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.

Time To Test Limits

This weekend seemed to have a theme. Much of it revolved around tires. At it's end my car would get another 1,011 miles on it's tires.

I am so lucky my friend Joe is an early riser (literally we all question if/when he sleeps) and could direct me to the race venue I completely drove pass. I was able to later thank Joe for taking my call at 5:00 am when he woke up to a flat tire on his car the morning after the race. Joe, Seth and I took turns pumping the tire back up with the small Lezyne hand pump I had brought to air my personal flotation device that was part of my HH12HR checklist.

12 Hour Hurricane Heat began like the shorter version of the Spartan Race Hurricane Heat at 6:00 am. Teams were formed and names were chosen. I became one of ten on the team "Nothing Else Matters. The burpee fest began. I lost count at 143.

We then log rolled about 100 yards. This was the part where I got annoyed at my syncope and motion sensitivity and mentioned how glad I was I couldn't throw up.  A bridge of Spartans in plank position was created to crawl under. 

I'm going to leave the other details of this part of the day out as I want individuals to register for a Hurricane Heat and learn what it is all about for themselves. I will say one thing we all went to the rope climb and I watched incredible teamwork take place as a team assisted one guy in trying to get his rope climb to ring the bell. After a period of amazing effort another Spartan climbed to remove the bell from the top and it was brought down to ring.  I watched another guy struggle time after time without anyone noticing or without him asking for help. I walked to the young man who was alone and defeated and I coached him up the rope a short distance. He said he'd never tried or learned to climb a rope before. I was really proud of his drive. 

At approximately 9:25 we all finished together. Hurricane Heat0048 was dismissed and the 12 Hour Hurricane Heat 001 was given their first assignment. We were to run 3/4 of a mile, retrieve a tire and return to the starting point. I was excited about this I'd trained with my tire I kept in my car for the last 6 weeks.

We all returned in time where we learned our next mission was to complete the Las Vegas Super Spartan Race course and we had 4 hours to finish with our tire.

I climbed walls went under nets climbed more walls did some more obstacles and came to the bucket carry. It appeared some racers were choosing to burpee out of this obstacle and that may have been the better strategy, but it's a favorite of mine because it's where my stubbornness plays a key role. In the past I've always set a goal to do it as quickly as possible without setting the bucket down. I adjusted the tire to rest on my pack grabbed my bucket and off I went. Numerous racers asked why I had the tire. There were so many women that expressed appreciation and words of admiration. Numerous men called me crazy or badass. I must have said thank you 4,000 times throughout the race.

I would come to an aid station shortly after this where I would realize I couldn't find my banana in my pack and I also needed to refill my hydration bladder. I got completely annoyed and just at that time I saw a familiar face. It was Ben my friend from home who was a complete stranger I picked up last Thanksgiving to do a beach run with me as he was training for his first Spartan Race.

The monkey bars which are usually my favorite obstacle would earn me my first 50 burpee penalty. My tire was set and just as I reached my hand for bar number 3 my fingertips missed and down I fell.

I went over more walls. At one wall I heard my name yelled and it was Janice who I met at an expo last month. She introduced me to her nephew and off they ran. It was tricky reaching my tire up to push over the walls. The invert wall another favorite obstacle would prove to be the one where I would become creative with my tire. I'd done the wall in the earlier part of the day before earning the tire. I attempted to climb the wall with the tire. After one failed attempt and wasted energy I grabbed my paracord and tied it around the tire. I got myself over then used the paracord and tire like a Hercules hoist and pulled it over the invert wall perhaps even losing some skin on some fingers.

I got to the rope climb and chose to set my tire down as I saw another tire sitting nearby. Without staff or a volunteer to direct me I figured it was for safety reasons the tire wasn't used on this obstacle.  I was successful on bell ring number 2 for the day.

The spear throw would cost me another set of burpees. The one race that I have only had one penalty it was from this obstacle. I think I may be utilizing those hay bails my dad always has set up for archery practice when I am home in June just prior to the next race I will complete and earn my first Tri-frecta.

I did more running on the course and arrived at the Barbwire crawl. I pushed my tire with my feet as I crabbed walked and waited for race participants to move forward through the obstacle so I could continue. At one point smoke cloud canisters were opened and set on hay bales. The smoke came near my face somehow. I breathed it in and began choking. This just made me scared and determined to finish the obstacle as quickly as possible.

I arrived next at the slippery wall rope climb. I got to the top my feet slipped as I took the last step, my arms gave way and down the wall rope in hand I slid. Mr. Goodyear broke the fall. I tried it again with the same results and now a cut on the palm of my hand. No blood no glory. I saw two guys at the top and yelled to them I was going for attempt number 3. They saw to it I was successful, but got stuck with my tire around my pack at the top. I found a way to fix it and down the wall I went to the dunk zone. It was so awesome after being hot and tired. I don't know that I've ever had that much fun jumping into cool muddy water. I jumped the fire, crossed the finish line and was told to go to find the group. I knew I had missed the 4 hour completion time, but I wasn't sure if I was going to earn a penalty or be disqualified. This is where I got the best news. I could choose to quit or continue on unofficially without earning a patch or shirt. Of course I chose to continue. The ethos we chanted throughout the day includes two of four lines: I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. 

