Runabout is for friends

Checking texts

Entering a raffle at San Tan Mall

Lunch in Paradise

March 30, 2012

Cynthia didn’t have any upcoming races on her calendar and was looking for adventure. When she suggested it might be time to do the “Runabout”, Karen and I both signed on with no hesitation.

The Runabout was a concept we both learned from Dean Karnazes suggestion in his book about running a marathon in 50 days through all 50 states. He said if you really want a fun experience to pack a little bag and take off running all day in whatever direction strikes your fancy. We thought this sounded like a great idea. Not always an easy thing to do when you have kids, but a suggestion that we added to our bucket list.

Recently Cynthia came upon a blog post by Kristin Armstrong. Kristin and her friend Paige had taken a day off to do a Runabout. Reading their post got us excited about our Runabout, and we moved it higher on our priority list.

So we picked the date and lined up babysitters. We decided to do it during school hours- 9:00 to 3:00. This way Karen and I had only to find child care for our youngest. And Cynthia's kids would all be in school.

By 9:00 Friday morning we were on our way. With a few ideas, but an adventurous spirit…all of us willing to go wherever sounded fun by the moment.

Over the course of the day we spent little time on canals that we regularly run. We spent allot of time on canals that are more out of our way. We traveled new running/biking paths. We stopped when we needed bathrooms or snacks. We stopped when we needed to share a cherry coke. We put three straws in the coke and boy was it tasty. We waited for lunch until we really worked up an appetite. We were close to San Tan Outdoor Mall when we were ready. So we agreed on a classic favorite – Paradise Bakery. We all picked sandwiches and ate enough that we had to take our cookies with us for later.

Cynthia’s Mom worked near by so we swung by her office and left our long sleeve shirts (packed for our comfort inside an air-conditioned restaurant) with her. We ran on a little lighter without shirts tied around our waist. But the food in our tummies and the heat outside was starting to take a toll and we started to fade a little after lunch.

We didn’t want to start running home, we wanted to keep going in a new direction. We had this option available to us because Cynthia’s husband Scott was willing to pick us up. Yay for Scott. We just kept going until we could tell that our time was short and we had to get back to reality. We had to get back to pick up kids from school.

Over the course of the day we ran into people doing normal stuff. This is one of the things I really liked about doing runabout on a weekday and not Saturday or Sunday. It was fun to see people doing their normal stuff, and know that we were having this special day that we created for ourselves. We got allot of questions and strange looks….where are you guys from? How far have you run? Do you do this everyday?........

I highly recommend runabout with friends. Kristin Armstrong had a really great quote in her blog about how “sometimes it takes endurance to have the best kind of fun”. I liked Dean’s idea of running all day, but I really like having cool friends to share this activity with. At one point I was about to take a picture of Cynthia and she insisted one of us be in the pic with her. She said “Runabout is about friends”. And I have to agree with her. Runabout is for friends.

Ragnar 2012 - Team BLING runs again!

Ragnar is always such a fun, unique experience. It's got a lot of my favorite things all rolled in to one fun event: friends, good food, laughter and running. This year was no exception and I absolutely loved it!

We started later than usual this year and that worked well logistically for the start but I missed a few things about having the earlier start.  We had a lot of hiccups getting started, but luckily we had planned enough time and everything went fine.

Van 1 departed early from my house, meeting up with Karen, Wendi and Sarah from my house then picking up Kecia and heading to the start. Lindy met us there and at 10am Sarah took off from the starting line. She ran with her beautiful, flowing hair again, her signature style! The first leg was so hard and getting warm. She had some hills on her nice long run but she rocked it. Karen, Lindy, Wendi and Kecia followed and at about 3:00pm it was my turn.

Cynthia's First Leg, The Hot Run:

Ready to Go!

