New Years Challenge (Troy & Anna)

Date/Location:	January 1, 2013 – Auburn, CA
Distances:	Hill Climb – 1st Climb 3miles up Old Foresthill Road; 2nd Climb 1.2miles Foresthill Bridge to Lincoln Way 10m @ Resolution Run
Time:	Hill Climb (PR 17:02, 2012) – 18:14 RR Run (PR 1:16:04, 2011) – 1:26:54
Place:	Hill Climb – 2nd woman (non-age graded) RR Run – 3rd W30-39
Teammates:	Hill Climb: Dave Malicoat, Eric, Flor Hodges, Jesse Warda, Jessica Bonner, Karen Nickel, Lance Loveday,Troy Soares 10Mile: Bryan Hacker, Dave Campbell, Lesley Hackett, Mo Bartley 10K: Lance Loveday, Scott Eckardt, Tom Barrett 5K: Anna & Troy Soares, Desiree Swift, Karen Nickel, Mason & Christine Kelly

It's our annual challenge, biking up mountains & running up hills, all on a morning when most people sleep in.  It's such a good way to start the year!  Despite not climbing many hills lately, I'm ready to see how I rank this year.

Familiar diehards, Lance Loveday, David Malicoat, Karen Nickel, and Jessica Bonner are here.  Jesse Warda and Eric are also game, along with Flor Hodges, and her husband, Rob, who has offered to time us up the hills.

The Bike

It's a chilly morning but bright and sunny.  We start the warm-up (or freeze-up) down Auburn-Folsom.  The ladies turn on Power House and the men on Newcastle.  We all meet up on the Glenview climb for our practice.  Lance, Jesse & Eric make it look easy, but it feels hard to me.  On Indian Hill we all group up while Lance looks for Kayden at his house.  No sighting.

I fall behind while putting on booties.  I remember we didn't pray for the ride beforehand so say a pray now.  It's so easy getting caught up with the fun of an event, but we know that safety and satisfaction come first from the Lord and that's what we want for this ride.  I meet up with everyone at the Confluence after a scenic cruise down Hwy 49.  We toss our warm gear to Rob Hodges and line up in order for the wave start.  At the top, our times will be age and gender adjusted according to national standards.  This means male & female times will be adjusted as if everyone was a 30-yr-old-male.  The first to go is Robin and she's off!  Then Jessica, Flor & Karen.  Then David Malicoat.  I stretch and review the plan:  Take it easy at the beginning (it's steep), think about the spin-cycle rather than pushing hard on the pedals, wait for the 1/2-way point, surge on the flat and finish strong.

Climb #1:  I begin with a rolling start while Lance, Jesse & Eric begin from the line.  Did I not tell them that was allowed?  They quickly pass me and form a paceline, pulling ahead on the steep section.  That's gotta be hurting by now, going fast on this climb early is painful.  They're pulling farther ahead but I have hope of catching at least one of them later on.

Far up the road I can see some of the ladies.  Will we catch any of them?  At 1/2 way, I've caught David and Karen is just ahead.  It's very hard work but I'm on the plan.  I see Eric within reach.  But when I hit the flat section, after passing Karen, I don't have any snap in my legs to pick up the cadence.  It's not the surge I wanted.  In fact, my legs are barely hanging together as I try to keep up some speed on the final climb.  Eric has pulled ahead and no sign of the other ladies.  I finish at the top gasping for air, but glad to see Rob and the others that finished cheering me in.

Female/Male Age/Gender-Graded Times
Name	Age	Place	Time	Pace (mph)
Lance Loveday	41	1	13:56	12.9
Flor Hodges	26	2	13:57	12.9
Robin Soares	38	3	14:04	12.8
Jessica Bonner	23	4	14:34	12.4
Eric	43	5	15:09	11.9
Troy Soares	44	6	15:23	11.7
Jesse Warda	38	7	15:35	11.6
Karen Nickel	33	8	16:13	11.1
Dave Malicoat	55	9	17:16	10.4

Climb #2: After rolling down to the bridge and enjoying the beautiful views on this clear day (and helping Eric fix a flat), we're ready for climb #2.  Because of the bridge construction and only 1 lane open, we'll start together and paceline across if possible.  Rob brings up the rear with the car.  Lance is leading out with Eric & Jesse on his wheel.  I fall back off the blistering pace.  Flor & Robin are close behind.  The climb up Raley's hill isn't long or steep but after coming off the flat bridge, the immediate change of grade is shocking.  I slow down quickly.  Ugh!  Soon Flor and Robin both pass me.  Good job!  I think I lost too much energy on the first climb.  Up ahead I can see Jesse taking the lead and Eric and Lance going back and forth.  2/3 of the way up I keep a good cadence and pass Robin & Flor and do one last push to the top.  Ouch!  That effort hurts.  So good to be done, though!  Rob gives us our times and we head back to the Overlook.

Female/Male Age/Gender-Graded Times
Name	Age	Place	Time	Pace (mph)
Robin Soares	38	1	04:52	14.8
Flor Hodges	26	2	05:06	14.1
Lance Loveday	41	3	05:07	14.1
Jesse Warda	38	4	05:11	13.9
Eric	43	5	05:13	13.8
Jessica Bonner	23	6	05:21	13.5
Troy Soares	44	7	05:49	12.4
Karen Nickel	33	8	06:04	11.9
Dave Malicoat	55	9	06:11	11.7

We have some good chats and Jessica remembers that Rob was her Basketball coach during High School.  Funny thing is that Rob was my Wrestling coach during High School.  He was also my boss when I worked at Humpty Dumpty's Kitchen and even my Bible Study leader during those years.  That guy is really involved in the foothills community!

