Mountain Lakes. 100 #2 Training

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

I’m running Mountain Lakes 100 on September 28^th and 29^th. 

Mountain Lakes was not supposed to be my 2^nd 100, San Diego in June was. But life situations forced me to drop out of San Diego before I had the chance and life brought me back to Oregon from California. 

Mountain lakes is a new race made possible from an experienced race director. It starts and ends at the Olallie Lake Resort in Oregon. 

Olallie Lake

 

Olallie Lake

For training, my biggest runs came in July. I ran the Mt. Hood 50 on July 13^th and the Siskiyou Out Back 50 on July 27^th. Two 50’s within two weeks of each other, something I’ve never attempted, but took the risk and it paid off. For the Mt. Hood 50, I got a PR of 30 minutes, came in at 10:59:10. I qualified for the Western States 100 lottery with 50 seconds to spare. I ran hard and fast the last 4 miles and finished holding a banana that I got at the last aid station; never eating it, never tossing it. I thought it was lucky. I was very excited. I was tired going into the Siskiyou Out Back, which takes place in Ashland, OR. This race’s course was a lot more challenging. I remember walking a lot. I came in at 11:23. I beat the final cut off by 37 minutes. 

Finishing Mt. Hood, holding the banana.

Mt. Hood

 

Siskiyou Out Back finisher cup, I have the green one.

Gorgeous views

I then ran Bunker to Bonneville 50K 5 weeks later on August 31^st. I got stung 9 times by Hornets. We were forced to go through a nest and by the time I reached them, they were not amused. I had a huge panic attack and never recovered from them. Between the Hornet stings and my toe hurting, it was a bad race and I came in at 9:15, really slow, but I finished. 

Bad footing in several spots

Runner friend of mine. We had the option of climbing a mountain, which is not shown. If we did, we had to bring the race director back a playing card, that was up there and she'd give us a glass mug.

I started out training for Javelina with a stress fracture. Luckily, I never had an injury since completing Javelina in October of 2012, so it has been a very pleasant training period, no worries. I continued with my Crossfit, but at home, 2-3 times per week and I kept up with my lap swimming once a week. 

I’m ready for Mountain Lakes. I’ll get through the tough hours using two pacers that I have preset up. I’m grateful for them. Gone is the fear of the unknown. I have an idea of what to expect, but am approaching it very humbly. I’ll be taking in new memories for 100 #2, but will never forget Javelina. I will run strong, smart and determined for success.

"Stay focused, go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals!"

Being strong in the midst of troubles

My husband has been out of work since March. While for some, having a husband who is the provider becoming unemployed all of a sudden would be a nightmare. It has been a big blessing, on the whole family.

We instantly moved out of CA in April of 2013 and we went home to Oregon. While living in CA for 2 years there were good times and bad. I liked all the people that I met at church and the Crossfit gym there. Crossfit came in my life at a time that I needed it the most, in my most depressed state; The experience that I learned from being terribly depressed changed me for the better in the long run. Depression is ugly; I chose to run my first 100 and succeeded; The newspaper in Crescent City published a 1 page story on me after I ran the 100; My experience with Alvin the bear; The many up close encounters with Elk. But in the end after so many prayers, it was time to leave.

We have been just fine financially. We had built up enough of a savings and with the help of family and of course a good unemployment check, we have been okay. We have food, mortgage is paid for, and I’ve done a few races. Although some races did get cut for me and sacrifices had to be made for everyone.

Tragedy struck for me mostly when I got back, one after the other, I was hit with one bad thing after the other. When it seemed like one trouble was the worst ever, something else happened on top of that. The worst being my father dying and watching him die. I cried many times. The tragedy with my dad hurt all of us, the whole family, but brought us closer. While some things haven't been the same, they will go back to normal. I have faith in that. Family really is the most important part of life.

