tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10420001290653879172024-03-14T07:25:11.179-07:00Heat RunnerJamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-42566736247005551972015-01-28T11:02:00.000-08:002015-02-20T08:33:34.875-08:00Running the Arizona Trail (From Highway 83 to Kentucky Camp)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>The Arizona Trail is a National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Utah that traverses the whole north-south length of the U.S. state of Arizona. (From Google Maps)</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Last Sunday, TTR held a run on the Arizona Trail. The idea was for it to be a 50k, but I decided to run 20-25 miles just so the run director didn't have to wait any longer for me. I knew I would be slower than the group I was running with. We started at a pullout on Highway 83. It was cold and cloudy, but the weather forecast said we would have a high of 75. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I wore a bright orange shirt because there were hunters on the trail most days. I was the only one who wore one. The majority wore white. I felt I needed to be safe. I'm not going to trust a hunter to<i> not </i>shoot me. I actually had to tell a hunter where I was because they<i> still</i> couldn't see me! Had a few shots fired in my direction actually...</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I started a few seconds late because someone brought a dog and I had to say hi (of course, dogs are the cutest). :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We ran up a dirt road and then up a hill. Suddenly, they all came running back at me. </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Runner Stampede!</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Wrong way apparently. So, we took the AZ Trail and got back on course. I kept up with the group for a little while, then they all left me in the dust. But that's alright, I got used to rounding up the group in the back...I make sure there are not any stragglers. ;)</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the Arizona trail, following Robert and Abraham. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of the group up ahead on the AZT. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Showing off my bright orange shirt. Had to make sure the hunters<br />could see me! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As usual, the views and the trails were amazing! The trails we were supposed to be on were pretty straight forward, but there were many turns. If I didn't have my map that was provided at the start, I would definitely be lost out there. Thankfully, having a background in archaeology gave me an excellent map reading ability. I never stopped for more than a few minutes to find my bearings. One of my rules is to never go down a trail that I am not sure is correct. If I'm not sure, I look out ahead to see if there are any other runners on that trail, I study the map like crazy and look for clues in the elevation (like a hill or a mountain), or I look for running shoe prints. The shoe prints helped me out on this one for sure! The other trails were barren and caked hard with mud. But the trails we were all running on were softer and had shoe prints. Just something to keep in mind if you are turned around on a trail. :) </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everything is so beautiful out here! Mt. Wrightson is off to the left of this photo; the one topped with some snow. :)</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another shot of the rolling hills in the Santa Rita's. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnAuYsazoFx2BjOegUSQTRMCqvaITUq8VRDhB7x9U0q5CcK2H1J1gvn9tX949jfDts5oTVZC2QYRvWRbLzGSa7zSwLkgBjHcIjKkK7v50iRY5WE0xiwP5qrDQ-r6rvOM1ErlK0QjVKyI/s1600/GOPR0122_1422283191677_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A fox crossed my path here! But I couldn't whip out my GoPro fast enough....</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VcfODY1_AK6xiBfZ7-wid5VOrtt9m1QY1abnx7u4iB-GFS7ww9bMObMArhrKWrQ4wiSOc-TRsfKR6FPeiqu-g_uNSuJ7Xkl_upL-v-seni6eXrA6U1R575aassN1ggTBrgR2732rH1k/s1600/GOPR0123_1422283204068_high.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About 2 hours into my run, I made a turn around a hill. And as I was rounding the corner, I heard a gunshot that echoed though-out the entire canyon. It was pretty close too. Not sure how close, but close enough that I stopped and almost dropped to the ground. I froze, listening for something, anything, that would indicate that it would happen again. Silence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I started slowing jogging towards the next turnoff. Then another gunshot! WTF! I was started to get annoyed that I wore this obscenely bright orange shirt for nothing. Seriously? Why can't they see me!?! I started to yell. "Hey!....HEY!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I'm running here!!!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spied two hunting dogs on the hill next to me and my eyes traveled along the rest of the hill to find their owner. Finally, I found him and we waved at each other. I rolled my eyes. I can't believe people are allowed to hunt on major public trails. ESPECIALLY THE ARIZONA TRAIL. People are on this all the time!! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only 79 miles to Mexico!! Let's go! ;)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eventually, I made it to the Kentucky Camp gate. This is where I found the sign above. Run downhill and you are right in Kentucky Camp. This is where the headquarters for the OP 50 are. I'll be back here in early March for that race. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kentucky Camp was built over 100 years ago as the headquarters for the Santa Rita Water and Mining Company. They were mining the placer gold deposits. After the mining company left, it became a ranch for awhile. And after that, the Coronado National Forest purchased it. They now try to preserve and interpret the site with volunteers. You can rent the cabin (for sleeping) and headquarters (day-use) building if you are ever interested in visiting. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was a little confused about where the water would be at Kentucky Camp. I was thinking there would be someone waiting with water. But when I got there, no one was around and I was alone. It was a little eerie for sure. There was definitely aid at AS 46 but I wasn't going that far today. I couldn't find anyone, finally figuring out that water would be here from a spigot or something. Well, I could not find that either, so I left with the water I had. Thankfully, I had a brought a lot to begin with since I thought it would be hot. And it lasted me all the way back to the car. Perfect. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The remnants of an old building and an old car at Kentucky Camp. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The headquarters building at Kentucky Camp. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thinking back on it, I have completed a few passages of the AZT. I would love to complete the entire AZT one day, in either segments or all at once. I am hopefully going to start volunteering with them soon. If you are interested in learning more about the AZT, here is the website: <a href="http://www.aztrail.org/">http://www.aztrail.org/</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll try to get out on the Arizona Trail more often so I can tell you more about it. :) So far, I love every passage that I've been on! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">And I feel terrible about it because I am partly to blame. </span></div>
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My main running buddy (for short training runs) is my dog, Sookie. We used to head out on the local river path or dog-friendly trails for 3-4 mile runs together. And boy does she love to run! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best running buddy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">On the top of Mt. Wrightson.</td></tr>
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It's perhaps one of her favorite things to do...well, that and sleep all day. She is pretty darn lazy sometimes. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waaaay too comfortable on the couch. </td></tr>
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But when she is not lazy, she is definitely an outdoor adventure dog!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Mt. Lemmon <br />
fire lookout. </td></tr>
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But recently (around Thanksgiving), she had an accident. <span style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, she ended up tearing a ligament in her wrist. We were playing in the Sapillo Creek in New Mexico and found a small foot bridge (about 4 feet high). I went on the bridge and then thought it would be a good idea to call Sookie to follow me. I know, what the hell was I thinking?? </span><br />
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Anyways, of course, she did. She is too good of a listener. The bridge swayed a little and freaked her out. So instead of going back the way she came, she jumped. And she jumped right into some loose rocks. Perhaps if it had been flat ground, she would still be okay. But it wasn't and she's not. :(</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the creek and the dogs playing and running around just before the incident. <br />
You can't see it but the bridge is farther down the creek, to the left. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After carrying her back to the cabin. She is in a lot of pain here. </td></tr>
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She ended up damaging her ligament in her wrist. It's called carpal hyper-extension and it means that she needs surgery. I could care less about the cost (even though it's been pretty expensive so far and continues to get more expensive each vet visit) because I love her so much and that would never stop me from getting her the treatment that she needs. But I am upset that it was my fault. I was the one who invited her on that bridge and I wish more than anything that I could go back and change that. </div>
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It has been so difficult seeing her injured. She is SO DEPRESSED. She needs daily walks and runs to stay happy. It's what she <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">loves</span></b>. So being stuck inside has been killing her soul.</div>
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I hate it I hate it I hate it. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad dog Sookie. She wants to go for a run. </td></tr>
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Her surgery appointment is this Tuesday and I am so so so nervous. I hope everything goes well. Thankfully, I don't work that day. Good thing because I wouldn't be able to focus knowing that she is in surgery because of me.</div>
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But there is hope, I think.</div>
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She has been trying to be active even with the splint on. She has chased bunnies in the back like before. She is a little slower, yes, but she still has the same enthusiasm when she is outside doing that stuff. Because of her want/need to be active, she has broken a few splints, and we had to get them re-wrapped. Costly stuff. But it has shown me that she still has a desire to run and play and hike and be outside. She hasn't given up. And I don't think she will, which definitely gives me hope that she will have a speedy recovery! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After getting another splint change at the vet. </td></tr>
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I love my Sookie so much. She is my child, in a sense. And she is a big part of my family. Having to go on my short runs without her is hard. Especially when she sees me walk out the door and she knows exactly where I am going. It's been tough. </div>
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So what I can I do? Not much, except to keep going. And hope that her surgery and recovery goes well. I will be sure to post updates about it. </div>
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Please send good wishes our way! </div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-13169415090665143562015-01-19T08:57:00.000-08:002015-01-23T05:30:37.420-08:00Motivate Me! Monday: Rory Bosio<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="bqQuoteLink" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif !important; font-size: 20px; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasaed149049.html?src=t_motivational" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" title="view quote"><b>Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.</b></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_a_edison.html" style="color: #0000aa; text-decoration: none;" title="view author">Thomas A. Edison</a></div>
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But how do you keep up that determination to try again? We all have our own forms of motivation. I started this blog in 2010 to keep me focused and connected with the running world. It has also been a huge source of my motivation. I look forward to writing about my trail adventures each week and I love reading about other runner bloggers race experiences, especially if those bloggers are <b>local</b>. I can't tell you exactly what it is about local bloggers, but reading their blogs gives me that extra push I need to get out the door. Maybe it's the fact that their stomping grounds are my stomping grounds and I am familiar with the same trails/roads. Whatever it is, it works for me and I will have a post later on my favorite local running blogs. :)</div>
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I have written about motivation before, but I wanted to focus on a specific thing each time that I write about it now. Recently, I have been following the athletic endeavors of an ultra runner named Rory Bosio. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">From what I have read so far, Rory is a resident of Truckee, California (originally from Tahoe) and is a pediatric nurse. She is currently sponsored by North Face and she is a kick-ass ultra-runner (from my own conclusion). She has won the </span><a href="http://www.ultratrailmb.com/" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc </a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">twice (2013 & 2014)! </span></span></div>
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She also does a lot of cross training including cross country skiing, yoga, hiking and cycling. </div>
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She is a fantastic source of motivation! I love watching videos of her interviews, she seems like such a fun person. If you have a chance, watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7QCeFkiWCk">North Face - The Road to UTMB </a>. Not an interview, but a quick watch. You'll get the idea. <br />
From other sources I've read she is super fun on the trail and she said she loves to talk to others running around her. I chose her as one of my inspirations because I feel like I can relate to her. She has said she had been running since middle school but didn't start running ultras until after college (same here). She also has been doing yoga for awhile, starting in high school, and she uses it to complement her running. Rory is a much faster runner than me, but seeing someone that I can relate to definitely helps motivate me! </div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">Who motivates you to run farther? </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4131199/?claim=nvmzd52m3ge">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></span></b></div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-45123402486942326602015-01-10T06:55:00.000-08:002015-01-12T06:56:05.962-08:00First Week of 2015 - Goals and Updates<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Happy New Year!</b> A week into 2015 and it's going great! </div>
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I normally don't make New Years resolutions, but I did find a list from Jan. 2014 in a pile of junk in my office. I had wrote a list of possible New Years resolutions (just playing with the idea), and then stuffed it into a stack of papers. Of course, I forgot about it...until I found it a few days ago. A whole year had gone by and sadly, I didn't accomplish half of it. I know, I know, it wasn't a REAL list or whatever. But it was a list of general goals and I am sad that internally, even though I forgot that I wrote it, I didn't not reach more than one or two of the goals. It listed stuff like travel (check!), volunteer more, watch less TV, and become a morning person. </div>
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<i>So general. </i></div>
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Maybe that was the problem. I had made goals that were not specific enough. I think that may be a problem for many people. Not just me. Possibly why many people don't keep their resolutions? Or maybe they don't want it enough? Not sure, but I guess this could be another post that I don't have time for. I won't try to dissect resolutions any further. :) Let me know your thoughts on them,..</div>
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I did however give myself a <b>CHALLENGE</b> for 2015. </div>
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I am going to accomplish (or at least try to, and get really really close!) running<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>2,015 miles in 2015. </i></b></span><br />
It is very specific (at least 5.5 miles a day) and very do-able, especially since I am training for an ultra in March. It's that extra push that I need. :) </div>
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For the first week of January, I have completed about 44 miles. I'm a little behind. But no worries. I am planning some high mileage weeks pretty soon, many of the runs being with my trail running group.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting some miles in on the Northwest River Path. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running Wasson Peak on my 26th birthday. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yesterday took me to Sabino Canyon to run the Phoneline Trail back<br />to West Fork. </td></tr>
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So far, I am finding it easy to get miles in. I thought I would have to force myself to get out there and log miles, but having this goal for the end of the year is great push. Also, knowing that I told EVERYONE about this challenge, I feel I have a greater need to hold true to it.<br />
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Again, I have some long runs planned, so that should bring me up in mileage.<br />I'm excited to try out some new trails in the mountains surrounding Tucson. I am thankful my EMT class is over and done with, so now I have PLENTLY of time after work for long runs. I just need to take advantage of that more often.<br />
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Some other goals for January include giving up alcohol (and soda). I am trying to lose some weight so I can increase my speed and I have realized beer and wine are NOT helping (duh). It's hard because I LOVE going to Happy Hour with my friends once a week. So, for this month, I will try it and see what the results are at the end. *crossing my fingers it helps!*<br />
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Happy Running!<br />
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-3249202965813052692014-12-29T12:51:00.000-08:002015-01-01T12:52:57.780-08:00Whiskey Row Marathon Recap<br />
In May 2014, I ran the wonderful Whiskey Row Marathon. I know it's been a while since I've run it, so I will try my best to recall memories from the race. I do have photos, so that always helps me remember!<br />
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I had planned to run the half with my sister. I bought her a race entry (as well as one for myself) for her 32nd birthday. A few months later, she decided it was too much and decided to drop out. I was pretty bummed, but decided to make the best of it and upgrade to the marathon.<br />
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Chance and I arrived at the Hotel St. Michael in Prescott on Friday night after a long drive up from Tucson. There had been an accident just North of Phoenix and it stopped traffic for two hours on the highway. I was planning to card load in Prescott for dinner and now that was out of the question since we ended up arriving around 10pm. I grabbed some food at the grocery store and went straight to bed.<br />
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The alarm went off around 5AM but I was in no hurry because the hotel was literally a few steps away from the start line. I didn't know this when I booked the rooms. Chance and I have stayed at this hotel at least 2 times in the past. When we were both in school for archaeology, our field school surveyed in the wilderness surrounding Prescott and we would come into town for supplies once in awhile. They always chose this hotel. And since I already knew about it, I went ahead and booked it. Glad the start line was right next to it! :)<br />
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There were 2 start times. If I remember correctly, one was at 6AM and the other was at 7AM. And this is becuase the race promptly cuts off at 1pm. And I mean PROMPTLY. One of my friends finished after 1pm, and they literally left her medal in a pile on the ground where the finishline used to be. I'm not sure why they have to end so abruptly. Maybe the city is cutting them off early, but it sure is annoying. I was nervous about not being able to finish in the alotted time (there is a TON of elevation change in this race) and I was considering the early start time. But, since we got in late the night before, I just decided to sleep an extra hour and start at 7AM.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 7AM Whiskey Row Marathon start line.</td></tr>
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And we were off! The air was cold and my lungs were not used to that. I could feel the cold air being sucked into my lungs as I tried to keep up with everyone. The elevation didn't quite hit me yet, so that helped me keep up with the pack for a little bit. But a few minutes into the race, I was sucking wind and I fell behind. I was upset, of course, but I did this to myself. I didn't train in elevation and that was my fault. I should have run on Mt. Lemmon before the race, but I completely forgot that Prescott was about 5,000 ft. And I was going to feel it for the entire race. I get dizzy, sleepy and cold. I had to fight though these feelings for at least the next few miles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zbHP_IJylUlTtdr0Ef2jcBBJUBHot9CqsNUdJ7AwmKAo7YOVZuMuuuG37jPZoUBe3B_akce3DS88lyOy3cw9MWTbl7eTj7d1MLkWsgIcXrZ-iYZil55Rkmks7UJ3FYWb2lPSEf58Ls8/s1600/20140503_070121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zbHP_IJylUlTtdr0Ef2jcBBJUBHot9CqsNUdJ7AwmKAo7YOVZuMuuuG37jPZoUBe3B_akce3DS88lyOy3cw9MWTbl7eTj7d1MLkWsgIcXrZ-iYZil55Rkmks7UJ3FYWb2lPSEf58Ls8/s1600/20140503_070121.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.3333330154419px;">Running through the streets of Prescott. The elevation hasn't quite hit me yet. </td></tr>
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I figured I was pretty far behind everyone when a man that looked familiar passed me. I immediately spoke up and told him he looks familiar. I explained to him that I'm from Tucson and run with TTR a lot. And that was it! He also ran with TTR and he was at the OP 50. I had sat and talked to him while I was stranded at Kentucky Camp. </div>
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He ran up ahead and started talking to another woman about me. She also ran with TTR! Crazy, I thought. I guess all of the low elevation natives are in the back of the pack. Makes sense, since we are not used to this elevation. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first, of many, hills. This one was definitely a pain in the butt. <br />
They are trying to be cute with their signs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It doesn't look so intimidating in this photo. </td></tr>
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After a few menacing hills, I was contemplating quitting. I believe I was about 4 miles in and it seemed to have sapped all of my energy. I felt like I was crawling and I would never make it in the allotted time. I started to freak out. I was pretty certain that I was last. I saw a few people pass me and I kept looking behind and I saw no one. I remember crying a little and then snapping out of it. How stupid would I look if I dropped out at 4 miles. I told myself to suck it up and keep going as far as I could. I would walk if I needed to. But I WOULD NOT QUIT DAMMIT. </div>
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I ate another GU and a salt tab and waited for those to kick in. Once they did, I felt more determined. We all have low points. We just need to remember to push past them and keep going, no matter how slow. </div>
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Finally, the race left the town and started to climb into the mountains. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These photos really are not doing these hills justice.<br />
They were really bad. Like, hands on knees bad. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was feeling better at this point. :)</td></tr>
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The course is completely on road, both paved and dirt roads. I enjoyed being up in the pines. The smell made everything better. :) I felt I could <strike>run</strike> <i>hike</i> (basically) for hours...which was exactly what I was going to do. The uphills were so steep, there was no way I was going to waste precious energy on running up them. </div>
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I zoned out to my music, podcasts and a somewhat steady pace for another hour or two. </div>
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Then, I finally reached the highest aid station (and the highest point in the race). The view was fantastic! But the kicker...this was the highest point. And we had not yet reached the halfway point. That was another 6 or so miles away. <b>Downhill.</b> So. I would have to summit this monster of a hill <b><u>AGAIN. </u></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The highest point in the marathon. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a few, small uphills once in awhile.<br />
The road had turned to dirt at this point. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish I took off that jacket at the start...it got hot! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another photo of lovely forest dirt road. Since I was near the back,<br />
it was peaceful and deserted. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, the turnaround point! Yayayaya!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNT6nN9e-LL3PAwD1oU253KJ1-lsGlBuSnLA7Iu-o43-zDmhBRCpn1zqMxFlFzFN9QXH3SacwqMajXC7XBRo5x2HZOE4J3HxNm1svEldTl43vc8RsxYNd4kh8k3AHseOESIMr1nght3s/s1600/20140503_083430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNT6nN9e-LL3PAwD1oU253KJ1-lsGlBuSnLA7Iu-o43-zDmhBRCpn1zqMxFlFzFN9QXH3SacwqMajXC7XBRo5x2HZOE4J3HxNm1svEldTl43vc8RsxYNd4kh8k3AHseOESIMr1nght3s/s1600/20140503_083430.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie on the way back. At this point I was singing out loud to<br />
the songs on my iPod. :)</td></tr>
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The downhills were great! I passed so many people. If I could just harness my downhill speed and transfer that into my uphill speed, I would be so FAST! :D Unfortunately, I am one of the slowest uphill runners EVER. I am working on this, don't you worry. ;)</div>
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I finally made it to the 13.1 mile mark and it was<i> such</i> a nice looking sign (I was so happy to be there). The temperature rose and it was extremely dusty, so I was sort of at a low when I reached the turnaround. We had dropped in elevation too, so the temperature was MUCH hotter than I had expected. I drank lots of Gatorade and went on my way. I found out that I was not last, after seeing some people hobble down the hill after me. It gave me that little push that I needed to continue. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back down to the finish! </td></tr>
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The last few miles were brutal. My legs were super sore so I took some Advil. It helped a little. The constant downhill was finally taking its toll. After a few more painful miles, I finally saw the finish line!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq_M2sEyyr4/VKGhPV58c8I/AAAAAAAAK-c/XbeoKqd7q9k/s1600/Screenshot_2014-12-29-11-11-18" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq_M2sEyyr4/VKGhPV58c8I/AAAAAAAAK-c/XbeoKqd7q9k/s1600/Screenshot_2014-12-29-11-11-18" height="395" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running into the finish!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay I did it! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The HUGE chunk of bling at the end. </td></tr>
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I came in at 5:36 and I was 120th out of 150 runners. They said the finish line would shut down at 1:00pm and it really did shut down at 1pm! They completely cleared out pretty soon afterwards. One of my friends who came in after 1pm told me they just left the medals on the ground in a pile for those who came in later. It was ridiculous! It seems like the City of Prescott and Prescott YMCA need to work out a better deal next time...</div>
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Since we had to check out of the hotel after 11am, Chance took me to the car and we went to go find food. I was starving! We found a great Irish place in Prescott, just down the road a ways. It was called Celtic Crossings and it was so incredibly delicious. Although, I could have easily eaten everything on the menu, I went with the corned beef and cabbage. Yum!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXUKP8f0-RocWsAyrHFfbn9OmNQYHzXOo6aeI7oNcgNvkTvP9XGBv_NQun3Bkl_nBc6tpNgv4KaPWtEs3mTO8MU9T20o-339MZe_LtV22IfDvomZsjiJ9MsZAApdPTN7X6WAW-TcqBHc/s1600/20140503_134201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXUKP8f0-RocWsAyrHFfbn9OmNQYHzXOo6aeI7oNcgNvkTvP9XGBv_NQun3Bkl_nBc6tpNgv4KaPWtEs3mTO8MU9T20o-339MZe_LtV22IfDvomZsjiJ9MsZAApdPTN7X6WAW-TcqBHc/s1600/20140503_134201.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A delicious post-race meal. </td></tr>
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Overall this was a great race! Personally, I should have trained in higher altitudes before attempting this race. I would have perhaps had a better experience (especially in the beginning!).Also, hills. I need to train on steeper hills before attempting to run this marathon again.<br />
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If you've been thinking about this race, go for it! Prescott is a great town to hang out in before and after the race. The race itself is challenging and has a time cut-off, but they do offer an early start. You will be so proud of yourself when you complete this monster of a race! :) <br />
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-41426870025110963082014-11-29T09:02:00.000-08:002015-02-23T11:20:19.772-08:00Pacing at the Javalina Jundred 100 Miler<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: OpenSansRegular; line-height: 22px;">The Javelina Jundred 100 mile race is staged out of the Pemberton Trailhead at McDowell Mountain Regional Park north of Fountain Hills, Arizona. The 100 Mile distance is comprised of six full loops on the popular Pemberton Trail with an additional half-a-loop on the Pemberton and Tonto Tank Trails. </i><i style="font-family: OpenSansRegular; line-height: 22px;">Runners reverse directions each lap of the race and are supported by four on course aid stations per loop (Javelina Jeadquarters, Coyote Camp, Jackass Junction & Rattlesnake Ranch). </i><br />
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- From the <a href="http://aravaiparunning.com/network/javelinajundred/race-info/">Javelina Jundred Race Info Page</a></div>
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I recently had the opportunity to pace my friend at the Javalina Jundred 100 miler at the beginning of November. I have always had a fascination with this race, but the distance has always scared me away. Thankfully, my friend Kathryn decided she wanted to give it a go, and thus I became a pacer. :)</div>
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She created a schedule of all the laps and who would accompany her on each lap. I would accompany her on a nighttime lap, from 8pm-about 11PM. I didn't start driving out to Phoenix until about 5pm, so I was cutting it really close. I finally made it to McDowell Mountain Park and took the shuttle to the start line up the road. I literally made it within minutes!! And we were off!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2fLHx0QOjDiTUN6zqsco5mhvszbGKqd5DqsIf07mA7hj3mdwU4tgkKly2L_TrzhUs6rL2wecZz02RDFIytmcLJsmcE2sN4lML4shvlp6atpXDeYVj3cQRoVFJTbWURBaMaCxwG1X3e8/s640/20141101_204704.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="360" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathryn is getting ready to run another<br />
night loop! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before our 15 mile<br />
night loop together. </td></tr>
