A throw-down at Hells Hills.

What a day!!! Hells Hills was a blast, a totally awesome one to boot! This Tejas Trails race is the mildest one where terrain comes (yet as a first one in a season when heat suddenly comes that very weekend onto non-acclimated bodies, it certainly gives enough challenges). The trails at the ranch are put on by and for mountain bikers. It's the trail that reminds me the beloved PNW the most - there are pine trees, so we have soft dirt, at times covered in pine needles. There are some rocks and roots, but by Texas definition, totally nothing worth mentioning (although if you read discussions on Tejas Trails Facebook by new-comers to trail runners, there are complains and exclamations beyond imagination, and I can't even picture myself calling this trail "technical"). It had dips and steep climbs, but all very in very short ditches, some twisting, and an estimated total elevation gain measured by a bunch of folks between 600 to 1000 feet (lets round to 800, flat, really).

I met all my "challengers" an hour before the start, and we continued trash-talking. This race is a buzz, as always, Joe's races bring all Texas together, lots of fun, it was also our HCTR club's picnic day (past 10 am since I was to distribute food tickets). Total insanity how many people I haven't seen in a long time, good friends, awesome times. All of us going for 2:30 tucked in together with Larry locating himself in the front with Melanie Fryar, Alison Bryant and Meredith Terranova. The 25km version of this race (featuring also 10k, 50k and 50M) is a Sportiva Cup championship, so it brings a handful folks wanting points, but the rest is all locals. Of course, I yelled a lot of insanities and kept newbies entertained and scared:)

And we took off. Once I put my music on, nothing else mattered. All "my" boys kept behind, for a bit I heard a chatter, then got lost in the tunes and turns of the trail...

Mike Ruhlin and Brian Ricketts right behind.

The first mile beeped on my Garmin and scared me some - 9:03. Uh-oh, slow down, sissy! I felt a little bit of working, but not too much. It is a weird distance, and you can't quite nail the effort for 25k - not hard as in 10k, but surely not chilled like in 50M, right? I have no clue how to race in-between...

2nd mile beeped in 9:06. Oh, shit, I am going to break. Breathe, stupid! I did, and soon felt smooth and in control. OK, honey, much better, keep it like that - just to find out my 3rd mile went in 8:54.

From there on, it was like that non-stop. Every time my Garmin beeps on a mile, I'd look, make huge eyes, get scared I'll break down very soon ("No, no, no way I can keep up-tempo pace for 15 miles! And on trails to boo!") and keep moving. I was just simply going for it, wondering where my limits are.

First manned AS (there was a water stop I didn't stop at) came around 6 miles, and I zipped in for a mere 10 seconds to fill my bottle, and as I turned my head, Brian went by. Bu#$%D! I yeled out with a smile. He responded without breaking a stride or turning his head: "If I have a chance to beat you, I am sneaking by!". Rest assured, Brian beat me by 20 minutes last year, so I was ok, but it didn't mean I wasn't trying to stay on his heels!

The next 5 miles were totally uneventful in trail description (actually, that was the easiest of 3 segments). The only thing was (besides slowly catching up with some 50k runners who started 1 hr ahead of us) 2 girls passing me, neither had a water bottle, both seemed almost professional. I didn't blink as they pulled away quickly, and in a minute actually thought - "Dang, they must be 10k front runners! No bottles, super-fast pace, I never studied the course, so who knows where we merge...don't go after them!". Of course, there is a little pull when you're passed, but in general I believed what I thought and didn't care.

Not a couple miles later, I saw both of theirs purple shirts right ahead of me. Hmm, am I an idiot of going too fast? I wondered. I was running very even at this point, kind of working, but not overdoing anything, smiling, talking to each runner I am passing in full sentences, so breathing in check, legs ok, fuel on spot, water still in the bottle...I passed girl #1 a mile before AS. I remembered the course from 2 years ago and knew aid is coming. Ran into it - and my friends Hor Hey and Diana - and actually spent 30 seconds chatting while filling my bottle. Hor Hey reported Larry is up front and running well, and chased me out.

As I got out, I pass the girls #2 with words "Common, honey, 5 miles left, just a morning jog!!" and she disappeared behind in a blur. Wow! I need to finally look at the watch!

All this time I was only trying to comprehend the fact that my miles vary between 9:02 to 9:29 at most, and since I never try to figure out my pace ahead of time (this is my 3rd race with Garmin, and I don't know "pacing", I know "going by feel"), I wasn't sure what it all meant besides "Holly cow, this is my road morning moderate effort run pace!". So, at mile 10.5, with 5 miles to go, I was at 1:38. What the heck does it mean?

