Giving Thanks!

We got to the best Paradise in NM for our mini-vacation...despite "kissing" a deer 3 hrs into a drive. We were lucky to escape a much worse damage from this bouncing buck with huge rack. It didn't stop us...

from being able to relax and enjoy every moment. The house was neatly tucked away at almost 9,000 feet with nobody close enough to care for wearing clothes. And yes, we did cook holiday dinner (and hearty breakfasts every morning!).

Hard to believe there are people who don't want to live in the mountains or don't like snow (we are counting days, ergh, years)...

because everything here whispers "love"...

We had a great mountain loop 5 minutes away, which we checked out as soon as we dropped our bags at the house...

and even better 5M loop that started behind the house we stayed in, and we did this one every morning at a crack of dawn, in -6F (-22C) - who said it's cold? It just means you are not dressed for the weather! Felt like home...
We climbed the double-diamond of Angels Fire ski area, where the only other living creature visited was a bear (who's footsteps helped us plant our own feet),

and ran down with magnificent views. The altitude did give me breathing problems, but I'd take those over humidity problems any day!
We went skiing, me - after 7 years break, and Larry - after all of 15!

And Larry exercised precision and perfection in form,

while I zipped at the neck-breaking speed, showing why I am a downhiller.
We visited Rio Grande river canyon (yikes!)and had dinner at a neat place in Taos!

All in all, we had a wonderful trip, lots to be thankful for!

Not a runner I am

Not that it had to be proven, or that I am about to cry over it. Not a runner I am - not anymore, anyway. Unlike Ronda, who just proved that she can run! However, if you think I have a work cut off for me with what I should be doing to improve, you'd be right - and wrong. I would like to, but I just don't get too excited:)

Anyhow, yesterday I ran a 50 miler. I actually ran it, as I ran a good 70% of this race, when usually in my more hilly and mountain races I power walk at least 50%. This one was flat as a pancake. It had 2 hills of a minute each between miles 5 and 6 of each of 7 loops, separated by a mile of outside-the-field trail. Each of those hills took a minute to power hike...yeah, not a big hill, although I was glad to see at least that. All together, this 50M race featured probably about 1,000 feet of climb (just an estimate). While I didn't really peak for it in training (see October, sick and surgery), nor did I taper (I was so excited to finally be able to exercise again, I was going full steam all week, till Larry and Eman both asked me a question: ain't you having a race this weekend? and I was like: really, am I?), still, hear me out. The stats of the fact are: I ran Leona Divide 50 in April (granted, at the top of my form this year) with 9,000 feet of climb in 9:17. Yesterday, I waded my way through this Texas trail for 9:43. Hmm...I remember my flat PR stood at 8:17, and that was a touch hillier and my only 2nd 50M ran as a training run:)

Anyhow, despite this introduction, I had a grand time. To begin, Larry cooked chili the night before, and while I should have known better than to eat Cajun food before the race (see CR100 report last year), I ate, 2 bowls, and from the moment I woke up at 3am, the toilet was my best friend. Whatever...

I arrived to the race start, a typical Texas private ranch who's owner Joe P. from Tejas Trails bi-friended, and was both feet deep into friends and laughter. And toilet visits:) In fact, I was dashing there when Joe said "1 minute before start", and as I came out and lined up, I remembered I needed a headlamp! Some prep I had...
I also didn't bring nearly enough gels, and had to rely on provided Hammer gels, which really screw up my stomach - and that's the story for the second half of the race. Because the first part was spent finding bushes and making sure a line to a toilet at the start of each loop was open.

It never phased me out though. Seriously, I had so much fun, I just accepted the inevitable and went with the flow. I ran strong - or what I thought was a strong run, and entertained myself with hooting and yelling, talking with folks from 50M, 50k, 25k and 10k all going simultaneously, and with aid station friends. It is awesome to know pretty much everyone! And if there was someone who didn't know me before - I am sure will never forget now.

