Crystal Cove Pre-Race 2010

In case you aren't aware I run the So Cal Xterra Trail Race series. I have been running for 5 years now and have run all of the Xterra races, with the exception of Crystal Cove. This weekend my son and I went to scout the course, and boy was it beautiful. I created a short video of the sights of Crystal Cove trail course for you to enjoy. 

Crystal Cove

Running with Mary

Thanksgiving is upon us and soon you may be asked the annual question, “What are you thankful for?” This year I am thankful for my family, health and friends! But this year I am especially thankful for my friend and running partner Mary. If you have ever had a training partner you know how important it is to have a reliable and motivating person to train with.  Some days are easy and we’ll talk comfortably as we run while other days we ease into a quiet silence of deep concentration and focus as each step propels us faster. Night or day, rolling hills and flats, trails or road, anything will do.  We only run 3 times a week, yet it seems like so much more.  I love hearing stories about her Grandson Achillies and her dog Charlie (Charwee.) I tell her about my son Anthony, “Ant,” and my adventures at work. Sometimes Ant comes with us and rides alongside us on his bike and entertains us with his never-ending stories! 

     It’s always an adventure with Mary, we never have a set course of where we are going to run, we just pick the miles we want to run and go! “O.K., lets go this way… or that!”

Headlamps blasting through the dark evening runs and cute running skirts in the summer! With every step we get stronger and faster! Blazing up steep long hills. Most the time sure footed, although I have tripped and fallen, but it’s good to know Mary is there to help pick me up! I have more than a running partner; I have a friend. We laugh a lot on our runs~ more than people should be allowed to laugh. But are serious when necessaryMary and I have a lot in common, we are both vegetarians and we even have the same middle name, Louise! And we both can get moody too! 

     

Running with Mary, I’ve learned so much!  Although she may not know it, she has been instrumental in making me a better runner. Mary is tough as nails, and I am honored to run with her! So this Thanksgiving let me say Thank you Mary for your friendship and miles we have run and have yet to run! 

Chantry Flat 2009

Despite the Rain...

     If you know me, you know that I hate rain… or at least running in it! I hate cold or any type of weather that could be considered inclement! In an ideal world athletes would always have the perfect conditions to compete and train in!

     But unfortunately this isn’t an ideal world! As a runner we have hills, mountains, wind, heat, rain, snow and much more to contend with! But as a runner who LOVES to run I will find anyway I can to run despite the weather. Lucky for me I live in Southern California, so for most of the year So Cal has exquisite sunshine and mild temperatures. I guess that’s why I am so spoiled and very aggravated at the thought of unfavorable conditions. I don’t have to run in snow, nor do I have hailstorms or tornados to avoid, yet I hate when I am forced to get my run in on the “dread-mill.” I love running outdoors despite the cooler temps, wind and occasional rain.

     I came to a realization today sitting in my car pre-race while the rain and wind tapped my car. I was cold and uncomfortable, and all I could think of was going home. I realized what a whinny baby I was and how I was letting the cold and the rain get the better of me. The previous week I ran a half marathon in very windy conditions but persevered through. I see how easily I had forgotten my own fortitude even under such conditions. I almost left the race and went home because the thought of running in the wet cold was unbearable. Shame on me! What a big baby! 10 minutes until the race and I hadn’t decided if I was going to run.

     I thought, “O.K., it’s now or never! Get your big butt out of this car and run!” And I did run. I pushed beyond my comfort zone even though I didn’t want to. Today many of my friends of mine are doing Ironman a race of 2.4 miles swimming, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 miles running. I can’t fathom the discomfort and pain their bodies are going through today, but despite it are still going and I believe they had rain too. I have no cause to whine or complain ever even with a little rain or cold.

     I ended up running my fastest 10k in a while- 48:06, 1^st in my age group and first female.  The point being~ even though it may be hard or uncomfortable you can do it all you have to do is try.

