2015 Copperopolis Road Race–Robin

Date/Location:	April 4th, 2015 – Milton, CA
Distances:	2 x 21 mile loops
Place:	Women’s Cat 4, 1st

Troy and I drop the kids off at Nana Sue's house and head to our race. Feeling tired from the late night and early morning. We were supposed to stay the night but delayed our trip to fix up a 1940's trailer we bought to haul all our FCA and camping gear to races. I slept on the way to Nana's and Troy is now sleeping on the way to the race. We've done this race for at least 3 years now. It's the bumpiest course I've every been on!

Not regretting getting up early to spend time in the Bible and with God. My good friend Karen Nickel has recently inspired me to do that before workouts and races. I haven't always made the time but when I do, it feels good and starts the day right!

We get to Milton which is in the middle of nowhere off of Hwy 4. The hills and fields are green and full of wildflowers...beautiful! After registering we run into a teammate, Chris DeMattei. Troy will be working with him in the Masters 45+ 4s. He kindly gives us some water since we forgot to bring extra.

I see Troy off and line up for my group. There are about 10 of us. I notice a girl smiling with her blond hair looking a bit disheveled under her helmet...great to see genuine smiles at the start! She looks inexperienced but you never know.

Ready, set, go! We roll off the line and turn onto the "cobblestone" street. I remember what the official told us at the start..."there are no gaping holes but a lot of patches". It's quite a ride.

Right away the blond (Sarah) takes off! At first the pack just sits back, but a few girls get antsy and take off to catch her. Then the rest of the pack goes. This goes on for the next few miles. I look at my heart rate and I'm in the high 160s. Wow, didn't expect to be going this fast. At this rate I'm going to blow up!

The hill keeps going and is getting steeper. Sarah keeps forging ahead and catches up to a group of guys. The rest of our pack falls back but myself and another girl work to catch her.

Heart rate continues to stay high but I figure I'd risk it to be able to go off the front on the backside. Soon the guys take off and it's just Sarah and I. I find out that this is her first race! She's very nice. We agree to work together and take turns pulling... she takes off a bit fast when it's her turn to pull so the benefit is minimal. I'm getting tired!

Eventually we are caught by 2 girls at mile 12...now we are 4. Shortly after, I go to switch gears/cogs in the back and I hear a loud click. I try shifting again but the shifter won't budge...I realize the shifter cable broke. I look down and see I'm in my smallest and hardest cog in the back! Oh dear, that will make climbing very difficult...and i might not be able to climb at all! I'm glad I can still shift the front chainrings!

Lord, what do I do? Maybe I should stop when I finish the first loop? I have a full iron distance aqua-bike next weekend and that's 112 miles on the bike. I don't want to mess that up. I ride on with the girls and just before the hill begins I stop to try to manually move the chain over. It immediately goes right back to the small cog. Well, that settles it, cannot change my circumstances.

I get going again and the girls are gone. Lord, this is going to be a tough and long climb! How am I going to do this? I'm actually surprised how strong I feel.

Just when I'm still wondering what to do, I've made it to the top of the hill...and I'm feeling great! Okay, Lord, You're telling me to keep going. I don't know how I'll be able to do another loop ... And go up that big hill at the beginning.

I'm cautious and a little slow descending the backside of the hill. The road is so bumpy that when you pick up speed your whole body rattles and it's hard to even see.

I can see the girls in the distance. Maybe I can catch them. I feel the Lord telling me to go for it. The second loop begins! I slowly make ground on the girls. I pass the water station on an uphill and a guy says "way to go...muscling your way up!". I tell him that I'm stuck in this gear and he says "oh, no!". It is an "oh, no" but I'm not mad or upset because I know the Lord is allowing this for a reason.

The climb continues to go on and gets steeper. A race official in a van comes up behind me. He is taking his time behind myself and some other riders. He's sweeping the course to check on things.

Just when I've caught the girls, I get to a really steep part of the hill. I'm unable to muscle through it without having to possibly fall over and without holding up the van. I pull over and ask the official if he can possibly help me as he slowly drives by. He pulls over and I explain my issue. He says, "I can probably lock into another gear". I tell him great. He slowly gets out of the car and slowly makes his way around the van. I'm not upset or angry that he's not hurrying. I know that God has a plan here.

The man kindly works on the bike. He is concerned that locking it might mess up my shifting. I assure him it's okay. We work together to shift the chain and derailer up 4 cogs. I tell him it's perfect and thank him for the help. I get on my bike at least 3 minutes after and attempt to catch the girls.

It is so much easier to climb and I'm glad I stopped and asked for help! Thanks Lord for your perfect timing back there! I have this amazing amount of energy! I fly up the rest of the hill and feel fresh at the top. I can see the girls on the road way across a field...they are out there! I get in my drops and hammer.