TOTAL BIKE RESULTS Female/Male Age/Gender-Graded Times
Name	Age	Place	Time	Pace (mph)
Robin Soares	38	1	18:56	13.3
Flor Hodges	26	2	19:03	13.2
Lance Loveday	41	3	19:03	13.2
Jessica Bonner	23	4	19:55	12.7
Eric	43	5	20:22	12.4
Jesse Warda	38	6	20:45	12.1
Troy Soares	44	7	21:13	11.9
Karen Nickel	33	8	22:17	11.3
Dave Malicoat	55	9	23:27	10.7

The Run

I'm glad to have my daughter, Anna, as part of my relay this year.  Last year I did the bike and the 10mi run and that was brutal.  Anna wanted to do the 5k and someone has to run with her so I volunteered.  This is going to work out great :)   Meanwhile, Robin is taking on the Beast, the 10mi hilly trail run.  Dave Campbell is here to put the pressure on her.  Lance is running the 10k.. his only run of the year.

Go!  Anna I start out with a 10 min pace.  Our plan is that I'll pace her at 10min pace on the decent, 12 across the bottom and about 14 back up to the finish.  We've also tried to minimize what she drank beforehand to help the nasty side aches she gets.  The first mile is all downhill and we're doing well in the middle of the pack.  But her side starts to hurt, as well as her shoulder.  We discover it's the downhill that brings on the pains.  She's a trooper and tries breathing easier and relaxing to get through it.

Mile1: 10:29.  A little off our pace, due to the side aches.  Along the bottom, with more gentle rolling hills, she's still struggling on the down sections.  She wants to walk and is losing desire to push the pace.  Right at the perfect time, her friend Mason Kelly comes by with his mom, Christine.  "Mason!"  Thanks, God, this was just what Anna needed.  She immediately picks it up and they start running together.

Mile 2: 12:49.  We're a minute behind but as we start climbing, the side aches go away and Anna and Mason are doing great!  Anna shows Mason how she takes water at the aid station and pours some on her head.  Then she feels her 2nd wind and start taking off up the trail.  Mason had slowed to drink and now him & I are trying to catch up to Anna.  I was encouraging him and telling him about the food at the end waiting for him.  Maybe I distracted him because at that moment he tripped and fell pretty hard.  He just wanted to walk with his mom for a while now, so I sprinted off to try to catch Anna.

It's a steep hill coming out of the Western States Trail.  I'm huffing and puffing while I pass other runners, looking ahead for Anna.  I really hoped she could get 40min today to beat her old time of 54.  It's a big jump but I know she's capable.  But I can't see her.. which is a good sign.  I pass a woman and tell her good job.  She says, "I'm just trying to keep up with the girl in the yellow shirt".  That's Anna, so I say, "I am, too".  I see Anna across a ravine running well.  Good job, Anna!

Finally I catch her and give her some water.  We see 2 girls ahead.  1 in pink who looks like Anna's age.  I cheer for them and tell Anna that the girl in pink might be in 3rd place.  Anna's legs are "burning" she says and she wants to walk.  She pushes through.  I'm so proud of her.  I also remind her that Ariel is waiting to run the final stretch with her.  We come out of the trees and there is Ariel with a big smile ready to run.  That is a huge help.  Anna pushes as hard as she can to stay with Ariel.  They run together through the parking lot and then there's the clock!  It says 39 min.  I watch and take a picture as Anna and Ariel run to it.  "Go, Anna, Go".  It looks like 40 min when she goes through.  Wow, she did it!  Thanks, God, for putting all the right motivations in place for her.  I'm also thankful that Anna was so encouraging to others out there.

Resolution Run
5k Times
Name	Dist	Place	Time	Pace (mph)
Karen Nickel	3.1	1	28:15	09:07
Desiree Swift	3.1	4	35:57	11:36
Anna Soares	3.1	7	40:04	12:55
10k Times
Name	Dist	Place	Time	Pace (mph)
Lance Loveday	6.2	6	56:16	09:05
10mi Times
Name	Dist	Place	Time	Pace (mph)
Dave Campbell	10	1	1:15:06	07:31
Robin Soares	10	3	1:26:54	08:41

First thing Anna does is lay down on the grass.  Probably because I always tell her that's a promise I make to myself during Ironman races… "if I keep pushing, I can just lay down on the grass when I'm done".  The next think she does… eat race food.  She loves the after-race food.

Anna placed 7th in the run & I placed 7th in the age-graded bike.  Together (14), we placed 3rd in the relay division.  A great way to start the New Year :)

New Years Challenge Combined Results
INDIVIDUAL
		Bike Age-Graded		Run		Combined
Name	Age	B Time	B Pl	R Time	R Plc	Plc	Award
Robin Soares	38	18:56	1	1:26:54	3	4	1
Lance Loveday	41	19:03	3	0:56:16	6	9	2
Karen Nickel	33	22:17	8	0:28:15	1	9	2
RELAY
		Bike Age-Graded		Run		Combined
Biker	Runner	B Time	B Pl	R Time	R Plc	Plc	Award
Jessica Bonner	Desiree	19:55	4	0:35:57	4	8	1
Dave Malicoat	Dave C.	23:27	9	1:15:06	1	10	2
Troy Soares	Anna	21:13	7	0:40:04	7	14	3
Flor Hodges	NoName	19:03	2	0	15	17
Eric	NoName	20:22	5	0	15	20
Jesse Warda	NoName	20:45	6	0	15	21

