Tuesday, December 08, 2009

NOW'S THE TIME................
And finally, I want to acknowledge that making changes in your life is never an easy task. The key, however, is not to get caught up in the distance you have to go to get to where you want to be. Nor should you despair over the amount of control you have over your circumstances. Progress is made in the small, intentional steps, and chances are, you have more power than you think. By focusing on little steps you can take every day, the progress you make will motivate you to continue your journey, and eventually, you can go wherever you want to go. The important thing is simply to begin.
Stephen Cherniske, M.S

Andy and I had a good run at Ridgecrest 50k. I was happy to finish in under 6 hours. We finished in 5:48 if it wasn't so windy we would of had a faster time for sure.
It was really cold too.
I love running with Andy he always keeps me going when I'm having a tough time. I fell 2 miles into it so my right knee was hurting a lot of the way. This is a pretty flat course for the most part so you end up running most of it. Not like most ultras I run where you are climbing tons.
I also learned a hard lesson do not do a hard crossfit WOD like Mary two days before an ultra. Will I ever learn ;-)
I am taking it easy this week want to be really ready for Chimera 100 miler Saturday. With the weather looking bad it will be challenging ,even to the toughest of the group. Mentally you need to be ready for being comfortable with the uncomfortable.
I just need to start packing since I leave right after work at 4pm Thursday. I would love all my friends to send me those positive vibes this weekend. Oh send them to Andy too, since he's running the whole race with me and will need them.
This awesome pictures were taken by Andy Kumeda.

A special woo hoo to my friend Kellie Crowles for completing her first Ultra way to go girlie ;-) very proud of you!

14 comments:

*Ultra*Rockstar* said...

Oh Catra, why do we do these things to ourselves racew week/weekend? I LOL because I do it too.I never learn! I also do hard WODS before my races.

We just work hard thats all.

As always I will send positive vibes your way.YOu will do great.YOu can push through anything espeacilly with Andy with you :)

Hone said...

You guys make the best ultra couple. They should have a contest for best ultra couple of the year.

I looks like I am out of the HURT but hopefully I will see you guys before to long.

Also I hope that knee heals. Get it better!!

Shannon said...

Good Luck Sista!

RunSueRun said...

Catra, I LOVE your socks!!!

:)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on Ridgecrest 50k and best of luck at Chimera. I know the weather may make it even more challenging but I know you will do great, I have been following your blog for some time now! I will be at one of the aid stations out there this weekend helping out.

Deirdre ;)

Anonymous said...

Hy Catra,
I hope you will be better till to the 100K.
In Germany are a lot of trail-runners who think about you - the best of you (you aren an optimist)...

The stars are allways there, but only in the darkness you see them shine (so beautyful)...

With the best wishes from germany

your markus

Unknown said...

Good luck to you and Andy, Catra.

Will see you both on the course.

It is going to be one challenging day and night. Rain and cold.

But lots of good comradery, positive thinking, conservative race plans, (no one has to go out there and try to beat Meltzer :)) and we will all be fine.

PunkRockRunner said...

A flat 50K? THAT sound like my kind of race :-)

Once again both you and Andy have made it look easy.

Congratulations to you both and all the best this coming weekend.

Take care,

Ron

Catra said...

Hey Evan thanks!!! Why...what happend?? No HURT ;-(

Hi Markus thanks for the comment. Tell all my fans in Germany hello.

Hi Deirdre make sure to say hi to me and Andy ;-)

Angela and Jen said...

I almost caught you a few years back at the finish line at Ridgecrest. My claim to fame! Glad you had a good time this year. Good luck this weekend! Jen

Marsha said...

Catra, you are such an inspiration! Good luck on the Chimera.

Anonymous said...

Catra! Saw your name in "Born to Run" last night and was so excited. It's been years since we've talked, but I'm thrilled you are still running.I've run three marathons myself. I've got great memories of when we'd chat and you'd cut my hair. Our many iced mochas together. HAVE AN AWESOME RUN! - Lakota

Lucho said...

I just found your blog... you're awesome. I love your story and the scratches.

The 4 Bushel Farmgal said...

Hi Catra,
For about a year I've popped over to your blog every now and then to catch up to your accomplishments. You are SO inspiring. I'm in the second half of my fifties now, and I wish I had your drive and willpower.

I am also impressed by the wonderful quotes you post. There's some impressive words on your blog.

My sympathy for your losses, no one can heal the hurt. But take pride in what you have done, it is truely wonderful.

All the best,