Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run

35 hours, 101.5 miles, 20,000+ ft of elevation gain…………..A taste of heaven, a glimpse of hell

Two weekends ago, Kasia and I both completed the TRT100 race.  It was the most difficult physical activity we both have ever done.  It was brutal!!!  The training leading up to the race was immense, including a lot of travel and time.  But in the end it was all worth it, and I will always look back on this moment as one of my most proudest.  Not only for myself, but also for my wife Kasia.

My wife is amazing and without her this would have probably not have been possible.  From her relentless drive to make things happen, all the planning, reservations, early wake ups, and finally talking me off a ledge at 11PM when I wanted to quit during the race in the middle of nowhere in the darkness……thank you!!!  Here is how it all went down.

Last December Kasia and I both ran the North Face 50 miler.  It was an amazing experience, one I will never forget.   Then we ran the PCT 50 miler this past winter.  Both races cemented in my mind that one day I wanted run a 100 mile race.  A friend of ours ran her first 100 last year in Tahoe and had spoken about it a couple times with us.  Growing up near Tahoe really instilled in me a love for the mountains.  Running on single track in the high mountains is one of my favorite things to do…..period!!!!   Western States is another 100 miler I would like to run someday but it was not available for registration at the time we decided to do this.  We entered the lottery for the TRT100 and received an email on New Year’s eve that we had both been selected as part of their yearly lottery.  We were stoked!  Now, time to train.  We spent 6 months training for this and it was tough getting those miles in week after week, but we pushed through it and now it was time to go!

The time leading up to big races is agonizing.  The suspense or jitters drive me nuts but I love it.  Can’t seem to get enough.  Love the uncomfortableness about it.   We packed up our big duffle bag with the essentials like running shoes, trekking poles, nutrition, clothes, bug wipes, sunscreen, sunglasses, changes of more clothes, ponchos, batteries, extra light, etc.   It felt great to arrive in Tahoe, something about it makes me feel at home.  I could not think of a better place to race my first 100 miler.

2:45AM Saturday - Alarm goes off.  Slept about 4-5 hours. 

Slept like crap.  Wish I could have had more rest. I never sleep really good before a big endurance event but who cares.  Let’s rock!.  Woke up quickly and jumped out of bed.  Made some breakfast and hit the road.  We stayed in Heavenly NV so the drive was about 30 minutes to Spooner Lake in the morning.  We got to parking lot and walked to the start because the shuttles were lagging.  

What do you think of right before you run 100 miles?  The journey leading up to this moment?  The miles that lay ahead of us?  I looked at my wife and thought of all the times we had spent preparing for this day and smiled at her.  I was stoked as hell to be there with her in the moment at 5AM in the dark with 200+ other crazy people. 

And it started………… running early morning is great.  For all that do it, you know…….for those that don’t…………..yet……………you should try it.   Sunset in reverse.  I wasn’t thinking at the time that later that day I would be in the same spot wet and cold watching the sunset……  but for now it was morning and everyone was off.

We had decided prior to the run that we would not run this one together.  We wanted to see how well we could do on our own and knew we would hit our lows at different times, so we didn’t want to slow each other down.  Kasia had speed that morning up hills and wanted to pass people.  We started out together and because we had to run 101.5 miles I thought I would hang with her for a while.  We were in the first aid station Hobart (my favorite) before we knew it.  After thi,s the views from near Marlette Peak were inspirational.

I left Kasia at this point and headed out to run my own race.  Little did I know our paths would soon cross again.  Tunnel Creek is an aid station you hit 6 times throughout the race.  I fueled up and headed down for a big descent to Red House.   This is a steep trail and the downhill can take a toll on your quads if you aren’t careful.  Hit the bottom feeling good, then the aid station, and then the climb out.  At the top a familiar voice say’s hi.  It is Kasia.  She was climbing fast.  Back together again.   We hit the Tunnel Creek aid station again then out for the least favorite part of the course for me – Diamond Peak.  Long descent, single track……to a ski resort….then straight back up a black diamond ski run.   Super gnarly…..straight up….I mean straight up.  To think I would have to do this a second time later. Loco!

This was my low point for the race.  I ran out of water on the descent to the Diamond Peak aid station.  Got there and pounded 3 liters of electrolyte drink and a bunch of food.   I felt nauseous but I knew I needed the nutrition.   It sucked but I got back up and made the decision to move on.  As we left the aid station I wondered what time I would be back there, it would be at mile 80 the second time around. 

Next thing I know Kasia drops me like there is no tomorrow.  I watched her disappear up the insanely steep face.   She was passing everyone.  I was proud but bummed I could not keep up with her.  In every training run to date she had never dropped me.  This was the first time.  I was bummed, but hung in there and set my own pace as fast as I could and before I knew it I was at the top.  Time to get some more water and try to salvage this thing…..I walked the next 3 miles to Tunnel Creek.  Bummed to do so but I kept fueling on potato chips, chocolate and H20  until I got back to Tunnel Creek.   Grabbed my drop bag I had dropped off the day earlier and started pounding nutrition.  The powerbar fruit squeeze things tasted the best so I slammed two of those and the grabbed some red licorice.  Then, I headed out after refilling my camelback with electrolytes.

I was starting to feel better……..started charging at 35 miles.  I could run again.  My stomach had been bugging me since the start but I finally felt a little better.   I started to wonder where Kasia was and if I would see her again.  Storm clouds were starting to build in the distance.  Temperature was also dropping.

The snow valley part of the course is my favorite.  Blue flowers line the single track and there are no trees so the views are plentiful.  I was picking people off person by person hoping I would see Kasia again.  I missed her and wanted to see her.  I knew the next aid station was close.  When I hit the SV aid station I asked them where #22 was (her race number).   Their response……..4 minutes ahead of you.  I last saw Kasia at 31 miles.   It was now mile 43.  She was 4 minutes ahead of me.  Thank god she descends slowly and carefully……I knew I would catch her at this point and was excited to see her.   Big boost!  Any boosts are good in a 100 mile race.  You cannot have enough of them no matter what they are, why or when they happen….but they are always good.

