Folsom Lake Sweetwater Trail Run (1/2 Marathon)

Date/Location:	Jan 28, 2017 / Folsom
Distance:	1/2 Marathon (11.1 miles)
Time:	1:31:225
Place:	1st oa
Teammates:	Flor Hodges (FCA)

I’m excited about this race that Robin picked out for me to be a good tune-up for the Napa Marathon in 6 weeks.  It’s a grass-roots trail run in the Salmon Falls area that I’ve never explored.  It also seems appropriate I check out one of the “Troy’s California Trail Runs” put on by race director, Troy Limb.  I studied the hand-drawn course map last night but it also took quite a bit of internet research to get a picture of the route in my head.

We arrive at the small trail-head parking lot early.  It’s really cold, but clear.  I’m honored to have my whole family supporting me.  They’re not racing.  Right now the girls are reading books.

Flor Hodges is hear!  Cool surprise.  I give her my light gloves and switch to thicker ones. We warm-up by exploring the first 1/2 mi of the trail.  The trail is technical single-track, right from the start!  The main concerns are not to fall or get lost which could be easy to do.  I emphasize the not falling part to Flor because, in thinking of her new ranking as top Asia age-grouper, I couldn’t bear to see her get hurt starting the season!

Race director, Troy, gives us a briefing without a bull-horn.  He doesn’t need it.  In Dave Horning fashion, it’s clear to see this guy loves running trails and wants to share that joy in a simple low-key manner.

100 of us line up across the parking lot in order “to thin out the crowd” before we hit the single-track.  This could be a crazy dash.  If I get behind a group, I may lose a lot of time and not be able to run my pace.  But I’m a distance runner, not a sprinter.  How will I get to the trail in front? 

I remember Anna’s X-Country race at Empire Mine Park in Grass Valley.  There was a 30 yd dash on gravel before hitting the trail.  The kids had to sprint for position and some would wipe out on the loose rocks.  They called that course “Slip-n-Bleed”.  I was very nervous watching the kids.  They had to have quick reflexes and adjust to the sprinting mob.  If they can deal with that, then I can, too.

I line up in front, but then a group of ladies lines up in front of me.  I get the feeling they’re not interested in dashing to the trail as they take selfies and say “we’ve never been in the front before!”

I plan to jump left and then right in hopes of getting ahead at the start.  I hang on the director’s every word.  Get ready..get set.. Go!  Time seems to stand still as I execute my left-n-right bounds with all the quickness my slow-twitch muscles can deliver.  Surprisingly it seems like no one else is moving and I easily get to the lead without even a bump from others.  Thankfully I’m sprinting free-n-clear across the parking lot.  But I imagine the mob is right behind me.

I hit the trail at full speed, over the stream, over the fallen log, and now realizing I have to focus on recovering.  I have a long ways to go.  Heart rate needs to come down. Then I hear footsteps and heavy breathing behind me.  but I can’t go any faster.  I may have to let them pass me.  I can’t look back because the trail demands complete attention.  So I yell, “How are you doing back there?”  There’s only 1 guy and he says, “Fine.  Just trying to shake the hangover from last night”.  Ok, he doesn’t want to pass,.. and doesn’t sound very serious about the race either.

Mile 1. 7:57: I don’t hear anyone behind me.  I’m all alone.  I imagine maybe everyone piled up back there, trying to get around people, and soon will be overtaking me. Whether that’s the case or I’m all alone, I want to go as fast as I can and see what I can do with this trail.  It’s beautiful, along the American River flowing into Folsom Lake, undulating up and down with sharp turns through the trees.

Mile 2. 7:47: I’m reminding myself, as I fly down rocky sections and jump over rocks, to not fall.  I’m watching intently.  Trying to keep my watering eyes farther up the trail.  The sun is coming out bright and making parts of the trail hard to see.  I’m breathing hard and it’s hard to think, but I keep reminding myself about the course. “pink ribbons.  Sweet water Trail.  U-turn at 4 miles. Don’t go into the aid station.  At 5.5mi avoid the ‘out’ trail”.  I don’t want to get lost.

Suddenly, the pink ribbons turn blue. I stop and look back.  I almost missed the U-turn and went to the “8mi course” aid-station.  Cool, now I get to cross the river.  Yep, there is no way to avoid it.  I take the plunge and walk quickly across.  Surprisingly my feet don’t feel cold.

Mile 3. 7:49:  I slosh up the steep climb with heavy shoes.  I still pumped up to run this course as fast as possible. It’s been going great.  I’m getting more daring and instead of climbing over fallen trees, trying to steeple-chase over them.  I realize that the creek came a mile early.  Did I take a wrong turn?  Is that why no one is around me?  I drop down to the 2nd aid station and see Troy the race director getting ready.  It looks like I’m earlier than expected.  Another bad sign.  But he encourages me on.  I have a water bottle and don’t need to stop.  Up through a muddy hill side and then a glorious view at the top.  I put my hands up for a second and thank God.  I try to pick it up even though the trail is even narrower now, hard to even stay on it.

Mile 4. 8:36: Reminding myself, “At 5.5 mi, don’t turn onto the ‘out’ trail on your left.”  The trail has flattened and the trees step back into a wide open area.  There’s the ‘out’ trail, where I will be coming back, but it’s only 4.5mi!  I’m still wondering if I cut a mile off somewhere or else this course is going to be short.

Mile 5. 7:45: A tough climb, and then a long, fun, splashing through puddles descent.  My left foot arch is hurting a little like I stretched my plantar on a hard landing.  I definitely don’t want that injury so I try to ease more weight onto the other leg.  Starting another climb I think about the next turn.  Oh, yeah, Monte Vista Trail.  So glad I studied the map yesterday.  There it is!  Up a steep hill.  Using my low-foot-rise technique to climb faster with less energy.

Mile 6. 8:26: A long mellow descent, out the ‘out’ trail, and now going against traffic back to the start.  “Good job, way to go, looking good..” I’m still pushing really hard and it’s made harder from having to run off the trail each time I see a runner.  I negotiate about 20 of them but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.