     

Rain Running

Run Smart at Night.

Run Smart...

By Diana L. Pacheco

As fall returns, so does daylight savings. Shorter days make for less daylight running hours. Most of us who work during the day and are left to run in the dark. When I run at night I come across many other runners out there too. My running partner and I get many odd looks as we dash by with our reflective gear and bright headlamps, possibly visible from outer space! But my thought is, that it is better to be seen than to be hit!

That is the difference between a smart

night runner and …well a not so smart one! Most running gear today has some type of reflector or reflective material on it, Brooks even has a

line completely dedicated to night running. General running safety is very important but especially at night when people can’t see you. My running partner Mary and I mainly run on well-lit streets, we use our headlamps to light up the shadowy sidewalks, which one can easily take a tumble on (and I have.) It’s very invigorating running at this time but it’s important to remember some simple tips for running in the evening/night hours.

Number one- run with a running partner, the more the merrier~ we have all heard the saying safety in numbers, especially for female runners.

Number two- be visible! Running with reflective clothing allows you to be seen. A reflective vest is highly suggested, sure you might look like a crossi

ng guard but there are several versions of the running vests; a headlamp is also important to light the dark shadowy sidewalks to help you avert uneven sidewalks and debris. Many sporting good stores sell head lamps light enough to wear on your hat or visor. Make sure you get one with enough lumens to brighten up your path. My headlamp has 43 lumens, which can light up to 150 feet.

Number three- don’t be a daredevil! It’s extra important to be extra careful at night. And to watch for cars when you cross the streets even when you have the green. Don’t dart into the streets. A lot of times people will turn without even looking for pedestrians~ most drivers don’t expect to see p

edestrians or runners in the evening hours. If I am waiting at a light I will make eye contact with the driver waiting to turn and wait for acknowledgement that they see me. My running partner Mary laughs when I scold the drivers who aren’t paying attention.

Number four- Always run against traffic, it’s easier for a runner to get out of the way of an oncoming car if you can see it coming! Also never run on streets with no shoulder or sidewalks. That’s why it’s very important to know the area you are running in to avoid any surprises. But it is also important to vary your routes so you do not become an easy target for att

ackers.

Number five~ Carry identification and or a cell phone with you. In case of emergencies it’s good to know you can call for help or be able to access your medical information in a snap. When I run I wear my Road ID, which can be a bracelet, necklace or shoe clip with your name and emergency information. My RoadID bracelet is interactive and my health and medical information can be obtained through discreetly by medical responders though the provided 1-800 number or interactive website.

Finally have fun! I love night running; it is quite exhilarating but be safe and enjoy your run!

Busting through the not so elusive sub 4:00:00 hour wall!

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

I DID IT, I DID IT! I RAN A SUB 4:00:00 MARATHON!!

I guess by the skin of my teeth, never-the- less I’ll take it!!! I knew it would be close as I crossed the finish line the clock ticked away 4:02:34 gun time. I knew I started farther back in the crowds after the gun, but would my delay be enough to put me under 4:00:00 hours?

I guess I knew it would be possible, but I really wasn’t sure after 3 previous disappointing attempts in 2009. I was excited for Rock n Roll Arizona my first marathon of 2010. The week before I ran the Xterra Boney Mountain trail half marathon and blew away my previous time for that event by 9 minutes. I love trail races, they always make me so much stronger for flat road races. I felt good and had been running more than 40 miles a week for my training. I also had been running hills, speed intervals and even track workouts. But had I done enough?

As for the marathon and the elusive sub four hours, I had been slowly ebbing away my marathon times, learning something new from each experience, like going to the restroom faster, sticking to the same sports drink I had been training with, not to take it out too fast and run more at an even pace range, oh and taking electrolytes!! I’ve also learned not to look at the race as 26.2 miles, but in 5K and 10K segments. I say, “It’s just 4 10k’s.” Although I stretch out the 3^rd one by 2 miles; and when I have 3 miles to go I tell my self, “OK, less than a 5K to go ~ better pick it up!”

