47 HOUR B-DAY RUN

I want to thank all my friends who came out and helped me during my b-day run. Jerry, Kathy, Julia, Mike and of course Rocky Ridge. I also want to thank all of you who followed me via FB and sent me positive messages.

I was a great time the only issue I had was a bladder infection on the second day which was no fun. I ended up with 129 miles in 47 hours. My full report will be posted as soon as I get my computer back.

Happy Holidays friends ;-)))

First place winner and course record holder Leor, me and second place Gerry

Who would of of thought 14 years later I would have a steak going with my beloved Quad. Dipsea 28 mile race.
I will never forget the first time I ran it. I was not as adventurous as I am now, so I had my brother Jay drive me to the start with me and my friend Kevin would come to the finish and give me a ride home.
I had run 2 50ks and 1 50 miler at this point. I didn't know anyone that ran so I stood there not knowing anyone and very intimated by this ultrarunning crowd. Sure I was an ultrarunner at this point but was a newbie and only ran alone. I was amazed at all these famous ultrarunners I had seen and read about in ultrarunning magazine I had recognized them from photos.
I was afraid of this race because of the climbing and all the stairs. I never saw the course so was nervous.
The gun went off and off I went not knowing how tough this sucker would be. Right from the get go we climbed. The race was hard but I was loving it, my ears were wide open listing to all the runners talk about this hundred and that hundred. I wanted to be one of them a true ultrarunner and run a hundred. I was already thinking about running one.
I met so many runners that day that made me feel comfortable out there. I had a blast that first QD run.
And I am 14 year later with old friends and new ones. I met so many first time runners out there and it was fun talking to them remembering one time long ago I was one of them.

I went into Quad having done a long run the day before which I usually do. I ran 18 miles and had run a few other 15 milers during the week. This race always kick starts my HURT 100 training. I decided I would run relaxed and enjoy the day. I made sure to try and keep my eyes on Jerry my roommate since he always runs a good pace at the Dipsea. I pretty much ran with him or followed him the whole day. I pushed hard on the down hills and power walked the uphills. I decided the race felt easier this year. Not sure why since I just ran Javelina Jundred two weeks ago. Maybe I am in good shape from it.
II had a good run and finished in 6:26 my 4th fastest time there.
I decided next year I want to go into the race rested and try to beat my 6:10 PR there. I ran that in 2002 which was a year of PR's for me.

I want to thank all volunteers and the RD's John & Lisa for putting on such an awesome race. Next year the race is on for me ;-))))

JAVELINA JUNDRED 26:20
What an awesome race so well organized the Coury brothers know how to put on one hell of a party.
I was shooting for sub 24 but you know how that goes in a hundred. The planets all have to line up and well they did for a while but after 46 miles they decided to separate. I got the starting of a bladder infection at 46 miles I was peeing blood so decide in order to stay in the game I would have to walk a lot to clear in up and drink,, drink, drink. I did have cranberry juice at headquarters so knew I would be good once I made it back there.
The weather was a little warm on laps 2 & 3 and against my better judgement I only ran with one bottle, stupid girl ;-( I should know better since I get dehydrated very easy and of course get bladder infections because of it. I was able to clear it up and I knew it was going to cool down at night.

It started raining like they said at 12am and luckily I had a rain poncho that I put on. I never needed my gortex I was fine with a long sleeve light shell and rain poncho. I knew going into lap 5 that I would get my pacer Clifton when I returned.
I met up with him just after midnight I was a couple hours slower than I wanted to be but knew we would have fun.
We took off after a shoe change and food. Of course we headed out in a down pour but laughed and chatted the whole way. A good friend is important to have out in the late hours of a hundred.
I was a wibble wobble trying to stay awake. I saw George toilet man who gave some caffeine gum and that helped. Clifton gave me a 5 hour energy and I was good. Non stop talking.
I really had a blast watching all my friends through out the day and night. You do washing machine loops so you get to keep seeing people to cheer on.
I was most impressed with my boyfriend Andy Kumeda who of course killed it in a time of 19:16 if only my little legs could move that fast.
I will be back going for #5 next year. I finished my 79 th hundred to date at JJ ;-)
Looking forward to running # 80 during my birthday run next month. Congrats to everyone.
I would like to also thank Hoka one one for making a shoe that my feet love ;-)))

Party rock is in the house tonight
Everybody just have a good time
And we gonna make you lose your mind
Everybody just have a good time
We just wanna see yaa!
Shake That !
I am so ready to rock Javelina Jundred this weekend ;-) it is going to be FUN!!! This is preview of my costume I hope to God it doesn't rain until after I finish my had my fall apart. I hope I can keep the hat on for the hundred. I am going as Lady Luck so I should get Lucky right??
Please send me all those wonderful vibes out on the course.
You can follow me on their web-site I am # 333.