Mile 7. 7:59:  Through the great opening with the great view.  Still focused on running fast without sliding out on the muddy turns, and jumping off into the grass to avoid oncoming runners.  Across the parking lot, I quickly fill up at the aid station, and now off to the creek crossing!

Mile 8. 8:03: I drop into the creek, this time my feet feel cold.  I scampere across well and excitedly hustle back up to the trail.  Right then my right calf pulls.  I recognize that deep tender spot as a potential serious race-ender.  I’ve had it before over a year ago and it takes a long time to heal.  I think, “Maybe I wasn’t supposed to do this.. have I ruined my marathon?”  Slowing my run, I realize instead, “No, I have felt God’s pleasure and have focused on Him today.  There is probably a good reason for this.  Even though it’s been a perfect run and I want to get a stellar time, am I willing to let it all go?  Yes.”  I stop, rub it a little, and continue on very slowly, and walking the uphills.  One strong push up a hill and it could completely pull. 

Mile 9. 9:11: After about a mile of taking it easy, I don’t feel it anymore!  Thank you, Lord!  He know how hard it was for me to ease off but I really think that was the point of it.  Now I’m picking it up more and more.  I’m even jumping up and over the fallen trees.  There are still many runners from shorter races going both directions.  It’s all more familiar now.  It looks like it’s going to be about 2 miles short.  What a great feeling to not have to do the hardest miles (the last 2)

Mile 10. 8:28.  A mile to go.  I’m running fast but being really carely not to slip, straing, or tweak anything.  An older later is trying to climb over a big log when she sees me coming.  “A bad spot to meet someone” she says, but I get across above her.  She says, “Must be nice to have long legs.”  I continue cheering for the other walkers/runners… And then I hear my family!  “There he is!” I hear them say.  Hi 5’s to Anna and Ariel.  Anna takes off with me and we dart here and there through the twisting trail.  Across the little stream and I hear her yelling with delight.  “Why didn’t you have me do this race, this is so cool!”  Indeed it was cool to be running full speed through the woods with my daughter and then finish the winner of the 11.1 mile 1/2 marathon

Mile 11. 8:32.  Flor also finished without getting lost or hurt.  I’m so thankful that God has given me fun, fullfilling races, and even throws in some learning experiences, or tests.  It was a very rewarding day and we playing on the beach along the river to finish it off.

New Year Challenge 2017 (Troy)

Date/Location:	12/31/16-Bike- Auburn, Overlook Park 1/1/17 – Resolution Run -Auburn, Overlook Park
Distance:	Hill Climb #1 – 3mi Old Foresthill Rd Hill Climb #2 - 1.2mi Raley's Hill Resolution Run - 10mi Trails
Time:	Bike Run 1:13:30
Place:	Bike 3rd Run 1st (3rd O/A)
Teammates:	Hill Climb: Jesse Warda, Kayden Kelly, Mike Bradley, Trixie Bradley, Robin Soares 10Mile: Diana Boyer, Elisabeth Katsura, Gary Carpenter, Kayden Kelly, Manouch Shirvanioun, Scott Eckardt, Sena Minshew

First, is the bike challenge on Saturday, 12/31/16.  It’s a little cold but otherwise a really nice day.  6 of us (Trixie, Mike, Kayden, Jesse, Robin and myself) come out.  I pray for the Lord’s protection and we’re off, descending down Auburn-Folsom.  Kayden was the first one down and the only one with bare, frozen legs – maybe that’s the secret.  Robin, Trixie and Mike took the hilly Powerhouse route while Kayden, Jesse and I took the Newcastle route.

On Glenview, a sheep dog comes out to greet us and runs alongside of us.  We’re impressed how easily he lopes along at 15mph.  On the steep switch-backs Jesse challenges the dog to a race up the hill.  Jesse is out-of-the-saddle and pulling way ahead of us.  But the dog casually continues along-side of him as if to say, “are we racing yet?”

Before the busy Indian Hill road we give the dog a good scolding to send him back home.  We meet up with Trixie, Mike and Robin and they had been familiar with the friendly dog as well.

We rolled through town, by Victory Velo, and started our descent down to the American River.  Jesse, carving through the corners, slowed only by the cars ahead, was the first down.  Mike, sensing dry roads, passed his wife, “Trixie-the-cannon”, on the way down.

Climb #1
Mike started us off on the 3mi, 5.6% grade, Old Foresthill Rd climb.  Robin took off after him, then Trixie, then me, and then Kayden & Jessie trying to see how many they could catch.  After the first big turn, the chase was on.  6 of us were evenly strung out on the gradual climb.  Then the place-changing began.. highlighted by friendly encouragements.  Each take-over was followed by an extra effort to latch on.

I haven’t been doing a lot of hills but I focused on making my pedal stroke even to squeeze out a little more power.  It seems to be working but it is still a heart-pounding, oxygen grasping effort.  Jesse is on my wheel and does not appear to be breathing hard.

Everyone took advantage of the false-flat towards the top and picked up the pace.  Up to 24 mph.  But Robin is still leading the race.  In the final turns, we catch Robin, then Kayden catches us, and the Jesse counter-attacks and wins a close race to the top.

Jesse (15:20), Kayden (+8), Troy (+15), Robin (+20), Trixie, and Mike.

Everyone pushed hard.  But Mike was willing to do it again because he thought this was the Old Foresthill hill-repeats workout.  Boy was he happy to hear that wasn’t the case.

While at the top we saw the memorial turn-out for a well-known mtn biker who died recently.

Climb #2
We cruised down to the Foresthill Bridge and lined up with Jesse at the lead.  We take off in a paceline for the 1.2mi, 300ft  Raley’s Hill climb.  Jesse held a 22mph lead-out across the bridge and then the action began on the climb.  Kayden took over the lead and never looked back.  Jesse was working on him and I was farther back giving it all I had and realizing I left a lot on the first climb.  Oxygen-deprived near the top, I still had to keep track of the finish times.  As I saw Kayden, then Jesse, crest the top, I glanced at my watch.  Whew!  So glad to reach the top, even though it is short.

