Acceptance Takes Time

I've been working on accepting that although I may not understand the reason or the lesson in this trial that I've been experiencing for the past 8 weeks that in time I will be grateful for the lessons it has taught me.

I learned to have a sense of humor about the nephrostomy bag that was attached to me for 2 weeks. I learned I was capable of waking up at odd hours during the night to empty it. I learned it had many colors. Purple from the dye mixed with blood, red from blood, yellow from dehydration and orange from a medication. I said I could almost pee a rainbow. I learned how to camouflage it inside pants and how to attach it with a safety pin so I could work each day without anyone asking questions. I learned how to wrap myself with a trash bag pouch for it so I could shower. It went everywhere with me to church, a Christmas dinner under a skirt, grocery shopping, the bank, in uhaul trucks, etc. Three weeks ago the radiologist said he'd be replacing the stent and removing the bag. The radiologist asked if I could turn onto my stomach for the procedure and I said I'd do my best, but wasn't sure that was an obstacle I had trained for. My friend Emily brought me home from the hospital once again and would spend the next hour helping me through bouts of pain and nausea as she gently massaged my back.

The last three weeks have been difficult ones. I haven't felt well, but I've tried my best to still do my job. It helps me focus on other priorities. 

I was able to go to Santa Barbara for a short trip Christmas Day and was so thankful to spend time with Patty and her family. I got JT and Chandler both white elephant style gifts this year but they both loved their boxer underwear.

I've had a doctor appointment, a trip to the ER again, another doctor appointment where I'd learn test results from the ER came back showing a staph infection and another stent exam got scheduled for tomorrow. I seem to have also caught the winter cold and I wish I was talking temperature. I said my poor nose was the only thing running, but at least part of my body still can. I really truly look forward to the day I can run again. 

There have been times throughout this that I have been scared and times like yesterday where I was upset and cried a lot. My co-worker often reminds me crying is okay. I asked my "always good" friend what his trials and struggles have taught and he simply replied,"you keep going."

Tomorrow is New Years Eve and I have no idea what the day holds other than a test at a hospital I haven't been to yet. I'm glad I have the same radiologist because I like his repoir. I will try my best to keep going all the way into 2015. I only have one event on my calendar for the New Year and its 30 hours long and in May. I'd like to think this is my SISU IRON preparation and when I am in the midst of those 30 hours at that event I can remind myself that there was a time where I learned to get comfortable with a nephrostomy bag attached to me and I could pee rainbows.

The last time the bag was attached to me 

A pleated skirt camouflaged the bag

Time to Share a Strategy

Learning to reject rejection is an incredibly valuable lesson.

Everyone will face rejection in some form or another. Not receiving that job you set your heart on, the woman or man you admire not having reciprocating feelings, not getting the house you wanted to buy and the list can continue.

It begins with determining and knowing your self value. If you feed yourself negative self talk 24/7 your reaction to rejection is 99.9% more likely to manifest itself in an unpleasant way.

I once allowed myself to fall into the "not good enough" mindset. It took a long list of rejections for me to figure out that I was also teaching others to believe I wasn't good enough.

One day all of that changed. I was given a job I knew very little about and I knew I had to get good enough. An elderly lady was depending on me and I started going running on any small windows of time off I had. First it started with walking/jogging intervals and as time progressed I was running for 30 minutes to an hour. I used those runs as therapy and I started feeling capable of a happier attitude and I rejected the false idea that I wasn't good enough.

Yesterday I had an appointment to be to and I scheduled a small errand after church. As I was walking across the crosswalk a young man in front of me continued to turn his head as if I was a familiar face. As he arrived at the sidewalk he stopped and waited for me to finish crossing. This is a crosswalk I usually run across jump the stairs and run to the next street, but until I've fully recovered and have the tube out of my kidney I'm playing it safe. The young man told me he knew me and I had to ask his name. It turned out to be a guy who had taken me on a date about 4 years ago on his motorcycle to a waterpark. I'm fairly certain I got the courtesy,"I'll call you." Rejecting rejection is knowing that you can give yourself permission to accept that things didn't work not because you aren't skinny, have the perfect house, job, etc. Simply that an individual may have an idea of what their preferences are and that is okay. I quickly realized I wasn't willing to hit the rewind button and engage this young man in conversation. I had my honest out where I quickly told him I had a service project to be to in 20 minutes. Rejecting rejection is being able to be kind enough to walk away after just causing a man to do a triple take because you aren't the "not good enough" woman he met 4 years ago. Instead you smile everywhere you go and are excited about the opportunity to pay it forward that was placed in front of you.

Yesterday a group of friend's and I went out on a special service mission with Santa. We visited a skilled nursing facility where I saw a sweet elderly lady in a wheelchair beckoning the staff for my attention. As I walked over to the woman she asked me my name and I asked for her name. She had many questions and seemed confused. I finally figured out she thought I was staff. I explained to her I was visiting and thanked her for letting me come to her home. She said she didn't think I liked it and told me it was junk. Here is where rejecting negativity/rejection is important. I told the adorable lady I was happy to be there to which she wanted to know what we would do the rest of the day. 

It's often stated its not what happens to us but how we react to what happens to us that counts.

Reject rejection. Live, love and let go.

Rest and Recovery Time

On November 7th I woke up from the anesthesia unaware of my surroundings and feeling like I was having a seizure. I told the nurse something was wrong with me. The last thing I remember her asking was for me to breathe and try to be calm.

I would later wake up in a room and see my friend standing in the doorway. Corinne had come to visit and brought me a beautiful orchid. That brightened my day.

My friends Jen and Eric came by with Jamba Juice that I was so thankful for because it was hard to want to eat. Todd and Amy came by with Flowers. Robin and Neil brought fruit and Neil picked a red hibiscus from their yard for me.

I went home from the hospital 2 days later and I felt okay. I rested a couple more days and went back to work on Wednesday. The following Monday the 17th just over a week after surgery I went to my post surgical appointment with my doctor. He said the surgery went well he showed me the tumor and uterus that were removed he also showed me other parts of the body that had some little issues that were addressed. I told him I was concerned about a firm spot near the incision and the way it was healing. He talked to me about it likely being a hematoma and asked me to keep an eye on it and I was okay to resume normal activity. Monday evening that hematoma burst through the incision and left me doing a lot of blood clean up followed by a trip to the ER to have it observed for signs of infection. The ER doctor did wound care and asked me to follow up in the morning with my doctor. Tuesday morning I went to my doctor where he checked the opened incision and repacked it. He told me he was impressed I was willing to pack the incision and do my own wound care.  I returned back to work for the remainder of the day. Wednesday morning the 19th I began my work day and started experiencing cramping in my lower right abdomen. I took a pain med and continued my work day. I went to bed after I was off at 5:00 pm. At 2:30 am I was awakened by excruciating pain and cramping. I called the on call doctor who happened to be my doctor. He encouraged me to take a pain med and if it didn't improve I should go to the hospital in the morning. I went to the ER where they did a test for appendicitis but results came back and I was told all was okay and I was sent home with pain management instructions. My friend Emily is a nurse and she picked me up and brought me home. Emily helped me pack my incision before she left.