It’s interesting talking to all the first time marathoners before the race~ and even though most of them are faster they still ask for tips and advice. It’s cool becoming a more seasoned marathoner with answers to some of the most basic questions.

It was my 7^th marathon and the 4^th since May. My mind still very reminiscent of the challenges and my shortcomings, I felt somewhat confident in offering some common sense advice which was, “Don’t’ go out too fast!”

All to often with the excitement and fanfare of the marathon I’ve learned it’s better to run a little slower and run within a set pace rather than run out too fast and “hit the wall.”

For this marathon I had a plan. For my long runs I had been averaging 8:52 pace, during which my miles would fluctuate from 8:45- 9:00 minute pace, I knew if I gave myself a cushion 3:55:00 marathon pace (9:00 min) I could allow for

short pit stop(s) and still make it in. I did have to stop twice too! Ugh I hate that, but it’s also difficult to run faster when you are trying to hold it! I am resigned to the fact that if I have to go, I am going to- I just will make it fast stop! Usually I just get frustrated if I have to go. I almost wish I could just pee while running like the elites. They don’t stop at all!

Before this marathon ever started I felt like this could be the one that I did it, especially since it was my 7^th marathon and that my bib number was 3773 and that I was in corral 3! I’m not one for believing in superstition but 3 and 7 seven are my lucky numbers – good ju ju for running faster. Every runner seems to have something; like a pair of lucky socks or a hat or jewelry. But I guess when it comes down to it it’s not luck that pushes you faster or gets you through the marathon- it’s pure hard work, determination and mental toughness that placates the thoughts of quitting and the, “Really, I have how many more miles to go?” I have often wondered if other runners have the same thoughts of quitting while running races. I seem to have those thoughts often but manage to push through.

I felt great during the race and managed to keep a good pace, glancing at my Garmin with more frequency than the last marathon. At the half I was at 1:58:24, that’s including 2 potty stops! So

I knew it was going to be close. At 20 miles I was at 3:02:39 so that left me 6.2 miles in 57:21. Although I didn’t know how fast my pit stops were and how far behind

I was from the gun time. All I knew is that I knew it would be close so I better pick it up! Turning down University Road I could see ASU in the distance. The last mile I started passing people as I picked up the pace. While I did I reflected on 2009’s marathons. I was on pace to do it, I’d just have to wait and see.

In May, I ran L.A. and ran 4:15:14, in October in the St. George Marathon I ran 4:17:25, In December in Las Vegas I ran 4:13:42. If I wanted to run a sub 4:00:00 hour marathon I’d have to run almost 14 minutes faster!

As I rounded the last turn, I could see the finish, and the clock ticking away… it was over 4:01:00 hours…. , I passed the finish 4:02:34…. I stopped my watch~ 3:55:49~ I knew my time did not include my pit stops only running time. Overwhelmed with emotion I was happy but I wouldn’t celebrate until I knew. I made my way back to the hotel across the bridge back to my son who was waiting for me as I came up the elevator. He had been getting text messages with my official splits and times. I anxiously told him I wasn’t sure if I went under. He smiled and excitedly shared that I had gone 3:59:38! I began to jump for joy in the elevator, WOO HOOO, Woo HOO! I hugged my son! It was awesome! I P.R.’ed by 14 minutes and 5

seconds!!! Thank God!! Yay! A long awaited victory against myself. I couldn’t have done it alone though Ray and Rory you kept me running even when I didn’t feel like I had it anymore. Nesrein and Jack for inspiration~ Nesrein because you run soooo fast and Jack because you just keep on going, and going and going! Ant for being a good sport and supporter training with your mom and keeping good company on the bike. And finally Jeremy~ I feel you running with me always!