As I made my way round'n'round, on a beautiful (albeit flat) single track inside the pine trees (where did they get pine trees in Texas?) through the mesa of labyrinths (when you see people 0.25M ahead or behind you popping right next to your trail), or shuffling around the field's perimeter, and getting stronger by loop 4 and beginning to pass a runner here and there (told you so! even if I am not a runner...), having a blast on loop 5 (yay, I am awesome!), by loop 6 my gut shut down will all those Hammer gels. I am still taking them down, and they are not processing, and while the utilizing the bushes stopped almost completely, I am about to give birth to a baby elephant, and the energy is sinking due to no fuel getting to my blood stream. That, and I am extremely nauseous...

On loop 7, about 2.5M in, I finally started throwing up. Man, it felt great! As I was retching, a guy we were playing hooks with stopped in that mesa trail ahead of me (but almost next to me) and asked if I was ok. Yeah, just puking! Got to mid-loop AS, see Larry and Eman - whine I threw up. Larry, in true manner and a lesson learnt from Hardorck (when Olga whines, don't pay attention like you don't hear a thing and kick her out) filled my bottle with ice and send me out: "She'll just finish it, she doesn't need anything". I think Eman thought he hates me. In fact, he did me good. I got mad for about 5 minutes, then got my shit together and figured if I can't run 9:30, I should at least break 9:45, damn it! And so, after I puked a couple more times, I brought it home, in 9:43, for 2nd female.
And managed to make fun (after hugging a garbage can and sucking on some ice cubes) of a few handsome boys whom I passed and held back too! And the best part - my splits! Loop 1 was 5M in 51min, and then 7.5M loops went like that: 1:20 (too fast, no toilet stop), 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:32, 1:36. Can you get much better than that in consistency? I mean, you can go even or negative (done that too), but how often does that really happen in life?

The showers were awesome at the finish line! Too bad I wasn't in a mood to eat, because they also had hamburgers and hot dogs freshly cooked! Darn!

It was a bit (a big bit) on a humid side here yesterday, and while the temps probably held on just around mid-70's, the humidity made for some struggle. I chafed and every spot I could find, and was going through a bottle of water in 3.5M between the aid easily (in fact, rationing every time). May be 2 bottles would have been smarter...but I did take plenty of salt, and drunk my V8 juice every loop. The cloud cover, occasional at first, but then more so, was helpful too! I ran for the first time in LaSportive Skylite, their lightest shoe, and loved it - but probably not for 50M. Just past the 50k I began to feel every step, and I think this is what they are for for me, a heavier kind of runner. Fireblades are still my most favorite shoe of all!

Anyway, back to race and a competition. Steve Moore graced us with his presence fresh off the Cactus Rose 100 win and CR and ran away with 7:14 (slacker). Dan Smith was 2nd. Roch Horton, a fame in his own (a little known to Texas, but boy, you should! A man is an animal!) came to run flats while visiting The Running Event in Asutin. Thomas Orf, my boy, yay! after unfortunate turn of events at his main goal race at CR50 had, under a pressure of his lovely wife, signed up for this one to not waste hard training, and when learned he is 5 min behind 3rd place with 4 miles to go, killed it! He finished 3rd in 8:12! Girls were fun too. I hung behind Steve and Roch for 2 miles while screaming at the train behind to yeehaa more (are we in TX or what?), but as my first gel time came, realized this pace is not sustainable for the rest of this jog for me, and the 3 folks behind are rather on my heels and pushing me. I let them go. That was the last I saw the winner gal, who finished almost a full loop ahead of me (I don't know times as they are not posted), what would make it a good 1:30 at the minimum. She was tall, beautiful and paced by her male friend the whole way (until he faded and was passed by Thomas). At loop 6 I saw a glimpse of her, what freaked me out - am I catching? why? she seems to be running super-strong! did she get lost? why is she not passing me still? - until it dawned on me, she was in a mase behind - a full loop ahead! She was about to finish, while I had a whole 7.5M to go! With the 3rd place gal was more fun - in terms of racing. We stayed together for 3.5 loops. She had gorgeous tan strong legs and a face of determination. While I had gave her compliments on every turn I could see her, staying that close was making a number on my brain, so I decided to make a move on loop 4. I mean, I felt I could shake her off, but didn't want to take any chances. I pulled away and kept plugging along until the puking crap hit. So, besides Larry not being overly compassionate to me, the thought of my hard work might go to drain if I slow down wasn't a pleasant one. I sucked it up (literally, puke and all). She came some 30 minutes later (I was out of shower, I don't know the time). Not sure about 50 k runners besides Tracy taking the women's title - and when she ran by me, she stopped, and we hugged, and chatted! and then when she was done and I came from the loop right after she filled my bottle! just like Diana did after he 25k finish! Yo gotta love this sport, when a champ stops and talks while grinding the race...or helps instead of chilling with a burger.
Results
Now, a blast to Joe and Joyce and their Team at Tejas trails! You guys rock! Every time! Love the way Joe lays out the trails, and yes, I know it nearly impossible to make something truly good in terms of what we both love to run here, but what he does make out of what he has is totally awesome! The personable feeling they give to their runners is unmatched. Well, I could challenge him in hugging at the finish line, because, you know, some time ago I was offered to be hired a "finish line hugger"...just kidding:) Thanks you guys!

