Troutman Sanders Renegade Racing Santa Run

Ever since running the Coaster run in 2011 with my family, Renegade Racing events have held a special place in my heart.  This was my 2nd time running the Troutman Sanders Santa Run in Irvine.  My first run in 2012 seems like a blur but one thing I know for certain, it was fun for all in attendance.  Like all other Renegade Racing events, Troutman Sanders Santa Run was fun for the whole family.  I can't say enough about how fun this race is.  Any time you can get me in a costume you better take some photos of it.  While I was hoping for a strong run, there were some outside factors that made it difficult, but I am still very happy.  My time in 2012 was 37:51.8 and today it was 41:36.6.  The course had not changed and considering I am still working on my knee recovery I am excited to see this time (PR for a 5k is 36:08).  Look forward to the next Renegade Racing adventure.  Next up is the New Year's Hustle 5k: Your Next Step is the Cure on January 24th.  Visit www.renegaderaceseries.com for more information on all future Renegade events.  Now, time for a photo recap of all the fun!

Always love spending the morning with these two beautiful ladies.  There is never a dull moment and you never know what random pose you might end up striking.

Always enjoy seeing Marathon Mitch at an event.  While he wasn't running this morning, he was there to support all of us who were.  Thank you for stopping by to say hello my friend.

With half of our dynamic RD team.  Taite, thank you for all you and JP do to keep us moving in a family friendly environment for all levels of ability.  It has been a pleasure to get to know you this year and to be a part of the Renegade Racing team.

All of the Santa medals waiting for the runners to finish and take them home.

Some of the costume contest fun between the 5k and 10k awards.  So many fun costumes out there today.  Was festive fun throughout the course from runners and volunteers alike.

12 weeks of recovery and the Two Cities Half Marathon

So after having learned a few things from my 6 weeks of recovery race, I knew this run would be epic.  I had planned on making it a target race, but I was now going to be happy with just not throwing up at the finish line.  I knew there would be plenty of time to finish since there was a full marathon also on the course.  I also knew I would have plenty of my running family out there with me to keep me moving.  

First thing I learned from the last race was I had to start out strong and with a specific goal in mind.  I had talked it out with a couple of people and knew what I needed to and hoped to do.

While it was not the PR celebration last years race was, it was still a great comeback event and I can't wait for the next round.

With my friend Emelia before the race.  She was a part of team Red, White, and Blue.  I am so proud to call this amazing woman my friend.  Thanks to her help getting in some extra training miles, my race day was the success it was.

With my friend Stefanie before the race.  This face I cannot begin to say thank you enough to.  I feel so blessed to have her as my friend again after so many years apart.  She is my rock in making sure I finish strong.  We spent many miles leap frogging back and fourth during this event.  

With my friend Josette before the race.  So proud of this lady.  She has pushed her limits in the last year and has become a stronger finisher with multiple sub-3 hour finishes under her belt.  She now runs when the urge moves her and she always finishes strong.

This amazing family has been through for me the last year for a lot.  Jason and the kiddos are always smiling when I stumble through the finish line and Stef, well she is always waiting there to cheer me through the end.

Our finish line photo with our new bling!  Our 2nd year in a row for this one.  Can't wait for the next one for sure with this cheesy face.  Thank you again Stef for all you and your family have done for me in the last year.

And to the people from Zensah and KTtape, I could not have made it this far through my recovery without you.  Just wish I had remembered to take a photo of the knee compression and tape during the race.

Next up is the San Dimas Turkey Trot (and volunteer for the Tri).  Will be my second time for this event and I can't wait to see my Renegade Racing family.

Walking my way through recovery (and the sites of San Diego)

I had not been able to do almost anything for 3 weeks after my injury and the 3 weeks after that were not much better leading in to the Wascally Wabbit Half on September 20th.  While I knew it was going to be a painful experience, I also made some rookie mistakes that only added to my suffering.  Since then I have still struggled to get back on the horse and get into a routine of moving again.  With the help of my BFF and his Fall Break, I knew it would be the perfect time to coach myself back into the daily routine of focused movement.

We had a week of exploring on our feet planned, something we had not done before but were looking forward to.  For Shane, it would be good recovery from his very busy month of September with his 2nd 100 miler and also a 50 miler too.  I just needed motivation to get me out the door, and what better way than with my best friend and the sights of San Diego.

