Folsom Triathlon–Robin -2021

Date/Location:	May 08, 2021 – Folsom Lake, Granite Bay, CA
Distances:	Swim 1.5K – Bike 40K – Run 10K
Time:	2:53:14 (24:32-1:32:58-55:45)
Place:	2nd, W45-49 (9th Female OA)
Teammates:	FCA: Anna Soares (AquaBike), Caryn Galeckas, Suzanne Hartley, Timothy Hess (AquaBike),Troy Outman, Troy Soares; Dana Haldeman, Dave Campbell, Dominic Pollizzi, Josh Cagney, Keith Hansen, Tony Marengo, Wyatt Hamilton

Triathlon is back!  This is the first Olympic Distance Tri in our local area since 2019. My last official triathlon was in August of 2019!  I am thankful that I did a Mock Half Iron Distance last weekend to work out some of the kinks.  But there will still be some things that will likely come up today.

The parking lot looks full when we arrive about an hour early.  Triathletes are all over the place.  It seems strange because it's been a long time but somehow we all remember what to do. As we set up and get oriented, we run into so many familiar faces.

It's a LONG trek to the start of the swim. The lack of snow this season is apparent and the lake has suffered.  I do a warm-up jog down in some old shoes to pray with Troy and our other teammates, Caryn Galeckas and Suzanne Hartley.  I pray for the injuries in the group and for us to be a light to others.  I soon watch them start the swim.

I do a quick warm up to acclimate.  The water is a perfect temperature for me.  I come to shore and find out that Ariel has been recruited as a volunteer to track folks as they exit the water. Cool!

Oh my, my race is starting in less than 2 minutes. I run over and get a spot.  I notice a guy in front of me doesn't have his wetsuit completely zipped up. I ask him if he'd like me to fix that and he gladly says yes.  I haven't seen Dana.  Maybe she's at a different race?

SWIM

Ready, set, go!  I'm surrounded by yellow caps as I jump into the water.  I just don’t want to get smacked in the head.  I pray for peace and protection.  God is always available when we cry out to Him. I get into a good rhythm going out.  There are a few guys that I have to avoid as they zig-zag along.  And later, I have to pick up the pace to avoid getting bumped from the side. I don’t get a draft going out but I am able to swim strong. (500m @ 1:40/100 pace)

After the first turn, I am alongside a guy who is drifting.  I'm not sure if this is the same guy.  I push to get ahead of him.  I see yellow caps ahead and I push to catch them by the next turn.  It looks like I close the gap some by the next buoy. It's a long home stretch now. (Next 500m @ 1:41/100 pace)

I push to catch those yellow caps I've been chasing.  I'm keeping my head down mostly and focusing on using my hands to push the water.  I'm making progress!  I put my head down and focus again. Next time I look up it's as if the yellow caps have disintegrated.  I see swimmers heading for an orange round buoy and turning there to go to the finish.  It confuses me because generally those are for guidance and the white triangle buoys are for turning.  Well, that's where the swimmers are going so I'll go too.

I round the orange buoy and sprint to the finish. (Next 500m @1:37/100 pace) I keep swimming until my hand touches the bottom.  I get my wetsuit off right at the shore. Ariel is there cheering for me and working hard volunteering. 

I get on my old pair of shoes and start the long run up.  Halfway up I realized I stopped my watch instead of hitting the split button. That is one of my kinks to work out next time!  I get that fixed and look up and see that none of the runners including me are following the cones they placed.  I scoot over and get in the right spot.  Not sure if it really matters but just in case.

I get to my bike and get my gear on.  The guy next to me asks if we have to wear our bib number and tell him no because we have numbers on our helmets.  He asks me if it's on his helmet since it's already on his head.  I tell him he's good to go. 

BIKE

Soon I'm off. I hit the stop button again going out and quickly start it and hit the correct button for the split.  Oh brother!  I am able to get into a comfortable position heading out of the park. I basically did most of today's course last weekend.  It's good to know what to expect.

I am moving WAY faster than last weekend! This is fun!  There is a guy in green that I'm going back in forth with. I catch up to him on the hills.  Up Auburn Folsom, left on Cavitt is smooth thanks to the CHP.  I do get caught behind an AT&T truck but it's a nice draft to Laird.  (5miles @ 19mph)  I pass Suzanne and tell her good job.

Down Laird to Horseshoe Bar is great and fast! I am mostly passing people but I know the younger crowd is coming for me from behind!  I am not a fan of riding up Horseshoe Bar but it's not too bad in a race. With the adrenaline and endorphins, the miles click off quicker physically and mentally.   I pass Caryn just before turning onto Val Verde.  I tell her good job.  I'm really impressed with the markings and volunteers on this course.  It is clear where to go and the volunteers keep the cars in check well! (Next 5 miles @ 19mph again). 

