Happy Kids Du #1–Ariel-2018

Date/Location:	1/27/18, Granite Bay
Distance:	1mi R – 3miB – 1mi R
Time:	Ariel: 32:05  (Previous 34:41)
Place:	Ariel: 3rd, 9 & 10 Year Old Girls

I'm at the race start for the Happy Kids Duathlon. The race director says “10, 9, 8,.....3, 2, 1, go!” All the kids start running. I run up the first hill. I get to the top of the hill. I see Anna and Daddy. They cheer me on. I enter the trails. It’s really crowded on the trail. I try to get in front of the kids but the trail is to narrow. There are big mud puddles. I splash into a mud puddle. I run across the small log bridge. I keep running. Then I get to a big puddle. I go up a small hill then I sprint into transition.

I get on my helmet and run my bike out of transition. I get on my bike. I ride up my first hill. I turn then go down a small hill and enter a long flat road. Then I go up a small hill then do a big turn. I go up a small hill.  On the other side of the road, I see kids that are already heading back. Then I go down a little hill and go up a little hill.  Then I turn and start heading back. I get to a hill and see two girls that look about my age.  When I got to the top of the hill, I pass the two girls.  One of the girls is encouraging the other and I think that is cool!  I go down a little hill.  I see kids on the other side still heading out.  I see my friend Cailyn but I don’t have a chance to stay anything to her.  I was hoping to encourage her.  I do the big turn again.  Now I enter the long flat road.  I see Daddy and Anna again.  I tell Dad “I forgot my Garmin.”  Dad says “go, there is a bunch of kids behind you.”  I start going faster. Then I go up a small hill and down a small hill.  Then it’s down a big hill into transition!

I take off my helmet  and put on my hat. Then I run out of transition. I run up a hill and enter the trails. It’s not narrow anymore. The girls are behind me. I am back at the mud puddles. I splash into a mud puddle. Then run across the small log bridge again. I keep running then I get to the big puddle again. The girls are right behind me now. I start running faster. I go up a hill then start to finish line. The girls past me right at the finish line.

I got 3rd place.

FCA New Year’s Day Challenge – Robin - 2018

Date/Location:	1/1/18 – PART 1: Bike- Auburn, Overlook Park PART 2: 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 – 21:05 (PR 16:48, 2014) Hill Climb #2 – 6:22 (5:52, 2014) Run 1:33:46 (PR 1:16:04, 2011)
Place:	1st (age-graded) Hill Climb #1 2nd (age-graded) Hill Climb #2 4th (W40-49) Run
Teammates:	Hill Climb: Dan Darby, Troy Soares 10Mile: Bailey Shykowski, Manouch Shirvanioun, Scott Eckardt 10K: Anna Soares, jesse Ellis, Season Eckardt 5K: Ariel Soares, Debbie Booth, Elisabeth Katsura, Emerson Booth, Leah Booth

PART 1 – BIKE

It’s nice to get out of bed and out of the house even though my flesh fights it.  It’s been a tough few weeks in the Soares house.  First, Anna and Ariel got sick.  Al, Troy’s Dad who lives with us, has been sick and has required a lot of time and attention.  And last, I got sick on Thursday and I’m convinced it was food poisoing.  I still feel queasy and am unable to eat much.  I know that I need to be joyful no matter what.  Jesus has given us so much and has carried us through the many recent trials revolving around Al.  He can carry me through a hard physical effort!

I drive to the Overlook to reserve a parking spot for the Resolution Run.  Dan Darby, from our track group, joins us.  It’s a small group this year with just Troy and I and Dan.  A lot of folks have been sick or are out of town so the low turn-out is understandable.  We take a moment to pray and thank God for the beautiful day and safety. We do a warm-up and then head down Hwy 49 to the Confluence. 

I am not expecting to break any personal records in fact I’m kind of expecting this to possibly be one of my slower years.  With Al living with us, it’s been harder to find the time to ride.  Fortunately, I have been training for the Napa Marathon so the run later should be pretty good.  Though, not sure how much energy I’ll have with the lack of calories lately.