Minutes later I can see her running ahead.  I run up on behind her and said hi.  She was excited to see me….worried because she knew she left me feeling not so good at Diamond Peak. Back together again after hours apart.  What would happen next……well of course a little rain wouldn’t hurt anyone.  It rained every night we were in Tahoe and race day was no exception.  Thunderstorm and lightning kind of rain.  So it started to dump and it did so all the way to the half way 50 mile point where it let up for the day and the fun really began.  Those cheap $1.99 ponchos from Target saved us.

50 miles was the farthest Kasia and I had ever traveled by foot before this day.  We left the half way transition area after 15 minutes or so into uncharted territory.  The 50 mile aid station had Quesadillas which really hit the spot.  It was damp in the forest and I felt wet.  We had a 6 mile uphill climb until some dry clothes.  This was going to suck.  Because Kasia was feeling way better than I was (upset stomach) she was way faster uphill.  I feel bad because I know I slowed her down but we hiked into sunset together up to Marlette Lake and then Hobart aid station.  It was sunset and I was putting on dry clothes (big boost).  For now I felt good to be dry.  Re-energized, we left Hobart and entered the darkness. 

Headlamps on, we made our way over the Marlette Peak area.  I remembered how beautiful it was earlier that day.   Keep going, I said to myself and pushed on through nearing 10 PM.  Off in the distance we can hear Tunnel Creek’s music.  Why does it always seem to take forever to descend some trails??????   This was one of them.  This was where Kasia had to talk me off a couple of ledges.  I would be lying to you if I said I never thought about or talked about quitting.  I was having my really low point questioning my sanity.  But Kasia quickly reminded me of all time and effort we had put into this day.  Pain sucks but eventually it will subside, if we quit it would last forever.  I did not want to remember the TRT and think about what I could have done.  So I made a decision at that point that I would not stop until they pulled me off the course or I could no longer physically move forward.  I can see how a pacer could really help in a 100 miler.   Having someone there fresh that can really help motivate you would be helpful.    But we had each other and Kasia was not experiencing a low yet, so she helped me find my motivation.  Thanks again Kasia. 

The big Red House descent was next but we weren't really that tired yet.  Steep descent sucked in the dark. Got to the aid station around 1AM.  Crazy……volunteers helping us in their PJs……..making this stuff happen.   Without them none of this would be possible.  Left there together and at this point it felt pretty good to stick together through the darkness.  I wanted to protect her and make her feel safe.  She was starting to get tired and so was I.  At this point, I knew I would hang with her for the remainder of the race and we would finish this experience together.   We had trained together, traveled together, left each other during the run but rejoined again.  We had done our first 50 miler together and it looked like we would do our first 100 miler together.  Memories for a lifetime.

We hit Diamond Peak Aid station and the base of the big uphill at dawn.  Just yesterday I felt really sick at this aid station.   I had been dreading this part of the course all night but we were finally here and we were ready.   Let’s get this thing done.  After some pancakes and coffee (that’s right) we embarked.  It was (brutal * brutal)^2.  It sucked.  Step, rest, more steps, rest, step…rest…step…rest…I felt like I was climbing Everest.  An hour later and that hill was behind us forever.   Thank god it was morning and cool.

Sunrise brings energy but also hallucinations…. Both Kasia and I thought we saw rain but it wasn't raining.  Strange things happen when you don’t sleep.  Storm clouds were in the distance but no rain yet.  One thing I have learned in the mountains is when storm clouds are present at dawn you are in for a wet day.  Before we knew it we were back to Tunnel Creek for the last time and the best aid station and best part of the course were ahead of us.  Hobart aid station rocked but it didn't have the magic it did when it was dark. Aid stations in the dark are cool.   Out of nowhere you have light, people, and lots of snacks, a welcome sight in the darkness. Now it was light and it was just a boring old aid station.  Sorry Hobart….I love you.

10 miles to go.   90 behind us.  Well above the cutoff time.  Kasia cannot run downhill anymore…..I can….who cares.   We are going to finish this thing together.  The next 10 miles sucked bad.  Every step I could feel blisters and really tired legs.  I was tired.  But nothing was going to stop us from finishing. 

32 hours 53 minutes after starting and with no sleep, we finished.  I did not get the endorphin rush I have gotten before at other races.  I was just glad to be done.   101.5 miles behind us.  After a couple of beers and a burrito it started to rain.  It rained harder than it had all week.  Reports said it rained 3.9 inches per hour.  We wanted our finishers buckles but the rain never let up.  Before I knew it Kasia was shivering and I knew we had to get out of there.  After talking with the race director we left with no buckles.  They had to shut down the timing system and stop engraving buckles due to the rain.  He said they would mail them out to all the finishers once they figured things out.  Headed back to the condo and crashed.

Here is a TRT video shot this year -  https://vimeo.com/101745531  Keep an eye out at 5:36 minutes for me & Kasia finishing and still jogging after 101.5 miles

100 mile run is no joke.  It was brutal.  This distance is hard for everyone and I think everyone that finishes the race in Tahoe has to overcome some serious challenges inside their head.  But if you silence the voices and keep moving you can do it.  I think no matter what I do to prepare for 100 mile races, it will always be a demanding challenge.  I will be in no hurry to sign up for another 100 miler any time soon but when I am ready to really test myself and my limits, I will be back for more.

In the meantime, I am excited to race Malibu Olympic Tri this September and then finish it off with the World Championships of the World (AKA Mission Bay Sprint).

And the belt buckles finally arrived in the mail…….. 

