Life after Mt. Diablo

I'm still on cloud nine from Sunday! I love looking through the pictures and reliving the run over and over. First thing Monday morning, I took Boomer to the Alameda Creek Trail for a two mile walk. I went for another two mile walk that night. Same thing for yesterday. My quads are a little sore but nothing that would keep me from doing anything at all. As a matter of fact, today I golfed with Keith and we walked the course. And guess what? KEITH GOT A HOLE-IN-ONE!!! I'm so happy I was there to witness it. I'm so proud of him! It's his very first one. The odds of an amateur golfer getting one is 1 in 12,750. Woot, woot Keith!



I've been thinking about how physically good I felt on Sunday and I wanted to share with you all, some good choices I made, prior to the marathon, that I believe allowed that to happen.

Boiron USA - Products - Sportenine®
I took one of these right when I started and then one every two hours. No muscle cramps, aches, fatigue, etc. One lesson I learned though. Don't keep them anywhere near your self-dissolving electrolyte tablets. Why? Well, you see, these are about the same size as electrolyte tablets, and you don't want to chew on electrolyte tablets. Have you ever? OMG, the whole thing comes flying out of my mouth and I watch it continue to fizz in the dirt. Blah!

REI Dry One Polypro Liner Socks at REI.com
No, they don't HAVE to be from REI but, sock liners definitely saved me from getting a single blister. I got a honkin' blister in my first 50k back in September. It was majority downhill. I know what goes up must come down so climbing 8,000 feet on Sunday was going to require me getting back down. When I took my shoes and socks off, my feet looked like I just got a pedicure, they were so pretty. I know for a fact I would have been blistered up, especially with my feet swelling from the salt intake and sweating from the heat.

REI OXT Pulse Tank Top - Women's at REI.com
Okay, this you have to get at REI. I bought this top at the last second, the day before the marathon. I knew it was going to be hot and when I picked up this shirt and felt how incredibly light it was, I knew it would be the perfect top for Sunday. All day long, I couldn't even tell I was wearing a top. And when I dipped my head in the faucet and drenched myself in the creek, it dried so fast! Good thing too, seeing as mine was white. LOL

Kafka's Kool Ties // HOME PAGE
I put this on about an hour into the race. I followed the directions, as far as turning it often so the outside becomes the part next to your neck. Every time I did this, aaaaaah, a little cooler I would get. I soaked it whenever I got a chance, at least at every aid station. I know some people will wear a bandanna and put ice in it or just get it wet but what if you are not anywhere that ice is readily available? This sucker was a lifesaver. They have tons of different designs. I'm sure there's one you will like. They are $10 at REI.


I know these things made a HUGE difference for me. I hope you will use one of these ideas in your upcoming race, be it a 5k or a 50k. If you do, I'd like to hear how it worked for you.

I'm working tomorrow morning so Friday will be my first run since Sunday. I'm dying to get back out, believe me!

Until later.............

Diablo Marathon Story

If you would rather just see photos, fast forward through this post and then move directly on to the post below this one. If not, sit back with your cup of coffee or your glass of wine and enjoy! This course was AWESOME! Not a lot of repeats which was great. Full of surprises. Some good, some not so much.

I woke up at 4:15, had a couple cups of coffee, did some stretching and was on the road at 5:15 for my hour drive. I hit the pee pee room at the parking lot then went to check in with the beautiful Victoria, and get my number. I said hello to a few familiar faces, introduced myself to Theresa (a fellow PCTR regular) and stood in the back of the group at the starting time of 7:00 a.m. I was so far back, I was having trouble hearing what Wendell had to say. As soon as the crowd starting moving forward, I did too. In typical PCTR fashion, the run started off with a climb. A HUGE CLIMB. Eight miles up, almost 4,000 feet!!! This shows where we started, way over by the rock quarry.

I was happy to see single track, in the shade. For 7:00 a.m. start, you could already feel the heat coming over the mountain. I kept hearing people say, "it's going to be a hot one." We knew this, didn't we? The shaded single track, after a couple more hours, was still 90 degrees.

