HELP OTHERS TO HELP OURSELVES...................
We work on ourselves in order to help others, but also we help others in order to work on ourselves. Pema Chodron
I so believe this. Whenever you help someone you are learning and helping yourself. You can give advice on something and it will help you, knowing you are helping someone else.

We should all help each other whenever possible . Just listening or offering to do something nice even if it's a small thing.
Getting ready to head down South to run Twin Peaks 50 miler Saturday. Please send me positive vibes. I hope you all have a wonderful and happy weekend.

IT'S WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT.................
It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about. Dale Carnegie
Ok here are some pictures from Saturday course measuring which we will be putting on next month. It's the Mission Peak Fat ass 50k. I'm not sure how much climbing it has, Jerry has it all on his gps.
We both wore our GPS's and got 32 miles.
You climb out of Ed Levin to Monument peak then run the fire road to the first water which is about 6.5 miles, you do an out and back to the water then head over Mission peak along the Bay ridge trail then the Ohlone college trail then a loop from YSC to the Panorama trail. You connect again with Bay ridge Mission Peak trail then head back over Mission peak then down and take the Ohlone trail to Sunol park. The back over Mission peak to the Horse heaven trail following the Ohlone 50k course
To the parking lot and a 1 mile road run to my house where we will finish.
we will have to car shuttle to the start. I'm looking forward to running it again. It took us 10 hours. It was muddy and we stopped a lot and we finished the last 3.5 miles running in the dark.
I am going to make a blog page for it.
I'm getting excited about Twin Peaks. I leave Thursday after work for SoCal, I'm flying down..Woo Hoo...

TRIUMPH OVER FEAR..................
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Nelson Mandela
So I didn't make it into Hardrock 100. they had 140 slots with over 400 apps. for the lottery. 40 of the slots were given away to past winners and I think 5 time finishers. So really there were 100 slots open.
I am 121 on the wait list LOL... Why even have a wait list with so may runners?.
Andy didn't get in either.
I'm kinda happy because I really don't have the money to run it this year. So my focus will be getting out on the John Muir trail this year to do hopefully a triple since it hasn't been done. Well, as far as I know. I will have to post to the hiker forums to see if anyone has fastpacked it. I do still have the YO Yo record, for now. But there are a couple guys that have mentioned they would like to break my record. That's why there are records, they are meant to be broken right???
These pictures were taken on Fridays long run. It was an awesome day!!!
I will write up about post pictures from Saturdays run. My roommate Jerry and I measured the Mission Peak Fat ass 50k course. It's 32 miles. I need to decided which day to put it on. It took us 10 hours..LOL..we ran in slippery mud and in the dark coming down. We started late and didn't bring flash lights..That's what we get. I will post tomorrow about that.
I'm running Twin Peaks 50 miler with Andy Saturday should be fun!
Sorry about not posting much but my computer has an issue that Andy will fix when I'm down.
I hope you all have a great day!!
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.

TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM.................
We are reminded how short life really is, and how we are just passing through. So, all the people you haven’t told you love lately, tell them, and live your days like you mean it.
I love all of you..I really do.
Today I had a Chiropractor appointment so I decided to run there and get a flat training run in, 13 miles. Well first of all I forgot how hilly it is around where I live. I counted 9 climbs some were short some were long. It really is good training for Umstead 100. I do prefer Alameda creek trail for Umstead training. which I will run a couple times a week ,and I will try and do a few 50k's out on it before Umstead.
Even though I was running on the road I had views of Mission peak the whole time, which is always a beautiful site.
I wore my new Vasque transistors FS which I loved.

Run faster and farther wearing the next evolution in trail running shoes. By eliminating footbeds, the Transistor FS seamlessly connects your feet with changing terrain for unsurpassed control. The patent-pending FootSync system's shape-shifting Flux foam constantly adjusts to your foot, offering a true custom fit. The Immerse 360 last hugs the bottom of the foot, giving you the stability and support you need to attack the trails. Lightweight Rocknrolla plate system protects against excessive rotation when landing on uneven terrain, while still promoting plenty of forward flex. Waveform S/C midsoles mirror the foot's overall shape with constant support that won't diminish over time. Synthetic leather uppers with breathable Airmesh nylon and moisture-wicking linings. Vasque Synapse outsoles with slip-resistant compound.
I felt pretty good after running the road. I did a mini wod handstand push-ups 25, Kettlebell swings 25. 3 rounds.
The weather was awesome looks pretty good until Friday, and then rain all day Saturday just in time for my 50k training run oh well.
Ok everyone get out and run!!!

ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER..............
Things that seem hard are not always that hard. Put one foot in front of the other, and you’ll get to the end.
Had a wonderful run this morning it was the calm before the storm. We are suppose to get rain starting tomorrow.
I actually don't mind running in the rain as long as I'm prepared it's all good.
I have just one training left week for Twin peaks 50 miler.
I'm looking to it. I'm hoping the weather will be much better then last year. Trust me it couldn't be any worse unless it snows the whole time and is a white out ;-)
as you can see in my pictures it was an awesome day. I ran 10 miles and felt great even though I was sore from my weekend and doing different workouts.

DETACH AND LIVE..................
Detachment involves present-moment living – living in the here and now. We allow life to happen instead of forcing and trying to control it. We relinquish regrets over the past and fears about the future. We make the most of each day. Melody Beattie
This weekend Andy and I stayed at the Claremont resort in Oakland. It is suppose to be this amazing resort & spa. I won a $500 gift certificate from Whole Foods for winning the Green trek challenge last year. It's a fitness challenge for all the Whole Foods in our region and I won overall.
I would of never paid all that money to stay here. I was not impressed. The room was small and it was noisy. It is an old hotel so maybe that's why. The view sucked. Overlooked the roof and the windows of the other side of the hotel.
The best part was the fitness program and gym. We took every class we could; Pilate's, Yoga, spinning and body sculpt. I have never taken a Pilate's, Yoga or spin class. I really enjoyed the spin class, the instructor was very fit and I bet she has done Furnace creek 508. I love how you push as hard as you can as she leads you through the rides she has you cranking the gears up so you can hardly pedal as if you are riding up hill.

I would for sure take a spin class at a gym again. I did like both the Yoga and Pilate's and would do those once in a while. It's just way to mellow for me. I need to be moving around more. I will stick to running and crossfit nothing can ever take the place of them ;-)
It really is good to try something new. If you don't how will you know if you like it or not.

BE YOURSELF............... Be yourself. An original is always worth more than a copy.

vote vote vote for maiden of the month only a couple days left.

http://www.metalinkshop.com/rate/maidens/127/catra-aka-dirt-diva

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR ME FOR MAIDEN OF THE MONTH........
http://www.metalinkshop.com/rate/maidens/127/catra-aka-dirt-diva
http://www.metalinkshop.com/rate/maidens/127/catra-aka-dirt-diva
Thanks if you already voted just a few more days left. Tell your friends too. Thanks, Catra
IT WILL BE OK................
Success means fulfilling your own dreams, singing your own song, dancing your own dance, creating from your heart and enjoying the journey. Trusting that whatever happens, it will be okay. Elana Lindquist

FREMONT FAT ASS 50K..........
Thanks to all the brave souls who showed up. It was raining all night and morning.The rain decided to stop at 8am just in time for the run.
The sun broke out from behind the clouds for the start of the 4th annual Fremont Fat ass 50k.
It's a fast, flat course with tons of scenery.
I want to thank Chihping Fu who had an aid station out on the course for us with tons of food he stayed out there until the last runner came through. You rock.
I will post a story on the Fremont Fat ass blog as soon as I can
Thanks again to all the rock stars who showed up.

COUNT YOUR FRIENDS NOT YOUR MILES.........
A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles. Tim Cahill
Oops I did it again..Yep I took the 100k option, well actually they make you run 67 miles and count it as 100k.
I felt great my legs and head were strong, I was ready for this one. What I wasn't ready for was a bladder infection that was starting at mile 10. F**K!!! It sucked. I held on as long as I could by mile 30 I was peeing blood.
I was suppose to run the whole race with Andy who was going for his 5th Hurt 100 finish.
He didn't want to leave my side(what a sweetie) but I finally made him leave me at mile 45 I think it was. I just knew in my heart I was going to slow him down and he wouldn't finish.
He left and lucky he did because he finished with 30 min. to spare.
I had a blast out there even though I couldn't run down hill much because of the pain. It sucks, that I still get these. I do everything to prevent them. I believe I didn't drink enough water the day before and it was hot out there. Stupid move by me ;-(
I fell 8 times on the course and messed my right knee up pretty good,
I am fine though and will be running the Fremont Fat ass 50k this Saturday.
I want to thank all the volunteers you were awesome especially Roy who just about killed me when he scrubbed the rocks out of my knees after I finish. That hurt bad.
But it needed to be done.
Thanks you to John, PJ and the rest of the HURT 100 group I love you all.
Joel & Steph thanks for the use of the car and Thanks to Patricia Carroll for letting us stay at your house.
Will I be back for #11 of course I will. 6 times 100 mile finish 4 times 100k finish. I will kick butt next year.