Xterra Boney Mountain Half Marathon Race Recap 2010

I’d like to start this post by first saying, “I have the best dad EVER!” Other than my son, my dad is my biggest supporter! Going to races are just so much better with the love of family and friends! With that said, I had one of the best Xterra races of the year!

Boney Mountain, the Granddaddy of the Southern California Xterra’s is considered one of toughest trail races—and it is! Most of the 13.1 miles are spent climbing up steep and rocky single-track terrain.

In October 2006, I ran Boney Mountain for the very first time and as it turns out, it was my very first Xterra! From the very first terribly sore legs, that had me hobbling for the next few days, making stairs virtually impossible, I was in love—in love with the fresh air, stunning views and exciting challenge of an uber “cross country” run! As of today’s race I have competed in and finished 18 Xterras!

Just off of my Christmas break, I teach, I had a lot of time to run and train. So I felt pretty confident I would do well in this race. However I didn’t think I would run this fast.

I have been disappointed in my previous times in the last 2 Xterra races this season. I didn’t seem to be getting any faster. I felt like I was doing well, but my times were not improving—that’s why I am so stoked to have PR’ed on this course! And also that it didn’t feel as arduous as other attempts! I always enjoy my runs, but this one was just a little more sweet! There were a lot of people out there this year; a lot of people to keep company with although with some briefer than others. A lot of encouragement and at 1,765 feet, a man with his two daughters cheered us on, when I needed it the most!

Before the race I peed in a bush literally! Often the trait of a good trail runner! Really it is! At the start line, I felt comforted by all of the familiar faces and trail friends I saw- you can’t say that at most races! We were ready to go. The Sunday before I ran 22 miles, (I am running Rock N Roll Arizona marathon next week.) I hoped I had enough recovery. Although my legs felt fresh, the gun shot and off we went.

Down “black bitch,” a not so PC nickname given to the very rare paved downward steeping road that is known for burning out legs of inexperienced runners! Then a gradual up, up up~ like a winding snake about 1,000 feet and then down again. While beginning climbing thoughts of doubt and why began to fill my head. I muttered, “Why am I doing this? This isn’t even the tough climb! Ugh!”

A quick snap back to reality took me past 5 miles and onto 6 and a quick pit stop at the port-a-potty—yes, I had to go again! Freshly out of the port-a-potty I spotted my friend and running partner, Rory, I caught up and playfully growled at him as I passed. We were in the midst of ascending 4 miles to 1800 feet! What a struggle, walking on some steep parts I just kept trudging onward. At 1400 feet

we had a momentary break and a short lived down hill then up again. Finally at the top, I took a deep breath and knew it would be over soon.

Then ahhh the best part the downhill! I fly down hill! So I managed to pass people going down that had passed me going up. To me running down is like a dance with fancy footwork; a coordinated symphony between my feet and the rocky descending trail.

This year there was a stream crossing around mile 12, while running near, I watched several other runners tip-toeing through it, daintily making their way across. Much to their chagrin and surprise I splashed right through the water, passing all of the runners at the creek but one!

My finish was strong too. I passed another group of runners and pushed ahead, trying not to be tempted to look back! I try to never look back, but just pretend no matter how far ahead I am or not—that the runners are right behind me. Although after a while I couldn’t resist I took a quick glance and I had made quite a gap between myself and the other runners.

Last year I missed Boney Mountain because I had a work obligation, in Jan 12, 2008, I ran 2:34:20, and in Oct 2006 2:27:52 Today I ran 2:25:25 and I even had one restroom stop! (Boney Mountain used to be raced in October but Due to October being a month with high fire risk and to recent wild fires, was moved to January.)

Although I took 8^th

place in my age group, I am not disappointed at all! I couldn’t ask for a better personal record! ~ Hopefully the streak will continue on to next week in Arizona while I attempt to go for a sub 4 hour marathon again!

Here’s to all the great people who run the Xterra trail races~ you are an amazing and unique group of people! I enjoy meeting you all and enjoy your company! Happy Running!