SISU 24

SISU 24 is an event I look forward to all year long. In 2015 I volunteered at night and arrived to the canyon gate just in time for a bear to walk by my car. I questioned whether or not I wanted to get out to open the gate or stay in my car. Opening the gate was the right choice. I loved volunteering, but knew the next year I had to run. So when I say I look forward to it all year long it is literally the only event I've consistently registered for immediately after registration opens each year for the previous 3 years.

In 2016 I had a perfect points advantage strategy planned out that would give me a big lead early on, but as my story often goes I got lost. That cost me over 2 hours and my strategy. That became disheartening and I stayed in my car to rest during the night hours.

In 2017  I accomplished my goal of finishing all 5 trails without getting lost.

This year I wanted redemption from my 2016 strategy failure. I began on redbox expecting everyone to go to the cabin to get an egg for bonus points. Redbox is 15 miles and the highest amount of points. It is also the trail where I got lost in 2016. The difference this year is a lot of runners started on Redbox. Previously I didn't have any company on that trail except three guys  on a team behind me. This run was also serving as a benchmark training run for a race I registered for that takes place March 2019. It has strict expectations as to mileage finish times so I kept a chart of target pace and hours. On my way down I saw Jaime who I met last year with her teammates and her teammate Maria's dad. I got to catch up with Jaime tell her about my favorite shoe I was wearing and Maria's dad was really enjoying himself and telling proud dad stories of his daughter. I missed a benchmark I was trying to keep, but it was okay because the company was worth it.

I got back to camp and knew I just needed to get to the waterfall before 2 pm and I had 53 minutes to get there so I took off running downhill at 8 mile pace. I tell myself I never train that pace don't try to race it I still have 16 hours to go. I slow a little and arrive at the waterfall with enough time to finish the challenge and they tell me I'm the last one to get to do it. This year it's longer it's a minute under the cold waterfall. I take off my long layer and my shoes and in the waterfall I go. The photographer Billy took a photo where he says it looks like I questioned all life decisions up to that point. What it really was is redemption. 

I was going to do the cabin trail next but Travis who I met years ago was going on the new blue trail and I decided to join him. We got lost looking for the trail, but luckily we ran into runners and a nice neighbor outside who directed us how to locate its trailhead. 

We arrived back to camp and I decided I wanted to go to the cabin but be back in time for midnight yoga because it was bonus points. 

The cabin had a trivia challenge for bonus points. If you read a sign and could answer questions upon returning you could earn bonus points. There is a tree that is split in two with the trail in the middle and I love it. I kept hiking and arrived to a crossing the same one I also missed in 2016. I looked at my landmarks and surroundings and told myself to remember the arrow to cross back and not run strait to a shortcut on the return. I arrived to the cabin and made sure the eggs and carton had all been collected. I read a sign even memorized it using numbers and could give a history lesson on it. Upon returning I was answered questions, but didn't know the answers because I read the wrong sign. The right answer was lemon meringue pie my dad's very favorite and he's been in scouting for years and I'm at a boy scout camp and I'm laughing at the irony.

I climbed in my car to rest a few minutes then grabbed my t-shirt blanket to use as a yoga mat and headed to the fort. Yoga was fun and we did a massage circle for neck and shoulders to end. That was just what I wanted as I'd been keeping my head down a lot looking at the ground with my headlamp at night.

I decided I wanted to do the ten mile trail silver fish. I met Scott who was on a team last year but was solo this year due to an untimely passing of his teammates family member. He said he was going too and another guy going to Redbox joined us also. I got to converse with Scott and said I wanted to run on the trail back down, but I soon found that was much easier said than done at night on tired feet.

I chose not to do the sixth trail because I achieved 10,000 feet of climbing which was another goal. I finished content with 43.3 miles. That was good enough to earn 3rd place miles wise, but I hadn't achieved enough bonus challenge points. Two friends tied for third and I was happy for them.

My running this year has truly been about turning previous failures into success. How are you turning previous disappointments around each day?

Time to Run

I arrived at Chamberlain ranch Friday afternoon. I was greeted by Beverly and checked in. 

