THE MIGHTY TEST...

(Me at the start)

While listening to 107.1 MTN FM on my drive home from work, just shortly after Peter and I moved from North Vancouver to Squamish, they announces that registration for the TEST OF METAL was going on at 6:30pm that evening, and to act fast because it usually sells out in less than 30 minutes. One of my goals for 2011 was to try new things and mountain biking was number one on the list. You see, the trails here in Squamish are made up of a lot more cross country riding versus the rugged downhill terrain that is the North Shore. Perfect for a newbie like me. However, the purchase of the bike didnt come as soon as anticipated and I went into this event a little undertrained.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine, you have great cardio, there isn't much technical riding involved at all...except the plunge, but no one rides the plunge"

These were the words uttered most from those I talked to about the event and more specifically about me doing the event, underprepared. Thus, I felt confident that I could tackle this beast no matter what. I managed to get a bike a little over a month before the event, however, running and a little racing were taking up most of my time and concentration, which left little room for biking. Not to mention the weather hasn't been all that fantastic and I'll admit, I'll run in everything, but when it comes to biking, I am a fair weather rider.

Here is what The Organizers say about the event:

June 18, 2011: 67 kilometers, point to point. Over 1,200 meters of climbing and 35 kilometres of singletrack. On paper it’s a 67-kilometre course with over 1,200 meters of climbing and 35 kilometers of single-track. Off paper it’s an unforgettable day for everyone involved from the organizers and volunteers, to the thousands of spectators and of course the riders. For those in the saddle it is in every way a test of mettle. The unrelenting course will take the fastest just over 2 hours, the average competitor 3-4 hours and the humans 5-6 hours."

The test of metal would be my 3rd ride ever on my new bike. My previous MTN Bike experience consists of 6 rides, which were 2-4 years ago. So yes, I am BRAND NEW. As the day drew closer, I was getting more and more freaked out. I kept thinking that this might not be the best idea. I would never recommend someone do a 67km run with only 2 previous days of training, how was this any better? Running is all I really care about, what if I get injured? All these negative thoughts were floating around in my head but in the end, I figured, what do I have to lose. I can always just bike home if things weren't going well!


(All the bikes lines up, seeded, at the start)

Peter had expressed interest in doing the ride with me. I was a bit apprehensive at first because I didnt want to hold him back or be pressured to keep up, but in the end, I said yes and I am really glad I did. I had ZERO expectations for this ride, except to just have fun, enjoy the surroundings, and take it all in. I signed up months prior because it was a fun local event in our new backyard and that is how I had to treat it.

By race day, I was actually pretty excited as it was all so new to me. 800 people lined up at the start and we seeded ourselves pretty far back. I think Peter had a better idea of where we would finish up then I did. I couldn't believe how many people were lining the streets, cheering us on. I was smiling from ear to ear.

To get straight to it:

1. There were moments of utter joy
2. There were moments where I didn't know how the hell I was going to get down the steep rocky/routy path ahead of me, but I just let the bike do the work and most of the time, I really surprised myself.
3. I almost cried once.
4. I think I was the only person who couldn't wait to get to 9 mile!
5. I remembered to turn my shocks on once we got back into the trail from the road sections!
6. I have A LOT of bruises and fell into a lot of bushes
7. I ran my bike down the plunge, congrats to those that can ride that!
8. I didn't compare myself to anyone.
9. I rode a lot more than I thought I would.
10. I loved how I was the only one who ever really stopped and got off my bike at aid stations to eat. I rarely do that in running races, so I made sure I took advantage.
11. I loved having my boyfriend there with me every step of the way. On that note, he would ride ahead and wait for me at junctions, we weren't side by side, which is why I think it worked.
12. Will I do it again?....that's a great question!

Great event, great volunteers, and great ambassadors out there for bike aid. I would recommend this event to anyone. It is a great begginner course because it isn't all technical. The biggest challenge of the weekend was that I doubled it up with a 5.5 hour training run the next day (first 3/4's of the Knee Knacker). It was perfect because I was fatigued from the ride but not too sore. Tons of climbing (both days)!!!! I wish I could say and now I rest but there is one more week of building before that gets to happen!!!!

Looking forward to Comfortably Numb 25km this weekend in Whistler!!!

See you in the trails!