I feel so amazing. I am in awe at how the distance between the girls and I is fading. I seem to be getting stronger as I go. This makes no sense! I was exhausted at the beginning of the race chasing Sarah. Then I've climbed 2 sets of hills with the last going for miles and getting steeper as it goes. This IS all Jesus! I have no doubt in my mind. I should be tired and fading!

I've almost caught them. They can look back and see me now and take off if they want to. They don't seem to be looking back and they don't seem to be picking up the pace. I start to think, I could be on the podium...whoa, is that even possible? Here I was thinking I couldn't finish the race and now I'm thinking I can be on the podium. Only with Jesus is something like this possible! there is no one in sight behind me. I'll be 4th at least.

I catch up to the girls almost in the same spot where my cable broke! Praise Jesus! We continue on together and they are surprised I made it back. The last hill is approaching and I decide to push it and see what happens. As I hit the hill, I start pushing. I am still feeling fresh and strong...this continues to blow me away! I soon sense that I am alone but I don't look back. I feel the Lord saying to look back at the top but not before or after that. So that is what I do though it is so tempting to see what's going on behind me! It's great to have the cog moved over because I can actually spin my legs. The top is near and I'm wondering if I'll have the guts to fly down it this time.

At the top I look back and there is nobody! Wow, could I actually win this race? Seems inconceivable but anything is possible with Christ (Philippians 4:13). I start down the hill and I'm not scared! The descent actually appears to be less steep than all the times and years I've done it. The bumps are shaking the bike violently but I'm calm. There is a few spots I brake briefly but mostly I'm pedaling hard and bombing down. This is crazy! I start crying tears of amazement and joy. Thank you Lord!

The road levels out and I get into my drops and hammer. I have no idea what is going on behind me. Am I going to get caught? I'm competing as hard as I can and pushing with all I have! I don't look back at all and leave the outcome up to Jesus. I pass the 1K to go sign, still in first. I see the finish line. I have to go uphill to get there and I'm digging deep, still in first. I push hard not knowing if I've got it. I cross the finish line in first and in shock! Lord, can this really be happening? This is a gift! Thank you so very much! 15 secs later, the others are finishing.

As people come up and congratulate me, including the 3 girls, I have to tell them it's the Lord who did it. Some look at me like I'm crazy...I guess you can say I'm crazy for Jesus. There is no way I can take the credit for this win. The circumstances and the energy I had was supernatural. The lesson is you never know what the Lord is going to do even when the outlook looks poor. Keep focusing on Him and see what He does.

Copperopolis Road Race (Troy)

Date/Location:	April 4th, 2015 – Milton, CA
Distances:	2 x 21 mile loops
Place:	Masters 45+ 4, 8th out of 25
Teammate:	Chris DeMattei

This has become a nice yearly tradition.  Drop the kids off with grandpa & grandma (my mom), do the race together with Robin and then spend a fun Easter weekend together with family in Discovery Bay.

However, being sick this last month, I haven't gotten much training in and know the hills of this race may prevent me from staying with the pack.  I may have to ride alone if I get dropped, but it will still be a great workout.  On the other hand, If I'm very careful to conserve energy, knowing when not to chase and just sit-in in the pack, I could make it to the end with the group.

It's about 4 hrs of driving before we get to the Milton race site, which is a cute, rural group of buildings in the middle of nowhere.  Fortunately, Chris DeMattei is here from my team, Victory Velo, and he's racing with me in my event.  We raced together in the Land Park Criterium 2 wks ago.

I make sure to have 2 bottles.  I've gotten dehydrated hear before.  The temps are cool but the climbing and wind really dries you out.  Robin and I pray before the race.  The realization for potential crashes is always a concern but we feel an ultimate protection giving our race and everything to the Lord.

We start out and immediate start our acclimating to the bumpy roads.  My plan is to stay 5th to 10th in the group and try to stay out of the action.  The big hill is harder than ever.  I focus on good form, steady effort.  Glad to summit.  Now just sit-in and let others do the work.  With minimal training I could easily wipe myself out doing too much work early.

My teammate, Chris, stays near the front.  He works to keep the pace up and covers any big moves.  3 guys go off the front and Chris starts a rotation at the front to bring them in.  But we can tell they aren't serious about it and I tell Chris to ease off and we'll catch them on the next climb.  He looks at the big guy in the group and agrees he'll struggle on the climb.  Soon we are all back together again.

On the climb before the big descent, after sitting-in across the top, I push it a little bit and summit with the leader and draft him going down.  Another guy pushes the pace saying he wants to catch someone but I didn't know someone was off the front.  But I join him anyway and we alternate bombing down the hill.  The 2 of us get a 10sec gap by the bottom.  The pack regroups and rolls through the finish of lap 1.  Chris tells me he got dropped on the descent but it's his first time here and that descent requires getting used to.