Suddenly, that fuzzy math begins to make sense and scary and elate me simultaneously. Even if I run 10 min/mile to the end, I am breaking 2:30! Oh, s&%T! I am totally doing it!

This fueled me big time. That, and the fact that I wasn't going to let those girls re-pass me back. After a couple of miles, the trail entered its kind of "worst", with a long incline, then the "Grunts" (a series of steep ditches and twists, which I ran EVERY STEP of, just as I ran every step for the whole race!), more incline, some field...I came on a man who ran with me first section, then ran away, and yelled "Don't let me pass you, lets go, a mile and half left, work it, pull it!" - and within 10 seconds got around and lost him too.

The field crossing came extremely fast, and I picked it up. And in the last tenth of a mile, with all the folks (runners, volunteers and families), it was like running through the Boston's Wellesley girls tunnel...at least it seemed to be:) The yelling "Olga!!" echoed from one to another as I was passing, and it felt fantastic, will all the friends cheering and being there seeing my finish, and rooting for me, my family, my life, reason I stay with it, reason I want to do well always...

So, I pumped my fist and yelled some insanity as I finished as well:)

Yeah, I was that crazy...Photo courtesy Enduro Photo.

"You looked amazing today. One look at you face after you crossed the finishers mat and I saw how much you love running. You were shining!"

" This made my day even sweeter! I do love it all, the hard work, the exuberance of racing, the single track, the trees, the push, the smiles, the support, the finish line, the hang out and war stories exchange...wouldn't want my life any different! "

As I was there, reliving the fact I had just finished in 2:23 (!!!), over 10 minutes faster than my far-fetched goal (did you really think I believed I could go for 2:30? My goal was 2:35!), 19 full minutes PR on the course, feeling like nothing happened, like I could have given more to it if I ever thought, while out there, that I could...Larry comes over with a grin mixed with disbelief and points me back - "Go, get back on the course, no, not supposed to yet!". Ha! He finished in 2:00 flat, and since I had 30 minutes handicap, it means I beat him! Brian Ricketts finished a mere 3 minutes ahead of me! And Chris Russel...well, he will have to come back to this course, because I ate his cushion from 2 years ago and saw him for extra 5 (minutes)!

Happy Larry, 5th guy in an extremely stacked field, and Harrison, who was being a real boy!

With Big Chris, who is 6'8", by the way, rubbing it in.

Cris Strong, a good friend.

The rest of the day was just as amazing. After a shower, I was giving away tickets to HCTR members for food cooked by Ranch owners, chatting away, hugging, kissing, trash-talking, poking fun, loving every minute of it. Simply high. Too bad we had to leave earlier (to pick up Stephen from work). I didn't want it to end.

Photos from event.

(From my email later that day to the HCTR club: "4 weeks ago I wanted to be done with the position and tend to my own personal life. Last 4 weeks proved to me that this Club is united and exists and wants to continue going on. I feel blessed to be part of it. We are good people. I am still getting out:) I do need to re-charge. But rest assured, I am not out of the club and its activities. You'll hear from me, as always, loud and clear. Because I love y'all.")

The rest of Saturday went mellow, in chilling and being in two stages at once: elated for what happened and scared that I just set a bar for myself higher. As we discussed how next 9 weeks (7 weeks of training) will have to be focused and real, I got chocked on tears. I don't remember last time my goal meant that much, but this time it does, The way I got into San Diego 100, the way I almost gave up running competitively, how I struggled with adrenalin fatigue, my come back, sticking to me eating Paleo and seeing benefits of it so grand, refusing to "age", to slow down, to "retire", to stop inspiring - and in return being inspired back - all of it was so real.

Sunday was "into the grind". One hour on Treadmill with 2x20 min 7% hill repeats at 11:00 pace, and 2 hrs on trails to follow. Recovery, hard training, and a lot of those new projects/prospects I wrote last time. Next 2 months are going to be epic.

I am going to make it happen.

A little trash-talking never hurts, and more busy developments.

Tue, Apr 2, 2013:
Chris Russell: On a more important note, of Hells Hills challenge. You got hurt doing 800 repeats? Say it ain't so!! I want to kick your Russian booty fair and square!!

Olga King: I am ok, not to worry, I won't make any excuses. Even though I'll be doing hill repeats Thursday night and in general not tapering, and have long run Sunday...all part of the package. Got leg weights, plyometrics and Bikram today on top. Knee is brand new!

Chris Russell: I did hard hill repeats yesterday and I thought I wasn't tapering. I better crank out some 400s Thursday just to keep it even!!

Olga King: That's my boy!
Chris Russell: After seeing you kick butt at Syllamo I thought I better get with the program!!