Theresa and her friend Toni caught me and I hung with them for a little while. I got to the first aid station (Juniper) and Victoria was there with a big hug for me and she refilled my hydration pack. For the life of me, I couldn't tell you what I ate. I know it doesn't matter to you but it's driving me crazy that I can't remember. She told me it was 1.75 miles to the summit and the next aid station. I took off and headed on up to the summit. Theresa said she felt like she had a blister on her heel (new shoes). I had some "second skin" packs with me so I gave her one to put on. It was very steep on this section. You know the kind of steep when you step in front of yourself and your foot slips backwards? It was THAT steep for quite a bit of it. You could reach out and touch the ground IN FRONT OF YOU, not underneath you. These first eight torturous miles took me three hours. Here I am at the top:

The next four miles, we can actually call blissful. Yup, blissful. It was downhill. Runnable downhill. This I could do. But, wait. After a mile or so, I notice runners coming toward me. Hmmmm. Okay, so I have to come back up this. I just kept gleefully running down. And down. And down. And runners kept coming toward me, moving slowly I might add. I was smiling at everyone I saw. I was happy. I was running downhill. I knew I would eventually have to go back up but it didn't really sink in, how much UP it was. I hit the Rock City aid station where I filled up on ice and water and had a PB&J sandwich. I went down the trail to the marathon turn-around point and went back to Rock City aid station. I sat down in a chair for just a minute, took a salt capsule, one Advil and grabbed a huge handful of Ruffles. As I was leaving, some little kid in the campground (yes, we were running through campsites where people were sitting in the shade, grilling yummy smelling food) says "ooooh, chips?" I said, "yup, you come out here and run 26 or 50 miles, your choice, and you too can eat all the Ruffles you want to." I left for my journey back up the hill. All but this little part seemed to be uncovered and in the direct heat of the middle of the day.

I climbed on up. And up. And up. I really wanted to climb into this rock. It looked cool and comfy. But, I didn't. I kept climbing. And climbing. Getting more and more frustrated with the heat. I felt like I was getting nowhere. Nowhere at all. Every time I glanced at my Garmin, it had only changed by .10 mile.

But then I saw Rick. He was literally hopping down the trail. We took a picture of each other taking a picture of each other. I remembered that just a little while before, I was the one hopping down this trail. It gave me strength. I moved forward. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I made sure each step was moving me forward, not backward in any way. I stopped if I needed to and ran when I could. I was seriously considering stopping at the next aid station (mile 16) and calling it a day. I wanted to keep going. My heart was in this. If it wasn't for the heat, nothing bothered me. I felt very strong, physically. Nothing was hurting at all. I was drinking tons of ice water, taking salt, a few Advil for preventative purposes. I couldn't make the sun go away though.

Right when I was approaching the Juniper aid station, again running through a campsite, I spotted a water faucet. "Glory, Hallelujah!" I ran over to it, took my hat and sunglasses off and put my head directly under the running water. It was extremely cold and I expressed my satisfaction in a clear, loud roar! I had been given life once more. I skipped into the aid station, stocked up on ice and water, chatted it up a little with the volunteer, got my running instructions and took off once again for the summit. Yes, once again, I had to climb up to the top of the mountain. However, with this new life in me, it was not as difficult as the first time. But, as this picture shows, it was just as steep and rocky as the first time.

And as hot!

But, when I got to the top, I was in a great mood. Because I knew it was all downhill from here, right? Right? That's what I was told. All downhill. Technical, even. I can do downhill like a lot of people can't. Bring on the downhill. So, 18 miles down, I happily began my descent. My happiness comes to a complete halt at mile 19! What sick F&#K puts a monster size hill at mile 19 of a marathon like this one? Tell me who! OMG! I'm so over these f&#*ing climbs. You hear me? I'M OVER CLIMBING ALREADY! F&#K! That was exactly what was going through my mind. But, up I went. I don't know how long the hill was or how long it took me but it seemed to take forever. At last, at the top. Sweet downhill single track. I'm singing again. Britney Spears' "Toxic" comes on and I am running once again.

It's amazing how many times my mood changed during this run. Just like the course - up, down, up, down. Hence this big smile at mile 20. This darn pine cone is almost as big as my head!

Then mile 22 came. Oh, mile 22. On paper you look so nice but in person you SUCKED. You sucked everything out of me. It was now my feet that were requiring attention. Nope, they weren't sore. No blisters, no toenail pain. They were on FIRE. FIRE, I tell you. I pulled off the trail and sat down. I was actually contemplating taking my shoes off so my feet could breathe. I figured running barefoot would have to be a better choice. Seriously! That's what I was thinking. HA! Can you imagine? OMG. People, not runners, just regular (normal) people were hiking up the trail so once in a while I would ask them how much further it was to the parking lot. My Garmin couldn't be 100% accurate, could it? I was running low on water. The summit was the last aid station I would see before heading the eight miles to the finish. My shoulders and arms were getting sunburned and the sun was feeling intense on them. I had a solution. I would put water in my mouth, swish it around, swallow just a little then dribble the rest on my shoulder. That way I could drink and wet my skin. Suddenly a couple approaches me and tells me there is a cool creek just up the trail a bit. WHAT? FOR REAL? I am so there!!! I go as fast as I can for a few minutes. I stop. I listen. I hear running water. Can I hear another "Glory, Hallelujah?!" I go fast again. Then this:

I STAND in the creek (after pushing an older couple out of the way - sorry) for probably five minutes just soaking myself. I was using my hat as a bucket. Every bit of me was absorbing the ice cold creek water. The couple asked what i was doing so I filled them in a little bit. They were impressed, especially with the fact there was a 50-mile run going on in this heat. He was nice enough to take the picture of me. After this great ice bath, I had 2.4 miles to go and I had not a care in the world. I knew without a doubt I would make it and I would be fine. I was hopping over rocks on the trail like they were nothing. I took a wrong turn and didn't even care. I took a picture of myself when I had 1.75 miles to go. Now you know why I looked so fresh and not sweating in that picture. I was happily running along the rolling trail. When I saw the finish line in the distance, I was surprised it was over so soon. I ran through the cones with my hands held above my head as I heard Victoria calling my name. It was so damn great! She kept telling me how fresh I looked. Well, I was. That creek. I owe a lot to that creek.

And I owe a lot to my friends and family that sent me encouraging texts all day long. Penny at
Planet Ynnep Running started her text messages at 4:30 in the morning and didn't stop until I was done. She was sending pictures and making me laugh all through the day. Thanks Penny! Christy sent me a couple of very nice encouraging messages. Thanks girl! HSE Lori called me when I was heading into Rock City and said she was praying for me. That prayer paid off, I'd say. My husband and daughter were helping me out too. I love you guys! Thanks for being so supportive of my crazy addiction. Physically, I may have been alone out there. But I sure didn't feel alone at all.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!

Diablo PHOTOS **Updated 04/23**

Monster hill at mile 19. Photo courtesy of Theresa Hatch.

Theresa's first glimpse of the hill at mile 19.

My main objective - reach this today:

One hour into the run:

Sorry but I don't remember the name of all the trails for these photos. I will post them as I figure it out. Enjoy the photos anyway, they're pretty. ;)

Juniper Trail

Juniper Trail
Close to the finish

I DID IT!

This is me after being told I only had 1.75 miles to the finish. YEEHAW!

It was over 90 degrees. It took me a little over 9.5 hours.

I'm super duper happy. No knee pain AT ALL.

I will post a full report with lots of beautiful pictures, in the next day or so.


Until later.............

Gratitude and Excitement

First of all, I would like to thank each and every one of you nice people that read my blog and responded with such positive comments. I kept reading the comments over and over throughout the last couple of days and it really helped calm me down. I appreciate them SO MUCH. You guys are GREAT!

Like I always do two nights before a "race", I went out for pasta. Chicken Fettuccine was the choice tonight. I couldn't finish the entire plate so I will have the rest for lunch tomorrow. What? I couldn't finish the whole plate? No!!! I had to save room for dessert. LOL

I'm back to being excited about Sunday. Just a tad concerned about the temperature. Now they are saying it's going to be 86 to 90 degrees. I originally had thoughts of wearing a waist pack with one 20 ounce bottle. But now, without a doubt, I am wearing my Nathan hydration pack which will hold, if I need it, 1.75 liters. I will be bringing margarita flavored Clif shot bloks because they have more sodium. I will be sure to drink lots of fluids and soak my head whenever possible.

As usual, my goal is to complete the distance and not be DFL. If I am to be honest, (which I always am) I expect my finish time to be 8-10 hours. When I do the Golden Hills Trail Marathon, my finishing times have been 6:38 and 6:28. With the elevation of this marathon, I think I can easily add on another couple of hours. Do I want to be out in that heat for that long? Uh, that would be a big hell no! But, I have a feeling that's what it is going to take.

Now, maybe some of you are thinking, "then why the heck are you doing this?" Well I will tell you just a few reasons. 1) Because I will get to see some of my friends (either running or volunteering). 2) I've never been to the top of Mt. Diablo and this is one way for me to get there. The scenery is supposed to be spectacular. 3) I want to see if I can. 4) Aid station treats!