I drove down to the staging area and was greeted by the same friendly snake I've seen each year. I have yet to see a rattlesnake.

I arrived and parked my car next to Jadd and his family. Carly their dog and my favorite dog to take running greeted me with that look of why aren't we going running.

Jadd had a tent set up and they all insisted I take a nap, but I'd just been fabric shopping and wanted to cut some strips of fabric. I used the tie dye fabric for a tablecloth and my T-shirt quilt for a second tablecloth. I rested a short time then went to watch Jadd win the beer mile for a 4th time. My friend Corinne was the first female finisher.

I went back to my car and began getting a few things set up. Then shortly before the race was to start my Godson Chandler showed up. This meant more than anything to me. He's famous for his one line quote,"if you aren't your biggest fan who is?" I'm certain I am his biggest fan. I was just a few months younger than he is now when I was hired by his parents to be a nanny for him and his older brother JT. He was impressed by the size and set up of the event. I had him walk with me to the start line briefing, all runners raised their right hand and said the Micah True pledge if I get hurt, lost or die it's my own damn fault. Then the shotgun sounded and the run began.

I started out in front so I ran a little quick to start then slowed myself down. My friend Corinne asked when to expect I'd be finished with the first ten mile pink loop and I told her three hours. I saw Garin at mile 6 and he said he'd join me for a loop on Saturday after he ran. I finished in 2:15 way ahead of what I expected and the fastest I've ever run pink. I was surprised to upload my stats and see I held onto an 8 minute pace the first mile. I haven't ever done that in training.

Corinne, Kaori who accepted the invite to come photograph the event and my friend Scott all joined me for yellow loop. I felt so sad for Scott his back was bothering him so he took a break after we finished. I put arnica gel on it for him and he fell asleep for what he said would be an hour but I later found out became 5 and he still went out to try to makeup for the deficit and he put in 70 miles. I'm pretty proud of him!

Now I was back to pink loop and decided I would see just how much longer it would take me and it did take 3 hours.

I was back on yellow and got to enjoy sunrise on it.

Now I was excited to see how soon I could get to the half way point and I was on pink. A lot of the 30 mile runners were on it at the same time as their run started at 6:00 am Saturday. I needed to pee and I guess other runners did too because clearly a tree provided good camouflage. I named it pee tree.

I continued to run, saw some cows.

I was so excited to see Corinne's little boy Benji with his dad and brother. He was so cute when he told me I had a funny hat. I was wearing my buff as a headband.

I was coming near the end of pink loop and the 50 mile mark and saw my friend and work manager Tera running strong uphill alongside my friend PJ in his Italy shorts. She would run on to take 2nd place female in the 30 mile.

I was back to yellow and on my way to 60. I wanted to see if I could beat my previous time of 22 hours. I ran into PJ again he was having fun and also on his way to 40. 

At mile 57 I took a picture of my bib got cell service and posted it. I called my mom and she asked if I was still alive.

I finished 60 and my feet hurt really bad. I beat my previous time by 2 hours. I couldn't tell if I had blisters or not. My friend Kaori had me lay down. Jadd's second mom Kris put a sweatshirt under my neck and Kaori propped my feet up and put water jugs under my knees then massaged my feet and legs. 

I went back out on pink and that is when I started to fall apart and decided my feet hurt too much I was so tired I wanted to nap and that I could just take a dnf. I saw Mayra my friend who is the most amazing volunteer. She and her boyfriend Guy have traveled to many races to volunteer and lose a lot of sleep. I'd been having trouble wanting to eat. She gave me a smoothie and another volunteer gave me ginger ale. That really lifted my spirits, but not long after my feet started bothering me again. When I came in from pink Jadd was waiting and I said I would just dnf. That's when he made me sit down threw my feet in a chair and began 20 questions along with removing my shoes and socks. He retied my laces which I told him bothered me but he said that didn't matter. I believe the talk was,"pull your head out of your ass and stop feeling sorry for yourself. Life is hard, much harder than a 100 miler!" I told him I wasn't feeling sorry for myself I was frustrated so he repeated himself and reminded me to stop feeling sorry for myself. He asked me for new socks and I was wearing my last clean pair I'd brought. Michael was standing nearby and grabbed a pair of cushioned drymax tollefson socks. Now I wash the try-on drymax socks for work almost every week the irony is not lost on this one. I've never been a big fan, I complain but Michael put them on my feet. He and Jadd put my shoes on me and tie them. They would stay tied that way the next 30 miles. Jadd helps me out of the chair smacks my ass and tells me to get going. I realize I left my gloves and my hands will get cold at night on this loop. Michael ran to bring me my gloves. If you ever want to see the best part of an ultra run in action just tell a couple of seasoned ultra runners you're going to quit. They're going to do their damndest not to let you.