From here we were a team again. We did various challenges up and down a hill. We lined up and were given the partner in front of us then asked to move one person to the right which placed me running to the opposite end of a line to get my partner. We were to fireman carry our partner taking turns carrying one another one lap around base camp. Base camp consisted of 4 large shipping containers parked in a square. I told my partner I weighed his same body weight and I decided I would carry him all the way. I took two rests with my partner and was the last one in. We then got into 2 person teams and our team added a third person. We were given a mission to run to a tunnel collect our poker chip and return. I loved this part it reminded me of a Santa Barbara hash I once did that led to a tunnel and drink check. The only difference with this was we went without our packs and I could have really used a drink check at the tunnels end. We earned our chip with completion of 100 push-ups. 

We ran back to the starting point and gathered around where we signed our golf balls, did some squats, water burpees and other exercises then went on an Easter egg hunt for our golf ball. 

We finished the 12HRHH with an Indian run with a very large tire. The winds kicked up at that point and started wreaking havoc on the festival and staging area so we used the last 20 minutes to assist in breakdown then took a photo finish by the fire.

This was an incredible experience and training for life day. I wouldn't change a thing, but I will continue to strive to improve my speed as to better prepare for cutoff times.

Time to Prove It

A couple weeks ago my friend I've been adventuring, training with and calling my Spartner in crime let me know he had decided not to do the Southern California Spartan Race. My spirit was dampened and to be completely truthful it made me question if I was going to be okay going back to the area I associated with a lot of hurt that ended 5 years ago almost costing me my life. I needed/wanted his strength and support more than anything else, but on that same token it was more important to me to be understanding and supportive rather than selfish. I started doing everything I could think of to try to change things. Just a few short days before the race my dear friend Corinne who gifted me my first entry found a way to gift my Spartner in crime an entry. I had to make it a surprise so I registered him and told him to check his email. His response was awesome and my smile was back and I felt a complete sense of peace. 

He and I set off on what I called a mini-vacation. We made some fun stops along the way for me to drop off treats to my favorite kid in Santa Barbara and drop off birthday gifts for my dear friend and her daughter in Los Angeles and then enjoy dinner with his dad. His dad was so accommodating and let us stay in the guest rooms at his warm beautiful home.

We got up early and headed to the race venue. I volunteer for the street team so I received close parking so that was the warm up walk to the starting line on Saturday morning. I only had one goal as I prepared for the SoCal Spartan Race Super and Sprint courses. I wanted successful completion of the traverse wall and rope climb obstacles.

My Spartner and I got our race packets and went seperate directions. I climbed the wall to get to the starting line and I joined him there. I knew it would only be a matter of seconds and he would be far ahead of me. I hadn't asked him to wait. He later told me he had questioned if he should stay with me and I told him I was so happy he did what he wanted which was to push himself. I'm strong, stubborn and slow, but those are my strengths.

I went under and over walls and netting and on to single track, water crossings and up a hill and to more walls to go over under and through. Next was monkey bars (sure glad I shaved my hands). I came to the traverse wall and despite the same cramping that occurred the first time I tried that wall at my first race last year I was able to complete it. There was a short sand bag carry, but when I lifted the women's weight it was so light I decided the men's weight would be more fun. There was an atlas carry that I loved because I'd practiced those just days prior. Tire flips were fun. More running up a steep hill and some flat terrain on to a sand/rock bag carry up and over a tiny hill. I came to the Hercules hoist and took a shot at the men's weight and only got it half way up and went to do the women's weight.

There was a log/balance obstacle that would cost me my first 30 burpees. I thought of my Spartner knowing he crushed that obstacle since he was always jumping and balancing on bridge railings when we adventured during training.

There were more steep up/downhills and I came to the tractor pull. This obstacle consists of a cement block attached to a chain that you pull up a hill through soft sand and back down another hill. I know this is meant to break down and fatigue the muscles shortly before the spear throw so I tried to strategize. My strategy went well but I missed the target. 30 more burpees for me weeee. 

