Four Days of Insanity. Part 1: NCAC Day 1 (May 17, 2012)

FOUR DAYS OF INSANITY


From May 17 to 20, 2012, I rode 450+ miles in 4 days.  I rode in the NorCal Aids Cycle (NCAC) as well as the Davis Double Century.  The recap of my four day adventure will be done in four parts, one part of each day of craziness.  Enjoy!  


PART 1: DAY ONE OF INSANITY - A CENTURY OF FUN WITH NCAC

Preface

Before I get into the first day of my adventure, I will take you back a little bit to how I came about doing the NorCal Aids Cycle.  (I'll detail how I came about doing the Davis Double in another part)

About a year ago or so, while still getting into cycling, I was on a ride to Beals Point.  While at Beals, I saw a group of cyclist that were training for the AIDS Life Cycle, a multiple day ride from SF to LA.  It had intrigued me then.  I remember thinking how it would be nice if I could develop my cycling to do such an event.

By the end of 2011, my cycling had grown a bit.  Someone mentions to me the NorCal Aids Cycle (NCAC) and something about if you register on December 1st (AIDS day), the registration costs would be waived.  So, I look into it.  As I checked out NCAC, it got me interested.  While I felt I had the abilities now to do a multiple day cycling event, I was not so sure about my fundraising abilities. But, as I checked out NCAC more, I became more interested.  What really caught my attention was that the monies donated went to local HIV/AIDS service providers.  I liked the money wasn't going to some large unknown organization under the generic notion of "the fight against AIDS" but that it went to particular places that provided particular services.  And those places looked to be part of my own community.  This, I liked. And, it was free if I signed up on December 1st (AIDS Day) so why not.

So, as with any idea that is planted into my head, it doesn't take me too long for the idea to grow.  So, I signed up for NCAC.

After signing up, I did not do too much by way of fundraising.  I have never been a good one to bug people about money and donating.  I figured I wait until after the holidays.  Then, I was focused on other craziness.  After a few months of inactivity, I made myself go to the NCAC Fundraising Seminar.  There, I met some wonderful people and learned more about NCAC.  One person I met was Jerry, who had given a great presentation that really helped me get more excited and more motivated to meet my fundraising goal. 

Shortly after, I put together my donation letter and sent them out.  My beloved Java Joggers were the first to give significant donations to NCAC.  With each donation from my friends, it really warmed my heart that I have such wonderful friends in my life to support me in my crazy adventures.  And, I feel good that all the craziness that I have gotten myself into in the past couple years can be directed to a worthy cause.

As the event got closer, I got more donations.  I got donations from work colleagues, my dancing friends, my running friends, high school friends, far off friends, etc. . . .And, of course my cycling friends.   My cycling group WAV donated the most of the various groups of friends.  Some of it is because my fabulous friend (and fellow WAV member) Joanne helped urge (perhaps hound a bit) the WAV members to donate. I feel she really racked up some donations for me.

And thanks to many AMAZING, very generous friends, I raised a little over $2500 in donations at the start of the ride on May 17th.  :D

DAY 1 - The Beginning of Craziness


Thursday morning, I put my pink rabbit cycling kit.  My nickname among many friends is Energizer Bunny (or EB) since I am always going, going, going.  This pink rabbit kit is the closest cycling kit I could find to an energizer bunny kit.  And, the pink rabbit kit seemed the best to wear for the beginning of my four days of craziness.

Craig drives me and Georgie (my bike) out to Beals Point.  As we drive into Beals, I see a ton of people there.  Wow, this is quite the production!  Quite a number of cyclists and all sorts of crew about.  And, there are news vans there too.  There is much excitement and energy in the air.

Craig helps get my bike together and takes my bags over to the moving truck to be checked in.  We find Joanne, who came out to watch the start.  Unfortunately, Craig has to leave for work so he misses the opening ceremonies but Joanne is able to hang out with me (and take a few pictures).

Various group pictures are taken for the various teams.  Then, we all gather for one big group picture!  After a few announcements, we line up at the start.  The national anthem is sung.  I am amused there is a guy holding a tiny little American flag up during this.

Shortly after 7am, we roll out!  I roll out towards the rear of the pack since I had to take a moment to adjust my bike computer sensor.  I roll past Joanne and give her a wave goodbye.  Then, I ride out of Beals Point moving my way up towards the middle and front-ish of the pack.

As I am riding towards Barton, we hit a few rollers and I ride to the left of the pack to pass them.  As I turn onto Barton, I see motor crew out cheering us on.  I pass a few other crew members out cheering us.  This is rather fun!  I had not ridden my bike in a little bit so my legs are just bursting full of energy. 

Shawn rides past me and I ride with him for a little bit.  Though, I lose him once we hit Sierra College.  I can see the front pack but I cannot quite catch them, especially since we are now climbing up Sierra College.  But, I ride along feeling pretty good.

A fellow with a Kaiser team jersey on and an eye on the back of his bike comes up on me.  He asks where Shawn is.  I tell him way up there somewhere.  We ride together for a little bit before he slowly drifts ahead of me.

As I am riding up Sierra College (after I have gotten out of Roseville), I take notice of a lovely view.  The weather is nice today.  I pass Jennifer who had stopped along the hill to cheer folks on.  This is rather fun to have people every so often be out there cheering the riders on.

After a bit, I see a few crew members directing me to the first rest stop.

tweet: "made it to the first rest stop.  21 miles...not so flat too!  having a blast!! :D"

At the rest stop, there's a warm welcome to the cyclists.  I get off the bike.  People are telling me to wash my hands so I do so.  Then, I head into the school house.  There is a whole variety of snacks.  I eat a little.  I kind of hang around a little.  The school house is a rather old school house.  Reminds me of those classrooms you'd imagine in Little House on the Prairie with black chalkboards, the classic desks, etc. . .Very quaint.  

I hang about for a little.  Not sure whether we wait here for others or continue riding.  I see a couple cyclists leave the rest stop.  I spot the Kaiser guy that had passed me earlier.  I see he is getting ready to ride so I do the same.

I roll out of the rest stop with him and another Kaiser guy.  These guys seem to be riding at a nice pace so I tuck in behind them.  At one point, I come around and start pulling a little.  Then, we hit some rollers and my legs are feeling great.  The three of us are just rocking and rolling through this section.  A small part of my brain is thinking that I am probably riding a wee bit harder than a should considering I have three more days of riding but I am having a bit too much fun to slow down.

At one point, we hit this amazingly smoothly paved road.  It has a little bit of a decline and some fun curves. It is delightful fun riding now.  In not too long, we arrive at the second rest stop with another warm welcome from the crew.

tweet: "37.8 miles in!  beautiful ride!  teamed up with a couple fast guys!  we were rolling!  fun times"

At the rest stop, I snack and drink a little. The two Kaiser guys introduce themselves, Mike and Manny.  My new friends.  We chit chat a little bit.  Then, we get back on the road with a few others.

This stretch of road is a bit windy.  So, I ride a bit slower than before.  The pack starts drifting away from me.  I just ride along in the countryside.  I ride past a rather large snake laying on the side of the road!  Eek! The wind gets a little wearisome.

But, I take a turn and get a nice tailwind and I go flying down this stretch of road.  I narrow the gap between me and the group ahead.  But then, I turn and hit headwind again and slow back down.  This riding into the headwind and with the tailwind goes back and forth for a bit.

I eventually arrive to Marysville for lunch.

tweet: "made it [to] marysville.  mile 58.84...eating lunch!  it was a tad windy getting here but not nearly as bad as solvang ;-)"

Lunch is at a little church in Marysville.  I eat lunch with the Mike & Manny (the two Kaiser guys I recently befriended) and a few others join us at our table.  I make some new friends and get to know a few folks I had met before.  Everyone is super friendly.  And, the food is great!  I like they have all kinds of choices for people with different eating needs.  Oh, they also have cold soda here!  A big plus in my book!  One of the medical ladies is going around offering motrin to those that may need it.  I feel very tended to.  It's rather nice.

After hanging out for a bit, I get myself ready to get back on the road.

tweet: "got my soda fix and a fabulous lunhc!  the support on this ride is awesome!  I'm ready to roll again!"

I roll out from the lunch stop.  I ride along a long, flat country roads.  I occasionally past another cyclist or see a crew vehicle pass me by.  This is kind of a boring stretch but it's a nice day, not too hot out.  I just pedal along.  I noticed I had ridden a bit fast the first half so figure I should probably slow it down a little for the second half.  I do have three more days of riding after today (including a double century).

After riding a bit on flat, flat, flat, I see I am nearing the rest stop.  Just a couple more miles according to my route sheet.  And, out of nowhere, this hill suddenly appears.  Not an epic hill but a good little climb nonetheless.  Nice to change it up from the flatness.

I climb up the hill and see the rest stop.  I have to ride on a rather rocky driveway to get into it but I manage to not fall.

tweet: "at mile 76.75...on the way to this rest stop, it was flat flat flat...and right before the rest stop, hill!  but there's cold Pepsi here! :)"



I get to the rest stop and the crew cheers me as I arrive.  They cheer all the cyclists that come through.  It's rather nice.  I enjoy a nice cold Pepsi.  Cold sodas are the best on a long ride!

