Hi Ladies!! It's been awhile I know. I don't have internet or cable at the house since we moved to MN. I have to log on when I'm in town. Anyway, still hectic travel schedule, somehow managing in some training runs when back in Flagstaff. But I have been busy with some last minute chores around the house to prepare for winter before returning to MN. My brother has been a tremondous help, he visted last Wed-Sun. It took him a whole day (Thurs)to re-stucco areas of the stucco wall and sanding/priming/painting garage door trim. I returned from my work and started on painting the stucco wall. Second day (Fri) while I had to travel again for work, he started on the sanding/priming/painting the shed and house trim. I returned from work and we ate dinner before taking off to Phoenix. Saturday morning, we got to the regional park around 7 am. It was a beautiful sunrise, slight breeze, cool. While waiting for my race to start, we all enjoyed some hot air balloons in the distance. The Cave Creek Thriller 19k Trail race was awesome!! It was tough and technical but I loved it!! Now that is a TRAIL RACE!! Check out the elevation profile (for 19k distance) on the website: www.aravaiparunning.com
The 50k started at 7am; 31k at 7:30am; 19k at 8am; 12k at 8:30am. It was pretty warm by the time our distance begin. The first 4 miles were a mixture of pretty rocky and sandy areas, through an arroya, we turned around at the first aid station. Found myself running alone as the runners found their own pace. The first HILL was a LOOOONG steady climb!! I was amazed I didn't stop, passed a couple of guys, finally got to the top and did a ROCKY poise and yell; caught up with another on the way down. Temps got over 80 degrees by then!! I thought I was conserving but I ran out of water (first time that happened). The second aid station was around 8 mile marker so I didn't have any water for about 2 miles. Obviously, it affected my pace. I had slow down, walked the steep rocky uphills and ran the rocky downhills slowly, could feel heart rate increasing so slowed down even more. Mile 7, finally meeting runners who made the turn around at the second aid station so it took me about 10 minutes and had to take salt tabs/eat a couple of pretzels/2 cups of gatorade, filled my bottle with ice/water. Probably rested about 2-3 minutes and took off again, ran about 1/2 mile, walked up steep hill, ran 1/2 mile, walked another steep hill, then ran the last 2.5 miles mostly downhill. The last 25 yards, we had to run up an arroya. It was euphoric to say the least! I was very happy with my effort. I was hoping to finished under 2:30 but running out of water really slowed me down but I'm okay with my 2:37:35 time. We all know that we have to carry our own water when running trails and I was aware that there were only 2 aid stations but I was still surprised that I ran out. Anyway, I came in 10th in female overall, 37th overall for the 19K runners. Awards were only for first place male/female runners in each distance category. Returned to cousin's place and showered, and we had lunch at P.F. Chang's, yummy!! We returned to Flagstaff that evening, I was in bed by 8 pm!! Got up early Sunday morning, it was pretty chilly, did laundry. We finished the house trim/shed/garage painting. After lunch, brother left for 3 hr drive home. I packed and picked up rental car and drove to NM. While checking into hotel, I realized that I left my running gear bag and insulated cooler in my car when I was transferring my luggage/stuff to the rental car!!! Dammit!! I can't believe I did that!! That was a first too!! I was rushing so that didn't help but I did bring my running shoes (was in a separate bag)!! The JCPenney in the small mall didn't have much. The only other 'store' around is a Wal-mart which I do not patronize but I had no choice. Anyway, bought running shorts/socks and sports bra (not the best support but it'll do). I did run about 5 miles; more of a recovery run on the hotel treadmill, biked about 3 miles. Hope to run tomorrow and/or Thursday. I am hoping to run a HM on Saturday in Phoenix again. Rest and pack on Sunday, returning to MN on Monday!!
I will respond to each of you when i have more time; getting late here. Happy HUMP DAY!!