CLIMB #1

We line up.  I’m first, then Dan 1 min later and then Troy 2 min later.  Ready, go!  Right from the get go my legs are complaining.  It’s hard to mentally push through, but after 5 minutes, I am able manage the pain better.  I look back and can see Dan.  Better pick it up! 

I’m getting close to the Mammoth Bar entrance.  I look back and see Troy!  Again, I am motivated to push it.  I make it the entrance and he goes by.  He says “get on my wheel” and I think for sure!  I’d love any advantage at this point!  I’m amazed that I am actually am to hang on for a good 3 or 4 minutes!  I kind of wanted to go under 20 minutes today, but now under 21 is more realistic.

As we get closer to the top, Troy pulls away.  As I make the last turn, my watch is clicking closer to 21 minutes.  As I roll to the stop sign, it says 21:05.  I’ll take it.  I am happy with that considering all the recent obstacles!

Dan soon comes and we cheer him in.  After we catch our breath, it’s off to the Foresthill Bridge!

CLIMB #2

At the bridge, we line up in the order that we finished earlier: Troy, myself and Dan.  Ready, set, go!  We paceline across the bridge.  Dan makes a move and pulls ahead.  Troy picks it up and chases him down.  Halfway, Troy catches him.  I can tell that Dan is working hard to maintain his pace.  At the top of the hill there are 6 street signs that line the last 400 meters.  I pass Dan, just before the first sign.  I feel really good surprisingly.  I count down each sign until I’m done.  Phew! That was good!  On to the next challenge, the Resolution Run!

PART 2 – RESOLUTION RUN

i finish the bike ride at the Overlook.  I’m hanging out here until race time.  Troy is riding home and will drive back with the girls.  It’s nice to just hang out.  I make myself eat the rest of my breakfast burrito and part of an orange.  It’s about 1.5 hours to the race and that might not be enough time to digest it all.  I will risk it because I think getting more energy is better than feeling comfortable.  I get a chance to say hi to some folks I haven’t seen in a while like Carolyn Goulding, Kiley Harris and Manouch Shirvanioun. 

The girls and Troy arrive.  Anna and I do some drills together.  The girls tell me they don’t have their Garmin watches.  They thought I brought them.  I scramble to find a solution.  I give Ariel my run Garmin and Anna my bike Garmin.  I’ll just keep track of my pace with mile markers.  20 minutes before the race starts, I realize I need to shut off the auto pause on my bike Garmin.  After 15 minutes and some internet searching I figure it out.  Ariel shouts, “Mom, your race is going to start!”  I feel really flustered and frustrated as I hustle to the start.  When the family wants to pray, I almost blow it off.  I then feel bad for my bad attitude and ask for the Lord’s forgiveness.  I am always surprised how fast I can loose sight of God and focus on myself.  Ok, let’s start over!

Ready, set, go!  Troy and I run through the parking lot together.  He pulls ahead as we exit.  The beginning of the race is different and I wonder if the whole course is different.  I failed to check it out on the web.  We start running down the “Dam Road” first which is totally different.  But then, we turn off early and head towards China Bar.  Ok, now it looks like the same course.

Down to China Bar we go.  My neighbor Scott Eckardt catches up to me and we chat.  I find out his wife, Season, is doing the 10K.  I can hear a familiar cough behind me and voice.  It’s Jason Shykowski and his daughters Bailey and Libbie.  I turn around and shout back, “great job Shykowski family!”. I realize that I haven’t seen any mile markers.  I probably missed them.  I turn to Scott and ask him if he’s seen any markers and how many miles we’ve gone.  “Haven’t seen markers…Two miles, I think.”.  No markers is a bummer.  Oh well, I’ll just run off how I feel then.

We turn off the road and run up the Cardiac Bypass trail.  Bailey catches up to me.  We chat running up.  I tell her I love this part of the trail but it’s harder today.  About halfway up I start to feel good.

