HURT 2020 and my blog resurfaced!

YIKES!!! 17 Ultras since my last blog post...and I have to admit, it is hard to start back up.  I  mean really where do you start?? Added to the fact that writing does not come natural to me.  I way overthink it.  I write, I edit, I rewrite.  I think you get the picture.
So why do I do it?  Simple, I love sharing my running experiences with others as well as all the learnings that come along the way.
So here goes, time to kick it back off.  I'm going to start with my most recent frolic in the tropics along with some of the highlights since my last post!

My forever kid
p/c James Kao

September 2018 Mark Twain 50 F1-- won a coupon for Spring Energy (more on this later!)

October 2018-- Lost my very best friend in the world.  The Baz.

Jan 2019-- HURT 100 F5

Jan--Joined Team Injinji Toe Socks the humidity of St Louis was trashing my feet... Not anymore!

Feb-- Black Canyon 100k James "Frenchy" proposed to me after the race!!

YES! P/C Chrissy Marie

March-- Land Between Lakes 60k F1

May-- Lakewood Colorado...my new home!

June-- Lavaredo Ultra Trail 120k F16--Highly recommend this race, absolutely beautiful!

Sept-- The Bear Chase 50 mi F1 on my 50th birthday

Sept— Joined the Spring Tribe!

Oct-- Married my best friend

Dec 7th-- Brazos Bend 100 & USATF National Trail Championship race F2

I DO! P/C Rosie Burke

Jan 18th 2020--HURT 100 20th Anniversary Race And my Race Blog :)

Nerves were running high for me going into this years HURT.  Mainly because I chose to race a 100 miler 6 weeks prior to the HURT.
And while it was my fastest 100 miler by over 2hrs in 17:01 it was flat  (900ft vert) and absolutely wrecked my quads for a solid 2 weeks following the race!!  In actuality my quads were feeling it after 25 miles (only 75 to go right...).  And I was not sure why?  I had been training for the flats and yet...

Fast forward to my training leading to the HURT.  My endurance was there post Brazos, all I needed to focus on was my leg strength for the climbing.  The HURT 100 has 25,000 ft vert!!  Not something you can go into running only flats.
My 6 weeks leading into the HURT looked like this--
1st & 2nd weeks mostly recovery-- 30 miles, 4200ft vert
3rd-45 miles 11600 ft vt + weighted vest hiking
4th-57 miles 8900 ft vt + weighted vest hiking on the stair climber
5th-55 miles 9000ft vt + weighted vest hiking for some of the vert as well as on a stair climber
6th-Race week

So there you have it, not a lot of miles and while I was ok with this, I had really hoped to get in more vert.  Hence my angst.  Would my mileage and my vert parlay into the endurance and strength needed not just to finish the HURT but to race it at the level I pressure myself to?? Time would tell.

The 2 weeks leading up to the HURT the posts started pouring in, just like the rain falling on Oahu.  Give or take they were having about a month straight of nothing but rain.  It was absolutely going to be a muddy, wet mess of a race.  The RD was sending out emails to this effect and they were doing all they could to clear the course of debris from the high winds.  With this information I decided to tweak my race gear...and went shopping for my first ever pair of gators.  (Last year at the HURT it was muddy and rainy and I ended up stopping to change socks twice) I of course also came home with a new pair of shoes having fallen in love with the aggressive tread on the -- Hoka Mafate 2.  And after a couple of runs they were added to my race gear.  I would also be racing with Injinji compression toe socks a first for me.  I have been running/ racing in Injinji for about a year and they have worked wonders on my feet.  But this would be my first 100 miler with Injinji Compression.  I had done some training with them and decided my 50 year old legs could use the extra support.
Joining for the HURT would be my husband :) aka Frenchy.  He would be pacing the last 40 miles as well as crewing with my tiny islander, Becca, but only after the 1st 20 miles (no crew access prior).  My race strategy was going to optimize having crew.  No dilly dallying like years past.  I know without a doubt if I had crew at Brazos I would have gotten under 17 hours easily.  In looking for quick aid station transitions my plan was for 2 hydration vests and 2 soft flasks, both Ultraspire. My crew had a list of what to place in my vest and as I came into aid stations we would swap the old one for a new one packed full of my supplies and outside of snacking at the aid station I would be off, less than 5 minutes.  Spring Energy  was my fuel of choice.  I used this during my 17 hours at Brazos and it worked the entire time.  And while my crew would have extra socks, clothing, I had no real plan to use it unless it became necessary.  For some reason I had images of me doing a superman style fall at some point in the mud.
I come back to this race year after year not because it is easy :) we all know it's not that! But because this race has taken hold of a part of my heart.  The Ohana of the HURT, my family.  IF you have run this race and finished it or not, you know what I am talking about.  The people, the organizers, the volunteers become a part of you just like the roots of the forest.  Yes this is a brutally beautiful course and yet when you leave it, it will have you wanting to come back for more.

Pack off ready for the exchange!

As with most races, I had a time goal for this race (which may have added to my pre race angst) sub 30.  I said had because with the mud I knew this was not likely to be a sub 30 kinda race.  And so when asked what my goal was, my response became, a race I would feel proud of knowing I gave it my all.

Yes much of this race was spent with my hands on my quads, pushing upward, into the night.

