Pete Vara III

Holcomb Valley 15 mile Trail Race Redux

2008-06-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

This was my first race since Leona Divide about 6 weeks ago. Within those past 6 weeks I have been suffering from a IT Band issues. About 6 days prior to big bear I started to feel better. I had a aggressive treatment program, I guess my body just needed a rest.

Going into this 15mile race, I wanted to see if it was possible to run faster than I did last year. This year I finished at 3:17, last year I finished at 3:01. I must say I never really got into a running fluid while sucking wind. Yes the thin air did get to me this time, I had headaches and my legs felt tired. Once I figured out I would not come close to breaking my time from last year, I began to relax and stayed within the moment and enjoyed the awesome views of the lake and mountains. I will return next year to break the 3hr mark I promise.

Leona Divide Race Recap

2008-04-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Leona Divide 50 mile race report-

Background-
Where is Leona Divide 50miler?
It is located in Lake Hughes, CA. just about 30 or so minutes from Six Flags Magic Mountain.

The Course has about 34 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and about 16mile of fire roads.

Wow! what a long day  The day started or should I say the early hours of the morning started at 2:15am. I live 2 blocks away from a popular Irish Pub called Silky Sullivan’s here in Fountain Valley. I was awaken by rowdy passers, as I starred at my digital alarm clock awaiting to go off, I was staring and counting down the minutes to 2:30am (my expected wake-up time). Having packed 3 days prior including my drop bags  I managed to brew coffee, prep my Miso soup, and some oatmeal. I was out the door by 3:00am, making good time, I had plenty of time to take many restroom breaks. I arrived at the race start by 5:00am 1 full hour prior to race start. I was thrilled to see many familiar faces upon check-in, they include Robert B, Rob S, Dmitri, Jill C, Charlie, and Kirk.

My main objectives for this day included:
1. Finish the race
2. Start out easy
3. Finish Strong
4. Nutrition (I have a bad habit of not eating)
5. Have Fun and meet new people along the way.

The race started promptly at 6:00am, the weather forecast called for a chilly 42-58 degrees, and winds in the 8-15mph. The winds served to be crucial factor in my efforts, before the start I opted to leave my gloves in my trunk (very bad move). As the race started up the first hill, I made a conscious decision to take it easy, my legs felt strong and well rested. I chatted for a while with Jill’s, friend Jennifer, she seemed pretty cool and knew that Jill will be waiting for her at the finish line after the race. About Jill, she is a amazing runner and Ironman athlete. I was privileged enough to meet her last year at my 2nd Ultra at Lake Hodges 50K. We both were part of Team Aquaphor, we exchanged contact info and since remained good e-pals. Jill provided some fantastic tips on eating on a long distance race. Prior to the race on my long training runs, I would always have major dips in energy levels between 18-20miles and 27-30miles. I always knew that it was because I did not eat and preferred liquids. Jill was gracious enough to share some wisdom that proved to be helpful in this long day. After chatting with Jennifer, I noticed that it was freaking cold. My left hand felt like a cold rock, I could NOT make fist, or bend my fingers. Normally I am a huge fan of running in the shade to remain cool and avoid the sun at all costs. But I was searching for patches of Sun just to stay warm. Please bare in mind this was just 8 miles into the race. I was thinking this is NOT good, I could NOT feel my finger tips. I was making a sarcastic remarks to a woman wearing a coat how HOT it was, we both chuckled because we both left our gloves in the car. Then like a Angel from the sky came Shannon Farar-Griefer, Shannon was the first woman that doubled badwater back in 2001, she also happens to be the person that created Moeben Sleeves. Shannon heard my whining and without thinking twice, she took the sleeves off her arms and told me to try her New Prototype Sleeve made from HEMP. I promised her that I would not smoke them . But promised to return them after the race, it was her only prototype. For the record she had several layers of clothing so she was not left cold.