I took off running, my resolve was renewed and i wanted to run again despite my foot pain. I no longer felt sorry for myself. I made myself a promise I was going to finish. 

A beautiful hill climb and scenic view just before dark and I was thankful for Jadd beyond words could express. Jadd had given me his headlamp. It self adjusts and I thought that was so cool until it kept dying. I have the worst luck with headlamps and races. I caught up to one of my SISU endurance teammates Todd and he kept me pushing so strong. He also kept a good eye out for me and lit my path until I could switch headlamps. At the last aid station before the end of yellow loop Jennifer gave me some chicken noodle soup and I'm certain she's a trail angel! He helped me finish that yellow loop in under 4 hours.

I finished yellow and I climbed in my car. All I knew is that I wanted a five minute nap. I rested my feet up then at 12:04 I said I've got to get back out there. I took off running on pink and met two runners Jorge and Haroldo they were at 180 and 110 miles respectively and were in the 4 day event. Jorge wanted to get to 190 then do one more lap at daybreak so his family could see him finish 200. I had such a great time sharing trail with them. We ran into Chris who is another one of my SISU endurance teammates. He'd just completed a 36+ hour endurance event with his 17 year old son Nathan just two weeks prior. We all stayed together until the last aid station. Thank goodness Chris also had a better headlamp than I did.

We finished pink and I sat for a moment to wait for Chris so we could go back out on yellow and finish. 

I didn't see Chris so I started yellow on my own. That's when my watch chimed low battery. I decided I hadn't gone far and I'd run back to the table to pick up my charging cable. As I reached to pick it off the table and not disturb who was sleeping on the ground I heard hey Joanie I wanted to go with you. I thought it was my godson Chandler because of the quilt he was under and gray hoodie he was wearing and I said are you sure it's long and kind of hard. He replied yeah and got up. I realized it was Michael and I laughed because he had already run the 30 mile course earlier that day and taken 5th place. We began yellow and I knew without a doubt I was going to complete my first 100 mile ultra marathon.

We caught up to Chris and kept going. I had wanted it to be timed just right to see daybreak and not need a headlamp anymore. I decided I wanted to run as much of the two singletrack ridges as possible. I felt bad seperating from Chris but knew I needed to finish this run my way on my terms. It's hard for me to be selfish.

I told Michael I wanted to run when I could and he said something like free miles on the downhill. We arrived at the last aid station Wild Bills. I used the bathroom, Michael asked for my water bottles and filled them up with my favorite fluid performance. That was funny too because that's what I did for him years ago at each aid station while I was crewing a friend and Michael was in the lead and won SB100 that year. I hiked the last long hill, but decided as soon as we hit the downhill I'd run to the finish. That was just over a mile away. Michael asked if I'd like a video and I handed him my phone.

Approaching the finish there were spectators cheering. My friend's Anne and Dave who I hadn't seen all weekend were on the side. Kevin gave me a high five along with Manley and a few others as I arrived at the finish. Jadd's family with Carly in tow all walked toward me. I hugged Jadd and gave him the most heartfelt thank you ever. Hugged all the family, thanked Michael for getting me to the finish line when he said strong finish. I learned Jadd had completely packed all my things into my car and Kris was going to drive me to Jadd and Alejandra's house to shower and sleep. I am not good at asking for anything, but I've got to tell you the Martinez family is by far the best dang crew I could ever have been given without asking. It's no wonder Jadd has great success in his 100 mile runs. I'd kept my amulet they gifted me last year after a dnf at my first 100 mile attempt hanging from my rear view mirror and Dennis had told me he hoped I would not be discouraged and would try again. I was so happy to take that amulet from the rear view mirror. 