I had been looking forward to this first leg, a gentle downhill and only 4.6 miles. I had secretly been hoping to run 9 minute miles on this leg, but the heat said otherwise and I ended up with about a 9:23 pace which I was happy with. It was so hard to recover after this leg. I think the temp was only around 80 but out in the desert with no shade and running hard it felt like so much more. I refueled correctly I think and drank a lot but I still got a horrible headache an hour or so later and it didn't let up until the next day. I also blistered between my toes, and I still had two runs to go.  The heat is not my friend.

As soon as I was able to think straight we got back in the van, cheered Lisa briefly and then headed to Olive Garden for some carbs. We saw another Ragnar group there, in fact they seated us right next to them in the corner of the restaurant. Maybe they wanted to keep all the smelly runners together and away from the other customers. I had soup and salad and plenty of breadsticks. All too quickly it was time to move on. We headed to the next major exchange and parked past the chaotic parking lot somewhere we thought we might get some rest. A lot of others followed suit and soon our parking lot was also chaotic and noisy. We took time to clean up a bit more than just baby wipes and clean clothes and all started getting geared up for our next run!  As darkness hit we pulled out our nighttime bling with our sparkly pigtails, light up wands and rings.



Lindy stretching in the desert

Soon Sarah was off again, running in to the darkness.  As each runner went my headache got worse and worse. I had taken some of every painkiller I had, Advil, Aleve and Tylenol, but what I really wanted was a dark, cool, quiet room and some sleep! As captain I felt guilty that I wasn't out getting every runner started and welcoming the other runners in, but my pounding head was speaking louder than the guilt and I tried to get some rest at the exchanges.  There were a few moments in the night that I thought I was getting too old for this, that maybe I needed to accept my humanity and give up on Ragnar.  Finally it was my turn and at about 2:15am I headed out in to the night.

BLINGalicious Babes!

Cynthia's Second Leg, The Night Run:
So it turned out that I didn't need sleep, I just needed a nice, cool refreshing run! I didn't notice my headache at all after just a few minutes.  My night run was relatively flat and really quiet and peaceful. I was running mostly along a frontage road next to I-17. I felt great. I hardly saw anyone, just one or two speedy men passed me and I passed just a few people, but no one was making small talk. The weather was perfect, cool and clear. I had about 6.25 miles and ran about a 9:30 pace for most of that. I had some street crossings so ended up with a little slower average because of that. Right before I got to the end they turned me off the road and in through a park area. It went from well lit road to pitch black.  My eyes were still adjusting when I stepped in a giant puddle and my right foot got wet up to the ankle.  I realized the sprinklers were on and the sidewalk was wet and slippery.  Luckily it was only about two tenths of a mile and I got to the chute. When I got there Lisa was no where to be seen. I shouted out for her and my team but still no response. I got out my phone and called her, no answer. I called Barb and she answered and told me she and Brad had left some time ago. I remembered that Brad was going to pace her for her night run (husband of the year) so I called Brad and got ahold of him.  Apparantly they were having some difficulty finding the chute. I think it was about a five minute delay but they showed up and were off. I wasn't the only runner waiting for my next runner, clearly that exchange was confusing. As we walked out I realized how poorly marked that exchange was! Ragnar needs to fix that for next year.

Trying to stay cheerful and awake!

My head started a dull ache again but I was excited to be heading to the hotel.  We showered in runner order which put me last but it was fine because I was still enjoying my runner's high. After showering and snacking we all settled in for a one hour and 45 minute nap.  We cut it pretty close on time but made it to the next exchange just in time!

Cynthia's Third Leg, Rolling Hills:
About 11:30am it was time for me to head out again, this time in to Fountain Hills. Actually at 11:26am Kecia was waiting for me in the chute. Our minds were sort of working slow and we had calculated the wrong time for her to be done. Luckily another team was looking out for us and ran to get me when they saw her waiting in the chute.  I think we lost less than four minutes, but that's frustrating and I felt bad! I was also looking forward to this run, but knew it would be a challenge for me.  It was rolling hills for most of it, but there was a pretty tough climb right in the middle of the 5.8 mile run. Hills, coupled with heat, that is definitely my cryptonite! I was also trying to ignore the blister pain, but it was definitely affecting my stride at this point. I had been shooting for a 10 minute average pace and I didn't hit it, but in my defense, the street crossings can kill your pace! I waited at least a full minute at one crossing. I ended up with a 10:20 pace and was proud of that.


