I love me some Trail-Runnin'!

This was a fairly routine week of runs, rides and a swim.  I’m not going to go into huge detail, but here’s a quick recap.  Mind you, Matt woke up for his workouts with me each and every morning – this is a FIRST in a long time.  I am proud of him.  He’s becoming incredibly fit because of his consistency – which also means he’s wiping the earth’s floor with me each and every time we hit the trail or the road. 

So, Monday we rode easy.  After our HUGE effort on the bike on Sunday, it was nice to simply pedal away as if nothing mattered. 

Tuesday, we met at the trailhead to the Desert Classic at 5am for a 4 mile run.  We watched the sun rise over South Mtn and gabbed the whole way about several of our work projects.

Wednesday, Matt found a new hill on which to do hill repeats on the bike.  It was steep and fantastically hard.  After three times up and around, we called it a day.  Total mileage was around 15-16 miles, so it was a good workout for a Wednesday morning. 

My new jersey...its pretty sweet!

Much to my surprise, Matt met me again at the trailhead for a 6 mile run on the beautiful Desert Classic trail.  He pulled ahead about a ½ mile into the run, and as much as I tried to catch him – it was like a rabbit following a carrot for the next 5 miles.  I could see him or smell his deodorant for the majority of the route, but I never caught him.  I was not disappointed in my times – and I think Matt hit a PR for his 6 miles.  Another testament to becoming quite the athlete - consistency.  (Let’s see how long he can keep this up with me on his tail.)

On Thursday morning, we both brought our bikes in for some minor repairs.  Matt was dropping his chain more often than not and my shifting was out of whack.  Turns out I needed new cables.  This simply meant that our bikes were in the shop for what would have been a Friday morning ride.  So, I hit the gym alone and pushed out a 1500 meter swim.  In the two weeks I was out of the gym-pool, they resurfaced the indoor lap pool.  It was good and bad.  No longer could I see the mucky stains along the bottom, but when I hit the wall to turn around, they’d strategically placed several SLICK tiles in the midst of the back-wall, and my foot slid right off the tile giving me NO leverage or distance.  I almost threw out my hip.  It only took a couple of laps for it to dawn on me to stay to the right or the left of the lane to avoid the slick tiles.  My right hip is still a little wonky because of it.

We both took Saturday off in an effort to prepare our bodies for a tough trail run on Sunday morning. 

My alarm awakened me at 3:45am.  Matt was picking me up at 4:15am for our 40 minute drive out to the Usery Mountains, again.  This time he wanted me to try to run the Pass Mountain trail.  He detailed it as a 7.1 mile route with HUGE elevation climbs for the first 4 miles.  Then a nice rolling descent to the base of the mountain.

Shortly after 5am, we were headed out on the trail.  The first couple of miles were lovely – albeit narrow and far larger rock formations to hop over (and around) than on the trails of South Mountain.  Matt pulled ahead immediately, and I just followed the white shirt for miles.  I tried to keep him in my sights, but there were occasions where looking up would have been quite a detriment, so I lost him for a bit.  At the second mile, the elevation began to change and we were clearly headed up – up – up.  This path became quite narrow and the rock formations even steeper and more dangerous.  I just let Matt vanish so that I could focus on my foot work.  He knew the route – and this meant he could run it with less trepidation than I. 

At the 3 mile mark I found myself pleased that I’d thought to bring my handheld water bottle, as I was climbing and climbing.  There were moments in the fourth mile where I literally thought my heart was going to come out of my chest, as I maneuvered my way through very narrow passages along fairly steep drops (along the mountainside).  My mother would have been displeased.  Occasionally I would see Matt in one of the switchbacks along the side of the mountain.  He waited for me just beyond the ½ way mark at the very steepest section of the run.  As we both stood there we could see for miles and miles.  The city and world was beneath us.  But, after about a minute, Matt uttered, “You ready to finish this?”  All I could do was nod, as he darted away from me again. 