Big Chris and I go way back to my first Cactus Rose 100 in October 2009, when I seemingly easy passed him at mile 70 or so with a huge smile on my face. Ever since I have developed a great friendship with this former Air Force Commander and an always-there volunteer at the races (yeah, he is kind of a runner too:)). 2 years ago, knowing that his only chance to set a score right was a short distance, and after seeing my name pop up on Hells Hills 25km rooster, he jumped in - and with his legs the length of my whole body (the guy 6'6", or is it 6'8'?) passed me with 5 miles to go - and then beat me by 6 minutes! Well, at least that what he had reminded me recently, I never checked!

This year, he is coming back to try and feel the victory - but I am not going to give up easily! To make my life more challenging (like it isn't enough), he dragged Brian Ricketts into this, so what the hell, I invited John Sharp and a couple of ladies (Larry is kind of in it, but he is spotting us 30 minutes handicap). That said, our (the boys and mine) goal is to come in at 2:30. Can I do that??? Heck, if I believe it, but I'll die trying!

After last Saturday's longish run, I did a 10M road easy-to-tempo run with last 4 miles at low 8's pace. That was tough to handle, but I talked myself into it, and yelled (inside) when was about to back off. Tuesday were 6x800m, and the set I ended up running was fastest in many years - all 3:30-3:32 with last at 3:27. Boy, was I sore! And yes, my right knee was really cranky - not the same ITB problem I had after Syllamo (due to slanted trail the race was on), but my chronic patella tendinitis I kind of pretend doesn't exist.

But nothing that some ice and some serious plyometrics wouldn't treat! So, tonight I am ready to take on hill workout - 4x0.7M somewhat mellow grade trail hill. Take it, Chris!

Now, to the busy part - life's been awesome. Often we are so afraid to make a first step because we are afraid to fail, afraid to not live up to expectations, scared to find ways to make things happen, and of the outcome. I have had many ideas in my life, but at the same time, because of having family, kids, obligations, and because of the way I grew up (business did not exist back in Soviet Union, only daily jobs, so even here, I chose to have jobs with guaranteed salary and fixed hours), I was acting only on one at a time and as an addition to the main job. I had knitted and seamstress-ed first few years in US, taught various yoga classes next, eventually finished Massage school, had clients, got certified in running coaching and personal training, coached some with no advertising (hate that promotion stuff!), and kept pushing further out making a leap.

I am still not making a full leap:) For the outside reasons, I chose to end my scientific career (and, by the way, another publication with my name on it is in process of being submitted) no earlier (later if feels right) than November of next year. But my other ideas are taking more shape and speed.

I'll still be seeing personal massage clients that I established working relationships with, and on top of it I got through an interview and was offered a part-time position at Massage Envy. For a few hours on Tuesday nights, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, I will be able to learn to work with new people I am not aware of problems of, learn corporation environment, pick up new techniques, and see if this is the way I want to go further more.

To utilize my NCSF Personal Trainer's certificate (that I had worked feverishly to update with Continuing Education classes last 2 weekends and sent it in on Monday, since I haven't kept up with that credential for 2 years and it's about to expire in a month), and to fulfill my dream to involve more people of general population into healthy living, being fit and setting and reaching the goals, I had organized a Bootcamp on a wimp in our neighborhood - and had more response that I honestly expected. Almost scared me to death, and I couldn't back off, I was bound to make it happen, and it was coming on fast! We meet Monday and Thursday at 5:30 am for an hour of some awesome kick-butt exercises, and the ladies work hard, feel the pain, and are getting into it fully! We're going for a 5k in May challenge. There will be a Nutrition talk once a month, and we're discussing an addition of a Yoga class once a week. I charge a marginal fee, only because we all admit without a fee we'd probably be slacking (and missing classes) - and because I am using my NCSF and RRCA insurances and am required to have forms signed up and make official efforts, but I truly believe, just like with my Massage business clients, Running coaching and my Knitting, prices have to be affordable to ALL and not inflated (to the disappointment and discouragements of my therapist and my husband, who try to tell me it means I don't value my time and knowledge enough). I am a really bad business owner...

That Bootcamp has to side effects: I get 2 extra workouts a week (because I choose to lead by example), and I have to move my own running workouts to the evenings (which now takes another 2 evenings out, on top of that starting next week Massage Envy and my Wednesday Bikram class). Phew, lets get organized!

I got a number of knitting projects completed "per order", and I bet knitted items in general will take a little bit of a back seat (besides doing my own) since the summer is coming, but Larry is working on creating a real website for my Blue Bear trade mark, and we are researching the correct ways to advertise to make it happen as a real business, and not just "when friends want something".

