So today started out as a normal travel day. Early morning, easy pass through security, lots of seats at the gate. And then the flight computer was broken....but they started boarding....then they stopped boarding. We're checking connecting flights, they said. Unless you're going to Reno, don't worry, they said. If we leave by 11:30, all connections will be fine, they said. We were ready to leave by 11:35....
Then something else broke. Don't worry, they said - connections are fine. Here are all the gates for connecting flights.....if we didn't read your gate, you don't have a problem, they said. I never heard Oakland....of course, my first thought was that I mis-calculated the time in flight and the time difference and actually had an hour. They wouldn't just forget me, right?? I decided I must have screwed something up, and continued swapping airline horror stories with the couple from Portland that was seated next to me. Small world - she was from Redwood City (where I just took a job), visiting family in Buffalo.
Once we landed, I knew something was off. My phone confirmed the time - 12:21....my flight was planned to leave at 12:15. No email or text stating it was delayed....but, they were holding the Portland and Reno flights....so, maybe I was going to get lucky? Maybe they just forgot to mention it?
I made a beeline for the flight monitors as soon as I was off the plane: Nashville...Omaha...Orlando....Oakland? Anybody going to Oakland? Does my flight exist? I went to the first gate I saw and asked for help. Yup, they confirmed that my flight left. Awesome. So....what now? She's messing with the computer to see when they can get me out....tomorrow 6:20pm. uhhh....ok. So, where's my hotel voucher. Oh wait, there's nothing in her email about my flight delay being mechanical, so no voucher for me. But she gave me a card and I can call the number on the card and they should be able to help me out (never mind there's no phone number on the card)....she sends me along to the next gate over where there's a plane headed to San Francisco that I can maybe be standby on. Great.....
After my somewhat disappointing interaction at the first gate and feeling abandoned by Southwest, I headed over to the San Francisco gate. No one was there and the jet way door was closed, neither of which was a good sign, so I waited in line at the desk there. Coincidentally, I get behind another lady trying to get to the bay area. The guy tells her the same thing the other lady told me, but somehow she got on a flight to San Jose...and I think they're paying for her cab to Oakland or San Francisco or where ever she's going. I also watched them give another guy a food voucher. Finally, it's my turn. I asked the lady if there was a customer service desk at the airport, and once she told me it was her, I handed her the card the previous desk had given me, and explained the situation. Of course, she tells me the card isn't going to get me anywhere. However, her boss (who was helping the other Bay Area passenger) told her if I was on the Buffalo flight to give me the hotel voucher. So I got that, then asked about food....so she gave me one meal voucher. Ok, not trying to be difficult, but I have at least five meals (vs. the one I was planning on) between now and 6:20pm tomorrow, which is the next time you can get me out. She tells me customer service should be able to help me sort that out...based on previous experiences, they are pretty helpful, so I thanked her for her help and went on my way.
Since my food voucher was going to expire today (and I was pretty hungry), I decided to grab a bite before leaving the airport. Went to Harry Carey's for a delicious lunch of Chianti and Fettuccine...yum. Especially yummy since I didn't know what or when I would be eating next.
After lunch, I found my way out of the airport - pretty quick when you don't have any bags - and found the sign for the Midway Hotel Shuttles. I waited for a few minutes, along with a few others standing in a the general vicinity, but then had a fleeting thought that maybe I needed to call the hotel so they would send the shuttle to come get me. Did a quick google on the phone and called the Midway Hampton. Yes, in fact, you do need to call. The little red bus showed up less than five minutes later (as the lady told me it would) and just about everyone there jumped on it. Was I the only one who thought to call for it? How long had these people been waiting before I got there?
Checking into the hotel was pretty painless. Got a room easily and there's even free breakfast, though I'm pretty sure I'm going to miss that tomorrow. The nice lady at the desk even gave me a toothbrush and found a phone charger in the lost and found for me to borrow.
After getting to my room and figuring out exactly how the key works...of course it's all it has on it is a picture of kids in a wagon and the caption, 'backseat driver', no arrow or anything to indicate how to use it in the door. I call Southwest to figure out how to get reimbursed for the additional meals and to check and see if there's another flight they could get me on. The good news, I can get out at 6am tomorrow....ugh for the earliness, but yay I'll get home and can take care of the pets. Of course, they can't check me in until tomorrow morning, so I'm sure I'll be at the back of the C's....goodbye B8....The maybe good news, only customer service at HQ can deal with any meal reimbursements and they aren't open until Monday. Ok, I'll call them tomorrow, last time I called the HQ service people, they were super helpful, but really?? No one else is empowered to do anything in this situation? Wouldn't it be easier for the people at the airport to be able to handle it and be done?
Once I was off the phone with the airlines, I took off for Walmart.....the only thing I really needed was a bottle of contact solution. I mean, I wanted wine and deodorant would be a nice courtesy to the people on the plane tomorrow, but being able to see was the main driver. So, I headed off to what I believe is the same Walmart Brian and I went to a few summers ago when we were sure we were going to star on the next episode of The First 48. It looked like it was going to pour (of course, I'd get my storm now...) and at some point, raindrops did start falling. At that point I started jogging, thank you knee for holding up during that one, but the rain held off. It even held off for me to get back to the hotel, despite the people in front of me having the poor cashier price check all 30 of their items. All in all, a successful trip....contact solution, wine, and deodorant. And there was a Subway in the Walmart, so I have a sandwich for later.
Shortly after returning to my room, I realize that while I have procured a bottle of wine, I have no way to open it. So, being the tech savvy person I am, I look on google for ways to open a bottle of wine without an opener. Use a knife....yup, definitely don't have that. Put it in a shoe and bang it against a wall...hmmm, probably not the best idea in a hotel. Use a key....ahhh, yes, I have a few of those I don't use. I've been looking for a use for that old desk key anyway....So I try that. And break the key. And possibly my shoulder. So I try another key. Not getting very far. I briefly consider asking the front desk, but I'm pretty sure they don't have a wine opener and have already lent me a phone charger. So, I decide to head out on another adventure to find a wine opener, there has to be a convenience store nearby that's closer and less sketchy of walk than Walmart, right?