RESOLUTION RUN RESULTS

Name	Race	Place	Time
Anna & Troy Soares	5K	7th	40:03
Mason & Christine Kelly	5K	10th	43:36
Karen Nickel	5K	1st	28:15
Desiree Swift	5K	4th	35:57
Tom Barrett	10K	1st	45:58
Lance Loveday	10K	6th	56:16
Scott Eckardt	10K	3rd	1:02:39
Bryan Hacker	10M	2nd	1:10:01
Dave Campbell	10M	1st	1:15:05
Mo Bartley	10M	1st	1:21:27
Robin Soares	10M	3rd	1:26:54
Lesley Hackett	10M	2nd	1:30:14

Soares New Years Day Challenge (Robin)

Date/Location:	January 1, 2013 – Auburn, CA
Distances:	Hill Climb 1 – 3m Old Foresthill Rd Hill Climb 2 - 1.2m Raley's Hill Resolution Run - 10m Trails
Time:	Hill Climb 18:14 (PR 17:02, 2012) Run 1:26:54 (PR 1:16:04, 2011)
Place:	Hill Climb – 2nd woman (non-age graded) Run – 3rd W30-39
Teammates:	Hill Climb: Dave Malicoat, Eric, Flor Hodges, Jesse Warda, Jessica Bonner, Karen Nickel, Lance Loveday,Troy Soares 10Mile: Bryan Hacker, Dave Campbell, Lesley Hackett, Mo Bartley 10K: Lance Loveday, Scott Eckardt, Tom Barrett 5K: Anna & Troy Soares, Desiree Swift, Karen Nickel, Mason & Christine Kelly

Foresthill Climb
This year we have three women competing with us: Flor Hodges, Jessica Bonner and Karen Nickel.  These girls are fast too!  Flor is an elite triathlete and mother of a 5 year old. Jessica is an awesome triathlete, defending Auburn Marathon champ and amazing swimmer.  Karen is a stellar runner and duathlon champ.  I have my work cut out for me. I haven’t been on the bike much but I feel pretty good.  At least it’s not terribly cold like it was for Troy’s Birthday ride. 
After a warm-up in Newcastle, we head down Hwy 49 to the start.  Troy’s got us doing a staggered start as always.  But like last year, it’s age graded so we really won’t know who has won until we get it up on the computer.  My ride was just over 17 minutes last year. I’m not sure I can do that again.
Ready, set, go!  I’m the first to go since I’m an "old lady" according to Troy.  I’ve got everyone chasing me so it’s good pressure to push it.  I just want to stay ahead at the halfway point.  I look back on my way there…something I try to resist doing but today I don’t.  At the halfway point it looks clear!  I think I had a pretty good head start.  At the flat part of the ride, I try to get moving fast but my cadence isn’t over 80.  I look back again and the coast still looks clear. 
The stop sign is around the corner!  I push hard to the finish where Rob, Flor’s husband, is getting our splits.  Flor comes soon after me.  She definitely closed the gap and went faster. 
Everyone finishes strong!  We get a few minutes to catch our breath then it’s on to the last short, steep climb…up from the Foresthill Bridge to Lincoln Way!  Since there is only one side of the bridge open to both directions of traffic, we go single file across.  Rob is also behind us in his car blocking any cars.  It’s nice to be escorted!  Once we all roll off the bridge it’s on!  Lance, Jesse and Eric take off.  Flor pulls ahead.  I pass Troy.  Dig, legs, dig!  It’s so hard to go but I try to hang in there. 
Halfway up I pass Flor.  “Good job!”  Two-thirds of the way up Troy pulls ahead and I try to stay with him.  Finally I make it to the top not too far behind Troy.  Thanks Lord for protecting us and helping us through! 
We head back home.  Time for leg #2!
RIDE RESULTS
Resolution Run
I’m back in the 10 miler this year and Troy is running the 5K with Anna.  This year we are better fueled for this race.  Last year we had very little food between the ride and the race and when Troy didn’t make it to the finish line when expected, I thought he was stuck somewhere with some injury.  He was just bonking and trying to get to the finish line.  Today I'll be fueled but this holiday season I’ve probably been my least trained.  I hope to get in some good faster running than what I’ve been getting.
As usual things get hectic before the race.  Troy runs back to the car while Anna waits with me…and the race director says they are starting.  But as usual, I have no need to worry because the Lord makes it work out just right.  Ready, set, go!
The 10 milers are running an extra little loop in the parking lot to separate us from the 10Kers and 5kers.  It seems like a great idea until our group runs into the back of the 10k and 5k runners.  The road is wide and we get around and down to our own out and back section.  Lesley Hackett from our church pulls up alongside.  It’s great to see her and she’s looking strong for the Spartan race coming up this spring.  We run together for a bit.
Mile 1 is 7:18.  This should feel pretty easy on a downhill like this but it’s an effort…not a good sign but not something to dwell on.
Mile 2 is 7:36.  Still feeling hard but keeping my focus on Christ.  We get to the lower parking lot of China Bar and turn up Cardiac Bypass (great name btw!).  I get into a good grove and am able to catch up to a few guys.  I don’t see any women but I know a bunch are up there like Mo Bartley.  You never know what can happen I tell myself…always need to keep hoping!
Mile 3 is 8:39.  I’m happy with that.  It’s still tough but I just keep looking ahead!
Mile 4 is 8:25.  Now we are running the 5K/10K course.  Down, down, down the Dam Road we go!  I’m trying to get the legs spinning.  A guy that I past goes flying by.  I watch what he is doing to get some pointers.  He looks like he’s taking quick little steps.  I try that and it seems to work.  I get some good momentum getting off the road and heading UP the trail.
Mile 5 is 7:49.  Alright!  Now it’s really time to climb!  Up, up, up we go!  I make it to the 5K/10K split.  I hope to see folks I know.     
Mile 6 is 9:27.  Ugh!  Come on legs!  We can do it!  Pretty soon I’ll get to the other side of Robie Point and I hope to see Dave Campbell coming back from the out and back.  I see a young girl who looks great.  Here comes Mo!  “Go Mo!”  I see a few more girls now which helps motivate me to go.  There is no Dave and that means he’s having a phenomenal day once again! 
Mile 7 is 9:01.  I make the turn and head to Robie Point.  There is a girl just ahead of me and I hope to catch up to her on the climb up to Robie.  It’s pretty muddy on this end of the course.  The white shoes are getting the treatment! 
I catch up to that girl.  Yeah!  Thanks Lord!  I tell her good job.  On the way down the other side I remember to take small, quick steps.  I also try to use my friend Courtney Loveday's tricks, she's awesome at downhills!
Mile 8 is 9:04.  I’m almost done!  I see another lady on the other side of the mountain.  I might catch her but I’m going to have to push hard.  The last miles of this course are steep.  Lord, thanks for keeping me going…we can do this!  The 10Kers are so nice in sharing the narrow trail! 
Mile 9 is 8:55.  I see that girl!  I might be able to catch her!  I push as hard as my legs can go up out of the canyon.  I pass her and tell her good job.  Up ahead is Anna and Kayden’s son Mason.  “Come on guys, help me to the finish”.  They run ahead of me and I just try to keep up.  We finish together!  That was tough but so glad I did it!  Thank you Lord for getting me through that!