My faith in my now "silent" God was questioned but I'm beginning to understand why. Sometimes the answer of no is for a very good reason. Bigger plans, better plans are in store. I've survived it all and I'm getting stronger every single day and things are really looking up. He'll get a job, I'll be able to go back to school, the kids are going to be okay, our marriage is fine, and we have survived so much all ready in our marriage, now 11 years.

I told my mom in my dad's hospital room that she was the strongest person I knew. She was surprised, but it sank in. I'm like her. I'm strong, just young and have a lot to learn.

Be strong in your own struggles, there will be a light soon enough.

Running Siskiyou Out Back 50 July 27th, 2013

Took a risk, paid off, the hard way. Of course I finished. 2 50's in 2 weeks. The course had brutal hills lasting 2, 3, 7 miles. The 3 was at the turn around, went up a steep cliff (STEEP-where's the rope?) took one look the view and said "oh hurray" and down I went. Lots of walking today. 1 blister and it popped, hates the Epsom salts. In the morning, dropped my drop bag off at the wrong location, didn't see it the whole race. That's how tired I was. I felt a bit dizzy between mile 40-45, said nothing. New friends met. They gave me 3 tacos, but had them wrap it and I'm eating my normal comfort food, Raviolis out of can. 13 hour total cut off, cutting it close there. Good aid-stations, didn't miss my bag, well the other 5 hour energy drink for 2 PM I missed.

One of the views

My finisher's cup, the green one.

Running the Mt. Hood 50, 2013. Qualifying for States.

"My Lucky Banana"

I ran the Mt. Hood 50 this weekend. It was my 3rd time running it and my 5th 50 miler.

I started and ended very strong. So do I thank my hard work with my training; my Crossfit, making me stronger overall; the Udo's oil that I started taking a few weeks ago; or the rest that I gave myself (tapering); or all of the above? I mean, come mile 40+ I felt fresh, strong, and great. My feet were another story. Towards the end, they were a bit achy. The blister that I got on May 11^th from a 50K, that was almost gone, I could tell, was back.

I had the goal going into the race that I was going to qualify for Western States using this 50. This meant that I had to come in under 11 hours!  The first year that I ran this race in 2011, I came in at 11:59:49. The 2nd year, 2012, I came in at 11:28:32. So could I pull off another PR of 29 minutes to get under 11 hours? Well, I was going to try.

I made up a pace chart for myself when I left the house. The pace chart would have me come in at 4:20 with 10 minutes to spare. I did the early start, 5:30.

I worked hard the whole entire race. Funny story, I lost the pace chart. I knew that I had lost it prior to the 6 mile aid station. I thought it was a sign that I should just run and not worry about qualifying. I only knew I was on track with that first aid-station. I just did my best, which was my new goal. The course had a 28.4 mile out back and then a 22. Just prior to reaching the first turn around to go back in to the start/finish, all the fast kids start flying by me and I got out of the way. But what, what is this? A dog was on the course and following them? Somehow the dog that I saw at the start was now on the course at mile 14! Good thing those aid station workers took in and took it back.

On the way to the start/finish or mile 28.4, I found my pace chart at about mile 27. I found out coming in to the mile 28.4 aid station that I was 48 minutes early from what it said on the chart! I was doing great! I was so happy.

The course had so many things in the path just dying to trip me...rocks, roots and twigs. It seemed worse this year then the years prior and oh, did I trip! I tripped a lot! I never fell, but I tripped so much and I was losing confidence. Every time I tripped, I hurt my shoulder and it was getting achy. Come mile 48, really not cool.

I remember at the mile 33.7 aid station, I saw a friend, Bret Henry helping. I told him that I was hoping to come in under 11 hours to qualify for states. But I said to him "F states, there are so many other races that are just as good that will let me in just because I paid." Off I went, down the massive 2 mile hill. (I have to come back up this keep in mind. The footing was annoying. I swear everything wanted to trip me and it was hard to eat because I would trip more!

