It’s a clear day. Slightly chilly. Glad to see
| Charity Marshall join us there.  Karen & our girls are also there in the van and Anna is babysitting a dog from Karen’s neighbors. They take our jackets and gloves and Karen sends us off on 1 minute intervals for the 3 mile climb.
Go! Trixie, Farah, Robin, Richard and then me. As I round the first corner, the steepest grade, I’m reminded that this is not going to feel good. Racing up a hill seldom does. Rounding the next corner I can see the road far ahead and the riders ahead spread along it. It’s motivating trying to catch your friends.  I go by Charity who is always smiling, even on a steep hill. Then Farah, who is also a cheerful athlete. I catch Richard who raced with me at Ironman Tahoe last year. Standing up to make a push to the flatter section, I pass Robin. We always support each other. I can’t help but push harder whenever she encourages me. And finally I catch Trixie on the flat section. Trixie is also a cheerful appreciative rider. And always pushing hard. She jumps on my wheel and picks it up quite a bit.
Getting near the end I want to break 16 min. Finally, the last 200 yds, it’s a steeper section and always harder than I think. 16:39. Finally finish with Karen timing and my girls cheering for me. Awesome. Lungs hurting, breathing hard, but feels so good to be done. We group up for the mellow ride down to the Foresthill Bridge. Karen is there to send us off for the 2nd hill climb. We get in order of fastest up the first climb. This puts us in a paceline across the bridge. I’m leading.  Go! It’s really cool riding across the tallest bridge in California. We’re in a good line. Richard’s right behind me. When we hit the beginning of “Raley Hill”, Richard goes by and starts pushing hard. I don’t have much but push steady. It’s only a 5min climb but it’s tough. Soon our speeds are matched. I think I’ll be able to catch him. About 500 yds from the top I stand up and really push. I pass Richard and see Karen at the top as I finish. 5:52. This one hurt pretty good, too, but after a couple minutes I’m ok and able to cheer the others to the top.
The hill climb challenge incorporates age/sex grading. After calculations, I’m 5th. Robin won with 20 min total time age-graded. Then Trixie, Charity, Farah, myself, and Richard. But now it’s on to the Resolution Run where I have a chance to move up.. Resolution Run 10 Miler (Troy) I’m excited about Anna and Ariel’s 5k Runs. I set their Garmins to their previous 5k PR before they broke it easily at the Turkey Trot 6 weeks ago. They think they can beat it again even on this hilly course. We’re all warming up and stretching, Anna & Ariel are copying me, and this prompts the Auburn Journal reporter to take pictures and notes (but we didn’t make the paper). Suzanne Hartley has nicely volunteered to run with Ariel. And Anna will run on her own, chasing her friend, Leah. Robin and I line up with many friends from the track and surrounding Auburn. Weather is great, not too cold, and the trails are a little muddy. Go! Along the street and then down the gradual road towards Oregon Bar. I’m running with Richard. The leaders are way out there. I count about 10 ahead of me and hope to move up to about 5. I see our friend Brian Hacker and a young guy in red that I raced against at the Rebel Rebellion XC Race. I can’t seem to gain on them on the way down but I hope to make a move going up the Cardiac Bypass trail. We hit the trail, I shake out my arms and get to work. Trying to be light on my feet as I negotiate the rocks. I pull ahead of Richard and 1/2 way up pass 4 other racers. Brian and the guy in Red are still together farther ahead. Mile 3: 20:55. About 7min pace. Good. Along the road I think of how much better I feel than 2 years ago when I started bonking here. Again I did a good job of fueling before todays race. I take water at the aid station and then head down the steep road. I see Dan Tebbs and his 4 boys cheering at the turn! Down the hill and I see the guy in Red hitting the trails with Bryan farther ahead. I hit the trail and work hard on the steep climb to the fire road. I get water again at the next aid station and start pushing to catch the guy in red. Mile 6: 43:14. Over 7min pace now. But I catch the kid in red. We talk a bit. He also remembers me from the XC race. Lots of mud in the shady spots but I find ways around it. Now just have to get to the green gate and it will be easier coming back and I’ll get to see Robin behind me. I pray for her hamstrings to be feeling well. I make it to the green gate and think I’m in 5th place! Bryan is still far ahead so doubt I can catch him. Right after the turn, a rock flips into my shoe. I’m doing well and don’t want to stop to get it out. It’s small and I hope it’ll work it’s way out or somewhere in my shoe that doesn’t bother me. I try to run without landing on it… I feel it working it’s way down the side of my foot, into my arch, and now towards my big toe. There’s Robin! We’re so glad to see each other. She says her hamstring is doing well and asks about my Achilles which is also doing well. Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to push our bodies without injuries to hold us back. Even if only for today, it’s a great gift. Mile 8: 58:00. About 7:15 pace. Time to climb up Western States to Robie Point. Really muddy, careful not to pull a hamstring. I pass another guy. Really out of breath at the top but no time to recover, gotta stay alert for this steep descent! It goes well and I’m back on the trails. I grab 1 last water and then hit the mile climb to the finish. Whew! This is tough. I come around the corner and exit the trail system. I can see walkers up ahead from the 5k. And there’s Ariel and Suzanne! How exciting to be finishing the same time as Ariel. I get enough air to yell to Ariel, “Hi Ariel, I’m going to catch you!” I see her look back and smile and immediately go from a walk to a run. I push hard and catch up to her with 200 yds to go. “Do you want to hold hands?” We hold hands and finish together. Me 10miles and her 3.1miles. Thanks God for such a cool finish. I finished 1:16:34, a little faster than last year. 7:32 pace, and 2nd in my age division. Richard Kane was just 2 behind me. And Leah, Anna, and Ariel finished 1-2-3 in the 5K kids division.  A great way to start the New Year.
| Date/Location: | December 6, 2015 - Sacramento, Ca | | Distance: | Marathon Relay - 26.2m (My leg is just under 13m) – Legs #3 & 4
Note: The CIM Relay Races started in 1991. | | Time: | 3:32:27 | | Place: | 8th, Female Open | | Relay Teammates: | Leonie Alesci & Megan Sebra | | Other Teammates: | Relay *Catch Us If You Can: Leonie Alesci, Megan Sebra & Robin Soares *FCA Endurance: Trixie Bradley, Karen Nickel & Stephanie Holloway *Good Job: Janell Peterson and Friends
Track/Local Friends
*Pacers: Jim Kepfer, Melissa Johnson, Lee McKinley, Jamie Frink & Tim Twietmeyer *Racers: Annette Korn, Christine Val, Dave Campbell, Elizabeth Kastura, Helen Martin, Jason Shykowski, Ken Campbell, Melissa Penwell, Todd Osterberg | This is my 17th year in the CIM Relay. It's great to have such a long streak going. I cannot stop now! This time my teammate Liesbeth cannot make it so I'm attempting to run the last two legs of the marathon. I drive our girls to the 2nd relay leg to meet Leonie finishing her leg and Troy finishing his 2 legs. Troy and our friend, Troy Outman, are each running a half of the marathon as "Team FCA Troy Squared." We meet up with Troy O and his wife, Sarah. Troy O and I warm up and watch the top runners come through. They are amazing athletes! I know I cannot even do one lap at their pace. My phone rings and it's my friend Karen! I'm surprised because I know she's in the middle of running the 2 middle legs of the race. She tells me her calf is really hurting and she won't make it past her 1st leg. She wants to know what to do. If her team forfeits, at least her final teammate, Stephanie, may be ok with it since she hasn't left home yet. After some deliberation, in an effort to keep her team in the race, I tell her Troy can most likely finish her final leg after he finishes his. I run into our friend Lee McKinley. He is helping the 3:00 pace group on the second half. Troy comes in at sub-1:30 and Troy O heads out. I tell him the story about Karen's team and he feels like he can continue for one more leg...at a much easier pace since he gave it his all to finish his part of the Troy Squared relay. While waiting we see Melissa Penwell fly by. And soon, Tim Twietmeyer comes by pacing the 3:35 group. Twenty minutes later we see Karen AND Leonie running in together...cool! Troy and I start out together for a moment but then I have to say goodbye and pull ahead. I feel pretty good starting out. I hope to be able to run 7:30 pace. We'll see! Mile 1 is 7:29 (around 14th mile). Feels good! Mile 2 is 7:27 (around 15th mile). Still feeling strong! It's nice to race hard again after many months off! Mile 3 is 7:26 (around 16th mile). Going good! I rarely get to run this part of the relay and it's a nice change. Mile 4 is 7:33 (around 17th mile). My body seems to feel the strain now but the sweet potato I had earlier this morning seems to be fueling me well. I can still push despite the fatigue.  Mile 5 is 7:29 (around 18th mile). I can see the 3:40 group ahead. Cool!