The 2nd time up the big hill is difficult.  I don't get water at the aid station thinking I have enough (will prove to be a mistake).  The Cushman-Wakefield team starts pushing the pace.  Suddenly their key rider throws a chain and pulls over and another teammate stays back to work with him to catch up.  Their 2nd best rider takes off up the hill and Chris stays with them.  Both of them pull far ahead.  I'm just struggling to stay with the main pack.  I focus on efficiency but am breathing very hard.  Thankfully the pace mellows.  Chris comes back but the Cushman-Wakefield guy is still pressing on.  We all crest together and now try a rotating paceline to real in the flyer.

It doesn't work well.  I'm 3rd guy.  Then Chris rotates through perfectly.  But no one ever follows Chris, leaving him in the wind each time.  The motorcycle official gives us splits and we're surprised to see the C-W guy is gaining 10 secs on us each mile!  I don't care about 1st place, I just want to have enough energy to sprint with the pack.  Chris says he's feeling some cramps and I tell him to ease back concerned he'll blow up before the critical final climb before the descent.

Chris tells me he will help me to the climb so that I have a chance for 2nd place.  That sounds great and I'm willing to give it my all, but inside I know I'm not qualified to fulfill it with my lack of training.  I sit on his wheel pulling only so briefly.  The rest of the W-C team sit way back, because of their rider off the front.  We get to the final climb and it's time to go with everything we've got!  But it's me that's cramping now!  My quads.  I had been trying to shake them out earlier but it's clear my body is taxed.  5 guys leave us behind and there's nothing I can do.

Exhausted, at the top, I pray that I can be alert enough going down not to do something dumb.  2 guys pass me and we work together.  I get a gap on them at the bottom but prepare myself for them coming by fast.  I've got to be ready to jump on.  There they go, I'm on their wheel.  3 of us approach the 100m to go.  I'm in good position.  We all jump… but my quads seize up!  I let up and they work.  But when I push they cramp.  1 guy pulls ahead but the other is slowing down so I finish in the middle.  8th place from the leader far ahead, the 5 guys in the chase pack and then 1 guy in our group.  Chris finishes in 10th.

I'm glad to be done and thankful to the Lord for doing better than expected, not getting dropped completely and, most of all, protecting me from crashing on the descent.  I feel like I let Chris down because he worked so hard to pull me along and then I could stay with the break-away on the climb.  If it wasn't for him, I would have cramped up earlier.

We both come back to the finish and witness Robin hammering in to win the Women's 4's!  I'm amazed!  She's never won a race and usually gets dropped on the big descents like this.  And then she tells me about losing all her gears at 12miles into the race.  The total opposite of my race where I conserved and used all my gears efficiently to save up energy for the end, she used up tons of energy early on standing up on climbs and somehow was able to catch up and continue on for the win.  Truly orchestrated by the Lord and we are humbly grateful to be there to experience it.

2015 Bariani Road Race–Robin

Date/Location:	March 15th, 2015 – Zamora, CA
Distances:	2 x 14loops
Place:	Cat 4, 14th

Great to be back at Bariani!  Bummed that Troy is sick and cannot compete today.  He and the girls are supporting me.  Thank you God for that!

My group is the last to go.  It’s not quite as big as last year but still a big turn out.  Last year I got dropped within the first 5 miles because I stayed in the back and missed a big move at the front of the pack.  This year I need to put myself closer to the front and watch for movement.

The girls and Troy wait at the start with me.  We pause and pray…for protection and focus on Jesus.

Ready, set, go!  It’s been a while since I’ve been in a road race and I’m a little nervous about the close quarters.  I pray for peace.  I’m doing a much better job already paying attention to what the group is doing.  We get to the spot where I lost the group last year…a series of zigs and zags in the road.  I am a bit cautious on the rough road but am able to keep my momentum and stay with the group. 

I am struggling a bit to stay up front.  Girls seem to get antsy and then start moving up.  I then find myself in the back and have to look for opportunities to move back up…which is hard when the field is taking the entire right lane and it’s difficult to pass without going over the yellow line.

Finally the road straightens out and the road gets much nicer.  The speed increases and the group splinters for a moment.  I’m pleasantly surprised how I can surge well to catch back up with the pack.  Still, no one is trying to make a big move.

We make the last turn to finish off the first of two loops. I know that Troy will be looking to see if I’m trying to stay close to the front so I move up to just behind the leader. I see Troy and the girls waiting on the hillside.  He tells me good job. 

 

This gal continues to lead for the next few miles.  Soon the group gets antsy and girls start moving up.  I find myself close to the back of the pack again.  I have to wait until the road gets better and a little wider before I can move up. 

The group starts ramping up again.  I get ready to surge but get stuck behind a rider.  I say “on your left” like in triathlon but she doesn’t move.  Eventually, I get around but the main pack has taken off…oh dear!  I get in my drops and dig deep. I am very slowly gaining on the group.  I’m surprised again that I have the leg speed to do this.  Thanks God!  Little by little I close the gap and catch back up just in time for the last stretch to the finish.