I got to the 39.2 mile aid station basically starving. I ate a bit, stuffed my pockets with everything and left. So up this massive 2 mile hill, which I figured was killing my time. I'm a slow walker and I really need to work on this. The hill did kill my goal time. There was a down tree on the course and one lying on top of it that was smaller and I had to climb up and over it and I was wondering where it was. I couldn't remember! I thought it was on the 2 mile hill.

I was about 15 or so minutes late coming in to the final aid station at mile 44.7. However, I had 4.7 miles to go and an hour to go to make it in less than 11 hours! I had hope! I grabbed a whole banana from the aid station table and I started running. I had a lot to give still, legs were great! Oh, I ran and I was running fast (for me). I saw a pace of 8, 9 on my watch. 11, 12 sometimes, which I said to myself “hurry up!” I heard my 100 miler finisher friend's voice in my head from Crescent City, CA. He told me prior to running my first 100, "now Jeannie, you have to fight for it!" I was fighting for this. I was talking to myself, "I'm fighting for it Ralph, I am!" I ran my ass off. I was praying that I would not trip and fall. Where is that fallen tree? Oh my! There it is, I practically leaped over it! “Don't kill my time tree!” I saw a runner up ahead, he was walking. He said, "I'm trying to run again." I said to him, "You can do it!" Moments later as I booking it, I hear him right behind me, for awhile and then I don't hear him. I then trip and I trip hard, but I didn't fall (at mile 4.50). I heard him ask me if I was alright. I lift my hands up, "I made it!" Several times, I thought about tossing that banana, but never did. I was thinking that it was lucky! It was my lucky banana. I see a family up ahead, I knew I was almost there; I had 5 minutes to get in. I said "excuse me; I'm trying to come in by 4:30. They get out of the way and the man says, "Go, go, go, you can do this!!" Faster, faster. I hit the pavement and sprint harder. I come in and get this, at 10:59:10. I had 50 seconds to spare. Talk about close. But, I did it! I won't be calling myself slow anymore. I qualified for states not with a 100 miler, but with a 50.

I have less than two weeks to heal up and do this all over again. I'm running the Siskiyou Out Back 50 on July 27th. My goal will be different for this race. It's all in preparation for my 2nd 100 miler, Mountain Lakes 100 in September.

When I got home, I put my lucky banana in a smoothie and drank it. It was delicious.

Eulogy to my father

It is very difficult for me to be standing up here today. There are no words to describe the pain that I feel for the loss of my father. The experience has been extremely hard.

I loved my father very much. My nickname for him was Bubba. He was my buddy. I have many fond memories of spending time with him. He was a wonderful father and I couldn’t ask for a better dad. 

On August 23rd 2009, my family got together at a park in West Linn to celebrate my Father’s birthday. I had a nice, long conversation with him. We talked about the kids, running, how things were going. That was my very last conversation with my dad. 2 weeks later, my dad suffered his first stroke and he just was never the same. It was difficult to have a 2 way conversation. For 3 ½ years, I longed to have another conversation with him. I missed it deeply and I would have done anything to have another heart to heart. 

January of 2011, my family moved to Crescent City, Ca. We lived there for 2 years. It was hard being away from my family, I missed them very much. I was very concerned for my dad. I didn’t like being so far away. We moved back to Oregon last month on April 13th.    On April 28^th, the day before my father’s stroke, a lot of the family got together. I was able to give my dad a hug and spend a little time with him………… My father wanted to be helpful since his first stroke 3 ½ years ago. He really liked mowing the lawn; he did it nearly every day. He was almost obsessed with the lawn mower. So, as I was sitting at the kitchen table with my family on April 28th, my dad comes over and shows me a Wal-Mart ad. He was trying to talk to me about the lawn mowers that were for sale. I think he wanted ME to buy him another one.