Friday morning I began throwing up as the pain continued. Saturday evening began a night of hourly trips to the bathroom. Sunday evening continued like Saturday and Monday morning I was supposed to see my doctor. As I called to ask him if I should go to his office or the hospital next to his office he advised me to go to the ER. My boss's husband drove me there. I was taken to have the same test that was done just a few days prior. The result came back that fluid had collected in my pelvis and abdomen. 

I emailed Janice. I once cared for Janice's mother. She lived just a few blocks away. We had canceled our monthly lunch date that was supposed to happen Saturday because I didn't feel well. She came to the hospital to pray with me and be by my side. My friend Joe also came to visit. I was so grateful they were both with me. I was taken for two more tests. The results came back. During the surgery somehow one of the small ureters got a little cut in it. It was so small it didn't even show up on the post surgery review. It's kind of like the tire with the slow leak that you don't notice until it's flat or nearly flat. That ureter had been leaking urine into my abdomen and pelvis causing the severe pain. Janice had to leave and Joe stayed by my bedside. He would crack jokes my bed didn't fit him. I was told I'd be having a small procedure to insert a stent into the ureter and a tube to drain my kidney. I began to get teary eyed and at just that moment Joe reached for my hand and offered comfort. I was taken back to a room where I would receive conscious sedation and have the procedure performed. I remember feeling pressure in my back and saying ouch and hearing someone say,"more sedation please." I was taken back to a hospital room where I'd begin the healing process. The bed was big enough now so Joe layed next to me and took a photo while I rested my head on his shoulder. Joe stayed until visiting hours were over at 9 pm. He is a friend I have come to truly value and cherish. He adjusted his schedule as he spent over 8 hours comforting me and keeping me company.

Tuesday my friends Terri and Emily came to visit. I needed to do my incision wound care and so the nurse closed the curtain while I showed her how the incision was packed and bandaged. Terri laughed and called me Macgyver and Emily who had helped me with my bandage change a few times couldn't believe I would just teach the nurse. The nurse was excited to learn something new.

Wednesday morning a young lady Aryah and her son came to visit. They were sent by one of my friends. It was really sweet to meet them. My friend Monte and his girlfriend stopped to visit and bring flowers. Monte is also my boss and is someone I have the utmost respect for and truly cherish. He is largely responsible for so many positive changes in my life over the past 18 months. I'm also grateful for full time work with health insurance benefits.

Emily brought me home and helped get me settled Wednesday evening. I just had my first night at home on my own with the nephrostomy tube and bag. Emily and I decided to name it the bloody drain. I joked that life was a drain right now but I have to fight through it. I had another slight complication where my bladder was more stubborn than me and was having a problem draining. I'm so thankful that this morning it seems to have fixed that issue. I was really scared when I was told I may need to learn to use a catheter on myself to help empty my bladder. I have a new found compassion and respect for people that are called to face that trial. I'm told this is a 6 week process. I'm faithful and optimistic that 6 week time frame can be shortened.

I've been incredibly humbled by this experience. I haven't been angry, but have many times found myself crying, frustrated, scared or sad. My mom and dad have received and made a lot of phone calls. I've had a lot of love and amazing support. My friend Holli and her husband took the time to bring my car back from the hospital. Many flowers have been brought and a lot of kind offers and messages have been received.

When it rains it pours. Enjoy the journey!

Time To Make More Baby Quilts

As a woman we are taught for many years it is our job to be a mother. I've known for what seems to me many more years that this wouldn't be my job. At 19 I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and told there was a 50% chance it could be passed on. I was placed on a medication that an agreement has to be signed you will not become pregnant while taking it although I only took it short term it seems that this is where I made my decision 18 years ago.

When I was a teenager our church group would make quilts for a children's hospital. I then began making quilts on my own and gave them to my neighbor who was a neonatal intensive care nurse. One day I asked Sister Hansen what happened to the quilts. She shared with me a truly touching story. If parents lost the life of their child in the nicu that small infant or child would then be wrapped in the quilt and the quilt would later be gifted to the grieving parents.

As I got older and my friends began having children I found I enjoyed gifting baby quilts to them. Some have had themes, some have been unique and personalized, some were me trying a new skill I'd been taught, but each was made with love and excitement at the little life that my friends were welcoming into their lives.

The past number of months (I say number because I don't know how long) I've experienced a monthly pain in my lower abdomen. It doesn't respond well to pain meds and I've had to leave work some days or spend a weekend hanging out in bed with a heating pad. I've continued running, working out, traveling, lifting trailers, driving uhauls and doing my job and keeping a smile on my face. I know a smiles fixes almost everything and it hides pain incredibly well.

I finally put my stubbornness aside and listened to my boss and mother and went to have a medical test done. It revealed the most likely source of the pain. I wasn't scheduled to see the doctor until 6 weeks later the end of November. I called the doctors office 4 days later to ask if I could be seen sooner. They asked me to come in 3 hours later that same day. The doctor went over my background and then ruled out some options and offered others. This doctor was so kind and so thorough. I made a decision and went over it with the doctor. I signed some consent forms and was then informed I could change my mind at any time. 

Last Wednesday my best friend from high school gave birth to two adorable healthy twin boys. The text message I got was so perfectly timed and so bittersweet. I had just mailed their baby quilts the week prior. I could not be happier for her and I think our reunion visits are going to need to happen more frequently.  Two days after this exciting news from my friend I went back to my doctor for my pre-op visit.

The first thing my doctor asked was,"how are you doing." I replied I was okay to which he responded are you sure. No I wasn't sure I was okay, but I replied yes because the truth is even if I wasn't okay at that exact moment I knew I would be and this too shall pass. 