The traditional blanket tunnel...as Karen heads up the steepest longest hill of the race.

Even though we had a ton of tasty food in the van we were ready for a real meal. We went to the Safeway deli and got sandwiches and sodas.  Then we leapfrogged along and I think saw each of Van 2's runners at least once, except Lisa because I was getting my blisters doctored up. :( Sorry Lisa. We gave them some cowbell support and were impressed with each of them. We had some speedy and dedicated runners!

Finish:
We all gathered back together at Tempe Town Lake.  Our families were there and it is always great to see them! The only problem is that it brings you back to reality and you start realizing just how physically and mentally tired you are! Logan showed up in his blue morph suit and it cracked me up! I'm glad he gets in to the spirit of Ragnar! Brianna also loves Ragnar and we picked her out a cute purple "Ragnarian" tee shirt that she wears with pride. Lyndsee got a nose bleed and got to visit the medical tent...

Soon Jody came in running strong! We got our car stickers and cool medals, our pictures taken and then, in a sort of anti-climatic way, it's over. The end usually makes me sad. I don't know what could be done to make it better, but I never really like the finish.

High points of Ragnar 2012:
An Amazing Team! I loved everyone. My van mates were Karen, Lindy, Kecia, Wendi and Sarah. This was Wendi's first Ragnar, I recruited her and I'm so glad I did! She was super fun and supportive. I can see why she's a good teacher; she has such a clear view of things in life that matter and so easily can dismiss the things that don't, and never dwells on anything negative.  I had never been in the van with Kecia so it was also fun to get to know her better. She's fast! And funny. And I was impressed with her on so many levels, as an athlete, a mom, a teacher. What a woman! I could go on about everyone, but these were the two new girls to me this year. Of course Lindy, Karen and Sarah are BLINGtastic as well!

Our Pink Clothes - How cute are we in our hot pink and black! Let's all keep collecting more hot pink and black for next year. I like how we are still unique but cohesive and look like a team.

Great Food - Kecia's monster cookies! String cheese, candy, pb & honey sandwiches, diet coke and so much more! Yes we had too much, but I don't know what I would have given up.

Hotel - It's totally worth paying for the hotel for the warm shower and soft bed, even if it is just for a very few minutes.


Regrets of Ragnar 2012:
Not everyone at the start - I really missed not having everyone together at the start line. It made sense logistically, but the start line is so much more fun than the finish! The adrenaline and team spirit are pumping. Next year I hope we can all be together.

Everyone laughing with Lisa (or at....?)

Not enough time with Van 2 - Maybe it was because I had just finished running when we met up with Van 2 but I felt like I hardly saw them. I had planned on at least cheering Lisa on (she was the first runner) but it felt like there was never time. If we wanted to go have a meal

Later start/heat - It was hotter this year for sure! If we had started later the heat would have been better for Van 1 but then I guess Van 2 just would have had to deal with it.  I'm torn on if I like the later start better or not, it would have been nice to be done with our night runs two hours earlier...but it was nice to have two extra hours of sleep on Friday morning. Something to think about for next year.

We didn't win - Last year there was only one team in the division we entered this year. I had hoped to win, but didn't know who our competition was! There were some fast "babes" out there. Now we know who they are and we will be on the lookout next year. We lost at least 10 minutes because we were late for exchanges, luckily that didn't affect our finishing position but that can't happen if we want to win! :)

On the other hand, we did win! We all got to the start relatively healthy, injury free and well trained! I was proud of everyone's performance and would feel priviliged to run with them again! Thanks for the memories ladies! Until next year.