Race weekend was calling for no rain.  No it would not dry the course but, we would not get rained on :)  Frenchy brought me to the start and saw me off, 6am.  I would see him next after the first loop.  The HURT is a series of 5 loops.
1st loop complete and 20 miles in. 
My legs felt great.  And yes, as advertised areas of serious MUD holes.   But no issues with shoes or socks or gators.    They were all doing their job.  Only concern was sinking my heels in the mud and pulling up, almost lost a shoe.  Downside of newer shoes is having them a bit loose to prevent hot spots.  Something to just be aware of.  My crew gave me a new hydration vest,  and a soft flask of coconut water to go and I was off.  I would see them next in 7ish miles and the plan was the same.  In and out just like clock work.  Minus a few diva moments if something was not JUST right.  With this type of looped course involving out and backs you always have an idea on your placement.  At this point I knew my placement, after 27 ish miles I was sitting 3rd.  But waaaay to early to be concerned. 

End of loop 2 and looking slightly crazy!
P/C my Frenchy

Next AS Nu'uanu, no crew allowed and I am told as I am leaving that I am now sitting in 2nd.  The lead female has having stomach issues and was still there.

Again, too early to think about place, with A LOT of the race left to be ran.  And so while not fast, the miles ticked by, I loved seeing all the familiar faces of both runners as well as volunteers and so far this body of mine was holding up to all the mud, roots, slick rocks/boulders....

Cruising through the roots and bamboo...NOT!!!
P/C Paul Smith

Ya I gave up rock hoping after the 2nd loop!
P/C Paul Smith

Heading into the 3rd loop I started to have some low points with my stomach.  I was staying up in my hydration, peeing frequently :) using Spring Energy electrolyte apple ginger in my water and consuming coconut water in my togo bottle leaving AS's.  I think the heat just got to me. 
So I backed off on my Spring Gel as my stomach wasn't tolerating it.  A first for me.  One of the great benefits of Spring Energy is that it is real food and does not have the sweet paste like consistency of other gels.  With rice as an ingredient it mellows the gel and allows it to be tolerated late in a race.  But maybe not 100% of the time :) and so I snacked on bland rice balls (lightly salted and actually kind of good).
Happy to pick up my Frenchy at mile 60!  Yay me!!  I was still sitting in 2nd and working out the kinks in my stomach but, everything else was a go.
Going into the race I was a bit concerned on how it would all go down with Frenchy as my pacer. It is not the easiest to have your spouse as your pacer.  Just ask anyone who has done it if you don't have personal experience.   It can just get too real.
So we chatted about my concerns prior to the race and I was feeling good about our plan.  We decided he would lead on the hills and I would lead when it was flat or downhill.  This gave me a better view of the ground as well as it let me set the pace for our running.  While James was concerned that I might drop him,  he did not have to worry about that :)  And I promised him I would not complain and that I would be ready to push with what I had left when he joined me.  And I did.  The last loop of the race I pushed, I had held 2nd place for most of the race and aside from an injury, that is where I wanted to finish.  Frenchy kept me up to date on what was happening with 3rd place.  She (Suzanna Bon) was 45 minutes behind me leaving mi 80, at mi 87 she was 35 min behind.  I would see her on the out and back and she was moving well...and so I kept pushing.  At mi 94 she was 24 minutes back.  James pushed the food (yeah stomach was better and so was my Spring Energy, Oatmeal Wolf pack with 300 calories!! Love it!!), the fluid, and with words and love.  He would say, Suzanna would run this...and so I would run.
The finish, ring the bell, kiss the sign,  F2.  (Suzanna 13 minutes back, shout out to this lady for her amazing race)!

This felt good!

How I love this race and all involved!!

Side note-- Frenchy had put in for lottery and did not get into this race.  His words after not even one loop...No thanks :)

Go ahead and ask him his thoughts on the race now....

My crew/pacer!  I could not have done it with out you two, thank you!!

Whew! Not so painful, hope you enjoyed the read!

What went well--
Shout out to my sponsors you are all on my team for a reason!!

Training Plan-- As it turns out, trashed quads from a flat race make for strong quads once recovered, legs felt strong the entire race!!

Frenchy-- If you're looking for a pacer...you can't have him :) truly could not have asked for a better partner out on the trails, pushing me to find the little bit of extra something to give to my race!  Thank you bebe

Spring Energy- I made a few meals out of this.  Oatmeal Wolf pack 300 calories, real food with fruit.  If you have not checked this stuff out hit me up for any questions or a discount code!! It is truly a game changer.

Injinji Compression- feet were sore after 32 hours but whose wouldn't be :) NO sock change!! NO blisters, NO black nails.

Ultimate Direction Gators- Did not have to take my shoes off even once, kept everything out!

Squirrels Nut Butter-- Small amount of chaffing on my back...only because I did not start with it!! Side note you can gel your hair with it prior to braiding if you forget your hair paste ;)

Patagonia trail running gear-- Perfect ultra gear!  Even for a race with minimal gear!

Ultraspire- Waist lamp/ Soft flask/ Hydration vest- Nailed it, no issues

Julbo-- Sunglasses not needed for this race (mostly dense forest) but they certainly were needed for our beach recovery!!

Picky Bars-- A great pre/post anything snack!  Not to forget their oatmeal and granola :)

Hoka One One--  While I am still waiting for Hoka to pick me up as an athlete :)  These shoes just do it for me.  I typically race in the Speedgoat but for this race traded it in for the Mafate Speed 2 and just wow.  Almost out of the box perfect for this race!

