Running Journey

Crater Lake & Bend Weekend

Weekends that feel longer than 2 days are pretty awesome.  In some ways this past weekend went by really fast,  yet at the same time we did so much it seems like more than your typical Saturday & Sunday.

Friday night I went out for a 10 mile tempo run for the Portland Marathon which happens this Sunday.  My goal was an 11 minute pace (my goal for the marathon).  Somehow I managed sub 11 minute over the 10 miles with at least one pretty substantial hill.  Definitely more hilly than the marathon course will be!  Hopefully I feel that good come Sunday.  We did happy hour at Oswego Grill with Deb on Friday night after my run.

Saturday we drove down to Crater Lake.  On the way there we passed LOTS of smoke and drove right past the central command for a large 11,000' acre fire.  Apparently there were two pretty big fires going on in the area.  When we got to Crater Lake, the smoke was obvious to our eyes and our noses.  It was a beautiful warm and sunny day but the entire lake had a bit of a haze over it taking away from the would-have-been crystal clear skies.  It was still quite the site!  We did a few short hikes, the first of which took us from 7400' to 8000' and the top of "The Watchman".  On the top we had amazing 360 degree views of the entire Crater Lake area.  This trail is actually a spur trail to the PCT and was bore the familiar PCT trail sign marker.  We took lots of pictures and I'll post them soon (pic above is from google images).  We definitely plan to go back on a day that is not so obscured by smoke and have some other things we want to do there.

After Crater Lake we made the drive up to Bend and checked into our hotel.  We went out for a few drinks and strolled around in Downtown Bend which is quite beautiful at night (and during the day).  We stopped by Oktoberfest but didn't have any drinks there.  It was pretty crazy!  At our last stop we had a drink at the bar and got hit on by a group of guys (one of whom looked like he was 12).  They were pretty multi-cultural though coming from Mexico, Oxnard and Guatemala. I told the guy from Oxnard that it sucked there and he tried to disagree with me until I said "why are you not still there then?"  End of that disagreement..

Sunday we hit the shops in the Old Mill District which was down by the river.  River.  Old Mill.  Makes sense right?  It was an incredibly gorgeous day to be perusing the outdoor mall.  We made an outlet mall stop after than before heading home and to a birthday dinner in Nob Hill with Lindsey & Amanda (and a couple others).  Then we picked up Tobey and the weekend was over.  Wow!  Not sure if we could have fit much more in but it was quite wonderful.  Today is a recovery day.  Ahhh.. Mondays...

6 days to Marathon #6...

Happy Running & Dirty Feet,
Jessica

Wilderness Hiking & Running Essentials

I don't know many runners who carry the recommended "essentials" while out in the wilderness.  Thoughts go through their head like "I'll be with my friends" or "It's just for a few hours", etc.  I've tried carrying more essentials since moving to Oregon and running in the Columbia River Gorge or up on Mt. Hood, but I know I could put together a better and lighter kit.  Recent news of the ultrarunners (Gina Natera and Fidel Diaz) who were out in the wilderness for 3 days has put this to the forefront of many people's minds.  So... What are the essentials?  I made this list, based mostly on US Forest Service Recommendations.