First up was a trip to Old Town on Sunday.  While we had been here before, we had never really spent a lot of time just walking around.  We attempted to park on top and walk down, but soon realized it was not walker friendly to park at Presideo Park and site of the original San Diego Mission that was abandoned in 1837.  The Serra Museum is now the old mission, although we were there too early to take a tour.  We took a complete tour of the grounds here before starting out on the climb downhill to Old Town.  I soon became concerned about the lack of safe walking area along the side of the road and was afraid I would not be able to make the climb back up to the top.  The old Mormon Battalion Historic Site offered some great views of the city and some history before making our way to the car and down to old town.  We wondered through some of the shops and old buildings and found some great pumpkin coffee they were kind enough to grind fresh for us so we could enjoy it later in our room.  They were having an art fair as well this weekend so we were able to experience some of the local art while enjoying and taking in the historic sites too.

Statue from the Mormon Soldiers Tribute

Monday was Balboa Park and some of the trails they are known for.  While we knew it would be an easy day for getting in our daily goal, we had no idea just how winding the trails would be.  We made a stop in the Cactus Gardens before heading out on trail 23 that would take us to the top of the cliffs across the street from the park.   http://bit.ly/1z7QFu8 After finding our way back to the car for a quick snack, we made our way over to the Museum of Man so we could take the visiting tour of the Instruments of Torture, which was truly disturbing on so many levels.  http://bit.ly/1w0u0Ls  The Museum of Man was a relaxing tour through the history of Man and much of it we had seen in a previous tour of a different museum.  Both tours together will cost you $20 a person.

Panoramic view from the top of the cliff/trail across from Balboa park.  We followed #23 markers.

Tuesday took us out to the beautiful Coronado Island.  We had talked about spending the night there but opted to just explore on our feet.  We walked much of the length of the beach walk, around the Coronado Hotel and around the marina.  We considered going back out later that evening for a performance of Les Miserables but were too tired after over 24 miles of walking and exploring in 3 days (not to mention a flight and drive to get us there).  Were able to see some of the island we had not seen in our previous trip out.  http://bit.ly/1w0yCkP

Coronado Bridge

After having visited Presidio Park and the original mission site, we knew we had to make a visit to the currently standing San Diego Mission.  We have been to a couple of mission tours in the past and knew this wouldn't take long but we were well rewarded for our $5 admission donation.  The chapel here is still an active chapel and beautifully maintained building.  They have a spot roped off so you can see where an excavation of a part of the original building site is.  There is also an area where the local history is preserved and the tale of Father Serra and his grizzly and untimely death.  Upon leaving the main entrance, we stumbled upon what struck us both as an odd site, as we watch 2 priests with their smart phones taking pictures.  While we acknowledged they are only human after all, it just felt strange to see.  http://bit.ly/Uvwymr

Chapel

We also made our way over to Belmont Park so Shane could ride one of his favorite beach roller coasters.  I opted to sit on the sidelines this time around.  Before riding, we took a loop down the water front walkway to check out the sights.  We were both feeling a little tired from all of our miles and it was getting a little warm.  We were amazed by some of the vacation rentals available and for sale.  Agreed we were not sure we would want to live right in that exact location.  As an added bonus, we found (or Shane spotted I should say) new Snoopy decals for my car.  http://bit.ly/1gsIsqo

Giant Dipper Roller Coaster in Belmont Park, one of the best beach side coasters around

We were determined to find one last trail before leaving San Diego so Shane took to the internet to see what he could find along the 5 freeway so we wouldn't be too far out of the way.  He took us to Torrey Pines State Reserve.  Had we been there early enough we could have found free, beach front parking, but had to pull into the actual start park parking area for a $12 fee (stated $8 on the website).  To say the views were amazing would be an understatement.  While we were both exhausted by the time we made it down the hill and back to the car, we both agreed it was very much worth it and we were glad to have made the hike (and learned a little history along the way).  http://bit.ly/1z7VP9k

View of the famous Torrey Pines.  A must see for everyone.

Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into our walking history tour of San Diego.  Please make sure you make time to stop and enjoy the scenery when you are in the area.  And feel free to ask us any questions you may have.  Happy trails until next time!

