New Year's Day Challenge (Troy)

Date/Location:	Jan 1, 2015 / Auburn, CA
Distance:	Hill Climb 1: 3mi Old Foresthill Rd Hill Climb 2: 1.2mi Raley's Hill Resolution Run: 10mi
Time/Place:	Hill Climb 1 (Adj): 5th Hill Climb 2 (Adj): 7th Run: 1:17:36*, 2nd (PR 1:11:20, 2012) *longer course Combined: 5th
Teammates:	Hill Climbs: Lance Loveday, Jesse Warda, Jeff Landauer, Flor Hodges, Kayden Kelly, Robin Soares, Karen Nickel 10Mile: Bryan Hacker, Melissa Penwell, Bailey Shykowski, Karen Nickel, Robin Soares, Flor Hodges, Jason Shykowski, Gary Carpenter, Jesse Warda, Kayden Kelly, Manouch Shirvanioun, Randall Harris, Carolyn Goulding, Lupita Cox 10K: Mo Bartley, Lance Loveday, Tamara Diederichs, Kim McCool 5K: Leah Booth, Hal Tacker, Emerson Booth, Deborah Booth, Stephanie Ganzenhuber, Laurn Langhofer, Anna Soares, Ariel Soares.

BikeI wish I got a few more practice climbs in, but gotta do with what I've got.  We meet at the Overlook in Auburn for our annual New Year's Day Challenge.  A bike ride with multiple hill climbs followed by the Resolution Run on the tough canyon trails.
I start out from the house and realize my brakes don't work on the road bike.  I ride the tri-bike instead.  It's a great group (Flor, Robin, Lance, Karen, Jeff, Kayden and Jesse).  The sun's out, but still a bit chilly.  After a warm-up around Powerhouse Rd & up Glenview Dr, we descend to the Confluence and prepare for the first climb.
We do the usual staggered starts with the women first.  Then Jeff & I go with Kayden, Jesse and Lance chasing.  The first part of the climb is the toughest.  I'm breathing hard, as usual, but doing my best to be efficient and give God my full effort.  I catch Karen.  Jeff & I battle back 'n forth but I pull slightly ahead at the end.
After a quick group photo, we coast down to the Foresthill Bridge for the next effort.  Lance had the fastest 1st climb so he has to lead us out across the bridge.  Because of a mis-communication, Kayden, who usually thrives on this sprint climb, thought he had to stay in formation and missed the action at the front.  Jeff, Jesse, and Lance battled for the lead, but I couldn't catch them and watched from about 7 secs back.
My total time was 21:29, off from my best of 20:37.  I made 3rd place just by a couple seconds.
RunThe day is warming up fast.  I make sure to fuel well.  We line up with about 200 others for the 5k, 10k, or 10mi race.  It's great to see the many other friends that are here.  Ariel & Anna are both doing the 5k.  Jeff will pace Ariel as he has another runner running a relay for him.  Before the start, Robin, Karen, myself and some others pray together.  It's a tough run which means more opportunities to represent Christ, even when it gets hard.
Go!  Robin and I start together.  It's a big group.  Friends of ours from Tuesday Night Track pull ahead including Melissa, Bailey and Robin's training partner, Karen.  Behind us the 10k group gets ready and finally the 5k'ers last.
On the long run to the bottom I can see Melissa & Bailey up ahead.  Karen and Robin are behind me.  My calves have been bothering me and feel a little tight.  Up the first climb.  I really focus on form and staying relaxed.  I want to record a fast climb without straining my calves. I feel that I do  (3:38, just 3 secs off my PR from last year!).
Across the top and then the steep drop down the Dam Rd.  I try to make up some time, but then the calves get tighter.  Up the steep switch-backs I have to really be careful.  Around Robie Pt (5:36, 15 secs off my PR). Now it's out to the far gate at Hwy 49.  On the way I see Melissa, then Bailey, coming back.  I run well to the turn-around at Hwy 49 (previously the race always turned earlier).  I make the turn and then see Karen.  "You're almost up to them Karen, you can do it!"  Then I see Robin.  I love being able to see her in a race.  She encourages me so much and I try to do the same for her.  I ask about her hamstrings and she says they're hanging in there.
Up and over Robie.  The calves hold me back (was 20 secs off my best).  The final mile up to the finish is brutal.  I'm exhausted and the calves are really shot.  I finish 1:17:36, 6:16 off from my best last year, but a 100% effort.  And turns out to be 2nd in my age.
I cheer for Karen, Robin, Flor, Jason, Gary, Jesse, and Kayden coming in soon after.  We all have a good time hanging out.  So thankful that the Lord healed my foot 6 years ago so I can experience all this fun running with friends!

