Chasing Rabbit, FKT, 14-ers, and Fall colors.

There was definitely a lot of chasing in the past 3 weeks. Lets begin with Run Rabbit Run, yet another 100 mile race that Annie had on her calendar - what also meant I had it on mine. Because so far, this Team worked so well together, why chance it? The race did matter, not only just because every race matters, but also because it had the biggest price purse in Ultrarunning in US. Annie was surely tired after a huge season already, and there was a gal who was coming, in my/our mind, to chase sub-21 hour finish. So, we had to let go of ego and create a plan: run for time.

After all, it worked absolutely beautifully for Annie back at High Lonesome, and I hoped she learned to trust me not only to crew for her (or pace on occasions), but also that I know the sport, her ability, and tactics, well enough, that if she just sticks with the plan, the ONLY thing she can control, the chips will fall into their place. One can't even pretend to know, or control, what other runners would be able to do on any given day. That "chase the person" can only be even considered somewhere in the last 20% of any race. Until then, it is all about playing smart and utilizing the strengths that you have as a runner yourself.

With that, the plan called for 21:30. Start slower than you wanted, manage your nutrition and hydration and legs, and think about places by mid-way.

Run Rabbit Run is located in the mountains around Steamboat Springs, and has about 21k of vert gain. It is a very good course for Annie's abilities, she's a mountain runner for sure. I don't know how I do what I do (create those pace charts), but it worked for me, for a number of folks I either helped or coached back in a day, and surely does work for this girls, to (I think) her own surprise. Lets do it!

We bot arrived on Thursday, and spent not that much time going over details. We've been together now for full 2 years and change, and have done the Team gig enough times. Annie is just as OCD as I am, all Ziploc baggies labeled and nutrition stashed, so my job is hot food, taking care of her in transition, and monitoring the competition. The race started for Hares (fast field) at Noon on Friday, so we had time to get some sleep, lazily drive to a coffee shop, and still rest a bit. On top of individual male and female races, there was also a team-up competition and prize for fastest combined time. Soon enough there were all off!

This time my help for crewing arrived as Annie's family. Her mom Joy and stepfather Doug, her Aunt Karen and husband Joe, and sister Darcy. They were handy and kept me company, and I didn't feel lonely waiting for hours, although as I knew when the time of Annie's appearance was near, I would step away and get in the zone. You might find it funny, but I give my all in those moments, and only one thing matters: catering to my runner.

Annie came to the first AS at mile 17.7 a few minutes late, which I actually always prefer - and right on heels of about 4 other ladies, none of whom concerned me. I exhaled. The one (and possibly another) female I did have in mind, wasn't having a good day. Relax, I told myself, as I grabbed Annie entering the AS. We're in for a real game now.

We quickly did our thing as I walked Annie out of the AS, taking off her rain jacket, dumping garbage, feeding with real food, and replacing the gels and flasks. She moved into 3rd place right there. By mile 30 she was in the lead, by about 10 minutes. Still on pace, as updates kept coming, the family and I had a quick stop by the places we've rented, grabbed a thing of food and coffee for ourselves, and Darcy and I were dropped off at mile 44.5 AS. It got dark by then, as other crew stood alongside the dirt road waiting for their runners, Hares and Tortoises now merging together. Darcy and I were deep in a conversation since we didn't expect Annie for at least another 30 min, as with the corner of my eye I noticed a familiar running gait passing by...I jumped in mid-sentence, yelled to Darcy: "Wait, I think it's her" and ran after. Annie stopped in the middle of the crowd, looking around - poor thing had never had to look for me before. Once our eyes met, I told her: stay right here, dashed to grab Darcy and hot food, and began my job. Annie, apologetically, said: "It was cold, raining and hailing, so I ran faster". Thank God I have this recognition in the total darkness of my girls (Darcy couldn't stop being amused)! We fed, changed, got lights on, and sent her on her way - now full 30 min on the 2nd place gal, and moving up on men's field. 

Darcy and I had to start running down the road (because our ride wasn't to come for an hour), while making phone calls that it's all now earlier (yet actually exactly on track, too, somehow). Next AS was just 7 miles away for Annie, and mostly downhill, so we had to haul and be prepared. Annie showed up right on time, and the process repeated. Darcy by now was a trusted source of help - and picture taking. Somebody tried to tell me how "if Annie would try to run some section later on, her lead might extend to an hour" - to which I calmly replied: "Her lead will be an hour by the time she's done with this 13 mile loop she's going out for".

The family and I made another quick trip to the rental, and got some chili her stepdad cooked, to add to my usual Ramen/mashed potato mix. Annie came back off the loop into Olympian AS exactly on the spot, and, indeed, a full hour ahead of the second place girl. Interesting to notice, her chasing pack was all 20+ yo old gals, a new trend in this sport! Anyway, as I walked her (and fed her) to the crew stop, I made sure to tell her we're putting long sleeves on. It was now midnight or so, and she was going up in elevation, so the cold air is to be a factor. Quick clothes upkeep and hot food in, I was walking my now pretty happy runner out of the aid.

