McCall Trail Running Classic 40 miles

I rose at 2:30 am to get set for the MTRC. I planned to drive to Jug Mountain Resort, about an hour and a half from my house so that I could sleep in my own bed -- local races are few for me. I got my hydration pack organized and full with water, Spark, gels, extra socks and various other items. I was ready and excited to run a fun 40 miler, I had no expectations aside from a deep desire to finish. A week prior to the race I was considering bagging it -- thank goodness I came to my senses. Upon arrival I was sifting through my pack making final decisions as the other runners began to arrive. Can I just say one more time I love this community of folks! The race directors for the run are fabulous people, they seem experienced and ready to "tend" on their runners. Good morning greetings followed by hugs and votes of confidence, it really does not get any better. Ready set go, 6am start the light is soft and the air a perfect cool, a quarter mile up the road and a turn to a single track, the runners all grouped together -- for now. The sound of working lungs and feet pounding and gliding above the earth fill the space around me, the runners start to spread out. I heat up fast and go for a quick wardrobe change, long sleeves off, ready to run on. The first lake is lovely Lake Louie, the morning lake mist rising just before the first big climb. Huff and puff, stop and go, moving forward so that the first few miles can be ancient history and so that I can find my groove. I was able to run a great deal of this race and made the wise decision to power hike all the hills, I am much more in my grove that way. I felt strong with each ascent and descent. The climb to Boulder Mountain was rugged and breath taking not only in the views but in my lungs. Played tag with a fellow runner, leading and following -- this is such a powerful wave to ride, allowing space to grow between another runner and myself, then closing in for a chatty climb. The summit was bright with alpine lupine, the views vast I was struck by the focus I felt on the trail. As I approached each new section I drew from my Yoga life -- coupling my runner girl and my yoga girl. I found my breath, my attention to each step, the surrounds, while at the same time allowing my mind to surf the deep thoughts of an ultra runner. I ran smooth, I felt the grace of the sport. The decent into Lakefork was fast and fun, weaving in and out of the trees, running smooth and injury free is in a word RAD! I cruised along looking forward to the water crossing, while it was not a scorcher, it was hot! The big water crossing was a blast, the rope helpful, the water was at my knee and I loved every ripple. I found that my footing was secured from my experience steelhead fishing in Oregon, who knew I would be able to take that experience and cross well in my Ultra life. At some point on the down hill I was nearly attacked by a Red tailed hawk -- as it turns out he was not notified about the race, he was ready to steal hats and take heads off. I admit I found it was rather humorous. The aid station at the bottom was super great, gels, ginger ale, chezz its -- my new guilty pleasure at a race -- the volunteers ready to help in every way (volunteers rule). It was time to make my way up, up, up the hill. I estimated that it would take me roughly two hours at this stage in the race and with the steepness. I was dead on! One foot in front of the other I made it to the top, then more down hill. The views were awesome but I started to get consumed by the fact that I thought the aid station was closer, I drank heavily on my way out of Lakefork and was now in conservation mode. I was thirsty and the horse flies were thick; every race has its low moments and this was my first, I have learned not to let the grueling pace and the lack of water get me down. I turned my attention to the finish and seeing my family. At last I reached the final Aid Station. Ginger ale, water, cold towel, chips, kind words, uplifting and funny. Then the bad news "So what am I looking at Emily?" "Well... some up and down then your weave your way to the finish." Sweet I thought! "So do I really only have 5 miles to go?" In unison both Emily and Jenny say "No.... more like 8 to 10." "Oh god... Really?! Okay.... I can handle it." Emily reaches for the cup of bacon and offers me a piece (ha!), I take some with another cup of Ginger ale and I hit the road with my eye on the finish line. The final miles were stronger that most of the final miles I have run in other races, I had run smart and felt strong but the added mileage took my off my center, low point number two-- I was irritated and tired! Once I hit Double shot, a crazy steep decent I was blending a shuffle with brief running jaunts. The big boulders, the step up and steep rough single track in a word INSANE! Nearly there I hear the folks at the finish line cheering and Another One Bits the Dust come across the speakers -- so awesome. I was so excited to see my family and to cross yet another finish line. Four down four to go!