We began a rather lengthy conversation and between Aid Station 2-3 we kept a great pace. Then at Aid Station #3 (Mile 20.3) became my pitfall…Aid Station #3 was the 1st of 3 drop bag locations. I had placed a 1.3liter of Pedialyte bottle in my drop bag, the challenge was to quickly empty the bottle into my hydration bladder. I failed miserably, I was trying to do 3 things at once. All three included drinking 1 bottle of ensure, refilling my 27oz bottle of water with Powder, and refill of my bladder. Shannon the veteran couldn’t wait (rightly so) pressed on, but I did have her on my sights to catch back up to her. But my hydration bladder started to leak, I felt this soggy drip run down my shorts. I knew this was not good. I started to rapidly drink the pedialyte instead of it going down my leg, I had the sensation that I just had a full meal, that was a good thing. I had no energy dips between Aid station #2-4 (Miles 13-24). I was really stoked at this point this meant I my nutrition plan was working (Major breakthrough) and I could feel my fingers.

When I arrived at Aid Station #5 (Mile 28), the fun began. This was the major climb I dreaded in my sleep. I knew it was coming but I just had to muscle thru it, it was brutal. I had to power walk this section, I did NOT have enough power in my legs to even attempt running. I simply strapped on my ipod shuffle and began the hike. I am not a huge music fan, I tend to listen to talk radio. For some reason I find it more stimulating and funny. I loaded my ishuffle with Howard Stern 100 best funny prank calls. OMG this was the some of the funniest stuff, I was in tears laughing the whole way up. I think I was having too much fun. (I will include a small of audio clip in the video below) Time became a major factor in terms of Cut off times. After arriving at Aid Station #7 (Mile 35), the volunteers told me I was flirting with cut-off times. The adrenaline started to kick in and I was determined to finish the 50 mile run. My goal was to bolt down the hill taking many risky moves, and to hit Aid Station #9 Mile 42 before 5pm, I made it by 4:50pm. I gathered myself to climb yet another hill (800 foot climb), this was pure torture at this point. I knew there were some down hill sections coming and I had plenty of time completing 8 miles before the 13hr cut-off. After the last Aid Station #10, the gracious volunteers told me there was only 4 miles left, 1.5 miles uphill climb then a 2.5 mile downhill finish. This last uphill was torture, to the right I could see the main hwy so I knew I was getting closer, once I reached the peak it was all down hill, I had a moment of clarity and coasted down to the finish.

Overall this was a great learning experience of testing what is inside when things are tough and building yourself back-up. I am very pleased to have finished and I would do this course again without a doubt. Also, I am energized to have completed all 5 of my main objectives. Getting to this point would not have been possible without some very important relationships. Having reliable consistent running partners was very crucial to my training program; with this individuals this would have a big flop. These running Angels, include: Lisa K, KK, Lisa N, Sid, Cyrus, Natasha, Julie V., if it was 1 loop or 3 loops of El Moro at 5:01am they all pitched in with pacing support. As I wind down and look forward to returning to the Sport of Triathlon, trail running will remain a constant part of my training. I am looking forward to other running adventures that include local or abroad, and will welcome any of your ideas.

3 Days and Counting...

2008-04-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day back from this awful head cold, last night I was able to sneak out to the track for a modified version workout with the OC track club. I was able to soak in some good race stories from a fellow runner named Robert J. Baird. He had a wealth of information on Leona and other Ultra Races in California. Robert was able to ease alot of nerves concerning this daunting task. I am looking forward running some portion of the race with him on Saturday.

Today I was able to make it to a 6am spin class, my first in months, I was surprised the instructor still noticed me. It was a good class and I was able to maintain my old cadence of 95 :) After spin, I completed a 45min of resistant training...I was pretty much pooped by 8:30am.

Tmr is the real test, I plan on running a very easy 6-7mile trail in El Moro, just to make sure the legs still work.

4 Days and Counting...

2008-04-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

I have been battling a head cold for almost 1 week now, I have been forced to rest a blessing to say the least considering how hot it was this past weekend. With local temperatures going into the low 90's I was on active bed rest :) I am now just dealing with the hangover effects of having several shots NyQuil. I plan to test my legs 1 last time before my first 50mile race (Leona Divide) this weekend.

My training started back in Mid December, and I have been pretty consistent with my weekly miles averaging about 40-60 per week. I have managed to develop some close personal relationships along the way. It is amazing the range of topics that a person can talk about during a 8hr training run... In preparation for this weekend I have already started to fill my 3 drop bags with my goodies. What's in the drop bag? 1 bottle of Ensure,1 packet of GU,Sports Beans,1 liter of grape Pedialyte. Any other suggestions?

