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!