I see a few gals take off and the rest of the pack stays back.  I wonder if I should go after them.  It would be nice to get out of the pack.  It’s starting to get a little squirrely back here.  I barely miss hitting a girl that comes out of nowhere on my right. I want to get out of this craziness! 1.5K to go, yes, I’m going for it.  I take off and start chasing them down.  Uh-oh, my legs are pretty tired from that last chase…and those girls are further ahead then I thought…and I look back and the pack is looking pretty ominous! 

I catch up to the girls about the same time the peloton does.  The peloton flies by like the 3 of us are standing still.  I get into my drops, put my head down and go as fast as I can.  I can see the pack moving further away…incredible!  I put my head down and continue hammering.  As I look up again, there is a girl on the ground…oh, no!  I roll by her and see that somehow her handlebars got stuck between the back wheel and frame of another girl.  How this other girl is standing up and not also down on the ground is a mystery to me.  I can see help is on the way so I continue to dig. 

I can see a girl coming up alongside me so I push harder.  I’m able to beat her by a half a wheel length at the line.  Wow, thank you Lord!  It’s good to be done and not on the ground!

2015 Land Park Criterium (Troy, M35+ 4)

Date/Location:	March 14th, 2015 – Sacramento
Distances:	40min
Place:	35+ Cat 4, 25th of 50

Going into this race I'd been sick for a couple weeks with a chest infection.  I practiced my cornering the week before in my neighborhood.  Robin and the girls monitored a couple corners so I could try them at high speed.  Last year I crashed on a high speed left turn so that was the main focus.  The test went good.  But the next few days I was coughing worse.  So in today's race I will be careful not to push too hard and hope the next day I feel better, not worse.

My other concern is the chicane - a tight left-right turn that causes many crashes on this course.  Last year with 2-to-go I led through this corner on the outside, but was then crowded by 2 riders on the inside that almost pushed me over the curb.  I hit the brakes and stopped in the gutter, but 2 others not far back went down.  I'm determined not to let that happen again.

The announcer talks about how this race has been around for decades.  Wow, I imagine how many crashes there have been over those years.  Right before my race there is a bad crash in the Cat 5 Elite.  This is a video shot by one of the guys in the crash.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=40cd2571f276b080!5837&authkey=!AHsF14n0ohy9YTA&ithint=video%2cmp4 

There remains a rider that is being mobalized for the ambulance coming.  Therefore the Cat 5 race is cut short.  I pray that he'll recover well from this and that the condition isn't too bad.

Before our start of 50 riders, I notice a guy on a pink bike and think he must be pretty good to be confident on that color.  Robin and the girls are at home, but we pray over the phone.  My Victory Velo teammates, Chris DeMattei, Dan Brown, and Jeff Sawyer are racing with me.  We're off.  I'm #239.

Right off the start, the guy on the pink bike attacks and gets a gap.  1/2 mile later, in the first left-turn of the chicane, we see him crashed on the grass 50ft off the road.  Wow, that's embarrassing to crash with the whole road to yourself.  Although my crash at Montserrat was embarrassing, too.

The video attached is from another rider's camera.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=40cd2571f276b080!5836&authkey=!ADZe5XtXpiQhelw&ithint=video%2cmp4.

You can see me in Victory Velo blue.

I ride near teammate, Chris, most of the ride and the corners all go well.  I thank the Lord for helping create good space around me each time.  There's only 1 close call the whole race.  Michael O'Rourke was riding with us as an instructor and at times would coach us through the corners.  I was happy with my cornering and was able to use it to my advantage at times.

Now almost every other lap had a prime.  I would come around the last turn in good position, but always get passed by everyone's great sprinting abilities.  It wasn't helped by my skipping chain at high efforts.  I just had the shifters and derailleur replaced but something is really wrong.  But I understood it to be God's way of keeping me to my promise of not going 100%.  If I was able to sprint my hardest, I'd probably make my chest infection worse.

I finished 25th.  Chris finished the highest at 15th. I was really happy to finish safely and not see any bad wrecks.  The guy on the pink bike never re-joined the race but I'm sure he wasn't too hurt since he landed on the soft grass.  The next day I was feeling a little worse so didn't do the Bariani Race, but my wife, Robin, did so you can read about it in her story

2015 Napa Marathon–Robin

Date/Location:	March 1st, 2015 – Napa, Ca
Distance:	Marathon – 26.2 miles
Time:	3:31:26
Place:	8th (17th Master like last year)
Other Teammates:	Karen Nickel