New Balance 790 Trail Running Shoe

2008-03-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

New Balance Men 790 Trail Running Shoe
has the men's New Balance 790 Trail Running Shoe for almost half-off the $74.99 retail price at only $39.97. Better yet, take 10% off via code 141705 (exp. 4/30) to drop the price to $35.97. The shoe is available in most sizes and in two different color schemes. If you're spending over $60, use coupon code 140387 to take an additional 15% off. Finish Line shipping is $6.99, plus $1.99 for each additional pair. Taxes vary by location.

Instructions:

1. Go to Finish Line via this New Balance Men 790 Trail Running Shoe

and add the item(s) to your cart.
2. Enter this coupon code during checkout: 141705 (10% off) OR Enter this coupon code during checkout: 140387 (15% off $60)
3. Confirm that the discount has been applied prior to purchase.

My Personal Review. (March 16th)
I purchased this trail runner shoe mainly due to the fact I have been averaging over 200+ miles a month in training. I think I know have a stock pile of used trail shoes!
I tend to primarily run on soft dirt trails and single track and found that this shoes holds up very well. I typically used the Go-Lite for rocky trails, but I found these 790's felt like track shoes!

33 San Mateo Group Run

2008-03-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

This endeavor started towards the end of Dec of last year, after we learned that there would be no local trail races due to the fires. Charlie from the rundown.net organized this underground Group Supported run (unknown 50K) in San Mateo.
The weather was perfect for running and as you can see from the pictures the views were just amazing. The course was mainly single track and very technical, I managed to only lose 1 toe nail this time. There were several creek crossing where our feet got wet, but they managed to dry very fast. Because the was not a "official race" we relied on print out maps, the course was unmarked, so there was alot of second guessing if you were on the right trail. Overall I had a fantastic time, I was able to see a part of the wilderness that alot of people can't see.

Encouragement

2008-02-14T15:08:00.001-08:00

Last weekend 2/10/08 a week after my Surfcity Marathon, I scheduled a 28mile trail training run. The run consisted looping El Moro 3 times. I was really impressed with the turnout of company. We had various level of athletes out for a good run. I was pretty much DONE by Loop 3, it was really hot and felt like it was 90 degrees.

While still in Recovery mode, I still wanted to attend our track workout on Tuesday. Not feeling 100%, I told the coach what I have been doing for the last 2 weeks, and he asked what I have been smoking.... He recommended that I do easy pace 4-1mile repeats. I recruited a fellow runner to run with with me, this runner usually runs with our group but sometimes has a hard time of keeping up. Like many new runners, he usually would start the race too fast and quickly fades at the end. I Encouraged him to run with me at a consistent running pace. I could tell he was pushing it, by his rapid breathing I gave him some tips as we were running talking to him about his running form, moving his arms etc... he found a new love of running. He was able to maintain a good pace for the entire workout without bonking... I believe it was a win/win I was able to recover and he was able to Re-Energize his running confidence. More importantly I felt good all around helping another runner and not focusing on myself.

Surf City Marathon

2008-02-05T13:07:00.001-08:00

Chance of showers in Southern California?
Well I can't complain I normally thrive in raining weather, but when you add 15-20mph winds the fun rapidly goes away.

This was to be my big party weekend, with back-to-back races. A 50K ultra Twin Peaks (Currently Postponed) followed by a Road Marathon the next day. So instead of running 31miles the day prior I opted to run only 12miles out in the Saddleback mountains. I went into this road marathon with alot of hesitation because it was not my main focus. I was privilege enough to have a running partner (pacer) to keep me company for most of the race. I honestly just wanted to finish without getting injured. I am convinced that my body type is just not made for running on the streets. I feel I can handle 13miles or less without any significant damage. But running a fully road marathon? Those days are over unless I am doing a Ironman. My Body does not ache after a long trail run, for that reason I will continue to explore and run long on the trails. Finish time 4:58 :)

Happy New Year

2008-01-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

Things are starting to take shape now in the new year. For the last 3 months I have working with a fellow runner train for a road marathon. I trained with her because I had a marathon myself in Feb. The endless road miles did begin to wear me down. At times I was running trails on Saturday, then running long road runs on Sunday. Now that my friend is off to Arizona for the Rock in Roll marathon this weekend, I can charge ahead, and really focus on whats ahead.

