Dirt Diva

SAN DIEGO 100..It was fun most of the time ;)Andy, me and Vinnie all decided we would drive down to the race together and stay together.
I didn't sleep well woke up a few times to people making a bunch of noise walking by. I also woke up a bunch of times to go pee. I wanted to be totally hydrated before the race. I got a pretty bad bladder infection during my Ohlone 100 a few weeks ago and didn't want that to be a issue.
I wanted this race to be fun for Andy and I since it would be the first time we would run 100 miles together as a couple, and stay together to the end.
This was also a very special race for Andy, it would be the 5th time he had run this race also it was the very first 100 miler he ever ran. I was so excited to be part of this special journey.

We started off at a mellow pace I don't like to get to caught up in going out fast. It's 100 miles and it's a long way to go so going out fast is not a good idea. I was just enjoying the morning and the friends along the trail.
I just felt bad because Andy could of run much faster. But he was very honest about wanting to stay with me, and it wasn't about racing or running fast just spending time with each other on the trail.
The first 20 miles went by pretty fast. The course is a 20 mile loop and a 30 mile loop and than you do it again and your done. The first half of the race we just chatted and had fun many people passed us but I didn't mind because I knew I would pass some of them at the aid stations where I try to get in and out.
I had noticed Vinnie went out fast and I told Andy I bet we catch him at 50 miles.
We got into an aid station and there he was. Mile 43 we caught him. We all ran the last 7 miles into the start/finish aid mile 50. It was time for us to get our warm clothes and lights. The best part of the race is you can use your car at the start/finish as aid at mile 20/50/70. So we had a cooler with our cold drinks and snacks. Andy & I changed socks and got warm clothes. Vinnie was having issues and he stayed to regroup.
I was feeling really good when we left. I was very emotional running with Andy 100 miles. I thought how lucky I was to have him with me. Andy was having some issues and early on rolled his ankle. He had taken a couple advil so he was ok. I think at some point we both had stomach issues.
I got sleepy early on and took a no-doze at 10pm. I of course was so wired I talked non stop. Poor Andy had o just listen to me ramble on and sing along with my mp3.
At some point Andy got sleepy and took a no-doz too. We were getting really cold during the night. I just wanted to get to mile 70 by 1pm which we did so I could change. I put on a warmer jacket and Andy put on his, and got his gloves. We were so happy to be heading out on that last 30 miles.
My feet were a little sore and my legs were actually tight most of the race. This last 30 miles I knew would be tough. I really could run more than a slow shuffle but at least I was able to move good on the up hills.
Funny how all the aid stations seem so far away at this point. It's just because I had slowed down so much. I still was having fun even if it was taking forever to get to the finish. The whole time it was like me and Andy were pacing each other. I would hit a low point and he would bring me back up. He would hit a low point and I would bring him back up.
I was happy once the sun was coming up. But at about 7am I just felt my energy being drained. I just could get running so I did the best I could. Just took Andy's advice and putt one foot in front of the other. I was so happy to finally get to mile 93 not so happy that I wasn't going to make it in 28 hours like I planned but hey things happen and I was just so happy I was with Andy.
The last 7 miles was so hard. I didn't recognize any part of that damn trail. I think my brain was fried from the heat. It was getting pretty warm out there, and I just wanted to dunk my whole body in cold water. I'm sure I was getting a little snappy with Andy out there. I just wanted to know how much longer. I was like a little kid on a long ass road trip and just wanted to be there now!!!!

Lucky for me, Andy is so mellow and calm and just would say were almost there.
I knew finally we were almost there because I saw my Mountain. A Mountain I said I wanted to climb a day earlier which by the way I was not going to!!!
When I saw it I knew the end was near.
I was very thankful when I saw the finish line. I also thought how lucky I was to have such a loving and caring boyfriend who stayed with me the whole way.
I thought if a couple can run 100 miles together they sure have a strong relationship. I really feel being out there with Andy for 29 hours made our relationship a lot stronger even though it was fine before.
We both know how lucky we are to be in love and have each other.
I am so proud of you Andy Kumeda for getting your 5th finish at San Diego 100. Next up Bighorn 100 in less then two weeks. We plan on having fun again.

I just want to thank Scotty & Paul for putting on an awesome event. Also I want to thank all the wonderful volunteers who made sure we were taken care of all along the way. You guys were the best.
I will be back next year to get my 5 year finisher jacket like Andy got.