 restroom stops)...not great, but I will take it.

The only plus is that since this was a training run/effort I am not sore at all. And, even though the above "excuses" are out there...they are not actual excuses as they didn't stop or hinder what my body was able to do on raceday. They are just thoughts I need to work through for the next race!

It has been amazing to share training and racing with Paul (and Flyer). I feel so fortunate to be able to share so much with him, trade-off sherpa duties, and enjoy the rewards of work eithic and a healthy lifestyle. I love that we have 7 years of kisses during and after races, and look forward to many more!!

Huge thanks to Olga for the race photos and wonderful chats at the races these past few weeks (I wish there was a pic of the two of us..). Thanks to Liza for letting us play with Asa - the fireman, and to all of our trail family (Joe, Joyce, etc) for making this journey so much more fun!!

Hugs!
mer

88 Steps

2011-03-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Paul and I headed to Waco this past weekend for a 50K race/training run. Springtime is in full swing, so I was looking forward to running in warmer weather.

It was a breezy morning, but I was excited to run this race again. Cameron Park is such a hidden gem in Waco, and RD Tim really goes out of his way to maximize the best of what the trails have to offer. Last year the trail was under construction, so a few miles of each loop were on the road. It was still a tough course, but nothing like this year. As a mountain bike trail, you are either running up or down the whole time. There are very few sections of running flat for more than about .5 mile. The highlight of each loop, this year, was a climb called Jacob's Ladder. Last year we didn't have the bonus treat at the end of the loop. The "ladder" consists of 88 concrete steps. They are not just stair steps, but mini climbs for someone with short legs. There were some other trail bonuses, but I will get there in a moment.

Right before the race started we got an awesome surprsie of Chris!! She is someone we met at Transrockies this past year from Flagstaff. She was originally from the Waco/Austin area, so she used the race as an excuse to visit folks. I was thrilled for her to be there because I knew that she would push me. I knew she was an incredible runner from her performance at TRR (she and her partner were 3rd or 4th in the open mixed and Aliza had told me how awesome of a runner she was as the week in CO went by), but I had not seen her climbing in action until Saturday. We take off, and Paul is out of sight in a moment. We hang together in a group of about 4. We have moments of not knowing where the course is, but we seem to be finding our way. We go through the first aid station and then spread out. We continue on, and at some point I pass mile 4 and 5, keep running and then pass mile 4 and 5 AGAIN!! UGG! What have I done?!? After about 10 minutes I get to the perimeter trail and take it thinking I would just go back to the aid station. Fortunately on the road I see the RD and he heads me in the right direction, and then proceeds to remark and fix the course. After I get the next two loops correct I realize I added about 1.5 miles...oh well, this is supposed to be a training run.

I have no idea where I am compared to the others, so I just push on. As I turn on the road to hook back to the last .5 of the loop I see Cris heading out on her 2nd loop. She is about a mile ahead of me. I head up the steps and then around the corner to finish loop one.

I head out for loop two. As I am about a mile into loop two I see the RD and he asks if I have any prob with the turn markings. I said, "all good." Then a little before mile 2 of the loop someone is standing on the trail and points for me to climb up a bamboo jungle. I look at him funny and he says that most folks missed this on loop one. We were one of those groups, hmm. Sure enough as I start scrambling up the bamboo I see a trail marker. WOW, crazy route and climb :) His fixes were great because this loop went much smoother. I had many less pauses to make sure I was going the right way. I appreciate him getting on the course and making those during race corrections.

With the trails the way they were set-up, it was nice to be able to see Chris and a guy in a green shirt ahead of me. I could tell I was catching up, but didn't know how close I was. It was when I hit the stairs I saw them both just ahead. On the way down to the start finish I caught the guy, switched out my bottles, and headed out.

Up the bamboo again, and I saw Chris right ahead of me. When we got to the top I saw her stop. I thought she was stretching a cramp, so I asked if she was ok. She asked me if we were headed correct, and I told her that I had done the bamboo on loop two. She said that loop 3 was her first time to be sent that way. We laughed at the fact that we had both messed up the course as one point or another. Off we went together. We hit one section that was a long, not steep, uphill. She slowly pulled away from me. I kept seeing her, but with the uphills I couldn't stay with her. UGGG! I am not a strong uphill runner :( I was able to stay not far behind, but just couldn't stay with her. I caught back up to her as she was refilling her camelbak at the last aid station. I was able to run through, and started one of the last long uphills...of course she caught back up again. I was able to stay right ahead of her on the flats and downhills, but she would pull away on the uphills. She was just so smooth on the ups. She got to the steps about 20 sec ahead of me, and I pushed the road down to the finish but finished behind her in about 5:24.

Major bonus to have her there because I ran stronger than I would have on my own. Even with the harder course, 3x88 steps, and bonus mileage I actually finished the same time I did last year so I was pleased and her to thank for it!

Paul, of course, won. He said that he didn't feel great, but he didn't have anyone to run with or push him and had a huge week of training leading up...this is also two hours longer than his last race :)

Sunday morning we headed to Bastrop for a soft run. I am so proud of him for the back to back run as I know he would have rather been on his bike. I know he will thank me at Sonoma! I don't know if all of this running is for him, so we might have to find an adventure together that offers a bit more variety. But, it is such a treat to do this together!

Pics to come soon! I know, for sure, there is one of Chris and I.

Happy Springtime!!
mer

A Picture

2011-02-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

This picture is the example of: celebration, courage, trust, selflessness, and memories to last!

Paul wanted Desiree to have her moment, but she pulled him into the moment to share. They had shared many miles together. Paul told her to dig in, do this because so many were cheering for her, do this for her mom, and do this for her. It was not her goal for the day, but the win was still hers. Paul backed off from the group he was pacing (2:46) as he knew they were in good hands with Scott, and stuck himself to Des. He blocked the wind, cheered her on, and kept her strong.

Our friend, JP, sent this pic to my phone and said, "your boy is a stud." Dang right he is!

mer

Running With Elvis

2011-02-06T16:29:00.000-08:00

(as edited by Bryon Powell for IRUNFAR) Paul and Ian ran the North Face 50K in December and finished 2/1. Afterward, Ian wrote a great report and was quite kind to Paul. From there, Paul saw the RR was on Ian’s race schedule and sent him a note and said that if we are out there he would love to pace him. The stage was set… in December.

About 3 weeks ago I decided not to race the 50, but go out and do course set-up for the 2 days before the race. Again, we reached out to Ian, but this time offered him the service of pacers for the last two loops, which he graciously accepted.

Thought it would be fun to share a quote on his pre-race plan: “My race number is 6 and I’m planning on running somewhere between 13 and 14 hours, so should hit 60 miles very close to 8 hours into the race (should be easy to pace that bit, it’s just the last 2 laps that’ll be hard). Aim is to stick to 8 min/miles if I feel it’s possible later on, plus there’s now so much competition in the race that it’d be a shame to not try to give those guys a race.”

We also told him we would crew for him at the aid stations. It would be a good way for us to pass the time and get to see the race play out. :)

After I arrived and ran the course on Thursday I sent Ian a note to tell him that the course was in the best condition I had ever seen it and that the weather for Saturday looked to be perfect. We made some final coordinating to meet at packet pick-up, as I hadn’t met him yet, and that was it.

Thursday night/Friday morning… snow in Texas. :) I ran the course again, and aside from very icy bridges the course was still in perfect condition.

I met Ian at packet pick-up, and we talked about what he might need and then just small talk. What a laidback guy. I think we talked less about the race than about random stuff. I went to meet Paul to hang glowsticks on the course for the next morning and told him that Ian was going to have a special day with that calm.

What we didn’t tell him is that Paul had a streak to hold up: He has paced the last 3 race winners at Rocky: Jorge Pacheco, Jamie Donaldson, Greg Crowther. He was also coming off pacing the Olympic Trial hopefuls at Houston last week. He was to pace the 2:39 group, but when all the women slowed he slowed with them to bring them in for the “B” standard. And the last time I paced at Rocky was when Jenn Shelton ran 14:57. No pressure, yet!

The Race
The first time we saw Ian was as he was running in from lap 1 (mile 20). The plan was for us to refill his Camelbak and give him goodies (nibbles as he calls it) from his little bag, which he had left. Oh, and take clothes as he took off layers. Simple enough.

Well, he comes through in second and his Camelbak has frozen. He hands it and a layer to me and says he will the pack later. At this point, he is without a hydration source, which (as someone who specializes in ultra nutrition) I didn’t like. His plan was to have nuun and water in that source. So we go into crew action. I have a tiny bottle (10 oz) that I am going to fill with a nuun and water and give to him at the next aid station: Nature Center (mile 23).

We meet him there, but he graciously doesn’t take the bottle. I figure I will just keep having the bottle and his Camelbak which we thawed. Hopefully, he would take one eventually. We see him next at Park Road (mile 36) and he takes the bottle. He is eating and drinking well, but I am happy that he is now carrying something. Now, I know he will hold strong!!

He comes through the 2nd loop (mile 40) in first and looking smooth and happy. We refill the bottle and get him out. Aid station stops are about 30 seconds, if that. The year I paced Jenn, I also crewed for Anton Krupicka, so we know how to NASCAR crew! Paul and I love this stuff, and Ian was super gracious and happy to have us move him quickly when we could.

We have been waiting for the others to go through the aid stations, but we haven’t been sharing the splits. It just doesn’t seem important or something Ian needs for motivation. He is definitely doing his thing and we are happy to be part of it.

By loop 3 we have our job down, and Ian is just in what seems to be cruise mode. Although his cruise mode is a sight to see, WOW!

We are meeting him at all aid stations we can and just keep the machine on target. Again, he is so on top of his eating and drinking.

As he approaches mile 56 aid station, I notice he still has some layers on. As he goes through, I asked if he wants to take off layers (hat, gloves, long sleeve) just to put the bug in his ear that they need to come off and he says he will in 5 miles start/finish.

As he comes into the start/finish of loop three (mile 60), he has removed the extra layers to toss to me. (We have been drying these layers just in case he needs them later.) He and Paul head out together and he says, “let’s go for 8 minutes per miles.” He doesn’t have a Garmin on, but is so in tune with where he is, how long stretches are between aid stations, and how long each stretch is taking. It is just such a testament to how on top of his nutrition and game he was. Incredible!

Paul said that the loop was awesome. Ian set the pace and they just chatted away. Paul noticed that he was breathing a little harder on the “hills,” but still so strong. I actually waited for the next guys to come through as we had missed them at the last couple of aid stations. I noted that they were 20 minutes behind him. His lead was building. My friend Mike pointed out that they would have to increase their pace 1 minute per mile on the last loop to catch him. WOW!

I had my friend do some quick calculations for me, just in case, to see what we needed to do to maintain the course record at this point. He needed at least a 3 hour loop, even with cushion.

Right before 10 hours into the race we have a Team Terranova hand-off!

Ian and I start down the trail and he tells me that he just wants a 3 hour loop. I say ok, but let’s just kind of relax and see what happens. We don’t take lights so the real goal is to get to Park Road, 4 miles from the finish, during daylight.

Conversation is almost as light as his feet. I tell him stories of folks who have sent well wishes his way on my phone, and talk is light. Let’s be honest, I am not running slow for me!

We see Anton and Hal and we guess that they are about 30 minutes behind. Take note here!! Ian says, “Yhey are about 28 minutes behind.” We are later told that they come in 27 minutes behind. Almost 83 miles in and he is THAT on is game and that clear in his mind!

We get to the aid station and reload him.

I ended up needing to hit the woods and took an alternate route to me back up with Ian. The best part, as it turns out later, is that Ian says that this is actually a great thing for him. He was able to relax and cruise. He ended up about 40 minutes without me. We head back to the aid station and this time it is a bit of a frenzy. Everyone is taking tons of pictures as I fill his bottle and he “nibbles.” (I am getting such a kick out of his description of aid station eating.)

We leave the aid station with about an hour of running left. He is just a few minutes behind his last split, and running so well! It is just awesome to be with him. Such a wonderful person. We get back on the single track and I see what I think is Karl. I ask, “was that Karl.” Ian says, “yes,” and we note that he is about 8 miles behind him. WOW! We start talking about the odds that Karl gave him (13-1) and how he wished that he could have taken that bet.

I remind him that this is the last rooted section, then the jeep road, and last aid station. I tell him we will grab lights there and that my light is ridiculous. We have a great run of it. We run side-by-side on the jeep road and have a good push of it. He asks me how much further until we turn and I tell him, “two bumps.” I refuse to call the stuff out here hills, although I am sure he is thinking the opposite at this point.

He and I talk about the fact that it was hard for him to get going again after the last aid station, so I suggest we just run through the last one without a pause. It’s only 4 or so miles to the finish and he should be fine. I encourage him to take part of a gel as we head into the aid station, so he can dump the rest as we go through. He, again, is just so on it and ready to take the gel. AWESOME!

We cross the road, Paul hands me both of our lights, and off we go with maybe a 2 second pause. I hand him his headlamp and put mine on my head. I don’t realize that he is holding his, but at the point when he is about to put his on I hear a clammer and then the most awesome tuck and roll. CRAP! Before I can blink he is up and running, and I find him the best running ground on the right side of the trail.

Oh, side note, he is still running every tangent possible on every turn. Definitely the road runner in him, and when I applaud it he says, “why would I run any extra.”

Back to the tuck and roll…he is up and we are back in action. There is little to no pause in our forward momentum. As we turn back onto the singletrack our lights go on. It takes me a moment, but at the perfect angle I can totally light the trail for him from behind. Yes, my light is that bright. (I am night blind, so I need it…and yeah, forgot to get my glasses.) The goal is to not fall and get past the two rooty inclines. They are short, but not worth the tripping. From there, it is about a mile of smooth sailing to the finish.

I keep telling him what an honor and pleasure it has been to help him and his days of running under the radar are officially over. He picks it up and we sprint it in. 12:44!!

Could not have happened to a more talented (6:01 at Comrades!! and the world record for marathon in costume) guy. He has wheels and a fantastic attitude!

Paul and I loved being part of it!
mer

Bad Weather and Being Uncomfortable

2011-01-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

"I'd like to see you challenge yourself from the beginning." I was further instructed to tap into my uncomfortable zone early, latch onto folks, but not run like a bat out of hell. What a loaded list to work with.

I was off to a trail marathon last Sunday to make up for missing Bandera the week before. It was a perfect setting: loop course, flat terrain, soft running, a chance for a quick visit with the folks, and an easy trip. The only piece I was missing from Bandera weekend was the fantastic weather, and the rocks...which I never miss anyway :) Last weekend called for 40s and rain ALL WEEKEND. That would have been fine if my only run of the weekend was the practice pacing run on Saturday, but I had locked myself into the marathon and asked coach if I could count the weather as my "uncomfortable running?"

Saturday morning Paul and I met up with the Rogue pace teams for a "practice" run. It seems so simple to run slower than your pace for a marathon, but it actually takes practice. You are constantl monitoring and making sure you are running slow enough. I pace the 3:50 group. I LOVE LOVE LOVE pacing. It is such a joy to share the time with folks working toward a goal like a marathon, and often a first marathon. It makes you remember what this feels like all over again. So here we are in 40s and rainy, trotting along, when our group tells us that their MGP segment ends with about 5 miles to go in the run. There was no convincing them to run an extra step at MGP. They had their instructions and they were determined to slow. It actually worked well for Danny and I because when they hit their spot, we sped up to a more comfortable easy run pace. We were chatting along, and at one point I looked down and our pace was 6:50...hmm probably not pre-race pace. So we slowed to a more comfortable 7:20 and continued on. I will admit that running so easily at this pace, in the nasty weather, gave me an extra boost to my fitness for the next day....I needed it.

Paul had already finished breakfast by time we returned, he is pacing the 2:47 group at Austin, and was ready to shuttle me to my car. I was happy to have run the 13 as my pre-race warm-up. Iknew exactly what gear I would need for the next day.

In a last minute decision Paul opted to head to Houston with me. He figured it would be more fun to hang out with me and the fam then be home in the nasty weather. I was thankful to have him join me. It always takes my pre-race edge off.

We arrived to Houston to no rain. For a brief moment I dreamed that I would be running in dry conditions. HAHA! We woke up early Sunday morning and headed out to Brazos Bend in rainy very windy conditions. The course was a figure 8 loop around 2 little lakes (4 miles) and then a long out-and-back and then repeat. The race was supposed to be 50K start, then marathon, then 1/2. Thankfully, due to a rain delay they started the 50K and marathon together. The 50K just had a bonus loop each loop. I started in my rain jacket and gloves, knowing that I would see Paul after the 4 mile loop. We took off and one guy flew off the front. I ran with the eventual 50K winner and quickly we separated ourselves from the rest of the race. He would get a couple of paces in front of me, but everytime there was a possible wrong turn he would take it and then catch back up. Nice guy, though. I gave my jacket and gloves to Paul and off we went for the out-and-back. At one point during the out and back, a guy in black passed me. I had settled into a good rhythmn so wasn't ready to hang onto him (I would be thankful for this later).

On the way back, we got to see the entire field of people. Yes, some were running 3 and 4 together and given the wet it slowed things down, but overall people were so friendly. It was raining constantly and I felt like a little kid splashing in the puddles. I got to cheer for Linda, Cheri, Jeff, and Greg which is always a highlight for me! Austin runners are the best!

As I started the 2nd loop, I felt great. I was behind black tank guy and was debating on whether he was slowing or steady. I think I actually backed off a little to let him stay in front of me...or maybe I wasn't thinking that hard about it. I came through the 4 mile loop ready to go hard for the out-and-back and see what was left in the tank. I haven't run a marathon in years, so my marathon PR of 3:20 almost feels like it's not real...is there an expiration date on a PR?

Sunday on the flat trail in the ran felt like my chance to see what I could do. As we started the out-and-back I passed the black tank guy, and then ran like hell. I looked back a few times but he was out of sight. The lead guy was about 10 minutes up on me, so I just focused on staying strong. I couldn't believe how much time I had made up on the guy on my way back. On the way out I saw Cheri and Jeff. They became my solid target for the finish...run hard enough to catch them before the finish line. I hadn't known how far they actually were down the trail, but I was going to push until I caught them. It ended up being a great goal. At this point, aside from a few folks heading out and passing folks on the way back I had the trail to myself which made weaving in and out of the puddles for the best line easy. I was filthy, but there wasn't any mud that was sticking so the course continued to be fast.

As I approached the road crossing with a little less than a mile to go, I caught Jeff and Cheri!! I also looked at my watch and realized that if I could continue to push I would break 3:15. My legs were gone, but I continued to push...3:13:39 2nd overall and 1st female!!

I have no idea what this translates to on tapered legs on the road, nor honestly do I care. I am proud that on a rotten day on a wet trail this is what my body was able to do. I am thankful that Paul was there to keep me moving and share a good result with me, and that is really all that matters.

But, at least for the next bit, when folks ask what my marathon PR is I can say under 3:13:39. Right now, it feels like where actually am and when convinced what I can push my body to do. Thank you to Paul, Ian, and all those who help me believe what I am capable of in a parts of my life!!
mer

Next week of the Houston Marathon! Paul is pacing the 2:39 group. He is just so fit, happy, and healthy right now! It is very exciting to see him like this!!

My Own Little World

2010-12-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

I need to download pics from last weekend, and will next week. I am FINALLY over the crud...almost 10 days later...and so I was thrilled to be able to get out and enjoy a long run in this incredible weather.

Paul and I were talking the other day, and then as I ran today I kept listening to this great song, My Own Little World. The song talks about being absorbed in your own little world. We are all to blame for living like this, but what if you took a few precious moments in your busy day and extended a hand, call, or note to your family, friends, and loved ones? What kind of impact do we have when we reach out to those we love? It's kind of like the thought of getting out the door for a run. Everyone says that there are no regrets in getting a run done...same thing applies to getting out of your own little world, no regrets.

The songs' lyrics are meaningful: "I don't want to miss what matters. I wanna be reaching out. Show me the greater purpose so I can be living right now."

I get a consistant glimpse of this whenever I can be a good person to those around me. It's whenever I can take a moment, not for me, that I realize "my own little world is not just about me."

As ill as I was last weekend, it was the filled moments that were more meaningful than any race. It was seeing Paul have a great run. It was spending wonderful time with friends. It was making the most of the time I had, and the time I got to share with others...it was realizing that there is a bigger picture.

I challenge you to take a step out of your own little world and see what you find :)
mer

Friends, Family, and North Face

2010-11-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

Things have been busy over the past few weeks, and never seem to slow down. Before Thanksgiving Paul, Flyer, and I went to Ultracentric 24-hour to support Jamie. We also got to support her friend, Debra, and enjoyed catching up, although only briefly per loop, with Amy.

During the race, when the sun went down, I had the treat of hitting the trails with Luis Escobar. In my mind he is always of photography fame. He takes the most incredible Ultrarunning shots. But, now-a-days he is of Born to Run fame. We had great talks and sloppy feet running in the woods. It was during this run that we talked about how Jamie and I became friends. We met at Mountain Massochist years ago when she was a Montrail Athlete and then I became one. From there we kept in touch and seemed to link up at races or when Paul and I would come through Colorado. I will forever be thankful for being on the Montrail team for the gift of her friendship and other people who have touched my life as a result (hugs to Sophie here!!).

After a short week Paul, Flyer, and I headed to H-town to visit my family for Thanksgiving. I enjoyed the time with my family, memories as we moved items out of my grandfather's house, hearing him tell stories of his family history, celebrating my dad's birthday with him, and wonderful moments with Paul. We went for a run on the trail I first ran on. It was 40 degrees and raining, but we had a blast slopping around the woods. I loved that when I needed a hug we sat on the couch upstairs at my parents and he just silently hugged me. I am so very thankful for every moment we get to share together! People ask if we have needed an "adjustment" period since he has moved home, and the answer is, "not at all!" We enjoy eachother so much that being together more is just such a huge bonus!

On that note we are headed to North Face Endurance race in San Fran this weekend. We are doing the fun run 50K! The weekend is more about spending time with eachother and friends, so I didn't want to be out there running or focusing on the run. That being said...we are working up some kind of race wager for time predictions between us :) Any ideas are welcome! I give us a 30 min diff. He ran 1:14 at San Antonio half as a training run, so he is in stellar shape. I am just happy that Anna is running the 50-miler so that Paul doesn't use her for pacing like he did over Hope Pass...

Sharing Austin

2010-11-18T18:45:00.001-08:00

The past few days have been such a treat! The Running Event comes to Austin each year, and this year brought in some of my friends from California and the West Coast. We planned a small get together last night, and with an added phone call or two it turned into a small party!

John and Lisa of UltraRunning fame, Josh, who shared his birthday with us, Ian, my coach, and Devon were all planned attendees. Then Ian asked if Karl could come...of course. El Chile, one of my favorites, was kind enough to set up a big table in the back of the restaurant for us. Paul picked up John and Lisa and I loaded up the rest of the crowd.

Once one round of drinks were down, the conversation got lively! For those of you who don't know, Karl has just come off of his run www.karlmeltzer.com 40 days and 2000 miles of the Pony Express route. Oh did he have tales to tell...runs, broken bones, crew fights, lots of support, golf games, and barley blood levels :) Well over three hours later, great food, conversation, laughs, and drinks we all got up with early departures or runs to come.

Then, this morning after getting in some quick work I picked up Devon at her hotel and we headed out for a run. I took her straight to the Hill of Life, our local Greenbelt. My goal of the run was to not have her turn an ankle. We had a great run and Flyer was all kinds of happy! From there we headed to Rogue, and then to the Snack Bar for the European Salad (hello beets!!), and finally a trip to Whole Foods.

More than just showing off all of the fun places of Austin on such a beautiful day, it was just incredible to spend a day with such a wonderful person. We shared so much great conversation, and I feel so fortunate that our paths have crossed a number of times, and will continue to cross in the coming months!

I love being able to share our town and my family with all of the wonderful people I have met over the years!

Next stop: Coldspring, TX to crew for Jamie! Paul, Flyer, and I will be manning the .6 mile loop for 24 hrs :)
mer

What a group!

Masochist...

2010-11-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

This past weekend brought me back to some of the final miles of Vermont 50 last year. It was Aliza and I on the trail. I had thrown in the towel. I had gone off course. I just wanted to finish. I didn’t fight to the end. I just got there. She was incredible in her patience, but I just wasn’t the person and runner I know I am. As I was talking to Paul Monday night I said, amongst other things, I am so proud that I fought all the way on Saturday.

I was so looking forward to Mountain Masochist. Fall colors and time with folks I hadn’t seen in years. My last trip to the race was actually on my birthday a few years ago, and Amy, who I had just met at the pre-race meeting, made signs wishing me happy birthday at the aid stations and folks all over the course wished me happy birthday. It was an awesome way to spend my birthday. That being said, I was a different runner then. I had no honest experience in the mountains and so each climb was so very hard. But, I knew this time would be different, even with a forecast of snow on raceday. Fortunately, I have a great friend who has already been running in the snow and had the best advice about layers. Spot on!!

I am so spoiled in my travels. I typically can leave for California on Friday morning for a Saturday race with no issue. Well, heading to Lynchburg was quite the opposite experience. Paul took me to the airport at 5:30 on Friday. At about 6:45 we were informed that there were “mechanical” issues. I immediately got up and had them schedule me on the next flight. This was a smart move because 20 minutes later the flight was cancelled. My first flight was now going to leave at 11:50. I put my compression socks on, elevated my feet, and chatted with others having my fun day. I actually met a very nice person who works for Livestrong, and it made the time pass. Fast forward to 5:30 Friday evening and I finally arrive in Lynchburg. I had been talking to Henry who was driving from DC to the race, and we decided that when I landed I would call in and pick up dinner for us and meet him at the host hotel. I was mentally and physically wiped out from the day. In fact, when I landed the only thing I said to Paul was that I just wanted to turn around and go home. In his firm loving way, he told me that this is a good test to run when I am tired, and to appreciate that I get to be there. Basically, suck it up!!

Pre-race dinner at 7pm, which is about 3 hours after my usual pre-race dinner time. My appetite was non-existent and I ate about ½ my food. Oh well, I wasn’t going to force it. I packed up my drop bag, and laid out my clothes for the 3:45 (2:45 Central) wake-up. After the race meeting, Sophie came to the room. It was so wonderful to see her and to catch up with her in person. We had met at my last trip to the race and had kept in touch since. This is the gift of the ultra-community and what I cherish about the people I have met through my travels. She entered the room with a heavy heart. Her friend, Mike, had passed away Friday morning. They had done a tribute to him at the pre-race meeting and it was just so tough. She was going to run to honor him and their friendship!

Barely a moment after we put our heads down to sleep, it was time to rally and go. From the moment I woke up, the best word to describe the mood was sleepy. I am normally so excited to race, and so excited to see what a day will bring. All I could think Saturday morning was how much I wanted to crawl back into bed. Ugg, what was I going to do? Well, no choice…lace my shoes up and go for a 54 mile run.

