A yearly challenge

Well, it has been over a year since I have posted anything. Time gets carried away when one is not simply walking a trail. This year has been spent training for running long distance versus long hikes.
When I returned from the Appalachian Trail, I told my husband I was going to do Pike's Peak Marathon and Leadville Trail 100 trail Race. Last year was the year for Pike's Peak, so I guess that leaves this year for the Leadville 100.
For those unfamiliar with the Leadville 100, it is a 100 mile trail race at and above 10,000ft. Most of the race follows the Colorado Trail around the Leadville area. Beautiful Scenery to be had but some challenging terrain. This ultra-marathon distance was something new to me in the running world. First of all, I do not classify myself as a runner as I do not enjoy the sport of running. Second, I had never run a full marathon before. So, here I was thinking of my glory days and planning on seeing what I could do. Well, what follows is my account of what I did do!
Let me start with the night before the race. I reserved myself a campsite at Sugar Loafin Campground and rented a 6 person tent from REI. The tent was huge, but allowed myself, my husband, my sister, and her 3 children to sleep comfortably. Due to my nerves about the race, I was unable to focus and figure out what I needed for the race. So, my crew (Hardcore Hiker, her boyfriend, my husband, and my sister) and I were up a little late trying to figure things out. The campground attendant finally came by and explained to us how there were people running a hundred mile race the next day and we really needed to quiet things down. We chuckled seeing as though I was one of those runners. Anyway, we finished up with what we were doing and finally headed off to bed for a few hours before having to wake up at 2:30am. The race started at 4am after all.
So, I wake up and get myself together before waking the others around me. My crew needed to be awake but I told my sister she could sleep along with the kids if needed. All arrived at the starting line to see me off at 4am. The energy of the 500 people out there all planning to go 100 miles and return to the start line by 10am the next day was amazing. The mayor of Leadville started the race with his shotgun and we all slowly took off from the start line. It was a nice easy pace that took us by spectators out in their bathrobes cheering us on at 4am. The first little bit is on the road and then peels off to follow Turquoise Lake. It was dark and I found a veteran ultra-runner to chat with for a little bit before he stopped to use the bathroom or something of that nature.
Then, as the sun started to rise, I found myself wishing for the first check point. I was warned the first/last leg of this race was longer than anticipated, but wow was it ever. Finally, I pulled into the May Queen campground and headed to the restroom. From there, it was on to the aid station to be checked in and get supplies from my crew. The energy surrounding the aid stations was amazing. I made it into the aid station and informed my crew of my needs. I checked in, grabbed some food and continued on out the other side of the tent. After a quick restroom and shoe change, I was off and running again.
After May Queen, it is up and over Sugar Loaf pass/mountain along what is affectionately known as Power Lines. Many people in my realm were on the power hike mode to get up the pass. I have a pretty strong hike still, so I powered past many people. Once at the top, I began running again and headed down the other side. It was rather steep, but I was ready for it; or so I thought. As I was coming down the other side heading into Fish Hatchery/Outward Bound, my knee began to pain me severely. I tried to run it out, but was unable to calm the pain. So, I kind of skipped/ran/hobbled down the power lines. Once I hit the road and was on my way to fish Hatchery, I ran/walked.
As I came into the aid station at Fish hatchery, Mike was there to gather me and remind me to fill up on food and water at the aid station. I was going to change shoes but decided against it. All I did instead was dump the dirt out of my shoes. I had many supporters at Fish Hatchery and loved the energy. Upon my departure, I found that I was ahead of a seasoned veteran of ultras and felt pretty proud of myself. I was also well ahead of the cutoff times. Out of Fish Hatchery was the long 8 mile road section which could have been a killer, but was a welcome flat spot that allowed me to evaluate things a little. My knee still hurt but I was able to run a little and walk a little. the only problem I found was that my legs and body were beginning to tighten up. I made it to the next meet with my crew and took a bottle of just water. From there, I hit one more aid station before going all the way over to Twin Lakes.