GO DESIREE, KAREN & LANCE!

GO SCOTT, TOM, BRYAN!

GO DAVE, MO & LESLEY!

RESOLUTION RUN RESULTS

Name	Race	Place	Time
Anna & Troy Soares	5K	7th	40:03
Mason & Christine Kelly	5K	10th	43:36
Karen Nickel	5K	1st	28:15
Desiree Swift	5K	4th	35:57
Tom Barrett	10K	1st	45:58
Lance Loveday	10K	6th	56:16
Scott Eckardt	10K	3rd	1:02:39
Bryan Hacker	10M	2nd	1:10:01
Dave Campbell	10M	1st	1:15:05
Mo Bartley	10M	1st	1:21:27
Robin Soares	10M	3rd	1:26:54
Lesley Hackett	10M	2nd	1:30:14

CIM Relay (Troy, Leg 2)

Date/Location:	December 2, 2012 - Sacramento, Ca
Distance:	Marathon - 26.2m (My leg is 7.6m)
Time:	3:17:44
Place:	2nd, Run Club Coed
Relay Teammates:	FCA Endurance Relay - Ellie Verdi, Troy, Karen Nickel, Desiree Swift
Other Teammates:	FCA TeamMate Jessica Bonner; Team Catch Us If You Can (Leonie Alesci, Robin, and Liesbeth & Kevin Magna); Friends (Annette Korn and teammates, Helen Barker and teammate, Pacer Jim Kepfer, Kayden Kelly, Pacer Lee McKinley, Mary Serna, Pacer Michael Cook, Michelle Tuggle, Rich Alesci, Pacer Tim Twietmeyer)

This year I'm on a different team, competing against Robin instead of racing with her.  Robin has Leonie, Liesbeth and Kevin on her team and I have Ellie, Karen and Desiree on my team.  It's a special team this year because it's the FCA Endurance Auburn Huddle Team.  I'm excited to have an FCA sports ministry huddle here in Auburn thanks to Desiree starting it.

The big excitement today is the weather.  Pouring rain and high winds.  Last night at the pasta party at our house it was great trying to strategize what to wear with all the runners.  Most concerned of course are the marathoners. We had 5 of us running the relay, 4 marathoners, and Helen Barker, running the relay as a 1/2 marathon.

I drop off our lead-off runner, Ellie, at the start and feel bad for her having to run a mile in the dark, with blowing, pouring rain, protected with a trash bag.  But she was a trooper and did great.  Robin was also dropping off runners.  I take the kids to the start of the 2nd leg (with Robin following) and then buddle up in rain gear to warm up for my run.

It's howling out here!  I have to lean into it just to jog.  Surely this will add 20min to the marathoners' times.  This is the toughest conditions I've ever seen here.  Then I see the first runners.  Wow, they don't seem fazed!  The lead guys are only wearing singlets like usual and some aren't wearing shirts at all.  Pretty tough for the pelting rain conditions.

The kids hold their umbrellas while Robin and I wait for our teams.  This is a competition and we're both hoping our team arrives first and that we can keep them in first.  We see Michael Cook, Lee McKinley, and Rich Alesci all go by doing great.  And there she is, Ellie from my team!

We make a good hand-off of the chip and I'm off.  Adrenaline rushing.  It's not cold, just super wet.  I'm running fast when the wind dies, but slow when it drives.  The Relay always makes me run fast.

Mile 1: 6:40. My hamstrings are sore, probably over exerting, so I try to relax and still  have efficient pace.  Many marathoners are pacelining to dodge the wind which is smart but I'm going a little faster so have to stay to the left, in the open.

Mile 2: 7:14. My slowest mile due to the hamstrings but they are loosening up.  I'm amazed at each marathoner I see.  Some are running the same speed as me.  All are doing so well and not dismayed by the weather.  Cups at the aid stations are blowing all over the place.  Only a few bands are out under tents and are hard to be heard.