I have a small trail race on Saturday (21K), then on Sunday I managed to have others join me in a early 5am trail run out in El Moro, we will be using our headlamps for about 90min. With this large of a turnout I expect to have a blast.

The Art of Doing Nothing

2007-12-14T10:19:00.001-08:00

Over the past 3 weeks have been well Kinda Mixed. After months of considering doing back-to-back events. I was informed that Twin Peaks would be post-phoned due to the recent fires here in OC. So I have been doing pretty much doing nothing... my main focus for 2008 is still Leona Divide for my first 50miler. I have researched plenty training bibles to help me have a positive experience for my first 50. Official training begins on Monday Dec 17th, I will continue to get in the proper training for the Surfcity Marathon, but will consider that a Low Priority Event. If anyone knows of some cool 50K's that I can use as training run I would like to do one in early March.

Weekend Recap-Part 2

2007-11-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

After my marathon I was trying to figure out how and the heck am I going to get ready for 18miles on Sunday. To be honest the only aches and pains that I was experiencing was very sore shoulders, and a good workout on the lungs. I made a effort to fall asleep by 8:30pm for my early start the next day. I met with Lisa at 5:00am, and started our journey for 18miles. I felt pretty good, the body was not too stiff as I thought it was going to be. We kept the pace fairly consistent in the first half, then we were able to take it up a notch on the way back. I started to feel the body rejecting the fast leg turnover at mile 17. For that last mile I decided to use that as a recovery or cool down mile :)- The rest of my Sunday included alot of NOTHING, I was entertained with watching the Packers, Cowboys, and Colts. However, Monday was the wake up call that I was expecting, I had sore calves and quads. I somehow made it to my local gym and jumped in the pool for kickboard workout. I felt refreshed but still sore- and contemplated if I should sign up for Surfcity. 20min later I registered - my plan is to take it easy this week for recovery and get on my bike again. I really miss the camaraderie with my road buddies, I have a lot of making up to do.

Weekend Recap-Part 1

2007-11-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

Saddleback Marathon
It is the toughest marathon in California.

I am not sure what I was thinking when I decided to undertake a challenging course so early in the season. I somehow convinced myself it would be a good indicator of where my fitness/insanity level.
I have been toying with this idea of doing long distance races back to back since August. So after the race, I was preparing for my long 18mile training run in Huntington Beach. (more on that later)

On Saturday morning I had the chance to carpool with my race buddy Kim. The last time I saw her was at Bulldog in August. I feel very fortunate to have easy going training partners. Kim made the race very entertaining, we even had a chance to sing and dance a along a christmas tree that was decorated along the course.

We the opportunity to start early to help mark the course, I was very please with the early start. It gave us the some time to clear alot of broken tree branches along the course. Kim and I started with 2 other people but we got separated going down hill. We waited for about 15min at the first aid station, and we left a message with the volunteers to tell the others that we waited and decided to keep pushing forward. Going towards the top of Holy Jim we were finally passed by the lead runners :(. Overall it was very well supported by having all the right goodies at each aid station. My finish time was 6:15 and again it was a blast out there. Here goes the a race profile picture of the course.

Sunday Foggy Run

2007-11-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

This past week has been a big challenge getting back into the swing of training. After our local fires I pretty much had no training for the past 7-8 days. Yesterdays trail run was cut short in terms of getting access to El Moro, due to a Red Flag warning the park ranger told us not to run inside the park. Instead we ran along Crystal Cove.
Today with the time change I was able to squeeze in 16 miles. The body felt better and I felt like I was back in rhythm. The fog along the beach kept me cool enough to finish strong.
This week is a big for me, I have a trail marathon on Saturday, then I plan to run 18 miles of the Surfcity Marathon course. So hopefully this will be good indicator to see where I am in terms if I can pull off this back to back 50K Ultra (TwinPeaks), and Surfcity race Superbowl weekend. I plan to be a good boy all week now that Halloween is over, I promise to eat all my fruits and veggies and drink plenty of water. By 10:00am next week I should be pulling out my credit card for my official entry in Surfcity. I will keep my fingers crossed. ;-)

Quick Update

2007-10-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

I am still recovering from the Long Beach Half marathon believe it or not...
After last years horrible experience of trying to beat 4hrs. I swore I would never do this course again. I somehow convinced myself to run the half with a few friends, I finished the race with an very sore ankles, hamstring issues. At one point during the race I opted to run on the beach sand. There is something to be said about concrete, basically I come to accept that concrete and my size 13 feet don't mix well.

