Last Saturday, my eyes opened up on 1:48AM, a full 12 minutes before my alarm was set to go off and I was to hear “Lately I’ve been, I’ve been losing sleep…” the first line of “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic, which has been my go-to let’s go running wake up song for the past year or so. Yes, seriously. This morning was no different. I’d be losing some sleep this day.
Start and Finish
I made it out to the start line at 5AM, a mere 30 minutes before the silent gun was to go off. My mom was excited to go to “the expo,” which really only consisted of me checking in, picking up bib and race shirt, and handing off my drop bag to a nearby pickup truck. The temperature was cold, around 38 degrees but it was welcomed considering I knew the day was going to get warm. Unfortunately, I underestimated how cold it really felt because I was shivering and practically numb for the first several miles. Silly me forgot my long sleeved shirt and gloves. Oops.
One reason, amongst many reasons, I opted to do this race was the option of having an early start. Since this was my first 50 mile race, I wanted to make sure I had every available minute I could have to finish. I’m no speedster by any means, and I didn’t know what the day would have in store for me, so if I could give myself any extra cushioning to finish under the 14 hour time limit, I was going to take it.
Miles 1 to 5
The first few miles were dark and cold. This was probably the second time I’ve actually worn my headlamp while running – I’m not much of a nighttime runner and that’ll become apparent much later in the race. This part of the course was flat as we passed by a dairy farm, and by the smell of the area, nobody could argue this wasn’t a dairy farm. I couldn’t see or hear
any cows, but I think we all knew those cows were there.
any cows, but I think we all knew those cows were there.
Very bad lighting. Spooky.
Physically, I felt great going into the race. I had lots of energy and I had no signs of aches anywhere. I made sure I taped up my ankles and knees with KT Tape for extra support. And I had no problems with them at all during the entire race. I took every precaution I could and planned for anything that may come up over the course of the day. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, and I wasn’t about to give myself a reason to fail.
It was during this time, there were a few “good mornings” and “have a good race” going around. I met this nice older gentleman who is a seasoned ultramarathoner; having run Avalon 50 ten times, and several other ultras as well. He told me he didn’t train much for San Diego. In fact, he told me he didn’t run more than 5 miles in the past few weeks and didn’t get over 13 miles during the course of his training. Now, I sometimes start to wonder — does someone say this in the case the race doesn’t go well, and others may think, “Ohh, it’s because you didn’t train for it.” Or is it because, if the person really does well, someone can think, “See, you don’t need to train a whole lot to complete a race.” I’ll never know, but that’s ok, it honestly doesn’t matter. I can’t worry about what any other person does or doesn’t do,
because frankly, it doesn’t affect me at all. I told him I hope he has a great race and the important thing is he’s still out here doing it. Even though we didn’t stay together for long, I did think about him periodically throughout the race wondering how he was doing.
because frankly, it doesn’t affect me at all. I told him I hope he has a great race and the important thing is he’s still out here doing it. Even though we didn’t stay together for long, I did think about him periodically throughout the race wondering how he was doing.
The sunrise finally came up and the darkness faded. But it was still cold though. Very cold.
Miles 5 to 10
Around mile 5 there were some very nice rolling downhills that lead us into the first aid station around mile 6. These were great to run down. I knew on the return trip, they would be a blessing and a curse for reasons I’ll explain later. At the first aid station, I started taking my first Chocolate Haze from PocketFuel Naturals. This flavor is my favorite and surprisingly works well with me. Gels and I don’t really mesh well. The texture, the flavors, the texture…I just don’t care for.
After I left the aid station, the course flattened out again and stayed that way until we got to mile 10. We ran down this stretch of dirt and made a right turn into what looked like this
waist-high grassy preservation area that was really cold and foggy. Remember what this area looks like for later in the recap.
waist-high grassy preservation area that was really cold and foggy. Remember what this area looks like for later in the recap.
Once we got to the end of this trail, we made a left turn and ran along a fenced off section of agriculture crops. I couldn’t tell exactly what they were growing but I knew it wasn’t organic due to the sign that said “Portions of this trail will be closed off at times for pesticide spraying.” I honestly wish I took a photo of it.
With the exception of talking to the nice older gentleman for a little bit, I was pretty much all to myself. That is until I got to mile 7. A couple of weeks ago, I put a call out to my friends because I wanted to dedicate a mile to someone, especially during the later miles. There
were quite a few people who came forward and offered me a friend or family member to dedicate a mile to and I was so grateful and excited to put together my list. I already had a few people in mind who I wanted to dedicate a mile to, but there was one non-human I made sure to have with me at mile 7. My coworker’s beloved dog Moe. Why did I pick mile 7? Because Moe was 7 when he died last October.
were quite a few people who came forward and offered me a friend or family member to dedicate a mile to and I was so grateful and excited to put together my list. I already had a few people in mind who I wanted to dedicate a mile to, but there was one non-human I made sure to have with me at mile 7. My coworker’s beloved dog Moe. Why did I pick mile 7? Because Moe was 7 when he died last October.