Yesterday was my hospital pre-op appointment where I was asked to cough up a small sum of pocket change (sarcasm duely noted), have blood taken and some other tests. I came home and went to bed cursing the cramps I was experiencing the entire time. I began work this morning when a pain I had never experienced brought me to tears. I called my boss who told me to lock up and go upstairs to rest. What followed was nothing I ever want to experience again. The not so nice (curse words) pain made me begin laps to the toilet. My poor coffee was awful coming back up. I followed that with hydrating with my electrolyte drink that didn't seem to want to stay in me either. I cried a lot. I joked with my friend that my smile was missing today. I really wanted to find "one good thing" about today when I remembered the box my mom sent had quilts in it. 

I was at a friend's baby shower and one of our mutual friends brought his 3 little girls. As they were leaving his one little girl came up to me wrapped her arms around my legs and gave me a hug bye. The quilts my mom finished quilting for me are for his girls. I told my mom I wanted something to do in the hospital so she rushed to quilt them so I can finish stitching the edges.

On Friday I have surgery scheduled. It seals my fate of not having the job of being a mother. The doctor and I are both hopeful that removing the benign tumor as well as its holding facility will eliminate if not alleviate the pain I've been experiencing.

I had the wonderful job of being a nanny for two awesome brothers who were 3 years old and a newborn. Those boys are now almost 20 and 16. They are my other family. When I sent Patty a message last week she replied we are always here. It is true and I feel the same way I will be always there for them.

Tonight I reached out to a dear friend I only know through CrossFit. I asked if she knew who I could reach out to for a Priesthood blessing. She said she would speak to her husband. I spent a couple of quiet peaceful hours this evening in their home with their children and their dog and some of their friends from church. The blessing of healing and understanding left me with complete peace of mind and the pain dulled.

I know I haven't learned all I need to from this and it's been a hard test, but I will continue to seek that one good thing and when I need therapy I'll reach for some fabric and my sewing machine and wonderful friends and their adorable children.

Time to Start Over

This week began with numerous challenges that continued throughout the week. It took a lot to stay positive and a lot of crying was done.

I always love Monday, but the 6th was an exception. I was house/pet sitting and the dog barked during the night and again in the early morning hours when the trash truck came. The dog was just doing what dogs do alerting the neighborhood that hey did you hear that noise oh well what about my barking I know you hear my barking. I remedied it with a beach run later that evening and the following day with soup bones to keep him occupied. Now I'm sure the dog whisperer has a better solution, but that seemed to work for the dog and I the best.

I then received an email where I was asked about the small number of responses that I was able to get at an event I was at where I wanted to promote OCR. My spirits were dampened, but I decided some response was better than none at all.

I continued my day doing my job. The relief manager I overlap with two days a week was out due to a loss in the family. I sure value her and even more when she has a day off.

The morning was tough and I called my mom. She simply said,"just start over."

The next message I got was a friend who shares my desire to stay positive and I've come to value him a lot. He was saying good morning and sharing news of a job interview later that day. This gave me a chance to redirect focus from myself and wish him good luck.

The day went on and without going into too much detail I received a return phone call from my doctor in Santa Barbara. I am so grateful for her kindness and soft spoken reassuring words. She left me with a referral and I recognized the name of the doctor. I remember him treating my Godsons aunt and as I called her I broke down crying. She invited me to dinner as she shared the news that she's moved close to where I live. 

I finished my work day and headed to workout. I had taken a couple weeks off and I made the mistake of thinking I could jump right back instead of easing in. My body let me know back squats hurt and the workout of the day left me sore the following two days. My dear friend Terri was there and I shared news of my rough day with her and she simply said tomorrow is another day. She sure is awesome!

I had some equipment I'd borrowed from my Spartner Seth that I needed to return to him. His work was close to where I was house/pet sitting. I was grateful he was around to talk to and he could multitask and work like a busy bee as we chatted a few minutes.

Tuesday went much better and Wednesday I received a call from my friend Erik asking if I remembered what day it was. I took a lucky guess it was full moon hiking night. He said we were making pizza at Paul's Place after. I said I'd try to make it and I forgot about my sore legs. The hike was great until I had to go down cardiac hill my legs hurt so I crab walked my way down it. Paul made amazing thin pizza crusts and we each made our own for him to cook in his outdoor stone oven. I met a great girl Nicole who I got to share my pizza with and she talked about her line of work with me and I knew right then that God puts the right people in our life's at the right time.

Late Thursday night my friends returned home from their honeymoon and I told them my gift to them was no charge for house/dog sitting. I thought it was the least I could do since Arlene gave me such inexpensive rent the year I lived in the guest house there. They brought me back the sweetest little surprise from Hawaii. A great bag for race gear or groceries and an anklet with my favorite color aqua beads.

Friday I followed up with my doctors advice and went in for a minor medical test. I'm not good at reaching out or expressing my needs, but I really value the beautiful people in my Tuesday running group and I just asked for positive thoughts and prayers. I reached out to some close girlfriends as well and the kind words of love and support from so many of them was really touching.

I signed up to run a half marathon. Today it started at 7:00 am. Marci from my Tuesday running group saw me and asked about how things went and if it was okay to ask. We talked and once again I was shown how God puts the right people in our path at the right time.

The race started and I knew I was going out quicker than usual, but I wanted to PR so I stayed along with Marci for the first two miles. Her son was running in Chicago today hoping to have a qualifying olympic time.  I saw my friends Jadd and Alejandra and they cheered me along. I dropped back as Marci continued her sub 10 minute pace. I saw my friends husband who I'd just finished house sitting for. He was doing his job as a deputy in the traffic division and was at an intersection. I thanked him for his time. The next friend I saw was my favorite local race photographer Kaori. I had talked to her last night and shared a race photo from my first half marathon with her and asked if she might get another so I could do a side by side. I saw her and yelled out to ask if she was running her own race today. She grabbed her camera and snapped some shots. At that moment I felt a surge of adrenaline and may have paced a way to fast time for 20 seconds. We would later joke that she should race alongside me throughout the course. The hills were fun the aid along the course was great being passed by friends was encouraging and I made it to the finish line and achieved the one goal I set of a PR and beating my time from 5 years ago. I also completed some of the Strava challenges and benchmarks that I wanted to. http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20141012_City_to_the_Sea_Half_Marathon_and_5k.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Bib=154&Firstname=&Lastname=

Although my week was challenging I am grateful for running therapy and this is the way I get to start a new week over.

Time to Increase the Challenge

I began my vacation Thursday evening with birthday dinner with my friend Emily. She later dropped me off at the airport to begin my travel to Vermont.