HERE I GO AGAIN..................Hurt 100 is this weekend!!!


Ok so I have been to this race 9 times finishing the 100 miler 6 times and the 100k 3 times. I plan on doing the 100 miler and hope for a good race.
This race is not easy you just need to respect the course because if you don't it will kick your booty.
I look forward to this race every January it's a big party that's the only way to describe it. The HURT folks are the best when it comes to putting on a top notch event.
I would love it if all of you can send me positive vibes ,it will help to get me through those bad patches I'm sure.

Also please spread the news about the poster and have people vote and please vote if you haven't. thanks!

http://www.blackwoodspress.com/dirtdiva/

COURAGE TO TRY..................
It takes as much courage to have tried and failed as it does to have tried and succeeded. Anne Morrow Lindbergh

A message from Catra:

“Help me choose a photo for my upcoming... Pin-up Poster & Event Calendar!”

Hi... it’s Catra,

I have a quick favor to ask.

For the longest time people have been asking me to publish a poster or calendar with some of my photos from my blog... and I’m finally going to do it!

I‘ve partnered up with my friend “Erik the Black” from Blackwoods Press to bring you some kick-butt Dirt Diva merchandise!

Here’s where I need your help...

We are working on designing a new poster. Actually it’s much more than just a poster. It’s also going to include a 2010 calendar with all of the trail races and events that I plan to attend. (Hope to see ya there!)

But first, we have to choose a photo for the poster... and I don’t know which one to use!

So, I was wondering if you could help me out by voting on which one of these posters you like best.

It’s super easy. Just take a look, and then scroll to the bottom of this page and VOTE for your favorite.

Thanks a million!

Catra

http://www.blackwoodspress.com/dirtdiva/

I WISH YOU PEACE...................
I wish you sunshine on your path and storms to season your journey. I wish you peace in the world in which you live. More I cannot wish you except perhaps love to make all the rest worthwhile. Robert A. Ward
I had my amazing friend and Ultrarunner Clifton Carter tattoo me today. I want you all know how amazing he is and actually everyone at his shop are very very talented. He is very much a perfectionist when it comes to tattoo.
I have been tattoo by many artist over the years and I must say not one of the artist at Lighthouse tattoo has a ego or attitude.
I have been tattooed in shops where you do feel uncomfortable being there and everyone has an ego.
Not at Lighthouse. I highly recommend getting your next tattoo here.
Nothing but top notice work.
Thank you Clifton for the beautiful work and I will be getting more from you my friend.
check them out on facebook they are located on Geary st. In San Francisco.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Francisco-CA/Lighthouse-Tattoo/197878967144

SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY.............
Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome. Arthur Ashe
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY...............
I was in Socal with Rocky and Andy we spent New years eve at Lucky's with Vinne, Cara and two other friends.
New years day Andy, Rocky and I went to the Rose bowl parade. that was so fun I have watched many times on T.V as a little girl but always wanted to go so I finally got to.
Andy came down with the flu that day so was out of it for the next 4 days.
I was fine , I went on a long run Monday but that night it hit me hard. I threw up a few times throughout the night.
I slept most of Tuesday and decided not to drive back Wed. morning because I was still sick. I slept a few hours yesterday afternoon. I felt well enough to make the drive back home this morning. I still can't eat any solid foods but am feeling better.

We are just lucky we were sick now instead of next week at HURT 100.
I hope everyone had an awesome New Years eve.
I have taken 2 weeks off from my crossfit gym and was going to go back this week but since I was sick I will do my wods from home and start working out with my group at unlimited again after HURT.
The thing I love most about crossfit is if you have the right equipment you can do it at home or you can pretty much do a crossfit wod anywhere. Even when I don't go to the gym I still try to do 3 wods a week.