I slept on the bus ride to the start, sucked down a soda, and just prayed it would kick in before “Go” hit. The start was supposed to be in the mid 20’s. I stepped out to go to the restroom and realized that it just wasn’t that cold, so I stripped off a layer. It was the best call I could have made. I was in capris, a long tank, short sleeves, arm warmers, and gloves.

5 min before the start we got off the buses, I wished good luck to Sophie (who was planning to start very conservative) and Henry and lined up for the start. At exactly 6:30 after a short prayer we were off.

Right from the beginning on the road I felt nice and comfortable. We headed out for 1.5 miles and then turned around. I was so surprised to see so many folks behind me. I ran with two guys for a while, and was very entertained by their conversation. “I always have such a slow back end to this race.” “I suffer so much in the final miles of this race.” Blah, blah, blah. Basically, they were lamenting that they go out too fast every year. All I kept thinking was, “then, SLOW DOWN moron.” I slowed up a little to be smart, and let them go for a little while. As I continued down the road, I started thinking to myself, “just get to the finish line today and you can take the week off and sleep in.” I was angry with myself for having these thoughts but I just wanted the race to be over…and it had barely started. Fortunately, Jill and I started running together at this point. She said that she didn’t want to talk to me in case I was focused, and I explained to her that I welcomed the conversation because I was just hanging on to stay awake and get to the finish line, again at mile 5.

Pretty quickly we hit the trail, 53 min, and because it was still a little dark I had to back off because I couldn’t see. After a few moments I latched onto a guy with a light and followed him up the trail. I was very thankful for his bright light. I thought maybe I would perk up when the sun started coming up. It was a crisp morning, lots of leaves on the ground, and I was surrounded by beautiful colors. I just kept waiting for it to soak in and revive me.

I came into the mile 8ish aid station pretty quickly, and was thrilled to see Mountain Dew. I grabbed two cups and felt like that was going to be my life-line. LOTS of caffeine!! I took off from the aid station and hit the first solid downhill shortly after. I love running downhill, so I took off and got in my groove, even if a sleepy one. Then, bam! I flew in the air and hit the ground hard. Every place I made contact with the ground had to be on a rock. My knees, left quad, chest, and rib…my hardest fall ever. The funniest moment was as I was getting up I might as well have been road kill, the best description I could think of, because this dude came flying by me. Everything hurt, especially my left knee. Compounded with how I already was feeling I just wanted to quit. I say quit because that is the word that went through my mind. I walked for a moment, wallowed for a moment, and then started to run. I moved slowly down the hill. My left knee was killing, and my head totally left the game.

My immediate thought was that I was just going to make it to the mile 15 aid station because Sophie’s friends were there and I could quit. Folks were running past me, and I didn’t have the will to stay with them. But, as I approached the mile 15 aid station the perfect thing happened. As a guy ran by me, would later learn his name was Joseph, I said, “see ya later.” Not in a mean way, it’s just what came out of my mouth at the moment when he said hi. But, his response fired me up, “No you won’t.” All of a sudden, I thought, “oh yes I will.”

I thought of a number of things as I headed out of the mile 15 aid station: #1: I didn’t come all this way to quit; #2: if I can’t run downhill strong I am just going to have to run uphill strong; #3: I will just take it just 3 hours at a time, and probably the silliest motivator was #4 there wasn’t any blood coming out from my capris so that fall couldn’t be that bad.. I also thought about the necklace Nicole had given me for my birthday. It was a replica of the card Paul gave me the morning of Western States, “Never, never, never give up.” How could I wear that necklace if I can’t finish this race?

The pain continued, but I fought on. I ran with a guy from Wisconson for a while, but he backed off as we climbed toward the ½ way point. As I ran along I passed a young guy. And, in the true spirit of the race he came running up next to me. He was one of Horton’s students. David Horton, in my eyes, is the true heart of ultra-running to me. He inspires others. He loves this sport, and while I am sure it exists, in my 3 trips to this race I have never heard a negative word spoken in reference to him. On top of that, he encourages, I am sure there are other words used to describe this act, his students to run ultras. There is nothing quite like running along during a race and be running beside someone in their early 20’s enjoying the same race as a typical college activity. I so wish I had someone who could have given me the same light when I was in college. And, the coolest thing is that every one of these kids knows exactly what a gift Horton has given them…just talk to one for 5 minutes and you will see. Anyway, I digress.

He and I ran into the ½ way point (almost 27 miles in this “Horton Miles” 50 miler). I came through in 4:41. If I even split the race I would finish in 9:22, but the biggest and bulk of the climbing was in the second half of the race….

As I grabbed my new bottle out of my drop bag, Bob C came running over to see if I needed help. He is a former Austinite and a friend of Sophie’s..wonderful small world and a gift of positive spirit. I didn’t mention my fall, and just thanked him and started the climb up Buck Mountain.

It was much easier than I had remembered in the past. I was able to run almost all the way up, not fast but I got in a good groove and just moved up toward the Rocky Music. They have The Rocky Soundtrack Booming from the top of the mountain. Also on the climb was snowfall everywhere. We were hitting the higher points of the course, and the snow from the night before had stuck. I had never seen a first snow of a season, so it was quite spectatular.

Up and over the top and off I went to the loop section. Mentally this was really my marking point. For some reason I kept telling myself that I just needed to make it to the loop and then I could make my final decision about quitting. Looking back, today, it is hard to believe that I was still pondering quitting a race that I was quite successfully running. I had been able to run the climbs strong, and while I couldn’t run the downhills as fast as I normally do I was able to get in a decent rythmn and mostly block out the pain in my left leg.

Off the trail, we hit a good jeep road section, which turned out to be my favorites of the race because I didn’t have pay attention to my footing at all and could run unafraid of falling. I headed back on the trail and toward the aid station of the “loop.” It was here I had one of my favorite moments of the race…I caught Joseph!! The guy who I wasn’t supposed to see later. As we headed into the loop together I told him the story of what he had said to me so many hours before. We had a good laugh and took off. Again, I was surprised that the loop section was much easier than I had thought from previous years. The only challenge was some of the ground being very slippery from the snow, leaves, and rocks. I was just too afraid to fall, again, so took my time when it was technical. Less than an hour later I was heading out of the loop with the same 3 guys I started with…we were working well together, not visiting, but just keeping eachother cruising along. They would push me on the ups, were really sweet so I would fall on the slippery sections, and let me get in front of them on the smoother downhills. It was very motivating. I came out of the loop, saw Bob, got a quick update on Sophie and headed out for my final 12ish miles.

It was about 42 miles in (40 “Horton miles”) and my pain had FINALLY gone numb. I was free of the injury that had been haunting me and my head for so many miles. I was free of the thought of quitting as I ran past the loop. I felt like at that moment I had perservered the race that God had set before me…and I was going to win the battle. For one of the first times all day I smiled and ran with the joy I am used to running with. I couldn’t change what the previous 7+ hours had been like, nor would I want to, but I could give my all in these final miles.

At the 3rd to last aid station, I loaded up my bottle with my final fuel powder, grabbed “water” and a mountain dew and headed on. I was feeling great! Then I took a sip from my bottle. Whatever they had filled my mix with was not water. I had a choice: don’t drink and suffer the last miles, or drink my mix + mystery liquid and be fuelled. I could deal with whatever it was for these final miles. I tell folks often and firmly believe that part of ultra success if being able to turn off that part of your brain that wants or doesn’t want the fuel that they have chosen for. It is not about what you “want” but knowing what your body needs and just doing it, and following through the entire race. So, now was my time to live up to my words…

I ran through the 2nd to last aid station, and hit the final climb which happens to be on the Appalachian Trail. It is eery, magical, and a little mean…last climb and the steepest one. But once you crest the first steep section it was actually fairly runnable the rest of the way. But, the ground was covered in leaves and I was careful of the rocks underneath. My mantra at this point was, “you CANNOT fall again.” I didn’t even look at my watch when I hit the last aid station but I knew it was about “3” miles to the finsh. This guy and I take off at full speed down. About a mile later, a girl running up to meet someone says, “2.7 to go.” Gotta love a race when the final 3 miles is actually 4 miles  Honestly, at that point I didn’t mind at all…I felt great! I followed this guy down the leaves and held his line so that I wouldn’t fall and when the trail opened up with less than 2 to go I got in front of him. I thought about all of my recent workouts and got into the same groove I do for those long repeats. I couldn’t believe how much speed and power I had in my legs to close. It was so uplifting to finish this way.

This was for any race that I threw in the towel and just accepted a “finish” as good enough. This is for all of the hard work I put in my training. This was for all of the support I have. This was for Paul who said all of the right things as I struggled on Friday, and who is just so wonderful and tough for me…he doesn’t let me be mediocre. This was because no matter how much I hurt and wanted to quit, I didn’t and I pushed through the day and the pain. It was a celebration to the finish line, and I felt it!!

When I finished Henry, who had to drop because of his achillis, and Bob were there. As Clark and David congratulated me I told them, “Not bad considering I have been trying to convince myself to quit since mile 10.” We all laughed. 6th female 9:25:30 a 35 minute PR from my last visit to Masochist!!

Then I stopped, pulled up my capris and we started to assess the damage…very swollen and bruised knees and shin. I sat down and my angels, Bob and Henry, got me a baggie of ice and I started the damage control.

I got to see Sophie finish 9:34 and a 20sec? PR…she was so happy! I got to see my motivation Joseph finish, and he said that he wanted to make my race report for motivating me…so he did a few times  He comment was truly motivating even though neither one of us meant for it to be.

As soon as I crossed the finishline, I was able to be thankful for what this race gave to me. It showed me how much I can fight, how deep I could dig in my well, how wonderful time and people are that I get to share the trails with.; and truly what my body is capable of…hopefully the next one will be filled with less life lessons and more fast running 

Special thanks to: Sophie for all of her coordinating, conversation, and wonderful spirit; Henry for his wonderful friendship and support…always a yearly adventure!; Bob for his incredible support; Jill for really positive attitude and great conversation…so good to catch-up. And, of course, Paul for everything, and my friends, running partners, and everyone who make this journey so much sweeter!!
mer

So Cool!

2010-09-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Paul always does push-ups at the end of a race, "because he can." Theory being that you can always give a little more in the Army...yep, they are that inspiring. They did push-ups at the end of every stage of Transrockies!

Army captain races to $100,000 for wounded warriors

By Allison Pattillo - Special to Military Times

Most runners compete in the GORE-TEX TransRockies Run for the challenge, but Army Capt. Matt Cavanaugh and retired Ranger Capt. Paul Terranova ran to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project, a program to help severely disabled veterans re-engage with life.

Cavanaugh and Terranova, who make up Team Nathan Hydration/Wounded Warrior Project, finished fourth in the open men’s category with a time of 17 hours, 43 minutes, 3 seconds for the 6-day, 115-mile stage race through the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

The 2010 GTTR marked Cavanaugh’s third time in the race and also saw him close in on his Wounded Warrior Project fundraising goal of $100,000. He has dipped into his savings to travel the country — mixing running with public speaking, telling groups about the plight of severely disabled veterans and the mission of Team Wounded Warrior.

“As of tonight, we have raised $92,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project,” Cavanaugh said at the final GTTR banquet. “Our final goal is in sight.”

Cavanaugh, the 2009 Association of the U.S. Army Male Athlete of the Year, is turning over the remaining fundraising efforts to Terranova, as he’s on his way to New Zealand for a new adventure — graduate school for strategic studies at Victoria University in Wellington.

What I did on my Summer Vaca

2010-09-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

The past two months have FLOWN by! Instead of blabbing on and on, I thought I would give a photographic breakdown of what I have done, where I have been, and the fun I have had.

Over the past two months: I have celebrated (still speechless on the incredible cake Paul had made); travelled (Houston, Long Island, Colorado, California); paced Leadville 100); climbed mountains (Mt. Elbert); run up and down mountains (Transrockies with Paul); enjoyed my favorite trails (Headlands); spent incredible time with friends (at Leadville, Transrockies, and California); made new friends; been in both oceans; and the ultimate was the quantity of time I got to spend with Paul! He and I shared time running, walking, wine-tasting, talking, and playing. We spent hours walking the beach, sitting together, and celebrating just how much we truly enjoy being together.

I can honestly say that this summer was one of the best ever. Paul and I had more fun together than we have ever before. We got to enjoy the fullness of what life has to offer, and lived EVERY moment of it. I am so very thankful for the generosity of our friends, their time, conversation, fun, and all we got to share with them, too. I am so very proud of what both my friends accomplished at Leadville and what Paul and my friends accomplished at Transrockies. I am also so very proud of what Paul accomplished at Alcatraz, 48 hours after the end of Transrockies. He is THAT incredible.

I can't wait to see what is to come this fall!

My Hero

2010-07-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

I have so much to catch up on: incredible parties, cakes, time with friends, anniversaries, and so much more...

BUT, I this is more important and comes first.

I am so lucky to have a mother who has become one of my heroes. She doesn't do incredible athletic feats, but what she does is so much more. She taught me that if you work hard enough you can achieve anything! She went back to school sacrificing time with me and the rest of our family. This forever changed who I was and her relationship with her mother. Fortunately for me it created a bond with my grandmother and father that forever shaped me. Since the death of my grandmother in August of 1993, my mother and I have spent many years reshaping our bond and I have grown to truly appreciate what she does and what she sacrificed to do it.

My mother is a pain psychologist who helps cancer patients manage their pain, and so much more, in the final stages of their battle. She is amazing at what she does.

Yesterday I was talking to her and she told me of an interaction with a patient's daughter, and said, "today I gave guidance to the child of a patient. It was everything I wish I had been told and could have said to my mother before she died." My grandmother died suddenly, and the only person in our family speaking to her was me, and her usual on and off with my dad. My grandmother was a strong willed lady, and when she thought someone was wrong she went silent to that person (A trait I work VERY hard to overcome...but am constantly challenged by) With that will, she was not speaking to my mother or sister when she died. Both my sister and mother have had to struggle with closure and regret.

Please read the below. I wrote my mom back after reading this, and just pray that she can find such peace in the work she does to lift her from all she carries in the death of my grandmother. I know my grandmother would be so very proud of my mother, and I know that she loved her.

How lucky I am to have been so deeply loved by my grandmother, I get that reminder ever moment I look down at her/my wedding band, and have such an inspirational mother!

May you read the below, and remember to find peace with those you love; create closure with no regrets; and say all the things you need to everyday! I hope to be able to do this as much as possible and not wait until the end to do it!

From my mother:
I gave her what I needed so many years ago, almost to the date.

From: XX
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2010 9:14 AM
To: XX
Subject: thank you for yesterday...
Dear..,

I believe very strongly that things always happen for a reason. Sometimes we are fortunate to be privy to that reason; Other times not.

Meeting you yesterday in my fathers room, at the particular time that we met, was clearly meant to be. Within minutes of leaving you our reason for meeting became so clearly evident. I am not sure I could have handled what happened in my father's room had it not been for you. You were able to give me the guidance, tools and support to do what I knew needed to be done but didn't know how to do. Neither my father nor I have ever been in this situation so we were both traveling on a very emotionally raw and painfully difficult road.

When I returned to father's room he sat up and basically said that he was done fighting, the cancer was taking over and he was tired and just wanted it all to end. He made me laugh when he asked to be put to sleep as if he was a beloved pet. I knew what he was telling me.

I was able to tell him all the reassuring things that you helped me verbalize. I told him that I would respect his desires and would make sure that he was moved to a facility where we could work with the team to make his transition comfortable, pain free as well as comforting to the family. I told him that he didn't have to worry about anything anymore and that we would take care of my mother and all of her needs while caring for him. We both cried and as you suspected he didn't respond much after that. The only thing that he told me was that he owed some money to a friend and he asked me to go get the money from his house and deliver it to his friend. I left the hospice last night for one hour to carry out his wishes.

Now he is at Hospice and I stayed here all night making sure that he was as comfortable as he could be. The staff here is excellent and it feels so good knowing that he is at the right place for his end of life care. I really can't thank you enough for the integral roll that you played. I truly wanted to have that difficult conversation with my dad and before meeting you I simply did not know how to go about it. My heart is heavy and my soul is in pain, but because of you, when my father passes on I will have no regrets. I can't imagine how many people you have helped in such a profound way. You certainly are so in tune to patients' and family member's needs. I hope that you continue using your amazing talent to comfort and change the lives of others.

I learned an invaluable lesson that is very comforting to me. It appears that God gives us all that we need at the appropriate time. I have come to accept that I can't always plan one or two steps ahead (much as I want to) and I have to wait for things to play out. I use to worry that I might not know how to react in a new and difficult situation; I like to be prepared and have answers or at least the tools, but now I feel that I will know what to do in any situation when the time is right.

Thank you again.

With much appreciation,
(the daughter)

Have a wonderful weekend!
mer

Magic

2010-07-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

My friend, Lorena, sent me an email before I departed for Western States telling me that when you run with all your heart magic happens.

Every piece of this past week can best be defined as Magic!

As I was heading out and all final prep was done, I sent the following goals to my coach:

my goals for the day: 1) Enjoy EVERY Moment; 2) be appreciative of my crew, the volunteers, and kind to all around NO matter how I feel; 3) Not worry about anything/anyone I can't change or control; AND 4) trust my hard work, healthy body, incredible support and let all this and all the prayers and support behind me guide me to Auburn... I have been told many times that I smile more than anyone during a race. I plan to keep the trend of that alive on Saturday!!

Seeing the above brings such a warmth to my heart. How often can you say that you accomplished every one of your goals! Reading the above reminds me that I nailed it 

The amazing journey began in Squaw Valley in the days leading up to the race. Instead of being nervous, Paul and I had a wonderful time together. Lots of time to talk and just enjoy each other. It was such a treat for us.

One of my highlights of raceweek was getting to spend time with my friend Suzanna and getting to know Amy. There are few words to express how incredible the time with her was. We went for a very humorous pre-race run Friday morning, and had one of us not said something we would have been in a dead sprint for the run. But we talked and laughed and expressed how strong we KNEW we would get to the finish line. Her words let me finally take in my last breath and truly know that the day was going to be everything I hoped for.

After weigh in on Friday Amy and Paul came up with some fantastic engineering to get her leg across the water crossings. I love how prepped Paul is for everything. He had a caribener and Amy did some crazy stuff with our duct tape. There you have it…she and I were set to go!

Paul went and picked up Jamie and Pete arrived. My team was ready for the party to start! They were much more ready for the party after they went for a group run up the mountain. It was so awesome to me that they all genuinely were going to enjoy eachother’s company for the next days.

Now onto the race 
The start came so quick. Before I could blink we were heading up from Squaw Valley. The climb is a great chance to settle in. I settled into good conversation with Jenny and then Lee. Once at the top we hit the snow, and the friendly faces and hugs of Olga and Larry. Lee said to me, “at the top in an hour. Right where we want to be!”

And then came the snow. It was such a comedy show for me…slipping, sliding, skiing. The Texan just needed to smile and get through it alive. We laughed and laughed as I made my way through the snow. I was happier having this perspective rather than the grump that some others were having. When the snow would clear we would run through streams and mud. Fall #1: belly flop right into a mud pit; awesome! The good thing was the smooth landing. The bad thing was the level of filthiness I was now going to run with for the next 91+ miles.

Before long we made the turn onto the “new” route. We headed down to the Poppy and French Meadow aid stations. On the way down I showed Lee my filth. He laughed. We would come back to this look post race!

These next two sections were where I would need to remind myself that I was in a 100…and in foreign territory. I ran with the brakes on vs. racing as I would in shorter distances. I needed to run smart, which meant holding back. This was VERY hard to do because I felt really good and the terrain was REALLY good running. Patience, patience.

Once, through the mile 19 aid station we got onto a lovely single track around the reservoir, and then climbed a newly cleared (very newly cleared) climb into the Duncan Aid station. It was here that I hooked up with Layna. She was just wonderful to run with!

Coming into Duncan AS was great because I got to see my crew for the first time. We had a great laugh at my pigpen look, Paul cleaned my face off quickly, and off I went. I cruised down to Duncan Creek, crossed the water, and started the climb to Robinson. The climb up was fantastic because I had three others join: Layna and two guys. They were all happy to let me set the pace and pull the train up. It was great for me because I was able to get lost in short spurts of conversation as we went up…the climb flew by. We came into the roar of Robinson. I didn’t have my crew come here because I knew I could move through faster and would rather see them at Duncan and Dusty vs. just Robinson. I ran in with a huge smile on my face, got weighed, bottles filled, and hea

ded out. It seemed the happier I was the more the crowd went crazy. It was an awesome high!

I was so thrilled for the high because out of Robinson we hit the snow for the last time. This section was a grinder. It was about 2 miles of climbing slugging through the snow. I knew the fun of the canyons was coming, so I decid

ed to take it very easy through this and save my legs vs. getting fatigued fighting the snow…a battle I would not win.

Once we got to the top of Little Bald and started to descend, we finally for sure had clear trail. Let the real fun begin!! I headed down with great happiness to Miller’s Defeat. The sun was shining and I was feeling great. This day was flying by!

After Miller’s Defeat, it was a great quick downhill to Dusty Corner’s and my crew! I hooked up with Suzie here and we chatted about an email string we were on together. It was awesome to meet her in person (we would come to spend many post-race hours together). I came bouncing into Dusty Corners and thrilled to see my crew. I traded bottles, and Paul walked me out soaking me with cold towels on the way. I was having a blast and he could tell!!

From Dusty Corners it is this beautiful and soft trail to Last Chance. I had run it during training weekend and really loved it. I was enjoying it all the same today! I was looking forward to getting to Last Chance because I knew Dennis was volunteering there. It is always great to see friendly faces all over the course. Dennis had taken care of me at the aid stations at Quicksilver. I came in and Dennis was more than just a friendly face. He helped get my bottles ready, grab fuel, and walked out with me. I now had a chance to get some great refueling while continuing forward with the race. What a gift! Again, I was just lifted out of the aid station.

Off I headed to the nice descent and then the climb up Devil’s Thumb. I passed a few folks on the way down, crossed the swinging bridge, dipped my hat the in stream, and then up I went. I settled into a nice tempo and climbed. I passed two guys, but not for pushing just because I was moving steady. Before I knew it I was at the top. I weighed in, reloaded my fuel, grabbed a popsicle, and headed out. I knew I would want to take a moment and regroup, but I figured best to do it moving forward eating my popsicle! I shoved the stick from the popsicle in my bottle and headed down to Eldorado Canyon. It had gotten hot, so instead of pushing hard down I decided to ease off and just cruise down. I drank down my bottle and just took it easy. As I approached the bottom I passed Whit. It was great to see him, but I was sad to see him having a bad day. He is such a steady fixture in a 100, so it was just hard to see.

At the bottom I refilled my bottle and started the climb to Michigan Bluff. I knew this is the longest climb left of the day, and it was also the heat of the day. Again, instead of pushing I opted to just stay behind Eric and hold his smooth pace. We had a great time and really just kept things steady. I would come to later fully appreciate the lack of effort I put forth on this climb.

I came into Michigan Bluff, thrilled, but definitely feeling the efforts from the day. Fortunately, my crew was ON IT! They had cool towels ice cold drinks and food ready to go. They cooled me down and got me out. I had the team of all teams!! I was lifted and raring to get through the point I had NEVER crossed.

I headed down to Volcano Canyon and remembered running this in training and how great it felt. I got to the bottom and spent an extra second in the water before the climb up. It felt great. I climbed up knowing that Paul would be at Bath Rd to climb up with me. I was so excited. I hit the road and am greeted by a very pregnant Jennifer, huge hug, and a quick top off of my bottle. I start to climb and Paul comes smiling toward me! We chat about nothing important, hit the top of Bath Rd, and run it in to Foresthill. I am on top of the world. I can’t believe I have done it!

For me, this was the moment I waited for, get past 62 and the rest is icing! Now it was time to enjoy time with my pacers and go on the victory lap. Pete and I head off.
We head toward the river. I have very few memories of this section, so I am just guessing as far as effort. If there was a regret to have, it was not knowing exactly what this section would be like. I just didn’t know where or when to give effort and I kept fearing the bottom falling out. If I pushed would I be done after the river? Truly this whole section all I could think about was getting to the river.

We get to the river aid station, and I breathe a sigh of relief as we hit perfect timing for the boat crossing. We get to the other side to the greetings of Jamie, Paul, and Rick! He is video taping us, but I am single focused on climbing to Green Gate. I have a plan!! As we climb up I tell Jamie that I want to take a minute to refuel at the top before we head out. Paul is happy to hear this. We hussle up, and get me quickly through the aid station. On the other side I take a seat, eat, and drink, and prepare to keep it together to the finish. Everything seems so surreal. It feels so weird to really be so on top and clear-headed. Maybe it’s easier to be in a fog?

After a quick few minutes, I was checking my watch, Jamie and I are off. We head down the trail talking much about how much time I have to make 24. All of a sudden this is going to be our focus…or so I think. I try to run, but am having a problem. It’s not my legs, no unfortunately I am really badly chafed. What the heck?? I have never had this happen, so it is kind of a foreign pain, and boy is it painful. Jamie and I talk about it and decide the best I can do is get to the next aid station, get some vasoline, and then move on. It becomes a much slow move to the aid station than desired. I want to be running, but we just have to go with what is given. Finally we get to the aid station, I grab a bunch of vasoline and run behind a truck to take care of things. Quickly, we head out of the aid station and start to run. CRAP the vasoline didn’t work!

This is the first time all day that I feel the time slip away from me. I feel the look on my face showing this. We walk for a second, and I refuse to give up. I tell Jamie that I am going to rip the liner under my skirt. She looks puzzled, even offers me her shorts, but I come up with the power of hulk and literally rip the seem of the fabric. I still don’t know how I did it. Unfortunately, it didn’t fix the problem, but Jamie plainly said, “you know what, it isn’t going to get any worse.” I completely bought it, and started running. My form is so pathetic that I start giggling at the thought of what I must look like. Jamie gets a huge kick out of me giggling, and are finally moving.

We both get giddy as we start to pass people and start running like a normal person. We talk about how anyone who has seen my splits will be in for a good surprise when I hit the next aid station and am moving. We plan how quickly we need to get through the next aid stations and how to approach the course as it is coming.

To the disappoint of the folks having a party at Brown’s Bar, we don’t stay. They tried to entice us, but I had a finish line to get to. We watched the clock and knew that we had just enough time to donate to the climb up to 49 and the climb up to Robie Point. I kept telling her that I needed 20 minutes from Robie Point. I knew there was a climb before shooting down to the finish.

The plan was to run everything except for the steepest parts of the climbs. I had only done this section of the course as a pacer, and it had been 5 years earlier, so I kept telling Jamie that the climb up to 49 was steep. I guess my memory failed me, but we kept running waiting for the climb to get steep, and then we saw the 49 crossing…hmmm, I swear it was harder?