My first flight had a slight air traffic delay which would put me in Los Angeles with a very short time period between my connecting flight. I was very glad I only packed a carry on and began a quick run to the departure gate for the flight to New Jersey, I was able to sleep on the plane making the redeye flight not seem so long. I caught another flight to Boston where I was met by my friend Casey and her boyfriend Luigi and we drove to Vermont.

I stayed with friends in a lodge near the race venue. Friday I just relaxed, did some socializing and enjoyed the scenery.

Saturday I went to the race venue early to see my friend Iram off at the starting line. I met Iram last year when I went to participate in the same race. He had a really positive impact on me last year and we have kept in touch. My favorite thing about Iram is that he's really funny, his smile is very contagious (I loved seeing it at the starting line over the wall),  he's an amazing father to his daughter and anytime I ask how he is doing his response doesn't change. He simply replies,"always good." After I saw the elite heat start I went to the exit tent to do my volunteer assignment with the Street Team. The weather was cold and windy and I wished I'd worn pants. I prayed several times the sun would come out and asked for nice weather for Sunday. I fiinished my shift and went over to the finish line just as Iram had crossed. I had just missed watching him jump the fire, but NBC decided to do some extra filming so Iram got to hike up the hill again and jump the fire to run to the finish line. I gave him his medal and a hug and my day was complete.

Saturday evening I took time to prep my race pack and get rested for Sunday. Sunday morning I finally got to meet Alex a girl from Australia I had been chatting with through social media. She had a 6:30 am start time so I wished her well as she went to begin. I went over to the start and saw Juliana and she told me to stay happy. I started at 6:45 am with a quick wall climb to toe the starting line. The UltraBeast race began with a downhill run followed by gradual uphill ascents. I loved the single track and I wanted to follow my ultra running friend Jadd's advice to take my time and not burn out my quads charging the downhills. I see an Eastern states trail marker on a tree and I get really emotional. I've just recently become involved with ultra running events and I respect and love the athletes. True to Spartan Race fashion the beginning obstacle would be under over through obstacles. Followed by a little more running and a sand bag carry that is always way too light. I get frustrated every single time at this obstacle because it doesn't present a challenge for me. The difference this time is that I know this course is going to zap every ounce of strength out of me so I decide to be happy and take the lighter women's weight bag. The next obstacle is a bucket carry. I've always had fun with this obstacle because I set a goal to not stop to rest with the bucket. My friend Schmitty who was at the Las Vegas 12 Hour Hurricane Heat got to this obstacle around the same time and I told him I kind of missed doing this obstacle with a tire. He replied he was happy he left his tire behind. The next obstacle was the traverse wall and I was so happy I was finding success on it without any cramping that has so often been the case for me on this obstacle. I was almost to the bell and didn't manage to stretch my foot far enough to the next block and I earned myself my first 30 burpees. The next obstacle was in water. I would usually just jump in with my pack, but something told me to grab a personal flotation device. I began swimming and was instantly caught off guard by the colder than I wanted it to be temperature. I knew I needed to keep moving and just focus on breathing and the obstacle ahead. The obstacle was a rope and wood ladder suspended from a bridge. I had viewed it from the lodge room the night before with anticipation and excitement. It is the obstacle I didn't get to last year and I was going to get a chance to try it. It was harder to climb than I wanted it to be and I didn't attempt the tarzan rope obstacle immediately behind it. I swam to the shore and did my next 30 burpees. I was then told to go back in the water along the shore. This was rocky and the water depth varied greatly sometimes only knee deep and other times over my head. I was cold, but refreshed and knew I couldn't slow down. The next obstacle was the atlas carry. I trained with a 95# atlas stone for many months prior, but for some reason this stone felt not much lighter. The barbwire crawl following was short and sweet. I came to a log carry and had to choose a log to carry up a hill and back down. This reminded me of all the times I went with my dad to get a load of firewood and I couldn't help, but smile. On the way down the photographer teased me asking if I tried to find the biggest log. This made me laugh as he snapped away with his camera. A little more running and there was a peg hop to a log balancing obstacle. I was intimidated by the jump from the peg to the log and I went on to my next set of 30 burpees. By this time I have lost count of how many burpees I've done and I'm obsessed with my watch. The 8 feet walls are a fun obstacle and a welcome sight. The next part is one I remember from last year's course it is really muddy, cool switchbacks with a cargo net climb at the top that was frustrating to traverse over the top. A mountain top cargo net and a tractor pull which is a chain attached to a cement stone follow. I enjoy the break. The first spear throw I arrived at was a spear attached to a rope and I was looking forward to seeing how my practice would pay off. A throw and a miss. 30 burpees it is. A volunteer tells me to do the memorization obstacle. I'm given Sierra 121-3096. My Spartner loves drinking Sierra Nevada Beer. I'm instantly reminded of him and I can't stop laughing. I did some running and came to a section of trail with an orange closed sign. I don't know if the course is closed there or not, but my prior experience with trail sweeping tells me I should follow the tree flagging. I arrive at the invert wall and I love this obstacle too. There is another bucket carry up a hill and back down followed by I think what is called the death march. It's a really long gradual hill climb and I can't wait to arrive at the top. I pass three guys doing the UltraBeast and they say they are done. I get a little disheartened I want to see everyone succeed.  I don't know why, but this reminds me that I am no where near done and that if I am to get that time hack I have to keep moving forward. Apparently the hill climb and obstacles prior took a little out of me. The tire drag obstacle was next and I struggled and a girl and I had to help one another. I'm fairly certain in the upcoming days I may be found trying to drag a heavy tire attached to a rope up a hill. I'm still a little irritated it was hard.

Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it all. I was just about to get that challenging sand bag carry that I'd always asked for. Last year this obstacle was at mile 4 and it took me 58 minutes. This year it is at mile 9 and I want to cut my time in half. I really don't know how I did, but the sandbag was just as heavy some wet sand spilled out and the top came open. I was going to use my trauma shears to cut paracord to tie it shut so I could run an honest race, but I used the plastic string at the top and tied knots to hold it closed. I came to something called a platinum rig consisting of rings, monkey bars, rope and low rings. I got the first set of rings and I was happy. I hadn't been able to do rings when I tried to practice them a few weeks prior. The monkey bars gave me some trouble with the square bar thrown in. I let go and went over to burpee jail. I came to the tyrolean. I was so excited this is something I've been training for using the bars at the gym and in the bus of fun. I started out way too fast so I slowed down some and focused on technique and getting to the bell. I made the mistake of looking back to see how far the bell was, my arms fatigued my legs wouldn't move and into the water I went. That's okay I got to do it and hey it gives me a chance to get really good at burpees. I finish my burpees and run to recite my memorization code. At the rope climb my foot cramps so I take a break and try again only to fall just a couple feet up. 30 more burpees. At the 30 burpee box I meet some other UltraBeast participants and I ask them if we are given the option to continue at the cutoff time are they going to take it. The young man tells me it depends on his wife. His loyalty earns my utmost respect. Another spear throw that earns me 30 more burpees, but at least I got near the target. I climb another wall and approach the barbwire crawl that goes on for eternity. I have fun with crab walks and rolling and army crawls until I finish. The next obstacle is vertical pipes and I want to try them as I practiced for that too. I got only two hands down the bar and slipped off. I come to the hercules hoist and am glad there is an obstacle that is fairly simple with a little squat technique. Then the shipping container walk followed by monkey bars that I earned another 30 burpees on. Juliana is at this obstacle and she chats with me and asks if I'm happy and reminds me of her words to just stay happy. I'm glad to have a familiar face here as I know the end of the first lap is approaching. I am having a debate about stopping or continuing on until I finish or get cut from the course. I am reminded of the banner I used to always see that stated. It starts with a decision. I decide I will stop at the finish of the first lap. I go up the hill and climb over some fallen logs and run down the hill as a staff member stops me and asks if I'm ultrabeast and I tell him yes I am not continuing and would like to just jump the fire for a photo with my Vermont beef stick. The company was kind enough to select me as a winner in their contest and they requested more fun photos so I thought that might make a great shot. He said he had to cut my timing chip and that I would be dnf. I said okay. 

Later in the evening I would meet up with two of the guys I participated in the 12 hour hurricane heat in Las Vegas with. We also all happened to stay together in the lodge. We met for a DNF podium photo.

Just like last year I am not disappointed with a DNF I saw areas where I was fortunate to improve and I got to enjoy another adventure outdoors.

My before and after always smile

A Time to Cry

Saturday morning I began a run I was very excited for. I had never run all of Cal Poly Canyon. Myself, my friend Emily and 5 others from Tuesday running group ran together. I struggled then gave myself permission to just not push myself. I had donated blood just 2 days prior. We finished the run and I read a social media post from a friend that requested prayers for her family.

I immediately reached out to her to ask if she was okay. She let me know her stepdad was in the ER. He's been battling stage 4 cancer. I was only 3 miles away I asked if she needed me there. She said she didn't know. Something told me to just get in the car and go. I met her in the waiting room.  We went to the room and I got to meet her dad and give my love and support to he and her mom. Steve was so kind and thanked me for being there. To be truthful I didn't need thanked it was he who was going to teach me an incredibly valuable lesson. 

I volunteered at the Central Coast Cancer Challenge last year and enjoyed the experience. I hadn't planned to volunteer this year because I wanted to go out of town. God had other plans for me. On Thursday I emailed the race director and she said I could help at registration Sunday morning.

Jeanie had signed up herself, her daughter, her son and running partner to run in honor of her husband. Saturday afternoon Steve was upgraded to the ICU and Jeanie made the decision not to run, but instead to stay by her husbands bedside and care for him. 

Sunday morning Jeanie's running partner Phil brought me Jeanie's bib and I was to run in her place. Jeanie's daughter who I've ran with as her pacer told me I had to get a PR. I've always had a goal to finish a 5k in under 30 minutes and I achieved my goal. Phil and Natosha earned their fastest times as well. 

I went to church after that run with my heart on my sleeve and prayers for Steve and his family. As tears were streaming down my face and I was singing hymns the lady next to me offered me a tissue from the most beautiful little case. That gesture seems so small, but it met my exact need and touched my heart just when I needed.

Thursday morning I received a message that Steve passed away. Again I drove to the hospital to express my love and support to dear friends. It hurt to watch the heartache of a dear family losing a loved one, but there was also a very sacred moment that Jeanie asked me to capture. Jeanie said that when Steve was going through treatment in Los Angeles they noticed a little mark on his hand in the shape of a heart. I asked her to hold his hand as I took some photographs.

I continue to hold this dear family in my prayers and value the time and special moments they shared with me. 

Family Time

I started my vacation on Wednesday. So thankful and so excited that my new job has blessed me with my first paid time off in over 7 years.

I left California at 5:30 pm with hopes of not needing to sleep and driving straight to my parents house in Utah. If my timing was accurate I could arrive at 8:30 am on Thursday given the hour loss for the time difference between states. At 5:00 am I was tired and pulled into a well lit lot to rest for about 20 minutes before getting back on the road. A short time later I was so sleepy I decided it was important to get some rest. I pulled into a gas station lot tilted my seat back and slept for 2 hours. I got back on the road and was just 2 hours from my parents house. I made a quick call home and said see you soon. 

My mom made an appointment for she and I at the hair salon. We came home and I caught a short nap while my mom went and picked cherries at our family friends home.

Friday we got the trailer prepared to go camping. My dad and brother drove to the campsite while my mom and I went to a quilt show. My mom and I pulled up to the campsite and helped my dad get set up. I went to a nearby campsite to welcome a fellow Spartan Race participant and her family. I had a great time gifting them some fun race stickers and bracelets. I went back to join my family and my dad was building a fire for my little brother to sit near. Ben likes to watch the fire and be warm. I prepared my pre-race chicken and veggies and set it over the fire to warm. Of course I had to follow it with roasting a couple marshmallows. Something my dad taught me years ago was patience when roasting a marshmallow and I've learned I like them just the right shade of golden roasted. My brother Ben is really funny he likes his marshmallow on a plate to eat with a spoon. After dinner my dad and Ben went fishing while my mom and I walked the campground. We ended the evening with family prayer where my mom prayed I would be watched over and do well in my race the following morning.

Saturday morning would begin like any other race day. Breakfast, race outfit and sunscreen. I'd make the pit stop for coffee before arriving at the race venue. This race was set to be different. I was given a complimentary entry to gift a friend so I was trying to make sure he was all set. I was also given the opportunity to share my story so I would be meeting with the videographer to discuss where I'd be recorded along the course and a post race interview. I also anticipated my mom, dad and brother being at the finish line.

I started the Spartan Race Utah Beast at 8:30 am with a goal of finishing in under 4 hours. The first 300 yards in immediately had a mud and water obstacle where I was filmed and given well wishes by Andrew the cameraman.

