OHLONE SOLO 100 MILE TRAIL RUN.People often ask why do you run so far especially if it's not an official race. I say to them, I do it for the challenge and to feel alive.
I started Saturday at 4:20am I was going to start at 4:30am but got there early.
I had about 3 hours sleep the night before.
Andy flew up from SoCal and his flight was delayed ,and we went for dinner, and I still had to decide what to wear when I got home.
It was really warm at the start, no need for a jacket. I ask Andy if he wanted to pace me up to the Horse Heaven junction, he agreed. I felt really good and we talked all the way to the junction. We said goodbye and Andy gave me a little gift it was a little key- chain of a cute doll and it said "Superstar". I loved it. It would be my new good-luck charm. I hooked it on the front of my pack. I knew if I hit low points along my journey, I would look at it and it would make me smile.
Andy's last words to me were to drink, and eat ,and take my endurolytes. My plan was to take 1 cap and eat 3 clif bloks every hour. That's what Andy does and he's fast so I thought why not try it ;)
I don't eat much in a race because I'm not usually hungry . I knew it would be hot so I didn't want to fall apart so I would try his advice.
I made it to the top of Mission Peak in 78 min. It was the most beautiful sunrise. I took my first endurolyte and ate 3 bloks and took off into Sunol. I got into Sunol around 2:15 from the start. I went to my resupply which I dropped and stored next to the EPRP rangers office. Ranger Neil drove in as I was getting my water , ice and food.
I gave him a hug ,he wished me luck, and off I went bopping along the trail listing to my MP3. I would not have any supplies again until 31 miles where I would meet my crew in Del Valle.
I took off towards Rose peak the goal get there in under 5:45. I got there at 5:40. I ran out off water ,maybe a mile before the summit ,but only had to go another mile to Maggies where I would get water. I filled up and took off to Del Valle. I called Andy from the summit to let him know I would be there between 12:30-1:30.
I arrived in De Valle 8:35 into my run. The plan was between 8-9 hours. I stayed to regroup eat a popsicle which Jerry brought for me at my request. Mike Palmer would pace me from here to Sunol, where Andy would be waiting to take over pacing. Mike was there to pace me and help mark that section of the Ohlone 50k course.
It was hot out there and I knew the climb out of Del Valle would be tough. I said good-bye and me and Mike took off. I told Andy and we Should be to Sunol at 7:30pm but I would call from Rose Peak. I felt like I was going to die climbing out. It was hot but I knew it would start cooling down. I looked at my watch at one point and it said 104 for the weather. I just hiked all the uphills as best I could. I had to stop and sit many times alone the way. We arrived at the aid station that was 5.50 from the finish of the 50k race, they had dropped the supplies off, they always do it the day before, and most of the volunteers hike in Sunday morning or camp out.
I went through the supplies to get ice and water and found some tea. I really need that it tasted great. We headed out to Maggies where I knew I would see the volunteers who were camped out. My friend Jurek was already there. I had seen him with the rangers dropping off supplies earlier that day.
I was slow and the heat was taking it's toll. I just kept focused and looked at my little"SuperStar" doll. We made it to Maggies and there must of been 8 volunteers who were going to camp out that night. They gave me ice and some chips and sent me on my way.
I called Andy from Rose and said we would be there at 8:30. We took off I was starting to feel better because I knew all those big climbs were finished for now.
It was getting late I asked Mike to run ahead since the park closed at 9pm and didn't want him to get stuck inside the gate. It was no big deal because they actually lock the gate at 9:15.
I was only 5 min. behind Mike. I showed up at 8:55.
Andy took pacing duty from here. I was super happy to have him out there with me. The plan do a 2.5 mile out and back along the Little Yosemite trail than head 11 miles out over Mission peak to the trailhead than run 1 mile to Jerry,s house where I had aid. Head back to the start where I would start my watch for the last 50k, which is the time they put as my 50k result for the race.
