Marin Ultra Challenge 25k

The first race in the 2016 LaSportiva Mountain Cup was the Marin Ultra Challenge 25k, hosted by Inside Trail Racing in Sausalito, California. The course tours the beautiful Marin Headlands with impressive views of Mt. Tamalpais and the Golden Gate Bridge. That's what they say anyways. It was hard to see under my cap and hood with the rain blowing sideways and the wind knocking me around. However, race director, Tim Stahler, and his team of hard-core volunteers didn't let the weather deter them from a top-notch event, simultaneously orchestrating a 50 miler, 50k and a 25k!

Course Elevation Profile

Tad and I got to Sausalito on Wednesday night so that we could run the course on Thursday and Friday. Because of the current blast of bad weather, Tim et al. had to revise the course into one small loop and one big loop, which allowed us to run the entire course. We started at Tennessee Valley on Thursday morning and the rain and wind was just ridiculous. We sat in the car as if in a carwash for a good 30 minutes just staring out the window hoping for a break. After taking the plunge, we ran the upper loop that had the climb up to Marincello. On Friday we parked at Rodeo Beach, the new start of the revised course, and ran the lower loop. The weather was equally bad if not worse, but we still were able to get the preview in without a problem. The trails are drastically different than what we have here in the Pacific Northwest. Very smooth service roads and paved asphalt made up 90% of the course. This was going to make for a very fast race! 

Soaked in a second. The La Sportiva Hail Jacket is awesome!

On race morning the weather was calmer than it had been the previous two days, but just as unpredictable. It would rain and then stop, rain and then stop. I changed my outfit around three times, still unsure when I lined up that what I chose would be appropriate. My bib number was put through the wringer and I hadn't even started the race yet.

Start of the first climb.

Switching to the downhill gear.

With $1,000 up for grabs and Marin County being an elite trail running hub, we knew there was going to be plenty of competition. I started the first two miles sitting behind a group of 4 women and then gradually pulled ahead at the top of the first climb, Hill 88. As the course wound around and started to descend quickly back to the start, I got passed by eventual winner Daniella Moreno, a former college cross country and track stud (16:33 5k and 34:27 10k) from UC Santa Barbara with a serious pair of wheels. I clicked off a 5:17 mile coming down the mountain and still couldn't keep up with her! It wasn't until the second climb that I came within a couple seconds, but I ran out of mountain and it was time to go flying back down. I had one more climb to make a move. I missed the second aid station check point after starting the climb and had to turn around and go back. By this time Daniella had extended the gap to 30 seconds and I knew that her speed would be unbeatable the final fast 4 miles.

My face when Tad is telling me to run faster.

Once I crested the top of the final climb I turned my legs over as fast as they could, but when the trail bottomed out with 2 miles to go, I had a hard time keeping the momentum going. My hip tightened up significantly to the point that I stopped to stretch twice to see if my stride would loosen up. By this point Daniella was long gone and I knew that I had second. Even when your race position is set, it is so important to push hard all the way to the finish because you never know what is happening out in front of you. This is very hard to do especially when you are not winning and do not have the adrenaline to mask the fatigue. This is something that I have taken note of and need to work on for the future. 

On the final turn into the finish shoot I embarrassingly ran into the 'Turn Right' sign and smacked my shoulder and head. I was glad to be done. I finished 2^nd woman, 11^th overall with a finish time of 1:48:35. Full results here.

Who doesn't love a big check?

The trail running community in Mill Valley is very special. Large organized group runs, extremely supportive cheers along the course and volunteers that made the race go off without a hitch despite the inclement weather. I really want to thank Tim and his crew for all of the work they do and continue to do to host the best races in California. For more Inside Trail races check out their Facebook page and website.  

Thanks to La Sportiva for providing opportunities for trail runners to make some cash while doing what we love to do in some of the most spectacular areas around the country.