I hang out a little and a couple folks compliment my pink rabbit jersey.  Shaun (a crew member) says that I am very easy to spot on the road, especially the pink rabbit ears on the back of my jersey.  hehehe.


After a bit, I get back on the road.  The last stretch...

As I roll out, a gal rides near me and we ride together for a little bit.  She says to me "Are you the girl doing the double?"  Yes, I am.  Now, she isn't the first person to say this to me at NCAC.  But, it does astound me a little bit that this stranger knows of my craziness.  News that I am going to be doing the Davis Double has spread like wild fire through the NCAC crowd apparently.

We chit chat a bit but on some rollers, I get ahead of her.  I am riding along and I hear music coming behind me.  A cyclist has music blasting as he passes me.  A pretty good song too so I kick up my pace to catch up to him.  I draft him a little bit while listening to his tunes.  He gets away from me when we hit a few more hills.

As I continue on my ride, I see Jerry and Shaun in a gray truck pass me.  They cheer me as they pass.  They sometimes pull over to the side of the road to cheer the cyclists on.  There are other crew vehicles out cheering the cyclists too but I become familiar with this particular gray truck.  It is nice as I will be riding along for a bit, sometimes alone, and then I see the truck.  A truck with a couple guys out there looking out for me.  It's comforting and nice.

The rest of the afternoon, the truck would be pulled over and after I pass (and we wave at each other), it would drive again and pass me.  Then, it'd be pulled over somewhere a little ways down until I came rolling by.  It feels nice to be looked after.

Finally, after 102 miles, I roll into the Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley, California.  I am welcomed by a few crew members cheering and clapping.  Every rider that rolls in is welcomed with cheering and clapping.

Tweet: "made it to the butte county fairgrounds!  finished day 1 of the NorCal Aids Cycle!  102.3 miles today"

At the fairgrounds, the moving truck has unloaded our bags and tents and spread them onto the grass.  I hunt down my bag and tent.  I set up my tent and take off some of my cycle gear.  I find a plug for my phone and garmin to recharge.  I spend a little time facebooking and getting my usual internet fix. ;-)  I hang out a little with some of the cyclists and crew members.  I meet some new folks.  A few more random people come up and ask me if I am the crazy one doing the double.  This cracks me up.

tweet: "finds it amusing that all day, others come up to me and say "you're THE crazy one doing the double, huh?"  lol"  

I notice they have a trailer with showers.  I head over there ready for a nice, hot shower.  A man is there cleaning out each of the showers after it is used.  That's nice.  I get into an open shower and it's a nice clean shower.  The water is nice and hot.  Great water pressure. After a long day of riding, taking a nice hot shower feels wonderful!

tweet:  "took my first shower on a trailer...oh man, after 102 miles, it was an awesome shower! :)"

After the shower, I get out and hang out and see more cyclists roll into camp.   I loaf a little in my tent.  I feel a nice endorphin high but also a little tired.  I could use a nap.  But, I stay awake knowing that dinner will be happening in a bit.



It is fun to watch the grass area start to fill up with tents and people. I befriend more people.  I really like all the people in this event.  A lot of positive energy people.  And, we have a lot of good laughs.

Eventually, dinner is served.  The food is from Maranello and delicious!  Lasagna and other delicious food to
go with it.  I enjoy a nice dinner with nice company.  I get to know even more people.

tweet: "had a great dinner and now at the evening program!  so fun and inspirational!"

After dinner, there is an evening program.  We get updates on NCAC news.  We have over $300,000 in donations!  AWESOME!  We hear about a couple guys who raised over $10,000 each.  AMAZING!  I am also amazed by how many people just road their first century today.  Everyone seemed to have done great out there too!  And, tomorrow, we have another century to do!

One rider, who is HIV positive, gives a talk.  This is moving.  I will also say this cyclist is also a badass on the bike (from what I saw today).  We watch an amusing singing number by a couple members.  Then, awards are given to a few folks.

The crew that marked the course gets an award for simply being "badass."  All the cyclists applaud loudly on this as the course was very well marked today.  A few other awards are given to other amazing members in the NCAC group too.

After that, everyone meanders back to their tents and tries to get some rest before the day.

So far, I find this experience to be simply wonderful.  I look forward to Day 2. . .Though, I should probably take it a little easier on the bike on Day 2. . .

Folsom Run with Nature 10k (May 12, 2012)

Folsom Run with Nature 10k is a special race for me.  It reminds me of when I started (just two years ago).  I have run this event three years in a row now.  I enjoy doing it as it is nice to see my progress in running in the past two years.  It is also nice to see how I and my life has changed in the past two years.  

Race morning, I put on my favorite race shirt, the Java Joggers shirt.  I head to Karen's Bakery to meet some of the Java Joggers.  They are doing their usual Saturday morning run.  I run with them for a little bit before I split away to run to the race start.  This is my warm up run.    

When I get to the library, I mosey around and find a few other running friends - Dan V., Bruce, and Fred.  I remember when I ran the race two years ago, I was new to running so did not know anyone at the race.  It was kind of lonely.  It is nice to have friends at the events I do now.  It makes these events a lot more fun.  


I watch the 5k runners take off.  I cheer Bruce & Dan V. as they take off on their race.  Then, I find Fred.  We catch up a little bit and head to the 10k race start.  


The start gun goes off and off I go.  Fred zips ahead of me, as to be expected.  I come out of the gate flying.  I have not been doing too much speed work lately so not trying to win my age group this time (though it would be nice).  But, I do want to beat my time from last year.  I am aiming to run close to 8:00 min/miles or possibly break 8's.  Right now, I am running well below 8:00 min/miles.  


I run down East Natoma Street past the prison.  As I near Folsom Lake Crossing, I can see the front of the pack.  I see that Fred is right near the first few racers or so.  Good for him!  


I turn left onto Folsom Lake Crossing and start running up the hill.  I am trying to maintain the pace but it is getting a tad warm out.  I drink water as I go and continue running up.  I am still making pretty good time but still need to push it a little faster.  I think I will try to really kick it on the down hill.  


Now, I am very familiar with Folsom Lake Crossing.  I ride on it quite a bit.  I like doing hill repeats on it with my bike.  So, it is interesting to run on it, knowing the hill so well.  I know just how much further I need to go to crest the hill.  Then, I can go flying down it.  On the downhill, I just let the legs go.  Flying down.  Though, I can tell the pounding is a little tough on the quads.  


At the bottom, I turn onto the bike trail and continue on my way.  My legs are getting tired already.  With these short races, they really work my legs as I am really pushing myself rather than pacing myself.  I only have a few miles to go so still trying to keep the pace up.  


Around mile 4, I pop a GU as I can feel the legs getting a wee bit strained.  I drink a little more water too as it is a warm day.  On the bike trail, some cyclists pass us expressing annoyance with all the runners running along the trail. Though, there were signs that a race was going on this morning. Some cyclists pass more politely.  


As I head down near Rainbow Bridge, a girl comes flying past me.  I try to stay right on her tail. But, I look at my Garmin to see I am going 6:45 min/miles.  This is a pace I cannot hold especially with the course going uphill for the last mile.  I just let her go.  I am still doing okay on time.  


I cross over Rainbow Bridge and the course starts going uphill.  Up, up, up.  I remember the first time I ran this race, I felt like it kept going up forever.  I got annoyed at each turn to see there was more up.  This time, I know the course well so am better prepared mentally.  I just push myself to go.  But, my pace drops a bit.  


I finally get up to the rodeo and have one short, steep hill to run up.  I pant heavily as I drag myself up that hill.  Then, I turn into the library parking lot.  The finish is near.  I then kick my legs up into the final sprint.  I sprint past some 5k walkers.  I hear Craig's voice cheering me as I dash into the finish.  


I finish.  Boy am I glad that is over with.  It takes a bit for me to be able to breath normally.  I do not win my age group this year as there were more faster girls this year.  But, I do run faster than last year and finish with a new PR (personal record). So, I am satisfied with that.  


For the Folsom Run with Nature 10k,


2010: 58:22 (9:23 min/miles). 228th overall. 87th female
2011: 51:53 (8:21 min/miles). 77th overall. 19th female.
2012: 49:45 (8:01 min/miles). 44th overall. 10th female. PR baby!


It is nice to see my improvement in the past two years.  Though, it is more than the fact I have gotten faster or more comfortable with racing.  All in all, I am a much happier and healthier person than I was two years ago.  


What I also like about running is that you always feel accomplished.  I felt accomplished when I finished that 10k two years ago.  I felt accomplished when I finished the 10k in 2011.  And, I have accomplished a lot in running since that first 10k race two years ago.  I have finished numerous half marathons, two marathons, and an ultra marathon.  While this 10k race used to be thought of as a "long" run for me two years ago, it now feels like a short race to me. I have come to really enjoy the longer distance races over the shorter ones.  Different mentality in them and I think I better with longer endurance things than short and fast.  


Also, because of running, many new people have come into my life in the past two years..wonderful, energetic, inspiring, positive people.  


