A GRAND ADVENTURE: RIM TO RIM TO RIM (April 27, 2013)

"The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself. The resources of the graphic art are taxed beyond their powers in attempting to portray its features. Language and illustration combined must fail." --John Wesley Powell

"It's like trying to describe what you feel when you're standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon or remembering your first love or the birth of your child. You have to be there to really know what it's like." -- Jack Schmitt

MY GRAND ADVENTURE 

GRAND CANYON RIM TO RIM TO RIM

(April 25-28, 2013)

Preface

Seven years ago, long before I was a runner, I drove out from Las Vegas to check out the Grand Canyon.  I remember standing on the South Rim looking out at the Grand Canyon thinking It certainly is grand!  It sounds silly to say that the Grand Canyon is grand.  But, it is just that.  Grand.  It is hard to describe for those who have not seen but it is an immense sight to see.  The expanse of it and it's depth are grand.  It is a spectacular sight.  I can understand why it is considered a natural wonder.

Back then, I was a not a runner.  Not really an athlete in any way.  I was a regular tourist just checking out the Grand Canyon.  I remember looking down wondering if I would ever get down there.  It seems crazy and maybe too much of an adventure to ever do so.

Flash forward to now.  Now, I am a runner.  A trail runner.  As a trail runner, I think I see and experience the world differently than before.  I think I have a greater appreciation of nature than in my non-active days.  I love how you can run on trails and it can take you places where you cannot otherwise see.  In just the canyons in Auburn, I love where the trails can take you and the views you see while on those trails.  I see places in a different way than I did before I was a runner.  I get to see places where the only way to see them is via foot.

Sometime last year, I heard about the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim run that some people do.  It intrigued me.  Knowing that the Grand Canyon was spectacular to see as a normal non-runner tourist, I could only imagine what it would look like getting down inside of it.  And when I saw the pictures of some running friend's trip to the Grand Canyon, I knew that is I wanted to run the Grand Canyon and that it is a most definite bucket list run.

Fortunately for me, I have an awesome running friend named James Barstad.  He is well known among the local running community for organizing lots of fun events including a group running trip to the Grand Canyon.  So, when he set the Grand Canyon trip for this year, I knew I had to go.

The Grand Adventure

James' plan for the trip was:

Thursday April 25
5:00 AM - Carpool from the Sacramento area to the Grand Canyon South Rim.
5:00 PM – Arrive at Mather Campground and set up Camp

Friday April 26
Relax and enjoy the views
6:00 PM – Group dinner – meeting to discuss the run

Saturday April 27
5:00 AM – Start the run!
5:00 – 9:00 PM – Finish the run

Sunday April 28
8:00 AM – Group Breakfast
Relax and recover and drive back to Sacramento

Thursday, April 25 - Carpool from the Sacramento area to the Grand Canyon South Rim

The first day of the trip involved a long day in the car driving out to the Grand Canyon.  I had not gone a long road trip for sometime now so it was fun, especially having the fun company of Bruce and Bill.  James had the three of us drive one of his vehicles down to the Grand Canyon.  It was a nice car and was stocked with good road trip snacks (beef jerky, nuts, pretzels, fruit, water, etc....).  James is pretty good about taking care of people.

Road tripping with Bruce and Bill was a lot of fun.  We had many amusing conversations, lots of laughs, and a occasional scare from Bruce and his "aggressive" driving.  =P

Arriving at the Grand Canyon, we first went to look at the canyon, of course.  And, it looked as stunning as it did the first time I looked at it.  Grand indeed!  Bruce got a closer look than some of us by hopping over the fence and walking/jumping out on a rocky ledge.

After checking things out, we went to camp and set up.

Friday, April 26th, Relax and Enjoy the Views

Friday was our "rest" day.


At camp in the morning, Bruce taught us how to make survival bracelets.  It kind of felt like kid's camp.  It's arts and crafts time now.  While we made bracelets, Tim grilled some meat on the camp fire.  It looked good.  He was going to be preparing a big pot of chili for us to have when we finished the run on Saturday.

After a bit, a group of us went out to "sight-see" like regular tourists.  Bruce, Bill, and I made some new friends within the group:  Steve, Shane, and John.  Together, we checked out some of the vista points on the South Rim, walked to the Village, took some classic tourist pictures, went to the gift shop, and ate some ice cream. We also looked down at the trails we would be running on.  It seemed a bit unreal looking down at the trails and thinking I will be down there tomorrow dragging myself all the way up that.  Wow.  Ah, I can't wait!  









In the evening, we all gathered back at camp for the runner's meeting.  All the runners that were going to be doing the rim were all there including those that were not camping.  Approximately 26 or so runners were part of the group.

James laid out all the details of the run.

The run will cover approx 47 miles as planned. The route planned will take us down the South Kaibab trail to Phantom Ranch (about 7 miles), up the North Kaibab trail to the North Rim with a little side trip to Ribbon Falls (about 16 miles), back down North Kaibab to Phantom Ranch (14 miles) and up Bright Angel Trail back to the South Rim (about 10 miles). There are shorter run options available(rim to river and back - 17 miles or South Rim to Ribbon Falls and back – 29 miles).

James advised us as to how much water, food, etc. . . we should be carrying.  He explained the trails, what to expect and where we could fill up on water.  He was very detailed about everything.

After a very informative runner meeting, we enjoyed a delicious spaghetti dinner, compliments of Tim.  It was fun to see some of the runners that were not at camp and hear some of the stories from those that had run the Grand Canyon before.  There was lots of excitement in camp for our adventure-to-be.

Saturday, April 27th, The Run!  

South Kaibib Trail, South Rim to Phantom Ranch  (mile 7ish)

In the dark, we all get up and get ourselves ready for the run.  I eat some Cheerios, Then, I get on all my gear on.  My hydration pack is filled with all kinds of food, gels, s-caps, etc. . . . I tried to think of all the things I might need in the day and put it in there.  I don't put in any water in the pack just yet as James suggested we did not need too much water going down.  Even without water, the pack is pretty weighty.  In addition to the pack, I have two hand-held water bottles.

After piling ourselves the vehicles, we head out to the South Kaibib trail head.

We arrive at the South Kaibib trail head at 5 a.m.


At the trail head, there is an amusing warning sign that says "DO NOT attempt to hike from the canyon rim to the river and back in one day. . . ."  Oh, I don't intend to. . . I intend to run to the river, up the North Rim and then back...in hopefully one day!

The sky is already starting to light up so I find no need for my headlamp.  We all gather for a few group pictures.  Then, down everyone goes.  Let the adventure begin!!

It is 7 miles down to the river.  In 7 miles, we will go down 5000 feet.

As I head down, I look up to see a beautiful, nearly full moon shining over the canyon.  As I look down, I see a stream of runners weaving down the switch backs into the depths of the canyon.  It is fun to see.  There is a lot of energy and people are shouting with excitement as we all descend down into the canyon.

I run a little but feel like I have to stop every few feet or so to just take it in.  All of it is amazing.  As I descend into the Grand Canyon, get into it, it is all spectacular sight.  It takes my breath away.

We pass an overlook area with a sign saying "Ohh Ahh Point."  Many stop to take pictures here.  We all run a little then stop to take some pictures.  Run a little more and stop again.  The trail is not the easiest to run down fast on. There are a lot of wooden steps and some cobblestones making the surface not so smooth.  The steps are of different lengths and heights.  So, you cannot get a good downhill rhythm going us you have to hop/skip down uneven steps/surfaces.  But, I am in no hurry to descend down the canyon as there are just much beauty to take in.


I lag behind the group, stopping a lot to take  pictures.  I get down to Cedar Ridge and see a mule train heading down the trail.  Not desiring to get stuck behind it right away, I stop to use the bathroom (there are actual bathrooms here).  I also take off my jacket as it is warming up.  I take a moment to enjoy the sun rising over the top of the South Rim.


I then head down the South Kaibib trail some more.  The mule train is within sight so I take my time running down the trail.  No need to hurry to get behind a mule.  A group of three runners, who look like they run these trails all the time, go flying by me, just gliding over the technical trails.  The mule train stops at one point and lets the runners go by.  They also let me go by.  I scurry past the mules thanking the riders for letting me go by.