So, I head out. Somehow, the rain has held off or blown over or is probably waiting to either disturb my sleep or impede on my travel tomorrow morning. I decide to head the opposite way of Walmart, since it looks like there are signs of life down that way as well and what looks like a liquor store on the next block. Liquor store - sweet - they have to have a wine opener, right? Sure, they probably did....back in 1990 before they closed. As I get closer, I realize it's nothing more than an abandoned building with nothing left but the awning. A block further, there's a Continental Sales - Lots for Less - Food, Household Goods, and More, on the corner. That sounds promising. A bit sketch, but promising. And oh what a place that was....kind of like if a grocery store and a TJMaxx had a baby, this place would be it. But, they did have a $.75 wine opener. Score. And, it works pretty well, I'm a little sad I have to leave it, but am pretty sure it's not allowed on the plane. haha.
Alright, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fact that I'm at a hotel instead of the airport and for less than $10 have food and beverages for the evening....I mean, who doesn't love wine in a paper cup and a sandwich from a Walmart Subway? And Southwest, well, at the end of this you're either going to be the prime example of customer service or the bain of my existence....only time will tell.
Until next time (hopefully from home)....over and out.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Tales of a Platelet Injection
So, the saga of the busted knee continues....at the time of this update, I was hoping that once I had crossed prolotherapy and ozone off my bucket list, my knee would be fixed. Unfortunately, after an additional round of both prolo and ozone, the knee still wasn't where I wanted it to be. I didn't have too many problems hiking...or running (after I decided to see what would happen if I just went out and did it).
I spent some more time in PT and the doctor continued to check it with the ultrasound. The good news, the strain went away for the most part, other than in the quad. The bad news, there was still a dark spot on the meniscus, which could be a tear after all. Awesome. Maybe that run wasn't the best idea. So, I tried some more PT...and continued to hike without issue....unless I stepped sideways (think trying to catch a door and hold it open with your foot or kicking a soccer ball). And for some reason, the doctor was always able to mimic that....haha.
Anyway, after two rounds of prolo, I was left with two options - surgery or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. Since I was nowhere near ready to let someone operate on it (I'd have to pretty much be unable to walk before that happens), I opted for the PRP injections. Since there was still some strain in my quad and a couple of other places, my doctor also recommended some additional prolo injections at the same time.
I scheduled the procedure for later that week - a day after my in person interview, two days before I had to get on a place to New York, and in plenty of time to heal before working the next trail race. Due to the timing (injections two days away), I had to start preparing right away. Drink lots of water (two nalgene bottles on the day of)....no alcohol for two days before or five days after. No OTC pain relievers (NSAIDS). Ok, I can do that......I may or may not have snuck a cup of spiked tea in there somewhere.....
I was told (and read) that I would be more sore after these injections and I wouldn't be able drive after these injections (not that I tried to drive after the last ones either). Due to that, I took the bus over to the office. Shorts on Muni....ewww....should have planned that one better.
While the prolo injections were a sugar water-type substance, PRP is an injection of your own platelets into the joint, so I had to come in an hour early for the blood draw. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the plasma and red blood cells. The drawing was done with a giant syringe, which was a creepy thought, especially when I saw the syringe. However, it was quite painless in reality. I didn't watch, just read and re-read the diploma on the wall. haha. The nurses asked if I needed anything or wanted water once it was done. I had some with me, so drank the rest of that and munched on some cookies while I waited for the platelets to be spun out.
Similar to the prolo injections, the procedure was pretty easy and painless for the twelvish injections. He started with the prolo (after the anesthetic) and then moved on to the platelets. It felt a lot like the first two rounds....pressure and fullness. He had the ultrasound facing me, so I could watch the stuff going in, but after seeing that once decided it was weird and just looked at the ceiling. He had to tap the bone(s) to get the platelets to activate....weird....and ouch. At some point, the platelets clotted, so he had to stop, fix the shot, and then carry on. That was weird...and then something (meniscus maybe) did some weird vibrating thing - apparently that was supposed to happen.
Knee was once again full and all sorts of swollen. Not nearly as numb as the first two times, unfortunately. This one started to ache almost immediately. However, I was able to hobble out, pay my bill, and call an Uber. I think my Uber ride may have been a more harrowing experience than the injections. Driver spent the entire ride talking about how careful he needed to be....never mind the red light he ran. He was also really pre-occupied with picking up someone else, even though they had canceled the request. Luckily, we arrived at Walgreens without issue.
I filled my prescription....hooray for the good drugs. haha. And had a friend pick me up, since I decided walking the quarter mile home would be a bad idea. By the time I got home, it had already started to bruise, along with swell. Ouch, and gross, but that meant it was working, right? It also made a far more disgusting liquidy, squishing, sound when it was bent.
The next morning (and subsequent couple of days) it was far more sore than it had been with the past injections, I was pretty much hobbling...as long as it didn't bend, it was ok. Which was fine, as long as I wasn't trying to walk. So, I kept that to a minimum, and spent most of the day resting....and took a doctor's ordered nap. Flying wasn't too bad, I wore running pants and took the meds and got more rest. As the days wore on, the swelling went down and the bruising is just about gone now. Here's to hoping it worked and I'll be back to running ASAP.
Over and out, until next time....
I spent some more time in PT and the doctor continued to check it with the ultrasound. The good news, the strain went away for the most part, other than in the quad. The bad news, there was still a dark spot on the meniscus, which could be a tear after all. Awesome. Maybe that run wasn't the best idea. So, I tried some more PT...and continued to hike without issue....unless I stepped sideways (think trying to catch a door and hold it open with your foot or kicking a soccer ball). And for some reason, the doctor was always able to mimic that....haha.
Anyway, after two rounds of prolo, I was left with two options - surgery or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. Since I was nowhere near ready to let someone operate on it (I'd have to pretty much be unable to walk before that happens), I opted for the PRP injections. Since there was still some strain in my quad and a couple of other places, my doctor also recommended some additional prolo injections at the same time.
I scheduled the procedure for later that week - a day after my in person interview, two days before I had to get on a place to New York, and in plenty of time to heal before working the next trail race. Due to the timing (injections two days away), I had to start preparing right away. Drink lots of water (two nalgene bottles on the day of)....no alcohol for two days before or five days after. No OTC pain relievers (NSAIDS). Ok, I can do that......I may or may not have snuck a cup of spiked tea in there somewhere.....
I was told (and read) that I would be more sore after these injections and I wouldn't be able drive after these injections (not that I tried to drive after the last ones either). Due to that, I took the bus over to the office. Shorts on Muni....ewww....should have planned that one better.