Bailey and I continue to run together for the next mile.  I find out that her and her husband are expecting their first child and that she’ll take the year off from racing.  I congratulate her and share how l learned how to run and even do a few races pregnant.  I remember when I was pregnant that Troy and I didn’t really have many resources in that area.  Thankfully we did find a book that helped and of course leaning on the Lord.  

We heading down the Dam Road and Troy is just ahead of us.  We are now merging with the 5K runners and I start looking for Ariel. 

At the bottom Bailey waits for her dad and sister and Troy and I run together for a bit.  He sees Ariel ahead and encourages me to catch up to her. 

I catch Ariel right when we start to climb again.  She’s with Elizabeth Katsura from our track group.  They’ve decided to stick together.  I tell them good job and continue on. 

An older gentleman and I keep going back and forth.  I’m impressed how strong he is and how he just seems to float up the hills. 

I’m feeling pretty good and my energy is holding up.  My tummy is stable at the moment.

The 10K runners are now coming back as the 10 Milers head out towards Hwy 49.  I hope to see Anna!  But I miss my chance as I pass the Robie Point trail she comes out from.  I pray that she’s having a fun race and feeling good!

I continue on past the other side of Robie Point and out to Murphy’s Gate on Hway 49.  With no mile markers, I figure I’ve gone 7 miles.  It is freeing to not be looking at my pace or distance. 

I must be slowing down because Bailey flies by and Scott is right behind me now.  I see runners coming back and wonder if I can catch any of them on the way back.  I finally get to the end and make the turn.  Now, it’s just straight back. 

On the way back to Robie Point, I notice a Fleet Feet gal in front of me.  Hum, maybe I can catch her.  I pass Scott’s wife Season without realizing.  I hear Scott stop to encourage her.  I look back and say “great job Season!”.  This is her first trail race and she’s doing a hard 10K!  Impressed!

I make it to Robie Point and begin the long climb.  I notice the FF girl is walking.  I am able to catch her just before the top.  Through the gate and down the other side.  I am descending this part well surprisingly.  Usually I’m totally cautious.  I am pretty tired and ready to be done so the fear is taking a back seat.  Just before the turn at the bottom, the FF girl flies by.  I know her plan now, walk the hills and run hard the rest of the time.  The last 2 miles is full of hills, so if I can just keep her near, I might have a chance.  Not that I have to beat her, but it’s nice to have something to strive for…to keep me pushing despite the jello legs and general fatigue.

The next hill she walks and I catch up.  But we get stuck behind a bunch of folks and a small water crossing and she is able to get around them while I wait.  I get around and slowly catch her on the short hills.  I think she’s on to me now and she takes off when I get close even on a short hill.  Finally we hit the last big hill and I am able to pass her.  I just push as hard as I can.  One more short climb!  Can I hold her off?  I get up but once it flattens out a bit, she takes off to the finish.  I don’t have anything more today to match her.  I hear the girls cheering…”go Mom!  Sprint Mom!” I smile and try to go harder.  I finish!  Yeah!  Thank you Lord for sustaining me!! 

FCA New Years Day Challenge (Troy)

Date/Location:	1/1/18 – Overlook Park, Auburn
Distance:	Hill Climb #1 – 3m Old Foresthill Rd Hill Climb #2 - 1.2m Raley's Hill Resolution Run - 10m Trails
Time:	Hill Climb #1 – 18:24 Hill Climb #2 –  7:11 Run  - 1:40:41
Place:	1st (age-graded) Hill Climb #1 1st (age-graded) Hill Climb #2 6th (M45-49) Run
Teammates:	Hill Climb: Dan Darby, Robin Soares 10Mile: Bailey Shykowski, Manouch Shirvanioun, Scott Eckardt 10K: Anna Soares, jesse Ellis, Season Eckardt 5K: Ariel Soares, Debbie Booth, Elisabeth Katsura, Emerson Booth, Leah Booth

PART 1 – BIKE

We meet at the Overlook Park as usual, 9am, on the first day of the year.  I’d rather not this year as I’m exhausted from staying up most of the night helping my Dad.  But I’ll do the best I can. 