What could have gone better--

No mud :)

We are in Hawaii after all!  Post race beach time.

This race went as well as I could have hoped for.  At the end of my 32 hours, yes I was proud of my effort knowing that I gave it all I had.  Maybe sub 30 is not in the cards for me.... ;)

NEXT UP--
Frenchy and I return to Croatia in April!!  Let the training begin!

Pulling an all nighter with Frenchy!

It was the day before my 50 mile race in Costa Rica and I see a posting from my bebe, James Lambert aka Frenchy.  He has just registered for RUTS a 10 Hour Endurance race...on a 1/2 mile Horse Track...in Kentucky.  In 2 weeks.  And just like that and within a matter of moments I too was registered for this race.  I mean who does that?? Register for a 10 hour race the day before a rather important 50 miler.  Not to mention a 10 hour race that loops around a 1/2 mi track!!  This would be a first for me.

Pre nap Fresh Squeeze IPA a few hours before the race!

So you know how Costa Rica ended.  And I came away intact and in recovery mode.  With the 10 hour race two weeks away and Vermont 100, 7 weeks away.  My goal was to recover some but essentially train up to RUTS (not a goal race) and see how I felt for the race.  And all the while building strength for Vermont.  This came out to a 49 mile week after Costa Rica and a 23 mi week the week of RUTS.

Ruby and the Baz! And yes, this meant we had a
bed taunting us all night long and just steps away!

Being who I am, I did take a look at the results for RUTS to include the CR of 63 miles (course record) and even though I've not ran a race like this before I felt that if I my body was ready post Costa Rica, I had a shot at the CR.
I was excited to run this race and even had to laugh at myself when I thought about what I was about to do.  Frenchy was more familiar with this type of endurance race and he was getting a kick out of my competitive nature that had me looking up times.  Especially as I had just raced and had no experience with this type of race.  Needless to say we were both looking forward to running it.  We would see each other the entire race and with it starting at 8pm and ending at 6am we considered it an all nighter, date night!

Wheels on the bus go round and round...

This was our first road trip in Ruby and with the Baz!  After a short 3 hour drive, we parked Ruby under the shade of some trees in the center of the horse track!  How cool is that, we would be setting up our own aid station on the side of the track.  A brief nap and then go time.
My strategy would be to run around a 830-9 min pace...until I slowed down.  James was going to do his thing around a 10-11 min pace.  I would see him when I lapped him ;) as well as at the turnaround every 2 hours.  Here the RD  reversed the direction we were running on the track.
And so into the night we ran, around and around.

That's right, no gear!

What a completely different kind of endurance race.!! No hills or mountains, no challenging terrain, no course markings and yet no concern of going off course.  No solo running, no need to carry any gear and no potty breaks without an actual potty...but PLENTY of mental and physical challenges.
Mentally the concept of running in circles, rather short circles might I add was super challenging.  Nothing to break it up, although with the company of ALL the other runners the entire time...kinda cool. Most of the running was just me and my mind, and body.  I of course choose this race to not bring the option of music... Opps, I think I could have used that as a distraction at some point during the 10 hours.
Physical...I felt fine for the most part, but maybe a bit of leg/ hip discomfort from the same motion.  No hiking, just running.  Why, because this is what the race called for.
132 times around the track and 66 miles later and I am fortunate to come away with an F1 and a CR.
Pluses for a race like this...many.  Constant camaraderie with old friends as well as new friends, aid at your fingertips, restrooms the same, support any time you need it, easy to follow course ;), NO DNF's once you start, you are a finisher!  I loved seeing a number of parents out there with their kids.  The kids would run and then take a break and later come out and run some more..all night long. Beautiful!
Minuses...well you need mental toughness to run in circles for 10 hours as well as a bit of crazy :) No actual
The very best part....finishing the last couple of miles with Frenchy and the Baz!

Best night ever!

If you are thinking this might be your kind of race well then, head yourself to Kentucky next year.  The RD Steve Durbin and his crew put on an excellent event.  The 1 and only aid station outside of what you might provide yourself is well stocked and has the best "little" helpers making pancakes and bacon.  These kids stayed up all night cheering and feeding us as we ran around in circles!

If you want to hear a bit more about this race as well as my race in Costa Rica, check out Heartland Running Podcast
https://www.buzzsprout.com/64830/531888-denise-bourassa-making-the-boys-cry-ep31

Will I run this type of race again....never say never :)

As always, if you are looking for just the right gear for your next race, hit me up with your questions!  The sponsors who support my racing are my sponsors for a reason!!

Patagonia
UltrAspire
Julbo USA
Picky Bars
Squirrels Nut Butter

The North Face Endurance Challenge Costa RIcs...Take II

TNF 80k Endurance Challenge Costa Rica…Take two.

Pura Vida!

Sometimes you have to go back to a place you have been, to see how far you have come.  This was my FB/ Instagram post after the race and it is so very true.

My first visit to CR was by invite, a first for me.  I was super excited to visit this country and to run this race.  Sadly, I went out too fast not adjusting for the heat and humidity and ultimately did not take care of the engine that was supposed to get me to the finish line.  I overheated and pulled from the race at 35k.  Just making it to the other side of the hottest part of the course, the canyons.  Lessons were learned that day.

Take II-- Two years later.