I took an ice bath! Yeah, second time! I really wanted to get back into swing of things and not take time off, so I grunted my teeth for 10 minutes, and today was able to join a Sunday group-club run. Larry hosted it (due to our usual group leader celebrating wedding anniversary), we brought Harrison, Eman brought Hesham, and after following a group for over a mile, I took the boys, Elizabeth and her son Alex back to the cars. Kids did close to 3 rugged hilly miles! Yay to them! They were total troopers, no whining, and walking when you need it with a purpose, "like you mean it"! And I, besides some sunken energy, had no aches or pains.

Loving this weather

Oh, it is absolutely gorgeous here right now. You wake up way before dawn to a crisp 50F and clear sky full of stars with no humidity, put on a long sleeve shirt, a light hat, a skirt and a pair of shoes and head out. The breathing is easy, the stride opens up, the water bottle is practically not needed anymore for an hour worth of running around a neighborhood. As the first light lites up a horizon on your way home, over the hills, you open your eyes even wider and exhale: this is what's important in life. This is why it is so worth it to be groggy when alarm clock goes off, when no other people (besides committed dog walkers) turn their lights on in the houses, this is why it's worth nodding your head on the bus and not be able to live without a couple of cups a coffee a day. This is it, the moment of truth. This world is yours. Take it for what it is...

Last month was my lowest in terms of miles for the whole year, even comparing to July when I DNF'ed at Tahoe mid-way through and stopped running. Between having a bad flu for 2 straight weeks beginning October 1st to plowing Palo Duro 50 to recovering lost toenails (none of the shoes fit until they fell off), and then I managed to get scheduled for a surgical procedure, which wasn't all that serious, but with stitches and strict orders not much running could be done. Besides the whole weekend was "donated" to Cactus Rose fun, and then trying to catch some kind of sleep afterwards.

On Tuesday I finally said "screw doctor's orders" and went running. It felt awesome! Just as I said before, it's one thing when you take a break by yourself, and totally different when you're forced to be out. Coming back is a paradise. And with the weather it is now (even at the peak of the day it doesn't go above 70F), every route gave me a nice PB time to smile about. Just as I've been warned, if you struggle yet run through the summer in Texas, your fall running will give you high as never before.

On Saturday I figured I need to throw a longish run in, as my next scheduled race for Texas 50 Slam is in 2 weeks. Ha! What a joke my attempt is. I was just thinking, looks like all the Slam races will be just bumps in training, but I want a time close to PR in a 50k in December and 50M in February on un-related to Slam courses. Means I better start getting speedwork in.

Anyhow, I ran on the usual Forest Ridge trails, looping enough times to get 20 for the day, and while I didn't feel particularly spunky, I made it in solid and even times, without breaking down. And as usual, while on the long run, the ideas for next year's long races were floating around. While I don't really like repeating my "good races", I enjoyed MMT100 and SD100 so much, and I also know I can throw a better run there, that I am vaguely considering to sign up again. I'll sit on it a little longer:)


Sunday was per usual since my break-down summer, a club run (I run to and from home there to add on miles), and I worked pretty hard today and kept the pace up there. The group seems to be getting bigger, and it's fun to exchange remarks and conversations. And just like that, my weekly mileage went from 0 to 60, leaving me a bit stiff and somewhat wiped-out:)

I'll be joining Joe and Joyce Prusaitis Tejas Trails coaching team, and I am excited. There will be some adjustment and upgrades to the system that is going on now to accommodate for more runners to join with various goals and for "coaches" to have an occasional life (a.k.a. weekend free). I am also setting up with Joe a speed training mornings, it's a progress sin discussion, but I firmly believe to run ultras does NOT mean you have to forgo speed workouts, as well as other good stuff.