A huge hug and thank you to La Sportiva Team and Mountain Cup Manager, Quinn Carrasco, for bringing my gear all the way to California with him, for giving me his jacket at the finish line as I shivered in wait for Tad to come off the mountain and for his support and enthusiasm.

Next weekend is the famous Chuckanut 50k here in Bellingham, Washington. I am really excited to see my Trail Butter Family and to cheer on my friends as they take on the Ridge, Chinscraper and the dreaded Interurban. Maybe next year I'll be on that starting line, too…

Let the Games Begin!

It has been forever 4 months since I last raced. No matter how long you have been racing it is always nice to get in a no pressure race to shake off some nerves and go through the race morning motions before the meat and potatoes of the season begins. I love the Fragrance Lake Half Marathon, not only because of the course, but because I get to toe the line with my friends and have pizza and watch them drink beer after.

The BTRC Family. PC: CamE Tasker

I was getting really excited about Fragrance, especially after my Wednesday workout. It was an aggressive 2x a lap around Lake Padden, the fastest I've ever run. This was really confidence-boosting for the future and shows that all of the fitness I gained in the fall that did not manifest in a race is still there. But right after the workout, I was struggling with intense heel pain that was almost unbearable. The rest of the day it continued to be crippling, so much so that I could not even walk home from the dentist. Obviously, I became distraught and naturally I thought the worst until Tad calmed me down and reminded me that I was seeing Kerry (Prime Massage and Sports Medicine) and Chris (aka Dr. Lockwood, Align Chiropractic) the next day. He was right; they have been known to possess miraculous powers so I needed to stay calm until they had time to work their magic.

Getting ready for some slipping and sliding.

The next day the pain was still excruciating, and ran one minute and called it a day. I went to see Kerry who almost immediately diagnosed the problem - a strain in my calf muscle that was expressing pain at the attachment point on my heel. She did a combination of massage, joint mobilization and Graston Technique and then tag-teamed me off to Chris. Because I have been seeing Chris for so long now - about 3 years - my body has become extremely responsive to his adjustments and we're able to fine-tune tweaks and weaknesses fairly easily.

Heading into Two Dollar.

I left my dream team feeling much better about the situation and confident that I was not doomed. I may not be able to race on Saturday, but we knew this was not an issue that would derail my training for weeks. On Friday, the pain was night and day. I was able to get in 5 miles on minimal pain that never progressed. The plan was to run Fragrance Lake with the goal of practicing race morning, but be smart enough to shut it down or stop if the pain was bad. Well, an incredible thing happened: there was no pain. I couldn't believe it! From not being able to walk on Thursday to running a technical, muddy trail half on Saturday, I can't tell you how grateful I am!

Climbing Rock Trail.

The race itself was pretty uneventful; I ran completely alone the entire time. This was totally fine for the day as it allowed me to listen to my body and still give a solid effort without killing myself. Candice changed up the course a bit this year, taking us the long way around the lake, and fallen trees and thick mud really slowed things down so it is hard to compare to last year. I was first female and third overall. Results here. Congrats to my training partner, Josh Vander Wiele for crushing the course and getting some Fragrance Lake redemption! And congratulations to everyone who raced this weekend here in Bellingham, at the trials and afar. There was no shortage of inspiration!

Thanks to Candice Burt (who has the cutest dog in the entire world!) and Garrett Froelich for directing and organizing the Bellingham Trail Running Series. For more "Destination Trail Running Events for the Adventurous," check out Destination Trail.

I seriously can't thank Kerry and Chris enough for their care and concern in keeping me healthy. It means an incredible amount to me that words can't describe. I can't wait to see what opportunities and results this year will bring because "together we can do so much."

Side Note:

Happy Valentine's Day to my best friend in the entire world - I love you a stupid amount!

Making the Donuts

The New Year didn't prompt me to reflect, evaluate my goals or make resolutions. January 1, 2016 was just another day of training, another day of trying to be better and another day working on my weaknesses.