Mile 6 is 7:28 (around 19th mile). Mentally getting harder but catching the 3:40 group helps! I start to plan out the last few miles... Keep up 7:30 pace until the 22nd mile. Then go 7:25 pace until the 24th mile...and then sub-7:20 pace. Mile 7 is 7:30 (around 20th mile). At Mile 20, they actually have the "wall" set up with foam bricks. I tap it as I go through. Mile 8 is 7:35 (around 21st mile). Wow, I feel like I'm running faster than 7:30 pace. Can I really pick up the pace? Mile 9 is 7:38 (around 22nd mile). Running across the H St. bridge is cool though it is a bit uphill. Got to pick it up the last miles now. The legs are tired but the energy is still good..sweet potatoes! Mile 10 is 7:28 (around 23rd mile). I'm a little slower than expected but good to be under 7:30! I see a familiar stride ahead. It's Jason Shykowski! I catch up and say hi. He's ahead of his PR pace but feeling like everything is seizing up. "I'll pray for you then" and have the privilege to do so. We part ways. I push it and start to see the pace drop more...yeah. Mile 11 is 7:23 (around 24th mile). Okay, let's go! I dig deeper and my legs have a bit more to give! Mile 12 is 7:19 (around 25th mile). Less than 1 mile to go! I've caught up to Tim Twietmeyer's 3:35 pace group...yes! I say hi and keep pressing on! I then pass his pace partner Jamie. Go, ![151206_cimrelay_robin_finish_thumb14[2]](http://3strands.brinkster.net/images/2016/CIM-Relay-17-Robin_14747/151206_cimrelay_robin_finish_thumb142_thumb.jpg "151206_cimrelay_robin_finish_thumb14[2]") go, go! I can see the capital building! I can hear the cheering! I round the last corner and see the finish! I give it all I have and finish at just under 1:37. Alright! I hear the announcer and friend, Eric Gilsenan, tell me good job and ask about Troy. I give him a thumbs up and am unable to communicate that Troy is racing, too. I don't see Troy and the girls and know they are on their way. The sacrifice of him not being here so he can help out Karen was so worth it! Thanks God for working it all out! 
RELAY HISTORY | Year | Team Name | Relay Div | Place | Time | Teammates | | 2015 | Catch Us If You Can | Open Female | 8 | 3:32:27 | Megan Sebra (Leg #1), Leonie Alesci (#2), Robin (#3 & #4) | | 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 |
| Date/Location: | December 6, 2015 - Sacramento, Ca | | Distance: | Marathon Relay - 26.2m (My leg is over 13m) – Legs #1 & 2
Note: The CIM Relay Races started in 1991. | | Time: | 2:58:52 | | Place: | TBD | | Relay Teammates: | FCA Troy Squared Troy & Troy Outman | | Other Teammates: | Relay *Catch Us If You Can: Leonie Alesci, Megan Sebra & Robin Soares *FCA Endurance: Trixie Bradley, Karen Nickel & Stephanie Holloway *Good Job: Janell Peterson and Friends
Track/Local Friends
*Pacers: Jim Kepfer, Melissa Johnson, Lee McKinley, Jamie Frink & Tim Twietmeyer *Racers: Annette Korn, Christine Val, Dave Campbell, Elizabeth Kastura, Helen Martin, Jason Shykowski, Ken Campbell, Melissa Penwell, Todd Osterberg | I've been excited to do this race as a relay with my good friend and running partner, Troy Outman. We are "FCA Troy Squared". My goal is to break 1:30 for the 1/2. Troy will also try to break 1:30 for a total time of sub 3. However, I had some achilles pain on my last long run, and Troy also had some foot pain a few weeks back, so anything can happen. At 5:45 I drive to the start with our neighbor, Tim Twietmeyer, who is keeping his tradition of pacing others to Boston Qualifying. I drop off Tim and part at Beale's Pt and jog to the start. It's dark and sprinkling. Thankfully Robin reminded me to take a headlamp. Running slowing to the start I immediately feel the tender achilles. This is not good. I go real easy hoping