During the 2.5 mile out I was falling apart, poor Andy had to deal with all my emotions. I was crying one minute laughing the next. Earlier in the day, at mile 43 I felt a bladder infection coming on. I was able to keep it under control. But it was getting worse again. I just had to make sure to drink a ton. And to make sure and use the cranberry juice I had waiting at Jerry's. I stopped and had to lay down at mile 55. Andy also massaged my neck & shoulders. I regrouped and we headed back to the aid in Sunol. We got what we would need for the next 11 miles and headed out into the night. I was getting sleepy so took a nodoz at 11:30. I was excited to have Andy out on my trail that I talk so much about. He was excited to pace me. We have run a few Ultras together now and have seen each other at hundred milers through the years. But never has he been around me to see how I am during a hundred miler. I will say I only had 1 mini melt down and that was because I was mad that I was so slow in the night.
We got to the top of Mission Peak and looked out to all the city lights. The weather was warm still no need for a jacket. During the whole run I put my jacket on two times for maybe a few minutes.
The plan was to be to Jerry's by 3:30 we got there at I think 3:10. I heated up some Miso soup and we headed out.
We got back to the parking lot and I started my watch at 3:40. We saw one of the usually hikers Doug and his dog Joe. He always hikes in the wee hours of the morning. We hiked and talked a little bit with him.
Andy and I enjoyed bonding out there. We really had fun.
We got to see the sunrise which was awesome. Heading back to Sunol we saw Phil Stark who was running 100k out there. I had seen him the day before. He had a friend pacing him. We wished each other well and off we went.
We arrived in Sunol sometime after 6:30. We got our supplies and said hello to the people who were setting up the aid station for the race. I knew it would be tough the rest of the way ,the climb to Rose, the climb out of Satans pit but I knew I would get there. My bladder infection was getting worse and there is nothing to do about it but drink. I was dry heaving coming into Sunol so I took a pill I had for sour stomach it worked. My feet were really sore. But knew I had to do what Andy said just put one foot in front of the other. He also said I shouldn't worry about my finishing time that it's all about the journey.
There were many times climbing out of Del Valle I want to quit but keeping positive turned it around.
When I was feeling sick at mile 79 I just wished I could quit but I knew I was just having a low point.
I was happy to reach Rose Peak but at this point the bladder infection was kicking in more. I had to keep stopping to pee. My feet were so trashed no blisters just sore. I was wearing shoes that I have never tested during 100 miles. I won't wear them that far again.
When we were heading to Rose the first runner passed us it was Jean he had won it last year and had a huge lead. We exchanged greetings and off he went. He went on to win.
I was now very encouraged to see all the runners passing me. I saw my friend Will who looked super strong and finished 7th. Most runners knew what I was doing and offered words of encouragement and commented many times that I was crazy.
The climb going down Satan's pit was painful my feet hurt so bad and my bladder hated it too. We stopped at the bottom to prepare for the climb out. I soaked my bandana and wet my legs down. I swear keeping your legs wet keeps your body cool. Many times on the course I wet my legs down with my water bottle. So many runners were having problems with the heat. Most of us struggled at some point out there. Having Andy out there all those hours was a blessing without him I don't think I would of wanted to keep going.
He is truly an Angel to have put up with me for so many hours.
I looked at my watch at the aid station that is 2 miles from the finish. I wanted to finish in 34 but that went out the window hours ago. I thought it would take me over 36 hours. But looking at my watch and doing some basic math in my head I thought I'm going to push to break 36. I always have given myself a little goal when running this solo that I finish in under 36 hours because that's my cut off.
I started shuffling faster and we made it to the finish in 35:50 WOO HOO!!! I was super happy. This was my 5th Ohlone 100 mile run with the race and my 8th Ohlone finish.
Congrats. to all the 50k finishers.
I want to thank Andy for being the best boyfriend ever and keeping me positive and motivated all those miles and hours. Oh and awesome job to Andy for running 53 miles out on the Ohlone. Thanks Jerry for the popsicle and helping with taking Andy back to Fremont and letting us use your house as mile 67 aid. And Mike who paced me 20 miles and than ran the 50k race the next day.
I will be back to do it again next year. Really my secret goal is to someday have this as an official 100 mile race ;)
http://ultramaniacs.com
click for pictures Andy took while on the trail.
Thank you to RD's Rob & Larry ,and all the volunteers you guys were all so helpful and happy to help.