While the prolo injections were a sugar water-type substance, PRP is an injection of your own platelets into the joint, so I had to come in an hour early for the blood draw. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the plasma and red blood cells. The drawing was done with a giant syringe, which was a creepy thought, especially when I saw the syringe. However, it was quite painless in reality. I didn't watch, just read and re-read the diploma on the wall. haha. The nurses asked if I needed anything or wanted water once it was done. I had some with me, so drank the rest of that and munched on some cookies while I waited for the platelets to be spun out.
Similar to the prolo injections, the procedure was pretty easy and painless for the twelvish injections. He started with the prolo (after the anesthetic) and then moved on to the platelets. It felt a lot like the first two rounds....pressure and fullness. He had the ultrasound facing me, so I could watch the stuff going in, but after seeing that once decided it was weird and just looked at the ceiling. He had to tap the bone(s) to get the platelets to activate....weird....and ouch. At some point, the platelets clotted, so he had to stop, fix the shot, and then carry on. That was weird...and then something (meniscus maybe) did some weird vibrating thing - apparently that was supposed to happen.
Knee was once again full and all sorts of swollen. Not nearly as numb as the first two times, unfortunately. This one started to ache almost immediately. However, I was able to hobble out, pay my bill, and call an Uber. I think my Uber ride may have been a more harrowing experience than the injections. Driver spent the entire ride talking about how careful he needed to be....never mind the red light he ran. He was also really pre-occupied with picking up someone else, even though they had canceled the request. Luckily, we arrived at Walgreens without issue.
I filled my prescription....hooray for the good drugs. haha. And had a friend pick me up, since I decided walking the quarter mile home would be a bad idea. By the time I got home, it had already started to bruise, along with swell. Ouch, and gross, but that meant it was working, right? It also made a far more disgusting liquidy, squishing, sound when it was bent.
The next morning (and subsequent couple of days) it was far more sore than it had been with the past injections, I was pretty much hobbling...as long as it didn't bend, it was ok. Which was fine, as long as I wasn't trying to walk. So, I kept that to a minimum, and spent most of the day resting....and took a doctor's ordered nap. Flying wasn't too bad, I wore running pants and took the meds and got more rest. As the days wore on, the swelling went down and the bruising is just about gone now. Here's to hoping it worked and I'll be back to running ASAP.
Over and out, until next time....
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Thinking of Nepal
One year ago today, I was on a plane to Korea - final destination, Kathmandu, Nepal and the trek of a life-time. Today, I woke up to text messages and emails about a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hitting the region. To put it in perspective, the Loma Prieta, the '89 earthquake that hit San Francisco, was a 6.9. The Napa quake that caused quite a bit of damage late last year was a 6.0. A 7.8 in California would do a lot of damage....in Nepal, it's been catastrophic.
I took the below photo on our first day out and about. We'd just finished touring our first Durbar Square (basically the word for palace in Nepal) and were enjoying lunch at a rooftop restaurant. I took the photo because I liked watching the people in the street below....and there was just something about the multi-colored building across the way.
I found this picture of the same area online this morning. I recognized the colored building right away. However, most everything else, including the building I was standing on it seems, is gone.
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| photo credit: http://time.com/3835621/nepal-earthquake-pictures/ |
And that was before the trek even started. I read an article somewhere that said the small villages were 80% damaged. I tried to look for further information, but was unable to find any. Not really surprising....communication and internet and phone were difficult enough to come by during normal times, I can't imagine now. Are the lodges we stayed in still standing....in any sort of shape that's reparable? Are the people who showed us nothing but kindness safe? I can't help but think of the woman who ran the lodge at Lobuche and knitted wool hats to sell as souvenirs. She had a horse for rent and let me charge all of my electronic gadgets for the hourly fee, even though they ran over the hour. Or Namche....what of the bartender who served celebratory beers on the way down, who had moved from Queens, NY, after her Sherpa husband. And the souvenir shop owners who sold us most of our gifts....and told us we could store it in our guide's house while we were trekking....haha. I can only hope that they're all safe and able to repair their homes and businesses.
And that's not saying anything of the guides, porters, and kitchen boys who were with us every step of the way. From the 'sherpa saunas' to clear my congestion to a hand up to the top of Kala Patthar to all twenty-some of them rushing out to say goodbye as we made one last trek to the Lukla airport, nothing was overlooked and they always made sure we had exactly what we needed. I can only hope, pray, and send positive thoughts that they and their families are safe.
We've reached out via email, but haven't heard back yet. Of course, internet will be very difficult to come by, and they're trekking with a group, so I'm sure have lots to sort out with their current group. One of my fellow trekkers checked the site, and we think the schedule puts them somewhere near Gorak Shep, the highest point of the trek. Hopefully it was Kala Patthar day and they would have been heading back down at the time of the quake.
All the places I've traveled have been special to me. Nepal, first because of the people and second because of the history. Never have I been somewhere that just about everyone treated you like one of their own. I hope that they are able to rebuild and that people continue to travel there, because it truly was a life-changing experience.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Respect the Limp
Well, I can cross prolotherapy and ozone off my bucket list, and hopefully fix my knee once and for all.
After hurting my knee during this race, I've spent the past four months trying to heal via rest and PT, but it didn't seem to be getting there. It got better, but was never really where I wanted it to be. At this point, the doctor thought the pain might be caused by a tear, so I had three options - prolotherapy and ozone, platelet injection, or surgery. I opted for an MRI so I'd know what I was really dealing with and learned that nothing was torn - yay! Based on that, I was advised to go the less expensive, less painful, and less recovery time route of prolotherapy. And now my iPad recognizes prolotherapy as a word....haha. But, I digress.....
Prolotherapy is an injection of basically sugar water into an area with limited blood supply to cause irritation and increase the blood supply, thus improving the tissue's ability to heal on its own. He also advised ozone.....some sort of oxygen substance.
Having had cortisone injections in the past, I was a little nervous about how it might feel after....cortisone was all well and good until the numbing agent wore off and then BAM - worst pain ever. However, I was assured this would be very different.