Only 1 person shows, our friend, Dan, from the Tuesday Night Track group.  We pray before starting and head for the short-loop around Power House Rd and up Glenview Dr. for a warm-up.  Then through downtown Auburn and the beautiful descent down Hwy 49 overlooking the river, to the Confluence.  I love the descent.  We get ready and then send off in 1 to 2 minute intervals. 

1st Climb:  Go!  The first pitch is tough.  I try to conserve and be efficient.  I eventually pass Dan and encourage him.  Robin & I are used to treating this as a real race and pushing hard, but I know for newcomers it’s unexpected to suddenly be in a race.  I hope Dan enjoys pushing himself.  I see Robin ahead and I do everything thing to catch her.  As I go by I tell her to stay with me and she picks it up and latches on to my wheel.  I’m impressed.  It’s a good move on her part because this is where the hill levels out for a bit and drafting comes into play.  She stays with me until it starts to pitch up again.  I’d like to break 18 min but the time is ticking quickly. Whew!  18:24. It’s about 3-1/2 min off my best but it was my best today.  I’m glad to be done.  Cheer in Robin (21:05) and Dan (24:24) and we pause for a photo and then head down to climb #2..

2nd Climb: Go!  Paceline across the Foresthill Bridge.  Now up Raley’s Hill.  Dan passes and pulls ahead.  It’s a steady grind.  I pass Dan back.  Robin is pushing hard and almost catches me.  I finish (7:06) with Robin right behind (7:09) and then Dan. 

We head back to the Overlook.  It was a really good time.  We all ride home and now it’s time to get ready to run.

PART 2 – RUN

It’s a beautiful day on the Overlook Park in Auburn.  The whole family is racing which is really cool.  I haven’t been able to prepare properly for this race so it’s going to be a struggle.  Training has been sacrificed for other important matters, but hopefully next year I’ll be back in peak shape!  But, as always, it’s important to give my best on any given day because, for us, we want to glorify God in our efforts.  I know I can do that by pushing hard, smiling, encouraging and NOT giving up.

We see a lot of friends.  It’s really neat seeing young Bailey Shykowski (maiden name) here with her new husband, Eric.  She’s running the 10 miler to support her younger sister Libby running her first 10 mi race.

Anna and Ariel are ready to go for the 5k and 10k.  They will sit tight as our 10mi race begins.  We all pray and then Robin and I line up. The race director, Paulo, has changed up the course a little and upgraded the starting line.  It’s a cool starting area in the back of the park.

Go!  We cruise down the paved road before dropping down towards the canyon.  A steep downhill, suddenly switches to a climb back up to the main Dam Rd intersection, where we swtich again to the long gradual descent to Oregon Bar parking lot.  I see Christine Val and her kids volunterring at the aid station and cheering for us.

Mile 1, 7:45. I’m running and trying to chat with a few others.  One is new so I describe the course route as we go.  Which reminds me of the key sections to prepare for.

Mile 2, 7:45. It’s all downhill and I’m going fine.. but I’m getting tired.  Soon, I can’t keep up with the group and they pull ahead.  The first big hill is coming up and I’m already slowing down.  Lord, I will focus on You and give my best despite how it feels.  The rocky Cardiac Bypass trail.  It’s tough but I press on and pass a few people.  I try to encourage them.  I’m so glad to reach the top but also feel wiped out.  Beginning the flat gravel section I see Tuesday Track runner, Lauren, cheering for us.

Mile 3, 9:33. I’m carrying water and food.  I drink some water but my stomach isn’t feeling well.  I definitely don’t feel like eating.  Our friend, Manouch, catches up to me.  We talk and I find out he’s training for Western States which he was fortunate enough to get into this year!  Manouch slowly pulls ahead while I try hard to stay with him.  At the top of the gradual climb, the Val family is still full of smiles and energy helping us over the top.

