Three Weeks Until the San Francisco Marathon

I received a message from the race director of TCT Runs inviting me to join the run at Lover’s Leap in Strawberry, California. I messaged two of my running friends who I thought might have a race credit from volunteering with TCT Runs. The I learned from Carina that they still needed volunteers to sweep – i.e. picking up the ribbons/markers. Hassan and Jerry were up to the challenge. I prefer to sweep too because I may not be up to the high elevation run.

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According to Wikipedia, “Strawberry is a small unincorporated community on the South Fork American River, 3.25 miles (5 km) south-southwest of Pyramid Peak, [2] along U.S. Route 50 in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The sign on the highway reads population 50.

The town became a popular resort in the 1850s, and a station along the Central Overland Pony Express between Yank's Station and Webster's, Sugar Loaf House Station. The site is now registered as California Historical Landmark #707. [3]

Strawberry is also the home of Lovers Leap climbing area. [4]”.

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Hassan had to beg off from the trip because they were expecting their sons to come visit from the Bay area. Jerry and I chose to sweep the 18 miles because it was the mileage we needed for training this weekend.

We left very early to drive the 77.7 miles via Highway 50 to reach Strawberry, California. As expected at that time and day, the drive was a breeze. We even got to have a good breakfast at the historical 150-year old Strawberry Lodge.

The 50Mile/50K runners started at 5:30 am. While the other distances; 18 miles, 13.1 miles, 9 miles, 10K, 5K, 2 miles started at 8:30 am. We started our sweep at 9:00 am, giving a lead to the runners about 30 minutes.

From the starting line outside the Strawberry Lodge we followed the road to the trail head. Once we hit the trail it was hiking all the way up. I was short of breath because of the elevation. But it surely seemed like it was still spring here. Wildflowers were in full bloom still – lavender, yellow, white. Unlike in the low lands where they had all dried up.

From Strawberry Lodge to Negro Flat aid station was a total of 7.3 miles. Hiking up surrounded by pine trees, wildflowers, crossing many streams. The foliage was very dense at parts, the paths are not well worn. At mile 5.5 the elevation was at 7,800 ft. At mile 6.75 we hiked down to 7,000 ft. before climbing another 100 feet to Negro Flat Aid station. The medic was stationed in this aid area and we got an update from him on the status of the runners. The race course was a loop, so we had been picking up the pink trail markers up to this point.  The 50-mile runners followed the loop to the right going all the way to Caples Creek and would be a total loop of 12.2 miles. As the 50 milers were still in the Caples Creek loop of the course, Jerry and I would not be able to pull the return course loop pink markers. We left the pink ribbons we had gathered at the Negro Flat Aid station and informed the medic to let the race director know that we were completing the 18-mile loop but will not be picking up the pink ribbons so that the runners still out on the course will still have their course markers. Jerry and I re-filled our water bladders with water and ate some good snacks. We also drank sodas, good for the immediate burst of sugar. Soon we were on our way to Buck Pasture a hike of 4 miles, with the highest elevation at 8,100 ft at 2.25 miles. The trail did not have the tree cover and the sun was high up. I could not wait to get to the tree line again. The views of the other peaks were breath-taking. Reaching Buck Pasture after 4 miles it was all going down now. I let gravity do its work as my legs were very heavy because they were very tired. We were startled by a movement in the forest thinking it was a bear, thankfully it turned out to be a deer. 2 miles from Buck Pasture we reached the water stop. There was just a jug of water there. I though if they were leaving a jug of water, would you not leave some snacks please? I laughed at myself. But at this point there was a dirt road and would make it possible to have an aid station here. Anyway, the next aid station is 3.3 miles away from this water station. Tired as I was I was thankful to be back at the tree line. We were on a dirt road now and an ATV passed by followed, another ATV, next a jeep and another ATV.  I was so thankful to reach the Lover’s Leap Aid station and Strawberry Lodge was only 1.1 miles away. There was one Seven-up left and Jerry and I split it. We need that sugar rush now.