WOMAN ON THE GO!

(Peter and I taking time for lunch on BelleyGood Ledge...It's a good thing I am not afraid of heights!)

My boyfriend Peter notified me that it has been a while since I have blogged and to his credit it has (for my standards).

This has truely been the spring of diversity and I have been loving every minute of it. I had to throw out my routine of running both days on the weekends, so as to enjoy long days out on the climbing wall with my main man/climbing partner. You don't understand how difficult it is to mentally and physically break a routine such as weekend double long running, but I've done it!


(View at the top of Lava Flow before going down Ring Creek Rip)

MONDAY:
AM: Run/Hike with client in the Headwaters
PM: 3 hour MT. Bike ride with my friend Cathy (2nd time on new bike, 2nd time riding in quite a few years). This ride was super fun and challenging. We went from my house in Valleycliffe, up 9 mile logging road all the way to and down ring creek rip, and back home so as not to bike the plunge. My bike was having some gear issues and after bonk hill, it would no longer go into my granny gear. This made riding uphill from there on in very taxing, but I managed! The way down ring creek was fun but I forgot to turn my shocks back on. I thought the ride felt a bit stiff! The hockey game was on but the canucks were in boston and we lost bad anyways so I was happy to have been out riding! This ride was kind of my test to see if I could manage the test of metal on very little MT. Bike training and I think I should be fine.


(My bike posing for the camera)


(Cathy trying to fix her cleat)


TUESDAY: PM: Easy shake out run, 50 minutes. Legs a bit tired from the previous day.

WEDNESDAY: 3.5 hour trail run. This run was to make up for the weekend day I was going to be missing climbing. Peter and I carpooled to Nort Van today and I had a bunch of hours to kill after my work ended (10am) and when his ended (3pm). I went out for a killer run which started at the headwaters, up BCMC to Misquito creek, powerlines to Grouse, back up BCMC to Skyline, up Skyline (steep ass incline) to bottom of the cut, down old MT. HWY logging road to secret 7 MT. Bike trail, and back to headwaters. There was still a bunch of snow at the base of the cut but none going up skyline which was nice!

THURSDAY:
AM: Afternoon strenth session (which I happily felt the next day)
PM: Multi-Pitch Climbing up Jungle Warfare with Peter


(At the top- I swear I am not posing, I was actually trying to bend down.)



FRIDAY: I had about a 90 minute gap in between clients and I had to get to the bank so I decided to run up to the bank from the automall to Lynn Valley, deposit some cash/cheques and return back. I had done this run the week before and it took me just over 50 minutes, I knew that if I hauled ass I could do it in under 50min. And haul Ass I did! It's an awesome run because you work hard up hill for about 20 minutes and then tempo along lynn valley road (flat) and then it's flat back and all downhill. I love ripping on the descent back....ouuuuu weeeee! My official time was 49:10! That night it was back to watching another hockey game! This time we won!

SATURDAY: Peter, our friend Mark, and I were suppose to head up a 15 pitch multi-pitch sport climbing route this morning but the weather kind of crapped out on us. Luckily Mark, who is also training for Knee Knacker, brought his running stuff. Peter hasn't really been running due to injury but he trooped it out and kept us on our toes. Man can that guy powerhike! We went up the Chief (in record time, for me)and did a circuit of the 3 summits (thanks Mark for the beef jerkey at the top) before making our way over to the Squaw Trail and ascending the Squaw Peak. We eventually came out onto a logging road which joined up with 9 mile and we were back home in just over 3:30.

SUNDAY: The weather was much better today so Peter and I did the route which we cancelled on the day before. We were climbing by 7am (the route goes from the base of the Chief to the very top where the hikers would be sitting) and were back at the bottom by 4pm. All I could think about was yam fries from the Living Room, a local venue here in Squish.


(A little scramble on the approach to get to the base of the climb)


(Climbing the Black Dyke)


(Peter at the top of the Chief, it was super cool to just pop up and over the top to all those hikers...some guy even hiked up a fake Stanley Cup!)

I'm pretty pooped from the week of activity. I feel like I could use a rest week but this is the last big week before Knee Knacker tapering so I might as well go into it feeling a bit tired and push through. I am sure I'll come around by the weekend! I am really looking forward to all the races ahead, next up is Comfortably numb 25km not this Sunday but next. I haven't done it for a few years but just like Iron Knee 25km, it is one not to be missed!