Ragnar Relay 2012

Leg One
7 miles at noon. 7:35 pace. So so so hot. Nothing pretty to look at for distraction. Really kind of an ugly leg. Am I being negative? Anyone out there have Leg 3 and find it beautiful???

Leg Two
6.5 miles at 11:00 pm. 8:39 pace. Enjoyed the cool night air. Wore short sleeve shirt and tights. And gloves. Tried to wear our light-up hair dreads to run, but it started to feel too tight on my head a few miles in. Took it off. Enjoyed the mile or so of trail. It was so dark I had to keep looking for red blinking lights that marked the trail. I did this same trail last year. It seemed easier this year after my experience running trails with Aravaipa. I have developed my trail legs a little. Listened for the cowbells. There were my beautiful sweat sisters! They took the dreads back from me. Felt completely alone for most of the night run. Didn’t even see another runner til the last mile and a half. Then I finally saw and passed 3 or 4 people. Didn’t take any wrong turns this year. Didn’t add extra mileage to my run. Always enjoy the night run.

Leg Three
9 miles at 9am. 7:58 pace. Warm but okay. Scenic route. Pleasant. Unsupported run. There were 2 aide stations. I passed up the first one and filled my bottle at the second one. Ate 2 gels. Passed allot of people. One guy really tried to not let me pass him. But I won the battle. Enjoyed this leg.

Van One:
Sarah, Karen, Me, Wendi, Kecia, Cynthia

Van Two:
Lisa, Kellie, Jeanne, Barb, Julie, Jody

Our Ragnar Virgins (no longer!):
Wendi, Kellie, Jeanne, Julie, Jody

Favorite Van Food:
Kecia’s Monster Cookies, Hot sauce Pringles, Peanut Butter on Cynthia’s homemade bread, sweet tart jelly beans, bagels and cream cheese, string cheese.

Restaurant experience this year:
Olive Garden. Friday night. Lots of quality carbs!

Favorite on the run food:
My runs were supported by GU

Favorite cheering sound:
Cowbells, couldn’t get enough

Favorite “Light up the night” item:
Our pink coil dreads with blinky lights
(Sarah ran with hers, very cool!)

Favorite competitors out there:
I liked the Disco Van. There were 12 guys in one big van and they were fully decked out in disco outfits and jewelry.

I will post a few more pictures soon...Great year! Thanks General Bling (Cynthia) and all the Cool Running Gals on the Team!!!

San Tan Scramble- my first 50K

Another glass for the collection!

San Tan Regional Mountain Park is in Queen Creek. It is almost an hour drive there. I kind of liked having some dark quiet driving time to reflect and prepare for what I was about to do. I was looking forward to testing my body- to trying a new distance. I have finished a few marathons thinking I could do more. Could go farther. It was time to try.

I got there in time to visit the bathroom twice. This helped me feel prepared and luckily I didn’t need a bathroom for the 5.5 hours out on the trail. Yay!

My course was loop style. Three loops of 10. The loop included a few miles out and back segment. The out and back included a mountain to climb up, down, and then turn around, climb up it backward, and down it back into the loop. So 3x over the mountain, 6 big climbs and descents. I knew that the course had a big climb, but I guess I wasn’t prepared for how big!

The cool thing about the out and back segment was that I got to see the fasties flying by me- on their way back up the mountain. I saw the Speedy Paulette all 3x on the mountain. She on her way back to finish each loop. She would go on to set a course record of 4:46:something…!

The first time up the mountain I kept running form. If I were to go back, I think Id walk up the climbs every time. I bet walking would be as fast as running up. And it would give my legs a break from running form.

On my first loop I took a wrong turn and ended up giving myself some extra mileage. Probably just an extra .3 or .4. You have to watch those ribbons carefully. There are orange ribbons tied in the trees to indicate the correct trail.