The Running Coaching went up for a spiral as well - I guess season had started:) I was thinking of finding some school and get involved there, but I think at this point there are simply not enough days in a week - or hours in a day - to make that happen. I still have a full time job, you know, commute, family, cooking, and sleeping for 6.5 hrs is a minimal requirement to function! I thank the Universe for having given me a super-understanding husband, who keeps supporting me through it all to go after the dream(s), even though it means he sees me fewer hours and now cooks twice a week instead of once. I love you, and yes, it may sound a little bit crazy, but I do function so much better when have a number of things on my plate - and outlined clear goals. (p.s. we did have a lovely date on Sunday night, just the two of us, as a wrap-up of the crazy weekend between sod and club's insanity and my studying and kids...and it was by far one of the most enjoyable too, I didn't want to leave the place).

So, here I am. I had a lovely (and suddenly unexpected) phone interview with an www.iRUnfar.com junior stuff, as they thought it would be nice to talk to me about longevity in the sport. It was an honor - and another fear/horror experience. After reading Rory Bosio's interview just a day prior our phone conversation, I am like:" What in the world can I say even remotely interesting??". But Larry told me to be myself and talk about how to be me, you know, the "Work-a-horse", the "stable ring in a chain", the one who just plows through, no rises, no falling (not much anyway). While my placing had shifted from something near top 10% to something I call "beginning of the midpack", my times stayed the same (just the sport had brought a lot more competitive and serious runners in) and I keep going on. Not flash in a pants, not a huge star, just one that's there. You can count on me - and that you can.

I also finally wrote an article I promised for www.EnduranceBuzz.com about my personal Paleo journey - I'll let you know as it gets posted - where, since many had followed me here, I also put together some general information I gathered.

Speaking of Paleo, a friend of mine, Iva Paleckova, had written a book with an insane amount of recipes (she also has a website http://www.paleoflip.com/ on the subject), and asked me to write a Foreword. What I did - some of the personal information, of course, got crossed over from one to another. Check her stuff out!

I think that's about it, and I need to get back to my lovely Bacteria cells, and my Radioactivity Assays, so I can finish up and have 30 minutes to squeeze some leg weights at the gym:) Time to get ready to live up to Trash Talking! I'll see you on the other side of the weekend!

Personal ruminations on a Saturday trail run

I have lots of things going on, and 99% of those are super-exiting, super-positive and taking up a lot of time for what I don't mind - because it is all SUPER!

But one thing dampens - and still takes time - with its 1% negative, and that is something brewing in Hill Country Running Club, a Board Member (VP) of which I was for a year and the new election of which is coming up in 8 days. We say, one spoon of poo spoils a bucket of honey? It really IS literally one spoon, one person...I can't speak of it while I am still a Board Member (and yes, I was urged to become President by each and every member, but have a reason to step down for a year - see SUPER stuff above taking up my time and energy), but I can say it is UGLY and I was so stressed conducting an emergency board meeting n our backyard while Larry laid sod in - I ate a BAGEL after I finished! With PBJ! I don't even like PBJ, and I can't have wheat/gluten due to numerous GI issues, not to mention Paleo life style!

So, anyway, I did do a long run this morning, and I had a great thought process in my head, which I had emailed to the club. I figured I'd put it here as well.

Then add photos of Larry's work on our backyard (and board meeting).

I am a solo runner. In my 13 years of running seriously I had belonged to a number of groups, often simultaneously, and ran with folks here and there, did speed workouts with groups, hill repeats, some long runs. In Portland I had two best friends and running partners whom I ran with the most - for 2 reasons: they were always agreeing with what I propose and would always go at whatever pace I set, slow or faster. The conversations were precious too.

But in general, contrary to popular belief, I am an introvert and groups overwhelm me. And due to my constant life's stress and press for time, I run by myself. I like this way. Even in a race, I never "team up", nor do I have crew or pacer - I love running "into" friends, hooking up for a quarter of a mile, and then part ways. I love running into an AS and being cheered on loudly and by name, but then escape into solitude...

I am also a mountain runner. Well, I used to be, before I moved to Austin. Why am I saying it? I had a great run this morning. I don't run Barton Creek SuperHighway more than twice a year, and I usually have a good reason for it. It's flat (what doesn't mean it's easy, it challenges me with not being able to switch the muscles) and kind of unexciting (just personal opinion, nothing more). The thing is, those twice a year make this Super Highway a great path - because I get to see about 2 dozen folks I know. I run alone (see above). I do run with music, but since English is my second language, I can barely understand choruses and it's simply a background. I use it to down the noise in my head and let the thinking flow. I often don't even realize what the hell is playing (I haven't change the selection in 8 years). But because I choose to run the trail in the opposite direction everyone else seems to be doing it, I get to see so many people, my jaws hurt from smiling and saying hello's.

