Sunday, April 01, 2007

I'm the luckiest girl in the world...........to have such great friends!
Friday at 5:30am I started my 75 mile training run with my friend Julia, who was going to run 100k out on the Ohlone with me. The 100k was going to be her b-day run. The main goal of my training run was to make sure she finished the 100k. This was her 5th attempt at running 100k out on the Ohlone trail. Time was not what we were going for it was having fun and finishing.
In this picture Julia has rabbit ears and I have a crown on. She wore the ears to celebrate easter which is coming up and she gave me the crown because I am the Queen of the Ohlone trail. That's what she said.

This is me and Julia after climbing out of the steepest climbs on the trail which I call Satans pit! We climbed out of HELL back to HEAVEN. WE MADE IT!!!!

Mile 32 I picked up some of my groupies....LOL! Backrow Joe L to Right, Myling, Alikona and Aaron. Seated Julia. Front Me & Jerry. Julia passed the rabbit ears onto Fast Jerry and I gave the crown to Alikona. We headed out for more fun through the night. We all took it easy and had fun. Myling and Joe only went out 10 miles and had to turn around they were only planning on running 20.

We all were having fun. The crux came for Julia when we reached Sunol. She had no choice but to keep moving. Mile 52 is where she always quits. Not this time! At this point I was getting a bladder infection. I got dehydrated during the day when I ran out of water. It was my fault. We made it back to Jerrys house and I thought if I did 75 miles it wouldn't be fun and I was in pain. The down hills always make it worse because of the pounding. I thought if I just did 6 more miles to make it 70 I could avoid the 5 miles of down hill. After all this was a training run and a memorial run celebrating my Moms life. She passed away at 70 years old. So to 70 miles turned out to be the magic number. My friend Julia mentioned ,before I headed out ,and was planning on doing 75. That my Mom wouldn't want me to hurt myself. She was right so 70 miles was perfect!

I want to thank my friends; Julia because you're crazy like me, Jerry because you're always there to help, and make sure I'm ok on the trails(and you're crazy too!) Myling & Joe for being such great friends, thanks for getting everyone to the start at mile 32 in Del Valle. Alikona such a sweetie and fun girl who I'm just getting to know. Aaron thanks for hanging with me and Julia all night good luck with your JMT project.

What fun we had. I must say I was sore during the run because all the crossfit lately but that's ok. I need to get this body strong for the PCT.



16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Catra,
Thank you for a great run.
It was so nice meeting everyone.
The Olhone Trail sure is pretty. Running with the almost full moon worked out great as well.
I just may have to be back for the 50K race.
Aaron

Anonymous said...

sweet run!

how do you pronounce Alikona's name?

probably a stupid question, but I am always intrigued by unusual names because my family is rife with them. except me of course,

Mike

Anonymous said...

Hi Catra,

Have only just discovered your blog. I'M ADDICTED!!! I have read just about the whole thing.

I'm new to running and my longest ruin to date is 15klm. But I want to do the same sort of insane things that you do.

Curious as to what you eat diet wise and how you organise your food etc when you are doing a training run.

What made you start doing the distances you do?

Aussie who wants to run.

Anonymous said...

This is my first time posting, but I've been reading your blog ever since I followed a link to it from Jill up in Alaska a couple of months ago. You are an inspiration, and today I wanted to let you know I just bought one of those cute running skirts exactly like the one you're wearing in these pictures and I love it. Thanks for the info about them.

Catra said...

Hey Debamundo-
Thanks so much for the kind words.
You're going to love the skirt, and you will look oh so cute and stylish.
Catra

Journey to a Centum said...

Catra,

If you don't mind me asking what is up with your bladder? Seems like you are constantly fighting a bladder infection. I seem to remember you having a real problem with it at States several years back. I think you should trade it in for a new one. Too bad that's not an option.

Catra said...

Hey Centum-
I wish I could trade it in LOL....I know what causes it and it's being dehydrated. I went to a specialist and had every test done. Bottom line I need to drink more water during my runs. It started at 52 miles. I knew I was going to get one since I went like 3 hours without drinking much water.
I could of kept going but wny bother it wasn't a race :)
The good thing is it goes away by the next day. With the help of UT vibrance, and lots of water.
Catra

Catra said...

Hey Aaron-
Thanks for coming out. I had a blast :)
You better hurry up and sign up before it sells out. Get a hold of me when you get back to town.
Catra

Catra said...

Hi Mike, it was fun
Her name is pronounced ali kona.

No question is ever stupid ;)
Catra

Catra said...

Hey Aussie-

Glad your an addict ;)

I don't carry tons. I can tell you what I carried on that run. I had two vegan organic protien bars, 3 packs of clif shot blocks 3 gels, 3 little packs of seasame crackers and a little baggie of organic low sodium baked chips.

I started running because I need a healthy addiction after I quit drugs and alcohol.
Catra

Renee said...

Catra, take care of that bladder before you need a transplant! Well done, and so special to run with your good friend and in memory of your mother.
Be well, sister!

Steve Ansell said...

Catra, great job on the run and I love all the pics. Looks like you guys had a great time. I did my afternoon run from MP to Sonol and back and saw your names in the Ohlone Wilderness sign-in sheet. I left you and Julie a "you guys rock" note. Glad everything went well despite the bladder issues...stay hydrated will ya!

HERC DRIVER said...

Hey Catra!!! Glad to see that You're having a great time as usual!!! :) Sitting here in Singapore, but I'm headed home to Alaska tomorrow! I've been going crazy here. I forgot my running shoes!!! Arrrghhh!!!!! ;)

Namaste, Tom

GB said...

I am so amazed every time I read your blog. I don't know how you do it! If I ever run a portion of the Ohlone Trail and see you, I'm going to give you the biggest hug! You really spread the joy you have for this sport, and that is the BEST!

Catra said...

Hi Gb-
Thanks so much..I just love nature and running free. I'm just being me and living.
You should come join me for one of my crazy adventures sometime. it's always fun ;)
Catra

GB said...

Thanks for the invite Catra! I'd actually be very honored. I'm not too far away, just an hour or so east of Fremont. I'll touch base if ever I can get a good block of time to run with you. That would be such a blast!