Another invite and an opportunity.  Here was my opportunity to take my learning's from my first attempt in Costa Rica and to apply them.  No not to just any hot and humid race but to the same one.   Lucky me :) 

I broke two years ago because I failed to take care of my body under the conditions it was racing.  To the best of my ability I would not be repeating this mistake.

Feeling focused :) P/C Sproston

The weather for Costa Rica, Rincon National Park for race day was calling for overcast skies, thunderclouds, intermittent rain and record high humidity (two years ago it was record high temps).  With all this, I felt ready.  Amy Sproston joined on this trip.  She would be racing the 50k event.  She and I went on a couple shake out runs prior to race day and got a quick introduction on what the humidity would feel like....minus our waterfall dips!

The night before the race, Nick the director of The North Face Endurance Challenges asked me what my goal for the race was.  My response was to have a good race, take care of myself…and make it to the finish line.  He was there two years ago and was excited to see me return.  

Race morning and I am rested, relaxed and feeling ready.  Maybe even getting used to the critters in the jungle.  A flying coach roach landed on my should at breakfast and I calmly flicked it off, a few moments later one dropped down my bra and I did the same...Imagine that!! 

p/c Costa Rica Ecogreen

With a 0530 start I was happy to see the overcast skies and, well, the humidity, it was expected.  The first 4.5k was uphill and I was pleased that I was not completely soaked with sweat by that first aid station as was my previous experience.  And unlike previous in which I flew past the aid, I stopped and drank two cups of Gatorade before taking back off.  At this point I was around top 5 female but was truly unconcerned.  

The course would offer 13 aid stations with the largest gap of 8.5k.  The terrain was a mix of jeep roads, jungle/forest single track and pavement with a total of about 6k of vert.  Per the RD it had been raining in that area for a month and we would see a lot more mud, and water crossings.  My area for concern was the Canyons which would start at 34k and last only 7k.  While not terribly long my previous experience made the 7k feel like a marathon in distance.

Not long after the first aid station was I saturated with sweat and I stayed on my plan.  I was drinking 2-3 cups of fluid at the AS's, refilling my 1liter hydration bag as well as my handheld.  Adding ice down the bra for good measure.  I started with Tailwind in my hydration and was using GU and banana wedges and chips for additional calories.

Little warm in the canyons but not like 2 years ago!
p/c Josue Fernandez

Enjoying the challenge! p/c Costa Rica Ecogreen

Feeling in control and knowing that there was a lot of race still to run I came into AS 3, 19.5k and was told I was the second F and F1 was 5 minutes up on me.  No worries, my body and mind were in sync and I wanted to keep it that way.  My confidence increased a bit when I saw Kaitlyn after only 4k.  My pace was steady and I was feeling good.  Kaitlyn and I chatted prior to the race, both recalling my last attempt and her passing my overheating body in the canyons.  This was not going to happen today.  In and out of AS 4 to AS 5 and into the canyons…same canyon as before 100% different experience.  I came out on the other end of the canyon beaming.  I made it.  May sound silly but I was almost giddy.  I was also a bit hot, but  I was managing it.  More ice, fluid, and calories and away I went.  AS 8, 50k mark I was told I had 10 minutes on Kaitlyn coming out of the canyon. 

Lush green and lots of water.
p/c Josue Fernandez

I was still feeling relatively good…only concern was some calf cramping.  While my legs were feeling strong on the climbs, if I tried to do my signature trot on the hills (using mostly calves) my calves would give me little bee sting like warnings.  And so I changed to hiking the ups, and eating salt, bananas and gatorade…taking more fluid and ice with each AS.  And I was still completely soaked, telling me that I was providing enough fluid for my body to regulate its temperature effectively. YAY!!

AS 13, 4k to the finish, and a spot where Amy and I took a dip in the waterfall the day previous.  So close, perhaps a moment of distraction and that is all it took for my first annnnnd only fall.  While soft enough it didn’t stop both of my calves from seizing up and have me yelling like a wild Howler Monkey.  With the assistance of a couple 50k runners they stretched out my calves and I was on my way to the finish line!
And it was a good day....
Thank you to Federico and Ligia for bringing me back to experience your race as it was meant to be experienced!  
For those of you out there looking for a beautiful challenge and something the entire family can enjoy, this race is for you.  Plus there are multiple races aside from the 80k.   If you decide to throw this vacation/race on your calendar you will find a well organized and supported race and you get to practice your Spanish :) The event is held in at  Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin and has something for every member of the family!  I highly recommend this as a race as well as a vacation destination!
Pura vida!!

Take aways..
While my weekly miles weren't high, they were consistent and supported my overall fitness for the race.

+++ My sponsors have the gear I use dialed!! What I use, I use because it supports the female athlete/ competitor that I am!!

F1 finish and no I did not run a 50 miler in 2 hours :) p/c Costa Rica Ecogreen

Julbo Sunglasses
>>Access
UltrAspire
>>Spry 1 Liter hydration vest
>>Lo waist belt
>>Ultraflask
Patagonia
>>Strider Skirt
>>Trucker Hat
>>Capilene lightweight tank/ Centered bra
Nike Wildhorse
Stance socks
Nutrition
>>Tailwind Nutrition
>>GU...any flavor I had left over from Croatia :)
>>Bananas and chips on the course
Squirrel's Nut Butter
Mental state
>>Focused
>>Intentional
>>Determined
>>Patient

100 Miles of Istria, no surprise, did not disappoint.  As last year the race committee orchestrated a 170k race that was incredibly well organized, supported and energized by everyone involved with it.  Add to this the beautiful countryside, the sunny skies, the Adriatic Sea, and you have yourself one hell of a race!

