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. 

Shamrock Shuffle 5k

St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Shuffle 5k in Lemoore, CA

This was my first time running in the city of Lemoore and I look forward to going back.  I had a great time meeting a new group of Central Valley runners and exploring a new city on my feet.  A great family atmosphere and I would highly recommend trying it out next year.  Even had a local group of girl scouts on hand in case you were looking for some cookies.

The volunteers and traffic directors were friendly all along the course as well as the ladies working packet pick-up in the morning.  Most of the runners were friendly and welcoming as well.  Ended up giving my ear/antlers to a young lady runner who was playing on the swing set as I walked to my car.  She called out, "I love your ear" as I walked by, so I asked if she would like to have them.  I got the biggest smile and a "Thank you".  Only wish I had gotten a picture of her wearing them.
 

With my friend Emelia before the race.  She went on to win the best costume of the morning, so proud of her.

The 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place Age Group awards (done in bronze, silver, and gold), as well as the overall trophies and the trophy for best costume.

Some of the best costume contestants.

More of the best costume contstants.

Location of the start/finish area for the event.

My shirt and bib for the morning.  Since I wasn't speedy enough to win an AG award, I gave myself a pair of Gizmo Socks instead to celebrate another half marathon finish.

One of the more animated race t-shirts in my collection.  Only thing that could have made it better was if it wasn't white.

Another successful local event in the books.  Look forward to my next running adventure in the city of Lemoore. 

Tule Fog Run

A little late but here we go...

The Tule Fog Run 10k, 5k and kids run:  I have been trying to get this one since moving back to the Central Valley in June 2011 and have had conflicts with other events.  Was so happy to finally make it out this year.   I have had mixed feeling about events held at Cutler Park in the past.  While the events themselves have been enjoyable, the path chosen for the miles is not always fun. 

I was happy to see almost all of this event was on paved pathways.  Only dirt part was getting from the loop around the park onto the actual St. John's Trail.  We couldn't have asked for a better day weather wise.  The event was hosted by Visalia Parks and Recreation.  Sole 2 Soul was there for timing.  Clif Bar was helping with the fuel.  Visalia Times-Delta was out to capture all the moments. 

Spirits were high as we all gathered around to see of the kids run participants.  Was so much fun to see the youthful runners make their way to the finish line.  And seeing them get their special kids finisher medals put a smile on everyone's face.

While I was not having a bad day, I still just wasn't feeling it.  Little did I know, I was another runners "rabbit", helping them to reach a 5k PR.  As we came around the final corner of the trail around 2.6 or so, a lady came up to me and told me "thank you for helping me keep pace today".  Apparently she had decided to pace off of me.  Not sure why she picked me, she talked almost like she had seen me at other local events, which is possible, and knew I was typically close to her current goal.  Whatever the case, knowing I had helped her made it all worth it.

By 2.85 on my GPS, I was starting to feeling a little off in my tummy.  In the end, I think I was just hungry, which is not normal for me on race morning.  I will managed to stay under 40 minutes and helped my new friend to cut almost 2 minutes off her time.  So much fun.  Will for sure look for this event next year.

 Since we didn't get a medal for finishing, I gave myself a new pair of Gizmo Socks!

 Thank you Clif Shot Blocks for being a sponsor.  Loved finding you in my goody bag and at the finish line!

 Self portrait at the finish line.

Made it into the local newspaper, the Visalia Times-Delta, as I was coming around the final curve into the finish line.  So happy I was wearing my Charlie Alewine Racing shirt.