Mile 4, 9:19.  Down the steep section, we merge into the 5k’ers on their descent towards the river on Dam Rd.  I see Tia from Track who tells me my daughter, Ariel, was recently seen up ahead.  Cool.  From behind I hear Robin!  She’s caught up to me and is running with Bailey who she announces is “running as 2 runners”.  Wow, she’s pregnant!  On our way down we spot Ariel far ahead in yellow.  Robin heads off to catch her.  Bailey waits up for her sister and Dad.  And I try to keep Robin in my sight.  I’m getting really warm in the 2 shirts I’m wearing.  I cheer for Ariel if she can hear me.

Mile 5, 8:23.  I see Robin chatting with Ariel and Elizabeth as she goes by.  I catch up to Ariel on the start of the switchbacks.  It’s great to see her smile and the fun she’s having running with Elizabeth, another one of our great friends from the Track.  Ariel is walking the hills, but the 2nd half of this course is all uphill so I hope she can run a lot of it.  I remind her not to let me catch her later.  I head towards the 10mi turn-around.  I’m really tired and struggling on each hill.  But the Lord is going to get me through and is keeping a joy in my short strides.  At the intersection to Robie Pt I see a young kid coming back in the 10k and I look for Anna hoping to see her.

Mile 6 11:04.  I start the route around Robie Pt realizing that Anna is climbing over it right now.  At least I will get to see Robin coming back from the turn-around.  I see people in the back of the 10k race stopping to pose for pictures with the great canyon views in the background.  It really is a perfect day.  I see neighbor, Scott Eckart, go by. Merging back on the main fireroad toward Hwy 49 I get to see the faster 10milers coming back.

Mile 7, 10:08. I go by Season Eckart, Scott’s wife, doing the 10k. A little while and I’ll get to turn-around and enjoy a gradual shaded descent back to Robie Pt.  I see another young kid (12!) coming back in the 10miler.  I see little Libby and her Dad, Jason, coming back.  And Robin!  I love these short moments to connect.  I know she’s pushing hard, too, and the Lord is her strength.  She is a great encouragement to me.  Yes, the turn-around!  I’m exhausted but at least going downhill now.  I see a guy speed-walking with his dog pulling him.  Oscar would like to do that.

Mile 8, 10:12. The climb up to Robie!  It’s tough but i don’t stop. Thank you, Lord!  However, at the top, my hip suddenly hurts and I have to stop and try to stretch it.  I quickly get going again.  There’s a woman that was with me at the beginning.  We keep going back-n-forth.  Hope to catch her at the end.  Down the steep drop and back on the trails.

Mile 9, 11:47. Ok, a mile to go and 2 tough climbs left.  I can’t wait to be done and collapse on the grass.  I’ve been reciting Ps 23 “The Lord is my sheppard, I shall not want, He maketh me lie down in green pastures..”  Ah, to lie down on green grass would be so soothing for these sore legs.  Just got to get up this trail..  I push. I use my arms.  No walking!  But then a horse comes down the trail and I stop for the 2nd time.  Almost there now.  I imagine Anna and Ariel might be cheering at the last bit which will make me go faster but also hurt more.

Mile 10, 12:14.  Not there, yet… up to the parking lot.. one last painful effort along the sidewalk and finally the finish line!  1:40:41 (prior 5 year average about 1:15) Wow, a 10mile race and I feel like the end of an Ironman.  Sure enough the soft grass feels so good!  But even better is the feeling knowing that Jesus forgives me and loves me enough to continue granting me great successes even when I don’t deserve it.  Truly rewarding.  My stomach and legs feels terrible, but my heart feels great!