I meet my partner in crime, Karen Nickel, outside my hotel and we warm-up running and do some stretching/drills.  It’s quite awesome to be right next to the race start!  Karen and I are able to come back and use a normal bathroom!  Karen is so sweet to brush Ariel’s hair and braid it!
The big question mark is my hamstrings.  Since CIM I’ve had to admit that they have become a chronic problem.. a real injury.  Also since CIM, I’ve taken bigger steps to work on the problem…strengthening exercises, massage and drills.  All have helped improved the problem but none have completely solved it. 
Yesterday Troy ran my typical 1 mile prep-run.  We tried to find different ways to make the hamstrings not bother me…shorter stride, fast, slow, wiggling hips, less bounce.  Not one particular thing seemed to solve the tender hamstrings.  But we did agree to back off the pace if the hamstrings flared up dramatically. I was a bit discouraged and thought about possibly using Ibuprofen.
Later on that night I felt the nudge from the Lord to focus on Him and trust him.  First came from Karen, who inspired me to wake up earlier today and read my Bible before the race.  Second came from Troy Outman who said not to focus on the hamstrings but on the Lord…the significance of this would not be realized until the first 1/3 of the race.  I also decided to not bring any ibuprofen and just have faith the Lord will help me.
Karen and I head back to the start line and wait.  Troy and the girls show up and we all pray.  Troy and I review today’s plan…go out at my goal pace of 8min/per mile, try different changes to stride/form to minimize discomfort if it comes, and back off the pace to lessen any discomfort.  So I really hope that I’ll miraculously have no discomfort or very minimal discomfort…that would be success!
Okay, time to go!  We’re off! Amazing how easy the first mile of a marathon goes by!  Unfortunately, I can already feel the hamstrings.  They are tight and sore.  Time to try out some methods from yesterday…shorter stride first.
Mile 1 is 7:58 (7:46 last year).  Last year I went out aggressively and faded at Mile 16 because of the hamstrings and lack of energy.  It’s weird to slow down the pace but hoping it will yield great results!
Mile 2 is 8:06 (7:44).  Slight hills have slowed me down but able to pick it up more now.  Hamstrings still bothering me.  The stride change has helped some but not much!  I catch up to Karen and say hi briefly but have to let her go.  She’s doing a great job pacing herself and staying patient.
Mile 3 is 7:55 (7:43).  Hamstrings still there.  Still on pace and happy about that!
Mile 4 is 8:02 (7:42).  Still there!
Mile 5 is 8:03 (7:43).  Still there!

2015 Napa Marathon–Robin VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Mile 6 is 8:14 (7:48).  Still there!  I try slowing down the pace now that all the “changes”/adjustments I’m making mechanically are not changing anything.
Mile 7 is 8:06 (7:48).  First big cheering section of folks.  I look for Troy and the girls.  They said they would be there halfway but checking just in case they got an earlier start.  Getting frustrated with my hamstrings!
Mile 8 is 7:53 (7:44).  Getting really frustrated!  This race is not looking successful.  No matter what I do, the hamstring still bothers me!  Here is another spectator spot.  If I see Troy, I think I just might stop and cry.  No Troy…guess God wants me to keep going.
Mile 9 is 8:03 (7:44).  I’m feeling God tell me to pick up the pace.  I protest in my mind, “but my hamstrings hurt and this race is a basic failure because of that!  Why even try?”  Then I remember a text from Troy Outman last night…focus on God and not the hamstring.  After a few minutes of thinking about that, I start to get it.  Success today is going to be focusing on Him WITH the hamstring discomfort.  Okay, this changes everything!  Let’s pick it up like He says. 
Mile 10 is 8:04 (7:48).  After ramping up for a half mile, the discomfort is steady and unchanging!
Mile 11 is 7:59 (7:43).  Okay, now I’m getting back on pace!  Pain still steady!
Mile 12 is 7:57 (7:51).  Attitude has totally changed!  I feel hopeful and joyful…thank you Jesus!  I cannot wait to share this with Troy.  I’m SO glad I didn’t see him earlier with that bad attitude…God knew!
Mile 13 is 7:56 (7:43). Didn’t see Troy at the halfway point.  Hope all is okay with the girls!  They have their bikes and scooters so I hope they didn’t get hurt somewhere along the journey to find me!
Mile 14 is 8:09 (8:02).  A bit slow but just climbed a hill.  Hamstrings steady!!  I’m amazed at how quickly the miles are going by!  Thanks God!
Mile 15 is 7:58 (7:42).  Back on pace!  Another spectator spot!  I see a kid on a scooter!  It looks like Ariel…yeah, they’re here!  I get to Ariel and give her a high five.  I high five Anna and Troy asks me how it’s going.  “The hamstrings hurt.  God is saying this is going to be a part of my race, make the best of it.”  Troy says “great job honey!”
Mile 16 is 8:11 (8:07).  Finished another hill…phew!  These little hills sure seem bigger as the miles pile up!
This is where I started fading last year.  I’m so happy that I’m not feeling like that!  Thank you God for keep the hamstrings steady and helping me continue to push the pace.
I think I see Karen up ahead but doubt it’s her.
Mile 17 is 8:03 (8:15).  Feeling the pain but feeling strong and very thankful.  Hard to believe now that I could be happy with the hamstring issue…and be feeling stronger than last year!  I realize that I’m not feeling other usual aches and pains…amazing!
Mile 18 is 7:49 (8:15).  Praise you Lord!  The miles are rolling by! 
Mile 19 is 7:57 (8:14).  I think that is Karen.  I hope she’s okay. 
Mile 20 is 8:02 (8:21).  The Wall!  Wow, still steady!  I’m getting closer to Karen.  Last year she caught up to me around now.
Mile 21 is 7:55 (8:40).  The turn off is coming soon!  Not many miles left to run! 
I catch up to Karen and find out her hip started hurting out of the blue!  I pray for her and myself…that we can persevere and glorify the Lord in our pain.  I decide to continue to push the pace and encourage her to hang in there.  I know if I go there is a chance that she’ll feel better and have someone to aim for.
Mile 22 is 7:58 (8:28).  The turn off is coming!  Wow, only 4 more miles…I can do that!  These miles continue to roll by!
Mile 23 is 8:09 (8:58).  I make the turn.  Soon I hear someone calling my name.  I see Troy!  Yeah!  I tell him I’m feeling strong. He tells me “21 more minutes left to run!”
Mile 24 7:54 (8:51).  The miles are not flying by now.  Typically this happens way earlier in a marathon so I am thankful it’s only with 2 miles to go.  I set some goals to keep me focused.  I want to run the next mile at 7:55 and then the last mile under 7:50.
Mile 25 is 7:54 (8:21). Yes, under 7:55!  I should be able to go under 3:30 at this rate…but feel God remind me that 3:30 is just fine too.
Mile 26 is 7:39 (8:03).  I’m really pushing it but 3:30 is going to be tough.  I turn the last corner and see the finish in the distance.  Go, go, go! 
I cross the line just over 3:31.  I’ll take it! Thank you God!  I look behind me and there is Karen all done!  Wow, she did feel better and she did chase me down.  I chased her down last year and she chased me this time!  Last year we were 11 seconds apart and this year 25.  We are meant to finish together!
Thank you Jesus for an amazing day!  I never expected it to turn out so well!  Walking around now I feel all kinds of soreness and pain all over my legs.  The hamstring issue really took center stage and helped me to overlook all the other discomforts.  Wow!  All I can say is WOW!

