Chuckanut 2013, running a new age

Sometimes when I run it's an opportunity to reflect on changes in my life.  This year Chuckanut provided more of an awakening, like being doused with a bucket of cold water (not just freezing rain).  I turned 40 in December and I've run 2 races in my new age division, but my age didn't really make a difference.  Now, don't worry, this is not a post on "aging" I hope that won't come for a while.  No, this is more because I realized how things in my life have changed over the past few years.  Subtle changes, for sure, but sometimes they become more clear during an event like Chuckanut.  

When my kids were very young, running provided a break from the sometimes tedious daily tasks of being a mom.  It was a social outlet and there tangible results, I got back into shape after having babies, toned up, lost weight...  Now my kids aren't little, (7, 10, 12) they are fun to take new places, they motivate me during training and races.  My time is more precious with them as their lives start to fill up with school, friends and activities.  I want to share my experiences with my kids and hope they will go on and follow their dreams and passions.  I was starting to realize how fast time goes by, so cliche, I know...but this was the stuff rolling around in my head mid race!!  Mentally, I had checked-out!

Why was this running through my head during Chuckanut?  I'm not exactly sure, but I think because by age was relevant in this race - it counted that I was competing in the masters division - and it started a chain of thoughts such as-how have things changed since I turned 40?  Who knows, maybe I was hungry and should have forced down another gel :)  Did this change my approach to the race or how hard I was willing to push during the race? No, but it meant working hard during the mid section of the race to refocus on running and staying present.  That's an amazing thing about ultra running, you can rein in your thoughts, focus internally on breathing, pace, heart rate, pull it together and finish a good race.  Looking back at it, Chuckanut ended up being a great day, I placed 6th this year, last year I was 4th, but I took 11 minutes off my time from last year and finished in 4:33.  I had a great time traveling and meeting up with friends ~ it was also great to catch up with the family at home.

It's great to be learning new lessons and realizing new things about myself out on the trails :)  Next race, I'll be prepared to keep that focus.

HURT, my first 100 miler...

I find if difficult to put my near 27 hour experience into words, so I will start at the beginning...I hope that sharing my story will provide some motivation for others to follow their passion.

HURT was my first 100 mile race, I was not selected in the first lottery and had put the race out of my mind (and budget) for the year.  In November, I was notified my name was drawn from the wait list and I stalled in responding.  It wasn't until the race director called my house and spoke with my 12 year old son that I actually confirmed the race.  Hard to refuse 3 super excited kids, now I had to get ready!!! 

Winter training is challenging and I would suggest not worrying about your gps or splits and go for time/effort.  I had a couple good friends willing to meet up and run long runs through snow and ice, looking for trails, often hitting logging roads.  Some runs I did on snow shoes.  While this is great training I was starting to wonder how this would play out in the hot and humid (not to mention technical) conditions in Hawaii. 

Roots!!!!

From the pre-race meeting to the awards banquet, HURT had a grass roots feel to the race which I love.  At the pre-race meeting, I hooked up with my fellow BC boys, Gary Robbins, Jason Loutit, and Matt Sessions.  It was great to see these guys several times on the course. 

Matt Sessions and Mel-pre race

The course consists of 5-20 loops divided into 3 main climbs and desents into aid stations.  The aid stations were stocked and so full of energy and because I hit them every 6-7 miles, I only carried one water bottle or used my camel back.  The race director indicated the course was well marked and we won't get lost if we followed the right colored ribbons.  The only problem with that was the course was so technical, I rarely looked up :)

All set....a little nervous!!

The start if kind of funny, right beside the row of portapotties...oh well... It was very dark in the trails and I needed my head lamp until the first aid station.  I enjoyed this part, so many people to chat with and follow along.  After the first station, I dropped my light and started running with another HURT newbie.  We had a similiar pace and chatted through aid 2 and started the return to home base.  I was suprised, I had moved into 1st place at that time.  Way too early to mean anything as there were still 4 loops to go. 

Unfortunately after the climb we missed a gate and continued back the same way we had run out in the dark.  We actually missed another turn and ran down the road too far...anyways we thought we had found the right trail and were headed back to the start, feeling great.  Until we ran into Jason Loutit who was coming up this trail and told us to turn around~ arrgh!!! We ran back at least 25 minutes to the gait where Jason sent us on our way.  I knew running mad or trying to make up time would only come back to bite me, so I let Daniel take off.  After lap 1, I tucked in behind Matt to regroup and spent an hour catching up.  I left him at the 1st aid station and started slowly moving up running with a few different people during laps 2 and 3.  I was getting worried about running this course at night.  Honestly, I have never run a more technical course and had already wiped out, gashed my hand, and been lost on my 1st loop!!

Water crossing into aid station 2

 

Fortunately, I had a put together a couple pacers to help keep me on the trail.  Rob Van Geen from the Big Island and Kevin Bos, my husband.  Rob is probably the happiest guy running I've ever met and knew the trails like the back of his hand.  Kevin is a cyclist, and his mountain biking skills were fabulous at chosing a good path through rooty/rocky sections.  They were able to pace for 2/3 of a lap each and then couldn't keep pace.  Still, having them on trail gave me a mental boost and I was able to finish the race on my own. My good friend Daryl Spencer was crewing every station, keeping me focused on moving forward and providing encouragement.   Once I was a bit more comfortable running at night, I found it was peaceful and enjoyed the cool air; of course my pace slowed but I felt comfortable.

My personal aid station and pacer Rob!!

The last section of my final lap was amazing.  As I climbed out of the final aid station the sun began to rise and I put my lights away.  I crossed a ridge section and could see the sun coming up, I knew I would be finished in less than an hour.  I felt giddy and happy, joked with other runners on course, made sure I went through the gait and headed home.  Crossing the finish line of your first 100 miler is an intense, raw, and emotional experience.  For me it was pure joy.  

Finished!!!

GRATITUDE

I am grateful to be a runner, to experience what the sport brings to my life.  Over the past couple years I've had periods where I've been injured or sick and not able to run.  With this time away I've been able to appreciate my time on the trails even more.

This time of year, I am so grateful for the people who introduced me to the sport and encouraged me along the way.  Kelowna has some amazing athletes who have competed at national levels.  Travelling to races, I've met incredibly strong  runners.  These athletes encourage us to push our limits, reset the bar.  

Through running, I have friends and training partners who provide humor and encouragement and are willing to meet on a dark morning.  Even on days I run alone, I'm often reminded of these special people. 

My family has been supportive of my training and racing over the past years.  To us, it's become normal for mom to be out running on a Saturday morning or to plan a family vaca around a race. 

I am so appreciate of the sport of trail running.  The opportunity to climb mountains, cross creeks, and feel the sun as it rises and warms me while I run. 

This morning I ran with the intention of feeling gratitude.  I encourage all my running friends to try this, I guarantee you will feel your heart is lighter, chest higher and may wonder if you're feet really touched the ground.

Stillness

Over the past year I have come to appreciate the stillness I experience during long training runs. I'm not talking about physical stillness which I often feel post run, rather a still and calm feeling, where my thoughts and mind are so relaxed and my body is moving.  During this time I am aware of deeper connections.  I am inspired to share my experiences and stories....