New Years Day Challenge 2015

It was a good day of racing on the New Year.  The sun was out but it was chilly.  The run proved to be a factor as Robin and Karen used it to move into overall ties for 1st and 2nd respectively.


The Top 3 Overall for the 2015 New Years Day Challenge are:

Ovl	Name	Climb1	Age-Adj	Climb2	Age-Adj	Total Age-Adj	Hill Climb Placing	Run Time	Place	Total Combined Placing
1 tie	Flor Hodges	16:30	13:35	05:57	04:54	18:29	1	1:24:42	4	5
1 tie	Robin Soares	18:03	14:21	06:35	05:14	19:35	2	1:23:56	3	5
2 tie	Lance Loveday	15:20	15:11	05:26	05:23	20:34	3	50:51	3	6
2 tie	Karen Nickel	18:50	15:31	06:36	05:26	20:57	4	1:20:41	2	6
3	Troy Soares	15:56	15:46	05:33	05:30	21:16	5	1:17:36	2	7

In the Relay division, Jeff's teammate came through and clinched their win:

Relay Plc	Name	Climb1	Age-Adj	Climb2	Age-Adj	Total Age-Adj	Hill Climb Placing	Run Time	Place	Total Combined Placing
1	Jeff Landauer & Bailey Shykowski Relay	16:08	15:58	05:23	05:20	21:18	7	1:15:56	1	8

There was also a close race in the age-graded hill climb results as Troy Soares, Jesse Warda and Jeff Landauer were only 2 seconds apart!

Ovl	Name	Climb1	Age-Adj	Climb2	Age-Adj	Total Age-Adj	Hill Climb Placing
3	Troy Soares	15:56	15:46	05:33	05:30	21:16	5
15	Jesse Warda	16:01	16:01	05:17	05:17	21:18	6
4	Jeff Landauer	16:08	15:58	05:23	05:20	21:18	7

This chart shows just the hill climb results and includes previous bests (in purple):

All hill climb results (by finish time):

Ovl	Name	Climb1	Age-Adj	Climb2	Age-Adj	Total Time
2	Lance Loveday	15:20	15:11	05:26	05:23	20:46
15	Jesse Warda	16:01	16:01	05:17	05:17	21:18
3	Troy Soares	15:56	15:46	05:33	05:30	21:29
4	Jeff Landauer	16:08	15:58	05:23	05:20	21:31
1	Flor Hodges	16:30	13:35	05:57	04:54	22:27
10	Kayden Kelly	18:27	18:27	05:50	05:50	24:17
2	Robin Soares	18:03	14:21	06:35	05:14	24:38
2	Karen Nickel	18:50	15:31	06:36	05:26	25:26

Resolution Run

Run Results:

Name	Run Dist	Run Time	Plc
Leah Booth	3.1	0:27:28	1
Hal Tacker	3.1	0:30:42	1
Emerson Booth	3.1	0:31:12	3
Deborah Booth	3.1	0:31:43	1
Stephanie Ganzenhuber	3.1	0:33:43	3
Laurn Langhofer	3.1	0:36:38	4
Anna Soares	3.1	0:37:09	2
Ariel Soares	3.1	0:45:12	4
Mo Bartley	6.2	0:52:17	1
Lance Loveday	6.2	0:50:51	3
Tamara Diederichs	6.2	1:16:44	8
Kim McCool	6.1	1:16:44	13
Bryan Hacker	10	1:12:29	1
Melissa Penwell	10	1:15:17	1
Bailey Shykowski	10	1:15:56	1
Troy Soares	10	1:17:36	2
Karen Nickel	10	1:20:41	2
Robin Soares	10	1:23:56	3
Flor Hodges	10	1:24:42	4
Jason Shykowski	10	1:23:09	5
Gary Carpenter	10	1:26:21	5
Jesse Warda	10	1:37:40	13
Kayden Kelly	10	1:24:29	6
Manouch Shirvanioun	10	1:29:31	8
Randall Harris	10	2:14:50	30
Carolyn Goulding	10	3:05:11	17
Lupita Cox	10	3:05:40	27