1. Tell someone - Tell someone where you are going and approximately when you are going to be back - even if you are running with others.  At least tell them the general vicinity like "near Timberline Lodge" instead of "On Mt. Hood".  If you tell them 6 hours and it's been 8 or 9 maybe no big deal.  But you tell them 6 and it's been 20?  Then they can be concerned.
2. Maps - It's always a good idea even if you know where you are going.
3. Compass - GPS is good too but may be unreliable in heavily tree-covered areas and could run out of batteries.  GPS is better than nothing though.
4. Extra Clothes - This really depends on where you are running/hiking.  It may be an extra long sleeve shirt or as simple as arm warmers.  Or maybe you need to tuck gloves and a jacket into your pack (just in case).  Check the forecast then check it again.  Then look at the forecast for later that day in case you spend more time out there than planned.
5. Matches -  You can carry a couple water proof ones and you won't even know you are carrying them since they are so small.  Careful where or what you light on fire though - you don't want to be the next great wildfire starter!
6. Utility knife - even a simple $2 one is better than nothing.  Small and lightweight
7. Flashlight or headlamp - even if you are going out for a morning run you could tuck a small light into your pack
8. Extra Food & Water - always bring a little bit more food than you think you need for your run.  Same goes for water.  If there will be creeks along your way you could also bring iodine tablets to purify water before you drink it.  They are pretty easy to carry and a lot easier than carrying gallons of water!
9. Cell Phone - even if there is no cell reception, most phones now have built in GPS and this can be used to triangulate and track lost runners or hikers.
10. Misc. - you may want to bring a little toilet paper or insect repellent, etc.  Whatever might be critical to you.  Also consider investing in a SPOT personal tracker.  They are small and only cost about $100 with a $100 fee per year.  Friends/Family can track your location via Google Maps which could be useful even if you are not in a life threatening situation.  If you do get lost - having something like the SPOT could be invaluable.  A small whistle can also be good if you need to call for help.
11. First Aid Kit - Some basic stuff (the more you have the better).  Runners don't like carrying too much but this stuff can be pretty compact and lightweight and easily fit in your pack which you will need anyway if going out for a couple hours or more.

• Vaseline or body glide, etc.
• A few band-aids
• Adhesive tape
• Moleskin
• Elastic Bandage
• Antiseptic/alcohol wipes
• Cotton swabs/wipes
• Chemical heat/cold packs
• Mirror
• Safety Pins
• Tweezers
• Possibly medications you may need
• Sunscreen

Ultrarunners Missing in Santa Ana Moutains - FOUND!

Gina Natera (winner of 2008 Twin Peaks 50 mile, San Diego 100 and others) along with Fidel Diaz (two time Twin Peaks Finishers and finisher of many ultras) when missing after setting out for a 6-8 hour run Sunday morning in the rugged Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland National Forest.  They are both very experienced runners and experienced with those trails in particular.

Read an OC Register article here.  

Let's all hope and pray for their safe return!!  Third hand reports state that Fidel has appeared and that the runners had become separated but that is unsubstantiated at this point.

Search and Rescue along with many runners and bikers are out looking for them as I write this.

UPDATE: Fidel has been found around 8:30AM this morning

CNN Story

Both have now been found - updated story

Not a Runner

That's sort of how I feel.  Especially how I felt on Saturday.  It all started with...

In the days before the race I was going into it with a very positive attitude.  The encouragements and comments from all of you helped out a lot to that effect.  I had some stuff go down on Friday afternoon that I think shot my mood and didn't help my attitude when 7AM Saturday morning rolled around.

I opted for the early start since I knew the 50K might take me quite some time with 8000'+ of gain.  The early start group consisted of about a dozen people and withing about 10 minutes most of them were out of my sight.  Was I that slow?  Isn't the early start crew supposed to be slower?  Yet they were all plodding along up the fireroad with seeming ease.

I continued to climb, alone.  The relative small size of the race left me solo and my thoughts drifted to negativity about Friday afternoon's event.  My mood was shot before I hit mile 2.  I climbed and climbed and climbed.  Without a doubt this was the toughest race I had ever been in.  The 25K race boasted 5000' of climb (most of which was over the first 8-9 miles which was also shared by the 50K course).  For SoCal runners - imagine going up Bulldog hill right at the start of the race and at the top going up it again.  That will give you some idea - then throw in that it's mostly highly technical single track.

About 2 hours in a 25K runner came flying up a STEEP hill to pass me.  Yes - he was officially twice as fast as me.  Didn't really help my morale much.  I started one hour early and he caught me one hour into his race.  Insane.