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I tried to keep her entertained and focused. We ran some, and walked some. She got through the aid stations so fast. I mainly drank Coke and munched on salted potatoes (both are my favorites during ultras!) Near the end of the 15 mile loop, we both started to tire, so I tried hard to keep the pace up so we could get to the finish in the time she estimated.<br />
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After we got back to Javalina Jeadquarters, I decided to take a shower, get changed in some warm, dry clothes and go to sleep. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my bag with my shower stuff and clothes with me. No problem, I thought, I'll just take the shuttle back to my car. BAD CHOICE. I waited for an hour and a half, sweaty from the run and shivering. There were so many people that wanted to go back and they only had ONE SHUTTLE at this time. I can't remember why (the other one broke down or the other driver was allowed to go home??) but I hope this is something they change in the coming years. I get it, it's late. And I'm sure the crew and pacers are not the top priority for the race (<i>totally </i>understandable), but I don't want to invite my crew out to the race when I run this in the future, only to have them wait and have a bad experience getting back to their cars. Just saying.<br />
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However, that was the ONLY<span style="font-size: x-small;"> tiny tiny</span> issue I saw with this race. Everything else was SO WONDERFUL and SO EXCITING and I CAN'T WAIT TO RUN THIS ONE DAY!! Every race will have it's problems, and I understand that. And I hope you do too. There are other races with <i>way worse</i> problems, and I still plan on going back again.<br />
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After I finally got my stuff, I went back to Javelina Jeadquarters and took a shower. Ahhh, so refreshing. McDowell Mountain Park has GREAT showers. You get a shower room all to yourself. :)<br />
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After a shower, I went back to the tent (one of the ones you can rent from the race, and it comes with 2 cots!) and took a nap. I woke up to see Sara come in and Clint head out with Kathryn on her FINAL loop (Loop 7)! She also got to put on her red glow necklace to show she was on her final loop. The sun was starting to come up, and she was getting close to becoming a 100 mile finisher!!!<br />
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Finally, we saw her round the corner with Clint! She had just missed the 24 hour cutoff for a special buckle, but she still made it within the 30 hour time limit. She came in at 25:30:06. Impressive for her first 100 miler!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She did it! 100 miles! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BuBC_l5JXYuABnbbLIfJLAUsaROuh9J920Y0r-Sea009O9SDFulnjEoSlsL2XeyC7E_M0IerbHXxEWDnXbwR2sDaawCYQ2SH2QgN-mk40aZVW9CTA-QyMPNaBh5dYrskUfu5LkpeQZw/s640/20141102_073529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BuBC_l5JXYuABnbbLIfJLAUsaROuh9J920Y0r-Sea009O9SDFulnjEoSlsL2XeyC7E_M0IerbHXxEWDnXbwR2sDaawCYQ2SH2QgN-mk40aZVW9CTA-QyMPNaBh5dYrskUfu5LkpeQZw/s640/20141102_073529.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't quite capture the jump of joy! At least she looks happy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew. As you can see, I got super comfy really fast.<br />
Yup, socks and Chacos, that's right. :)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10rgIvC3yTlnJEANN3i1H_gR3zLG3NWISEIBsuHTXnp1nNo_jCki9HUhhp2H4aFdSXMyOp5VlsSLqo1WvxNCrjc_LgPpKOfnpykR2mAvjzFhgvf0ost6POEXM8nGUwl4I24791ROuvgw/s1600/20141102_073739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JPqNW2K7FRYQZa0zLgPRH8B0xIXIOkH6xmnREkGftuEnsc_E5d7ubHp_KRr0nore8FXZcBByvK0bkbvIJdYwV813OZ7zL3nIZgUxhbcNAn-1ey7SgHkDsxgtCVFet1rkkdpGYTa27EN4/s640/JavelinaJundredMap2012.jpg" height="567" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The map of the Course. </td></tr>
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This was a FANTASTIC RACE! Sure, it's hard mentally to run the same loop 7 times, but that also means there are LOTS of stops at the Aid Stations and you can always come back and change clothes every 15 miles. So you don't need to carry everything with you. In my opinion, I think this is great race for trying to accomplish your first 100 mile (this is the race I'm choosing for my 1st 100!) or even if it's not your first rodeo. </div>
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Happy Running! </div>
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This past April, I finally made the decision to run the Grand Canyon...well, at least some of it. :) </div>
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My amazing running friend Kathryn (and by amazing I mean she is a BEAST on the trail!) was going to run R2R2R (that's South Rim to North Rim to South Rim, for those unsure of our South of the Canyon lingo) again and she asked me to come along. I originally planned to run the entire 40 mile-something out and back, but decided in the end to try my hand first at a trip to the bottom and back. I would see how I fared and try again in the fall, hopefully. </div>
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We planned on meeting at the South Rim on Friday night. I decided to take the day off from work and get there super early (like 2 pm) so I could walk around and be a little touristy. I got there, found our hotel room at the Maswik Lodge, and took off on foot exploring what the Grand Canyon Village had to offer. I did some shopping, got a "bite" to eat (as in, I ate prime rib at one of the nicer restaurants with a view!), explored the museums and watched the film in the visitors center. But I really wanted to see the sunset (I have never seen it here before!), so I stayed out until dark to catch a glimpse of it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIBjvBcdR8ybDtx_R4okGVgPp5hQdDM0cT6LbGPb05yY1xRyZymtF81up9mEnJBtqfoDUjjr0FXh0m1CD0adkYqwJ733_D4i9XnVYQAVj-4jlehdaFMfngOVH6Hq-zBTB8cfpZV8GCWI/s1600/IMGP1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIBjvBcdR8ybDtx_R4okGVgPp5hQdDM0cT6LbGPb05yY1xRyZymtF81up9mEnJBtqfoDUjjr0FXh0m1CD0adkYqwJ733_D4i9XnVYQAVj-4jlehdaFMfngOVH6Hq-zBTB8cfpZV8GCWI/s1600/IMGP1771.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrho7dGX_ko2dUp4l33hgk54sA39Ko7a2YpHjP51kMD74m_gBHikNhzwPNmnGg-EQc8vAfEL6HZjuARkum-OvDeO2TJgBcoi4AGUR7p4NDzD0eu4Vgsr65N0Z2H4LaP6GRuMC7wO-Lnhk/s1600/IMGP1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrho7dGX_ko2dUp4l33hgk54sA39Ko7a2YpHjP51kMD74m_gBHikNhzwPNmnGg-EQc8vAfEL6HZjuARkum-OvDeO2TJgBcoi4AGUR7p4NDzD0eu4Vgsr65N0Z2H4LaP6GRuMC7wO-Lnhk/s1600/IMGP1805.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on the South Rim.</td></tr>
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I forced myself to get to bed SUPER early. It was entirely too hard. And I knew I would have to get up and answer the door when Kathryn and Clint arrived. So, I stayed up and read until they showed up around 10 pm. We discussed logistics before bed (such as start time, how far we will both be going, etc.). I called a taxi and set up a pick up time for the morning (far too early). However, Clint was getting up much earlier: 3am. He was meeting some friends and they were going to hike R2R2R (yes, the whole thing). <i>It would take them over 21 hours to complete. </i></div>
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Kathryn and I woke up bright and early (Clint had already left a while ago) and started to get ready for our adventure into the Canyon. The taxi picked us up on time and we drove over to Yaki Point. We took a few photos and off we went! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKRaZlYg6FOI8lIbIpZ1Fzq8NCoXO9meR404_FVHJg9PjJDA9v9UtjhJqUO0sh1PJYQU_R7RQVZ8smRaAKDfRdNRxM2CFHnroFN6BqHCITOeH_7XXJ5-8ktNK9TjYxXebxL_o5w7fwoE/s1600/IMGP1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKRaZlYg6FOI8lIbIpZ1Fzq8NCoXO9meR404_FVHJg9PjJDA9v9UtjhJqUO0sh1PJYQU_R7RQVZ8smRaAKDfRdNRxM2CFHnroFN6BqHCITOeH_7XXJ5-8ktNK9TjYxXebxL_o5w7fwoE/s1600/IMGP1818.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A chilly start at Yaki Point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3sz7EMXT6QnMgS2ycVuanIiwsAyMpKXiS_tJ_KUwmyoz6yksjbIyypiEpIkWbd5oHIF9L3h32lDNzM-Not7REuQilgwUR4Dkn5un-feu4glpd7_r8oJLc_h4vl73LwldxEdMAJTpK54/s1600/IMGP1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3sz7EMXT6QnMgS2ycVuanIiwsAyMpKXiS_tJ_KUwmyoz6yksjbIyypiEpIkWbd5oHIF9L3h32lDNzM-Not7REuQilgwUR4Dkn5un-feu4glpd7_r8oJLc_h4vl73LwldxEdMAJTpK54/s1600/IMGP1820.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These signs welcome hikers to each<br />
of the trailheads. Be careful!</td></tr>
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The run down South Kaibab trail was, to say the least, magnificent. I kknow it sounds corny, but jeez! The Grand Canyon is a beautiful freaking place, at all times of the day. Mornings and evenings are some of the prettiest times however. It was hard to keep my eyes on the extremely uneven, stair-like trail. I wanted to look out at the view, but had to keep reminding myself to keep my eyes on my feet so I wouldn't go flying face first into the dirt, or worse, over the rim. There were a few close calls. Your ankles start to wear out after 7 miles of continuous downhill, with quite a few holes thrown in. I was wobbly by the time I reached the black bridge! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1cClX37gxK70ywGLZUfbrwXVWdd29k8Z1bD_N5aZgUjqcufjH1XsMquWyhyphenhyphenCWnraEg8YHQ4V7ey2MJO2z4FGM2T1AFz_q7iXVX2866jX1uEN-I22zufLT4ejDo3n_7oXUgBMUUxsqEM/s1600/IMGP1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1cClX37gxK70ywGLZUfbrwXVWdd29k8Z1bD_N5aZgUjqcufjH1XsMquWyhyphenhyphenCWnraEg8YHQ4V7ey2MJO2z4FGM2T1AFz_q7iXVX2866jX1uEN-I22zufLT4ejDo3n_7oXUgBMUUxsqEM/s1600/IMGP1827.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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About a mile into the South Kaibab trail, we found ourselves stuck behind a conga line of Grand Canyon mules. I guessed they were carrying supplies to Phantom Ranch, which is the only way PR gets anything. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKKubexiJUnhP0UsQZ-W4BuadB1YJnCk-sEHIcHOmKSUxQKZVcE7hmZu2CIJl43ka_PiLKooXUTC0LRYqeDV8p0xt_mvr9dUeY4j0NHFVXEdIeMh_m5TH5IJGprRgJ9KmS0_Ta7W5GiY/s1600/IMGP1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKKubexiJUnhP0UsQZ-W4BuadB1YJnCk-sEHIcHOmKSUxQKZVcE7hmZu2CIJl43ka_PiLKooXUTC0LRYqeDV8p0xt_mvr9dUeY4j0NHFVXEdIeMh_m5TH5IJGprRgJ9KmS0_Ta7W5GiY/s1600/IMGP1847.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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The downhills were killing me, like I said before, and I was keeping up with Kathryn for a good portion of it. I think we separated about 2-3 miles above the river. I could see the trail ahead so I could see her running ahead of me. We were about a mile apart. I feel now that I should have tried to keep up, but I didn't want to get too tired from the constant downhill pounding (which was already happening) and make the mistake of tripping and ruining the rest of the run. So, I slowed down and took my time for the rest of the day. I came out here not only to run, but to experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHeAks0njcaHPatSKHDVyBNhJevDdh1rVtPT-OU10xhpe09N4N0b8eKEdCEYz7usg3zXq628UKkNO1bGrsQu4WF3qbVyq1T2lnl2GuyOHFaX4w6zghcy_gKh46BV8PYGZ3yxymUjbb_4/s1600/IMGP1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHeAks0njcaHPatSKHDVyBNhJevDdh1rVtPT-OU10xhpe09N4N0b8eKEdCEYz7usg3zXq628UKkNO1bGrsQu4WF3qbVyq1T2lnl2GuyOHFaX4w6zghcy_gKh46BV8PYGZ3yxymUjbb_4/s1600/IMGP1864.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost ran into this little<br />
Bighorn sheep as I was making<br />
my way down to the Black<br />
Bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGFpTQWdSpA7_TUJ-Z1y-jopEILc2dTwlvZkPQqa92gzs_qN9Pr52TLdcsUSelErQA3YRdZ-W_W8oJzOCtYijTY-t0eYo3nqSnzljQ0XpH1_wEEoXLiSwAD-grnPz1NFKj9_zeejomUY/s1600/IMGP1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGFpTQWdSpA7_TUJ-Z1y-jopEILc2dTwlvZkPQqa92gzs_qN9Pr52TLdcsUSelErQA3YRdZ-W_W8oJzOCtYijTY-t0eYo3nqSnzljQ0XpH1_wEEoXLiSwAD-grnPz1NFKj9_zeejomUY/s1600/IMGP1865.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She just kept on running. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu-wc_VTExLhVAgCcsnAhmjmW3RWWBW_2OsEqMtxXz-URr3jVTZOGjR7Z0LDHifqx0Js4m3xv5Bj4O__eFfeBG9w_XE-uFpWvaPMqDVaelTPFe_UWTwRd77BTaoXFGOqctQO9GkOYRRs/s1600/IMGP1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu-wc_VTExLhVAgCcsnAhmjmW3RWWBW_2OsEqMtxXz-URr3jVTZOGjR7Z0LDHifqx0Js4m3xv5Bj4O__eFfeBG9w_XE-uFpWvaPMqDVaelTPFe_UWTwRd77BTaoXFGOqctQO9GkOYRRs/s1600/IMGP1866.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Black Bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejrSoQ6EXAC1Zkgx4RtxM5ziNySedbTWOanJiqh40JsTgqIZpP8y4VSC3owd0LpPM0YsgilNln2OwTBnpRwDv_yTGSXNVQzPvvqdAH0l-tYPbWwBIfygoReGQcpUfz4IIOBCdJivvpao/s1600/IMGP1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejrSoQ6EXAC1Zkgx4RtxM5ziNySedbTWOanJiqh40JsTgqIZpP8y4VSC3owd0LpPM0YsgilNln2OwTBnpRwDv_yTGSXNVQzPvvqdAH0l-tYPbWwBIfygoReGQcpUfz4IIOBCdJivvpao/s1600/IMGP1869.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Bridge</td></tr>
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I made it to the Black Bridge/Colorado River and I was on my own for the rest of the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I knew it wouldn't take too long to climb out of here (but it would sure be hard!). So, I decided to take my time, look around, explore Phantom Ranch and the ruins by the river. I also took some time to think and meditate because hey, I just made it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. ;)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GAZ8PmtFCYQ_vZ8818zudqK82hbgZl4ev3-cYgh1dZgnpIoV5UaRCE8QWs_0lvjkeOc_Upv_DTBLUzpAPC55_zUyML8n_ObEyj8TSn1ZRVkElSMZjP83FTMQ79gM5AZIDr-zb9yGtaU/s1600/IMGP1890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GAZ8PmtFCYQ_vZ8818zudqK82hbgZl4ev3-cYgh1dZgnpIoV5UaRCE8QWs_0lvjkeOc_Upv_DTBLUzpAPC55_zUyML8n_ObEyj8TSn1ZRVkElSMZjP83FTMQ79gM5AZIDr-zb9yGtaU/s1600/IMGP1890.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The remains of Bright Angel Pueblo by the river. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXwHRvBPZ_8kVZaTTWNhjB946o5eDWf6KIX3FJEfvGV8YaLuVuq7GYdLO3HidxA9rO50u_66_iOhsVTONFT17iQwFf076ALJB3aZD55xzBO0iSA-TmC0CDtigJ42RZyOsNMZx19vCoOQ/s1600/IMGP1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXwHRvBPZ_8kVZaTTWNhjB946o5eDWf6KIX3FJEfvGV8YaLuVuq7GYdLO3HidxA9rO50u_66_iOhsVTONFT17iQwFf076ALJB3aZD55xzBO0iSA-TmC0CDtigJ42RZyOsNMZx19vCoOQ/s1600/IMGP1892.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof that I made it to the bottom. :) That sand felt so good to<br />
walk on! I could have laid down and took a nap right there. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HIMr1Dmpl2vo899ysHMbGANHLuqsAkOrXyXa1oAY8sj_pklTYboJTWdogbu7MK6lvXcHz5CwcdSUlbuqrWBfMbW9yhj1frM8vFFF1Se5Ja9Pps1bpwAre1YHtxEIrEDiZAFzmB-hx6o/s1600/IMGP1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HIMr1Dmpl2vo899ysHMbGANHLuqsAkOrXyXa1oAY8sj_pklTYboJTWdogbu7MK6lvXcHz5CwcdSUlbuqrWBfMbW9yhj1frM8vFFF1Se5Ja9Pps1bpwAre1YHtxEIrEDiZAFzmB-hx6o/s1600/IMGP1895.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water was so peaceful...and incredibly smelly. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTbYwvViorRo6oki8u-NwhhHIpgZ9GLRLwpb0W5dMqhi7Zcf-GOAulyEHK7NOcPKm8qfWuwbxzyCFZjssJ4ce8J5IcktHSxJkouMR1O3ggHmoNwsPZoqS1A7yoEYcFda7WMtOnFHEf8A/s1600/IMGP1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTbYwvViorRo6oki8u-NwhhHIpgZ9GLRLwpb0W5dMqhi7Zcf-GOAulyEHK7NOcPKm8qfWuwbxzyCFZjssJ4ce8J5IcktHSxJkouMR1O3ggHmoNwsPZoqS1A7yoEYcFda7WMtOnFHEf8A/s1600/IMGP1898.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was headed for Phantom Ranch,<br />
but I really wanted to get on the<br />
North Kaibab Trail...next time!<br />
I will see you again in October. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTa9wdb6uM3GGKkdHVu2wNKLc91WHwh2ZyFcIeMrvGoDtAm9VGvpP4Mq2ZHVulG9q3evOO5F2S_-hf6t5KnZz7c976zcrNjW53JbpgGUd9z1zMPFCrrA40KwmUb9UiqcDNAhdFjc8xio/s1600/IMGP1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTa9wdb6uM3GGKkdHVu2wNKLc91WHwh2ZyFcIeMrvGoDtAm9VGvpP4Mq2ZHVulG9q3evOO5F2S_-hf6t5KnZz7c976zcrNjW53JbpgGUd9z1zMPFCrrA40KwmUb9UiqcDNAhdFjc8xio/s1600/IMGP1906.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made it to Phantom Ranch! It's less than a mile from the river. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKg9heRhX4vThwq1zsVsEHLvoKDAK0G_mXtbEuf5IV6anbO5DuafAY5G5lAS7OzgmEIE1CcPJ_5Pe61QTs8PeRMSkghG7U7We_SHg_VIJfvp8lMtOieSUpfLbAEJo09DlWQCpBaoDAno/s1600/IMGP1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKg9heRhX4vThwq1zsVsEHLvoKDAK0G_mXtbEuf5IV6anbO5DuafAY5G5lAS7OzgmEIE1CcPJ_5Pe61QTs8PeRMSkghG7U7We_SHg_VIJfvp8lMtOieSUpfLbAEJo09DlWQCpBaoDAno/s1600/IMGP1908.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRFJcjSuDtOT6ixSBflvO1UwaPfFeACxH_WTkCxSviXzOjYtNarPs8HBKKyX873DJeVp5yykwcikeAJYbHHBNuYvxbjWxLT7Q2Mz4A76TGp7CAFz1SzeMFWH3-f7jmTswBrtD1M6zJdg/s1600/IMGP1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRFJcjSuDtOT6ixSBflvO1UwaPfFeACxH_WTkCxSviXzOjYtNarPs8HBKKyX873DJeVp5yykwcikeAJYbHHBNuYvxbjWxLT7Q2Mz4A76TGp7CAFz1SzeMFWH3-f7jmTswBrtD1M6zJdg/s1600/IMGP1910.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It had a great mess hall. I'd love to stay here sometime and see it<br />
when it's really crowded! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEG7KfGWPcgAfKmWDwTFiQxxD-Oa20cg3kl6Y-lDfn7SFKgZezAiR4Ld1BopMcCdufVu5TwGHwF_HAOp8g_gD0tztx606wGhFR_Zl8-iw3iDRu85jQtsOzSxGG7tE1DKBGDuCzXsWSFs/s1600/IMGP1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEG7KfGWPcgAfKmWDwTFiQxxD-Oa20cg3kl6Y-lDfn7SFKgZezAiR4Ld1BopMcCdufVu5TwGHwF_HAOp8g_gD0tztx606wGhFR_Zl8-iw3iDRu85jQtsOzSxGG7tE1DKBGDuCzXsWSFs/s1600/IMGP1914.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The menu. I had ordered a sack lunch a few days beforehand.<br />
I paid for it and picked it up when I got there. It was pretty good.<br />
So much better than the Gu's I had in my pack. I love real food<br />
on longer runs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAs2TrgCWqTqGU2kVhwJlqUC3l86_kdPPqBipMFN6STMxI4ulpvV-EAKulcmeszMTkSEYdzIRGU1TpgKahe1JgBEfa4oBv5_O8kZa2UuARL8I_ZXmJBd7_sbBUn4mhG0p9cnW2pA5KmE/s1600/IMGP1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAs2TrgCWqTqGU2kVhwJlqUC3l86_kdPPqBipMFN6STMxI4ulpvV-EAKulcmeszMTkSEYdzIRGU1TpgKahe1JgBEfa4oBv5_O8kZa2UuARL8I_ZXmJBd7_sbBUn4mhG0p9cnW2pA5KmE/s1600/IMGP1915.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to send some postcards. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After Phantom Ranch, I had to make the decision to turn around. I was sad to do so. I wanted to keep going but I didn't want to be stuck in the canyon after dark. Even though I had my headlamp, not sure why I didn't go a few extra miles. I know I could have, looking back on it, but being in new territory, I wasn't sure what to expect. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I ran down to the river again and crossed the White Bridge. This bridge FREAKED ME OUT!<br />
It must have been the fact that I could see to the bottom and I was thinking about it too much. Anyway, I had to walk it (and hold on to the sides at the same time! So funny!). I (finally) got to the other side and begun my journey out of the Canyon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5WuD6Ta5hs3INEkPMm2CNTAaF1mhP-WUVw6zMTNUjGHkT1b6IVB_ROWqfD9IuvcaVoBkWYdN37k4qu6tQgAtDmRz6dCSHuZ3G2THTln1L1xFa_S2bOXFYE48HRQaXvMgfYffkPTFtEg/s1600/IMGP1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5WuD6Ta5hs3INEkPMm2CNTAaF1mhP-WUVw6zMTNUjGHkT1b6IVB_ROWqfD9IuvcaVoBkWYdN37k4qu6tQgAtDmRz6dCSHuZ3G2THTln1L1xFa_S2bOXFYE48HRQaXvMgfYffkPTFtEg/s1600/IMGP1937.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XZtbQ9oSiJa-2-TZZeH4ZiqvczRTh-Seqhohoz2hSm-hU8zv4X-Oxn8oR0k97MlhbXOStSuGzkB0X337butO2-WFelLvCd10e-BHi6Ga5ZYiVV9VPVRIKxMS9Ed5-TrXbtbEB65mJzM/s1600/IMGP1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XZtbQ9oSiJa-2-TZZeH4ZiqvczRTh-Seqhohoz2hSm-hU8zv4X-Oxn8oR0k97MlhbXOStSuGzkB0X337butO2-WFelLvCd10e-BHi6Ga5ZYiVV9VPVRIKxMS9Ed5-TrXbtbEB65mJzM/s1600/IMGP1939.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5r2TvuSTP9KXvkXv42srGbhs2yt1W590YQ77xnKiNJrUH5tOfP9_p9HpJSBNtKJCsPBPo-dGCsyJ1nQ8MqL40uNUe4UlUutxhuGidPrC_nW-qMlwms75688LkUbAz0jERT9FnmUAVuQ/s1600/IMGP1943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5r2TvuSTP9KXvkXv42srGbhs2yt1W590YQ77xnKiNJrUH5tOfP9_p9HpJSBNtKJCsPBPo-dGCsyJ1nQ8MqL40uNUe4UlUutxhuGidPrC_nW-qMlwms75688LkUbAz0jERT9FnmUAVuQ/s1600/IMGP1943.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back up...this sand is tough<br />to run through!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xqbLbVKdTZl7xGPGtV1UG1dr7n_vf4pX7eXPyPTwMiaQv8wjViwFJZOO9PRbztAR0CzLKDmFKzNUv0ilaJVlDH_JIXAr4Jj859EByQahzvhhoYz_Kd79Vy0pT_pBnJNfS2uu-aeBmUc/s1600/IMGP1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xqbLbVKdTZl7xGPGtV1UG1dr7n_vf4pX7eXPyPTwMiaQv8wjViwFJZOO9PRbztAR0CzLKDmFKzNUv0ilaJVlDH_JIXAr4Jj859EByQahzvhhoYz_Kd79Vy0pT_pBnJNfS2uu-aeBmUc/s1600/IMGP1948.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last full view of the river<br />before my ascent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sP1SbjGIcCwL3EMc8S1rutC5C2keiAKOWAufxPuBPMz49MlLXdhANceL17q4k9g0cPbbdgDMfV7PlkLSJ2dn6fPGo0LiPzei1LC7XAT6CwmQFo1pEtPLEnhHW3K0S2AQ4wMs6xO2aBY/s1600/IMGP1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sP1SbjGIcCwL3EMc8S1rutC5C2keiAKOWAufxPuBPMz49MlLXdhANceL17q4k9g0cPbbdgDMfV7PlkLSJ2dn6fPGo0LiPzei1LC7XAT6CwmQFo1pEtPLEnhHW3K0S2AQ4wMs6xO2aBY/s1600/IMGP1953.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I need to conquer up ahead...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchMJgbJqiEd6xeBsUxsvL-PzHtPHwKnelrYOemWhFfts9AS8yzb1Rak7QQWvS_Sb-q5zF7e5W2GkJQpWY38nlcDXjEwFaPok6Sfb8WUMMuJqF6HsNHHeJJSfoES_wzWH-F4lgEiqu8gw/s1600/IMGP1955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchMJgbJqiEd6xeBsUxsvL-PzHtPHwKnelrYOemWhFfts9AS8yzb1Rak7QQWvS_Sb-q5zF7e5W2GkJQpWY38nlcDXjEwFaPok6Sfb8WUMMuJqF6HsNHHeJJSfoES_wzWH-F4lgEiqu8gw/s1600/IMGP1955.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to rest at some of the switchbacks...hiking back up is HARD!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hiking back up (I swear, I tried to run, but it is so so so very hard) is one of the hardest things about the Grand Canyon. It won't take too long if you keep at it and make forward progress. But once in a while, I had to stop. Trying to run was almost impossible (I felt so weighted down!). I applaud those who can do it. That is something I want to be better at for my next crossing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV7epF3Ll-bZQcAiHUUpVsQkR02HGhk2p2vOBRxPC5s_h1wcY5zuiUQArUec8N_tWbvu4YZXDrYpsfr9moMaHSr8_bthXBMOp2CHUub0mkMUGjD6uCGJ8jIHG2VhFgwVOcRnvefowI8U/s1600/IMGP1964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV7epF3Ll-bZQcAiHUUpVsQkR02HGhk2p2vOBRxPC5s_h1wcY5zuiUQArUec8N_tWbvu4YZXDrYpsfr9moMaHSr8_bthXBMOp2CHUub0mkMUGjD6uCGJ8jIHG2VhFgwVOcRnvefowI8U/s1600/IMGP1964.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the trail...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz2ms1hykX_RzYXsZUkb59UbVWLp4rVdf0QCM_eqIkL6FBB0tePB9xTep08Yr9PnWp6oQDIHlAQmWprf0v0g4JHIf_nmFl-TxfDwF3nRXYoFn9WChluArmUT27k2FsnERXkTIOzKLp3U/s1600/IMGP1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz2ms1hykX_RzYXsZUkb59UbVWLp4rVdf0QCM_eqIkL6FBB0tePB9xTep08Yr9PnWp6oQDIHlAQmWprf0v0g4JHIf_nmFl-TxfDwF3nRXYoFn9WChluArmUT27k2FsnERXkTIOzKLp3U/s1600/IMGP1966.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It felt like I was going straight up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhNgGQPbM15Gpqhww-127wRXxPtsA3r1gNuiySzgFamc9s7aB41l2r6mTA0MImWFi-As5Pz1gmKsbOVmWpGXljj0LJoeN-2vxsfdcv-Qj3vRhsUak_qX94n1CIXH6foRLUEpldADDUPU/s1600/IMGP1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhNgGQPbM15Gpqhww-127wRXxPtsA3r1gNuiySzgFamc9s7aB41l2r6mTA0MImWFi-As5Pz1gmKsbOVmWpGXljj0LJoeN-2vxsfdcv-Qj3vRhsUak_qX94n1CIXH6foRLUEpldADDUPU/s1600/IMGP1971.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting closer to Indian Gardens...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqs5_wZgx9Nz3c_hp9BrU-wro4AzmCyfrDhthgUfbwnZLDAjXUxxZmGfttwhS3FgOzHWiF98Eh9CACasafvr8J8p87XRseLXLKOW6y7eAA5tiLLdLp_on84bD_QNZS7LD_Pvb0RFteNM/s1600/IMGP1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqs5_wZgx9Nz3c_hp9BrU-wro4AzmCyfrDhthgUfbwnZLDAjXUxxZmGfttwhS3FgOzHWiF98Eh9CACasafvr8J8p87XRseLXLKOW6y7eAA5tiLLdLp_on84bD_QNZS7LD_Pvb0RFteNM/s1600/IMGP1978.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A squirrel was posing so nicely I<br />had to take his photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMqxrhHCLYxgQn6l4-X16R3unrNqZk436w9N5KB57LPMm6RE7r4fLdOVGeB5z0A-pkPS6OccgrrYwQe4V6uCrxqYLRaB5kiM1VTiy07WV6AAKqchZqhtiLZoEmlvp4rUjq0o0vMX2Aa8/s1600/IMGP1984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMqxrhHCLYxgQn6l4-X16R3unrNqZk436w9N5KB57LPMm6RE7r4fLdOVGeB5z0A-pkPS6OccgrrYwQe4V6uCrxqYLRaB5kiM1VTiy07WV6AAKqchZqhtiLZoEmlvp4rUjq0o0vMX2Aa8/s1600/IMGP1984.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the rock formations around this<br />part of the trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6L_kq_smmieJ9mBi9SLz2LrAybOvw0gjIlF885H_LAANpJpQHBycdT0ZoIZ_xm5hDR_w5WQ4JNmtrFBBMtGNcrzOd_1pjoUFsvcERzYpDxJDkNUDHLU9_ugPR2cftkcZgK736c5x210/s1600/IMGP1986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6L_kq_smmieJ9mBi9SLz2LrAybOvw0gjIlF885H_LAANpJpQHBycdT0ZoIZ_xm5hDR_w5WQ4JNmtrFBBMtGNcrzOd_1pjoUFsvcERzYpDxJDkNUDHLU9_ugPR2cftkcZgK736c5x210/s1600/IMGP1986.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm making progress! Slowly, but surely. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0FeBwHLBDPKC4tnpHshNX8CYby6Kpv2NH2QFjCHeEpLuTYoDc5Rsr2qq1me_51j9BbaWaLEu2w3GI5rPKddtGvLTEQ6nAFNvWiMfFYIcg0bs-n7GtCetGr8wtGUVR8DefrRr3dIMb8g/s1600/IMGP1989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0FeBwHLBDPKC4tnpHshNX8CYby6Kpv2NH2QFjCHeEpLuTYoDc5Rsr2qq1me_51j9BbaWaLEu2w3GI5rPKddtGvLTEQ6nAFNvWiMfFYIcg0bs-n7GtCetGr8wtGUVR8DefrRr3dIMb8g/s1600/IMGP1989.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Garden is right around this<br />bend. This tree always reminds<br />me! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA0c0NhT4d-KdH8-8TxpwllQoSnEIgG4rHW17zzQ_vUaG14w_ZU5YwUATAOZrcr2dODlGlQJDXxhkDOCxn3H6TTpUNb46dTi5JHip0zd2DEBbWVxl5Wv4HqLMR-lJnuoLIiwsXXJT1N8/s1600/IMGP1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA0c0NhT4d-KdH8-8TxpwllQoSnEIgG4rHW17zzQ_vUaG14w_ZU5YwUATAOZrcr2dODlGlQJDXxhkDOCxn3H6TTpUNb46dTi5JHip0zd2DEBbWVxl5Wv4HqLMR-lJnuoLIiwsXXJT1N8/s1600/IMGP1992.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally made it to Indian Gardens! What a great place to relax for lunch.</td></tr>
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I eventually made it to Indian Gardens and I had lots of time to spare to sit back and eat my lunch. I was freezing so I found some spots in the sun to sit. The squirrels wouldn't stop bugging me, so I had to constantly shoo them away. I wish people wouldn't feed them so much! </div>
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I was surprised at how quickly I arrived at Indian Gardens. I was hoping for it to take more time. At this point, I knew I could have run farther past Phantom Ranch. Dang it! ;) </div>
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After I finished up the lunch I picked up at Phantom Ranch earlier, I sat for awhile, enjoying the act of not moving and thinking about what I had left ahead of me. I have done this hike before, so I know the effort involved into getting out of the canyon. "It's not going to be fun" was something that I kept telling myself. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYEdNPEdKDy1i5s-6ACChTPKVcRfg6hXx_tXsQl7-WVID51j0uLGdgl-wWb5XKYvbA3c8RiH-QhV0jvie1UcCrijU-gq6gSrnhiGf_5tQ-5p1qkYu2G892YBWmgsExx6rEVaAyOXwvmM/s1600/IMGP1993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYEdNPEdKDy1i5s-6ACChTPKVcRfg6hXx_tXsQl7-WVID51j0uLGdgl-wWb5XKYvbA3c8RiH-QhV0jvie1UcCrijU-gq6gSrnhiGf_5tQ-5p1qkYu2G892YBWmgsExx6rEVaAyOXwvmM/s1600/IMGP1993.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail heading back up. You see<br />the South Rim in the upper left<br />side of the photo. I have a looong<br />way to go. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QhYqXg6A50yshEbo-WoMYxk9VMzT_p96t_2KZnagac6gkavRwinYPP-PA8y1Nw5oAB6L3U8vmyNz2s-NFQ-iJ8LGDjLH1nA807F3YIdrE7ZKMfmIlirVDQOGPnmQc2fkdGCjWJaYC1E/s1600/IMGP1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QhYqXg6A50yshEbo-WoMYxk9VMzT_p96t_2KZnagac6gkavRwinYPP-PA8y1Nw5oAB6L3U8vmyNz2s-NFQ-iJ8LGDjLH1nA807F3YIdrE7ZKMfmIlirVDQOGPnmQc2fkdGCjWJaYC1E/s1600/IMGP1997.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These signs are everywhere. I think I thought they<br />were funnier than they actually are because I was a little<br />delusional at this point... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPP98QqeoFN6dDZpylrQG8wW9oCe62NMXejDCfH2hfjoP8Oevt3E8PvBdDyjTKWb35nMrWF49tVHANk14IIeViePF9Fjp9AyVYftPSgeSIlOvP-2a5_JcFLuBEwFtBHONpCiE0XYEmW8/s1600/IMGP2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPP98QqeoFN6dDZpylrQG8wW9oCe62NMXejDCfH2hfjoP8Oevt3E8PvBdDyjTKWb35nMrWF49tVHANk14IIeViePF9Fjp9AyVYftPSgeSIlOvP-2a5_JcFLuBEwFtBHONpCiE0XYEmW8/s1600/IMGP2002.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working my way up Bright Angel Trail. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5xzkhHkosW4l4xm4S1QTZs7QGqDNE10_Mu0NY4h0EwJSkLEmmwG_P96ksgfYRFWxWcfSGWiBUpjPcrm0WoVWs1BmTa1IYIXsUV_e0XGcEnfEDYLlT7opfLu08wsoeVoZAUdV_BlXQko/s1600/IMGP2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5xzkhHkosW4l4xm4S1QTZs7QGqDNE10_Mu0NY4h0EwJSkLEmmwG_P96ksgfYRFWxWcfSGWiBUpjPcrm0WoVWs1BmTa1IYIXsUV_e0XGcEnfEDYLlT7opfLu08wsoeVoZAUdV_BlXQko/s1600/IMGP2005.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the bathroom/water stops along the Bright Angel Trail.<br />I didn't use any of them on this trail because I just wanted to be done. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xbFqTD2TUbo82Rip5cMrPweOB_-_7kPuw6RwBG0YUHmwvIhuAwg_06awWZtwlZ7iEn7KVqnhM_H-YgCpkt8jfiSC961keLpxPdrhmoFE4On-d2CmfWsqQXXEwia7QDgH7Ia-WME-pc4/s1600/IMGP2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xbFqTD2TUbo82Rip5cMrPweOB_-_7kPuw6RwBG0YUHmwvIhuAwg_06awWZtwlZ7iEn7KVqnhM_H-YgCpkt8jfiSC961keLpxPdrhmoFE4On-d2CmfWsqQXXEwia7QDgH7Ia-WME-pc4/s1600/IMGP2012.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALMOST THERE! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zm2uce4GxbPi2ht14YTFhv8G6dn0uAcQhVzqNGTW1EVO0W-vQyrAR5sMvfF39OFlEUjjnaeW5pzPIqo_vBftkzlW59Aqg5Z-Id5drT_OlxHkYTsR31HVYxWIHmks46Jvp8BdtcYoU1k/s1600/IMGP2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zm2uce4GxbPi2ht14YTFhv8G6dn0uAcQhVzqNGTW1EVO0W-vQyrAR5sMvfF39OFlEUjjnaeW5pzPIqo_vBftkzlW59Aqg5Z-Id5drT_OlxHkYTsR31HVYxWIHmks46Jvp8BdtcYoU1k/s1600/IMGP2017.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I MADE IT! </td></tr>
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I was so happy when I made it out of the canyon! This was my first Rim to River to Rim Crossing and it was a huge accomplishment for me. I had tears of joy running down my face when I touched this sign. I'm sure I was getting the weirdest looks from visitors. But they had no idea what I just accomplished! I was so happy! </div>
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I took a few photos, made a few calls (Chance, parents...I had to tell someone!) and took a much needed break. I just sat there for a few minutes and thought about what I just did. I also did some people watching (mostly because I could hardly move and my knee was acting up again). Visitors at the Grand Canyon can be so strange! And most of them would never consider doing what I did today. And that's okay with me. :)</div>
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I wobbled back to the hotel around 2pm. I took a hot bath and took a long nap. I woke up around 6pm or so and went to look for food at the Maskwik Lodge cafeteria. After that, I was worried that Kathryn hadn't showed up yet. So I went to the trailhead and waited for awhile. I brought my light and warm clothes (+ a blanket, it was getting really cold!). I finally got some word on what was going on. Kathryn got cell service and sent me some text messages about her location. It was going to be awhile so I went in search of more food. I was very drowsy at this point. I was eating a huge bowl of pasta and almost fell asleep in it! I went back to the room after that and fell asleep until Kathryn showed up. She got back around 10pm and I believe Clint came back around 12pm. </div>
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Sleep never felt better! I woke up so refreshed! We all went down for some breakfast and then packed up and said our good-byes. What a fun adventure that was! I am thrilled to say I have accomplished a Rim-to-River-to-Rim. But I am planning for a full crossing soon! I am hoping to run with other enthusiasts in October for a full R2R2R. I'm so incredibly excited! </div>
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My next race is<b> THIS WEEKEND!</b> I'm running the <i>Javalina Jangover 50k </i>in Fountain Hills, AZ. I'm also involved in a Women in Firefighting Bootcamp THAT SAME WEEKEND in Mesa, AZ so it will be interesting! I'll let you know what happens. ;)</div>
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<b>Keep Exploring! </b></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-17935625028453868532014-06-01T13:44:00.000-07:002014-06-17T14:54:45.668-07:00The Flood that was The Old Pueblo 50 Miler - Volunteer Report<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me start things off by saying that a lot has changed since my last post. It's the reason why I haven't been around for a while. It's funny how one of my favorite things to do always gets pushed farther and farther on to the back-burner while other things get made the priority. The things that need more attention, like family and work, always seem to be put first. But it isn't necessarily terrible; it's just how life works out sometimes. </div>
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Most recently, it has been my job that has been getting in the way. In my second year of teaching, I had issues with a coworker for quite sometime (from way back in October) and I really feel as if she should have been fired for the things that she did. She never was, and she continued to create tension and a negative atmosphere within the middle school building. It was horrible. There were many days when I dreaded coming to work because of the way she treated me, my coworkers, and my students.<br />
