Sean O'Brien 50k Race Report

Let me start off by saying congrats to anyone who finished the Sean O’Brien 100k, 50m, 50k, and Marathon, and kudos to those who started, but had to drop out to play it safe on their bodies. It’s a tough course, downhill or uphill.

This race has been on my mind since I volunteered at the inaugural race last year in 2014. I was able to see parts of the course, and thought I have to give this race a shot at least once. And I did, thanks to my amazing sponsor Jane Tran. Originally, this was suppose to be my first 50 miler. Thinking I had done some training, and I registered in October which I still had 5 months of solid training to do. But it all went downhill, when midterms grades came in, and I had to spent countless hours studying and getting extra work done. I couldn’t afford  to fail any classes. I was forced to cut my training plan in half to be able to study more. It was a very hard decision, but it had to be done. I still had the urge to run this race whether it be the Marathon or 50k.

One week prior to the race I felt a tad bit confident, doing my last long run which was about 10 miles. All week long leading up to race I was hydrating my body with Pedialyte formula. My determination was in the right place. My mental strength was right, and my physical ambition was going to be tested on race day. I was more than ready to tackle this race that several runners named “Hard” and “Tough”.

Race day!

I woke up more than ready. I was feeling anxious. I just wanted to get on the course and let the miles click away.

We got there right after the 100k runners took off. Surprisingly we didn’t see any of the headlamps in the distance. I was able to pick up my bib because I was registered as a 50 mile runner, even though I didn’t think I was going to be able to make the cut offs, but I was willing to give it a try. I was greeted by many friends, and spotted a lot of amazing runners.

5:30, only 30 minutes till start!

I begin to get my UD Vest ready, fill my bottles, and leave my drop bags. I look up, even though it was dark, and notice how gloomy is starting to look. The clouds were closing in little by little. I was ready to relive my worst nightmare of running in the rain. Just as I did at the Paramount Ranch ½ Marathon in 2013.

6:00am Start in the DARK!

We take off to take on the Sean O’Brien course. The first part of the race was on pavement that lead to the beginning of the trail. The first part was gentle on the climbing, and then the descending. I was surprised I was able to keep up with some of the runners. Up until we got to the Camp is where we started separating. I was only a couple of minutes behind. I wanted to get to the creek crossing, to get an insight of what happens at the Hardrock 100. The water was freezing cold, and it got up to my just under my knees. My feet were, wet and cold. After that was when the climbing actually started. At about half of a mile after the creek crossing, my glasses began to fog up a bit, so I decided to clean then with a tissue I had. My glasses broke, right then and there. I was screwed for the entire race. I immediately called my father and ask him for advice on what I should do. He says: “Do what you have to do, just be careful on your decision, and play it safe.” I went on to continue the race. I just had to be careful on the downhills and make sure not to step on any rocks.

I continue the race, and I check my phone and saw that it was 7:00 am, which is the Marathon and 50k start. I should start to see runners very soon, and I did. Right before getting to Corral Canyon Aid Station, a lot of runners began to pass me. I get to this extremely big climb that was ridiculously steep, and just go for it. I managed to run it at a good pace, while being careful because I didn’t have my glasses. I get to the aid station, and start eating all sorts of fruit, drink fluid, and refill my bottles. I was so happy to see so many people there cheering and assisting the runners with whatever they need. Volunteers rock!

I left the station in a hurry, to get to the next station, and to catch up my timing. This is the part that I hated the most. Going to Latigo Road Aid station from Corral Canyon Aid Station or vice versa. No matter which way it was it was an a** kicker. The views were amazing! Being surrounded by so much green, and the sound of nature was amazing. I was actually able to see the Latigo Road Aid Station in the distance, but it was still so far. I went on the get to the aid station, and made it there faster than I expected. The volunteers were amazing. Didn’t get a chance to chat with them, because I wanted to get in out. I still have a long way to go. I was just wanted to get to the Kanan Road aid station. The rain was beginning to come down hard, and the trails were getting muddy.