I continue running down the trail.  Every turn and section is spectacular.  It isn't all the same either.  The change in terrain and the lighting makes it all very dynamic.  The scenery is changing...all breath-taking.  I feel such excitement in being inside the Grand Canyon.

I eventually catch up to Tim and run with him for a bit.  He asks me if I plan to go all the way to the North Rim and back.  I tell him I don't know.  I was going to see how I feel and the time.  While I want to go all the way to the North Rim and back, I am nervous as to how much time it is going to take me and think I will be out there by myself at the end as those that are going the full distance are faster than me and those that are around my pace are going the shorter options.  I consider turning back early if needed.  Tim tells me I am a tough girl and thinks I can go all the way and do the whole thing.  I appreciate his confidence in me.

At one point, Tim comments as to how it is a whole different experience down here than up on the Rim.  We have views 360 degrees around us.  I look around and see how right he is.  The views down here pales in comparison to the view from the top.

Tim stops to wait for his daughter.  Bruce, Tyler, Kevin and I continue running down towards the Colorado River.   We run along and at first, we see a tiny little glimpse of green river.  Then, we see a tiny little black bridge...all the way down there.  We run, run, run.  And, it doesn't seem like the river or the bridge get that much close.  I can already feel the impact of the descent in my quads.  The hopping down the steps makes it a little harder on the quads too.  Bruce is lucky to have such long legs so he can just run down one step per foot.  My shorter legs require me to skip down some of the steps.  The pounding is starting to wear a little bit on my quads.


We eventually all get down to the black bridge and cross the Colorado River.

After crossing the bridge, I run down a little trail for a bit.  I see some campers across a creek.  Then, I see the signs for Phantom Ranch.  I meander my way through Phantom Ranch and see James and some others by the water spigot.  

At Phantom Ranch, I stop to put on some sunscreen, eat at gel, and fill up on water.  James had suggested to really fill up on water here as it is seven miles to the next water location. And, as the sun rises, it is starting to warm up.

North Kaibib Trail, Phantom Ranch to Ribbon Falls (Mile 13-14ish) 



It is approximately 7 miles to the next water stop, at Cottonwood.     But, about 6 miles out, you can turn out to a trail to head out to Ribbon Falls.

I leave Phantom Ranch and start running on the North Kaibib trail next to the Bright Angel Creek.  I run and hike along the trails enjoying the sights.  I have been eating gels each hour and make sure I take a few s-caps every so often.  I start getting hungry so eat some peanut butter crackers.  My pack feels a lot heavier with the water in it.  I ponder taking some things out and hiding it somewhere to get on my way back.  But, I decide to just continuing carrying everything as I don't want to not find the stuff later or need something later on.

As I weave up the trail towards the North Rim, I see a man hiking ahead of me, carrying what looks to be a mountain bike.  He hikes along with his mountain bike on his back.  I find this curious.  Is he planning on carrying the bike across the Grand Canyon.  He trudges along and eventually steps to the side to let me pass.

I continue running along next to the Bright Angel Creek in between the canyon walls.  The canyon walls are shading me so that is nice.  I start feeling getting a head ache and getting chest congestion.  I actually have had chest congestion and a sore throat the past few days.  I have ignored it as the Grand Canyon was too big of an adventure.  I ignored all the signs of sickness coming on.  Mind over matter!  I have ignored the sore throat and congestion in the cold mornings.  But now, I am feeling it badly.  The chest congestion and a head ache growing.  I eat an orange and pop a few motrins.  And, I continue on.  Going a little slower now.  But, slow is not so bad.  There is a beautiful creek next to me, amazing canyon walls full of colors, and lush green plants.

I come out to an large meadow opening.  It is much more exposed so it starts to warm up more.  I stop to put on my visor.  It looks a little more desert-like with a lot of cacti plants around me.  I see a couple interesting plants with flowers on the side of the trail.  It makes me think of my friend Paul, who paced me at AR50 and was picking flowers along the trails.  I see a lot of little lizards dashing across the trail as I run along.  My congestion is feeling better now.  

I eventually see the signs for Ribbon Falls and follow them.  It is a little bit off the North Kaibib trail but James said it was worth stopping to see.  I come around the trails and have to crawl over a few rocks and such.  But, then I come around into a little oasis with a beautiful water fall - Ribbon Falls!  

At Ribbon Falls, I stop to enjoy the sight and take some pictures.  I also take the time to drink one of my cokes (I had packed a couple little coke cans in my pack).  The coke is refreshing.  I pull out more of my gels and snacks to put into my pack's side pockets.  I also go towards the bottom of the waterfall to splash some water on my sun sleeves, my buff around my neck, and soak my head some.  The water is nice and cold.  I wish I had more time to climb up to the waterfall and get behind it but I need to get moving to the North Rim.  

North Kaibib Trail, Ribbon Falls to the North Rim (23ish miles)

I start heading back to the North Kaibib Trail.  A couple of runners/hikers that were behind me yell out to me and ask me where I am going.  I tell them I am going to the North Rim.  They ask me to wait up and follow me out of Ribbon Falls.  We talk a little bit as we head back to the main trail.  We talk about where we are from.  He comments about there are quite a number of us from Sacramento he has seen.  I tell him about the group of us that has come down.  The guy shares how he is part of a hiking group.  His group was about 30 people and they all started at midnight.  He asks me if I plan to go the North Rim and back to the South Rim.  I tell him yes.  He says they are doing the same.  He then says he hopes to finish by sunrise.  Sunrise? I think.  Wow, they really plan to be out here a long time.  

In a little bit, we reach Cottonwood.  There is a ranger house here and more importantly, water.  I stop to use the bathrooms and then refill on water.  James had instructed us to really fill up on water here as there is no water at the North Rim right now (the water is shut down).  So, we will have to go all the way to the North Rim and back with just the water we carry (approximately 14 miles with half of it going up).  I fill up everything I have.  Another guy who was returning from the North Rim comes through.  He says there's one more water stop about a mile up but no water after that.  He tells us all to make sure we fill up.

The couple I was hiking with hang out for awhile at the ranger house and I continue on my way ready for the climb to the North Rim.  It is approximately 7 miles, and 5000 feet up, to the top of the North Rim.  The real climbing is ahead!  

As I run along, Adam comes running up towards me.  Adam is James' brother and is very fast.  He has already gone up to the North Rim and on his way back when we see each other.  He stops and asks me how I am doing.  I tell I am doing fine and I am really impressed as to how fast he is going.  

I then continue running/hiking along.  In a short bit, I hit another ranger station/water stop location.  I know this is the last water stop for awhile so I make sure I really fill up on water in my pack and my two hand held water bottles.  I see a group of guys washing themselves down with water.  They had just come down from the North Rim.  They wish me luck as I head on my way up.  

The grade starts to steepen and I begin my long trek up the North Rim.  I am mostly hiking at this point as it is all uphill.  As I weave up the trail, I can see down to where I was.   I see the little ranger station grow smaller and smaller until it disappears.  

The day is getting a lot warmer.  I make sure I drink water and take my s-caps as I am sweating a lot.  As I trudge along up the canyon, I see Bill running down.  He stops and asks me how things are going.  I say okay.  He asks me if I have enough water and food and stuff.  I tell him I am doing fine.  He says to take it easy going up and stop in the shade if I need to.  He also tells me that Randy is about a mile ahead of me.  I thank him and continue on up. 

I cross a little wooden bridge and continue upward.  As I climb up, I look back and see the bridge get smaller and smaller.  It is crazy to look down there and know I was down there a little while ago. 

As I continue upward the North Rim, while the trail is wide, you can look down on one side of you and see a long drop off but then look up the other side of you and see how high the canyon walls are.  When I look up, I just think I have a long way up to go still.   

I continue going along snapping pictures here and there but it is definitely getting warm.  I come across a section that I had heard had washed out or something.  The trail narrows quite a bit but I can see a lot of tools and things around.  Looks like the trail workers were here trying to fix up the trail.  I hike a little further and see a group of trail workers sitting in tiny shaded spot eating lunch.  

I look at my watch and see that it is taking me a lot longer to get to the North Rim than expected.  I had been debating turning back at noon if I had not made it to the North Rim.  But, I think about what Tim said to me and that there is quite a sense of accomplishment in going all the way to the North Rim and back.  So, I continue on.    