Mile 3: 7:07. I'm doing better and hoping to get up to the 3hr pacer and see Rich somewhere.  I ran 42min at the Turkey Trot 10k a couple weeks ago and am shooting for that pace today.  There are rivers of water going across the road.  The water is also running down my shirt like a shower.  The Nike gloves are working great and the bare legs are fine.  I have a wool cap and the only problem is keeping the rain from pelting my eyes.

Mile 4: 6:42. .  God is blessing my run and I'm thankful everything is going well for how crazy the conditions are.  A couple hills.  I try to fly down the descents and just power up the hills while keeping my eyes low. I thought I saw Rich Alesci up ahead (turned out he was way ahead actually).

Mile 5: 6:33. Ran through the cute village. The school band was playing under the eaves.  Pushed hard this mile.. my fastest yet!  I'm down to a 6:51 average.

Mile 6: 6:40. I passed Michael Cook leading the 3:10 group.  Less then 2 miles to go.  everything is going well

Mile 7: 6:37. Now there isn't much difference between my pace and the marathoners.  I'm almost at the 3hr runners.  I hear loud music ahead.  It's chanting of "hare krishna" or something.  Really annoying, just over and over for a whole mile.  But now I'm close to the exchange.  There's my TeamMate, Karen Nickel.  She's in perfect position, and ready with a smile and pigtails.  I give my last surge and am glad to stop and let her exchange the chip.  We're at 1:31.  My split was 50:49, a 6:46 pace, close to my 6:42 pace at the 10k!  "Have fun, Karen, and God Bless you!"  She's off and my job is done.  I jog back, still feeling the warmth of the excitement going through me, and see Robin coming down the road.  I cheer her on as she hands off to her teammate, Kevin.

We head to the finish and watch our teams and all the marathon studs finish.  I was amazed to see such good times even with the wind.  Rich did a 3:07!  Our team did a 3:17 for 2nd place which was exciting for all of us.  And we stayed ahead of Robin's team.

The sun came out afterwards.  It takes a real storm to make the sun look so glorious.  Similar to hardships in life to make the blessings so much more wonderful!  Thanks, God, for everything!

Karen and Desiree Bringing the Team Home!

CIM Relay–“Catch Us If You Can” (Robin)

Date/Location:	December 2, 2012 - Sacramento, Ca
Distance:	Marathon - 26.2m (My leg is 7.6m)
Time:	3:32:57
Place:	6th, Coed Open
Relay Teammates:	Leonie Alesci, Robin, Kevin & Liesbeth Magna
Other Teammates:	FCA TeamMate Jessica Bonner; Team FCA Endurance Relay (Ellie Verdi, Troy, Karen Nickel, Desiree Swift); Friends (Annette Korn and teammates, Helen Barker and teammate, Pacer Jim Kepfer, Kayden Kelly, Pacer Lee McKinley, Mary Serna, Pacer Michael Cook, Michelle Tuggle, Rich Alesci, Pacer Tim Twietmeyer)

Crazy Conditions Today!

Robin, Leg #2 – 7.6 Miles

This year, Troy and I are on different relay teams.  I “kicked him off” my team so that my college roomie, Liesbeth Magna, could have her hubby Kevin on the team.  Troy is on a really great team with our new Auburn FCA Endurance huddle gals.  In fact, they are going to be tough competition!

I got to drive a bunch of friends to the start of the marathon: Jessica Bonner, Jim Kepfer, Kayden Kelly & friend,  Michael Cook.  Later my teammate Leonie and her husband Rich join us in the car.  They keep cover in the car as the storm rages outside.  It is fun until it is time for me to go and car battery is totally drained!  I had left too many things running for the 45 minutes we hung out.  Instead of looking to the Lord for help and peace, I start to panic and call Troy (he had just dropped off his relay teammate Ellie and was heading to the next leg).  But then I feel God's peace.  I ask a guy in a mini Copper, waiting to drop off his wife, to give me a jump.  Amazingly his little car is able to get my mini-van going.  “Thanks so much, God Bless you!”  I take a moment to thank the Lord and remind myself that He is most important today.

I’m on my way to the first exchange, yeah!  The rain and wind are non-stop.  I feel for the all the runners starting right now!  I decide I’m going to wear my plastic bike jacket.    I’d rather stay as dry as possible and risk getting too warm and having a slower time.  After 2 bathroom stops on the way, I meet Troy at our secret parking spot just as he finishes his warm-up.  The girls are gearing up to get out of the car and walk to the exchange as I head out for my warm-up.  When I return the girls and I are ready to go.  We walk to the street just in time to see the first runners.  Wow, these guys are wearing very little and a few guys are shirtless!  The girls come soon after and they also are dressed light.  Our girls are not digging this weather.  Usually the rain is fun but not today’s storm!

Troy, the girls and I wait in the rain and wind for our teammates.  There goes Rich!  He looks great!  Soon after Michael runs by pacing the 3:10 crowd.  He looks strong as usual!  I run into Jen Feller who I ran with at UCD.  She is also doing a relay.  It’s fun to catch up for a few minutes.  “Troy, here comes Ellie!”  Troy jumps out and gets the chip and takes off.  “Great job Ellie!  Okay, girls, time to go!”  Ellie herds them off to the car.  Soon I see Leonie and say goodbye to Jen.  “Great job Leonie!  See you soon.” 

I take off and it’s tough from the get-go!  I don’t feel very strong enough today to go sub 7min pace so I try to keep it as close to that as possible.  Within the first mile I see a big group of runners.  That’s got to be a pace group and sure enough I see a 3:35 sign pop up…that’s my neighbor, Tim Twietmeyer's group!  I catch up and wave as I go by.  “How’s it going” he asks.  I give him a thumbs up and tell him “great job”. 