Peter and I signed up for test of metal (67km) which is happening this saturday. I know it's going to leave me feeling a bit wasted, which is perfect because I'll double that with the Knee Knacker run on the Sunday. I love running the first 3/4's...but...who knows....when you've done that much, might as well do the whole thing!

See you in the trails!

FUN TIMES @ THE IRON KNEE 25KM

(The start at Cleveland Park)

My boyfriend Peter and the North Shore Athletics crew were putting on the Iron Knee 25km (as well as the Tender Knee 12km). I have done this race every year since I started, this one being my 5th year. The first 3 times I did it I came 2nd, the most memorable being a sprint finish against Ellie Greenwood. I think we can all imagine how that played out! The last 2 times I have ran it just for fun.

On saturday, Peter and I marked the 12km course, so I had the chance to re-live powerline hill before the race. It seemed way longer walking and marking it then during the actual event.

Due to the fact that I ran the 50km the week before and felt pretty tired all week, I rounded up my friend Shauna to run with me, "for fun". I just couldnt stay away from this awesome event, tired or not. The course start changed slightly from last year, where it used to start at the base of Grouse, it now started about a km down the road, and by down, I mean, straight down. The beginning of this race was hard enough and now we had an extra km uphill to run. Shauna and I took it pretty casual going up the hill and by the time we got to the rolly stuff up in Grouse, I was feeling pretty damn good. We quickly started to pass poeople on the descent and that inner demond inside of me was starting to show it's face. I think I am usually red-lining by this point and although I am usually moving the same pace, I think in years past it has just felt harder. This day however, it simply felt effortless.


(My aunt who is turning 50 this year!!! She is such a rockstar!!!!!)

Meanwhile Shauna is doing a great job hanging on and at one point she says "Is this your fun pace?". I had to laugh and remember that I had dragged another person to do this with me. Shauna is an awesome runner, I dont even think she knows how strong she truely is and I had no doubt that she would be able to handle a little increase in pace. We cruised all the way over to powerline and worked pretty hard getting up this hill, power hiking of course. I forgot my regular La Sportiva Crisslites and instead grabbed my skylites by accident. I have only wore these shoes once and the one time I did, I ended up with a blister. Needless to say, they have sat on my shelf ever since. So here I was, having a blast, working hard uphill, and I started getting a blister. It was pretty painful but I just ignored it knowing that I would be going downhill soon and the pressure on my heel wouldn't be so bad.


(Such an amazing setting for a race: Deep Cove Panorama Park)

I kind of lost Shauna up powerline for a bit and just before we started up powerline she told me to go and do my thing if I felt good. I got to the top, no Shauna in sight, and started to head downhill solo. Realizing that this wasn't as fun and that I had set out that day to start and finish with one of my best friends, I waited for about 20 seconds and down she came. We continued to laugh and run hard all the way to the finish. We crossed the line, holding hands (shauna's request) and heel kicking as high as we could. However, what we didnt notice was that there were 2 blow-up arches, with the second being the true finish line. After our skip heel kick finish, we realized/were yelled at, that we weren't actually at the finish and had to re-do it all over again!


(The finish line arch)
We ended up coming in 4th, 1st in the couples division! Ok, we were the only one's in the couples division, and I may have made up that category, but still! It was such a fabulous day, great weather, and it was so awesome to hang out by the ocean in panorama park. Thanks to everyone who helped put on this race and to all the awesome volunteers. Can't wait for next year!!!!

Whats up next? COMFORTABLY NUMB 25KM!!!! This is such a gem, you do not want to miss out!

Sun Mountain 50km...(and the return to ultra distance racing)!

(A little foggy of a day but there were bursts of sunshine!!!)

As I drove into Winthrop, WA on Saturday afternoon, with 4 of my amazingly awesome girlfriends, I realized something...I haven't ran an ultra distance event since Western States last June. WOW!


(Me before the race: My LA SPORTIVA crosslites were the perfect shoe on a muddy day like today!)