Looking forward to my buddy and amazing tattoo artist Clifton Carter who will pace me 30 miles ;-)) yay see you on the trail peeps ;-)))

"Not all those who wander are lost"
- Tolkien-
I believe we all should get out of our usual routine and try something exciting and new once in awhile. That's exactly what I did this weekend. Instead of doing a running event I did a Rogaine Orienteering 24 hour event. Yes, we did get to run some to get to our check points faster. We covered around 45 miles.
I must saying it's way harder than running a hundred mile race.
You must find as many check points as you can in 24 hours. You want to try and get as many as the high point ones as you can since since the race is scored by how many points you have.
I was on a team made up of all adventure racers who were amazing(that will be my next sport ) Donato was the one who got our team together. It was Donato, me, Andrew, Jon & Cindi.
The course was challenging either straight up a hill or straight down. The weather got cold and it rained a lot but no one complained. We all just worked together.
I thought I did pretty good . I only had one melt down in the middle of the night climbing up a very steep mountain with drop offs. One sleep and you would be hurt or could die. I just freaked myself out but made it through with the help of my teammate Andrew who just made sure I didn't slip to my death.
We only had one aid station out there.We went to once at dark to get our warm gear and food, and a second time in the morning to change and eat. We had two places we got water from out on the course and of course the aid station. It's not like an ultra where you have aid and support. You are self supported out in an orienteering event. Everyone shares their food and clothing with each other. I really like the whole team atmosphere, everyone helping each other get to the end ;-))))
We won the U.S Rogaine 24 national championship title for first place mixed team. We came in 5th overall. How cool is that for my first big event ;-)))

I am so happy I was part of such an amazing group of racers and hope to do more events like this in my future.
You only live once so you need to get out and live ;-)))

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
― Dr. Seuss,
Ran the Zombierunner marathon Sunday and was happy with my time 4:24 and 7th female. Andy of course kicked ass ran 3:20 and 3rd overall. I want some of what he is taking to make me faster.
I am super excited about my upcoming 24 hour race in Henry Coe this weekend with 4 other teammates it's gonna be FUN!!!! woo hoo.
Been training cross country on Mission peak to get ready I should do great!!! Hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween!!!

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”
― Dr. Seuss
Rocky Ridge ran his first race it was the Rocky Ridge trail 5k. How could I not sign him up when the race had his name. He ran with Boomer and his buddy Mike and Boomers Mom, JoLynn. we had a blast. It took us 1 hour with potty breaks and aid station stops ;-) I will sign him up for a 10k next.

Saturaday I did a training run up Half Dome with Donato. He is an adventure runner and is doing his first 50 miler soon. I am on his team for the Get Lost in Henry Coe 24 hour Rogaine event. That will a fun new challenge. I decided Half Dome would be fun for us. To do a training run up.
The weather was awesome and since the cables were down we had the place to ourselves. There were two people on the top but left as we got there. We saw a few coming down as we went up. But most don't go up unless you are really confident when the cables are down.
We had perfect weather and tons of fun!!!! I am lucky to live where I live.

"Perhaps this very instant is your time"

I ran 133 miles in 7 days solid training for Javelina 100 in a few weeks. Also good training for the 24 Rogaine national championship at Henry Coe the week before Javelina. Hey a 24 hour race the week before is a great taper ;-)
I did back to back Ohlone runs 31 miles Friday from Del Valle where I drove and left my car. I ran 30 miles back the next day. I wanted to end with 133 miles for the week that's why I did only 30 on Saturday. I am obseesed with the number 3 and two 3's is better than one 3 ;-)))
Speaking of being obsessed. I will be on HBO "Real Sports with Brian Gumbel on Tuesday October 18th at 10pm. I hope they don't make me look to crazy. It's about passionate and obsessive runners ;-)))
I am really lucky to live where I live to be able to run 31 miles only crossing one road through the wilderness. When I am out there I think of who I use to be and who I have become. Ex drug addict turned Healthy Ultrarunner. It makes me smile.
Today I am thinking fondly of my Dad who died when I was 17 he would be 76 today if he were here. I have his love for the outdoors that's for sure. I love you Dad. One day we will be together again but for now I will live for you.