Now, I’m keeping my eyes open for the 3:30 group which shouldn’t be too far I hope.  The wind is really relentless.  Going through my first aid station, cups are flying everywhere and are not staying on the tables.  I don’t know how these volunteers do it!  They seem to be able to give out cups to everyone with smiles despite the chaos.  I wish I could thank them properly!

I continue to move past marathoners.  I try to get as much as a draft from individuals and small packs as possible as I move along. I see a girl wearing a jacket from this year’s Boston Marathon.  Boy, going from the year’s hottest race to the year’s wettest/windiest…amazing!

By my third mile I do not see the 3:30 group.  Man, where are they?!  Should it be this hard to catch them?  My pace has been hovering around 7:20 which is decent for these conditions.  I am amazed that my search has distracted me from the chaotic weather.  My jacket has done a good job of prolonging getting wet…but now I can feel it working it’s way throughout my shirt. 

The spectators are amazing!  I am surprised by how many are out here! 

By the time I hit my 5th mile I can see a big group ahead.  This must be them!  Finally I catch up and see the pacer with the 3:30 sign.  If it took me this long to catch this group, the 3:25 group will be way harder! 

I can hear some sort of music booming ahead but after several minutes I don’t seem to be getting closer to it.  Then I can make it out as a chant “Hare krishna,krishna, krishna”.  I start singing “Jesus, Jesus” in my head and thank Him for saving me…because nothing other than Him can save me and give me eternal life.

Less than a mile to go, hooray!  The wind and rain continues to pound and I am anxious to stop!  I feel a little wimpy for that since these marathoners are trudging along with no complaint!  I see Troy ahead and he waves and runs off to tell Kevin I’m coming.  I see Kevin and make the exchange.  “Go Kevin!”  I find Troy and we hug.  So glad to be done!

Our team did great and I found out some very special news from Liesbeth and Kevin!

Team Magna Brings Our Team Home!

RELAY HISTORY

Year	Team Name	Relay Div	Place	Time	Teammates
2012	Catch Us If You Can	Open Coed	6	3:32:57	Leonie Alesci (Leg #1), Robin Soares (Leg #2), Kevin Magna (Leg #3) and  Liesbeth Magna (Leg #4)
2011	Catch Us If You Can	Open Coed	3	3:05:14	Robin Soares (Leg #1), Troy Soares (Leg #2), Liesbeth Magna(Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)
2010	Catch Us If You Can	Open Coed	2	3:13:32	Robin Soares (Leg #1 & 2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)
2009	CATCH US IF YOU CAN	Open Coed	3	3:08:47	Kevin Magna (Leg #1), Robin Soares (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)
2008	CATCH US IF YOU CAN	Open Coed	21	3:27:28	Robin Soares (Leg #1), Courtney Loveday (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)
2007	RIONIE AND SOARES	Open Coed	3	2:58:55	Robin Soares (Leg #1), Troy Soares (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)
2006	CATCH ME IF YOU CAN	Open Female	1	3:00:54	Robin Soares (Leg #1), Megan Canova (Leg #2), Liesbeth Brouwer (Leg #3), Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)
2005	DAM GIRLS & GUYS	Open Coed	2	3:00:36	Robin Soares (Leg #1), Dick Kirkpatrick (Leg #2), Liesbeth Brouwer (Leg #3), Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4) (?)
2004	DAM GIRLS & GUYS	Open Coed	14	3:32:15	Troy, Robin, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven (?)
2003	DAM GOOD RUNNERS	Open Coed	21	3:06:50	Troy-Robin-Leonie Wynhoven-Liesbeth Brouwer
2002	DAM GOOD RUNNERS	Open Coed	76	4:13:14	Robin, Dave Funston, Kristin Funston, Leonie Wynhoven
2001	DAM GOOD RUNNERS	Open Coed	21	3:56:56	Robin Heidt, Dave Funston, Kristin Funston, Leonie Wynhoven
2000	Un-Named	Open Coed	49	3:48:04	Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin Heidt (?)
1999	DAM GOOD RUNNERS	None	88	3:44:09	Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin Heidt

Note: The CIM Relay Races started in 1991.

Davis Turkey Trot–Stroller 5K–Ariel & Robin

Date/Location:	November 17, 2012 – Davis, CA
Distances:	5km Run
Time:	20:58
Place:	1st Woman
Teammates:	Dave Campbell, Leonie Alesci

This is our last stroller race together.  It’s bittersweet for sure.  Today is going to be tougher since there is rain and some wind.  Ariel is nice and cozy under the hood of the stroller.  We see mother-and-son team of Leonie and Reed Alesci.  We see our big competition…a grandpa and grand-daughters team of Dave Campbell, Isabella & Rachel.  We all chat and hang out.  The race is getting a late start and kiddos around us are starting to melt down.
Okay, it’s go time.  Go!  Dave and another guy take off and I stay close behind.  So far I feel good but I try to hold back a bit.  As we head west, I can feel the wind.  Dave’s hat flies off but he catches it.  He is running amazingly fast for a guy pushing two kids!  He’s currently in 2nd.  Soon we are going North on Oak Ave and it’s much better here!  This is the longest section of the race and I hope to pick it up here.  “You’re doing great Ariel!”
Mile 1 is 6:38.  I’m happy with that and that we are the first girls.  Dave is ahead and I’m trying to keep the gap as short as possible.  He’s moving closer to the first guy and I want to shout “catch him” but he’s too far away to hear me and I don’t have the energy.  I figure he’s thinking the same thing. 
Dave makes it to the next turn way before me.  By the time Ariel and I make he turn, he’s out of sight.  It’s getting tough to keep up the effort.  Lord, please help me hang on.
Mile 2 is 6:43.  Ariel and I are holding onto 3rd.  Soon we are heading South right into the wind.  Ugh, this is tough.  I see Dave briefly and he’s really close to first!  I know he can do it!  
“We’re almost done Ariel!”  We make it to the final stretch…the 2nd longest section of the race.  The wind is strong here and I push my legs and the stroller as hard as I can.  Thank you Lord for helping me…I know You’re with me!  I can see Dave in first in the distance. Yeah, you go Dave!
Mile 3 is 7:02.  We are still in 3rd and the first girls!  Don’t quit!  I give it what I have.  Ariel and I roll across the finish.  Yeah!  I’m so happy that Ariel and I were able to do this one last time!  What a great race!