The procedure itself was pretty easy and painless for getting nine or so shots. The only ones that really hurt were the numbing ones. The first one caused some weird muscle reflex/jerking thing, which was odd and a little freaky. He asked what happened and I really wasn't sure. Once I was numb, it wasn't too bad....felt a lot like jello running through my veins if you can imagine. What that feels like. And some pressure and a feeling of fullnessas it went on, but that's about it. Three shots later and the inside was done. On to the front. That part was....weird. Really weird. And it was right on the side of the tibia, so I could feel most of it. Felt kind of like lava running down my bone. Ouch. But, luckily short lived. There was another shot that had to be jostled or something to get the muscle firing. Also weird. Then on to the quad. Not bad at all once it was numb. And then it was over.
Knee felt full and was all sorts of oddly swollen. Almost like a smaller version of what happened at the race. Walking was interesting since half of my leg was numb.....doctor told me to respect the limp and go slow. Haha....after a stop at Walgreens to get the pain killers and Safeway to get some chicken - I was told to eat protein and not carbs, so my Friday night go-to of pasta was a no go, it was home to rest and let the healing begin.
Now, it looks far less deformed and is a little more achy. And my leg muscles are softly quaking....it's weird, but not awful and hopefully that means the stuff is working. I just hope it stops before bedtime.
For now, I'm excited to relax and watch the Red Sox, and sleep in for the first time in as long as I can remember. Though, I do wish I was heading out for a run or to volunteer tomorrow, I think I could use the rest.
Over and out....
After hurting my knee during this race, I've spent the past four months trying to heal via rest and PT, but it didn't seem to be getting there. It got better, but was never really where I wanted it to be. At this point, the doctor thought the pain might be caused by a tear, so I had three options - prolotherapy and ozone, platelet injection, or surgery. I opted for an MRI so I'd know what I was really dealing with and learned that nothing was torn - yay! Based on that, I was advised to go the less expensive, less painful, and less recovery time route of prolotherapy. And now my iPad recognizes prolotherapy as a word....haha. But, I digress.....
Prolotherapy is an injection of basically sugar water into an area with limited blood supply to cause irritation and increase the blood supply, thus improving the tissue's ability to heal on its own. He also advised ozone.....some sort of oxygen substance.
Having had cortisone injections in the past, I was a little nervous about how it might feel after....cortisone was all well and good until the numbing agent wore off and then BAM - worst pain ever. However, I was assured this would be very different.
The procedure itself was pretty easy and painless for getting nine or so shots. The only ones that really hurt were the numbing ones. The first one caused some weird muscle reflex/jerking thing, which was odd and a little freaky. He asked what happened and I really wasn't sure. Once I was numb, it wasn't too bad....felt a lot like jello running through my veins if you can imagine. What that feels like. And some pressure and a feeling of fullnessas it went on, but that's about it. Three shots later and the inside was done. On to the front. That part was....weird. Really weird. And it was right on the side of the tibia, so I could feel most of it. Felt kind of like lava running down my bone. Ouch. But, luckily short lived. There was another shot that had to be jostled or something to get the muscle firing. Also weird. Then on to the quad. Not bad at all once it was numb. And then it was over.
Knee felt full and was all sorts of oddly swollen. Almost like a smaller version of what happened at the race. Walking was interesting since half of my leg was numb.....doctor told me to respect the limp and go slow. Haha....after a stop at Walgreens to get the pain killers and Safeway to get some chicken - I was told to eat protein and not carbs, so my Friday night go-to of pasta was a no go, it was home to rest and let the healing begin.
Now, it looks far less deformed and is a little more achy. And my leg muscles are softly quaking....it's weird, but not awful and hopefully that means the stuff is working. I just hope it stops before bedtime.
For now, I'm excited to relax and watch the Red Sox, and sleep in for the first time in as long as I can remember. Though, I do wish I was heading out for a run or to volunteer tomorrow, I think I could use the rest.
Over and out....
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Grizzly Peak Half
Another weekend, another race with Coastal Trails. It was early, but I was excited for the race - whether I'm volunteering or running, Coastal always puts on a good race. My knee still wasn't where I wanted it to be and life, well, life continues to be assessed one day at a time. Based on that, it was safe to say I wasn't in the physical or mental shape to complete a 50k. But, I forced myself to get up and go to the race....I always have fun and I didn't really care what distance I did, it was all about getting out there.
I managed to get to the start with minimal issues. I'm pretty sure the gps was confused with all of the highway over passes, but I made it. I parked and checked in with no problem. I picked up my 50k bib and changed it to the 30k. While I hadn't been specifically told not to run, I figured 30+ miles on a knee that was MRI'd last night wasn't the best decision. It was colder than I had anticipated, so I took my shirt and bib and hunkered down in the car for a bit. Got my shoes and ankle brace on, and all of my stuff out - gloves, headphones, phone, etc. and packed up my pack. Didn't grab any food....that would have been far too easy.
I decided to swing by the bathroom and then come back to my car, grab my stuff, and head out for the run. I had twenty minutes....should be fine, right. The line did move quickly, and I was back at my car with about three minutes to spare. However, either my gps clock was off or the race started early....I was maybe thirty seconds from the start and I heard Wendell's telltale count down ending at '1'. The race had begun! Luckily, I was close and not too far behind. I also knew with the knee injury, I'd be walking a lot.
I had come out to preview the course twice, but I really didn't recognize the first few miles. I think I was still settling in from being late and mentally preparing myself to run. It was a lot of gentile up, if I recall correctly....but, I made it to the golf course before I knew it and was able to grab some electrolyte drink. Of course I was feeling like my sugar was low on the day I forgot to bring gu. But, the electrolytes did the trick and I was off....I jogged a lot more than I thought I would, down Selby, to Redwood, to Tower.....how quickly I had learned the names of new trails and gotten used to the rolling hills. I jogged most of redwood and walked up tower pretty easily. I was in a groove and feeling alright. Knee was a little sore, so I had 95% decided I would stop at the half - probably a good idea to stick to that distance until my knee and life are resolved.
I got to the top of tower and turned down grizzly peak....at some point, I started passing people. I never pass anyone....but it was fun to be with other runners - say hello, or good morning, or nice job. I was also surprised that I knew where I was going, after only a few trips to these trails. After grizzly peak, it was more rolling hills and a really steep, rocky descent. There were so many times I was sure I was going to tumble to the bottom, but I made it. I had a guy pass me and say, 'these stones suck', why yes they do, my friend. Then there was a guy coming up the hill towards me...all I could think was, please let this man be looking for the quickest way back - don't tell me I have to climb up this too. No such luck.....the closer I got to the bottom, the more people that were coming up.