Moe and I out on a walk. May 2014.
I honestly loved Moe so much and I still miss him to this day. When my Garmin beeped to indicate 7 miles, it was like he just sprung out of thin air and was running along side me. The ironic thing was Moe didn’t really run and never would he run long distances. I would look down to my left side and see him there as he looked up towards me with those big ol’ brown eyes. Mile 7 flew by so quickly and as soon as my Garmin beeped to indicate 8 miles, it was like he vanished as quickly as he showed up. I didn’t feel his presence at all.
Reaching mile 10 was great. It was the first time I was to see my mom and sister during the race. Another reason why I picked this race is because it’s actually quite spectator friendly — a rarity in trail races. Some spots were friendlier than others but for the most part,
people could see their friends and family at a few stops along the way. One thing I wanted to make sure of was, I didn’t linger long at the aid stations. I said my hellos, took a quick photo, grabbed a little bit of water, took more of my Chocolate Haze, and was off. I’ll see them again in 5 miles.
people could see their friends and family at a few stops along the way. One thing I wanted to make sure of was, I didn’t linger long at the aid stations. I said my hellos, took a quick photo, grabbed a little bit of water, took more of my Chocolate Haze, and was off. I’ll see them again in 5 miles.
Miles 10 to 15
Once we passed mile 10, we got our first section of no trail as we ran along some pavement and under the I-15 freeway on a bike path which lead us to running on some tiny rock
pebbles. These little pebbles eventually turned into trail again and to our first water crossing. Based on other race reports I read, I knew there was a water crossing somewhere in the race, I just didn’t know where. And I didn’t know there wasn’t just one, but two, water crossings!! In case you’re reading this and maybe thinking of running the San Diego 50, let me tell you, there are TWO water crossings.
pebbles. These little pebbles eventually turned into trail again and to our first water crossing. Based on other race reports I read, I knew there was a water crossing somewhere in the race, I just didn’t know where. And I didn’t know there wasn’t just one, but two, water crossings!! In case you’re reading this and maybe thinking of running the San Diego 50, let me tell you, there are TWO water crossings.
As I assessed the first water crossing, it wasn’t too long, and by the angle of the photo it looks like someone could just hop over it, but it was a little deeper than I would’ve liked. Just as I looked at which foot should go on what rock, a woman listening to very loud music came running up behind me. “We have to cross that?” she asks. “Yes, we do,” I replied. I made it across the water unscathed. Me: 1, Water: 0. The woman’s music was blaring so loudly and I couldn’t help but laugh a little inside. We were going over a lot of bigger loose rocks on this portion and I recognized the song she was blasting was “Rock Steady” by The Whispers. The irony wasn’t lost on me.
Lake Hodges
Lake Hodges was now in sight and I came to where the marathon and 50 miler splits off. The race director mentioned this part during the pre-race instructions. Luckily, I was able to hear him over the sounds of my chattering teeth. When we see the chalk markings, the marathon runners will be going straight and the 50 mile runners will be veering off to the right. There was no mistaking where the split was.
Energy-wise I still felt really good at this point, but I wanted to be conservative so I didn’t burn out. There were many more miles to cover. Knowing I’d have another mile to dedicate to someone at mile 13 helped. I only had a few names in the first half of the race so I knew exactly what miles they were at – 7, 13, and 20.
I made it to the next aid station at mile 15. After a quick hello to my family and a pretzel, I was off again.
Love at mile 15 aid station.
Miles 15 to 20
This section was an array of terrain and environment. One moment we’re winding through a tree lined trail with lots of twigs and sticks and steps, and in another moment we’re running on those tiny gravelly pebbles. The oddest thing we came across was an old beat up car smack dab on the side of the trail. Someone obviously took a wrong turn
somewhere.
Can I get a lift? I call shotgun!
A few moderate climbs and some nice downhills that wouldn’t feel too nice later. The sun was out which means the heat was out and the signage indicating we’re in an area with rattlesnakes. I didn’t see any this day, nor did I hear any. It was hot but guess it wasn’t as hot as they would’ve liked. Fine by me.
Once I passed the portion of the rattlesnakes, there was a long climb and a quick downhill. I
couldn’t wait to get to the next aid station because I could tell my hydration pack was getting very low on water and wanted to refill it up.
couldn’t wait to get to the next aid station because I could tell my hydration pack was getting very low on water and wanted to refill it up.
Bridge towards and away from aid stations 20/30
Climbing. Always climbing.