After a couple over under through obstacles, a short barbwire crawl, trail running and a rock that proved to be natures slip and slide I would come to the obstacle I knew would prove difficult for me. It is a cargo net traverse like monkey bars. After a few quick moves forward I dropped into the water earning me my first set of burpees. That was followed by the atlas carry and 5 burpees built into that obstacle. The next was the rope climb. Now given that I had just taxed my arms from the previous two obstacles and burpees I knew I had to stay focused on the bell at the top of the rope climb. I got to the top, rung the bell and off I went to more running and a spear throw which I missed. Yay more burpees. The volunteer was so excited I counted my burpees out loud that she told me to stop at 20 and I wasn't about to argue. The bucket gravel carry was once again a highlight because it is easy to me. I was running on the next section of trail only to hear a familiar voice say,"I was hoping to see you." It was my friend Mark who I'd made sure was all set with his gifted entry earlier. I responded I knew he'd catch up to me even if he was wearing his air Jordan high tops. We ran more of the course did the log hop successfully both tackling it like balancing ninjas gave high fives and carried on. There was a swimming under ropes obstacle with a guy spraying the participants as the passed through. I heard the Spartan Race staff say,"you thought I'd forgot about you didn't you." It was one of the guys I met in Monterey last year named JJ. He made me laugh and I loved the obstacle it was the cooling off I needed. The invert wall was fun as I recounted the story to Mark of being in Las Vegas and having to get a tire over that wall.

The traverse wall was next and Andrew asked to film that obstacle, but then needed to do something else. I was glad because despite fighting the cramping calf which that wall always seems to provide and Mark coaching me to the next block hand hold I fell from the wall and tackled 30 more burpees. 

I chose the men's weight on the sand bag carry. I did the tire flip and tire drag obstacles. Lots more running, chasing Mark when he got too far ahead and a stop for salt water at an aid station and I'd arrive at another rope climb. This was not the traditional rope climb the rope was thin and slippery and proved difficult and earned me 30 more burpees.

The end was near it was the longest, muddiest Barbwire crawl I'd ever seen on a race course. Andrew asks me to try to stay to the side as he's filming. I want to get through this fast and do well as I know my watch stopped just before my 4 hour goal mark and at mile 11. I start rolling through the mud under the Barbwire. I do some crawling, more rolling some sitting up because I get dizzy and finally resort to crab walking where I'm made aware that cramping is really annoying. I know I have to fight the finish line is so close. I get through the obstacle, stand up only to see the slippery incline wall. I am covered head to toe in mud there is not an inch of skin on my hands not muddy. Andrew suggests I use the ground to free my hands of mud so I can grab the rope. This process was hilarious I used to ground only to wipe my hands on my shorts and realize I just undid my work. I'm also so nauseous from the Barbwire crawl/rolling. After what seemed like an hour passed I grab the rope only to slip back down the wall. I decided I'll have to use a wrap technique with my hand, arm and the rope as I slowly make my way to the top of the wall. I arrive at the top just a little shy of being able to throw my leg over and a young man yells,"who needs a hand?" I tell him I do as he reached out his muddy hand to give me that little leverage I needed to kick my leg over. A photographer taking pictures of athletes jumping the fire captured the moment  but it's a little blurry. As soon as I'm on the other side of the slippery wall I hear a voice say,"come on Joanie you got it." It's my mom. I blink back a couple tears get down the wall jump the fire and cross the finish line earning my beast medal and completing my 2014 Spartan Race Tri-fecta.

I get a congratulatory hug from Mark all nice and muddy. We went to the rinse stations where we took turns spraying the mud off one another. I changed my clothes, put my tri-fecta medal together got a family photo with my mom, dad and Ben. Ben and I recreated a photo done years ago of him giving me a medal as I gave him my medals. I did my interview and said bye to my family. My mom left me some cherries to snack on and I went to volunteer with the street team at the exit tent.

I ended the day with a trip to visit my friend Clarisa, her husband and new baby Caroline. She offered me a Greek yogurt Popsicle and it was heaven. We had a great time catching up and I just adore her.

I got back home to my parents house. I was hungry, nauseous, and had a lovely headache. I think those are just side effects of pushing myself and having a great day.

Sunday afternoon my mom and I drove together to her brother's house 4 hours away. We all had a great dinner and visited before retiring to bed and my Uncle spoiled us with my favorite sausage, egg and coffee for breakfast the following morning. 

Monday I took my mom to the shuttle stop to catch her ride back home. My mom met a woman on the ride who is battling brain cancer and it reminded me very much of the great athlete and friend I met last year in Vermont who continues to battle his brain cancer with a great attitude.

As I was driving home Monday afternoon I made a special call to my Godson's mom and a very dear mentor to me. I left a message to thank her and let her know I paid her tribute in my interview. Patty's return phone call would come later Monday evening after I'd arrived home. Her words and kind thoughts and praises to me were so appreciated and welcomed.

I am so grateful for the time I was given to share moments with my family.

So often I hear complaints of strained relationships with family members and loved ones. I think all it takes is sharing some fun with one another and creating love and happiness and expressing lots and lots of thank yous.

Make Time to Serve Others

Friday morning I began my drive to Monterey to help out at Spartan Race. 

I was listening to a radio station that was doing a morning of supporting the local food bank. $1.00 is able to be stretched into $10.00. The radio host suggested emptying the coin tray in the car and stopping by the location they were broadcasting from to donate. It was on my way so I made a short stop.

I arrived to the race venue and pitched in doing inventory and then assisted my friend Yishai in some course marking. He really did an incredible job marking the course.

I finished up the day and went to my friends house to get some sleep. 

Saturday morning I traveled to the race venue as I wanted to send well wishes to the 12 hour Hurricane Heat participants beginning at 6:00 am.

At 8:00 am the men's elite heat began and I saw my friend Iram start. I hadn't seen him since Vermont where I met him September 2013. He inspires me every day with his amazing attitude and I love his charm too. At 8:15 the women's elite heat began and I started crying watching my friend Corinne start as she walked because she's still recovering from knee surgery. At 9:45 my friend and training partner Terri started I was excited to see her success. At 10:15 my friend Lauren who I gifted her race entry was beginning her first Spartan Race experience with her boyfriend as her teammate. At 12:30 my Spartner in Crime Seth who almost forgot to change his shoes had me do his number body marking and off he ran.

I helped at the street team exit tent and then went to the finish line to retrieve timing chips from race participants. I saw Iram finish and got a wet muddy hug followed by Terri and Corinne. 