 

More Links:
Event Details pdf
E-vite Link
J & J Sports Productions (Resolution Run) Facebook page
J & J Sports Productions (Resolution Run) website

May you be blessed in the New Year.
Troy & Robin Soares

CIM Relay (Troy & Karen)

Date/Location:	December 7, 2014 - Sacramento, Ca
Distance:	12.9mi (Marathon Relay - 2nd Half)
Time:	1:27:49 (3:06:44 total relay time)
Place:	3rd, Coed Open
Relay Teammates:	FCA Endurance Karen Nickel & Troy
Other Teammates:	Relay *CIMfast: Stephanie Holloway & Friends *Catch Us If You Can: Robin Soares, Leonie Alesci, Megan Sebra *First Big Run: Jason & Hope Shykowski *Sovereign Sandals: Todd Osterberg, Nick Elcock & friends Track/Local Friends *Pacers: Jim Kepfer, Lee McKinley Michael Cook, Jamie Frink & Tim Twietmeyer *Racers: Bailey Shykowski, Beth Bourne, Melissa Penwell, Sandy Baker, Scott Eckhardt, Troy Outman

It's a tradition. We do the CIM Relay every year.  Robin does it with her UC Davis buddies and I do it as a FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Endurance team.  This year I'm a 2-person team with Karen Nickel.  I'm doing the 2nd 1/2.

My goal is 7:00 pace for a 1:31 1/2 marathon.  But that's 30 secs a mile faster than my last marathon pace.  I'm hoping my achilles and hamstrings issues will hang in there.  But mostly I want to run with my focus on the Lord.  I know in that case, it will turn out just as He wants it.

The weather is great.  Ariel and Anna are with me scooting around while I wait for Karen to arrive at the exchange.  She's probably going to run a 1:37, her previous best.  Robin is also doing the first 1/2 of the marathon on her UC Davis Team so I'm expecting to see her and Karen come in together.

I see Dave Campbell go by on the EliptiGO bikes leading the pros.  I also see the rest of Robin's team, Leonie and Megan here.  I get a good warm up in.  Achilles and hamstring feel good.

Here comes Karen!  Ahead of pace.  Hand off goes great but she tells me Robin's hamstrings have flared up and to pray for her.  As I take off I immediately pray for her.  I know how uncomfortable that can be for her and it's a bummer because she's been working on them so much lately.

Mile 1: 6:47.  I figured the first mile would be under my 7:00 goal, so won't assess until a couple more are behind me.  I'm trying to run tall, efficient and relaxed.

Mile 3: 6:56, 6:45.  After a few miles, I'm surprised to be maintaining a sub-7 pace.  I see friends along the route like Reed, Sean, and others.  I hope they realized I'm only running the 2nd 1/2.  While surrounded by many runners, I look to my side and see Bob Erhardt from work!  We're both amazed to be running side-to-side in this crowd.  He's doing the whole marathon and going for 3:19.

Mile 5: 6:52, 6:51.  Bob settled back as I pushed forward.  Still so happy, and thankful to God, to be averaging sub-7 pace!  Another marathoner (Jacob) matches my pace and says it's really helping him to stay with me.  I encourage him and even pray for him.

Mile 7: 6:47, 6:53.  At the famous 20 mile mark.  The "Wall".  But fortunately for me it's only mile 7.  I'm amazed Jacob (the guy I met) is still with me.  He's negative splitting his marathon which is really hard to do.

Mile 10: 6:54, 6:46, 6;47. 3 miles to go and so happy and appreciative to be at sub-7 pace.  Maintain I can even pick it up a little bit…

Mile 12: 6:40, 6:39.  This is going great!  After the bridge I picked it up.  Jacob held on for a mile before dropping back.  With 1 mile to go, I'm really sore but try to pick it up even more.  That's when I feel the hamstring start to go and quickly slow it down a little.  I hear Dylan Cook and Nicole cheering for me.  It really makes my day.  Now I just have to run as smart as possible to keep up the pace without blowing a hamstring.

I come around the corner and thank the Lord as I finish. Mile 12.9: 6:37 pace.  Actually was able to negative split!  Thank you, Lord.  Our team finished 3rd in 3:06:44.  Thanks, Karen!