Sometimes it is nice to take a step into the past to remind oneself of how far we have come along.  And, the journey to where one is now.  

Becoming a Half Ironwoman at the Napa Vintage Triathlon (5/5/12)

My First Half Ironman: The Napa Valley Vintage Half-Ironman Triathlon

Preface
About two years ago, I started getting into this triathlon craziness.  I had no idea I would get so addicted to the endurance sports.  The thing about these endurance sports, especially for a crazy person like myself, is that there is always the next level to take it.  I started off doing a few sprint triathlons.  Then, last year, I did a couple Olympic distance triathlons.   So, this year, I decide it is time to do my first half ironman.

The half ironman distances include a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile (a half marathon) run.  Total distance is supposed to be around 70.3 miles.  In each of the individual tri sports, I can manage those distances.  However, when you combine the sports, it is a whole different story.

And, on a warm day in early May, out in the beautiful Napa Valley, I put myself to the test as to whether I could be a half ironman . . .


Pre-Race
For the past year, I had a pre-race ritual of going to Starbucks and getting a vanilla latte and an oatmeal. On this day, I had to get up extra early and the drive out to Napa from Davis is mostly out on country roads.  So, I did not pass an open Starbucks. 

Instead, I stop at Safeway (the Starbucks inside Safeway is closed).  I buy some Cokes thinking it might be nice to have in my transition area (if you don't know already, I am a bit of a Coke-addict and really like having Coke in long endurance events).   I pick up a few other snacks that I think I may need for the event.  Since Starbucks is not open, I drink one of the cans of Coke as I drive out to Napa.  I like a little caffeine before a race. 

The drive out to Napa is a nice one.  Nice quiet, pretty country roads.  I finally arrive at Chaparral Cove in Napa, next to Lake Berryessa.  The lake looks lovely.  Nice and calm.  I had been worried about the water being super choppy.  But, it looks to be nice and calm. 

I check in.  I see my race number is #70.  My lucky number for the day.   This is a good number.  The half ironman distance is 70.3 so #70 is a great number for my first half ironman!  :)

After getting my number and timing chip (on an ankle bracelet), I head to the transition area to set up.  I lay things out as I normally do: the bike gear, the running gear, the food/fuel and drinks to take while in transition.  However, knowing that this is going to be a long event (I am hoping around 7 hours), I need to be more particular of the food/fuel and drinks I lay out. I put some GU Chomps, GU, and the Cokes on the side ready to be consumed in transition.  Some food/fuel items are placed on the bike or my running fuel belt.  So much to think about before the race even begins! 

Now, prior to the event, I debated as to what to wear.  In triathlons, I normally wear my one piece triathlon suit.  However, the trouble with my tri suit is that it has one small pocket only big enough for one GU.  For long bike rides, I generally carry a lot more than one GU.  While my bike has a bike frame bag which can carry some things, it is not as much as I would normally prefer to carry for a 56-mile ride.  Also, I am not fueling just for a 56 mile ride but for the run after the ride too.   So, I decide I will just swim in my tri shorts and sports bra like I normally do in training.  Then, I will thrown on a cycling jersey after the swim.  The cycling jersey has good pockets to carry more than my tri suit and the items I would like/need.  Of course, I decide to race in my favorite jersey -- the pink rabbit!  I lay my jersey over my helmet, ready to throw on after the swim,  I put next to it some food/fueling items ready to be stuffed into the jersey pockets.  I also have Java Joggers running shirt in case I feel like wearing that during the run.  I am not sure how I feel about running in my cycling jersey.  I lay that down my Java Joggers shirt next to my running gear, with the words "good to the last mile" showing.   Even if I decide to not wear the running shirt, seeing the shirt there will be nice. 

After getting my transition area all set up, I spray on a little Pam on my ankles & wrists (this helps get the wetsuit off faster).  Then, I suit up in my wetsuit and walk down to the water.   We have to walk down a slightly rocky path down to the water.  This will not be a fun run from the water, in bare feet!  I get into the water to get myself acclimated to the water.  The water is not nearly as cold as Lake Natoma (where I typically swim).   My feet and hands do not hurt so that is a nice sign the water is not that cold.  I stand in the water for a bit watching the first wave (the faster swimmers) get ready to go.  An older man asks me what wave I am going to swim in.  I tell him whatever the last wave is.  He says he thinks there are only two waves.  I tell him I will just go hang in the back of the second wave since I am slow.  I just want to make it through the swim and back to land.  Then, the race will begin.  The man says "Right on sister!" and high fives me.  :)

THE RACE
My goal overall for this race is to come within 7 hours. . . 8:00 a.m., the first wave goes. . .then, I head into the water for my race start. . . I am hanging in the back of the second wave...they count down...3, 2, 1...GO!  Off I go!

The Swim
Swimming is by far my weakest of the three tri sports.  While my endurance is okay, my speed in the water is very slow.  I am often one of the last few folks to come out of the water.  It does not bother me too much as I know I am strong on the bike and run.  I usually can make some decent gains when I get back to land.  For this event, my goal is to swim 1.2 miles under an hour.


With all long endurance sports, pacing oneself is key.  So, in the water, I just focus on a nice smooth strokes.  I do not want to wear myself out swimming.  Besides, I find if I flail my arms faster, it does not actually make me that much faster in the water.  I just make sure I am doing my best to pull the water through each stroke.  I love the water temperature!  It is so nice!  Not too cold at all! 

As I am swimming to the first buoy, I pass a kayak.  I see a  guy clinging onto the kayak's side.  Poor guy, the race just started and he's already asking for help.   Well, at least I am doing better than that guy. 

I turn the buoy and swim to the next buoy.  It is hard to see since the sun is in my eyes.  But, I just follow the other swimmers. The bulk of the pack is fading into the distance.  As I turn the next buoy, I look back to see how many people are behind me.  There are a number of swimmers.  There are a ton in front of me but I am happy to not be last.  I continue on swimming.

The swim consists of two loops.  I finish the first loop and head around on my second loop. I am feeling pretty good on my swim.  I feel I am swimming at a decent pace.  Still slow as compared to others but faster than I had been last year.   I think about how far I have come in my swimming.  This is my longest swim in an event.  I would not be doing as well as I am now had it not been for my swimming buddies in Sacramento Swimming Enthusiasts.   Here I am in the water, not having much swimming anxiety.  I am actually enjoying myself.  The water is really nice.  Refreshing.  I cannot wait to tell my swimming buddies about this swim and how nice the water is.  I think my swimming buddies would enjoy swimming here.


Finally, I go around one of the last buoys and start swimming the last stretch towards the finish.  As I head in, a kayaker drifts into my path.  I stop, pop my head up and look at her.  She says "just head to that yellow buoy and the finish is right past there.  You're almost there!"  I tell her "I can see that but you're in my way!"  She apologizes and back paddles out of my path.

I continue on to the finish chute.  As soon as my hand touches the ground, I stand up.  Yes, on land now!   The guy in front of me is struggling to get out of the water and some volunteers are helping him get out of the water.  I get stuck behind him for a bit before I can run past him.

The run to transition is not the most comfortable on wet, bare feet.  But my adrenaline is going and I focus on taking of some of my swim gear as I am running.  I always joke I am slow in the water and fast on land!  My swim caps, goggles, and top half of my wet suit are taken off while running to transition.

My Garmin watch  is worn under my swim cap when I swim.  After I whip off the swim cap, I pull out the Garmin and put it on my wrist.  I now see that my swim was under an hour!  Woot!  So happy I met my swim goal!   




 T-1
I get to my bike in transition.  I throw down the towel to the ground.  Then, I whip off the wetsuit (it comes easily thanks to the Pam) and flail it over the bike rack.  I eat a few GU Chomps and down a can of Coke.  I put on my Rabbit jersey and stuff the pockets with snacks and such.  I catch a quick glimpse of a text message from Craig wishing me luck before stuffing my phone into my jersey pocket as well (who knows what might happen to me or my bike out on the 56 mile ride).  I put on the cycling shoes, gloves, and helmet. 

Me and my bike start running (as best as you can in cycling shoes) out of transition.   As I am running out of transition with my bike, the announcer guy is calling out who is going out on the bike.  Number so-and-so is now heading out on the bike!  As he sees me, he announces "out of transition is the pink rabbit!  That has to be the cutest jersey!  Go number 70!"  This makes me smile.  Glad I opted to wear the pink rabbit jersey!  

The Bike
Unlike the swim, I do not to shabby on the bike.   I generally can make some gains on the bike, especially if there is climbing involved.  For the bike, my goal was to finish in under 4 hours.  While my cycling is strong, I did not want to push myself too hard on the bike as I still have to run.  Also, the course is expected to be a bit hilly.  If I can finish under 4 hours, I will be happy. 



I come out of transition, clip into my bike and off I go!  I pound it out of the park and hit the road.  I feel my heart pounding fast.   My nose is all runny from the swim too.  At last I do not feel that cold from the swim.  I try to to get into a nice cycling groove and to pace myself so that my heart rate so will go back down.  Last few triathlons, my heart rate just sky rockets when I first get on the bike out of the water. 