As the above statement demonstrates, I took a bit of a break from ultra distance running. I have still raced: The dirty duo 25km, Coho run 14km, First Half 1/2 marathon, and the Phantom Run 19km, so it's not like I have stopped running/racing. I have merely spent the past 8 months seriously thinking about my relationship with racing and running long distance events. I have mentioned in previous blogs about being burnt out, wondering why I was doing this, and what it all meant to me. I think it all boiled down to where I was at in my life and what I really wanted out of my life in general.




There is no doubt in my mind that running is a passion, and trail running through the mountains, whether solo or with friends, is the icing on the cake. I missed it, I really missed it, and I now have a whole entirely new outlook on racing and running which I believe is a much healthier version of what it has been the last couple of years.




Ok, back to Sun Mountain. I decided a couple of months ago that I wanted to run Sun Mountain 50km. I had been doing a lot of long runs and I knew I was ready for it. In fact, I hadn't run a 50km since Chuckanut in 2010. An adventure buddy of mine, Shauna, was in town doing her Practicum for occupational therapy and I pretty much took the liberty of signing her up. Then I got Squamish locals Kristi and Gretel on board and Cathy jumped in at the last minute. That was it, the car was full, this was going to be one fun road trip.



Seeing as though it was a long weekend, we left Saturday morning @ 5:30am to ensure we beat the border traffic. The drive was smooth sailing all the way to Winthrop, with total trip time being around 7 hours (some pass was closed which shortens the trip to 4 hrs). We checked into the Virginia Resorts, which I highly recommend. For $69/night, you get your own cabin with 2 queen size beds! We drove into town and checked out all the local shops. We went into the outdoor store and were immediately attracted to these awesome Prana headbands. Within a few minutes we each bought one and decided it would be awesome to wear during the race, our new team gear!




After a quick small grocery shop for the mornings breakfast items, we went next door to an amazing organic pizza place (highly recommend). I had carbo loaded the night before on Pizza and new we were having it after the race the next day as well, so it was going to be 3 nights of pizza. I wasn't complaining as I really love pizza! We also shared an awesome pitcher of IPA that rounded out the evening perfectly. After dinner it was back to the hotel for some shut eye...



The race didn't start until 10am, which allowed for a more leisurely wake up. I had 2 pieces of bread with peanut butter, honey and 1/2 a banana. We drove to the start, diddled around for a while taking pictures and chatting with others. We witnessed a puker outside of the car beside us which was entertaining. He had been at a wedding the night before and didn't know he was running that morning. Great surprise!



It was finally time to tow the line and watch the kids fun run. Oh wow, these kids were cute and my friend Mel's boy won the race! Ok, so maybe he was the oldest kid there but still, he's fast like his mom! After that, James went over some important race details and then suddenly 5..4..3..2..1 and we (50km & 25km together) were off. I was really excited and just went with it. The terrain was simply, no roots and rocks, and twisted and turned on a gradual grade. I kept checking in with myself to make sure I wasn't going to fast. Most of the runners ahead of me were 25km runners but I felt like I was in control of my pace and breathing. I shortly caught up to a female ahead of me and never really knew if there were anymore until later in the race.

We wound our way up to the aid station at mile 8. I refilled my camelbak and was off again. We made our way up a logging road, where we split from the 25km runners. We went up and they went down but eventually our paths met up again at the bottom of the descent a few minutes later. I was super thankful to have some sort of downhill relief as we had been climbing steadily for some time but it was short lived. The middle is a bit of a blur but I started to feel really good and move super well. Eventually, the climbs ended and we were on some fun rolling terrain on the side of a mountain, think Way Too Cool 50km. I began to pass a bunch of runners and started closing in on some of the 50 milers. I had already passed aid station 2, where I refilled my pack again and grabbed some solid food, as I was already tiring of my gels. However, the combo of my quickening pace and trying to digest/chew a peanut butter and jam square did not sit very well.

There were moments of beautiful views, amazing sunflowers, and sunshine. I eventually got to this junction where we go up and do a loop and then return to the same spot and head down. This was an interesting part of the course and I was starting to tire a bit. My digestive system was pulling it's usual tricks and I started to get acid reflux, something I have been battling in most of my ultra distance races. I had to power hike some of the climbs but no one was catching me and I just focused on my body and doing whatever my body was going to give me on the day. After a nice downhill, we go to a road that lead to the final aid station. At this point we only had 6 miles to go. I downed some coke, had some banana, and was off again. In these last 6 miles you essentially go up one last long switchback climb to the top, turn around, come back down to a junction and turn right which takes you back to the road. The trail was not marked properly and people were kind of all over the place, taking different sections to come down and not coming out on the road in the right place. In the end, it all went to the same road so it's all good. This section was a bit of a grind for me but again, I just focused on my body, moving as best as I could and getting it done.