Thoughts about an injury & Wascally Wabbit half review

This was my 3rd year doing the Wascally Wabbit half.  I had already lost my legacy status in the Hell of a Half, I was determined not to loose this one too.  Hell of a Half was 6 days following my knee injury, so I knew it was out of the question.  Wascally was 6 weeks and I was feeling good but still knew I did not have the training in to be truly successful.  While I know some runners get tired of the trails out in Fresno's Woodward Park, I always enjoy my time out there.  My friend Stefanie was also injured, so we had talked about hobbling through it together.

Around mile 3.5, Stef and I came upon another pair of runners.  We stuck together for a little while and soon new pairs were formed among us.  This continued to work until just part mile 6.  There were so many different things swirling around my head by this point as I watched Stef pull further and further ahead with her new partner while I just couldn't find the strength to run long enough to get closer.  Going down the final hill to the turn around that would lead me back up to mile 8, I knew I was just about done and the climb back to the top would finish me off.

Our mile per minute were consistently around 16:30 and I was okay with that.  But there was no way to recover from the 20+ it took me to get from miles 8 to 9.  Mentally I knew I would finish.  Physically, I was questioning how much I was putting my body through with 6 weeks of almost no training and an injured knee.  I knew Stef would be at the finish line with her family no matter what so I kept moving forward.

The aid-station workers were amazing.  They kept smiling and cheering and offering their support as I trudged along.  I would let them know I was the caboose and keep pushing forward.  While it was hotter than I like for doing any type of running, I wasn't overly worried about it, but by the time I reached the finish line it was clear I had pushed too far and was more than likely suffering from heat exhaustion.  I had already suffered from heat exhaustion and the beginning of a heat stroke in May of 2012 while running the California Classic.

As I came to the final loop and could see the 13 mile marker (I was working to reach mile 11), a large part of me said I should know better as a coach and call it a day and cut the final 2 miles out.  I looked at my GPS and knew this was going to be worse than I had hoped or expected for a finish time and I was risking not getting an official time in the end.  As I came around to where 12 should have been, a truck pulled up behind me offering assistance (they were the final station and had been told to leave as there was no one out on the course).  I had refilled at mile 11ish and knew it was just a matter of pushing on to the end.  I thanked them and kept walking.

I knew I was in trouble when I started questioning the trail and where I was.  I had the same feeling in 2012.  Eventually, Stef came around the corner and over the hill, she had come to get me.  I talked of calling it a day when she told me they had began to shut down and wouldn't listen to her when she insisted there was still a runner on the course.  My car was right there.  I even had it unlocked and was reaching for the handle.  Stef smiled at me and said "come on, lets finish it, you've already come this far."  Even through her own knee pain, she walked the last of that final mile with me so I could finish, even if no one was around.

What got me the most was the feeling of utter loss when I walked through the arch and across the finish mat.  I looked around desperately for even just a glass of fresh water, as bite of banana or bagel, something.  I knew the food goodies that had been offered were long gone, but was hoping someone had heard Stef and left a bite of something out.  When I saw nothing, I started to make my way to the shade.  Someone from the race came running over to give me my medal but made no attempt to ask if I needed anything else as they quickly handed the medal to me and then rushed off to finish their packing chores.

While I completely understand there was clearly a 3:30 finish time posted on the website, I am a firm believer that no runner should ever be left behind, no matter the distance.  Someone could have easily been standing around the 11.8 marker and pushing us off the course to the finish, instead of allowing us to make the final loop.  Had there been someone there offering that, I would have been done, with or without the medal and legacy status.  But I kept going because I was afraid that all my work would have been for nothing had I "quit."

Upon sitting down, I could feel my body beginning to shut down.  I wanted to lay down but knew that would not be wise so I sat there with my arms on my knees and my head in my hands and waited for what was to come.  What came was all of the Nuun I had been drinking.  At least then someone noticed and offered me some fake orange juice (which was not going to help but I drank some of the watered down version to make those around me feel better).  After one drive heave, I was done and turned to my pack to grab a salt tablet (something I am smart enough to know I should have taken much earlier).  By then one of the RD team was there and finally showing concern, but again, no one had anything solid or water to offer.

While I thank all of the ladies who stopped to offer assistance from the bottom of my heart, I hope the RD team of this event and others can learn from my experience.  Had I been a less experienced runner, this ending could have been a lot worse.  After 5 1/2 years, my body has learned how to deal with the demands I put on it.  Within seconds of the salt tablet hitting my system I knew I was fine.  I knew throwing up wasn't a big issue because (as gross as it may sound) it didn't taste funny, it tasted like Nuun.  I knew it was just my body purging itself so I would listen and give it what it needed.