Miles 20 to 25
As I made the quick right turn towards the aid station, I scanned to see a few people sitting
there in lawn chairs cheering runners on, but I couldn’t see my family. They weren’t there, but it actually turned out perfectly because all I needed to do was fill up my hydration pack with water and while I was there I grabbed my first lemon lime soft drink. I needed a little bit until I could get the cola later. It was so refreshing! The guy filled up my pack with water and as I put it on, I realized he filled it up to the top. I really only needed it half way so I drank more from it. I could feel it seriously constricting my movement and it was kind of hard to breathe. At that moment, I decided to spill a little of the water out, not much, but just enough so my face didn’t start turning from red to blue.
there in lawn chairs cheering runners on, but I couldn’t see my family. They weren’t there, but it actually turned out perfectly because all I needed to do was fill up my hydration pack with water and while I was there I grabbed my first lemon lime soft drink. I needed a little bit until I could get the cola later. It was so refreshing! The guy filled up my pack with water and as I put it on, I realized he filled it up to the top. I really only needed it half way so I drank more from it. I could feel it seriously constricting my movement and it was kind of hard to breathe. At that moment, I decided to spill a little of the water out, not much, but just enough so my face didn’t start turning from red to blue.
Miles 20 and 30 Aid Station
Mile 20 was also the third name on my list. This person isn’t actually born yet, but my friend
wanted me to dedicate this mile to him. I talked to this unborn child and told him his parents are so excited to have him soon. I told him his mom is going to be the best mom, and his father, well, may have some issues. Just kidding H!! Seriously though, they’re going to be awesome parents and I’m so very happy for them.
wanted me to dedicate this mile to him. I talked to this unborn child and told him his parents are so excited to have him soon. I told him his mom is going to be the best mom, and his father, well, may have some issues. Just kidding H!! Seriously though, they’re going to be awesome parents and I’m so very happy for them.
Out of all the previous race reports I read, one thing was certainly consistent – the mentioning of the switchbacks. I was wondering where these were. Well, here they are broken up in two sections — up, up, and up, and down, down and down. And down onto flatter trails that lead me to the next challenge of the day.
Making my way up the switchbacks.
Now here’s a part that got a little interesting — I came upon the second water crossing.
Here we go again. This time the water crossing was much deeper and much longer and I completely forgot to take a photo of it but it looked a little like the Pacific Ocean. Ok, maybe not as big. I stopped to assess the rocks and just then a couple of guys were returning
from the turnaround. At this point I only had about a mile or so until the turn around. The guys crossed the water towards me, and once they were over, one of them handed me a long stick to help me maneuver my way across. This was an awesome device. I felt like Gandalf with his staff in Lord of the Rings. I made it across unscathed yet again. Woo hoo!!! Me: 2, Water: 0.
Here we go again. This time the water crossing was much deeper and much longer and I completely forgot to take a photo of it but it looked a little like the Pacific Ocean. Ok, maybe not as big. I stopped to assess the rocks and just then a couple of guys were returning
from the turnaround. At this point I only had about a mile or so until the turn around. The guys crossed the water towards me, and once they were over, one of them handed me a long stick to help me maneuver my way across. This was an awesome device. I felt like Gandalf with his staff in Lord of the Rings. I made it across unscathed yet again. Woo hoo!!! Me: 2, Water: 0.
I tossed my weapon to the side hoping it would still be there when I came back. I noticed a
woman was running down the hill and she could have easily retrieved it to use and leave it on the other side of the ocean. Actually anybody could’ve done that. Will it be there for me when I get back? Time would tell.
woman was running down the hill and she could have easily retrieved it to use and leave it on the other side of the ocean. Actually anybody could’ve done that. Will it be there for me when I get back? Time would tell.
Climbing towards mile 25
Climbing the long hill up was only met with another long steep hill, and that long steep
hill met up with yet another very steep, although not as long, hill. These were
by far the longest climbs of the day and of course, we needed to get through
them in order to make the turnaround. After the last very steep, although not
as long hill, there was a little downhill and moderately flat climb to run
around the bend and alas! The mile 25 turnaround! It was a glorious sight to
see. As one runner mentioned, “It’s an oasis!” He wasn’t kidding. Once there, I
couldn’t wait to gulp down my first taste of cola. I needed it. I was
daydreaming about it. It was their generic cola, but it would just have to do.
And it was awesome. I told myself I had to wait until mile 25 to have some and
I couldn’t wait to get my sweaty dirty little paws on it. I drank a couple of
cold cups of it and it ahhhhh refreshing!!! The wonderful volunteer, among all
the other wonderful volunteers, put some ice in my cap and I put some ice down
my shirt, because it was hot!!
hill met up with yet another very steep, although not as long, hill. These were
by far the longest climbs of the day and of course, we needed to get through
them in order to make the turnaround. After the last very steep, although not
as long hill, there was a little downhill and moderately flat climb to run
around the bend and alas! The mile 25 turnaround! It was a glorious sight to
see. As one runner mentioned, “It’s an oasis!” He wasn’t kidding. Once there, I
couldn’t wait to gulp down my first taste of cola. I needed it. I was
daydreaming about it. It was their generic cola, but it would just have to do.