I continue along.  It is getting warm.  I start having slight breathing issues so I slow down.  I stop occasionally and sit on a rock in the shade until my heart rate goes back down and my breathing gets a little more normal. I then continue on.  I keep looking up wondering how much farther.  I continue running along.  I assess my water situation.  I seem to be taking big gulps lately but I don't want to run out of water so I try to be cautious in not just chugging my water.  I scrounge in my pack and find a fruit pack.  I found these fruit packets before the trip and they looked interesting.  It is kind of like baby food in a large gel pack.  I open it up and try it out.  It tastes like applesauce.  It tastes delicious and refreshing in this heat.  

As I trudge along, I notice a lot of flies flying around.  I suddenly feel a string on my shin.  OW!!  I first think a bee just stung me.  I look down and see a fly on my shin.  I shoo it away.  Ow, the fly bit me.  A moment later, another sting on my other leg.  OW!  I swipe the fly stuck on my leg away.  The flies really bite here and it hurts.  A few more bite my legs as I continue hiking my way up the hill.  I try to swipe them away.  As it gets warmer, I get more annoyed with the flies.  I take out my handkerchief and use it as a fly swatter flailing it around me from time to time.  I think I look a little bit like a crazy person but the flies hurt!  

I start seeing a few of my friends descending down the North Rim.  I hope that I am getting closer to the top.  I continue on my way up.  I still stop periodically in the shade to get my breathing back to normal.  And, I continue flailing my handkerchief around to shoo flies away from me.  I am getting tired.  I am getting hungry too.  I devour a bag of dried mangos and goldfish crackers.  I think about turning back around but know I will regret having gone this far and not go all the way to the top.  So, I keep going along.  

I ask a guy coming down how far is the top, he says half a mile.  Okay, that's not too bad.  I trudge along upward.  More than half a mile passes and I still do not feel any closer to the top.  Ugh.  Hike.  Stop in shade.  Swat a fly away.  Hike more.  Stop in shade.  Swat fly away.  

Then, I see Randy coming down.  I am so happy to see him.  I must be close now.  I ask him how much farther.  He says a little over half a mile.  Okay.  I continue on my way up.  A few girls pass me on the way up and ask me if I am okay and kindly offer me gels and stuff.  I say I am okay and continue on up.  

I pass the Coconino Overlook and see an amazing view down the canyon. I then turn and continue on up and reach the top of the North Rim.  There is not too much to see here.  Just a couple signs, a parking lot, and some garbage cans.  But, there is snow!  Not a lot of snow...just some patches here and there.  After throwing away some trash, I wander to the snow and soak my arms and face with the cold snow.  I put some snow into my buff and wrap it around my neck.  

North Kaibib Trail, North Rim to Cottonwood (30-something)

After a bit, I head my way down the North Rim.  It is 7 miles back down to Cottonwood.  Another 5000 feet descent.  On the way down, I stop at the Coconino overlook to take a couple pictures. The view down the North Rim is amazing.  

 

I continue down, down, down.  Then, I trip on a rock or whatever.  I fall onto the ground (nowhere near any edges).  A little banged up knee and some dirt on my water bottle but I seem to be doing okay.  I continue running down and have another near stumble.  I take it a little more cautiously down now.  

Shortly after falling, I hear a helicopter flying above.  It sounds close and I look up to see it hovering above me.  I know the helicopter isn't for me but I do think I hope he didn't see me fall.  I am okay!  As I continue on the trail, I see the helicopter is doing something nearby.  I see a long rope hanging down from the chopper.  I grow curious as to what it is doing.  The chopper lowers and all the dirt around me starts blowing around.  I put on my sunglasses to cover my eyes.  

I then reach a stop with bathrooms.  I see the chopper is there to take the bathroom waste away.  There are a couple workers there who have the bathroom waste in barrels and wrapped in a cargo net tied to the helicopter.  I watch the helicopter fly off with it.    

I continue down the trail.  There are more trail workers out now and working hard on the trails.  They all are friendly as I go down.  At the one point where the trail where a landslide had occurred, they have various ropes there.  I go on the narrow spot and the worker says I can use the rope if needed.  I press up to the wall and get pass the narrow spot.  It is a long way down!  

I then see below me is the guy I saw this morning with the mountain bike.  He is still carrying it and is hiking his way up the North Rim.  We pass each other.  I say to him "I saw you this morning."  He says "Yup."  He continues on upward carrying the bike.  Wow.  I wonder what he is up to.  

A little ways later, I see another guy hiking with a mountain bike on his back.  He trudges along up the North Rim.  I learn from another runner/hiker on the trail that those guys with the bike are part of some epic 800 mile race. They rode to the Grand Canyon from somewhere far.  Then, they take apart their bike and haul it across the canyon since you are not allowed to ride bikes in the Grand Canyon.  On the North Rim, they reassemble their bikes and continue their ride.  Wow, always someone to make things a little crazier!  

  

I continue running/hiking down the trail.  My water is nearly running out.  I sip what little I have left.  As I am running down, I drop my visor.  I realize it a little afterwards and have to run back up a few hundred yards to get it.   I stop to admire the canyon some more.  This section is different looking than over by the South Rim.  

I run out of water and keep my eye out for the Ranger station.  I finally see it get closer and closer.  Thank goodness.   I reach the ranger station and see the three girls who passed me earlier.  They ask me how I am doing.  One girl helps refill my water bottle.  They ask me lots of questions to make sure I am okay.  I thank them and tell them I am doing okay.  Very friendly people out on the trails today.  

I soak myself in water.  My head, my arms, my face, my neck, my chest.  Then, I continue on.  I put on my headphones and start listening to some podcasts of ultrarunnerpodcast as I run along.  I am starting to get lonely being out here alone so I like listening to the podcasts when I run alone.  I listen and run along through the canyon again.  

I decide to eat an orange.  I had eaten one earlier and it tasted so good.  I look forward to eating another one now in the hot afternoon.  I peel the orange and as I am about to eat a piece, I trip and fall again.  My orange gets covered in dirt.  I banged up my hand and knees again.  Ugh.  I am dismayed by my dirty orange so I use my water bottle and wash the orange off so I can eat it still.  The orange is sweet and juicy and just right for this time of the day.  

I reach Cottonwood shortly after.  I see the three girls from earlier again and they ask me if I am doing okay.  I wonder if I look like I am struggling badly out here as they keep asking me how I am doing with a lot of concern.  I say I am fine.  I debate cleaning up my scraped up knee but I think I remember someone saying it is better to just let be so not so exposed.  So, leave it be.  But, I wash the rest of myself down to cool down some more.  I pop a few motrin pills, fill up on my water again and continue on.  

Cottonwood to The Silver Bridge  (40ish miles)

From Cottonwood, I get a second wind or as I start to run more now.   I get into a pretty good running groove.  Then, I hear what sounds like sheep baa-ing so I stop.  I scan all around me to see if I might catch sight of any big horned sheep.  I don't see anywhere.  I keep hearing what sounds like sheep and they sound loud but I don't see anything.  

I continue on.  As I run through the meadow area again, I look around me again and really admire the beauty inside the Grand Canyon.  I running along the Bright Angel Creek, enjoying a good running groove and listening to my podcast.  

In not too long, I pass the three girls.  I think they are surprised to see me running now.  I am surprised I am running as well as I am right now.  I continue running along until I reach Phantom Ranch.  

At Phantom Ranch, I stop to use the bathroom.  I am a little disappointed to have gotten to Phantom Ranch too late to enjoy the infamous ice-cold lemonade.  I walk by a building and see in the window a bunch of people dining in a dining hall.  I look at them with envy.  It is approximately dinner time.  I still have to go a long way before I can have dinner.  Whatever they are eating looks good.  I leave munching on peanut butter crackers.  

I get back to the Colorado River.  I see some folks at the campground hanging out.  I think it might be fun to camp down here.  I think about coming back sometime with Craig.  I would love for him to see this place.

I continue running along and finally reach the Colorado River.  I head towards the Bright Angel Trail and see the Silver Bridge.  

Bright Angel Trail, The Silver Bridge to the South Rim

Time for another big climb again.  Another 5000 feet up to the South Rim.

I reach the Silver Bridge and as I step on to the bridge, I see there base of the bridge is not wood but a metal and grid-like and you can see straight down to the rushing Colorado River underneath.  This is kind of nerve-racking.  As I cross the bridge, I see the water rushing hard over the rocks.  This makes me nervous.  While crossing the bridge, I can feel the bridge bouncing a little bit.  I look down at the rushing river and my nerves are not eased any.  