One more stop for the crew! This time my other pair of hands, and company, came from Doug, her stepdad. We now could drive up back the the AS we were allowed to only have a drop-off, Dry Lake at mile 71. Another hour of wait ensured. Annie requested a spare headlamp for her waist, because hers died off on the loop at Olympian Hall, so I had mine ready to go. She showed up on the spot, at 2 am (a couple minutes early), and got same NASQAR treatment as she always does. More soup, light slid on her waist, walk out, with a brief course description for the night ahead, and exchange of "thanks" and "I love you". The next 30 miles are all her - the pacer is not allowed at this race, to challenge and level the competition, since so much money is at stand. Off she went, and we finally drove off to our respectful rentals for a couple of dosing-off hours.

Exactly a few minutes after 6 am I got a phone call that freaked me out (I wasn't asleep, but still): it was Annie; "Olga, I am afraid I am lost! It was dark and the rain was driving hard, and my glasses fogged up, and I am not sure...". Stop it, girl. Deep breath. See the course markers? Yes. Why panic? Hasn't been an AS for a long time. It's ok, you're supposed to be on CDT for a while, at least 2 hrs, then take a right turn to an AS. What's on your watch? 84 miles. Now, you've got 2 miles on CDT, and then another couple to an aid, you're good - better than good, you're now 2 hrs up on the competition (that still was running as a pack)! Oh, my dear child. She was fine! Scared the crap out of me! 

She got to an 89 mile AS just fine, and on time, and from there, it was just a tad more waiting. By now, the day that turned fully into Saturday, September 17th, I quietly (all alone) celebrated my 29 years of arriving to USA. Then, I texted her family, and we made our way to the finish line.

No better way to end this story but with saying, the girl ran exactly the pace chart, finishing in 21:26, 1st female (and top 10 all-time), 10th overall, and banking $15k for her win (plus $5k for the team).

Here's in her own words a couple of things, right on the heels of the finish line:

After helping Annie with getting back to the room, and cleaning up, and some chatting, I jumped into the car, and, trying not to fall asleep in the next 4.5 hrs, got myself home, to my honey, and my more normal obligations. It was quite a whirlpool, as always, but so very meaningful and touching.

Sunday, our neighborhood had its annual Patty Jewett Porchfest, with people and music, and we had a good time with our friends and neighbors doing things that regular people do Not as exciting as winning 100 miles and being a professional athlete, but life worth living still). On Monday, Larry and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. Yes, indeed, it was a stretch of all kinds of things:)

By next weekend, I couldn't sit still. I had this idea for a while to go after another FKT on a very historic dirt road that connected Victor and Colorado Springs during Gold Rush. The FKT actually had a female time at it, and I was certain I can beat it, and by some time. However, as we researched it more, the road itself seemed to be very unsafe, between the comments on Alltrails app to digging into the news - it was traveled by some random yahoos who are up to no good. Since I do all my attempts always unsupported, first Larry, and then I, felt it'd be stupid, unless I had someone ride a bike next to me. First of all, I have no such person who'd do it. Secondly, I didn't want to jeopardize the "unsupported" part, because in the last year the rules changed in a way that spectating is considered support. With that, and still edgy, I decided to try to improve my own time on Missing Link loop, a 30 mile route I established the FKT only 4 weeks prior. I wanted to try this loop in the other direction anyway, so why not try and go faster? I felt that I didn't have a great time then, and potentially could come closer to the men's record (which is, granted, is not a stellar time either).

This time I parked my car at the Barr TH, and ran first mile downtown, with a little extension to the City Hall (an official start/finish for the course description). I wanted to make sure everything is legit, and took a photo of the building, before turning back and going up the Pawnee street to the trails. Gosh, that street is steep! For the whole mile I kept thinking: I am doomed. I don't have legs. Why am I even here, if I can't move and give it more than I did a month ago? But, I kept going, and turned onto Iron mountain trail, still going up for another mile.

Nothing felt fluid, or strong, or anything I could hope for a better day ahead. My legs were finally seriously protesting. I smiled, imagining Annie asking in her innocence: "Why do you think is that?". Well, I am over 50, my recovery is really bad at this point of my life, I haven't raced in 6.5 years, when last year I jumped on a wagon of running and racing like there was no gap in which I didn't train (or ran, for that matter). I never gave myself a break between the years, and I am now trying to race every month, while helping you out, child (which I love to do, but really, it does take a lot out of me). Yeah, I know, long list of excuses and shit. Yet, I had run myself to the ground before, for many years my body shut down, what makes me now paranoid about (and definitely susceptible to) entering another stretch of dreaded athlete fatigue. I kept moving up. 3.5 miles in, there was a downhill, still dark though, and I tripped, barely catching myself near the ground. Dang, not a good sign. I began bargaining with myself: I can turn around at any point. Only 3 people know I am doing it: Larry, Annie, and Lil. They will not judge. Damn, I parked my car so inconveniently for the return...I can make a long run out of it and retrace whenever I want to. I kept going...