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I was upset with the fact my bosses were the NOT handling the situation. They were letting her continue to be a nuisance and gossiper. She began to talk to some of the students who had behavioral problems and she got them to turn against me. There was also an incident with a parent that she helped to create (but there are past issues with favoritism of certain parents at the school, and that problem could just never be helped sadly). It was unreal. The fact that this woman was 30 years old and she was acting like a jealous little kid; it absolutely blew my mind. </div>
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She was never fired but she was not asked back for the next year.<i>Whole lot of good that does</i>, especially after the fact that she caused so much damage in the middle school that I NEVER want to go back. <i>So</i> that's what I decided to do. I turned in my resignation letter on the last day of school and had my classroom cleaned out in 2 days. I figured that I was extremely unhappy at this school and it was doing me no good to stay there, regardless of if this woman returned or not. I realized that I did not want to be a part of the chaos any longer. The school has some serious issues to work out and I wish them them the best of luck in doing so. But it is definitely not a quick fix and that's why I couldn't take it anymore. </div>
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I knew it was the right thing to do when I caught myself grinning after walking out of the office for the last time. I was so elated and I knew that if I did the wrong thing I wouldn't be feeling that way. My first year at this school was great, but year two was less than stellar. And thinking about spending another year at that school made me nauseous. I have also decided that teaching is not for me. And I know I have made the right decision. :)</div>
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So, what have I decided to do now that teaching is out of the question? Well, I am an outdoorsy gal and I figure I have a lot of options. I would really like to become a wild-land firefighter, but I will have to wait until November to apply for next season (this season is halfway through). I got a job as a lifeguard (year #2!) and I am taking classes to get my EMT certification and get accepted into the fire science academy here in town. But of course, I am also exploring other options. There's a lot of opportunity for a gusty girl like me. I have no worries. ;)</div>
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Let's get to the race recap!</div>
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I was actually signed up to run this race waaay back in March. Unfortunately, I hurt my knee pretty badly at the Ragnar Trail Ultra back in October 2013 and I had to take out a LARGE chunk of my 50-miler training. MAJOR BUMMER.</div>
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I was pretty upset about it, but I wasn't going to try to run my 1st 50 miler without enough training. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not <i>that </i>crazy. </span></b></div>
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First, I made sure I got my registration deferred until next year (check!). And then I decided to volunteer with my long time camp friend Laura's parents, Connie and Joe. They always run Aid Station 46 (@ mile 46, the last station before the end and the best one in my opinion). I volunteered with them last year and I had a blast so I made sure to get on board with them again this year. </div>
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I was a little late getting out to the course, around 10am. It is an hour drive Southeast from Tucson, in the Santa Rita Mountains. Normally, I would think the course would be a little hot this time of year, but today the weather was weird. We usually don't get much rain in Tucson until monsoons (in July) but it was cool and overcast, with a forecast of all day rain. I didn't believe it (rain never lasts for more than a few minutes here).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyyozQVRMWypgtbhcaIZkWaJkikzM8uIkRouF8WpdqORKR3mZHm0ahtApKr7EHt3jwyOQiov9idXbST1hlet5LCPG3XzJ1Gtb_py7b5dSAjALGtBRQPbFzkkGV6QkHEWOZUssjjcridY/s1600/20140301_113748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyyozQVRMWypgtbhcaIZkWaJkikzM8uIkRouF8WpdqORKR3mZHm0ahtApKr7EHt3jwyOQiov9idXbST1hlet5LCPG3XzJ1Gtb_py7b5dSAjALGtBRQPbFzkkGV6QkHEWOZUssjjcridY/s1600/20140301_113748.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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I got to Gardner Canyon and started to drive down the already muddy road. It began raining pretty hard on my way over. I was giving it 30 minutes, maybe an hour, before it let up. I was thinking of the runners on the course already, and how nice this must be from the heat wave last year! I remember how hot it got last year near the end, and this was definitely nice compared to that.</div>
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I arrived at the aid station but I was having trouble pulling my jeep in. Oh great, it's stuck in the mud. I was so close to the tent, yet so far away! Joe came over to help me push it. We got it out and then it got stuck again. :/ One more time and we got it to where it needed to be. I figured I would be leaving anytime soon however. Good thing I thought to pack a bunch of blankets and a pillow, you know, just in case I had to sleep in my car. ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PjiMErqxQzOcwpe49FOi0EzphpB9NWiEs4zqRkD2DlJxY9xuWIl04LD5PaKNxbNI4zkwYnRQV5LrSGSpi005Zksz6Fu4n35BmmhtzouQEN_kbj3FC1BVmZkSy2HEUU-Lw3eg-uacWug/s1600/20140301_122052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PjiMErqxQzOcwpe49FOi0EzphpB9NWiEs4zqRkD2DlJxY9xuWIl04LD5PaKNxbNI4zkwYnRQV5LrSGSpi005Zksz6Fu4n35BmmhtzouQEN_kbj3FC1BVmZkSy2HEUU-Lw3eg-uacWug/s1600/20140301_122052.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My car got stuck in the mud a few times...whoops.<br />
My next car needs to be a 4 wheel drive. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItl8dCPNXQNyw8OcrnQjUTIkAjNzOhMIUF0mecgFB7aFSHNvRvxjPIL4IHz3aasZB_yUqZiTxa_xBVbuvEdyQckdlz-mQpTFKO9GWiKDUa97zOieNrBNAeUpgEZXdw-f_SOAAbWguEKI/s1600/20140301_155652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItl8dCPNXQNyw8OcrnQjUTIkAjNzOhMIUF0mecgFB7aFSHNvRvxjPIL4IHz3aasZB_yUqZiTxa_xBVbuvEdyQckdlz-mQpTFKO9GWiKDUa97zOieNrBNAeUpgEZXdw-f_SOAAbWguEKI/s1600/20140301_155652.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am wearing multiple layers<br />
(of everything)<br />
here and I am still freezing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I got out of my car, careful not to put my hiking boots in too much mud (HA). It was pointless, I was already soaked and muddy. I pulled out my coolers with the food in it (left the s'mores in the car, no point in that coming out too soon) and scrambled over to the singular tent that Connie, Jo and two other volunteers were shivering under. They had pulled all of the tables, stove and other coolers in under the tent with them so there wasn't much room to stand. It was nice though because it was FREEZING outside. The temperature had dropped and the rain wasn't letting up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No one had come through yet so I wasn't that late. I would get to see the finisher, which is pretty cool. I love this aid station because you get to see the runners right at the end, at their worst. They are so close to the finish and they know it, yet they are suffering from the past 46 miles they just had to run. I love it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSPz5srnH1putOqT2lvz7t8lwebB-y5evwS9_D6fsDEbGNafXwTZCnf0N0hZZmd-jOjRlslA74HVIhSwqn2azubRUxAL4H8zWPqgkNcQYSoiEo3Hsrc70dl8FKr9lCbG_2b9iMVSZMrM/s1600/IMGP1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSPz5srnH1putOqT2lvz7t8lwebB-y5evwS9_D6fsDEbGNafXwTZCnf0N0hZZmd-jOjRlslA74HVIhSwqn2azubRUxAL4H8zWPqgkNcQYSoiEo3Hsrc70dl8FKr9lCbG_2b9iMVSZMrM/s1600/IMGP1594.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AS 46. We huddled as much as we could to stay warm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Aid Station this year was a sad sight. Last year, the tables and camp chairs were spread out along the trail so everyone would be able to see the runners easily and they would be able to see us as well. There was even a campfire going so we could keep warm at night and roast some mallows. :)<br />
This year, there was none of that. Just a little shade tent propped up on a hill so we could get away from the "mini-rivers" running everywhere. The weather was impossible!<br />
<br />
I was freezing, but I wasn't doing so bad. I think I was too excited by everything going on. There was something happening every minute. Families of runners wanted to come see their runners at AS 46 but they had some trouble actually getting to the aid station. Cars were getting stuck left and right. And since we were already soaked, why not get out there and help them out?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8ywuYYt_xM7n_mlAoqpBbEt6fPXM_8c2goLyQxX15Zm4eXcnvDxFeqOgPnorMWK2wAYO8iiX-tGucUsabFMJHWF0c6ZwVL3TQwUMI05vhw6pXmLcrzivnl8VPuJ4Mu4R9M8uX_YdeAA/s1600/IMGP1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8ywuYYt_xM7n_mlAoqpBbEt6fPXM_8c2goLyQxX15Zm4eXcnvDxFeqOgPnorMWK2wAYO8iiX-tGucUsabFMJHWF0c6ZwVL3TQwUMI05vhw6pXmLcrzivnl8VPuJ4Mu4R9M8uX_YdeAA/s1600/IMGP1595.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This woman's car got a flat tire AND it got stuck. <br />
AND she had no tools to help us fix it.<br />
Thankfully, another aid station had what we needed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Runners were coming in, shivering and loving the food we had at the aid station. Connie brought all of the good stuff. She was boiling potatoes on the camp stove and had a bag of salt to dip the potatoes in. We also had soup and coffee as well as the normal aid station stuff: gu's, salt tabs, electrolyte drinks, etc. I brought the gummy worms because that's what I crave on long runs!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rsP0YjGvx2GAf-AzNTBS6aOekjNZLlOOJBKCvlCegxsVp7ZYrMioE5fy87XOfaOfRzBwzGiqBWVrvtGMjK9sE3li4qtM7Jjwrgi_06CPuCMf9DzKrbLEX_l0J0XjXFZ372TNxEKnla8/s1600/IMGP1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rsP0YjGvx2GAf-AzNTBS6aOekjNZLlOOJBKCvlCegxsVp7ZYrMioE5fy87XOfaOfRzBwzGiqBWVrvtGMjK9sE3li4qtM7Jjwrgi_06CPuCMf9DzKrbLEX_l0J0XjXFZ372TNxEKnla8/s1600/IMGP1597.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe, another volunteer (I forgot his name!) and Connie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj6u9G0_VUnDwpROAN23DNbQpPpZJ0KMLSWSZ032hS6aMrz4hxk0qMnBQtSFjtJTale6YQdPxQc84ELwZT5hwuD3mVCuqKW7T1CUmnWeEVlKnGnY3mCqX4nTDMKCEkO_5g-ywxIbEGKE/s1600/IMGP1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj6u9G0_VUnDwpROAN23DNbQpPpZJ0KMLSWSZ032hS6aMrz4hxk0qMnBQtSFjtJTale6YQdPxQc84ELwZT5hwuD3mVCuqKW7T1CUmnWeEVlKnGnY3mCqX4nTDMKCEkO_5g-ywxIbEGKE/s1600/IMGP1596.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A woman helping her husband fuel up before the last few miles. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, I came prepared to do another job at the OP50. I was asked to set up glow sticks along the trail for the last miles of the race. Once it gets dark, it is very difficult to see where the trail continues. Other volunteers set up glow sticks along the rest of the course, and I was excited to get to set up the last ones. One problem, I left my running at homes. Oops.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided to go in my hiking boots and to stop worrying about it. No point freaking out. It was probably a better option anyways because of the mud along the trail. My hiking boots were more supportive in conditions like that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went to my car to change. I decided I needed multiple layers of everything: 3 shirts, 2 tights/pants, and 3 pairs of socks. I grabbed the bag of glow sticks and off I went! I headed down the trail and began hanging glow sticks off of the trees. It was a very slow run. I ran a little bit, hung a glow stick, ran a little more, turned around to make sure I could see the glow stick and did that over and over again. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I came to a small river. I doubted that this was here before the rain and I was hesitant to cross it. It looked fast and I was worried it was going to get higher as the race progressed (that rain was nowhere near to stopping anytime soon). I crossed it slowly and it reached my knees. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EJlc4UVyKmhtoxuTsBb4A6sP2cM4MCpK4bZfYkna4a4Ofnviv2QqeQm2jGrqorIbrT3T1y6Qkho0cFq3HqD1b-dF4cKDOPARNLTEuPpOA_wvvJC36hua4wvFqbHgAUeAQeIF82SjZwM/s1600/IMGP1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EJlc4UVyKmhtoxuTsBb4A6sP2cM4MCpK4bZfYkna4a4Ofnviv2QqeQm2jGrqorIbrT3T1y6Qkho0cFq3HqD1b-dF4cKDOPARNLTEuPpOA_wvvJC36hua4wvFqbHgAUeAQeIF82SjZwM/s1600/IMGP1601.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "river" crossing.<br />
This would get much higher by the end<br />
of the night. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDrk9RzTy6hdAy6IGuFzOCFDA7LocAX6Zi-OXWcqnXpA38XvDQEIB979k2HnFg6yQJYdQ7SMBYuVwO0eLdO3LUc8atjDNWdvZ_brM77kL_p7bmKNKQpgAdy1ctNOmhapgM4Gsz64KdGA/s1600/IMGP1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDrk9RzTy6hdAy6IGuFzOCFDA7LocAX6Zi-OXWcqnXpA38XvDQEIB979k2HnFg6yQJYdQ7SMBYuVwO0eLdO3LUc8atjDNWdvZ_brM77kL_p7bmKNKQpgAdy1ctNOmhapgM4Gsz64KdGA/s1600/IMGP1603.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my glow sticks. My buff helped<br />
keep my nose and mouth warm.<br />
And the headband helped with my<br />
ears. Both are VERY useful <br />
in cold weather!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the crossing, I was definitely soaked to the bone. But it wasn't like I was upset about it. I was having fun! Maybe had it been my first 50 miler I would be panicking. But I only had to run 5 miles in it. So, I was having a good time. :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I set up more glow sticks and took some more photos. I was really slowing down just to look at the scenery. I had never been on this course before and I loved how beautiful it was! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uaXgzgJA4xwwnI-f-Q8LoW_6yo1OnUlKPTZdaXEwLqYjxPtUlDZIhYdi2acn7AYuvliw96SchvbOXiL9lKKYOQnpXvNt_sfaygcSUusaC1zvPJ6P7Ysa2z6_Ys91Zv_Fq-6eGUxs-lg/s1600/IMGP1604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uaXgzgJA4xwwnI-f-Q8LoW_6yo1OnUlKPTZdaXEwLqYjxPtUlDZIhYdi2acn7AYuvliw96SchvbOXiL9lKKYOQnpXvNt_sfaygcSUusaC1zvPJ6P7Ysa2z6_Ys91Zv_Fq-6eGUxs-lg/s1600/IMGP1604.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had it not been raining, this place would have been HOT. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFwTFUbLH8dfllhWO79G6yMEry9HvWPz8mxCTAzQGRZiN1xbEE1Md7o5I5XTDGR5n17iPS09WHJyD0re1JekN731XGsYR6S5Hw9o2FLa61dO81z5xV-lhmOdCPW9gsBrafH9tgLVlyPY/s1600/IMGP1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFwTFUbLH8dfllhWO79G6yMEry9HvWPz8mxCTAzQGRZiN1xbEE1Md7o5I5XTDGR5n17iPS09WHJyD0re1JekN731XGsYR6S5Hw9o2FLa61dO81z5xV-lhmOdCPW9gsBrafH9tgLVlyPY/s1600/IMGP1606.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail gives away that a lot of people have passed through. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got to the top of a hill and looked around for the trail. I was at a dirt road and there was a few ways to go. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of a sudden some guy comes running up behind me, demanding to know the way. Considering I just got there, I had no idea. So I told him that. Bad idea. He freaked out. He said he was lost and he wasn't going to finish. Okay, I get it. The weather sucked. But it doesn't mean your attitude has to as well, I don't care how far you're running! I told him to hold on while I look for flagging tape. I eventually found it and pointed him in the right direction. What. A. Jerk. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_o4eDgewvhU2lOesVBrD0JNz6vfajxG0XI1opZVwVZNHRSS-kbs21KAWTS2AEgjetYE79hPINHzJb-vJLpE-kw9gzCSsJ06AaUxz_BDNvQ7AyuBQ-wlODfbBfSO-8dwS1H1WyrzkVTiw/s1600/IMGP1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_o4eDgewvhU2lOesVBrD0JNz6vfajxG0XI1opZVwVZNHRSS-kbs21KAWTS2AEgjetYE79hPINHzJb-vJLpE-kw9gzCSsJ06AaUxz_BDNvQ7AyuBQ-wlODfbBfSO-8dwS1H1WyrzkVTiw/s1600/IMGP1613.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rude guy running away. At least the scenery is pretty. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After another mile or two of running and putting up glow sticks...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVW8zac9UPECEmp5fMUt6Z2BbSmI2AB1dLhLbyuLm0dko_5zsNHpvkdeyQw9eIHTXZYcIk1s5RaLCPaxPhWc3futZ9S-PgusOzhB03Lh_aYYGLHF5dcuVsPkLTZtL5E8eFPlTfUDc-w0/s1600/IMGP1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVW8zac9UPECEmp5fMUt6Z2BbSmI2AB1dLhLbyuLm0dko_5zsNHpvkdeyQw9eIHTXZYcIk1s5RaLCPaxPhWc3futZ9S-PgusOzhB03Lh_aYYGLHF5dcuVsPkLTZtL5E8eFPlTfUDc-w0/s1600/IMGP1615.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2qNL6zgwL3yOGFnBzTbMxbb_Sfn9RbCaULI7gq_m2uOzguZEYowfK3NyNVlFhgXHNJIeidzEDIuzkTCDU-bHOWDXoYOVHaXMOuxGKHGflD0bANY_k4melDojtUz2rnNRSjmTJuC2Beg/s1600/IMGP1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2qNL6zgwL3yOGFnBzTbMxbb_Sfn9RbCaULI7gq_m2uOzguZEYowfK3NyNVlFhgXHNJIeidzEDIuzkTCDU-bHOWDXoYOVHaXMOuxGKHGflD0bANY_k4melDojtUz2rnNRSjmTJuC2Beg/s1600/IMGP1616.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Camp: The start and finish of the OP50.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...I made it to the finish! I ran to the cabin and I was so happy I survived the terrible weather. I was freezing and shivering like crazy, but I made it. I walked into the cabin and it was PACKED. Runners, families & friends of runners, trainers, volunteers were all working/mingling and hanging out around the fire. I checked in with the race director and let him know all the glow sticks were up. He was happy to hear it and then ran off to the next thing. A volunteer, Art, ushered me to the small fire in the common room and went to go get me a burger. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At this point, I realized how bad my situation was. My clothes were completely soaked and I had no way of getting back to my car. I really didn't think this through. I told Art and he offered to drive me back (and a few other volunteers who ran glow sticks). That solved one problem. I got so close to the fire (it was a contained furnace fire) you could see the steam coming off of my running tights. I took off my socks and shoes and outer shells and laid them next to the fire. I was still freezing.<br />
<br />
Eventually, the cabin started to clear out. Runners came in and then left, as well as families and friends. The atmosphere began to get quiet. Once in a while, a runner would come in, and everyone would congratulate them and then I would give up my seat so they could warm up. I got to know a few runners from TTR pretty well: Mike, Wayne, Tom, Pam. There were some others but I haven't talked to them since so I have forgotten their names. I'm sorry if you're reading this!<br />
<br />
Everyone had warm clothes to change into, except me. Art noticed this and let me wear his extra shirts and socks. I am so grateful for him! I was much warmer thanks to him. Eventually, he was able to take me, Mike and Tom back to the Aid Stations. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We drove down the dirt roads for about an hour and then we saw it...that "mini-river" that I crossed earlier had gotten so high that we couldn't drive through it anymore. I was stuck! I was so tempted to run across and get to my jeep, but the guys wouldn't let me. We hiked down to the river crossing on the trail and actually made it just in time to help two runners who were getting swept away. It was up to their waists and way to high for runners to be crossing safely. We let the two runners go because there were no more river crossings, but we had to get back to Kentucky Camp and shut down the race. It was no longer safe to finish.<br />
<br />
We headed back and I sat around the fire for some more time, trying in earnest to get dry. I would, after all, be spending the night. I wasn't sure where, but I figured it would be out here. I was getting grumpy and I was couldn't stop shivering. Runner after runner continued to come in. At one point, there was a few scares. The race director and some volunteers believed that they were missing 10 runners! A crew was waiting patiently for the longest time and they were getting worried. The last place their runner checked in at was AS 25. They haven't heard his number on the radio since.<br />
<br />
The rain was still going strong outside and it was getting really cold. We were really worried about these runners. Panic was spreading. No one wants ONE runner to be lost, let alone 10, especially in the desert, at night, in the freezing cold rain. It was not a good situation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JtJecmbMYRGJl2mGfpInbtAiHbTCjPCIcHNP_2cHFncavsfOIRqUbFboDjak4N538sXjjQvlU3QGoXHbWL066js75UcmHWQIfRODrgzs6O0zaq52qI52i4WHyFPdd3ES4PynI0qwZmc/s1600/IMGP1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JtJecmbMYRGJl2mGfpInbtAiHbTCjPCIcHNP_2cHFncavsfOIRqUbFboDjak4N538sXjjQvlU3QGoXHbWL066js75UcmHWQIfRODrgzs6O0zaq52qI52i4WHyFPdd3ES4PynI0qwZmc/s1600/IMGP1617.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Camp at night, after almost everyone has left. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We eventually gathered everyone that was left (it was around 9:30pm at this point). It was only a handful of us. We went though the list of lost runners and tried to remember if we talked to any of them. We crossed off 9 runners doing that. Some of these runners didn't have the decency to check in before they went home. That really annoyed us.<br />
<b><i>If you are running a race, especially a trail or ultra race, make sure someone knows you have crossed the finish line and that you are going home. If you just leave, the volunteers may not have checked you off the list, and search and rescue will begin. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
We figured out only one guy was missing. He took a wrong turn after AS 25 and ended up way down south. Thankfully, he arrived at the highway and flagged down a sheriff. Phew.<br />
<br />
It was getting later and later and I wondering where I would sleep for the night. Thankfully, Art decided he would go home to Tucson. He offered me a ride and since I was SO TIRED, I said yes. We arrived back to Tucson around midnight. He dropped me off at my house and I told Chance the whole story. I was planning on waking up early and heading back to get my car.<br />
<br />
<b>I left my car in the Santa Rita Mountains with the keys on the drivers seat. Fantastic. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
You can imagine how I slept that night. I was tossing and turning, thinking about how someone would steal my car. I got absolutely no sleep. But, when I woke up at 6 am, I felt extremely energized and ready to go. Now that I think about it, I really wish I stayed at Kentucky Camp. I would have been much closer to my car and I wouldn't have had to make Chance drive me down to Sonoita (it's about an hour drive). But I was so cold and so tired and I wasn't thinking straight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Gi0UfytaRMR-1p1cqX3Sz-U-8ObSGLlG9-XDVrPAg8IGPfReost-4saegqw1gTXaC2nJvRgpHkNxkvaWiKnJOx3ufayDErBQiNtEiCVab5hhQK05hrMKmvbX-8_H-xLFrWN3kMKfi18/s1600/IMGP1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Gi0UfytaRMR-1p1cqX3Sz-U-8ObSGLlG9-XDVrPAg8IGPfReost-4saegqw1gTXaC2nJvRgpHkNxkvaWiKnJOx3ufayDErBQiNtEiCVab5hhQK05hrMKmvbX-8_H-xLFrWN3kMKfi18/s1600/IMGP1618.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Santa Rita's in the background. Snow definitely fell last night!<br />
What a beautiful sight to wake up to! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwyFw3GTExYlWUyT8uczvapilCp60TIrku3FR52sZy8RDzUqnOrJtbx2w66v3DUR7VMfC06vH-Rj-T4uxxazLYlmfLIttdvFmOzw3hYr842XKATXdoT5d9h4z4aIJKSZmvSeGSgnZkQU/s1600/IMGP1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwyFw3GTExYlWUyT8uczvapilCp60TIrku3FR52sZy8RDzUqnOrJtbx2w66v3DUR7VMfC06vH-Rj-T4uxxazLYlmfLIttdvFmOzw3hYr842XKATXdoT5d9h4z4aIJKSZmvSeGSgnZkQU/s1600/IMGP1619.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river crossing that almost swept some runners away. I was<br />
considering crossing it again, to get back to my car...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDutoFjr0SQHdEjDc89dbO7_uy29jq2DWvyc72M8YgNw3IKsjrwfqgHESRuC2KreimTW6zCPqt_er-cT6YEEFeKGmUVO-Enhyphenhyphenc1qyi1FwBLlBkl53sEiwhMatrox7lju_CCMaB9T1cS0/s1600/IMGP1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDutoFjr0SQHdEjDc89dbO7_uy29jq2DWvyc72M8YgNw3IKsjrwfqgHESRuC2KreimTW6zCPqt_er-cT6YEEFeKGmUVO-Enhyphenhyphenc1qyi1FwBLlBkl53sEiwhMatrox7lju_CCMaB9T1cS0/s1600/IMGP1620.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the road that I couldn't cross last night (Chance is on the<br />
other side of the bank). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We finally got out there and was amazed at how beautiful the Santa Rita mountains looked! Last night was sure chaotic, but it sure made for wonderful scenery in the morning. The road was still blocked off by the river, but it was much lower now. I ran across it expecting to run another mile before I got to the aid station. But Connie and Joe were there waiting with my jeep! Yay! I was so happy it wasn't stolen. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were trying to figure out if I could make it across (as well as some other guy with a sedan). We eventually did and we were on our way home. <b>What a great ending to an absolutely crazy weekend. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFDrPUQI0l_mKU3ADzCvQPpcsMATfSqFKe4d4secKH-faZAAB6uqr53Gzt4jPjRzyhVfnPUNMEFf7UxQn4ePfxkb0RJDkenFVimk2tGvBss8xa8g14n9kDkMY-YVqCPrepfTyufamSIQ/s1600/IMGP1623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFDrPUQI0l_mKU3ADzCvQPpcsMATfSqFKe4d4secKH-faZAAB6uqr53Gzt4jPjRzyhVfnPUNMEFf7UxQn4ePfxkb0RJDkenFVimk2tGvBss8xa8g14n9kDkMY-YVqCPrepfTyufamSIQ/s1600/IMGP1623.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading home. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Running!</i></b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-28853537817725966192014-02-03T16:55:00.002-08:002014-06-17T14:55:17.743-07:00I am a machine<div style="text-align: center;">
This is <span style="font-size: large;">my new mantra</span>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On my run today, I was repeating this phrase to myself...and it seemed it be working. Also, I was thinking about how I'd like to <i>become</i> a machine. And what I mean by this is that I want to overall be a stronger athlete, not just a stronger runner. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I realize that this is a lot considering I took 2 months off from everything. And I mean <span style="font-size: large;">everything</span>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I stopped running, eating well, exercising, everything. I slept in, I ate junk food, I curled up on the couch and read some good books. It was a good winter, but it sure didn't involve the one thing that makes me feel really good, and that's being healthy.<br />
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I have been speculating as to why I took 2 months off. I was injured for a few weeks in October. And I jumped back on the horse. 2 days after that, I got sick with a cold. And I think that's where it hit a soft spot. I was training for the Old Pueblo 50 (which is in March) and it would be my first continuous ultra-marathon. <i>I was so incredibly excited.</i> But when my first few weeks were so rudely taken away from me, I think I did a mental flip and just said NO. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, the transition from Fall to Winter<b> sucks</b>. Who else is with me on this one? I hate going from nice, warm weather to bitter cold. It just takes all of the energy out of me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So...I took 2 months off and now I want to be a <b>MACHINE</b>? Am I crazy.<br />
<strike>Probably, but most runners are.</strike> No, I just got my running enthusiasm back...<i>again.</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now...what's the plan? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My plan is to <b><u>cross train</u>.</b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to spice it up a bit. My go-to is always running (which is what I love) but I can't become a stronger athlete if my whole body is not on board. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Cross Training Ideas:</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Biking</li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">I'm hoping to start biking to work since it will be getting warmer soon. February is a chilly, rainy season over here in the Southwest, so I will have some time to set up my bike. Also, the bike at the gym is where I will bike for now. I was going to look into some spinning classes as well. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<ul><ul></ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Swimming</li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">I'd like to start swimming sometime in March when it gets warmer. The downtown gym has a full length pool so I could get in some laps there (it's also mostly indoors when is a plus).</li>
</ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Yoga</li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">I love my yoga studio, Yoga Oasis. They have $5 classes which is super awesome for those of us who teach! I would like to do this once a week. Also, I've been meaning to try Bikram Yoga at a place called Yoga Vida. During Bikram, the temperature can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit and has about 40% humidity. Sounds tough, but challenging.</li>
</ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Hiking</li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Not as difficult of a workout, but it can still be challenging! There's a few trails in the Southern Arizona region that I'd like to hike. I'd love to go back to doing some hikes on the weekends with my boyfriend (if his grad school workload permits!).<br /></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>My Plan for this Week:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Monday: </b>Running</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tuesday: </b>Bike at the Gym, plus core</div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>Wednesday: </b>Morning speed workout group</b></div>
<b>
</b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thursday: </b>Yoga</div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>Friday: </b>Running</b></div>
<b>
</b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Saturday: </b>Running (medium distance)</div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>Sunday: </b>Running (long) + Gym</b></div>
<b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgJh35ZW13WBVKCiugqrXOF_1_DS-RExAS1AdqNsPMZaDpvnpVy7ik1g8KZm_rDZBqixWb6qpAu817n-AJmhH6jdgqURRoadHyvKdEQrg7paGIURwe9TlT9Ki1S-OnmIujUm8RxcshL0/s1600/IMG_20140202_112920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgJh35ZW13WBVKCiugqrXOF_1_DS-RExAS1AdqNsPMZaDpvnpVy7ik1g8KZm_rDZBqixWb6qpAu817n-AJmhH6jdgqURRoadHyvKdEQrg7paGIURwe9TlT9Ki1S-OnmIujUm8RxcshL0/s1600/IMG_20140202_112920.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Is there any essential cross training workout that I missed? How do you cross train?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-2047136982446770682013-11-08T01:00:00.000-08:002014-06-17T14:56:02.279-07:00Ragnar Relay McDowell Mountain Trail Ultra RecapA long time ago (for the blogging world) in October, I ran the Ragnar Relay McDowell Mountain Trail Race (Ultra Style, of course). I was hoping to run a ultra team, because a challenge is always fun! ;)<br />
But I asked around and no one wanted to run it. They all said I was crazy. So, I bravely posted on the Facebook page for the event and got way more responses than I thought! Two guys were interested right away, Rick and Charles, and they seemed like pretty cool guys so I thought, "why not?". A few other people were interested, but they all seemed to come in two's and there was only one spot left. I then decided to post on my own page and see who would reply. Thankfully, my good Ragnar buddy Brett wanted to run it! We had a team!<br />
<br />
When I told people that I was running on a team with two strangers, I always got the strangest looks. But people don't realize that the people that run Ragnar are always the coolest. :) And these two were Ragnar fanatics.<br />
<br />
I picked up Brett from the airport and then got Charles and Rick from a hotel in Phoenix. We drove to Target and picked up some much needed food supplies. Then, we drove to Fountain Hills for some breakfast before we headed over to Tent City to set up our space.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
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One thing that we should have done was arrive much MUCH earlier. The good spaces were all gone and so we picked a spot too small (at first) for our 10-person tent and chairs. Also, we did not even think about bringing shade! It was too hot to sit outside and even hotter to sit in the tent.<br />
<br />
My Notes for Next Time For McDowell Mountain:<br />
-Bring Shade<br />
-Bring Bigger Speakers (got to pump up the music and the runners, but not when people are sleeping)<br />
-A smaller tent (a 10-person tent was too much work to set up and take down when only 3 of us were using it at a time).<br />
-Arrive earlier than everyone else and get the spot easy to see, easy to walk to, and semi-close to the bathrooms and exchange station.Other Ragnar trail runs are set up differently from what I heard. McDowell Mountain has the strangest set-up. Its long, rather than wide, so it's awful if you get stuck at the far end from everything.<br />