Today I am waiting for my 3pm 1hr massage, I can't wait. I hope for a speedy recovery and I am looking forward to a easy 9 mile trail run this Saturday, followed by a 18-20 mile road run in Huntington beach on Sunday. My plan is to train on most of the Surf City Marathon Course.

Weekend Results

2007-10-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

Weekend of fun in the sun. I went into the trail race about 70%, I have been bothered by some IT band issues along my left leg. It started with a short 6 mile tempo run on Thursday. I was on the foam roller for the last 18hrs trying to iron out all the kinks. Going into this weekend was a big test. I wanted to see how my body would recover from back to back runs. Saturday Trail race included a 18K (2:06 finish time)run thru point mugu. I had alot of fun on Saturday, both during the race and after. A group of us from OCTRAILRunners carpooled, and opted for a post race dip into the ocean at Zuma Beach. The water was icy cold, but I think it did wonders for my ankles, and quads.
On Sunday, I went out for a long 17 mile road run in Huntington Beach, I tried doing much as possible of the Surf City Marathon course. I started out super early at 5:30am, I wanted to be done before 9am, I was finished by 8:30am. I kept a pretty easy pace for the first 10miles, and started to push what I had left in the tank for the last 7 miles. After the run, I felt like I just ran 17miles, and I couldn't wait to get home to veg out all day. I made a point of setting my alarm early for Monday for my recovery swim. Trust me it works! If you don't consider yourself a swimmer, just get a kickboard and do about 4-6 laps of kicking, it really helps flush out all of that nasty stuff in the legs. I am looking forward for my early trail run tmr, followed by a track workout tmr night. Next Sunday is the Long Beach City Half Marathon, I am debating on what to do on Saturdy, go for a 14mile trail run with the group or go for a 60+ mile bike ride?

Thursday Update

2007-09-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

I am using the next few days to rest up for a long month of racing.
Oct 6th Xterra Trail Race
Oct 14th Long Beach Half
Oct 27th Xterra Trail Race
Nov 10th Saddleback Marathon

These races should get me fully prepared for the Back-to-Back races in Feb, Twin Peaks 50K and Pacific Shoreline Marathon.

OK I jumped on the YouTube Band Wagon which clip do you like?

2007-09-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

Our Education System at its finest...

2007-09-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

25K Bulldog Trail Race Report

2007-08-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

This local trail race was really easy to get to, it turned out to be about 1hr15min drive from my house. The race started in Malibu Creek State Park, the course offered great views of the ocean, and some interesting rock formation. I was also told parts of the TV Series M*A*S*H where filmed here... Although that Hit TV show series was before my time, I took their word for it.
I had a fantastic time with my race running partner Kim French. We have not ran together since Lake Hodges. She has been plagued with some foot problems and took several months off. But we pretty much picked up where we left off... I feel real fortunate to have running partner like Kim, I think we are a great team, it really felt like we were in synch... our breathing patterns were the same, and other aches and pains. I officially signed up for the 25K, and Kim registered for the 50K, which is a second loop of the first loop. Months ago when I signed up I knew Aug was typically a very Hot month, so I wimped out and just delt with the first loop. My Finish time was 3hr 8min.
Both Kim and I agreed to sign up for Leona Divide 50Miler in April of next year :)

Picture of the day

2007-08-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

by ansel adams

Wild West Part II

2007-08-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

More about the race, I personally had great time. I was fortunate enough to have a pit support crew of Jennifer and Alexa. Both are great people and were gracious enough to make a running vacation out of the trip. As of 5 weeks prior to the race we were a strong team of 6 runners. And after 2 people dropped our team quickly dwindled to 3-4 runners. We collectively decided to drop out of the race as a team. But Jennifer, Alexa, and I had non-refundable airline tickets so we were going regardless. I found a 12 person team that was looking for 1 runner. I joined the team, and added that 2 fantastic runners from OC wanted to get in some extra miles and would pace the others at night. The night prior to the race, I was informed that I would be needed in Van #1, because they needed a runner to run a 10mile leg, and also the runner that I switched with was about 2 weeks pregnant. I was a little bummed at first, because I had wanted to get to Anca a little bit more in her van #2. But it turned out things went very smooth in Van #1. The crew treatment in Van#1 was first class. I found out that one of the runners Monique, was a doctor. I have never witness such a classy group of individuals. The way we organized transportation was a little spread out. Since we had Jennifer, Alexa following in another minivan, I was trying to keep both groups entertained. But I think in the End, I had a bit more leg room to stretch out, and Van #1 had minus 1 runner, and had a little extra leg room.