Just before I got to the bottom, I had a guy tell me I was at the bottom - thank god....my knee did not enjoy that. I stopped at the aid station to grab some more electrolytes and was off up the hill, and down the hill, and up, and down. Lots of rolling....it almost felt like I couldn't settle in and I thought I preferred the somewhat more predictable, longer hills of the headlands, but looking at Strava later, I ran pretty well, so, I'll take them.
The rollers ended on the fire road I ran with Ksenya and Arielle last weekend, so I felt good about that and was able to run most of it. Walk the uphill, jog down, became my mantra. The views were amazing and it was a nice ride for the most part. Close to the aid station I came up on another runner who had fallen. A lot of people had stopped to check on her and help her up....trail running is such a community. It seemed like she was more starteled than hurt, and I was happy for her when I saw her blow by the finish line later to start her second lap.
I got back to the aid station and grabbed a hammer gel - yay, they had vanilla! I didn't eat all of it, but I definitely felt like I had ingested a bunch of frosting.....perhaps the caffeine in gu mellows that piece out. Haha. Either way, I began making my way up the steep stone hill....I was glad for two thing - one, the other runners I was with and two, the fact that I didn't have to climb up this again. And I guess three, this was the last big climb in the race.
I got to the top, and from that point, it was pretty much down hill to the finish - maybe four miles or so.....a bit of rolling, but then, I decided if i was doing the half, this course was mine. From there, I was able to run down most of grizzly peak, other than jumping out of the way of some horses, until I got to the golf course aid station. Stopped to grab some more electrolytes and off I went. Past the golf course, past the bench I had lunch on last weekend, across a street.....passed a guy, back into the woods. At that point, it had to be about a mile back I and I went for it....one of my fastest trail miles to date....other than that moment where I thought I would bite it. Haha. Only funny because I didnt. Around the corner, and to the finish.
I got my medal and found someone to change my distance from the 30k to the half, chatted with some of the other finishers, and grabbed a recovery beer while I waited for the sausages that had just started grilling. While I waited, I met a guy who'd done this as his first half (doozy course for the first time) and was waiting for his wife to finish hers. It seemed as though he has caught the bug and will do more races in the future.
I enjoyed the sun and got my sausage - it was delicious. Great time, great race, kudos Coastal Trails, Wendell, and volunteers, for such a great race.
Until next time!
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Montara Mountain Race Report
I know I promised a new year's update, and at some point it's coming....really. But, in the interim, a race report from my most recent trail adventure.
Awhile ago, I decided to get back into volunteering at races, something I'd really missed since AIDS Marathon closed and I'd gone back to school. After helping out at the Steep Ravine race a few weeks ago, I received a coupon for a race entry and decided the Montara Mountain 50k would be a perfect training ground for my 50 miler at the end of March.
What I didn't count on was life getting in the way, a lagging injury, and a cough I couldn't shake. My knee had been healing since my 50 miler during the 24 hour race on New Years, and I'd come down with something at the start of February, and to say that life has been crazy lately would be a huge understatement. Based on all of that, I had already decided to scale my planned 100 in March down to a 50, if anything at all. But, I'd already singed up for the race - might as well get myself out there and see what I could do. After all, the physical therapist told me I should try some longer distances.
I arrived at the race about 30 minutes prior to the start, plenty of time to get ready to get out there....much of the reason I love these races so much, so low key and easy. I got my bib and shirt, and then of course realized that I'd left my ankle brace in the car. Of course I did....luckily, it was just a short walk back to grab it and I was good to go. I made a short attempt at hitting the bathroom, but alas, the line was too long. Oh well, I knew I'd be passing through that area in a few short miles.
The race started out with a climb up the North Peak. Much of the course was new to me, but I had run a piece of this section a few weeks prior to get a feel for it, but had to stop when it started pouring. The first four or so miles were an uphill climb to the peak. It was tough...even with the headlands, that are anything but flat, being my main training ground. Not only was it tough from an athletic standpoint, it was a single track with lots of people....traffic jam! Luckily, everyone was in good spirits and very courteous to one another.
I knew I'd be walking all of the uphill and potentially some of the downhill. My longest run since the 50 mile had been 11 miles....really, all bets were off. I started the race with one of my coworkers and we walked the uphill to the peak where we picked up our rubber bands to prove we were there. We walked part of it with a couple who told us about a friend of theirs running across the country a marathon at a time - I can't imagine. We ran most of the way down, which was good for me. Legs felt pretty good....knees were a little sore with the downhill and the rest of me was feeling it, but nothing out of the question. However, I had realized I'd probably be settling for the half that day.
I came through the finish line/aid station area feeling pretty good....said hello to one of the guys I'd volunteered with who was working the aid station, grabbed some electrolytes and was on my way.
The second hill wasn't too bad, maybe a mile or so up and a mile or so down. But, by that point, things were hurting, I was definitely not in the same shape I was at the end of December. As I began the third climb, I was glad I had decided to tackle only 13.1 that day. It had also gotten warm, so I stopped at some point to pull off the long sleeved shirt and attach it to my pack, careful to rope it in so it didn't meet the same fate as my shirt last weekend and slip out.
Climbing the third and final hill, I realized I really needed some sugar. I ate a gu and continued making my way up, up,up....feeling muscles hurting that I'd forgotten I had for the past month or so. By the time I got to the top, I was definitely feeling it and walked most of the way down. I jogged across a bridge and around a corner, and there it was....the finish! The volunteer directing runners noticed my bib and tried to direct me to the 50k course. As sad as it made me, I thanked him and told him I was just going to do the half that day.
I finished the race and enjoyed some time just hanging out at the finish line. It was a nice change to be there for the beginning of the grilling and the good beer rather than roll in at 4....haha. I asked the volunteers about changing my race distance and Wendell took down my bib number and asked about my 24 hour race based on the t-shirt I was wearing. Asked if I had received my coaster, which I had, along with my third place award...fun package to get in the mail.
Happy with my efforts, I enjoyed a grilled sausage and a beer while chatting with some other runners. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.
As usual, Wendell and Coastal Trails put on a wonderful event - looking forward to next time! Until then, over and out.
Awhile ago, I decided to get back into volunteering at races, something I'd really missed since AIDS Marathon closed and I'd gone back to school. After helping out at the Steep Ravine race a few weeks ago, I received a coupon for a race entry and decided the Montara Mountain 50k would be a perfect training ground for my 50 miler at the end of March.