I saw HCTR groups today at large. Reminded me I am a part of a large club! Reminded me, in 4 years living in Austin (and an extra year that Larry had signed me up for the list ever since started dating), I grew relationships. Friendships, even. I often say how with age it becomes more and more difficult to find new "real" friends, even in beloved sport. But I surely grew some friends here, and absolutely made very awesome relationships as well, whatever you call them (my definition of a "friend" is extremely strict, again, just personal). 

I was in such a happy place. I get to talk to all of them, twice! And see some Rogue folks, and random other peeps I met at the races in Texas, and even bikers - by the way, I never had a single problem with a biker on a trail here, ever. Only positive experiences. All's great.

Some folks I know very well, like, very very well, and love a whole bunch. Some know briefly. Some hardly recognize a face and no clue on a name. But it doesn't matter. It still feels like a family.

My last stop was going back up HOL and into 2 ladies - longest conversation of the day. Brought memories on how I started. 13 years is not such a long time, there are people on this list had done longer or so. But the thing is, 13 years ago the number of trail ultrarunners was so small and intimate, we knew each other's names across the country. And those who had embraced me 13 years ago - they still stay. So, my family hasn't changed. It expanded some. And in recent years it expanded a huge deal. I have mixed feelings about it, and as someone who speaks my mind, I voiced it always - no reservations. From one point, I was "allowed" to step in and accepted, and taught a lot. So, my passion is to draw people in to this wonderful niche, and share the knowledge further down. Truly a great thing to see someone getting "hooked" and falling in love. From another, it gets over-populated and main stream. And as an introvert (see above), it frightens me and make me feel very uncomfortable. Just sharing personal feelings here, no judgment passed. The soothing thought in it is that my family that had taken me in 13 years ago is here - still here - regardless. Some new people come and go, some spark, some fly, some finish and never come back. My "old" family is constant. That is soothing. That, and those new ones who develop a real zest for it, one I can't quite put into words, English or Russian, and who just feel real. The family I have is ever growing, indeed. To some extend, I "birthed" a number of members:)

So, I finished, and I was all elated. I was combining this email/post in my head on my drive home (I am a writer, and my muse only comes on the long runs). I was emotional, near tears. I am not the biggest fan of living in Texas (never hid it either), but once I live somewhere, however long or short, I am a proud part and a member. HCTR allowed me to be that better. Bigger. More obvious. I was writing a "thank you" note in my head.

Now, all I say here comes strictly from Olga, the individual. Not a Board member, a runner with any affiliation, or whatnot. A completely and utterly personal exhale.

I came home - and opened up emails. WTH? The endorphin and all the "high" feelings from the long run had began dissimulating. I had struggled with what "club" is for a bit, and voiced it, and withdrew from it, and was invited to re-join and become a board member, and had plans and ideas, and some of them were ok'ed, and some were shushed under the table. I kept struggling, as I get everything funneled through emotions and nothing through rules...and I run into rules, just as I am about to leave. I am kind of sad (remember, this is not a board's opinion, nor mine as a board member, just a personal runner's one). I am not into laws or following much of rules - heck, I can't even follow a simple recipe direction and get lost on that very Barton Creek Super Highway, honest to God, every one of those 2 runs a year! I did today! I hate reading rules, and only do it when pointed - and that's why my job doesn't have anything to do with it. I get to play as I go. I love trail running for the very same reason. I make up routes as I go, as long as I have a start and a finish. That's why I want a race to mark a course - I won't read much of description, just point me the way and give me some water...

But I digress. The Board will deal with concerns, and address them to the BEST ability. Yawn (that is a personal yawn, don't jump into conclusion). I hope to not see attacks and assumptions in a meantime. And mostly, like when we argue over organic food vs hormone cheap production, China labor vs local businesses, coffee vs tea, republicans vs democrats - vote. I encourage everyone to come to voting on Monday, April 8th, at 7 pm at Double Dave, and speak their minds. It's one day out of your year, and if it's really that important, come and show it by casting your vote. And to a little more add-on on by-laws and sticking to the letter: the board is not going through unless voted for at that meeting, even if there will be no "challengers" for positions. Come. Your voice matters. And volunteer your ideas how to make YOUR club better, no matter who the board is.

Sign me out. I just want to be a runner.

Luckily, I had already met close to a hundred of you and made personal connections. I hope they stay.