-Bring fun decorations (we brought a pumpkin and it rocked).<br />
-Have a kill count board (unless you are not into that kind of thing).<br />
-Try a regular team one day (then you can drink beer and actually get some sleep).<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq9BzvSp6s1AkltmJGucy1L30Xn9ITt3XLJqoJHW3O_AM-RW09hKDOOzX9MUM6_IZlOKeqSODumpyWxdr8cDxDr51s9RorjIbgHG8hGr0tia0gSg5U1SEaZQcB7YO7QtoC-cjgkw2LVM/s1600/IMGP1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKq9BzvSp6s1AkltmJGucy1L30Xn9ITt3XLJqoJHW3O_AM-RW09hKDOOzX9MUM6_IZlOKeqSODumpyWxdr8cDxDr51s9RorjIbgHG8hGr0tia0gSg5U1SEaZQcB7YO7QtoC-cjgkw2LVM/s400/IMGP1248.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the area at the beginning of the race.<br />
I want that car. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe7yZzQ0VM-LS8S2lyvvlfxkr8PPWRrd2blfy1upUk4-dxsFvlPBx556G3pNZ5OwXbXqzXoLv_Vio2B_0XWU0pFcvDyV_zxMP-EaVPlo8iWRYBXOomdX4AXaYezvSl8zG4j4IEwSovZY/s1600/IMGP1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe7yZzQ0VM-LS8S2lyvvlfxkr8PPWRrd2blfy1upUk4-dxsFvlPBx556G3pNZ5OwXbXqzXoLv_Vio2B_0XWU0pFcvDyV_zxMP-EaVPlo8iWRYBXOomdX4AXaYezvSl8zG4j4IEwSovZY/s400/IMGP1249.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big white tent is where we hand off the slap bracelets.<br />
The smaller tent on the right is where the updates<br />
come in for upcoming runners. A very cool system!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I didn't think it would fill up so quickly, so we didn't get there until noon. It was already really hot and a ton of people looked as if they had been there for hours. I hate that feeling. Being the last one to show up.<br />
But we got situated as quickly as possible, and we headed over with Brett to the exchange tent to see him off on the first leg.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm6CJZH2XiXweOLob4-Is2Tz3TlvNjpS-l6_R5xD1wSPHmEkjySosd0jy-ixQAuonqAXiXw8dnNqXvfq7cEw9sb5sNr9HLRIzCQhwYVm2yeEUwTVomx0xZ0ymstGcHcs5UjNm2rerFXQ/s1600/IMGP1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm6CJZH2XiXweOLob4-Is2Tz3TlvNjpS-l6_R5xD1wSPHmEkjySosd0jy-ixQAuonqAXiXw8dnNqXvfq7cEw9sb5sNr9HLRIzCQhwYVm2yeEUwTVomx0xZ0ymstGcHcs5UjNm2rerFXQ/s400/IMGP1250.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brett and Charles. Brett is the first runner up. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rick was next, and then it was me. I love trail running so I was really happy to do this run. Although, it is the complete opposite of what I really love which is being alone in the wilderness on my trail runs. It is nice to share this experience with other people. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My first leg was the Red Loop. The whole course is spread out on three loops that all end at the same place. There's the green loop (4.2 miles), the yellow loop (4.5 miles) and the Red Loop (7 miles). The Yellow Loop by far was my least favorite. There were some extremely steep parts and lots of loose gravel. But the Red was not so bad. It was long, but relatively flat and easy to run.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RRaxalV3cpx5LdMGvdVinySu9mMM910HSKMZjfmNK3Pwhpi4DCsxRuAUkMf34ghB9SDvvUJhQ_IAW22w7u4I_os4fwVzIZynWyp8iITlI0FhdNTYxpqrBuOykH1Gllicm0KYahYSN98/s1600/IMGP1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RRaxalV3cpx5LdMGvdVinySu9mMM910HSKMZjfmNK3Pwhpi4DCsxRuAUkMf34ghB9SDvvUJhQ_IAW22w7u4I_os4fwVzIZynWyp8iITlI0FhdNTYxpqrBuOykH1Gllicm0KYahYSN98/s400/IMGP1251.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the red loop. Ragnar puts up little, reflective signs<br />
on all of the trails. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzVjxCZyRB9qES0lvULHTqOpPffr6f7joHkYyquZkoLr1jfzMYmiUL5uga3QW20zIJq41Hy9uuGz9Y_f-ZpoA5lIyLW2RmDZbk4KjnAR4L_vYmzJwJ0MNLSjld1SL9jab6hpFWyhV_sI/s1600/IMGP1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzVjxCZyRB9qES0lvULHTqOpPffr6f7joHkYyquZkoLr1jfzMYmiUL5uga3QW20zIJq41Hy9uuGz9Y_f-ZpoA5lIyLW2RmDZbk4KjnAR4L_vYmzJwJ0MNLSjld1SL9jab6hpFWyhV_sI/s400/IMGP1252.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a Do Not Enter sign. There were some false trails and steep<br />
cliffs on some parts of the trail. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_Ol89BSdAv8aN4A2By0jxCQ6P3HkCddY9rL7djJSXejB61u_juX0MKm7ROF8_W4LX-4jjJuHkFH8W2C4aZTOKl13ONSjrElaodGwebwFvdBoGacCtfukhO5iLa-Pzh0N5wC_7W-qCrk/s1600/IMGP1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_Ol89BSdAv8aN4A2By0jxCQ6P3HkCddY9rL7djJSXejB61u_juX0MKm7ROF8_W4LX-4jjJuHkFH8W2C4aZTOKl13ONSjrElaodGwebwFvdBoGacCtfukhO5iLa-Pzh0N5wC_7W-qCrk/s1600/IMGP1262.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the same trails they use for the Javalina Jundred in the fall. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdlH3YGL_9ppja3OZCB6x4BZktVPz0V99oVhfphSwtsvff1vIn6yEdvZULhD96yVzGT_w4gDFu7J6YwLs1SbzJdKRp4b06s4S-npGmq4uadJz76fiHK4YLF8Xf1koCXYkEC3RGF5ba2Q/s1600/IMGP1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdlH3YGL_9ppja3OZCB6x4BZktVPz0V99oVhfphSwtsvff1vIn6yEdvZULhD96yVzGT_w4gDFu7J6YwLs1SbzJdKRp4b06s4S-npGmq4uadJz76fiHK4YLF8Xf1koCXYkEC3RGF5ba2Q/s1600/IMGP1264.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was some history along the trail. I definitely had to stop and<br />
check it out of course. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYS6DYOJR5cNS6lSKpx2oXhoeFaX5tGxblDR71M53vwBM4xPGKZg1Or_N6CIUFajRUrB3bEtE2ZA62cvKCac1L8GOVx2qn90d7_BJGspiLm0arUMIissEBxQRnziTPxciZAu9gWOoulw/s1600/IMGP1269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYS6DYOJR5cNS6lSKpx2oXhoeFaX5tGxblDR71M53vwBM4xPGKZg1Or_N6CIUFajRUrB3bEtE2ZA62cvKCac1L8GOVx2qn90d7_BJGspiLm0arUMIissEBxQRnziTPxciZAu9gWOoulw/s1600/IMGP1269.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a nice, long, flat section of the trail that was so perfectly<br />
run-able. The Red Loop was very easy. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the Red Loop, the rest was kind of a blur. Overall, I had to run 6 loops. Since we were an ultra team, instead of deciding to combine 2 loops one after the other and ending up with only 3 long runs, we decided to go the other direction and do 6 loops. At first, I thought this would be torture. But it ended up being pretty nice. Instead of having 3 really long runs on trails (especially in the middle of the night) we had the same as everyone else, jut more of them. I liked being able to go to the tent after one loop and getting some sleep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW4lcyCCQD5HJNVR45hI39dlUUGbXIblbC4kGSGxc3iIcj6BnARDZu5TqAYRZvz_-Hn0Ce9qXsQYt5lE9ie8pb8mArlZooXDJq1Bpx0ZUHRow5XcKpLJwIQ7tadcvQAOZfmKizgrzrG0/s1600/IMGP1274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW4lcyCCQD5HJNVR45hI39dlUUGbXIblbC4kGSGxc3iIcj6BnARDZu5TqAYRZvz_-Hn0Ce9qXsQYt5lE9ie8pb8mArlZooXDJq1Bpx0ZUHRow5XcKpLJwIQ7tadcvQAOZfmKizgrzrG0/s1600/IMGP1274.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonrise over Tent City. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My favorite trail at night was definitely the Green Loop. It had some many ups and downs that it was just too much fun to run! I felt like I was on a mini roller coaster. It was exciting because I knew I could have tripped at any moment and gone flying off into a cactus. I gained some much speed on those small hills. They were never too steep going up and they were absolutely perfect for running down. That Green Loop is awesome!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMgiO-nFPuLCtWnDjYA5SxUYkEKFVt0Bkh3tgcjE6EJtv7JnSO43Ix8XCWwUA44IN2NYTS6Lp6zJmaQd_WQ0LxvikWOAzDkV4DRq1KvpFlfX5SQLC1-D96IPYFTaHGf8LJcUxKYaOogQ/s1600/IMGP1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMgiO-nFPuLCtWnDjYA5SxUYkEKFVt0Bkh3tgcjE6EJtv7JnSO43Ix8XCWwUA44IN2NYTS6Lp6zJmaQd_WQ0LxvikWOAzDkV4DRq1KvpFlfX5SQLC1-D96IPYFTaHGf8LJcUxKYaOogQ/s1600/IMGP1275.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our makeshift camp. I scrounged up the weirdest assortment<br />
of chairs at the last moment. Hopefully next year we'll find better chairs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0BTAj-gnLOaOD6hgHa0E7tvp_rUA1vO3cSfQe_Cz6H1Gk4vOkXzgxPOesdvAkZ8SoboQACmuJGlkA7ujdHFG4ffwO5OYAYRV5XZpF5FPlqKiV7oAR9Uue4sSlkBZ_5Ywje3oDozsCtk/s1600/IMGP1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0BTAj-gnLOaOD6hgHa0E7tvp_rUA1vO3cSfQe_Cz6H1Gk4vOkXzgxPOesdvAkZ8SoboQACmuJGlkA7ujdHFG4ffwO5OYAYRV5XZpF5FPlqKiV7oAR9Uue4sSlkBZ_5Ywje3oDozsCtk/s1600/IMGP1278.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brett getting the perfect shot. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sunset in the desert is absolutely beautiful! It was an especially amazing experience to share with all of these crazy Ragnar trail runners. :) As the sun went down, the nightlife of the Ragarians picked up. The fire was lit; the screens glowed blue; people blasted music from their campsites. It was a great place to be. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbofDL9p1B99m80ckIm2YlyGci_nysglm4liMuqdQKBKQ3oeq2ugrbypplMdzcON4QfQZRJIYiBLBVKwJv2QD5JaF3WOnr_tJ455t657KNX3DmSpTM-ZGimTHSt8XFEv7QccwoQTtssTU/s1600/IMGP1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbofDL9p1B99m80ckIm2YlyGci_nysglm4liMuqdQKBKQ3oeq2ugrbypplMdzcON4QfQZRJIYiBLBVKwJv2QD5JaF3WOnr_tJ455t657KNX3DmSpTM-ZGimTHSt8XFEv7QccwoQTtssTU/s1600/IMGP1281.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue glow of the informational screens. There were runners<br />
gathered around these all night. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXcDg2qwk7MpnkBa-AnMzcpoTLjTNaARAEyjAUiR2vJEF_zBxqaDJeEXhYJq2BRvCwp5MSwAwOLgQ_aWi_xynXXwFKWG2npb-ULtTcg9SU9c8xvJRZNIkLeyyjPGPVvo3r8RMxo2qSh4/s1600/IMGP1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXcDg2qwk7MpnkBa-AnMzcpoTLjTNaARAEyjAUiR2vJEF_zBxqaDJeEXhYJq2BRvCwp5MSwAwOLgQ_aWi_xynXXwFKWG2npb-ULtTcg9SU9c8xvJRZNIkLeyyjPGPVvo3r8RMxo2qSh4/s1600/IMGP1285.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are trail Ragarians! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBe-vCLUImW30q0ae6XePn_-LckItZW72VkVBWR2tb_g9LvzW5WPpxEqPxFKlo-odFgAC53rlK0pXn6MAlNLrmZvhEFpMN4r9Ir0vQzBnV2TtOXcM9VMiqJ6kKlaPMZ-DI5KLeZYRBhg/s1600/IMGP1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBe-vCLUImW30q0ae6XePn_-LckItZW72VkVBWR2tb_g9LvzW5WPpxEqPxFKlo-odFgAC53rlK0pXn6MAlNLrmZvhEFpMN4r9Ir0vQzBnV2TtOXcM9VMiqJ6kKlaPMZ-DI5KLeZYRBhg/s1600/IMGP1287.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fire came in handy when it started to get a little chilly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmJ2bEAcvAG1EB24un0sR5FGXEDs2MVoa6ZThasxyuZSWrKkv12deLTP89p7nPxXH3hb-lZ0RbUOUl9EnnIXak_IP4DdLezPKRJL6U-LitocJJ1ZtZzJby1VgXQabeXjmf5-9cXC2xD4/s1600/IMGP1289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmJ2bEAcvAG1EB24un0sR5FGXEDs2MVoa6ZThasxyuZSWrKkv12deLTP89p7nPxXH3hb-lZ0RbUOUl9EnnIXak_IP4DdLezPKRJL6U-LitocJJ1ZtZzJby1VgXQabeXjmf5-9cXC2xD4/s1600/IMGP1289.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a neat charging station powered by bikes.<br />
I never tried it but it looked like a nice way to cool down after one of<br />
the loops. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, once it got dark, other creatures began to come out. Some people were talking about the tarantulas they saw crossing the trails. I was "lucky" enough to meet the deadliest of the desert creatures. On the end of the Green Loop, a rattlesnake was not having it with all of these runners trampling through her home. She was angry and LOUD. Thankfully, there was a Ragnar volunteer on the trail making sure others knew it was there. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UxJeYy9DjN7rQzLF2KL9j8DjYS3iiB1h0c4ZlB09qVGcmx_rLACeYHe7CUQjdLAvGfhMggCpZh_2EDqKcTI1gI9ch-0bfXKeu4kODoJwfdwJwxynqQf15qxt6oIlkQpEcIUjfO_CzBo/s1600/IMGP1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UxJeYy9DjN7rQzLF2KL9j8DjYS3iiB1h0c4ZlB09qVGcmx_rLACeYHe7CUQjdLAvGfhMggCpZh_2EDqKcTI1gI9ch-0bfXKeu4kODoJwfdwJwxynqQf15qxt6oIlkQpEcIUjfO_CzBo/s1600/IMGP1292.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As I said before, the Yellow Loop was my least favorite. It was gravely, and steep and dangerous. But there were also some creepy parts of this loop. "The Chunnel" was the worst. I thought I was going to get murdered when I ran through it. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmYPeg2Xal5ZXrniKkucBEDgKw73aTyUinznEAv1ZtNwqLLxP2ZLF5Q6QR7Ee98RzB5i7MnI9QZkdTFr0qS26cknlzslkb8yrW4M4TNrB7TNiclVMU7KLYzst0t_6f6oVZi8XiIEAkLM/s1600/IMGP1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmYPeg2Xal5ZXrniKkucBEDgKw73aTyUinznEAv1ZtNwqLLxP2ZLF5Q6QR7Ee98RzB5i7MnI9QZkdTFr0qS26cknlzslkb8yrW4M4TNrB7TNiclVMU7KLYzst0t_6f6oVZi8XiIEAkLM/s1600/IMGP1293.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chunnel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY2dzTsbX27Up9Qb8oFykx6pub8cAHjo_DZfXLXvtw95w7qs_yrA6SOzmJ7vDLQgvBfdMviRpNLdYVDfdl3YkftpJwx3fmw9_IboLlj3D7T5cnrxjFxGBFysy-swv27Y3GPJQ3eQGKBc/s1600/IMGP1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKY2dzTsbX27Up9Qb8oFykx6pub8cAHjo_DZfXLXvtw95w7qs_yrA6SOzmJ7vDLQgvBfdMviRpNLdYVDfdl3YkftpJwx3fmw9_IboLlj3D7T5cnrxjFxGBFysy-swv27Y3GPJQ3eQGKBc/s1600/IMGP1297.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVED seeing these signs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, the sun started to rise. I was running my 2nd to last loop. It was so nice knowing we had run through the night and we finally made it to the morning. I always feel this way with Ragnar, but this was more so, because we were one spot the entire time. There was a different feeling attached to it. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKOgmqdbIZseNsW8Uyo4j3Dz-yduagT1Ovq-CPYqrP2hm1cnd54nLgJRjHnk0SXBRkm3syaixShItuseWx6_oJr3sMqe1LZ-nuvk39VdOnSNYy3GkzoEM0wxjIQJG6iy2jVRNHNXGo0s/s1600/IMGP1298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKOgmqdbIZseNsW8Uyo4j3Dz-yduagT1Ovq-CPYqrP2hm1cnd54nLgJRjHnk0SXBRkm3syaixShItuseWx6_oJr3sMqe1LZ-nuvk39VdOnSNYy3GkzoEM0wxjIQJG6iy2jVRNHNXGo0s/s1600/IMGP1298.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sunrise, finally!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxmVX0Zrloc83AqwozCdejz5-o7lhG8L_BoXETIl94NBw3lTjqk-b68iZDLnt6jvMalFoaF4THfPjisVZ_Aq8XRiBqZiz-stEwLHMWsfA6C0piApNYZFduCbczGmS2hv9sXr1QggSynk/s1600/IMGP1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxmVX0Zrloc83AqwozCdejz5-o7lhG8L_BoXETIl94NBw3lTjqk-b68iZDLnt6jvMalFoaF4THfPjisVZ_Aq8XRiBqZiz-stEwLHMWsfA6C0piApNYZFduCbczGmS2hv9sXr1QggSynk/s1600/IMGP1300.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one mile to go signs and a<br />
beautiful moon rise. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh612fHBV4zDuhjnMbG91h5U5G9W-M4Ck0ZwbxssSWfagmSGS0lXmgY0Jn83ht4nWXm9BaIhsieSqISbI9Opl8v9DVojCnoXx2E3EA-YM1g5OYg76P_p69dtH1zj90RDYDBGLcf7hs8NjI/s1600/IMGP1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh612fHBV4zDuhjnMbG91h5U5G9W-M4Ck0ZwbxssSWfagmSGS0lXmgY0Jn83ht4nWXm9BaIhsieSqISbI9Opl8v9DVojCnoXx2E3EA-YM1g5OYg76P_p69dtH1zj90RDYDBGLcf7hs8NjI/s1600/IMGP1303.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An early morning selfie in the tent. <br />
It was so coldin the morning!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sun rose and everyone was back to being busy, awake and ready to run! Some people were packing up a little bit. We still had quite a few loops left, so it didn't even cross my mind. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLEFKNQt6RNxHdbMehKoUnAFFFdQ02PTI9VFR-iq3Stq0zd-lle5AYTr4u45x8B7FFy7bv43HR_GAuBuuGAWu8vcwl4BID6AacbgsvnyLT6RQiENsaQCR15akTpzQwc_Eidl2eBPp7UQ/s1600/IMGP1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLEFKNQt6RNxHdbMehKoUnAFFFdQ02PTI9VFR-iq3Stq0zd-lle5AYTr4u45x8B7FFy7bv43HR_GAuBuuGAWu8vcwl4BID6AacbgsvnyLT6RQiENsaQCR15akTpzQwc_Eidl2eBPp7UQ/s1600/IMGP1305.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ragnar tent city with bustling runners. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, I was ready to run my last loop: the dreaded Yellow Loop. It was near the middle of the day and it was HOT. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALylhuP0S9GCePzPwGy99hLv0De8YpjEB0U0NYTM7pDr3PA81w_aFxDcJ4-YiOd_7v0p5FjyrCBjd78FZnTGpvkAx_hieYcvpwV6vxUcE4EkVgMJA-ZjwaADX1befqZR2x1wV9upn4Wg/s1600/IMGP1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALylhuP0S9GCePzPwGy99hLv0De8YpjEB0U0NYTM7pDr3PA81w_aFxDcJ4-YiOd_7v0p5FjyrCBjd78FZnTGpvkAx_hieYcvpwV6vxUcE4EkVgMJA-ZjwaADX1befqZR2x1wV9upn4Wg/s1600/IMGP1311.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhGx9rudGwpzQN3D6HYfcQTReIdYnI3o-1OLTgu6IfMr7bURDBlRU1iW290zF1HkpIrSt3CJsPczoe-aRlEt_p9XOTMZNIVUPSREgzdSV2KPU-o5dcgf5ZJ6504jkyv-ndi18fwbrEio/s1600/IMGP1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhGx9rudGwpzQN3D6HYfcQTReIdYnI3o-1OLTgu6IfMr7bURDBlRU1iW290zF1HkpIrSt3CJsPczoe-aRlEt_p9XOTMZNIVUPSREgzdSV2KPU-o5dcgf5ZJ6504jkyv-ndi18fwbrEio/s1600/IMGP1310.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of those hills were steep!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12_Jg_rghJgubX2g3t-9mXZftckPyTbgHPLezmCr2jkQf8cHm4Afw_rMcyPfAxr9_ubjie8maTppyBPxmRuCTe3ahkdLeOAGqUMPsGvDKynQJtw2Vo4AZ7fR66nBKmWXuihuqxsYiM10/s1600/IMGP1313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12_Jg_rghJgubX2g3t-9mXZftckPyTbgHPLezmCr2jkQf8cHm4Afw_rMcyPfAxr9_ubjie8maTppyBPxmRuCTe3ahkdLeOAGqUMPsGvDKynQJtw2Vo4AZ7fR66nBKmWXuihuqxsYiM10/s1600/IMGP1313.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I started to hallucinate during this last loop. It was SO incredibly hot.<br />
I worried for the other runners who are not used to this kind<br />
of heat while running. </td></tr>
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I finally made it back in one piece! But no one was at the exchange station to meet me! I was so confused. We had one more loop and they were not here!? After all of that heat, I was a little testy. And I was especially antsy because the rest of the teams were pretty much done. At this point, we were one of the last teams. We called for them over the loudspeakers and waited. I eventually went to go look for them.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lXx5PyDQsLbb-VTg-_xos6Wy4Y61tKGNPomtD7XcQsuJ6x_C6kRuvT1hw1ia9xYUne615jUDOBWGwN0TtdO4ltN41HRbLgOdUSISVLUNrU2VSf4eOaqt9vNhfVrbnjEXNCZFZW9vXZM/s1600/IMGP1316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lXx5PyDQsLbb-VTg-_xos6Wy4Y61tKGNPomtD7XcQsuJ6x_C6kRuvT1hw1ia9xYUne615jUDOBWGwN0TtdO4ltN41HRbLgOdUSISVLUNrU2VSf4eOaqt9vNhfVrbnjEXNCZFZW9vXZM/s1600/IMGP1316.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles was not doing so good. He hurt his ankle pretty badly earlier<br />
so he was taking it slow. He was also attempting to run the last loop<br />
with an American flag. What a champ.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After Rick and Charles started the Red Loop, Brett and I went to the beer tent to have some beer. Since we were on an ultra team, it's not such a good idea to drink and run. Shorter distances, sure whatever. But if you are running 30+ miles, stick to water. I was so jealous of the other larger teams who had time and energy to have a cold one. It seemed more of a relaxing race for them.</div>
<br />
After a beer, we headed back to our site and began to tear down camp. We were really one of the last teams at this point.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJsWLhyZfdNi-p1hupQA105Wu2tYbESm6y0ehD0wkd_4bLteLuR7uKy1yZzvxjtdY7OcidCZzvDLNviGZBgIVU0ghe0G2tfFDU3aXQnJm_v2Z9UPPBQ4hoFz5d5M8w8-X96h23SAY9I8/s1600/IMGP1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJsWLhyZfdNi-p1hupQA105Wu2tYbESm6y0ehD0wkd_4bLteLuR7uKy1yZzvxjtdY7OcidCZzvDLNviGZBgIVU0ghe0G2tfFDU3aXQnJm_v2Z9UPPBQ4hoFz5d5M8w8-X96h23SAY9I8/s1600/IMGP1319.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sad tent almost alone in the desert. Just a few hours earlier we<br />
were surrounded. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
After tearing down as much as we could, we headed to the finish line to run with Rick and Charles to the finish. We waited and waited, and a few teams came through. The Ragnar staff was about to close down the finish line when I ran to them and told them are were two more runners out there. Thankfully, they decided to wait for our team to finish. Thanks Ragnar! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv0lAXeOBmeeK3AJj9NISFaeRWWc9WcK6OOFeOsfndh-EK5Mw4zJJ1-6DTw3ejCM2YG4yk5Sa6zjtBJ4DkZ1sZA1nYQUSPDeg8kDlij5nl51isHxB3pd77TBy8oIoFrQMl11dq93g6lk/s1600/IMGP1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv0lAXeOBmeeK3AJj9NISFaeRWWc9WcK6OOFeOsfndh-EK5Mw4zJJ1-6DTw3ejCM2YG4yk5Sa6zjtBJ4DkZ1sZA1nYQUSPDeg8kDlij5nl51isHxB3pd77TBy8oIoFrQMl11dq93g6lk/s1600/IMGP1322.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for our team. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQd3U98pi9W8dXrnbnt11NZCJdPUHY6zxF52nKY5L6CDcU7eDNXaiP9gOblDCrUsX9ig_VzlB1EjO5py5qsHJB9M9WCi-4iCwT9mILebBphC4-KN5ZSS-22CyofPtDdl3LNC8pc5R8ZU/s1600/IMGP1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQd3U98pi9W8dXrnbnt11NZCJdPUHY6zxF52nKY5L6CDcU7eDNXaiP9gOblDCrUsX9ig_VzlB1EjO5py5qsHJB9M9WCi-4iCwT9mILebBphC4-KN5ZSS-22CyofPtDdl3LNC8pc5R8ZU/s1600/IMGP1325.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun was starting to set once again. </td></tr>
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Finally, we saw them! Charles was limping and Rick was carrying the flag. Apparently, they started to walk a mile into the loop and that's what slowed them down. Charles is crazy for running on a twisted ankle, but definitely determined!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwChs_CYKEtiMjPJ_qjzl8j6Mos6Wa9zK7Wuwdi61wzkUcOlrIgcuiB0zJZG6mgx1En0Is9EzEdSKPXCY5g40tpbkllM9zvELyIgYDzxNtwVmND8LIBUKrzDR7mDgAoIjwo-59KtG2JE/s1600/IMGP1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwChs_CYKEtiMjPJ_qjzl8j6Mos6Wa9zK7Wuwdi61wzkUcOlrIgcuiB0zJZG6mgx1En0Is9EzEdSKPXCY5g40tpbkllM9zvELyIgYDzxNtwVmND8LIBUKrzDR7mDgAoIjwo-59KtG2JE/s1600/IMGP1341.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last team to cross the finish line. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-B3jjOB0fijWFTLaL1couVmIKrZiMChlMP4UOjB_fIzXcIL4UCZIfVpWcQ2f1IaVSfTNxEPqyoy0vqr_H4bbTxOURRLwOkiMdDNvWe9jm03AlGSK3xanDsPBb8kyFKNGAzmPIjc8_G68/s1600/IMGP1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-B3jjOB0fijWFTLaL1couVmIKrZiMChlMP4UOjB_fIzXcIL4UCZIfVpWcQ2f1IaVSfTNxEPqyoy0vqr_H4bbTxOURRLwOkiMdDNvWe9jm03AlGSK3xanDsPBb8kyFKNGAzmPIjc8_G68/s1600/IMGP1345.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finished, beaten and bruised, but we did it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraHmK6Ob1-7A3dSKZpjgxcALNIw-L0lYhD6sClX5VNLbVfpurEMfzRvMbJaZFxJPpWkfQjXPWmhIL2r_cea2w_I8gtkQ7TM8Xz0nbFo44L6b3B6tsd655Sp-_WRGfTc6gDDyKSh7lktg/s1600/IMGP1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraHmK6Ob1-7A3dSKZpjgxcALNIw-L0lYhD6sClX5VNLbVfpurEMfzRvMbJaZFxJPpWkfQjXPWmhIL2r_cea2w_I8gtkQ7TM8Xz0nbFo44L6b3B6tsd655Sp-_WRGfTc6gDDyKSh7lktg/s1600/IMGP1349.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We immediately went to the Aid Station for Charles and his foot.<br />
Look at that blood blister!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KriRXPFN0lsUqR6E5xOCzN7Mt0anRNtZU8iZXlxn4hF0073RdZu4kg97X__W9LO9DedSWsS-ZPbKYktT81-j0DlSZbEcp4SXXOKluiUApcylI2y24tGGBnhX4Sp9HSCPK_qTg11ZlNk/s1600/IMGP1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KriRXPFN0lsUqR6E5xOCzN7Mt0anRNtZU8iZXlxn4hF0073RdZu4kg97X__W9LO9DedSWsS-ZPbKYktT81-j0DlSZbEcp4SXXOKluiUApcylI2y24tGGBnhX4Sp9HSCPK_qTg11ZlNk/s1600/IMGP1350.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so tired! But glad to have earned<br />
this medal. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Overall, I am a fan of this race! I usually like Ragnar, but traveling in the vans is hard to do and hard to plan logistically. Setting up camp and running trails is so much easier and it's nice to come back to the same spot after every run. Also, I love the decorations in each of the camps. Instead of the hard task of decorating a van, all you have to do is decorate your campsite. Easy! We added a pumpkin and glow sticks to ours. Since it was around Halloween, a lot of teams did the same. In 2014, it will be in November so you never know, maybe people will bring lots of food to share! </div>
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I can't wait to run this race again. I am already signed up with a team. This time however, I'm going with the easier option of an 8 person team. Should be nice.<br />
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I'm glad I got to be a part of this race in it's first year. Let see how many years I can keep it up. :)</div>
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Happy Running! </div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-13157198061446460242013-10-13T19:30:00.000-07:002015-01-09T07:23:47.694-08:00Ragnar Relay Napa Valley Ultra Recap - Legs 2 and 3 + Some Fun in San Francisco<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay, now on to my last 2 legs! Since I was a terrible photographer at night (awful photos because of all the reflective gear we have to wear and we are all grumpy and tired; no one wants someone taking photos with bright flashes at 2AM), I will combine the two legs and hopefully it will not turn out to be a super long post. :)</div>
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I forgot to post this photo on my last entry. I took it near the end of my 1st leg. It's a photo of a guy and a cat taking an evening stroll. As I ran up next to them, I had to ask him if it was his cat, because that would be super cute. He said he didn't know who's cat it was; they just meet on the path every evening and walk together. EVEN CUTER. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXgZDOOwmN4g31dEh7My__PYgkfdUWRIurCg06XswL98WqQ36nKjxj29-gPvqDZlMeKZA4BjtZTVcBjzURAjjIiehpo8thssGEosutVzOHbJwSeJnYeSptGmtRwnZINwXkR8S3785PxE/s1600/IMGP1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXgZDOOwmN4g31dEh7My__PYgkfdUWRIurCg06XswL98WqQ36nKjxj29-gPvqDZlMeKZA4BjtZTVcBjzURAjjIiehpo8thssGEosutVzOHbJwSeJnYeSptGmtRwnZINwXkR8S3785PxE/s400/IMGP1038.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A guy and his cat friend. </td></tr>
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Anyway, back to my running adventures in Napa Valley! </div>
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I remember getting in the car and driving to the next checkpoint to meet Brian. This is the only photo I got of my team passing off. No good. So I put them camera away for the night. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8uHICBQFFgGSL7gNyVqqzz9kZDbmVgMLr-XLSfya1x-lchF196qXfqsDaRieRlOnNg4HTxTtkoAJG9ajkGS_7EH6THaJf83PEsPD72fLY3raffieGCPCroZcitiiw8ohEgtoefs2N1s/s1600/IMGP1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8uHICBQFFgGSL7gNyVqqzz9kZDbmVgMLr-XLSfya1x-lchF196qXfqsDaRieRlOnNg4HTxTtkoAJG9ajkGS_7EH6THaJf83PEsPD72fLY3raffieGCPCroZcitiiw8ohEgtoefs2N1s/s400/IMGP1039.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't even tell who's passing off to who...</td></tr>
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Oh, but there's this gem. I guess I took this while I was about to pass out, which is why I hardly remember taking it...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0rNcVKMZ51sFvHa1K2n0UlNrAz95h-2z4r936GZosG94pzzKba4uWBXpBbRwsOcch98qwKaRr3dJAqN46HurkCBCb-fZ-sDTZQOVAeLTzgkGyGWsaAx6Xj1DJp6Wg7XFfy2p46k34iI/s1600/sleepy+in+the+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0rNcVKMZ51sFvHa1K2n0UlNrAz95h-2z4r936GZosG94pzzKba4uWBXpBbRwsOcch98qwKaRr3dJAqN46HurkCBCb-fZ-sDTZQOVAeLTzgkGyGWsaAx6Xj1DJp6Wg7XFfy2p46k34iI/s320/sleepy+in+the+car.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So sleepy and the flash is so bright!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After that however, there are no more photos from the night. Maybe that will be a goal for the next Ragnar: get better nighttime photos! It will mostly be sleeping runners and angry faces, but it should be good. ;)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now on to Leg #2!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-cUlc4YzIyDhbBoIMV3r6XIGEBqkxf6FKNkTB0_dU1g1RSJjEO0Pgq8sxYyzCmd138xbQJOCSoKOhLYIZfTTKZ_7kKCWF_xXt74uvXbLxuM8855kutmtj62LE-oYwcEw1DBQefIymNY/s1600/leg+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-cUlc4YzIyDhbBoIMV3r6XIGEBqkxf6FKNkTB0_dU1g1RSJjEO0Pgq8sxYyzCmd138xbQJOCSoKOhLYIZfTTKZ_7kKCWF_xXt74uvXbLxuM8855kutmtj62LE-oYwcEw1DBQefIymNY/s320/leg+2.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to start my 2nd Leg<br />
of the race!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My next leg was around 5AM. So, it's not an obscene time to be running. I know some people who run at that time. At least it wasn't around 2 or 3 AM. I was happy that I had (somewhat) "normal" hours for my legs this time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got to see the sunrise during my leg. It was beautiful! Especially since for most of my leg, I couldn't tell what I was running next to...then I realized I was running next to miles of vineyards the whole time! It was so beautiful out there! I wish I got photos, but I was mentally trying to stay awake and stay focused during this run. I'm not a morning person. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, I ended my leg in the early morning, with a light drizzle coming down on me. It felt great after running 12 miles! The rest of my team wasn't so thrilled about the rain because they were up next. And the rain didn't stop. It actually got a lot worse. I remember sleeping in the car on the way to another checkpoint and it was just coming down like crazy! One of the school fields we stopped in basically turned into a swamp. We were pretty bummed. We didn't want the rain to ruin our wine tasting at the end. ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgIvzPNSiNhgwUVgw5oszEEC6OUuKUlr7EPG93PAZRcodOfBIwHiimusik2wiOhLVpBp73NsuFxc0Z96jZ-2i9tStTOZbLOJcmBAGKDfgkf9i56CbbELXlp9VwUN3bxP_gwOE3K0j8kQ/s1600/last+leg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgIvzPNSiNhgwUVgw5oszEEC6OUuKUlr7EPG93PAZRcodOfBIwHiimusik2wiOhLVpBp73NsuFxc0Z96jZ-2i9tStTOZbLOJcmBAGKDfgkf9i56CbbELXlp9VwUN3bxP_gwOE3K0j8kQ/s400/last+leg.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of my 2nd leg. Beautiful! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I finished up with my second leg, I actually had a lot of energy. I was definitely tired, but I could have kept going with the rainy weather. At this checkpoint, there were some Cup O Noodle soups for sale so of course most of my team bought one! I feel like soup is one of the better foods to be eating during an ultra. I had some veggie soup earlier and it lasted me for quite some time. The one thing that I was craving after this run was soda, oddly. I haven't had soda for months, yet I wanted one so badly! I later gave in at a gas station and chugged it down happily. :) Sometimes, cravings are your body telling you that it needs something and I'm guessing it wanted sugar. So, sometimes, you need to give into cravings. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We went to checkpoint to checkpoint. I rested (a LOT) by sleeping on the floor of the van. I squeezed in between two seats and had a nice comfy place to sleep. Also, this gave the other three runners the full seat to themselves. One runner navigating with the driver, one runner running and 4 runners sleeping comfortably and getting much need shut-eye! It was perfect! Everybody wins! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After we all began waking up, we decided to stop at a vineyard while Andrea was running. Brett knew this really great place with great wines (and we were driving right past it). It's called Luna Vineyards and Winery.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffcS-RvoRQ4bszCFaNPhf4m6v_AgB-SwzbP6ZEI7Q10tDmzz720vinmzzw0ToUFYllbpHZB_9tOVJNOmt502g7-Usbcek4EjVYfM5-itH9zXG-AUYj43-1oqhE1yh5PZ6h6T-0UgUOWg/s1600/Luna+Vineyards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffcS-RvoRQ4bszCFaNPhf4m6v_AgB-SwzbP6ZEI7Q10tDmzz720vinmzzw0ToUFYllbpHZB_9tOVJNOmt502g7-Usbcek4EjVYfM5-itH9zXG-AUYj43-1oqhE1yh5PZ6h6T-0UgUOWg/s400/Luna+Vineyards.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luna Vineyards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7oumOOudnD4jb8DQPC6zpcqaNiZ99BsvFWi_V6Ppi2jFpgynd4Cw9fp68gbQZUt9mBr03vq-fPcme34TDER5dRAK077nyCpa8rAuFddLBGCsFVdUke466IZ6DB7MxBoc6zKz4J5gZgoE/s1600/IMGP1040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7oumOOudnD4jb8DQPC6zpcqaNiZ99BsvFWi_V6Ppi2jFpgynd4Cw9fp68gbQZUt9mBr03vq-fPcme34TDER5dRAK077nyCpa8rAuFddLBGCsFVdUke466IZ6DB7MxBoc6zKz4J5gZgoE/s400/IMGP1040.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luna Vineyards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5_M05Q9S62o_T0zxn1KAJYzUF3jZy9qufw3bXoppoqypQBklB8Cijmp9BUNvWIr9XhFSzRaqMDkwZRxZtB6jQNVQ3Q2qohIiZw_CZvhOc5z73dQjLplDBjNNERVbxM8525tXZVYYekM/s1600/IMGP1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5_M05Q9S62o_T0zxn1KAJYzUF3jZy9qufw3bXoppoqypQBklB8Cijmp9BUNvWIr9XhFSzRaqMDkwZRxZtB6jQNVQ3Q2qohIiZw_CZvhOc5z73dQjLplDBjNNERVbxM8525tXZVYYekM/s400/IMGP1042.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't we look strange! A bunch of runners in a nice place like this. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I was the last to run, I was not able to partake in their wine tasting, sadly. :(</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I definitely smelled them though! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The tasting room inside was so classy. Other people who were visiting the area were dressed up so nicely...and then there was us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After Luna, we stopped at the checkpoint just before mine to make sure Andrea was doing okay. She had the most mileage. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At this stop, I got my first, up-close view of wine grapes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUuTGC2QXPoxPGusLDcu2wbQE_zxBLc2DICAp-k1Sv70s1EVHNnwqoVkiiN1Nl3yxVxCKp0-hCbYfvvr_T81Ru2504uyUWpUlDCWnpgVZhQwk9Ttu8PnILU1v50WsNi1qu2E8lJeg6FU/s1600/IMGP1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUuTGC2QXPoxPGusLDcu2wbQE_zxBLc2DICAp-k1Sv70s1EVHNnwqoVkiiN1Nl3yxVxCKp0-hCbYfvvr_T81Ru2504uyUWpUlDCWnpgVZhQwk9Ttu8PnILU1v50WsNi1qu2E8lJeg6FU/s400/IMGP1046.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOP_eRB6CUInh3rdPeulaHiQyrJxs28HQWvp82QWZTvQ8d3LYKDwYqXoLrUnBjiOoC-xCwTxysb0oXQeHKd6Kg87y2i8V55LvNKBSDMxnMvkFdmnb70rNRldYPRP6_6rVN68XJNkFU4Q/s1600/IMGP1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOP_eRB6CUInh3rdPeulaHiQyrJxs28HQWvp82QWZTvQ8d3LYKDwYqXoLrUnBjiOoC-xCwTxysb0oXQeHKd6Kg87y2i8V55LvNKBSDMxnMvkFdmnb70rNRldYPRP6_6rVN68XJNkFU4Q/s400/IMGP1048.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful! I really wanted to pick one, but wasn't sure if I could even<br />