Robin & Trixie were neck-n-neck at the top.  Trixie took it by a second.  Mike had a great climb.  I’m so impressed with him joining these really tough rides even when he can’t get training in.  He has a great attitude and the “hurt” never gets in the way of the fun he’s having doing it.

Kayden (5:20), Jesse (+20), Troy (+33), Trixie (+1:01), Robin (+1:02), Mike

We ride easy back to the Overlook Park.  Kayden & Jesse say we should keep going, and without a run race to follow, but with an Ironman on the horizon, I have no reason not to, so we ride another 10 mi.  A great day.  Thank you Lord for keeping us safe and giving us these opportunities to bond and push ourselves!

Hill Climb Totals

Biker2	Total	Prev Best	Age-Graded Total
Robin Soares	24:02	25:01	19:14
Trixie Bradley	25:23	25:43	20:18
Kayden Kelly	20:48	24:17	20:36
Jesse Warda	21:00	21:18	20:47
Troy Soares	21:58	22:31	21:45
Mike Bradley	36:41	n/a	36:19

Resolution Run (Sunday)
The bike ride was yesterday.  Having a time to rest should make today’s race feel much better.  It’s a tough course, featuring 3 significant climbs.  I’m excited to see what I can do.  Usually I start conservative and let some guys get way ahead down the long road to Oregan Bar.  I remember in 2014 watching my friend Dave Campbell fly down the road at the beginning never to be seen again.  But this time I plan to push it more early on to try to keep tabs on who is ahead of me. 

Robin & I line up together and pray for us and others.  I love being able to start the same race as Robin.  I’m excited, and surprised, to see Kayden Kelly here.  He’s had some serious running injuries so it’s great that he can run again.  I encourage him to take it easy.  He’ll have fun, as he always does when riding or running in a race, but he also likes pushing himself…  , but  in a race, but the most fun he has is when he’s pushing himself.  Our neighbor, Scott Eckardt, is here again.  And longtime track runners, Diana Boyer and Elizabeth Katsura, are also running.  It’s Elizabeth’s first time for the 10 miler.  Diana has conquered it before.  Gary Carpenter and Manouch Shirvanioun are familiar faces here and at other difficult trail runs.  They always have a good time as well.  And finally, Sena Minshew, an accomplished long-distance triathlete that has raced with Robin multiple times is here.

Go!
The group heads down Pacific Ave. I tell Robin to have a good race as I pull ahead. 

I see someone running with a backpack, ahead of everyone, and continue straight when we’re supposed to turn left.  He corrects, comes back, and hustles down the access road ahead of everyone again, just to make another wrong turn and head down the 5k route.  I yell to him.  Others are saying he isn’t in the race.  But he finally realizes his mistake and we see his race number as he runs back up the hill and falls into formation, now about 30 runners back.  I never saw him again.

It’s cold but a nice day.  The long descent is gradual and you can go fast, but what price will be paid after 3 miles of pounding??  I’ll find out today.  I’m about 7th place.  2 guys way up front.  2 guys (1 in orange, 1 in black) a ways ahead.  And then 4 guys all around me.

Mile 1. 6:33. Onto the level gravel section. I’m 6th place.  I’m running well. Achilles isn’t hurting. Temperature good (arm warmers, shorts).  I keep thinking what if I can catch the guy in orange (in 3rd place)?  Down the curving paved road.  Using the tangents.  Wondering if I’ll be able to switch to the uphill ok.  I’ll keep up the strong push down and hope I can switch over when we hit the climb.

Mile 2. 6:36. I get ahead of the guys around me.  Nearing the bottom I try to get pysched up for the climb up Cardiac Bypass trail.  It’s very rocky.  I start the climb, trying to dance across the rocks and stay light on my feet.  Breathing deep.  Up, up, up.  I see a photographer ahead.  His camera is on the ground. Is it broken?  It’s Michael Cook!  Getting creative with the camera angles.  He’s been nursing a broken foot from a fall while running as Mr. Pickle to help our elementary school raise money. It’s so good to see him out here on his mtn bike.  It inspires me to run faster.

At the top. No time to rest.  Gotta push this flat section.  Ahead I see that the guy in Orange dropped the guy in black and he’s fading back to me.  I pass him and encourage him.

Mile 3. 7:56. A good split.  I’m wondering where the 3rd place guy in orange is.  I’m all alone.  Suddenly a woman passes me!  Wow, she’s pushing hard.  This is perfect because it gives me a challenging pace to try to match.  I stay with her.  We climb the last part well. I get water at the aid station and then drop-in to the steep “Dam Road” descent. 

Mile 4. 7:14. I pull ahead of the woman and use my longer legs to pick up distance on the steep decline.  It takes a lot of focus to keep from falling or just pulling a muscle.  A breif flat, then another steep drop.  Over some gravel and then, wham! the grade switches back up.  Legs are taking a beating on these sudden changes.  I’m running by the 10k’ers now and wonder where Anna is.  I pray that she’d doing well.  This is a tough 10k course and we weren’t sure but she wanted to do it so badly. I hope she’s pacing herself well.  I also pray for Ariel who is trying to match Anna’s time from 3 years ago in the 5k.  She should be making the final climb out of the canyon.  And I pray for Robin that her hamstrings will work great and she’ll feel strong.

Mile 5. 6:37. Up the 2nd tough climb – switchbacks.  It’s short though.  I grab water and start on the fireroad to the Green Gate.  Suddenly the woman goes by me again on the final climb!  She’s running stronger than me on the climbs.  We’re both working really hard.  We encourage each other.

Mile 6. 8:28. As we come around Robie Pt, I wonder if I’ll see Anna coming back from the Green Gate.  Instead, I see the 1st place 10 miler, and Bryan Hacker right behind him!  Bryan was doing the 10k.  I cheer for him but he tells me that the 10k turned too early, so he ran the 10mi course instead.  Hmm, what’s going on?  Heading towards the Green Gate turn-around at Hwy 49, it’s a gradual climb but it’ll be great coming back!  I push the pace.  I see the 2nd place young kid I met beforehand.  Then, 100 yds from the turn, I see the guy in Orange coming back!