As I am knocking on the door of becoming a seasoned mountain 100 runner I feel confident that I know what a great events consists of.  But, if you want to hear it from a newbie just ask James aka “Frenchy” Lambert!

I was happy to be given another opportunity through the Ultra Trail World Tour to return to Croatia for this race.  A podium finish last year earned me with invite this year, thank you UTWT.  I fell in love with the race last year and had no doubt I would become just a bit more smitten.  Plus, this year I would not be solo, I would be sharing this experience with my partner, Frenchy.  And so here we were two runners, with different levels of racing, different experiences to draw upon, and different race goals but the same love and passion for the journey we were embarking upon.

Runners love story!

This year the race was added to the UTWT series and I was excited to race it as such.  Frenchy was looking to finish the race to gain points needed for the lottery for Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc 2018.  

Two kids horsing around ;

I tend to tell more of a story in my blog than just the nitty gritty of the race.  Feel free to scroll to the bottom for the nitty gritty!

With 100 Miles of Istria added to my calendar so began my prep for the race.  Having raced it successfully last year, I felt confident with mimicking the same training plan.  And so I put together a plan with similar weekly mileage, vertical climbing, and strength training.  All necessary elements in preparing for Istria.  Frenchy would have the same training plan.

My gear would be the same, it all worked incredibly well only need was to set Frenchy up with the same. I would be using the Ultraspire Zygos pack with the front water bottles and the Lo waist belt for pinning my bib as well as easy access calories.  The pack would carry the rest of the needed supplies (details to follow). While I would not be using poles, I hooked Frenchy up with some sweet Black Diamond collapsible Carbon Z trekking poles (soon to be his new best friend), 

Does Frenchy looked a bit wide
eyed here?

What a great group!

Training complete, gear assembled and we were off.  We arrived late Wednesday for a 4pm Friday race start.  The day and a half before the race was spent just being lovers walking around the quaint city of Umag  with a little race prep thrown in and the occasional pulling of Frenchy off the ceiling.  This was his first mountain 100 and yes, he was as terrified as he as excited by what he was about to undertake.  But the coast line, the food, the energy of Croatia and maybe a bit of me kept him balanced and excited.

4pm Friday post 100 mile bus ride to the small town of Labin and the race start.  We arrive an hour early and so we hit a restaurant for some pasta and a soda.  Not a bad idea, I eat enough and I’m happy that Frenchy is eating well.  A full belly for a long adventure race was not a bad idea for my Frenchy.   My goals were based off last years 25 hour race.  I was looking for the same, faster or perhaps a  finish.  Frenchy was looking for that finish and an adventure.

Busing it to the start!

Pic of a pic 

A kiss and a hug were exchanged knowing the next time we would see each other would be at the finish line in Umag.  We would both be spending the next unknown number of hours experiencing the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  Our feet would be taking different steps but on the same trails and cobble stone roads, our eyes would be seeing different views on the same horizon.  We would meet knew friends and we would learn more about the deep inner recesses of what makes up our mind, body and spirit.  We would be running 100+ Miles of Istria

Amazing country side.

First AS Plomin, 17k into the race and all was well.  I was running comfortably, consuming calories regularly and while a little warm I knew the sun and the temps would be dropping while I was climbing.  My head lamp came out at the 32k 2nd AS and I recalled to last year that I was a bit further before needing the headlamp…I wandered how Frenchy was and what his sunset view looked like.  By the 3rd AS 43K I pulled on my arm sleeves and my gloves not quite needing my windbreaker.  While all systems remained intact, my feet were beginning to feel the technical rocky terrain in a way that I did not expect.  AS 5, 74K I knew I would not be chasing a PR.  While my legs were feeling strength on the uphills, my quads were feeling to much of the downhills and my feet were definitely complaining to me.  This would make the nighttime section just a bit more tough…and then along came Sam.  There were 8 Americans racing and lucky me, he was one of them.  He was from Alaska and this was his first 100 mile race.  Fact... misery loves company.  With company you can “suffer better”.  Chit chat takes your mind off of you, along with giving support to another runner in turn provides you with strength.  Sam and I raced into the night, and into Buzet.  The one AS with our drop bag.  A place to change your shirt, repack your calories and yes change your headlamp batteries.  As well as tend to any ailments IE draining and bandaging blisters.  We had to laugh when as we left Buzet not only was the sun up but we went the wrong way!  Guess we were having to much fun!  Through some highs and lows Sam and I kept company.  We had a Czech fellow with us for a good portion and even though he did not speak English we were still company.  We parted ways around 150k when my stomach insisted I stop and rest.  Sam gave me the phone number of his girlfriend who had raced and Won the 100k event.  I took the number knowing I would not be using it but knowing that as Sam left me, it made him feel better.  Time did not matter as I sat in the shade.  The sun was hot and my stomach was in knots.  My uphill legs were there but my downhill legs forgot to show up for the race.  And my feet were no better and of course I worried for my none mountain runner Frenchy.

Blue all around  but not my smile,
or my spirit!