My legs feel a wee bit weary.  Not spinning quite as strong as I normally do on the bike.  I eat a GU and hope my cycling legs warm up soon.  But, of course, they start you off with a few roller hills.  Though not the biggest of hills, they feel particularly tough as my legs are still trying to get into cycle mode. 


About 10 miles in, my legs finally get into a nice cycling groove.  Good thing as we hit more hills.  No epic hills but good hills nonetheless.  But, I am starting to climb decently now.  Also, I have a Dirty Dancing song stuck in my head.  I heard it on the radio while driving out here.  The song is just playing in my head as I ride along. 

I ride along and pass a couple people here and there, usually on a climb.   Good that my cycling legs finally found their groove as I can now start picking off people on the bike.  I am doing a pretty good job in passing people one by one.   Though, at one point, this one girl in a blue shirt comes flying past me.  I kick up my pace a little bit and am so tempted to chase her down but I restrain myself remembering I have to be able to run later.  (I am being particularly conservative on the bike as in my last triathlon, things went down really bad for me on the run.  So, I want to make sure I keep enough juice in my legs to run 13.1 miles at the end). 

The scenery on the ride through Napa Valley is spectacular.  It is a gorgeous day too!  Not too warm or windy.  A few gusts here and there but nothing nearly as bad as when I rode in Solvang earlier this year.  I have friends riding in the Wine Country Century today and start to wonder how they are doing.  I wonder if where they are riding is nice as here.  Technically, I am riding in wine country as well.  Napa is really pretty.  I should set up more bike rides out here. 

I pass the first rest stop around mile 18ish and grab a water bottle.  I manage to balance on my bike while putting a couple fizz tablets into my own water bottle so I can start taking in some electrolytes.  I start to feel a little hungry so eat a Cliff Bar. 

I ride on one road for awhile not seeing any other cyclists, neither in front of me or behind me.  But, it is pretty out so just enjoying the ride.  I pull out of my cell phone to catch a glimpse of some facebook messages from friends sending good thoughts (the messages pop up on the screen like text messages).  I start eating some peanut m&m's I had packed in my jersey.  A little sugar and protein. 

At one point, I see the first place guy riding towards me.  He tells me good job as he flies past me!  After a little bit, I see a few more of the race leaders fly by me.   Around mile 25, I see on the road someone has spray painted "Honey Hill."  Interesting.  Then, I turn one bend and we start climbing.  I see how fast some of the guys are flying down in the other direction and thinking, this must be a good climb ahead.  I finally start seeing more cyclists in front of me (not just the lead guys). 

While climbing away, I think how different this is from my first triathlon.  In my first triathlon, I got stuck on a hill with my bike.  I remember then I could hardly wait to get off the bike.  Now, I am really just enjoying the bike ride.  It is beautiful out and I am riding well.  It is nice to think about the beginning to remind oneself as to how far one has come along.  I think about why I started with the whole triathlon stuff and how great it has been for me.  I think about what great people I have in my life now.  People that have been great influences, great support, and great inspirations. 

My legs are feeling strong now and I start picking off a bunch of cyclists on the climb.  I am glad this bike course is a bit hilly.  I also take a bit of pleasure in passing some folks on their fancy expensive carbon fiber tri bikes while I ride my not-so-expensive, kind of heavy, road bike.  Though, I will say I do appreciate my triple.  ;-)  I also pass the blue shirt girl (the one who passed me earlier).

At one point, as I am passing this one cyclist, this car that could not wait a few seconds for me to finish the pass comes flying past me, coming within inches of me.  Stupid drivers!  Grr!  Other than a couple stupid drivers, most of the cars have been pretty good about keeping a good distance from the racers.  It probably helps that CHP keeps driving up and down the course all day long. 

Around mile 35, I hit the turn around and stop to refill my water bottles and eat a banana.  The volunteers are super friendly and helpful.  Though they do not have the best of things as far as food/fuel, I like the attitude and feel very tended too.  Having nice, helpful volunteers makes a big difference in races.  I leave the rest stop with a small gatorade in hand and drink it as I ride along.  I pass the 3 1/2 hour mark. I think I am about halfway done. 

After hitting a couple more hills, I finally start descending.  I come barreling down the hill at 40ish mph.  I feel great cornering and glad I have been descending better in the past month.  I fly past more cyclists.  Last week, while I was riding at Wildflower, Craig had complemented me as to how well I descended Table Mountain.  As I am flying down Honey Hill, I think Craig would be proud of my descent right now (oh the random things you think about while riding). 

When I hit the bottom of the hill, this girl comes whipping around me.  I remember flying past her early and have a feeling she had been riding my tail on the descent.  This kind of annoys me as in triathlons, you are not supposed to draft.  I let her ride ahead of me for a little bit before I pass her up on the next roller.  She did not pass me again.

After riding along for a bit, the blue shirt girl passes me again on a flatter section.  She rides with such a casual demeanor.  She does not look like she is riding very hard but she just flies on by.  She rides next to me and comments on what a lovely day it is.  She is nice so I make a little small talk with her before she gets ahead of me.  I keep her within my sight though.  We hit some more hills (nothing epic) and I narrow the gap to her.  The wind kicks up a little bit making for a bit of headwind on some of the climbs.   It is starting to get warm out too.  Not too bad on the bike but I feel the run will be toasty. 

I finally pass blue shirt girl on the last hill and fly down the last descent.  I pound it back into the park towards transition.  I have to bounce over a few speed bumps on the way in but I do not care.  I just have one more leg to go.  I note that the overall time is still under 5 hours!  Woot!  Met my bike goal by finishing under 4 hours!  I just might break 7 hours! 


 


T2
I get into transition and start walking.  The bike to run transition is one of the toughest on the legs.  I have had all kinds of issues in the past couple multi-sport events going into the run after the bike.  So, I take a little extra time in transition to walk instead of run.  Let my legs get out of cycling mode and be ready for running mode. 

I rack my bike back up and switch to my running shoes.  I pound a can of coke and eat some more GU chomps.  I empty out my cycling jersey pockets including my phone (after catching a glimpse of a nice text from Craig cheering me on).  I buckle on my running fuel belt (with race number) and grab my hand held bottle.  And, I walk out of transition. 


The Run
While running is my strongest suit, it is the toughest in the triathlon, being the last thing.  In my last triathlon, I struggled really badly on the run, having to walk a lot of it.  While my half marathons are usually well under 2 hours, I hopee to get close to 2 hours.  I would be happy if I can average under 10 minute miles.  The run would the real deciding factor as to whether I would finish in 7 hours not.


Once out of the transition area, I start to run.  I hear the announcer say something about the pink rabbit jersey.  He announces #70 is going out on the run, good job Helen Fong!  Nice my jersey is making me stand out and getting me shout outs as I come through. 

As I run past one aid station, my eyes catch a quick glimpse of a sign that says run turn around.  I realize that this is going to be a two loop run course.  Oh geez!  That means I have to go out and back...TWICE!

I do not like double loops in running.  It is hard to come in and see the finish but be told to turn back out and run the loop again.  But, I tell myself, I will just think of it as segments.  I also make sure I pace myself.  My legs are running okay though I worry as to how long they will hold out.  It is around 1:00 p.m. and getting hot out.  The run is all exposed on the road. 

I quickly learn the run is not flat either.  The initially rollers I had hit while starting out on the bike course are the same rollers which I have to run on.   I just tell myself, I just have to run 3.25 miles out to the turn around.  It is easier to think about things in smaller portions than the whole thing.

At each mile on the run, I pop a shot block.  I drink a bit more water now really feeling the heat.  There is a nice breeze as I pass by the lake so that is helpful.  I am running at a decent pace.  I know I have run faster at this distance but I do not to have any issues.  I think I will just get gently run my way through the first half of the run and if I am feeling okay, pick it up towards the end.

Around mile 3.25, I hit the turn around point. I drink some Gatorade.  The volunteers all kindly offer to refill my water bottle.  I decline and run back to the start.  Less than 10 miles to go I think.  If Scott were with me, he would be telling me how we are in single digit territory. 

The run back is a lot warmer.  As I pass an aid station, I grab a cup of water and just dump it on myself.   I feel my heart rate rising as I run up each hill.  I keep telling myself to just put one foot in front of the other.  As I pass the lake again, I close my eyes and just get into my running groove.  I randomly start thinking of myself doing my usual weekend run with my Java Joggers around Lake Natoma (our usual lake loop).   As I am running, I just get into the zone.  This moment right now is why I love running so much.  I think only a runner can understand what I mean but it is when nothing else matters.  It is just you and the road.  And, your legs are just going. 

As I turn back into the park, the moment is gone as I am heading back near the start/finish.  I hit the turn around aid station and refill my water bottle.  They have licorice here so I grab a couple before I head out for my second loop.  Just 6.5 miles left is what I tell myself.  Basically a 10k left.  Just a year ago, I ran my first race, a 10k race.  That is all I have to do right now. 

As I come out of the park and head back on the hot, not so flat road, my stomach is starting to not feel so great.  It does not like how much power food and such I have been eating.  Not enough real food.  I cut back on eating shot blocks as I do not feel I can stomach them anymore.  I keep going. 