eat one. And I didn't want to waste a grape. So, I let them be. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were at this stop for a little longer than we wanted to be because we were waiting for Dan (Andrea's husband). Then he suddenly texted us saying that he was running the last leg with Andrea because she was not doing well mentally. We became worried because that's against the rules (pacing someone), and this leg is a no-support zone. We wouldn't be able to pick him up either! We decided to just get going and meet them at the next checkpoint. He decided to hang back and let her finish at the checkpoint alone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-8dMABEH5xHSA-HqMtH45cTJ9-y_01fp1BnN89TGKroFfFtcUf7eSypOx7YF0pN0c530MdvNpcyMmw-IC2eWRJkBeqvgTcjngeHPHbFa2ZMCy_fRuMXp19-mBWuNook1jQiviT0eAVE/s1600/exchange+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-8dMABEH5xHSA-HqMtH45cTJ9-y_01fp1BnN89TGKroFfFtcUf7eSypOx7YF0pN0c530MdvNpcyMmw-IC2eWRJkBeqvgTcjngeHPHbFa2ZMCy_fRuMXp19-mBWuNook1jQiviT0eAVE/s400/exchange+34.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exchange 34 - About to start my final leg!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We visited Emily's aunt (who was literally right down the road...small world!) and then headed over to the Exchange. I was starting to get a little nervous because during this leg I would be running farther than I ever have run! I felt extremely antsy and I just wanted to run! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Andrea came running into the checkpoint and I was off to complete my first Napa Valley Relay! I tried to zone out as much as I could for the last 10 miles. It wasn't that hard. The views were incredible! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMSAkaz_gSpoQT1hOKmXr3bridV3sHXPkVZ1OyCX8XJryDGU3BZ8TfcephFzKkk4b30bqwkwV9idqNM5i5wKjQHYSXyR8c9eIRa9zjhdochanGkGqY1qGxA9-PTABe52eGiUL23miVIc/s1600/napa+valley+roadside+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMSAkaz_gSpoQT1hOKmXr3bridV3sHXPkVZ1OyCX8XJryDGU3BZ8TfcephFzKkk4b30bqwkwV9idqNM5i5wKjQHYSXyR8c9eIRa9zjhdochanGkGqY1qGxA9-PTABe52eGiUL23miVIc/s640/napa+valley+roadside+2.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was absolutely perfect weather too! I remember reading so many recaps that said to be prepared for the heat, but I got lucky. The rain had just let up and I was running in the most beautiful weather! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwlAWmR8RKHc6yECSbkOnRxtLfXOXhIX8A3wifhsm-ZTNFN8Am4sF13Q-_BqN0aqQ8g6RzOluiNW9_t8lZIAx_ZbpmJtBJADWBhr-DNHkStXzUwUjN6-2TYQBtrwQFTC_PUkTqR7Om10/s1600/napa+valley+roadside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwlAWmR8RKHc6yECSbkOnRxtLfXOXhIX8A3wifhsm-ZTNFN8Am4sF13Q-_BqN0aqQ8g6RzOluiNW9_t8lZIAx_ZbpmJtBJADWBhr-DNHkStXzUwUjN6-2TYQBtrwQFTC_PUkTqR7Om10/s640/napa+valley+roadside.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately, since this was the farthest I had ever run, my knee started to act up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For the first time EVER. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was so clueless as to what was going on. I never get injuries. I'm pretty good with increasing my mileage so that I don't get hurt. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really had to push myself the last 3 miles. I was really nervous about it. I kept thinking I was going to have to have surgery. So I would walk. But then I would freak out because my team was waiting for me at the finish line! So, I would start running again. Can you see the vicious cycle? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I ran through Calistoga (what a pretty town!) and I was so pumped to finally finish! When I finally saw that 1 Mile To Go sign, I jumped into the air and ran as fast as I could. I was starting to get nervous because I knew this was a big event at the end, yet I didn't see any people or any cars in the quaint neighborhood I was running through. I finally rounded a corner and I saw the masses. I was so happy! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I MADE IT!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I sprinted to the finish (almost getting hit by a car in the process) and almost left my team members behind as I crossed the finish line. I was so focused on me finishing this thing alive, I completely forgot we should cross the finish line together, as a team. Oops. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6dMP8mAdyHeSrZ-gMZfwkzjygtREGGiyXUMkc-K8q2P_bTjdbKebfzPTgNayZC1U1AtO-TOMlFX6liMndr3u6L2vRhCVcI8f8_4gsE49WQVMtupW_ofcdSHv1CCp2Yq_xeBSDr4aSqA/s1600/IMGP1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6dMP8mAdyHeSrZ-gMZfwkzjygtREGGiyXUMkc-K8q2P_bTjdbKebfzPTgNayZC1U1AtO-TOMlFX6liMndr3u6L2vRhCVcI8f8_4gsE49WQVMtupW_ofcdSHv1CCp2Yq_xeBSDr4aSqA/s400/IMGP1073.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finished!! Now time for some wine. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBBYuUHURLZ-rbkkMCTbi56eLL2ymRsITFSnk_8LbEhC7W1ccldzyjwgr3UOtT61ChDF98DZhACcWEYYhmeWsZmRTis2AR6pTOk-hcZo8KvdM8gblhkb3NBkGpxfuPanNjmM7mRB4qyw/s1600/IMGP1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBBYuUHURLZ-rbkkMCTbi56eLL2ymRsITFSnk_8LbEhC7W1ccldzyjwgr3UOtT61ChDF98DZhACcWEYYhmeWsZmRTis2AR6pTOk-hcZo8KvdM8gblhkb3NBkGpxfuPanNjmM7mRB4qyw/s400/IMGP1074.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photographer that took our <br />
finishing photo. Not sure where to<br />
find this photo...anyone know?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After our photos and lots of cheers for finishing, we split up to find some merchandise, food and of course, wine. I had it in my head the entire race that I would get this amazing wine at the finish line. Not so. It was pricey and gross. I read in other recaps that runners got free wine. And multiple servings of it Where is that?? I thought that maybe I was just too sick from running 37 miles and I should stay away from the alcohol for awhile. Or it was just really gross wine. Either way. It was disappointing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3xlmH6YF8xKoiK-1y61q0E0l6VX-vnaWKjZkGWUq51gd-YUJrxocgz5-whyfuqGbGVO2QDaZyVxKZVhJdzpSGLJp4Rd1lroF5S06JspyA4OX3ujsTT7VpojgPC1-C2Xem2Czz7ABvaw/s1600/IMGP1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3xlmH6YF8xKoiK-1y61q0E0l6VX-vnaWKjZkGWUq51gd-YUJrxocgz5-whyfuqGbGVO2QDaZyVxKZVhJdzpSGLJp4Rd1lroF5S06JspyA4OX3ujsTT7VpojgPC1-C2Xem2Czz7ABvaw/s400/IMGP1075.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the main reasons I ran this relay.<br />
At least I got to keep the glass. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our Napa Valley wine. </td></tr>
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After the wine, we decided to find food elsewhere. </div>
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On my last leg throughout the town of Calistoga, I ran by a Mexican restaurant (it smelled so good!) and that was all I could think of. I convinced my other teammates to give it a try. It could have bad consequences, but it will taste oh so good.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My post race dinner. Delicious!</td></tr>
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It doesn't look good, but it was. Oh, it was so good. So cheesy and probably not the best thing to be eating after a long run. But definitely worth it. </div>
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After dinner, we piled into the car and headed back to San Francisco. I did a quick change maneuver in the backseat to get out of my sweat-drenched clothes. I'm so skilled at that now. I think we all passed out at some point along the way. It was nice to sleep and without having to run again. :)<br />
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Eventually, they dropped me off at the hotel we first stayed at and my cousin Mark picked me up and we went to his apartment in downtown San Francisco. <br />
Initially, I was going to stay with my team and explore San Fran with them Sunday morning. But why do that when you have family in the city!? </div>
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It was great hanging out with Mark! He showed me around the city (the best spots in San Fran) and even took me on a crazy fun GO-CART (that's right, I said go-cart) tour of the city. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to head out along the San Francisco <br />
coast on a Go-Cart Tour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the bridge. I finally got to see it!<br />
It was hidden all weekend!</td></tr>
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I had a BLAST with the Ragnar Relay and my time in San Francisco! <br />
I realize that I enjoy running on the 6 person ultra teams more than the regular 12 person regular teams.<br />
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But overall, I have been leaning towards more difficult and longer races with higher mileage.<br />
Not sure why this is. I guess I love the challenge, mentally and physically.<br />
I feel races with less mileage do not challenge me enough anymore.<br />
Or I'm looking for the races that will give me the most bang for my buck!<br />
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And I loved Northern Cali. I would love to return someday and go on a real wine tasting tour. :)<br />
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Anyway, I highly recommend the Ragnar Relay Napa Valley race, but definitely as an ultra. I'm sure it's great as a regular team too. But I loved knowing the whole team and getting to hang out with them the whole time. In a 12-person team, you rarely get to see the other van. And no one ever hangs out together at the finish line. Everyone wants to go home and take a shower.<br />
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So, I highly recommend joining an ultra team. Give it a try. Don't be scared.<br />
30-something miles is not as bad as you think.You get fairly long rest periods between each leg.<br />
My next recap is the Ragnar Trail Relay, ultra style as well. ;)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Running!!!</span></div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-26733757546672486082013-09-27T17:22:00.000-07:002015-01-09T07:24:42.387-08:00Ragnar Relay Napa Valley Ultra Recap - Leg 1<div style="text-align: center;">
This past weekend, I was rewarded with an amazing <em>runcation </em>(running vacation) adventure in Northern California. I got to run on an ultra team in the Ragnar Relay Napa Valley! It was such as amazing experience!!!</div>
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This was the first time that I really traveled for a running event. Traveling to Phoenix for races doesn't count, it's too close and in no way a vacation. So, I was especially excited to get on a plane and travel to a part of the world I have never been to before. :) I packed my bags and<em> I packed light</em>!! I was so impressed with myself. I should write a section on <u>How to Pack for A Ragnar</u>. Definitely on my to-do list. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually packed light!</td></tr>
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I took the day off on Thursday and Friday so I could fly in early to San Francisco. And also, my planes always get delayed so I try to get on early flights so it won't affect me. This flight was only delayed by 30 minutes (so short!) so it definitely wasn't a problem. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying into San Francisco.</td></tr>
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I arrived in San Fran and hopped on the BART (a train like transportation system) headed for Oakland. I was meeting up with one of my teammates to get the van and hotel situated. I got a mini tour of Berkeley, Telegraph Ave. and the University area. It is so beautiful in that area! We stopped for lunch at a place called Fat Slice in Berkeley. Yum!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fat Slice. Delicious!</td></tr>
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After lunch, we took a trip up to the hills in Berkeley. The view of the bay was amazing and so was the university area! After that, we went to the dollar store to decorate our van. We had a hard time finding wine related items, so we stuck with the traditional window markers. I picked out a mini balloon for the antennae, but I knew it wouldn't last for long. Decorating a van is tough!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the bay from Berkeley.</td></tr>
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Finally, we made it to the hotel and went out for dinner shortly after. We went to a place called CHOP Bar. It was delicious! A little pricey, but the food was fantastic. A great place for a pre-race dinner. I went with the carrot soup, pasta and of course, beer. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the hotel in Oakland.</td></tr>
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After dinner, we hit up whole foods and then we hit the hay! The guys were in a room across from mine. Two of our teammates had not yet shown up (Andrea and Dan) and I was sharing a room with them. Their plane was delayed due to a storm in Minnesota and they didn't get in until about 11pm! I had gone to sleep before that and woke up when they came in. I had never met them before, so it was a semi-awkward meeting. I was sleeping on the couch and then suddenly woke up and had a conversation with these strangers I was sharing a room with. But since we are all seasoned "Ragarians", it wasn't as weird as it could have been. We are used to meeting new people and sharing a van with them for 30 hours. Not. Weird. At. All.<br />
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I was definitely excited for this race. I had a little trouble sleeping. It was like I was going to Disneyland the next year. But this was about a hundred times better. I knew I would get to sleep in the car since I was the 6th runner so I wasn't too worried.<br />
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The morning of the race was very overcast. Now this was how I pictured San Francisco!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from the hotel, the morning of the race!</td></tr>
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We ate breakfast at the hotel and then crammed us all into the van. We were off to the start line!<br />
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It was a beautiful park to start in. I was ready to run! Brian was our first runner however, and I wouldn't be running until about 3pm. Long day of waiting, let me tell you!<br />
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We got our packets, shirt, did a safety briefing, and lined up at the start with Brian. This was Brian's first ragnar, and his first ultra! We were pretty impressed that he was willing to try a Ragnar, ultra style, for the first time. After our team started, we hopped in the car and drove to the first checkpoint to meet Brian. He was the 1st and 2nd runner, so he got to run across the Golden Gate Bridge. I think we were all a little jealous. ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Gate State Park. It was extremely foggy, but so<br />
beautiful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian finishing his first leg and on his way to the<br />
Golden Gate Bridge!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was all the bridge was going to let us see today.<br />
It practically disappeared. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian just passed off to Emily. Greeting him after his run. </td></tr>
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Brian finished up his first leg and we glad to see he loved his run. It was a fantastic temperature for running! What a great morning for a Ragnar! We headed back to the car to do some decorating and to meet Emily at the next checkpoint.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a quick stop is Sausalito for some Starbucks. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily coming in strong to finish up<br />
her 1st leg. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing off to Richard. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking water in<br />
Napa fashion....from a <br />
wine glass</td></tr>
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We picked up Emily at a community center near Sausalito. SUCH a pretty area! I am definitely making plans to come back and visit again. <br />
We hopped in the van again and went to go meet up with Richard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRCKjgW7k6jPtA1xrRjnwGO8qx6uL3vJT-ubHUMeBWRMuhpAAZb1ujfBpiuCcH4pilvpGoT7tUFBodarHWrt7Fn7PsBaNcZVWJqvc-FWsITChVpv34RZVe0jM_WUIdctbKKNpTZH3fHs/s1600/IMGP0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRCKjgW7k6jPtA1xrRjnwGO8qx6uL3vJT-ubHUMeBWRMuhpAAZb1ujfBpiuCcH4pilvpGoT7tUFBodarHWrt7Fn7PsBaNcZVWJqvc-FWsITChVpv34RZVe0jM_WUIdctbKKNpTZH3fHs/s400/IMGP0992.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea brandishing the bright orange crossing flags. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here he comes!</td></tr>
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I really liked this group because we made a point to be at all of the exchanges for each of the runners.<br />
Even late at the night, someone got out to give the runner water or cheer them on. I feel that's a must for very good Ragnar team, but the Half Case Discount runners (and driver Dan!) made it seem like they were more than happy to do it. :)<br />
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The next exchange was Exchange 6. I was particularly excited about this exchange because I wanted to buy some Ragnar gear (mostly sweatpants and other random things). This was a big exchange so a lot more was going on here. After we saw Richard run in and hand off to Brett, Emily and I got extremely distracted with the gear and booths that we late in getting back to the van. Oops. We were especially excited for the free Krave Jerky samples at the Krave booth. Yum oh YUM. That stuff was good. We ended up buying a few different flavors and sharing with the van. Oh what I will do for jerky. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard handing off to Brett. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd24ZjHiGMSF6gUMUJDRqKsiHUbpkR6u9QVCW24tToQGQrGlWJSRifUY7yqVtw3SsndFvUCo3EXbNg7i2QY9ILMJB-QOMXCoqaX6vvoHXUq3SNg1ZB_JPapjj3jm8ySwhdYY4-ricKkig/s1600/IMGP0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd24ZjHiGMSF6gUMUJDRqKsiHUbpkR6u9QVCW24tToQGQrGlWJSRifUY7yqVtw3SsndFvUCo3EXbNg7i2QY9ILMJB-QOMXCoqaX6vvoHXUq3SNg1ZB_JPapjj3jm8ySwhdYY4-ricKkig/s400/IMGP0999.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man, this place is beautiful!! I would like to run some trails here! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We got in the van and drove to meet up with Brett. We accidentally missed him at his first exchange (oops. Emily and I take blame for that) so we headed to the next one. Andrea was up next so she was getting mentally prepared.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxbDEKdPR7FtrhcKTaZWOdr7-eTZaj1CFBG6x3jAQoMZgcyDadp08rVPzOFU1Ov_qWjKU-E-fSfXplHVMc29V2GC6up5fz03QBNbQGkfPMsaWTwcfjGIMuv_VCh3sRVzx-Rnbfrtu5Ok/s1600/IMGP1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxbDEKdPR7FtrhcKTaZWOdr7-eTZaj1CFBG6x3jAQoMZgcyDadp08rVPzOFU1Ov_qWjKU-E-fSfXplHVMc29V2GC6up5fz03QBNbQGkfPMsaWTwcfjGIMuv_VCh3sRVzx-Rnbfrtu5Ok/s400/IMGP1000.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea, Dan and Emily waiting for Brett to come in. <br />
Andrea is an Ironman athlete so she was READY.<br />
I am so impressed by this. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRhjwgGVdZzSrNiotMIcOyELbHnef671B2gA0Stti2-XGuaZb0K9viTSK2ZXmuVvp9H0ef1cBNU0kl_zUKnord3fW8YcJcmG1W4gBQ1-WDlxurmL2VIzAdBpzXixy3db2uQvNwhZoKTM/s1600/IMGP1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRhjwgGVdZzSrNiotMIcOyELbHnef671B2gA0Stti2-XGuaZb0K9viTSK2ZXmuVvp9H0ef1cBNU0kl_zUKnord3fW8YcJcmG1W4gBQ1-WDlxurmL2VIzAdBpzXixy3db2uQvNwhZoKTM/s400/IMGP1001.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "rival" team. We were keeping tabs on them <br />
throughout the race since they always seemed to<br />
be around at the exchanges.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINTH9mxMUE1EjUfVTnYMQgE5JD576kV0YvEJMrdu5fVFqrj8upmIYGgZRTLAyDdxZKWtphCL_rRla6pm0KPdQx9hvz37vOrVh39bW9XfA2KtoGIjrQ_VmzCqwZA7SaFoXAe29hCIv7qk/s1600/IMGP1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINTH9mxMUE1EjUfVTnYMQgE5JD576kV0YvEJMrdu5fVFqrj8upmIYGgZRTLAyDdxZKWtphCL_rRla6pm0KPdQx9hvz37vOrVh39bW9XfA2KtoGIjrQ_VmzCqwZA7SaFoXAe29hCIv7qk/s400/IMGP1002.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's ready to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3yn8GzBVj0N5dW4Z_wY55ACcm73qlc3bPfcdP3gOOEOVIP9X-enqb-qBGueEY_uwUcVmJgwVQ48hodsr1bAGwSU5ojFyNk4owFdccbztVhafHRKSlTN2umSJhjZq_yAQB-HGhyphenhyphenEdVmE/s1600/IMGP1004.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3yn8GzBVj0N5dW4Z_wY55ACcm73qlc3bPfcdP3gOOEOVIP9X-enqb-qBGueEY_uwUcVmJgwVQ48hodsr1bAGwSU5ojFyNk4owFdccbztVhafHRKSlTN2umSJhjZq_yAQB-HGhyphenhyphenEdVmE/s320/IMGP1004.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brett passing off to Andrea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After Andrea took off, we drove to meet up with her at her next exchange. I was strting to get nervous because I WAS NEXT! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoPgcxXv7IZ6Pa37H1ZPbro9_q3AULFrWEJHV3PPRQdqnO3_Y32MzfSZbo5j9yvRPeOKH0_o2NKcWnnEx1aRvEb7r0aDr8QQGAWn-3rpjhbTlPtc7kFDusCj2yMhePdiwZI5gLqfmonY/s1600/IMGP1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoPgcxXv7IZ6Pa37H1ZPbro9_q3AULFrWEJHV3PPRQdqnO3_Y32MzfSZbo5j9yvRPeOKH0_o2NKcWnnEx1aRvEb7r0aDr8QQGAWn-3rpjhbTlPtc7kFDusCj2yMhePdiwZI5gLqfmonY/s400/IMGP1009.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comming into the next exchange. Her husband Dan is following her<br />
to make sure she is doing okay. How sweet!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomIMM38ri_GGhbMS7DI6R_3UdLKE4XZxMZBbhneAfVgcQ2gPVrz3v32Oujzu9Hn-jfujOVwQUOcWWIqtPaOkn0FNpzNNGI4SJx9Q3I0OX_iWIknTZJ7YjHOHsnP6T7FoKhifEE___Hlo/s1600/IMGP1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomIMM38ri_GGhbMS7DI6R_3UdLKE4XZxMZBbhneAfVgcQ2gPVrz3v32Oujzu9Hn-jfujOVwQUOcWWIqtPaOkn0FNpzNNGI4SJx9Q3I0OX_iWIknTZJ7YjHOHsnP6T7FoKhifEE___Hlo/s400/IMGP1011.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, the area was absolutely beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was starting to get PUMPED. I was ready to run this morning at 9 AM and it was around 3pm.<br />
Too long of a wait!! I was going crazy!<br />
I had 15 miles ahead of me on this leg....and it was only Leg #1.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGPZLSXRfhJYmlihhvaAxhhgQF9WsOKsZ3W2w-qcOxE6lq3iLDlpeMbhc2jXGSfwKcZkjeCas4J-ZkByivLxl1sdA9f_4FitCRDq6lf39ymiURTbK0kLar2-2zBEqtxCHACWv2qtXEXA/s1600/before+1st+run.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGPZLSXRfhJYmlihhvaAxhhgQF9WsOKsZ3W2w-qcOxE6lq3iLDlpeMbhc2jXGSfwKcZkjeCas4J-ZkByivLxl1sdA9f_4FitCRDq6lf39ymiURTbK0kLar2-2zBEqtxCHACWv2qtXEXA/s320/before+1st+run.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was ready to RUN!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I started to mentally prepare for my run. I sort of checked out from my group and walked around. I went to go use the restroom at this cheese stop and became annoyed with another team that wanted to change in the stalls. They were taking forever! Learn how to change in the car!! I think I was getting a little nervous, mainly because my stomach was beginning to feel funny. It's not like I ate anything weird, but perhaps the excitement was different for me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6yNn5zQT8C1-7vciU2c_SDbr_TjdmOZ863fyy_FFpW6DawMC1ugzx7O8PZS8NavokihqrWIIk4GAPt6m-CSNUh3mAsIwvSjTZPQdwbJaTrJV1YqR1YvHefjIO7zCQ8lokB5Qn7D1iZw/s1600/IMGP1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6yNn5zQT8C1-7vciU2c_SDbr_TjdmOZ863fyy_FFpW6DawMC1ugzx7O8PZS8NavokihqrWIIk4GAPt6m-CSNUh3mAsIwvSjTZPQdwbJaTrJV1YqR1YvHefjIO7zCQ8lokB5Qn7D1iZw/s400/IMGP1012.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My exchange was at some cheese place. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTnLMKaDNSXSZ-mGrIWLHteD_G2rq7dr9p5NMpeijV_zi_q-IAh6BWUjOYconqwklYPG1nq_bOchk_rvVMfvF_8gnhG1AXBhj9Z0u10bmNYZnphze89WTNJI9s2EeMYRAUGGAB0CS5bs/s1600/IMGP1014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTnLMKaDNSXSZ-mGrIWLHteD_G2rq7dr9p5NMpeijV_zi_q-IAh6BWUjOYconqwklYPG1nq_bOchk_rvVMfvF_8gnhG1AXBhj9Z0u10bmNYZnphze89WTNJI9s2EeMYRAUGGAB0CS5bs/s400/IMGP1014.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exchange 10.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoHAjrtrB53tWS8CEaog-bv2B_cCRAfXs0PFf2syA5YniTy4oEUcch-PLUkhbH3_dPU4byxyHR0jFmPdQqWBD65IYXMzkeXXAMkpJAM0KiUG4qArBNX7co28nWx93uKBy7Lu3hPzr14U/s1600/IMGP1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoHAjrtrB53tWS8CEaog-bv2B_cCRAfXs0PFf2syA5YniTy4oEUcch-PLUkhbH3_dPU4byxyHR0jFmPdQqWBD65IYXMzkeXXAMkpJAM0KiUG4qArBNX7co28nWx93uKBy7Lu3hPzr14U/s400/IMGP1015.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I was off! On my first stretch of road before the HILL. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIJCJOmr1GptCqVf7Og1QX1Wq8xLcgWgKL99sCQccP2_W6rw2oZ_bc4Xg0QJO3QfJKzV3Yie3kVhKI9GeaG_fNudnjBfIyDdLzUkj5yy1wn78g5JHA9Q6Ec98vycP-ZFnrZgB5LwIqsw/s1600/IMGP1018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIJCJOmr1GptCqVf7Og1QX1Wq8xLcgWgKL99sCQccP2_W6rw2oZ_bc4Xg0QJO3QfJKzV3Yie3kVhKI9GeaG_fNudnjBfIyDdLzUkj5yy1wn78g5JHA9Q6Ec98vycP-ZFnrZgB5LwIqsw/s400/IMGP1018.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On my way to Petaluma. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwKJJ320-YVVQRQXrYL1CgPLrOMQLt4dA6Io_rbNEXPrtnEX1iIPVcYxy_j1M3aB8T_G77P_PG2znF0yuXVIwGdbABiAYJ8aUA7vIBvGINuk6vl3e1CXuTbZCANFdeySNeU3IQMqRMZo/s1600/IMGP1021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwKJJ320-YVVQRQXrYL1CgPLrOMQLt4dA6Io_rbNEXPrtnEX1iIPVcYxy_j1M3aB8T_G77P_PG2znF0yuXVIwGdbABiAYJ8aUA7vIBvGINuk6vl3e1CXuTbZCANFdeySNeU3IQMqRMZo/s400/IMGP1021.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoJSjMvKCEMUY2wfTSUO9jIiPmHDWJJSNL8fSwAroCDmczsd9zlYhBb3XpxpXTc0q2FeP40CpR0dlPvmGfFHcEuF-n4-NVTO_5gjFi-erAny5Zz-aL0pXdc4FkqSc0BhIywOAcz_L4zI/s1600/IMGP1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoJSjMvKCEMUY2wfTSUO9jIiPmHDWJJSNL8fSwAroCDmczsd9zlYhBb3XpxpXTc0q2FeP40CpR0dlPvmGfFHcEuF-n4-NVTO_5gjFi-erAny5Zz-aL0pXdc4FkqSc0BhIywOAcz_L4zI/s400/IMGP1026.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c_WdOvHB6Tbnba3Cyi49MEQO5UyMLcGox1UzCB1YQeYAPO9rgkgu0i1qWG50RyEQ0qw8nCR2Bf1YvfTlfJIAJiUG0ElIngzryoIVE5di3eM3rRdlczkBMdz2zth40pjASlwYmXuo5ME/s1600/IMGP1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c_WdOvHB6Tbnba3Cyi49MEQO5UyMLcGox1UzCB1YQeYAPO9rgkgu0i1qWG50RyEQ0qw8nCR2Bf1YvfTlfJIAJiUG0ElIngzryoIVE5di3eM3rRdlczkBMdz2zth40pjASlwYmXuo5ME/s400/IMGP1029.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some beautiful semi-secluded track.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlJuxYhDdSIKUduxbSbWtVj5Y5u6tVOKACPPWgOLocWNTBULFzaxh5q49gRasxcpd7P40Qv45fDuSo9B7paTag0gZupp2ambWKnA3aDnih35X3KPWpUuOoHe9yL7RvdUO73zjp7Z3OfI/s1600/IMGP1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlJuxYhDdSIKUduxbSbWtVj5Y5u6tVOKACPPWgOLocWNTBULFzaxh5q49gRasxcpd7P40Qv45fDuSo9B7paTag0gZupp2ambWKnA3aDnih35X3KPWpUuOoHe9yL7RvdUO73zjp7Z3OfI/s400/IMGP1036.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running next to a small airfield. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first part of my run was fantastic! It was mostly downhill and I was able to pass some people.<br />
But after that, it became a little harder. I knew I had to go 15 miles, but that extra 12 and then 10 kept popping into my head. I didn't want to run too fast. I want to save my legs, I kept telling myself.<br />
<br />
The run itself was beautiful! A large hill in the beginning but then the few miles of downhill made up for it.<br />
After that, I had to run through some neighborhoods with some killer hills. There was also nice alley track (that's what I'm calling it). There seems to be a lot of running paths in alleys in California. We don't have paths like these in Tucson so I was a little freaked out. Anything is an alley is dangerous and these look like alleys. I never felt unsafe, but you should always be careful.<br />
<br />
Those <b>one mile to go</b> signs were my FAVORITE thing to see.<br />
I was SO happy when I saw one. I pushed harder but that last mile always felt longer than it should have.<br />
<br />
I began my leg with my night gear (lamp, butt light and reflective vest) because when I came running into the next exchange, it was already dark. I picked up my speed when I saw the exchange. I was so happy to be done with Leg #1!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>More to Come:</b></u></span><br />
Leg #2 and possibly Leg #3 <i>together</i> since I slacked on taking photos at night.<br />
We <i>all</i> did. There's no point. The reflective gear we have to wear makes it impossible to see who anyone is.<br />
Also, I spent the day after with my cousin Mark in San Francisco. So, I'll have to recap that too!<br />
<br /></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-76423942137608256152013-09-08T17:59:00.000-07:002013-10-10T17:25:13.809-07:00Mt. Wrightson Ascent with TTR<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been a little behind in updating. But I want to make sure I don't get too far behind. So much has happened in the last month! Hopefully, I will get a few posts out this week so that I can catch up. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHJ45zm6qmlFNKm8pE_Nz0kJNdlYqJcrYoDkIf6wBzqFMsF3KwTB_tyDxJvqfaCsbaLOYSR_U36Y2ca5PTOPcWv0Fk33QysuwsRKgiZestqcdlH2NXrmu8fPCURQaSx2Qf2TdSz2eM3E/s1600/IMGP0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHJ45zm6qmlFNKm8pE_Nz0kJNdlYqJcrYoDkIf6wBzqFMsF3KwTB_tyDxJvqfaCsbaLOYSR_U36Y2ca5PTOPcWv0Fk33QysuwsRKgiZestqcdlH2NXrmu8fPCURQaSx2Qf2TdSz2eM3E/s400/IMGP0866.JPG" width="225" /></a>A few Sundays back, I ran up and down Mt. Wrightson once again. I fell in love with the mountain when I ran it for the first time in May. It's so beautiful and very few runners show up for the the runs down there. It's too far away or something (versus the Sabino Canyon runs when everyone and their mother shows up). I love being alone when I run trails and this time was no different.<br />
<br />
The morning of the run, it was a little drizzly outside. It made for a PERFECT run. It was so beautiful on the trail. It was peaceful with the sound of rain falling gently on the trees around me. What an amazing experience.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq9_I66ypwwG8n4dfIJu_21TuLRcrsn3iuSY8Mh7f0mJucFH3CnGqJ3JzQuly9rtU8SQ_owfICYckXGbejxww_5dnYVEdgyqCT6bGolO0g01_e4J0Lf6pJF04EOpnvC9m6TTBSavdfxQ/s1600/IMGP0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq9_I66ypwwG8n4dfIJu_21TuLRcrsn3iuSY8Mh7f0mJucFH3CnGqJ3JzQuly9rtU8SQ_owfICYckXGbejxww_5dnYVEdgyqCT6bGolO0g01_e4J0Lf6pJF04EOpnvC9m6TTBSavdfxQ/s400/IMGP0869.JPG" width="225" /></a>The forest was more <b>alive</b> during this visit. The rain from the monsoons had created a lush, green environment for us trail runners. And for the bears as well...there were berries everywhere! They covered the bushes and the floors And not soon after I discovered this, I also discovered there was a lot of bear poop on the trail! And I mean A LOT. I saved those photos for the end.<br />
<br />
I felt as if running to the Josephine Saddle, about 2 miles up, went a lot faster this time. I guess I already know the trail and I had a general idea of the twists and turns. It also helped that I was "cheating". I brought my iPod with me! I know, what a terrible thing for a trail runner to do! <br />
You're supposed to be listening to the outdoors on the trail (and possibly animals and other humans). <br />
But music helps me think about other things instead of the pain in my lungs/legs at the time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeHtUElfafZ3f2duBAnmTULpWoDQCQIXPHbQ4N8gDHKSRNs6v6v0MB1T9cRBOfr8RnP_DcspVMctSZ4FKCof7bB9NOsGbJ6OS_4btfBn4PN3EZwY8hPDNrBsuNLRRLaposxBntNNl5Cc/s1600/IMGP0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeHtUElfafZ3f2duBAnmTULpWoDQCQIXPHbQ4N8gDHKSRNs6v6v0MB1T9cRBOfr8RnP_DcspVMctSZ4FKCof7bB9NOsGbJ6OS_4btfBn4PN3EZwY8hPDNrBsuNLRRLaposxBntNNl5Cc/s320/IMGP0871.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josephine Saddle...and a memorial for the boy scouts <br />
that died here in the 50's. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiGRshx7CWSlPkIMg5BxKO9et0PHqxPQGBqYLwp0bpzt_Yx4H0xkyeE4ohS5T_wLXG-LGd9hHZpB7VjpRF3oS-0D5ABvOzW0ukX7_6yNsQOaBgghwfhTXuAxNu4CgPInkEp6G-AlfReA/s1600/IMGP0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiGRshx7CWSlPkIMg5BxKO9et0PHqxPQGBqYLwp0bpzt_Yx4H0xkyeE4ohS5T_wLXG-LGd9hHZpB7VjpRF3oS-0D5ABvOzW0ukX7_6yNsQOaBgghwfhTXuAxNu4CgPInkEp6G-AlfReA/s320/IMGP0880.JPG" width="180" /></a>The trek after Josephine Saddle was a lot slower and a little more difficult for me. After getting passed by some late-comers just before Josephine Saddle, my hopes for not finishing last were dashed. I am not the greatest uphill runner of all time, let's face it. This is something I need to work on. But I was determined to catch up with my insane downhill speed that I will bust out later on. :)<br />
<br />
