The no WST 100 43 mile fun run.............. It was a sad time for many ultrarunners this past weekend including my good friends Mikey, Joe & Mylinh. They were all entered to run the race. Myself and my friend Julia were going to pace Mylinh and Joe. I decided we should run 62 miles for fun on the Ohlone.
Jo Lynn decided to run with us too. She is training for her first ultramarathon. Her husband Keith would meet her into Sunol to do a little loop with her so she could get 15 miles in.


Our plan was to run to Del Valle and back. We made it to Sunol and realized maybe we should do 40-50 miles. We headed out to do the Mguries Peak loop and we all quickly became dehydrated. It was warm but we had a nice breeze. I knew we wouldn't have water for 10 miles so I wasn't drinking much. Mylinh ran out so did Joe so I gave Mylinh 20 oz from my pack not knowing I was basically out.
Julia & Mylinh took off than Mike & Joe. I stopped to fix my shoe. Caught up to Mike who gave me some water. We had 4 more miles until next water.
We made it out to back packers camp and sat down to eat what little food we had we all put what we had in a pile to share. I brought plenty of gels so did Mike but non of us really brought a lot of food. Our plan was; we could get to Del Valle and eat at the camp store, but we changed those plans early on.
Our plan now was to rest, regroup and get to Sunol where everyone would drink cold cokes, from the machine there. Except of course me.
When we made it there I went to the rangers office and drank lots of ice cold water.
We hung out at the stables and talked with the man who runs the horse rides out of Sunol. We have seen each other for a few years but never talked.
I will now make a point to say hi to him when I see him. real nice man.
We all regrouped for our finally push back to Mission peak and to the finish. We all were hungry and planned to eat Mexican food.
We ended up running 43 miles in 12 hours and had a challenging but fun day.
I'm always happy to just spend time running with wonderful friends.
Hope your weekend was fun.

Mission Peak run today.....The smoke seems to be getting better. Tomorrow me and several close friend will do a 62 mile run. A few of them were in WST 100 but since it was canceled I thought I would organize a run for them.
Looks like it might be warm tomorrow, but I think the air quality will be better where we will be running.
I hope all of those who were in WST 100 at least get out and do a run with friends and just be thankful we're all healthy and alive.

All is evolution, all is cyclical, therefore endings lead to new beginnings. You cannot begin without an end. If you cannot let go of the past then the past constantly recreates itself. Look now to the future and the paths to your goals will again become clear. Obstacles or limitations will be surmounted and lost or forgotten opportunities will again be presented. Success is now within your grasp but realise that to maximise that success new ways, or new methods, could make life so much easier.
© Stephen Haynes

Bighorn 100 miler the most beautiful race I have ever run.WOW!!! is all I can say about this race. It was so organized and beautiful. They had top notch volunteers. I love almost every minute of it.
I really have to say it was very fun. I of course love seeing all my friends, who I only see at races.
This year they had to change the course at the last minute, which had me freaking out. They said there was 7 feet of snow still on the course. They said we only would have to deal with 3.3 miles of snow. The race info. said expect winter conditions at night. so I packed every warm thing I owned.
Ok, so it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The snow was totally manageable and winter conditions at night. That was a joke. I only need my gloves at the turn around at 3am, that's also when I put my jacket on.

The plan was me and Andy would stay together, which we did the whole way. Andy had a rough patch as it got dark, when he twisted his ankle for the second time. I really got worried and wasn't sure if he would be ok. We walked until he felt better at night. He is strong and held it together. I as always was the encouraging one. I helped him through the night.
He of course was strong once the sun came up, and me I hit my low point. I just focused on staying positive. It was hard to feel bad because of the beauty that surrounded us.
The volunteers were so encouraging and cheerful which made it fun.
There was a 50k race and a 50 miler which started Saturday so after 24 hours of running it was fun to see the front runners and all the 50 miler runners coming at us.
The race went well and we had fun. Steve Ansel who also is from Fremont ran it too, we all traveled to the race together. We caught him at the aid station with 18 miles to go. We stayed together but he decided to run like a mad man down hill, we lost him around mile 93. I thought we wouldn't see him until the finish.
We ended up catching him a few miles from the finish. He hurt his foot so was walking it in.
This was Andy and my 2nd 100 together and once again we finished together.
I think running 100 miles with the one you love really makes you stronger as a couple. We did it in 32:14. I was super happy with our time.
Next up Tahoe rim trail 100 miler in 3 weeks.

Thanks to everyone who send us positive vibes. I got them.
Happy finishers Steve Ansel Catra Corbett & Andy Kumeda.
Oh btw I will for sure run this race again next year.

Images from Bighorn 100. I promise I will write my race report soon. I am still so amazed at the beauty in the Bighorn mountains.

I'm sorry to all you runners who were planning on running WST 100 this weekend. It's a bummer the race was canceled but it was for the safety of the runners , volunteers and crews. The trail will be there waiting for you all next year.

BIGHORN 100 MILER, FINISHING TIME 32:14.
Andy, me and Steve at the start of Bighorn 100. It was the most beautiful 100 mile course I have run so far. I will post my report later this week. It was an awesome run.
The beautiful Bighorn mountains.

Things are not always what they appear, so examine everything carefully. What looks very positive could be negative and what looks negative could in fact be positive. The universe is a strange place and so things don’t always have to go according to your plan to actually be beneficial. This is a time to rely upon the Self, so examine and let go of support systems that no longer serve you.

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go :0
Bighorn 100 watch out because here I come. Ok I need to be honest I'm a bit worried about the snow or I guess I was. They have changed the course because part of it still has 5 feet of snow.
It will be a challenge with the extreme temps. Warm in the day and winter conditions at night. Please send us positive vibes. I'm going to be chasing Andy the whole way once again.