I think I did okay with pacing. It was interesting to find that the last 5 miles weren’t the hardest 5 miles. Throughout the race I went back and forth between highs and lows. Sometimes Id say to myself, possibly out loud, “I feel good right now!” Then sometimes Id say to myself “Im not feeling so good. But there is an aide station ahead…” Eating a GU every 5 miles helped the time fly by. I noticed myself getting through my gu’s, meaning more miles were done. First the 2 gu’s in my front pouch, then the gu in my water bottle pouch, and then I got to the 2 gu’s in my fanny pack! I ate all 5 gu’s I brought. I also had a pack of pomegranate honeystinger chomps, and I sucked on one in the back of my cheek most of the time. I started the chomps about half way into the race.

I had a low point at about 16.5 miles, when I mentally realized that this was the longest I had before run on trail. I worked through it.

I was alone allot. Except on the mountain. There were always people on the climbing portion. On my 2nd loop there was a guy fairly close behind me for probably over 4 miles. It was kind of nice knowing there was someone around, but I really liked when I was alone too. When I was alone I didn’t have to be embarrassed about all the crazy breathing and grunting that was coming from me. Sometimes I even laughed at myself because I was so noisy!

A couple of friends had texted me the day before reminding me to “have fun” and to “remember that I’m doing this because it is my passion”. This became a mantra of sorts. I just kept reminding myself to enjoy it and take in every moment. I kept reminding myself that I have wanted to do this for a long time, and that I’m ready for this opportunity. I kept reminding myself to look around and notice how beautiful the views were.

When my watch showed that I was over 26.2 I kind of got a high point. I got excited thinking “this is the part that is making me an ultrarunner!!!” Maybe it’s a weird thing to be excited about, but I feel like I really loved those last 5 miles! Even though my legs were getting really tired.

In the last few miles I had a few problems creeping up on me….one that the ground seemed a little fuzzy. Like I couldn’t see the ground clearly. So I had to look around more and look less at the trail! Which is a little risky.

The other problem creeping up was leg cramps. I had used up about 3 electrolyte tabs in my water. But I was out of tabs. I had taken a few salt pills at aide stations. But when cramps were starting to shock me, I figured that I was running low on electrolytes. I had several chomps left so I started gobbling them up. I knew that I was near the end, and hoped that there were enough electrolytes in my chomps to get me through.

At the end Noah was there clapping for me. Trail races are not like road marathons. Not allot of fan fare. Noah might have been the only one clapping for me! I was glad that he made it. He said it was close! He said he had only sat down for maybe 2 minutes when I appeared…so it must have been fate for me to take that wrong turn earlier! The extra distance was worth having Noah there to greet me at the end!

I love talking about food, so here are some food facts:

Pre-race carb loading: noodles Thursday night from PF Changs, sweet potatoes and rice Friday for lunch, pizza Friday night.

Morning of race: Cheese bagel, banana.

During race I brought and used: 5 GU’s and 1 packet chomps, and 3 electrolyte tabs in water.

During race I took from aide stations: orange wedge, baked potato wedge, 2 salt pills, 1 bite pb&j. Water refills.

Post race recovery: half a wheat bagel with cream cheese, pepsi, egg burrito, rockin refuel chocolate milk.

That night when I was ready to enjoy a reward food: Ben and Jerry’s chunky monkey, and nachos with warm Tostitos Queso. Yum!

So Marcie and I were discussing what it would take to go further. She asked if I was ready to go further. I want to go further. I am intrigued and want to figure it out. What does it take? I think nutrition is key. I think Id have needed to be able to process allot more food out there if I was going to go further. As for cramps…does anyone have suggestions? I think electrolyte tabs are very helpful. Any other good ideas???

I did have fun yesterday. It is all a super great memory already. I am very happy with my first Ultra! It wont be my last!

Coldwater Rumble

January 21st 2012

Carpooled up with Mary and two of her friends. Kata and Shayna. A good hour drive to Goodyear. On the way we discussed our experiences from Chang’s last weekend. We talked about what makes us feel good or bad about our race. How our goals and expectations shape how we feel at the end. How our final time doesn’t always indicate if we are happy or sad.