Luis Escobar said in the briefing Friday afternoon we would finish the 100 and leave a changed person. He is completely right. If it doesn't challenge you it will no change you.

I am so grateful for Jadd, Alejandra, Dennis, Kris and Carly who made me get up at 6:00 am to take her for a run when I house and pet sat in March and other times. 

I am thankful for Mayra and Guy and their willingness to travel to volunteer!

Ian for hanging out at one aid station so long he finally had to ask for a break.

Bill and Jon who kept the fire going in the ring outside wild bills.

Corinne for introducing me to Born to Run in 2014 and her cute family all along the course especially at mile 70 when I planned to quit and again when I changed my mind.

Scott for showing me you keep trying even though you napped for too long.

Todd and Chris for emulating SISU!

Michael for the awesome motivation on the last loop.

So many countless others and all the names I missed. I appreciate every one of you! 

If you take the time to set a goal, focus on the outcome you want it is possible to achieve it!

Time to Get Elevated

I arrived to Lone Pine Thursday October 5, 2017. I went to the visitors center to see if I could obtain a day permit to hike Mt. Whitney on Friday. I waited with 9 other anxious people trying to get single or group permits. We drew numbers to see who would be helped first as we were told all of us would receive a permit. I drew number 9 and so two rangers alternated helping us until finally it was my turn. Ranger Mark was so helpful he told me where to find a BLM (bureau of land management) campground and that it was the best deal. He gave me instructions and handed me the toilet to go bag which I promised myself I wouldn't have to use. A doggy poop bag on a short run no big deal, but I'm not carrying my own crap off the mountain let alone sticking it in one of my pack pockets.

I drove to the campground that was $8 a night. I threw my $10 bucks in the envelope and sealed it.  Who ever maintains that land deserved a tip. I found cute campsite 10 where the creek runs behind it. I got all my hydration together and ready for the morning. As I was preparing my pack I got a text from my friend Ashley who was concerned and wanted to know if I had a contact and what time I expected to be done. I gave her my mom's phone number and discussed a time frame of when I'd start and hope to end. Thank you Ashley for caring so very much that really meant so much! She encouraged me to hydrate and I sent her a photo of my camelbak bladder one gallon jug of water, 3 fluid performance filled bottles and my Nathan bottle. I know I'm a fish during activity and I plan accordingly. I also didn't want to need my water filter although I put it in my pack anyway.

I woke up to my alarm at 4:00 am and pressed snooze and decided I didn't want to start in the dark or cold. At 5:00 I got out of my sleeping bag, put all my warm gear on and made the short drive from the campground to the Whitney Portal trailhead.

I began the hike shortly after 6:00 am. I had little knit gloves on and my hands were cold. I looked forward to sunrise and getting my hands warmer. 

I decided to try to take a picture each mile. Mile 1 was nice I was right where I wanted to be moving slow to avoid any ill effects the altitude might present.

Mile 2 I met a really nice couple from Quebec, Canada who had left their jobs to adventure travel and backpack. I enjoyed chatting with Pam and Joe.

Miles 3/4 were beautiful with flowing water and trees. I was right on pace to where I wanted to be.

Mile 5 is where my real test began. I lost the trail. I looked forward and up to see where it veered off to only to find a white pair of bare butt cheeks using the toilet to go and wiping. I hoped the hiker didn't hear me or turn around. I went down some rocks and did a loop. The hiker had finished doing what bears do in the woods and so I asked if he knew where the trail went. He said to my left up the rocks. Terrific which rocks? I found the trail and was back on my way.

At 10,000 feet I decided to grab a little snack. My personal favorite is the Vermont Smoke and Cure beef stick chipotle flavor.

Shortly after I met two brothers from Buffalo New York. They'd left their jobs behind for a backpacking travel adventure. The one brother said he'd been living in my favorite small town of Killington, Vermont the last few years. He was surprised to hear I knew it and had been on the mountain where he had worked.