Onward to the Kanan Road Aid Station. This was my favorite part of the course, because of how beautiful it looked. It was between these to aid stations, Latigo Road and Kanan Road where I saw my good friend Jorge Pacheco on his way back to the finish. Chasing 1st and 2nd place, and his spot at Western States 100 locked. Way to go Jorge! Down that steep and rocky descend to the aid station. Kanan Road Aid Station is where I spent most of my time volunteering at last years race. It’s like a party up there. Right there is where I needed to make my decision whether I wanted to go forth and continue the 50k, turn around and finish the Marathon, or drop. The decision was wasn’t easy, but I made up my mind. I went on to continue the 50k course.

Getting to the next aid station wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. It was beautiful like the entire course was. I was just anxious about getting to the aid stations to head back to the next aid station to finish. All the runners I kept seeing were lifting up my spirits with their positivity and thats when I began to pick up the pace. Slowly but surely. As I was approaching the aid station runners kept telling me that there wasn’t anyone there anymore. I had to get there, and turn around at the fire road. I knew from that very moment I had to pick up the pace a bit faster because one aid station shut down already. I didn’t want the rest to shut down.

I head back to Kanan and it was a in and out move. I filled my bottles, got some calories in me and took off. When I got to the top of that huge climb coming out of the aid station I began to think about my nephew who passed away last year on Mexican Independence Day(September 16). At that point I said that this race was going to be for him, no matter what I was not going to drop.

I made it to Latigo Road Aid Station, ready to continue with the rest of the race. I kept having the sense of dropping, but kept thinking about my nephew. Thanks to the wonderful ladies at the aid station that didn’t let me drop either. I was out of there 10 minutes later, and determined to finish the race no matter what my time was.

The road to Corral Canyon was long, and interesting. I was still not feeling fatigue, nor was I feeling sore, but my blisters were starting to act up. I was fighting my way to the aid station, and I kept making sure I was beating sunset there(which I did). The Climbs were kicking my a** big time from here. I began hands on knees hiking to be able to get up faster, and it was working. I was feeling a bit stronger, but not as I wished. Several minutes later, I made it the last climb to the aid station! The cheering made me push harder. I get there and it was light out, cloudy, but not dark. I checked in, got my bottles filled, and eat a warm cup of beef chili. It was cold as hell by this time. The wind began to pick up a bit. But with no time to waste I took off. I didn’t want to have to run in the dark so much.

The last 6 miles of the race were the hardest ones for me. Not only did I have to run in the dark and mist, but it was freezing. When running in the dark you have to create a high sense of awareness. Although, majority of the six miles were downhill it was still hard to maintain a solid pace because it was dark. Lucky I had a headlamp. The four miles leading to the creek crossing felt long and tiring. But there wasn’t much I could do but continue to the finish line. As I approach the single track the is .6 to the creek, it was muddy, and cold there. I could hear the water of the creek flow which meant I was getting closer and closer. I knew I was almost there because I was remembering parts of the trail.

I get to the creek crossing and there was a long rope. Basically you have to hold on to when crossing the water. The water was COLDER than before. At that point I was ready to get to the finish line, which was two miles away. I proceeded to the finish and passed the camp, then reach the LAST climb of the race. Boy was that tough! I kept going and going, and thought “This is a long climb!” I get to the top and I here this runner tell me and another runner “Gentlemen, the climbing portion of the race is over.” That was the best news I’ve gotten all race long. With less than a mile to go, I tried to pick up the pace downhill to get to the road. As soon I hit the pavement I knew I was worry free and just minutes away from finishing a brutal race. I began to run as hard and fast as I can, I kept hearing the cheering from people and I was pushing harder. I was just meters away from finishing. I get to the turn and see the finish line, and I got a smile on my face.

