It's so great to write a race report that feels important in a sense. Not only was this race the longest distance I have ran, but I couldn't have been happier to be running it for a great cause on a great team. 100 for America runs for Create Jobs for USA, working to help grow our great country.
I first heard about this race back in May when the ultra community in San Diego started talking about it and I only pondered whether or not I could do it... Julius and Trasie were the biggest culprits. Then Trasie roped me into running for 100 for America, the team she created for her SD 100 mile race. It's such a great cause that I feel does a lot of good and affects everyone!
Training went well, I did the Harding Hustle 50K in the Modjeska Canyon in July, kept up the training and did a brutal Mt. Disappointment 50K August 11th. For a recap, see friend Carlos' race report: http://jukebox9.wordpress.com/2012/08/12/2012-mt-disappointment-33-mile-endurance-run/ (*vulgar)
It's important to note that since doing the Rim2Rim2 in the Grand Canyon, most of my following races were in heat with plenty of climbs. Including the Kauai Marathon, Diane's report: http://dianetarchala.com/2012/10/08/the-day-i-finished-26-2-in-paradise-2/
On October 6th, Trasie, Julius, Kristin, Kristin, Carl, Nancy, Rob, Christine, John, Rebecca, Vanessa, myself, and all my other ultra-running buds in San Diego toed the line of the inaugural Cuyamaca 100K in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, approximately 1 hour from the Pacific Ocean. The course is 3 loops, first one being 31.5, 2nd is 12.6 and the 3rd being exactly 18 miles. I had ran the last two in training but missed the 1st one while I was in Kauai...
Trasie and I got into a good pace and did some good talking with Kristin, a friend of our. We created an acronym that I'll never forget: HUM (Hydration, Urination, Motivation). You should definitely urinate before you feel the urge, it keeps your system cleaner and running properly. A typical running discussion really :) We felt great coming into all the aid stations. First one, at Merrigan, my boyfriend David was there to get some good pics and deliver some kisses, Green Valley was uneventful and then the climb up to Cuyamaca Peak, which, after all the dreadful climbs I did all summer, this was not that bad. It was a relief to get up there and see familiar faces at the Aid Stations. Coming back down, we ran into Paso Picacho Aid Station, sponsored by the Running Skirts of San Diego. We were able to get a picture with a local bud and one of my Grand Canyon partners, Keith Kirby:
From there, we returned back to the campground and got ready to start loop 2 at mile 31.5. We refilled our backs and bottles, ate a little and got moving. This loop was only 12.6 miles and there was only 1 aid station. Both of us were a little caffeinated at this point. I normally wait until at least being halfway through a race to do the pop/soda. The highlight of this loop was Trasie's comment to a hiker about her huge smile. We both normally great others on the trail with a smile and a "Beautiful day, eh?" But this was a little enthusiastic. "That's a great smile! WOW! You can see your molars in that smile!!!" I was cracking up for the rest of the loop, when we ran in Dave coming into the East Mesa 'Gator' Aid Station, I couldn't wait to tell him! AND, this aid station had TWIX. Apparently, Trasie was getting increasingly annoyed by my eating. At this point, we had met up with Nancy, another runner who asked us about cutoff. Thus was formed the AWESOME THREESOME.
From there, we returned back to the campground and got ready to start loop 2 at mile 31.5. We refilled our backs and bottles, ate a little and got moving. This loop was only 12.6 miles and there was only 1 aid station. Both of us were a little caffeinated at this point. I normally wait until at least being halfway through a race to do the pop/soda. The highlight of this loop was Trasie's comment to a hiker about her huge smile. We both normally great others on the trail with a smile and a "Beautiful day, eh?" But this was a little enthusiastic. "That's a great smile! WOW! You can see your molars in that smile!!!" I was cracking up for the rest of the loop, when we ran in Dave coming into the East Mesa 'Gator' Aid Station, I couldn't wait to tell him! AND, this aid station had TWIX. Apparently, Trasie was getting increasingly annoyed by my eating. At this point, we had met up with Nancy, another runner who asked us about cutoff. Thus was formed the AWESOME THREESOME.
Coming back into the Camp at mile 44.1, they had burritos. WOW. I loved every bite of it. Thank you Terry and Dave for your help. We all bundled up at this point; put on sleeves, windbreakers, tutus, gloves, and headlamps. It was getting dark and cold fast and this loop had a section on the Pacific Crest Trail, which is always windy.
Getting up to Sunrise was slow. Bellies were not doing well and therefore caloric intake was down. However, we were still urinating. At least, I was, and congratulating others when they did as well. Huge accomplish after running all day. Coming into Sunrise, Trasie's arch-enemy, we loaded up on hot soup and beverages and headed out on the PCT. I was worried about Dave since he wasn't there and I had expected him there but I figured they thought they missed us since we had taken a while. The PCT was windy. Here, we got into a run 3 mins, walk 2 mins pattern that seemed to work well. Coming into Pedro Fages, we loved seeing the same aid station volunteers from Sunrise, dedicated folks! And, it was a relief to see Dave! This was the last stretch and he was going to take us in! At 55 miles, we had 6.8 to go. Starting slow and moving through some interesting conversations, we got back into a pattern of 3/2. At this point, we were no longer quite so energetic and bubbly. More like zombies, with headlamps and tutus. So, I decided to sing "Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. And we all listed our favorite things... It was a great bonding moment.
With that, Dave had us pick up the pace and we ran the last 3 miles in! It was a slow run, like a jog, and I'm pretty sure my stride was kinda off at this point. It would have loved to get a video of us. Instead, we got a jumping picture at the finish line:
It was such a great time, I'll definitely do it again. I have two races I'm registered for right now, the Quad Dipsea in November in the Bay area and a wintery 50K in Northern IN December 29th with my brother!
In addition, Trasie and I will continue to run for and support Create Jobs for USA. Supporting those neighborhoods and towns that help run America is so important in order to keep America and our values strong. Here is where you can get more information: http://www.causes.com/potranca
Thanks for reading, love you all!!!!