The rain had stopped and I knew where my next checkpoint was. I tuned into my music and trudged along. The uphill was getting a lot steeper and a lot harder to run. I power walked a good portion of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG29DNwXNNIGBOTK8zdQ-neyU5pKMa4765U4dRo_kuOQPfuw4I15PHIE21c5H67uEu1Sd4ku-fFEqbi4uiA29GPx5WAxDd53uWp_6N4Pj4ucaG3mXdygylZLrbzWorzzvHqogf6MR2520/s1600/IMGP0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG29DNwXNNIGBOTK8zdQ-neyU5pKMa4765U4dRo_kuOQPfuw4I15PHIE21c5H67uEu1Sd4ku-fFEqbi4uiA29GPx5WAxDd53uWp_6N4Pj4ucaG3mXdygylZLrbzWorzzvHqogf6MR2520/s400/IMGP0882.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trails were quiet and beautiful. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprTVO5bRbO0xSS3dIkep4nu0-4Ew0kF6wkej61Wlk4zkGp7aUOvwioZLee0bZyhNQjFe3BSJ8mY9_wRHn7ciRY8bzinQkPxnAHknTESnqsP1fLPh8zHWUpPpZwhPGxg1ljbvnYc7MKlQ/s1600/IMGP0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprTVO5bRbO0xSS3dIkep4nu0-4Ew0kF6wkej61Wlk4zkGp7aUOvwioZLee0bZyhNQjFe3BSJ8mY9_wRHn7ciRY8bzinQkPxnAHknTESnqsP1fLPh8zHWUpPpZwhPGxg1ljbvnYc7MKlQ/s400/IMGP0883.JPG" width="225" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-HlELfWUTcp7nzjRpt5Vibm-TvH8SCWoTziiwdOE6tVXLQjsk86RUBiCDj8JuEiKCWwA1IniiDweaGpfEf7jdKmWiCp4OgoMlepEstfJTfbd1MYKZuSdm0KZ9qFsFDzhQQiwTwfPC58/s1600/IMGP0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-HlELfWUTcp7nzjRpt5Vibm-TvH8SCWoTziiwdOE6tVXLQjsk86RUBiCDj8JuEiKCWwA1IniiDweaGpfEf7jdKmWiCp4OgoMlepEstfJTfbd1MYKZuSdm0KZ9qFsFDzhQQiwTwfPC58/s400/IMGP0893.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgkj31ccbCfoqzHA61ZIftZ6u021GrRDW1bqJleUES7Ik7kg-bY2jVTm5a6HySQFDa5haDjq_WymTHCyLsIFcIv-xZosEAYuvgnHRxtFQh-mNkMbzv7hgQuMs-J3WoJKM5fTTGLWkSBk/s1600/IMGP0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgkj31ccbCfoqzHA61ZIftZ6u021GrRDW1bqJleUES7Ik7kg-bY2jVTm5a6HySQFDa5haDjq_WymTHCyLsIFcIv-xZosEAYuvgnHRxtFQh-mNkMbzv7hgQuMs-J3WoJKM5fTTGLWkSBk/s400/IMGP0886.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this part in the trail. It breaks away to show this side of the<br />
mountain. It feels so mysterious and quiet here. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qcI89MwgBercAMzoebwV28JLZMPZhwdsnajoXMI4_qdinkmNk1ACAapXXiI61g_jYUANtBfavtm2FVbjd89OuF9HVlHNc04QccyLqA7l5SaBymQ3aKO-pP5K6hc8N_-koMZ2iDwjROE/s1600/IMGP0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qcI89MwgBercAMzoebwV28JLZMPZhwdsnajoXMI4_qdinkmNk1ACAapXXiI61g_jYUANtBfavtm2FVbjd89OuF9HVlHNc04QccyLqA7l5SaBymQ3aKO-pP5K6hc8N_-koMZ2iDwjROE/s400/IMGP0897.JPG" width="225" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JV76p2S0GDvigw4pAbIpjhcbFkzzKV8P1sv6jQD1z5oKV-5-CgZr6Gq4fhkAXxWrPXW_7TjZnWGEpR8H6Z3vdC00DPA2rLxW61-EvjP55K5aibsQ1AkuyHcoJB3a8MNb4eUFRUHv7mc/s1600/IMGP0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JV76p2S0GDvigw4pAbIpjhcbFkzzKV8P1sv6jQD1z5oKV-5-CgZr6Gq4fhkAXxWrPXW_7TjZnWGEpR8H6Z3vdC00DPA2rLxW61-EvjP55K5aibsQ1AkuyHcoJB3a8MNb4eUFRUHv7mc/s400/IMGP0901.JPG" width="225" /></a><br />
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By the time I got to this point in the trail, past the second saddle, I started to run into a lot more TTR people. They were speeding by! I was starting to get worried that I would not be able to catch up with them!</div>
<br />
I also noticed a funny thing. Whenever I said hi to any of the runners, they looked very surprised. Like...too surprised.<br />
I was starting to get a little annoyed. I would say "Hi! You're doing great!" and then get this look like, I don't know you...who are you? Why are you speaking to me??<br />
They either don't remember me from the group or don't speak to people much. JK. <br />
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But no worries here! I am stepping up my game. I think I just need to be more involved. I have been going to more runs (first step) and next I will either try to RD a run or get a position within the group. Recently, an opportunity came up in which I was ALMOST able to do the latter. I just got to it a few seconds too late and unfortunately, it was snatched away quickly by someone else. :(<br />
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There is always next year. But it is hard being the youngest in this group. And it doesn't help that I look like I'm 18. I am truly trying my best and I may never be the fastest, but I will get points for having the most energy and spunk. That will get you far. Trust me. :)</div>
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Back to the trail!! I get so off topic sometimes. </div>
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At this point, I have made it past the second saddle and I am on my way to the top!</div>
All of the TTR runners have passed me, and I am trying to get myself to run faster so that I have an opportunity to catch up with them later on.<br />
<br />
And finally...I make it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_akjRELez_J7CJ6b-QOcGNFMBdhYQ0h-oSO6EQ44asJ4i29KXwo9AJs6W09R_dtoopB4CDi7ZGXAPvhEwyMV59rz6svzKAudDpRB60X-bJK2-ZD0_5Ct6C0YhKFzyThUXjTkwduLU5Y/s1600/IMGP0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_akjRELez_J7CJ6b-QOcGNFMBdhYQ0h-oSO6EQ44asJ4i29KXwo9AJs6W09R_dtoopB4CDi7ZGXAPvhEwyMV59rz6svzKAudDpRB60X-bJK2-ZD0_5Ct6C0YhKFzyThUXjTkwduLU5Y/s400/IMGP0917.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Mexico. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuFZqn4WRxnO_kZG6NXpyrdytGXFhyphenhyphenfrQKfXgXQx4hufnRam72E9LLRetGdsXfSzOOWChKaHM83gyQ4WcWndsyhH4_rbOVvw0BlS88VgXMyOMwTUiXk8Vtb18UpS91e9KNG8jvG51Mro/s1600/IMGP0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuFZqn4WRxnO_kZG6NXpyrdytGXFhyphenhyphenfrQKfXgXQx4hufnRam72E9LLRetGdsXfSzOOWChKaHM83gyQ4WcWndsyhH4_rbOVvw0BlS88VgXMyOMwTUiXk8Vtb18UpS91e9KNG8jvG51Mro/s400/IMGP0921.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made it to the top! Again!<br />
In one piece! Yay!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHdMeNZu5UoHKnLUQ_ovpler2t4UZfqUfuTLGiHGnR8XT20B6c-okbYRevQQ_p9AwyG91eeO0Lpxbj3Siv3teuC2hJeIioy1UnpVa4qaNOntlg7JzyfyF-v5LD56zhZNCCS8HX5zdt7Q/s1600/IMGP0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHdMeNZu5UoHKnLUQ_ovpler2t4UZfqUfuTLGiHGnR8XT20B6c-okbYRevQQ_p9AwyG91eeO0Lpxbj3Siv3teuC2hJeIioy1UnpVa4qaNOntlg7JzyfyF-v5LD56zhZNCCS8HX5zdt7Q/s400/IMGP0920.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Tucson.<br />
You can see the remains of the fire lookout building to the right. </td></tr>
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It is so incredibly peaceful at the top. There is no one else with me, so I was grateful.<br />
I stood up there, watching the rain clouds in the distance, and trying not to think about the run down.<br />
I looked towards Mexico, and imagined running there one day. Maybe to the border? Maybe in the actual country? Oh, I would love to do that. One of my many running dreams. :)<br />
<br />
I take a few more minutes for myself until a hiker arrives. It is time to go.<br />
I start a little slow (it is very rocky at the top and the cliffs are high, I don't want to slide off!).<br />
I really take off running when I hit the solid, dirt ground.<br />
I want to catch up, so this is my time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-4qdUDH0T1JJ69r1nZg1uZa4pgQdzIeCfxNYCtcr1dtNY7_8ZwtLuWvxU2u09JBuAl4Hbyu8HnJTiDYoLL3Aku_gPaTlZzsh7ztMDG15CP8H9OAJYsG-KEI4JzkSQLwJPiaycEgBtnQ/s1600/IMGP0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-4qdUDH0T1JJ69r1nZg1uZa4pgQdzIeCfxNYCtcr1dtNY7_8ZwtLuWvxU2u09JBuAl4Hbyu8HnJTiDYoLL3Aku_gPaTlZzsh7ztMDG15CP8H9OAJYsG-KEI4JzkSQLwJPiaycEgBtnQ/s400/IMGP0873.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided to take the Super Trail down this time. Stupid idea. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYu-aDxslo2XmYmNzIx61tXGygO-LgohbQLhAsCzHgcIwNn2tLkYMS80PE1Pa2fH89nvm9PMbO7H85s6H2DYoOJELJGMrE2xfSjGySuoCyWHe5zgMnHq0w4ZfYIXnnbUiZgsi_2D3qPg/s1600/IMGP0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYu-aDxslo2XmYmNzIx61tXGygO-LgohbQLhAsCzHgcIwNn2tLkYMS80PE1Pa2fH89nvm9PMbO7H85s6H2DYoOJELJGMrE2xfSjGySuoCyWHe5zgMnHq0w4ZfYIXnnbUiZgsi_2D3qPg/s320/IMGP0938.JPG" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGlZ9iz1sb9h_Bgy_uzgFfvvY94powfDX6cLfk5wQVB5eHIfsOJfKyjxw9vD2XVOdhWe8jpd58TPgCiSUseHavB9RMgr_MCmf3F4wNxtZJPVRglgDZhTB4YRTZ0D0ptwctyrjOL08IWM/s1600/IMGP0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGlZ9iz1sb9h_Bgy_uzgFfvvY94powfDX6cLfk5wQVB5eHIfsOJfKyjxw9vD2XVOdhWe8jpd58TPgCiSUseHavB9RMgr_MCmf3F4wNxtZJPVRglgDZhTB4YRTZ0D0ptwctyrjOL08IWM/s320/IMGP0939.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I had this fantastic idea of catching up by taking the Super Trail, which I was told was a little longer than the other one. I thought it was great because the Old Badly Trail was shorter, yes, but much steeper than the Super Trail. I figured I could gain more ground if I wasn't tripping over rocks every few seconds. And I was never told the mileage on the Super Trail. When I was told that it was a little longer, I was thinking a few minutes longer. NOPE.<br />
<br />
I was about a mile and a half longer. Yes, it was smoother, but I think that made it worse.<br />
At point I looked at my watch and thought I should be done by now, but I was still halfway up the trail.<br />
And then I got lost. For only a few minutes. I didn't stray TOO far off trail, but I was definitely being led in the wrong direction. That dampened my spirit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD5CI1YNo5EXLFlOgkEqR33oNg58F_HAtKX1PnzzttsBVZ5ybAZoW_9ijk2k2Qhyphenhyphenktw08RgnxXKPpbB0uWnIjGjLChKCWD6DwrGoQBJDXXEMSvLFJXyukbtq_6iwJqqOwNJIGs6zTDC8/s1600/IMGP0946.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD5CI1YNo5EXLFlOgkEqR33oNg58F_HAtKX1PnzzttsBVZ5ybAZoW_9ijk2k2Qhyphenhyphenktw08RgnxXKPpbB0uWnIjGjLChKCWD6DwrGoQBJDXXEMSvLFJXyukbtq_6iwJqqOwNJIGs6zTDC8/s320/IMGP0946.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some bear poop for your <br />
enjoyment. There was a TON <br />
of this on the trail. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHURAKP1Lefed8nlIXeG5XNjzsWHTU7_kg6NkJ71YvB3ao2Csq5YfTV1B5QBrTWNVm5Nu4tJTU26aTD5QUM0jTs7ukV3SornKHpBYPlAmOlTmqwGyqjT5iPIXEHiEbcPIsh4CxJGsFv3E/s1600/IMGP0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHURAKP1Lefed8nlIXeG5XNjzsWHTU7_kg6NkJ71YvB3ao2Csq5YfTV1B5QBrTWNVm5Nu4tJTU26aTD5QUM0jTs7ukV3SornKHpBYPlAmOlTmqwGyqjT5iPIXEHiEbcPIsh4CxJGsFv3E/s400/IMGP0947.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost to the bottom of the trail!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thankfully, I was only a minute away from the finish! I came running into the parking lot, with my hands up and some guy clapped. It was nice. I spoke to Gene (the RD) and ate some strawberries, a cookie and lots of pickle juice! I'm not much for schmoozing (especially when I don't hit my time goal) so I bid farewell and I was off.<br />
<br />
<b> Time - 4:10<br />Distance - 12.17 miles</b><br />
<br />
Overall, it was a beautiful run! I don't think I can say that enough!<br />
I love running in those mountains. It is always so peaceful for me.<br />
<i>Next time</i>, I will check out the trails AND the mileage before I decide to run them. I need to mentally prepare myself. Because if I don't (like this time) I get annoyed and upset at the end.<br />
<br />
I wholeheartedly recommend Mt. Wrightson for everyone! Get out there and enjoy your trails!!!<br />
Happy running! :)</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-1907449045930321502013-09-07T15:06:00.000-07:002013-09-07T15:06:12.774-07:0030 Day Plank Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
I have decided that I need to make working out (not just running) a daily occurrence. I need to stop doing it willy-nilly and actually stick to it! I found this great 30 day plank challenge that I am going to <b>commit</b> to. </div>
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That's right: COMMIT. </div>
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I'm not just trying it out. This. is. going. to. happen. </div>
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NO EXCUSES!</div>
<br />
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<img alt="30 Day Plank Workout Challenge" src="http://30dayfitnesschallenges.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/30day-plank-challenge-chart.png" /></div>
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Does anyone else want to try this with me? Keep me updated with how you are doing. Let me know here, on <a href="http://instagram.com/runningroundthecampfire">my Instagram</a> (or username runningroundthecampfire), or on <a href="https://twitter.com/tucsnheatrunner">my Twitter</a> (or username tucsnheatrunner). </div>
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READY?</div>
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Let's go!</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-72143685403622786372013-09-06T13:03:00.000-07:002013-09-07T13:09:09.144-07:00Bear Canyon Loop (The 2nd Time Around)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last Saturday, Kathryn invited me to run the BCL trail with her. This is one of my favorite trails in Tucson. I'm not sure why exactly, but it's a great loop. </div>
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I remember every mile of it: 5 miles is right above 7 Falls; 7 miles is above Thimble Peak and the worst hills have past, 8 miles starts the fastest downhill I have ever run; 13 miles is near the end of the trail before the road and 17 miles is the end! </div>
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I guess knowing each milestone along the trail helps to make the miles fly by. And every time I run it, I remember more. </div>
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We started at 5:30am in the SCVC parking lot. The high was going to be in the 90's so we wanted to start out early. It would take us about 4 hours to finish and that would put us ending at around 9:30am. </div>
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We took the trail towards 7 Falls and would come back down the main road.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eowxqoxWr34717epHVwAJSkZib-15wAiIsZ7tfaWPclS8nJsYhL3yawk_UrcmIM63uEN6Mkfe5ybCSNRkLg2mFFL0R1oFSEKJKMH-7V-2fZRWGBztXWEYo9x84uEXCTNBIkNOU9rnqg/s1600/IMGP0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eowxqoxWr34717epHVwAJSkZib-15wAiIsZ7tfaWPclS8nJsYhL3yawk_UrcmIM63uEN6Mkfe5ybCSNRkLg2mFFL0R1oFSEKJKMH-7V-2fZRWGBztXWEYo9x84uEXCTNBIkNOU9rnqg/s640/IMGP0801.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5:30am - Running down the road to<br />
7 Falls.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2Y0BB7zd3kFv-_XnWs0RyjPZEsO4lq0PlPIApYOSnhI7lUP75peqz2kfJ6pQSMEvRQtV_LaHW0v8UjgXKJdGPm4sPLAWWDqu5_buKzAlyOuyo69ddlCnlPapveYwgpTng_b6J7jbeq4/s1600/IMGP0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2Y0BB7zd3kFv-_XnWs0RyjPZEsO4lq0PlPIApYOSnhI7lUP75peqz2kfJ6pQSMEvRQtV_LaHW0v8UjgXKJdGPm4sPLAWWDqu5_buKzAlyOuyo69ddlCnlPapveYwgpTng_b6J7jbeq4/s640/IMGP0800.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathryn, almost to the trail head.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHK-V2Ll9nd5ir5HAv-lxnF3o5ZWi3mbViCCdc7YFhOw7YoZN9LunCDJMnxVGbG1Qco1p76of5VfxlmhxTQ1YMZ8xd3Hs2cTKDRnHO7lppRBMz8MhCg0O1ZyKg2DS0q3GBS2Zu8avcMw/s1600/IMGP0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHK-V2Ll9nd5ir5HAv-lxnF3o5ZWi3mbViCCdc7YFhOw7YoZN9LunCDJMnxVGbG1Qco1p76of5VfxlmhxTQ1YMZ8xd3Hs2cTKDRnHO7lppRBMz8MhCg0O1ZyKg2DS0q3GBS2Zu8avcMw/s640/IMGP0803.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the 7 Falls trail, about to cross a <br />
water crossing. So beautiful!</td></tr>
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The trail was so beautiful at this time in the morning. I need to get out here more often at 5:30am!<br />
<br />
We continued down the 7 Falls trail. I was doing a pretty good job of keeping up with Kathryn (running with other people stresses me out; I never know if I am slowing them down or not! Does anyone else ever get that feeling?). But then we reached the first switchbacks heading up the trail. I didn't see her again after that. She was so fast! I admit, I was taking my time and taking pictures along the way. Also, my weakness is running uphill so I need to work on that. ;)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwFpYgW9V-p7Lw63sX1q0FZaDxAYRGm3u48qqvcoPZipVSqQ3utopiliTp3K18svYR5ninHJ_BmKyd108_77uKwT6gc8aG0maaG76KtKw6SowxCEeBcIw0FivU28cB2tjtazVH13bHKQ/s1600/IMGP0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwFpYgW9V-p7Lw63sX1q0FZaDxAYRGm3u48qqvcoPZipVSqQ3utopiliTp3K18svYR5ninHJ_BmKyd108_77uKwT6gc8aG0maaG76KtKw6SowxCEeBcIw0FivU28cB2tjtazVH13bHKQ/s640/IMGP0805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Tucson from back in the canyon. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZbdkSukbBWFRwVC2IgyLgmVQnVVxtWBjybWwSO6DJUshnwGzXTbSD9twMcinZgqAGrsDr9_p9nZ5irTQsvp1mVHM17uwx-g9ci_h_WYg937GAmeZB9yZruN-uzvRB-cfjv2AmcLDEyQ/s1600/IMGP0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZbdkSukbBWFRwVC2IgyLgmVQnVVxtWBjybWwSO6DJUshnwGzXTbSD9twMcinZgqAGrsDr9_p9nZ5irTQsvp1mVHM17uwx-g9ci_h_WYg937GAmeZB9yZruN-uzvRB-cfjv2AmcLDEyQ/s640/IMGP0806.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canyon walls. So beautiful with the rising sun!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOsbc7fZ1GGhZpoHb2w3kzh6DmepIWEJSxarCPjroelIbgWfsEroiV34RA6_IXwcPefCd02GgmDlL4Zw_uND-jdSZwAV1R5cV-nHWqD7G9ayT9fTKLtNAN2ggVUyN42HCC_lALXtGUGM/s1600/IMGP0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOsbc7fZ1GGhZpoHb2w3kzh6DmepIWEJSxarCPjroelIbgWfsEroiV34RA6_IXwcPefCd02GgmDlL4Zw_uND-jdSZwAV1R5cV-nHWqD7G9ayT9fTKLtNAN2ggVUyN42HCC_lALXtGUGM/s640/IMGP0810.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back on the switchbacks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzvXnEHiURg1U65Ik_Yg36BkwIhVIgJUaNoZwk5bvbkn9h13ueXHRrBdH2etr5kDxbQskUhaahyphenhyphenx3aTczQgHdolY24eU6qApeSPJaizkGMgcba3Zy2I2o7xLop_xL17z7DskFhkwsqLg/s1600/IMGP0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzvXnEHiURg1U65Ik_Yg36BkwIhVIgJUaNoZwk5bvbkn9h13ueXHRrBdH2etr5kDxbQskUhaahyphenhyphenx3aTczQgHdolY24eU6qApeSPJaizkGMgcba3Zy2I2o7xLop_xL17z7DskFhkwsqLg/s640/IMGP0811.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running above 7 Falls. </td></tr>
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As the trail curves around, just above 7 Falls, there is a whole new canyon. I love running deeper and deeper into this canyon. You feel so alone! I usually never see hikers out this far.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq9jEJ1GOrwMmyd_5LsLWZYqdv8I2Ey7wOnNgudfazKL_G-K4IyPe7sbfDElrhjzzSUHPxxBS_NXa2CC7j1wG77uU_BZo7WmhN1IVdJ3ff5j8HayCbFaAhRP_TIdPs6ENKhB8dSypv9w/s1600/IMGP0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq9jEJ1GOrwMmyd_5LsLWZYqdv8I2Ey7wOnNgudfazKL_G-K4IyPe7sbfDElrhjzzSUHPxxBS_NXa2CC7j1wG77uU_BZo7WmhN1IVdJ3ff5j8HayCbFaAhRP_TIdPs6ENKhB8dSypv9w/s640/IMGP0813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The switchbacks from another view. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBivff-IJ27PCN_V0x3twKzC31wCjjO81y6gpgKbUOq79CifWOdHP6AoEUXzobDhiWSnlxZne_FBvTRI9KkozUbEhJHaLHQZiCC1Z_X6RjnsFoATNBDsSKsq4D8dgm860Rj7D6q60oLM/s1600/IMGP0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBivff-IJ27PCN_V0x3twKzC31wCjjO81y6gpgKbUOq79CifWOdHP6AoEUXzobDhiWSnlxZne_FBvTRI9KkozUbEhJHaLHQZiCC1Z_X6RjnsFoATNBDsSKsq4D8dgm860Rj7D6q60oLM/s640/IMGP0812.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before running around the bend, <br />I came across this downed saguaro! Poor thing. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPL4gBsjNsLjR4Dfm943licGKK5QzPsUh7fOaMYg5jquWPwZQELfLywuUltDIWfJ1J5xVeN9bthM7yb_JkGTQcLJZYY0fuao_oIhvojteQfKE7ZhJHmE_DaG6NoRpl0C9aFaq25BzyVYM/s1600/IMGP0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPL4gBsjNsLjR4Dfm943licGKK5QzPsUh7fOaMYg5jquWPwZQELfLywuUltDIWfJ1J5xVeN9bthM7yb_JkGTQcLJZYY0fuao_oIhvojteQfKE7ZhJHmE_DaG6NoRpl0C9aFaq25BzyVYM/s640/IMGP0816.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnhxjSKMtSIwH95xFvewMM3Rw2dbNYkEYilrbXcumebdPwy3lLxnaikbyEGi-irge3npeZmwOmx4FenV2RwYcbTXNIWUdLtKfD4Mm9ycfPix-DRf5w7dEF7FLDkx8snIdqpVhugPcfjg/s1600/IMGP0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnhxjSKMtSIwH95xFvewMM3Rw2dbNYkEYilrbXcumebdPwy3lLxnaikbyEGi-irge3npeZmwOmx4FenV2RwYcbTXNIWUdLtKfD4Mm9ycfPix-DRf5w7dEF7FLDkx8snIdqpVhugPcfjg/s640/IMGP0815.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cute, little waterfall. Next time, I'd like to jump in that water!<br />It was hot and humid on this run! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjB7mtq8nMOFlWIU8s1n_yOx1jxVZa2VUfLeJ43LhmIaXPe5i-ZrtXZ_7e_tudlegIH2-IGZlpNVAOXrBdYdQbJbx7ssfMjckevEpim8UR5_RS8cyz9eGC-X9lNvfSBVGI66xaAvg-k8/s1600/IMGP0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjB7mtq8nMOFlWIU8s1n_yOx1jxVZa2VUfLeJ43LhmIaXPe5i-ZrtXZ_7e_tudlegIH2-IGZlpNVAOXrBdYdQbJbx7ssfMjckevEpim8UR5_RS8cyz9eGC-X9lNvfSBVGI66xaAvg-k8/s640/IMGP0820.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top of the trail, the highest point on the BCL,<br />I found someone's water stash. <br />You can see Thimble Peak in the background. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuzSGm7zdxksom1oy8Mj0OE2WTt6WhngxTLSzT-gYuh3n3KhL0NgBvN9Ffh9HmFMohFLrkK6hc2XIREZRXtPryHB3yAn7EV_FtoCTMC_UQQn97RrpOMUr2z6ynvfM8wkgmh1J1LB45Ng/s1600/IMGP0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuzSGm7zdxksom1oy8Mj0OE2WTt6WhngxTLSzT-gYuh3n3KhL0NgBvN9Ffh9HmFMohFLrkK6hc2XIREZRXtPryHB3yAn7EV_FtoCTMC_UQQn97RrpOMUr2z6ynvfM8wkgmh1J1LB45Ng/s640/IMGP0821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The area above Sabino Canyon. So beautiful! </td></tr>
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I didn't get to take any photos on the way down ( I was running too fast!). The downhill, just after this point, is such a relief after climbing for so long! When I reached the road, I jumped in the stream at <b>every.</b> <b>single.</b> <b>crossing</b> (it's about 5-7 water crossings). I swear, people thought I was crazy!<br />
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Definitely one of my favorite runs! I ended up finishing in exactly 4 hours. Just like the last time I ran it. <i>I can't wait</i> to get a PR on this trail. I am making some plans to include Sabino Canyon in some more of my training runs. I need to work on hills. :)<br />
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This run gave me some fantastic looking toenails (2 black toenails) so that tells me that I may need some bigger shoes (maybe a half size larger). I will share those photos with you later. ;)<br />
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This weekend, I am running Mt. Wrightson. It's supposed to rain and get pretty cold so I'm looking forward to an exciting run! </div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-21315329549712362762013-08-18T18:21:00.004-07:002013-08-18T18:21:35.309-07:00Surviving the Treadmill<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm training for an ultra so the most important thing for me...</div>
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are the <span style="font-size: large;">LONG RUNS</span>. </div>
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However, I live in the Southwest and long runs either happen at 4AM in the morning,</div>
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after 6PM, </div>
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in the mountains, </div>
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on a treadmill,</div>
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or not at all. </div>
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In fact, many runners that live here tend to take their off season</div>
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during the the summer months. </div>
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It's just too darn hot. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://kvoaweather.cordillera.tv/WebCurrentTemps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical summer morning. </td></tr>
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But I don't have that option. </div>
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I'm running my first ultra in a month. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A MONTH.</span> </div>
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(Oh boy)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyway, I had this <i>plan.</i></div>
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I was going to wake up early on a Sunday morning and go for a 10 mile run. </div>
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But then Sunday morning came around</div>
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and I just happened to hit the snooze button....</div>
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<b>6 times. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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I woke up, angry with myself for not being a morning person</div>
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and realized that I cannot get out of this. </div>
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<i>I have to do my long run! </i></div>
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I decided I would go to the gym and give the treadmill another try. </div>
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Whelp. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I <i>Hate</i> the treadmill. </b></span></div>
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I am sorry to all those treadmill loving runners out there. </div>
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I do not mean to offend you. </div>
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But. I. Can't. </div>
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I can't. </div>
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I just can't do it. </div>
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It makes me crazy. </div>
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Super crazy. </div>
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Running in one spot. </div>
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Craziness. </div>
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The longest I have ever run on a treadmill is 6 miles. </div>
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That's it. </div>
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And I just about went insane. </div>
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So knowing I had to give it another try = whelp. </div>
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I got to the gym, put on a smiley face</div>
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put positive thoughts in my head </div>
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and got on the treadmill. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3SSq41wbAU2Mgun0K_3pAc6F7_iIDuFu5cJi4ZMEPjVj3vPtoiN9Yvlvn7LWyWXHvKeSEPLZq2M8W6P4J_NCDihWtZMemTun1RVknXLfVslOz9je5InkipYeGoGGbY0Q1Lcb7czZHbw/s1600/Gym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3SSq41wbAU2Mgun0K_3pAc6F7_iIDuFu5cJi4ZMEPjVj3vPtoiN9Yvlvn7LWyWXHvKeSEPLZq2M8W6P4J_NCDihWtZMemTun1RVknXLfVslOz9je5InkipYeGoGGbY0Q1Lcb7czZHbw/s400/Gym.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Positive thoughts. I can do this!</td></tr>
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Thank goodness the gym has treadmills with TVs in them. </div>
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I think that is the most important thing for keeping your sanity on a treadmill:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DISTRACT YOURSELF!</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMCmoWHFaRthTibxnF7R9cTs99EHvkweC5zS_TqlS8GGKTYHedClS5H-m1PX59rhzxj5mM8M2AI1Sx5srJWlphTLWYw_xuC0EpKLikRnaai-JkJyuz6ZKplJHdtyJQPeqHGhKKpI1MwM/s1600/Treadmill+TV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMCmoWHFaRthTibxnF7R9cTs99EHvkweC5zS_TqlS8GGKTYHedClS5H-m1PX59rhzxj5mM8M2AI1Sx5srJWlphTLWYw_xuC0EpKLikRnaai-JkJyuz6ZKplJHdtyJQPeqHGhKKpI1MwM/s400/Treadmill+TV.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This kept me sane.<br />Don't mind the woman in the cowboy hat,<br />I was watching the travel channel. </td></tr>
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Distraction is <b><u>key</u></b> when running on the treadmill. </div>
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You have to get your mind focused on something else. </div>
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TVs are great because there is something to look at. </div>
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Treadmills without TVs are another story. </div>
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I would recommend you listen to music </div>
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or hope that your treadmill has a nice view out of a window. </div>
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Some people I know hang a photo up</div>
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of their goal or of people that are nice to look at. </div>
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I only got about 2.5 miles into my run when the treadmill read, "Cool Down". </div>
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Excuse me?</div>
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Don't tell me when I need to cool down. </div>
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I'm running here. </div>
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<i>Apparently</i>, the treadmill (and I assume the gym) doesn't want you running for more than 25 minutes. </div>
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I had to take a long walking break to start it back up again. </div>
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And then it did it <i>again</i>, 0.3 miles later. </div>
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<b>WTH?</b></div>
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Skip to the end of the story....I said screw this, and went to the weight room.<br />I got in about 3.2 miles total. </div>
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So, no long run for me. Sad? Eh. Frustrated with the treadmill. As usual. </div>
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<b><u>Moral of the story:</u> </b>I will use a treadmill again...if I have to. Otherwise, I'll just stick to the roads and trails. Oh, and I'll learn to wake up on time and forget about that snooze button. :)</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-15971923599316909132013-08-12T10:40:00.002-07:002013-08-14T14:06:42.291-07:00I must have caught a bug...a RAGNAR bug!<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a Ragnatic!!!<br />
I've signed up for 2 more Ragnars! </div>
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</div>
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While it may not sound crazy to you, it definitely does to me. <br />
After my most recent Ragnar in February, I told myself I would never run a Ragnar <strong>ever again</strong>. <br />
I was in a<span style="font-size: large;"> mood</span><span style="font-size: small;"> that race weekend and I was feeling extra stressed and homesick for some weird reason.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> It was also<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> my worst Ragnar ever</span></strong>. </span></div>
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I felt slow, sluggish, hungry, and extremely tired. I was in a bad place and I should <u><strong>not</strong></u> have run a Ragnar that weekend. My mistake. :/ (Sorry teammates, I know I was a moody monster!)<br />
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So, when I found myself wanting to create an ultra team for the new Ragnar Trail Relay, I surprised myself. I guess, as endurance athletes, we forgot about the pain and go back to things we told ourselves we would never do again. <br />
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I remember when I completed my first marathon, I was in so much pain and I thought it was <strong>way too long</strong>. I had second thoughts about training for a second one. But you know how things go, give it a few months and those memories of pain and suffering will disappear. :)<br />
I'm hoping my next marathon will be in December. <br />
But back to Ragnar -------> I signed up for <span style="font-size: large;">TWO</span> Ragnars!<br />
<br />
In the span of one month...and they are both ultra teams! I am definitely challenging myself with this...considering my training my not be ready for an ultra. I am taking that problem on a day-to-day basis. You'll definitely hear about it later.<br />
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On Sept. 20th, I will be running across Northern California (Napa Valley) with an ultra team comprised of 6 runners/mostly strangers all crammed in a van. <a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=cD0kzJWWSP6ImM&tbnid=3p2ybyjyKmZvZM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheRagnarRelaySeries%3Fref%3Dstream%26hc_location%3Dstream&ei=YEIJUtrMMoe5igLQpYDwCw&bvm=bv.50500085,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNE_Q5hi7m6H0AjnAoEzBSSgFN5Jkw&ust=1376424876591624" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="265" id="irc_mi" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/p480x480/1045080_10151551385964403_507121452_n.jpg" style="margin-top: 58px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
And on Oct. 18th, I will be traversing the McDowell Mountain Region and it's trails in Northern Phoenix with an ultra team comprised of 4 runners. <br />
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<img height="257" src="http://www.ragnartrail.com/files/mcdowell.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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I am definitely......SO FREAKING EXCITED!!!!<br />
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And a little nervous.<br />
I may possibly be the slowest runner on my team. <br />
My training may not yet be at ultra level but mentally,<strong> I am ready for this</strong>.<br />
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Training posts to come..........................<br />
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Oh! And I also applied to be an Ragnar Ambassador! <br />
*Crossing my fingers!*<br />
<br />
Going a little Ragnar crazy over here... ;)</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-67325157737766998802013-08-02T15:47:00.000-07:002013-08-02T15:52:04.134-07:00Santa Catalina Ascent<div style="text-align: center;">