Rocky is sad I'm going. Doesn't it look like he's crying?? We went on a extra long run/walk this morning.

Things are not always what they appear, so examine everything carefully. What looks very positive could be negative and what looks negative could in fact be positive. The universe is a strange place and so things don’t always have to go according to your plan to actually be beneficial. This is a time to rely upon the Self, so examine and let go of support systems that no longer serve you.
© Stephen Haynes

It's all about the journey.....................Don’t try to weigh things up or make a hasty judgement, the time is not right. Things haven’t yet had time to establish themselves so judging them too soon would be a waste of time and energy. Let things and situations have space and time to evolve. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Problems or obstacles that have been in your way will either resolve or dissolve as time goes by. This would be a great time to do a kindness or a charitable deed for someone less fortunate than you. This will be energetically replaced with a valuable piece of information.
© Stephen Haynes
Packing for Bighorn 100 so much to do so little time. I'm looking forward to my adventure.

Crossfit wod
for time
300 abmat sit-ups
300 air squats
10:36

Do not put yourself in a situation that will compromise you or your values. It is frankly better to do without than accept compromise. Examine what it is that you want - perhaps what you want is not necessarily what you need. This is a time for improvement and betterment but you must clear away the old to make room for the new. Where there is a will there is a way, learn to operate in new ways and develop your strength of will.
© Stephen Haynes
Mike and I went for a run today on Mission peak we did around 9 miles. We took our time and had fun. He is tapering for WST 100 and me Bighorn 100.
Mike is one of my mentors I meet him in 2000 when I was training for my first WST 100. He is the man when it comes to WST or AC 100 he has run them both at least 10 times. We have wacky fun when we run together it's always an adventure.
This is the native American grinding stone rock. The Ohlone woman sat here some 100s of years ago to grind nuts and seeds. I always like to make a trip to this rock to feel the energy, from these amazing people who once lived in the area. It helps me get focused for my upcoming races.
Mike and I on the top of Mission peak. Today was my Fathers day run, I ran today in Memory of John Corbett my dad and Ronnie Kumeda Andy's day.
Mt Diablo is in the background, it really was a beautiful day.
Not many hikers or runners know about this cross. I once stumbled upon it some years ago chasing my father goat. He was a quick goat but I loved to chase him along the face of the peak we sorta had a game. He watched over me all these years running Mission Peak. He finally passed on a couple years ago. It was all of a sudden, I looked for him all winter and into spring but didn't see him. I knew in my heart his time had come. I was later told by Ranger Neil he was dead at the bottom of the creek. it was old age I believe.
Back to the story of the cross, I thought where did it come from? I asked a regular, Doug if he knew about it? He knows everything out on these trails. It was put there by a hang gliders family. He and his son crashed there. He died but his son lived, I believe it happened in the 90's.
I decided to see if it was still there today, sure enough.
The top of Mission peak to the left me just doing a little rock climbing in an area most people don't explore. It's fun to get off the beaten path you never know what you might find. Just thought I'd share a little of my findings.

LIVE LIFE LOVE LIFE.........................
New beginnings or the possibilities of a new start are soon to be presented. Use your inner magician to pull together all the components of what soon will be in the offing, as you should now be able to manifest your hopes, dreams and desires. Remember you are only at the beginning, the first stages of development, so the more you are able to accept the more will be given to you.
© Stephen Haynes
I swear my ass would be dragging on the ground if I didn't do crossfit and run trails everyday. At my age it's a battle to keep it tight and lifted ;) Girls you know what I'm talking about.
For upper body and balance hand stand pushups rock! I can go half way down. I'm up to 5. By the end of summer I want to have enough balance to hold myself up without using the wall.
Todays WOD:::::
Run 3 miles
23:15

3 rounds for time of:
50 squats
50 abmat sit-ups
50 push-ups
50 box jumps
11:26

3 mile run with Rocky
37:25

Let yourself see what is not apparent, in other words, take a look under the table! It is sometimes highly enlightening when you turn things upside down or look at them from another perspective. All experience, good, bad or indifferent, is strangely good experience as it is only with time that you begin to understand why you had to have that particular experience and what the ultimate purpose was. We’re not in control of everything so, now and then, take a hands-off approach and let the universe have a go.
© Stephen Haynes
15 mile run on Mission peak My Happy Friday the 13th day run.
Some times you just gotta cut lose and be crazy. Like take your clothes off and take a photo ;)
It was very hot got a bit dehydrated. Was going to run 16 but cut it down to 15 instead.
Me making a wish!
I still have good balance even standing on a slopping rock.

I hope everyone gets out and enjoys this beautiful weather. Well I'm off to work at REI tonight. Glad I work there a few times a month the discount is worth it.

The individual epitomizes the universe.
Where exactly does your influence on life end? You'll never know the full power of consequences of your actions and choices. Enhance the whole of life today through your actions.

Eating according to the season is the secret of health.
Your body knows that all the things have their seasons. The spirit has its seasons, too-spring for rebirth, summer for exploration and growth, autumn for harvesting, and winter for introspection. Live in the season today.


More SD 100 Andy & I heading out into the night.
Andy & I leaving Lucky 5, I had the best soup ever there!!!

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.

We did it!!! Yep, Andy and I stuck together the whole way. We ran San Diego 100 in 29:34.
I will write a report tonight, I just got in from SoCal and am heading to work. Here are a few images.Andy and I heading to San Diego to run SD 1oo
A few minutes after our finish . Andy ran his 5th SD 100 and I ran my 4th.
Andy got a really cool jacket for being a 5 time finisher. He has run it 5 years in a row. I get the cool jacket next year.
Me and the Ohio boys Bill Losey and Bob Combs. We all finished strong.
Andy heading to work today and me heading home.
I will write a full report about the race tomorrow.