But, I make it across the bridge.  I head along the trail and admire the sun starting to set over the Colorado River.  

As I start my hike upward the South Rim along the Bright Angel Trail, I stop to drink my last coke.  Need a little pep before my last big climb. 

As I run along, I hit a very sandy area. As I trudge through, a bunch of sand gets into my shoes.  I stop to shake out some of the sand but I can feel random sand clumps throughout my shoes.  Some sand is pressing on my left toe and some sand is clumped up under my right foot.  It is uncomfortable and I try to kick at a couple rocks to hopefully shake the sand out.  Then, I run into more sand and get even more sand into my shoes.

A little while later, I stop and take off my shoe and insole and shake out as much sand as I can.  I then continue on.  I think the sand clumps have started a blister forming on my feet.  Ugh.

I continue on and see the sky starting to dim.  I put on my headlamp.  I hear more of the sheep sounds.  I look around and don't see any sheep.  I start to notice that I hear the noises grow louder near streams and creeks.  It must not be sheep but frogs or something.  They get even louder as it grows dark.

As it gets darker and darker, I start hearing the noises of various critters.  I get a little anxious being out here alone and now, in the dark.  I have no idea what kinds of critters are out here at night.  I don't think the mountain lions would be down here but I do worry a little bit about it.  I see little frogs along the trails.

I start listening to Trail Runner Nation podcasts now.  Nice to listen to something as my scenery is fading into the darkness.  On some of the podcasts, my friend Faith is on them.  Hearing her familiar voice is kind of comforting.  It is like having my friend with me.

It gets really dark as things start getting steeper.  I have no idea where I am exactly but hope at some point I weave around to face the South Rim.  I continue hiking upward on the switchbacks.  At one point, I look up and can see little lights above.  Headlamps of other runner/hikers above me.  This gives me comfort.  I am not alone.  There are others out here.

A little bit later, I pass a couple people tending to a girl laying down on the trail with an aluminum sheet over her.  I ask them if everything is okay and they say they are okay but just resting.   I continue on.  I pass another guy who stopped to sit on a rock.  I ask him if he is okay.  He says he's fine but resting.  Okay.  I continue on.  I look up and see more headlamps weaving up the trail.

After wandering in the dark for awhile, I finally reach Indian Gardens.  More people are here.  I see more of people part of the group of hikers that I had met earlier in the day.  They are all wearing matching white shirts.  I continue on, feeling a bit better now there are a fair amount of hikers out on the trails with me too.  I am not so alone out here.

I look up the canyon to see the light from the lodge on top of the South Rim.  Now I am able to orient where I am.  I am where I had looked down to yesterday.  I can picture where I am on the trail.  It is a long way up there but at least I know where I am going.  I trudge along hiking my way up, still listening to my podcast.  The podcast is helpful to listen to as it occupies my mind as I drag my way up and up and up.

I reach the 3 mile house.  It is a location with bathrooms and a water spout.  I need to refill my water so I head up to the shack on top of a few steps.  I refill on water.  I then wander back to the trail and realize I have to go down a few steps to hit the trail.  My legs stop.  My quads are absolutely done with going downhill.  I can still climb up but not down anymore.  They are thoroughly thrashed.  I stand on the top step for awhile trying to figure out how to get down.  There is no rail.  I turn sideways and slowly and painful make my way down to the trail.  I see a group of guys sitting on the side of the trail, resting for the night.



I continue my long trudge up the trail.  It is getting late but I cannot go very fast now.  So, I just hike up as best as I can.  I pass a few folks from the hiking group.  Some just stop and sit on the trail to rest.  They do not seem in any hurry.  I do not want James and the others to worry about me so I keep going up and up and up.  I am finishing a lot later than expected.

I pass the 1.5 mile house.  I do not even attempt going up to it to refill on water.  I have enough to finish.  I start getting a little cold but I don't have the energy to pull out my jacket.  I am still wearing my sun sleeves so they are a good layer over my arms.  I feel my throat is quite sore now.  I definitely have a froggy voice now.

I know the lodge is straight above me so I start to wonder if I will have service now.  I pull out of my phone.  My phone has been on airplane mode to preserve the battery.  I turn off airplane mode and see that I do have phone service.  I send a text message to Bruce and James to let them know where I am.  They respond that they are waiting for me.  I had been worried that they thought something happened to me down in the canyon since it is so late and I think I am the only one in our group still out there.

James lets me know he's waiting for me.  I respond to a couple text messages to Craig and other friends.  I get onto facebook and see a few messages from friends it helps as I drag myself up the last mile.

As I go, I see a man standing on the trail ahead of me.  He asks me if I am "Helen."  I say yes.  He asks if I saw another girl having trouble down there.  I said awhile ago, I saw a girl laying down with a couple others tending to her.  He talks about needing to contact the rangers.  He asks if I minded him hiking up with me.  Of course not.  He asks me about my day and how far I went.  I tell him I went to the North Rim and on my way back.  He congratulates me.  He tells me I have about a half mile to go.  I appreciate having his company.

Then, I see James standing near the trail head.  He gives me a hug and guides me to his truck.  Yes, I am finally done.  James tells me Deirdre and John had just finished.  Little did we know that I was so close to them this whole time.  I told James I hope that when it got late, he wasn't worried that something happened to me down in the canyon.  James tells me "I did not have to worry about you.  I knew you would find a way out."  This makes me laugh.

I arrive back at camp to see a few folks still up and sitting by the camp fire.  Tim gets me the tastiest bowl of warm chili.  The chili really hits the spot.  I still with the others chatting about our adventures for the day.  And Tim was right, the feeling of accomplishment as to what I did. . . went all the way to the North Rim and back in one day...the feeling is priceless.  :)


Sunday, April 28, Group Breakfast and Drive Home

I wake up quite early on Sunday.  I awkwardly climb in and out of my tent and hobble back and forth to the bathroom.  I had apparently hydrated quite well on Saturday.  I also couldn't sleep much as I have a yearning for a shower.  The showers were closed when I returned on Saturday.  So, I wandered over to the store for wifi and hung out until the showers opened at 6 a.m.



I paid $4 for 16 minutes in the shower and it was wonderful to finally wash up!

After my shower, the group started getting up.  We enjoyed a tasty breakfast, compliments of Tim again.  Then, we all packed up camp.

We started our caravan back home.  Bruce, Bill, and I got separated from the rest of the vehicles but we had fun on our drive back home.  We had so much fun chatting that we missed a freeway transition and ended up nearly driving to LA.  It took as awhile to re-route our way back to Highway 99.  But, we eventually made it back to James' house and I got back home in the wee hours of the morning.

My feet had really bad blisters from the run and swelled up quite a bit in the car ride home.  My legs got super stiff sitting in the car all day.  It is possibly one of the most challenging things I have done.  And, it astounds even me that I did it all self supported.  I think it was more exciting than any race I could have done.  The trip beat me up pretty badly and it took me awhile to get back to walking normal but oh man, it was an amazing adventure!


Acknowledgements

The biggest thanks to James Barstad and Tim Ruffino for organizing a wonderful, lifetime experience.  When you guys told me about this trip last year, I knew I had to do it.  Thank you for allowing me to come and for such wonderful organization.  Thank you both for giving me all the information I needed to be properly prepared to take on such a challenge.  And thanks to Tim for preparing such delicious meals, especially the chili after the run!  I cannot thank you guys enough!  THANK YOU!!!

Thank you all that went on the trip!  It was great sharing the experience with you all and making new friends with some of you!  What a great group out there!!