It felt nice to be out on the trail again. I didn’t get a trail run in the previous weekend.

At the first Aide station we had to choose to go left for the 31k or straight ahead for the 19k. For our own various reasons, we all chose to take the 19k route.

There were some very serious climbs in the last few miles. The kind of climbs that you are pretty much forced to walk. I ran as much as I could, cause I like to keep my momentum going. But I did walk a little.

Im now looking forward to my 50k on February 4th. It will be my first “ultra distance”. And by far my longest trail run. Up to this point, I think 16.5 is my longest trail run. I expect San Tan Scramble to be 30+ miles. I better mentally prepare for 31! I’m excited to see how my body feels after 30 miles of trail! I hope I LOVE it!!!

Phoenix Rock-n-Roll 2012

Goodbye to Cynthia's Red Velour! She saved it to donate to charity at the race. I miss it already!

Enjoy this picture, because I forgot to take more than one picture. Maybe someone else will post more pics....hint, hint!

Sunday January 15th was a beautiful day to run! All week my friends and I had discussed what the weather was going to be. A week before the forecast ahead had predicted cold and maybe even rain. Every day that approached the marathon, the forecast was getting slightly warmer. And then Sunday we had perfect weather. I took my “charity donation clothes” off before the gun even sounded.

The gun sounded a half hour late. Due to traffic. We were early, but many runners got caught in horrible traffic. Bridgitte was doing the half marathon and had to take a “late start”, because she was one caught in traffic.

Cynthia, Lisa, Karen, and I got a ride to the start from Lisa’s hubby. Then we went through potty lines a couple of times and met up with Julie-Anne.

Cynthia and Lisa started together. Karen and Julie-Anne and I started together. And Brendan. A friend of Julie-Anne’s.

With the late start, we spent extra time sipping water and it quickly took its toll! Karen and I needed to find a porto potty. We sped up a little to find a potty, temporarily leaving Julie-Anne and her friend Brendan. We found some porto’s at mile 6.

After our potty stop we had to pick up the pace and play catch-up. We looked for Julie-Anne’s cute hat she was wearing. We spotted it and had a little reunion with her and Brendan.

I was trying to distract everyone with conversation topics. Being the “Foody” that I am, I asked everyone what they’d eaten the night before…and what they were looking forward to eating as a post-race treat…I love food and never tire of the topic! If you ever want to run and talk about food- look me up!!!

Brendan decided it was time to part ways about 10 miles in, so we bid him goodluck and went on.

I saw Noah and the girls just past mile 13. I took time to give them quick hugs and kisses. A PR day wouldn’t allow such a treat. On this day I had time to treasure their mid-race embraces:)

Dan ran by on the loop section and told us that Mary was out. I was so sad for her, knowing that she was running a super fast race and right on track for a desired BQ time. Soon afterward we saw her on the side lines cheering us on. I later learned that her knee had given out and she had no choice but to stop.

Our average pace had slipped enough that we knew we’d have to pick up the pace if we were going to come in under 4 hours- our goal for the day. Karen said she was at the point she needed to speed up and finish or stop for a bathroom again. I was feeling similar. We picked up the pace and stopped talking for awhile. It was time to be done. Time to have a lengthy bathroom stop.

We had minimal conversation in those last miles. I vocally noted our average pace dropping and we vocalized our mile markers- down to 6 miles, the loop plus fountain, down to 5 miles, the big loop, down to 4 miles, the regular loop, down to 3 miles, the short-cut loop, down to 2 miles, just the fountain…and the final sweet mile. We decided to grab hands for our finish line picture, knowing the risk that we might get stuck permanently together with GU!!!

A third finish with Karen. So nice to have a same pace buddy! And Julie-Anne came in just a few minutes behind us, shaving 7 minutes off her PR!