Around mile 8, my legs start to feel really heavy.  The hills are harder to get up.  I feel my pace dropping.  My stomach is turning too.  But, I am pleased that I have been running the whole time, not walking.  I am doing much better than at Icebreaker, where I had the worst run ever!  Though, I am starting to get really tired now.   I few a couple blisters starting form on the bottom of my right foot.  I am glad my legs have not cramped at all during this run and continue to hope they hold up for a few more miles.  I am counting down every mile I go now. Just one foot in front of the other. 

I feel my heart rate rising, probably because of the hills and the heat.  My chest is getting a bit congested too and I am breathing a lot harder, wheezing a little.  I continue to pour water on me to bring my body temp down a little.  I am panting pretty heavily when I hit the aid station.  I force myself to take one of my Proctane GU's.  These are the ones I like to take near the end of an event to give me a good final kick.  There is something in them that gives me an extra boost. 

Around mile 10.5-11ish, either from the GU or that I can feel the finish, my running legs kick back into gear and my pace picks up again.  I do not care how hot it is or that I am struggling a little bit to breath or that I feel a couple blisters forming on my foot.  I know the finish is near.  I also feel like the run will be a little short too.

I turn back into the park and start sprinting to the finish.  I feel a little emotional as I dash to the finish.  I am doing it.  I am finish my first half ironman!  I cross the finish line with a smile and arms in the air! I hear the announcer call out my name as my finish and says the pink rabbit is the cutest jersey of the day! 

My run ended up being a little over 2 hours but I met my goal of finishing with an average of 9:43 min/miles (under 10 min/miles was the goal).  Yay!  
 



   
Final Thoughts

My official finish time was 6 hours, 50 minutes, 26 second.  So, well under my 7 hour goal making me really happy with a good first half marathon!  Met my goals for all of the tri sports!

I finished 6th in my age group.  I was 23rd overall female.  After the swim, I was the 60th female.  After the bike, I was 37th female.  After the run, I was 23rd female.  As you see, I go from my weakest to my strongest sport.  I like being able to advance up during the race.





I felt the event was very well organized.  The organizers and volunteers were all wonderful.  Every super friendly and really trying to take care of the athletes (which I especially appreciate after feeling the opposite of that last week in Chico).  I did really appreciate the announcer guy announcing me and my pink rabbit jersey as I came through transition and the finish.  For the most part, everyone (including the other athletes) were super friendly!  Made for a very enjoyable race day!

As for the half ironman distance, I liked it.  As I have told many friends, I prefer the long distance stuff over the shorter stuff.   I think I do better in them.  I am not a fast one.  At least I do not come out of the gate very fast.  It usually takes my body a bit to really get going.  Once I get going though, I can just go, go, go.

All in all, I feel like this was one of my best triathlons.  I enjoyed all three sports.  A few tough moments but I would not be doing these things if it weren't challengeing.  ;-)

Now, the question that I have been asked is will you do an ironman?  Of course!  Have to take things to the next level.  When I might do an ironman, I am not sure.  I have a lot planned out on the crazy calendar for this year so it may be something for next year.  For now, I am happy to be a half ironwoman now!  :)

After the race, they gave me the race shirt.  On the back, it had an amusing warning .  Seems very fitting for how it has been for me.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

  
With all my athletic milestones, I am always extremely grateful to all the people who have supported and helped me accomplish all these crazy goals I have.

First, I wish to thank all my friends for all the words of encouragement.  Cheering me on before, during, and after the race (for this event and all the events prior and all the events to come!).  I cannot express enough how much it means to me.

To all my athlete friends (in swimming, cycling, and/or running), I want to express the greatest thanks for helping me become an athlete.  I was not always crazy.  You all helped be part of that and I thank you because I have become not only a healthier person but a much happier person.  Throughout the race, I think of each of you and it is what keeps me going.  I also get a wonderful feeling when I finish.  A feeling of accomplishment.  I would not be able to get that feeling had it not been for you wonderful, crazy friends, training with me, inspiring me, encouraging me, and supporting me.  But beyond the sense of accomplishment, I am most grateful for all the wonderful friendships I have formed in the process.  I love my life includes such wonderful, athletically-inclined, healthy, CRAZY, people who just make my life so fabulous!

Special thanks to all the swimmers in Sacramento Swimming Enthusiasts, my cycling friends in Hammerin' Wheels, my wonderful girls in WAV, my fabulous FTR friends, and my family in Java Joggers.

Wildflower Century (4/29/12)

Wildflower Century with a bit of Wildcat


Chico Wildflower Century seems to be a popular event amongst cyclists.  So, I signed up along to do the century.  Seemed like a nice area.  I have heard it was a fun event.  Well, I finished and not sure I would do the event again.  Some nice parts but overall but not the best ride I have been on.  Perhaps the worst organized event I have participated in.   

The evening before 

During check in, Craig asked the guy if they had a cue sheet.  The guy looked genuinely confused as to what Craig meant.  Do you have a route sheet?  The bandana in your swag bag has a map on it.  This was nice but not the most convenient thing to be riding around with.  He later tells us where we can get maps on paper.  Still not route sheets.  Kind of odd to not have a route sheet on an organized ride.  But, they said the roads were well marked.

We then go look at the map of the Wildflower Century and Wildcat 125 route.  We had been told that the last part of the century is flat, flat, flat.  And, often times, windy.  I am not a flat rider.  We heard some people cut out the flat part at the end but we wanted to ride a century still.  This year, they had a Wildcat 125 mile option.  Craig was not too interested in riding 125 miles.  But, we checked out where the route went.  Look to be a nice loop with some good climbing.  So, we thought we can maybe do the extra Wildcat Loop and then cut out the flat part at the end and still end up with a little over 100 miles.  Sounded like a good plan. . . .

The Ride

Craig and I get to the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds sometime after 6 a.m.  We get our bikes together and off we go, ready for a fun day of riding.  The weather seems rather nice and sunny!   Off we go.  

Horrid Humboldt Road

We ride a few miles and then we cross this street and start riding on Humbolt Road.  The road is really rough with tons of potholes.  This is a rather annoying road to be riding on.  We bounce away on this rough road and then I notice that we are going uphill.  The grade is not steep but it is definitely not fun to be riding on this road, much less climbing on such a poor quality road.  And, there are all kinds of people around cutting this way and that way in front and around me.  I am getting mighty irritated.  What a horrible start to this ride!

At mile 7 or so, I reach the top.  I fly down a more smoother road.  We loop back around to where we had originally crossed the road.  I see a number of cyclists who opted to just turn right rather than ride up Humbolt Road.  Wish I had known what a crappy road that was.  I would have just turned and avoided the stupid climb. 

Honey Run Road

After that, we ride along for a bit.  Craig comments as to how the roads are not the smoothest.  Not nearly as bad as Humbodlt Road but a little rough in some spots.  We ride along and get into some nicer looking sections. 

We eventually get to Honey Run Road.  We start riding along.  It is pretty crowded so we ride mostly to the left of the road in order to pass some of the slower folks.  We are in a crowd at one point and this lady is pushing herself up the middle of the road and crowd saying loudly, in a snarky tone, "on your left, on your left!!" and has the demeanor that she is some hot shot cyclists (which she does not look like one).  A small group of us pass her to her left, much more quieter than she does.  At some point, Craig shifts a little to the right and the lady yells at him "hey, you're cutting me off!"   Craig tells her something about she should not be crossing tires and she gives him some attitude.  I scurry along away from crazy lady and hope Craig does not get into it too much with crazy lady.  

We easily get away from crazy lady and continue riding along.  The grade starts increasing a bit and Craig disappears into the crowd ahead of me.  I continue trekking my way up the hill.  Along the way, I see some poor lady laying on the side of the road (tended by a couple other folks).  She seems to be okay.  But, shortly later, an emergency vehicle and ambulance come down the hill.  Mind you, this road is pretty narrow and filled with cyclists so a bit tricky to slide over for a couple emergency vehicles to come down.

This climb is pretty nice though.  Nice and shaded with lovely trees but it does go on for a bit.  My friend Kallie has talked about how this hill got her the first time she tried riding this (back before she got stronger on hills).  Now, as I am climbing on the hill, I could see how this hill is a bit of a challenge.  I like hills though so liking it.  Though, there are a lot of people around so I have to watch the people around me.  A lot just like to cut across in front of you in a not so safe, slightly careless manner.

I observe one guy riding so far to the left that he falls over into the ditch and his bike nearly went flying down the side of the hill.  Shortly later, I see a lady riding to the far right and her bike slides a little on some gravel and she has to stop before she falls.  I decide I should ride closer to the middle.  The edges seem dangerous!

I eventually get to the top, where Craig is waiting for me.  Shortly pass this is the rest stop.  We hit that up.  We snack a little (the food choices are okay, not great).  But, I do get to drink a bottle of Coke, the only Coke I would have on this ride.