Stef and her family gave me a ride back to my car and I quickly opened the trunk where I keep my emergency snack stash.  I grabbed an apple sauce and some chocolate waffer crackers and knew I would be good.  Gave Stef and her husband Jason a hug and thanked them again for all their support.  They then sat there and waited for me to start my car before driving off (and kept waiting to see if I was actually driving and not just sitting there).  I can not thank them enough for their friendship and support and I am so grateful for having them in my life again.

I have tried emailing the RD and letting him know about my experience but it has gone unanswered sadly.  I have debated on if I want to try reaching out again, now that it has been a week, but don't know if I will or not.  While I will be back next year, it will be with a heavy heart.  Knowing that no one was listening when they were told I was out there makes me extremely sad and disappointed.  Knowing it could have been prevented by having someone at the time cutoff to push me to the finish and not the final loop would have solved the problem.

I know you are thinking that if I had cut the final 2 mile loop it would have cost me my legacy finish status, I don't know if that is true.  I found out a couple of days before the race that if you did the half relay it still counted.  Not sure I agree with that at all but it did have me questioning if I could have just done the 2 miler and had it count too.  Which I had almost pushed to ask and insist on.

Looking forward to my next running experience and hoping no one else has to feel this way on this course.  Maybe we need some sort of timing device at the start line so it registered who is out there and who just picked up their stuff.  Yet another way the problem could have been avoided.  Happy trails!!

City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day half marathon, 10k, 5k

This one is/was for my Dad to celebrate his service with the United States Marine Corps.  I was originally just going to do the 10k for the event since I had been having some feet/leg issues but when Renegade Racing announced they were doing a 5 year salute to the Armed Forces and this year would start with the USMC, I knew I had to do the half so I could bring home the biggest bling for my Dad.

I lost track of how many times I cried Monday morning while out on the course, while walking around the finish area, while thinking about how much my Dad means to me.  I was hoping for as close to a 3 hour finish time as possible but around mile 9 I knew that was slowly slipping away from me.  There were a lot of factors keeping me from pushing.  Part was knowing it didn't matter how hard I pushed, it was still a finish and I had an ultra in 2 weeks I needed to be ready for.  The other part keeping me from pushing was the emotion of it all.

I met some great people out there.  Two gentlemen were doing their first ever half marathons.  Their wives had both finished multiple half events, and both had at least one full marathons done.  These men were inspired by the Memorial Day holiday and the salute to all of our service men and women.  They were both veterans themselves I learned while sharing a few miles with them.  Was even able to help one by handing off some sports beans, as he was just hungry and hadn't planned for it.  He slowly slipped behind me but before I knew it, he was speeding past right at the finish.  Guess all the burping after he ate the sports beans was just what he needed.

When I got home and presented him with first his new event shirt, and then the medal, he was speechless for a moment.  He was standing maybe a foot away from me as he took the medal in his hands and turned it around and over looking at ever part of it, even the lanyard.  He then took my face in his hands and kissed my forehead, then pulled me close and help me for a minute before kissing my forehead again, looking me in the eyes and thanking me.

I tried to get him to pose for a picture with me wearing the shirt and medal but he just smiled and kept reading his newspaper.  May add a photo of that some day when he just happens to put on his new running shirt.

To all of our service men and women, both past and present and future, THANK YOU for all you sacrifice for all of us.  And THANK YOU to your families as well for sharing you with the rest of us.

Sempra Fi!

One of my favorite parts of the race.  Photo credit to Lance Null

Running strong around mile 7.  Decided to pull up my sleeves so I could even out the farmer tan a little.  Photo credit to Lance Null

Enjoying good friends and fellow Renegade Racing team members at the finish area.  Photo credit to Bill Voong.

I feel so blessed to have been a part of this celebratory event.  It was so much fun to see families out enjoying the day and the concert and other things happening at the finish line festivities.  Looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!