I quickly run in a weigh and the aid station crew tell Jamie, thinking I can’t hear, “she can break 24 if she moves.” We can do that! Two funny things happen on the way to No Hands. First, in the meadow we pass this guy and his pacer. There is a guy standing about 50 ft up the trail from the other guy. He comments on how much we are enjoying ourselves. We say, of course we are, and ask if he is ok. With a loud disappointed sigh he says that he is waiting for his runner to go to the bathroom. As we continue on Jamie and I laugh about badly we feel for this guy having such a sad time with his runner. We, in the meantime, are having a party!! As we get almost to No Hands, again, I think we are about to face a long steep climb. I know we don’t have a moment to waste. It has been my long awaiting dream to cross No Hands Bridge, and while I want so badly to savior the moment, I tell Jamie we have to hussle across and have “no emotion.” I was worried that if she got emotional about it that I would crumble. So with this laser focus we cross no hands. Reflecting back, the moment to savior is the fact that it was mile 97 and I was able to run across it feeling strong!!

With just enough time to make it happen, we start to run up to Robie. About a mile into the climb, moving with determination, we come up on Ed (I would later learn his name) and his pacer…his 15 year old daughter. I ask to pace as we come up, and for whatever reason we collide and I go down HARD. For anyone who has fallen late in a race, you know that every muscle feels this impact. My right quad KILLED. I look up at Jamie, get up, and with all the adrenaline left in my body start to run…if that what you can call what my now broken body is doing. This also lights a fire under Ed’s ass. He and I are going to fight it to the finish. I had this moment of worry as his daughter led the charge that she was going to slow us down, but not one bit. She was incredible. She was running and pushing us up to Robie. It was awesome. With determined force we come out onto the road with what Paul said was 19 minutes to spare. Paul and Pete are there, and ready to go. I ask Pete to go to the top of the climb so that I have a focal point, and the minute we crest I push my way to the track. I can’t believe it is happening. I can’t believe I have done it.

We run down and enter the track. It is a total blur, except I remember the smile that was still on my face and the couple of fist pumps I have as John calls my name.

I cross the finishline in 23:56 to a big welcome hug from our longtime friend, and WS Board member Dana Gard. He had gone on my first training run on the WS course with me so many years ago. He knew what this meant to me. He was proud and I could feel it.

Next came Paul. This was for him as much for me, and we both relished in the shared moment. This was OUR moment. I could not be standing at the finish without him. This is his journey, too.

Then came celebration with Pete and Jamie, Olga and Larry, Dennis, and so many others. But, it was more than that. Everyone…all of my friends and loved ones who had loved and supported me through this journey, I could feel the warmth of their love all day and in the end this finish was for them as much as it was for me.

The smile on my face ALL day, the gift of this run, the joy I felt…this was the result of all of the love and support that had been unending. I am so very blessed and share this day with all of you!! Thank you!

Love,
mer

Photos courtesy of: Paul, Olga, Jamie, and more :)

All Smiles!

2010-06-29T11:51:00.001-07:00

A report to come soon, but I wanted to post a few pics and send a HUGE thank you for all the love and support I have received.

The smile that was on my face from the day we arrived in Squaw until I left the track on Sunday afternoon was the result of the most incredible journey that got me to the start line and me truly appreciating every moment that the day had to give! (what a long run-on sentence).

The course was everything I wanted it to be. I ran the smart run I had hoped for. I nailed my nutrition. AND, there was not a moment that I took for granted the gifts I am given: great health (although I don't feel it now); the most loving, positive, supportive husband; the incredible support of family and friends. I could literally FEEL the love and positive support the entire race.

I am just completely overwhelmed with how blessed I am. I am so fortunate to have the most wonderful people in my life.

mer

Follw the Yellow Brick Road...or the trail to Auburn!

2010-06-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

I would like to start by sharing part of a note I wrote during my last journey to WS in 2006:

Lessons in TIME

so much of this journey is really a lesson in Time. It is that magic word that not only will determine what metal my buckle will be made out of, but it has also measured much more:

- how long I have spent training
- how many days I have been thankful to recover from a long week
- how many hours I have spent listening to the same "happy" music
- how often that training and recovery came before family and friends, and work
- how the effort to catch up with a distant friend seemed too much, and so I just have let them go and what I will need to give to get them back
- what I have spent with new friends and how these new friends with such a deep understanding in my journey will remain with me for many years to come
- what those who know and love me best have consistantly given to me throughout this journey, continually reminding me that the magic in the sacrifice of time for others is a gift to the recipient...
- what so many have given to me: people I have just met, people who I have yet to meet in person, and those I will meet on the trail at Western States
-and in the end: the 1 hour up to the cemetary, the 45 minutes from the base, the 15 minutes from the creek, the 7 minutes from the manzanitas, and when you see the "Y" tree you are almost to the top

...and more than anything how each of these pieces of this magic word carry me day after day!

In this oh so wonderful, yet selfish endeavor, this word, Time, with so few letters has come to signify so much!

While so much of this journey that brings me to the starting line in Squaw healthy and the happiest I could ask for rings true in the above, so much has changed...I am a different person/wife/friend, and in the end runner, than I was in 2006.

Instead of letting life take a back seat this time around, I have embraced all of my moments whether in person, on the phone, or via email with all of my friends. I have not let work or life slip away so that I could get to the starting line. I have been appreciative of every piece of company and flexibility that has been given to me, and not had expectations of anyone but myself.

Yes, there have been many sacrifices. I do not meet friends for a "lunch" or spend extra time being social. I often run and train on my own, so that I have all the free moments possible with Paul. Paul has made more life sacrifices than I could possible start to list for me/us. Oh, and let's not forget the sugar sacrifice :)

But, in the end, I am more ready than I have ever been and more equipped to dig from the well than ever before. I am armed with more love and support than I have ever known or thought possible. Paul and my dearest friends have empowered me to soar!

I will take you each with me on Saturday. I will think of all you have given to me as I run. I will be lifted by the gifts of your love and support. I will give to you for all that you have given to me!

I will soar on wings like eagles. I will RUN and not grow weary.
I will walk and not be faint!! Isaiah 40:31

I will save my blubbering individual thank you's for when I write my novel of a race report :) This way I can also take the time to share where I was on the course when I had you with me!!

Thank you more than you will ever know!!
mer

More Than Running

2010-06-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

It's good to remember that life is more than just about training!

I rearranged my last long weekend of training so that I could fit in extra time with Paul, and prep to celebrate Erin's b-day/housewarming!

How I was able to rearrange:
- did all but 9.5 miles of my long run on my own on Friday instead of Saturday. It was actually an awesome run and great hours on my own.
- ran from the house to downtown to meet Paul midday on Saturday for a run in the almost 100 degree temps.
- ran hills Sunday afternoon once the sun came out and it was 95+ outside.

What the rearranging allowed for my weekend:
- Date night with Paul Friday night
- lunch on the deck post-workout with Paul
- easy morning trail run with Paul and Flyer

- time to cut and grill: protein, veggies, and pineapple for the week

- dinner and quality time outside with Paul on Sunday

AND,

- making the vision of Erin's cake come to life (red velvet cake robots and all!)

- showing I can still manage fondant a little bit (I am REALLY out of practice)

- enjoying Erin's party and seeing all of Jess' creations come to life (her bread is top notch!!)

There are so many days I feel like all I have been doing is working, training, eating, managing, juggling. It was just nice to see that it was possible to put the life stuff first this weekend, and enjoy Paul and my friends in the right way...

Such a balancing act. Sometimes I must fail misereably, but every once in a while I get a glimpse that it is all possible :)

mer

(Side note is that I seriously need a haircut...maybe during taper :) )

Humbled

2010-05-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

Three Days...LOTS of running; breath-taking trails; incredible company; snow; rain; sunshine; appreciation. Those are just a few of the words to describe my runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

I ran my first triple canyon run, and woke up with legs happier to run the next day (after some espresso :) ) A full report to come, but I am just so thankful to have felt strong and healthy all three days and am so appreciative of all of the moments I had over the weekend. I am so very blessed by all the gifts in my life: Paul's support; Suzanna and Kelly for coordinating and including me; such wonderful time to talk; time on my own to run and absorb the beauty that makes the Western States trail what it is; awesome dinner conversation; finishing my run yesterday with Tom and sharing all of our years of history on the trail and the people who have made it special to us. I am so very humbled by the trails I will run again in less than a month, and how far my body has come.

Can't wait to get home and reflect and share with Paul! For now, here are a few pics :)

mer

Perspective

2010-05-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Next time you want to take your life or family for granted, think of these moments:

- when I landed last Sunday (30 minutes early mind you), I was bummed to be sitting on the smoking corner awaiting Paul to pick me up. But then I turned my head to my left and saw a kid in an Army uniform. He and I both joked about waiting for our rides. Here was the difference: he had been travelling for 5 days to get home for a visit from Afganistan. He hadn't been home in 8 months. He hadn't changed clothes or taken his boots off. He hadn't seen his family. He was only going to be home for 2 weeks to turn around and head back for the remainder of his 18 month tour. Seeing his family reunion while I waited was worth the wait and a good lesson in patience.

- Today I was talking to my sister-in-law...she has been: working; training; and raising her 3 children while Ryan has been in Iraq. Ryan is home for two weeks for his mid-tour leave. I had a moment of creativity and found a fantastic restaurant for them to enjoy last night. I was so thrilled to hear how much they did and what they ate...what a treat!! But it is so much more than that. As much as she might want to race and do tons of things, she just matter-of-factly talks about how it just isn't going to happen. She so calmy talks about it being, "just 4 more months" after Ryan heads back to Iraq next week.

These are just a supreme reminder for me of how thankful I am for all the freedoms and gifts these guys and their familys' sacrifices afford me. I am so appreciative of the example that Nicole continues to give me in just making life work.

Thank you!

mer

With a Little Help...

2010-05-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

Oh the things you can accomplish with a little (or a lot) of help! Two Sundays ago while Paul was joining me on my 2nd run of a long weekend I took the moment in the woods to say, "thank you!" I thanked him for his love, support, strength, shared dreams, and just everything I could ever need. He is awesome, and I just like to keep letting him know that I am appreciative for him.

It's in all of this training/running/juggling life that I have come to realize that I am not taking this journey alone. I am constantly and continually lifted and enriched by the power of love, support, and friendship.

Let's back up a bit since I have some catching up to do over the past two weeks....After Leona it was time to knock out the mileage. Managing over 100 (well over 100) miles a week plus work plus cross-training is a beast. But, around every corner I received so much support. My legs felt light from this and seemed to soar.

- Luisa and Jeremy: both are pretty much game for a piece of whatever I have to run. Thank God for their positive attitudes and enduring friendship! Amen for the G's!!

- John P, Carrie, and gang: for a badly needed early Friday run. Thank you for the early early morning laughter. I truly needed that!

- Liza: Amen for meeting me for the Lost Creek Loop. I have loved sharing this journey with you, and can't wait for what's in store. What a treat that morning was.

- Mike: Thank you for coordinating the trail segment of my run so that I didn't have to think. I am very grateful for all of the support you share, and your interest in my boring stories...I appreciate you not totally letting on how boring they really are :)

- Pete: I know I have said it a ton, but there are few words to express what you showing up for my Sunday run meant. I really really wanted to have you back out, but you showed and then I was forced to show up :) Thank you for giving me the confidence that I do have speed in my legs at the end of a very long weekend! I would have NEVER had that quality without you, and know that I can put my head down and do the job when running with you (good knowledge to have for June)

And to think that those are just my support for runs, how blessed I am. Then there is an entire support team that I don't even have to run with to feel their strength:

Clea: I am so grateful that you so generous with your time, even though you have none. I love watching you do such a great job in your journey, and am so appreciative that you have interest in mine, even though it must feel like another galaxy!

Erin: It's almost funny that you are making my running list, hahaha! Dinners, markets, and lots of life. Thank you for sharing. What a gift!!

Jamie: I am adding you in even though you are in France. To have such a wonderful friend to share so many journeys...I am so lucky! Thank you for being such a gift in my life!

But even more are my friends near and far who have reached out whether by phone, dinner, the occasional email. I have noticed, embraced, and am touched by IT ALL!! I am humbled by the power of what you each bring to my life. You keep the smile on my face and you are with me every single step I take!!

It is with this very full heart that I headed to Quicksilver 50-miler this past weekend. This was going to be a tough one, more than anything because it was coming at the end of two very big weeks. By time I even considered backing off, it was Thursday, so this was going to be a test of what I could muster. My legs have been responding really well to the high quality mileage, so I wasn't afraid...well mostly not afraid.

I arrived in San Jose on Friday, just sleepy. I drove to Palo Alto, and decided to check out the Stanford Campus. It was incredible. There was a fantastic trail around campus, so I decided to put on my running clothes and take an easy spin to check it out. It was so beautiful I figured that if I lost a few minutes on Saturday because of this run, it would have been worth it. Clea would have been mad at me for not taking advantage of my surroundings!! (Although, I did a terrible job and didn't take pics). Finally, it was time to head to my room and relax for the race.

I woke up on Saturday morning ready to go. I was plenty early and headed out with directions in tow. Then 15 minutes later I am LOST (Clea sound familiar). I was thinking back to Clea missing her race the week before and I started freaking out a little. I called Paul panicking and driving in circles. Finally I came up on an intersection and a 7-11. I pulled in and sure enough there was another runner, Jason, who was just as lost, and he was from the Bay Area!! After a few minutes we figured it out and were racing on our way. Just in time to pick up packets, set bags out, and breathe. Nothing like a panic before a long day of running. The only thing that I didn't have time for...last pre-race potty. I was in such a scramble there just wasn't time.

Easy enough...I would just go to the restroom in the woods once the race thinned out a little. Famous last thought :) The course is great. The first 6 miles are mostly up. I have really enjoyed this way of starting a race because I can settle in a do my own thing. I am not a climber, so it forces me into a smart race immediately. The race has a 50K and the 50-miler. I am in a mix of both and find a good groove with the group. After about an hour I start looking toward the woods. The first time I start to head off the trail, Gary who I end up running quite a bit with says no because of all the poison oak. Sure enough when I start looking off the trail I see poison oak EVERYWHERE! Crap!! No bathroom for me. By time I have a chance to finally go, I can't and my stomach just hurts....not good. In this adventure I get a little behind the group I was running with - no friends, no bathroom - good times! Then, I actually get passed by this guy who starts chatting and I realize it's Jason, the guy I was lost with earlier. I guess I would call this my low point.

About this time I make a decision, dammit I didn't come this far to have a bad day; my legs are feeling really good; and my stomach could very well feel terrible at WS. Suck it up and get moving. That's exactly what I did! My stomach never felt better, but I was running much stronger. I came cruising into the mile 18/19 aid station, and was kindly reminded that I needed to be drinking more. I actually followed the order and sucked down my fluid which also has my fuel. In the next loop section I catch and pass all of the guys who I had been with early. Now I am in a groove.

Gary and I continue to exchange spots and cruise into the start/finish area (50K) in about 4:56. I am content that my stomach is just going to be rotten and I plug ahead. I didn't think I would like heading back out, but actually really enjoyed getting to cheer on all the other runners coming in. It really kept me lifted. I pass Gary for the last time, and know I will see him at the turn-around. After the mile 35 aid station I try one more time in the woods, but to no avail. I am not going to waste any more time...it just is. I hit the mile 37 aid station, and think that it's no biggie to get to 41. HA! First, we cross this road and the course that had only been marked with flour now has ribbons?? I get nervous. I slow down, ask a few people and continue forward slowly. Soon enough Zach comes heading the other way, and I am thankful to see him. I realize as I head to the turnaround that I am in this no-man's land. The lead guys are quite a bit in front of me, and the rest of the race is quite a bit behind me. This definitely doesn't help on this section. We joked after the race that it felt like those 4 miles were 30...forever until the aid station. FINALLY, when I got there I was thrilled to turn around and head home. My watch had died, so I asked what time it was 1PM (7 hours in). I had about 9 miles to go. I cheered all the runners heading out, and just enjoyed the final miles.

There was an amazing moment when I realized that my legs really felt fresh. This training is working. All the gifts from friends and family are feeding my legs and they are getting stronger. All the blessings of health and love are feeding my spirit. I am doing this...I CAN do this.

After all the downhill, that came after the uphill, (my favorite statement made by a volunteer at mile 45, "downhill all the way home. Except, of course, for the uphill." Thank you smartass) I reach the finishline in 8:15!!

And this is probably my favorite part of the day; this is why I love running ultras....the after party. It's a wonderful chance to catch up, chat, and cheer on all the other runners coming in. As always, I was made to feel right at home. I had been cheering on Larissa (2nd place woman) all day, and was excited for her great day! Once she finished we all sat around and chatted. Such a great group of folks: Zach (1st male) and his girlfriend Geri (whose family is from Austin!); Larissa and Bret (who had just had an incredible Miwok run); Rick (incredible support/crew/pacer...he was so awesome to be all over the course and then pace. I was VERY jealous of Larissa having company on the out and back); and others. I feel so fortunate to get to share time and adventures with such great people! I am so excited to see them all again in June. I can't wait for Paul to meet this crew; so fun!!

I know I have written WAY TOO much! I know it gets old that I often say the same thing, but my head and heart swirl with gratitude every single day. What a wonderful life! What an amazing husband I have! What incredible friends and support I have! Truly, truly blessed!!

To this journey, health, and continued happiness, WOW!

mer

2000's

2010-04-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

I normally don't write a post about a single workout but this one was fantastic! I did a bunch of 2000's this morning and I LOVED them!! Who knew that 5 laps around the track could be so fun?? Was it because each one got faster, and I felt stronger as the miles added up? Could it have been the beautiful full moon, and then the sunrise?

Luisa and I and the pups have loved getting back on the track. She has been doing portions of my workouts with me, and I am so very grateful. We have been running on the track together since 2000. It all started in late October 2000. How fortunate I am to have such a wonderful friend who, for years, has been willing to meet me even if for only part of my workouts and long runs. We have been through so many cycles in our lives, and these runs have been just sacred. We have laughed, cried, smelled like a bar, come off of completely sleepless night's, but we have never regretted a day of showing up!

Maybe that is what I loved about it. When you look at a run or workout on a piece of paper sometimes you think "can I do this" or "how can I do this?" The weekly mileage is big and I love it, but faster workouts long workouts can be scary when you think you might be tired from the load (work, life, and running) the day before. But, then, the full moon is shining, the weather is perfect, the company is the best...and before you know it: you nail the workout, you enjoy the company, and there is not a regret in the world! Oh, and it's barely 7AM!!

Next up, after work...another run in the heat, yippee, and then the Farmer's Market with Erin!

(By the way, this pic was taken of my Ladera training partners, hehe...they cheer from the bluebonnets)

Love it!

mer

One Step Closer

2010-04-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

(More pics to come tomorrow!)

This weekend Paul and I headed to Southern California for the Leone Divide 50. It was a treat to have him with me because it was going to be a real chance for him to get to spend time with some of my California friends. Kelly and Leslie were meeting us in Palmdale before the race.

We arrived early on Friday, after a most memorable plane flight…more to come on that in a few days, and decided to head to the race start for a little run. On the drive there we saw the incredible fields of California Poppies. What a sight. Once we got to the race start we ran the first 15 minutes of the course up and then cruised back down. I was already getting excited for a downhill finish…I love me some downhill running 

We headed back to the hotel, ate, and then spent some time catching up (and Paul meeting) Kelly and Leslie. The plan was for Paul to drive us to the start and then crew for us at the two spots he could see us. For me the plan was for me to grab my Camelback at aid station #3 and wear it until #9 when I gave it back to him. (Post race John and Lisa laughed saying that the only problem with the race was that the aid stations needed names) I wanted to practice having extra water for Western States.

Saturday morning was crisp, but with promise of getting nice and warm. Paul took my jackets at the last moment, and at 6AM off we went! My instructions were to take it easy and smooth thru about mile 30, remember that this was a training run, and, most importantly, look up and around and NOT get off course! So, straight up the first climb I cruised. It was not about “racing,” but about patience. I had to let everyone around me that I “thought” I should be running with go, and do my thing…patience.

The rewards of this tactic would pay dividends throughout the day. #1: the view!! From the first climb we got to see the sky explode and the sun come up. It was spectacular. I soaked it all in, and hoped that Paul was witnessing a similar view. At Lake Sonoma I loved it all, but never quite felt in my rhythm. I knew it was my first trip to California and in the mountains, but I just never felt smooth. From the get go it was a different story on Saturday. I was smooth going up, and had great turnover on the downhill. My downhill legs are back and happy happy. On the first descent I found the pattern that would continue for the remainder of the day…there were about 6 of us that would trade places: they would get me on the uphill and I would catch them on the downhill. Run your strengths, right?

The trail was fantastic. Keira, the race director, made changes to the course, which I heard were more difficult, but the course was incredible. Not only that, but the course was marked like crazy AND the people working the aid stations were unbelievable. Absolutely first class all the way! The uphills were long and the descents felt longer. I was in heaven. Before I could blink I was coming up on aid station #3, about mile 16ish, and knew Paul would be there ready to go.

Paul and I completely agree that no one can touch the crewing ability of David, Jamie’s husband, but on Saturday Paul definitely showed off that he had been taking notes from the pro  He had my bottle filled with ice and fuel and my pack ready. I was in and out in about 10 seconds.

There was only one problem…the minute I took off up the climb my zip was gone; WTF?? As I climbed everyone I was running near was all of a sudden running away and I couldn’t keep up. It was as though the pack had 500 pounds in it. I was miserable. Crap! I was planning on carrying this thing until mile 42. This was going to be my extra water for the longer stretches to the turn around. All I could think about was dropping, leaving it in a tree, throwing it off the ledge. Uggg!!

I went through the next aid station, and continued to gut it out. I never caught any of the people that had gotten away, but I plugged away. During this time I decided that I would leave my pack at the next aid station and then pick it up on the way back. Fortunately, my savior was waiting just outside the next aid station! I saw Brian, and when he asked what I needed I said, “take this freaking pack!!” He grabbed it and then took my bottle and my powder and refilled it. He asked if I needed anything from it, and I told him that I needed my extra fuel. Of course, now I didn’t have any place to put it. Without thinking, I grabbed it and shoved it down my chest…perfect fit!! He told me that I had 6.5 miles of great single track and then a downhill to the turn around.

I was FREE!! He saved me, and I was sooo ever thankful! It took me about two minutes to get back in my groove and feel great! By time I got to the downhill I had made time back up, and was catching everyone who had gotten away. There are few words to the difference I felt. I got to the turn around, and turned to go up. New race; legs fresh; time to move!

Reward #2: I got to climb up from the turn around with Kelly!! It’s not like we chatted the whole way up, but we worked together keeping pace and moving up. The climb was so much quicker with her company. I am just so very grateful for knowing her, getting to race with her, and being continually inspired by her. After the race someone commented on the fact that she had been ill a week or two ago, and I said, “the worse Kelly feels leading up to a race, the stronger she races.” She is truly that tough! Reward #3: her telling me to look off the ledge to see the fields of California Poppies. What a sight!!

I told Kelly of my plan “to go” at the top of the climb. We turned onto the single track, and off I went! I felt fantastic. I was so very pleased. It seemed that the further into the race I got, the stronger I felt. So, I pushed…why not? A big treat on this section was seeing the people heading out as we headed back. They were so very kind. They would move off the trail, so unnecessary, and we would cheer for each other. My only real slowdown came when I saw Chris in his Hawaiian shirt! How fun to see him racing!! Before I knew it I was back at the aid station Brian had been, and I was in party mode this time around! I love coming into aid stations happy, appreciative, and full of life…the least I can do for what they are doing! As I was getting reloaded Sue came over to me and told me that 2nd place was 2 or 3 minutes away and if I felt good to go get her. Well, I felt GREAT, so to chase I went. I ran the next section as fast as I could, went through the aid station, and then charged downhill toward aid station #9, Paul, and mile 42. I thought for sure I would see her. I caught all the guys that had passed me earlier when I had my camelback moments, but she was nowhere in sight…what the heck?

I came thru mile 42, all smiles, and to a funny moment during Paul’s quick pit stop for me, “Mer – where is your camelback?” My response: “yeah, me and the camelback…not friends. But, I feel great!” Paul ran through the aid station with me, and charged forward to the final climb. It was such a lift to have him there!! Happily, the climb was not that bad. It was a little steep in beginning, but then was gradual enough that I was able to push it up. I realized that unless the girl in front of me was slowing, I wasn’t going to catch her. But, I also had to remind myself that my goal of the day was not get 2nd but to have another successful training run, and that I was accomplishing with each step. I got to the final aid station, and asked what the time was. My Garmin had died and I had forgotten to get my other watch from Paul. They said it was 1:50. I don’t know what that meant to me, but my goal had been to run about 8:30, so I had 40 minutes to cover the last 4 miles…about 1 mile climb and then 3 miles down to the finish. I crossed the finish line in 8:23; not a bad close for 50 miles. I finished and felt like I could have kept running forever; what a great feeling!!

Paul was at the finish and greeted me with a huge hug and kiss. Keira was at the finish to congratulate each finisher with hug and cooold water; I loved the dry ice! At the finish, as well, was Renee who finished in 2nd. I told her that I was trying my darndest to catch her, and she said that she heard I was running strong and ran as hard as she could. Her friends paid me the most wonderful compliment at the finish telling me that I was the happiest runner with the biggest smile on the course the whole race! I LOVE receiving that compliment. There are no words to share my appreciation for my life; the gifts of a great day; this incredible journey I am taking to Western States; all the people that I have that love and support me everyday; just every part of my life/health/everything… the best way to show it is with happiness and a huge smile on my face!

California, once again, didn’t disappoint, and my gratitude towards all of my blessings continues to bring rewards I never thought truly possible!

Side bar: I can’t end this without sending every piece of my happiness to my friends and their incredible successes in Boston! How we get to lift and push each other to be and do more than we ever thought possible!! Ahh, to dream and to accomplish!
mer

Late Nights and Bluebonnets

2010-04-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Who knew training/volunteering/weekends could be so much fun??

It was yet another beautiful weekend in Austin! We have just been blessed with the most wonderful spring which means that the wildflowers are exploding!

The timing was just perfect for me to get to volunteer at Hells Hills. Some people enjoy being at an aid station, but my favorite is to help with course set-up. Last year, Henry and I spent about 9 hours setting up in the worst storm I have ever been out in...unfortunately to have the race cancelled the next day. This year we laughed that there might be "storms" on Friday during set-up.

Knowing that set-up means lots of hiking, I decided to get my run in before. Bruce, Tausha, and I met for 9 miles at 6AM, and then Pete and I headed to Smithville. We kind of laughed at the fact that Pete was helping with course set up since he is fmously known for getting lost in the woods. So, it was only right that about 1/2 mile into our set-up that we hit a gate and realized that we were on the wrong trail; awesome. We decided to hop in my truck and drive to the far end of the course and set up from there. I am all for the off-road fun, but before we knew it we were headed down a "trail" that was in NO way a road. I am just thankful that my truck didn't get stuck and came through in one piece. In the end the back end of the course got marked with arrows and wrong way signs, and I put glowsticks at the aid stations for my later use.