On to the rolling mud hills and water/mud pits. Here's where the real challenge began on the last 1/4 mile and 3 obstacles prior to the finish line. I stepped  into the water and my right calf completely cramped and ceased to move. Fear took over, crying and anger joined it for company. I balanced on my left leg and reached for my right foot and pulled as hard as I could and told my leg to work. I could move it again so I started climbing the mud hill. The cramping returned. I would step down hoping to stretch it. I just wanted to get to the rope climb so I struggled through the pain and tears. I ducked under the water under the wall, climbed one last hill and walked to the rope climb. I put my foot on the rope just like I'd practiced and I was faced again with cramping. I took a rest at the bottom of the rope in the water then began the climb. Up, up I went only one pull and leg transition and a knot left and I would hit the bell. My arms gave out and I fell hitting my jaw on a knot as I went feet and face first into the water. I was so bitter I'd failed my goal and my arms failed me again on the wall and rope obstacle following. At this point I said congrats Spartan Race Super course you broke me, but I have a fire to cross to the finish line and I'll be back tomorrow to hang out with your nicer shorter twin the Sprint. I cross the finish and see a familiar face the singing tortoise and he hugs me and asks if I'm okay to which I respond no and he replies asking what he can help me with and I'm at a loss for what to say as I walk away. I didn't know what I needed but I got rinsed off and headed to where I'd stashed my sweet potatoes and chicken tenderloin. I bit into my roasted sweet potato and it hurt to chew. I was annoyed all over again at that darn rope and I promised myself I would use the poor experience to my advantage the following day.

I hadn't set up a place to stay Saturday night so by some struck of luck my Spartner found a room in a casino hotel with two beds and the jacuzzi right out the window because why would we use the door when the window is the direct route. 

Sunday morning I was scheduled to volunteer with street team and set up the items I had organized and put away Saturday night. My Spartner didn't hesitate at all he jumped in and helped even while I was out on course.

I had a mission on Sunday it was to take it easy, avoid cramping, preserve my energy for the last mile and complete the rope climb. My Spartner and I took photos in front of the spartan race banner prior to running and I later found out they used it for marketing. I

started out right on the pace I wanted and I came to the area where a choice needed to be made. Do I take the harder shorter left as I'd done previously and be stuck walking the single track behind the line of runners or do I go right easier longer. I choose right because I wanted a change of scenery and to be alone. I finished that, climbed a hill did the same obstacles as the day before minus the sand bag carry it wasn't on the course and continued on. I got to the logs and decided to take my Spartners advice I went quick jumping from log to log. Success no burpees as I yelled, heck yes I failed that yesterday." A runner heard me and said dang you did this yesterday? I wasn't about to tell him the course I did the day before was double the distance.

I continued on hitting my mark of at least 3 miles in under an hour. Those that have never done OCR are thinking why did it take 20 minutes to go just one mile. I don't know I ask myself that same question all the time. I will get faster I promise. I arrived at the tractor pull again to it back logged just like the previous day. I was given the option to burpee out, but I decided I wouldn't care about my time anymore. I was set to finish in 1.5 hours had I not had to wait. I missed my spear knocked out 30 burpees and put a huge smile on my face. I was about to face the rolling mud where I had cramped on Saturday. I was on the third hill and I saw a familiar face. Tony from the pro team who I'd met at a beach workout previously and talked to in Vermont and Malibu. He snapped a photo and I continued on excited to get to the rope climb. I went under the wall in the water, jumped out and ran to the rope. I was at the bottom of the rope coaching myself as to what I would do differently. I reminded myself to envision the success of the first time I climbed the rope at CrossFit Nipomo. I also remembered my friend Corinne had told me to just have fun and climb that rope. I did it, I hit the bell. I worked my way back down and I ran to jump the fire and cross the finish line. 

I've been participating in a tracking challenge this month of completing 100k to earn the privilege of getting a shirt that says Prove It. I often say the only thing you have to prove anything to is yourself. I needed to prove that I had become stronger, happier and healthier as a result of the struggle I faced in that area 5 years prior. I also wanted to prove I could turn the previous days failure into success.

What are you ready to prove to yourself?

Time to Replenish

Last Friday I donated blood because I wanted to be a part of a special goal of 100 gifts of blood life January. 

Saturday I met up with a teammate I'd met at the last Spartan Race I participated in. I wanted to show Joe aka the singing tortoise the neat caves, rope and traverse sea wall. I had such a great time he is literally one of the most positive loving men I've met. When I got back to my car I had a tingly sensation in my hands and tongue and I just shrugged it off as dehydration and red blood cell loss. This feeling came and went along with a headache throughout the course of the weekend. It made me nervous, but kind of frustrated also because usually I feel great after blood donation. In the past I've worked out or ran the very next day. I was also worried how it may affect the upcoming races in just a few days. I made myself rest throughout the weekend and hydrate.

Many people know of my desire to be a ten gallon blood donor before my 40th birthday. I was right on schedule to achieve that goal even with the one year deferral in 2007 from getting a tattoo.

Right on schedule until today. I think I'm at 7 gallons so far on the local blood bank record though I'm right at 50 pints. I received a letter in the mail stating that because my hemoglobin level was on the low end of the donating scale that an additional test was run and I tested low on ferritin an essential protein used in helping build iron in the blood. I got put on a 24 week deferral even though plasma and platelet donation are still acceptable.

I learned I've been far more focused on training with iron rather than supplementing my body with iron nutrition. I put myself on an iron supplement and you may see me carrying around peppers, sweet potatoes and steak, but I will use this valuable lesson to remember to take time to replenish.