I crossed the finish line at 14:13:37, 192nd place overall, and 1st in age group. What a race this was. It was definitely a mental challenge. I suffered from mile 2 and on, and I enjoyed it. Running for 29 miles without my glasses was not what I was expecting. It was hard, but I did it. I did the race runners considered tough. What was I thinking When I registered for the 50 miler?

I will be back next year for revenge on the 50k course. I know I can better my time, just have to train harder.

I want to thank everyone who supported me along the course, without the support and motivation I wouldn't be able to push harder.

Without the volunteers any race wouldn't be possible! Thanks you guys, for assisting us with everything we need, and for being there in the rain.

Keira Henninger and Sean O'Brien, thank you for such a stellar race! Such a beautiful and tough course! Thank you for not packing up and leaving me at the finish line. ;)

Thanks to Danny S, and Valerie S, for the support! Valerie's hugs at the aid stations were the best! And Danny thank you for lending me your headlamp, it got me through the dark for a really long time.

Maria Q, and Elizabeth A, thank you guys for waiting for me after the race. Thank you Maria for letting me carpool with you to and from the race. You've been for both of my ultras, and take very good care of me.

And lastly to my sponsor Jane Tran, thank you for sponsoring me for this race. I’m sorry I disappointed you and couldn’t go forth and finish the 50m. But I will run a 50 miler sooner or later. Thanks to you I got into running. :D

See you all next year!

Preparations for this year, 2015

2014 was quite the year for me. I ran my first Ultra-Marathon, Leona Divide 50k, and I got my first DNF(Did Not Finish) at the Billy Goat 1/2 marathon. I can't say that I didn't have fun running all these races, I did, but more importantly they were all a lesson for me. Telling me I need to train harder, eat more healthier, and more importantly develop mental toughness. That is one thing that holds me back from most(if not all) races, the lack of mental toughness. "Mind over Matter" - the use of will power to overcome physical problems. Something I never chose to do, which is why I got the DNF at Billy Goat half. I know with more mental strength I could have finished my first 50k in under the time I came in, 11 hours and 47 minutes, or even the Griffith Park 1/2 Marathon. I could have finished it in under 4 hours, but I let my mentality get the best of me.

But now, in 2015, that is all going to change This year I set a goal that I am going to chase, and never let go. I will sign up to run the Javelina Jundered(100k). I know from past experiences, a lot of people are going to criticize me me saying I'm not ready, or say it's not a good idea. But, I'm the one signing up to run it, not them. I will train hard, work on my mental toughness, and of course my nutrition. My fundraising has begun, because I know this trip will not be cheap, and registration fee is $195. I will do whatever it takes to reach my goal. With the help of all my friends, and people who have shown support I know it will come true. I will now be able to show my true colors or being "Relentless and Unbreakable."

Thank you all for reading this blog post. I'm ready step it up a notch, and train harder.
And for those running Javelina Jundred this year, see you all there, one way or another.

Griffith Park 1/2 Marathon

Last year in 2013 I ran the Griffith Park 10k and I was definitely in for a surprise, because I had only been trail running for 2 months prior to race day. That was my first ever trail race, and after finishing in 1:25 I was hooked to the sport and wanted to run more races. That same year I volunteered for the ½ marathon to get an inside on what goes on in a trail race before I tackle the 10k the next day. I had lots of fun and I had to definitely run it the following year.

I run and train in Griffith Park all the time, it is my home course so I knew I had to run the Half Marathon at least once, to get a taste of racing in it. There are a couple of tough climbs in the park, and it so happened that some of those climbs are in the race. Hogback trail, Charlie Churner(back to Dante’s view), and of course coming back up from the Bronson Caves. That was definitely the biggest climb of the race.

8:00 am start, by that time my tan was getting a tan. It was extremely HOT! I remember watching the weather forecast on Monday before going to school and seeing it was going to up in the mid 90’s. The first thing that came out of my mouth was SH*T! I don’t really like to train in hot weather conditions for one reason, rattlesnakes, but the show must go on. You have to keep the machine flowing somehow.