Coming into Twin Lakes was a little rough as my knees were killing, I needed food, and the rain/thunder was rolling in. At one point along the section from Halfmoon campground to Twin Lakes, thunder cracked right over my head and mae me wince with fright. I was ready to be done. As I came out on the four wheel drive road that told me I was only a mile from the Twin Lakes Aid station, I met a man who was hurting as well. We hung together and made it into the aid station with laughter and good feelings. Both of us grabbed some food and then parted ways to talk with our family and friends. I changed my socks and grabbed my backpack to head out for Hope Pass. What I should have grabbed was more water and more food.
I was a little nervous about crossing the creek as the staff had told of ropes being put up for safety in crossing. As I hit my first large puddle of water, I waded in up to my calf muscle and laughed. Most of the puddles leading up to the crossing were mid calf or less in depth. they all made me laugh despite their numbing effect on my feet. Finally, I got to the creek crossing and went right in. It was up to mind thigh on me and very cold. The current was strong but not too bad. I was thankful for the rope. After I got out, my feet and legs were numb for a long while. It was about part way up Hope pass when they finally thawed out.
HOPE PASS!!! What can I say about this part of the journey. It was my demise! Leaving Twin Lakes, I was 1.5hours ahead of the cutoffs and feeling pretty good. Part way up Hope pass and I thought I was dead. I started to get winded and then to feel nausea. I stopped and rested for a bit as needed thinking it was altitude sickness. That just lead to anxiety about losing time. Everything snowballed into itself and left me feeling incompetent.
After much force, I reached the Hopeless Aid Station (1mile from the top of the pass). I stopped and took some water as well as trying to put some soup into my system. As I sat there evaluating my progress, I listened to the volunteers talk of how much time left and how much it would take to get to the turn around. If I did not get myself going soon, I was not going to make it in time to come back the same 50 miles I had already gone. So, I tossed my soup and headed out very slowly. About 100yards from the aid station, I sat and rested and cried a little knowing I was not going to make it.
Seeing as though I was stuck out in the middle of the mountains with another afternoon storm coming in, I figured I had to keep going. So, up and over the pass I went. It was slow going, but relieving when I began the descent of the other side despite the pitch of the descent. People were already beginning to come back up and over. I wished I was them. As I was nearing the bottom of the descent, people headed up started apologizing to me. I knew I was not going to be allowed to return to leadville along the same route I had taken out there. Despite my disappointment, I was able to cheer on those who had a fighting chance. It was amazing to be amongst some truly great people.
Once down off the pass and heading into Winfield, my husband and friend, Holly, came to greet me as they were a little worried about me. They had heard of a pacer being in trouble and just figured I had stopped to help out with the situation. I like that story and would really rather use that as the reason I did not finish the leadville 100, but I need to come to terms with my defeat.
It was disappointing as my body did not hurt as bad as it was suppose to hurt, at least in my mind. I do feel I could have done the whole thing if I would have fueled properly. Lessons learned have been great and continue to come. I am still working on getting over the feelings of failure, but that will come in time. My body does have some pains that it is trying to ignore as well as get over. I am super impressed with my friends and family who came out to support me. I have never felt so loved in all my life. Even the AT did not compare to this event. At the same time, having all this support made the feelings of failure and disappointment all that much stronger. I do have plans to attempt other ultras in the near future. My original plan was to run Leadville and then look into reproduction, but needing to overcome the failure has me driven to run Leadville in its entirety before I have kids. So, it may be a very long time before the reproduction actually occurs. Sorry moms and dads who are looking to be grandparents to my children. Thank goodness for the siblings who have the kids! Many lessons learned and many more to learn. I look forward to all the challenges life has to offer and I embrace them with open arms. Co-workers I trying to convince me of Ride the Rockies this next year. My husband is talking Race Across America next year. I bought a new bike. I may just have to switch my challenge a little. Keep tuned in to find out what will be the next challenge. Maybe I will end up on the PCT with Hardcore and crew!
Give me LIFE, LOVE, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS!!! All can be found in the challenges that surround each of us every day!