Name	Age Group	Place	Time	Goal Met Exceeded or Close	Boston Qualifier
Karen Nickel	F35-39	11th	3:31:51	Close	YES!
Robin Soares	F40-44	8th (17th Master Again)	3:31:26	Close	YES!

Bay Breeze Half Marathon–Robin

Date/Location:	February 14, 2015 – San Leandro, CA
Distances:	1/2 Marathon
Time:	1:39:28
Place:	5th, 40-45 Women

I’m up early.  After gathering my things and making my breakfast to go, I have one last task…set out Valentine’s Day gifts for my wonderful husband and girls.  As I get in the car, I see a vase of roses from Troy…ah, he’s so sweet and planned ahead well!  I’m off at 4:30am to the Bay.

I arrive within 2 hours, get great parking and trouble-free registration.  I take the time to warm-up well and for the first time incorporate mobility exercises ahead of the race.  My hamstrings are a big question mark today.  Lately, they seem to be getting better but how will they feel today?  The course is an out-and-back, flat as a pancake, and mostly on dirt paths. I hope I can go fast!

I call Troy and the girls and we pray.  My first goal is to honor the Lord in action today.  I thank the Lord for the woman who saw the license plate (IM4CRST) on Troy’s car I’m driving and said “I like your license plate”.  We each got the chance to encourage one another before she headed out to warm-up.  We pray that my hamstrings will do better and that I will be content with the outcome.

I line up and am surprised to see pacers.  I see the 1:35 guy and plan to keep my eyes on him.  My instructions from Coach Troy are to take it out slower than 1:35 pace (7:20per/mile pace) for the first 2 miles.  Then resume the planned race pace of 7:15.

The race announcer explains the route and that we are running on shoreline.  He tells us not to litter and, in fact, to pick up trash if we see it.  I chuckle because from experience it’s really tough to stop and bend over in a race…and in Troy’s case last year, he hurt his hamstring while stopping to pick up a gel he dropped. 

Okay, it’s time to go!  Ready, set, go!  It’s a pretty fast start but I keep to the plan and hold myself back.  I feel like I’m going slow which is a good sign. 

Mile 1 is 7:20.  Perfect!  The 1:35 pacer is in sight.