Gathering at the startline I began to wish all my friends that were racing good luck. One quote that I always keep in mind is “Run Relentless, and think Unbreakable.” No matter how hot it was going to get, how much I was going to suffer getting through the toughest climbs I was going to get through it. Finally, Keira Henninger(Race Director) does the countdown of the last 10 seconds and before I knew it, I was on the trail getting through the first climb.

The first climb is of course Hogback Trail, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Yeah, right! It was extremely expose to heat, but luckily I was able to hike it super hard. The first “descent” is at about 2 miles into the race going around Mt.Bell before join with the road. I knew I was already one of the last runners so I start ripping down that downhill to the aid station. After getting of the trail, I begin to run the couple of meters to the aid station as hard as I could to catch up to a couple of runners. At the turn to the aid station I was greeted by my friend Miguel who was encouraging me to keep going and to not stop. I really needed that push. I get to the aid station and my plan was to get in and out. Thankfully it was all familiar faces so I the cheering and motivation made me want to continue running.

And I was off to continue to with the race. The next couple of miles were flat with a huge descent down to the Bronson Caves. It was good being able to see more runners on the course since I was far behind. By then the sun was hitting hard! It felt a little over 100 to me. I might sound crazy for that, but it was HOT! This is where I take advantage to try to catch up to some runners, and I did, not to many though. I hear my name from a distance, “GO FERNANDO,” it was my friend Monica from Team Cruda. That made me run even faster to get to the aid station manned by more familiar faces. I get there, and get my bottles filled and take one of my Powerbar gels to give me a little boost. And off I went to the caves for the turn around and then back up that long ascent.

The entire time I’m going up I was suffering pretty badly. It was such a long and heavy climb. I tried not to focus on it and just do it. I put my bottle in my shorts and start hiking hands on knees as hard as I could. Although, it was hot and there wasn’t much shade, I didn’t let it get to my head. I was going to finish this race, not DNF like I did at Billy Goat ½ Marathon. I reach the top and there was a couple meters to the aid station where I took my next gel and filled my bottles. My friend Miguel ran from the aid station to the beginning of the trail with me, in fact he was speeding up on purpose so I can keep pace and not stop, I didn’t.

The climb around Mt.Bell is tough especial after the heavy climb coming out of the Bronson Caves, but I fought through it. I make it to Dante’s View where my friend Paul is directing runners in the proper direction greets me and fills up my bottle fast enough so I can get on my way to the Griffith Park Observatory. This was the first decent that was hard for me to run, because for the first time I suffered from blisters. It made it hard for me to take a step, but I made it happen and kept going. The aid station was before getting the parking lot near the observatory, so you were able to get greeted by tourist or hikers. It was nice to get motivation from people you don’t know. On my way back I tried running whatever I could, even if it was half of a mile I did it.

The moment I got to Dante’s View I knew I was less than a mile to go. All the pain and suffering was almost over. No matter how much the blister bothered me, I was going to run down Hogback trail. At about half way down the trail I notice a lady runner stretching hoping she didn’t have cramps that close to the finish line. Thank goodness she didn’t. I ask if she needed any help or assistance, but she didn’t, and said to continue my race.

With less than half of a mile to go, I began to get mini flashbacks of when I ran Leona Divide 50k this past April, where the last mile was on pavement and it was all downhill. Hearing people cheering me on, me knowing I was about to finish my first ultra marathon. It was such a euphoric moment that I would never forget. That was exactly how I felt during the that last decent. Making the turn out of the trail and onto the road I began to hear cheering, and the medal that was waiting for me.

Crossing the finish line at 4:19:57, runner #251 out of 262 runners, and first in age group. Although it was the worst I’ve ever felt during a trail race, I loved every moment of it. “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger” well I’m alive, and ready to continue running. I will continue to face challenges while trail running, but it’s that what makes me a better runner. I can look back at the race days later and say, yeah it was hard, but I had fun. Who else can say they had fun while torturing themselves running in 100 degree weather.