There was dawn, my favorite time. Then came light. Then the familiarity of the Intemann trail was soothing - until a crazy dog dashed under my feet, almost knocking me over. I swore and took a walk break as he followed, and in 5 minutes I finally got to the owner (with 2 other unleashed dogs!). Unleashed dogs who are not trained to stay at the heel are my biggest pet peeve. I said a couple of unpleasant words (like, follow the rules, dude!), and turned up the mile climb on Section 16. Oh, how I struggled! It felt like I am crawling! Yet, when the mile beeped, I made it in 22-something...

With that, I was about to run some sweet trail for 2.5 miles. I did, thinking - what if I make my own loop and go back home from there? Or, call Larry to get me? Obviously, I didn't. I popped up the High Drive, and the Bear creek climb began...and I promised myself that if I just finish this damn thing, I will never have to run a training run over 20 miles, again. Definitely not this year! More climbing on Cap'n Jack trail, and here I was, half-way done...it no longer matters which direction I go. I have same distance to get to my car, so might as well...There was more climbing, another 6 miles or so (but gentler, and I tried to shuffle some portions), and finally I was on the Missing Link connector, 10 miles to the finish. 

I haven't seen a soul since that dog dude, and on this connector, I saw 2 MTBers and 2 backpacking ladies. Plus, the views opened up, the Aspen trees were absolutely gorgeous in yellow, and I knew I would do it! Lets, honey, work it!

I popped on Barr trail 6 miles above the TH, and actually walked for good 5 minutes. I figured, I think I am coming under my own previous time, and that's all that I wanted. And then I tried to actually see the numbers on my damn tiny watch face, and do the math. OMG, if I haul ass, I could beat guy's time! So, slowly but surely, trying to still not to trip over shit and damage myself as I do a lot, I was picking up pace. In the end, I was full 4 minutes behind - but oh, so close...This run was ALL MENTAL!

I had nothing to give, yet I gave it my all. And I couldn't be more proud. FKT it is.

Of course, I wasn't done with challenges, although now, I only wanted to have a good glorious time. I planned a La Plata summit for Wednesday, one more 14-er to squeeze before the snow really hits the mountains, and offered Annie to join me. I figured, we're both tired enough, that we can just go, chat our brains out, be amused by the Aspen being on fire, and enjoy life!

3 am wake up for me, and off to Twin lakes, to meet with Annie. We got to the trailhead still slightly in the dark, and suited up for the climb. Annie wore a hat that I knitted for her those 2 years and 1 month ago, the very hat that our relationship began with! So sweet! We started talking from that topic - and never stopped in the next 5+ hours. In fact, we were so immersed in a conversation on our descend in a very rocky field, we got off track, got our asses into some serious huge rock and boulder field, I managed to trip one of those rocks and hit my shin on the way down, landing another rock on my other leg, and praying to not dislodge more of those. With all that - a dusting of snow and ice near the top, a rock field, rain, hail and sleet pelleting us on the way down - the views and the company were spectacular, and the foliage absolutely breathtaking. No better partner to Ohh and Ahh at the firing up hills around us in bright yellow, with snowcapped peaks behind, than my girl Annie. I am just going to share a bunch of photos, but have to add one important thing. It's a wonder for me, myself, how do we keep things to discuss with this young little thing, and how do we not get bored with each other. She's 24, I am about to turn 53 in a week. She's all-American born and raised, I have traits about me that hail from my Soviet upbringing and will never change, not to mention she's all sweet and tiny, and I bark my sentences with force and accent. But, we do get along just fine. Not only because her talent seem to thrive coupled with my experience and knowledge of the sport and my full-in desire to help. In an odd way, she makes me feel older and younger at the same time. Younger, because I want to keep inspiring her and give her hope that one can do things they love for a very, very long time. Older, because she's so naïve and innocent and lacking so much life (and running) experience, even though she's raced a bunch, and all those longer distances to boot. She's lacking exactly what I have - years. She's giving me what I lack - exuberance and excitement.

The very next day, Thursday, Larry and I drove 7 hrs to Lubbock, TX, where his son Harrison is a Senior at Texas Tech for computer science degree. It's an annual trip for me, while Larry, obviously, makes it another 3-4 times extra each year. We had our own coffee dates, and our meals with the kid, catching up on his life, and I ran, and did some hotel gym workouts. But in general, it was more of "time to chill" kind of trip, away from daily obligations.

We came back home on Saturday evening, and immediately felt that we need to feed our souls with some mountains - and some colors. Mueller park came to my mind in a snap. We haven't been to this state park since BEFORE we moved here for good, and it was time to revisit, and see some Fall colors!

As soon as we arrived, we were treated to the double rainbow ahead! Whoa! That was crazy! Shortly after, as we began our trail run/hike, the rain materialized, but even that didn't spoil the sense of absolute awe about this place we live in - Colorado. The yellow was everywhere, Aspen, willows, bushes, grasses. The Pikes Peak got a snow dusting overnight, and contrasted the view around. The rain reminded me of my 5 years living in Oregon, and somehow it was a good thing - fir forest trail, driving rain, wet runners...We jogged some, hiked some, took a few dozen of photos of the leaves and the ponds and each other, and I swear, every day I can't thank my fate enough for it bringing us here, to Colorado Springs. My heart is full. It's my happy place.