Every Runner has a Reason and a Story

Why do you run Ultras? What is it about them that takes you out on long runs in the wee hours of the night, that takes you away from your family for hours on Saturday and Sunday. What is it? Good question. I love the challenge, the time on my feet, the conditioning of my body, the fact that this time is all mine, I love the people, the community and the craziness of it all. With each race that I run I connect more with the sport. Running down a single track for hours is like nothing in the world. Sharing space and time with other runners is special in that the many people I have run next to, I do not know. I can guess that they have a story and a reason for being on the trail running 30, 40, 50, 100 miles. Somehow after sharing 10, 15, 20 miles with someone a bond forms. I run ultras for so many reasons, I run for therapy, for fun, for strength, because someone once told me I couldn't run an ultra until I spent a few years running half and full marathons (wanna bet), I run because it makes me a better Wife, Mother, Friend, Boss, Human, I run to find focus and to let go, I run because it makes sense to my mind, body and soul! After volunteering at the IMTUF 100 in 2012 I knew that this was a good community for me and that the connection I felt with perfect strangers was, with the risk of sounding over dramatic, totally life changing. It was that day that I knew I was an Ultra runner -- I had not run further that 20 miles but I did not care I was in. That is the thing about running long distance, if you really want to YOU CAN -- no rules just run.... I have met so many people over the last year each with a special something about them, the reason they train may be unique and it may be something we all have in common (aside from being totally crazy nuts). Ultra runners are compassionate, generous, understanding, kind, funny and nutty! Maybe the real question is why wouldn't you run an Ultra!

Silver City

Silver City was a crazy ride. It all started with the curvy drive up and down the Mountain to the Start/Finish line. My family dropped me off and headed back out. So here I am surrounded by amazing people and yet I set out for my tent, like a foreigner in a foreign land. It is an odd feeling being part of a group you do not know well but somehow feel totally connected to on a level that words cannot explain. I rested in my tent listening to the hustle and chatter of the runners as they passed by my tent. I was visualizing the day and looking forward to my longest race to date. It never fails the night before a race I think “What the hell am I doing??” and the very moment I arrive at the start line I know exactly what to do --- run and have fun! When morning came my pacer, Linnaea, and I got set for the day – we would meet up at my mile 38 and run the rest of the race together. We are testing out the pacer runner relationship for IMTUF 100 in August. The course was rough, the rocks were sharp and loose. The first 20 miles came very easy to me, nothing much to report on except for the fact that it was beautiful and freeing to run, I also discovered that I love water crossings. As the miles added up I found that me and the scree were not a good match, I found it very difficult to run down the scree and ended up side stepping – note the self practice running down hill your knees and IT bands will thank you for it! Hayden Peak was amazing! I summited at approximately 8700 feet feeling strong after the epic climb, had a sandwich on the way down and set my sights on meeting up with my pacer. I caught my second wind and ran hard and consistent, I was so happy to see Linnaea I nearly knocked her down with a perfect and powerful Aid Station hug! By mile 40 I was in a slump -- the kind that is topped off with sore IT bands and a grouchy outlook! It is funny how these things can happen on the trail, I am learning, learning to let go, learning to let it be, learning to smile and run it off. Linnaea was a perfect pacer, I know now that she struggled in parts of the run yet she never let on, she was a tremendous support for me. We ran on. Tennessee was ridiculously steep and incredibly fun, except when I stopped, I thought for sure I would fall backwards. The miles piled up and before I knew it I was checking firsts off my list, the first time I ran further than 52 miles, the first time I ran over 12 hours, the first time I ran and finished a 100k race. After leaving our last aid station we shuffled our way to the finish -- i was happy to be done. I may not have hit the mark on my goals for this race, I learned a great deal and had another incredible experience out on the trail, surrounded by other runners, amazing volunteers and beautiful views.