I came around a bend relatively close to one of the higher sections of the run and could see Matt waiting for me.  He knew how important it would be to occasionally take in the scenery, so I figured he was waiting for me to show me nature’s beauty.  Instead, I realized he was taking video footage of me with the gorgeous sun rise over the mountains in the backdrop.  How cool to be able to relive it, over and over. 

As he pulled away from me, again, the path became very narrow.  The next 2.5 miles were filled with the smells of the desert mountain floor and the beauty of the rolling mountains around us.  Next time I will be able to look up a lot more.

While those last few miles were mostly downhill, there were plenty of steep washes to come in and out of – and my legs were feeling exhausted with each and every one.  And, as the path finally flattened out, I could see Matt waiting for me at the end – camera poised in my direction. 

It was certainly the hardest trail run I have ever done – and it made the Desert Classic look like child’s play.  7.6 miles took me 1:31 – that should explain JUST how difficult it was.  I was anticipating 1:15-1:20.  I am already ready to try to beat it, though – now that I know what to anticipate. 

If you click on the pic -- you can see little me in the distance.

We left the Usery Mountain Park and eventually hit the freeway.  As we did, Matt and I looked over our shoulders and Matt said, “we just went around that entire thing,” gesturing to this huge mountain in the backdrop.  What an amazing feeling!

“Please, sir.  I want some more!”

Although, this is a "snagged" shot, I did buy it.  Thought this was one of my cooler finishing photos from Pat's Run, last weekend.  Going to make it my Blog Profile Pic, too.  When the real one comes in, I will replace this one.

Post Tri Ease

I am not sure I should even try to write an eventful blog this week.  After last week’s huge effort, I took it pretty easy the beginning portion of the week.

Figuring that my legs needed some recovery time on the bike, I headed out for 14 or so miles (super easy) on Tuesday morning.  The only really great thing about the ride was that somewhere around mile 10 I realized it was light enough not to need my bike light – which also meant that I could probably start hitting the trailhead again before work. 

So, I did exactly that on Thursday morning.  At 5:15am, Matt met me for a short, but beautiful trail run.  It had been about 5 weeks since I’d been on the trail – and several months since Matt had.  We chatted about work and life the whole 4 miles and both admitted to feeling whole again now that we could hit the trailhead before work. 

Friday, Matt kicked my ass on a ride out Pecos Road and back.  He started the ride by telling me how poorly (and little) he’d slept and really didn’t feel like riding.  But, something kicked in around the 4^th mile because he left me gasping for air and screaming about my quads being aflame.  You should all know – he laughs at me all the time and it simply frustrates the crap out of me.

Saturday morning, I met Anne and Amy for the 9^th Annual Pat’s Run.  28,000 runners show up for this event, annually – and the events earlier in the week (in Boston) were not lost on any of us.  But the 4.2 mile run (which I have done every year since its inception) went off without a hitch.  It was better organized this year than the prior several.  The first year I ran it, I helped organize a team that took first place (as there were a couple thousand runners who took part). 

Last year, with 28,000 runners, we took 118^th out of 500 teams.  Sadly, due to changes in how the college can advertise events, we only had a few people sign up on the team, this year – so I didn’t even bother to check the team stats. 

Pre-Race: Anne, Mer, Amy

When the horn blew – corral after corral left the starting line.  I was in Corral 7, so I started about 7 minutes after the first runners took off.  Anne and Amy were a few corrals back from me.  Because there are so many runners, it’s difficult to really refer to Pat’s Run as a race – since everyone spends the majority of their time bobbing and weaving passed slower runners. 

I had no real issues on the run.  I didn’t bother to look at my Garmin for the entirety of the race.  I figured – what was the point?  Too many people, narrow roads – it would only irritate me.  But, when I crossed the finish line at the 42 yard line of the ASU football stadium, my watch read 35:54 (corrected to 35:50 official time).  I was stunned.  That’s just over an 8:30 pace.  I kept thinking about what I could have done without all of the people in the way.  I was pleased!