My plan was to head back to Austin for a few hours, have dinner with Paul, and then head back out to start putting up glowsticks at 10ish pm. I figured there was no better way for a night run: private property and Joe and Henry were asleep at the base knowing where I was headed. If I didn't return they could easily come find me.

So, I load up my pack with 50 glowsticks and tell Henry that if my truck isn't back when he gets up at 3:15, to worry... Right away I get into a great rhythm listening to the night: owls, frogs, cows. The sky was clear and it was nice and warm. I am easily able to run between each hanging, so I am thinking, "no biggie...3hours max for the 13 miles I am going to work." Well, not so much. I quickly hit the first aid station, and all of a sudden I have 50 more glowsticks to "run" with. I crack the glowsticks and load more than enough in my bra for easy access. I found a hidden talent, running with 30 glowsticks in the bra, good times! I get to Off the Lip trail, and I realize that either there are no flags or I am on the wrong trail. I start a bit of a back and forth until I realize that I am on the right trail, but there aren't many flags. My plan becomes to drop or hang a glowstick every 1/4 mile for assurance for the runners. I good with the plan and continue forward. Then I hit Longhorn Loop, and the problem persists. I run back and forth to confirm my location, and then continue on with my dropping of glowsticks for confidence. All of a sudden I realize that I am covering tons of extra mileage and this is going to take longer than planned...oh well.

Then the comedy happens; I get to the field and realize that all of the signs have been removed. The challenge with the field is that unless you know it well there is no way of knowing where the heck the trail continues. It is 2 in the morning, and I am completely at a loss as to where to go. With no other choice, I run every corner of the field for the next 20 minutes until I am SURE of where the trail leads, and then I set up a line of glowsticks so that the runners know exactly where to go. Obviously, 3 hours and 13 miles is completely a lost hope.

I continue on the outer portion of the loop, typically my favorite section to run, and am just ready to be done. I find myself running harder and harder between stops. I am very pleased with my lights and my energy give the night...at about 3:15 - 4:38 and 20 miles later - I finish. I send Henry a text and head back down to the start/finish. When I arrive back it is just Henry, Joe and I awake and runners about to arrive. Joe shows me where to have people park and before I know it I am standing by the park entrance with my light and chatting it up with arriving friends. The 50-miler started at 5AM, 50K at 6AM and it is right around 6 that I realize just how long I have been awake: over 24 hours, 36 miles, and 2 hours of driving...small talk was getting a little low on my list. I head to my truck and sleep for about 30 minutes of gold!

I wake up in time to change clothes and help at the start/finish aid station. I didn't do much beyond helping friends as they came through but I had a blast being out there. It was so fun to see so many friends race and help them in and out of the aid station!

What a fun, fun time! It is so much fun to give back to the local trail community, and even more fun to support my friends. After Pete got 2nd in the 25K, we headed back home!

When I finally reached the house, I took about an hour nap but didn't want to sleep too long because I didn't want to throw my sleep off too much. Paul and I spent the rest of the afternoon together and then prepped for Easter Vigil. I will totally admit to having to rally for Easter Vigil at 8pm. And, let's be honest, when we walked into the dark church I knew I was doomed...candlelight was not going to help me stay awake. Paul and I had a big laugh when the priest announced that "Easter Vigil is typically an all night prayer service." Thankfully the music was lively and quite passionate. We still called mercy early. Paul is normally a MAJOR trooper at church and can endure it all. I am thrilled that he was ok to leave when the Phantom of the Opera music (not quite but that's what it felt like) started and we still had two more readings to get through. We got home and I slept so hard.

I then woke up early Sunday morning to run from the house to meet Paul downtown. It was so much fun to venture 14.5 miles toward him. I loved doing that for my last run of the weekend. We had a wonderful Easter Sunday, topped by an incredible feast (see my other blog for pics and details).

I am LOVING the adventures of training! It seems that each run; each encounter with friends; and the balance of work and life is just getting more and more enjoyable! I can't wait to see what's next!!

Mer

Grateful Spirit

2010-03-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

If you are making a list of things to do before you die, I have one to put toward the top: drive the 101 South from Healdsburg to San Francisco at sunrise in the springtime. In case my first trip to California for the spring wasn’t wonderful enough, I now have a picture in my head I won’t soon forget.

Lake Sonoma 50 was to be my first real training run for WS. We don’t have 10K ft. of climbing in Texas, so there is no better way to train than just get after it and suffer on the first visit. I am always braced for this first race to be a hard painful one, but relish in the start of what is to come. By my 2nd trip on, I have my mountain legs and each event gets better and stronger.

John, the RD, promised no excuse weather, lovely trails, and a “hard to get lost” course. At the end of the race I thanked his wife, Lisa, for making sure the wildflowers were abundant and breathtaking.

I arrived on Friday, and went on a brief gift purchasing journey: downtown bakery for donut muffins for Paul, and an organic vineyard. The owner of the bakery, whom I had talked to over the phone, had wrapped up the muffins for freshness…they looked divine (I can’t wait for his feedback). At the vineyard, I was encouraged to taste, taste, taste. I did just enough to make wonderful selections. I had a blast in their gardens and the winemaker was so kind as to wrap up all my purchases for travel.

Saturday morning brought all of John’s promises. After hugs and hellos, it was time to start. Kelly and I ran a bit together and then I got into a nice conversation with Jody. She is from Ashland, but actually had lived in the Austin area years ago and knew me from some old triathlons. It was fun to catch up and get lost on the miles ahead. We stayed together for about the first 4 miles and then I pulled away a bit.

A few good training things happened early. First, I thought I had travelled without my MP3 charger meaning that I had limited use of music. My plan was to save it for the last miles in case I hit a low and was on my own. It was very good for me to run without music for most of the race, and I was really lifted when I turned it on later. With my heavy hill training/cramming leading into the race I knew my legs would be fatigued for the first hour or so. They always seem to bounce out of it, but it is such a game of patience until they do. Saturday was absolutely no exception. From about mile 5-10 my legs felt like crap. It definitely didn’t help that all of a sudden I was running on my own in no man’s land, but my patience for my legs to settle was so low it was pissing me off. I just forged ahead and tried to get to the mile 12 aid station as quick as I could, so that I could reset and get my giddy-up.

I hit mile 12 aid station, refilled quickly, got my stuff out of my drop bag to last me until mile 38, and went in the direction the aid station guy pointed…or so I thought. Before I knew it I was heading down down down a road??? I remembered reading in the race instructions that there wasn’t any pavement, so this made no sense to me. Soon enough I came up on some guys getting in their car and I asked where the trail was. To which they said, “you were supposed to turn right out of the aid station.” Arghhhh, so up I went back to the aid station. I felt really badly when I saw that I had taken a girl on my journey off course with me. She smiled as I charged back up the hill. 10 minutes bonus. I will say that it was a funny sight to see the reaction of the aid station crew when I came back into the aid station.

I don’t know if it was the adrenaline, or I just finally warmed up, but I was all of a sudden moving with some great enthusiasm and purpose. I went by all of the people who had a chance to plug ahead while I was down the road. I got to chat with tons of folks that were super sweet and kept asking, “what are you doing back here?” The small talk explanation was a little annoying to repeat, but it was definitely distracting and before I knew it I had gotten through one aid station and was at mile 20. John was at the aid station, and I cracked a joke about my skill for adding mileage and making use of my time in California.

From here we made our way to mile 25 aid station to turn around and make our way home. It was at this point in the day that I got to reconsider my decision for the wine-tasting. It was worth it, but there was a moment or two in the woods I definitely questioned it. Just a training day…

Finally coming back from the turn around I started to feel really good. I would say about mile 27ish? I don’t know what it was, but I definitely felt things start to click. I got to the mile 30 aid station, grabbed some ice in my bottle and followed Lee down. I would say that one of the many treats of the day was getting to trade spots with Lee all day. I have known Lee and his wife Sara for a number of years now. They have been so kind to me, have fed Paul and I great post-race meals, taken care of me when WS has not been kind to my body, and have just opened their home and kindness to us again and again. It was actually funny to think that I have never actually run “with” Lee. We have been at races together, and Paul and Lee have run together in their neighborhood, but Saturday was a great treat!

The return trip was flying. It was great! It was finally warm outside and I was finally in my groove. This is what these distances are all about. If you run it out long enough, you are guaranteed to feel really really good! I came through mile 33 aid station, and Stan told me that Kelly was 22 min ahead of me. She was doing awesome! I hit mile 38, dropped my waste belt and refilled my bottle. I was a bit hungry, so I grabbed a quesadilla piece and ran out. At this point I saw Max, an old running buddy of ours from Houston, who had been quite a bit ahead of me. He said that the wheels were falling off. I told him to strap them back on, and I would see him at the finish. Noone said this was easy!

At that aid station the guy with my bag asked me if I wanted my other bottle. I figured I was moving well enough that I would be fine, BUT I should have taken it. I definitely spent the segment rationing my water, and I TOTALLY know better than that. It doesn’t matter how much you love the heat, having more fluid than less is always better!!

The aid station at the water, the last aid station, was the most welcome sight on the planet and I was thrilled that they had ice water!! From there it was just a grinder to the finish.

I was really pleased with my effort, especially with the course (not an easy one at all). I was even more pleased that once I finished I wasn’t sore or tired at all. Now that’s the way to end a training run…a bit painful during, but feel really strong when it’s over.

On my flight to California I read an article about remembering to be grateful, and in doing so everyday will be that much better. It was such a great reminder for me before the race, so that while I was out there and even during my low moments I could focus on what is bigger and more important than just putting one foot in front of the other:
- There are few words for how grateful I am for Paul and my everyday stronger feelings for him. It is such a miracle to be in this place with him, and know that everyday apart makes everyday together that much better. He is with me every step, and every moment…but I don’t actually have to write it here for him to already know it!!
- For my friends, training partners, and support team. What a dream to have such wonderful people in my life. You are with me every mile. You give me patience. You make me better, stronger, hungrier to be the very best I can be. This journey could not start and will not finish without you by my side!!
- For my friends in my “2nd” hometown, I don’t think you will ever understand just what it means to arrive in California knowing in so many ways…I am home. No, I won’t be moving to California but the genuine goodness everyone has given to me is so amazing!! Kelly, Suzanna, Leslie…I look forward to every chance I get to see y’all and visit! Thank you for making me feel so very at home! Devon – it has been amazing to see you all over the country, literally! You are such an amazing spirit, and I am so excited to see your journey unfold over the next few months and then some  I loved that you knew how much I would TOTALLY understand what you had been through with your bonus loop, and know the dividends that will come from what you made out of that. You will not soon forget what you can do when things don’t go perfect, but that you can still turn the day into just what you want and more.

In the end, I am truly grateful and blessed for the views the trails provide from the lush green to the incredible lake to the abundant wildflowers; my continued health despite the mean California poison oak (by the way, yeah it was out there…my legs and left arm are proof); and all the gifts I am continually given!

If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what is down the trail!!
mer

Nighttime Bonding and Weather Avoidance

2010-03-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

So much for sunshine and springtime...at least for the next two days.

But, I am more resourceful and determined than any weather system. AND, I have a wonderfully supportive husband!!

As Paul was driving home from Dallas yesterday afternoon, I had a lightbulb shine in my head: Saturday forecast 40s and rain; Friday night forecast...clear and 68. I called with my clever idea, "Honey, what are you doing tonight? Wanna go for a trail run?? :)" Without question, he was game. 10PM start for a couple of hours on the trail!!

What an incredible way to spend a Friday night! Paul and I on the trail, chatting away, catching up, and running together. What a gift to get to share that time together!!! I know that running my pace is a total throw away for him, but he never complained or made me feel like my 8:20-9 min pace was too slow.

A few lessons on my impromptu decision for a night run. Make sure you have fresh batteries in your lights!! My lights were next to useless, and we basically relied on one handheld between us. Headlamps can be irritating. Obviously, I have some work to do with my lighting system. Always be flexible with plans because last minute changes and scheduling can make for the best memory!

This morning it was gym time to stay warm and dry. 10 miles of uphill climbing (forever grateful to Shan for this workout), weights, and squats!! Going to the gym is definitely not the first place I want to be for a workout, but I do enjoying seeing people I otherwise wouldn't (I chatted with one of my clients for 20 min of my climb workout and I got to scare the heck out of John P)....great start to a rainy morning, and I was excited to be neither tired nor sore from the night run.

I am just hoping that this is our LAST spell of cold...so over it. But, if the rain falls and if the weather is not ideal this weekend has taught me that I can still get in wonderful workouts, quality time with the husband, and make the most of what's around and available...

No Excuses, Do the Work!
mer

80 degrees!!!

2010-03-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

Not much else to say, except AMEN spring is here! It was 80 degrees today, and I celebrated with with a 10 mile hill workout!

I enjoyed seeing all my hill "friends." The mail man, the UPS delivery guy, the workers that have been building the house on the corner for over a year, and my very favorite...the old man that lives two houses down from the corner of the top of my climb. He came out and greeted me and then came to "see if I wanted cold water" about 1 hour in.

In Austin we don't have hills long enough on the trails, so road repeats it is. The hotter the better :) I have been doing this workout for a few years now, and have come to know the workers who get their jobs done while I run up and down, and up and down, and up and down. I have come to appreciate seeing them and am very grateful for their waves, smiles, and friendly words. (For those of you who have beautiful trail repeats to run...be grateful!!)

I did this workout over the winter, but TODAY was just the way I like it....bright sunshine, friendly faces, and great running.

Welcome Springtime!! Afterall, sunshine does make me oh so happy!
mer

Gotta love days that start at 5AM, so that you can get a workout in, a solid workday, and hill repeats...yippee.

Sunshine and Springtime!

2010-03-04T16:29:00.000-08:00

It's finally approaching...today was in the upper 60's with the sun shining!!

Flyer joined me for my workout and he has been sleeping ever since. Apparently my 10 miles with speed on the Powerline was more than enough for him. I can't wait for a social 12 tomorrow, 26 hills and trail on Saturday, and then hills with Liza on Sunday. What a great start to the warmth of springtime! I must still be on winter time, though, because I did my workout in long sleeves. Layers to officially shed when the temp reads 70+!

Now the soil just needs a few more days for me to be able to plant my veggies and herbs. One true test of patience is the waiting for gardens to bloom. Timing and effort has to be just right. Hopefully I can nail it this year. I so enjoyed my long lasting crop of tomatoes last year (thanks Mike).

And, to top off this great weather, Paul is coming home early...yippee!! Now, of course, I will never know if he is actually coming home early to see me or to Bomb Run and have Cowboy Breakfast??? I guess he can go play on a Friday if I can spend the morning with the G's and lunch with Pinky's :)

Happy Early Spring!!

mer

Defining a workout

2010-02-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

One of Paul's best friends, Jim, sent this note on Thursday. How about that for a slap of reality on work and workouts!!

"Does fighting this large fire today count as a workout? We were dragging 2" hose up to the 2nd floor and fighting fire above the plane impact."
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile (Jim sent this pic)

Thanks Jim and the rest of his team for keeping us safe!! Still crazy to think this happened less than 2 miles from my house...
Mer

Valentine's Day

2010-02-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

I can't think of more wonderful way to spend a Valentine's Day, then what we had!

Paul and I woke up bright and early to a beautiful Austin day. We headed downtown to go play at the marathon. He was the pace leader for the 3 hour group and I was for the 3:50 group. I call mine, "party at 3:50." And a party it was. Danny and I lead approx 30 runners through about mile 22 and then held almost 20 strong to the finish. Nothing like sweaty hugs from "new friends" who met goals, qualified for Boston, ran their first marathons, or just gave it everything they had to the finish.

Paul and I then got home and sat outside with Flyer and enjoyed the incredible afternoon weather.

If that wasn't enough, we went to yoga and Zoe treated us to an incredible class geared toward our post-marathon bodies. She is just awesome!

We finished off the evening with a wonderful meal and great time together.

I get it. There are people who think that receiving material "things" are the best way to spend Valentine's Day. But things last only one day. Yes, Paul got me a wonderful gift for Valentine's day, but it is what he does everyday and all life that we get to share everyday that is more meaningful.

Thank you Paul, friends, and family for making everyday my Valentine's Day! Thank you for giving me so much more value than material items have to offer.

Thank you to my 3:50 group for letting me be part of your day. As I said over and over again..."amazing!" And to so many I know who came out to cheer...you are awesome! You lifted the runners and made me so proud to get to run in such a beautiful place on such a great day! I hope anyone wanting to run a marathon will head to Austin. What a great race!

Pics to come! (Next year I will have my camera on the course)
mer

50!

2010-02-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

50 miles. 50 minutes faster...

2009 RR 50-miler: 8:02
2010 RR 50-miler: 7:12:40

2010 marks the 10 year anniversary of my running. January 2000 I ran my first marathon in cotton socks and cross-trainers. Funny thing thinking back is that my first marathon was also the last long distance event my entire family attended. It took me so long to get to mile 18 where they were waiting for me that my mother sent my dad to the finish line to make sure I survived. It took me 5:11. I can now run a 50K in the mountains almost an hour faster than I ran that first marathon.

Saturday far exceeded anything I knew 10 years ago that my body would be capable of...what an amazing journey it has been!

Last year I went out at a pace that definitely could have gotten me in under 8 hours, but when it got tough I slowed down. So I went in feeling confident that I could break 8 hours for the 50. Everyone I know always talks about how hard I work. I am not fast. I am not a naturally talented athlete. (Remember I am married to Paul...I KNOW what a natural athlete is). I like to constantly remind them I am just willing to work harder than anyone around me. It's all I have when it comes down to it.

Over the past 2 months I have been working in a much more structured way; thank you Coach A. I needed it. I needed someone to reign me in, and keep me focused. Not every run was about chasing the guys, although that is still super fun. There were still plenty of social runs and my usual time on my bike. But over the past weeks there have been many runs on my own. There have been many many miles to log, but each with a purpose.

I saw it play out during my training day at the Bandera 50K. I knew the training was working and with each passing week I have trusted it more and more.

It was in such a matter-of-fact conversation two weeks ago that I was told, "I figure you will stay in the 8:30-8:40 range." I don't think I responded because I don't even think I calculated what that meant. At lunch with my friend, Liza, the winner of the 100-miler, when she asked what my goal was I said, "I will be happy with 7:30-7:40 finish time." But this was in conversation with the girl whose big goal of the race was to, "not take a nap this year."

I set up my plan for Paul. I would be at mile 12 at 1:45ish and finish loop 1 at 2:25 or so, finish loop 2 at 4:50ish, and finish in 7:30-7:40. Easy enough...he would switch my bottles and I wouldn't have to hit the aid stations.

(see my food blog for my fun food adventure on Friday)

Saturday morning was thankfully warmer than predicted, so I didn't have to wear tons of layers. I got to the start line and set up my stuff. Once I checked in I saw Melanie. She said, "I hear it is going to be between us today." I paused for a moment and told her that I was not worried about my placement at all, but I had a goal time and wanted a good day. She said that she,too, had a goal time and felt the same. I think on some level it made it easy breathing for both of us because we could then totally focus on our goals without being wrapped up in the "competition" of it all.

Before long off we went. After the first few miles I was able to settle in. The aid stations were great because I knew people at each of them. It's always great to see friendly faces. At about 1:35 (maybe faster) I hit 12 miles and my first bottle switch with Paul. I just love his crewing style because he is calm and doesn't tell me I am too fast/too slow. He could tell I was comfortable and just cheered me through.

I came through loop 1 as Melanie was heading out..I think about 2:15. We cheered for eachother, and in I went. I like to be very fast through aid stations, but there was a huge crowd of people around my stuff. Quick switch of bottles and off I went. The way the course is set up is awesome because as you are heading out you can see everyone coming in. I could definitely tell by the look of some of the guys I normally run near that they were thinking my pace was hard for what they knew me to run. Yes, I was faster than planned but I was ok...so easy to say early on :)

During loop 1 my pace was all over the place. On loop 2 I seemed to be much more consistant. As it was warming a bit I had to stop to refill with water at Dam Road aid station. Fortunately, Sandy was there to help me quickly. I was very thankful for him. As I have told Joe, I love the new course. You get to see plenty of people, but with the 100-milers doing a bigger loop you also get your space. I was truly enjoying the best of both worlds. Funny moment was when I quickly tried to go off trail to go to the restroom...a guy came running up and told me not to even bother. It was a big race with lots of people. I figured I should at least TRY to squat off trail :) Oh well, I was well hydrated. Again, I came through Park Rd to Paul in quick motion and cruising along.

As before I was running in as Melanie was running out of the loop. This time we both put our arms out for a sad five to eachother. Things were looking really good for both of us! I think I turned around at about 4:27? Paul ran out with me, and I told him, "If I run 3 hours I will hit my goal." I hadn't even done the math that I had been significantly faster than that for each loop, so for some reason I thought it would be close.

As I was running toward the first aid station of the loop I could definitely feel my effort from the day. I kept telling myself that I had gone for it, so now I have to hang on. Everyone was really really sweet on the course. Olga, Mark, Robert, Larry H, just to name a few really kept me going and kept my spirits up. Again, I came into Dam Rd and Sandy was ready with water. I was just constantly lifted by all the support on the course. Once I hit the jeep road for the last time my legs were trashed. They hurt and I just wanted to be done so badly. My watch had died (Melanie said hers died at about the same spot), but it no longer mattered...I just wanted to finish and stop running. When I saw Paul at Park Rd the last time I tried to tell him that my legs were fried, but I am pretty sure the best he had to say was, "suck it up."

Somewhere in my final miles I reasoned with myself that I would definitely run my 7:30. What I hadn't factored for a moment was that my pressing forward at the pace I was (I felt like I was barely moving) would have me faster than that. I ran over the boardwalks and weaved my way through as many were going back out. I was so filled with excitement. I had worked hard. I had continued to push. I had not given up. I finished. I gave Melanie a huge hug in celebration of us both beating our goals! Paul gave me a huge hug and kiss in celebration...this was for him!

As Chris emailed me yesterday, it is so rare when all of your friends and people you care about have a great day! Saturday was one of those magical days. I am so fortunate to be around people who shoot for the stars with such positive attitudes. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such a wonderful support crew in life and running. They lift me. They are what keep me going when I am tired and when things get hard. They share every step with me and keep my heart full. It is the incredible people in my life that make me a better person everyday...which translates to every piece of my life. Saturday was just proof of that :)

No rest for the weary...Paul and I pace at the Austin Marathon on Sunday!

mer

Smiles

2010-02-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

Report to come in the next day or two, but in the meantime here is a very quick update and some pics. (more pics to come when Dave and Melanie's mom, I think, do their downloading, hint hint)

Couldn't have asked for more, Melanie and I both had goals for a great day and specific times. We both got more than either of us could have asked for in the most wonderful way! My report will reflect the gift of the day we were each given, as the positive support I felt and received only lifted me and my ability all day.

On the 100 mile side, Paul enjoyed pacing Greg Crowther as he "enjoyed" his first 100 mile finish.

What a wonderful weekend! I got to visit with Jamie and Dave (fun fun times Friday and Saturday post-race) and in typical fashion she ran effortlessly and as though she had only run about 5 miles total; my friend, Liza, killed the 100 miler to honor her grandmother; and my friend, Bruce, finished his first 50-miler...and much much more.

Smiles all around :)

mer

Relationships

2010-01-31T10:57:00.000-08:00

It is so funny. I started this post yesterday and now it is so very changed and more meaningful!

Here is where it started:
This morning at yoga we were tasked to set our class intention on relationships. Then we went on to spend much of the next 90 minutes doing partner work. It was the perfect Sunday class. I partnered with my friend Clea who is 9 months pregnant. It was a blast pushing, stretching, and mirroring each other. We found a good rhythm and enjoyed it. Great treat! If you read my other blog you will see that she obviously didn't have her baby on Thursday...maybe at the end of this coming week.

It has been absolutely amazing to watch her be pregnant and stay so very active and healthy throughout. It was awesome to partner with her today and see what her body was able to do.

Today's addition - last night I got a text while Paul and I were out that Clea had in fact been in labor during yoga class, and the rest of the day, and was at the hospital! Jasper was born this morning!! Welcome healthy boy, and what a blessing for Clea and Mike. I can't wait to meet him :) So let's take it a step further with how very impressed I am given the yoga class we did, AND she was in labor! I have the most incredible friends.

This pic is Clea starting the Vermont 100-miler. Given seeing her both at the finish of this and yesterday, I aim to say forever that Jasper's arrival was not only easier but will FOREVER be more rewarding!! I can't wait to share 3:50 at Austin with you in 2011 :)

Back to yesterday's post -
Over the past few months I have come to learn that creating complete happiness in your relationships takes work. It is not something that is handed to you like a gift. It is like a seed, and must be planted and cared for in order to grow and remain healthy.

I am absolutely thrilled that I have been given the chance over and over since November to see what wonderful growth my relationships have been able to have.

Paul and I are in the most incredible place. Every moment, laugh, touch, and conversation is renewed and is filled with such peace. I am so very lucky. I told someone the other day that I am so very lucky to be married to such a good man who doesn't hold onto negativity and posesses the true sense of forgiveness: the ability, in truth, to let go of something and move on. I will continue to cultivate and make our relationship blossom into all it is and can be. What a blessing!!

With all of my friends I am so very fortunate to have been given the chance to have deep and hard conversations with them, and have created better and stronger bonds than were ever there before. What a gift! I have always loved and appreciated the friendships I have, but over the past few months they have proven to be the roots keeping me grounded and helping me not fall.

Although there are a few more weeks of Texas cold, it is almost time to plant seeds for spring flowers, herbs, and vegetables. May we, too, continue to plant our seeds...reap what we may sow...feed and water those relationships we value and cherish...and watch them bloom into beauty and plenty.

May each of us continue to move forward and be so blessed in all that we have an all that we can be grateful for!
mer

Merry Freezing Christmas!!

2009-12-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

Greetings from th 12 degree tundra of Leavenworth, Kansas!

I was fortunate enough to be on the last flight not cancelled from DFW to Kansas yesterday, and arrived to 32 degrees and rain, which quickly turned into blizzard conditions. By time we left evening mass the ground was covered with snow, which was storming in. My constant words were, "this is crazy."

We are here celebrating Christmas with Paul's family, and enjoying fantastic time with his sister's kids. They are just amazing!

I will be honest that since stepping off the plane my fingers have been blue and have been FREEZING. Fortunately, CJ has been precious and trying to cuddle up and keep me warm :)

We woke up to 10 degrees this morning, I went for a run on the treadmill (thank goodness for nice warm basements!), and we headed over to Nicole's for Christmas present opening. (We are staying at Paul's cousins house). It was an incredible morning, as we got to share opening of presents with Nicole, the kids, and Ryan (my brother in law) on Skype from Iraq! What a cool world we live in that he is doing such an amazing thing for our country and the Iraqi country (they are there training the Iraqi soliders...he is there for the next year) and he got to watch his family open their presents (twins and a one year old). The kids would open and then show each present to their dad. I am so glad he got to share the morning with us!