I continued on with the brother in the front. We came across a funny shaped rock in the trail we had to climb over.

We found a hiker who was on his way down from the summit and out of water. I asked him if he had a filter to which he gave me a puzzled look and response. Filter? I took out one of my fluid hydration bottles and emptied its contents into another bottle and handed it to him along with my lifestraw with instructions on how to use the two together.

The New Yorker and I carried on, but I fell back when I noticed a crow land on a rock and begin pecking at a shiny object it had in its beak. I scared it away and it left the object behind. It was tin foil with little pieces littered to and fro. I picked it up and continued the hike to the summit. 

The last few sections to the summit are rocky and sometimes technical, but enjoyable. I arrived in more time than the 6 hours I wanted so I snapped some photos, signed the log (finally no dnf) and made my way back down.

On the way down I lost trail and there was two men hiking together that said the trail is up here. I scrambled back up the rocks and ran the sections I could. I wanted as much daylight as possible on the descent. I looked forward and thought the trail went downward only to have the two guys look at me and ask if I was on trail. I said no probably not as I climbed back up once again.

I got to 99 switchbacks and saw a hiker with a prosthetic leg. He was incredible he didn't mind my prying question and he shared he'd had ankle cancer. I asked if he would mind if I took a photo and thanked him for the inspiration and motivation. He shared stories of guiding newbies on the Whitney Summit hike, going to Denali, Kilimanjaro and his career. He let me stay behind him then allowed me to pass and continue on my own. I'd later find him through a Strava app and learn his name.

I continued the descent down stopping to take photos and to be cautious on the balance logs on fatigued legs.

I got a little nervous in the dark on the last mile, but I had a working headlamp. Anyone who knows my history of malfunctioning headlamps knows that was a big deal. I finished by watching the full orange harvest moon crest over the mountain. The total adventure took me just under 14 hours.

I drove to a rest area 35 minutes away, couldn't rest and made the remaining drive home to return at 3:00 am.

I am thankful I took my unexpected time off to have this experience and Get Elevated!

Fast forward to today Sunday morning. I had received a complimentary race entry for a local half marathon City to Sea. I've run it twice previously. My calf muscles were sore when I woke up and I told myself I had to go regardless. You sign up, You show up! I made a plan I'd just walk and try to come in under 3 hours. Well I walked, I jogged and sometimes ran complete miles. I finished in just over the amount of time my first half marathon took me 8 years ago. I was really surprised.

I went to church afterward, went swimming, relaxed in the hot tub and took a nap.

Someone asked me," what's next?" It's a trail run I didn't get to run 3 years ago because of some health struggles. I'm going to Santa Barbara Red Rock thanksgiving weekend and get redemption with a short 26 mile adventure on some beautiful trails.

Find what you enjoy, make goals and chase them!!!

Time to Run in Relay Legs

I arrived at the airport on Thursday afternoon to take a new to San Luis Obispo direct flight on Alaska Airlines to Seattle. 

Our previous relay team had won a video contest and we chose Seattle Northwest Passage as the next Ragnar Relay to run.

My teammates picked me up from Seattle airport and we traveled to the Westmark hotel we were staying at near the starting line. It was beautiful on the water and had the coffee I wanted for race morning.

Friday morning we went to the starting line and saw Tracey off to run the first leg. She is our Captain and has put timeless effort into organizing and coordinating our accommodations, rental van, seeing that we won't go hungry or dehydrate and numerous other tasks. She had also organized who would run and which relay leg as she needed to leave early Saturday morning to catch a flight, but still wanted to complete all three of her legs. Tracey was my co-worker at Santa Barbara County years ago and she had a terrier named Adam that was the coolest goofy drug dog ever. This is also the same weekend that he passed onto doggy heaven two years ago. It is no small feat that Tracey was able to be here. This was her dream ragnar as she had done many others previously.

Tracey passed the snap band off to Mikey. He was my Sargeant that worked with Tracey as well. He used to joke that he was the 400 pound fat man with a bad ticker. He's not that guy anymore he's lost weight, taken a new job and is tackling relay races and triathlons and living life. He's pretty awesome! He was also the only guy in our van bless his heart he kept us all laughing and also drove the van a big part of the time.