At King is where the climbing kicks in. It's a noticeable change.  I see my green friend but he alludes me. There are so many nice things to see along this course.  I wonder if the racers notice some of the farm stands we are passing. The faster and younger riders are starting to pass me as we climb up to Powerhouse Road.  (Next 5miles @ 15.7mph)

One last big climb on Powerhouse.  I see the longhorn cow on the steep part.  He'll be sight for sure for folks.  Several riders pass me along here like I'm standing still! I make it to the top of the course. Yay!  There is our friends the Packheiser's house.  I look for them but it's quiet. 

Now it's straight down Auburn Folsom. Thankfully Troy did not put on the deep dish wheel in the front which frightens me on this part of Auburn Folsom because it blows me around. He's got it right today. I just have a low spoke wheel that is very stable.  I can get going fast since I don't have to constantly come out of my aerobars to stabilize myself! This is so much more pleasant!  A woman barrels by me like I’m standing still.  She must be an AquaBiker!  She's just hammering. (Next 5miles @ 18.8)  I feel like I'm flying but more riders are riding so fast by me.  It's a bit humbling just like when Dana passed me last weekend.

Last big turn across traffic at Twin Rocks. The CHP are on it and it's no problem! I try to shout my thanks.  Up the road the backside of the park.  This is a tricky part.  Going down the curb and up a gravel road to get back into the park.  I struggled with this last week.  I think it was more of a mental struggle.  The gate is open this time so I don't have to squeeze through a small opening. Yay!

It's super flat in the park. (Last 5 miles@19.9) I can see runners on the trails on my left.  It looks like a short out and back section. I push it towards transition. I realize I need to get my feet out of my shoes fast.  I haven't done this for SO long.  Thankfully I am able to get them out just in time.  

I get my bike racked and get my shoes on. A guy is racking his bike across from me and the rack falls down.  I run over to help him along with race director Bill Driskol.  I finish getting ready and head out.

RUN

Oh boy I'm stiff! It doesn't help that I need the potty.  I run out towards the bike entry point. I'm looking for folks I know. I accidentally run past the turn to go back towards transition.  Thankfully I correct myself quickly. My legs are feeling a bit better now. 

Mile 1 is 9:40.  Not bad with a little break built in there.  I'd really like to go sub-9min pace overall today instead of the plus-10min pace from last weekend!  Once off the trail it's flat for a long section.  I try to pick it up and I’m a little disappointed to see just under 9 min pace.  Little by little.  Lord, help me be content.

I follow the trail over to the boat ramp parking lot from last weekend.  Another flat section that's paved so I try to pick it up.

Mile 2 is 8:44.  Dave Campbell is on his way back and I see him crossing the road on the trail next to road. I cheer him on. I wonder if Troy is behind him.  I cannot see the trail as I move past this spot.  As I get to the place where the runners coming back merge the runners going out, I keep looking for Troy.  I get confused where to turn once back on the trails.  It looks like some racers are going straight up a hill.  A guy asks me where we go. A careful inspection shows arrows pointing left. I say left.  I don't realize runners are heading back this way and I almost run into an oncoming runner.  I apologize.

I see Troy Outman coming back.  I tell him good job.  I wonder if I see my Troy.  If he's already gone by that would mean his heel is doing ok!

Mile 3 is 8:55. I really hope to do  sub-9 min pace today.  My last "race" here was the virtual half I did 10:10 pace. I start noticing runners with different bib numbers.  I realize it is the American River 50 Mile runners!  Wow, they are going along at a good clip with the triathletes.  I start cheering extra loud for them and tell them to "go get those triathletes".  I don’t see Troy!  Yay! That means he had a great race!

I see Dana Haldeman coming back.  I didn't see her at the start so I wasn't sure if she was here today.  She looks strong!  I cheer her on.  After another 1/2 mile or so I make it to the turn around.  Yay! Just got to run to the finish now!

Mile 4 is 8:46. I see the young and fast triathletes coming towards me.  I start to see some young men that used to do our track workouts with us. I see Tony Marengo smiling.  I see Josh Cagney and then Wyatt Hamilton.  My brain is such mush it takes me a moment for their names to pop into my head.

I pass a large group of high school mountain bikers.  They start riding behind me.  The leader says not to worry about them but to run my race.  I still feel compelled to let oncoming runners in the tri that they are behind me.  They are very respectful kids and I am impressed.

