Wildwood 10K, Wasatch 100, Bear 100

Wildwood 10k

Benjamin had ultimate success! He ran his first 10K 1:10 (11:09pace)

He was such a joy to watch him run the course. He continually ran with his arms out like an airplane. We talked about how it's all about having fun but at the same time he wasn't too keen about people passing him. We had a younger girl (20ish), try to pass...he held her off for 1/4 mile before easing up a bit. He made me work on the downhill ~ I was very impressed. I'm trying to keep it fun and let Ben tell me when he wants to run. It's been a blast to hang out and see the excitement of running on the trail from a child's eye. When I run I run from a child's mind on what I can remember!

1:10 (11:09 pace)

The whole gang to celebrate Ben's Victory.

WASATCH 100

Oregon Crew ~ Anna, Dennis, Sander, Chip, Ward & Gary

Gary had an incredible race!

He had a goal of 28 hours and I know some people thought that was too big of goal for such an inexperienced ultrarunner. Gary is underestimated!! He has grit and determination like no other. He started w/ a 29 hour pace chart but continued to come in ahead of schedule at each aidstation. I was so excited to see him. We'd see each other and get teary eyed ~ to share in each others triumphs and the joy of loving to run in the woods has been such an amazing experience! It touches both of us!

Pep talk time (although, he didn't need it)

I started to pace Gary @ Brighton ~ It is always so exciting to jump in and run the last part of the race together. Gary ran strong and made me work to keep up!! The last 25 miles where so hard. The "plunge" and "dive" were quite physically challenging ~ Gary had a few spills in those sections. Running Wasatch 100 w/ Gary made all other trails look easier!

28:27 ~ AMAZING and STRONG Finish!!

BEAR 100

I didn't have the same success that Gary did but I learned a lot about myself that day.

Drake, Joe and Me at the start

The Bear was a very different race. Very laid back to say the least. I was mostly conserned about the marking of the course but it never crossed my mind that running out of water at aidstations would be a problem! Luckily Gary carried several gallons of water and he was able to save the day for many other runners.

The course was marked well and it was beautiful. The first climb of the day was the hardest for me. The day continued to warm up and so was I. Saw Gary at Leathem (20m) ~ was just what I needed. Leaving the aidstation I walked w/ Jamshid. A huge herd of cows took over the road. I tucked in behind Jamshid and a few other runners and the cows parted like crazy. I had no idea that cows are terrified of you. They will try to climb straight up a mountain to get away from you. Also, another extra that no one mentions...most of the run all you smell is "Cow Poop"! Plenty of landmines too.

I was warming up on the climb out of Richard's Hollow, it was very warm on that climb. Coming into Cowley Canyon was a nice descent. I headed out of Cowley on another gravel road. This is where I found my race. I gained an incredible powerhike!!, at least for me. I am usually passed on the uphill but this time I was walking right past people. I continued w/ a steady downhill but not fast. Getting into Righthand Fork ~ it was good to see Gary and have him walk me out of the aidstation and feed off his energy.

From Righthand Fork to Temple Fork was so beautiful. There was a section of canyon (little) after descending off another road. The canyon was green & a gradual rolling ~ I loved it w/ a small river beside the trail. Getting into Temple Fork I surprised Gary, because my pace was picking up and I was feeling strong & positive!

Leaving Temple Fork I started the climb. I passed quite a few people and was feeling good......out of nowhere I felt my left soleus/calf begin to tighten and within a few min. I was stopped dead in my tracks. I was only able to walk on my tip toe w/ my left foot, even then it was quite painful. As I walked the next 1.5 hours to get into Tony Grove, it gave me plenty of time to come to terms w/ having to quit. I couldn't do this another 50 miles and I didn't want to need surgery afterwards either. So I called it a day at Tony Grove.

The hardest part about quiting is that I felt good. I was happy and my body was not tired! My leg however didn't. This is an injury I had back in July and didn't take it serious enough ~ I had actually forgotten about it.

The agony of defeat ( Tony Grove aidstation)

I will be back next year...at least that is my plan.

This years running season has been a great year!! We have had so many adventures and travels! My truck offically knows how to get to Idaho, Utah and Wyoming! Gary and I already are talking about next years races and what we want to do and what we hope to do! Hardrock is on our wish list, just like so many others. We have met new friends and it has been incredible!!

Let's see what kind of Winter adventures we can find......