And it was awesome. I told myself I had to wait until mile 25 to have some and
I couldn’t wait to get my sweaty dirty little paws on it. I drank a couple of
cold cups of it and it ahhhhh refreshing!!! The wonderful volunteer, among all
the other wonderful volunteers, put some ice in my cap and I put some ice down
my shirt, because it was hot!!
Miles 25 to 30
After I said my thank yous, I set off on the return trip. I ran down the hill, down the steeper
hill, and finally down the last of the steep hills and guess who I saw? I saw the nice older gentleman I spoke to during the early miles. He was still going
strong!
hill, and finally down the last of the steep hills and guess who I saw? I saw the nice older gentleman I spoke to during the early miles. He was still going
strong!
I made it back to the water crossing. And guess what? Gandalf’s staff was still there waiting
for me! I took a quick look behind me in case someone was there but nobody was
coming down the mountain. I placed my right foot on the first rock and placed my
stick in the water. Rock by rock I slowly went by. Just as I got half way, a
woman came up immediately behind me. She was in a hurry, and that made me
nervous. Trying not to think of her I tried to take my time, but this lady
would not let up. There were just a couple of rocks to go but I felt like she
was practically trying to be on the same rock as me. Hold up woman! She did not
hold up and I sped up which inevitable landed my feet in the water. It wasn’t
much, but it was enough to get a little of my left shoe, but mostly my right
shoe and sock wet. Ugh. Me: 2, Water: 1.
for me! I took a quick look behind me in case someone was there but nobody was
coming down the mountain. I placed my right foot on the first rock and placed my
stick in the water. Rock by rock I slowly went by. Just as I got half way, a
woman came up immediately behind me. She was in a hurry, and that made me
nervous. Trying not to think of her I tried to take my time, but this lady
would not let up. There were just a couple of rocks to go but I felt like she
was practically trying to be on the same rock as me. Hold up woman! She did not
hold up and I sped up which inevitable landed my feet in the water. It wasn’t
much, but it was enough to get a little of my left shoe, but mostly my right
shoe and sock wet. Ugh. Me: 2, Water: 1.
“Oh no,” the woman says. “Well, good thing I have an extra pair of shoes.” I replied. I did
have an extra pair of shoes waiting in my drop bag at mile 30 but I still had
over 4 miles to get to them. I’ll just tell you now that I never changed my
shoes. The temperature was so hot it didn’t take long for my shoes and socks to dry.
have an extra pair of shoes waiting in my drop bag at mile 30 but I still had
over 4 miles to get to them. I’ll just tell you now that I never changed my
shoes. The temperature was so hot it didn’t take long for my shoes and socks to dry.
I pressed on after this water crossing, and considering how much of a hurry that woman was
in she never passed me. Couldn’t tell you what happened to her. Maybe she wasn’t even doing the race.
in she never passed me. Couldn’t tell you what happened to her. Maybe she wasn’t even doing the race.
There were no names to dedicate a mile to from 21 to 26, but from miles 27 to 49, I looked at every name on my list whenever my Garmin beeped at the next mile. From mile 27
to the end of the race I was never alone. I’m honestly very grateful for the names — a majority of the people I never met, but they meant something to someone and they each got me through this race.
to the end of the race I was never alone. I’m honestly very grateful for the names — a majority of the people I never met, but they meant something to someone and they each got me through this race.
Everything I saw in the first half of the race, I would see again in the second half. The
switchbacks were again waiting for me and again they went up, up, and up, and
then down, down, and down onto trail that eventually got me back to the next aid station at mile 30. A very, very welcomed sight!!
switchbacks were again waiting for me and again they went up, up, and up, and
then down, down, and down onto trail that eventually got me back to the next aid station at mile 30. A very, very welcomed sight!!
Miles 30 to 35
I honestly couldn’t be more excited to see the aid station at mile 30. It was at this time
I gulped down ice water and Coca Cola!! Ice cold Coke. Actual Coke, not the generic cola the race was handing out. Tasted a bit different. Now, I don’t tend to drink Coke. In fact, drinking Coke has really only been limited to when I’m running. Pure liquid gold for me and it definitely hits the spot! Oh, I also got see my family here since I missed them the first go around.