Mile 5 is 9:06.  I've had some good climbs on the way back but I didn't lose too much speed. Time to move!  I push hard as I can on these narrow somewhat rocky trails back to the finish.  I have the motivation to get it done so it's not too bad.  There are a few guys ahead of me that I try to catch before the finish. I catch one and try to get the next guy.

Mile 6 is 8:35.  I pass the guy and encourage him to finish strong.  I finish and look up to the Lord.  Thank you for a great race!  Not my fastest but the fastest I've gone all year.  Looks like Troy and Anna had a good day too!  Thank you Jesus!

Virtual Wildflower Long Course–Robin-2021

Date/Location:	5/1/2021 Granite Bay, CA
Distance:	1.2M Swim – 56M Bike – 13.1M Run
Time:	6:33:24  (45:11-8:54-3:22:24-3:21-2:13:28)

Today I’m doing a Practice Half Ironman on my own with family support.  I’m not feeling pumped up.  I’ve been subbing all week and am feeling pretty tired.  I know that this will be good for me in the long run. Anna is babysitting this morning and will join us later by bike.  Ariel and Troy are my crew for the start.

We get to Granite Beach Park entrance just after 7am and there is a really long line!  We figure out later folks are coming from all over Nor Cal to see the historic Lupine flower bloom here.  I don’t mind because there is no official starting line or competitors waiting for me. 

We park next to where I’m swimming and set up.  While I set up, Troy and Ariel take our “Slow Boy” (plastic man with a flag) out to the turn around point.  They chat with the fishermen as they go along the shore and tell them I’ll be coming through.

SWIM

I reluctantly head down to the water.  Lord, please help me through this.  I want to be a good example for you and use today for good.  I don’t want to be dragging my feet!

Ariel and Troy start me off at the bottom of an unused boat ramp.  I jump in the water and it feels nice.  Early on my hand is scraping the sand but it gets deeper eventually.  I’m not pushing hard but just trying to get into a good rhythm.  This is my first open water swim of the year.  I wish I had put some lube on my neck.  I can feel my wetsuit rubbing. Soon enough I forget about it.

I can see Ariel following me along the shore. I stay far away from the fishermen so I don’t disturb their efforts. I can see Slow Boy perfectly off in the distance.  Little by little I get closer. It is mostly peaceful out here. There are no boats out here and I’ve only seen/passed one kayak. I make it to Slow Boy and look at the distance on my watch.  It’s perfect!  Ariel and Troy nailed it!

I try swimming faster on the way back but the pace is relatively the same. Ariel is following me back and I notice she’s left Slow Boy behind.  I peak my head up and tell her not to forget him. She runs back for him. As I’m swimming I see a big boulder quickly come into view under me. It startles me and I start to get jumpy about running into a boulder. I pray and ask the Lord to help me be calm.

I can finally see the boat ramp.  As I get closer, I realize that I am off course. It takes me a few minutes to figure out how to correct myself.  I’m almost done!  I missed the real shallow area this time coming back which I’m happy about.

I touch the bottom and get up and run to the water’s edge to take off my wetsuit.  I run up the ramp and get myself ready to ride.  I’m still struggling to get myself in race mode. I don’t feel the need to rush but I am also aware I have many hours ahead of me so I need to get going. 

The breeze is picking up so I put on a jacket to be comfortable. By the time I get on my bike, it’s been 8 min!  I stop by the bathroom on the way out.  Ok, time to get serious!

BIKE

I exit the main entrance to the park.  There is an even longer line of cars now.  Troy and Ariel have to stay put in the park otherwise they might not make it back in.  Troy has his bike so maybe he’ll join me on the bike somewhere.  I have 2 loops ahead of me. 

So glad I put on my jacket! It is chilly! After the first 5 miles, I finally get a good pace going.  I meander my way back up to Auburn to Powerhouse Road. I’ll be climbing this next weekend in the Folsom Tri.

Halfway up Powerhouse on the steepest part, two cyclists fly by me and one says “Hi Robin”.  It’s Dana Haldeman. She’s a phenomenal triathlete in my age group.  I feel for a moment like the wind has been taken out of my sails.  I feel bummed out that I am getting creamed by my friend.  Soon I feel the Lord convicting me for my attitude. There is no reason to be sad or upset. I should be joyful for being injury free. For having a family that is taking the day to support me.  To be grateful and thankful for what the Lord is doing in my life.

At the top of the climb I can still see Dana.  I give my best effort down Auburn Folsom to keep her in my sight.  It’s a good challenge.  The wind has really picked up.  My front race wheel has depth to it which makes it very squirrly in my aerobars. While my left arm is in the aerobar, I put my right hand on my handlebar to steady myself.  Next race I hope Troy will put a different wheel on the front.