Back in May, I decided to run up Mt. Lemmon. We would start in Sabino Canyon and end at the beginning of the Mt. Bigelow Trailhead at Catalina Highway, at least 14 miles up. The hard thing about this run obviously wasn't the mileage, it was the elevation climb: Almost 6000 feet of change! And had I completed the entire challenge (26 miles to the top) it would have been a lot more. </div>
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We started out at 6:00 am at the Sabino Canyon Parking lot. I signed in, grabbed a map and dropped off my drop bag (Mt. Lemmon can get cold at the top, especially after all the sweating I would be doing) with the run director. I recognized some people, but I'm still too shy to say hello. I'm always the youngest on the runs and I feel as if I am not yet fully accepted. It's just a feeling, but I usually have good instincts about things, as silly as that sounds. </div>
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We walked down the road together so we could all start together at milepost 0. And then we were off!<br />
I will be honest, I wasn't keeping up my fitness, so I was really slow.<br />
My goal was to make it to the top, alive, and not beat any records. That's it.<br />
So, when the TTR group took off in front of me, I wasn't surprised. I <i>was</i> worried that I would be the last one, but I knew they wouldn't leave me out there alone. :)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RIKF-NpK7cauBCaAv_0L9JlFXgS4XG1awcg_HNkNyAZJJpyF8BidkbXKSqLIfT0hRJe8WvxJlnSzi2kXPjBHor3hWWLWGhzkPqV6gyIrl2VC6J0-8JexMhJwNZM4BIifrxgA3SV5dDI/s1600/IMGP0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RIKF-NpK7cauBCaAv_0L9JlFXgS4XG1awcg_HNkNyAZJJpyF8BidkbXKSqLIfT0hRJe8WvxJlnSzi2kXPjBHor3hWWLWGhzkPqV6gyIrl2VC6J0-8JexMhJwNZM4BIifrxgA3SV5dDI/s400/IMGP0543.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting out early in Sabino Canyon, TTR runners out in front. </td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnnl8E6WmDjcRx6H85giRRmGWsYl0O8JQ6cCI2p-G5CB97rqCuk4WNGxcB3yMJwi9vN7wcSlGCgcIyrFvYJvGtDIYMlfU6Bq3OIWtx8oOaIwsR32lvegj9kT-OyppNgwdnvGh9RQp1-g/s1600/IMGP0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnnl8E6WmDjcRx6H85giRRmGWsYl0O8JQ6cCI2p-G5CB97rqCuk4WNGxcB3yMJwi9vN7wcSlGCgcIyrFvYJvGtDIYMlfU6Bq3OIWtx8oOaIwsR32lvegj9kT-OyppNgwdnvGh9RQp1-g/s400/IMGP0545.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little farther down the road, <br />Thimble Peak in the background. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19WjPOZmD3ASF3qL3WT9Ki3ELSm4O48PaXzbOiBlzDZ38eBMC6t6h0Pmq6liFr_J4nzPlAnSX_CwIKezoObo7g5NhaztTtwUvSeP5NrgvhNWb61DmQpiJBNKYLpv52qD2QobMPY6zWYI/s1600/IMGP0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19WjPOZmD3ASF3qL3WT9Ki3ELSm4O48PaXzbOiBlzDZ38eBMC6t6h0Pmq6liFr_J4nzPlAnSX_CwIKezoObo7g5NhaztTtwUvSeP5NrgvhNWb61DmQpiJBNKYLpv52qD2QobMPY6zWYI/s400/IMGP0547.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling slow, but good. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I finally reached the end of the road. I looked up and saw how far ahead the other runners were (there are a few switchbacks on the trail above the road). And they were booking it! They were running at such a great pace uphill I was amazed as to how they were doing it! I guess I need to train on hills more. :)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSgOzTcUILxuE3CqQYMK-SfYvEMbxEtnsRQBWgLZUn_DaR0vhrfZgCeRQHfc3tKrByRVgFt-S71RSrf_hF6Npr24qQDL7sUz9AD0elCR4HVU2zy3AGzd1wwnAczjxC8vyfCCaH8HF8yA/s1600/IMGP0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSgOzTcUILxuE3CqQYMK-SfYvEMbxEtnsRQBWgLZUn_DaR0vhrfZgCeRQHfc3tKrByRVgFt-S71RSrf_hF6Npr24qQDL7sUz9AD0elCR4HVU2zy3AGzd1wwnAczjxC8vyfCCaH8HF8yA/s400/IMGP0549.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of the road and heading up Sabino Canyon Trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKCyOHGwlssxfB2I_w1uuOax5xQth4ni1Qzwf7IhZnzfwK2uBXDuLF5RrNoC1H7Nz6qFNzRN3620n4739JC9WhZt22liHH257VpZWf_qiA04T3za2_t0pD01zH66OmXzJzRW21it0p5g/s1600/IMGP0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKCyOHGwlssxfB2I_w1uuOax5xQth4ni1Qzwf7IhZnzfwK2uBXDuLF5RrNoC1H7Nz6qFNzRN3620n4739JC9WhZt22liHH257VpZWf_qiA04T3za2_t0pD01zH66OmXzJzRW21it0p5g/s400/IMGP0550.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down at the road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was already winded going up the trail so I had to slow it down and power hike it for awhile.<br />
I knew how far I had to go (and how high) so I didn't want to completely wear myself out).</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-LElwW0FUbXheVKVN_igCbOUkgAbGtCUknoiw99_nTIgselYYtjRh6fOlWfMABvBePAbdtSyO9qhOvfOuvfdFrLH1T9PnLh-GGiAoCA_PJD5tSAkgkbR-MtqOZPPLmMioFaOZS2MQmk/s1600/IMGP0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-LElwW0FUbXheVKVN_igCbOUkgAbGtCUknoiw99_nTIgselYYtjRh6fOlWfMABvBePAbdtSyO9qhOvfOuvfdFrLH1T9PnLh-GGiAoCA_PJD5tSAkgkbR-MtqOZPPLmMioFaOZS2MQmk/s400/IMGP0551.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up the trail. The blue mountains in the background <br />are where I need to be. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I kept trucking along and finally got some energy from the gel I had eaten. I crossed paths with another trail runner (I think she was part of TTR) going the opposite direction and I wondered where she ran to. <i>Did she make it to the top and she's coming back down!?! Holy crap!</i></div>
I'm pretty sure that's not the case, but I have to keep myself entertained on these runs. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMx4HClrV3h4ERZq7BcwiCvo-OXp1smgwmsiGXnxIwZgbGdSOKQLruA07fdDxZN0uvifMw7pQdVqDXZ7OIFpp3MYRn3LNGmH6lre1254a62J_r73VIx3tfXrlsoRCgM7TYNKZ60Juhwo/s1600/IMGP0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMx4HClrV3h4ERZq7BcwiCvo-OXp1smgwmsiGXnxIwZgbGdSOKQLruA07fdDxZN0uvifMw7pQdVqDXZ7OIFpp3MYRn3LNGmH6lre1254a62J_r73VIx3tfXrlsoRCgM7TYNKZ60Juhwo/s400/IMGP0559.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take the East Fork!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I finally reached another trail sign after worrying that I may have missed it and was going in the wrong direction. I looked at the map and decided the East Fork was the way to go. I had <b>almost</b> taken West Fork. Ugh, that would have made me really <i>sad, </i>with the way I was already feeling.<i> </i></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wDDbx3ECCJlg8YtWnD4XtOtDJ9otmM4Ndmn_XAb0H20ARmH5-H8V_qAcuydws3xN2b4SpPqTwDwoxstMx59yB1kkaHLaxQrm8eI6CQ8tMysyauQ4wxWY3Obz68nRQXKqQ0ODJK4UD98/s1600/IMGP0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wDDbx3ECCJlg8YtWnD4XtOtDJ9otmM4Ndmn_XAb0H20ARmH5-H8V_qAcuydws3xN2b4SpPqTwDwoxstMx59yB1kkaHLaxQrm8eI6CQ8tMysyauQ4wxWY3Obz68nRQXKqQ0ODJK4UD98/s400/IMGP0560.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rounding another corner, going deeper into Sabino Canyon. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometime after the trail sign, I started<b> freaking out.</b> I had remembered reading about all those recent deaths from africanized bees here in Tucson and my mind started to race:<br />
<i>What if I get attacked today? I'm alone, no one would know until later. It's almost summer so no one is hiking this far back in Sabino Canyon because of the heat. And I'm the back of the pack of the TTR runners. Thankfully they would come look for me. But it'd be too late. I can't outrun bees when I'm this tired! Ugh, RUN FASTER! </i><br />
Seriously. This was what I was thinking. I am so <b>paranoid</b> sometimes!<br />
<br />
And then...I started thinking about mountain lions and mountain lion attacks. I was not doing a good job of motivating myself to run faster. I was slowing down, looking behind me, trying to be as quiet as possible, etc.<br />
So, I didn't get any photos during this part of my run. And it was actually really pretty! There were large, shady trees and lots of green-ish plants (a big deal here in the southwest). But I was too busy thinking off mountain lions...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You should have seen my face when I heard noises some distance behind me. I literally froze.<br />
Thankfully, I wasn't the last TTR runner!<br />
Two women had taken the West Fork trail and go backtracked. So they were coming up behind me.<br />
I was thankful because it gave me a reason to go faster...I didn't want to be passed!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKga0GFHKMRmv6WaObBbLUEeleV4eHTH7Q1_7stkEUcRZ5QbnbWi6GwCtM-3gt8Tfr7TA5byhd8AyDa6NDP67x-eiPmYLD2nSBsJl6VLFshSwDZ1CdzoOtKH0a2F11rms7kzyMM6m35k/s1600/IMGP0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKga0GFHKMRmv6WaObBbLUEeleV4eHTH7Q1_7stkEUcRZ5QbnbWi6GwCtM-3gt8Tfr7TA5byhd8AyDa6NDP67x-eiPmYLD2nSBsJl6VLFshSwDZ1CdzoOtKH0a2F11rms7kzyMM6m35k/s400/IMGP0561.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of the canyon, heading <br />up some steep hills. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After I got another energy boost from the women behind me, I left the cool, shady trees of the canyon and started by ascent uphill. And it wasn't an easy uphill. It was some <b>serious uphill trail</b>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I kept pushing myself, and continually looking back to make sure I was still far ahead of them.<br />
Unfortunately, they were going pretty fast. And <b>those uphills were killing me!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I had to let them pass. We all stopped on an overlook of the city and chatted for a little bit. I asked them about mountain lions. They said they never saw one...ever. I think they thought I was a little crazy for my paranoia but they definitely helped ease my worry. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, it was too late. I was already <b>drained</b> from all the worrying I was doing.<br />
Like...sleepy drained. <b>I literally wanted to go to sleep. </b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqioVzNoOksd2sG0EgR_43xtWVI84EPHzmorYlhvaU-I96zegHaSOvqXQRNp9aDWid6XEUUYFdrIpnUpOr_Pbo5X0maywyue7UDNXsBN6IFR_dwmSEElZPYprXjsXbgdiAXkMB98o5CI/s1600/IMGP0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqioVzNoOksd2sG0EgR_43xtWVI84EPHzmorYlhvaU-I96zegHaSOvqXQRNp9aDWid6XEUUYFdrIpnUpOr_Pbo5X0maywyue7UDNXsBN6IFR_dwmSEElZPYprXjsXbgdiAXkMB98o5CI/s400/IMGP0563.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My drained self, wanting to take a nap. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I did. I think. I can't really remember. I was so tried!<br />
I remember sitting down on a rock and I think i put my head down for what seemed like a few minutes.<br />
And I'm pretty sure it was a few minutes. Because I remember frantically texting my boyfriend telling him I may die and I needed to be saved. But I eventually just settled with telling him to meet me at the Mt. Bigelow trail-head on Catalina Highway. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I forced myself to get up and walk to the end if I had to. I wasn't going to stay out there. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I pushed myself. I ate a gel, hoping to get some energy. I mostly walked, and sometime I got a minute of jogging in. But it was mostly an uphill battle, literally. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXkZD6TGVMLe3gl5QTXApiLvxo4aio5kuYEBTUOaOlvA2WfPtYDSI8xfWIPPOrFWpW6Ijjty4zqz5P4vpyNOafo2etUpCxZ23vmOeIlj3kCQsmeNgNvMWTFwwopuxTXeT-Uc1DpNQR3A/s1600/IMGP0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXkZD6TGVMLe3gl5QTXApiLvxo4aio5kuYEBTUOaOlvA2WfPtYDSI8xfWIPPOrFWpW6Ijjty4zqz5P4vpyNOafo2etUpCxZ23vmOeIlj3kCQsmeNgNvMWTFwwopuxTXeT-Uc1DpNQR3A/s400/IMGP0562.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out over Tucson.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYInNAwc4kfY14SU0uxTezQfXn4QvaeuQswgzPzB2qCAdEpQS55ssFg3kOLxQTv41TVASHobgV0-rbNp3MhHElsH4aAkvaGLUBJJASqahdZmRvq5NBFU7HENz0hPcIIGmFUFZC1psSKMU/s1600/IMGP0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYInNAwc4kfY14SU0uxTezQfXn4QvaeuQswgzPzB2qCAdEpQS55ssFg3kOLxQTv41TVASHobgV0-rbNp3MhHElsH4aAkvaGLUBJJASqahdZmRvq5NBFU7HENz0hPcIIGmFUFZC1psSKMU/s400/IMGP0568.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thimble Peak, from the other side. You can even see Phoneline Trail if you look close enough. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I started to climb even more. I passed some fairly high cliffs and if there was running water, I'm sure there would be waterfalls. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQI_rvavmLEm9oFiteXrhZbY5ic-AGK3T1fKGbha1KEyfUc4Hbzw_i_b49HqLSuoFSdWw0sYx63-T3a4z1Dqbo4VCgXzJNPfF-vzoWqUO36OQThC6t-ytjUT7ieGdGB2YaVKB_-bTF4Xg/s1600/IMGP0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQI_rvavmLEm9oFiteXrhZbY5ic-AGK3T1fKGbha1KEyfUc4Hbzw_i_b49HqLSuoFSdWw0sYx63-T3a4z1Dqbo4VCgXzJNPfF-vzoWqUO36OQThC6t-ytjUT7ieGdGB2YaVKB_-bTF4Xg/s400/IMGP0570.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking over some cliffs on the Palisades Trail. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b_ebGsAYCFXNe3BoQl2Pkeu4u8Fp6ChPtjl_7DVVTnMYj93iQG9SvQ9_WSLM2_K3YfmJ2j6MFNpnGiVhNsW3Dkpnk_aED1AlQsonqexo6bW2eWa1yVqpHi0uJTPByPvwKGDM3-uHHhw/s1600/IMGP0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b_ebGsAYCFXNe3BoQl2Pkeu4u8Fp6ChPtjl_7DVVTnMYj93iQG9SvQ9_WSLM2_K3YfmJ2j6MFNpnGiVhNsW3Dkpnk_aED1AlQsonqexo6bW2eWa1yVqpHi0uJTPByPvwKGDM3-uHHhw/s400/IMGP0574.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thimble Peak disappearing in the background <br />
as go farther up the trail. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My next goal was to make it to Mud Springs, the farthest point I had been coming down the Palisades trail from the other direction. I was going to cover the entire trail today, something I had been wanting to do for a very long time! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The second I hit the mud, I was ecstatic! I was so happy I got another burst of energy. I was impressed with what I had just accomplished. <b>I never thought I would be doing anything like this 2 years ago.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>I was almost there!!!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPvJnD2LqfhZ5NT4wzzba3rNg3iGVp23Km-tFgtUjxz2mhRAPc99aL6kjzDYTARTUWuqZPX0Fm8haUiEApxJ9JwP4zh8L4Zen9OU6PkELVWeXPokhgk15IOAo4aqxTkH6Brum_3pz0-E/s1600/IMGP0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPvJnD2LqfhZ5NT4wzzba3rNg3iGVp23Km-tFgtUjxz2mhRAPc99aL6kjzDYTARTUWuqZPX0Fm8haUiEApxJ9JwP4zh8L4Zen9OU6PkELVWeXPokhgk15IOAo4aqxTkH6Brum_3pz0-E/s400/IMGP0576.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mud from Mud Springs. The name doesn't fool you. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcd8iK41_wuSkMNItfp4DyDqgU3eXI-wANUPCXyFchoRHq1KtPNUPbFdfabOzS57ds9udueHVn8UF-4Yx_VZfLNqOWFy6DUOYAOsvx4_gPjChTLbhRZr6OX9NbKCSeOGD6GHdMnXjVPY/s1600/IMGP0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcd8iK41_wuSkMNItfp4DyDqgU3eXI-wANUPCXyFchoRHq1KtPNUPbFdfabOzS57ds9udueHVn8UF-4Yx_VZfLNqOWFy6DUOYAOsvx4_gPjChTLbhRZr6OX9NbKCSeOGD6GHdMnXjVPY/s400/IMGP0577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5zya91vglYtX2ukYZEq-Ce7bntJiT_WNMLdONeMJ94wNnMPNim6tUHWwaOSfgt3CK4MkfdYXyZRlMqn41w79DEOS59NeygHF_7fyMGntFcWZKUVZD3Q2c89ySmLDD8pU4sVNqhRRHwA/s1600/IMGP0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5zya91vglYtX2ukYZEq-Ce7bntJiT_WNMLdONeMJ94wNnMPNim6tUHWwaOSfgt3CK4MkfdYXyZRlMqn41w79DEOS59NeygHF_7fyMGntFcWZKUVZD3Q2c89ySmLDD8pU4sVNqhRRHwA/s400/IMGP0578.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was actually full today! If I needed some water, I may actually drink it too.<br />
It didn't look nasty as usual. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So, I was almost there.</div>
I knew I had to keep going.<br />
And I still had to keep pushing myself to get there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjuZ6IRfe72jW1IhClxVLlkXRQ01lIHFHSHpSmrJ2CyHSxpj5uNMfBHTD38dVLe1ql9Eu3LZ0oUcU7SF6RbgnPEMuetJhYyaLGkoH05BPCM5E4S5367UIieBoMVZsYLAWEvuSHOSOSh8/s1600/IMGP0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjuZ6IRfe72jW1IhClxVLlkXRQ01lIHFHSHpSmrJ2CyHSxpj5uNMfBHTD38dVLe1ql9Eu3LZ0oUcU7SF6RbgnPEMuetJhYyaLGkoH05BPCM5E4S5367UIieBoMVZsYLAWEvuSHOSOSh8/s400/IMGP0581.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just after Mud Springs.<br />
I knew this part of the trail well. </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I was so happy when I saw the pine tree line up ahead!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gDiXnnYEWphGUkJW4CjMqI4vHU6-n4VT4FDbzcuhnlAVmbEuxvFnl8d5sTD0VaYnMV-R3VMO2pDV-DGfqJELRv-SGgLP-3hB3UMoZ09QpkPKJNL45tuXEA6L0IMA96Flcoa3djn_OJQ/s1600/IMGP0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gDiXnnYEWphGUkJW4CjMqI4vHU6-n4VT4FDbzcuhnlAVmbEuxvFnl8d5sTD0VaYnMV-R3VMO2pDV-DGfqJELRv-SGgLP-3hB3UMoZ09QpkPKJNL45tuXEA6L0IMA96Flcoa3djn_OJQ/s400/IMGP0589.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PINE TREES!!!! </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I was a little delirious at this point. I was elated to be so close and so happy to be outdoors and doing what I love to do most! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xjCZ0M8HieweAuCEFgE00nED-UtPmcx7FuzPmR3gQJs0Io0JTwZ9jdWJvcKrOGC-T8PWeI1HoFoLajaNFraQO1s5lkuVAmvYE0hN54b9RG94MsRK63xP3He6rhCx_eMBK4VKnQ2g6xU/s1600/IMGP0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xjCZ0M8HieweAuCEFgE00nED-UtPmcx7FuzPmR3gQJs0Io0JTwZ9jdWJvcKrOGC-T8PWeI1HoFoLajaNFraQO1s5lkuVAmvYE0hN54b9RG94MsRK63xP3He6rhCx_eMBK4VKnQ2g6xU/s320/IMGP0591.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4BnGOqg1c_nlEIcTwpcfUBiRZ2vumf_NKOaL-1yFvpc12P9Bt8iVItAUbU_AXyRqG-XRAjtxoG3jyyJJKpEXL-lTK3mihqPmH8_L0Br_cDS-hTzOpuJ3sNjtgB37wdEO8yqQDLM8G7M/s1600/IMGP0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4BnGOqg1c_nlEIcTwpcfUBiRZ2vumf_NKOaL-1yFvpc12P9Bt8iVItAUbU_AXyRqG-XRAjtxoG3jyyJJKpEXL-lTK3mihqPmH8_L0Br_cDS-hTzOpuJ3sNjtgB37wdEO8yqQDLM8G7M/s400/IMGP0594.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few more uphills to go. </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This part of the trail was really tough for me because I knew exactly how much more ground I needed to cover. My childhood summer camp is just above this trail I hiked it a lot as a kid and as a counselor a few years ago.<br />
When I got to the top of a particularly tough climb, I met two elderly rangers sitting down and enjoying the view. They were so cute! The woman was asking where I had come from and she was amazed at my answer. I was too. :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_N_m3mPnd1T0jtr4UNMt82iJeLa7aKVkBWHQkATzu4JBDqnbdqvHDPeev-srtMSCZmgQwwcojUbaHnuGCV-qO0Wt2U98W5X7apXbiSnY7EgV0ms14kizHvARbAtnbMn7lGg4o9SuBDA/s1600/IMGP0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_N_m3mPnd1T0jtr4UNMt82iJeLa7aKVkBWHQkATzu4JBDqnbdqvHDPeev-srtMSCZmgQwwcojUbaHnuGCV-qO0Wt2U98W5X7apXbiSnY7EgV0ms14kizHvARbAtnbMn7lGg4o9SuBDA/s400/IMGP0595.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back from where I came from, feeling<br />
impressed with myself. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I came near an intersection in the trail that I used a lot as a camp counselor and I saw Shower's Point.<br />
I have probably hiked there over a hundred times in the past 15 years. It brought back a lot of good memories.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAJiSnPXr0uKImkzBYl1YW_GzmnJ3-qbw_oXRoFx0QUp77hvOuIBY-vivwnX8YdXME8G5qexVIE60mScnk3kUYu1weJgSP-gjg-aV68UkST1qCTW0jvEUY_pvuTOVCNSg47O06L-pgbc/s1600/IMGP0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAJiSnPXr0uKImkzBYl1YW_GzmnJ3-qbw_oXRoFx0QUp77hvOuIBY-vivwnX8YdXME8G5qexVIE60mScnk3kUYu1weJgSP-gjg-aV68UkST1qCTW0jvEUY_pvuTOVCNSg47O06L-pgbc/s400/IMGP0596.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower's Point! Oh, how happy I am to see you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was getting really tired again. My legs were cramping up and I just ran out of water. I hoping to see Chance out on the trail somewhere (not sure why I thought that, but I did) so I was disappointed when he wasn't there. I finally reached the end of the Palisades Trail and I guess who was there?? Chance! He <i>was</i> waiting for me! </div>
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He gave me some Gatorade to finish the last mile and he drove alongside me for a few feet until I told him to meet me at the aid station. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1Ek5N-yh9Yhxs0aXopvj6SWIq_pKB_YYIabCJgu5FDM9mgGYSK0v6IIm5HOS72LaNP4cNtg3cdN-ZbnB9qBF4T8olMzRKAzy9T7UfIrp5mr5qjZxLPooYbiVAR0m-va2t_HPceI0LXQ/s1600/IMGP0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1Ek5N-yh9Yhxs0aXopvj6SWIq_pKB_YYIabCJgu5FDM9mgGYSK0v6IIm5HOS72LaNP4cNtg3cdN-ZbnB9qBF4T8olMzRKAzy9T7UfIrp5mr5qjZxLPooYbiVAR0m-va2t_HPceI0LXQ/s400/IMGP0597.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organization Ridge Road: The final mile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made myself jog even though I hurt. I rounded the corner and there was the aid station!<br />
The TTR volunteers were happy to see me. They said they were getting worried. They were so welcoming and happy to see me. What a nice thing to arrive to. I ate some snacks, picked up my bag and told them I wouldn't be going any farther. They told me the women who passed me had quit early too. Well, at leat I wasn't the only one. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I jumped in Chance's truck and we went home. I felt so sick on the drive down the mountain! I wanted to throw up! Thankfully, that feeling passed and I arrived home sleepy and ready for a nap. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CgH4rtYNpGkmKdwjevwjhSIMGCdx7Ex7JDhP_pvv3t8nqffL31m22LObSlVSYhk0YljIpMqpvF5AVS9QdcergAOc-QeeFcXhgRy54D41lvVm8NOHHIpPQJJictolgTtO8B2C5KVHl9k/s1600/Santa+Catalina+Ascent+May+2013.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CgH4rtYNpGkmKdwjevwjhSIMGCdx7Ex7JDhP_pvv3t8nqffL31m22LObSlVSYhk0YljIpMqpvF5AVS9QdcergAOc-QeeFcXhgRy54D41lvVm8NOHHIpPQJJictolgTtO8B2C5KVHl9k/s640/Santa+Catalina+Ascent+May+2013.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elevation gain. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As soon as I finished, I told Chance I would never run this trail again.<br />
But to be honest, it was quite an adventure! I hope to run it again next year! :D</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We always seem to forget about the pain, don't we?</div>
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</div>
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<pre style="text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"We take these risks not to escape life, but to prevent life from escaping us."</span></pre>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-71484927045247732742013-07-14T19:56:00.004-07:002013-07-14T20:02:51.786-07:00Missing Races<div style="text-align: center;">
I was browsing through Facebook and I happened to come across this fun photo from the Color Vibe last year! I just had to post it. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IDI2IzMgxanMuJQCq72kQMYBRJJncjolnL6L1T0bnXGDjMsfUGVcaeEXzdNCWlqtO9wg-2d7wntVsnU6jWgctH1QKm3rRlsHflIyQ9CtSt7VoOiWR1m3O6C5vMqcI1SE724GknWwB_A/s1600/Color+Vibe+December.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IDI2IzMgxanMuJQCq72kQMYBRJJncjolnL6L1T0bnXGDjMsfUGVcaeEXzdNCWlqtO9wg-2d7wntVsnU6jWgctH1QKm3rRlsHflIyQ9CtSt7VoOiWR1m3O6C5vMqcI1SE724GknWwB_A/s640/Color+Vibe+December.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
That was a fun race! It could have been better in my opinion, but you'll have read about that <a href="http://heatrunner.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-color-vibe-2012-race-recap.html">HERE</a> if you're interested. I won't bore you with race complaints today. ;)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Although</i></span>....there is one thing I <u>hate</u> about races...</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Missing them!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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This will have been the <b><span style="font-size: large;">2nd</span></b> race I missed <u>this year</u>!!!</div>
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What is wrong with me?!?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back in February, <a href="http://heatrunner.blogspot.com/2013/02/running-vs-cold.html">I missed the Fleet Feet Arizona Trail Race</a>, but I was <i>really sick</i> for that one. </div>
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I had been waiting a few years to run it (it always sells out) so I was determined to run it. But come race morning, I felt like crap. So, no race. :(</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Fast forward to <span style="font-size: large;"><b>this morning</b></span>. I never got to race Run with the Roosters because for the past 8 years I have worked at camp during the summer and there was no way to fit in my schedule. But now, since I have Sunday mornings free, I was totally available! I paid for it, I went to bed at 8pm (to wake up at 3:30am, run with the<i> roosters</i>, remember?) and I was not sick. </div>
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So what happened??</div>
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I'm actually not sure. I woke up at 3:30am, stumbled around the kitchen making breakfast for a few minutes, killed a HUGE ant in the bathroom, sat on the floor sleepily tying my shoes, and then <i>I guess</i> I just decided to go to bed. I remeber my head hurting a little, and I kept telling my myself I didn't train for it (which is completely true), but it's only 5 miles! </div>
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I may have chickened out. I didn't actually train (no time to run and when there is time, it's at least 100 degrees outside). I <i>think </i>I didn't want to get a bad time. Which is a new feeling for me! I'm actually proud of myself for feeling that way. I never cared about my time before, but <i>maybe</i> I'm beginning to develop somewhat of a competitive side. I have had so many dreams about winning my age group and sometimes even a race. How amazing would that be if I could actually do it!?</div>
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We'll see. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm signing up for a ultra team for the Rangar Trail Relay in October. </div>
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And I definitely won't be able to miss that with a team backing me up. :)<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: blue;">What are your thoughts on missing races? Have you missed one before?</span></i></span></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-42922249824958006292013-07-02T15:56:00.000-07:002013-07-02T15:59:51.445-07:00Guess Who's Back, Back Again?<div style="text-align: center;">
Cue the Eminem song. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I got derailed. I had a great thing going here, on HeatRunner, and then I had to completely stop it and do something different, at Running 'Round the Campfire. It was a fun detour, with the 13 posts that I created. <br />
<br />
But then I realized something important: This is something that I do from time to time. I start something, get engrossed with it and then all of a sudden, I stop. I switch gears and go with something new. ADD much? Possibly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OR it could be that I was overwhelmed and I didn't want to ruin what I had going.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT23P8G13wW50Vmrqc53tQFeZ8fQiX6Z3MFODwDRnRg-zx7EJUJNenQ4WIqKAawITr7tXGc1twiaKiR96Ox1sQttrP9QGe51utC7dLHf321MD6yZ_RikD6gsY2BMX9d5xuOSe8_av09k/s960/Britvisit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT23P8G13wW50Vmrqc53tQFeZ8fQiX6Z3MFODwDRnRg-zx7EJUJNenQ4WIqKAawITr7tXGc1twiaKiR96Ox1sQttrP9QGe51utC7dLHf321MD6yZ_RikD6gsY2BMX9d5xuOSe8_av09k/s320/Britvisit.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
But I <b>can't </b>ruin this! It's <b>MY</b> blog. It's not like I need to impress anyone.<br />
I'm only here to impress myself. I think I was afraid of disappointing <b>ME</b>.<br />
Weird, right?</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay, so I'm back.<br />
I'm really excited about what's to come! I've had a few offers from places like Sof Sole and Spartan Race.<br />
And I'd love to do a few giveaways to connect with my readers. </div>
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<b><i>Happy Running!!</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">"Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes". -Buddha</span></div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-35760027396878213112013-05-12T17:37:00.000-07:002013-06-26T17:38:04.487-07:00Douglas Springs Trail to (not quite) Mica Mountain<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
This post is long overdue!</div>
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But I have been super busy and I'm sad to say that I had to put my blog on the back burner. :(</div>
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After my last post, I got a job as a lifeguard.</div>
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Yes! I finally chose to be a lifeguard! After all the deliberating between camp and lifeguarding...I went with the latter. I have worked as a camp counselor for <b>8 years</b>. It was time to move on.</div>
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While I am still in love with camp, I am trying something <i>new</i> for awhile.</div>
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But you never know, since I am a teacher I will have my summers off <i>every year</i>. I may get back into it...maaaybe. ;)</div>
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I am also taking three online classes for my certification. My college let me know that next summer they will cancel all classes (WHAT?!?) so I have to add some more this year to make up for it. So, I am lifeguarding (pretty much everyday), teaching swim lessons (part of lifeguarding), taking 3 online classes, and planning curriculum for next year. UGH. I <i>was</i>hoping for a relaxing summer....maybe next year. ;)</div>
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Time for the Douglas Springs Trail recap!</div>
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Kathryn and I decided to run this trail together in May. We were planning on going to the top but when I woke up that morning, I was feeling like crap and I had a feeling I may not make it. </div>
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But I wanted to try because I had <b>never</b> run in the Rincon Mountains before. I haven't even been over there, even though I've lived here my whole life! </div>
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We started out around 7am, hoping to beat the heat. </div>
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In Southern AZ, you have to be careful about the heat; especially if you are from out of town. A few summers ago, two hikers died from heat stoke and they didn't even have enough water on them for a normal hike. They were from Europe. Just be careful!</div>
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So, I am always nervous about running anywhere lower than Mt. Lemmon during the summer in Tucson.</div>
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We started along a fairly even dirt trail. I was keeping a good pace, the last long run I ran (up Mt. Wrightson) helped with that. ;)</div>
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I could feel my lungs burning and I had to pull out my inhaler at least once. Sometimes I think it's more mental than physical, especially when I'm running with someone. I feel as if I need to match their pace and if they are faster, then I really start to push it. However, my lungs don't necessarily agree with that logic. </div>
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Then, we started to climb into the Rincon mountains. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-Victo7FcwfKG_EXdS71b3kOyr_V3p02euCznQMrRyuWYe_zsvwnJhzagleGeNxDNy9gx5v3rI1HdKEm_j82BbEZ_HVL4wX02PxGK9KboNIt0zglUYmqoMi68I9EPc8YuVSrDYDyqcE/s1600/IMGP0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-Victo7FcwfKG_EXdS71b3kOyr_V3p02euCznQMrRyuWYe_zsvwnJhzagleGeNxDNy9gx5v3rI1HdKEm_j82BbEZ_HVL4wX02PxGK9KboNIt0zglUYmqoMi68I9EPc8YuVSrDYDyqcE/s400/IMGP0489.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Kathryn leading the way.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Wadd-Vy5Qg9mCMVg0SJ3pLkdqPoRum7bj0uqWj9RScyWmOC05LKq4kLvF_aGOXXIevrC7FWTrppgAfnJN-Pe2idwzg5yyVJynPB2UceKoMdcR40ezzSx7TUCJpQTDA-PS117jJapGOI/s1600/IMGP0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Wadd-Vy5Qg9mCMVg0SJ3pLkdqPoRum7bj0uqWj9RScyWmOC05LKq4kLvF_aGOXXIevrC7FWTrppgAfnJN-Pe2idwzg5yyVJynPB2UceKoMdcR40ezzSx7TUCJpQTDA-PS117jJapGOI/s400/IMGP0500.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Going higher into the Rincons. </td></tr>
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I love trail running, but sometimes it is so <b>painful</b> when you are out of shape!! </div>
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But I guess that's part of the fun, right? :)</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_TS18E_LvgpMx8Mlnptch8wL3NXS77-wygbgVPromm-a5NvGymkEOblBQam0ucA3siD5NHJlHt4tm-FjFC_2NOYfWE2Tc9dEnrUMtT9eYDTY948LlBCI0UDeVo46ZjDUHm4WPogEtTE/s1600/IMGP0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_TS18E_LvgpMx8Mlnptch8wL3NXS77-wygbgVPromm-a5NvGymkEOblBQam0ucA3siD5NHJlHt4tm-FjFC_2NOYfWE2Tc9dEnrUMtT9eYDTY948LlBCI0UDeVo46ZjDUHm4WPogEtTE/s400/IMGP0491.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">The views were, of course, amazing. </td></tr>
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The trail was great! The temperature was perfect in the morning...not too hot and not at all cold. </div>
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There were not very many people on the trail which was nice.<br />The trail itself was easy enough in the first mile or so, but then it rose up with small inclines. There were some switchbacks later on but nothing like the ones in the Santa Rita mountains....much more manageable.</div>
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The views were great too. I <b>love</b> trying out new trails!!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblU9pBiei446qE46ZKjC4-AHm5_Tega5xdaLD6OVVD6eHKox2eXs-dY4psN7ykuHiq3EefdA3ItDKz70E9x60ly9Xwd56nW839cJ68oIYyA_LReOQsJ9Fc5x-qKjwtFe99XVwJneC6bM/s1600/IMGP0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblU9pBiei446qE46ZKjC4-AHm5_Tega5xdaLD6OVVD6eHKox2eXs-dY4psN7ykuHiq3EefdA3ItDKz70E9x60ly9Xwd56nW839cJ68oIYyA_LReOQsJ9Fc5x-qKjwtFe99XVwJneC6bM/s400/IMGP0492.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">A view of Tucson, looking southwest. </td></tr>
