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.

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.