On my way back down, a gentleman directed me to go right. I ran down some switchbacks to a barbwire fence. The trail continued on the other side but there were also other trails on my left and right. Not knowing what to do I waited a couple of minutes until I saw another runner and we made a decision together. We walked up and over the ladder than went over the barbwire and made our way back to the road. I was surprised to know thtt there was only 1 mile to go and to be honest, I was pretty happy. My body felt heavy, sluggish, but I powered on and ran my best to the finish. I crossed the line 1st female, 3rd overall, in a time of 4:34, which I was super stoked about. Cathy, who had a super wicked 25km race, was there cheering me on, and not shortly there after Shauna came ripping in, placing 2nd female! It wasn't long before both Gretel and Kristi came in with huge smiles on their faces.

Overall, I am really happy to be back racing and just surrounding myself with other racers of all ages that inspire me to do what I do. I really went in with no expectations other than to test myself to see where I was at. Placing 1st was definitely a bonus because I scored this kick ass handmade mug, which served as a great eco friendly post race beer mug! It is clear I still need to get a handle on my nutrition because acid reflux is starting to become a little bit of a bitch (said with a smile). Looks like I have some experimenting to do.

Thanks so much James for putting on this awesome event and ladies, thanks so much for making this weekend one hell of a good time. There is just something about getting together with a group of ladies that is very energizing, inspiring, and motivating.

Alright, next up is Comfortably numb at the end of June and then onto Knee Knacker with a whole hell of a lot of adventures in between.

READY TO GO!!!!

Wow o wow! Way to long since my last post. I was on a roll there for a while.

Soooo....running has been going fabulously. I am just so amped up right now about being out in the trails. The weather has finally turned and I can finally put all my tights back in the winter bin, hopefully not to be seen again for quite a few months. It's skorts and shorts from here on out! Now if I can just get rid of these damn long sleeve shirts!

After my biggest week in terms of mileage I decided that I would take a down/recovery week when I went to Palm Desert. This proved to be a good idea because it was hot...damn hot! I really couldn't run past 9am because I literally felt ill if I ran. So, it was a lot of early morning wake ups for me which is totally fine because I wake up early everyday! This also left me with lot's of time in the day to relax, shop, bike ride, explore, and eat!

I felt a little guilty on this trip because I was living a little beyond my means. I am used to living pretty frugally back home but the ladies I was with (2 were in their 60's) spent quite a bit of time shopping and eating out. But, eventually I got over it and embraced it. You know the saying...when in Rome! Thanks again Bailey for hosting me at your sweet pad!

I wonder if there will ever be a point in my life where I don't have to double think about spending money eating out or shopping? On the flip side, maybe it is a good thing no matter what because I think it's good to ask yourself "Do I REALLY need that". Most of the time, I don't. However, it amazes me how simply some people do live. And, the personalities on those people more than make up for their 'second hand' clothing, which others may judge them on....but I digress.

I had a great time away but at the same time, I am happy to be home. Happy to be back to regular weather, glorious trails, and the fabulous folks who I train, that inspire me and keep me fired up on a daily bases.

Last weekend was awesome because I had 3 great run's, all with great company. Friday I ran with Kerry Ward and his lunchtime crew (11 hilly miles). This lunchtime crew has been meeting 5 days a week for he last 27 years. There only 5 of us out this day but nonetheless it was great to have company on this rainy day. My legs were super tired from the previous days Chief workout but I made it to the end in one peice!

Saturday I lead the Squmaish Trail Running Club run and there were 6 of us out. The run ended up being a little longer than normal (19km) but with great company it simply flew by. We had great weather for it and my legs felt surprisingly good.

Sunday, Gretel, Shauna, and Jenni, and I went out for a grand adventure. We started at my house, ran to the Chief, followed the Squaw trail, up 9 mile hill, lavaflow, down ring creek rip, down powerhouse plunge and back home. This 5 hour run was my longest run to date this year (approx 24 + miles). It was also the run that solidified in my head that I am ready to race.