We went through the finish line shoot, collecting bagels and mojo’s yogurt, and jamba juice. The bagel made my tummy happy.

I went to see Noah and the girls in the family reunion area. I wanted to say Hi before they took off. But they wanted to stay and see Cynthia and Lisa finish. I was so happy for Cynthia to have a PR race. And so proud of Lisa for accomplishing a race that she worked really hard for. All my friends were strong and I am so proud of them.

Another great memory. I love Chang’s. Its close and local. The expo is always a fun event. Ive had a different goal for every one of my 4 Chang’s, and at each Chang’s Ive met at least one of my goals for the day. Thankyou Phoenix! I will be back! Probably with a whole different goal in mind next year!

McDowell Mountain Frenzy

The Bathroom line is not bad at all before race start. Notice the Guys line is longer than the Gals line! This is not typical in life, but has been the case for the 3 trail runs Ive participated in!



This is the Start of the race, and later the Finish!




At the beginning you get to stay warm by a fire, or more modern- space heaters!

December 10, 2011

I got an icky head cold just in time for my December Trail Race. I figured Id be okay…usually congestion seems to clear up for awhile when I run. I was okay but found my nose dripping like a faucet the entire race. This distracted from my fun a little, but luckily I still managed to have ALLOT of funJ

I hate bonking so my typical strategy is to start out conservatively. Then when I am half way through with the race I speed up a little if I am feeling pretty good. The closer I get to the end, the faster I let myself go.


This was my 3rd trail race now, so Im starting to get a little better feel for what I can do. The first 2 races I felt in the beginning like I could keep up a sub-10 average pace. This time I had more confidance and felt that I could keep a sub 9:30 pace.

I try not to look at my watch pace allot because with trail running you have to roll with the terrain. Dig in to the up hill, and then fly on the down hill. Hold some momentum, and get up the next hill. So I think more about my perceived exertion. In the beginning I ask myself, is this a level of exertion that I can keep up for a long time?

But I did go out a little bit harder this time. With my new confidance I felt that I could start out a little less conservative. I also thought that it would be cold, and that I would need to be speedy to stay warm. It was warmer than I expected and I would’ve traded my long sleeve tech shirt for a short sleeve one. But I didn’t regret my tights. They seemed right.

At one point a guy came flying by me and the guy running just in front of me. Passer guy said “On your left please”. After making these 2 passes he took a hard fall. His pride got him back up quickly and he sped off.

I had to pull off at an aide station to ask for tissue. When I pulled off, three women passed me. I would later regain them and pass them.

When I had 4 or 5 miles left I decided I had enough energy to kick in an extra gear. And then when I was just about to the last mile I decided to really cruise. Just as I had decided to make my final sprint- the terrain turned into total steep up hill. I mean the kind of up hill you almost need a rope! So there was no last mile sprint to the finish.

I ended my 15.5 miles with an 8:59 average. 2:19:17 on my watch.

The view was beautiful the whole time. Big blue sky and mountains all around. So nice to be out in nature surrounded by the beautiful outdoors. My trail running experiences have fully converted me to the beauty of Arizona. Ill admit that for many years after moving here from Utah, I had a negative opinion of desert landscape. But I Love, Love the landscapes I’ve been running in over the past few months. Love. Look forward to. Love.




These were the trophies for winners. I coveted. Look how cute!!! Colorful ceramic chickens!

***I never got around to reporting on my November Trail Race. Pass Mountain. Usery Park. It was great. It started out easy and then lots of challenging climbing and then runners were rewarded with SPECTACULAR views from the top of Pass Mountain. And then some crazy down hill. Pass Mountain was a little scary as I realized that at times if I got my footing wrong I might go off a drop. And I was going fast anyway. Just hoping for the best. There was some thrill in the danger…anyhow GREAT race!!!

At the end of each of my 3 trail races I have received a finisher glass. They all say the name of the race. I love my new glass collection!!!

I wish I had a ceramic chicken, but I am happy to have a fun drinking glass.