My "new year" began on November 8^th. After a disappointing performance at the Lake Padden Trail Half Marathon and a "did not start" at the Moab Marathon, it was time for a break physically and mentally. I took two weeks off from running, but still went to the gym (Terrain) and took a couple yoga classes for fun. Still, I felt mentally drained and had no motivation to start running. One day I went out for a run, got a mile out and just stopped and walked back to the car. I just didn't want to run. This feeling scared me as it has never happened before so I went to the doctor and got blood work done. All of my lab results came out just fine and I was pleased when the doctor tipped her hat to my good nutrition.

2016 was an incredible year, arguably the best in my running career. Highlighted by representing the U.S. team and placing 18^th at the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships and by winning the La Sportiva Mountain Cup. Every goal I set I managed to achieve. It's not very often you can say that. So, I think my problem was simply that I was tired. The day I walked back to the car I gave myself until the end of the week to "snap out of it," and if I was still in a funk I would take another week completely off from any physical activity. Luckily as the week progressed, I started to feel better and, almost magically, things turned around. My motivation was back and I was ready to get out the door and start thinking about workouts again.

Cooper's Rock State Forest, West Virginia

While in my funk, I also wanted to address the anxiety that was overwhelming me the past 3 months. I have had anxiety with panic attacks my whole life, but in the past 3 years the fear has mounted so high that I no longer feel comfortable driving alone anymore. After having a panic attack while previewing the Moab Marathon course, I had had enough. That was the final straw and something had to be done. I did not want my anxiety and panic to keep me from doing what I love to do so I aggressively sought help. I have been speaking with a mental health counselor and started taking anti-anxiety medication. Medication is something I have tried to avoid for years, but I came to the realization that sometimes you just need help and that's okay. I have no control over the fact that my brain has trouble balancing serotonin. Every day I have been trying to understand my anxiety and working up the courage to face the scary feelings of panic. I strongly believe that if I can overcome this, I will be able to take on a whole new level of challenges because no mountain, race course or competition is scarier than the thoughts in my head.

My goals for 2016 are more fluid than 2015. There is no more La Sportiva Mountain Cup series with points to win, but individual races with prize money. I will not have the opportunity to be on the U.S. Long Distance Mountain Running Team because I did not compete in the qualifying race in Moab. However, this year is an all up year for the short distance Mountain Running Championship which returns to Loon Mountain on July 3^rd. Third time is the charm, right?

I will kick off the season with the Fragrance Lake Half Marathon here in Bellingham on February 13^th and then my training and fitness level will dictate our next move. I have been logging consistent 80 mile weeks and I had my first workout in months just the other day. The tempo showed that I am right where I left off in October so that is encouraging moving forward.

Other stuff of interest:

AthleteBiz has launched a really cool opportunity for fans to purchase an athlete's favorite gear and in turn the athlete gets most of the profit.  Check out my personal store here.

Stewart Mountain, Bellingham

If you missed the Terrain Vimeo that we made last fall check it out here.

In the life of a competitive distance runner, December 31^st is the same as January 1^st, is the same as January 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th… Every day we strive to be just a little bit fitter, just a little bit faster, just a little bit tougher, just a little bit braver.

Time to go make the donuts.

Terrain Gym Vimeo Shoot

I had the really cool opportunity to work with Bellingham photographer, Carton Artac, on a Vimeo for Terrain Gym. The two minute video shares my innate passion for running and tells how strength work was a missing piece of my training until I found Tonia and how it takes my training to the next level in order to be more competitive.

Prior to this interview, my goal for 2016 was to qualify for the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championship that will be in Slovenia next year and place in the top 10 (I was 18th at the World Championship this year). However, I failed to mention the Long Distance part. Also, this was before I went to the qualification race in Moab in early November and ended up not racing. 

Oh well.

It's a pretty awesome clip if I do say so myself. I am very proud of Terrain Gym and all that it stands for. If you're in the Bellingham area and looking for a unique gym that will make you stronger, fitter, faster, more durable and confident--then come and check it out!