I had been having some hip flexor/TFL issues on an acute level. I would have a dull ache in that general area when running 2-3 hours. The feeling was never THAT bad but I was worried how it would hold up doing any sort of intensity (race). I think the down week I took while in Palm Desert gave my hip the breather that it needed. After 5 hours of running with no discomfort whatsoever on top of feeling really good, I am confident that I am ready to rock out come May 23rd at The Sun Mountain 50km. My goal races aren't until July (knee knacker 50km) and August (Where's Waldo 100km) and so I have kept everything pretty mellow as to not peak too early.

I totally miss racing and just being in that racing environment. I haven't been able to test myself in a while, something I am looking forward to in a couple of weeks. Reading Banff Trail Trashes Blog called 'Ultrarunning, it's like that' rang true for me in terms of why ultrarunning/runners are so fun!

Also, just want to congradulate my mom on finishing her first Marathon!!!!!!!!!! We watched and cheered her on the entire day and she looked so fresh from start to finish.

Alright, time to go get some work done. Looking forward to tonight's hill repeats with the Squamish Trail Running Club!!!!

See you in the trails!

Adventure....right around the corner.

I have been following Krissy and Devon's R2R2R speed attempt ever since I first got news of the happenings which was only a few days before it happened. As cool as it was that they accomplished it, it's even cooler that they did it as a team. I think adventuring is often enjoyed more when done with someone else. I can think back to the movie 'Into the Wild" where right before he dies he writes..."Happiness is enjoyed more when shared"...or something along those lines.

I do enjoy runs solo but I enjoy adventures more with a companion.

I am in Palm Desert right now with a friend of mine, Bailey, her mom (Jos, a client) and her mom's friend Deb. We had planned to go to the street market today and after I noticed that they had 2 bikes in the garage, I suggested that we bike the 15 or 20 minutes there. It was awesome! The bikes are nothing special but I think that adds to the adventure. After a tarmac run this morning, I was longing to find some trails and I thought what better way to explore than by bike. After the street market I asked Bailey to humor me by coming on a bit of adventure. The adventure being to find the trail head. So, off we went towards the mountains and eventually we did find the trail head. I am stoked to go explore that in the next day or so. I even went out and bought a bike lock so I could ride there, run, and ride home.

When I told people that I was gong to Palm Springs, I got a lot of responses along the lines of "Palm Springs is for old people" & "There isn't much to do there". However, I think if you have adventure in your blood, there is always something to do! You just have to work a little harder to find it....but in the end, that's all part of the fun.

So, here is to adventure and doing what you love, no matter where you are. Adventure is always just around the corner.

Happy Easter!!!

TODAY

(The Tenderfoot boogie crew from Sunday, The dog was jumping at me that is why I am lookin' kinda funny)

As I was delightfully hiking up the Chief today, I couldn't help but think about how nice it would be to simply lay down and be one with the rock, once I got to the top. Yogi's often put there heads down to their mats (which I can't even do from a seated position!) after their practice as if to be kissing the earth. Well, kissing my mat isn't really my thing but I thought that laying down atop the Chief would be my way of being one with the universe. It would represent being and living in the now and enjoying the peaceful calm and quietness that exists up there.

However, to my surprise, there was another guy laying down on the top! I told him he had stolen my idea and then I joined him in silence, just laying, smiling, breathing and enjoying. This guy was in jeans and was just taking a simple break from work. I know that because he eventually got up and said "well, better get back to work". The weather had forcasted rain and I awoke to sunny skies and this hike called my name. By the time I got to the top it was snowing, however, ever so faintly, as if the snow were cotton floating around in the sky.

Another thing we talked about in my Yoga class yesterday was simply being in the now. It is surprising how hard that is to do. Even as I was descending the Chief, I found my thoughts lingering away onto all the other things I had to do today. I consciously had to stop myself and simply try and focus on what I was doing...now.

So, here is to living in the NOW! Taking each day, one at a time because that is all we really have. As the saying goes, tomorrow is promised to no one! Which kind of creeps me out because I'd like to think everyone will wake up and get to see tomorrow.

See you in the trails!