PCT 50 Race Report

May 11^th 2014

50 miles of the PCT……what part of that doesn't sound awesome?  I love this trail.  I definitely want to backpack the entire thing from Mexico to Canada sometime in my life.  For now I will take every chance I can get to experience different parts of it.  And to trail run it…..icing on the cake.

This was my second time racing that distance.  Running for that long on trails is a challenge that I have grown to love.  The first time I ran the 50 mile distance I did it along side my wife and had an absolutely incredible experience.  (http://joshuadinen.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-north-face-gore-tex-50-mile-race.html)  We hung together and had an incredible day experiencing the highs and the lows trail running can bring.  This time, however, I wanted to see how I could do on my own.  And man did I exceed my own expectations.  Here is how the day went.

It is a local race so I got to sleep in my own bed after my normal pre-race meal – Mexican food.  This was the third weekend in a row racing for the Dinen household so hearing the alarm go off somewhere around 3 AM is getting a little more easy.  None the less, we were up well before the crack off dawn and off to the Mount Laguna area for the start of the race.  Around the Sunrise Highway the outside temperature was in the 40s………brrrrrr.  I was a little concerned since all I brought was a t-shirt but I knew the day would warm up and I would be ok.  Little did I know it would be windy.  The race takes place and starts right on the side of a road about two miles east off Buckman Springs exit (old highway 80).  This is where the PCT crosses Highway 8. 

Got to check in at 5:30 am, registered and got our numbers then headed back to the car to prepare for the race.  Everyone started to congregate near the PCT trail entrance as John, the race director, started shouting out a time countdown.   Gave Kasia a kiss and wished her luck.   At first it was five minutes, then two, then one……then we were off.  It took a couple minutes for everyone to funnel into the single track but before I knew it we were off and running.  The sun had risen but we were still in the shade of the mountains surrounding us.  It is uphill from the start and does not stop for a couple hours until Mount Laguna.  At first I was running with groups of people.  When they would stop to walk the hills it would cause a traffic jam and everyone behind would have to slow down.  It is however tough to pass on the single track and I wasn’t in that big of a hurry so it took a hour or so to  thin the crowds out to a point where I had open trail in front of me. 

 

I had a good pace and really felt good cruising the PCT. About an hour into the run I came across the first of many backpackers.  I wondered when I wished them good luck whether they were embarking on a journey of a lifetime to Canada.  Or were they just out for a couple days enjoying the San Diego mountains.  I love summer and backpacking.  I cannot wait to spend some days up in the Sierra this summer.  As I ran I could see different possible campsites that the hikers use.  I only encountered one creek crossing on the whole 50 miles of PCT we ran.  Water is scarce up there.  Good thing we had aid stations.  The hikers and the thoughts of backpacking gave me small distractions as I was charging up the mountain.  A little something to day dream of. ……

At the first aid station I was pleasantly welcomed by one of my training partners Ramon Chacon.  I haven’t seen him in a while since he moved up to LA.  Man do I miss him and his great energy.  Thanks a lot to all the volunteers.  They really make this possible for everyone.  Leaving that aid station really felt good.   I couldn't wait to see him on the return leg of my race.  This race is an out and back on the PCT.  Up 25 miles on the PCT then right back the way you came.  It would be pretty hard to get lost due to all the PCT and race markings on the trail.  The first part of the course is in desert chaparral with little trees….. The only trees you encounter are located in the bottoms of the small valleys where water sometimes runs.  But as you finish the climb up, you enter the forests of Mount Laguna.

We have spent a lot of time running and riding up in Mount Laguna so as we entered the trees it felt really good and familiar.  At this point the uphill’s kind of subside and it becomes rolling single track with shade J.     I settled into a really good pace with a couple of guys and just put in some good work mile after mile.  I don’t know if you call it a second wind or not but sometimes running can feel pretty easy and actually feel really good.  You go through highs and lows.  For now I was feeling good and making my way out to the turnaround.  As we crested the top of Mt. Laguna we started the descent down to Penny Pines.   Descending felt great.

Getting closer to Penny Pines the male leaders passed me heading back.  They were flying.   Penny Pines is a place I park a lot when I train.  So making it there everything became really familiar.  I was almost at the turn around.  6 or so miles and I would be right back here fueling up for the last big climb.  I was stoked and it was still early in the day (10ish).  I took off for the turnaround excited. 

Feeling good was about to take a turn for the worse and I had no idea it was coming.  The wind was bad all day.  It ripped my hat off my head a couple times but the section from Penny Pines to the turn around was the windiest for the day.  It was straight into your face and dry…….so any sweat you have is dried up really quickly.  My face felt salty so I started to take salt tabs and man was I glad I did.  I probably took 20 salt tabs all day but never cramped.  I learned a little something from Xterra a couple weeks ago.    In hot and dry races I need salt, and lots of it.  As I reached the turn around I started to feel a little nauseous.    Not good.  I was about to bonk and I knew it.  I hadn't been eating much (1 bonk breaker and a couple gels) but I was now at the 26 mile mark and started to feel like I needed fuel.  Electrolytes and fluids were good but I neglected my nutrition for just a bit and it almost got me.  As I rolled into Penny Pines again I was excited to see Kasia there.  She let me know she had fallen already and torn her new running pants.  She was pissed about her pants and falling but I was glad to see she was ok and was going to be able to continue on.  We said our good-byes and headed in opposite directions.  She was still headed out to the turn around and I was already headed back.  A part of me wished I could have gone with her and spent the rest of the day hanging.  But this was not to be today; I was on my own journey.