Mile 7. 7:34.  The woman is right with me as we make the turn.  I’m pumped up for the easy part now and hope to make up time on the guy.  I jump the muddy sections and try to keep to the inside of each turn.  I’m so glad to see Robin as we pass.  I love you!  I cheer for some others as well. We hit the Robie Pt climb.  It’s slippery.  I’m using my short, low steps to climb with less effort.  I push really hard and summit at the parking lot.

Mile 8. 8:00.  Again, unexpectantly, the woman blasts past me and starts the descent back to the trails ahead of me!  This is the fastest descent yet. One trip and it would be a bad wipe-out.  Staying barely in control, I pass her and tell her she’ll probably catch me on the next climb.  She says she’ll try.  I bank hard onto the trail again, avoiding the 10k runners going both directions.  If I’m going to stay ahead of her, I need a bigger lead this time.  I grab water again at the final aid station and charge up the single-track trail. And then, up ahead, I see the orange shirt!  I can’t believe it, I actually could catch him!  I’m tired and hurting but I realize this is a rare opportunity.  I’ve never gotten 3rd place.  I’m already happen with how well I’m doing, but I’d rather push even harder now than have to do all this work over again at another race.  Go!

Mile 9. 7:53. I’m pushing every step of the way and gaining a second on him about every 20 steps.  We’re both having to pass slower 10k runners and I’m breathing so hard I can barely say “On your left” anymore.  A 1/2 mi to go and I’m right on his heals.  Now he is having to blaze the path around the runners and I can simply follow his steps.  At a stream crossing, a young kid gets in my way so I have to go around.  I catch back up but am doubting that I have enough in me to pass him.  At the final corner before we climb to the parking lot, I make my move.  I surge and get by him and don’t look back.  Now I just have to run like crazy and trust I can stay ahead. 

And then I see Ariel!  She’s cheers for me and that’s just what I needed.  Thank you, Lord, for letting me push.  I push indeed all the way to the finish where Anna and her friend, Leah, are waiting.

 

Mile 9.7. 9:10 pace. 3rd place. Highest finish yet and one of my fastest times.  Thank you, Lord, that was the best I could have imagined.  And the worst I’ve probably felt afterwards.  But that’s ok.  An exciting, hard-fought 3rd place.  There were times I didn’t want to go for it, but settle for a good race.  But I usually feel God prompting me to trust Him and push harder.  And it’s a great humbling feeling to be helped to go faster.  Thank you, Lord, for your help.

Running Results

Troy Soares	1:13:30	1st
Kayden Kelly	1:24:09	6th
Robin Soares	1:25:02	2nd
Scott Eckardt	1:27:49	7th
Diana Boyer	1:28:44	3rd
Manouch Shirvanioun	1:31:23	7th
Gary Carpenter	1:32:16	8th
Sena Minshew	1:44:41	9th
Elizabeth Katsura	1:45:22	4th

New Years Challenge Results (Age-Graded)

	Bike Plc	Run Plc	Total (Lower is Better)
Individual Male
Troy Soares	5	1	6
Kayden Kelly	3	6	9
Individual Female
Robin	1	2	3
Relay
Trixie & Anna	2	2	4
Jesse & Evan	4	3	7 (TIE)
Mike & Ariel	6	1	7 (TIE)

New Year Challenge 2017 (Troy)

Date/Location:	12/31/16-Bike- Auburn, Overlook Park 1/1/17 – Resolution Run -Auburn, Overlook Park
Distance:	Hill Climb #1 – 3mi Old Foresthill Rd Hill Climb #2 - 1.2mi Raley's Hill Resolution Run - 10mi Trails
Time:	Bike Run 1:13:30
Place:	Bike 3rd Run 1st (3rd O/A)
Teammates:	Hill Climb: Jesse Warda, Kayden Kelly, Mike Bradley, Trixie Bradley, Robin Soares 10Mile: Diana Boyer, Elisabeth Katsura, Gary Carpenter, Kayden Kelly, Manouch Shirvanioun, Scott Eckardt, Sena Minshew

First, is the bike challenge on Saturday, 12/31/16.  It’s a little cold but otherwise a really nice day.  6 of us (Trixie, Mike, Kayden, Jesse, Robin and myself) come out.  I pray for the Lord’s protection and we’re off, descending down Auburn-Folsom.  Kayden was the first one down and the only one with bare, frozen legs – maybe that’s the secret.  Robin, Trixie and Mike took the hilly Powerhouse route while Kayden, Jesse and I took the Newcastle route.

On Glenview, a sheep dog comes out to greet us and runs alongside of us.  We’re impressed how easily he lopes along at 15mph.  On the steep switch-backs Jesse challenges the dog to a race up the hill.  Jesse is out-of-the-saddle and pulling way ahead of us.  But the dog casually continues along-side of him as if to say, “are we racing yet?”

Before the busy Indian Hill road we give the dog a good scolding to send him back home.  We meet up with Trixie, Mike and Robin and they had been familiar with the friendly dog as well.

We rolled through town, by Victory Velo, and started our descent down to the American River.  Jesse, carving through the corners, slowed only by the cars ahead, was the first down.  Mike, sensing dry roads, passed his wife, “Trixie-the-cannon”, on the way down.

Climb #1
Mike started us off on the 3mi, 5.6% grade, Old Foresthill Rd climb.  Robin took off after him, then Trixie, then me, and then Kayden & Jessie trying to see how many they could catch.  After the first big turn, the chase was on.  6 of us were evenly strung out on the gradual climb.  Then the place-changing began.. highlighted by friendly encouragements.  Each take-over was followed by an extra effort to latch on.

I haven’t been doing a lot of hills but I focused on making my pedal stroke even to squeeze out a little more power.  It seems to be working but it is still a heart-pounding, oxygen grasping effort.  Jesse is on my wheel and does not appear to be breathing hard.