I gulped down ice water and Coca Cola!! Ice cold Coke. Actual Coke, not the generic cola the race was handing out. Tasted a bit different. Now, I don’t tend to drink Coke. In fact, drinking Coke has really only been limited to when I’m running. Pure liquid gold for me and it definitely hits the spot! Oh, I also got see my family here since I missed them the first go around.
Because my shoes and socks had long since dried, I didn’t see a point in spending time changing them and adding more BodyGlide and Vaseline to my feet. At this point, I didn’t
have any painful hotspots and didn’t deem it necessary. In my drop bag, I made
sure to have my Frogg Toggs. If you’ve never heard of this amazing invention, let me just say, had I discovered this years ago, it would have probably saved me many races where I was in a world of hurt from the heat.
have any painful hotspots and didn’t deem it necessary. In my drop bag, I made
sure to have my Frogg Toggs. If you’ve never heard of this amazing invention, let me just say, had I discovered this years ago, it would have probably saved me many races where I was in a world of hurt from the heat.
I first heard about the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad (I know the name cracks me up, too), from my sister’s coworker’s twin brother at a Halloween party last year. He knew I ran and did a
lot of races and mentioned this thing he found. “You have your phone with you?
Look it up on your phone right now,” he said. He was funny. I didn’t look it up on my phone
right that second. In fact, I kind of forgot about it. It wasn’t until I ran
the Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon a week later and my friend actually had one! After that scorching hot race, she placed it on my head and that thing was so cooling!! There was no doubt in my mind I’d have one for this ultra. And guess what? It was a lifesaver from the heat.
lot of races and mentioned this thing he found. “You have your phone with you?
Look it up on your phone right now,” he said. He was funny. I didn’t look it up on my phone
right that second. In fact, I kind of forgot about it. It wasn’t until I ran
the Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon a week later and my friend actually had one! After that scorching hot race, she placed it on my head and that thing was so cooling!! There was no doubt in my mind I’d have one for this ultra. And guess what? It was a lifesaver from the heat.
I doused the Frogg Toggs with water and placed it around my neck. I said my thank yous and
goodbyes to my family and took off up a climb and back into rattlesnake
country. No rattlesnakes but I did come across a couple of guys not having a very good day out. Both were walking very slowly on the uphill. Came up to the first guy and asked him how he was doing? He said he had some leg cramps but he was ok. Then I came up to the second guy. “Hey, how are you doing?” He said, “I’m done.” I said, “Oh no, are you ok?” He said he was cramping a lot and his back was seizing up. I asked him if he needed any salt because I had extra but he said he was done with the race and was going to call it a day at the next
aid station. I told him to take care and carried on. I felt bad for him because
that next aid station took forever for even me to get to.
The one thing I didn’t think I needed to do was the one thing I really should have done at the
last aid station. That was, I really should have checked the water level in my
hydration pack. Eventually what happened was I ran out of water around miles 32
or 33 and this sucked. Really badly. It was hot, my mouth got dry, and I was
very thirsty. Uh oh. I had some gum with me so I tried chewing that in hopes it
would help the situation. It didn’t. What made it worse was, I really needed to
pee. And what made it even MORE worse was the fact my energy was waning. I
wanted to take some of my Chocolate Haze but I needed water with it. There was a lake next to me and I couldn’t even drink from it. I honestly felt
like Cheryl Strayed in “Wild.” These miles were the longest to get through, but
when I finally came to that next aid station, it was like I won the lottery!!
goodbyes to my family and took off up a climb and back into rattlesnake
country. No rattlesnakes but I did come across a couple of guys not having a very good day out. Both were walking very slowly on the uphill. Came up to the first guy and asked him how he was doing? He said he had some leg cramps but he was ok. Then I came up to the second guy. “Hey, how are you doing?” He said, “I’m done.” I said, “Oh no, are you ok?” He said he was cramping a lot and his back was seizing up. I asked him if he needed any salt because I had extra but he said he was done with the race and was going to call it a day at the next
aid station. I told him to take care and carried on. I felt bad for him because
that next aid station took forever for even me to get to.
The one thing I didn’t think I needed to do was the one thing I really should have done at the
last aid station. That was, I really should have checked the water level in my
hydration pack. Eventually what happened was I ran out of water around miles 32
or 33 and this sucked. Really badly. It was hot, my mouth got dry, and I was
very thirsty. Uh oh. I had some gum with me so I tried chewing that in hopes it
would help the situation. It didn’t. What made it worse was, I really needed to
pee. And what made it even MORE worse was the fact my energy was waning. I
wanted to take some of my Chocolate Haze but I needed water with it. There was a lake next to me and I couldn’t even drink from it. I honestly felt
like Cheryl Strayed in “Wild.” These miles were the longest to get through, but
when I finally came to that next aid station, it was like I won the lottery!!
Don’t drink the water.