Whenever you make a mistake or get knocked down by life, don't look back at it too long. Mistakes are life's way of teaching you. Your capacity for occasional blunders is inseparable from your capacity to reach your goals. No one wins them all, and your failures, when they happen, are just part of your growth. Shake off your blunders. How will you know your limits without an occasional failure? Never quit. Your turn will come ;-)

I have been a very busy girl ;-) I am training Rocky Ridge for his first race, it's the Rocky Ridge 5k no lie. I named him after that trail ;-)))
That is next Saturday ;-)))
I did an interview for HBO "Real Sports" show which will air the first time on Tuesday October 18th at 10pm and several more dates after.
Mary Carillo did the interview she was awesome. Chapman Downes is the producer who I worked with he was awesome as well.
The video crew and producer Lauren filmed and followed me at Twin Peaks 50 miler which by the way I finished for the 3rd time with Andy who finished his 4th time. We have the most finishes ;-) woo hoo.

I will be running back to back Ohlone 50k's starting tomorrow the weather looks Summer like. AWESOME!!!!
Ok that's it for now. GET OUT AND RUN!!!!!

Remember that life’s most treasured moments often come unannounced.
I love my little Rocky!! He loves when I am tapering for a race. We go out on the trails together more ;-) I'm not in a rush. Most days I take him out 2-3 miles on the road. But when I am tapering I let him explore the trails more. He hates the up hills but loves to run down hill ;-)
He really teaches me so much just watching him. He has the good life that's for sure. He Came from the streets and we rescued each other. That's really how I feel.
How can you not love a face like his ;-)

The purpose of life is a life of purpose. ~Robert Byrne
Busy running week I needed to get in at least a solid 100 mile run week. Which by the way I did plus more so 104 miles total for this week.
I have Twin Peaks 50 miler with 15,000ft of climb next Sunday so want to be ready.
My runs went well all week felt pretty damn good.
Yesterdays 30 mile was a tough one, but felt good at the end. I did what I called a 6 peaks run. Mission peak-Mt. Allison-Ohlone Peak-Monument Peak-Hang glider Peak-Mission peak.
The weather was fantastic all week.
Looks like we are having a change of weather this coming week. Rain tomorrow ;-( and most likely Tiogo pass will close for the winter since there will be snow. I was hoping to get a Mt. Dana run in again before the end of the season. Oh well I can't have it all.
On the good news side, I was contacted by a producer from HBO for a show called "Real sports'. They are interviewing me and 2 other runners for the show which will air later this month. They are flying out to interview me and do a photo shoot while I am in L.A this weekend.
I am super stoked to get my message out about how you can go from Drug addict Alcoholic party girl to positive athletic clean & sober girl ;-) It's all about trying and being positive.
It's not easy with so many negative people & negative energy out there that I deal with everyday.
I am always working on being the best person that I can be. Some days I fail, but I just pick myself up and keep moving forward ;-)

"You've got to follow your passion. You've got to figure out what it is you love--who you really are. And have the courage to do that. I believe that the only courage anybody ever needs is the courage to follow your own dream."
FINALLY!!!! Yes after trying to get up Mt. Whitney 2 other times this year I made it. Third times a charm.
In June there was way to much snow and I was not skilled in self arrest so bailed heading up towards the chute.
Just looking at that, I thought going up is no biggie, but coming down I could die.
Try number two was in July, driving out to Lone Pine my roommate got a call the house had been robbed so we drove back home.
This time come hell or high water we would make it up the mountain and we did.
We had a plan to summit Mt. Muir too but the boulder field looked sketchy to me since I was a little loopy from the altitude I think. It is a class 3+ climb which normally I shouldn't have not had an issue but I had a headache and just didn't feel comfortable.
I came to the conclusion later that I need to summit Mt. Muir first then head to Whitney. The 3 reports I read were of people doing Muir first then walking the easy trail to the top of Whitney. Metal note that's what I will do next time.
I was happy to have made my 7th summit with max on my pack. He too has been up 7 times although it wasn't the same Max it was his smaller brother ;-))))
The next day the plan was New Army pass to Langley. My back was hurting pretty much when we got going. My pack was pressing on my lower back and it was uncomfortable. I had slipped coming down Whitney so I must of hurt it then. That's the only thing I can think of.
We headed up to the lakes and to the base of New Army pass. The weather was a bit iffy and it actually hailed a little on us. I saw the clouds forming and was not feeling great about heading up. My back was really hurting but I was still trying to push myself. Some guys were coming down saying they saw lightening. The clouds were looking scary and I realized if I went up and had to out run a storm I couldn't do it since my back was killing me.
I told Jerry to head up and I turned around.
I have spent a lot of time in the Sierras and know that I hate being caught in storms something I have dealt with so many times.
I know the mountains will always be there for me to return. So down I went.