Thank you to Bruce and Bill for being great road trip buddies!  It was a fun experience to share with you guys and getting to know both of you even more!   Thank you for creating many memories, some of which I will laugh about for years to come!  :)

Thank you Craig for all your support and being so understanding and supportive in having your girlfriend just run off for four days to do this crazy adventure!  I hope some day you can go down into the canyon with me to see the grandness.  But, thanks for your understanding that it was a bucket list item I needed to do and a trip I just had to do.  :)

Napa Hits Full Triathlon: A TRI-ing 140.6 Day! (April 13, 2013)

"If God invented marathons to keep people from doing anything more stupid, triathlon must have taken Him completely by surprise." P. Z. Pearce

"It’s important to know that at the end of the day it’s not the medals you remember. What you remember is the process – what you learn about yourself by challenging yourself, the experiences you share with other people, the honesty the training demands – those are things nobody can take away from you whether you finish twelfth or you’re an Olympic Champion.” – Silken Laumann

Napa Hits Full Triathlon: A TRI-ing 140.6 Day!  (April 13, 2013) 

So, I have done some crazy things. . .some questionably stupid...Deciding to do the Napa Hits Full Distance (an ironman distance) Triathlon a week after doing the American River 50 Mile Endurance Run is definitely one of the stupidiest crazy idea I've ever come up with.  I do blame Ralph Keith in part for instigating the stupid crazy idea.   He was to do the event with me but backed out a few days prior to the event.  Napa Hits Triathlon also had a really good deals last winter if you signed up for the Napa Hits.  Deals hard to turn down...at least for me.  So, I signed up...

In the months leading up to AR50 and Napa Hits Triathlon, I trained for both events.  Most of the training was running focused but I did work on my swimming and a bit on my cycling.  Though, I probably could have done more on the swim and bike.  But, I figured I had good endurance, I should be okay.  

I had wanted to get an Ironman-distance triathlon under my belt.  To clarify for those not in the triathlon world, Ironman is a branded event.   Ironman is a special branded event.  It consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2  mile run (yes, a marathon at the end of all of that).  There are triathlons that are the Ironman-distance but they are not called Ironman's because the Ironman people aren't putting it on.  The trouble I find with Ironman events is that they are SO expensive.  I found the Napa Hits Triathlon to be affordable and they had a special deal for their full distance triathlon that was hard to resist.  So, I signed up. . . .to still swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles.  And while not an Ironman, still going the distance of an ironman!  

The training and things were going pretty well leading up to the event.  But, I finished AR50.  AR50 did a number on my body, especially my knees.  Then, I started thinking my plan to do the Full Triathlon was quite stupid.  Really stupid.  I got really nervous the days leading up to the race.  Craig had asked if I considered downgrading my race to the Half Distance.  I said I thought about it but no, I was going to do the Full.  Call it stubborness, stupidity, or just plain crazy, I admit to all three but I had set out to do the Full, I was going to try.  I had done a half-ironman-distance last year and knew that was doable, I wanted to see if I could do a Full Distance.  

Pre-Race

On the Friday before, I head out to Lake Berryessa with my friend Linda (who was signed up for the Half).  We get our race packets which included stickers galore!  Stickers for the bike, our swim caps, our transition bags, to make our running bibs, our wristbands, etc. . .  We also attend the pre-race meeting as Mark Wilson, the Race Director, discusses the course, the race, etc. . .  He also gives us all his cell phone number to be shared with friends/family members in case of emergency.  

After the meeting, my friend Linda goes up to Mark to ask him a question.  He is very friendly and asks for both of our names and shakes our hand.  I find (and will learn throughout the race) that he is different than most race directors.  I find it nice that he is so friendly and wanting to know who the racers are and seemingly want all racers to have a great race out there and to finish.  

After talking to Mark, we head to the transition area.  We each have our own designated transition spot with our own little stool, and cubby box to rack our bike and put our stuff.  Different than the open bike racks which are racked according to first come, first serve.  This is different but nice.  Kind of neat to have a little area with my name on it.  Linda is lucky that she has her transition spot right next to the porta-potty.  She seems happy about that.  

After leaving our bikes, we head out to Fairfield.  We enjoy a pizza dinner (my regular pre-race meal).  Then, we head to the motel where we get out gear and stuff together.  I drink a beer as is my pre-race ritual.  Then, we head to bed hoping for a good night's sleep.  There are some noisy teenage kids about and our upstairs person is stomping around.  But, we eventually fall asleep.  

At 4 am, we get up, get on our gear, and head back to Lake Berryessa. . . 

At Lake Berryessa, we each set up our own transition area.  I am deciding on what fueling things I will need for the different "legs" and in transition.  So many things to think about, I get even more nervous about things.  With the help of Linda, I put on my temporary tattoo race number on my arm and leg.  Then, I wander over to see my friend Mary (who's doing the Half) get ready.  

They announce for the racers to clear the transition area, I look all around for Linda but everyone looks the same in black wetsuits and blue swim caps.   I am a little bummed that I did not get to see Linda to wish her luck on her first half.  But, I am glad I have Mary with me to start off with.  Her husband (my running husband) Scott is also there to support her, me, and other friends.  Scott asks me how I feel.  I tell him, I am okay.  I just plan to get through the swim, get through the bike going a moderate pace, and then the run is the run.  He gives me some encouragement as I head out into the water.  

I feel okay and as ready as I can be.  

The Triathlon

6:37 a.m. - "all set up and in my wet suit.  heading out to the lake for the swim starting at 7 am"

The 2.4 Mile Swim

I stand on the shoreline with a giant crowd of other racers in wetsuits and blue swim caps.  The half and full distance are all starting together.  The hear the countdown. 3-2-1. . .the horn blows and everyone goes running into the water.  

I run into the water and dive and start swimming.  I am never a fan of these mass starts with swimmers going every which way.  I swim on the left side and staying a bit wide from the pack not wanting to get knocked around.  I get a bit of anxiety being around too many swimmers flailing the arms and kicking around me.  

I swim towards the first buoy and after a bit, I feel I have let myself go too far to the left the group.  I try to swim closer towards them but also towards the buoy, which is hard to see as the sun is in the same direction.  I eventually get closer into the middle of the pack and turn pass the first buoy.  

I feel pretty good that I am swimming in the middle of the pack.  I have always been the back of the pack swimmer, if that.  I have been working to get a little faster with my swimming so I am not always one of the last ones out of the water.  I continue swimming.  Another swimmer keeps bumping into me so I try to swim behind him and just follow him.  He's easy to site than the buoy.  

I turn around another buoy and start swimming towards shore.  I stop and look behind me and see a fair number of swimmers behind me.  I feel pretty good though I know most of the swimmers are folks doing the half triathlon.  I think about how far I have come in swimming.  Three years ago, I was just swimming in the open water for the first time and could hardly go any distance.  I think about telling my swimming friends Myron and Shawn as to how I am able to finally swim 2.4 miles.  I feel pretty good and swim along.  

I get to shore and scramble out of the water and run around a red buoy and head back into the water.  I dive back in.  Most of the swimmers that were near me are running up into transition.  I have to go swim a second loop.  There is no one around me now.  

The sun is really bright and in the same direction as the first buoy.  I cannot see it as the sun is in my eyes. So, I just swim towards the sun hoping I am swimming relatively straight.  I feel a bit of anxiety not being entirely sure that I am swimming in the right direction.  I see a boat go by me.  The boat makes the water around me go up and down.  This causes my stomach to turn a bit.  My stomach starts to cramp up a little. Things are not feeling so good.  

I look back and see one swimmer behind me.  I continue on.  My stomach is tightening.  I need to go to the bathroom.   But, I am stuck in the middle of the lake.   I keep swimming towards the sun.  I eventually reach the buoy and turn.  I am hoping now that the sun isn't in my eyes, I can swim better.  

I go along for a bit but the boat passes by jostles the water a bit and this freaks me out.  I flail a bit in the water trying to catch my breath.  I can feel a bit of a panic attack happening.  My heart is racing.  A kayaker sees me flailing about and paddles near me to see if I am okay.  He offers to let me hold on to his kayak while I catch my breath.  I say I am okay and try to swim some more.  I remember my wetsuit helps me float.  I remember to flip over and tread water.  

I try to swim and get into a nice rhythm.  I try to swim and just let myself calm down but it is hard.  I am getting anxious in this water.  My stomach cramping on me is not helping me calm down and just swim.  But, I make some movements forward but I have slowed down a lot.  And, it is not so good I keep stopping.  I try to breast stroke a bit.  I swim back stroke a little too.  But, I feel so slow doing that.  I go back to swimming freestyle.  I can only swim a few strokes before stopping.  The swimmer behind me passes.  