I'll admit that this is not my most fun vacation, as seriously I will need weeks to defrost from it, but my heart is filled with absolute warmth by spending some fantastic time with my wonderful husband, and seeing what an incredible job his sister is doing. This is the first time Ryan has been deployed since they have had kids. She is managing work, as a doctor, twin 3-yr-olds, and a one year old without complaint. At dinner last night we were talking, and she was talking about taking them to church with her. I know families that don't take three kids to church with two parents, but she goes every week without anyone else to help her. She does it all: work, grocery shopping, meal prep, and once the kids are asleep she gets a workout in. She looks fantastic! What a blessing her example is for me and for anyone who feels challenged by the day-to-day of "getting it done." (Clea - seriously she would give you hope in what is to come for you!!)

On another topic: running...I went to Bastrop on Wednesday to get my 15-miler in. It was a LOVELY 60ish degrees and 100% humidity, seriously some of my favorite weather. I have been logging some pretty big miles so my motivation on the first loop was not high, to say the least. But I still set out on the 2nd loop. As I headed out, I was filled with such gratitude for the sacrifices Paul makes for us every week, for the amazing moments of self-reflection I get to have during my time in the woods alone; for my ability to be able to run in such incredible weather; for my health; and for all the gifts of wonderful people in my life. As these thoughts passed through my head. I was lifted...my legs floated and I had the best end of the run. It was just an incredible moment. I shared it with Paul when I finished and told him just how grateful I am for him and his support. I am so truly blessed and felt it every step as I went through the run. Having that run on my own was absolutely uplifting and priceless!! What a great reminder of what a gift a run can be...I will need this, I am sure, as I train for Western States.

As always, I am just so filled with gratitude for my wonderful life, all the gifts I am given; and all the people that create such happiness in my life! I just hope for the next few days that these thoughts can keep my body thawed and warm until I return to Texas!!

Merry merry!

mer

Just another Friday...

2009-12-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

I have another post that is coming with some catching up to do, but I thought this would be a fun one to quickly put up.

Today was just another typical Friday:

- catch up on emails

- see clients

- run in the INCREDIBLE weather

- visit with my neighborhood friend (major time suck, but oh such meaningful moments to give)

- deliver cakeballs and vegan bars (one of my new favorite pasttimes, as this delivery always brings a smile to everyone's face)

- take Flyer to the vet

- leave in the middle of the appointment

- head to the movie set

- photo op with my client

- nice visit with my client

- great dinner with husband

- prep for run for tomorrow

Oh, yeah, here is the pic

mer

Loving Thanks

2009-11-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day had an early start - Davenport Death Run 16 miles: Mel and Mike, Paul and I, Luisa, Tom, and William. It was an incredible route, and I look forward to challenging myself with it again. Then it was off to finish prep!

There is no better way to show your thanks than to create a lovely meal. And, that is just what I did!

On the Menu:

- Herb Roasted Turkey Breast (made two bone-in breasts vs. whole turkeys to avoid being stuck with dark meat)

- Sweet Potatoes with unsweetened dried cranberries and infused with orange juice

- Roasted Beets in reduced balsamic vinegar

- steamed string beans

- Rosemary Sage Stuffing

- Cranberry Relish with mandarin oranges

- Spinach salad with pears and fall vegetables

- And for my non-turkey eaters Grilled Salmon seasoned with herbs de Provence and grilled lemons

For Dessert:

- Cakeballs

- Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream and sprinkled with cinnamon

- Pumpkin Pie

- 1 single Vegan Brownie for my father's birthday :)

Sharing this special meal with family and friends made me truly thankful for all the gifts in my life. This year has been filled with just so much, and this was an incredible moment to take to show my true appreciation for all the gifts I am given.

And if the above wasn't enough, there is no better way to complete the evening than to take the bones and from the turkey breast and create a turkey and vegetable soup. So not only are we left with incredibly healthy leftovers, but the treat of warm soup for weeks to come! As with all the meals and foods I create, there is nothing more special than sharing the goodness...so if you want a container of soup, just let me know! (I have it in the freezer! Next week looks like it is going to be a PERFECT soup week in Texas).

Ahhh, to melt into the couch with Paul and the UT game (hook'em) after such a wonderful day and hard work. All was sooo worth it!

Have a blessed holiday weekend!

mer

Running and Baking

2009-11-24T19:57:00.000-08:00

What a day! If you would have asked me at 4:30 this morning how the day I was looking, I would have had a very different response than what I have at 10pm.

At 4:30 this morning, I was crawling out of my slumber after a brief 4 hours of sleep. One of the things of truly appreciating running and training is the gift of getting to release any negativity that might be brewing inside. For me that is what is a run is for. It is not an escape from reality, but a true moment of appreciation and blessing...and who the heck wouldn't feel positive after taking advantage of those feelings. Of course, it does help that I run with some of the most fun people! I am so very fortunate to be surrounded by such a phenomenal community of healthy people who think a 5:30 run is the best place to be.

I showed up for the run with the cold front blowing in. Right as we get started, Amy comes running up from behind totally giddy. She tells me that Dorie posted on her blog. Two pieces have to be mentioned here: Amy's blog is INCREDIBLE (see the first blog favorite of mine). She touches my foodie passion with each of her posts and creations. Second, she recognized that only another foodie would be almost skipping to the thought that Dorie Greenspan commented on her bundt cake entry. If you don't know who she is, look her up and BAKE! Amy just brightened my morning. I promised her that I would have pics of my creations today (they are coming in a moment). I love having that connection with someone...the passion of wonderful food.

The run was really great, everything about it: the route; the company; even the cold front coming in...it was just the magical miles that my body needed to be renewed for the day to come! Although, I will admit that I am looking forward to partaking in the full glory of Testosterone (Estrogen if you ask Asia) Tuesday next week!!

After the run, it was time to get in a full workday as well as a full prep day. As I went through the day in a perfect symmetry of time balance I came to realize what a joy it all is. There is truly nothing more wonderful than creating food for others. I enjoy nothing more than sharing my creations of healthy foods and treats with those who I care about. In good food: the preparation, the serving, the delivering...it's the entire act that gets to come from pure raw ingredients to effort of your hands and skill to final product...well, that end result is just like a great run. The gift of food to another person creates that same moment of joy and renewal. I came to realize in my food prep today, I LOVE sharing that. I love bringing a smile to someone's face with the food I prepare. It is such a great gift!

With that level of joy, I created some very requested cakeballs (red velvet...my signature...and Boston Cream Pie, my sweet husband's request), prepped vegetables, and roasted sweet potatoes (they just need the addition of fresh cranberries and orange juice) in the midst of my workday. As promised this morning, Amy - here are the pics! If you go back on my blog you will note that I have stepped up the artistry on them. It's about time that these little wonders look as beautiful as they taste...but no tastes for me. Seriously!!

What a wonderfully full day! So many gifts and "little blessings" to be thankful for and prep to share with those I love!

I am so very fortunate!

mer

It's time to get back!

2009-11-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

John P said first thing this morning when I showed up to Rogue for my first run with the crew in quite sometime, "What happened to Sunshine Makes me Happy? I miss the blog posts." Well, John, I must say that you made my morning :) It is with your nudge that I come out of the thought process and back!

Then I opened my blog page and saw a note from Kelly. Kelly - miss you too, and it is time for me to get back on it. I hope to see you so soon and am thrilled to know that you are healthy and back running.

Journeys, life, trails...all have many options and many final destinations. Sometimes we take the right path, sometimes we take what we think is the right path, and sometimes we downright take the wrong one. The gift that God has blessed me with is that no matter what path I head down: the love, compassion, and non-judged support I have from everyone in my world can return me to my core.

I am so very grateful for all the gifts in my life. I am speechless by the love and support that holds me up, and reminds me of the person I truly am. I am in awe of my husband who can sit at a table and listen to me with levels of compassion that are greater than that of a Saint. I will never be able to truly verbalize how fortunate I am to be married to such a good good man. (But, let's be honest in that EVERYONE who has ever met him already knows that about him) When there is so much love at the core of two people for eachother, I now truly believe, you can conquer ANYTHING that comes your way.

As with each race I run, these past few months of life have also taught me lessons that I will not soon forget...Fortunately, my "team" remains stronger than ever and intact, and we can move forward together, forever changed...

Thanks to each of you for your patience for my return! I'll be sure to make each post worth the wait :)

mer

Training Races and Appreciating Friends

2009-08-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

I could go on and on about what a wonderful day I had at Headlands, but instead I am going to focus on what this gift is all about...appreciating my friends.

Over the past few months, I have been given the gift of the best training partners, friends, advisors, and support team. These are not new people in my life, but the gift of each of them is so incredible that it is what carries me as I run, and especially as I ran on Saturday.

My goal for Saturday was made very clear: this was a TRAINING RUN! This was not a race for me. What this meant in my head was that I was supposed to finish with legs as fresh as I started, right?

Even so I was heading out to run...not hike around the Marin Headlands. And, run, I did. I went a little too fast on the first loop. Not fast by effort, but fast by time. I knew if I tried to push that pace for the 2nd loop I would not finish with fresh legs. So I turned it off, and really took it easy on the 2nd loop. I chatted with folks, I cheered for others going the other direction, and I just had a great time appreciating my gifts and the day.

It was on the second loop that I realized as I was running just how much I was smiling. I wondered for a bit what people going the other way must think, and then it struck me...my smile, my utter happiness on the trail was contagious. Who the heck smiles after 30 miles of running? What I came to realize is that someone who is at complete peace and happiness in their life can smile with every step they take. And in that moment, when people can feel your inner and outer smile...it makes them smile too.

I have the great fortune of being in a place that brings me to constant happiness: work, life, family, friends...each and every piece lifts me and it comes out in each step I take and the smile on my face.

OK, now for my moments of gratitude because I ran this race filled with so much, as always.

I would name each and every one of you, but you all know who you are!! I was called a "secret weapon" on Saturday, which made me laugh. But, honestly, each of you that are such a huge part of my life...you are my secret weapon. You fuel me with moments; you lift me up; you bring me strength; you support me; you love me; each of you is exactly what I need to be filled with such inner happiness...it is just incredible what a gift you are.

The best way to honor this gratitude is with pictures of all of those who bring me this inner and outer smile :) Thank you for the gifts! Headlands was for you, and we had a great time!

mer

(as a side note to this, missing from the photos are Mike, Erin, and Bruce) Mike and Erin - I couldn't find the pics from my b-day...totally MIA. Bruce - after tomorrow AM I will have a pic of you (yes I am taking a pic after our run!!)

Other pics missing, but the people are not - my fantastic friends from all over who advise, support, and are just as important as everyone who has a photo up...need to get better at taking pics of out of town friends, too :)

My Inner Roadrunner

2009-07-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today I was a true road runner! Dropped my car off at Barton Springs, and hooked a ride with the guys to the Arboretum. From there our fearless leader, Steve, gave the instruction: 8 miles EZ, 10 mile MGP, rest cooldown (we were going 24 total).

Let me back up. I do actually run roads quite frequently: hills, tempo, easy...it is just easier to find company and speed that way. But, the last time I endeavored on my long run on the road (over 10-15 miles) was Austin Marathon last Feb. where I paced. But it worked in my schedule, the other guys were in Bandera, and I wanted to be done early to go enjoy Swedish Waffles!

I will be the first to admit I have no idea what my current road pace is. I have been known recently, and apparently am getting quite the reputation, for taking an easy run to a 7:05 pace...thanks for all the grief! But I figured if I hung with the crowd for warm-up, stayed with Bruce (7:15 or a little faster) for MGP, and then home free I would be fine. This would give me a solid run without any fatigue going into Headlands.

Well, what a treat this run was! I spent most of the early part, and until she had to get to work, with Asia (sp?) one of the UT Cross-Country girls. We had a great time visiting! I spent some time just listening to the guys and their banter. And, I spent some time letting Bruce and Jason (yes, Mike, Jason was not pulling the crowd!!) keep me in check pre-MGP. The miles (even the bonus wrong turn +1mile) flew by. Then it was time to pick it up. It's so weird, and I was telling Nedra later, that I was a little nervous picking it up. I run too fast all the time, but I didn't know if I could hold the pace for 10 miles and on the hills.

Well, actually Bruce and I did pretty darn well, and Charles TOTALLY rallied after an early show stopper! Here's what Bruce had to say about our pace splits: "Actually I think those are pretty good considering the terrain, especially the last four miles. I know mile four was 7:14 so if I factor that in our overall pace was 7:12 on a course designed to slap us around a bit. It was expected that many people wouldn't be able to keep pace for ten miles."

I can't believe I am typing this, but I think some of my inner roadrunner is back :) Probably most of it is because I don't do long runs on the road very often, and the company is fantastic, but I think I might do that again...and maybe soon!! Thanks for letting me play with the black short boys!!

Next stop, Trattoria Lisina and a wonderful anniversary evening! 5years!

Oh, and by the way, Swedish Waffles (crunchy) are the best!
m

Pacifica

2009-07-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

I'll be the first to admit that I have a heavy racing schedule for the end of summer/early fall. I love to race, whether for a training run or for an A effort. There is so something to be said for pinning a race number on, going to incredible places, and testing your training.

I can't remember when I decided that Pacifica 50K was a good place to start, but I did and then convinced Beth that it was a great idea for her to join. Afterall, she needed a pick-me-up race after Boston and trying to motivate for the next goal...and what better place than the trails of California!

I have been training hard and strong lately, and so I was interested to see how it would play out. I had looked at times from past years and saw that I could do fairly well, if I ran a smart race. I had taken a peak at the course record, but more for reference of where I thought I might finish...5:15-5:30 was my goal. Beth and I hit on one VERY early challenge, I needed to run fast enough for us to make our 5pm Sunday flight. When we booked everything neither one of us had checked out the race start time: 8:30. It was going to be close if we wanted to be clean on the plane.

We headed to California on Saturday with the plan to check out the town of Half Moon Bay before settling into the hotel. We had a great time, and it was completely worth the trip to the old beach town to drive there. The drive was spectacular. One funny piece of this part of the trip to note was us passing the local vineyard, and Beth and I remembering our trip to Napa. I had never been wine tasting before in Napa, and it didn't take much for me to be drunk. We considered stopping in, but I drew the line.

By late afternoon, we were both fairly spent and went to the room to relax, eat, and get ready for the race. I kept telling Beth that I was a little nervous about the course. The 50K course read like this: Orange/Pink/Pink/Orange/Yellow/Pink. WTF. How was I supposed to remember this is the midst of a race. The was only one person who could help...Mike. I sent him an email asking for help, and he was a GENIUS! He said, quite simply: "Who's down with OPP, yeah you know me." And then he said something about OYP. Beth and I were laughing and laughing. We would, now, not easily forget the route!! And, I would have yet another Mike song stuck in my head.

Both Beth and I were up VERY early the next morning, still being on Central Time. It was kind of nice because we could be totally leisurely in our getting ready for the race. At first we might have felt bad for making too much noise getting ready, waking up our neighbors, but shortly before we departed we could clearly hear that our neighbors took advantage of the wake-up call. I will spare everyone any more details than that, unless you are on a long run with me and need some laughs.

We headed down 1 to Pacifica. WOW the views of the ocean as we drove in. And this is why I run in California! We got to the park, and were surrounded by incredible foliage and cool temps. Arm warmers...ready to go. The race consisted of a 9K, 21K, 30K, and 50K. Everyone but the 9K started together. We all lined up, and Wendell sent us on our way. I took off toward the front, chatting briefly with my friend, Lee, from Granite Bay. He told me that Saturday he had gone for a 5K swim in the American River for his birthday and needed to slow down on this first climb. I know he is historically faster than me, but I was really going conservative and pulled away pretty quickly. I had the plan to take the first round of Orange/Pink conservative to get a check of the course, and then pick it up on the back 1/2. I continued up the climb with Elizabeth. She was doing the 50K, and seemed to be a strong climber. After the first two miles, I had to let her go. I knew I would be at the edge if I stayed with her to the top. So here I was 2nd woman...long way to go. We climbed to the top of the peak about 3.5 miles up, turned around and went down. I LOVE downhill. My legs were starting to warm up and I was feeling spry. I hooked in with 2 30K guys and 2 or 3 21K guys. I got in front for the single track down. One of the guys, at one point, made some wise crack about me taking this first downhill too fast for planning to run the 50K. I was comfortable, so I ignored him. (downhill miles: 7:21, 7:14, 7:12) We came into the start/finish, I refilled my bottle, and headed out.

Pink loop had a smaller climb, a short stretch on a dirt road, a two mile climb, and then decent back to start/finish. This first loop of Pink seemed to take forever. I used the time to just collect myself and remember sections for repeating later. I got to the top of the second climb and then happily took it down (7:23, 7:16). My legs seemed to be warming up on this second decent and I was finally seeming to find some rhythm.

I refilled, again, and headed back on the Pink loop. I definitely felt better this loop. ..downhill and dirt road mile (7:42) It was here I caught back up to one of my initial 30K guys. I caught him right before the twoish miles down, and tried to drag him with me. He had some words that I was going to drop him and he was only running the 30K, sorry. Down I went (7:12, 7:08)

Back to Orange. I knew it was coming and this was going to be my test. My nutrition, my head, my legs...up I go. I actually felt great. I was almost 3/4 up before I even saw the 1st place male. I was getting a little giddy...where was Elizabeth? I kept saying to myself, if I can be 1-2 minutes behind her I can catch her on the downhill. Sure enough as I get to the top of the peak, she is 1 minute up...race on! I turn around and RUN. I thought for sure I would catch her on the downhill. I was flying for me (7:10, 7:04, 6:42...NO JOKE!!) I have so much momentum on the downhill that I am having to grab poles on the switchbacks to keep my balance. It was awesome. My legs were giving me all the gifts of all of my hard work, and I was grateful for every moment.

I came running hard into the start/finish for my final water refill only to find Elizabeth there. I was ready to push. My legs felt fantastic, and I knew I could run the whole last up and push the down. She takes off right infront of me, and I catch her. I tell her that she must have been flying down that last downhill because I couldn't believe I didn't catch her. She says she loves the downhills but she is tired. That was all I needed to hear. I pulled ahead, but knew she was back there...it was a good place to be. I like to run a little scared. I started up the final climb and about 1 mile up I get stung by a hornet...OUCH. It freaking hurt. I walk for just a second, but then reason to myself that if I have a bad reaction to the sting the best I could do was get to the finish quickly. So I start running. I get to the top of the final climb and know I have about 2 miles down to the finish. It is now for the first time that I look at the clock for real time. I knew the women's course record was 5:02 (Mike told me today that the men's was 4:58), and see that I have about 24 minutes to get down (I was looking at real time...not chrono, my GPS was being grumpy with me). So I take off at full speed down, once again. Somewhere in my head the math is telling me that I am going to be really, really close. This time I descend with everything I have. (7:04, 6:32) I am going down so fast at one point that I catch the switchback wrong and catch the side of the ledge of dirt and it gives way under my foot. I go sliding down. Before I can lose time, I am UP and moving again. My legs are loving every moment of this. I can't believe it. I hit the opening, and then the finish. 4:53:21. Elizabeth finishes 3 minutes after me, with a hornet sting in the exact same spot as mine...picture worthy :)

I finish muddy, joyful, and grateful. I am so grateful for all of the support I have going into the race. I feel lifted. I actually have moments of handing sections over to each of you and have you run with me. I am never alone on the trail because each of you is with me. It is an incredible feeling. I am so thankful to Paul for supporting me in my endeavors of running. It is not easy, but he let's me go. What I do is so different from a triathlon in that it is often more than one race a year, and I am so blessed that he understands what this means to me. There are very few words to describe what it is to have people in my life to lift me, to push me, to stand beside me. It is when it is time to go to the depth of what I have and what I am made of that I can feel you beside me...ALL of you :) God bless you all so richly for all of your love and support.

Priceless Adventures

2009-06-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while, so time to catch up...

Hogs Hunt left me with a new openness to my running. Yes, there are many questions to where, what, and why, but maybe the more I ask the questions the less I need the answers.

The gift of this new change was taking advantage of some friends that I know and haven't run enough with. Over the past few weeks, I have had some of my finest runs with some of the best company. Yes, there is some mild beating of each other, which is kind of fun, but more than anything it is good time with really great people. This leads me to my latest adventure...

I have been running with Jason for some of his Leadville training. Each run we have done has been solid, and really great work both on the trail and the road. (Can you say midday 90+ degree hill workouts!) We knew the replay of the RHR race was coming up, and when he said he was running, I couldn't say no. But here was the catch: he needed to start at 2AM so that he could get back for his daughter's recital. In admiration for his ability to juggle family and training, I was in!!

Then I thought better of it. I didn't really need 50 miles, so I decided to join him and just run two of the 16.75 mile loops. It all sounded great, as I would be finished before 8AM. Of course, Friday rolled around and I kept thinking, "what did I agree to?" Our departure time was going to be 12:45AM, ouch. Of course, I would have loved to take a nice long nap on Friday, but it never happened, oh well.

At 12:45 Paul dropped me off to meet Jason and his friend, Kirk. Gotta love a husband who is willing to get up for the midnight train to Smithville! Off we went with a laugh of, "what the f are we thinking?"

We got to Smithville a little before 2AM, loaded up and were off for the start of our "race." We had some fantastic laughs: spider web girlie screams, superman falls, and just some "should be drunk" moments. I love how quickly the time can pass in the night when you are laughing so hard.

We returned to the start/finish, so that we could join Ken and Mus and the rest of the race for the real start. Off we went to an incredible sunrise and a great morning. I was having a grand time, and had wonderful chats with Ken and we were just scooting along. The bonuses of loop two were: light; great company; and Joyce's Coke in the cooler...what a treat!

Before long, we came in and my "race" was finished. Jason had one more and Ken and Mus two. Off they went. I relaxed and waited. Jason finished after a while, and had definitely taken a bit of a beating at the end of the last loop. But, I told him given our departure time, start time, and pace...it was a priceless training day! He cleaned up and rallied to go be with his family, just amazing.

Then, Ken and Mus came in before their last loop. I went into crew mode: refilling, cooling, whatever I could do to get them out. It was an interesting situation as with so many people finished and hanging out they were tempted by the conversation. I wanted them to get the heck out of the start/finish and on their way to their third loop. I made them take bottles to keep themselves as cooled and wet as possible, and packed enough fuel for a long loop. Just amazing!! I got the best message from Ken much later that they had finished and it was the hardest thing he had done.

I couldn't have asked for more out of a run: great laughs, conversation, friends, and beautiful trail running on a Texas summer day. I feel so blessed!
mer

Reasons

2009-05-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have been wavering whether or not to line up for a race, 50K, on Saturday. After my sad day at Miwok, I felt this immediate urge to search for, "what's next," as I was not content with the obvious lack of outcome or exhaustion that would have followed me leaving everything on the trail.

At first I was just digging for reasons: I love running in the heat (it will be in the upper 80s/90s on Saturday; my legs feel fresh and ready; I want to release this energy. But, none of these seemed to be enough to have me pull the trigger and say, "I AM going to race." Thank you for those who gave non-advice, advice..."if you can't find a reason, don't go."

But, then I thought about it, and I decided my reason to race is simply because I can. If I truly appreciate this healthy life I have been given, and I truly appreciate my gift to be able to run...then I need to do it in the way I love it the most. I love to pin on a race number. I love to run in the woods. I love to push my body, and see just what it can do. Sure, there will be bad days and outcomes I wish wouldn't be. But no day running, even if not as long as planned, can compare to the hardest day these people or my sister endure.

So with these thoughts in my head, I headed to Huntsville. Once I settled in Huntsville, I watched the weather, and was pleased to see that it would be in the low 70s at the start and warm up to the mid-80s before my race would be done...with the highlight of a pre-rain 100% humidity. Now that's my kind of running weather!!

I got a decent night's sleep, although the 3:50 alarm always feels early. I got to the park and set up my "transition" area. Right before 6 we lined up at the start and I said hi to a guy we know from Houston, Joe Constantino. Also, before we started Catherine arrived in time to wish me luck. She was running the 25K. A little after 6, off we went.

The race starts with almost a mile on the road. I took off with Joe, catching up and chatting away. Before long I notice that we are in the lead pack with the rest of the race behind us. I also grab a look at my Garmin 7:05...oops. First mile beeps as we head into the trail, and the same number shows. I tell Joe, and he says, "no wonder I could barely talk." Fortunately, since I couldn't get hold of my pace, the trail Gods slow me down...I fall. I bounce right back up, but take it as my definite sign to slow the heck down and run my race. I settle in, 6th place behind the guys. I definitely am feeling great, but I am just 2 miles in. I am also now on my own.

For the first time I am appreciative of the out-and-back on the jeep road. It becomes my chance to see other people. I am just a very few minutes behind Joe and the others around us. I cheer on the rest of the racers as I head back from the jeep road, but mostly I am following the path that Joe takes. Since it hasn't rained recently, the course was VERY sandy. It wasn't bad, but the sand kept coming.

I was wearing my new Garmin for the race, and was really enjoying seeing the miles pop up, even if they ended up not being perfect. I ranged between 8:23 and 8:50 with a few miles faster and slower when I would stop at aid stations for water. I felt really smooth and relaxed. Before I knew it the 15.5 mile loop was over: 2:11.

I headed out on the 2nd loop, and felt really good. I knew the temps were going up, so I knew hydration and electrolytes would be my key to success. Maybe that is why I love running in the heat so much. It is such a practice in solid nutrition. If you fall behind, your race is gone. If you stay on track, you are golden. So far, I was golden.

As I hit the jeep road I told myself that this was two miles of solid running...go for it. I knew I would be home free after the jeep road. I got ice water at the 1st aid station, put my head down and ran. At the end of the jeep road my Garmin peeped: 8:02. I had a 1/2 marathon left, Bolinas Ridge out and back.

I kept moving along. I thought of Jamie and her telling me how it was so much easier to run when it was for something bigger than herself; she had just represented the USA at the World 24-hour. I thought of a friend who is killing himself to train while fighting injury after injury. I thought of what a gift I have to be able to be running so pain-free. I thought of my client who was just diagnosed with breast cancer, and thought about how I was going to give her my medal from the finishline to share with her my strength. It was in these miles that I realized that so often in the past I would slow, or walk, because I had moments of "I can't." It so stemmed from my start as a runner. It was not so long ago, and there were always moments of me running farther or harder than I had before. It was always such a scary place to be, and there would always be a moment when I would throw in the towel and give into that fear. But the reality of Saturday was that there wasn't a moment of "I can't" that I couldn't fight back. My legs were hardly tired, my nutrition was beyond 100%, and nothing was going to stop me.