I will return next year to better my time, to get a sub 3 hour. I know I can do it. Anything is possible, if you set your mind to it.

-Fernando Anaya

Relentless and Unbreak

Billy Goat Hill Climb

The Billy Goat Hill Climb ½ Marathon was a tough one. This race was definitely one of the toughest trail courses I have ever done. It was a lesson learned.

Waking up bright and early getting ready for this monstrous course I was about to run in the next 2 hours, I thought to myself, what will the terrain be like? How will the temperature be in Corona? Will I beat the cut-off? These questions were haunting me as myself and my friend Luisa were driving to the race location.

Arriving to the location and right away spotting my friend Michelle Barton(Badwater 135 finisher, 6x Transrockies finisher), and I felt a little more confident that this will not be too bad. But, I was wrong. The heat started to hit pretty strong. It reached up to almost 100 degrees. It was awfully hot. When you get to the start of an Old Goat race, the start line has a banner that reads “Moderation has its place, it ain’t here”. That could only mean one thing, it’s going to be f*cking hard.

10 minutes till start and the man of the hour talks about the race, course, etc. Also did I mention it was his birthday celebration? No, well I just did. All I could think of was “birthday = cake”(which I didn’t have any). Feeling pretty nervous about the 6 miles that stand in front of me, oh and that “one hill” as they say. Just think Relentless and Unbreakable. “Go” says Steve, and the race starts.

    The first couple of meters of the race were flat. Then the climbing starts, and immediately I start cursing in my head, “Shi*t this is f*cking hard”, but the show must go on. Me and my friend Luisa decide to stick together for the first couple miles of the race, or at least till the first aid station which was at mile 3.5, but felt like more. I was really struggling keeping up with her. I was in such bad shape, and felt like I really couldn’t keep up with her. So I told her to take off, and I will TRY to catch up. So she did. As I’m going up, I kept wondering where is this dang aid station, I want some watermelon and ice cold water. The climb was ridiculous. For some reason I felt like it was getting steeper and steeper as I’m trying to get to the aid station. I get to the aid station, and first thing I noticed is I’m the last runner. No worries, I’m having fun(yeah right), time to fight it and keep going.

    As soon as I left the aid station, as I’m walking up the climb taking a breather, the first male passes me. I’m only at mile 3.5 and he’s at mile 10. How did that happen? I was amazed at how fast this guy was running, because this was crazy steep. By that time I was starting to suffer really bad, I just wished I could fly to the turn around. I kept singing “I need a hero” by Bonnie Tyler. I really needed one. The heat started to hit stronger and stronger as I hit higher elevation. Majority of the course was exposed to heat. I kept praying for a patch of shade to take a break. Still climbing I start seeing runners coming down one by one. All giving me support and tell me to keep going. So I kept going. I climb and I finally reached some gentle downhill and started to pick up the pace, until the climbing began again, and I was only half of a mile from the aid station. As I’m going, I see a truck, and I’m thinking, okay it’s probably one of the cars that are headed to the top or so. But no, it was the aid station guys, who were not packed and ready to head back down to the start/finish area. Luckily, I was able to refill my handheld then head down to the finish.

    I start tearing down the trail trying to beat the cut off, but it was extremely hot and my water was running low. I was struggling pretty bad. I kept trying to survive the last couple of miles trying to get to the first aid station with very little water. The trail coming down was very steep. Even to run down was a little hard. But, I gave it my best. Trying not to let the truck behind me catch up. At about mile 8.5 I started to really think to myself “It’s getting really hot, I still have about 4 miles to go, can I continue?” I went on to continue, even if I was running slow I managed to push myself.

    I finally reached the aid station, and try to refill my handheld again, and pour some on my head to cool off. And of the aid station guys tells me that there is no possible way the I will be able to beat the cut off if I tried to continue. I said I’ll give it my best to get as far as I can. So I take off pretty fast to the finish. And right behind me the aid station guys pull up behind me to tell me that I can’t continue to run anymore. The course has to be shut down. So I hitch a ride back to the finish line. The finish line I could have crossed if I wouldn’t have let my poor mentality take over my body.