From Paradise to Stirling City

After the rest stop, we ride through Paradise.  We hit the Wildflower/Wildcat split.  We turn left to go onto the Wildcat route.   As we ride along, it is a lot less crowded.  Much more peaceful.  Nice smoother roads too.  Craig jokes that we must no longer be in the same county as these roads are much nicer.  The scenery is just beautiful.  Lovely trees all around us.  We really enjoy this ride now.

We hit some good climbs too.  I had looked the evening before and saw it is nearly 2000 feet of climbing from Paradise to Stirling City.  Both Craig and I are climbing pretty well here.  We just plug along, enjoying ourselves.  I think we are both glad we opted to do the Wildcat loop rather than stick to the regular century route. 

We eventually arrive to Stirling City and stop at the rest stop for a bit.  We refill on water.  They have little by way of snack choices but that's okay.  I think the next stop should be lunch.

On the way out of this rest stop, I have a stupid clipless fall and scrape my knee.  Craig then has some issues with his front brakes so we ride back so he can fix it.  Good thing he noticed before we started descending.

Stirling City to the Bottom of Table Mountain

We leave Stirling City and enjoy some super fun descents hitting around 40mph.  Whee!  We rock and roll back down and pass Paradise.  As we hit around mile 70ish, both of us are starting to feel ready for lunch.  It is also starting to get a little warm out.  But, we trek along thinking lunch should be at the next rest stop.

We come out of the forest looking areas and into the countryside.  Craig does not like this so much but I still think it's nice out.  We pass what I believe to be Table Mountain.  I am feeling hungry.  These miles seem to be taking forever.  Where is the rest stop?!  We keep riding, riding, riding.  The roads are also not the smoothest to ride on.  I sometimes cannot tell whether it is easier to ride in the bike lane or just on the road.  Both surfaces are equally bad.  Craig says we are spoiled back at home with nicely paved roads.  These roads are pretty cruddy! 

Finally, close to mile 80ish, we reach this park near the bottom of Table Mountain.  And, it is NOT the lunch stop!  I remember people saying that you have lunch and then climb Table Mountain.  We are pretty disappointed that this is not a lunch stop.  And, the pastries they have here have been sitting out in the sun far too long.   I find some almonds to munch on.  The drinks are all warm too.  There are no power drinks either (i.e. Gatorade).  I just want to get going but Craig is starting to bonk a bit.  We share some fruit drink and then get back on our bikes.

Table Mountain

We head to Table Mountain.  My friend had told me they have cold coke at the top of this climb.  I am really looking forward to it.  I need some Coke.  My legs are starting to get tired and the heat is not helping.

We hit the hill.  I eat my one and only GU, which I had saved for the last climb.   And, we climb away.  It is warm but I am thinking this is not nearly as bad as climbing Mix Canyon in the heat last Saturday.  So, I just pedal away up the hill.

Partway up the hill, I see this girl starting to walk her bike.  She had made such a show in passing me at the bottom of the hill, I feel a little pleased that I am climbing better than her.  =P  No way am I going to walk up this hill! 

At one point, I see Craig stop.  I pass him and ask if he's okay.  He seems rather spent.  Poor guy.  I climb a little more and see Kane & Tammy with their tandem. They are standing under the shade of a tree.  They look spent too.  I ride a little further and see a guy with his son sitting in the shade of another tree.  Their bikes are on the other side of the road.  I continue on thinking of the Coke at the top of the hill.  It should not be too much longer.

I finally make it to the top.  Craig is not too far behind me.  This rest stop looks rather barren.  There is hardly anything here.  I see empty bottles of Coke.  I ask the guy if there is any Coke left, he says there are out.  I am not pleased.  He does find me some root beer and gives me a bottle.  I am a bit cranky since I am in need of a Coke fix.  Craig seems frustrated too as he wants some real food and probably a Coke as well.

All the cyclists are tired and probably cranky.  It is a bit annoying that those of us here are those that opted to go for the longer route.  We are the people who need the support but these rest stops are not doing a very good job in supporting us.  And, now that the day is getting warmer, everyone looks rather spent. 

Down Table Mountain to the Worst Rest Stop Ever!

We continue on our way.   We hit some rollers before we finally hit the real descent down Table Mountain.  The descent is rather fun.  Went flying down it and I am glad I am less anxious cornering now (had gotten a bit anxious on turns after my bike crash in November but I seem to have gotten mostly over that anxiety).  We fly down to what has to be the lunch rest stop.  We are nearly 90 miles into the ride.  There must be lunch at this next rest stop. . . .

We go into a rather barren rest stop.  There are some sad looking sandwiches that have been sitting out a bit too long.  I eat some of one.  Craig does not like mayo so does not eat a sandwich (all of them have mayo on them).   The volunteers are starting to pack things up. 

I go to where the drinks used to be and see a bottle of juice of some sort, a V8 can, and a cup.  I ask the lady is this all you have for drinks?   She says yes.  No Coke, no Gatorade, etc. . . .I do not see water even.  WTF?!!?

I meander around trying to find some real food that Craig may want to eat.  I see a box of cliff bars.  Rather than have individually packaged Cliff Bars, they opened them all and dumped them into the box exposed.  This isn't very smart I think.  What if riders want to carry the Cliff Bars.  I spy a bag of Cheese-Its and nab it.

I bring it over to a picnic table where Craig, Kevin, and another fellow are sitting.  We are all complaining as to how bad the support is for the Wildcat 125 riders.  We discuss how to cut out the last part to get back to the end the fastest.  It still looks like we have a ways to go.  

The Final Flat Stretch

We leave the rest stop and ride along Durham-Pentz Road.   It is long and flat.  Craig keeps saying how done he is with this ride.  He seems to be riding okay though.  Craig sometimes picks up the pace.  I think he wants to get this over with as fast as possible.  We are both tired and ready for this ride to be over with.   My Garmin says we have crossed the 100 mile mark.  I am thinking I am on my second longest ride.  Though, it feels longer than my double century.  Definitely, the worst support ride I have ever been on. 

We eventually cross Highway 99 and I think the turn is coming up soon.  The road keeps going and going and going.  We finally see Midway Road and turn.  We are not even going to try going to the rest stop knowing it will be barren as well, if not all packed up and closed down.  Again, I am irritated that they set up a longer route option but did not bother to provide support for those that opted to do the longer ride option.

 We join a few others on the bike trail.  Others that opted to cut out some of the ending to get this ride over with.  Craig talks to one guy and they both agree that they were SO done with this ride awhile ago. 

We eventually get off the bike trail and hit a street.  We look around to figure out where we are.  I see Fair Street.  Yes, we are just around the corner from the fairgrounds.  This ride is nearly over!  We ride by a convenience store and agree we will hit that store up for Coke after we get done.

We finally reach the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds.  We do not bother staying for dinner as it will probably be barren with food and drinks like the rest stops.  We are done and ready to head back home.  We do stop at the convenience store and buy a couple cokes, which taste oh so refreshing after that ride!

Final Remarks
 
So, 112ish miles for the day, 7400+ feet of climbing.  It was enjoyable until about mile 70-80ish.  I am happy that my climbing legs were doing well today.  My endurance for long distance rides held out pretty well.   Made me want to get back to doing another double century soon!  I was tired but never felt like I was bonking.   The lack of Coke just made me cranky.  The rest stops all annoyed me.   I felt the planning for this whole event was poorly done.   I am glad we did do the extra Wildcat 125 loop as that was one of the nicest parts of the ride.  I had enjoyed the extra climbing.  But if I had known the end was going to suck so badly, we might have cut more of the end out.  As much hype as Wildflower had, I was disappointed with it.  Not sure this is an event I want to do ever again.  But, I did enjoy spending the day riding with Craig though.  That was nice.  :)

Pacing AR50 (April 7, 2012)

Preface

My friend Scott ran in the American River 50 (AR50) mile Endurance Run on Saturday. This would be his first 50 mile race. AR50 starts in Sacramento (nearish Sac State) and ends in Auburn (at ADO). The first part (a marathon) is on the bike trail. Then, you get to Beals Point (in Granite Bay) and run on the trails all the way to Auburn. The last three miles is up a big hill to the Auburn Dam Outlook (ADO). From Beals Point and on, a racer is allowed to have a pacer run with him/her.

In ultra running, runners may have pacers. Pacers are sometimes described as "trail companions." Unlike in shorter racers where there are pacers running a particular time or pace so one may meet a particular time goal, a pacer in an ultra-marathon is more of a support role for the runner. And, a pacer is usually focused upon one particular runner. That pacer is to be a companion, to provide support, to make sure they are staying properly fueled, to help them move along, etc. . .

In my training for my first Ultra Marathon, Way Too Cook 50k, I learned more about ultra running and about pacers. I also started running more with my friend Scott. He and I seem to run about the same pace. And, we bonded over many long miles running on some trails. He certainly helped me in my first ultra-marathon. In Way Too Cool, we ran the bulk of the race together.

For AR50, I agreed to be Scott's pacer. When I first heard of AR50, I had already signed up for the Pardee Party 100k bike ride, on the same date as AR50. As I thought about pacing Scott, I thought then that I can ride the Pardee Party route anytime and do the event another year, but to pace my friend in his first 50 miler race was a rare opportunity. And, I wanted to be there for my friend's first 50 miler. So, I gave my Pardee registration to another friend (making him very happy) and paced my friend Scott (making him happy).