I went through the aid station with about 7.5 to go, and I was ready to head home. It was here that I started catching the backend 25K runners. I gave them each a cheer as I went by, as they were amazing to just be giving the distance a shot! As I made the left to wind through the last set of trails to the bridges, Love Story by Taylor Swift came on my MP3 player. The song means more to me now, as it is a concert that my sister so badly wanted to go to but just couldn't go to because of her chemo treatments. Every time it plays I think of her during my run. I thought of how hard it is for me to hear that cancer has not changed the person she is...so hard to explain, but I just wish this journey would have changed her core to make the most positive out of all the days she has. I still took the moment in the woods to reflect on her journey, and send prayers her way.

I hit the bridges and knew I had less than 40 minutes left to run. I kept telling myself, "this is your day, how do you want to end it?" I knew that I wanted to end it strong!! As I got to the last aid station, one of the guys that had been well in front of me was taking off. The aid station had just poured him a coke, but when he saw me he took off. I took advantage and grabbed his cold coke and went after him. I ran so hard, but didn't see him. It wasn't until I hit about 1/2 mile left on the open road headed to the finish that I saw him again. I tried, but ran out of property...

4:27:?? 1st female 6th overall 16 minute PR on the same course from November 86 degrees at the finish 100% humidty

Yes, I can and I loved every minute of it!!

Thank you so much for all of the support, guidance (making me have a reason to race), love and friendship!
mer

Pics to come when they post!

Memories...

2009-05-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

Instead of spending this blog post whining about my race that wasn't...I thought I would highlight some of the laughs from the weekend.

- Who the heck travels to a race in the rain (forecast said ALL week) without 1 jacket for their drop bag??
- Didn't know it was possible to be running and shivering at the same time. It is and it sucks.
- Very interesting to be travelling in the midst of "swine flu outbreak"
I became fascinated trying to figure why some people chose to wear masks, and others didn't. Paul said that I should be happy for those wearing masks...less likely for me to get sick.
Don't you at some point become immune to hand sanitizer? The guy sitting next to me on the plane pulled his out no less than 10 times on the way to California. I was trying to figure out what provoked each cleansing...1) did I get too close; 2) did he touch his seatbelt; 3) did someone brush against him. No matter, his hands were CLEAN. It was funny to me.
- And the funniest tale of the weekend... (yes, Steve, I know you already told it. My turn now!)

Steve graciously loaded my shivering self into a car to head back to Pan Toll. In the car with us were two other guys who were dropping, as well. In the back seat was Steve to my right and this guy to my left. Steve and I started chatting. He asks, "do you know who was leading?" I say, "Geoff," with some level of knowledge as I saw him run by. Without much more than a pause, the guy to my left says, "No he's not. I am Geoff." GULP...After a moment of silence, I pulled my foot out of my mouth long enough to explain to Geoff that I had been running with his buddy David and that David was raving that Geoff was going to win. I was just hoping that this explanation would leave him flattered that we thought he was awesome enough to talk about him. Fortunately, he was a VERY nice guy and spent the rest of the ride talking about his miserable day...he had gotten quite sick.

Once we got to Pan Toll, I don't know how many times Steve and I had a great laugh about my comment....oops. At least it gave us a good laugh in the midst my misery.

Of course, the DNF stings but there was really no other choice, at least not a smart one at the time. BUT, to have some goods laughs...I'll take those memories.

Thanks for all the support...on to the next adventure.
mer

Oh, and one final piece to add...WTF with the cruel joke of poison oak. Wasn't the DNF enough? I sure do love the trails in Cali, but could really do without another round of poison oak.

Weekends with the T's

2009-04-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a great one, and reminded me just how much I love the weekends.

Friday afternoon has become one of my favorite times of the week. Every week at about 4pm Paul arrives home. It is a most festive time in the house. Flyer goes crazy, and life is good as the family is whole once again. I'll admit that having him gone all week is not easy: I don't sleep as well without him, my desire to make anything more than steamed vegetables or salad isn't high, and the house just seems to get a little too quiet at times. But, I know people have it much worse so I try not be to grumbly about it all.

Once the dust settles, and Paul unloads, we go about the tasks of prepping for Saturday. Paul gets his bike ready and I get my bottles ready for a run. Saturday morning always comes early, but with a good buzz in the air. This weekend I headed downtown to get my group started on their road run, and then had the treat of meeting Melissa for my taper run. I dropped my car, and we headed out, so that I could get two hours point-to-point, and she could make a 4 hour loop. Time flew by and we had a blast. I, then, went home and worked the rest of the day. Paul came home after his 75 or 80 mile ride and run, and was happy to have an early dinner.

We then prepped for a Sunday "family" trail run. The past few weekends Paul, Flyer, and I have enjoyed a trail run together on Sunday. Yes, we have the treat of having friends join us, but it is just nice to have this run that we do together. It was a great crowd on Sunday morning: Mel and Mike, Jeremy, and Beth. Flyer, of course, led the way...although Melissa gave him a run for his money down HOL. We ran a great mix of my trails and Melissa's trails, and Jeremy got a solid taste of trailrunning. It was also great to see Mike and meet John on the trail as they were taking a post-Boston tour. Thanks Mike for helping Beth!! Here was Jeremy's take on the Sunday trail run:

"Let's just say family Sundays with the T's is no walk in the park. They are a family of frick'n mountain goats. It took everything I had to bump around that trail without wiping out and they barely broke a sweat. I was honored that I got to hang with the elite trail runners of Austin and even more happy they slowed down and didn't drop me."

After the run, Paul, Melissa, Mike, and I went to breakfast. We have some great laughs together, and I am so thrilled that Mike joined in for the Sunday fun.

As with all of our weekends for the past months, the fun ends with much scrambling as I cook Paul's meals for the week, he packs, and we prep for his departure. Well, slight deviation to packing was Paul's building of a new training contraption for me(more on this to come once I recover from Miwok).

While our time is too short every week, this weekend really was a wonderful highlight of how great our life is. Paul and I get the most of all of our time together with both eachother and our friends. I am very thankful for their support, and all the happiness they bring to us/me.

Have a great week!

mer

When in doubt, keep running...

2009-04-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

Brew 2 Brew 43 miler 2009

I must start this report emphasizing just how much I enjoy running in the summer heat with the sun shining down.

I checked, rechecked, and checked again the weather in Kansas for Sunday. I'll give it to Mike that the forcast did change. It started at 32 and 70% chance rain/snow, and went to 30-40s 60% chance rain/snow and wind. Yikes!!

I recruited clothing advice (thanks Kevin and Jamie), thoughts to run with, songs for my MP3, and just a general kick in the arse to get to the starting line in a happy place.

Paul and his family were running B2B as a relay, the way most people did, and were to start 1 hour behind me. The good thing about this was that we all headed to the start in Kansas City together. We arrived at The Blvd. Brewery at around 5:15AM, and I figured in true JT spirit I better have a beer. As I was drinking my beer, other solo runners came in. I came to know a few things quite quickly: I was one of the only solo runners without a crew following me; I was one of the only solo runners carrying all of my own gear; and I was one of few women. I made small talk with two guys and the girl (maybe a wife or girlfriend) with them was nice enough to say that when she would see me that she would help me if needed.

I gave my finish bag to some guy named Dan, hopefully who was heading to the finish line, and stood on a sidewalk ready to go. We counted down and off we went... The race started at 6AM, dark low 40s, and quite comfortable. I ran on my own on the levee until after the first aid station (about 4 miles). At that point I caught up to a few guys, and stayed with them until the next aid station where one of the guys was changing shoes and I needed the restroom. At that aid station, the girl of the other guys from before the start grabbed my water bottle while I was in the restroom and filled it, how sweet! The guy, I can't for the life of me remember his name, and I took off. Arghh, we get stopped at the train. Fortunately, his wife was there to make small talk with us (the stop was only 2 minutes). At this point we are about 10 miles in, and are in about 5 or 6th overall? We settle into a very comfortable pace together. My plan was to run 8:30s, but we just couldn't get there. We kept clicking off the miles 7:53, 7:55, 7:58, 7:56, you get the point. I would stop and fill up water at the aid stations, and he would grab fuel and water from his wife. (I wish I knew who they were because she took pics of us runnning together).

Right before the end of leg #5, he divulges to me that his longest run for this was 8 miles, he was a 16min 5K runner, and did a cage fight the week prior. I saw his wife later, and she said that his legs were screaming, so I am guessing our pace over the distance was probably catching up to him. The wind had started picking up in the previous few miles, and I knew I would miss the company.

We made a right turn to start leg #6, and all the decent weather ended. The cold wind came straight into my face, and the rain started coming down. I put on my rain jacket and kept plugging forward. I made my way up the first climb to Mike's motivation for me, Rain by Bishop Allen. The song made me smile. Here are just some of the lyrics:

"oh let the rain fall down

and wash this world away

oh let the sky be grey

cause if its ever gonna get any better

its gotta get worse for a day."

I knew at that moment that I hadn't used up any of the thoughts that my friends had put in my head. They had 3 hours to keep me going. I made it through the first set of rollers and the rain started coming down harder. I couldn't tell which was worse, the cold rain or the wind gusts. I just kept thinking to myself, just make it through until the end of leg 6 and assess then. Well, of course the way to the end of leg 6 was slightly downhill and flat, which totally revived me.

I ran through the aid station, and they remind me that up ahead I will have to take the boat across. Oh yeah, the boat...a bridge was washed out during leg 7 and in order to avoid an extra mile run, you could take a boat across. Well that is all fine and good, but the thought of standing still or sitting in a boat sounded horrible. I keep running, and notice that rain is no longer hitting my body, it's sleet. Are you kidding me?? I don't know what is making me continue to go, but I am still running and running. I am absolutely freezing, but I am running. Every once and a while a huge gust of wind will make me feel like I am standing still and I think that this is what running at Badwater must feel like, although nice and warm, and I remind myself that I will NEVER run Badwater. I think about all of the climbing I did at C2M, and think about how much better my legs feel now then they did at the end of the race there. It must be the constant ice bath they are getting. I try to have warm thoughts, but honestly I am just freezing.

I have been told, in the past, that the best you can do is identify the problem and resolve it. OK, so I am actually working this thought process out..."what is the problem?" Yes, the weather totally sucks, but that isn't an actual problem. My legs are cold, but they actually feel pretty good and I am able to run. My face is frozen, but I don't really need it to be warm. My MP3 is working, and is actually keeping me mildly distracted. And then is strikes me; my hands are freaking freezing. When I conclude this, remember I am doing this all the while running, I almost pat myself on the back. Then I realize that if someone saw me, it would be embarrassing. (not the running like a fool in the miserable weather, but the patting myself on the back) OK, so the assessment is made: my hands are frozen, wet, maybe making me a little hypothermic...what to do?? I seriously spend about 10 minutes from this point running in my head the advice that Jamie gave me. And then I remember, "tuck your hands in the sleeves of your jacket to keep your hands warm and dry." Yippee, I remembered!! So, I quickly get one hand in the jacket. Just then I approach where the boat is to cross the river. It is a mud pit to get down to the water, so I need to use my hands...nice. I get down there and notice the boats on the other side of the river. I ask how long until the boat will be ready and they say about 5 or so minutes. Since I am so cold at this point, I ask the men at the boat to get my other hand into the sleeve of my jacket. Did I mention that it is snowing at this point? They point over to a fire and tell me to wait over there. Picture this, if you will: me soaking wet, freezing, standing in falling snow over a sad little fire. All I can wonder is how the heck I thought this was a good idea. I hit the depth of misery at that moment.

FINALLY, the boat comes across and we load up, others have approached at this point. On the boat the other runners notice how sad and cold I must look, and one of the guys actually gives me his gloves (old layered garden gloves). I gladly take them. We make it to the other side and they all run with me: 2 girls and this guy. They push me to the next aid station. The girls actually put me in their van to warm me up for a moment, with their team who is actually living up to the brew part of the relay. Soooo nice. We visit for a few minutes, and then they kick me out of their van telling me that I will be so dissappointed not to finish and to let Paul catch me. Sadly, I get out of their van into the rain/snow/wind.

The next two sections are unspeakably miserable, hilly, and constant headwind. I cannot believe I am doing this, and I cannot believe that it hasn't ended yet. Time has stood still, and the wind is not helping it move any faster.

Just when hope had truly sunk to the pit, I get to the last leg. The rain has stopped and for the first time in over 3 hours the wind is at my back. I started letting my legs glide, and I realized that although a little tight they really felt quite good. It lifts me, and I go: 4 miles left, 3 miles left, and then just to make sure I don't forget what I have been through the wind starts at the side of my face and directly into my face. Arghh, no gifts. The last 2.5 miles and I have to gut it out.

And, then it's over: 43.91 miles 6:32 and change. First woman, and the total placement to come... It was the worst weather I have ever run in. I was overwhelmed and frozen at the finish. Fortunately, the Dan person had my bag for me and I sat in the back of a truck and called my family. They were not too far behind. They put me in the warm van and I changed, and was sooo happy to be dry and warm.

Once Paul finished his last leg we went over to the post-race party. As we were in line for post-race beers, I see the guy who gave me the gloves. We shared big hugs and thank you's. He will never know just how much he saved me.
I won a ceramic mug, which was quite nice, and my name will go on a plaque.

I get that this is a long report for a not so long run, but I want to remember every moment of what I went through. Without anything but my running legs, whatever gear I had with me, and the thoughts in my head; I did it! Yes, I needed a pre-race rally to get me there, but once I was out there nothing could stop me. I want to remember this moment for the next time a race, or life for that matter, gets so challenging I want to shut down. I actually downloaded more than just the song from Mike for Sunday. Francesca Battistelli sings in her latest: "everyday the choices you make, say what you are and who your heart beats for. It's an open door..." http://rhaplinks.real.com/rhaplink?rhapid=5879476&type=playlist&title=Playlist&from=yahoomigratedsubs

May the door stay open, and continue to guide me in thanks and strength. How fortunate I am!

A side note of thanks goes out to a wonderful weekend with Paul's family...I am truly blessed!

mer

(I wore Drymax Hot Weather socks, wet feet for over 3 hours, no blisters!! Will download and add pics of my feet this week)

What a Treat!

2009-03-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

I wish everyday could be celebrated in such a way:

- an afternoon trail run, with Flyer, sunny and 75 degrees. Felt so good that I added in an extra hill climb for good measure. The wind literally had the trees singing to me.

- a great day of work. I love highly productive days that can start at 5, and go solid until 10.

- a fantastic salad with roasted beets...root vegetables are the best. (JT give them a try!!)

- AND, finally, CAKE BALLS! Holy Moly did I create some red velvet seriousness. Red Velvet cake, combined with cream cheese frosting to create a ball of cake. (Erin and Mike - I think I put my own cupcakes to shame) Then, if that weren't enough, covered with white chocolate. Almost too pretty to eat, but just almost. What an explosion of happiness in my mouth :)

Off to bed, so that I can wake up and share the balls at the track in the AM...800s and cake balls, should be interesting.

What a wonderful spring day!

mer

Ring That BELL!

2009-03-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

There are so many words and emotions attached to the events of yesterday and the events of the past 6 months. Bonds formed, lives forever changed, and a fighter I never knew existed.

MD Anderson (the cancer center in Houston) has a bell in the chemotherapy area. After completion of chemotherapy the patients get to ring the bell to signify the end and the beginning (the inscription reads: "to life").

Yesterday marked my sister's final day of chemo...battle #1 fought and completed!!

May we all take her bravery and be reminded that the end of one chapter is truly just the beginning of the next. Do not stop or stall just because you hit one goal, one obstacle, one day. Ring your bell and allow the sound to change, shape, and propel you forward.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and thoughts. They are working!!

mer

Gratitude...

2009-03-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

In one of my favorite songs, there is a line "and all I have is gratitude to offer you." This is the best line to describe my weekend at Coyote 2 Moon 100K.

There is just so much to be thankful for. C2M is a run that is not joking around. Over 19000 ft of climbing in 100K, and some of the climbs mean some serious business. But signing up for a race like this you really kind of know what you are getting yourself into before you ever start.

A few things that made me a little nervous:- My start group! I was placed in the final start wave at 3pm. This was meant for the fastest 100K runners with the intention that we would catch up to the other packs. I didn't know who was in the group but I felt like I didn't belong. It scared me...

- My start time! 3pm meant that about 10hours of my race would be through the night. Wait, isn't this why I don't run 100-milers? I am ok on the lack of sleep, but didn't know if I would slow down a ton because of the long hours through the night. Our solid night run (thanks Mike and Henry, again) made me feel better about my night running pace, but still.

- Have I done too much? I have really been on overdrive with work (thankfully) and training/racing since February. I was a little worried that I was going to go into the race too tired from too much. A little late to do anything about it.

- Always a challenge...was I ready to push and do well? It is always such an unknown...

Henry and I headed to Ojai California fairly incident-free on Friday. We got in right in time for registration and packet pick-up. Now anyone who knows me well knows that I am a HUGE creature of habit. Yes, we can call that rigid. So you can imgine my reaction to being handed a rainbow beanie with a propeller on top to WEAR for the race. Apparently, it is like a leader jersey, ha ha. That would take a little bit of getting used to...100K with a wool beanie on?

Also at the start/finish, I got to meet Bob, the head of Drymax, and his wife Charity. Right from the beginning I was completely blown away. I mean they were THERE! They were super involved with meeting all the runners and getting them set-up with socks. I got to visit briefly and he generously got me all set. Even another reason to be so proud to represent Drymax this year! (Read more about me being on the Drymax team here) I got to share tons of hellos and hugs with friends from all over. I just love coming to races in California :) I am sure races are like this elsewhere, but I have really been made to feel at home with the community here, and I am so absolutely hooked.

After departing, I went to the Ojai fresh market for tasty dinner and food for breakfast/lunch for Saturday. I also got some wonderful fresh pumpkin bread to take home to Paul and some other snacks, AND plenty of drinks. I then walked around town and bought a few gifts. (The town was three blocks long) From there I went back to the room, Best Western Ojai...awesome place! Quiet evening and bad tv, fun times :)

I woke up WAY too early for an all night event, and WAY too antsy. I got dressed and went for a 20 minute super easy jog. I totally get it that I was about to be running 100K later that day, but the sitting and eating, and sitting and eating was going to get the best of me if I didn't get out. My legs and body were happy to get some fresh air and movement. The neighborhood was nice and quiet.

As a 3pm start was a bit of a challenge nutrition-wise, I opted for a large turkey sandwich and salty crackers that would be filling and easy to stomach early, and then have a banana and usual pre-run fare closer to start time. I had been training a number of times eating and then either running within an hour in the afternoon or hitting the hill repeats to see how the sandwich would go. I trusted the plan and felt good, but not stuffed.

Around 10AM, I picked Henry up and dropped him and my drop bags off at the start. Afterward, I got to spend some good time visiting with Bob and was so excited to hear all of the great things Drymax has in store and to really get a good pulse on what a wonderful support and great person he is. It really makes me proud to stand behind such a solid company and good people...and, no, this isn't just a plug for Drymax (you will see this all come to life below).

Before I knew it, and before I drove Paul COMPLETELY crazy (I think he was begging for me to be in an earlier start group, due to me calling out of boredom) it was time to get ready to start. There were 10 of us starting in the K5, final 100K, start group. Andi, the other lady, was from San Diego and might have been more bubbly than I was. There was Dan, the man deemed to wear the other beanie. Jonathan was there, a guy I had run some miles with last year. And then of people I could identify, there was Kevin, the man who had won Rocky Raccoon 50-miler. In my head I had settled on the fact that I would be pulling up the rear of the group.

FINALLY, it was time to GO! The first climb was my absolute low of the day. I ran/powerhiked it, but something was wrong with my right ankle. The pain was horrible. I said nothing of it, and made small talk with Jonathan. At one point, he reminded me to drink and then did it again, and I didn't know if I could take 60 miles of someone reminding me to hydrate... We reached the ridge and were finally on a runable area. I needed to stretch out my legs and see what was going on with my ankle. Jonathan stayed in tow. We came through the first aid station, and hit the ridge for 5ish miles. Finally my ankle was loosening up, not happy but ok. I picked up the pace a bit, and Jonathan stayed with me. He said at one point that he was going to be sick, and I said great just not around me. He stopped for a moment and I heard him get sick, and then he sprinted back up to me. He, then, proceeded to vomit while insisting on continuing to run with me. SERIOUSLY!! I could not shake this guy, and I couldn't believe this was happening. WHY would you feel the need to vomit and continue running, especially right next to someone. I will never understand that. I didn't want to ruin my run and totally take off, and I didn't want to be behind someone vomiting so I just let the madness continue. I noticed another guy a bit behind, and just kept wondering what in the world he must have been thinking. We made the turn down to Rose Valley, and I knew my biggest hope was my ability to climb this steepest climb back out with enough purpose to escape the vomiting wonder. I hit Rose Valley, which was about 12 miles and felt fantastic. I had told Jonathan that I was going to put my music on for the climb, and I took off. I climbed with huge determination. I thought of my stepmill inspiration (you know who you are) on this climb and dug in deep. It was a blast. I passed Dan, and he thought I was a bit crazy. Fun times!

I got to the top feeling great, free, and on my own. I was thrilled for the ridge section to stretch out my legs and run. It seemed so much more runable than last year. My ankle pain was far removed from my head, and before I knew it I was heading down to Howard Creek and mile 18. I saw Kevin as he was heading up and he cheered for me...so supportive! I also saw some of the other runners from other waves heading up. I guess I would catch a few afterall... I reached Howard Creek to the cheering of Bob and Charity. Charity had my drop bag ready to go, and Bob was taking pictures. I felt like a superstar! It also helped that I felt really good too :) I grabbed my stuff for the night, and off I went. (Jamie - did you notice the shirt I wore for the night!) What fun!!

Dan had pulled into the aid station right with me, and we started the climb out together. He was having a little trouble getting going, and we attributed it to the entire week he had taken off...just a little stale. Hopefully he would get more spring in his step later. One guy who felt fantastic, and seemed to be sticking near us was a guy I would come to know later, Hank. I pulled a bit in front of them on the climb and then back on the ridge. Once the sun went down and it was foggy, I got a little nervous about making a wrong turn. I was a little slow just figuring my way. It was as I entered the party of Gridley Top (an aid station we would see three times) that Hank caught me. I was thrilled to have another pair of eyes watching the way. At the aid station, there was tons of play and fun times with Sue and Chris egging me on (and a "borrowed" sign saying: road closure for the Austin Marathon...they had borrowed it when they had been in Austin a few weeks earlier and now it was on top of a mountain. I just love the funness of this race) Anyway, Hank and I took off on the 1 mile climb and then 7 mile decent to Cozy Dell. We seemed to be fairly well matched pace-wise, and he was so awesome. We talked and talked. He had actually gone to play putt-putt with his kids before the start of the race (and I thought I was crazy for my 20 min jog). It was on the way down that we really got to see a ton of people from the earlier waves. I saw Moogy and Mason, who were running the 100-miler. I saw Henry, Karen, Melissa, Steve, and so many more. At that point, Hank must have been thinking I was so odd for knowing everyone on the darn course. But, cheering on the others definitely made the time pass quickly. We arrived to the bottom and Bob and Charity were there to support again. Are you kidding me??? They were/are that amazing. I think it was about 10pm or so, and they were all about being out there. I was just in shock. I hope I acted as thrilled as I really really was to see them. I grabbed my stuff and headed out, knowing/hoping Hank would catch back up to me for the loooong climb back up. I just wanted to move forward and eat. He caught back up to me and we forged upward. WOW, I don't remember this climb back out being such a challenge. It just continued upward...

Finally we got to the top, and were able to get our running legs about us again. We hit the aid station at GT (gridley top), and Karen and crew were there. Something had happened to Karen's light, and so I offered her my spare. We dug around and got it out of my pack. I was thrilled to take the moment to help. And then off Hank and I went to descend almost 6 miles. It was a blast!! We caught Henry about 5 min down, and then just kept going. It reminded me of the descent we had taken on our night run a few weeks back, but 6 miles vs. 1 mile. I don't know if Hank was having as much fun, but he stayed with me and played along. Again, we hit the bottom grabbed what we needed and were off! Last looong up, and home free...well kind of. It was during this climb back out that I realized that my rear-end was crazy sore. I just wasn't able to move as fast up as before, and my funtimes spirit was fading. Hank would pull away a little and I would have to power myself to get back to him (I will have to leave it to his race report whether he would slow for me or I was actually speeding up to catch back up). And what seemed like FOREVER later we got back to the aid station.

I realize running math is it's own beast, but I was sooo on the floor saddened to realize that we had 7.7 miles on the ridge before the 5 miles down to the finish. BOO! We headed out to what felt like a freezing chill. We decided to put on our jackets for the first time...might as well use some of the stuff we had been carrying for 40 miles. I tried to let Hank leave me in my sad no butt/hamstrings state, but he wouldn't go (I didn't want him to go, but I didn't want to ruin the end of his race either). Everytime the ground would go slightly downhill I would run, and definitely ran tremendously more on this section with him leading the charge. My flashlight was fading and so was I. He knew it, we didn't talk much about, we just ran.

We got to the final aid station and I knew I needed to change batteries in my light for the final descent as it was the rockiest. Thank goodness for this decision, as I would have never gotten down in the dark without the change. We ran, talked a little, cursed a rock or two, lost our way twice, and finally emerged from the woods. As we approached the field, everyone was cheering but cheering that we needed to AROUND the field to the finish...full loop around. I dropped my pack and picked up the pace. Hank laughed at my 400 repeat pace, but I was so ready to be done running it was worth the sprint. And then it was done...15:4ish (I stopped my watch after we stood for a bit)! Bob and Charity were at the finish for pics and hugs...so amazing!

After cleaning up and returning to the finish, I got to see Henry finish!! Woohoo! Then shortly after, Kevin returned from his clean-up and nap, nice. He had been cheering us on at each up and down passing so it was fun to catch-up standing still. He is an incredible runner, seemingly very calm and patient, and I am excited to see what's in store for that talent at Western States...watch out!

Over 15 hours:

- So thankful for my health! My ankle pain is mysterious and pretty much gone now!

- So thankful for my supportive husband!

- So thankful for Bob and Charity and Drymax (no sock change, no blisters, once the dirt was off it didn't even look like I had run!)

- So thankful to Chris and Sue and their creativity and team for such an awesome race!

- So thankful for my friends and their support. Thanks for getting me to the start and for making me feel so special about my finish!