OHLONE 100 MILE RUN COUNT DOWN.
I still get wildly enthusiastic about little things... I play with leaves & twigs, I skip down the trail and run against the wind.
I did my supply drop this afternoon in Sunol. I saw and talked with EBRP police officer Pete. He was just making sure I was ready ,and if I would need anything. I swear the rangers & parks police are so good to me here. If it wasn't for them approving my wacky behavior, and crazy miles of running I like to do out there, I couldn't do it. I love all those guys & girls.
Headed out for a 3 mile run to test the legs and the heat. Felt good, I'm ready to go :)
This is the map of where I will run 100 miles all around and up and down.
Just pausing for a moment and thinking of my Mom. I carry a picture of her sitting on this very spot of trail in Sunol. I wish she was still with me I really miss her at times like this.
I know she will guide me safely to the finish line. I hope to be finished around 2pm Sunday. Good luck to all my friends and everyone who will be running the Ohlone 50k this weekend.
Please send me positive vibes during the run. Thanks!

ILLNESS IS NOT A PUNISHMENT, BUT A STIMULANT TO LIFE.
Illness can be a teacher, companion, or a punishment. Still, sometimes its message isn't clear. Ignore the illness. Look for stimulation in the knowledge that you can heal in a instant. The Ohlone 100 miler is fast approaching. One more day to sleep in. I plan to start Saturday at 4:30am. I want to get to Del Valle and start that climb out by 1pm.
I was out running today on Mission Peak and it was like a oven dry heat but windy. I know it will be hot on run day so I am freezing all my drinks. I have to drop off my cooler in Sunol tomorrow so I want to freeze everything this way it will be nice and cold. I will buy ice tomorrow to stash out there too.
I fell ready to go, I hope to finish under 34 hours.
Me getting one last hot run in.
Who was it that said cows are not smart?? They are !!!!they always seem to find shade on Mission peak and rest in it.

IT'S IMPORTANT NOT TO GET STUCK IN THERAPY.
Therapy is a necessary boat that takes you across a rough river to a new shore. In time, though, you must step out of the boat and onto new earth and never look back.

Rocky and me out training and tapering for the Ohlone 100 miler which I start Saturday morning. It's going to be hot but it will be fun.
Looking forward to seeing all you 50k runners at the finish.

IMAGES OF HETCH HETCHY RUN..................Met the edge of the damn.
One of the many foot bridges we crossed.
Irish hikers from SF plus one girl from Iran and me ;)
Yosemite duck taking a swim.
Jerry, Linda, Mike and me and the Yosemite duck made it back in around 7 hours. We had so much fun.

HETCH HETCHY THE HIDDEN GEM.....
It is such a beautiful place. All the waterfalls were flowing there too. We saw so many hikers and Backpackers on our run. We did a out and back towards Tiltill valley. Tueeulala, Wapama and Rancheria falls were beautiful. The wild flowers were awesome.
Some times is better just not to ask. I bought this duck in Yosemite for Andy and took him out on our run Sunday.

I'm planning on doing the run from Hetch Hetchy to Yosemite in July it will be a 51 miler since we will summit Half Dome. We will meet in the Valley and carpool. Let me know if anyone is interested so I can plan more.
Mile, Linda, Jerry and me. Jerry ran the 25 at Quicksilver the day before and placed second in his age. Linda ran the 50k. They are both heading to do the Inca trail in a few weeks.
Linda and I being girls we didn't want to get our hair wet..LOL

Images of Yosemite my weekend trip.Mike crab crawling down the snow.
My friend from 03-04 a true Yosemite Big wall climber. Nick Martinez. He was hiking a load to the base of a climb he is doing on Half Dome. It has only been climbed once he will be doing a second accent that will take two weeks. He will solo it. I am so in ahh of Big Wall climbers especially guys like Nick who solo. That means they climb the route basically twice. They put in gear ,climb a pitch, rap down and jumar back up. Crazy I tell you those guys are so BAD ASS!!!
Beautiful Nevada Falls.
Hikers heading down the Mist Trail.
I ran into one of my trainers from the Pose cert. I went to at Newport Beach crossfit. This is Rookie he was having his bachelor party in Yosemite. It's a small world I saw 4 people who I knew or who knew me in Yosemite that day.

Yosemite images from SaturdayClouds rest. My favorite run is Half Dome, to Clouds rest, back up Half Dome than down.
Mikey Mike behind me heading up.
Unknown climber climbing the North Face of Half Dome. 3 day accent
From the top looking down to the Valley Floor. Happy to be above all the crazy Tourons ;)
My favorite tree above the granite steps on Half Dome. Shes always a welcome site. You're almost there she says ;)

I LOVE YOSEMITE!!!!
Yosemite is really my home away from home. I love this place so very much.
Mike Palmer and I headed out at 4:45am on Saturday morning our plan run Half Dome on Saturday ,and camp out near Hetch Hetchy on Saturday night, and hook up with Jerry and Linda for a run around HH.
The conditions were perfect and warm around 80 degrees. The trail was of course crowded, but that's ok we ran past everyone. I love trying to pass all the hikers. Let me tell you though, there are a lot of pretty fast hikers.
The falls were in full force. Vernal was raging and so was Nevada.
There is always a cool interesting mix of people going up, and coming down. The shoe choices always seem to amaze me. I see flip flops , platforms, dress shoes and I have even seen a girl in a low heeled pump. This time I saw a girl in plastic slip on shoes. I doubt she made it far. If she tried to go up the cables there would of been a death that day for sure. BTW the cables weren't up but the conditions were fine to go up if you had the right shoes and gloves.
I have gone up with cables down many times before, so I'm fine with it. I am smart about it, and if the conditions are bad I would never go up. Last November we were there and it was foggy and damp, I made the choice to not summit for the 55th time that day.
I was determined to make it to the top to celebrate my 55th summit and Mothers day. I also wanted to give thanks to my Mom, and Andy's Mom for giving birth to us. Even though they are no longer with us on Earth, they are in all the beauty I see.
I was on the top in under 3.5 hours at a casual pace. I stayed for maybe half hour talking with two guys who were up there for the first time.
We were lucky to be up there just us 3. Mike didn't climb it because he didn't feel safe with the cables down. The cables will be up for Memorial day.
I spoke with a climber who was belaying his partner they were on the North Face route. They finished in 3 days. They thought they were finished but realized with the snow on the ledge it would be one more pitch to make it safely to the summit.
There was a couple snow fields one going from the bottom of the steps, and one just below the slabs before the cables.
This place always takes my breath away. I am so in love with it's beauty. I am but a small insect to it's large universe.
I love being on the Summit you can see forever. I reflect on top thinking of how many 1,000s of miles I have run and hiked out there.
If anyone is ever interested in a guide when going to Yosemite I would happy to be the one.
Make sure you get to Yosemite at least once in your life time.