Mile 2 is 7:20.  Okay, now it’s time to reel in the pacer.  Some ladies go by and I pick it up to follow them.  I soon realize that they are going a little too fast for me so I have to let them go.  There are about 6 women in my sight and I hope to catch them eventually.

Mile 3 is 7:15.  Great!  The hamstrings are doing well and I’m feeling strong.  I’m holding my position.

Mile 4 is 7:15.  It’s going well and I’m still feeling strong.  I’ve caught up to a girl.  When I try to pass, she picks it up.  I just keep my pace even and I’m able to stay close.

Mile 5 is 7:13. This pace is definitely feeling tougher with each mile.  The 1:35 pacer continues to elude me.  I hope to gain some ground at the turn-around.

Mile 6 is 7:18.  That same girl and I seem to be running the same pace.  Now we are switching off leading one another. There is another gal in pink that we are closing the gap on.  The rest of those girls are still way out there.

My Garmin seems to be off a bit.  It said I was running 7:30 pace for part of the last mile and now it says I’m running 7:05 pace.  My perceived effort seems the same so I hold the pace.

Mile 7 is 7:05.  So my watch was right.  That last mile was too fast and I hope it doesn’t mess up the rest of the race!  I pass that same girl and I hear her laugh…this yo-yoing we are doing is kind of funny.

Mile 8 is 7:15.  Still on pace but I’m starting to feel wiped out!  My “running buddy” starts slipping away as I can feel myself fading.  Negative thoughts start invading my mind…this stinks, I’m blowing it…and I feel the Lord telling me to keep pressing on and look to Him.

Mile 9 is 7:41.  Oh boy!  I switch my watch over to see my heart rate….I’m hovering around 180!  I’ve been trying to wear my heart rate monitor the last few weeks so I can start incorporating it into my training.  I don’t know anything about my “zones” but I do know in the least that 180 is high!

Mile 10 is 7:53.  It’s survival mode now.  I can see that picking up the pace the last 2-3 miles is not going to happen.  I decide to focus on keeping my heart rate at 180 for the rest of the race instead of trying to stay at an impossible 7:15 pace.

Mile 11 is 7:51.  The 1:35 pacer and many of those gals are long gone now.  Lord, may I keep my focus on You! 

Mile 12 is 7:56.  Wow, this is tough!  I just have to make it one more mile!! 

I can hear the 1:40 pacer closing in on me!  I just want to finish under 1:40 now!  Looking at my watch, I should be able to do that.  The pacer comes along side and encourages me to push it.  I’m now over 180bpm!  I’m maxed out!  Weird to be running all out at 7:54 pace!

Mile 13 is 7:54.  I run side by side with the pacer all the way to the finish chute.  I look up to the Lord as I cross the line.  Thank you, Lord!  I am spent!!  I have a lot of work ahead and the Napa Marathon is in 2 weeks.  I pray I can run a 3:30.

New Year’s Day Challenge 2015–Robin

Date/Location:	January 1, 2015 – Auburn, CA
Distances:	Hill Climb 1 – 3m Old Foresthill Rd Hill Climb 2 - 1.2m Raley's Hill Resolution Run - 10m Trails
Time / Place:	Hill Climb 1 – 18:03 / 2nd (PR 16:56, 2014) Hill Climb 2 – 6:35 / 2nd (PR 5:52, 2014) Run - 1:23:56 / 3rd  (PR 1:16:04, 2011)
Teammates:	Click Here