I plan on taking it one step at a time and making sure each step I take is leading me in a forward direction. I have to remember to breathe deeply and take in the beauty of the day. I hope to have lots of great pictures to share with you all.

One more day and I get to run. Yup, I'm excited! ;)

Until later.............

One second at a time

I wish I felt like Bella did this morning, happy and carefree. Just jazzed to be here.

But I don't. I have worries. Second by second, my mind changes. One second: I can do it! Next second: Oh crap, what the hell am I getting myself into? Literally, second by second!! It is driving me completely NUTS!

As I mentioned before, I am doing this marathon Sunday: Diablo (Apr 19)

I did my last long run a week ago. Since then I have done little things here and there. My last trail run was on Easter, one week before the marathon. I'm used to running every single day that I am able. This means if I'm not scheduled to work all day, I will be running. In a matter of three days without running, I am convinced that when Sunday rolls around I will forget how to run. My knees and ankles will not bend when they're supposed to. My muscles will have lost all their strength. My toes are going to curl up in my shoes. I'm going to slip and fall on loose rocks because my feet will be too heavy to lift off the ground. My lungs are going to feel like they are the size of soybeans, therefore I will not be able to breathe in and out deep enough. I'm going to fall backwards when I'm trying to climb up to the summit because the trail is super steep. Oh, the list goes on and on.

Then I read this on the PCTR message boards:

"You will need to carry and take electrolytes. It will be hot and you will be losing not only lots of fluids, but also electrolytes. You can take care of this by taking any number of electrolyte supplements. If you don't have any, then be sure to eat plenty of the salty snacks at the aid stations (potato chips, pretzels, etc. they even have salt at the aid stations). Finally, and not to scare you, but this is a difficult marathon. The elevation can be quite challenging. Be very careful, take it slow and easy. There are a number of technical challenges on this course and plenty of places where you can slip. But, it is an incredibly beautiful course and the people are quite friendly."

It's supposed to be 84 degrees Sunday. 84 friggin' degrees! This course is not known for having canopy covered single track trails, just in case you were wondering. There is a reason Diablo means The Devil.

Remember the way you felt after your last great run? You felt so strong. You could go run forever and you're sorry there was only ten miles on your training schedule for the day. Well, I want that feeling NOW. I want to feel that confidence that goes along with it too. I know I felt that way on Sunday but how quickly it faded. My legs feel great right now. I keep telling myself to just go out for a quick little run. With my luck I would pull a hammy or twist an ankle. I want to be healthy going into Sunday. Thank God I am scheduled all day at work for the next three days.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm scared to death about Sunday. I should be though. I never sign up for easy stuff. I like to challenge myself. If I wasn't nervous then obviously it would be too easy. After my last long run I felt more than ready for Diablo. But since then, a few people have asked me if I feel ready. Well shit! I did before people started asking me. Then I started second guessing myself. Did I do everything I possibly could to prepare myself? Should I have done something different? I was going to check out the course a little bit today with Christy but that didn't pan out. She had an opportunity to go to Disneyland with her son. Whatever, I guess I'll give her that one. ;)

Thanks for listening and letting me unload my brain. I'm going to keep staring at the course description and elevation chart and continue to freak myself out. I should feel even worse by tomorrow.

Until later.............

Easter Day Run

MY entrance to Garin:
After reading about RBR's affair with Garin, I knew where I had to go on Easter morning for my last real trail run before my marathon Sunday. I had to reclaim my territory!

And my cows were still happy to see me and Boomer. ;)

I guess, technically, I'm supposed to be tapering but since I don't follow any real training program, I'm just going to take it easy this week. Today was a 4.5 mile run in the quiet serene setting of my beautiful Garin.

RBR mentioned the bridges along the Dry Creek Trail. It's true, I have to run across them with my arms up in the air!

I took my rock back! It's MINE now. ALL MINE!

I know for a fact, she didn't see this secret trail:

A perfect sight on Easter morning:

And, my exit from serenity, back into the real world:

It was so lovely to get out early on Easter morning and get a run in with Boomer. I feel so blessed to be able to do that. And to do it in such a gorgeous surrounding.

I'm working 33 hours this week which is good in a way. At least I won't be wanting to run when I really shouldn't be. But I also know how my mood can get when I don't run (and it ain't pretty!). So, I'm sure I will have to get out a couple of days for a little run or a hike. Plus, the boy needs it! I will be going to Diablo on Wednesday to check out the beginning and the end of the marathon course since I've never been there. Christy will go with me so that will be a good day.

Until later.............