I do pretty well keeping Dana in my sight but soon she is gone.  I do see a familiar bike coming toward me.  It’s Troy! He turns around and joins me for the last few miles into the park.  I tell him how the front race wheel has been difficult. 

We bike into the park the back way through a gravel path.  It’s a little difficult navigating.  We find our way back to Ariel.  I’m nice and warm now so I ditch the jacket.  I use the restroom and head out for my last loop alone. 

I’m feeling more energized for this last loop. My ride up to Auburn is better and a tad faster though I need to make a pit stop.  I’m getting through this with the Lord’s help!  Up Powerhouse again with a better attitude. 

Once I make it to Auburn Folsom,  I feel like the hardest part is over.  The wind continues to make it difficult to fully be in my aerobars but I make due.  Troy joins me again for the last few miles.  I do much better on the gravel section into the park.

Ariel greets us again at transition.  My transition is much faster this time. 

I have 3 loops ahead of me. The nice thing is each loop gets shorter. I hear Anna is enroute to the park on her bike.

RUN

My legs feel tired heading out on the run. I was expecting this. The first mile is 10:16. 

I head out of the park after a quick trail loop. It’s getting warmer but thankfully for now I have some shade.  The 2nd mile is 9:15.

The next mile I’m out in the open and have to run along busy Auburn Folsom Road.  It’s only a minor inconvenience to get to the very quiet Morningside neighborhood.  Mile 3 is 9:18.

It’s really shady and beautiful on this stretch of the run.  It is a bit uphill but not bad. Mile 4 is 9:45.

I see a cyclist coming towards me.  Then I hear “good job Mom!”.  Anna is here!  I wave and motion for her to be quiet.  I tell her we should be quiet in here out of respect but that I really appreciate her enthusiasm. 

Anna is riding back and forth in this stretch supporting me. As she is turning around behind me,  I hear a thump and look back to see her on the ground.  I run back to help her up.  Her wheel slid out as she was doing a slow turn and fell over. Poor dear.  She’s got a bit of road rash on her hip and shoulder but she implores me to continue on.

We turn onto Twin Rocks and I tell her to bike ahead since there are more cars on this road and it’s not a good idea to go back and forth.  Mile 5 is 10:36.

Anna and I reunite at the back entrance to the park.  The gravel is much easier to manage on foot!  Anna bikes with me until I reach the next trail.  She turns back and takes the road back to Troy and Ariel.  On the trail ahead I see what looks like a witch sitting next to a picnic bench. It must be a mirage.  As I get closer, I chuckle.  The “witch” is a large tree branch and the bench is some driftwood.  Mile 6 is 9:44.

I meander my way back to “aid station”.  Ariel and Troy have oranges and more water for me. I take a pit stop. Ariel is joining me for the next 4.5 mile or so.  We’ll mostly be on trails.  I suspect it will be slower since I’m not feeling confident on trails especially when my legs are tired.  I’m having flashbacks to the 31K I did near here where I kept tripping. Mile 7 is 10:51.

Ariel and I head out.  It’s quite warm!  I head back to the little trail loop and then out towards the park entrance.

  This time we follow the horse trail on the outskirts of the park. There should be no mountain bikes to dodge on this stretch I hope.  Mile 8 is 10:54.

I am definitely tentative on the trails and try my best to keep a steady pace. This time of day is hot but it makes for a quiet trail.  I don’t think I’ll be able to run sub 10 pace the rest of the run but I’m still giving a good effort. Mile 9 is 10:20. 

Ariel is keeping up and being a good sport but is wondering when this trail ends. 

She’s telling me about the Narina book she is reading. It’s nice to have the company. 

We finally get to the end yay! I’m back on the gravel road and heading towards the witch again.  I ask Ariel what she sees ahead and she says it looks like a witch. Ha, ha! She soon sees what it really is.  We get a good laugh out of it. Mile 10 is 10:14.

I tell Ariel one more mile to go and she’s done.  She’s eager to stop.  She hangs in there and pushes hard to the finish.  Mile 11 is 9:53.  Wow a sub 10 mile, great!

I get some more oranges and water at the car and Anna is going to start out with me.

  Her hip has been an issue again so she’s doing at least a mile with me.  I am amazed at Anna’s upbeat attitude and great willingness to help me.  I know it’s disappointing to be injured. Mile 12 is 10:53.

Anna pulls off before a mile and heads back to the finish.  I continue on and find my way back to my aid station.  I’m going to need another half mile.  I tell my crew to follow me as I run around the parking lot in a serpentine manner.  Almost there.  Mile 13 is 10:06.  Just a bit more.  I tell them I’m finishing at a random tree.  They get there in time to take photos.  I point to God.  So glad to be done!  Thanking God for the support of my wonderful family!