- So thankful for old friends and their success on such an epic adventure

- So thankful for so many friendly faces on the course

- So VERY thankful for a companion for 35 miles and so many hours. What a gift to be well matched for so long, and then for your generosity to slow to pull me along! Thank you Hank!! What a great person, and what an honor to get to meet your wife and family at the finish...although I think the kids will prefer Disneyland to the finish of C2M :)

All I have is gratitude! Amen for a wonderful run, and hopefully a quick recovery...the flight home was painful to put it mildly.

mer

Lots of Updates

2009-03-04T05:59:00.000-08:00

Since I last updated my blog:
- I paced the 3:50 group at the Austin Marathon
- Spent 5 incredible days in Colorado with Paul and great friends
- Went to Napa to watch my girls run the Napa Marathon
- Got in a truly memorable run with Kelly, Leslie, and Karen (thank you!!)
- Enjoyed some fantastic wine
- Watched some tough runners in the rain
- Got to tour the French Laundry kitchen
- Came back on a red-eye
- Got in a 3hr run with Mike and Henry as final tune-up prep for C2M

Here are some funny highlights:
- Pacing the marathon is the best way to run a marathon
- I do not take any sport "recreationally" That being said, it took my 4 days to recover from cross-country skiing. Heck they give you an all day pass. I thought that meant that you were supposed to stay out there for 4 hours at a time? Who knew that was crazy?? Probably the wine didn't help with recovery.
- I have never laughed so hard as when I was cross-country skiing with Luisa and Steph. Memories I will never forget. We literally laughed so hard our stomachs hurt. We had the best time ever together!
- Spending time with the husband was the best! I am so glad that we got to take time out of our busy schedules to enjoy one of his favorite places together. I know how much he loves to ski, and it was fun to see him enjoy it with our friends.
- I am a fan of Drive-Ins, Diners, and Dives. While this restaurant might not be on the show, it should be. Any place that serves chili cheese tator tots, grilled salmon, and a fried twinkie is a definite!
- Napa is an amazing place for a foodie or wine drinker. I am much more of a foodie than wine drinker, but it is easy to get totally sucked into the wine drinking. And for some odd reason, seriously, the wine is stronger in Napa? What's up with that?
- Thanks to a reach out email to my former Montrail teammate, Kelly. Well actually she is my current Drymax teammate (I love to follow her...although she kicks my butt at every race we run). I needed a run on Saturday while I was in Napa, and she was planning one with Karen and Leslie. They took me on the most amazing 5-hour tour: redwoods, crazy climbs, DEEP cold creek crossings, beautiful views, and Wild Boars! What a wonderful way to spend time together visiting and seeing sights I would have never gotten to see. The trail they took me on was just incredible.
- My little group...what can I say. The rain started at 6AM and the marathon started at 7. Not a one of them complained, and in fact relished in every moment of the day. PR's across the board. Biggest was 30 minutes!! How's that for some liquid sunshine amongst the vineyards. I am so very proud, and thrilled to have been out in the rain running with them, supporting them, and enjoying their day!
- French Laundry...WOW! Someday I might enjoy a meal there, but until then...the view in the kitchen and the tour was enough for my memory bank. I was not afraid to pull into the lot and knock on the copper back door. The gift was a guided tour by an amazing chef, Tim Hollingsworth, 6th place team winner in this year's culinary olympics Bucuse d'Or. I had mentioned an article I had read in Food and Wine, and asked him about the chefs in the article (there wasn't a picture of him). He quietly responded, "that was me." SERIOUSLY! I get it; I am a TOTAL geek. Anyway, to watch the mass of chefs create the 9 course tasting menu with such finesse was breath-taking. There were 6 pastry chefs behind one counter. Such an awesome, awesome way to celebrate food. Did I mention the flat screen TV where the French Laundry chefs can watch the kitchen of the sister restaurant in New York...it was so cool. (By the way, Beth who was along for the ride was awed by getting to experience this...which was really cool to see)
- I must mention that as a group we ate at Ad Hoc, the sister to French Laundry. The experience was equally memorable, in a different way. A 4 course menu that changes everyday, highlighting local and seasonal foods. What an awesome way to celebrate marathon accomplishments.
- OK, enough advertising for Chef Keller's restaurants...
- Arrived back with plenty of tasty wine and wonderful memories, and time for one last "real" run for C2M.
- Amen, for a wonderful friend! Mike - without you I wouldn't have rallied! 3 hours of night running with Mike and Henry. It was supposed to be a leisurely run for time (maybe distance too), but very leisurely. The pace wasn't hard, but we sure were moving from 11-2AM. Good laughs, solid running, and great energy especially when Mike finds a story funny enough to spark a second wind. I will have to remember that if we are running together late in a run?!? Thank you, thank you!
How blessed I am to have such a chance at such incredible memories...and this is just two weeks worth of life. Thank you, thank you to all of the people in my life that make these memories. It's not just the places...it is always the people!
mer

Fun Times in Huntsville!

2009-02-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

This weekend marks the beginning of a whirlwind of travel and racing, and if it's any way to start...it is going to be a heck of a couple of months!

Saturday was the Rocky Raccoon 50/100 mile race. The weather was to be perfect 50's at the start and upper 70's in the afternoon. I thrive in this weather as it becomes as much of a race of nutrition as it does a test of actual racing. If you can keep up with your nutrition, you are golden! If not, well probably another tale to tell.

I must make mention of the new course because having raced in Huntsville many times the course has historically been the same in all of the races...at least one out and back on the jeep road and for Rocky Raccoon also a 3 mile out and back to far side. For me, the out and backs are a mental drain on the soul. You try to rally each loop for them, but by the 3rd, 4th, or 5th loop (depending on which race you are running) they get tough. Well, Joe and Chris came up with trails that I didn't even know could exist out there. We had these fantastic almost clover loops within each loop, bad description but the course was fantastic! They actually even found a few rollers so that your legs weren't totally flat the entire way! Wow, wow, wow! I loved it! You got to see tons of people from the front, middle, and back of each race and every section went by so quickly.

Paul, Flyer, and I went to the race Saturday morning, and got there just in time for me to wish Jamie good luck! Paul would be pacing her later. The 100-milers started an hour before the 50. After they started I put my stuff down next to Pete's. We chat and come to find out that a deer hit his car on the drive down...literally! The impact was bad enough that he was pretty stiff. We talked a little game plan, and I reminded him to take Tylenol vs. Ibuprofen so not to upset his stomach. From there we got ready to go.

Before long, off we went! Loop 1 was awesome. It went by so quickly. Heading out to the Dam Aid Station I got to see the lead 100 milers coming back. It was so fun to be on the same course with Jamie! We had this new awesome loop that cut-off so that we didn't have to go all the way to Far Side. I get that I am speaking almost a foreign language about the course, but the almost 3 mile loop went by so quick and was so much more manageable mentally than the long out and back. It was during this section that I just knew if I could be patient, it would be a good day. It was also during this loop that I realized that my Garmin was going to be useless. I was wearing it for the first time ever during a trail race to keep me conservative on the first loop. Well that is great until it reads 5.3 miles for about 30 minutes and doesn't give you a pace...so much for that keeping me conservative. Oh well.

After that section, we went on the jeep road to another new section. I loved it! It was along this old jeep trail with a powerline of sorts. It was a section of gentle rollers, which felt great on my legs. I was almost giddy with how great the course was.

I came in, had a quick switch of bottles and out I went on loop 2. It was on the way out that I noticed a girl not too far behind me, and looked to be running strong. I just kept plugging along, doing everything I needed to for my day. Everything was feeling great, and I thought I was moving steady. Well that is until that girl came FLYING by me like I was standing still. It was on the section past the Dam Road aid station right before we made our turn off. I really thought I was moving well. I could see her, but I could see her quickly pulling away. I just kept moving along...almost in awe of her speed. There was nothing I could do. I got to the Park Road aid station, about 4.5 from the start/finish, and Paul was there. I had mentioned to him earlier to see how far behind she was, but now I asked how far in front she was. Paul could tell that I was pushing hard and there were still 20 miles to go. He said that she was just a minute or so in front of me. Well not quite. The minute I turned the corner from the aid station, she was there. I noticed on this rolling section that she was slowing to a walk on the hills. I just kept plugging away, running, and finally caught her. She and I chatted a bit and then ran together. On the flats she was definitely faster than me, but the minute there was a hill I was stronger. After about 20 minutes I let her get ahead. I needed to calm down and run my race. If she came back to me, fine, otherwise it was all hers.

I came to the start/finish, grabbed my bottle, piece of pizza, and off I went. Well apparently I came in and out faster than her because I came out in the lead, once again. It was time for me to relax, and run my race. There were still 16 miles to go. Jamie, who was winning the 100-miler, had actually rounded out of transition at the same time, so we got to run together for a bit. We chatted about our days and how much fun we were having. After a bit I told her that I needed to walk for a minute to eat, and so off she went. I gobbled down some more fuel, and then tried to get her. I got to the Nature Center aid station and Paul said that she was about a minute ahead, and so I tried to catch her. My legs felt good, but I was definitely drained from the effort and the heat. No excuses, I was just working to my max. I continued to push hard until I was finished with the Dam Road loop. I knew if I could get through that section that I would have about an hour left of running, and could do anything for an hour...

I got to the Park Road aid station with no time to spare. Paul told me that I was in the home stretch, easy for him to say I thought. I pushed and pushed, but was on the edge. My legs were continuing to run but my head was light. I would run and run and then have to walk for a moment. I wanted to be floating, but it was all I had. In a full sprint I came in at 8:02.

It wasn't the sub-8 that I was going for, but it was everything I had! I was very pleased. I definitely learned some lessons that I will use in shaving off those few precious minutes:

- when it heats up, pick up a 2nd bottle so that I don't have to stop and refill at every aid station.

- Don't blow it early. After the Nature Center on the 3rd loop, I picked it up for those two sections out to Dam Road and then in the loop out of fear of getting caught. It was too early as I still had almost 7 miles to run after that. I should have cruised longer, and picked it up for the last 7.

- Run my race. For what seemed like an eternity, I got very caught up in chasing after this girl or worried about where she was behind me. At the end of the day there was nothing I could do but run my race, so when I did that I ran better and more relaxed.

- Drymax socks are my socks. My Drymax socks were shot from Bandera and I didn't have a chance to order new ones, so I went with the old Asics stand-by. Shame, shame. Huge blister on my big toe...and I have been working so hard for prettier feet :(

- Attitude is EVERYTHING! This is true for running and for life. There are a million excuses: the weather, the course, the work week, not enough training, too much training, not enough sleep, on and on. But at the end of the day, everyone has life obstacles. There was nothing I wanted more than to be running on Saturday, so I paid, put on a race number, and ran. And you know what, good or bad, I would have enjoyed every minute of it! I have a friend who was totally negative before the race ever started. I kind of laughed him off at the beginning, but when we were sitting around at the finish I asked him if his thoughts from the start ever got better. He said, "no." He then went on to totally get where I was going with it, and said that he realized that the difference in his day and mine was that I was happy and giddy in the morning and he wasn't so much. He and I should have been able to run step for step together, so it says a ton. I think this was a great reminder in how to live my life, as well!

Side note to my race report -

After I finished, Paul took off to pace Jamie on miles 60-80. During that time, Melissa was kind enough to help me get cleaned up and changed, and to the awards ceremony. We were given the COOLEST awards! (I will post a picture soon!). Once that was done, we went back and hung out at the start/finish area. I got to spend time with folks I normally don't get to chat with; thanks Marcia for the walk, and I got to cheer on the other folks finishing the 50 or running the 100. Best parts of the night, hanging out:

- got to spend time with John's wife, Crystal, while John was pacing Jamie miles 80-100. She is such an awesome person!

- got to spend time with Jamie's husband, David. So fun to get to know him, even if briefly!

- got to see and cheer for people I knew running the 100. Most noteable of the day was Mark. He was just incredible all day! It was great to see him throughout the day. He has a great attitude, and I know he worked so hard for his day. Very, very solid! The others are Melanie and Liza. I don't know if I was happier to see them or them me. It just made my day to get to see them so much! Great, great women and they were just amazing. So many more, but seeing them have such great days made me very happy!

And, finally, I will let Jamie write her own race report...but to no surprise she won and was 3rd overall. There are not enough great words for her. To the point that when she finished, she walked around thanking and meeting everyone she hadn't. I mean, seriously, that is a class act if I have EVER seen one, and I am honored to be able to call her my friend.

Wow, writing all of this down just reminds me how fortunate I am to be healthy enough to do these things, have a wonderful husband to support me (even for the races he doesn't attend), a strong family, and friends that round out my world.

Thank you, thank you! mer

Now for a quick recovery before the marathon on Sunday! Pace Don't Race - 3:50!!

Building Mental Toughness...

2009-01-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

Not everyday can be a great one in training, but there is something to get out of everyday; right?

Yesterday was one of those. I had actually been looking forward to my hill repeats. Powerwalk/easy run up and sprint down for 8 miles with a warm-up and cooldown to give me 10...easy enough. It was supposed to be 75 and sunny, but by time I got out to the hills it was quite windy and cooler than I would have wanted. I know, I know no complaining as it is freezing and raining elsewhere, but I was really hoping for a warm one.

These workouts are always great because they not only prepare my legs, but also my head. Up and down and up and down the same hills might seem soooo boring but then when you actually insert beautiful scenery on raceday you are golden. I know the value of the workouts, but...

Yesterday I was distracted from the beginning. My head was spinning with something else, and I couldn't get focused. Right when I started the workout I tried to sell myself that I could stop, "you don't need to run today, you ran almost 50 miles this weekend." It got so bad at 2.5 miles into the hills that I contemplated stopping and going to get a pedicure...seriously! Now that I have toenails, and all of them...thanks Drymax, I love having my toenails painted. I started thinking, "I could finish this repeat, go get my toes done, and go to dinner." Then I would convince myself to just do one more, just one more...

Before I knew it, I was at the top of my final repeat and heading off to cooldown. I was laughing to myself for the thoughts that crossed my mind.

I will admit that these were not my fastest downhills, but they were all solid and the climbs were a good balance of powerwalking and running. Note: I am not a great powerwalker so when I get bored or frustrated I end up just running up, which ruins the purpose of the workout...to practice powerwalking too.

While I still will go get a pedicure, it will be much more fullfilling and rewarding than had I quit the workout to do it. I know that. I know that come raceday when I get distracted or negative I can use this day, "remember when you wanted to quit the workout at 2.5 miles..."

In the end, this workout was priceless and I am thankful for it!
mer

First Race (long run) of the New Year

2009-01-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

It was a great weekend in Bandera, Texas this past weekend! So many friends to share the trails with.

It was also a great time for our "family" to have an adventure together, and an adventure we had. Paul and I decided that we would camp at Bandera before the race. Now, I will admit that I am a hardy girl but pre-race camping I wasn't sure about. I told Paul that I would sleep in the back of the truck, and that I would bring my laptop so that we could watch a movie.
The wonderful thing about everyone being on the same page is that after socializing and catching up, everyone was to their tents/rvs/cars by around 7:30. Paul and I got cozy in the car with Flyer and watched Miracle...one of my favorites. It was actually really cozy and fun. After the movie my super tough husband went out to sleep on his cot. Yes, we have a tent, and, yes, there was room for him in the car but he wanted to sleep outside. Flyer and I slept, and I will use that word loosely, in the car. Flyer wanted to sleep on top of anywhere I moved, which made for a restless night.

We woke up and got ready for the race. The wind was strong to say the least, but fortunately it wasn't freezing and windy. I was just fine with my tank, thin long-sleeve, skirt, and gloves. After hitting the woods one final time, we headed out to the start. Side note, 6 porta-potties for 500+ people...not quite enough.

We got to the starting line and all of a sudden Mike and I are standing at the front. We were kind of hoping people who get in ahead of us. Ken also joined us, as well as Kyle (my friend, Meredith's husband). Before too long, off we went. My legs were definitely cold and I could tell it was going to take a while for them to warm-up. Mike, Ken, Kyle, and I kind of took off in a little pack together. I knew that Ken was planning to take it easy, so I was not surprised when he backed off to his comfortable pace. This was a fun run, of sorts, for us all (and their first trail 50K) and I knew none of us wanted to come out of it sore. Mike and Kyle got a bit in front of me, but I was just settling into my pace. Behind me, now, were a lady and man from New Mexico. Our little group stayed together definitely through the first aid station.

Somewhere heading to the next aid station Kyle fell back a little and Mike stayed ahead. I was now running with Kurt and Jean. They were super people to run with. I knew who Jean was because she has won the 50K at Bandera before and is super strong. I could tell she was holding back, and then she told me that she was running the whole race with Kurt. I knew that the only way I would end up in front of her was if Kurt slowed. On the way to Chapas aid station, the 3rd aid station, Mike had pulled away out of sight and Jean and Kurt were doing the same. I was feeling good, or at least my legs were, but the wind was taking it's toll on my head. I wanted to curse the wind but as I went by the 100k runners all I could think about was that they would have to do this all again.

One of the wonderful pieces of this race is that we all start on different sections of the course. So, as a 50K runner you get to catch some of the 100k runners, and get passed by a few of the 25K runners. We were only passed by like 5 25K runners. The first was our friend, James, who caught and passed us in the first 4 miles, ridiculous. Then we got passed by my husband, which was fun :) Starting after the 2nd aid station, I caught many of the 100K runners. It was so fun to cheer them on, and to chat with friends on the course. I would slow for a moment to say hi, and then move on my way.

While many dread the almost 10 mile stretch from Nachos to Chapas and then Chapas to Crossroads, I typically love it. I love being able to pick up some speed and move through those sections. Even though the wind was definitely slowing me down, I would take that any day over when the course is wet. When it is raining or wet, that entire section is stick-to-your-shoes mud.

By the time I hit Crossroads, I was ready to be out of the wind. Fortunately, Mike had to change his shoes and he was there. There was some confusion over the in and out way to go, and so it took a minute for me to head out the correct way. It is very obvious when the tents are open a little, but the tents were closed all around so it was hard to tell. Next time, I will just skip the tent if I can. As we head out, I don't have a chance to talk to Mike but have to stop for a second to get my salt out. I think, well actually I know, Mike took this as I wanted to be on my own and he ran on ahead. I didn't have the where-with-all to yell at him to wait up, and before I knew it he was up ahead moving right along. This section, the 3 sisters, for whatever reason is always my worst. So I continue on just waiting for it to end. I had looked at my watch at Crossroads and saw that if I covered the last 10 miles in 2 hours I would have the 5:30 I had been planning on.

Let me back up for a moment. Prior to the race I had taken a look at my time from last year, 5:47, and figured that I could fairly easily go 5:30. That's about what Mike was thinking for himself, too.

Anyway, I finally finish the Crossroads section and tell myself that this wind can't beat me and that I have to run everything but Lucky Peak. There was no good reason for this, but it worked. Before I knew it I was climbing Lucky Peak and running toward the last bit. There was a guy on the trail who said that I had about a mile and a half to go. I looked down at my watch again. This time I was very pleasantly surprised at the thought that if I wanted 5:30 I could get there by walking backwards. So I ran, and picked it up a little. About a mile out Paul and Flyer were waiting for me. I kept running, and finished in 5:14:40.

I was pretty excited for my time, and easy effort. BUT, I was more excited to find out that Mike had broken 5hrs. Just incredible on that course and not racing. Even more...Melissa's fiancee, Mike, ran his first 50K in 5:27, Moogy had a great run after just getting back overseas, and Ken had an awesome run after having to get a ride out to redo the Crossroads loop. (I can TOTALLY see how it happened!!!)

While the 100K beast of a run did some in, others conquered the day and course with flying colors. John R. had an incredible day, even though he was moving so fast I never saw him on the course. And, Mel, so awesome. I was crewing for her when she came around from the 50K and she just looked and said that she wasn't having the best day. I quickly walked her out of the aid station, and then Paul and I went to see her at the Chapas aid station. Again, she was ok, but just not her usual bubbly I am having a party self. Well there was a reason for that...she was moving so quickly!! She ended up coming in under 12 hours. WOW!!

I don't know that I will ever run the 100K at Bandera, and I don't know if this will ever be a run I try to race, but Joe sure does create a fantastic weekend and enviroment for whatever you are looking for. I am so fortunate that Paul and I got to enjoy it together, that I could use it as a long training weekend, and that I got to share the fun with my friends.

Thanks for the great start to the New Year...off and running!
mer

Great Start to the New Year!

2009-01-03T09:09:00.001-08:00

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I am back and raring to go...

2008 has been filled with the most incredible highs:

- Runs in amazing places

- Runs with amazing friends

- Tons of Happiness and Good Health

- Welcoming Flyer to our house

- Paul finishing his MBA

- AND Paul Qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman at Ironman Arizona

2008 has also been filled with devastating lows:

- Daisy getting sick

- My sister getting sick

- Us making the very hard decision to put Daisy to peaceful rest

- Seeing the effects of my sister's illness on her and my family

Even with the lows of the year, and the heart break and worry that came with, I also got to see the depth of love that surrounds me and my family. On the day we put Daisy down, a beautiful warm day in December, our incredible vet honored Daisy's love for the outdoors by setting up blankets in the grass under a tree so that she could take her very last breath in my arms outside vs. in an office. My friends, while we were at the vet, covered our home with fresh daisy's and left food in the refridgerator for us. As if that wasn't enough, as days passed the daisy's continued to pour in. It was just magical to feel the love and have the bright daisy's fill the silence of our home. For as much as the sunshine makes me happy, there is just nothing like a fresh daisy, in any and every color, to warm my heart.

And just when you wonder how great people can be, when I went to pick up Daisy's ashes, reopening all the heart-ache, there was another box that came with it. The lady at the front desk said, "oh Dr. Boston must have done this." I wasn't sure what she had done until I got home. She had ordered a stepping stone with Daisy's name and the date of her death and had put her paw prints in it. It has sea glass and daisy's in it. I was and continue to be so speechless for what she did for us...

As I continue to pray and think of my sister's struggle and journey, I can only piece it all together with the web that is family. I feel so very fortunate to have a family that is willing to be there in ways that sometimes seem inhumanly possible, with such silent sacrifice. My parents have shown selflessness to a depth I didn't know could ever exist and an unconditional love in the midst of challenge I hope noone ever has to experience first hand.

I have also had friends who have stood by me during these difficult days in ways I could have never dreamed possible. Whether in their words, prayers, or unwavering guidance. It gave me faith, hope, and oftentimes clarity I might not have had otherwise.

It is so easy to reflect on all of the wonderful things that happen over the course of a year...it's like writing a Christmas letter to strangers telling them just how bright and sunny life has been (I know EVERYONE received at least one of those). But it is the reality of the hard days, the ones that make us stronger, that actually shape the year past and make us better for the new year.

In these past few months, particularly these last two of 2008, I have felt so loved, so supported, and so inspired by selflessness (my family, my friends, my vet, and on and on) that I can only see positive hope for 2009!!

Almost every week for the past two years my friends, our dogs, and I have run at the same track. When my friend found out that we were having to make the final decision for Daisy, she called the school and got permission for us to plant a tree in Daisy's honor. We planted the tree, and I so look forward to watching it grow. It is the most incredible symbol of an amazing life :)

Happy New Year! May you take ALL the good and bad from last year to shape your best year yet!!

mer

Credit for wonderful pics of us with Daisy...Steve Marek of Marek Photography.

Good Read

2008-11-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

For those who know me well, it is no shock to know that I am a bit of a dork...ok, I am a big dork.

In August, I picked up the best book: 10 Lessons My Dog Taught Me. It is a must read for all of my dog-loving blog readers! I have one copy to share, but encourage the small price to add it to your collection.

It just so happened that I was reading this book in the midst of getting all the bad news about Daisy. The book, a true story, warmed my heart and helped me appreciate what Daisy truly meant to me. And even more so, helped me learn some lessons that I hadn't fully gotten out of the gift of our relationship.

So, here's the part of my dorkiness... As this process went on and on, I reflected on the book, and grew to appreciate it even more. I don't know how popular the book was, but I felt the need to find the author and express to him what his book meant to me. I couldn't find a site about the book, but found an unrelated blog of his. I believe it was about wines...wines/dogs all the same :)

I commented on his blog and shared how much I loved the book. And today I saw, HE COMMENTED ON MY BLOG!! How cool is it that he actually read my comment, and still feels as strongly about his pup and an appreciation for Daisy to write back.

Again, I encourage y'all to at least take a look at the book...it is a quick and great read!

Update on Daisy: It's been a while, so the update is fun :) I realized a bit ago that it all needed to change. I watched my good friend go thru the pain of the last days with her dog. Once they realized that there was nothing they could do to save him, they took him to the water to swim and enjoyed every last minute. I didn't want to wait until the end to treat Daisy like royalty. As the weeks were passing, her desire to be at PT was totally decreased and the improvements weren't really changing. I wanted her to just be. I wanted to give her a chance to run on the trails, and just enjoy the days she has. I figured the amount of time I was spending driving to and from PT could be spent hiking with her. And so that was it. Day #1 of this decision we went on a 2 mile hike. No, it's not perfect. Her run on the trails is no longer my workout, but a bonus to my days. She is so very happy, and that's all I need.

So where are things... In my first year of running, it was just me and Daisy. At that time, I could barely run and Daisy would wait for me. My runs were never quite long enough for her, and she always wanted more but she loved me and was totally content with what I had to give. Now things are reversed. My pace, slow jog or walk, is dictated by what Daisy can do. When I take her, it is for her, and we go as long as she can go. And I love her and am totally content that I am letting her spend her days, whether many more or just a few, in the way she would want to...on the trails, in the woods, and with me :)

Have a great weekend, and thanks for the inspiration!

mer

Steady

2008-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Allow me to go back a bit to catch up....

Halloween weekend I had a great plan to taper for my next 50K, which was this past weekend. I was going to run 22 on Friday, a very easy 7 on Saturday, and then go spectate/crew for Melissa at Cactus Rose 100-miler in Bandera. Well, to put it mildly the 22 were not at an easy pace (which I will take complete responsibility for as I was setting the pace), and the 7 weren't much improved. But, in my head I thought, "I will wear flip-flips and totally chill in Bandera."

There is probably very little "totally chill" in my world, so that thought was fairly useless. From the time I arrived in Bandera, Mike (Mel's fiance) and I were at each aid station crewing for her and helping others who came thru. It was a total blast! And then the famous question arrived from Mason's mother, "do you know anyone who could pace him?" Anyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for pacing. I LOVE to pace and help people feel strong late in a race. It is some of the best memories I have had with friends, talking about everything and nothing just not to focus on the late miles of a race when you already know the answer to the question, "how are you doing?" I know they are hurting, suffering, just trying to get thru and I love to be there to try to push the negativity away. It is also some of the best times I have had with complete strangers. It is a glimpse of someone that you get to see, that no one else may ever see. When people are at their lowest, most exhausted, extreme...it is when you get to see what they are truly made of. The now four experiences I have had in this situation has shown me just how great people are and just how extremely tough people can be.

Anyway, enough of this, by time I started running with Mason at 3:20am for about 10 miles, watch Melissa and others finish, and drive back to Austin I realized I had 8 minutes of sleep over that night...lovely. I was tired, to say the least, on Sunday.

Monday was my birthday, and so of course I had to have an adventure. My friends and I went for a run, and during that run we started talking about the fact that I was supposed to be racing less than a week away... The focus was going to have to change because my legs in no way had "race" in them. It would just be a solid training run, which meant that I would get to run almost as normal for the week.