Post Race Smiles - Mer, Amy, Anne

Shortly after I finished, I waited and saw Anne beat her time from last year – and then Amy do the same.  We were three very proud girls, when all was said and done!  We enjoyed a nice breakfast together in honor of our efforts.

That evening, I went to Anne’s to spend the evening with my favorite two kiddos, before heading home to attempt to sleep before my 4am alarm went off. 

That Miss Lyla!!!

However, with very little sleep, I got up and attempted a really tough ride with Matt along the Usery/Superstition Mountains. 

At 5am we met and headed out along the hilly paths of the Bush Highway.  Its ridiculous just how much climbing and sleep descents we endure on this route of Matt’s.  Then, a good 9 miles into the ride, we hit the Usery Pass – a 3.5 mile climb that can wreck even the best’s riding ego.  As we began our first ascent up the Pass, I told Matt that it was the first time I had attempted this route with my Carbon bike.  It, and my 16 months of riding experience since my first time up, made a world of difference.  It was tough, but not unmanageable.  It also no longer takes me 30 minutes to climb it.  In fact, it took us just over 17 minutes. 

It wasn’t at all lost on us that a few weeks prior a snowbird had killed a rider on the same Pass up the mountain.  Its weird – the shoulder is huge and the roads are smooth.  There was no excuse for it.  However, there was a lovely memorial for the rider about a 1/3 of the way up the Pass – and I noticed that we both were silent in observation and thought, as we passed.  I suppose some of these things we love are dangerous when drivers are not paying attention.  Let this be a moment for everyone to reflect – no texting, no distractions while driving.  You simply never know when a cyclist or runner is on the shoulder next to you.

After Matt and I reached the top and began spiraling down, I thought, “is he seriously going to make me do this whole thing again?”  Sure enough, as we hit the 17^th mile of our ride, Matt made a right-hand turn and we were back at it.  All we could do was laugh – as our quads and brains were tired. 

The second time up the Usery Pass, Matt and I passed a poor rider.  As we passed him, he uttered (while very much out of breath), “I love this, but I hate it, too.”  All we could do was nod, as we trekked passed him on our way to the top. 

I held strong for just over ½ of the 3.5 mile climb, but Matt came back with full force for the last mile and a half and my lead was lost forever.  I know that man’s brain – if he can push it out, he will make me die trying to beat him.  Today was not the day to win – Matt took it hands down, again.  BUT – for a solid 2 miles, I really thought I had him.  (…sigh)

As we hit the descent, Matt complimented my riding, and I his.  He knows, however, that I am chomping at the bit to kick his ass on one of these long, endurance-riddled mornings.    

On a side note, after Anne, Amy and I had signed up and booked our hotel rooms for the Sonoma ½ marathon on June 8^th, we all got notification on Wednesday that “due to low registration numbers” the race had been canceled and all fees returned.  We were bummed.  BUT, within 24 hours, we’d all resolved to move our training up a week and do the San Diego ½ again – June 2^nd.  YES!  I will finally have my chance to do well.  With any luck, I won’t get the stomach flu again this year.  (…smile)  Here’s hoping!

Meri and the Leadman

I know, I know – I failed to blog last week.  I was in Chicago on a business trip and by the time I arrived home on Tuesday evening, it seemed pointless to start a blog.  I do want to say that while in Chicago, though, I did manage to take a couple of nice runs with my colleagues, Brian and Matt (yes, Matt of the blog).  Here are a couple of nice shots of our respective runs (Brian on Sat: 5.25 miles; Matt on Monday 3.4 miles).

Early morning run - 5.25 miles with Brian

Late afternoon run with Matt -- gorgeous water front.

The big news, of course, is that I have officially completed the Leadman 125.  To refresh everyone’s memory (1.5 mile swim, 69 mile ride and 8.1 mile run = 125 km). 

I went to bed last night exhausted from my nerves.  I was literally sound asleep by 8:15pm.  Interestingly enough, I slept fairly soundly until my alarm went off at 4:15am to let me know it was Game Time.  8 hours sleep before a big race?  I was super pleased. 