2021 CER Rescue Run–Ariel

   

Date/Location:	April  17, 2021 – Grass Valley, CA
Distances:	5km
Time:	25:57 PR!  (Previous PR 31:47, 2018)
Place:	Ariel: 1st Place, 0-12yrs; (4th Female OA)
Teammates:	Anna, Robin & Troy Soares; Ellie Nickel; Nick Lynch

Go!! I start running. Today I’m doing the rescue run 5k at CER. My friend Ellie is running it with me. I keep running and try to go faster. I run into a bend that directs me back to the starting line. I pass the starting line the opposite way now.

Now there is only a young girl my age and two older boys, probably in high school or college. I’m pretty sure I’m running too fast, but I really want to pass that girl. I can see up ahead of me, a tough hill that I’d soon be running up. I’m now almost to the hill, the girl in front of me slows to a stop at the bottom of the hill. I pass her. I run up the hill and run slowly at the top to catch my breath.

After the hill, there is a small downhill. I run down the hill and into a small wood. It’s very pretty. I run over two bridges and around some ponds. I see Anna and Ben cheering as I exit the woods. I run across a path surrounded on both sides by two ponds. I see one of the guys in front of me. I sprint and pass the guy. After I gain some space from him I slow down. I keep the first guy in front of me in the same spot and I don’t let him gain space from me.

I run up a steep hill and pass a cottage. I keep running up and up through some woods. The first guy stops and I try to catch him, but he hears I’m coming and begins to run. When I exited the woods I saw the trail I would be turning onto soon. The guy in front of me starts to walk again. He had just reached the top of the hill. I run fast to try to catch him but, I don’t gain much on him, since we are both going at the same pace. This is because I was running up a hill, while he was walking on the flat trail ahead. He starts running again.

I finally reach the trail. The trail is right next to a canal. I run for a while on the canal trail trying to catch the first guy. He keeps stopping and walking, while I jog. I stopped trying to sprint and just keep a steady jog because I wanted to save my energy and I was already tired. The guy would walk then sprint. He did that over and over again. Up ahead I spot an aid station the guy walks with his water. When I arrive I grab my water and run while I try to drink it in the effort of trying to catch up to the guy who had just started running. The water was hard to drink while I was running, so I slowed down to a walk to drink it. I gulped the water down and continued on the trail.

After running a little way I spot people running on a trail above me. I watch for mom or dad. I don’t see them so I stop looking for them since I’m tired. As I run little ways I hear dad shouting my name. I look at the trail above me and spot dad before he disappears into the trees. I keep running. The guy in front of me starts walking in longer sessions, but as soon as I’m close he sprints away.

Up ahead I spot a sharp turn. A course worker tells us to turn there. The turn brings us onto the path above the canal. I look down trying to spot people, but I didn’t see anybody. The guy in front of me keeps getting closer as I continue to jog while he runs or walks. Finally, he gives up and lets me pass him. I pass him. Behind me, I hear him sprint to catch up to me, so I sprint too. Then he stops and walks again.

As I run I look down to the canal and see some kids and adults running or walking. I spot a smiley face on the ground. That represents that there are no more hills. I give a silent cheer and thank God for getting me this far with so much strength. After running for a while I approach the aid station again. This time I did not get any water. The aid station merges onto the canal and I begin to run on it again in the opposite direction. I see people heading out. Mainly walker since all the runners started earlier.

I run on the canal for a while. I know I’m almost there. I exit the canal and go down a dirt path. I begin to recognize the path and know I’m almost there. I run faster and faster. I see the mile marker meaning the finish line is in sight. I run down steps and land on a bark-covered path. It’s the finish line straight away. Mom, Dad, Anna, and Ben are cheering me on. I give it my all and finish! I could not have done it without God though. He helped the whole way. Thanks to him I got first place in my wave and 10th overall.

2021 CER Rescue Run–Robin

Date/Location:	April  17, 2021 – Grass Valley, CA
Distances:	5km
Time:	25:57 (PR 23:59, 2016)
Place:	1st Place, 40-49; 2nd Female OA
Teammates:	Anna, Ariel & Troy Soares, Ellie Nickel; Nick Lynch

So great to be back at the Christian Encounter Ranch racing for these students and staff! We have brought our friends Ellie (13) and Ben (11) with us too. They are staying with us while their parents are on an adventure. I feel pretty wiped out from Ironman training and the busyness of life. But this race is for the Lord and the Ranch so I’m feeling hopeful I will still have a pretty good race. Feeling sad for Anna for popping (spraining) her ankle again. She's back in the boot and unfortunately on the sidelines. Ben has an injury too.