Next Challenge

So, a couple postings ago, I asked for the next physical challenge. Well, I think I found it. This past Sunday, I did my first training on Pike's Peak. Mike, Holly, and I hiked up to Barr Camp which is about 7miles from downtown Manitou Springs. We hiked from the Cog Railway which shaved about a mile off the total mileage. It took 2:13:56 to get to Barr Camp and the legs were beginning to get tired. At the same time, my tummy was getting hungry. We rested for about 15minutes before heading back down.

On the way down, we hiked for a bit before I got the urge to run. Part of me was freaking out about whether I am going to be able to do the marathon while the other part of me was tired of the company (part of my adjusting back to the old life that has changed). So, I took off about a mile from Barr Camp and ran back to the car with a couple of little stops to test my legs and see if they will hold me after running downhill for a long period of time. Holly was worried about Mike's knees because he decided to wear his big backpack to keep himself from running, so she and Mike remained hiking along the trail talking intensly about their work lives. I guess eventually, they did kind of run down the mountain. For me, I learned that I need to hit the mountain a few more times to test some gear and figure out what to take on the mountain with me on August 20th! Hopefully, I will be able to get down there at least 2-3more times before my race. We will see.

I do find myself still thinking about the trail and almost getting the blues just thinking about not being out there getting the blues on the trail. Today, the temperatures are in the 100s for Denver and last year on the trail it was 100 with 100% humidity when Spice Rack and I pulled into Waynesboro, PA for resupply. We opted for the airconditioned hotel room and some fresh laundry rather than heading back out into the heat. What a difference that makes. I remember joking on our walk to dinner that night about going on a date to the movies there in Waynesboro and how it would be a kids movie beacause that was the only movie at the theater in Waynesboro. They were showing Madagascar. We never did end up going to the movies. Instead, we had our dinner and went back to the hotel to chill out in the coolness of the room. Spice Rack had turned the AC up so much that it felt like winter in the room. I remember sleeping that night with all the covers and possibly even my sleeping bag thrown over me. I slept very well though!

Pike's Peak is going to be a challenge, but I'm not sure it will be as much of one as the trail. I guess there are all different kinds of challenges. Since, my husband is hesitant to allow me another long trail for a while, I will make do with the challenges he will support. His passion is running so anything running I do he will join me and of course always do better than me. We will see how things shape up. I have friends planning the PCT in 2011. I have mentioned it to Mike and he has said simply that we will see. So, all my friends on the West Coast help me nag him to let me do it! I should also look into getting sponsorship or something. We will see what happens though!

I do thank everyone for their support of me while on the trail. Despite being done with an amazing challenge and showing how strong I can be, I do still need the support of dealing with the insanity of "reality! " Thank you and Blessed Be! Never forget to help those less fortunate than you for some day they may be your boss!

Me Centered WORLD

So, as I continue to pass through my days wishing I was back on the trail knowing full well it would not be the same as it was last year, I think of my lessons. The most recent one was sent to me more in an email from GG upon her return from a year Holiday;

"We are really missing the trail and everyone, not having to deal with people who think the world exists because of them."

During my daily walk to work, I am often nearly run over by automobiles with citizens in a hurry to get somewhere as though they are unable to wait for me to cross the street despite what the crosswalk sign says!

When I was on the trail in New York entering Harriman State Park, I remember crossing on an overpass and looking down at the traffic jam below me. I laughed at the people stuck in their cars all hurrying to get somewhere and yet being stuck in nowhere land...aka. the highway parking lot of the 4 July weekend. It felt really good not to have anywhere to be. I was just being.

At work these days, I listen to my co-workers complain of not having enough time to do something nice for their co-workers like bring treats to work. On the days I decide I want to be nice, I wake up extra early just to walk to the bagel shop to bring bagels and cream cheese to work.

Don't get me wrong, I am not asking for praise for my good deeds or anything like that. All I am saying is that it really does not take that much time to do one good deed every so often in life. Whether it is a matter of stopping at a light to let a pedestrian cross the road. Heck in Colorado, it is state law to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. It could even be something as simple and easy at staying in the right lane on the highway so those moving faster than you can pass with ease. A few kind words to a friend, co-worker, family member, or stranger could make all the difference in the world. This world was not just created for each individual. We all live together and effect one
another both physically and emotionally.

So, think of those who surround you and how much energy it takes to get upset at the jerk who cut you off versus how much energy it takes to just sit back and laugh because that person is taking life way too seriously and rushing to the end. Every day is a gift, so live life to the fullest before it is taken away from you leaving you with tons of guilt and regrets!

Ticked Off

Alright! What the heck is the deal with the crap comments on this blog of mine? Do people think because I spent time in the woods that I am homeless and need a little action? For those looking at my blog and wanting to post crap, PLEASE REFRAIN! As for my friends and family reading this blog, I am not homeless nor do I need any action!

Well...

Actually...

I could use a little hiking action!

A year ago today, I was hiking out of the NOC with my father straight uphill! That was the short trip where I tried to kill my father with the incline! It did not work as he is still alive and looking to get married in the next year!