I had packed all my gear the night before and left myself a little note on my bag to remember my frozen/chilling water bottles.  The weather forecast was for some fairly substantial sun and heat – 90+ degrees by the time I was to finish.  I knew hydration was going to be key.

I met Josh, Aaron and Joe in transition a little passed 5:30am, and we all got set up.  I love the pre-race transition area.  You become instant friends with all of the people setting up around you.  Mostly because everyone wants to borrow someone else’s gear.  Evidently, I was the only one within 5 racks that thought to bring my bike pump, so my pump was quite the hit for a while. 

Before we knew it, they were calling for us to line up for the swim.  The swim is my most worrisome event.  You cannot imagine how happy I am that its first on the list!  Aaron, Josh and Joe (being under 39 and men) were in the FIRST wave of swimmers – leaving the dock at 7am, sharp.  And, I (an over 40 female) was in the last wave – starting at 7:15am.  This is both a curse and a blessing.  1. You’re not drowning at the hands of speedy men or women. 2. Your last in and last out, so you’re always at a deficit when racing – seeing people miles and miles ahead of you for the remainder of the race.  Its entirely mental – but I love it and hate it.

Joe, Mer, Josh and Aaron - pre-race wetsuit shot

As all of the men and younger women left the dock, my wave jumped in.  Usually people are respectful as you make your way into the water, but not the over-anxious jackass who jumped in behind me.  She literally jumped on my leg and my foot scraped the bottom of the rocky lake.  OUCH!  Gah!

However, as the horn blew – it was my day.  Everything was fine – my breathing, my stroke, my stride.  I felt great.  I was thrilled when the turn around seemed faster than I anticipated, as well.  I wasn’t getting tired at all.  In fact, I started passing swimmers from the previous heats – another benefit of being last – no one passes you.  (wink)  We all know that blowing up in the water is simply a reality for triathletes.  Sometimes the combination of going out too fast and the restriction of the wetsuit can make people panic.  Fortunately, I experienced no panic the entire swim.  I was a little dismayed at my time – 1:06 when I hit the deck, but my Garmin tells me I must have swung wide for nearly a quarter mile.  Total distance on my watch: 1.77 miles.  Ok, I’ll take the 1:06 with that in mind. 

As I was pulled from the water, the guy said, “don’t run the stairs!”  But, I heard him a millisecond too late, as I did a face plant right into the stairs out of the water.  So embarrassing and it hurt like a bitch!  But, the adrenalin from the humiliation kept me moving and I was in transition in no time. 

I quickly put on my bike gear and headed out on the bike route.  Most of the bikes were gone – another hazard of the last wave.  However, the bike is one of my best events, and I was looking forward to making up some time. 

We were told we had four 17.25 mile loops.  Let me tell you – they weren’t straight out and back.  Nope.  There were something like 17 turns and complete 180’s  along the single loop.  Additionally, they had us weave our way through the Papago Hills and several highway overpasses.  I’m not complaining – one of the benefits is that what goes up must come down – and the downhill was a nice respite each and every time.  I’ll refrain from mentioning the wind, as well – I don’t want to seem like a baby, after all.

As I completed the 1^st loop, I remembered hearing my name yelled as I breezed passed an intersection earlier in the ride.  So, I looked closely as I re-approached that same spot.  Sure enough – Christina (my amazing admin) and her friend Mark were screaming my name.  I passed them 8 times on the bike and I looked forward to each and every passing.  It was a HUGE boost for me every single time.  In fact, I needed to discard my water bottles at one point so I could grab a couple from the water stations and I was able to toss them to Christina without fear of never getting them back.  At $25 a bottle – I want those suckers back!  So, a HUGE HUGE thank you to Christina and Mark.