I kept plodding along - mostly walking and running the occasional short downhill sections.  I was starting to get cold as I climbed higher.  Unfortunately I forgot my jacket and gloves and have to make do with a long sleeve shirt and my moeben sleeves.  By the time I reached the first staffed aid station at mile 9ish, I couldn't move my fingers and was wet from the rain.  They were numb and my body was an ice cube.  I SERIOUSLY hate running in the cold.  I had a renewed revelation at that moment - I was having any fun.  I don't have any fun when I'm outside freezing all day - the cold is not my friend.  One of the reasons I like running ultras is to be outside and enjoy the outdoors.  I can literally do that all day but not if there is no sun, limited views, a body that can't get warm.  Screw it I said, after stocking up at the aid station.  I kept going and started to climb yet again.  It was getting colder.  And windier. It rained horizontally for a bit.  There were 15 miles of exposed ridgeline trails ahead of me (in the 5000-6000' range).

I turned around less than a quarter mile later.  I remembered back to my Timberline run a few weeks back where I was absolutely frozen, wet, and miserable the last 3-4 miles.  I HATED it.  Took all the fun out of it for me and I felt that way already at mile 9?   I told the aid station I was dropping down to the 25K and I started down the trail.

I felt like a failure.  Am I runner anymore?  Definitely not an ultra runner.  I kept moving as best as I could.  Because of my early start I was in 6th or 7th place overall at this point (by appearance only).  It appeared to many that I was the first female when in fact I was having a horrible day.  It was interesting to see the reaction of people who would say "way to go girl!" and things of that sort.  I got a taste of what it felt like to be first in a race - something that will likely never happen to me!  Then I felt like an impostor.  I was not in first place.  I was not even a runner. Was I?

It took me 2:50 to run the 9 miles to the top.  It took me another 2:20 to run the 9 miles back down.  You'd think it would have been faster since it was all downhill but I was fried and the trails were highly technical.  I think more mentally because my body felt fine the next day - and today.  I had more in me but just couldn't find it that day.

The 25K was closer to 18 miles and the 50k was 36+.  I don't know that I even could have finished the 50k in under 10 hours.  That's crazy.  Back to the drawing board?

I didn't have fun Saturday.  I don't like running in the cold.  I don't plan on running any more ultras in the NW between September and March because it's just not a lot of fun for me.  Maybe I'm a wimp.  Maybe I need to suck it up.  But running is supposed to be fun isn't it?  Cold is not fun.  Neither is wearing huge layers of clothing just so I don't get cold.  I DID come from MN originally so I do know what it's like to be cold.  I am not sure if I'll even run any more longer races after the Portland Marathon until Copper Canyon in March.  The trick is going to be getting in long runs for my training without freezing my ass off and being miserable.  Ughh.

Jessica

Twin Peaks Course Poll

On The Road Again

Officially speaking, I haven't finished an ultra race for a couple years.  Last year I dropped at mile 21 due to altitude sickness in Big Bear.  I dropped at mile 40 in Tahoe due to a foot injury.  I did run an unofficial 50K back in July in lieu of Lake Tahoe this year.  But tomorrow all that is going to change when I complete (Yes that is my goal) the Cle Elum 50K.  Anything beyond just a finish will be icing on the cake in my mind.

In a couple hours I'll be on the road to Cle Elum.  Yay!!

Happy Running & Dirty Feet,
Jessica

P.S.  If you hadn't heard I also had to change the date for Twin Peaks 2010.  It is now on February 13th, 2010.  I confirmed this date with the Forest Service.  I had attempted to confirm the Feb 6th date before I opened registration but my contact was out on fire duty until a couple days ago.  Hopefully this doesn't affect too many people's plans and hopefully it will even allow a greater number of people the option to run this great race now!

March 1942 - September 2009

My dad was 67 years old when he quietly and peacefully passed away in his apartment.  No one knew until days later - on the morning of September 14th...  I wasn't that close to my dad but when a parent dies it sure has an impact no matter how close you were to them.  It had been 5 years since I last talked to him.  I was only 10 when my parents were divorced.  My mom stuck with him to help him get though treatment on several occasions.  My relationship with my dad began to fade.

His passing makes me think of many memories good and bad.  Happy and sad.  Sadly what most strikes a chord is that he had a sad and somewhat lonely life.  He spent most of it drinking, battling demons we may never know of, and despite his family's efforts to get him help, he never succeeded in that endeavor.