I then met up with the other course sweepers and we divided into two groups. One following runners and the other to take down course markings and pick up litter.

My partner B and I caught up to the last two runners. They had volunteered earlier and were then doing the course. It was a young guy and girl high school and college sweethearts. We waited while they did the obstacles and B participated alongside them. We were hiking up a hill and I asked if the girl would like a gel. She said yes as I proceeded to pull out paracord, snacks, clif bars and every flavor gel out of my pack while being asked if I was Mary Poppins of Spartan Race. At the bucket filled with gravel carry the young man began and his girlfriend said she wanted to opt to burpee out. B encouraged Erin to try it and began filling her own bucket. This was much like my experience with the young man I followed as course sweeper last year. Gabe came down the hill with his bucket emptied it as his face filled with emotion. He waited for his girlfriend and B. Erin arrived at the bottom of the obstacle exhausted with tears of joy and she carried on.

I received a radio message that our runners had one hour to arrive at the next aid station or risk not being allowed to complete the course for time and safety reasons. B and I urged them to dig deep and carry on. The runners had an option to take left or right. I followed them left cleaning and taking down course markings behind them while B swept course right.

As I arrived at the top of the ridge I saw the 12 hour hurricane heat participants on a mission to take on their next assignment and was a little jealous of what they were accomplishing.

B and I met at the top our arms filled with course tape and signs. My pack tied with clothing and B's pack with a marking tape diaper and rope harness.

We were taken by my friend Yishai to our next part of trail to sweep then arrived at aid station 6 a little prior to 8:00. We received radio notice that anyone not arriving at that aid station by 8:00 pm needed to be asked to be done with outcrossing the finish line. B and I realized our two runners Gabe and Erin were not there yet. We were taken by Mike the course foreman to find them. When we arrived to find the couple on trail I was so sad to tell them they wouldn't be allowed to finish. They had given their time all morning volunteering and had invested their time and energies into the event. B saw how disheartened Erin was and began walking with her. I was so proud of my partner B she wanted to see Gabe and Erin through to the finish line and she did. She exemplified true Spartan service. I was then asked if I could go to a last section of trail that still needed the course markings removed. I loved the section I got assigned and I pulled my headlight out of my Mary Poppins pack and off I ran.

I loved the entire weekend being given the chance to serve just a little bit without the distraction of preparing to run. I also used the hills as a training day for the event I've made a goal to complete in just a few short weeks.

Focus on giving rather than getting and you will receive more than you ever gave. This statement I have absolute faith in.

A week filled with great times

Sunday morning started very early as I wakened at 4:30 to prepare breakfast and begin my 2.5 hour drive North to Monterey for a Spartan 300 workout. As an official California Street Team member I was assigned to assist in checking in workout registrants. I had great street team members to work with and when all was done 175 participants would be accounted for.

Michael Ainis would lead them all formed in lines of 7-15 in each line. Burpees, crab walks, push-ups, lunges, running and a great time was had by all. Toward the end of the workout a partner carry was assigned. This is where I would observe one of the most amazing displays of strength and love. A couple in their 70's began the carry with the husband carrying his wife. As they went to trade for the carry back to the starting point he simply told her he'd walk by her side. Earlier I had watched this beautiful woman taking a knee to catch her breath and I had asked if she was okay with a gentle touch of her shoulder. She looked up, smiled and said yes I'm okay. 

At each Spartan Race event I attend I am always touched by someone. Today it was the eldest lady in the group giving it her best and always smiling.

Monday I attended CrossFit because my dear friend Terri held me accountable. Terri finished a 12 hour solo adventure race on Saturday and despite being tired and sore she still showed up to put in the work. Terri is an inspiration to me so driven and so kind I can't help but adore her. We did front squats at 70% of one rep max. I got encouraged by Chrissy and Terri and met a new woman Becky. We then moved on to the workout of the day. It consisted of running, back squats and toes to bar. For the first time I did 10 toes to bar without releasing the bar. I made the back squat weight heavier than prescribed for an increased challenge and I had a great evening. 

Last week I went a little out of my way to locate a Uhaul van to have available for a business needing to utilize it for Mother's Day floral deliveries. Today I got rewarded ten fold with 2 dozen gorgeous yellow baby and long stem roses.

Tuesday was the second Pub Run of the season sponsored by Running Warehouse and Salomon shoes. It was great to run a 4 mile out and back and hit a sub ten pace on mile 4. It was followed with delicious taco salad with friends for Taco Tuesday.

Wednesday is always rest day and I welcomed it, but I committed to a 30 hour endurance event in 2015 and registered for it today. It's called the SISU Iron.

Thursday I got prepared for Fridays travel to Born to Run UltraMarathon.

Friday morning I arrived at the event site. I was planning on doing the archery run, but was asked by the race director if I could spare a couple hours to assist his wife. I set my wants aside and jumped in to help with participant check-in. The couple hours turned into 9 and I had a great time meeting people and handing out race t-shirts. I met a guy that had the little event rule tattooed on his arm.

I slept in my car and woke up early to assist with the last of the race participants check in and tshirt distribution. 

The 50k, 100k and 100 mile runners were given instructions to begin with the pink ribbon marked course lap followed by alternating laps of pink and yellow. The 10 mile participants were told to follow yellow.

I began the run at a great pace and never stopped on the first few hill climbs. I stopped to hike/walk/lunge some of the climbs. I knew if I were to have a chance at achieving my goal I would need to improve speed on the flat and stay completely focused on the downhill and the few technical downhill sections. At mile 7 I started experiencing pain in a strange section of my legs, but I knew I had to keep moving. I was on my last 1.2 miles and I saw my friend Kevin. He passed me with a hand slap and encouraged me. I'm an emotional runner so of course I got all choked up, forgot to keep breathing and got weak in my legs. Then adrenaline kicked in and I said I have to go hard to the finish. I used to run with Kevin sometimes. He is fast and he always slowed for me.  I was almost to the end and ran into my friend Larry doing the 50k course who thought I was following the wrong course mark and he directed me up a hill. My friend Jadd saw me and had a puzzled look on his face. I knew something was wrong when all of a sudden a runner yells, hey 10 milers you're going the wrong way." I turned around, ran down the hill and saw that what I'd been directed to was actually the left turn taken earlier during the course. I ran to my car parked near the finish, retrieved my tire and ran to the finish line. I did 11.3 miles and was right on track to finish in sub 2 hours had I not had the detour. The course was gorgeous it was great training and I loved all of it! I was there to see Natosha complete her first lap of her first 50k and Kevin complete his 50k in right around 4 hours.