I hear my garmin beep alerting me that I have swam 2 miles.  I realize I will be swimming my longest swim today.  And, this is hard.   I should have trained more on the swim.  I am regretting not training more on the swim.   2.4 mile swim is the equivalent to a marathon run I think.  I guess I am hitting the swimmer's "wall."  I just need to get out of this water.  I am also getting cold.  I can feel my hands and feet are getting cold being in this water for so long.  My arms are getting tired.  And, I am a bit surprised as to how anxious I feel.  I thought swimming in the crowd gave me anxiety.  I guess I have gotten used to that.  Being alone in the water is giving me anxiety too.  The kayaker is nearby and has been watching and following me.  He can tell I am struggling.  I do not want to have him tow me in.  

I make the last turn and start swimming towards the shore.  Swim, stop, swim, stop, etc.  . . . As I get closer to shore, I notice three kayakers hovering around me.  I ask one if I am last.  I feel like I am last.  He says there are two or three swimmers behind me.  You're not last, he tells me.  You're doing pretty good.  

I then continue swimming on.  I stop and look up at the shore ahead.  I then hear Scott and another voice yelling "GO Helen!!"   Alright, I am almost done.  I swim and finally, I reach shore.  Thank goodness!  

I climb out of the water and to my surprise, Mark (the race director) is standing there.  He gives me a hand and shakes my saying good job or something.  I am out of it so not quite hearing what he is saying.  It is kind of odd but nice he greeted me out of the water.  

As I walk up to transition, I see Scott cheering me on.  I am so wiped from the swim.  I am not scurrying up to transition as I should.  

I finally get into transition and get my wetsuit off and toss it on the fence next to my bike.  I then head to the porta-potty.  

Afterwards, I throw on my WAV cycling jersey.  I am trembling with the coldness of the lake.  I throw on my AR50 Finisher's jacket. It is lightweight and should be a good windbreaker.  I eat a GU and drink a little bit of a coke.  I pack up my pockets to my jersey with some GUs and other things.  And, I get ready to ride.  

I send a quick text to Craig and fb/twitter world.

9:07 a.m.  - i survived the swim.  barely.  never happier to be on land.  

The 112 Mile Bike

I get out of transition and clip into my bike.  I am cold and my stomach is still a bit unsettled.  But, I know in a bit, I will settle into the bike and things will be okay.  In a triathlon, I move from my weakest sport to my strongest sport.  Swimming is my worst.  The bike will be better for me than the swim.  I know the bike.  The bike will be good.  The bike is also where I usually make my way from the back of the pack to the middle.  

I ride out of Chapparal Cove and make the first turn onto Pope Canyon Road.  I hit a hill and start climbing.  The hill is kind of a steep one to start out with.  My garmin says 12% grade.  Geez.  Not much time to warm up before climbing.  

The first steep pitch is the worst of it.  There are more hills but not as steep.  While shifting at one point, my chain drops.  I stop and put it back on and rolling in no time.  I continue to ride along the road.  Mary passes by me in the other direction and we yell towards each other.   I continue along.  My stomach is a little unsettled but my cycling legs are feeling pretty good.  I am keeping a pretty good pace and I am climbing decently as well.  

In not too long, I hit the first turn around and rest stop (15 miles out).  I use the porta-potty there.  I grab a bottle of Heed to put on my bike then I head off.  I start passing some people but looking at their numbers, I see this is just the back of the folks doing the half.   

After using the bathroom, I feel my stomach is finally settling down.  I feel whatever anxiety I felt in the water is passing away.  I am finally getting into my cycling groove.  I ride along through the beautiful countryside of Napa Valley.  I pass a few more folks and just riding along pretty well.  I am keeping right on target with my target bike pace.  On my way back, I see another cyclist, an older looking man, riding with a CHP motorcycle cop behind him.  I presume he must be the back of the pack and the cop sweeping the course.  

As I ride back Pope Canyon Road to Knoxville Road, I get to descend the first hill I climbed.  I love descents, I am good at them.  I go flying down pass the camera person.  I fly by a person with a sign that says "Go Anonymous Person!"   This makes me chuckle.  

I hit the juncture at Knoxville Road (mile 30) and toss my Heed bottle and grab a water bottle.  I am keeping my momentum going.  They have another out and back on Knoxville Road now.  There are more hills but nothing too steep.  I am starting to get warm now.  I manage to take of my jacket while riding and stuff it into my jersey.  

As I ride down Knoxville Road, I see Mary then Linda pass by in the other direction.  We wave to each other.  I am glad I get to see them briefly on the bike.  Though, I am a little envious that they are nearly done with their bike ride and will be running soon.  I still have a long way to go before I get to run.  

I ride along going up hills and down hills.  Not very much flat roads on this road.  I am feeling pretty good.  I pass more people along this road, usually as I am climbing up a hill.  I get to the next turnaround in good time.  

Then I ride back to the start.  I feel happy I seem to making good time on the bike.  Though, I can feel my legs are getting a little tired of the hills.  

The bike course is doing a 56 mile "loop" twice.   I arrive back to Chaparral Cove and head to the turnaround point.  The race gave us special needs bags which would be dropped at the bike mid-point and the run mid-point.   So, I head into there looking forward to getting stuff out of my bag.  And, to my surprise again, Mark (the race director) is standing there greeting folks on the bike.  

I roll up to him and unclip.  He greets me by name and gets me my special needs bag.  He helps hold my bike while I grab things out of my bag.  He chats with me a bit.  He asks me if this is my first full.  I say yes.  I have done many races and this is the first time I have talked to the race director.  He seems interested in knowing me (and the other racers).  It is surprising at first but quite nice.  A girl who finished the half triathlon walks out and starts chatting with Mark.  She brags about how she did her half marathon in 1:37 (or something crazy fast like that).  Wow.  I still have so much farther to go.  

I unload my jacket and few other things.   I eat a granola bar.  I see another bag has a coke in it.  I think to myself, man, I should have put a coke in my drop bag.  I had brought coke but left it in transition.  Oh well. I think I will be okay.  As I put on my sunscreen and get ready to ride out again, I see another man roll up. Mark greets him.  The man says "I'm done."   He says he's not feeling very good and has decided to drop.  

1:06 p.m. - 56 miles on the bike.  feeling a little better now.  climbing legs are tired.  heading out for the 2nd bike loop!  

I then ride out to do the 56 miles all over again.  I ride down the road and turn onto Pope Canyon Road again.  I know there's a big climb coming up.  I turn, shift, and my chain drops.  Again.  I stop and put the chain back on.  A SAG vehicle pulls up to me and asks me if I am okay.  I said my chain dropped but I am okay now.  He asks if it's been happening a lot.  I tell him it's the second time.  He wants to help but I don't want to waste time having my bike checked out so I tell him I'm okay and wave him off.  

I continue onto the road and up the steep hill again.  I am climbing along okay and then my left quad starts to cramp up.  Oh, it's painful!  But, I can't stop mid hill.  So, I stand up out of the saddle and try to get myself up the hill.  As I descend, I try to stretch the leg out a bit.  

The day is getting warmer now so I try to consume more fluids.  I eat a gel and hope the cramping will go away. I also pop some peanut m&m's.  I now pay careful attention to when I am consuming things now.  Must be good with my fueling.  

I continue riding along.  I start to not feel so good.  The heat is bothering me.  The wind has started to pick up too.  A head wind.  Not fun.  Also, my right foot is starting to burn a little bit and I can feel it starting to blister as well.  This is not fun.  There is no one around me either.  I feel miserable.  Why is this so hard?  I have ridden double centuries (rides much longer than this) and the Death Ride (with way more climbing than this), why does this feel harder?!    My cycling legs should not be this worn out at 60 miles in!  

Then, I think it.  Quitting.  What if I quit?  Would it be so bad?  This is pretty awful right now?  I am supposed to be enjoying myself not suffering like this.  What if I quit?  I could just end my bike ride now.  That would not be so bad.  How can I not make it to the run?  But, what if I quit?  I could just end it?  How could I do that?  

Quitting.  Why am I thinking about quitting?  I have never thought about quitting.  What is wrong?  Why is this so hard?  I begin to cry.  My feet are hurting now.  I feel awful.  I think about Craig.  Maybe I should call him.  He will tell me I am doing great and to keep going.   And, if I do quit, he will understand.   What if I quit.  But, I won't understand.  I won't be okay with it.  I cannot quit.  I cannot quit.  I want to quit though.  I want to.  I cry more.  