Troy and I warm up. The Ranch is nicely groomed, flowers are blooming and it's a sunny day. Great conditions! We run into one of our the new members of our track group, Nick. He's fast and likely will be at the front.

There are 3 waves of runners going. Troy and I seed ourselves in the 1st wave. Ariel and Ellie seed themselves in the 2nd wave. The leader of CER, Nate, thanks everyone for coming and talks about how the campus loves, disciples and encourages the lost teens/young adults who come here. He then leads us in prayer. Love that the Lord is King here!

Ok, go time! The communications director, Zack, starts the countdown. Ready, set…go! We jump off the line and head up the road to the work shed area. There are 2 women ahead of me. Then it's back to the main campus and UP…about 100 feet in a quarter mile! I am able to pass one woman and a young boy during the climb.

It flattens out a bit and we hit some technical trails along the ponds. This is where I slow down though I'm trying not to. I am such a scaredy cat on trails because I'm afraid of falling. The woman I passed passes me back. Up we go again about 100 feet in even less distance. I'm able to pass the woman again. I can see the other woman still ahead of me along with Troy. I wonder if I can close the gap.

Mile 1 is 9:17. I make it to the canal. Phew, the hardest spots are behind me now…I think! I do know that when I see the spray painted happy face on the ground that means no more climbing…I don't think we climb much more anyway. Troy and the woman are getting farther away even though I am picking up the pace.

Runners are already coming back on the trail on the other side of the canal. I see Nick and tell him good job. I am relatively alone. Now I cannot see anyone ahead or behind. I get to the turn that takes me to the upper trail along the canal.

Mile 2 is 7:54. Yay! Thanks God for a good split! I am confronted with some more hills. Oh man, I forgot it was rolling over here! Just got to make it to the happy face!! As I run back above the canal, I look for Ariel and Ellie below. I’m not sure when they started their wave.

After quite a bit of rolling hills, I finally see the happy face! Yes! I am still alone. I cross back over the canal to the flat trail and try to pick it up more. I get off the canal just before a large group of runners from the 2nd wave are coming up to the canal.

Down, down, down. I don't particularly like downhills because of the fall factor. I try my best to get my legs spinning. I get on the last trail down to the finish stretch. Another technical and steep trail. I am able to navigate with minimal slowing.

Mile 3 is 8:14. I sprint to the finish. I look up to God and thank Him. So good to be done.

The girl that finished ahead of me is a former intern at the Ranch. We congratulate each other. Now waiting for Ariel and Ellie to finish. Thank you Lord for a fun and safe event!

Troy & I warm-down afterwards along the trails..

2021 CER Rescue Run 5k - Troy

Date/Location:	April 17, 2021 – Grass Valley, CA
Distances:	5km
Time:	24:31  (PR 22:12, 2017)
Place:	1st Place,  50-59 (4th Overall)
Teammates:	Anna, Ariel & Robin Soares; Ellie Nickel; Nick Lynch

We love coming to Christian Encounters Ranch for this annual 5k run fundraiser.  The opportunities young teens have here are life changing.  They truly have “encounters” with Christ because nothing else could change their lives so dramatically.

The setting is beautiful.. ponds, trails, bridges.  And we get to run through it all!

My right heel has been painful lately.  The stretching I was doing doesn’t seem to help anymore.  But praying this morning, I am hopeful that God will still show me relief in some way.

After a welcome and introduction by the CER leaders, and a prayer before the race, we are ready to start the waves.  Robin & I in the first wave and Ariel in the 2nd.  Anna is still recovering from a badly sprained ankle.

Go!  Some young fast kids take the lead.  I see them go the wrong way but I’m not sure if the course had changed.  Others tell them quickly and we’re all on track.  A quarter mile and we come through the main area against amidst a lot of cheering!  It feels great.  Filled with appreciation.  Now up a steep section.. I do more of a shuffle to take strain off my heel.  I’m with Robin for a while.  We loop back down through narrows path and then around the pond.  There’s a girl ahead of me who is running well.

I get the idea to “relax” my rt calf.  The heal feels a little better.  I can still push off going up hill while relaxing it at the same time.  This is good!

Another steep climb to the canal.  I go by one of the CER leaders who is doing the race as well!

Mile 1: 9:25.  On the canal. Flat.  I grab water from the aid station.  I’m able to speed up, while relaxing the calf.  I pass the girl ahead and encourage her.  To the other side of the canal.  I see Robin doing well.  I look back across often to look for Ariel.. there she is!  In her bright yellow FCA shirt.  “Good job, Ariel!”. 