Today I began my day meeting 3 weeples for a charity run benefitting wildland fire foundation and honoring the fallen hotshots 19.

The course began with a wall jump start a quick spray down and some over under obstacles. We walked most of the course enjoying getting to know one another. We climbed walls and cargo nets. We assisted a team of women participating in the 3 mile course. One woman was discouraged by a teammate to do the obstacle because she was 7 weeks pregnant. I think the discouragement had the opposite effect on her and up she climbed. I even learned a new technique from her. I tried her technique as I climbed it a second time. We crawled through large plastic piping while a GoPro attached to a drone filmed us. The warped wall would require assistance that we received from other members on the course and we in turn would offer that same assistance. That was my favorite part of the run. I think the drone was filming there too. At that obstacle a guy slapped my leg and said dang look at those quads. That made me laugh. There was a rope/wall obstacle that defeated me a few times until I took the option on the left. There was a fireman carry. Ernesto carried Jorean and I carried Sai. That part was great because you needed a partner and it honored the fireman. We came to more wall climbs and an aid station where the canopy kept threatening to blow away. The weeples and I stopped to assist the aid station volunteer who we learned was the race directors wife. Sai and I also used the aid station for a tire photo opp.

We neared mile 7 aid station and our teammate Ernesto who had been carrying on strong with a knee strain decided he needed to end his time on the course. We wished him well, he cheered us on said he'd see us at the finish.

We came to a tire obstacle I was really excited about. I'd seen it in a picture. It was way harder than I anticipated it would be.

Just before the finish was a set of angled monkey bars set between two shipping containers. The reach to the first bar was a little far so I tried a jump grab successfully. Three bars in I'd learn I picked the one set that carried the greatest challenge. The bar was pushed too far away and despite my best efforts I'd have to let go. I watched Sai complete them with ease. 

Sai, Jorean and I did the last Barbwire wall crawl unders and jumped hay bail stairs to the finish where Ernesto was there to take our photo like he was so kind to do all along the course. We didn't receive a finisher shirt or medal because they ran out, but they took our info to get them to us.

I went back to try the monkey bars and used Sai's suggestion to take advantage of the shipping container on the side. I did it I didn't fall.

In life sometimes we fail once, but it's attempting twice that matters.

Checkpoint Challenge Time

Today's race would begin like any other with a challenge. One hour before starting time I took the bike I borrowed out of the car and much to my dismay saw that it had a flat rear tire. Lucky for me my friend left the bike complete with hand pump, spare tube and tire iron. 

I walked the bike to the staging area where a really nice guy offered to help me. Although accepting help isn't a strong point of mine, I was happy to let him pitch in. The tire was fixed, put back on the bike and I was set to wait for our wave to start.

My friend Kristin the co-race director saw me and asked if we'd take a third person on our team as the racer's partner had not shown up. I said of course especially because it was another female. The three of us reviewed the map, plotted strategy and the course we would take. The three of us were instructed to tether the kayak Denise was using to the kayak Corinne and I would be in.

Coming into this adventure race Corinne said she would be slow and hadn't kayaked much or ridden a mountain bike. I was here to have fun and also to let Corinne gauge where her knee was in it's surgery recovery. Time wasn't important. 

The three of us women started toward the area we believed the checkpoints to be. We are looking for an island, but we also are under the impression that checkpoint 1 and 2 can be run to one another. What isn't known is that I've volunteered at adventure races in years passed so I know the checkpoint is a bright orange triangle. We see another team shore their kayak and take off running up a hill. We choose to continue forward all the while looking for an island. We then see a boater who says something about a spillway and we go toward the spillway. We see another boater who says kayakers have come and left this area. Up ahead on shore we see a bright orange object on a box and start paddling toward it only for me to look left and start screaming that's checkpoint three the triangle is white with orange on it attached to a buoy. Corinne punches our two cards and we set off for the next checkpoint. It's on a hillside. Corinne and Denise stayed in the kayaks while I ran to get the cards punch on another checkpoint. Our strategy was to paddle to another shore and send a runner up the island to the next checkpoint while the other two carried or dragged the kayaks up and over a small hill. Garret a pro adventure racer for team Tecnu would spot us at this point. He had already finished and was kayaking out for fun. He made a comment about sending our teammate out to run and we responded it was part of the strategy. Garrett watched me lift the back of the kayak Corinne was carrying and grab the handle of the kayak Denise had been using and start dragging it. He yells, "go gun show." I had to laugh. I loved getting cheered on.

Corinne was a trooper with the kayak and scored herself a hat for her efforts. Just doing her part cleaning up the trace some fisherman had left behind.

Denise comes running down the hillside and we set off to paddle back to the starting line.

We made it back and transitioned onto our mountain bikes. The ride starts with nice flat flowy single track and fire road then takes a right turn where the volunteer advises to use those granny gears and get ready for the 1-2 mile climb. There may or may not have been some hike a bike taking place here.

The bike course was beautiful single track. It consisted of berms I could ride still clipped in, some very minor technical rocky sections most of which I chose to skip and really fun downhill and roller coaster sections. Corinne did a million times better than she tried to tell me she would.

Last was the run. It was hilly, involved a lot of bouldering and a little pond with a checkpoint Corinne swam out to get.

The checkpoint challenge ended with some fun obstacles. Corinne had Denise step on her to get into the closet climb obstacle. Denise grabbed the rope and finished it like a champ. I jumped up after Denise found the technique I wanted grabbed the rope and made my way up. Corinne took the side next to me and powered up it like the obstacle specialist she is. We climbed down wall steps and proceeded to the cargo net obstacle. We took turns holding the net for one another and we all ran to the finish line.

This was such a great new challenge for me to take on and every aspect of it was enjoyable! The scenery was beautiful most of which I'd never seen although it's minutes away from my home. The terrain provided different challenges. The course was the most well laid marked course I've ever been on and the kayak element provided a new skill I want to practice both the kayaking and navigating.

All-Out Events has been doing this adventure race for a number of years and each year Yishai is able to create a new element of surprise. He spends days prior removing poison oak, loading kayaks, marking course, loading boxes of finisher pint glasses into the trailer, assembling the finish arch and the list of work that he, his awesome wife, friends, staff and volunteers put in to make this great really shows. I received a phone call at 9:00 pm because earlier in the day I asked what our time was and Yishai was following up with an answer.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves outdoors and seeks new challenges all while checking the points and directions their lives are taking.