2014 CIM Relay–“Catch Us If You Can” (Robin)

Date/Location:	December 7, 2014 - Sacramento, Ca
Distance:	Marathon Relay - 26.2m (My leg is over 13m) – Legs #1 & 2 Note: The CIM Relay Races started in 1991.
Time:	3:27:15
Place:	8th, Coed Female
Relay Teammates:	Leonie Alesci & Megan Sebra
Other Teammates:	Relay *CIMfast: Stephanie Holloway & Friends *FCA Endurance: Karen Nickel & Troy *First Big Run: Jason & Hope Shykowski *Sovereign Sandals: Todd Osterberg, Nick Elcock & friends Track/Local Friends *Pacers: Jim Kepfer, Lee McKinley Michael Cook, Jamie Frink & Tim Twietmeyer *Racers: Bailey Shykowski, Beth Bourne, Melissa Penwell, Sandy Baker, Scott Eckhardt, Troy Outman

I meet 6 friends (2 pacing and 4 racing) at Maidu Market at 5:30am to drive them to the start.  We load up and head down to Beal’s Point which is less than a mile from the start.  It’s a fun ride down.  I drop off the group at the camp bathrooms and park the car. After the pit stop, we run to the start for a warm-up.  The weather really couldn’t be better!  2 years ago was torrential rain/wind and last year was extremely cold. 

Once at the starting area, we all begin to go our separate ways but not without encouraging each other first.  Karen Nickel and I run to the start and get some strides in.  My hamstrings are tight and I feel like I cannot go as fast.  I’m hoping once the race starts, I’ll loosen up.  I’ve been trying some new things to help the hamstrings like myofascial exercises with a lacrosse ball and trying to get some consistent massages…though this week I skipped it as I got too busy.  But, the hamstrings have been much better lately so I’m hoping it will go smoothly.  I give Troy and the girls a call to pray with them.  It is a critical part of any race!

I find Karen and we look around for some of our other friends racing up near the front: Bailey Shykowski (17 yr old, 1st marathon), Melissa Penwell (first marathon) and Troy Outman (marathon veteran).  We cannot find them so we find a spot on the starting line.  I run into my friend Beth Bourne.  I pray with her and Karen. 

It’s time to go.  Our friend Eric Gilsenan is announcing and counting down.  Go!  We are off!  As usual, it’s a fast start.  People are everywhere and the elites are off in their own world. I see the 3:05 pace group go by and try to stay close.  I was thinking about trying to run 7:00 pace but that seems a little fast at the moment

Mile 1 is 7:07.  Good start!  There are so many runners ahead of me, I’m amazed!

Mile 2 is 7:03..  Feeling good!  My hamstrings seem to be okay.  My right shoe seems to be too tight and it’s hurting the top of my foot.  Should I stop?  No, I decide to press on.

Mile 3 is 7:05.  Wow, this is great!  I can even see the 3:05 group coming back to me!  I might really be able to run close to 1:30.  The top of my right foot is still bothering me.

I hit the first aid station and see Rob Myer and Jesse “Santa” Ellis handing out water.  I say hi and grab some water.

Mile 4 is 7:12.  Both hamstrings (the whole hamstring on each) are starting to feel tight!  Okay, just hang in there!  The 3:05 group is fading away.

Mile 5 is 7:10.  I’m able somewhat hold the pace but these hamstrings are getting worse.  The course rolls quite a bit (forgot about that) and that seems to be aggravating the hams.  The top of my right foot is no longer an issue…I’d take that though over the hams!!

Mile 6 is 7:20.  More pain/discomfort!  Ugh!  The 3:10 pace group goes by.  I know this means Michael Cook’s 3:15 group is coming soon along with Karen, Troy O and others.  It’s hard not to be frustrated.  My engine is ready to go but these legs are not.  Lord, please help me to keep a good attitude.

Mile 7 is 7:16.  I’m hanging in there!  Man I’m just barely over halfway.  Lord, please help me get through this!

Mile 8 is 7:31. My hamstrings seem to be going through periods of “cramping”.  It won’t hurt for a moment and then it really hurts.  At those worst moments, it feels like my legs want to give out on me!  It has never been this bad before! 

Mile 9 is 7:34.  Lord, help!  I’m just trying to go as fast as I can.  When the cramping stops briefly, I try to push it…but these moments are so short.

Mile 10 is 7:47.  Getting harder!  I contemplate slowing down but I know I cannot give up.  Today is all about persevering!  We are going downhill through a small twisting part of Fair Oaks.  It’s a cute area with a lot of energetic folks cheering.  I try to smile through the pain but it’s hard.