I had fun even though I didn't make Langley I will get it done next time. The Sierras are a magical place for me and they were a huge part on shaping me into the wilderness girl that I am. They helped save me after my mothers death and my divorce. I will spend many more years to come exploring in those mountains.
There will always be a force that draws me into them.
I am looking forward to being out in them next year for 30 days ;-)))

"Pain is your friend; it is your ally. Pain reminds you to finish the job and get the hell home. Pain tells you when you have been seriously wounded. And you know what the best thing about pain is? It tells you you're not dead yet!"
Wasatch 100 #6 not this time. Looks like I'm stuck at number 5 until next year.
It just wasn't my day only made it to mile 53 ;-(

I wish I had taken notice of the early warning signs, I may have finished. But like I always say would of, could of, should of ;-) make no excuses it is what is is.
We run this distance only because it's a challenge we don't know what the day will bring so we set off to do battle with our own demons and sometimes they win.
I felt the early warning signs of a bladder infection coming on last Wednesday but figured it was because I was having my mistral cycle I know TMI. I should of been taking extra UT vibrance and drinking more water but didn't.
I felt strong going into Wasatch #6 for me and #2 for Andy. I was super excited to be running with my sweetie.


The weather was awesome at the start not to cold ;-) we headed up the big climb chinscrapper and I was steady ;-) We made it to Grobbens corner the first aid in good time we were ahead of our split. By the second aidstation I wasn't thinking, i only filled my hand held and not my bladder. Going through the section before Bountiful B it was super over grown I hit my ankle bone on a rock or branch a couple times. It started hurting from all the twisting but I was still moving well.

I was looking forward to my Popsicle at mile 35. by the time we got there I was feeling my bladder pain coming on. I stayed positive and didn't say anything to Andy. Just wanted to drink some cranberry juice at Big mountain where we would see our crew girl Sallie. Who BTW was so helpful ;-)
We were about 25 min. ahead of pace when we left at this point I started feeling worse. I still didn't say anything to Andy. I have run 500 mile of this course so knew if I was feeling this bad now how the hell could I make all the climbs to the finish ;-( I hit a low and got depressed. I wanted to tell Andy but wanted him to go on.
I finally mentioned what was going on and he felt bad for me. I really struggled so I knew he knew, I was in bad shape.
We had plenty of time to finish but that wasn't the issue the pain was getting bad and I was peeing blood. When it happens this early for me in a race I know I can't regroup.
I felt bad because not only was I not going to finish Andy was going to DNF because of me.
He said something that really somehow made me feel so loved. I know he loves me but for him to say he came to run with me to spend time on the trails with me,and that he was going to stop too, because he was here to spend time with me. Made me feel very loved and supported by him. He was fresh and could of easily done well.
My little Peanut is the best boyfriend in the whole wide world. I am the lucky one.

So we stopped at Lambs and headed back to sleep in SLC. And spend some time together.
That night the rest of our gang Linda and Shannon dropped too. George got cut early on. We all went there to finish but it wasn't our day but we were all very happy to have gotten the chance to spend time with the Wasatch mountains ;-)

I will come out of this stronger just like I always do. Everything happens for a reason ;-)

Thanks for all your support friends.

"Wilderness is not only a condition of nature, but a state of mind and mood and heart."
~Ansel Adams~

Friday night was a fun night run in Yosemite with Linda & Julia. We ran out from Tiogo rd to Tamarack flat campground to El Cap look out and back 25 miles.
We could see the fire near Forresta and the sunset was awesome. I saw a lot of bats on the run along with a couple scorpions and lots of centipedes
;-)The weather was perfect just a long sleeve shirt was needed ;-) never got very cold.
It was one of those run where I just reflected on life and where my journey has taken me. I was lucky to be able to discover Yosemite after I got clean & sober and feel in love with it in 1994. I really became connected to Yosemite and the wild places it has to offer in 2002 when I spent weeks on end here mourning the loss of my Mom.
I basically lived out of my car and ran up Half Dome every day and to Clouds rest and beyond. I explored alone. It was a peaceful time and healing time.

The place has holds so many memories it is where I first rock climbed it was where I met my x-husband. It was where I met so many amazing climbers and people who loved life. It was fun being a dirt bag there off and on a few Summers.

It will always hold a special place in my heart. It has been my personal get away. It teaches me something each time my feet hit the trails there.

Ok Wasatch 100 is coming up fast. Next Friday I will head out to run and hopefully get finish #6 there.
Please send me positive vibes next weekend.

Heading to Sierra madre with Rocky tomorrow to visit Andy woo hoo looking forward to seeing him ;-) have a great weekend.