A few more runners pass (I am mixed in with the 100k runners) and I start moving again.  This is the inner strength ultra runners have, to keep moving even when all the fibers of your being don’t want to.  I started hiking the ups, slow trot on the downs and walking the technical downs.  On the flats I trot.  I had less than a marathon to go and I knew I would be finishing this race.  No PR, no not even close.  Last AS with 13k to the finish, a volunteer I recognize from last year tells me I am 7th female and that if I keep moving I “should” be able to hold it.  I enter the AS and pick up a soda, and a handful of chips.  Even as I am munching on the chips unwanted tears are welling in my eye and rolling down my cheeks.  If you have run 100 miles, you know how this feels.  Your emotions are dripping off your shirtsleeve.  Last year it was a pissed off achilles tendon and then a bee sting that had me sobbing like a baby and this year it was the wear and tear of racing 100 miles and the frustration on not performing to the level of which you are capable of.

I left that AS and after 3k began to see the count down from the 10k to the 1k mark.  It was flat, not technical and so I ran.  My body was no longer feeling increasing levels of pain, it was all generalized.  I passed many runners who had passed me when I was struggling and sitting on the side of the road and words of encouragement were exchanged.

28+ hours F6 and the finish line.

The deeper you dig the deeper you are affected, truth.

Highlights—

Being at the finish line to watch someone you love accomplish something they have only dreamt of!  Super proud of my Frenchy.

Gear-- 5 stars--  all of it was perfect for this race and I would not change a thing!

Ultraspire 

Zygos Pack

Lo waist belt

Bottles

Julbo Access shades/ head buff

Patagonia

Strider Skirt....love this skirt!

Capilene lightweight Tank/ Centered bra

Arm Sleeves

R1 gloves

Black Diamond Icon Polar headlamp

Hoka Speedgoat

Stance Run 3/4 socks

Picky Bars

Squirrel Nut Butter

Tailwind Nutrition

Take aways—

Mountain races requires training on the trails if you want to be successful at racing competitively.  Most of my training for Croatia occurred on the streets of New York.  3 weeks prior to Croatia I went back to Bend Oregon and logged 100+ miles with 31k of climbing.  One week of trail running while solid is not enough.  My feet were too tender for the rocky terrain and while I had been doing my strength training for my legs, my quads were in no shape for the downhills.  
My love for trail racing has much to do with the lessons I learn with each race. 

Nest up....
The North Face Endurance Challenge 80k Costa Rica May 26

May have dropped the ball on my blog but not my racing :)

Contrary to what my blog might indicate....I have been racing.
I actually raced a 100 miler between Black Canyon and Run Rabbit Run 100.  No, not Western States.  I understand where you would make that assumption....if you follow my blog....I mean after all I registered for and raced Black Canyon 100k for just that purpose...and was even fortunate to earn a ticket to "The Dance"aka Western States.

Rather, I was offered an opportunity through the Ultra Trail World Tour to race one of their future races; 100 Miles of Istria in Croatia (170K).   This race was April 8th, giving me 11 weeks for a bit of recovery and then prep for Western States.  Or so I thought.  I had a good race in Croatia.  Finished F3 in just over 25 hours and had an amazing time.  As I gain more 100 mile experience and have more races to compare...I would highly recommend this race if you are looking for an international experience.  Add to this a race of which I traveled solo, no crew, no familiar faces for support, I was extremely comfortable navigating this foreign country.  Take a look at the attached video from this years race for a great peek into 100 Miles of Istria.

Achille flare up during Istria
may have created a change in gait
and psoas issue??

While the experience was super positive I unfortunately came away from the race with psoas tendonitis aka deep groin pain.  With continued thoughts of racing Western States,  I bought a new road bike, enlisted in the help of chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, injections (x-ray and MRI to confirm what my issue was) all to no avail.  I would not be racing Western States, 2 weeks prior to the race I withdrew.  I stopped all therapies and my cycling.  Time to let rest do it's thing....and guess what... it worked.

If your wondering what the "Tent"
looks like! Jaz likes it too.

And so began my training for Run Rabbit Run.  After all I was already registered, just a matter of seeing if my groin would tolerate the training.  I increased my mileage slowly and while I could feel my groin off and on it never lasted long.  4 weeks prior to Run Rabbit I threw a race on my calendar as a training run.  Standhope 60k in Ketchum Idaho with 11,000 vertical feet at elevation.  I felt great. My psoas was still there but not painfully so and it would go away most importantly.  The rest of my training consisted of hiking with my 17lb weighted vest as well as "sleeping" in my Hypoxico tent.
And then it was time.

Pre race calories with my crew :)

Carrie traveled with me as crew.  I registered as a Hare...no need to worry about who might be pacing me....no pacers allowed.  But, having raced in Croatia (no pacers allowed) where I went with no crew, this was something I now had experience with.
The start of the race was a climb up Mt Warner about a 4k climb in 4.4 miles to 10,800 ft elevation. With the field consisting of only Hares... we did not spread out.  The Tortoses started at 7 that same day.   We all formed a lovely chain and climbed the Mnt, I did have thoughts that perhaps we were going just a tad to fast but...what the heck, I was with great company!

1st Climb of the race.