Beth comes by and encourages me.  She could tell that something was going on.  I tell her to keep going for it.

Mile 11 is 7:54.  Ugh!  Karen comes alongside and prays for me.  I really appreciate her slowing down to do that…she is such a great friend!  I tell her to go for it and that I’ll see her at the relay finish.  I’m doubting that the Lord will turn things around…but at that moment, I feel some relief! 

Soon Troy Outman is alongside me and praying also.  He’s going for a 3:15 today and seems to be running great!  I appreciate his prayers and want to pray out loud for him too but let the pain consume me.  I say a prayer for him in my mind.  I start to feel even better!  Thank you Lord!  How can I doubt you?!  I tell Troy I’m going to try to catch up to Karen.  He tells me I need to go now.

Mile 12 is 7:25.  Wow, prayer does work!  Though the hamstrings still hurt, I no longer feel like my legs are going to give out!  I can move them a little better too!  Thank you Jesus!

Michael Cook’s 3:15 group catches up.  I tell him about the hamstrings and he encourages me to get some electrolytes.  I thank him and try to get some aid at the next station.  I'm unable to get through the many runners and miss my opportunity.  At least I’m almost done!

Mile 13 is 7:21.  Better!  Thanks Jesus!  I make it through the half marathon. I can see now that the relay finish is after the 1/2 Marathon…and it’s still down the road!  I’m giving it my all to catch Karen but she is strong.  I see her head into the exchange area and hand off to Troy.  I hope she tells him.  I wish I can talk to him but I’ll see him at the finish. 

I finally get there and see Leonie ready to go.  She grabs the chip and I tell her she can do it!  She takes off and I find Megan Sebra my other teammate.  Time for her to head to the last exchange.  I then find Karen and the girls.  I’m in major pain but am so glad it’s over!  Thank you Jesus!!

Go Leonie!  Go Megan!

 

RELAY HISTORY

Year	Team Name	Relay Div	Place	Time	Teammates
2014	Catch Us If You Can	Open Female	8	3:27:15	Robin Soares (Leg #1 & #2), Leonie Alesci (Leg #3), Megan Sebra (Leg #4)
2013	Catch Us If You Can	Open Coed	10th	3:31:23	Liesbeth Magna (Leg #1), Kevin Magna (Leg #2), Robin Soares (Leg #3) and Megan Sebra (Leg #4)
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

FASTEST TO LEAST FASTES TIMES

Year	Time	Teammates
2007	2:58:55	Robin Soares (Leg #1), Troy Soares (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)
2005	3:00:36	Robin Soares (Leg #1), Dick Kirkpatrick (Leg #2), Liesbeth Brouwer (Leg #3), Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4) (?)
2006	3:00:54	Robin Soares (Leg #1), Megan Canova (Leg #2), Liesbeth Brouwer (Leg #3), Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)
2011	3:05:14	Robin Soares (Leg #1), Troy Soares (Leg #2), Liesbeth Magna(Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)
2003	3:06:50	Troy-Robin-Leonie Wynhoven-Liesbeth Brouwer
2009	3:08:47	Kevin Magna (Leg #1), Robin Soares (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)
2010	3:13:32	Robin Soares (Leg #1 & 2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Alesci (Leg #4)
2014	3:27:15	Robin Soares (Leg #1 & #2), Leonie Alesci (Leg #3), Megan Sebra (Leg #4)
2008	3:27:28	Robin Soares (Leg #1), Courtney Loveday (Leg #2), Richard Alesci (Leg #3) and Leonie Wynhoven (Leg #4)
2013	3:31:23	Liesbeth Magna (Leg #1), Kevin Magna (Leg #2), Robin Soares (Leg #3) and Megan Sebra (Leg #4)
2004	3:32:15	Troy, Robin, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven (?)
2012	3:32:57	Leonie Alesci (Leg #1), Robin Soares (Leg #2), Kevin Magna (Leg #3) and  Liesbeth Magna (Leg #4)
1999	3:44:09	Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin Heidt
2000	3:48:04	Kristin Matthews, Liesbeth Brouwer, Leonie Wynhoven, Robin Heidt (?)
2001	3:56:56	Robin Heidt, Dave Funston, Kristin Funston, Leonie Wynhoven
2002	4:13:14	Robin, Dave Funston, Kristin Funston, Leonie Wynhoven