Ultra Real

I have been reflecting, as long distance runners we have a lot of time on your hands to think as we train. First the highlights --March 11th I ran 39 miles my furthest run to date --March 29th I ran 51.5 miles in the Pickled Feet 12 Hour, I came in 3rd for women (pretty cool) --April 17th I ran a 25 minute 5K (my best to date, and my first attempt) Forty eight days ago I ran my furthest run, 18 days after that I ran over fifty miles and felt a big push in my soul that I had truly entered into the world of Ultra running. But it is the last 30 days that I am reflecting on... this blog is meant to be the 'Journey to My first 100 mile Race' and a journey is certainly filled with highlights, it is also sprinkled with low lights; times when the click won't click, times when there is more questions than answers, times when we feel out of place, out of sorts, unsure, deeply reflective and frankly unmotivated to do what we truly, unconditionally love to do. The low lights --Post race ankle injury (bummer, but alas part of the sport) --My bodies unwillingness to get out of bed predawn --My minds banter and tremendous amount of reasons I gave myself to stay in bed/to not run --Self doubt (holy S%#!, so you are saying I am human....WHA???) --Runners blues (I should really start picking on my banjo again -- boy could I sing a story) Truth... I could go on and on and on and this is precisely why I am sitting down to write. While out on my run this morning I thought about the list above, of the good, bad and ugly -- the highs and lows; I thought about the advice I have received from fellow ultra runners, I thought about the support I have received from my husband and my family, I thought about my goals, and the list of races I plan to complete this year. BEWARE if you decide to dive into running long distance you will suddenly find a ton of time and space to think :) So... The best part about the ups and downs, for me, is when I come back around in a true refection. Why do I run ultra distance? I run far because when I am out there that is my task -- what am I doing?? I running, period. I am running because I love to run, I love how it feels and where it takes me. Why do I train hard? Because I am driven, I am over the top, I am seeking, I want more and honestly I need it, this is all part of who I am and it is these parts of me that teach me that rest is good and that the time off that may feel lazy and self indulgent is actually honest communication from my body. Why do I fight the fact that I am capable runner? Why do I doubt my abilities? Why I do want to write about this for anyone to read? Why admit the lows? Why not yell out from the mountain tops all the highlights of my journey and nothing but? Why, because the fact of the matter is without doubt, without fear, without the self deprecation I have no possible way of rising above... to rally... to run with heart and soul, to run with guts. The lows give me power to overcome and to get my ass out there and run. It is my mission with this blog and with my life to be my best at keeping it Ultra Real. I am inspired by many, I am supported by many and it is my sincerest hope that with all that I am, I will inspire and support many with the deepest of respect and understanding. So go ahead dive in, sink then swim.. Up and out, then repeat that!

Hats off to Ultra Runners!

Are your feet pickled yet?