I do want to remember my father on a positive note.  I remember those times when I was little and him and my mom were laughing.  When they would joke around with each other.  I remember my dad and brother going off on hunting trips and my dad teaching me how to fish from a very early age.  His love of nature rubbed off on me.  I think he saw the beauty in it.  He was always at peace when he was out on a lake or fishing from the shore in some remote northern Minnesota town, or just relaxing in a cabin in the middle of the woods.  We have no plans for a memorial service or burial.  We do have plans to spread his ashes on one of his favorite northern Minnesota lakes where he can finally be where he always wanted to be his whole life.  And he can rest in peace.

"Discovering this idyllic place, we find ourselves filled with a yearning to linger here, where time stands still and beauty overwhelms." - Unknown

Top 50%

Well it counts right?  The Wildwood Trail 10K results are in...  I finished 45 out of 92 women.  That puts me in the top 50% :)  I was 9/13 in my age group though and 117/179 overall.

Some pictures from Brian F Conaghan Photography:

Wildwood Trail 10K

This morning I ran a trail 10k which was a first time running that distance on trail.  I was definitely not recovered from my long grueling day on the PCT Saturday - and I felt it!  My plan was to go out hard - no guts no glory!  I figured if I blew up I blew up.  It was only 10k right?  In my group of 5 (they start runners 2 minutes apart in small groups) me and another girl quickly took the lead.  A short while in she said "you can pass me if you want I'm slow".  I decided to stay behind her since she seemed to be running well and I needed to get warmed up.   The first mile was tough.  I don't warm up that fast and I was pushing sub 10 minute pace.  By the time I hit the only aid station at mile 2 the other girl was no where to be seen (behind me) and I starting to feel good.  By mile 3 I was still pushing sub 10 minute pace which was my goal.  Actually I was hoping to break 60 minutes but who know if I could?  It was still trail (even mostly down) and I was not recovered.

Around 3.5 I started to slow a bit and was feeling my early push and my muscles were feeling it from not being recovered.  At about 4.5 I pushed again on an awesome downhill section.  About 1/3 mile from the finish some rolling rocky uphills begin followed by a gnarly 200' climb. Talk  about slowing you down!  Before I started I thought I could run this section but I was too worn out.  I came through the finish at the top in about 66 minutes which is not bad.  For a trail race I'll take it!  I'd love to run it again next year, rested, and shoot for sub 60 or even 57 (a 10K pr).

Also, recently I was contacted by Spectrum Sports (they put on Avalon 50, Catalina Eco Marathon, and others) because they wanted me to be their featured athlete for the month for September. What an honor!  I obliged and you can see a screen shot of the email below (in case you didn't get it).  I'm not sure why they picked little ole me but thanks Spectrum!

Happy Running & Dirty Feet,
Jessica

Cascade Crest 100 Crew Report

It seemed like many months ago when I first told Andy Kumeda that I'd help him by crewing and/or pacing for the Cascade Crest 100.  Catra ended up as his pacer so I was on crew duty.  The weekend started with my 2 hour and 40 minute drive from my home in Lake Oswego to SeaTac airport where Andy and Catra were flying to.  It was a quick and painless drive and I had Tobey in tow in the back seat, ready for a weekend of adventure!

We stayed in Cle Elum (site of my upcoming 50k race!) which was about 11 miles from the race start.  Cascade Crest has a generous start time of 10AM so you don't need to wake up early and even someone driving in from Seattle could sleep in before the race.  It was chilly at the start and I was not really dressed for it with my tank top, but I survived.  In addition to the runners, there were lots of crew, family & friends mulling about near the start.  I met some new people and saw some familiar faces.  I'm sure I will miss some, but the faces old and new included: Eric & Michelle, Rob, Matt Hart, Jess Mullen (thanks for the first ride to my car!), Abi (thanks for the ride to my car), Steve Stoyles, Ronda, Glenn, Wendell , Linda Dewess, Mark Tanaka, Christian & crew, and more...  Always such a good bunch of people at ultras isn't it?