What I didn't count on was life getting in the way, a lagging injury, and a cough I couldn't shake. My knee had been healing since my 50 miler during the 24 hour race on New Years, and I'd come down with something at the start of February, and to say that life has been crazy lately would be a huge understatement. Based on all of that, I had already decided to scale my planned 100 in March down to a 50, if anything at all. But, I'd already singed up for the race - might as well get myself out there and see what I could do. After all, the physical therapist told me I should try some longer distances.
I arrived at the race about 30 minutes prior to the start, plenty of time to get ready to get out there....much of the reason I love these races so much, so low key and easy. I got my bib and shirt, and then of course realized that I'd left my ankle brace in the car. Of course I did....luckily, it was just a short walk back to grab it and I was good to go. I made a short attempt at hitting the bathroom, but alas, the line was too long. Oh well, I knew I'd be passing through that area in a few short miles.
The race started out with a climb up the North Peak. Much of the course was new to me, but I had run a piece of this section a few weeks prior to get a feel for it, but had to stop when it started pouring. The first four or so miles were an uphill climb to the peak. It was tough...even with the headlands, that are anything but flat, being my main training ground. Not only was it tough from an athletic standpoint, it was a single track with lots of people....traffic jam! Luckily, everyone was in good spirits and very courteous to one another.
I knew I'd be walking all of the uphill and potentially some of the downhill. My longest run since the 50 mile had been 11 miles....really, all bets were off. I started the race with one of my coworkers and we walked the uphill to the peak where we picked up our rubber bands to prove we were there. We walked part of it with a couple who told us about a friend of theirs running across the country a marathon at a time - I can't imagine. We ran most of the way down, which was good for me. Legs felt pretty good....knees were a little sore with the downhill and the rest of me was feeling it, but nothing out of the question. However, I had realized I'd probably be settling for the half that day.
I came through the finish line/aid station area feeling pretty good....said hello to one of the guys I'd volunteered with who was working the aid station, grabbed some electrolytes and was on my way.
The second hill wasn't too bad, maybe a mile or so up and a mile or so down. But, by that point, things were hurting, I was definitely not in the same shape I was at the end of December. As I began the third climb, I was glad I had decided to tackle only 13.1 that day. It had also gotten warm, so I stopped at some point to pull off the long sleeved shirt and attach it to my pack, careful to rope it in so it didn't meet the same fate as my shirt last weekend and slip out.
Climbing the third and final hill, I realized I really needed some sugar. I ate a gu and continued making my way up, up,up....feeling muscles hurting that I'd forgotten I had for the past month or so. By the time I got to the top, I was definitely feeling it and walked most of the way down. I jogged across a bridge and around a corner, and there it was....the finish! The volunteer directing runners noticed my bib and tried to direct me to the 50k course. As sad as it made me, I thanked him and told him I was just going to do the half that day.
I finished the race and enjoyed some time just hanging out at the finish line. It was a nice change to be there for the beginning of the grilling and the good beer rather than roll in at 4....haha. I asked the volunteers about changing my race distance and Wendell took down my bib number and asked about my 24 hour race based on the t-shirt I was wearing. Asked if I had received my coaster, which I had, along with my third place award...fun package to get in the mail.
Happy with my efforts, I enjoyed a grilled sausage and a beer while chatting with some other runners. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.
As usual, Wendell and Coastal Trails put on a wonderful event - looking forward to next time! Until then, over and out.
Friday, January 2, 2015
New Year's One Day - Race Report
So, I was writing this in my head as I made multiple laps around Crissy Field - of course, now that I sit down to write it, I can't really remember what I wanted to say...
Let's start with the race itself and how I got there. After the stomach issues at North Face, I needed to find another race to get in 50 miles prior to the Umstead 100 in March. Googling local races, I found out that coastal trails had a twenty four hour race from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day - laps around Crissy field....not my idea thought on how to spend New Year's, but it seemed easy enough.
The race was set up like your typical ultra....show up, get your bib and t-shirt, run the race. This was a little different, since it consisted of one mile laps, there was a kind of camp set-up....start/finish, aid station, and tents....a bunch of the people brought tents for resting/hanging out. There were others who brought chairs and coolers, and were set up for an all day group event. I set my bags down and made the decision to leave my pack with them, why carry it if I would literally pass by it every lap.
We ran in some serious wind for the first three hours....it wasn't too bad on the stretch by the street, but the stretch by the bay was brutal. However, the other runners were nice, sharing stories of races past and advice. I decided to pick up my shuffle around lap three...I had twelve hours of serial podcasts that would keep me busy....unfortunately, they didn't download for some reason. So, I had a two hour loop of music that I hadnt listened to in ages...a close second, I guess.
Sometime around lap three or four, I heard someone calling my name. I looked up to see my friend, Zena, from bootcamp. She was there to do a few laps with her friend doing the six hour. It was great to see her at the start for a couple of laps, and then out on the course at one point.
I easily made my way through the first fifteen or so miles, felt good and made sure to stop and eat every five miles or so. The course had two paths by the aid station, and the veer right to the aid station was called 'pit'. I thought that was cool. I had a good plan going thanks to some strategically placed cone markers....run parts of the pavement stretch (though, this stopped at mile 15 due to the tough terrain), run the first curve to the first cone marker, walk to the next cone, then run the next two....repeat to the aid station.
I stopped at some point to find out why my toe was hurting...turns out there was no reason for it, but I did find a blister on a different toe to wrap. Hopefully I dont lose a toenail in the near future. By the time I hit 25, I was ready for some fresh clothes....I had dressed warmly for the morning chill, but was now sweaty and not warming up.
By the time I hit mile 30, I was far more sore than I wanted to be for only being at 30 miles. I was also bored and getting tired of laps. It was pretty bleak until about mile 35, where I think the Advil kicked in. However, my friend Joseph came down to say hello and do a couple of laps with me. It was great to catch up and have some company to pass the time. He also said something about the messages people had sent via email. I hadn't gotten any, so I assumed I didn't have any yet. He said that he had sent one...and that people on Facebook had mentioned they were sending them too. I was surprised no one from the race had mentioned where to find them, but after stopping and asking, I was directed to a filing box holding messages. And I had a bunch - very thankful for all of the hellos from friends and family. A friend and some nice messages, great way to get through some tough miles.