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I told Kathryn that I wasn't feeling too great, so she said we should run up the trail to a campground.<br />I heard 9 miles <i>roundtrip</i> so I figured it would only be a few more miles up the trail (since it was only 4.5 miles one way). I said sure let's go!<br />I remember that I kept checking my watch to make sure we wouldn't miss 4.5 miles. When we did pass it, I stopped and wondered where the campground was. She corrected me and told me 9 miles total. 9 miles normally would not have bothered me, but I really wasn't in the correct mindset that day. I think my mouth dropped. :)</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKr-oPpestZQVNyFwATyJkTDnzyE3Wm5N4NFkNrhyphenhyphenM1OFB7sNNj6Po6lZt-vcAyaB3qAFOBJL49ZJnK3THlm1blsCs4uk66Npehbon-_O0ecLqD1DKRu34QkzcATIjOcWIRdW2jmbWA8/s1600/IMGP0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKr-oPpestZQVNyFwATyJkTDnzyE3Wm5N4NFkNrhyphenhyphenM1OFB7sNNj6Po6lZt-vcAyaB3qAFOBJL49ZJnK3THlm1blsCs4uk66Npehbon-_O0ecLqD1DKRu34QkzcATIjOcWIRdW2jmbWA8/s400/IMGP0495.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Me and Kathryn</td></tr>
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So, we snapped a picture together, and I headed off down the mountain. I felt pretty defeated.<br />I knew I could have gone farther than 9 miles total that day, but I know not to push myself when I am feeling sick (or injured). This is probably why I am never been injured from running. </div>
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The next weekend, I planned to run up the Catalina's and I wanted to be injury free. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BMyu6Al23Pc4iD7xc-WoG_KnswOM3gH2w5DNrpAr_S8nIQbXZMAreMkLS467LVJZOme7rNN5FhtHR-Z7HEBH1nFlenCZnLrMayYHPBeVUDKCJnZKObL-prMRIQqGtsIw8dvsIOjg9o0/s1600/IMGP0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BMyu6Al23Pc4iD7xc-WoG_KnswOM3gH2w5DNrpAr_S8nIQbXZMAreMkLS467LVJZOme7rNN5FhtHR-Z7HEBH1nFlenCZnLrMayYHPBeVUDKCJnZKObL-prMRIQqGtsIw8dvsIOjg9o0/s400/IMGP0496.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Looking towards the Catalinas. </td></tr>
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I ran back down the trail alone.<br />I felt like I was slowing Kathryn down (she is so fast!) so I was glad she could pick up some speed and get to the top. It was getting hot and I was worried she would run out of water.<br />But she texted me later and told me she made it back down in one piece!<br />However, she said she couldn't find Mica Mountain (our destination) so we have a reason to go back in the fall and look for it. :)</div>
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I will be ready next time!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9F-Fdm5NpE2C9mgkBFXYPU3xLhfE5D73l75VpSwfHS_HJiEGfFWd8NbLERekZcb5jAENvBWoykDO-r4Q_fLHzFZojNeWRs-LfJHu2xSQPErV-DE8vy_KFGllzATRx7YaaXtvfIXcULs/s1600/IMGP0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9F-Fdm5NpE2C9mgkBFXYPU3xLhfE5D73l75VpSwfHS_HJiEGfFWd8NbLERekZcb5jAENvBWoykDO-r4Q_fLHzFZojNeWRs-LfJHu2xSQPErV-DE8vy_KFGllzATRx7YaaXtvfIXcULs/s400/IMGP0498.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Some parts of the trail were flat thank goodness!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZ6JIk9KqZbQKQbE5uZyHBlgC_La7LykVOE59d9A6SaebZe7pOSrCQapp0WO_LwIZw4672U5MhqrsTv3TZ_fF8NMq1EbAzHO-nIpSVSHd5B05FNFNfO65DeCuag_1aAb2vklHtMAKUDg/s1600/IMGP0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZ6JIk9KqZbQKQbE5uZyHBlgC_La7LykVOE59d9A6SaebZe7pOSrCQapp0WO_LwIZw4672U5MhqrsTv3TZ_fF8NMq1EbAzHO-nIpSVSHd5B05FNFNfO65DeCuag_1aAb2vklHtMAKUDg/s400/IMGP0504.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">On my way back to my car...I had to take a break. </td></tr>
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On my way back, I took a break on a rock. I was so incredibly tired all of a sudden.</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I was not sure what was going on with me. I sat and looked at the view for awhile. It was hard just to stand up! Perhaps the run last weekend wore me out...</span><br />
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After finally convincing myself that I had to get back to my car, I stood up and ran down the trail. Running down is, of course, so much easier. :)</div>
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As I sped up, I started to wake up. Running fast was nice. </div>
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I came to a sign that said Bridal Wreath Falls was really close!</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I had to check it out. I heard the falls are really nice and there is a fairly large waterfall.</span><br />
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I was hoping there would at least be some water. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Checking out Bridal Wreath Falls on my way back. </td></tr>
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The trail to the falls were shaded and flat. But the falls were completely dried up. No waterfall. No water. </div>
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Not even a drop. Typical. </div>
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It looked as if it would be a nice place to be when it was flowing. I made a promise to myself that I would come back here when it rained. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Watch out: Mountain Lions!</td></tr>
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Not sure if you pick this up from my other posts, but I am <b>freaked out</b> when I run alone. </div>
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I am always stopping, making sure that sound behind me was not a mountain lion. </div>
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I have lived here my entire life and I have never seen one...but I am still terrified of them! </div>
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I have heard stories, and I think that's what fueled my fear.<br />They are out there, I know, so I wasn't surprised when I saw the sign above. </div>
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A few weeks ago, a trail in Sabino Canyon was shut down for a few days because of a mountain lion that was acting weird. It wasn't afraid of humans and it was hanging around in one place. Not typical of them. They are said to move....when they aren't stalking something...which is what I think they are doing to me every time I run alone.<br /><br />I will have to get over my fear one day...right? lol</div>
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Douglas Springs was great! Glad I had a running buddy to go with.<br />I wish I had run farther, but I just wasn't feeling it.<br />Next time I try this trail, I hope my body agrees that day! *crossing my fingers*</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-68840945681058524062013-05-05T17:39:00.000-07:002013-06-26T17:39:54.815-07:00To the Top of Mt. Wrightson!<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
Last Sunday, I got the chance to finally explore the Santa Rita Mountains. </div>
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TTR hosted a run called Mt. Wrightson Massacre. The goal is to do more than one ascent and descent. <b>My goal</b> was to make it to the top and back down without twisting an ankle or getting lost (which I almost did). </div>
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I drove to the base of the Santa Rita's for a 7AM start. I was amazed at how different it looked from the rest of Southern Arizona! It was so shaded and forested. There were a few cute cabins and B&B's along the road. It made me think of what Oregon would look like (it was also pretty cloudy in the morning). </div>
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I got out of the car and it was freezing! Okay, maybe not freezing but darn chilly because of the wind! I definitely wasn't prepared for it. Thankfully I had a jacket in my car! Way to be prepared. ;)</div>
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There were only 2 others starting with me. I signed in and got a map of the route. (This is why I love running with TTR. You have to sign in just in case you never return to the finish line and they usually provide you with a map so you hopefully don't get lost.) Another runner, Ken, started with me and showed me the way. He told me he ran Mt. Wrightson <b>6 times</b> in one day! That's about 60 miles; And a whole lot of elevation!</div>
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We chatted and power-hiked for a while until I needed to stop and use my inhaler. Then we went at our own speeds (mine being a whole lot slower). Although, sometimes it's nice to run alone. It gives me time to think. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">The beginning of the trail with Mt. Wrightson in the background. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Starting out!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">A beautiful trail, but the inclines are rough. </td></tr>
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I climbed for about an hour and then came upon a bunch of people camping. They were scattered everywhere and I tried to find the trail. I headed in what I thought was the right direction. At this point, I was looking for Josephine Saddle. I found a sign pointing down and north but it didn't have Josephine's Saddle on it; it just said Josephine's road or something like that. So I took it for about half a mile. It went down and down and down and it turned into a footpath. I got really worried when it split and there was no sign. Both trails went farther down. But Mt. Wrightson should still be going up, I thought. What also started to worry me was the amount of stashed water bottles in the bushes. With labels in Spanish. </div>
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That's when I realized I must be on a trail that illegal immigrants use. The Santa Ritas are smack dab between the Mexican border and Tucson. A perfect crossing location. It's only about 30 minutes to the border from where I was. I asked about it later and some of the TTR members had actually run into some people who were crossing. </div>
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I finally realized that I was definitely on the wrong path so I trekked back up the footpath and tried to find someone to ask. At that point, all the campers had left. Thankfully, there was one woman who was reading one of the signs. I asked her for the way to Josephine Saddle. She told me I was standing on it. Oh.</div>
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She pointed me in the right direction. The campers had been camping so close to the trail (basically on it) and I didn't bother to go in that direction. Hmph. </div>
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I learned Josephine's Saddle has some sad history. In 1958, 3 boy scouts went camping and ended up setting up camp here. There was a freak snowstorm and unfortunately they did not survive the night. Another troop put up a plaque for them and some people seem to add small trinkets as they pass by. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoy-79RMFYS1j6Ppavi4vDt8_NEDsx5BFmu76VNnB9iAmjpMeKVBwRvURWasx9ELAyx73uxWWq1eF103ymNvLFri2fo2ZFsK9aAMaIZb6N3raKOvuYVqK-ZBe2MZKBiPaZ8sHmhkWBP-o/s1600/IMGP0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoy-79RMFYS1j6Ppavi4vDt8_NEDsx5BFmu76VNnB9iAmjpMeKVBwRvURWasx9ELAyx73uxWWq1eF103ymNvLFri2fo2ZFsK9aAMaIZb6N3raKOvuYVqK-ZBe2MZKBiPaZ8sHmhkWBP-o/s640/IMGP0408.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Josephine's Saddle - in remembrance of the 3 boy scouts that died. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Super Trail is another way to get down the mountain.<br />I will have to try that one next time. </td></tr>
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I continued on. The vegetation changed from scrub oak to more woodland. It got colder as I sweated more and the wind continued to blow. A few runners ran past me, down the mountain. I wondered if they were with TTR too. Some people started at 5AM. And some even earlier, like midnight. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">I started to climb out of the trees and I got some nice views of Mt. Hopkins. </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Yf9f1lM4DqTlby5_S12ZDEt244ACKfYWYbMYmnVgnfNgvKiMIgdAoeFH6yCxP7ZL1rfKPhuqNypqPBHxzW9-h3kGNpJWbQJ-xkCTKo-7GY3ubSc5vEjOW-euVfh7gYb-1vYRWzL1ylk/s1600/IMGP0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Yf9f1lM4DqTlby5_S12ZDEt244ACKfYWYbMYmnVgnfNgvKiMIgdAoeFH6yCxP7ZL1rfKPhuqNypqPBHxzW9-h3kGNpJWbQJ-xkCTKo-7GY3ubSc5vEjOW-euVfh7gYb-1vYRWzL1ylk/s400/IMGP0418.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">...and some great views of the valley as well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite__lKVUlYy7fsI1kWbZgAfR2hhbJKmJQ70W5lnuW4NE7erViZk4XmIb8trQ1A08Jtamq8ih0r-dtvmFH5UIgHQC3s_TOmvKXwBurmgeiVby6XuridOY4xONGSFXhVZK3-RMIZdDfZFo/s1600/IMGP0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite__lKVUlYy7fsI1kWbZgAfR2hhbJKmJQ70W5lnuW4NE7erViZk4XmIb8trQ1A08Jtamq8ih0r-dtvmFH5UIgHQC3s_TOmvKXwBurmgeiVby6XuridOY4xONGSFXhVZK3-RMIZdDfZFo/s640/IMGP0422.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Getting close to the switchbacks...</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
Finally, I got to Bellows Spring (which was another checkpoint on my map). I wasn't expecting much. And of course, there wasn't anything exciting. I don't even know if someone would actually drink out of this spring. Unless I was dying, then I definitely wouldn't. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaBSBC3V5ENaRZTCbC4KLiWiAbBFIN1Unpr35P0uno4EkKkf3zf0DTxXBXmH5eJWgbN9FAVTfUneF8YoIBRsL9yHvjSS3coIykbaRnKmFNfJuM9_y4-AGPv5T8hx4H5v0f5h3-xzYFa4/s1600/IMGP0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaBSBC3V5ENaRZTCbC4KLiWiAbBFIN1Unpr35P0uno4EkKkf3zf0DTxXBXmH5eJWgbN9FAVTfUneF8YoIBRsL9yHvjSS3coIykbaRnKmFNfJuM9_y4-AGPv5T8hx4H5v0f5h3-xzYFa4/s400/IMGP0427.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKScIgwvg-olgA1D150OBB13hPrrmtRgiG4zhwt5LxpfhstOx5ZBruZNmrENReFTxIY-mBNU6GQiBvjBOSJV3KglCerziIVxE34JTYqNBM94ghZYAVkx40DbpOIZaVVbIPJH7QR9bRzVU/s1600/IMGP0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKScIgwvg-olgA1D150OBB13hPrrmtRgiG4zhwt5LxpfhstOx5ZBruZNmrENReFTxIY-mBNU6GQiBvjBOSJV3KglCerziIVxE34JTYqNBM94ghZYAVkx40DbpOIZaVVbIPJH7QR9bRzVU/s400/IMGP0428.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">A sad, sad little spring. </td></tr>
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</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg_9ilpshjcbG_HZFE-p2z90GEbDmhaSiZZWEPOTTCdorZtWr4QVMmP1okAUupxfYWFG6MvK0asDLUj8juhdE9iguuJjnZH_HT0qm0P_x-2o1ICDiegE_yZP8p0tLiQSDoNZ6BsuMJzk/s1600/IMGP0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg_9ilpshjcbG_HZFE-p2z90GEbDmhaSiZZWEPOTTCdorZtWr4QVMmP1okAUupxfYWFG6MvK0asDLUj8juhdE9iguuJjnZH_HT0qm0P_x-2o1ICDiegE_yZP8p0tLiQSDoNZ6BsuMJzk/s400/IMGP0429.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">It got a little rocky after that...<br />this is about where the pain in the a$$ switchbacks started. </td></tr>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
The switchbacks started to climb up and twist and turn. My legs hurt. I was tired of climbing. I got a little delirious. I usually talk to myself when this happens. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And then I finally got to the top of the switchbacks!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjceaDUbScQ1IiaO9pfmh6RjX4XWsfScNACtH5HobrhIRuIMQhGici-TVSxE49neXdS_LRGmAK5hbVvUoxKDaA7janQqWJzPEj5hXamZno4Ji9YFZ0ES47vTHXSW-MMdWT8wDgrZ0WVQ/s1600/IMGP0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjceaDUbScQ1IiaO9pfmh6RjX4XWsfScNACtH5HobrhIRuIMQhGici-TVSxE49neXdS_LRGmAK5hbVvUoxKDaA7janQqWJzPEj5hXamZno4Ji9YFZ0ES47vTHXSW-MMdWT8wDgrZ0WVQ/s400/IMGP0433.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Looking up towards the top...almost there. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDi_S2Yl157URxkSe42wmUI8TSQKz69fmCJqyFdfu7ExsBrA4ZJjvwMntrIVII8ySKfRd91_eRLhPk_LWCz9eekGJt64BUX9ER5LojaRvpKm0yXs54cxyMhs0KyXWLB5b00BHGVphUG0/s1600/IMGP0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDi_S2Yl157URxkSe42wmUI8TSQKz69fmCJqyFdfu7ExsBrA4ZJjvwMntrIVII8ySKfRd91_eRLhPk_LWCz9eekGJt64BUX9ER5LojaRvpKm0yXs54cxyMhs0KyXWLB5b00BHGVphUG0/s400/IMGP0434.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">At the next saddle, at the top of the first set of switchbacks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWldTvZQK88KbGStf9o5iNTp6Z7Q8e-6oAStYcmvS_nOqvVn10BvwW4It5vSHWWjAOFld0rmoh3fLo7pfR5122Zx-0VHT7N-fINDNmOFemQQ0XbEABZsx4uBIVxhIXZIU4VbGjSf1PDo/s1600/IMGP0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWldTvZQK88KbGStf9o5iNTp6Z7Q8e-6oAStYcmvS_nOqvVn10BvwW4It5vSHWWjAOFld0rmoh3fLo7pfR5122Zx-0VHT7N-fINDNmOFemQQ0XbEABZsx4uBIVxhIXZIU4VbGjSf1PDo/s400/IMGP0443.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Almost there!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDmITJAEIN8r9XEAOG9DDBcd3onoG0-ihmRwM2MYWRK5B6yVERw8MejuRkGe5mPr5uWrzP4sXmhEgbI5KseDVa8cDLoGJThXv2H769hN26ekGRrZrf8BoAJEU3YA2F-_z-ZN59NSgKxs/s1600/IMGP0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDmITJAEIN8r9XEAOG9DDBcd3onoG0-ihmRwM2MYWRK5B6yVERw8MejuRkGe5mPr5uWrzP4sXmhEgbI5KseDVa8cDLoGJThXv2H769hN26ekGRrZrf8BoAJEU3YA2F-_z-ZN59NSgKxs/s400/IMGP0444.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Finally! I made it to the top! In under 3 hours! </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfOjGfRsjLzs67AUgB2T5ttlHuvIjwK8trUXz-ze0vHSZAbpQZIRgsobVVyqy0b-pvjqxpqEwRr6jRb0UV6TYHt4qM4P9o3S7YAakRykSSUB96s0yG3jPIX8g5WWAX0Dua5NL7MchdDQ/s1600/IMGP0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfOjGfRsjLzs67AUgB2T5ttlHuvIjwK8trUXz-ze0vHSZAbpQZIRgsobVVyqy0b-pvjqxpqEwRr6jRb0UV6TYHt4qM4P9o3S7YAakRykSSUB96s0yG3jPIX8g5WWAX0Dua5NL7MchdDQ/s400/IMGP0453.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Looking north, towards Tucson.<br />The dust/smog was unfortunately bad that day, but it's still a fantastic view.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7PfRO-6NJh4tFb4hZIPOOMuGls_XA59SKRUZ663P9XsTVluWWgAe_3v16BAEOfOJeXlhnVrno7MW4fVb_ayJnF1H0Gehm4eom_ZQobHg_iUrNcv43uPg9wWNa9kV3V_i55rn_M-5OIo/s1600/IMGP0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7PfRO-6NJh4tFb4hZIPOOMuGls_XA59SKRUZ663P9XsTVluWWgAe_3v16BAEOfOJeXlhnVrno7MW4fVb_ayJnF1H0Gehm4eom_ZQobHg_iUrNcv43uPg9wWNa9kV3V_i55rn_M-5OIo/s400/IMGP0455.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Looking south, towards Mexico. Only about a half hour away...</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tcT3vXTGTOeiRUNaPDvlHCjq8hWt3jEjzBGA6lhWMWRXBvCkH9u01ova4CBZLjzti4NvcbEdH2B3gjuAEMHQPOeJF0i0N-1aJYMCey-ITFoUVp7AICIUDF6ozvuSkBKKvHi6cc3go_s/s1600/IMGP0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tcT3vXTGTOeiRUNaPDvlHCjq8hWt3jEjzBGA6lhWMWRXBvCkH9u01ova4CBZLjzti4NvcbEdH2B3gjuAEMHQPOeJF0i0N-1aJYMCey-ITFoUVp7AICIUDF6ozvuSkBKKvHi6cc3go_s/s400/IMGP0458.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">There is a box at the top with notebooks to register in.<br />They kept them from a few years back!<br />It was pretty cool looking at the old entries. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g6Vtfzed78WgAtWvgnRO7LQUcymPYjIM8_m8UmRvuPqo82-yIDilpyFpidqgm0zGW3LtxLtB3xrvXk4wAgeIIIqy0BLWrEnRKY6FAZvWYrVyi9oCsiD2gjDCH1qgKCrgAbtMRZGEDXY/s1600/IMGP0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g6Vtfzed78WgAtWvgnRO7LQUcymPYjIM8_m8UmRvuPqo82-yIDilpyFpidqgm0zGW3LtxLtB3xrvXk4wAgeIIIqy0BLWrEnRKY6FAZvWYrVyi9oCsiD2gjDCH1qgKCrgAbtMRZGEDXY/s640/IMGP0464.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="360" /></a></div>
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I made it to the top after a tough "run". I power-hiked a good part of it. ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
I sat down for about 10 minutes and ate an energy bar.. It was super windy at the top and I had to hold onto my hat pretty tightly. It was also really cold because of the wind and my dried sweat. I kept my hands stuffed in my pockets because they were hurting pretty bad. They swelled (maybe from lack of electrolytes or the elevation). And the wind sure wasn't helping. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOetXNBpNX-18s90x-Jg1LTynwLidgzxGU3huiCe9PDyZsPXNEUQ-3yKMlKOXhI5iUBcIHCqGs9djtqghIAmPCM3nqrR1tmWxX6fh0E5OItfTVZZlFZnEf9NbtR85m2Mdpc8JCoRQ6esk/s1600/IMGP0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOetXNBpNX-18s90x-Jg1LTynwLidgzxGU3huiCe9PDyZsPXNEUQ-3yKMlKOXhI5iUBcIHCqGs9djtqghIAmPCM3nqrR1tmWxX6fh0E5OItfTVZZlFZnEf9NbtR85m2Mdpc8JCoRQ6esk/s400/IMGP0477.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">They don't look too swollen, but I could definitely feel the difference. </td></tr>
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I decided to head back down the mountain.<br />I was so fast running down that I came around a few corners sometimes and almost fell over!</div>
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I used trees to stop me if I felt like I was running too fast. I didn't want to trip and land on my face.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwJQIicVpdydcop4pg-PG_dnzShH9bu3w23-W3hj8hicuG0_ri4h6raA9014fim-tlWIQteFeTuF3mu-s7oxNdwb08DUxiUK84PCcWjEbwHADY_R8nM3k8miI_k241L4VGdYvEwd7Zng/s1600/IMGP0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwJQIicVpdydcop4pg-PG_dnzShH9bu3w23-W3hj8hicuG0_ri4h6raA9014fim-tlWIQteFeTuF3mu-s7oxNdwb08DUxiUK84PCcWjEbwHADY_R8nM3k8miI_k241L4VGdYvEwd7Zng/s400/IMGP0484.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Done! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">My final time.<br />Pretty good time coming down since it took me about 3 hours to get to the top. </td></tr>
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I was definitely limping by the time I got back to the car. Another wonderful thing about TTR is that there is a run director who brings delicious food for every run. :) Raoul was the RD this time, and he brought pizza and Eegees! I was a happy runner (despite the leg cramps, of course).</div>
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I always forget to take photos of people afterwards, so I'll have to remember to do that for the next run! </div>
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The climb was pretty intense and I could feel it in my legs.<br />I looked at the elevation profile when I got home and was amazed at how high I went!</div>
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I can't wait until the next Mt. Wrightson run. Hopefully, I'll be able to beat my time!<br />What a great run!</div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><em style="line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Try not to fight the trail. Instead, try to feel the natural rhythm, the flow… and rather than attempting to conquer it, practice becoming one with it. Begin each run with Shoshin – A Beginners Mind. --- </span></em></strong></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4em;"><b>(Zen Running)</b></i></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-555775162597660542013-05-03T17:40:00.000-07:002013-06-26T17:40:46.390-07:00Yoga Oasis<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
I have been going to this <i>ah-mazing </i>yoga class for the past 4 weeks. </div>
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I have always liked yoga. But I was never overly excited to go to a yoga class. It used to seem so boring, doing the same yoga poses over and over again. </div>
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But recently, something clicked. I tried out another class at Yoga Oasis in the smaller room with a different teacher and I absolutely fell in love with it! Melissa has become one of my favorite yoga instructors. She is friendly, sweet, helpful and non-judgmental. I am excited to go to class every week. </div>
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And there's definitely something to say about practicing yoga in a smaller room. It is more intimate, and it feels less like a class. Instead it feels like an experience.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KVOxycGNXgHsBN1V_TQ8ATYeUBaQUhwFyLAKoYvZ3Qi4W5e9Nl57AW0k8MOAJTL-FX9IIfs2L8NEHA4DQPfI9LBBef8dVI7KU56x-nWwWjeT_REoX6fYXNseE4LePe3xc6Imk3XEhdM/s1600/yoga+oasis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KVOxycGNXgHsBN1V_TQ8ATYeUBaQUhwFyLAKoYvZ3Qi4W5e9Nl57AW0k8MOAJTL-FX9IIfs2L8NEHA4DQPfI9LBBef8dVI7KU56x-nWwWjeT_REoX6fYXNseE4LePe3xc6Imk3XEhdM/s400/yoga+oasis.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">The room isn't full just yet.<br />I like to get there early so that I can grab a place near the front. </td></tr>
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I love this yoga studio! They have a great deal called Yoga Hour where they only charge $5 for a class. Since it's so near to the university, students love this deal and the classes are always full. The studio has a few rooms but the small one is by far my favorite. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Yoga Oasis has some great quotes along their walls outside.</td></tr>
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I <i>love</i> Yoga Oasis and I'm excited I have found another hobby to pass the time. :)</div>
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Don't expect me to get yoga obsessed, but I will definitely continue to have fun with it. </div>
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Do you <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIjY9GplbVLztFkeRkH6X7Qk4BKySjqQkPAbIqejJLJPz6D8WGXPMSQYZ-Gk4wtw2G9Q_uvYUVx1cC13O__MHIhTAAsEwATVJx1e6_GmVQ2za3W_cPiJUIjT_jPYXxRAHo4RA2WSLvNw/s1600/small_heart.jpg" /> your yoga studio?</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-57660235777491516302013-04-25T17:41:00.000-07:002013-06-26T17:42:19.569-07:00Running with Allergies or Medication Side Effects?<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
I have been forced to stop running.</div>
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Not forever. But it sure feels like it.<br /> </div>
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It’s been happening for a few weeks now.<br /> </div>
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Every time I go for a run, I either have to stop in the middle of it because my allergies make my nose super sensitive, or I get home and can’t breathe for the next few days.<br /> </div>
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This usually happens to me in the spring.<br />The trees and grasses and flowers are letting their pollen loose and it’s making my nose run…like usual.</div>
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Except this time, it’s not so usual. This time, it’s much worse. This time, it lasts for days!<br />I only ran 2.5 miles on Friday night for a Relay for Life event (my goal was 10 miles) when my nose went crazy! I literally couldn’t breathe through my nose without it burning. It was super sensitive! And it still is!! I literally breathed through my mouth all weekend giving me the worst dry mouth feeling.</div>
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I am afraid to go for a run. I am itching to go, but I am terrified of the repercussions. I can’t smell anything. And without smell, my taste is affected. I have been having trouble eating because everything tastes funky. These allergies are putting my in a weird state of mind and I have trouble doing everything because of it! Teaching, especially.<br /> </div>
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Something is telling me to stop running. I swear. First, it was the ridiculous cold sores after any long run over 15 miles (which still happens; I’m still looking for a cure), and now this! What’s next? Actually, I don’t want to know, it will probably make me feel worse. :/</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>UPDATE:</u></span></strong></div>
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Okay, I wrote this on Monday thinking it was allergies. But it’s <strong>NOT</strong>.<br /> </div>
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I figured out it’s the new medication I was taking. Of course, I stopped taking it (starting this morning, I only just came to this conclusion when I woke up).<br /><br /><br />But it makes sense. I have had the worst dry mouth for the past few weeks. And recently, when I tried running, I got this horrible feeling in my nose. As if it wasn’t already hard enough to run with a dry mouth. Every time I took a breath in, I felt like my nose was on fire. I would end my run super early (2 miles in) and start this fit of uncontrollable, endless sneezing. It was AWFUL! I think this medication is drying up my mucus membranes or something...something that's not beneficial for an endurance, trail runner. We need all the water/moisture we can get! Especially since I live in the desert...<br /><br />I am planning on going for a solo run in the cool pines on <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Lemmon</st1:placename></st1:place> this weekend. I’m hoping that the medication will leave my system by then. *crossing my fingers*</div>
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<em>Has anyone else had this problem before?<br />Allergies OR medication side effects? How did it affect your running?</em></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042000129065387917.post-12167875382439569062013-04-10T17:42:00.000-07:002013-06-26T17:43:20.010-07:00My Usual Route<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arvo; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
Thankfully, most of my runs don't take place on sidewalks on the side of the road. </div>
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I am lucky enough to live next to a beautiful running path that runs alongside a wash (or a river during monsoons). This path goes for miles. I've done a 16 mile training run on it alone. The city is trying to connect it with other paths so it will be like a bike super-highway. :)</div>
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Some parts of it even have a nice, flat dirt trail along it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUna_P4Yc4-kKLhg-jlUvkHPM1J35zrDDC53ffgL5dFO_iESeyW1PTuvTMMFcCwu8I4ukfoNMrBM4vD4HJc6uu4SlPRZPZqEo6rVyvJB3zuGPCJw1eyyn5A9XM6zIDDsFtvT41w418mdI/s1600/IMGP0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUna_P4Yc4-kKLhg-jlUvkHPM1J35zrDDC53ffgL5dFO_iESeyW1PTuvTMMFcCwu8I4ukfoNMrBM4vD4HJc6uu4SlPRZPZqEo6rVyvJB3zuGPCJw1eyyn5A9XM6zIDDsFtvT41w418mdI/s1600/IMGP0327.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="225" /></a></div>
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During the spring, the palo verdes start to blossom. It is such a beautiful sight!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlAVamd5Z3qPowSYD0cVISwjaXr50TIA6dfxA_eAWYxJxeQvV0_SFv-oSN2BIssArZCfnaNSydFpaapNTOr-4liTn1WVh0zcCmMV5ShAE_rHsAglQLqcB8k4-LJ9djTzsNA77lw7jweQ/s1600/IMGP0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlAVamd5Z3qPowSYD0cVISwjaXr50TIA6dfxA_eAWYxJxeQvV0_SFv-oSN2BIssArZCfnaNSydFpaapNTOr-4liTn1WVh0zcCmMV5ShAE_rHsAglQLqcB8k4-LJ9djTzsNA77lw7jweQ/s1600/IMGP0329.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">A blossoming Palo Verde tree. </td></tr>
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Sometimes, I get lucky and see some cool wildlife along the path.</div>
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On a few of my night runs, I've seen a barn owl just hanging out on the railing. It was huge! </div>
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I've also seen coyotes, hawks, snakes, and prairie dogs. </div>
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One night, I may have seen a bobcat prowling the wash, but I'm not too sure...</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYTcyxYRypEscMt5LuiWykmGWW0qiikxC2YxZ_JJGjRFWw6kc2sPBvJLCfCe1ASzOfHSycTsGqkWoIskR6FbkM9aF_8h04RPekfiEVOg7S1ee4VEMB5o_IfqxayT9cWJQx8vuI8URdI8/s1600/IMGP0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYTcyxYRypEscMt5LuiWykmGWW0qiikxC2YxZ_JJGjRFWw6kc2sPBvJLCfCe1ASzOfHSycTsGqkWoIskR6FbkM9aF_8h04RPekfiEVOg7S1ee4VEMB5o_IfqxayT9cWJQx8vuI8URdI8/s1600/IMGP0337.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">On this run, I only saw a few prairie dogs. But aren't they cute?</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGFlav8jgN8H0IHh68N9a1AfC8eOkH0MvBbjKoQbmuCGEAimekK25btfUBO9jwjT3iYvTiuM3NJWHEXEU2StMB-JCzh4k1cIzeCQ4kdI0sYP0X_H_zys1lLH7Lg3UltKkil2JoWkja5E/s1600/IMGP0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGFlav8jgN8H0IHh68N9a1AfC8eOkH0MvBbjKoQbmuCGEAimekK25btfUBO9jwjT3iYvTiuM3NJWHEXEU2StMB-JCzh4k1cIzeCQ4kdI0sYP0X_H_zys1lLH7Lg3UltKkil2JoWkja5E/s1600/IMGP0338.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Watch out!<br />There are a bunch of these holes along the path.<br />They can either be prairie dog holes or snake holes.<br />Or they can just trip you. </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbonUBXnlCcQJK8QyDNStSIQSxY-6E4HOlBmI5Gth69PjgTKhMFXB7Nx3IC_qV2j_kf64umzkt_m9FqPXCDALuaElKNxVmETbUTbe1GtrjLWEZDgtQMsx_7Og7oGCqzKbsGxeA3SJ5dLE/s1600/IMGP0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #006677; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbonUBXnlCcQJK8QyDNStSIQSxY-6E4HOlBmI5Gth69PjgTKhMFXB7Nx3IC_qV2j_kf64umzkt_m9FqPXCDALuaElKNxVmETbUTbe1GtrjLWEZDgtQMsx_7Og7oGCqzKbsGxeA3SJ5dLE/s1600/IMGP0339.JPG" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;">Sometimes the snakes are hiding in bushes like these.<br />I've seen a few slither away.<br />Also, when the wind blows certain plants, they sound like rattlesnakes.<br />That will definitely make you jump on the trail! </td></tr>
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Sometimes, I like to shake it up and take a different direction. There are so many different paths to take, I never get bored. I love my route! :)</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15527403924787415881noreply@blogger.com0