Miles 35 to 40
This lottery I won came equipped with a porta potty and a large ice cold Coke!! And water!!! I
quickly filled up my hydration pack, chugged down the Coke, and was off like a
wild banshee. My family was there again waiting, and seeing them at most of the
aid stations was motivating me to just get to the next aid station. Thinking I
had 20 miles left to go was so much more overwhelming and daunting than
thinking I only had 5 more miles to go before the next filling station. Never
did I think at any point in the race, well I got this far, I could stop now. Never. But I do believe the aid station at mile 35, in particular, saved my race. I refueled and most importantly, rehydrated and that was enough to carry me through to the next pit stop.
quickly filled up my hydration pack, chugged down the Coke, and was off like a
wild banshee. My family was there again waiting, and seeing them at most of the
aid stations was motivating me to just get to the next aid station. Thinking I
had 20 miles left to go was so much more overwhelming and daunting than
thinking I only had 5 more miles to go before the next filling station. Never
did I think at any point in the race, well I got this far, I could stop now. Never. But I do believe the aid station at mile 35, in particular, saved my race. I refueled and most importantly, rehydrated and that was enough to carry me through to the next pit stop.
I wound my way through the single track trail and finally reached the split off for the
marathon and 50 mile. I ran down those tiny gravelly rocks and then those
larger loose rocks and finally, the water crossing – the first and last water
crossing. I’m so thankful this was the shorter one. I didn’t have any trouble
the first time I crossed it and I certainly didn’t have any trouble the last
time I crossed it. Woohoooo!! Me: 3, Water: 1. I win!!
marathon and 50 mile. I ran down those tiny gravelly rocks and then those
larger loose rocks and finally, the water crossing – the first and last water
crossing. I’m so thankful this was the shorter one. I didn’t have any trouble
the first time I crossed it and I certainly didn’t have any trouble the last
time I crossed it. Woohoooo!! Me: 3, Water: 1. I win!!
Miles 40 to 45
The lesson was learned after that last stretch and when I made it to the aid station at mile
40, I made sure to fill up my hydration pack again. The awesome guy wearing the blue Avalon 50 shirt who filled up my pack told me, “The hardest part is done. No
more huge climbs. It’s just back where you started. You know this part. Just 10
miles remaining.” 10 miles. That was it. I’ve had many 10 mile runs. 10 miles is nothing. But 10 miles was still a lot.
40, I made sure to fill up my hydration pack again. The awesome guy wearing the blue Avalon 50 shirt who filled up my pack told me, “The hardest part is done. No
more huge climbs. It’s just back where you started. You know this part. Just 10
miles remaining.” 10 miles. That was it. I’ve had many 10 mile runs. 10 miles is nothing. But 10 miles was still a lot.
Water and encouraging words at mile 40.
At this point I decided to ditch the Frogg Toggs and it was good thing I did because I definitely didn’t need it any longer.
Bye-Bye Frogg Toggs. You helped a lot!
This would be the last time I’d see my sister and mom before the finish line. I hugged them
goodbye and set off. Later I would regret not getting my long sleeved shirt
from them because silly me forgot it was probably going to get cold again once
the sun started going down and it was starting to go down.
A man and a
woman passed me somewhere between miles 35 and 40. As they ran by I gave them a quick “good job” but I got no response from them in return. Eh. That’s fine. When I got to the aid station at mile 40 they were there. I took off before them but they passed me again. As
they were running past me, again, I gave them a quick “good job” but still no
response from the woman. However, the man responded with a short “yeah.” She
was in extremely good shape. Both were. But it looked as if she may have taken
a spill somewhere and clearly this was not the best race she, or he, was
having. I kept thinking of where they came from because I saw every person who
was behind me when I turned around, and they weren’t one of them. Were they hiding
out somewhere? I had to preoccupy my mind a little bit at this point but I just
couldn’t figure it out. I mention them because they’ll become a little
important to me later. Every runner is important but this couple was
particularly important for me.
woman passed me somewhere between miles 35 and 40. As they ran by I gave them a quick “good job” but I got no response from them in return. Eh. That’s fine. When I got to the aid station at mile 40 they were there. I took off before them but they passed me again. As
they were running past me, again, I gave them a quick “good job” but still no
response from the woman. However, the man responded with a short “yeah.” She
was in extremely good shape. Both were. But it looked as if she may have taken
a spill somewhere and clearly this was not the best race she, or he, was
having. I kept thinking of where they came from because I saw every person who
was behind me when I turned around, and they weren’t one of them. Were they hiding
out somewhere? I had to preoccupy my mind a little bit at this point but I just
couldn’t figure it out. I mention them because they’ll become a little
important to me later. Every runner is important but this couple was
particularly important for me.