Then, I had to decide where did I want to pace Scott from. A pacer can start at Beals Point (running about 23 miles) or at other points along the way (and not have to run quite as long). But as I thought about it, I wanted to be there for my friend the whole allowable distance. So, I opted to start from Beals Point.


The Race

Beals Point (mile 26.53)

At 6am, Scott (and all the racers) started their race. They had to run a marathon mostly on the American River Bike Trail.

Around 10am, I start heading over to Beals Point. It takes me awhile to get into the State Park as there are a row of cars going in. I eventually get into Beals Point and see a TON of people. A ton of energy too. All very exciting! People are cheering all the runners coming in! Since this is the point where pacers can join the runners, there are a lot of runners around, ready to pace their friends.

I get my gear together for the run and go looking for Mary, Scott's wife. I find her and she updates me as to Scott's location. Not too long from now. The sun was shining and getting warm already. I worry a little bit as to how hot it will be during the run.

At one point, Mary and I stand and see Scott come running into Beals Point. He is just full of energy. Really amped up about the race. I am really happy to see that the marathon part for him went well. He did a good job in pacing himself and not going out too fast. I stood by as he changed into his Gordy shirt and into his trail shoes. He ate some food. I grab a few extra GUs for him and stash away into my fuel belt.

Mary tells me I am his wife from here on out (we joke that I am Scott's running wife) and for me to take care of him. Scott gets a big hug from his wife and sons. Then, we start running (a little before 11 a.m.).

As we head out of Beals, Scott tells me how good he feels. He seems just full of energy. I am amazed as to how much energy he has having run 26+ miles already.




Beals Point to Granite Bay (mile 31.67)

From Beals, we run through Cavitt. Scott tells me about the beginning half of the race. We are enjoying ourselves. I am doing my best to not run out too fast but I feel excited and know my legs want to go faster. But, I stay with Scott's pace. As we are running along, we hear a mountain biker behind us. He hangs back behind us for awhile commenting on how interesting this race is. Amazed people are running 50 miles. We eventually hit a fork and he heads to the right while we run to the left. He wishes us luck.

We run along Cavitt and Scott spots Paulo on the side. Paulo & Fred are in the grass to the side taking pictures and cheering runners on. Always nice to see our running friends.

My first few miles for me go by quickly. We hit Granite Bay quickly. I am really amazed as to how much energy Scott has and how well he is running. We stop at the aid station quickly. I drink some coke and eat a couple potatoes. I generally get pretty hungry near the lunch hour so I am making sure I eat a bit.

Granite Bay to Buzzard's Cove (mile 34.67)

After we pass the 31 mile mark, Scott says he just wants to just sneak through the 30s. I see he is still running pretty strong. He is now officially on his longest run. Running into unfamiliar distances. He looks to be running well. We make sure we pace ourselves and not go too hard. At some points, I run up some of the hills but tell Scott to tell at me if he wants to walk certain hills. It is tricky to figure out how he might be feeling since he has 26+ more miles than me. He tells me to walk at some points and I walk for him. Even walking some of the hills, Scott still looks strong.

The day is warming up. I find myself drinking a lot more water than usual. I check on Scott to make sure he's drinking enough water. We continue along.

We chit chat about various things. I ask him if he gets a qualifying time at this race if he will throw his name into the Western States lottery. He says yes. I tell him if he gets into Western States, I will pace him in that race too. Sounds like a plan. hehehe.

As we reach Buzzard's Cove, Scott refills his water pack. They have ice cream cones at this aid station. I get one for myself and one for Scott. It tastes wonderful. Nice on a warm day. Some of the ice cream melts a little on my fingers. I eat the whole thing and Scott only eats part of it before tossing the cone.

We then continue onward.

Buzzard's Cove to Horseshoe Bar (mile 38.14)

At some point, Scott tells me he's taking a S-cap and tells me to remind him to take one again in 30 minutes. A little later, he takes a GU and again tells me to remind him to take another one in 30 minutes. So, I keep an eye out on my watch. I have to remember to keep Scott on top of his fueling. He seems to be doing well.

About 20 minutes after Scott had taken the S-cap, Scott tells me he's getting a little headache so taking another S-Cap. I note the time. Five minutes later, Scott asks if it's time to take an S-Cap again. I tell him he just took one five minutes ago. He forgot. I am familiar with how the brain starts not thinking very clearly when you run long distances. He must be getting a little tired but he seems to be running well. I remind him every so often to take a S-Cap or a GU.

These miles seem to be taking longer than usual. Horseshoe Bar seems to be taking awhile to get to. Scott says he feels like each mile is taking a long time now. He still just wants to sneak past the 30s.

Eventually, we get to Horseshoe Bar and take a moment at this aid station. We see a few friends here. I refill on water and eat some chicken soup. Tastes SO good! I eat some potatoes too and drink more coke. Scott refills his water and puts some ice into his water pack. The cold water feels and tastes wonderful. Scott says he likes the ice cold water on his back. This is nice as the day is getting warmer.

Horseshoe Bar to Rattlesnake Bar (Mile 40.94)

We walk out of Horseshoe Bar. I had grabbed some electrolyte drink for Scott and he was drinking it. Said it tasted like salt water. He then tossed the cup and we start running again.

At one point, we see a small cluster of people sitting on the right side of the trail cheering people on. Scott expresses a little disappointment to not see Mary there. I tell him she's going to be at Rattlesnake. He thought we were at Rattlesnake. I tell him we are about a mile from Rattlesnake and she'll be there. I sure hope Mary is at Rattlesnake when we get there.

We eventually make a turn down the trails and head down into the parking lot at Rattlesnake. I can hear the crowds cheering. I pop off the trail and immediately spot Mary there. There are a ton of people at this aid station. It is like a big party! I turn to see Scott run down and see Paul dash past us.

Scott is energized by all the people at Rattlesnake Bar! He says he feels like a rock star and they were all cheering for him. I am happy to see him so excited. He talks to his family and friends for a little. He eats a little. I refuel a little bit and see they have a bucket of water with sponges. I tell Scott he should probably sponge himself down.

Rattlesnake Bar to Dodwin's Post (Mile 43.92)

As we get ready to leave, Scott notes that he's about 8 hours into his race. He does not think we can get to ADO in two hours (Scott's goal is to break 10 hours). He seems a little disappointed at the time. He feels we are behind in time and that he may not be able to break 10 hours. I look at my watch and think we seem to be good on time. I think we can do it.

So, I start running in front of Scott. And, I kick up the pace just a little bit. Scott has finally gotten past the 30s and had said he wanted to pick it up in the 40s so that is what I am going to do. We start rocking and rolling through this section. We run a few of the smaller hills and briskly walk the steeper hills. And, we just fly on the downhills. I sometimes get a little ahead of Scott and worry I may be going too fast. But, I look over my shoulder and see he is still right there behind me. So, I keep up the pace. I figure he will tell me if I start going too fast. I am amazed he is still running so strong 40 miles into the race. We pass other runners along the way. We have a good momentum going and as we approach runners ahead of us, both Scott and I will yell out that we are approaching to pass. Both of us do not want to lose our momentum.

At some point, Scott's garmin dies. So, we are relying on my watch now. I keep checking that Scott is taking s-caps and GU and water.

We roll into Dowdin's Point in hardly any time. Last year, Scott had volunteered at this aid station. He had served chicken soup to runners and back then. At that time, he had thought to himself that he wants to run this race next year. And here we are, a year later, Scott is running in AR50. We eat some chicken soup and other food.

I drink more coke. But, I realize that I have not been drinking any electrolytes this whole time. I dump out one of my water bottles and fill it with the electrolyte drink. I do not feel like I am near bonking. I feel pretty good and strong. Have been eating a lot of real food (which is better for me). But probably should put in a little electrolytes to get through the last section.

To Last Gasp (Mile 47.56)

I note that we are doing good on time. We run along. Scott talks about when we hit the bottom of Cardiac Hill, we will just power up the hill as best we can. He says he wants to just pass Last Gasp and push up the hill to break 10 hours. I am glad that he is believing again he can still make his time goal.

We keep going along at a decent pace. Though, I feel like it is taking forever to get to the bottom of Cardiac. Where is that darn hill?! I keep hoping to see it after every bend.

Finally, we near it and the BIG hill begins. I am feeling strong and feeling good I can help Scott power up this hill. Unfortunately, Scott is now starting to feel weary. I gently run up the hill but he is walking. He eventually yells at me to stop pulling him and that he has to just go at his own pace or he will stop. So, I slow down and walk alongside him.

I run ahead at one point just to snap a couple pictures of him. We are nearly there! Just up this hill! We stop at the mile 47 marker for a quick picture and continue our trek up the hill.

We get to the Last Gasp aid station. Scott does not feel like eating anything anymore. He is not feeling well. So, after a brief moment, we get going.

Last Gasp to the Finish (50 miles!)