My starting gear was a handheld and a waist pack.  I had originally planned to start with the Spry 1L vest but during the course of my morning nap, changed my mind.  I went cool with the rest of my gear as we had bluebird skies seeing us off for the noon start..  Velocity bun huggers, singlet, trucker had, Julbo Access shades and arm sleeves (tossed as soon as I saw Carrie).  I packed my waist belt with GU and Honey Stingers and put Nuun and Carbo Pro in my handheld.  Hoka Speed Instinct were the shoes I opted for.
I saw Carrie 5 times during the course of the race and had 2 drop bags of which I would visit twice.
First at mile 21.  Leading up to this aid,  a runner from Canada fell into step with me.  We shared miles and swapped stories leading into the Olympian aid station.   Per Adam, he was sticking with me as in his experience women pace themselves better then men :)
At Olympian, Carrie provided me with coconut water, Fritos, a croissant sandwich, refilled my water bottle and I grabbed a few more GU gels and raced away.  I was feeling my psoas and little random quad pain but all was well.  Although I may have raced away without my handheld...oops, short out and back and I was off!

Coming out of AS 21mi  I passed Anita Ortez.  While she and I had been leap frogging, I had not seen any of the other females.
Mile 29.4 would be the next aid and Carrie.  I passed some runners and was passed by some.  But for the most part ran solo through this section and having a blast.  I was singing to my tunes, taking in the sights and thinking of all those out there supporting me during this race.  May have been having too much fun as I kinda forgot to pay attention and caught a toe while taking in the views...no harm, just dirty.  Time to pay attention.
At the next AS I was feeling my quad, my psoas, my achilles...weird.  I got to Carrie, ate a few Advil, more coconut water and Frittos, a small headlamp and was off.  Some runners stay away from Advil and while I would not recommend it throughout a 100 mile race, I will take it if I feel the need.  It was 545pm and I was anticipating seeing Carrie at mile 41 at approx 8pm.  Meaning I would need a headlight but not my full on set up quite yet.

Tons of great support at this race.

This section had some nice runnable trails with a shorter climb.  Here I connected with a few runners off and on.  No women, at this point I was around F5-6.  As predicted I hit AS 41.6 Olympian again at 815.  It was amazing to watch the full moon crest the horizon as I descended into the aid station to Carrie.  When the sun sets and the moon rises and vise versa are special times during the course of a 100 miler.  Here we swapped my single headlamp for my Black Diamond head/ waist set up added my Houdini windbreaker, mittens, long sleeve merino and a head buff.  I was still warm but knew the temps would be dropping soon.  And while this combo worked well I was super happy to have some hand warmers offered up to me at Summit AS mi 57.8 by the eventual 4th place Master Becky.  The temps had dropped and I added to my layers a hat, my Houdini pants, and another mid layer....I had hopes of a sub 24 hour finish and while I had been on track I started dropping off pace the second half of the race.  I saw Carrie along with Bill (who was crewing his wife Ronda) a couple more times with mi 74 being the last I would see of her until the finish.
The night time sections I struggled with a bit, with needing to take a few breaks either on rocks or leaning against a tree as I found myself no longer shuffling but rather moving in a drunken stagger weaving my way up the climbs.   I think fatigue with the cold temps in combination, sapped my energy stores.  Thankfully dawn brought with it renewed energy as well as some female company. One came from behind and one from in front.  This was a good motivator and brought my mind back to the race at hand.  I picked it up and was able to pull away from both runners.  Unfortunately my Garmin lasted only about 17 hours and I did not bring a back up so with no time and no distance to have a point of reference I truly felt like time had stopped.  With 3 aid stations prior to the finish it felt like an eternity between each aid.  At this point our race started co mingling with the 50 mile runners.
And then finally I was at the last 6 mi stretch of downhill...what a bugger of a finish! 24:52 no, not sub 24 but a finish I was certainly happy with.  F5, 2nd Master...

Finish line with my bestie!

As always the learnings:
I have more mid weight layers that one should own...pack layers in all drop bags.
With COLD temp races go with  more rather than less, even if you don't "think" you need it.
I should have brought a pack that was a bit larger which would have afforded me more room to pack more gear.

The essentials!

Istria take away--always pack your race essentials in your carry on, just in case you don't reconnect with your luggage.

Highlights:
Carrie! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Love you lady!
Super well organized race.  Great aid stations as well as marking and support along the way.
Lots of positive energy going into the race kept me supper balanced even when I was struggling.
Tailwind...I ended up consuming only Tailwind calories for the last 15-20  miles and used it throughout the race.  I was impressed with how well it worked for me.
Patagonia-Houdini pants, H20 jacket,
Julbo Access sunglasses
Ultraspire Spry 1L; lo waistbelt; handheld
Picky bars prior to the race

Next up...Wrap up of 2016 and the 1st race of 2017!

Black Canyon 100k..chasing The Golden Ticket!

When in Arizona p/c me!