When I got to those agricultural crops I knew that area was fairly flat. I just kept looking
at those crops because I couldn’t quite tell what they were growing. With long
runs and especially this very long run, I can get a little, let’s just say,
loopy. A thought popped into my head. What if they were growing human pods as
in Invasion of the Body Snatchers? I tell ya, I get a little loopy! Now I really wish I took a photo of them.
at those crops because I couldn’t quite tell what they were growing. With long
runs and especially this very long run, I can get a little, let’s just say,
loopy. A thought popped into my head. What if they were growing human pods as
in Invasion of the Body Snatchers? I tell ya, I get a little loopy! Now I really wish I took a photo of them.
With about seven miles remaining, I kept seeing big words written in the dirt. Go Todd Go. Run Todd Run. Just Keep Swimming. U Rock. It was nice and fun reading these encouraging words until I heard sounds I really didn’t want to hear.
About to rock my way out of there!
It was the sounds coming from a pack of coyotes and no, I don’t mean the L.A. based trail
running club. Several coyotes started to howl. Remember the area that was cold and foggy early in the recap? This was the area I was back in. From what I could tell, there
must have been about a dozen different howls coming from behind me so I had
just passed them somewhere. The funny thing is I had heard at the last aid
station some woman mention a pack of coyotes. I didn’t stop to ask. I had no
idea what she was talking about. Oh, this must’ve been what she meant!!
running club. Several coyotes started to howl. Remember the area that was cold and foggy early in the recap? This was the area I was back in. From what I could tell, there
must have been about a dozen different howls coming from behind me so I had
just passed them somewhere. The funny thing is I had heard at the last aid
station some woman mention a pack of coyotes. I didn’t stop to ask. I had no
idea what she was talking about. Oh, this must’ve been what she meant!!
I stopped for a second to look behind me and didn’t see them, in fact, I didn’t see anybody,
but I clearly heard them. This. Freaked. Me. Out. So I took off running. That’s
right. When you got coyotes somewhere at your heels in the distance, what
should you do? Yes, I took off running. The howls were still going and as I
looked over to my left, it appeared I saw a coyote’s head peeping up from the
waist-high grass area looking towards where the howls were coming from. My
Go Todd Go turned into a Go Christina Go!!! Eventually, the howls got quieter
and when they did, I paused for a minute to take out my headlamp. The sun was
going down faster. As I started running again, I could see a rabbit up ahead
and told the coyotes “there’s your dinner.”
but I clearly heard them. This. Freaked. Me. Out. So I took off running. That’s
right. When you got coyotes somewhere at your heels in the distance, what
should you do? Yes, I took off running. The howls were still going and as I
looked over to my left, it appeared I saw a coyote’s head peeping up from the
waist-high grass area looking towards where the howls were coming from. My
Go Todd Go turned into a Go Christina Go!!! Eventually, the howls got quieter
and when they did, I paused for a minute to take out my headlamp. The sun was
going down faster. As I started running again, I could see a rabbit up ahead
and told the coyotes “there’s your dinner.”
Miles 45 to the
Finish
Finish
I made it to the final aid station and got my final dose of cola. The sun was gone. My headlamp was on. And I was cold. As I took my final swig of soda, the volunteer guy
tells me “Just five and half miles left to go before the finish.”
tells me “Just five and half miles left to go before the finish.”
Those words felt good to hear. But those really nice rolling downhills I had at the beginning of
the race, they were back. It’s just that they were facing the opposite
direction so they became not so nice steep uphills. I desperately tried to
remember how many of them there were, but my brain didn’t feel like computing
much. I cursed them. I hated them, but then I loved them because I knew once
they were over, it was pretty much flat and downhill all the way to finish. And
it was pitch black. I could only see about 10 to 15 feet ahead of me, and those
uphill climbs did not seem to be ending.
the race, they were back. It’s just that they were facing the opposite
direction so they became not so nice steep uphills. I desperately tried to
remember how many of them there were, but my brain didn’t feel like computing
much. I cursed them. I hated them, but then I loved them because I knew once
they were over, it was pretty much flat and downhill all the way to finish. And
it was pitch black. I could only see about 10 to 15 feet ahead of me, and those
uphill climbs did not seem to be ending.