Once I hit 35, I started to feel pretty good again. Still sore, but I was able to take up my running plan again on the trail pieces of the course. Loved getting the sudden burst of energy....it really made miles 35 to about 42 pretty bearable. I checked my messages again and had a bunch more...many thanks - those made my run :). I talked to the guy about the 100 miler I had planned and he asked why I wasn't doing coastal's....haha...maybe next year. It might be fun to volunteer at this year though or get in another 50. Somewhere in there the aid station had pizza...nothing like walking a mile and munching on a slice of cheese and pepperoni. haha...
At 42, I was pretty much done...I hit 12 hours right around that point, despite having been shooting to get the full 50 in 12. Stupid miles 30-35 or whatever they were. I had been ahead of pace until then, but good learnings for next time. Hopefully that will still be ok for the 100 miler. I was also getting cold, despite having on one of my everest wool tops and hood. It was warm when I was walking, but the clothes underneath not so much after sweating. I told myself I needed to get to 50 before I stopped again....it would be a great reward in a couple of laps....clean clothes, bathroom stop, aid station break.
A lot of people seemed to disappear at this point...either to tents or cars or where ever to rest. But, I was going to get my 50. I ran into a guy dressed in flame print shorts and a shirt, who told me he was facing his feet forward, because one day, they would all be pointing towards the sky....well, that was one way to look at it. haha. I did various parts of 47-49 with a guy visiting from Dallas, specifically for the New Year's race. He had accepted the fact that he was going to walk the rest of the night, and had changed into hiking boots. My right knee had been pretty sore since about 45, so hiking boots seemed like they would have been a good call at that point. I was thankful for the company, as I was also really bored....give me the hills in the headlands any day.....
I finally got to my last lap, and I had originally planned on changing some, eating some, maybe having some soup, maybe a rest in the car, and coming back out for some more laps. But, I think on some level, I knew I was done. I bid farewell to the pavement that was destroying my shins, to the slight hill on the first curve, the deep sand right before the first curve, and the sharp turn to the timing mat. I stopped to snap a photo of my garmin once it hit 50....on the back straight-away that had been insanely windy during the early part of the race.
I crossed the lap mat post-50 miles and hobbled over to the aid station, desperate for some soup. Somehow, I managed to hit it just as they ran out and they were making more. Ugh...how do you run out of soup? I wanted to stop and get any additional messages that had been sent, but I was so cold and sore and desperate for a few minutes of warmth and dry clothes, so I hobbled over to my stuff, grabbed it, and began a treacherous walk through the grass to my car. In reality, it was probably 100 feet, but it was grass and not flat, and wow did my knee hurt. I did notice multiple people sleeping in their cars as I passed by....I apologize for the headlamp I probably flashed directly at them....
Once I got in the car, I realized how cold I was and how sore my knee really was. I wasnt sure what was worse, trying to stop shaking or having to push the seat in my car back and pull my leg in with hands because my knee wouldnt bend. Once I got a better look at it, I realized it was swollen, and there was a weird swelling just above my knee on the side of my quad. Gross....did I break my leg and miss it? #ultrarunnerproblems. At that point, I realized two things: one, I really didnt feel good and two, I was done for the night. I opened the car door to get some air....to think a few minutes ago all I wanted was some heat. Once I felt a little better, I pulled off my timing chip, put my headlamp back on and hobbled over to camp. I asked the race director if I should give it to him and he pointed me in the direction of the check-in tent. He asked if I was done, and I told him I got to the 50 I wanted and my knee was shot, he congratulated me on the 50 and wished me a happy new year.
I hobbled over to the check-in tent where she took my chip and gave me a medal. It would have been fun to make it to midnight, to share champagne with my fellow 24 hour runners, and to walk through the night with the people I'd me throughout the day. However, there is something to say for knowing when it's time to be done.
After turning everything in, I hobbled back over to the car where I proceeded to wait until I stopped shaking and was able to drive home. Luckily, traffic was minimal and I got home pretty quickly. It took me at least ten minutes to gather the strength to get out of my car....of course in that time, I found the slug that hitched a ride to the car on my bag. Awesome.
Somehow, I got up the stairs to my apartment - perhaps the adrenaline was still flowing. Once Brian greeted me at the door with some wine and I sat down at the kitchen table, trying to get up was a different story. Literally hanging on to walls to get to the stairs and then using the railing to climb up the stairs.....I have no idea how I managed to shower and get back downstairs without falling and breaking something. Super thankful for grubhub and their ability to let me order Sparky's on my phone and have it delivered to my house.
After a brief New Year's celebration and my Sparky's dinner, I was ready to call it a night. Another race in the books. 50 mile distance achieved. Kudos to Wendell and Coastal Trails for putting on another great race. And, what did I learn? There are a lot of long runs in my future....double days are one thing, but I really need to work on staying stronger longer....pushing that wall out from now mile 30. And, while this race was an experience, the ultras in the headlands were much more fun....so I see more of those in my future too :).
so, thats it for now....over and out for now. hopefully a new years/2015 entry coming soon :).
Let's start with the race itself and how I got there. After the stomach issues at North Face, I needed to find another race to get in 50 miles prior to the Umstead 100 in March. Googling local races, I found out that coastal trails had a twenty four hour race from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day - laps around Crissy field....not my idea thought on how to spend New Year's, but it seemed easy enough.
The race was set up like your typical ultra....show up, get your bib and t-shirt, run the race. This was a little different, since it consisted of one mile laps, there was a kind of camp set-up....start/finish, aid station, and tents....a bunch of the people brought tents for resting/hanging out. There were others who brought chairs and coolers, and were set up for an all day group event. I set my bags down and made the decision to leave my pack with them, why carry it if I would literally pass by it every lap.
We ran in some serious wind for the first three hours....it wasn't too bad on the stretch by the street, but the stretch by the bay was brutal. However, the other runners were nice, sharing stories of races past and advice. I decided to pick up my shuffle around lap three...I had twelve hours of serial podcasts that would keep me busy....unfortunately, they didn't download for some reason. So, I had a two hour loop of music that I hadnt listened to in ages...a close second, I guess.
Sometime around lap three or four, I heard someone calling my name. I looked up to see my friend, Zena, from bootcamp. She was there to do a few laps with her friend doing the six hour. It was great to see her at the start for a couple of laps, and then out on the course at one point.