Name	Race	Place	Time
Dave Campbell	5K Stroller	1st	20:00
Robin Soares	5K Stroller	1st	20:58
Leonie Alesci	5K Stroller	3rd	24:33
Troy Soares	10K	5th	41:57
Tom Harper	10K	4th	51:27

Davis Turkey Trot 10k (Troy)

11/17/12

Date/Location:	November 17, 2012 – Davis, CA
Distances:	10km Run
Time:	41:57
Place:	5th
Teammates:	Tom Harper

It's a rainy day but we're prepared.  We've done this race for 6 years now.  This year is special because it's Robin's last time doing the Baby Jogger 5k Race.  Even though the drizzly morning is drawing a small crowd of moms and dads pushing baby joggers, it is still a heated race as Robin and our friend, Dave Campbell, are ready for their re-match from last year.  It's definitely the main attraction for me and the girls.

Anna & I cheer them on as they race off into the wind and rain.  We cheer on Leonie Alesci and little Reed, too.  Then I realize I have a race to do myself!  I almost forgot.  Rich is nice enough to watch Anna as I rush off to get ready.  I take off a lot of layers leaving tights, long sleeve shirt, knit cap, and gloves.  I've been a little sick lately so opted for the tights which I usually wouldn't wear in rainy weather.  I say a quick prayer, knowing my real hope for a good day always lies in the Lord rather than my body.

We're already pretty wet standing at the start.  I'm 3 rows back.  I see a triathlete-looking Forward Motion guy right on the start with almost a sprinter's pose.  On the count down, "3..2..1", the rest of the line goes on "1" whereas the FM guy waits patiently for the "Go".  Ironically funny that the calm runner-guys jumped the gun like triathletes often do at the swim start, whereas the high-strung triathlete-guy waiting for the actual start like runners are good at.

We're off!  Rich is cheering and Anna gives me a high five.  Not knowing what I can do after being sick, but not wanting to sand-bag, I set my goal pace at a 40min 10k… 6:27.  After the 1st 2 corners, I can see what looks like 1/2 the field already ahead of me.  That's ok, I know it always looks better at the finish line.

I slowly pass a guy carrying his son on his shoulders.  I tell him that's amazing and he says it's probably the last year as his boy is getting too big.  He started out at 6min pace.. with a kid on his shoulders.. even with a jogger that would be hard.  Now I notice a few women stretched out ahead of me and try to work my way up.  I'm pretty wet but the temperature is good.  And the wind is behind us.  I'm feeling ok.

Mile 1: 6:21.  Great.  But it will be harder coming back in the wind. I'm already realizing that the tights weren't needed.  Despite rain, legs always get warm.

Mile 2: 6:24.  Good. But with a tail wind.  Now we hit the trails in the green belt.  I'm breathing pretty hard and the pace is difficult but I try to make up for it by running smart.. taking every inside corner.. using my arms.. looking ahead.  I pass some people and some pass me. 

Mile 3: 6:32.  I felt like I was pushing at the same speed but this is showing that something's giving way.  I'm about 10secs off pace but I'm still optimistic that I can make that back up in the last mile.. as long as I can keep 6:27 pace for the next 2 miles.  Mentally it's a good course with all the curving, tree-lined paths.  Sometimes you can see runners ahead going different directions… it keeps you wondering where the final straight-away is.

Mile 4: 6:39.  Reality hits.  20 secs is a lot to make up in the last mile but the real problem is the pace is getting slower despite my efforts.  Ok, don't focus on the pace, just keep trying, breathe deep, and get excited for the last mile.  At the 5 Mile marker I'll even slow down just a bit before I psych up and give it my all for the last part.  I'm hurting but I don't give up hope.  You never know what might happen.

The wind is in our face.  2 guys pass me.  There's a downhill coming up through a subway.  Despite the pain I surge forward to get into their draft, go all the way through the tunnel and then watch as they pull away on the uphill.  It was a good effort.  Little things to be proud of.

Mile 5: 7:07.  Oh boy, I didn't realize the wind and fatigue was doing that much damage to my pace.  The 40min goal is out the window but I don't think about how much, I just smile, slow a little, and then turn on the big push for the last mile.  Unfortunately, my big push, isn't changing the pace.  There's just nothing there.  Wow, it's the like the body is on autopilot now getting ready to slow and land.  But I keep the pedal floored.  There's an overpass.  Oh, the uphill hurts.  But now it's down.. onto the street.. and there it is.. the long straight-away.  Just go to my happy place.. the finish will be here soon and I'll be happy.  Thank you Lord for getting me this far.