Leading up to my first 12 hour night run -- the jury in my head was scrutinizing my ability "Are you really a runner?" "Do you even belong in this ultra running community?" "What the hell are you thinking?" "You have been sick for 10 days, you are not at the top of your game!" Shaking my head of these crazy thoughts I set my sights and as always I set them high -- the goal 50 plus miles, run strong, run long, eat and drink well -- face your fears, you are a long distance runner, you got this. In the two days leading up to the event I rested a ton, laughed a lot and visualized myself running happy. Waiting for a night time event is tough. Sleep was not happening the excitement was brewing -- no... it was boiling... Prepped my bag, packed, unpacked and packed again -- I was ready in every way, calm and confident (finally). As we pulled into the park my heart raced and my eyes sparkled it was time. Race briefing, potty break, game time. The clock struck 6pm and the horn blew, we ran and ran and ran and ran. I came out strong and fast, four loops in and I had not stopped at the aid station -- forward motion was my mantra. The first 15 miles went by really fast, I watched the sun go down and the moon rise. Twenty five miles in time to slow it down a little, it was going to be a long night. I got very comfortable running with the night sky, spending more time running solo on the trail that I had expected. I had come into the race with a serious sinus infection and at mile 37 I blew a snot rocket that looked like an amoeba, the pressure released-- I never looked back, I ran with more freedom in my body and in my head. It is amazing how quickly things can change on the long run, at mile 40 I melted down, my heart was beating fast and hard, my emotions were off the hook and I was freaked out, emotional and nauseous. Emily,one of the race directors talked me down, gave me some ginger ale and sent me on my way, more connected and in touch with the the job at hand; to reach my goal I needed to run 10 more miles, it was in the bag or was it??!! I love to do math as I run but at mile 40 I could not calculate what I needed to run in order to make my goal. I decided to forget the mind numbing calculations and just run -- I remembered the visualizations I had the day before of me running happy, so for 5 mile miles I ran happy and smiling. Mile 45 melt down number 2! I called my husband (who was in Las Vegas at the time -- yes it was the wee hours of the morning) he was up and ready to talk me back to good. It is in these moments that a long distance runner does not want to answer a bunch of questions, I wanted to be talked to, I wanted to listen then I wanted to finish this run. I trotted fast as he spoke, he assured me I had plenty of time and would likely run more that 50 miles, I believed him. I ran. I crossed the finish line a few moments before 6am with 51.5 miles. I did it! I learned so much, felt deeply supported by my friends, family and the ultra running community. I feel grateful to have landed into such an amazing group of runners. My training for Silver City is underway and the Journey to IMTUF 100 is in full effect with two races down and nearly 400 training miles under my belt. The race directors had placed a few signs along the trail -- I had two that fully resonated with me "What I think expands." and "I finish what I start." You bet!!

Thirty Nine

The plan was to run 39 miles on my 39th birthday in under 8 hours. I set out at 4:50am, ran town a few times and as dawn graced the bottom of the Canyon I headed up river. When I set my mind to a certain number of miles, many miles can feel like few. I ran and walked, I savored the celebration of the day. How lucky to be out running 39 miles in the warmth of the sun on the 39th anniversary of my birth (thank you Moma). I saw Song Sparrows, Dark Eyed Juncos, Hooded Mergansers, Stellers jays, many geese a flyin', a skunk --thankful he scared me more than I scared him-- that was likely the fastest I ran all day! I sang to the sky and the river, I ran well, with freedom and fearlessness. I had a few amazing friends visit me along the way and my wonderful husband and awesome son ran along with me for a mile or so -- according to Gage this was "Mama's birthday race." With 11 miles to go I stopped for a snack, peanut butter, honey and banana sandwich; I peeled off some layers, called my Moma to wish her a happy "birth" day and then set out to get this thing done. I glided,39 felt really good. I finished strong running a 9'2' mile for the final mile of the day, total running time 7 hours 44 minutes! The training is paying off there is no doubt, but the more and more I do this the more I realize that my mind and my heart know how to run far and because of this I am a starter and a finisher. Sixteen days till the Pickled Feet 12 hour run, my heart and mind are ready. Believe and Achieve!

Races

Today is March 2nd, it is 4:46am and I just signed up for the IMTUF 100 mile race. OH MY! I am so excited, that real "feel" it in the pit of your stomach kind of excited; laced with nerves, in that way that you want to laugh out loud to balance out all the feelings on the inside. I have surly gone out of my mind, the fact that I have the audacity to believe I can finish this race and all the other races in the Idaho Ultra Series is proof that I am a nut job, a driven nut job albeit. I rarely enter into anything without a plan -- so what's the plan? I am workin' on it. One race down, five races till the IMTUF 100, with countless miles in between and two more races after that to round out the series. I vow to enjoy the process, to work hard, to conquer fears and to keep the faith. I will explore trails, log miles, and run at night. I will embrace the moments when I question myself and then I will brush them to the side and go for a run. Here's to the process, the adventure and the craziness of it all.