Everyone took advantage of the false-flat towards the top and picked up the pace.  Up to 24 mph.  But Robin is still leading the race.  In the final turns, we catch Robin, then Kayden catches us, and the Jesse counter-attacks and wins a close race to the top.

Jesse (15:20), Kayden (+8), Troy (+15), Robin (+20), Trixie, and Mike.

Everyone pushed hard.  But Mike was willing to do it again because he thought this was the Old Foresthill hill-repeats workout.  Boy was he happy to hear that wasn’t the case.

While at the top we saw the memorial turn-out for a well-known mtn biker who died recently.

Climb #2
We cruised down to the Foresthill Bridge and lined up with Jesse at the lead.  We take off in a paceline for the 1.2mi, 300ft  Raley’s Hill climb.  Jesse held a 22mph lead-out across the bridge and then the action began on the climb.  Kayden took over the lead and never looked back.  Jesse was working on him and I was farther back giving it all I had and realizing I left a lot on the first climb.  Oxygen-deprived near the top, I still had to keep track of the finish times.  As I saw Kayden, then Jesse, crest the top, I glanced at my watch.  Whew!  So glad to reach the top, even though it is short.

Robin & Trixie were neck-n-neck at the top.  Trixie took it by a second.  Mike had a great climb.  I’m so impressed with him joining these really tough rides even when he can’t get training in.  He has a great attitude and the “hurt” never gets in the way of the fun he’s having doing it.

Kayden (5:20), Jesse (+20), Troy (+33), Trixie (+1:01), Robin (+1:02), Mike

We ride easy back to the Overlook Park.  Kayden & Jesse say we should keep going, and without a run race to follow, but with an Ironman on the horizon, I have no reason not to, so we ride another 10 mi.  A great day.  Thank you Lord for keeping us safe and giving us these opportunities to bond and push ourselves!

Hill Climb Totals

Biker2	Total	Prev Best	Age-Graded Total
Robin Soares	24:02	25:01	19:14
Trixie Bradley	25:23	25:43	20:18
Kayden Kelly	20:48	24:17	20:36
Jesse Warda	21:00	21:18	20:47
Troy Soares	21:58	22:31	21:45
Mike Bradley	36:41	n/a	36:19

Resolution Run (Sunday)
The bike ride was yesterday.  Having a time to rest should make today’s race feel much better.  It’s a tough course, featuring 3 significant climbs.  I’m excited to see what I can do.  Usually I start conservative and let some guys get way ahead down the long road to Oregan Bar.  I remember in 2014 watching my friend Dave Campbell fly down the road at the beginning never to be seen again.  But this time I plan to push it more early on to try to keep tabs on who is ahead of me. 

Robin & I line up together and pray for us and others.  I love being able to start the same race as Robin.  I’m excited, and surprised, to see Kayden Kelly here.  He’s had some serious running injuries so it’s great that he can run again.  I encourage him to take it easy.  He’ll have fun, as he always does when riding or running in a race, but he also likes pushing himself…  , but  in a race, but the most fun he has is when he’s pushing himself.  Our neighbor, Scott Eckardt, is here again.  And longtime track runners, Diana Boyer and Elizabeth Katsura, are also running.  It’s Elizabeth’s first time for the 10 miler.  Diana has conquered it before.  Gary Carpenter and Manouch Shirvanioun are familiar faces here and at other difficult trail runs.  They always have a good time as well.  And finally, Sena Minshew, an accomplished long-distance triathlete that has raced with Robin multiple times is here.

Go!
The group heads down Pacific Ave. I tell Robin to have a good race as I pull ahead. 

I see someone running with a backpack, ahead of everyone, and continue straight when we’re supposed to turn left.  He corrects, comes back, and hustles down the access road ahead of everyone again, just to make another wrong turn and head down the 5k route.  I yell to him.  Others are saying he isn’t in the race.  But he finally realizes his mistake and we see his race number as he runs back up the hill and falls into formation, now about 30 runners back.  I never saw him again.

It’s cold but a nice day.  The long descent is gradual and you can go fast, but what price will be paid after 3 miles of pounding??  I’ll find out today.  I’m about 7th place.  2 guys way up front.  2 guys (1 in orange, 1 in black) a ways ahead.  And then 4 guys all around me.

Mile 1. 6:33. Onto the level gravel section. I’m 6th place.  I’m running well. Achilles isn’t hurting. Temperature good (arm warmers, shorts).  I keep thinking what if I can catch the guy in orange (in 3rd place)?  Down the curving paved road.  Using the tangents.  Wondering if I’ll be able to switch to the uphill ok.  I’ll keep up the strong push down and hope I can switch over when we hit the climb.

Mile 2. 6:36. I get ahead of the guys around me.  Nearing the bottom I try to get pysched up for the climb up Cardiac Bypass trail.  It’s very rocky.  I start the climb, trying to dance across the rocks and stay light on my feet.  Breathing deep.  Up, up, up.  I see a photographer ahead.  His camera is on the ground. Is it broken?  It’s Michael Cook!  Getting creative with the camera angles.  He’s been nursing a broken foot from a fall while running as Mr. Pickle to help our elementary school raise money. It’s so good to see him out here on his mtn bike.  It inspires me to run faster.

At the top. No time to rest.  Gotta push this flat section.  Ahead I see that the guy in Orange dropped the guy in black and he’s fading back to me.  I pass him and encourage him.

Mile 3. 7:56. A good split.  I’m wondering where the 3rd place guy in orange is.  I’m all alone.  Suddenly a woman passes me!  Wow, she’s pushing hard.  This is perfect because it gives me a challenging pace to try to match.  I stay with her.  We climb the last part well. I get water at the aid station and then drop-in to the steep “Dam Road” descent. 