I easily made my way through the first fifteen or so miles, felt good and made sure to stop and eat every five miles or so. The course had two paths by the aid station, and the veer right to the aid station was called 'pit'. I thought that was cool. I had a good plan going thanks to some strategically placed cone markers....run parts of the pavement stretch (though, this stopped at mile 15 due to the tough terrain), run the first curve to the first cone marker, walk to the next cone, then run the next two....repeat to the aid station.
I stopped at some point to find out why my toe was hurting...turns out there was no reason for it, but I did find a blister on a different toe to wrap. Hopefully I dont lose a toenail in the near future. By the time I hit 25, I was ready for some fresh clothes....I had dressed warmly for the morning chill, but was now sweaty and not warming up.
By the time I hit mile 30, I was far more sore than I wanted to be for only being at 30 miles. I was also bored and getting tired of laps. It was pretty bleak until about mile 35, where I think the Advil kicked in. However, my friend Joseph came down to say hello and do a couple of laps with me. It was great to catch up and have some company to pass the time. He also said something about the messages people had sent via email. I hadn't gotten any, so I assumed I didn't have any yet. He said that he had sent one...and that people on Facebook had mentioned they were sending them too. I was surprised no one from the race had mentioned where to find them, but after stopping and asking, I was directed to a filing box holding messages. And I had a bunch - very thankful for all of the hellos from friends and family. A friend and some nice messages, great way to get through some tough miles.
Once I hit 35, I started to feel pretty good again. Still sore, but I was able to take up my running plan again on the trail pieces of the course. Loved getting the sudden burst of energy....it really made miles 35 to about 42 pretty bearable. I checked my messages again and had a bunch more...many thanks - those made my run :). I talked to the guy about the 100 miler I had planned and he asked why I wasn't doing coastal's....haha...maybe next year. It might be fun to volunteer at this year though or get in another 50. Somewhere in there the aid station had pizza...nothing like walking a mile and munching on a slice of cheese and pepperoni. haha...
At 42, I was pretty much done...I hit 12 hours right around that point, despite having been shooting to get the full 50 in 12. Stupid miles 30-35 or whatever they were. I had been ahead of pace until then, but good learnings for next time. Hopefully that will still be ok for the 100 miler. I was also getting cold, despite having on one of my everest wool tops and hood. It was warm when I was walking, but the clothes underneath not so much after sweating. I told myself I needed to get to 50 before I stopped again....it would be a great reward in a couple of laps....clean clothes, bathroom stop, aid station break.
A lot of people seemed to disappear at this point...either to tents or cars or where ever to rest. But, I was going to get my 50. I ran into a guy dressed in flame print shorts and a shirt, who told me he was facing his feet forward, because one day, they would all be pointing towards the sky....well, that was one way to look at it. haha. I did various parts of 47-49 with a guy visiting from Dallas, specifically for the New Year's race. He had accepted the fact that he was going to walk the rest of the night, and had changed into hiking boots. My right knee had been pretty sore since about 45, so hiking boots seemed like they would have been a good call at that point. I was thankful for the company, as I was also really bored....give me the hills in the headlands any day.....
I finally got to my last lap, and I had originally planned on changing some, eating some, maybe having some soup, maybe a rest in the car, and coming back out for some more laps. But, I think on some level, I knew I was done. I bid farewell to the pavement that was destroying my shins, to the slight hill on the first curve, the deep sand right before the first curve, and the sharp turn to the timing mat. I stopped to snap a photo of my garmin once it hit 50....on the back straight-away that had been insanely windy during the early part of the race.
I crossed the lap mat post-50 miles and hobbled over to the aid station, desperate for some soup. Somehow, I managed to hit it just as they ran out and they were making more. Ugh...how do you run out of soup? I wanted to stop and get any additional messages that had been sent, but I was so cold and sore and desperate for a few minutes of warmth and dry clothes, so I hobbled over to my stuff, grabbed it, and began a treacherous walk through the grass to my car. In reality, it was probably 100 feet, but it was grass and not flat, and wow did my knee hurt. I did notice multiple people sleeping in their cars as I passed by....I apologize for the headlamp I probably flashed directly at them....
Once I got in the car, I realized how cold I was and how sore my knee really was. I wasnt sure what was worse, trying to stop shaking or having to push the seat in my car back and pull my leg in with hands because my knee wouldnt bend. Once I got a better look at it, I realized it was swollen, and there was a weird swelling just above my knee on the side of my quad. Gross....did I break my leg and miss it? #ultrarunnerproblems. At that point, I realized two things: one, I really didnt feel good and two, I was done for the night. I opened the car door to get some air....to think a few minutes ago all I wanted was some heat. Once I felt a little better, I pulled off my timing chip, put my headlamp back on and hobbled over to camp. I asked the race director if I should give it to him and he pointed me in the direction of the check-in tent. He asked if I was done, and I told him I got to the 50 I wanted and my knee was shot, he congratulated me on the 50 and wished me a happy new year.
I hobbled over to the check-in tent where she took my chip and gave me a medal. It would have been fun to make it to midnight, to share champagne with my fellow 24 hour runners, and to walk through the night with the people I'd me throughout the day. However, there is something to say for knowing when it's time to be done.
After turning everything in, I hobbled back over to the car where I proceeded to wait until I stopped shaking and was able to drive home. Luckily, traffic was minimal and I got home pretty quickly. It took me at least ten minutes to gather the strength to get out of my car....of course in that time, I found the slug that hitched a ride to the car on my bag. Awesome.
Somehow, I got up the stairs to my apartment - perhaps the adrenaline was still flowing. Once Brian greeted me at the door with some wine and I sat down at the kitchen table, trying to get up was a different story. Literally hanging on to walls to get to the stairs and then using the railing to climb up the stairs.....I have no idea how I managed to shower and get back downstairs without falling and breaking something. Super thankful for grubhub and their ability to let me order Sparky's on my phone and have it delivered to my house.
After a brief New Year's celebration and my Sparky's dinner, I was ready to call it a night. Another race in the books. 50 mile distance achieved. Kudos to Wendell and Coastal Trails for putting on another great race. And, what did I learn? There are a lot of long runs in my future....double days are one thing, but I really need to work on staying stronger longer....pushing that wall out from now mile 30. And, while this race was an experience, the ultras in the headlands were much more fun....so I see more of those in my future too :).
so, thats it for now....over and out for now. hopefully a new years/2015 entry coming soon :).
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