I knew this would be a hard climb coming back.  I had no idea how hard it would actually be however. Then a really nauseous feeling hit me hard…did I over salt?  Am I going to throw up?  I better sit down for a bit so I found a nice rock on the side of the trail and sat down.  The view into the desert was awesome.  The wind felt good but I felt like crap.  All time low point for the day.  Fun times!!!  A couple people passed me asking me if I was ok.  I responded yeah.  After a few minutes I got back up and started walking.  When you walk you can see more since you don’t have to stare at the ground.  So here I was walking, feeling like crap, but in a beautiful place, on the PCT.  I walked the whole way up from Penny Pines to the top of Mount Laguna.  It sucked because it took longer than running but I was able to digest the food I ate at Penny Pines and actually started to feel a little better.  I bet I will have this same experience in the 100 mile race I am doing in July.  Note to self – It is ok to walk.   As I crested the top I started to run again.  Any flats or down hills I would run.  Any uphill I would walk.  I paired up with a guy named Sal and we ran together for an hour or so.  

We even ran across a rattlesnake which gave us a bit of an adrenaline rush.  We got it off the trail by throwing sticks, rocks, and pine cones at it.  It rattled at us as it cruised off the trail.    Before I knew it we were at the last aid station in the trees.  It was all down hill from here.  They had brownies at this aid station.  I probably ate four of them.  They tasted so good.  Grabbed some more salt tabs and filled my camelback and was off.   I never saw Sal again.  It was time to shred.  It was time to let it run.  This is where the fun began.

Gravity is awesome.  As the downhill’s started, my pace increased.  I was flying down the mountain.  Downhill running is like a video game.  You have to constantly look ahead and figure out where your feet will be in a few moments.  I was careening through bushes rather than turning around them.  I wondered to myself, how long can I keep this up?  There has to be  15 or so miles left………..but it felt good to let it run…..so that’s what I did.  I leaned into the hill and let gravity do its thing and my legs hung.  At this point the race is spread out thin so I was running all by myself on the PCT.  It felt good.  I caught everyone that passed me during my low point.  And then I caught the guys I was running with before the turn around.  My pace was faster so I blew by them.  Person after person, I ran them down.  I couldn't believe I was running this fast after already running 40 miles.  Then I ran up on a woman in a sketchy single track section so I didn't pass but hung back and asked her how she was doing.  She replied something like this “Great…..Its hard to believe there is 6 miles left when you can see highway 8……..I am doing the SD100 in 4 weeks and my goal was sub 12, but I am going to crush that and go sub 10.” 

I was like what???????  First of all I had no idea how many miles I had left……..6 miles left…….awesome.  Next she was going to finish sub 10 and I am about to pass her………that means I am going to go sub 10……..awesome.  Big boost!!  At the first chance I had I blew by her and really picked up my pace.  That was the recharge I needed to finish strong.   Ultras have highs and lows…..something I like and I was going to ride this high all the way home.  The last six miles flew by.  Caught 4 or so more people during the last 6 miles and finished strong. 

9 hours 30 minutes

19^th overall

Kasia crushed it in 11 hours 30 minutes.  Over an hour better than last time.  I am so proud of her.  She ended up eating it a second time and rolled into the finish with dirt all over her face.  Love it.

Post race celebratory beer!!! 

2014 Ironman 70.3 St. George Utah

Ironman 70.3 distance triathlons are fun…..I mean really fun.  They are long enough to make them tough, but at the same time you can really push it knowing you won’t be out all day like an Ironman.  Two  weekends ago I competed in my 8^th Half Ironman.  This was the hilliest half ironman course I have raced.   St. George puts on a great race.  First of all, the course is awesome.  Second there are are so many awesome volunteers that make the whole experience what it is.  Last you get to finish in a cool little small town center.  Not to mention that part of Utah is breathtakingly beautiful.

It all began  when we departed San Diego after work on Wednesday.  We didn’t hit a lot of traffic and arrived in Vegas at 11PM.  Went straight to sleep to wake up early and run the strip.  Packed up and hit the road for St. George.   After cruising the 4 corners area and the beautiful Virgin River Gorge we arrived in St. George around noon.  It had already gotten quite hot and the winds were blowing.  I love the dry desert breezes.   After checking into our hotel room we headed over to St. George town square to register for the race and check out the expo.  St. George has an awesome town square where T2 occurs and the race ends.   There are water parks for the kids and plenty of places to chill and watch the race.  As usual, Ironman puts on a well-run show.  Registration was usual.  ID checked, waivers signed, bags filled, timing chips checked, and we were off to shop.  Got my usual work shirt and pint glass.  Expo was cool but it was getting hot and we wanted to explore St. George.    

St. George is a small town located at the south end of Utah.  We had stayed here before but only as a place to crash on the way to either SLC or Colorado.   There is a lot of hills and mountains and little trees in the area which make for some great views.   Later in the day we met up with my buddy, Jeff Lyles.  This was his first triathlon ever.  Man did he pick a tough one for a first race.

Kasia and I had planned on having a chill day before the race to go for a cruise on the bikes and a swim in the lake.  We woke up to a perfectly beautiful Utah morning with little winds so I left my arm warmers at the hotel and headed out toward Snow Canyon where the toughest climb of the race is located.  Ended up right at the base of the big climb but decided to leave it for race day.  We headed back to the hotel to change and grab our wetsuits and then headed out to Sandy Hollow Lake Reservoir for a little practice swim.  The lake is located about 15 miles outside of town.  We would have to head out to the lake later that day to drop our bikes off at T1.  The lake has these cool little islands that you have to swim around during the race.  For the practice swim we swam out to a couple of the islands and got out on them to explore the lake.  The water was clear so you could see the rock disappearing into the depths. 

After a little fun we headed back into town to get Jeff registered.  The expo had a little more people than the previous day.  Listened to the last pre-race briefing at 3PM then got our bikes and headed back out to the lake to drop them off.  Ate an early dinner, packed up all of gear bags, and headed to bed. 