My legs, thighs, feet were so tired. My shoes I have concluded were too small for me. My toenails were burying into the front of the shoe specially on the descents. I stopped from time to time psyching myself to keep on going. My body just did not want to move anymore. But there is no other way to return but walk or run if I can conjure the energy to do so. But we were on a dirt road, Jerry can go get his truck and pick me up, it will be faster. Of course, I stayed silent, I needed to focus on the task, less than a mile to go. The last mile always feels like the longest mile. Just like that we were back on the road and even that seemed to take like forever. A female 50-mile runner passed us swiftly with a quick hello. Oh my, I thought she still has so much energy in her. Just like that and she was out of sight. The sight of the bridge gave me a boost and I stopped to take a photo. Finally, we were back at the start/finish line and proceeded to the tent area for some yummy snacks. 18 miles done! Elevation gain 3,500 ft. asl.

For a recovery run, I got up very early again the next day to beat the heat. I had forgotten to post my intention on our group website so for once I am going to run alone. I am quite familiar with the trails from Cavitt Junior High School that I was confident I would not get lost. Ha! I followed our usual 4-mile run which is out and back (OAB). I also did the hill repeat, pushing myself to run up the hill and take a photo on top with a good view of Folsom Lake. I ran 2-loops to make for 8miles, but with the hill repeat I could have done a total of 8.4 miles. That’s is that for this weekend – three weeks before the San Francisco Marathon! Yikes!

Link: Tips to Relax & Re-charge

Link: Strawberry Lodge

Link: Lover's Leap

Donner Lake Elevation and Pavement Training

The temperatures around our area had been averaging in the high 90s for the past days. We scheduled a trip to Donner Lake for high altitude and pavement training. Donner Lake being at the elevation of 5,936’ it was certainly a cooler place to be in the summer. I am thankful to Cindy and Hassan who hosted this training run for my benefit. There were several other training runs scheduled today – June 30^th but we made a good choice of location. Temperature hit a 102F and there were many unhappy runners.

Roadside & lakeside running

Donner Lake is a fresh water lake in the Northeast, California on the Eastern Slope of the Sierra Nevada. It is about 11 miles Northwest of the much larger Lake Tahoe. We parked at the area nearest the entrance to the beach from there we ran on a clockwise direction around the lake. First, we were on pavement until we reached the end of the fence. We turned right and followed the interpretive trails running the side of the lake. This part was shaded with different type of pine trees around the lake. It was heart-warming to see groups of friends and families enjoying the beach and the public piers. It was also very motivating to see such scenery specially as the temperatures got warmer as the morning progress. We went over some hills, running up them for training and catching our breath as we reached the top.

Running on elevation has his challenges with a total ascent of 190 feet and a total elevation of 6,126 ft. asl. Tips from Runners’ World in running in altitude: 1) Include a longer warm up. 2) Run a slower pace. At high elevation with thinner air, you tend to run slower. 3) Get plenty of sleep. 4) Increase your intake of fluids. 5) Avoid alcohol and sodium.

At the first 2 miles, like always I was catching my breath and trying to catch up with the rest. After a couple of miles, I felt stronger and went up ahead from the group. I wish I felt this way most of the time. The last time I felt this strong was at Magnolia Ranch.

After finishing the 1^st 7-mile loop we took a short break to go to the bathrooms, eat chilled watermelon slices, and refilled our water containers. We ran our 2^nd loop in the reverse direction to make it more interesting. Towards the end of the loop we could not help but take pictures. Enjoy!

Movie: The Log at Donner Lake

Link: Donner Memorial State Park

Link: Run Donner Lake

Link: Runner’s World article – Help! I Have to Run atAltitude

Coastal Trail from Rodeo Beach

At the Vista Point

Life sidelined me, not from running though. I continued to run, and it helped conjure positive energy. Training for the San Francisco Marathon is keeping me focused and positive. My writing was sidelined, it was hard to pick up the pen, well actually it was hard to type my thoughts.

I was invited to join a training run by friends getting ready for the Golden Gate (Summer) Trail Run. There is something about the views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate (It is actually red.😊), that inspires me- to walk, to run and now to write again.