Tracey was up to run again. She would jokingly ask who the idiot was that planned that. I love her style. It turns out later on I'd be doing the same thing running two legs with only a short rest in between. Half way into her 8 miles her knee got aching and she let me fill in for her. I ran that first mile at a faster pace than I ever have. It turns out I can run less than an eight minute mile with the right support and motivation. We finished that leg 3 as a team. I was so glad for my Fluid Cinammon Vanilla Vegan Recovery drink I put on ice earlier that morning. I passed off to Marie for leg 4 and it ended at the business of Superfeet. They are a shoe insole company who sponsored that leg and Marie got a hat she would later let me have. I gave  I Marie the vegan fluid after her run to try and she loved it too.

We had three more legs to go Lisa, Marie and Leah finished their legs and we handed off to Van 2. We drove on down the road and got some lunch at Varsity Inn a little bar and grill and then rested waiting for Van 2 to pass off to us.

I was the first runner on the next leg and had 4.5 miles to run. I wanted to run a consistent pace and do well. I was running and someone had written on the sidewalk in chalk,"your dad is proud of you." I am an emotional runner and that brought out the best in me and watery eyes. My dad was a track and field coach but I never ran when I was younger. I barely remember walking the mile in pe class. In Ragnar when you pass a runner it's called a kill. I passed 2 more runners and crossed a big road only to have another team van pass me and cheer. It was team livestrong. A guy George from the ultra running community has stage 4 cancer and surgery scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday. This leg is becoming emotionally tiring. As the run went farther and neared the end I had passed 4 other team runners. On the last hill climb I slowed to a hike but saw a young lady in front of me I wanted to pass as lucky kill number 7. I sped up on the down hill only to see a small uphill to the transition area. That runner paused and I knew I had to sprint up the hill. Tracey took a picture shortly after I checked off lucky number 7. 

I passed off to Marie and sat down I was exhausted.

After Marie passed off to Lisa we drove to the next leg where Lisa passed off to Leah. It was dark by then and we went to the next major exchange snow goose produce. Some of us got ice cream. I got black licorice flavor that colored everything smurf blue. I also found a cooling balm from island thyme that I rubbed on my sore calf muscles.

We drove to a hotel shortly after showered and got some rest while van 2 ran their next six legs.

It was my turn again and I did a short 3 mile run. We needed to have legs run simultaneously in order  to finish before the course closure so our van dropped off Mikey and came back to get me. This part of the course doubles back so I got to high five Mikey as he was running down the hill. I turned and snapped his picture as he rounded the bend. That was a little boost and I jogged up the hill and to the finish.

We dropped off Marie and waited for Mikey. Then dropped of Lisa. 

It was my last and longest leg of 8 miles. I came to a downhill with a picturesque view and called my mom to check in. 

I hiked the hills and ran the flats and downhill. I took pictures and at the end made sure my watch ended at 7.77 as there was no formal exchange in this section of the relay. My hill climbs weren't fast, but I arrived right at scheduled pace.

Leah ran her last leg very well. She works for a company that has awesome sunglasses and cycling helmets. We got some sunglasses from her that we all love. We stopped at a little house with kids selling lemonade while supporting her. That was the best huckleberry lemonade ever.

 Leah finished her leg looking amazing and fast and passed off to Kien in Van 2. Kien is the one who made the winning video from Las Vegas and we met each other at a previous endurance event.

Van 2 finished their legs and we all crossed through the finish arch together and collected our medals to form a phrase.

To leave the event we boarded a ferry with the van. It ended at land and a lighthouse.

We all got a good nights rest and made our way to the airport. I started to read a book called Running With a Police Escort while on the flight home. So far I'm relating a lot to this author and her running journey.

My legs are sore, I had a great time and I learned more about teamwork and running. I also just learned about Sunday being a day of rest and slept 6 hours.

The most important thing in life is taking time to find improvements where weaknesses are or once were. I've learned to get better being on a team and I've also learned it's taken a long time to run a mile pace I once thought I could never achieve. 

Challenge yourself to change you'll like the results!