Alarm went off shortly after 3 AM.  Got our breakfast, checked out of our hotel, and headed down to T2 to catch the buses out to the lake.  The bus driver had some country music on as we headed out to the lake in the pre-dawn darkness.  I managed to catch a little shut eye on the 20 minute ride out to the lake.  Got our tires pumped up and our bikes ready then headed over the lake to watch the pros and waves start.  There was a cool quad copter hovering above everything all day filming the race.  Hopefully they release some of the footage.    They had wave starts so the swim was absolutely awesome and gave each wave three minutes to get out to the red buoys (start line).    Overall, my swim was great. 

Swim split – 32:57

Got on my bike stoked.  Now it was early morning, wind was calm, and I felt good. 

The road circles around the lake to the first big climb.  The roads are a bit rougher in Utah but then again they have real winters with snow.  My plan was ride and fuel.  I loaded up with Cytomax, Cytomax drops, salt tabs, Barnanas, and some vanilla wafers. This bike course is by no means flat.  Utah is pretty and this bike course is awesome.  I loved it………especially when I got into town and things started to become familiar.  Before I knew it I was on the same part of the road I was riding the day before during my pre-ride.  The toughest most beautiful part of the course was yet to come and I was ready to take it on.  I was hydrated and fueled and pushing it as much as I could.  As I entered Snow Canyon I was stoked with seeing the awesome cliff wall and white mountains in the back ground.  This part of the course is super sic.  The views inspired me to continue the tough climb.  

It is a continuous tough climb but I knew at the top it would be all downhill to T2.  I crested the top of the climb I shifted down to my heaviest gear and started to let gravity do its job.  The descent felt great.  It was a welcome break after the tough climb up Snow Canyon.   T2 came before I knew it. 

Run time.  Bike Split – 2:43 Averaged 20.61 MPH  (Not bad for 4K of climbing)

Now it was time to run.  I ran in my Hokas due to a lingering foot injury.  Training for the Tahoe 100 this July has its side effects.  Good news is my foot felt great due to some R.I.C.E.  and love from my Hokas.  The run was also hilly but not as tough as the trails I have been training on.  The run went by a lookout place Kasia and I checked out the first night we got into town (Big Rock with Dixie painted on it).  The road is right above town along a ridge line.  The same quad copter that was at the start was out filming here too which made for some fun sightseeing.    I decided to take a hand bottle along for the run and kept filling it with ice and water at each aid station.  That was a good move and I was glad I did since it was heating up by then.  As I was headed back into town I saw Kasia.  She stopped and gave me a kiss.  I am lucky to be able to share in the experience with her.  She continues to amaze me.  She always has a good run and always seems to be in a good mood.  I was happy to see her running.  I knew she would do great.  Now I needed to push it and finish this thing up.  With 4 miles to go and mostly downhill l really started to push it.  To the point of making myself sick.  But I love it.  There is something about this racing thing that has me hooked.  I enjoy suffering in a weird way but then again, so did the other 2000 or so people racing with me. 

When I got into town I knew I would not break 5 hours but I was close.  My best time on this distance is 4:58 at Oceanside.  I would not beat that time but I knew I raced a better race.  This was by far my best effort at this distance on the toughest half ironman course I have ever raced.  Good times. 

Run Split – 1:43:11

It took a few minutes sitting down on a bench to get my bearings straight after finishing.  Felt good to be done.   The park was packed with people and kids.  The warmth felt good.  Took a quick splash in the water park and sat on a bench for a bit and took in the moment.  It was starting to get hot.  I wondered where Kasia and Jeff were and how they were doing.  One of my teammates on the Nytro Men’s team, Cassio Debiasi,  crushed it and went 4:37.  Way to go Cassio!!

My total time  - 5:06

All in all we loved Ironman St. George.  It is an awesome course and is very beautiful.   I would definitely do this race again. For now I am going to focus on ultras for the next couple months.  This past weekend Kasia and I both ran the PCT50 east of San Diego.  This was  our second time racing that distance.   I ran it on my own and crushed it.   Look for another race report on that one shortly. 

BTW:  On the way home we hit up Bachi Burger in Las Vegas to refuel and were not disappointed.  They make killer burgers and had Sierra Torpedo IPA on tap. 

2014 Xterra West Championship Race Report

Sunday April 13, 2014   Lake Las Vegas, Nevada

Like racing on the moon……that was the text printed on the front of the Xterra race guide we picked up at check in.  Kasia and I were pumped to head to Vegas for the weekend and test our luck at Xterra.  Las Vegas is definitely one of the most amazing cities in the world; like an adult playground with anything you want….including some fun off-road triathlon.  Xterra triathlons are to me the most fun and exciting triathlon type by far.  A swim (1500 meters) mountain bike (30k) and trail run (10k).   The best part is being on the dirt and trails.

Got to Vegas late Friday night and checked into our hotel.  Next morning loaded up the truck for Lake Las Vegas for some course recon.  We have raced here before back in 2011.  The course is slick.  There are no trees, steep climbs, and loose dirt.  Not the sticky kind but the kind that makes you real unsure in the turns.  While pre-riding the course I noticed at about every turn a wheel track heading off trail.  The air was hot and dry and felt good.  The only worry was the water temp.  Saturday they said it was 54 and wetsuits were mandatory.  After checking in and pre-riding the course we opted out of a pre-swim and headed back to our hotel in Las Vegas.  I had swam in cold water before and was prepared thanks to my new Matuse wetsuit.

Last time we raced we stayed out in Lake Las Vegas and really didn’t like it.  It is nice, but dead out there.  Golf courses, hotels, and houses…..that’s about it.  Not a lot of food choices either.  This time we stayed downtown and loved it.  We ate dinner and headed back to the room to prepare and rest for the following day.  Xterra starts after 8AM so there was no need to set the alarm clock too early. 

We woke up to strong winds.  Winds at dawn usually mean it will be a windy day.  After checking out and loading the car we were off to Lake Las Vegas.    It was windy!  At least I would not have to go aero out on the road and get beat up.  After setting up transition and saying hi to Greg and his wife we headed down to the swim start.  This was Greg’s first Xterra and he loved it.  He will definitely be back for more. 