Anna–2018 Resolution Run

Date/Location:	1/1/18 – Resolution Run -Auburn, Overlook Park
Distance:	10k Trails
Time:	58:11
Place:	1st Woman Overall, 1st W13-19
Teammates:	10Mile: Bailey Shykowski, Manouch Shirvanioun, Scott Eckardt 10K: Anna Soares, jesse Ellis, Season Eckardt 5K: Ariel Soares, Debbie Booth, Elisabeth Katsura, Emerson Booth, Leah Booth

I prayed right before the race with Leah and Ariel. As the race started, I feel good and ready for the long 6 miles. The downhill feels nice and I stay with this girl and run ahead. Up ahead I see this boy that is like 10 years old. I think he probably will slow down and I will catch up. I’ll just see what God has in mind.

When starting on the trails going uphill, I feel good. I think of a song while running and feel good running with the Lord. I keep running up, up, and up.  I hit my funny bone on my water bottle and my whole arm goes numb. When I get to the aid station I turn right for the loop. The loop is shady and nice. I run by a lot of walkers and over to Highway 49. I do a short out and back and I see the boy that was ahead of me in the start. He is still running fast. I am impressed and thank God for letting me run. After the out an back, I start to climb this steep uphill. I see a guy up ahead walking and am able to pass him before I get to the top of the hill. I run down the hill on the other side and he catches up to me. We run to together.  I talk to him and find out his name is Miles. I talk to him about God and find out that he knows there is a God but just didn’t really believe. I talk a little bit about God and then we talk about our pets. I tell him about my dog Oscar who was a hound. He said me “Oscar is your running partner always with you.” I said “yay Oscar and God, always with me and there for me.” We started to go up a big hill and he starts to walk. He tells me he will see me at the finish if not sooner. I keep running up the hill and know I am almost there. I really feel like God helping me through the whole race because I never walked or stopped except when the trail was so crowded or if I had to move over to let people pass. I never felt tired but full of energy. As I come up the last hill into the parking lot I can see the finish. I spirit in and point to God. I love Him and He loves me! I thank Him so much for giving me a great race. I later see Miles and say good job to him. I won first women over all for the 10k.  I put a sticker on the back of my award that says “Couldn’t Have Done it Without God”. Leah, my best friend, and Ariel did well and got 1^st in their age groups in the 5K. Leah with the help of God got 2nd girl overall for the 5k.  She was just behind a fast high school girl. Praise The Lord For He is Good! His Love Endures Forever!

2018 Resolution Run–Ariel

Date/Location:	1/1/18 – Resolution Run -Auburn, Overlook Park
Distance:	5k Trails
Time:	39:35 (Last PR 37:13, 2017)
Place:	1st W0-10
Teammates:	10Mile: Bailey Shykowski, Manouch Shirvanioun, Scott Eckardt 10K: Anna Soares, jesse Ellis, Season Eckardt 5K: Ariel Soares, Debbie Booth, Elisabeth Katsura, Emerson Booth, Leah Booth

I am at the starting line for the Resolution Run 5k.  I am standing with Leah Booth, her mom, and brother.  Behind us is Elizabeth Katsura. Elizabeth runs at our track workouts each Tuesday. 

They start counting down “10, 9…3, 2, 1, go!” I start running through the parking lot.  I am close to the front of the pack.  Elizabeth is running right in front of me. 

We run down a steep downhill going towards the river.  My stomach starts to feels weird. I am running up a steep uphill I stay right behind Elizabeth Katsura. I see my mom and start run faster. She said, dad is coming. She passes us. We keep running. Then Dad passes us.  He says “why are you walking the hill?'”. 

Then we get to the Aid Station.  I get some water.  We then go up another steep hill.  We go down hill for a bit.  What a relief!  There is a stream and we cross it. 

Now we have one more big hill!  We go up!  After another short downhill, we go up and out of the canyon.  I can see the parking lot.  I start sprinting.  I run to the finish line which I can see.  I finish.  Then I see Elizabeth finish.  I see Leah who has already finished.  I am tired and glad to be done.