Springer Fever is still strong within me and driving me out of my bed early in the morning to hike, run, walk, or climb stairs. Anything that gets me out seeing the sunrise again! Maybe I should look into seeing the sunset as well. It is a little more difficult seeing the sunset with the Rockies in the way. That is where I will wait until I am on vacation in Michigan to see the sunset over Lake Michigan! What a beautiful way to spend an evening!

My saturday mornings have been filled with hiking in the morning before going to work. It feels good to be moving and I hope to start adding my pack and some weight to my hikes to regain the muscle I had on the trail. Luckily, I have not gained back too much weight, but still missing the body I created on the trail. Gotta get in shape for the big climb up Pikes Peak in August!

Not much else happening at this time. Still hiking and still wishing I was carrying 40 pounds on my back while doing so over a long period of time. Met with trail friends recently and it was good to hang out and rehash the trail. Sent Eagle Eye off for his foot surgery with a few beers in his gut! What a great night last sunday! Looking to do it again upon his return to us!

Life is good and always an adventure! Try to find your own advenure and stay away from porn and realtors! I do not condone either of those posting comments to my blog!

Springer Fever

As Dan "wingfoot" Bruce defines it..."springer Fever" is the almost uncontrollable urge to be back on the trail that hits thru-hikers of past years each spring.

On 27 March 2005, I began my journey along the trail. That day I only hiked 3 miles or so along the trail due to horrible weather and the option of staying in the Lodge one more night. I am no fool and decided to begin dry and happy. It was not the wrong choice by any means. Now, I sit here a year later having shared my experiences with an audience of 40-50 strangers, friends, and loved ones.

This past Monday, I presented my journey through a slideshow presentation at the Lakewood REI store here in Colorado. My power point presentation did not work and I had to wing it. For close to an hour and a half, I told people of my travels north along the appalachian trail. At the end, I got to chat with friends from the trail who live in the area and were able to make it to the presentation. It was nice having those who have the experience there at the talk to give me assurance. Every so often when I thought I was rambling on about nothing, I would look back at "Danger & Gravity" as they shook their heads in colaboration with my comments, thoughts, and feelings. It helped me to feel confident and continue with my presentation.


For the next day, though, I felt like I had not really said much of anything. As I thought of the presentation and all the people, I was unsure whether I actually was able to portray the true nature of the trail. Then, I began realizing it is hard to get a foreign concept across to people who have not ever gone on such an experience or have no desire to walk such a long distance. On my way to work the day after my presentation, "Springer Fever" was hitting me harder than usual. I looked to our grand Rocky Mountains and tried to create a way for me to hike the Colorado Trail and still work fulltime at REI. Knowing that was insanity, I quickly put it to the back of my mind.

Arriving early to work, I checked my email where I had an email from my friend, "Hardcore Hiker" and she was talking of doing the Pacific Crest Trail next year. I am more than ready to jump on another long distance trail and see what I can do. My level has decreased lately, but I am ready to see how much of a superhero I can be again. Part of me misses having people ask me why I am doing such a crazy thing as walking for days on end! Hiking and walking are in my blood now. With Mike, when he gets down or in a funk, he likes to go run. Me, I feel the need to hike somewhere or walk somewhere. Sure, I am training to run Pikes Peak this Eugust, but I figure if nothing more, I can power hike it as fast as some people can run it! Yup! I am a little smug on that one. Maybe that is what keeps me lazy occassionally. We will get on the ball though and start the heavy training. I have gained 10pounds back from the trail and am not happy with that look so I need to get a move on with my sumemr running and fitness activities. Some of my activities are going to include hiking the Colorado Trail in segments even if it kills me! I miss carrying my pack. It was my life and is still all I really need in life. Everything else is just fluff!

Many things are on the platter for the future and I just need to convince my hubby he wants to join me on some of those excursions. Some of them include things that he is interested in...like the running. This summer, I am running Pikes Peak Marathon. Next summer, I am running the Leadville 100 if all works out right! We will see how everything pans out over time . Currently trail friends have plans to return to Damascus trail days the middle to end of May. Due to work, I am unable to go, but will plan on looking into it for the following year as I really miss the people I grew to know and love along the trail. It is a wonderful family of thru-hikers out there. Maybe that is what is calling me back to the trail. Unfortunately none of the same people will be there except a select few! Guess I will have to keep up connections with the friends here in the Denver area and retell stories of the trail with them.

Give me my next physical challenge please!