Jennifer and Alexa were able to really bond with the runners from Van#1 and they got the feeling towards the end that they really enjoyed the extra company while running together.
Jennifer, Alexa and I did not get much rest- while Van#1 was resting for 5hrs we continued to run run and run. We kinda got little hints that Van#2 did not want much pacer support, but we went ahead and ran anyway especially at night. Night running was the BEST. I have never seen so many stars, and shooting stars. However, as day came around. Van#1 was well rested and it was time to set it up notch to complete the relay under 34hours. After our 6 legs, we were all pretty much toasted and smelly. We had a window of 5hrs before Van #2 would finish. We quickly drove into Steamboat, checked into the hotel, showered and ate food. I kinda dosed off, and soon realized that our team finished. I felt kinda bad that I was not there to close out the race. I was not sure what the group plan was to celebrate and with limited cell phone coverage in steamboat, Jennifer + her daughter and I went to a Hot Springs located in the mtns. That was icing on the cake, I did not realize how sore I was while soaking in the hot water. 2hrs later I was fast asleep. :)

Wild West Relay Recap

2007-08-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Fort Collins. on Thursday. I met Stephanie from the group who is currently on summer break from school. Her and I agreed to met up for easy 5mile run, also to run many errands. The picture above is a photo of directions to the Car Rental place as well as the directions to Anca (team captain) office. I never seen directions posted on a paper towel before...
The day past very fast, after dropped off the Vans, and went shopping for food and other last minute supplies.

Race Morning consisted of alot of moaning and groaning due to the early wake-up call at 5:15am.

Before the start of the race, our first runner of leg #1, was nervous that she would get lost, so she decided to write directions on her hands.

The banana guy custom was short lived, about 3miles into the run, half of his suite was peeling off....

My Trip to Denver

2007-08-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Denver on Aug 1st, and my good friend and old college roommate Mike, picked me up at that airport. Mike had just moved from the bay area to live with his brother in Denver. Mike and I stayed at nearby Marriott Courtyard in the city center.
We walked around strip mall to find somewhere to eat. I noticed the Coytote Ugly bar, I had only watched portions of the movie but was interested in checking it out after dinner. We went to a local Italian restaurant and had a few cocktails, after dinner we headed to Saloon and noticed that the bartenders putting on a show. It was still early in the night, I would assume the place gets really busy during the weekend. I wanted to head back to the room, because I knew I had a full day of activities lined up. More on that later...

Wild West Pre-Recap Post

2007-08-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ok I am lagging in my updating my blog, but here is a quick teaser that I put together for the team in Colorado. Enjoy!

The Hottest Ass on the pass

Quick Update

2007-07-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

After my race in Big Bear, I was feeling fairly confident on my race pace strategy. However, I still felt a nagging knee pain especially going down hill. I sent in my registration for the Camp Pendleton Tri, and started to train on my bike again. Then on June 20^th I received my check back from the race organizer stating that the race has been closed. That really put me through a tail spin, because my strategy was to run a super fast 10K, recover then race the camp Pendleton and beat my time from last year. End result I canceled both races and decided to rest the knee and take a mini vacation in Las Vegas. I don’t remember the last time I took off 10 days without any activity.

After Vegas my focus was on ramping up a two workshop for work, and getting ready for the Wild West relay in Colorado.

We had a team of 6 runners from the club, 2 dropped out, and our team captain couldn’t join because of work obligations. Which left us with kinda unorganized, to make a long story short collectively we decided not to run the race as a team. I joined a 12 person team called Hot Asses on the Pass. Jennifer and Alexa have non-refundable airline tickets and will shadow our team and treat this as a running vacation. We hope to get in some additional trail training while in Steamboat,CO, we all hear it is a fantastic area to hangout in. I am looking forward to meeting this new group they seem to have a good spirit about them.