Kasia did the sprint triathlon so she went off right after the pro’s.  I got to watch her get used to the water temp, practice swim, and then head off.  I love that they use a small little cannon like Ironman to start each wave.  After she headed out on her swim I got in the water to warm up.  To my liking the water was not that cold.  The wetsuit felt awesome.  We have swam in much colder.  I bet it was 58 or so.  Swim was good but it was tough to sight due to the rising sun.  I always say the swim is the easy part.  It is not my strongest part but I enjoy it and always feel fresh.   I knew I was nowhere near the front of the swim so I was content to race my race and have a good time.  As I was approaching the beach I was getting excited to get on my bike and hit the dirt.  Before I knew it I was running up stairs to the bike transition.  

Getting on the bike is always a good time, especially in a race.  The feeling of leaving transition still wet and fresh feels amazing.  Something I will always love.   After a short stint of road I was on dirt and loving it.  The wind was strong once we left the protection of the buildings…..blowing gusts of dirt in everyone’s faces.  The first half of the course has the toughest climbs.   Climbing is on ridge lines and everyone was getting blown all over the place.   The wind was sucking all the moisture out of me.  I decided to carry two liters of Cytomax and was I glad I did.  I drank it all and grabbed two water bottles on course.   It was dry and hot, not something I was used to living in San Diego.  But it was fun and I liked it.  After the climbs in the early part of the race you descend into a wash that is filled with sand.  Kasia took a spill here while pre-riding the course the day before.  My 29 inch wheels really helped keep momentum during this part of the course.  Picking the right line was key.  Out of the canyon, a couple more climbs, then some sweet single track next to the lake.  

Got through the first loop and was ready for the second.  I kept reminding myself to take it easy in the turns and not fall.  I guess I jinxed myself.  Just as I finished the big climb on my second loop I crashed on the downhill.  It happened so fast.  My front tire slipped out in the turn.  It knocked the wind out of me and I was still clipped into the bike as I came to a sliding stop on my right side.  It was a tight race course so immediately I was worried about people running me over.  I was lying in the middle of the trail.  I clipped out and moved over the side.  It took a few minutes to get my wits about me.  Bars and saddle were twisted but bike was ok.  Moved the saddle straight and checked myself out.  My right forearm was bleeding and my right shoulder/back was hurting along with my hip.  I also ripped a hole in my brand new Nytro Breakaway tri kit shorts……grrrrrrrrr.  Got back on the saddle and continued on.  This is the first time I have crashed in a race before.  It sucks. I sprained my left wrist in Utah early this seasons snowboarding and this fall re-injured it a bit.  The second lap was tough but I managed to ride the rest of the course and head into T2.  I drank every bit of liquid I had on me.  This lap was definitely not as good as the first one.

My wife and I have been training for the upcoming PCT 50 and Tahoe Rim 100 mile race so I was stoked to get running.  When I got into T2 Kasia was there taking pictures.  She had already finished her race and was now cheering me on.  I decided to take my water bottle with me since it was so dry, hot and windy.  I was glad since aid stations were spread out by a couple miles.  I felt good starting the run but as I started to climb I could feel my hamstrings tightening up.  At first I thought nothing of it but it quickly changed to a full blown cramp.  First my left hamstring cramped, then my right.  I had to stop running and stretch.  Cramps suck and hurt too.   I definitely did not take enough electrolytes on the bike and was now paying for it.  Standing there watching people run by sucks bad.  After a few minutes they released and I started to walk up the hill.  I like challenges and this was one of them.  I felt good energy wise and the hills were not too hard to run, my body was just not cooperating.  As I reached the top of the first climb I started to run again and thankfully did not have any other cramps.  When I reached mile 3 I really started to feel good.    The rest of the run was great and I had no more cramps. 

Compared to recent events this was over in a blink of an eye.  When I got to the finish line Kasia was there taking pictures.  I was bummed I missed her medal ceremonies.  She got 1^st place in her age group in the sprint race.   Even though she was terrified of the bike, she pushed through and gave it her all and ended up bringing home our only medal.  I am really proud of her and what she has accomplished.  Without her support and determination we wouldn't get half the stuff we do done. 

I ended up 15 of 19 in my age group.  Not my best performance but after the crash and the cramps I was glad I was able to finish and live to race another day.  I gave it my all and never gave up.  This was my first crash in a race and probably won’t be the last. 

Swim :29:29  Bike 1:51:36 Run 1:00:51  Total: 3:21:56

It really makes me want to get better at mountain biking and trail running.  Xterra races are by far my favorite and I look forward to the next one.  For now I have Ironman St. George in little over a week.  Cannot wait to be back racing in the desert.

The North Face Gore Tex 50 Mile Race Report

Saturday December 7^th, 2013 Golden Gate National Recreational Area, California

This past weekend Kasia and I ran our first 50 mile race and it was awesome.  Getting out on the trails in nature is one of my favorite things to do period!!! And getting to do it with my wife makes it even better.  Ultra Marathons are the hardest physical thing I have done so far…..They are off road and not flat.  Very far from flat….in fact they are up then down then up then down and so on for however far they may be.  I felt this week like the first time I ran the marathon.  My quads are shot big time.  It hurts to walk downstairs and all day at work everyone asked me why I was walking funny.  I then had a fun story to tell them.  I ran 50 miles.

This year is special for the both of us because for the first time both of us are sponsored and racing for a men’s and women’s triathlon team.  Kasia is part of the Elite team sponsored by Active Angelz and I am part of the Men’s Nytro Breakaway Training team.  Many thanks to our coaches and sponsors that make this whole dream we live possible.  Nutrition is my fourth sport and Cytomax really hooks our team up.  Energy Drops, Cytomax Sports Drink, Monster Aminos & Protein really helped make our bodies as strong as possible.   And we needed every bit of help we could get.