LOVE IS LIKE A DEEP POOL THAT NEVER DRIES UP.
You have more to give than you realize. The only expectation you should have in giving to others is what you expect of yourself. That's how you stay replenished.Crossfit: I made up this WOD today try it sometime.
5 mile run with 50 squats every .50m
Run .50 than do 50 squats repeat . Time 1:13
I did this workout running up Mission Peak 2.50m up than down.
500 squats I think my legs are going to hurt running Half Dome tomorrow.
Just a FYI if anyone wants to meet up we will start the Half Dome run in Yosemite at 9am tomorrow, from Curry Village parking lot.. Sunday we will run out of Hetch Hetchy starting at 8:30.
Email me tonight if you wanna join me and my friends. catrarunner@yahoo.com

TO BE SURE OF THE ROAD, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND WALK IN THE DARK.
Spiritually closing your eyes permits Heaven to enact the most wonderful guidance in your life. Say the prayer, "Open a new road to me today," and expect the unexpected. When it appears, accept the gift.

Pictures from How weird street fair. It was a blast. Danced all day and people watched. So many cool costumes I'm not sure what most of the people were suppose to be, but I guess that's why it's called the How weird street fair. Not suppose to look normal.
The DJ's were awesome playing great mixes of music.
Next year I will make sure to have a costume, I felt so normal..LOL

Looks like I'm in for a killer weekend for me :) two days of running in Yosemite. Should be fun, than it's time to taper for the Ohlone 100 miler.

THE DIVINE DWELLS WITHIN YOU, AND THE DESIRES THAT HEAL YOU.
Are you fully aware of the presence? Call upon the power of the Divine to awaken its healing force within you. Be grateful for this miracle.
No I'm not trying to steal this painting. But it is cool.
Andy and me under a waterfall in San Fran.
Scary statue attacking me in SF.
Andy was visiting since Friday and left today we had fun. We stayed in downtown SF. Friday until Monday morning. We spent Monday and Tuesday night at my house. Andy had to work Fri,Mon. & Tues. in SF.
We at least were able to spend a little time together during the day. We went to How Weird street fair Sunday that was fun I will post a story and pixs on that tomorrow.
Andy will be back up in 9 days to pace me 48 miles on my Ohlone 100 miler during the weekend of the Ohlone 50k that's going to be fun.

MIWOK 100K

I paced Andy to a great finish at Miwok 100k. He ran 12:13. He wasn't happy with his time but I sure the hell was. He had some major issues but he dug deep. I am super proud of him.
It was a blast crewing and pacing.
I may of not been the best pacer in the world, but I kept him moving.
It's all about the journey.Me pacing Andy
Andy having fun for a minute ;)
Andy not to happy but still moving.
it's almost over :)

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO CREATE A NEW BODY.
Even the slightest change in your diet can generate a new body and a fresh mind. Avoid eating anything today that creates conflict in you. Observe how instantly your body manifests a gratful feeling.

CONSTANTLY MAINTAIN ALERTNESS IN WALKING, SITTING, EATING AND SLEEPING
You don't always need to meditate to keep your attention in the present time; simply be aware. Alertness also serves your intuitive voice by keeping you focused and receptive. Continuous alertness is your task today.
Julia and I on Mission peak this morning.
Mules ear with Mission Peak in the background.
Julia and I hanging out with some of the locals just below the Horse heaven junction. I love running with Julia she's my best friend and I would do anything for her, and she would do anything for me. I love that girl she's so fun.

You're...
My Friend,
my companion,
through good times and bad
my friend, my buddy,
through happy and sad,
beside me you stand,
beside me you run,
you're there to listen,
you're there to talk,
with happiness, with smiles,
with pain and tears,
I know you'll be there,
throughout the years!