Mile 2: 7:41. These little rollers are getting tough.  Now where is that Smiley Face they painted on the ground indicating the last hill..  there it is, yay!  All down hill now.  Our friend, Nick, from Tuesday Night Track is ahead but on the descents he really opens up and pulls farther ahead.  I watch my footing as I try to navigate the stone stair-steps down the beautiful path. 

Mile 3: 7:12.  And now the final stretch along the main pond to the finish line.  Thank you, Lord, for such an encouraging race, so much better than I imagined.  24:08.  Robin and Ariel finish soon after and it’s a very enjoyable time hanging out at the Ranch.  Robin and I cool-down running around the property.

This is a view of the finish stretch

  Thank you, Lord, for CER!

Chanoko 31K-Robin-2021

Date/Location:	3/27/21 – Auburn to Granite Beach
Distance:	31K (Approx 19.5 Miles)
Time:	3:42:20
Place:	2nd (40-49 Females); 7th Overall Woman

This is my first actual race since the Napa Marathon in 2020. It’s also the first race to be held in our area in a long while. I’m glad to have the opportunity to race, even if I’m not really trained for “speed”. Fortunately, I do have some good miles under my belt.

I’m thanking God that I'm injury free. It’s a difficult and technical course today. A lot of downhills so I am concerned about some cramping in my quads recently when I tried running fast at track workouts. I am also concerned about falling on the trail. Because we leave for Disney World on Monday and I hope not to break a tooth or something that would require emergency dental work. Praying for protection.

Troy drops me off at the start. I check in and chat with one of the race directors Mark Shaw. He's so pumped to get his business going again. The state parks finally approved his permits.

At the start line I see Anna come running by with Oscar! Yay! It's so much better starting a race with family present! We hug.

Mark does his usual speech about how the race name came about during his business partnership with the other director, Bill Driscoll. I learn that when they were kids, before they became friends, they actually fought together on the playground.

Ok, time to start. Ready, set, go! Anna and Oscar hang back but follow within sight. We head down towards China Bar and I wave goodbye. I won't see her for over three hours. Even though it’s only 19.5 mi, because of the hills and trails, it’s takes practically as long as a marathon. I'm 5th woman at the moment.

Down, down, down we go to the river. I accidentally take a wrong turn. I hear someone say "that trail is longer but smoother". Phew, at least I'm not gaining an advantage. I get back on the right path behind a woman that was behind me. I wonder if I'm 6^th or 7^th now.

Mark is along the river taking pictures. The woman in front of me starts to slow as we hit a hilly section. She lets me pass. Good, now I can get ahead on these hills before I have to slow again, out of caution, on the downhills. Most runners fly by me on the downhills. I'm feeling strong.

I'm averaging around 9:15 at Mile 4/5. Two years ago I averaged 10:13 so hope to stay close to that. I've pulled ahead of the pack of runners I was running with and catch some new runners. Last time I ran along this trail I remember studying the river trying to figure out if my friends and I could swim from this area near my house down to Rattlesnake bar 5mi away. Sadly, the river is very low. Just not enough rain.

I know we are getting close to the PG&E water power station where the trail widens. I can hear some footsteps behind me and I pick it up so I don't have to pull over before the wide section. There are actually several groups of recreational runners coming the other way and they are so kind to pull over and let the racers go by...and a lot more racers behind me will be going by!

I make it to the wide section just in time for the guy behind me to pass. I tell him good job. He runs by like I'm invisible. He's in the “zone” I suppose. The normally cute Avery Pond along this part looks more like a mud pit. Boy, we need rain!

Mile 9. 9:40 pace average. I get to the aid station in Rattlesnake Bar. I fill up my water, get some pretzels and say thanks. It's going to be tougher now to keep the pace because of the rocky terrain.

My legs are feeling really wiped out. With each step I’m noticing it more and more. Now every little step up or down is starting to become torture. I am also tripping a lot and fearful of getting hurt right before our Disney World trip on Monday. I try to call Troy but I have no cell service. Lord, please help me gut this out. My pace has slowed significantly but at this point there is nothing I can do. It’s such a tough trail. I trip again and shout out “this is ridiculous!”. Around the corner comes another group of recreational runners and I’m embarrassed for my outburst.

Around another corner I see Troy and Anna! I hug Troy and start to cry. I tell him about the pain and fear and he prays for me. I ask him what to do and he tells me I just need to keep on persevering to the finish. I thank the Lord for placing Troy and Anna at the right place at the right time. I keep pressing on.