Mile 4. 7:14. I pull ahead of the woman and use my longer legs to pick up distance on the steep decline.  It takes a lot of focus to keep from falling or just pulling a muscle.  A breif flat, then another steep drop.  Over some gravel and then, wham! the grade switches back up.  Legs are taking a beating on these sudden changes.  I’m running by the 10k’ers now and wonder where Anna is.  I pray that she’d doing well.  This is a tough 10k course and we weren’t sure but she wanted to do it so badly. I hope she’s pacing herself well.  I also pray for Ariel who is trying to match Anna’s time from 3 years ago in the 5k.  She should be making the final climb out of the canyon.  And I pray for Robin that her hamstrings will work great and she’ll feel strong.

Mile 5. 6:37. Up the 2nd tough climb – switchbacks.  It’s short though.  I grab water and start on the fireroad to the Green Gate.  Suddenly the woman goes by me again on the final climb!  She’s running stronger than me on the climbs.  We’re both working really hard.  We encourage each other.

Mile 6. 8:28. As we come around Robie Pt, I wonder if I’ll see Anna coming back from the Green Gate.  Instead, I see the 1st place 10 miler, and Bryan Hacker right behind him!  Bryan was doing the 10k.  I cheer for him but he tells me that the 10k turned too early, so he ran the 10mi course instead.  Hmm, what’s going on?  Heading towards the Green Gate turn-around at Hwy 49, it’s a gradual climb but it’ll be great coming back!  I push the pace.  I see the 2nd place young kid I met beforehand.  Then, 100 yds from the turn, I see the guy in Orange coming back!

Mile 7. 7:34.  The woman is right with me as we make the turn.  I’m pumped up for the easy part now and hope to make up time on the guy.  I jump the muddy sections and try to keep to the inside of each turn.  I’m so glad to see Robin as we pass.  I love you!  I cheer for some others as well. We hit the Robie Pt climb.  It’s slippery.  I’m using my short, low steps to climb with less effort.  I push really hard and summit at the parking lot.

Mile 8. 8:00.  Again, unexpectantly, the woman blasts past me and starts the descent back to the trails ahead of me!  This is the fastest descent yet. One trip and it would be a bad wipe-out.  Staying barely in control, I pass her and tell her she’ll probably catch me on the next climb.  She says she’ll try.  I bank hard onto the trail again, avoiding the 10k runners going both directions.  If I’m going to stay ahead of her, I need a bigger lead this time.  I grab water again at the final aid station and charge up the single-track trail. And then, up ahead, I see the orange shirt!  I can’t believe it, I actually could catch him!  I’m tired and hurting but I realize this is a rare opportunity.  I’ve never gotten 3rd place.  I’m already happen with how well I’m doing, but I’d rather push even harder now than have to do all this work over again at another race.  Go!

Mile 9. 7:53. I’m pushing every step of the way and gaining a second on him about every 20 steps.  We’re both having to pass slower 10k runners and I’m breathing so hard I can barely say “On your left” anymore.  A 1/2 mi to go and I’m right on his heals.  Now he is having to blaze the path around the runners and I can simply follow his steps.  At a stream crossing, a young kid gets in my way so I have to go around.  I catch back up but am doubting that I have enough in me to pass him.  At the final corner before we climb to the parking lot, I make my move.  I surge and get by him and don’t look back.  Now I just have to run like crazy and trust I can stay ahead. 

And then I see Ariel!  She’s cheers for me and that’s just what I needed.  Thank you, Lord, for letting me push.  I push indeed all the way to the finish where Anna and her friend, Leah, are waiting.

 

Mile 9.7. 9:10 pace. 3rd place. Highest finish yet and one of my fastest times.  Thank you, Lord, that was the best I could have imagined.  And the worst I’ve probably felt afterwards.  But that’s ok.  An exciting, hard-fought 3rd place.  There were times I didn’t want to go for it, but settle for a good race.  But I usually feel God prompting me to trust Him and push harder.  And it’s a great humbling feeling to be helped to go faster.  Thank you, Lord, for your help.

Troy Soares	1:13:30	1st
Kayden Kelly	1:24:09	6th
Robin Soares	1:25:02	2nd
Scott Eckardt	1:27:49	7th
Diana Boyer	1:28:44	3rd
Manouch Shirvanioun	1:31:23	7th
Gary Carpenter	1:32:16	8th
Sena Minshew	1:44:41	9th
Elizabeth Katsura	1:45:22	4th

Resolution Run–10K–Anna - 2017

Date/Location:	1/1/17 – Resolution Run -Auburn, Overlook Park
Distance:	10km Trails
Time:	46:00
Place:	2nd W11-14
Teammates:	Hill Climb: Jesse Warda, Kayden Kelly, Mike Bradley, Trixie Bradley, Troy Soares, Robin Soares 10Mile: Diana Boyer, Elisabeth Katsura, Gary Carpenter, Kayden Kelly, Manouch Shirvanioun, Scott Eckardt, Sena Minshew 10K: Emerson Booth, Mo Bartley, Bryan Hacker, 5K: Ariel Soares, Evan & Jesse Warda, Laurn Langhofer, Leah Booth
Relay Team Info:	Anna was on a relay with Trixie Bradley who did the bike Trixie: 12/31/16-Bike- Auburn, Overlook Park 3rd Hill Climb #1 – 3m Old Foresthill Rd 1st Hill Climb #2 - 1.2m Raley's Hill 2nd Bike Overall

GO!! And we were off. I start running but not too fast going downhill. I start to get a cramp. I keep running and running.

Mile 1. 6:41. Finally we start going uphill till we get to an aid station. It is soon in the race but that is ok because we were going on a out and back and come back to the aid station. I take a tiny sip and throw the rest down. I keep running.

Mile 2. 8:26. We do small hills and big down hills. I have a bad feeling that there is going to be a big hill.

Mile 3. 8:48. I am running with a friend, Mo (Bartely). Then I see an uphill and see Emerson up ahead (Leah’s brother). When we got to the top we started going down and back the way we came. I see a friend (Kayden, Mason’s dad) and my Mom. I give her a hive five.