I've been thinking how blessed I am. To be alive, be here, be doing what I do. Sure, we all want something more, but if we stop, look around - it's a wonderful life. One day some time ago, Larry broke his personality and came to visit a stranger in Portland. One day, later, I decided to take a leap and leave my still most beloved city to move across the country. I had a burn-out in running, and it couldn't have come at a better/appropriately needed time.
Stephen had run into some stepping stones, and I was so glad to be able to be around - and to be able to fully focus on overcoming those. Our relationship soared. Of course, there will be more bumps and dips, but at least now we both know we can make things work. We had a great weekend together, while Larry was away. At one point, we talked about ultras and ultrarunners and "why's" of it for different people. And at some point I was mentioning something about last weekend. And he said: "I could see you loved doing that AS and helping runners so much". That was so unexpected...and best thing he ever said to me. I didn't think he even cared to look at what was going on at the AS, yet along approve it. I am grateful for his acknowledgement. May be, just may be, I am doing not so bad of a job here...

The rest of the year will be counting weekends and trips. Next Saturday I am taking a group of runners to Bastrop for a longish run. The following is a race in Warda. A couple of days afterwards Larry and I are off for a trip to NM! Honeymoon, take 2! Stephen will be visiting his Dad in OR. First weekend of December it's my turn for Oregon trip, to see my son Alex, my dearest friends, and my Gorge. Then, a 50k in Huntsville, another group run around - and off to Mother-Russia!!! I am counting days for sure. It's been too long, 2 years is way too long to not see your sister and mom and dad...my heart aches, I can't wait!

It is a wonderful life, indeed.

The Rose that stings madly

Cactus Rose 50 and 100 M races are an absolutely awesome old-style events put on by Joe and Joyce from Tejas Trails. It goes as 4 25M loops washing machine style on a nastiest cruelest single track you can find anywhere. It includes rocky ledges, spit-out rocks and overgrown roots on the hills you never thought existed in Texas. I ran the 100M version last year and had a sick blast, breaking my tail bone at mile 32, plowing through the heat of the day and the freeze of the night. It is a self-supported race where you get water and ice stocked up every 5 miles, and the rest is up to you - drop bags and no volunteers or cheer support unless you brought your own. I loved it.

This year there was an experiment - Larry and I owned the Equestrian AS, one runners pass twice on each loop (at mile 5 and 15 out of 25). From the Information packet: Olga V. has agreed to manage Equestrian... but Olga likes the old school ways, so the support will be in the Olga Way... minimal with a Russian twist! And boy, did we absolutely LOVE being there!!! It combined all I've been missing on, the Grand Teton 2 years serving main AS, the 4 years of Autumn Leaves 50/50 time keeping and AS manning, the 3 years of PCT 50 and a single shot at Hood 100 directing...what a hoot.

I had some minor surgery on Wed, and Thursday night we toured the supermarket to stock up on AS supplies. Friday straight from work, we collected our kids from schools and drove to Bandera, arriving at 9pm. I stayed at the main Lodge with a bunch of other volunteers (what meant no sleep), and Larry and the boys camped at the AS.
3:30 am came early enough to require 2 cups of coffee, and after sending runners off, I was driven to the Equestrian for the first "come through".