Over the past couple years my wife and I have been dabbling in ultra-marathons.  We did our first 50K in Big Bear at Endure the Bear in 2011.  We ran that race together and it was brutal.  Kasia was fighting an injury and did not have the best experience.  We ran/hiked the Rae Lake Loop that summer with our friend Christian (45 miles unassisted).  That was awesome and cemented my love for running above the timber line in the sierras.  Something I look forward to every summer.  Then we did Noble Canyon 50K last year.  We tried to get into the NF50 last year but it was already sold out and now I know why.  This course is super sic.  It is located just north of San Francisco in the Marin headlands.  Some place I have always wanted to explore after visiting Muir Woods last year.    This past summer after running from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes (35 miles of PCT love) we decided to sign up again and test our bodies at the 50 mile distance

We flew into SF Thursday after our flight was delayed 1.5 hours.  That sucked.  Got our rental car and headed downtown to the Hyatt at the Embarcadero in SF.  One thing we noticed is that it was cold…….way cold.  That brought back nightmares of IM Tahoe this past year.  But at least we didn’t have to swim then hit the bike in 40 degree shade.  Next day headed to the North Face store downtown and checked into the race.  Got our numbers, timing chip, and tech tee (which we gave right back to get printed at the finish line).  Afterwards we spent the afternoon shopping in downtown SF, getting some dinner and relaxing in our room. 

Next morning our alarm went off at 2:30 AM for the 5:00AM start.  I always hate eating food really early in the morning.  The anxiety plus the food does not feel like a normal day.  Kasia has no problems but each bite for me is a struggle.  The excitement for some reason takes away my normal appetite for some reason, but I know I need fuel so I power down a bagel with peanut butter and part of a chocolate croissant.  A couple cups of coffee later and we are headed to the start through an empty downtown SF. 

Got to the parking lot and hit the shuttles and before we knew it we were at the start.  The race start felt empty compared to triathlons.  Tents felt spread out thin.  I wish they would have had a big tent with lights because we it was cold (30’s) and dark.  We had to use our headlamps to pack up our bags for drop-offs.  There were 4 places you could pick up your bags at.  Two aid stations you went through twice.  We decided to pick ours up right after ascending from Stinson beach up the Dipsea Trail at mile 30.  Dean Karnaze was at the start line giving high five as we left the finish line. It was a surreal experience with all the lights.   

There was a line of headlamps strung out after the start.  It stayed dark for over an hour…..it was cold until we started our first ascent.  When we reached the top the lights of Sausalito were visible below the ridgeline and when we hit a Eucalyptus Forest the lights of SF were visible.  It was awesome to be running through the forest with the city in the background and my wife next to me.  Kasia was the only one I knew at the race and my plans of taking off and running my first 50 miler solo were leaving.  We had trained together for this.  Mile after mile, day after day, hour after hour and now we were in the moment…… racing.  She asked me to stay with her till it got light and I agreed.  I was already thinking I may want to hang with her and experience this together……kind of finish the journey together.  I am a lucky guy because my wife is generally down to try anything.  Just after the forest ended we started the first descent.  My little light on the front on my cap barely lit the way and Kasia always has a tough time descending so I hung behind her and made sure she got down safe.  6 or so miles later we looped back to the first aid station we had already passed.  They had no food, only drinks, so we took a drink and headed back out into the dark trails.  Instead of taking the road or climb we just took up to the forest we took a left and headed north.  This was the start of us moving far far away from the start.  The start of our adventure.  Dawn was breaking on the horizon.

Wrapping your head around running 50 miles for the first time is big.  Really Big.  Neither of us had ever done it.  I would be lying to you if I said I wasn’t a little anxious and nervous about it before…….but something changes after a race starts.  We had trained for this.  We were ready and the miles just start to fly by because everywhere you look is pure beauty.  I love running early morning …..Its pure and only the hardcore people get it.  Once you taste it you want more.  Sunset is spectacular too but night falls shortly after.  Sunrise on the other hand is just as beautiful but follows with brilliant warm sunshine…….the stuff that makes superman strong.

As sun broke we hit the coast and I couldn’t help but take a few pics because it was stunning.   A line of runners spread out down the coast.  You could see the trail zig zagging down closer to the beach.  I kept telling Kasia how awesome this trail was…….it was when the alpine glow sunrise hit her I decided I would stick with her all day and finish what we started together. 

A few miles later at the top of a hill Muir Beach came into view and again I was inspired by nature….it was beautiful.  What an amazing place to do our first 50 miler…..bummer it was cold.  But at least the sun was going to be out and that offered me some comfort. 

I ran in gloves all day…..taking them off for only the climbs where I would warm up for a short period of time.  After Muir beach we climbed a long hill that kept growing turn after turn.  At the top we hit another aid station and I saw one of the leaders about to the hit the 30 mile marker.  Kasia and I were about to head out on the out and back…….the furthest we would go from the start and finish.  Shortly after we left the aid station we went into the forest and I just enjoyed every second of running with Kasia through this lush forest with beams of sunshine penetrating down to our level. 

The out and back of this race is sweet single track with views of Stinson Beach below but it is also the most dangerous because you have runners going both ways and we had runners coming at us head on the whole way.  Out and back we dealt with some not so nice people that thought they had a chance at winning and other very nice people that did not want to die. 

Once we got off the out and back we descended into the sweet little town of Stinson Beach.   Switch back after switchback we descended.  At this point between mile 20 and 30 I started to feel my quads and legs, but I was stoked to be doing this…….I was in the moment enjoying it with Kasia.  We chatted the whole race…..she has come so far since we first met.  She inspires me with her determination and growth.  She just keeps getting better and better and always has a great attitude. 