Mile 4. 8:59. I get back to the aid station and take a small sip and do not drink the rest. I see the 1 mile sign for 5k and know there is 1 mile left. I feel joy wash over me because I am almost done. My legs start hurting so bad I want to stop but I do not. We cross a creek and I am so close to finishing.

Mile 5. 10:22.  I run up a hill and am so close to the finish line. I sprint in and am so happy.

Mile 5.2. 10:07 pace. The Lord helped me get though it.

Resolution Run–5K–Ariel- 2017

Date/Location:	1/1/17 – Resolution Run -Auburn, Overlook Park
Distance:	5k Trails
Time:	37:13 RRun PR! (Last PR @ RRun 45:12, 2015)
Place:	1st W0-10
Teammates:	Hill Climb: Jesse Warda, Kayden Kelly, Mike Bradley, Trixie Bradley, Troy Soares, Robin Soares 10Mile: Troy Soares, Robin Soares, Diana Boyer, Elisabeth Katsura, Gary Carpenter, Kayden Kelly, Manouch Shirvanioun, Scott Eckardt, Sena Minshew 10K: Anna Soares, Emerson Booth, Mo Bartley, Bryan Hacker 5K: Evan & Jesse Warda, Laurn Langhofer, Leah Booth
Relay Team Info:	Ariel was on a relay with Mike Bradley who did the bike Mike: 12/31/16-Bike- Auburn, Overlook Park 6th Hill Climb #1 – 3m Old Foresthill Rd 6th Hill Climb #2 - 1.2m Raley's Hill 6th Bike Overall

I am at the starting line.  They start counting down “10, 9…3, 2, 1, go!”  A few seconds later, my visor flies off on the ground.  I try to get it but everyone keeps stepping on it. Then I get it!  I keep running.  Then we start going down a little hill.  I look down at my Garmin to see if I am beating my virtual sister Anna and it isn’t on!!  So I turn on my Garmin. 

Then we start going down a big, big hill!  Then I have to stop again to tie my shoe.  A few seconds later, I have to stop again and tie my shoe again!  Then we start going up this big, big hill. 

Mile 1. 8:36: I get to the top of the hill and see a beautiful view of trees and the river! 

Then we start going back downhill, yeah!  A few seconds after that there is an Aid Station.  I get some water and start going up another hill.  Then I get to the top of that hill and see another beautiful view of trees and the river.  Then we start going back down the hill. 

Mile 2. 12:02: I see everyone going up a small hill which goes to the finish line so I know I’m almost done!  When I get to the top of that hill, I can see the finish line!  I run as fast as I can and pass a few people. I see Leah and Anna cheeing for me.  Then I sprint, sprint, sprint and  finish! 

Mile 3. 14:07: I wanted to beat Anna’s time from when she was 8 years old but I was just a minute off.  Next year I’ll try again!

FCA New Year’s Day Challenge–2016/2017–Robin

Date/Location:	12/31/16-Bike- Auburn, Overlook Park 1/1/17 – Resolution Run -Auburn, Overlook Park
Distance:	Hill Climb #1 – 3m Old Foresthill Rd Hill Climb #2 - 1.2m Raley's Hill Resolution Run - 10m Trails
Time:	Hill Climb #1 – 17:32 (PR 16:48, 2014) Hill Climb #2 – 6:22 (5:52, 2014) Run 1:25:01 (PR 1:16:04, 2011)
Place:	1st (age-graded) Hill Climb #1 2nd (age-graded) Hill Climb #2 2nd (W40-49) Run
Teammates:	Hill Climb: Jesse Warda, Kayden Kelly, Mike Bradley, Trixie Bradley, Troy Soares 10Mile: Diana Boyer, Elisabeth Katsura, Gary Carpenter, Kayden Kelly, Manouch Shirvanioun, Scott Eckardt, Sena Minshew 10K: Anna Soares, Emerson Booth, Mo Bartley, Bryan Hacker 5K: Ariel Soares, Evan & Jesse Warda, Laurn Langhofer, Leah Booth

PART 1 – BIKE (Sat. Dec. 31st)

Since New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, we’ve decided to break up our event over 2 days so folks can get to church on Sunday morning.  This also means extra sleep and rest!

Six of us brave riders meet at the Overlook: Jesse Warda, Kayden Kelly, Mike Bradley, Trixie Bradley, Troy Soares and myself.  It’s sunny and not terribly cold…I don’t have my cold weather jacket on which is a good sign!

Before we get to the climbs, we ride our traditional warmup loop down AF to Powerhouse or Newcastle, through town, and then down Hwy 49 to the start of the Old Foresthill climb.  I’m feeling pretty good but the hill will reveal the truth!

Climb #1

After Mike Bradley starts, it’s my turn.  Ready, set, go!  Not too far into it, my legs and lungs are screaming at me.  This is almost ALWAYS the case on this climb.  I just try to ignore it and push on. I know that Trixie is coming soon so I’m riding like I want to get away.

I hope to get to Mammoth Bar in 10 min. I’d like to be at the top under 18 minutes so I know getting to Mammoth Bar in 10 is a good benchmark for that. 

I pass about the 1/3 mark and Mike.  “Good job Mike!”.  I can see orange, it’s Trixie…go! 

I make it to Mammoth Bar in 10 min, yeah!  Just another tough 100 yrds and it gets better!  Dig, dig, dig!  I look back and see orange and someone else.  I push even more.

It levels out so I get down into my drops (lower part of handlebars), put my head down and pick it up.  I’m flying and it’s fun!

It starts to go up again and I sense someone coming.  Jesse flies by and then Kayden. Can I hold off Troy?  No, he gets me too! Almost held them off!  I’m going to be under 18 min, yeah! The stop sign is just ahead and I try to push hard but my legs are feeling flat.  Go!  I dig deep and am done!  17:32!

Troy and then Trixie finish up.  Soon after Mike is here.  Now it’s off to the Foresthill Bridge!