Part 1: The Bike
It’s the chilliest morning of the winter for sure!  Karen and I head out on the warm-up loop.  The boys (Jeff, Jesse, Kayden, Lance and Troy) wait for Troy to fix a flat.  We all meet up at the Confluence where Flor is warming up on her trainer.  We all agree that that was the way to go today!
I know that I’m not in the same shape as last year but with that in mind I know I’m not off the hook and cannot slack…Ironman Coeur d’Alene is 6 months away…yikes!!
CLIMB #1: Karen and I are the first to go.  The start times vary to even out the field so that we all finish close together.  Ready, set, go!  Right away my legs are screaming at me.  Karen takes off and I try to relax and let my legs adjust to the strain. 
I look back and see Flor coming now so I push my way to Karen.  I know she’ll eventually catch me but I’ll try to hold her off as long as possible.  By Mammoth Bar, Flor has passed me and is flying up the hill.  Now, I need to hold off the guys!
A few miles up the road flattens out and I try to capitalize on the break and hammer.  I look at my watch and see that breaking 17 mins is not a possibility.  Can I even break 18 mins?  Always need to try no matter what!
The road keeps going and going and the clock keeps ticking.  Finally I see the Stop Sign ahead.  Go, go, go!  I sprint and cross the line at 18:03.  Oh, so close!  Good effort!  I’m glad I held off the boys.  I’m tired!  Thank you Jesus for getting me to the top! 
I congratulate Flor and Karen.  It looks like they both had a personal best today.  The guys finish strong.  We group up for a photo.  Rob Hodges, Flor’s husband and our recorder for the morning, takes our picture and we are on our way!
CLIMB #2: We line up in the order we finished on Climb #1 just before the Foresthill bridge.  This climb is short but steep.  Ready, set, go!  We time-trial across the bridge and hit the hill fast.  Quickly the group breaks apart and I watch as the guys and Flor take off.  It’s Karen and I fighting for the next spot!
Ugh, this is hard!  Come on legs!!  I pull away from Karen for a time.  Mentally I am struggling to keep pushing.  Soon I hear Karen coming and I try to hold her off.  We are pushing hard.  Almost there…one last push!  We strain to the top and finish seconds apart. Whew!!  I’m done!  Thank you Lord!  Even though a lot of this felt like torture, I am glad that I woke up and got to the starting line.  I congratulate Karen and the others.  Time to ride home and recover as much as possible for the run.
Part 2: The Run
The girls are racing the 5K today while Troy and I are running the 10miler.  This will be Ariel’s 1st Resolution Run.  Jeff Landauer volunteered to run with her and support her through it…what a great blessing!
We get our race numbers and warm-up and stretch.  My hamstrings have improved since CIM but they are still quite tight.  The plan is to take it out slower than normal and then try to ramp up the pace. 
I line up with Flor, Karen and Troy.  We are the first to go with the 10K 15 min after and then the 5K 30 min after.  Not sure how the start time changes with affect the 10 miler since all 3 courses overlap with one another.
Ready, set, go!  Everyone takes off quick.  It’s basically downhill for the first 2.5 miles so folks are flying.  Downhill running is definitely a weakness to begin with and with a slower start I’m falling back quickly.  I look to the Lord and ask for patience and peace.
Mile 1 is 7:21.  Legs are okay.  I cannot see Karen or Troy now.
Mile 2 is 7:28.  Down, down, down!  I see a guy with a Leadville 100 Mile Run shirt.  I ask him about that race and other races he’s doing.  It’s a nice mental break to chat!
We get to one of my favorite short climbs, Cardiac Bypass.  I’m hoping to make up some ground on other racers there.  I say goodbye to my new friend and head up the trail.  Whoa, it’s much harder climbing after riding hard!  Halfway up my legs start feeling better.
Mile 3 is 8:35.  Okay, nice a flat for a bit!
Mile 4 is 7:56.  Downhill again!  We follow the Dam Rd. down most of the way and turn off onto the trail. Back up a bit and then flat. Again the legs are in shock and it takes a few minutes to adjust.  I see Jesse Warda and he’s feeling nauseas.  I encourage him to hang in there. 
Mile 5 is 7:32.  That just might be the last sub-8 min split for the day.  It’s a steep climb up to the Western States Terrace Trail which runs below Robie Point. 
Mile 6 is 8:40.  I catch up to Gary Carpenter tell him good job.  It won’t be long before I get to the other side of Robie Point to see runners coming back.  Who will I see?  I notice a gal up ahead and catch up to her.  I pass her and tell her good job.  She picks up the pace and we start to go back and forth some.
Mile 7 is 8:01.  I see Brian Hacker coming back…then Bailey…then Troy.  Go!  I pull ahead of that gal.
I see the 10K turn-around and start looking for mine.  I don’t see a turn-around in the normal spot and it looks like we are running all the way to Hwy 49!  Here comes Karen…then Jason Shykowski and Kayden Kelly.  Go!  I hope to catch Jason and Kayden!  My hamstrings are doing pretty good but there just is little speed and fluidity.  I’ll take what I can get.  Thanks Lord!
Mile 8 is 8:03.  That gal is really close behind me.  I hope to make the climb up to Robie Point count!  I see Kayden and Jason.  Halfway up I realize that they are running strong and I’m not gaining any ground on them.  I make it up to Robie and then it’s right back down.
Mile 9 is 8:55.  I’m almost done!  That gal passes me again and try to stay near.  I hope to make my move on the last few hills.
I catch up to Kayden and tell him good job.  Jason is still out of reach and continues to run strong.
I close the gap on the last few hills on that girl.  It’s going to be close!
Mile 10 is 9:42.  The finish is around the corner and that girl is right there.  As we make one of the last turns I go to pass her.  She senses me and takes off.  My hamstrings are too tight to be able to move fast and I cannot go any faster.  She finishes ahead of me by seconds. 
We congratulate each other after the race and find out we are in the same age group.  Her name is Jennifer.  I find out later there was another girl in our age group less than a second ahead of Jennifer!  So 1st and 3rd (myself) were separated by 5 seconds!  Wow, a strong kick was the key today.  Too bad I didn’t have that!  I feel the frustration building…I ask the Lord to help me be content.  I have a lot to be thankful for…like a wonderful husband and 2 wonderful girls!
RESULTS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTES: CLICK HERE