From the time of my father’s stroke, I stayed with my dad for many hours each day prior to his passing. I never wanted to leave his side. I held his hand, his arm, I spoke to him, told him I loved him many times. I felt that I needed to be there as much as possible. I felt as if I was protecting him like he did for me growing up.

My father held me on the day that I was born and although it was extremely hard to witness, on May 2^nd, I held my dad as he took his last breath. My…..…. heart.….….broke. 

I take comfort in knowing that my dad is up in heaven with Jesus, he is in better hands now. I’m sure he is mowing lawns and looking down at all of us with love. I take with me my many memories, his love for running and swimming. 

Dad, I will smile whenever I hear your name and be proud you were my Dad.

I hate goodbyes, they are too painful. I don’t want to say goodbye. So I say, till the day we meet again. It’s not a good-bye, but see you later.

I love you Dad

Dad and I

with our dog Sam

Siblings and Dad, I'm the youngest. Sister and I have on matching outfits

Dad and a child

Young dad

My dad and I

Dad and his mom

At his 70th

Young dad

Recovering from my first 100

Recovering from my first 100 is certainly a lot different than when I recovered from my other smaller distances, including the 50. It’s been 3 weeks and I’m still in recovery mode.

It actually took quite awhile to acknowledge that I just had a huge victory, I ran a 100 mile race, I actually accomplished what I set out to do. Sitting in the airport, my husband was wearing his Javelina shirt that he purchased. I remember staring at the shirt and the only emotion I felt was thinking, "I just ran that" It wasn't until 4 days after the race when the impact of finishing started to set in.  I went and re-read all the wonderful comments that people wrote on my FB wall and I was filled with emotion. I had initially read all the comments, but the second time around, when I had snapped out of it was bitter sweet. It was then that I wrote in my blog and had the interview with the sports editor from my town, a story about to be published. I also wrote up for my own personal memories "Javelina Memoirs" Javelina is my first 100 and I don't want to ever forget how I felt and the memories from the race. I try and explain all the physical challenges that I experienced at the race and how hard it was to overcome my obstacles. I remember hearing my friend’s voice in my head. He told me prior to leaving for the race, “now Jeannie, it’s going to get tough and you will want to quit, but you have to fight for it.”

The physical recovery was challenging. The first few days were the roughest. My right leg and knee was very swollen, yet the left leg wasn't as bad. It would take about 10 minutes to get up and walk to the bathroom. It hurt horribly bad and I was taking more than suggested on the bottle of Naproxen and Tylenol, it was rough. I experienced some dizziness and some headaches. I thought for sure that my period was going to come late, but it wasn’t, however it didn’t know when to quit, constantly spotting. I was also extremely tired for the first week, needing some kind of nap each day. After a week, I quit taking naps, but was still tired. I was starving for about a week and drank a lot of water.  Today, my feet are still peeling, blisters are peeling and I feel like a snake.

I ran 6 days after the 100, just 2 miles and it was uncomfortable. I kept the mileage short for quite awhile due to aches and pains, but I knew there was nothing seriously injured. I started training my oldest daughter to run and we kept it at 2 miles, sometimes I would head out again and I would run when the kids were in school.

Now, since I no longer have any aches and pains as of the 13th of November, I am increasing my mileage slowly. 10 miles is currently the most I've run since Javelina, a few days ago and I was back up on the trail for the first time since before the race.   I plan on running 4-5 days a week, keeping the back to back long runs. I have also started swimming again, once a week and I will start Crossfit again on the 26th, looking forward to it. 

So what is next? Initially, I had the normal reaction, "this is stupid, what is the point?" However, that feeling has gone away and I really like 100's, the distance is extremely challenging and a lot of fun.  I'm still deciding on which 100 to do for 2013 and there may be two scheduled. I have entered a few lotteries, so I'll see if I get into those. The 100 (s) I choose will determine all my other races of smaller amounts.

One last thing, when I was walking out of the parking lot after Javelina, a man stopped me and simply said, "Welcome to the club!"