2011 in review

In review, I am pretty darn proud of my 2011 racing season. I entered three big races (Miwok 100k, Comrades, JFK 50), and finished all three. Along the way, I also finished two marathons, three 50Ks, a relay race (with double laps), and a few submarathon trail races.

Miwok 100K. I got in the lottery (I was #201 in the waitlist the year before), and I'd already entered Comrades, which was three weeks after, with Comrades the priority as I was traveiling to South Africa. I briefly thought about dropping Miwok to focus on Miwok, but Greg said "you can do it". I decided if it was good enough for Ann Trason, it was good enough for me.

I trained obsessively for Miwok 100k, as it was local, trying to know every inch & cranny of the trail. About a month before the race, they basically flipped the course. I trained as best I could, but still got lost on the last three miles. Still, FINISHED!!! my first 100K race, still my longest race!

Comrades Marathon. I honestly could not be happier about getting to participate in this race, and place it #1 in all the races in the last five years. So much history, so much scenery, so much…pride. I am so proud I finished this race, and so happy my family contributed to me getting to the start line through their love & support.

JFK 50 Miles. I didn't think I was going to finish. I was injured. I psyched myself out numerous times leading up to the start line. Once I started running, it felt so natural. I credit the camaraderie, not wanting to drop in front of my parents, and some residual course knowledge from biking the C & O Canal for finishing in 11:07. My biggest regret is not pushing harder to get under 11 hours to qualify for Western States. Honestly, I didn't want my parents to see me when I was pushing hard. I know I'm a snotty, sweaty, incoherent mess when I'm pushing for a finish. My mom has been skeptical of ultras, and I didn't want her to see me in a messy, unable to walk state. Still don't know the right answer. I finished the race with a smile on my face, and walked 3 miles the next day. What if I'd pushed harder? What if my parents had seen me a mess at the finish? Would they still be supportive of me running? All unanswerable questions.

Other races:…

Redwood Park 50K: cold day, glad I edged out Mike Weston (for the only time this year!)

Pirates Cove 30K: miserable day, glad I dropped to 30K

St Louis Marathon: My Aunt Carol was an angel from heaven.. thanks!!!

Headlands Marathon: not my best day but pleased with my time (5:48) on tough course

Headland 100: DNF, dropped at 50. I had fun training, but just wasn't my day to run this race.

Sequoia 30K: Got significantly lost, at least was "dirtiest runner".

Ragnar Relay: picked up double legs, ran 17 miles through the night, discovered Glen Ellen.

Coastal 50K: didn't feel great, never saw the sun, still finished.

North Face 50K: PR!!! at North Face 50K course by two hours. Had fun