And the day was just beginning...Runners passing by, staying around, taking care of themselves, their crew cheering on, water, drinks, melons, scolding, lying, smiling, yelling, pushing, massaging, helping to change, to feed, to figure out the problem, nudging, nagging...oh, the joy of it all. There was some course vandalism that sent a handful of runners off and added 5 miles for them, and there was some marking that made for wandering for tired runners (weird, I never got lost last year, and I am infamous for getting lost!). Lots of people are involved even when the race is billed as "self-supported", and it was running smoothly as always with the gang from Tejas Trail. With the evening coming, Larry popped the grill going and prepped the grilled cheese sandwiches, while I made noodle soup and chicken broth, along with hot chocolate. The warrior's numbers thinned out, but those who stayed were incredible. Steven Moore ran away unchallenged all day in a 100 for a 19:35. Derek took 2nd in a 50 miler. Stephen B. faced the demons of last year and broke 24 by half hour for 3rd in a 100. The girl's race, while on the further end of the times, was still super-exciting! With only 3 of the women left enduring the full 100, Mary was leading at 85M by 39 min. My bestest friend Beth Simpson-Hall, who flew from WI (my former teamie of Montrail, and now of Wasatch Goat team) to celebrate her birthday in a real ultra-style, traced her strongly. We changed her in clean cutest clothes (it's important to look beautiful, and she always does!), her hubby Larry came by to check on a progress (he flew in as a surprise from his job assignment! Yay for love!) - and I ushered him to speed up his lovely wife. And did she ever! Beth passed Mary with a mile to go, to get that birthday present of a win!

Less than 50% finished the 100M option and chose to drop down and join those who started 50M race - this event grants a finish of a 50 once you get through the distance (kind of like Umstead). Just shows what kind of nastiness awaits for you out there. In words of Joe: No Whiners, Wimps, or Wusses : A nasty rugged trail run Bonus Points for Blood, Cuts, Scrapes, & Puke.

The kids behaved awesomely, like never before! I can't give them enough credit, as they made our AS work possible. We were so busy, we never took a single picture, although we did have a camera. Larry did a short run, then took boys to town for a dinner. We did get a car-nap, each for 3 hours (Larry had a break midnight to 3am, and I did 3:30 to 6:30 - and while Larry was out, I learned to flip buttered bread with cheese!). Basically, we "ran" our own 100 miler - personally, I haven't left a site of an AS for a minute for 30 straight hours. The AS seemed to be a hoot, and there is a chance we'll adopt it for good, if many folks are interested. At some point the webside will have comments from all, as well as official photos, but the results are up now. Here is one point of view: It was freaking cold at the start, crazy hot during the day, and damn cold at night. The course was tough, but somehow through these elements, Derick Purvis placed 2nd with an 8:40 something in the 50 mile. Steven Moore won the 100 and put on quit a performance for all of us to witness. His winning time was around 19:30. Most of the time, he was just a flash going by you on the trails.
Olga and Larry ran a GREAT "minimal" aid station. I'm sure every runner will agree to that!!! Later in the night, Larry was getting grilled cheese sandwiches going, along with the soups, watermelon, hot chocolate, and some other basic aid station munchies. Olga seemed to provide a perfect balance of caring along with a strong kick in the A#S! She has a remarkable way with people. Even after she yells at you, all you want to do is say thank you! : )
As always, Joe, along with his prettier half, Joyce, put on another successful Cactus Rose! And this email wouldn't be complete without giving a huge thanks to Henry, Robert, Diana, Claude's wife Debbie, and all the other great volunteers that keep everything going.
I don't know if there's such a thing as rock fairies, or it its Henry doing it while he's driving around on his 4-wheeler, but I swear someone kept putting more and more rocks on the trails as the hours went by. : )
Looking forward to Cactus Rose 2011.

Photos by Diane H.
Race photos official

Anyhow, it was the best of times. Many asked why I didn't run that weekend. I didn't need to. With all my friends, old and new, I ran and crossed the finish line - and won - a few dozens of times. There couldn't be a better reward in life.

It felt good to feel needed. Felt like home. I guess I just added a new home to my list:)

In Austin there was a sad news for community - a great friend of many and an ultrarunner Dano died after a long battle with ALS. I only had met Dano once, when he was already in a wheelchair, and he made an ever-lasting unforgettable impression on me. He seemed to know the botton to click, the sarcasm to say, and be aware of every new thing happening. Imagine what those who knew him closely felt. May he run long never-ending trails up there forever.