Tuesday, October 20, 2015

2015 Overlook 50k Reflection




A groupie photo is a must before toeing the line and exiting the porto-john.
Photo Credit: Mia Martinez
I know I can't believe myself! Time has been made to share, share, share!  In this edition of "Confessions of A Brown Runner" we're going to Auburn, CA. We shall relive the 2015 Overlook 50k brought to you by Ann Trason Racing.  Don't worry there won't a mile by mile account because quite honestly I was too busy looking at the beauty of the Western States trail after rainfall!!!

Gratitude

Thank you Universe for bringing us all together in laughter, tears, cheers, and love.  Thank you for granting me an amazing boss in Monte Keleher, and phenomenal friends and co-workers at A Runner's Mind that don't look at me with the crazy eye too often unless its Billy Shea.  Oh click on the hyperlinks as they will lead you to some golden nuggets that will add depth to the thoughts and some background knowledge.  Yes I am a nerd when it comes to running on all surfaces that bring me joy! 

All Points Lead to Auburn

If it wasn't for the Western States Trail then
I would never have met these beautiful and inspirational women!
Photo Credit: Pen Perez
Overlook 50k jumped onto my race calendar after having a little conversation with Ann Trason at the No Hands Bridge A.S. on Day 3 of WS Training Camp. It then got scratched from the list given the on again off again tightness of my right hip flexor/glut region leading into Portland Marathon.

As the universe would have it Danielle (aka Freight Train aka Hurricane Danielle) sends me a text "You're running Overlook with me right?" My reply was yes. So, I finally signed up the day before online registration closed.

I justified it because a bunch of friends were running in it thus a chance to catch up with everyone. At some point I needed to get some time on my feet. I am racing in The North Face 50 Miler after all (Yup. 1st 50. Yup it also implies not my last)! Lastly, HELLO it's Auburn baby!  

Packet Pick Up was so sweet I went twice! The first time to get my bib on route to checking into my hotel. The second time came after a pint of Shanghai Stout from Auburn Alehouse and meet up with Danielle with my soon to be extended ultra family: Mark, Cyndi, David (aka the Mayor), Jeremy, Laura (on route to the Alehouse), Heather, and Amy.  I tell ya besides running with someone breaking bread together is one of the most perfect way to get to come together.  I am so blessed that I was able to do both with so many friends (and I am name dropping: Bonnie, Ken, Karen, and Pen).

My Keys to Success:

#1: Keep Ethan Veneklasen in front of you,
#2: Don't sprint downhill chasing Danielle (she can crush downhills)
#3: If you brought don't hesitate to use it,
#4: Thank people that have made an impact on you, and
#5: Thank the volunteers and smile!

Onward to the Overlook

From the start line the plan was simple talk to people, get out easy, and don't think about racing until running at least 12 miles. I was going into this race as a student preparing for mid-terms with a 92 person study group!  I noticed a few who's who of the ultra community and that made me feel good because I would have the chance to thank them for sharing their stories, adventures, and shear awesomeness!

Karl. My Professor for the day!
Photo Credit: Danielle Zemola
I keep repeating the saying "80% of success is showing up."  Success today was bestowed in the form of knowledge.  I had the pleasure of running a few miles with Karl Hoagland and thank him for sharing his ultra awesome life in the film "This is Your Day". Man! Karl! Thank you for dropping some mad knowledge on training for TNF 50 and the golden nuggets on balancing a mortal existence as an ultra runner.

In my mind I kept checking in with my friend's spirits sending them positive thoughts as Mark was embarking on his first marathon and 50k in one run, David chasing a PR, Cyndi going after a solid race day, and Danielle.  Girl you never cease to amaze.  Totally stoked that I got a chance to run with you back where it all began.  When ya'll meet her you will know exactly what I am talking about!  There were times when we lost touch but I knew she'd be right there after the next downhill.

Wisdom floating in the head

I should warn you. I grew up as an only child so I spend a lot of time in my head.  Greg McMillan's voice kept popping up with his marathon wisdom that the first 10 miles should just fly by with little effort.  I kept seeing David Roche's Trail Runner Magazine article on uphill technique transcribed on each rock as I got parallel to the trail (without face planting of course). Steve Lopez would tell me that each time I wanted to make a move I needed to "hold back at least three times and then just in case hold back one more time because you don't want to blow up."

Eventually all the downhill running took its toll and felt the slow down after hiking out of Brown Bar and descending to No Hands Bridge.  I knew the end was near and that kinda sucked.  I didn't want this run to end but I didn't want to run any further than the parking lot of Auburn Dam Overlook or ADO as the locals call it.... Such is Ultra.


Pluses and Deltas

An old community organizer way of seeking improvement to list the pluses and deltas starting with the deltas because we want to end each on a positive note!  The pluses are things that went well and the deltas are things we can improve to be better....

The Deltas:
  • I should have ran a little slower out of the Cal 2 AS and saved that energy for the last downhills that scattered in after leaving the quarry. 
  • I had negative emotions to the last few switchbacks. The finish was near I should smile more next time.
  • I need to work on a nutrition plan beyond 5 hours of running
    The Pluses:
    • I held back enough to run into 16th place overall
    • I trusted the marathon training by Tom Kloos and Bay Area Track Club
    • Nutrition plan was dialed
    • It's ok to go geek training for TNF.
    • I wore the performance enhancing Kokopelli (Thanks David!)

    Race Nutrition Plan:

    45 minutes Pre-race- Generation UCAN Chocolate Protein
    90-120 minutes in: UCAN Pom Blue (10oz UD bottle)
    60-90 minutes later: UCAN Pom Blue (4oz UDflask)
    10 oz UD Flask with H2O
    13oz Simple Hydration bottle with Tailwind (carried 2 extra packets)
    In Case of Emergency: 2 GU Roctane Chocolate Sea Salt Gels


    Not gonna pass on a photo opp with Ms. Top 10 WSer!
    Photo Credit: Danielle Zemola

    Post Script

    I remember chasing sleep in my tent at Placer HS during 'States before going to meet Danielle's crew at Highway 49 and hearing Tropical John drop some mad facts about this lady to the left, Erika Lindland. There is one goal that scares the daylights out of me and that is running Western States.  I am unclear when the Ultra gods will bestow that great honor upon me, my family, friends, teammates, and co-workers, but when it does Erika your Western States is the example I strive to follow.  It was a pleasure meeting you!


    Ethan Veneklasen ( pictured below center left with the VFuel shirt), I am glad we were able to hang out.  I shall admit I was a bit shy when I first saw you at Skyline to the Sea 50k 2014.  The voice, your youth, your knowledge, and relentless desire to compete I admire.  Thank you for being a great voice of the sport and reminding me that we gotta get our training on 'cause TNF is around the corner! Ya'll can catch Ethan, Sarah Lavender Smith and Eric Schranz on Ultrarunner Podcast.  





    The more I type the more I want to dive into another element of the weekend but sometimes it is best left unwritten and reserved for conversation over sushi in Rocklin.  Time to go for a hike before Rancho San Antonio closes and I end up with another parking citation. This concludes a surprisingly timely race report.


    Bean soup and Oofos Sandals is a wicked combination post race.
    Photo Credit: Danielle Zemola