Dala Horse Trot 10k and 2 miler

Saturday, May 17th, 2014
Dala Horse Trot 10k and 2 miler
Kingsburg, CA

Last year I took part in this event for the first time and I knew I would be back.  I was supposed to make a trip to So. Cal. but decided I would stay home and run local.  Saw a few familiar faces and met a few new ones.  While I still wasn't feeling 100%, I am glad I got out there, even if it was just for 2 miles.

Pre-race and post-race fun...

Feel free to stick around and enjoy the Swedish Festival after the race.  Have never been anywhere else where I can run and then buy a used book all in one place.  

Selfie, trying to capture the water tower/tea kettle.

One of the many fun things to take your picture with around town.

Getting some love from Katie upon getting home.

Katie always enjoys my saltyness after a race.

Since we didn't get a finishers medal, I gave myself a new pair of Gizmo Gear running socks to celebrate!

And now...some scenes from the 10k start line....

Run the Beach with Charlie Alewine Racing

Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to "Run the Beach."  Always a fan of CAR events and the beach path of Long Beach.  While it sometimes gets a little lonely out on the course of low-key events like this, you couldn't ask for a better group of friends to see on the course as you loop each other.

Run the Beach, quarter, half, and full marathons all run along the same beach front course.  While you have to make a complete loop to get to the RD and the aide station, there are multiple opportunities for water along the way, as well as restrooms.  Charlie will have just about anything you would like to see at an aide station, just make sure to email him in advance for any special requests.  

Even better is your car is right there on each loop, making it so you always have just what you need to refuel. 

While the morning was cool, it didn't take long for the sun to come out and the temperatures to warm up.  I had been dealing with some allergies and breathing issues so I decided to just slow down and enjoy the morning.  I was blessed with seeing two first time runners finish with times above what they were expecting and take 1st overall for both male and female.  Was such a joy to see their faces as they crossed the finish line seconds apart and embrace each other.

Please visit www.charliealewineracing.com for future events from this great low-key southern California director. 

Group photo before the start of the race.  Had a lot of first time runners out on the course this morning.

With the race director Charlie Alewine.  One of my favorite RD's!

Spinner medal for finishing.  Glad I didn't know there was also a quarter marathon, I may have opted for that instead.

The Heavenly Half Marathon

The Heavenly Half Marathon in Auberry, CA, Sunday, February 9th, 2014

This is set up to be the first of 3 sister races in the central valley sponsored by Sole 2 Soul Sports.  I have done the Hell of a Half Marathon in Exeter twice now, and while I don't love it, I know it is sure to be a good event with lots of support until the final runner crosses the finish line.

I have never done an event that is advertised as being mostly downhill so I was a little worried about letting my feet get away from me.  While I knew it would be a PR and my 2nd under 3 hour finish, I knew if I wasn't careful I would end up doing some damage and hurting myself.

I knew after getting up the 2nd incline I had to be careful and not let me feet get away from me.  I felt as if I was constantly reminding myself to lean back and make sure my posture was alined and I wasn't stumbling down the hillside.   The volunteers were all amazing and it was fun to see some of the locals come out to encourage and cheer us all on.  The buses seemed to work well for getting everyone to the start line.  I caught a ride back to my car so I didn't take the bus back but the lines appeared to be moving fairly smoothly and there didn't appear to be any complaints.

Look forward to this one again next year, as well as completing the series of races.

They gave us random raffle tickets as we got on the school bus to take us to the start line.  Lucky winners got a new beanie.  Mine will go to a good home in Georgia. 

Was so much fun to see so many familiar faces before the race.  With Terry and Michael Caldwell and one of their friends keeping warm before the race.

With Dr. Sy after the race.  She is the general practitioner for my parents and was a volunteer at one of the aide stations.  She tried to get away from me but I sprinted past her so I could get a picture at the finish line.

Working packet pickup with my friend Emelia.

Working packet pickup with my friend Heather.

All of my race bling.  Gave myself the Gizmo Gear runner girl hat for hitting a new PR.  Everyone got a cool 1/4 zip sweater for finishing, love the thumb holes in the sleeves. 

With my friend Josette at the start line.

Stefanie & Jason's family at the finish line.  So happy to have them waiting at the end.

At the finish line with Stefanie.  So happy we were both able to PR for the day.

With Julia (Jj) at the start line.  So proud of her for all of her improvements this year as she reaches for a spot at the start of the Boston Marathon.

One of my favorite event photos.  The photographer was suspended off the side of the cliff as we ran around the corner.