Annalisa, Hiromi and I set-out from Sacramento at 6 AM, or was it 7 AM? Anyway, it was early. We car-pooled, and I agreed to drive going to Rodeo Beach because after the run I know I would not be in the condition to drive. It was an easy drive until we got to the tunnel and we tried a different way to get to Rodeo Beach without having to go inside the tunnel. We took a few turns and got on the road on the way to Baker Beach and a wrong turn landed us facing a wire fence with a sign that said, “Keep out”. It had a beautiful vantage point of the Golden Gate Bridge, so I declared that I was going to take a picture while Annalisa and Hiromi worked out the directions. We got back on the road towards the tunnel and took another turn and was on the coastal road passing a Vista Point. Again, I said “I have to take a picture!”. Satisfied and on track we made our way to Rodeo Beach.

At Rodeo Beach, it was very windy, waves splashed hard on the shore, and there was fog (but of course!). After a trip to the ladies’ room and gearing up we were on our way. Our goal was to head out for 6 miles and turnaround for a total of 12 miles. We followed the Coastal Trail, Tennessee Valley Trails and the Miwok Trail. The trails were well-marked but there were a series of turns and could get you lost or run around in circles.

Overlooking Rodeo Beach

The hike started off very friendly and there were many families enjoying the trails and the views even on this very windy day. The trail was dusty and had gravel and was a steady climb and step were made in some parts. Then we took a left up the bunkers and descended on the other side. It happens to me all the time, it takes me a couple of miles to warm up. I often wonder, why each time I go out and run, it feels like the first time. I am out of breath, my heart pounding, and my head feels like it would explode. At this point I would slow down, as if I was not slow already and let the pounding subside. This is the reason that I realized I need that special Garmin watch that had a heart monitor. According to Garmin: The goal is to make you aware when physical or emotional sources cause your stress level to rise so you can find a way to relieve the pressure. It is very important to know this information so as not to hurt our body. I do not have a coach, but I listen to advise and get tips from friends who have run ultras.

I am really slow, so I tell Annalisa and Hiromi to just go ahead at their pace and they waited for me at the junctions. By now I have a history of getting lost 2x that my running friends make sure I don’t anymore. At the same time, I have paid attention to the trails even as I pay attention to my body.

Aside from my 1.5 litter water that I carry in my vest, I also carry 2 8oz Camelbak drinking bottles with Gatorade. My favored protein bar is Think Thin High protein bar with 20gms of protein because it is very tasty and not like a cardboard. I also like Snicker bars and Brach’s’ gummy worms. I have stayed away from dried cranberries or raisins, I really like them, but they make me gassy. For much longer runs, I have carried McDonald’s sausage burritos and peanut butter sandwiches. I switch them up a bit to relieve the boredom of taste.

We reached an area where sections of the trail had wooden planks and reminded me so much of a Japanese Garden. Another reason that slows me down is I take time to admire the scenery and take photos. I also carry a GoPro because nothing beats live video. I used to get teased carrying a GoPro but after friends have seen the videos they appreciate that I took the time to do so.

The Coastal Trail is good training because of the hills where the ascent and descent is definitely good for training. Annalisa and Hiromi waited for me a the 6mile mark on their Garmin and called to me saying “Come on Eve, this is mile 6”. On the return, we ran faster as we had become familiar to the trail. At an area close to the beach, Hiromi waved at me to show the way and I waved back. Then I turned because I saw a photo opportunity and Hiromi followed saying she was worried that I was taking a different trail. She laughed when she saw I was taking pictures. The fog had cleared up some and the view was fantastic.

I love trail running because just like in back packing and hiking I am there for the scenery. I am enjoying God’s creation at the same time keeping me fit. In trail running I get my exercise and enjoy the views in a shorter span of time so I can attend to other responsibilities. I schedule my runs on a weekly basis and reserve my backpacking trips for when I have a longer break from work. Enjoy!

Link: Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Link: Marine Headlands Map