Climb #2

Once at the bridge we line up in the order we finished on Old Foresthill Road. Trixie is in front of me because her climb was faster, she just started farther behind me.  Ready, set, go!  Off we go pacelining across the bridge.  I get a little behind and have to push to get on Trixie’s wheel.  Once across Kayden, Jesse and Troy take off.  Trixie pulls ahead. 

Come on legs and lungs!  Again I must ignore them and push through.  I catch up to Trixie about halfway up the hill.  There are about six road signs ahead that I always focus on.  Each one brings me closer to the end. 

Trixie is pulling close again as we near the top.  “Come on Trixie!”   I think I’ve got it but she’s right there!  I push but she pushes harder and gets me at the line! Wow, that was close! “Great job Trixie!” 

So nice to be done for the day!  Now we can have some great recovery going into the Resolution Run!

PART 2 – RESOLUTION RUN (Sun. Jan. 1st)

So great to start out the New Year at church!  I ignore my nerves while listening to Pastor Eric Van Patten preach and soak in God’s word!

After church is done, my nerves kick in which really means I’m ready to roll!  It’s looking like rain but it could hold off.  It’s also pretty chilly.  We left a car close to the start before church in case it pours and we need a place to huddle before and after the race.

This year Ariel is running the 5K all by herself.  Troy and her have worked out a secret goal that I don’t even know about.  She seems excited to go for it.  Anna is super excited to run the 10K.  She’s been so motivated to train and race.  It’s very cool but I just hope it stays fun!

Troy and I warm-up while the girls stay warm in the car.  I’m feeling good but I know that I’m lacking speed work and some endurance.  We missed our track workout since we were in San Diego for Christmas.  I haven’t been on a good schedule and have missed some runs.  We’ll see how it goes!  I’d like to run 8:17 pace like last year.  It’s chilly so I’m wearing 3 layers on top, gloves and a beanie.  I hope it’s not too much!

Troy and I start first, 15 min later is Anna and 30 min later is Ariel.  Ready, set, go!  Troy takes off and I try to get into a good rhythm.  We are a huge stampede heading down towards Railhead.  A big truck is coming at us but quickly pulls over…phew!

We turn off the main road and head towards China Bar.  I think I’m going faster than last year already!  Maybe my legs can go fast!

Mile 1 is 6:48. Great!  Kayden passes me.  “Good job Kayden!”  I plan on trying to keep him in my sights.

Mile 2 is 7:13.  Down, down, down.  We are approaching my favorite climb, Cardiac Bypass. 

Here we go!  This is where I usually catch runners and I hope to catch Kayden and the 2 girls I see ahead of me.  A quarter of the way up I’m passed by a guy…that’s a surprise!  As I continue I seem to be maintaining the same distance from everyone.  I’m pushing it and my heartrate reveals it.  I really have a hard time holding back here.  I love to catch people so I keep digging. 

Finally, as I pass the halfway point, I catch one girl. The other girl is visible ahead but she continues to run strong.  As I approach the top, I get a few more…but not the ones I was hoping.  More hills to come!

Mile 3 is 8:36.  Alright!  Going faster than last year I think so I’ll take it! 

Mile 4 is 8:13.  Heading down the long and steep Dam Road!  I expect the top 5Kers to go by soon.  A kid and a guy from my race goes by.  I get passed generally going downhill so hope to catch them once it goes up soon.  Kayden and that other girl are nowhere in sight.

We turn off the road and are back on the trails.  Time to get the legs used to climbing again!

Mile 5 is 7:32.  Three 5k guys fly by.  The sun is actually out!  I’m feeling warm and regreting the 3rd layer.  I pass the kid and tell him good job!

Feeling tired!  Not feeling as strong on this climb. I think I might have overdone it on Cardiac Bypass. 

Mile 6 is 8:56.  My pace has definitely slowed.  Sometimes I feel at this point of the race that I wish it is over but fortunately not yet!  There must be something left.

Here come the 10K runners!  I hope to see Anna!  Here comes Emerson!  Emerson is Anna’s best friend Leah’s brother.  “Go Emerson!”  And soon I see Anna way up there with our friend Mo Bartley!  “Go Anna, go Mo!”  She’s got a big smile on her face…love it!  I’m so impressed she’s able to keep up with a fast gal like Mo!

I make it over to the other side of Robie Point.  I hit the out and back section. I should see Troy any minute…and there he his!  He’s chasing down another guy and has a big smile on his face…love it!  “Go Troy”…and I here him say “God is good!”

Mile 7 is 8:40.  As I continue to head out, I look for Kayden and that gal.  It’s not until almost the green gate that I see Kayden and that girl heading back.  Though they don’t seem too far ahead, I think they’ve got a few minutes on me.  And I’m not feeling so strong so it will be hard to catch them!

I finally make the turn at the gate.  As I head back, I see a girl coming fast.  Uh oh, I’ve got to hold my place!  Go!  It actually helps me pick it up!

Mile 8 is 8:10.  I’ve got to run up these last hills as fast as I can.  I hope to have more energy than the girl gaining on me at least!  I push it up Robie Point.  There is no one visually to catch but I run well.  The downhill on the other side is slow…too scared of falling!

I look back and that girl is right on me!  Yikes! I’ve got 3 hills to get up hopefully ahead of her.  I push hard to get to the next hill first.  I just push.  As I pass walkers and slower runners, I say “2 on your left”…I pave the way for both of us because I don’t want to block or impede her race in any way.  She sticks with me on the first hill. 

Mile 9 is 8:54. I push the flats and continue to call out to walkers and runners.  I can sense her still there.  On the 2nd hill, I push hard again.  At the top, I keep calling out “2 on your left” but as I look back it’s just me!  Go!  I try to push the flat.

I get to the last hill that takes me up to the finish. I can do this!  I push hard up and out.  I hear Troy and the girls cheering me on!  Go, go!

Mile 10 is 9:34.  I dig deep and make it to the line ahead of that girl!  Yeah!  I didn’t catch Kayden or that other gal, but I’m really happy to have persevered in the end!  I wait for that girl to finish and congratulate her.  Thank you Lord for getting me through!