Thoughts of those coyotes filtered in my head, and then I started thinking what if there
were mountain lions? What if someone was hiding out on the mountain? What if
those snakes made their way over here? I was the only person out there and I
had my list of names so you know what I did? I started talking to them out
loud. Nobody but me was out there. Or so I thought. On one of the climbs, I saw
some legs up ahead. It was a young woman in the dark with no headlamp on. I ran
up to her and said, “I thought I was the only one out here.” She says, “No, I’m
doing some sweeping.” With no headlamp?? How in the world do you walk on that
mountain with no headlamp?? It was pitch black!! Periodically I would look
behind me in hopes of seeing a flicker of light indicating some other life form
was out there with me. My real fear was I’d look behind me and see eyes staring
back at me. I’ve clearly watched too many scary movies. So I kept moving. In
fact as soon as those climbs were done, I took off running like never before.
were mountain lions? What if someone was hiding out on the mountain? What if
those snakes made their way over here? I was the only person out there and I
had my list of names so you know what I did? I started talking to them out
loud. Nobody but me was out there. Or so I thought. On one of the climbs, I saw
some legs up ahead. It was a young woman in the dark with no headlamp on. I ran
up to her and said, “I thought I was the only one out here.” She says, “No, I’m
doing some sweeping.” With no headlamp?? How in the world do you walk on that
mountain with no headlamp?? It was pitch black!! Periodically I would look
behind me in hopes of seeing a flicker of light indicating some other life form
was out there with me. My real fear was I’d look behind me and see eyes staring
back at me. I’ve clearly watched too many scary movies. So I kept moving. In
fact as soon as those climbs were done, I took off running like never before.
Unfortunately, it was around that time my Garmin shut off. But I knew I had around 3 miles
left to go. At least I felt like I did. The big climbs were done. The trail was
all fairly flat, but it was really dark. The stars looked absolutely beautiful,
but I never run at night and this was scary to me. By far, this was the
scariest moments in the race. Running in complete darkness.
left to go. At least I felt like I did. The big climbs were done. The trail was
all fairly flat, but it was really dark. The stars looked absolutely beautiful,
but I never run at night and this was scary to me. By far, this was the
scariest moments in the race. Running in complete darkness.
Around then, I saw something in the near distance. It was a flicker of lights indicating life
form was up ahead. It was the man and the woman who passed me. They were walking
and I caught up to them. Of course as soon as they realized I was just behind
them, they took off running. Noooo. Don’t leave meeee. I honestly didn’t care if they stayed ahead of me. It was just nice knowing I wasn’t out there entirely alone.
form was up ahead. It was the man and the woman who passed me. They were walking
and I caught up to them. Of course as soon as they realized I was just behind
them, they took off running. Noooo. Don’t leave meeee. I honestly didn’t care if they stayed ahead of me. It was just nice knowing I wasn’t out there entirely alone.
The one thought I had during this time was, if I could just smell those dairy cows I knew I was close to the finish. And then the smell came. I turned on my phone and texted
my sister to tell her the man and woman were ahead of me because I knew she
would tell me when they came in and when they did, I knew I was very close. This
is why they became important to me. I had no gauge of knowing what mile I was
at. They became my Garmin.
my sister to tell her the man and woman were ahead of me because I knew she
would tell me when they came in and when they did, I knew I was very close. This
is why they became important to me. I had no gauge of knowing what mile I was
at. They became my Garmin.
And then I got the texts.
I made the final left turn and then the final right turn, and I could see in the distance the
red lights from the time clock. I heard the claps, and cheers, and saw my mom
and sis. I was finally done with 50 miles. And stopping never felt so good.
red lights from the time clock. I heard the claps, and cheers, and saw my mom
and sis. I was finally done with 50 miles. And stopping never felt so good.
The feeling I had after I finished 50 miles was physically, I was exhausted, but emotionally
I was so elated in disbelief. “I can’t believe I just did that. I honestly can’t believe I just did that.” I remember saying.
I was so elated in disbelief. “I can’t believe I just did that. I honestly can’t believe I just did that.” I remember saying.
I honestly didn’t care what time I came in as long as it was under the cutoff time and I
made it. After a half a day of constant moving, I ended up with a couple of
blisters on my right foot and a sore back but that was it. My knees felt fine
and more importantly, I didn’t roll any ankles. I was constantly looking at
where to place my feet and even as I ran in the pitch black darkness, I ran as
if I was in daylight. I amazed even myself.
made it. After a half a day of constant moving, I ended up with a couple of
blisters on my right foot and a sore back but that was it. My knees felt fine
and more importantly, I didn’t roll any ankles. I was constantly looking at
where to place my feet and even as I ran in the pitch black darkness, I ran as
if I was in daylight. I amazed even myself.
50 miles was a distance I really wanted to tackle because first of all, the distance scared
the hell out of me, and secondly, I wanted to see if I could actually do it.
Now I want to see what else I can do. Yes, I would do 50 miles again. Yes, I
will go a longer distance. Yes, it will probably always scare me. But I now know that I
can in fact, do it.
the hell out of me, and secondly, I wanted to see if I could actually do it.
Now I want to see what else I can do. Yes, I would do 50 miles again. Yes, I
will go a longer distance. Yes, it will probably always scare me. But I now know that I
can in fact, do it.
Pure happiness after 50 miles!
Thanks for reading and Happy Ultrarunning!!