At 10AM the race was off and I took a video of the start.  From there Catra and I went and checked out of the hotel, stocked up on a few things and made the trek to the mile 23 aid station where it was freezing!  I had to change into something warmer as we sat there and waited.  It wasn't long before we started to see the front runners come blazing through, including Samantha Sigle who led the women's race wire to wire, and men's winner (and new course record holder) Phil Shaw.  Andy came through right on track and looked good.  It was on to mile 33 after that...

I wish I remember the names of all the crews we met.  It's funny how you see the same people hopping around from station to station.  In this case it was JB who was shooting video and crewing for his wife Jenn, Matt Hart who seemed to be crewing multiple runners, a girl from Florida who was crewing for her boyfriend Wesley who completed his first 100 in just over 27 hours, Christian Griffith's crew, "Kiwi's" mom, and others...

Mile 33 went pretty much the same as 23 and before long Andy was back on the trail.  Catra and I had until mile 53 before we saw Andy again so we drove into Snoqualmie Pass to kill some time and stay warm.  We went to a coffee place first but had to move since they closed at 7PM.  We killed the rest of our time at nearby bar, me drinking a Stella and Catra chatting with a PCT through hiker who had been on the trail since mid May and was fighting an injury hoping to make it through the last 200 miles.  Running a 100 miles is surely tough but 4 months on the trail and 2600 miles?  That's in a completely different league I think.

At mile 53 we waiting and spent some time with Christian's crew who gave me a beer and a bit of steak.  I think they are my new favorite crew! :)  Andy came in and he and Catra did a little TLC to his feet.  He changed his clothes and shoes and both he and Catra were off.  I wouldn't see them again until mile 68 so I spent some time relaxing at mile 53 before driving over to 68 and catching about an hour of sleep.  Catra came up to me there and told me she had to change and didn't want to hold Andy up.  She was trying out a new running dress that just wasn't working for her so the plan was for me to take her to mile 75 (which I was originally going to skip).  It took us almost an hour and a half to drive there (reasons I was going to skip it) and I was wiped.  Catra picked up Andy just after 5AM and I took a nap until about 7AM when someone ran past my car and knocked on my window.  Time to get up I guess!! 

On the way over to mile 95 I got some food and changed into my running clothes.  The plan was for me and Tobey to join Andy and Catra from there to the finish.  I was starting to wonder where they were after a while, based on Andy's time through mile 75.  I checked with the time keeper and saw that Andy was a bit behind when I had expected him.  He had given me pace charts for a 25 hour and 27 hour schedule.  most of the race he had been closer to 25 but now was pushing past 27.  I waited patiently while Tobey kept entertained by playing fetch with some kids.  I was ready to run so started to make my way backwards on the course.  I went about a mile I think and shortly thereafter saw Andy and Catra coming down the hill.  Andy was limping a bit since he had hurt his foot/leg.  He was worried it was a stress fracture but it was not.  The last 20 miles where really rough on him and slowed them way down.  He didn't think he'd make 27 hours and was surprised to learn it was still an option.  I asked if they needed anything from the car since it was not in the path to or from the aid station.  Catra said yes so I had fun flying back down the trail ahead of them, made a stop back at the car, and arrived at the aid station in time to meet them.  The four of us were soon off to complete the race together.  Andy said he wanted to try to run so he did.  In fact I think he had a pretty darn good steady pace for that last section - very impressive after 95 miles.  The sun was warm and it felt good.  Andy kept moving and moving.  It became clear that he'd make 27 hours and in fact came in 8 minutes under!  Quite an accomplishment considering the pain and walking from mile 75-95.

I had a blast helping out Andy that weekend (and so did Tobey).  Crewing a 100 miler is a feat of endurance in a different way but only pales in comparison to what those runners go through.  So thank you Andy, Catra, Charlie (RD), all the volunteers, runners and crews for helping make Cascade Crest such a great race and a memorable one!

Happy Running & Dirty Feet,
Jessica