As we continue up the hill to ADO, I notice another runner dragging himself up the hill. His pacer is a super bubbly girl jumping alongside behind him. Way too peppy I think.

I ask Scott how he is doing. He says not good and to stop asking him. This is the tough part for me as a pacer. I don't know what to say to him to help encourage him on but also not annoy him. So, I stop asking him how far he's going. Since Scott's garmin is dead, he just wants me to tell him how far the finish is. I tell him we are 2 miles away, 1.5 mile away.

Two miles from the finish, we start running again. Up the hill. Scott says we have 26 minutes to go 2 miles. We have it! And, I notice that we are running a sub-10 min/mile pace. This is really good. We can totally break 10 hours. I am very happy for him. I am feeling excited and emotional to be there for Scott's big accomplishment.

Then, I feel a twitch in my left calf. The pre-cramp twitch. oh no! The right calf does the twitch too. I make a little hop at one point and try to shake out the twitches. Scott asks if I am okay. I say I got a little pre-cramp twitches happening in my legs. He asks me if I have been taking enough s-caps. I tell him I am fine as I do not want to worry him. He should focus on finishing. But, I know I had not been taking enough electrolytes. I had been focused on reminding Scott to refuel properly. I forgot about myself. And, it is too late now. I eat a GU and drink my electrolyte drink. But, it's too late to get into my system. I just pray my legs keep it together.

As we approach the mile marker, Scott says to tell him every quarter mile that has passed. So, I look at my Garmin and check the mileage. Meanwhile, both my legs are twitching like crazy. They both want to cramp up badly. I would slow down but Scott has picked up his pace. He smells the barn and is kicking it up to the finish.

I am struggling and begging my legs to keep going. I tell Scott at one point, I may go down due to cramping but to just keep going and you will finish great! I really want to finish with him. I have run 23 miles with him and I want to finish with him. It would break my heart if I end up cramping up this close to the finish.

I tell him we are 3/4 mile away. Legs, please keep going. 1/2 mile away I tell him. My legs are tightening and I mentally tell them to hang on for 1/2 mile. 1/4 mile away I tell Scott. You're doing great Scott, I tell him. My legs are twitching like crazy. They are ready to cramp up.

We make the final turn onto the grass and see the crowds cheering us on for the final stretch. I hear people cheering Scott on. I do my best to just stay behind him. My leg has started cramping but I keep running, with a slight hobble. Oh man, this hurts so bad but I want to be there for Scott's finish. I run behind Scott. He crosses the finish and I cross a moment behind him. He breaks 10 hours! My whole leg is cramped up. I am glad to have reached the finish. Scott hugs me. I am just doing my best to stay standing. :)



Post-Race Pain!

Scott is greeted by his family and is so very happy. I just want to sit. I hobble along. As we are walking to the spot Mary had set up for us, my left calf cramps up and I collapse onto the grass. I am tearing grass out and swearing up a storm, I have not experienced such bad cramping. Any movement hurts.

Mary eventually comes to help me. She rubs my calf a bit and helps me up and over to a chair. A little later, I cramp up really badly again that I have to get carried to the massage table. Two guys tag team me in massaging both my legs. The cramping is happening all over. I am just yelling out in pain and all parts of my leg....left calf, right foot, right hamstring, etc....

I then sit in a chair for awhile unable to stand. Mary gets me food and soda. I am tired but I feel good to have been there for Scott. I see he's just so full of energy. Socializing with other runners. I am happy for him. All this pain I feel now is worth it. I am glad I got to be there for him for this accomplishment.

Reflections of being a pacer
Being a pacer is an interesting experience. You are running someone else's race rather than your own. In some aspects, I feel less pressure since it is not my race. In other aspects, I feel more pressure because I feel responsible for the runner. I want to make sure I remain strong for them for whatever he needs.

But, I did rather enjoy being that support person for another in a major accomplishment. I felt honored to have been Scott's pacer. I felt great during the entire run. Yes, I did kind of forget to take care of myself during the run and ended up cramping up pretty badly. But, I did what I set out to do and I feel happy with that. And, I am just glad I that I fulfilled my job as pacer in being there for Scott as he finished his first 50 mile race.

I would not mind being a pacer again. I rather enjoyed the experience. Though next year, for AR50, I am going to run the full 50 miles myself. ;-)

Scott's official time: 9:54:58

A Happy Two Years with Java Joggers!

A HAPPY TWO YEARS WITH JAVA JOGGERS

"Years later, thinking back on beginning, I see that while eventually, I came to understand that running would be good for my body and for my mind, it took me longer to know what it would do for my heart. Not the knobby muscle that pumps blood through the body, the organ that keeps the physical self alive, but the notional place where feelings pool and clog and eventually spring free. What I didn't realize, when I first started lacing up my shoes, was that for me, running would be so much about love.

Running with another person is an intimate activity. Run with someone long enough at a time and you will be stripped bare. Modesty falls away with the miles. The body -- its functions, its excretions, its wants -- cannot be ignored. The heavy breathing, the sweating, the soft talk that comes after exertion, the hours spent together -- running with another person is an intimate activity. it's hard to keep the heart uninvolved."

--except from the book "Personal Record: A Love Affair with Running" by Rachel Toor

My friend Cathy wrote today:

"Helen is one of the most fabulously craziest woman I've ever met! She is one of a kind and I know I speak for the rest of the JJ's when I say, "We are the luckiest runners/cyclist to have her in our lives." She has come into our lives only two years ago and she has done so much! She is our biggest cheerleader, our biggest supporter, recruiter and most of all biggest crazy crown wearer! Thank you Helen, I know my world is much more colorful with you in it. You really are an inspiration. I look foward to the next two years and can only imagine the extraodinary feats you will accomplish."

Two years ago, I was a shy little runner. Barely a runner. Searching for running groups, I found this group called Java Joggers. It seemed to be a low pressure group welcoming all levels...walkers, joggers, marathoners...slow and fast people...And, of course, the "java" part of Java Joggers appealed to me.

So, on April 4, 2010, a Sunday morning, I went out to the Aquatic Center for my first meetup with Java Joggers. I wore some cotton t-shirt and shorts and cheapie running shoes. I felt really nervous. I had started to do some running around the neighborhood and think the most I had run was 4 miles. No idea how fast/slow. The only goal I had in mind was to be able to run 3 miles in the run portion of a triathlon I was trying to train for.

The day of my first run, David, the organizer, greeted me in the parking lot along with other runners. We talked about what we were going to run. Some talked about doing the "lake loop," whatever that meant. Two people said they were going to do about 5 miles slow/easy. So, I stuck with them. We all started off and I saw the backs of David and Cathy as they took off to do the "loop." I then ran behind Diane and Gerry. Both were super friendly and chatted my ear off as I did my best to keep up with them. I was also surprised as to how much personal stuff is talked about while running. Gerry talked about his son. I can't quite remember what Diane talked about. I was just trying to keep up. Boy was I relieved after a couple miles in, they decided to walk a little bit. I finished the five mile run/walk. This would be my longest run at the time.

After the run, we gathered at Starbucks. I remember asking Gerry, "how long will the others be out?" Gerry said they were running around the lake so probably be another 45 minutes. Around the lake?! How far is that? 11-12 miles. Wow! I was in awe.

Eventually David and Cathy joined the group at Starbucks. And, I just had a nice time listening to all them jabber about this and that. What a friendly group!

So, I came back. . .I ran...I java'd...I became a crazy runner...and, I fell in love with some of the greatest friends to be part of my life...:)

In two years, I have attended over 250 meetups with Java Joggers. They helped me be able to run my first 10k, my first triathlon, my first lake loop, my first half marathon, my first marathon, and my first ultra-marathon. They have helped me become a faster and stronger runner. They have kind of made me into a crazy person too. I started off as just as girl who just wanted to be able to run 3 miles at the end of a triathlon. I did not plan to ever run crazy long distances. I did not believe two years ago I could ever run a marathon. But, Java Joggers changed me somehow. They made me a happier and healthier person. They got me to believe in myself. Believe that I can do what I once thought was impossible. And, I love they just encourage and inspire the craziness.

While I do love my other running friends, my cycling friends, and my swimming friends, there is something particularly special with me and the Java Joggers. They have become family to me. Cathy sometimes jokes that we should be called the Jabbering Java Joggers because we talk so much when we run. But, it is because we talk that we are so close to one another. Hours are spent running together. In those hours, we have covered many subjects from serious to silly. From personal to just pure randomness. We have talked, shared, listened to just about everything and anything.

What I did not know back when I started was that I would just fall in love with these people. I did not know that these are the people I would end up sharing so much of my life with. And, not just my running life. I have grown to cherish them because they have helped fix what was once a broken person, that they have continually picked me up when various life things just knock me down, and they continually make me smile and laugh. They have become the greatest group of friends a person could ever ask for. They are always my greatest cheerleaders and greatest supporters!

So, for my two year Java Joggers anniversary, I wish to thank all the Java Joggers for all the wonderful runs and other adventures we have shared in the past two years and I look forward to even more runs and crazy adventures in the years to come! :)

I almost always wear the Java Joggers shirt in my races...Because Java Joggers are the reason I am good to the last mile.