Mile 6: 7:07.  It is what it is.  But the good part is I'm going to make it.  I can hear Robin, Anna and Ariel in the distance.  I can't wait to find out how Robin did.  But for now just pump the arms and get there…

Done!  41:49.  That was tough and I can only imagine how much tougher pushing a stroller, let a lone a DOUBLE-stroller that Dave is pushing.  I found out Robin did great and Dave actually won overall.  Leonie also did great.  Thanks Lord for a good day!  I may not have won but it was a winning effort.

Name	Race	Place	Time
Dave Campbell	5K Stroller	1st	20:00
Robin Soares	5K Stroller	1st	20:58
Leonie Alesci	5K Stroller	3rd	24:33
Troy Soares	10K	5th	41:57
Tom Harper	10K	4th	51:27

Victory Velo Halloween Duathlon–Robin

Date/Location:	October 28, 2012 – Auburn, CA
Distances:	5.8 mi R - 9 mi B
Time:	2:10:48 (53:52-1:16:54)
Place:	1st Woman
Teammates:	Dan/Dawn/Devon Tebbs, Jesse Warda, Melissa Johnson, Troy Soares

The run goes from Victory Velo to the Overlook to the Western States Trail to the Old Foresthill Bridge.  The bike goes from the Confluence Trail, around the Clementime Loop and up Stage Coach.

Troy and I are a medical team this year: Dr. Soares and Nurse Soares.  As we arrive at the store we don’t see as many costumes this year but there still are some good ones: Superman, Storm Trooper (Devon), Shera (Dawn), Conan (Dan), Kitty Cat, Mario, and Ape.  We line up and get ready to run.  This year Devon Tebbs, a third grader and a Skyridge Jog-A-Thon winner, is running with us.  

We take off.  Troy, Jesse and Devon are running quick.  I’m impressed with Devon’s effort!

Mile 1 is 7:52. We are now on the trail heading over to the Western States trail.  Runners coming up the trail giggle and smile as they see me, the nurse, and Superman behind me. 

Mile 2 is 7:18.  I’ve caught up to Devon and he’s still running strong!  I tell him to listen for my Garmin watch to tell us when we’ve completed the next mile.  Doug Houston and Abe Ditman go by.  “Good job!”

Mile 3 is 8:49.  “There goes the beep, that means we have 2 miles to go I think.”  So far, no one has caught Devon and I.  We make it to the Western States 100 mile course.  “Don’t look back Devon, watch the obstacles”.  It’s a steep decent and we are letting gravity carry us down.  Devon is noticing the sights and sounds.  I appreciate that since often I’m in such a hurry to get places I hardly notice those things sometimes.

Mile 4 is 10:12.  Melissa catches us as we get to the waterfall.  Wow, there is a lot of water and I try to make it across without getting my feet wet.  Darn, I stepped in the water…oh, well.  Devon gets across well.  We say bye to Melissa as she continues on. 

Mile 5 is 10:00.  “We are almost there Devon.  No hands bridge is right around the corner”.  The Kitty Cat catches us.  “Stay with the Kitty!”  I can tell Devon is tired but his attitude remains amazing.  As we turn up the trail from No Hands, it gets really steep.  For a moment Devon walks, but then he’s back at it.

Under Hwy 49 bridge and back up onto Old Foresthill Rd.  Soon we can hear his dad, Dan, and others cheering for him.  It lifts his spirits and he flies to the finish.  I try to go with him with no success.  As I get to the finish, I give Devon a high 5 and run to my bike.  I'm the 2nd woman to transition.

As I’m getting ready, Cindy Ditman says hi and takes a picture.  I jump on my bike and away I go!  The first section is along the North Fork of the American River.  It’s much wider and less bumpy as in previous years thanks to a base jumper who had to be rescued.  It’s worked to my benefit and I am able to bike right through without having to get off my bike…yeah!  It also helps I rode this yesterday for practice.

I see another racer in his Victory Velo gear.  As I get closer, I can see he’s just riding a Felt road bike on the bumpy, dirt road…wow, impressive!  As the climbing begins, I’m feeling pretty good and it seems like I’ll catch that guy. 

Once I’m 2 miles up and off the dirt, I’m not any closer to the guy.  My legs are feeling really tired now.  That run downhill really beats you up!  I continue pressing and push through to the top of the road.

The road bike guy continues on the road and I turn off onto the trail.  Okay, here we go.  After some more climbing, it’s time to descend.  Last year, I was stressed and scared going down this.  This time I’m relaxed and calm.  I know I can do better and I know I’ll still need to walk some sections.  Lord, please keep me from crashing.

I make it down to the tunnel feeling confident.  I pull down my shades as I go through the tunnel and focus on the light ahead.  Lord, keep me upright.  I make it through!  I even get down a section I walked yesterday.

Towards the bottom, I get off my bike on a few sections but I’m quickly back on.  I finish the Culvert trail and cross Old Foresthill Road and continue on to the Mammoth Bar trail.  I know the first half will be great and it is.  Then it gets really rocky, narrow…to top it off, I’m on the edge of a cliff…oh dear, a bad mental combination for me.  I do some major walking here.  On one section I try to forge through but halfway chicken out.  For a second I’m teetering on my bike towards the cliff side!  I am able to steady myself and stop…phew!  Thank you God!  After a few riders pass, I walk the rest of this section.

I am able to ride the bottom of the trail and make it back to Old Foresthill Road.  I ride over the bridge and head for the last climb, Stagecoach.  Last year I was dragging here.  I’m tired but definitely have more energy this time.  I catch a Victory Velo guy going up. “Good job”.  He tells me to save him a beer.  It doesn’t seem long until I’m at the top.  Yeah!  I made it!!   Thank you God!!