I continue to ride my bike thinking about quitting, crying, and cramping.  I then tell myself, just get to the turn around point.  Get there.  Stop and reassess.  Then, I have to ride back.   That's what I will do.  Just go a few miles to the rest stop.  Take a rest.  

In a few miles, I get to the rest stop.  The aid station worker is great.  He offers me drinks and gels.  I wish I had a Coke right now.  I wish I had real food to eat.  I grab some sports beans and stuff it into my jersey.  He can tell I do not look so well so offers his stool for me.  I politely decline.  I see how he is just sitting out here in the heat, in the middle of nowhere just to be there for me and the others.  I am grateful for the people that do this for racers like me.  I do not want him to see that I have been crying so I wipe my eyes and nose.  I just tell him I need a moment.  I take off my cycling shoe and pull out of the insert.  Hoping to have more space for my foot.  

I stand there for a minute or so.  I text Craig telling him how I am struggling now.  Then, I get back on the bike.  It is just 15 miles to the next stop.  I just have to get there.  Not think about quitting.  just think about the next point.  

2:28 p.m. - 71 miles on the bike.  this is harder than all the doubles i did before.  i'm fighting cramping, crying, and the urge to quit.  I need a coke!  

On the bike I go, I ride along.  Slower than the first loop but moving along.  My foot feels some relief.  I drink more Heed and eat more gels on a regular basis now.  Watching the clock and reminding myself to take such things.  

As I ride along, I hear my phone jingle.  A text message from Craig.  He tells me not to worry and just to keep pacing myself and that he loves me.  This makes me feel a little better and I keep going.  After awhile, I return to the juncture to head out for  the last out and back.  

This time, I stop at the aid station.  The aid station worker gives me some gels and a new bottle of Heed.  I look briefly at my phone.  Facebook comments flash on the screen like text messages.  I catch a couple glimpses of messages from friends cheering me on during the day.  It always helps.  But, at this point, I see a message from my friend Paul saying "Get your head right Helen! Even if your body hurts, your mind doesn't have to. Stay positive! Tell yourself "this is what it feels like to succeed, to endure, to achieve!" Embrace the pain, bring it with you to the finish! Good job!!!"

Paul's words really move me.  He is right.  I need to keep going.  I need to stop thinking about quitting.  I need to just finish this bike ride and the run, I know I can do.  I also remember when I talked to my friend Mitch about his 100 Mile Run experience.  He said you will go through a range of emotions and learn a lot about yourself.  This is what I am going through.  This is a low and I will come out of it.  And, I will not quit.  

I then ride out for my last out and back.  I start to notice a lot less riders around me.  But, I start to see a bunch of cars pass me with bikes on them.  These must be the half triathlon folks finishing up and leaving.  A few vehicles that pass by honk and cheer me on, some ringing cowbells at me.  This is nice.  This is better than the jerks that drive by trying to run me off the road.  

About halfway out, I am riding along, I see Linda's vehicle drive pass me.  Then, the next car honks at me.  I look up and see my friend Lisa waving at me as she drives pass.  I smile at her.  It is nice to see a couple friends.  It has been lonely out here.  I also wonder how Linda did in her race.  

I continue riding along and eventually reach the last turnaround.  I get off my bike for a bit to give my feet a break.  I am sore all over.  My bottom is sore from sitting in the saddle for so many hours.  My neck and back ache.  I tell myself I should have put more time in the saddle before today.  I can feel my feet blistering on the bottom of my feet.  I take a moment to refuel.  The last stretch is ahead.  I thank the aid station worker for being out there.  He is very kind and encouraging to me.  

A van pulls up and the lady asks if so-and-so has come by.  The aid station guy says he is not sure.  The van appears to be a support van for someone.  I wish I had a support van.  

4:42 p.m. - at last bike aid station, mile 98.  slow going. . .but still going.  can't wait to be off the bike!

I ride back and see the 100 mile marker.  Just 12 more miles to go I tell myself.  Just keep going.  I think about how this would be a great day if I had chosen to do the half instead of the full.  I did great on the first swim loop but not the second.  I did great on the first bike loop but things really unraveled in the second loop.  I wonder how things will go on the run.  But, I know for the run, my friend Kelly is coming.  She is coming to help be there for me for the second half of the run.  That will be helpful.  

I think about how I am signed up to do Vineman in late July.  I am not sure I want to do another full after this.  This is pretty brutal.  I am not sure I ever want to go through this again.  I like the three tri sports but not particularly fond of all three together.  And, I can hardly wait to be off this bike.  

I feel a little disappointed that I am behind expected schedule.  But, I still have a good amount of time to run.  Oh, I can hardly wait to get out of my cycling shoes and into my running shoes.  I plan to put on my compression socks too.  Running will be good.  Running, I know best.  Being on the bike has been miserable.  I cannot wait to be done.  

As I ride along, just a few more miles to go, I see a car pulled over oddly on the side of the road.  I ride by it and look and see my friend Kelly sitting in it.  She gives me a big smile and waves.  This really lifts my spirits to see her.  She came out here early.  She turns her car around is driving behind me as I finish the last few miles.  

I ride back into Chaparral Cove towards the transition area.  I see Mark standing there.  He yells out my name cheering me on.  There is a small crowd of people on the left spectating and they give me a cheer as I roll in.  

I get into transition and feel grateful to be off the bike finally.  I throw off my cycling gear and throw on my Java Joggers shirt.  I pound a can of Coke.  So refreshing!  Kelly comes running near my transition area cheering me on.   I tell her it's been rough.  She says some encouraging things and tells me about other friends who wish me well to.  This is nice.  I also catch a glimpse of messages on my phone from many other friends.  

I put on my compression socks and feet feel so much relief going into my cushy running shoes.  Oh, this is good as I slide my feet into my running shoes.  

5:45 - off the bike.  had a coke and ready to run!  

The 26.2 Mile Run

Out of the transition I go, I start to run.  I feel good to run.  Just me and my legs now.  I run out of Chaparral Cove.  Mark cheers me on and tells the crowd, "This is Helen!"  And the crowd cheers me on.  I think what an awesome race director Mark is.  This special attention he gives people, not just the front runners but everyone is really nice.  

I then head out running.  I know there are not too many people behind me.  I thought there were more cyclists behind be earlier but they had disappeared.  I remember seeing the one guy quit.  I wonder if others quit on the bike as well.  The course was tough with all the hills.  Then, the hills and wind. 

I run along.  The run is not so flat either.  Rolling hills.  But, nothing like the hills I run on when I do trail running so it does not bother me too much.  I run at an okay pace for about four miles.  Then my stomach starts tightening up.  Ugh.  What is up with my stomach today?  I had some issues a few weeks ago but I thought things had settled back to normal.  

My stomach bothers me now and I really need to go relieve myself.  There's a porta-potty at mile 6.5 (the turnaround) they say.  I run a little bit thinking I can at least get to there.  No, i can't.  I look and find some bushes to go behind.  I then run there and relieve myself.  

Okay, should be better now.  I run about a mile.  Stomach starts turning and tightening again.  Good grief!  My legs feel okay running but my stomach is just unsettled.  I get to mile 6 and see the aid station.  I use the porta potty.  I rid myself of my fuel belt.  The guy gives me a cup of chicken broth.  It is warm and comforting.  

I then run about 1/2 mile to the turnaround.  A CHP patrol car is sitting there.  On the way back, my stomach bothers me again so I use the porta potty again knowing I won't see another one for awhile.  

I start to slowly run along for a bit but my stomach continues to bother me.  So, I start walking.  I walk up the hills and run off and on down the hill.   Before the race, I bought a new hand held water bottle which has a pouch big enough for my cell phone.  I can also see messages clearly on it.  I see all these messages from friends encouraging me along.  This really keeps me going.  

I start to walk more than run.  I give Craig a call while I am walking along.  I tell him how it's been a long, tough day.  I am so happy to hear his voice.  We talk for about a mile.  

As I walk/run along, I notice how pretty it is around me.  The sun is starting to set.  Lake Berryessa is on the side of me and it looks really pretty at dusk.   Then, it slowly starts to get darker and darker.  I thought I would finish the first half of the run before dark but it does not seem like that is happening now.  I don't care about the time so much anymore.  I am just going to keep going, even it if takes me forever.  I still have stomach issues so have to stop a couple times to relieve myself.  I feel like I have wasted an hour or more of my day with going to the bathroom.  Ugh.  