I headed for Huntsville on Friday afternoon with no major plan for the race. Initially when I was planning to "race" it, I was hoping for about 4:40. I hadn't run a 50K in a while and I think the last flattish one I did was in the 4:50ish range. I had brought what I needed to be out there for about 5 hours, so I guess I was hoping for the best that I wouldn't implode...I didn't have enough electrolytes or fuel to be out there longer; smart, huh??

A few things that made me sooo excited about this trip to Huntsville:

- I would get to see my best friend Catherine and her family

- I love running in Huntsville

- Our friend Brian was running his first 50K

- I was getting to test out the socks from my friend, Jamie

- It was Robots first race trip (pictures coming soon to explain)

On Friday, when I arrived, I went to Catherine's campsite and we spent some time together and then went for packet pick-up. It was nice and low key. I then hurt her husband's feelings when I opted for my usual pre-race meal over his grilling. It's been enough years that I have eaten the same thing, that he knew he could harass me. I took it well :)

I went to my room, ate my food, and put out my clothes for the morning. ooops, I forgot body glide....that would come back later. Otherwise, everything was ready to go.

I actually slept extremely well, which is not the norm pre-race, but since this was just going to be a good training run it was a sign that I was very relaxed.

I got to the park, and there Catherine and our other very good friend, Bryan, had come to hang out with me until the start. Oh my, that was the best EVER!! It is maybe once a year that we are in the same town at the same time. (a picture to come soon!) I don't know how else to put it except, these are my people/they are my strength. Bryan had to leave, but Catherine would wait for me to start and then get ready to run the 25K.

We waited inside and I got to introduce her to some Austin folks. Then with about 5 minutes before the start, I took off my jacket and was in my usual: tank, arm-warmers, gloves, and skirt. I looked around and felt totally naked as everyone else, except for about 5 people, were in long-sleeves, jackets, heavy hats, etc. Granted I was totally shivering at the starting line, but I really didn't feel as under-dressed as I must have looked.

Paul, the RD, said go and off we went...before I could blink I was in the 2nd pack. Pack #1 was the leader and about 4 other guys, and pack #2 was me and about 5 guys. I ran the first 4 miles with a guy named, Mark, who I have run with before. He is faster than me but was easing into the race. I was either feeling good or running stupid...too early to call. After the first aid station, Mark pulled away and then I was passed by this guy doing his first ultra; he had just moved to Houston from Miami. And, then I was on my own. I felt just fine, running along, eating, drinking, singing a little, and before I knew it the first loop was over. 2:15 for 25K...a little too quick. I refilled my water, fuel, and off I went.

On the way back out, I had a chance to see where the 2nd woman was. She was about 1.5 miles behind me. On the 2nd loop I passed one guy who had been in front of me about 2 miles in. I was feeling very good, and was cruising along. Then I hit the jeep road and saw two more guys not to far in front of me. I caught up to them and was still moving along. I reached the first aid station which was 4 miles into the loop, and saw Joe, Henry, and Marcia. Joe said words that were priceless, "mer, keep it steady." I don't know if could tell I was getting a bit excited, or if he was just delivering a kind warning, but what he meant was too fast, too early and you might be walking in... There were still 11 miles to go, which in an ultra can be a very long way. So, I backed off just a little and made sure I had good control over myself: drinking, eating, and enjoying the day. I passed another guy who said it just wasn't his day. Poor thing had gone from 2nd place to walking...that's how it can go somedays.

I kept moving along, now cheering for the 25K people as I would pass by. Some receptive to the cheering, some not so much. I got to the 2nd to last aid station and hit my first low of the day. No big problem, just no real kick in the pants to keep up the pace. At this point, I had seen the 2nd place lady now almost 3 miles behind me, I had passed what I thought was every guy that didn't already have a huge gap, and this was just a training run. Then I thought about it. I told myself, "suck it up. If you are tired it's because you went out to fast, too bad. There are people who can't be out here doing this, and there are people who feel much worse than you do." With that after my 10 minute low, I was going again. It was the only time in the race I walked, except for when I was stopped filling up my water, and it was the only time in the race I feel like I lost time. I lost time to my bad attitude, shame on me.

I topped off my water with 3 miles to go, and headed in. (I never try to "make it" on an empty bottle. I know if I have fluid I will drink it). It was in this final section that I passed the last person I could. I passed the guy running his first ultra. He was bent over stretching his hamstrings...I gave him some encouragement and went on. I finished in 4:43.

The highlight of my finish was Catherine cheering for me!! She was there after running 2:03 for the 25k, with what we later found out was a 102 fever (I DON'T recommend that for anyone!!)

As always, whether good or bad days there are so many things to learn:

- Always make sure you have packed the necessities. Lovely chaffed mark on my leg is a good reminder of that.

- Always pack more than what you need for fuel, electrolytes, drink...you just never know.

- NEVER, NEVER let the attitude slow you down. There is no excuse for it.

- Always enjoy the time you have with friends, and their great successful days. It means the world to them.

- When offered and observed, take a wise man's advice...they are looking at you with fresh eyes. You might not be as clear headed, but the advice is good and ALWAYS well intended!

As has been with my training and race success of recent months, I continue to take advantage of all of the god moments the trail gives me. Yes, often times my music guides me, but my head and heart take me there. I run with my friends in my head and my heart...thinking and praying for their needs and strength. And now I have a new companion with me. I will take my sister with me on the trails. It is not something I ever thought I would do. We historically have not been close, but out there when I think of her and our recent conversations, it brings me strength and hopefully strength I can return to her.

And now, I am on to my sherpa duties. I draw from how incredible my husband is so often. I hope I can give him everything he gives me in my head during his race. It's his turn. He has worked so hard, and he is so ready.

By the way, do I have to recover since this was just a training run???

mer

Great Day!

2008-10-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

I am guessing there are a ton of words I could use to title this post, but all in all it was a great day!

I went to California on Friday morning for my last race there of the year. I can never fully express how fortunate I feel to get to go to my favorite places to race. I know not everyone can do this, so I am so thankful each time I can.

Work has been very busy, thankfully, and so I didn't give the race the attention it deserved until Thursday. People would ask, "what's the weather going to be?" "are you packed?" My response was, "I have my food and know what I'll race in, so no need to think about it until Thursday." With that level of detail I packed on auto-pilot, and was on my way.

I arrived in Cali to cooler temps and a wind storm. I really didn't know what my plan for the race would be since I had only done the marathon last year, and it had been incredibly muddy. I had asked Steve a while back and he said that he went 9:33 last year and I could definitely go faster than that. OK.

Saturday morning came very early after an odd night of sleep, maybe 3 hours? I headed to the race start and 44 degrees. It sure felt colder than that with the wind. I saw friends from C2M, Florencia and Leslie. Florencia and I peeled off our layers with 5 minutes pre-start. Some people seemed VERY overdressed. Right before the start we saw Kelly. She is just in incredible shape and it is always great to see her. People ask how I know her and I tell them that I follow her race schedule :) In the dark, Carl, the RD, yelled "go." I REALLY need to get myself to the eye doctor because my night vision is getting worse. I was having all kinds of trouble seeing around me. I know I am night blind and normally I can muttle through, but this was a challenge. Poor Leslie is probably bruised from me running into her. Florencia, Leslie, and I ran together for about the first 2 miles catching up and chatting away. On the first climb I pulled away.

It was a beautiful crisp morning, and there were wonderful people running the race. I chatted with a guy who is training for the same Ironman Paul is doing. I met a guy who does Ultraman races with our friend, Mark. On and on we went. Before I knew it, we were approaching the 7.9 mile aid station Bort Meadows. I only took note of this station because my friend, Stan, was working it! So I came in and saw him and hollered, "#32 Texas is here!" Then I turn my head and see Sara, our friends from Auburn. I was thrilled! Her husband, Lee, came over and gave me a big hug and off I went. What a super treat!

Off I went down the trail and soon enough Florencia caught up to me. We had met at C2M, and I enjoyed catching up with her. It is always incredible to me how people not only manage life, work, and training, but also good balance with their kids. She is one of those people, and I had a nice time running with her. As we were running along, we briefly discussed what finish time was possible. She said that she was hoping just to maintain her pace as she had not been training much and this was her kick-off to HURT training. I didn't have a clue, but said it would be a dream to break 9 hours. And I just let the thought flow...

She got ahead of me on a downhill and I wouldn't see her again until she was heading back from the turnaround. I continued happily on my way...eating, drinking, feeling good. Soon enough I got to the descent to the turnaround (26 miles). I thought about this section from last year. It was the first few miles of the race, a 1400 ft. climb. It was a mud pit, and it put my head in a bad place from the beginning. As I ran down, I thought about how much more I would enjoy the climb on the way back out. The ground was hard, but VERY dry!! On this descent I saw the leaders climbing back up. First came the men, then...1,2,3,4 women. I was sitting in 5th. The lead women all seemed about 2+ miles ahead of me, and the ones I knew (Kelly especially) are strong on the back end. I was more than pleased to hold my 5th place.

I got to the turnaround and headed back up. It was there I saw the 6th place woman coming down, and not too far behind me. I knew I needed to move. This was the first time that I had a close race behind me. Normally the leaders are far in front, but I am comfortably in my little spot with some breathing room...not Saturday. It was a good thing because I hussled. But, as I was leaving the mile 30 aid station she was coming in. I started running scared. I charged the downhill and kept running the uphill. It was awesome because my legs were letting me run scared. By the time I got to the next aid station, I thought I had pulled away but still continued to push on....I couldn't get caught in the last miles.

In those last miles, it was about 35-44, I could only think it was a dream. I was running along as though I had only run 10 miles. I felt good, almost too good. I drew strength from the power of all the blessings I have, and for my health. I thought about people who needed prayers and in the depth of the ferns and the wonderful California forest smells, I prayed. I almost started to feel guilty because the more I thought about all of these people, the better and better I felt...it was so surreal.

I hit the 2nd to last aid station, and knew I had almost 6 miles to go. Of course in dreamland, these 6 miles would have been all downhill...but never the case. The MP3 had died and the wheels were getting tired. The man training for the Ironman had been near and around me all day and was right in front of me. I knew he had done the race before, and so I threw the question out, "do you think I have a chance to go sub-9?" He said, "it will take you almost an hour to cover these two sections, so if you move you can do it." Off we went. I tried to hang on to him, but to no avail. I would just be fighting it out on my own.

And fight I did, 8:58:22!! I am very pleased :) I also truly enjoyed the post-race picnic we had on the grass at the finishline. I got to meet and celebrate with so many folks...although I did save my burger eating for In and Out!!

Of course no race is perfect, so upon reflection things learned and to do differently next time:

- wear road shoes when there has been a drought. My trails shoes are HARD on the hard surfaces. My feet didn't take a beating, but more cushioning would have been appreciated on my legs.

- Florencia had some wonderful feedback for me on consistancy of my pace. I will take her advice to heart! It was a very accurate observation, and much appreciated.

Paul had a conversation with someone over the weekend who was concerned that noone saw how much training she was doing, or something like that. To which I responded with, "the hard work shows up in the results." Noone cares how much or what other people are doing. You have to do what you know works for you. And if you can go in with a happy healthy mind and body, everything else will take care of itself.

I love to run. I love the time I get to spend with my closest friends when I run. I love the time I get to spend with myself when I run (which is not something I would have said a few years ago) on my own. I think this all came together in it's own way in a race I was just heading out to do for fun...

mer

Back to High School

2008-10-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have been posting such deep thoughts lately I thought this would be a fun one!

Yesterday I was given the honor to "teach" high school. I use that loosely because basically I got to go in a talk about what I do, and how to eat healthy. So arrive at Bowie High School yesterday realizing that I look younger than many of the students, so much so that the lady when I was trying to check in asked me if I was the student or the presenter...doesn't she have a good pulse of the student body??

There was even a mother waiting for her child who asked, "what are you teaching?"

I enter the classroom, and away I went. Actually let me back up a moment and tell you that I was told before entering the class that a few girls might sleep through my lecture. To which I replied, "noone is sleeping through my class." On that note, I start the class by saying, "in case anyone falls asleep, they will be doing laps around the classroom or a sprint up and down the stairs." That got good laugh #1, although I actually meant it...

Things I realized yesterday:
- I actually think I am cooler now then when I was in high school, or at least I am more interesting :)
- Seniors in high school are actually interested in learning, if the topic is worthwhile to them. Favorite questions and quotes (and no I didn't make these up)

"I have a question. My mom and grandma have really big boobs. Is there anything I can do to make mine smaller? My aunt's hang down to her knees."
My question: What foods to you eat for snacks? One response, "ants. Don't you know what ants are?" I said, no. response: "celery, peanut butter, with raisins on top." Good snack!
Me asking about portions to a girl who eats goldfish for snack. Do you know how many goldfish are in a serving? "No. I eat the 100 calorie pack." To which I reply, What will happen when you go to college and can't afford the 100 calorie packs? The room starts to laugh...
One of my favorites: "Is it true that fat people who eat alot of fat start to smell bad? Is that how the fat tries to leave their body?"

I loved my moment leading a class, and although the topics went in directions I never thought they would, it was so much fun. Do I want to be a teacher, heck no! The best part about yesterday was that I got to talk about my topic in the way I wanted to. I got to teach the kids in a way that would actually interest them and make sense to them, instead of the structure that poor teachers have to follow.

And, by the way, noone fell asleep!!

Have a great weekend!

mer

Feb. 1, 2003

2008-10-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

This date is probably meaningless to some, but for me and many others it is a day in history that cannot be forgotten. This was the date of my first 50-miler. I did it at the Rocky Raccoon 50-miler in conjunction with the 100-miler. At the time I couldn't even begin to fathom that people could run 100 miles.

While I was looping around Huntsville State Park on what was a beautiful and clear day, I had no contact with the outside world. It was just me and those in the race, the other race, and those helping out. We were in our own bubble.

I finished the race, and proceeded to drive home, I lived in Houston at the time, with Paul following. As I am driving South on 45, I read signs that say "look for shuttle debris on the road." What?? Maybe I was delirious?? I turned on the radio, and called Paul. While I was enjoying the beauty of the day, in my own world, the shuttle Columbia had exploded on entry; all 7 died. I had been so caught up in MY moment, in my day, that I hadn't given another human being a thought.

I only think of this today as the diary of the Israeli Astronaut is displayed. Here is what was written about it: A little over two months after the shuttle explosion, NASA searchers found 37 pages from Ramon's diary, wet and crumpled, in a field just outside the U.S. town of Palestine, Texas. The diary survived extreme heat in the explosion, extreme atmospheric cold, and then "was attacked by microorganisms and insects" in the field where it fell, said museum curator Yigal Zalmona.
"It's almost a miracle that it survived — it's incredible," Zalmona said. There is "no rational explanation" for how it was recovered when most of the shuttle was not, he said.
The U.S. space agency returned the diary to Ramon's wife, Rona, who brought it to forensics experts at the Israel Museum and from the Israeli police. The diary took about a year to restore, Zalmona said, and it took police scientists about four more years to decipher the pages. About 80 percent of the text has been deciphered, and the rest remains unreadable, he said.
Two pages will be displayed. One contains notes written by Ramon, and the other is a copy of the Kiddush prayer, a blessing over wine that Jews recite on the Sabbath. Zalmona said Ramon copied the prayer into his diary so he could recite it on the space shuttle and have the blessing broadcast to Earth.

Do you ever think about what is going on outside of your little bubble? While we are out and about enjoying every moment of our health, there is so much else going on.

I try to make a point, every time I go for a run now, to take a moment (whether it be during a song, during a quiet moment, when I am breathing and working hard, when I am struggling, or when I am thankful to be finished) to think about my family and friends. I would hate forever if there was a time when I was so caught up in my day that I didn't want them with me, didn't need their support, wasn't thankful for them. I feel like when I can give that quick thought, they are always with me.

Some friends and I have been talking about mental strength, and where I go in my head during a long race. My favorite place to go is with the thoughts of my family and friends. At some point, I stop thinking about "the race," maybe things not going perfectly, or whatever and I turn it over to runs I have had with friends, great moments, funny stories, how foturnate I am. I let them "run" with me in my head. I let Paul push me up a hill. I think of all of my Friday "girl" runs, and take them with me. When my best friend was sick, I ran for her, and now that she is well she pulls me along. It's just amazing the power and lift that comes from thinking of them.

Reflecting today, I go there because I so didn't go there on Feb. 1, 2003. Oddly, now, I race better; I have soooo much more fun training and racing; and as Paul likes to say, "anyone running with me with always get a happy Meredith." As much as it is because I am running, it too, is because I am running with thoughts of those I love!!

Feb. 1, 2003 - thank you for the gift of 50 miles and to not get so lost in my bubble!
mer

For my friends running very long or racing this weekend, make sure you take me along...I promise to make those miles good ones :)

Learning To Walk...

2008-09-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever given much thought to what it must have taken for you to stabilize your legs that first time and then plant your feet one at a time, just hoping not to fall?? Honestly, until Tuesday I took it all for granted...one foot in front of the other, always hitting the ground, never painful.

Well I will never take it for granted again. Late Last week Paul and I started to notice that Daisy wasn't putting her leg with the cast on the ground to use it as much as she had. So, innocently, during her cast change I asked if I could take her for a little walk before they put her cast back on. Words cannot describe how ill-prepared I was for how my sweet girl reappeared in the waiting room. Her leg, with scars up and down, was completely deformed. She was hopping toward me not understanding on 3 legs. I walked her outside, and before I could gather myself I came in a sat on the floor of the vet's office with her in tears. The surgeon came over to me and said that she was a little concerned, but felt like physical therapy was a good option for us. She had no answers, and God I wish I had my wits about me to ask the right questions.

I was handed a card for the PT, Sandra, and we were finished in that office. It felt horrible...here I took this risk of a surgery to save her leg, and look what I had left her with.

I must have sounded a little panicked when I called Sandra because she phoned me back and told me I could come right over to meet with her. I called Paul; I was desperate.

I would like to say that I went over to Sandra's office and magically Daisy is back to her old sweet self. No, but I see the road we will have to travel. Dog's are amazing creatures, Sandra explained: They hold no baggage; they don't hang on to what happened yesterday; they start new everyday. The only challenge with that is that as the time passed Daisy just starting living as though she wasn't going to be able to use her leg. So now she will have to re-learn. We will have to teach her how to place her foot, how to use her leg, how to walk...

Sandra said this more than once, and it keeps sticking...everyday from here on out is a GIFT with Daisy. I am a gift to her and she is a gift to me. She said that she will not over-work Daisy to make her better, but take it slow and let her lead the way.

Watching Daisy learn how to place her foot; slowly massaging the muscles in her paw; watching her fierce determination as she is in water on a treadmill...just trying, trying, trying. (next week I will take pictures of her at PT, but it was all just a little overwhelming yesterday and today) All of this makes me appreciate every step I can take, every run I can go on, and my two feet that land flat on the ground.

It's become so much more than these gifts of strength that my sweet dog gives to me. It reminds me that there are human beings out there with these exact same struggles, and I feel for them in a way I never could. I now can see a glimpse of what their fight must be like, and just how exhausting the will to walk must be.

I have faith...
mer

Sun, Wind, and a 5K

2008-09-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

OK, so 16mph winds aren't that strong...I was hoping to report that we ran this morning in 30mph winds. Nice try.

I was so excited to be part of the Got Guts 5K this morning. If you have ever read my blog, you know that I am not a short distance runner and don't really have any speed. So my expectations were low, but it was a trail 5K and it was for a great cause: Celiac Disease. I work with a number of clients that have Celiac Disease, and my client was the race director so I was thrilled to be out there supporting.

I ran into a bunch of fun people right when I arrived: Julia, John, Brenda, Dan, and Brent. I then saw Charles. I tried to convince him to run a pre-race loop with me, but he has already done so. Off I went for a loop around the course...a great grass/dirt cross-country course: 1 hill in mile one, and a good climb from about mile 2-2.5. The weather was not overly warm, but the wind was stirring. I was happy to not be on the road. Before the start, Paul arrives on his bike to cheer. How fun to have him there! I told him to get by the last climb and yell at me there :)

We lined up for the start, and I met Kristen who runs with Charles. Just from what Charles had mentioned I knew that she would be too fast for me, so when she asked if I was running fast today I said, "not fast enough for you." I suggested she take off with Charles and then pass him later. Whistle blows and off we go...a bunch of people totally sprint by me, and then like 2 minutes later slow down. I quickly go from about the 10th woman to the 3rd. On the only up and down where you can see the front runners, I see that I am about 45ish seconds behind Kristen and Charles. She seems awesome! Not long after we turn a corner, I see Charles not too far ahead. I catch up to him and run behind him for a minute. Then I go around him. Then we head downhill before the last climb; he passes me there... I stay just close enough behind, and stay right behind him on the climb. As I come up to the road for the last 1/2 mile, Paul yells, "go get him." Well, I did but probably because he needed a second to back off so he wouldn't have his usual 5K finale (he told me about this right before the race). All in all it was a fun time! Did I mention that Paul loved the Gluten-free treats and we enjoyed the box of muffins I took home. (Brent and John took a box home too!!)

A few things I realized: cheering and thanking the volunteers is not the way of 5K running...I should probably run harder; my legs actually don't mind the hard running; and I have probably overdone it just a tad for having strep throat earlier this week.
Wednesday - got antibiotics (felt terrible)
Thursday - rest, work, rest
Friday - 18 a bit quick + work
Saturday - Felt the 18 after being sick (throat, everything hated me a little)
Sunday - 5Kw/up + 5K (21:08, not bad, but might have run better if I could breathe??)

OK, I get it long report for a 5K...but it was actually fun to push like that. And just a side note, I took my friend Catherine with me the entire run as she is in Houston. I am thrilled to say that my family and friends are safe and making due without power!! I am very thankful our prayers were answered for them to be safe!

Have a great week!
mer

One of the Best

2008-09-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Paul and I both took moments to reflect the loss of a very good man. For those who knew him, or have met him, the tragedy stung. He was a skilled athlete, a doctor, and a great person. Every encounter we ever had with him was positive.

Here are some words he had posted:
"My Goal in life is to fill every minute of my available spare time with as many fun things outdoors as possible, during the time I have left on this Earth."

Here are the final words he wrote in the registers at the tops of the peaks he climbed the day of his death, as recounted by a lady up in the mountains:
My husband and I helped look for David Boyd the morning he was found. We were climbing Little Bear. We were asked to look for him after we crested the ridge of Little Bear. They told us we were the first ones up there and what we should do if we saw him. Unfortunately, we saw the Search and Rescue folks lowering him down by rope as we descended the peak. He did summit Little Bear on Sept. 3rd and wrote in the register "3rd peak today!". He summited Ellingwood that same day and wrote in the register "Hammer Time!". And, he summited Blanca too, on Sept. 3rd and wrote in the register "Cool Place!". We climbed all three of the mountains on Sept. 5th with such sadness and regret.

As he was alone in on the mountain, we will never know for sure what happened, but here is what we know:
They think that Dave fell twice, once and maybe broke a leg or ankle and sent the 8 signals, then tried to move and fell the 150-200 feet and what ultimately killed him was his rib punctured his lung.
Dave activated his distress signal o/a 9:18PM on Wednesday.
The search and rescue did not get notified until 9:30PM on Thursday, a full 24 hours later.
The rescue team found him ~ 10 hours after that.

In Memoriam: Dave Boyd These photos are just a small account of how tough he was...

Paul said it perfectly: We're so independent and sometimes under-appreciate the value of the buddy system.

Catherine, yesterday, found a cross and flowers and put it in his yard. The cross said "God Bless This Family."

What a great man, what a sad ending...
mer

Back to "Normal"

2008-08-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am not exactly sure what "normal" really is, but in my life we are getting back. Back to routine; back to solid work schedule; back to life. Daisy is really starting to feel great. She is getting around like a champ in her cast; this week it is hot pink with blue hearts. The surgeon has decided to keep some type of cast on her for 7 more weeks because she is sooo mobile. She wants to protect the bone while it heals without risking a break, which would be a disaster. So it is time to let Daisy wander and function with her cast on...which she is doing great at.

Paul was at his MBA intensive this past week. It was an incredible week with the highlight having his team win the Capstone Competition. I don't want to bore you with the "race report" of sorts I wrote, so here is the highlight...the competition was on Wednesday:

There was a moment a few years ago when we looked over the acceptances and debated is a UT MBA the direction we should go? I say we so very loosely because this journey has been all Paul's with just some sacrifices sprinkled in. Last night I clearly got to see that it was all worth it.
Many of you don't know that my husband is SO much more than an athlete. He is dedicated, and when he sets his mind to something he has the focus of a laser beam. It is with this focus he has been pursuing his MBA. And it is with this focus, his team won the Capstone Competition last night.

They stood up on the stage...Greg went first. One of Paul's classmates whispered to me that Greg might be a bit loud. But it was not the case. With incredible calm, he led the charge from behind the podium. (Good choice number 2...the other groups passed around the mic.) He stated the case, and defended the case. Then it was Paul. I can honestly say it was one of the proudest moments I have ever had. He spoke with such passion and was one fire. There was no beating him down. At one point I whispered over, "is he running for president?" It was just this incredible moment of all of his hard work through the program coming together. Everything he had studied for, all of the respect he has for the professors he was presenting to, all of the passion and work his team had put in. It was all coming together at that moment. Don't get me wrong, the hammering was there and it was tough...but they were ready for it, and they answered it. Then it was over...ahhhh; time for a beer.
We went down to the reception to wait for the judges to make their decision. It was fun to chat with his classmate and just be happy for the accomplishment of the program almost coming to an end. Soon enough the panel and Trent came to announce the winners. 3rd place was a tie, and then they announced the winners...in case you didn't know where this was going...Paul's team!!

WOW, what a great finale. I got some great pictures (I will have them soon) of one of his professor's talking to them after the win. All the pride in their faces was incredible. They had worked so hard, and the feedback was so much to take in. I hope Paul was able to absorb it all. For over 30 minutes after, they were the MBA kings and queen. They held center stage in questions about their strategy, and just how they accomplished something so huge.

I didn't get the magnitude of it all until I was part of it last night. Sitting on a plane with Crystal two weeks ago, we talked about it as her team had won it her year, but I didn't quite get it.

This is a big deal. This degree, this program, all of Paul's hard work...it is HUGE and I am very proud!

With me seeing some normalcy returning to our world, I decided to make my fall/winter race plans. The first is to be Firetrails 50 in October. I am excited to have some kind of plan in place, as I work sooo much better with a schedule, races, and a plan. It gives me focus, helps me with my life time management, and as Paul continues to insist...I am much more pleasant to be around when I am running.

In case I haven't said it enough, I am truly grateful for all of the love and support that I have been given over the past few weeks. I cannot express how it has held me together, and helped me move on. I am stronger for it!! We have a moment where we can let life's challenges break us down or build us up. This one has built me up, made me appreciate my family and friends that much more, and enjoy each day I can get out and run with a new appreciation!

Have a wonderful week!

mer