The climb out of Stinson beach on the Dipsea Trail flew by and before we knew it the views were back.  Once we reached the top we hit the aid station we saw the pro at earlier.   Man that guy was flying.  We munched on some ruffles and M&Ms which tasted so good.  Also drank a cup of chicken broth which was also nice because of the warmth.  A couple cokes later and we entered Muir Woods and the mystical forest I had been looking forward to all day. 

The Redwoods started appearing here and there but when we reached the bottom of the valley where the river made its way down the mountain was where the big Redwoods covered in green moss lived.  It was so fun to be running through such an awesome place.  It felt like Endore in Star Wars.  Last year Kasia and I hiked here and had an awesome grilled cheese sandwich (Marin Melt- Cowgirl Creamery Mt Tam Cheese, Pt Reyes Farmstead Cremery Toma Cheese, and Rustic Bakery Sunflower Loaf Bread) with tomato soup at the Muir Woods Forest Service restaurant.  If you are there check it out……definitely worth it…..soo sooooo yummy. 

From the past visit I knew we would climb out of the forest and into the sun along the ridge.  Before long we found ourselves making the climb.  When we broke out of the sun I got a recharge.   It was later in the day but the sun still provided some warmth.  Muir woods was chilly.  Glad to have that behind us. 

Time to move closer towards the finish.  As they say what goes up has to go down and we hit the end of the sun trail and started our descent down to the next aid station next to the the parking lot for Muir Woods.  The downhill hurt.  Switchback after switchback.  Started to make friends with other runners we had been running with all day.  No matter what we kept running and before long we entered the aid station.

Looked for M&Ms but they only had skittles.  Bummer….They did have potato chips and coke so took some down and headed back out with Kasia.  There were a couple runners sitting down in blankets looking not so good.  They probably didn’t make it.  Next section to Muir Beach was flat and very welcomed.  That was just what we needed.  Kasia got in front of me and set the pace.  We didn’t say much for a while until we got closer to the town.  We crushed a couple miles at a descent pace.  The race up until this point had been really hilly (This is not a flat course).  It is a very hilly course but not very technical except for the out and back.  Muir beach aid station welcomed us in with cow bells.

At this aid station one of the race directors was getting headlamps ready for the upcoming runners.  He said to us “You guys will make it right before it gets dark”.  That was comforting as the sun was starting to set in the west.  Right out of this aid station is a big climb.  It is a fire road cut in some places straight up the hill.  A couple mountain bikers passed us.  I thought to myself how fast I could crush miles on the wheels…..and then I thought how fast I could crush these hills if I was fresh.  I started to day dream about what my legs felt like at the start.  I was trying to think of anything but being tired and feeling the pain in my quads and legs……but we pushed on.  Past 35 miles was new to us this year.  The summer run was less than 35 by a mile or two.  In training we went up to 35.  So when we hit 35.1 I was a little excited.

Now we could count the rest of the race in aid stations.  Two left.  We strategized what we would eat at the next aid station hoping they had ruffles and M&Ms.  The descent to the second to the last aid station really hurt but we did it.  This was a big aid station with everything we wanted.  We filled up and hit the road.  We didn’t spend very much time in any aid station.  Only what it took to fill my camelback and eat what we wanted.  At this point we were not liking the hills anymore.  We wanted to be done but less than five miles to go.  The last hill went on for what seemed like forever.  Bend after bend, more and more, but as we crested the top I recognized we would go through the eucalyptus forest we went through right after the start.  We were almost done.  The end was in sight.  When we ran through the forest I could see the city lights once again and was energized.  One more descent and a little climb and we are done.  During the final descent the sun set and when we hit the bottom it was dark.  We had run all day.  I mean we ran during every second of light.  Run, eat, drink, run, eat, drink, etc…..all day. 

We approached the finish line with one guy in front of us so before we got into the light I congratulated Kasia on an amazing effort and had her wait up a sec so the guy could have his own moment.  We then ran across the finish line together holding hands in a time of 12 hours 39 minutes.  It was awesome to experience our first 50 mile running race together and what an amazing place to do it.

I never saw the start/finish area in the light.  Only in the dark.  There was no food and no beer (bummer), but we did find some coffee which was awesome.  The coffee was warm and it was super cold now that we had stopped moving.  We got our finish line bags and changed into some warm clothes and headed to our car.  The heat and the seat on the bus/shuttle felt so good.  When they dropped us off at the car I ran over to the rental car and started it up and revved the engine to about 4K.   The heat started pouring out of the vents minutes later.  We sat there as the car warmed up reflecting on what we had done that day.   After we got comfy we drove back into the city back to our hotel in Embarcadero.  We parked the car and hobbled through the lobby to our room.  We dropped off our stuff and turned right around back to the hotel restaurant.  The food tasted so good.  The beer even better.  We grubbed pretty quickly and headed back to our room.  We were beat big time!  Kasia fell asleep sitting up.  I tucked her in and hit the sack.  I was out immediately!!

We both slept like crap.  Tossing and turning with pain in the legs.  Dawn came what seemed quickly.    

We got up the next morning and hit up a SF favorite of ours…….Ike’s Place (sandwiches).  We ate them in the car where it was warm.  They were so good!!!  I love that place.  They have killer GF bread that Kasia loves. 

Afterwards we hit up twin peaks for killer views of SF.  I have always wanted to check that place up and the views were worth it. 

After chilling for a few we headed back to the SF airport to drop the rental car off and catch our flight.  One thing that is awesome about living in San Diego is coming home.  I thought it would be warmer and feel great but when we landed we found it chilly as can be.   But it felt good to be home.

Like most endurance events you do for the first time it takes a little for the whole experience to soak in.  It has soaked in and we want to try that distance again.   We are thinking about signing up for the PCT50 for 2014.  Registration opens January 1^st    This time I will run solo and see what time I can post.  It occurs the weekend after Ironman St. George 70.3.

Who’s in?????