    There were moments in the race where I felt like I wasn’t racing against the other runners, more like I was racing against myself. I let myself down. Didn’t think I’d ever DNF(did not finish) a race. A race in which I’ve pushed myself 200% to finish.  I’m not disappointed I didn’t finish the entire course, but I can say that I pushed myself to the fullest extend to get through 10 miles in scorching heat. Not going to complain, and definitely push myself 300% next time.

    I’m very happy about this experience and thanks Steve for the DFL(Dead Fucking Last) awards. Definitely was the icing on the cake. I am running this race again next year, and earning that medal. No way in hell I’m letting a cut off beat me.  

- Fernando Anaya

Relentless and Unbreakable

Myself and the Old Goat himself Steve.

 My DFL award.

LA Marathon 2014!

Let me start of by saying congratulations to all that finished the 2014 LA Marathon. This years LA Marathon really made me give it my all. It was the first time in a race of any distance where I felt like I wasn’t “racing” against other runners, but racing against myself I felt like I wasn’t running up to my potential. Despite the smiles and laughs along the course deep down inside I was in excruciating pain. All I wanted to do was get to mile 11 where my family was waiting for me to take an electrolyte boost drink to see if that would give me strength to continue on the rest of the course. Beginning on mile 7, well at least for me, is where the sun decided to play peek-a-boo with me. The heat wasn’t really a wow factor for me considering I’ve been doing some heat training for my first Ultra Marathon “Leona Divide 50k”. So I was able to manage the heat pretty well doing what all runners do splash a cup of water on the face and pour some over the head to cool down.

Getting to mile 15 and finally seeing a bunch of familiar faces it definitely made me feel a lot better with such a warm welcome. Hanging out with everyone have a talk with my friend Donna C, on how difficult this race is for me. Then I realized I still have 11 more miles, I should really get going.

The road to mile 20 which is where I was going to give up, where some tears were shed and some things were said that I shouldn’t mention. It was tough. I felt useless to continue to run, I sat down and realized that this wasn’t going pretty if I continued to run, or walk. I was walking the entire time debating whether to give up or continue, I have my head down and notice a penny and the floor. I bent over to pick up and to get a closer look and see that it’s heads up. For of those of you who don’t know. Whenever I find a penny heads up, I picture my cousin, may he rest in peace, who passed away at the age of 1, saying hello to me. The moment I picked it up and realized it was heads up a tear came out of my eye. I told myself “Is this a sign?”. “Does he want me to continue no matter the circumstances?” I held the penny in my hand squeezed it tight looked up to the sky and said “Yes!”. I was not going to give up, not now. I came this far to give up.  

Chanting in my head “Relentless and Unbreakable” I kept going. Whether I was walking, jogging, or even just taking step by step I didn’t give up. Finally getting to mile 25, I could already taste victory. Looked at the time and I knew from the start I wasn’t going to get a PR or even under 7 hours. Running as fast as I could, which was like a 15 minute pace I did not stop. Keeping my cousin in my thoughts I kept pushing forward. Hearing the cheers from finishers and spectators and I reach the finish I just couldn’t get it to my head that I finally made it to Santa Monica 8 hours and 6 minutes later! Never thought I’d be able to finish what to me has to be the toughest race I’ve ever done. Crossing the finish line, receiving my medal proud I look up to the sky and thank my cousin for pushing me forward.

Something as simple as a penny can mean so much to a person. In my case it gave the strength to finish the last 10 kilometers of a marathon. If I wouldn’t of have found that penny I think I would have called it a day, and dropped out. Yes I’m ashamed of my time, but I’m proud that I finish. Never give up for any reason, push yourself to finish.

    See you all in 2015! :)

-Fernando Anaya