Distracted from seeing Christina and Mark – in the middle of my second loop, I ran nearly face first into one of the street signs directing traffic to stay right.  =/  I was able to swerve out of the way at the last minute, but it still caught my right hand and tore it up a bit.  I was a bloody mess for a good 20 minutes after.  Totally my fault – and I was acutely aware of all street signs after that. I somehow stayed upright; so that alone, kept me smiling.

After my second loop, I saw the beautiful (and VERY pregnant) Jacqui at another intersection corner.  What a treat!  Jacqui and I trained together for our first triathlons – she holds a special place in my heart and I loved seeing her out there on the route. 

On my last bike loop I saw Anne and Loretta on the side of the road.  I was so relieved.  I hadn’t seen them the entire morning and I was sure they were out there and we were simply missing each other.  Fortunately, Anne said she was late and that it was within minutes of her arrival.  (whew, wiping brow)

As I began to slow my bike to hit transition, I saw Matt with his kids, Brooke and Cole.  They had come straight from a Scout Camping trip.  First words out of Matt’s mouth, “Come on Meri!”  I must have given him the look of death and it took everything in me not to tell him where to go in front of his kids.  I wanted to walk my bike; I was tired.  But NO… Matt was simply not going to allow it.  So, I hussled as best I could to appease my bike-coach!

As it turns out – he was right.  I was dawdling.  I saw my transition time – eeeek!  5 minutes!  Oh well.  It didn’t feeeeeel that long.

By now I had been moving non-stop for over 5 hours and I was tired.  I just wanted it over.  I moved out of transition and into the run like a pregnant yak.  Matt got photographic evidence, but I am NOT interested in posting those pics.  Its nice to see that I looked exactly like I felt.  Like ass!

About ¾ of a mile into the run, I got a horrible stitch.  I walked for a minute and attempted to get back after it.  The stitch continued, so I allowed myself to walk swiftly for a full tenth of a mile before running again.  I had looked at the weather forecast days before the Leadman and saw the heat – 90+ degrees and nary a cloud in the sky.  I froze my handheld water bottle and was determined to carry it the length of the run.  It turned out to be the GIFT of the Leadman.  I was able to continually douse myself with water and had it to sip if and when needed.  The water stations along the way allowed me to refill it, as well, so it was always cold and always refreshing.

However, the run SUCKED.  Shortly after my stitch went away, the route turned into trails and they were steep and narrow.  Everyone began walking.  I resolved to walk up and run anything that looked flat or down.  Then I had to make deals with myself to walk the length of one power pole and run the length of two.  They were about 2-3 tenths apart, so it kept me moving more than walking.  I was still passing people who had started the race in earlier waves – and honestly, that made me feel pretty good.  In the last mile, I struck up a conversation with a guy who had been walking-running with this me for the prior mile or so.  As we rounded Mill Avenue, I said, “We’re really going to do this!”  He smiled and agreed.  But as we got part way down Mill, he started to peter out.  I looked back, walked for a minute with him and said, “Come on.  Let’s push each other.”  And, we did.  We talked to pass the time and embraced at the finish.  I am fairly certain that were I not there to encourage him on – he would have simply walked the last 2/3s of a mile.  Poor guy.  I was happy to help him … ‘cause it pushed me, too. 

Paul and Me -- embracing after finishing together

And, as I rounded the final corner, I could see Dennis, Loretta and Anne.  I was thrilled.  And, then, as I began to move through the finisher’s chute, I could see so many more of my closest friends: Matt, Ron, Lora, Anne, Loretta, Dennis and Aaron – who greeted me inside the finisher’s area.  I could feel just how proud everyone was of me.  It was incredible.  I am so fortunate to have so many encouraging and enthusiastic friends – and they all support me.  Its simple amazing.  I appreciate all of them – Jacqui, Christina and Mark, too! 

So, here are a smattering of shots from the end – oh and a video Dennis took!

Nearly done - Video!

Aaron in the Finisher's Area with me

And Anne =)

Dennis

 

You all know Matt

And Ron

And Jacqui

Anne and Loretta - always being fun

Figured I'd throw this in for good measure.