It starts to get dark and little eerie in the dark.  I do not have my lights right now.  So, I follow the double yellow line in the middle of the road.  I run a little.  I walk more.  I run a little.  I walk more.  I hear random noises and it kind of creeps me out to be alone in the dark.  

I eventually make my way back to Chaparral Cove.  I hear Kelly cheering for me.  I then run in towards the finish line.  The tough thing about this course is that it is two out and backs.  I have only done the first out and back.  I run up and see my brother there with a camera.  I stop near him.  He says "Is this it?"  I say no.  I am only halfway done.  I still have 13 miles to go.  Mark is there and cheers me on a little.  

I go to my drop bag and get my headlight.  I then start walking my way out of Chaparral Cove.  I tell my brother I am sorry but I will be finishing A LOT later than I had anticipated.

My brother and Kelly walk out of Chaparral Cove with me and down the road with me for a bit.  I forgot to put new batteries in my headlamp so the light is a bit dim.  Kelly uses her phone to shine more light my way.  We chat a bit as I trudge along.  

At the aid station, I eat some chips and oranges and drink some chicken broth.  I am so done eating gels.  After a couple miles, my brother heads back to the cove but Kelly continues keeping me company.  She chats about our friend's wedding she attended earlier and about other things.  She is really enjoying being here for me and helping me along.  I tell her a few times how grateful I am to have her there.  And though I do not have much pep in my voice, I am ever so grateful she is there.  

I run a little bit but walk more.  I just drag one foot in front of the other.  I am so tired.   My head feels light headed.   I feel a little faintish.  But, I keep going.  

10:10 p.m. - 18 miles on the run course.  not  running.  Kelly is keeping me company.  just trying to keep one foot in front of the other.  

We move slowly in the darkness.  I grab an extra light at the aid station since my headlamp is pretty much dead.  I continue along.  The sky is clear and filled with stars.  It is a rather pretty night.  Kelly and I check out the stars.  

As we move along in the darkness, I start to notice blue and red lights flashing in the air over a hill.  I tell Kelly that is the turnaround.  I know there are cops sitting at the turnaround point.  And sure enough, over the hill, I see the turn around.  I look at my watch figuring out how much time I have to finish.  I need to finish by midnight.  I will need to pick up the pace in order to do so.  

We hit the turn around.  The cop says on his loudspeaker "Good job!"  I then start a running shuffle back.  Last 10k to go.  

We shuffle run a bit.  At one point, one of the cop cars goes flying pass me.  The bright headlights of the cop car light up a big hill ahead.  Aww man.  It's easier when I cannot see the hill.  When I get to the hill, I have to walk up it.  

As tired as I am, I am aware of the time and that I need to keep moving to finish in time.  I see a couple walking together in the dark.  Another racer behind me.   A little bit later, I see this sweet girl from Colorado running along with a car behind her.  We had seen each other a few times throughout the race.  She knew she was the last person and looks like she's moving along well to finish.  

We continue running when I can along.  I walk some more.  I feel so tired.  I want to lay down in the road.  My head is light.  My body is exhausted.  This has been a long long day.  

Kelly asks me if this is the hardest thing I have done.  I say yes.  I say this race has tested me.  Really tested me in a way I haven't in a long time.  It is the only race I have ever thought about quitting.  Kelly asks me what was the last thing I had done that really tested me like this race.  I think for awhile and say I think my first marathon.  Not saying the other endurance events I have done were not hard but I knew I could and would finish those things.  This event has tested me in the swim, on the bike, and now on the water.  And, it has not been easy.  

I also tell Kelly about how neat the race director and the race crew has been.  I make a point to express thanks to each of the workers at the aid stations as I head back to the finish.  They all express pleasure for being out here for us.    

Kelly asks me if I would do this again, I say I don't think so.  Kelly asks me what is my next challenging thing I want to do.  Without any hesitation, I say Western States 100.  I also tell her I want to run a 100 mile race, possibly this year.  

We move along in the darkness, under the stars. . .I think it is too bad Ralph isn't out here with me because we could be trudging our way on the run together.  Then, I see the bridge, I know I am close. I start to pick up my pace a bit.  Midnight is getting close.  I can do this.  I have nearly done this.  I can hardly believe it.  I can feel it now.  

We cross the bridge and head towards Chaparral Cove.  I run in towards the finish line.  I pick up my pace.  I am in full stride now as I head into the finish line.  My brother is taken by surprise as to how fast I am running now.  Oh, I can smell it.  

I hit the grass and turn left towards the finish line and in I go.  Sprinting to the finish now. . .

Finished!!  Before midnight!  

16 hours, 54 minutes, 57 seconds!  

11:57 p.m. - the race beat me down good but it never broke me!  I finished 140.6. . .just before midnight and not last!  

 

In the end, I was the last person to finish the race.  I do not know what happened to the people that were behind me.  I saw some behind me but watched those behind me slowly disappear.  But, I now there were 70 registered and about 60-something started the race.  But, they said only 37 people finished.  And, I was #37.  But, I am happy I finished.  I know I would have regretted it if I had quit when I wanted to.  Oh, I happened to get second in my age group though.  

The things I have learned: That was a stupid idea.  Stupid but doable.  I should have done more swimming training, especially in the open water.  I should have put more time on the bike.  While I may have done long endurance cycling events before, I had not put a lot of time in the saddle lately and I needed that.  It probably wasn't the best idea to do a full distance triathlon a week after running 50 miles but I don't think that really posed that much of an issue.  My running legs were feeling okay during the run.  My stomach had issues all day long so I need to figure out ways to remedy that.  I have learned that having a support crew out is so important and know I cannot accomplish these big crazy stupid things I choose to do without having people there supporting me.  

Will I do it again?  At first, I thought no.  But, after further thought, I think I will do another one...but better trained.  And maybe next time, NOT a week after running a 50 mile race... ;-)  


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANKS!  

Thank you to HITS Triathlon for putting on a great event with great support.  Special thanks to all the crew at all the aid stations.  They really helped me through a long, tough day.  Extra special thanks to Mark Wilson.  You are quite a special race director.  I have done many races and have never had a race director so me so much personal attention and care.  I sometimes feel the attention is usually directed at the winners of the events.  But you gave that attention to everyone, be it the front, middle, or back.  This is why I would recommend to anyone to do a HITS triathlon.   

Thank you to all my friends for sending out wonderful messages my way all day long.  And, I thank ALL my athlete friends for your friendship and how you have helped me become an athlete in the past three years.  Just three years ago, I was trying to train for my first sprint triathlon.  I could barely swim, bike or run.   

To my swimming friends, it is still a struggle in the water for me but I have come a long ways since that first time I freaked out in Folsom Lake.  Thank you swimming friends for helping me along especially to the Sacramento Swimming Enthusiasts and Myron and Shawn.  

To my cycling friends, thank you for all the rides to make me into the cyclist I am today.  I thought back to my first triathlon where I spent an hour to ride 12 miles.  I got stuck on a hill (a small hill to me now).  Special thanks to Jeff and Javier for all you do for Hammerin' Wheels.  And, special thanks to ALL my WAV girls!!    Thank you Linda and Mary for being out there with me!  Congrats on your half finish!  

To my running friends, I thank you for making me into the crazy runner I am today.  Special thanks always goes to my Java Joggers, my family.  Also, to FTR, who have really turned my craziness up a notch in the past year.  Thank you Paul for the message that would help me out of my bad patch during my bike ride.  And, extra special thanks to Kelly for coming out there for me.  

Thanks Ralph for putting stupid crazy ideas into my head.  I may not like you during the crazy stupid event but I appreciate you inspire me to do crazy stupid things and I somehow manage to finish the crazy stupid thing!  Thank you and I am glad I have you as my crazy stupid friend!  

Thanks to my brother Jimmy for coming out there to pick me up and cheer me on!  And, for just being the most awesome brother!  

Thanks to Craig for being the best boyfriend and always supporting me in my stupid, crazy endeavors even when it worries you a little bit.  Thanks for making sure my bike is good to go before I do the event and making sure I have everything I need before I go.  Thanks for cheering me on during the event as it really does help me keep going!  I love you and am so grateful for all your support in my crazy stupid things.  ;-)