Mile 13. 10:37 pace average. Just over 6 miles to go. I can do this. The terrain is even rockier and requires a lot of stepping up and down. The pain and discomfort is constant. I feel like I’m inching along but I’m getting closer to the end.

A guy in white shirt goes by and I feel the Lord say to go with him. I’m actually able to “pick it up” some and keep him in sight for the next few miles. It’s a nice mental challenge that helps me go a tiny bit faster. I’m averaging 11:26 pace now. I’ll take it!

I finally make it to the outskirts of the Granite Beach park. I catch up to the guy in white and pass him. I tell him good job. I stop briefly at the aid station and then continue on.

Only 2.5 miles to go! I can do that! I run down a road for a moment. Our friend Cliff Appleby is directing us back onto the trails. He asks if I need anything and I tell him, “prayer.”. He says a prayer for me right there. “Thank you, Cliff!” And thank you Lord for that encouragement!

At this point there might be mtn bikes passing me on course so I try to stay to the right edge of the trails. Just keep running, just keep running! I’m looking forward to stopping. The discomfort is so hard!

I look at my watch and wonder if I can go under 3:45. Last time I went under 3:20.

As I approach the last mile, I see Troy and Anna again. I tell them the Lord is getting me through. This last mile is basically flat and a nice wide trail. I’m actually able to pick it up and run sub-10 min pace. Wow! Thank you Lord! Every step gets me closer. It’s not long before I am approaching the finish. I look up to heaven as I cross the line. Thank you Jesus! That was so hard but you got me through! I ended up averaging around 11:25 pace and was under 3:45! It was a good exercise in perseverance for sure. Now time to get ready for Disney World!

Elf Run Virtual 10K–Ariel - 2020

Date/Location:	12/12/20 Sacramento
Distance:	10K
Time:	55:49
Place:	TBD
Teammates:	Anna & Troy Soares

“5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go!” mom yells. I start running on a small path, with Anna and Dad in Riverbend Park. I’m doing my first 10K; it’s called the Elf Run. Sadly, it is virtual, that’s why I’m running with Anna and Dad. Mom will meet us at the finish line. We are still doing the race where it was initially, which is Sacramento. The race starts in Riverbend Park next to Eppie’s Great Race memorial and ends on a smaller version of the Golden Gate bridge. Dad, Anna, and I turn onto a long bridge called the Harold Richey Memorial Bridge. Many people are running, walking, or biking. Some cross-country runners pass us. Dad tells us about the Eppie’s Great Race. Finally, we get to the end of the bridge.

The bridge is connected to a bike path. While running on the bike path, I began seeing numbers on the ground at every half mile. My dad told me that they were telling you how many miles until you reached Sacramento. He said when the numbers on the ground say eight, I would be at the bridge. Before we reach mile one, Anna and I take a restroom break. I don’t have to go, but the next bathroom is a long way away.

Next to the bike path, there is a small dirt path. Sometimes I run on it because there is no room on the bike path or I accidentally start running on it. We start talking about Wyatt’s race and how he would be running much more than me. He would be running about 17 times more than me. He would be running 100 miles.

At mile 3 I began to feel a little tired. Anna and Dad motivate me by telling me at Mile 4 ½, I would get to eat my honey gel. Anna and Dad start to joke around. They talk about, what if some were to lie on a bench and sleep then catch up to the people in front. Anna decided to do that. She lied down on a bench until we just passed, then she got up after about 10 seconds and ran after Dad and me. When we get to another bench; she does the same thing. This time Dad gets a picture.

I’m feeling more tired now. The miles and ½ miles are going by really slow. I have reached mile 4. There’s a bathroom there. Dad asks me if I have to go. I tell him I don’t. Anna reminds me that it’s only ½ mile until I get to eat my gel. I keep looking for the 9 ½ marker, because that means I can eat my gel. The trail is shady now. Finally, I get to the 4 ½ mile marker. I get to drink my gel. I open up my gel and start eating it. It's honey and it tastes so good especially after running for a long time. I keep eating it slowly, because it’s hard to eat something while running. There are a couple short hills. They're small but feel big. Dad tells us to run down the hills and coast up the other side, so we don’t waste energy. Anna starts talking to this lady. We pass the lady. Anna tells us that the lady was doing a marathon and that there was a virtual marathon going on.

I look up on the path and see someone in yellow. I realize it’s mom. It’s starting to get less shady. Now it is less shady. I have reached a ½ mile. I run under a bridge. I can see the “Golden Gate” bridge.  I start running faster. The bridge gets closer and closer. I get on the bridge. I can see where I’m supposed to finish. Anna runs ahead to get a picture. I’m right behind her. I sprint. The finish line is right in front of me. I cross it.

My time is 55:49.