The starting line is always filled with friends!
Photo credit Keely Henninger

HURT 100 was in the books and I came away feeling pretty good.
It was entertaining to watch the expression on the faces of people who would congratulate me on my HURT100 win and ask, "what's next?".  My sheepish response being, "Black Canyon 100k", 4 weeks later oh and reason being, chasing a "Golden Ticket"...."If you never try, you will never know", reads the sign in the front entry of my home.
What did my training look like during the next 4 week period? I waited a week before going for a 6 mi treadmill run. Almost immediately I felt pain around the outside of my ankle but because I could tolerate it, I did.  Yeah, I know.... Monday morning I consulted one of the sports trauma docs at work and received a "peroneal tendonitis" diagnosis.  Imagine that, an overuse injury!!  Prescription, rest.  And so with that I took two days off, and on the third day trialed a 4 mi treadmill run.  Nope, apparently I needed more time off.  The next three days I rested and tried again on the fourth day (maybe a little stubborn).  All was well.  I ran 13 miles at Smith Rock, no discomfort, and my legs felt nice and strong. Although, I was a bit sad the following day that my quads were more sore than I thought they should/ would be.  With Black Canyon 4 weeks out from HURT, 2 weeks of which were already gone, my plan was to be as recovered and as ready as I could be.  My only focus for the remaining week of training would be leg turnover.  I had the strength and endurance from HURT but was lacking the turnover.  So, I hit the track a couple of times and at Smith I concentrated on running steady and strong.
Just like that it was time to taper for Black Canyon 100k.  Why a 100k, 4 weeks after HURT?  I mentioned the "Golden Ticket"... 2015 I was not fortunate to place top 10 at Western States 100 and I did not get in through the lottery.  That left racing in with one of the Golden Ticket races of which Black Canyon was. As a Golden Ticket race, the top 2, male and female finisher would earn a Western States entry.

Photo credit Scotty Mills
This pic is for you Ken!

As it would turn out, and for my very first time at this distance, I would be traveling solo for this race.  No crew, no pacers.  Now, maybe this is something many other runners are used to....but not this chica.  Of all my Ultrasignup races at the 100k or 100mi distance I have always had crew/ pacer support.  I call my team my little pit crew.  Yes, Ken calls me a diva :)  I call it, being loved! Because I generally have this support, I was looking forward to taking this one solo.  I currently have on my 2016 race calendar, 100 Miles of Istria, in Croatia and Run Rabbit Run 100, both of which I will not have a pacer and potentially no crew.  Good time to familiarize myself with how to do it solo.
As it turned out, I connected with friend and fellow Bend runner Amy Sproston the night prior to the race.  Sharing some great pre race hang time until we toed the line.  Gotta love racing with good friends!
Prepping for my race,  I planned 2 drop bags, 1 at mile 24 and 1 at mi 51.  In the 1st bag I placed GU calories, a can of coconut water, and frittos. The 2nd drop bag was more GU calories, coconut water, frittos, s-caps, a waist pack, a handheld and for worst case scenario a waist lamp.  My goal time was 10-11 hours which would have me finishing in the daylight.  But...you never know.
With a 7am start on a completely exposed course and expected high of 85 degrees I started the race with what I would end up finishing the race wearing.  Patagonia race kit, trucker cap, Julbo shades, cooling buff at my neck, and a 1liter hydration pack.

Photo credit Howie Stern; no trees to be seen mi 19!

At the end of the day I would say that I had a great race.  I started out nice and strong, and felt great for the most of the race.  The first 20-30 miles I settled in, holding pace with a group of guys who were great company and helped the miles fly by.  While our group spread out a bit in the middle part of the race, I continued to trade spots with a couple of them.  Amy took the lead from the start and other than on a 1mi long out and back at the 50k mark, I would not see her for the rest of the race.  Early on I passed a couple of gals, and then was passed by Amanda Basham, who ended up behind me on the out and back (I heard she went off course).  While I was concerned about her behind me, she ended up dropping from the race.

Photo credit Howie Stern; mi 38

My main mistake on my solo quest, was with my drop bag at mi 21.  I guzzled the coconut water but then forgot to take my extra GU/ Honeystinger calories from the bag.  While the aid stations had fruit, chips, PB&J, and sweets, they did not have GU or other gel calories.  I paid for this after about mi 40 when I ran out of the calories that I started with.  While GU can be at times hard to eat, it is crazy effective in bang for your buck than the actual food at the aid stations.  With the heat, and the amount of salt I was consuming to keep my leg cramps at bay my gut had no tolerance for solid food.  This would be my low point for the race, mi 42ish to 51 where my next drop bag was.  Here I did get more gel calories, only 2 packs. Not sure what I was thinking....I was able to take one but after that my gut was finished.  Thank you to the nice ATV folks who stopped to check on me as I was loosing my guts on the side of the road.  It's at about this time 92 miles left) that I was so very thankful that I was only running 62 miles and not 100 :)
Last few miles to the finish line, I felt confident there would be no one to challenge my second place finish.  My body was tired, and my feet (still recovering from HURT) were toast.  I was ever so happy and greatful to cross the finish line with my body intact and with a Golden Ticket!!

Happy to cross the line....with a Golden Ticket!

Thank you to Aravaipa for putting on this great event.  The race was incredibly well organized and the aid stations and course markings were top notch!!
There is a reason I am an ambassador for the gear I run in/ race in.  Patagonia, Julbo, Ultraspire, Picky Bars...The gear I wear day in and day out.  Seriously, take a look at my pics, it is the products I love to use and recommend to friends and family.  If my mom were with me here today annnnd if she had the vision of running a trail race, this is the gear I would set her up with!
As always love, hugs and cheers!
Denise

Solo quest learning... as I look to 100 Miles of Istria on April 15th...Take advantage of your drop bags, no harm no foul to have one every opportunity the race supports.  Could be a game changer!

In the words of Spro, "finish lines are better with friends"!
In the words of Chris Askew, "we did Willy Wonka proud"!! #goldenticketX2!