it will warm up. I do some stretching and take in the surreal site of 2000 runners, 100 porta potties and just as many trash-bag make-shift rain-jackets. Eric Gilsenan is announcing as usual. The National Anthem is sung wonderfully. Then the mayor of Folsom, who is running the relay as well, jokes and tells us all to leave Folsom as quickly as possible. I shed my rain jacket, just as it starts raining harder, and re-tie my shoes tighter, hoping it will help hold my Achilles together. The wheelchairs and blind-runners have been sent off. Now it's our turn. Go! We're off. I'm about 15 rows back. It's pretty packed and already feel the pressure to run everybody else's race. I see our friend, Dave Campbell, on the other side of the road. He looks like he'll do very well today. Mile 1. 6:42. My achilles is already hurting. We make the rt turn and climb Oak Ave and I have to ease up as the pain gets sharper. I feel a little helpless. I might have to limp along and show up late and my partner will be stressed and wondering where I am. Relays are really fun, but when something goes wrong, they become doubley stressful. I may also risk serious injury jeopardizing my March marathon. Mile 2. 6:55. In this helpless situation I'm again reminded by God to completely rely on Him. He comforts me. Gives me things to try, like pushing off on my big toe. And reminds me to run appreciative, like He's already saved the day and I'm finished and thanking Him. Amazingly, and unlike my training run last week, the sore tendon is feeling better, not worse.  Mile 3. 6:39. I continue to push off the big toe and thank God and encourage others around me. Especially the wheel chair racer and the blind runners. Blind runners rock! With all the people darting around, it's hard to imagine running almost 10mph with the constant fear of tripping and falling hard. Or worse, running into something. Their guide partner has a big resonsibility. Like a relay runner trying to get to the exchange on time!
Mile 4. 6:47. I look forward to seeing Karen Nickel at the start of leg 2. She's running as another FCA Endurance team (Trixie, Karen, Stephanie). She has an injured calf, but a great attitude. It seems to take forever to get there. I keep thinking we turn at the next light. I see a kid running with his shoe untied. Fortunately he's a relay and will chance it. Mile 5. 6:47. Finally we round the corner. I see Karen. Great seeing a friend to take my mind off of this difficult pace. Mile 6. 6:50. How am I going to keep this up for another 7 miles? I can't complain, the Lord is allowing me to run despite a sore Achilles! I remain appreciative and keep watching the pace. Mile 7. 6:54. It's going great! Right on 6:46 pace. But getting tired and the pace is slowly deterioating. Mile 8. 7:01. The rollers are getting to me. Mile 9. 6:54. Pretty good for a little bit of a climb. Mile 10. 6:46. On each roller I try to make up the time I loose climbing. On a long gradual downhill I dig deep to try to get my pace back below 6:50 again. Yes! It works. Thank you, Lord, this is becoming exciting. I talk to a guy from Reno who does this race as a yearly tradition with other Reno teammates. He's going for a sub 3:00. I don't think I'll ever be able to do that again, but I do think I can shoot for a 3:10 one of these days. I think back to '95 when I got my first sub 3:00 on this same course. He pulls away on a hill. I'm already pushing it and know that the loss of pace on the hills has to be made up on the downhills. Mile 11. 6:51. Mile 12. 6:59. Only a mile to go to the 13.1 mi mark and I'm right on the 1:30 pace. It's going to be close. The relay exchange is another 1/2 mi farther but I've got to try for the 1:30… despite a big push, I go under the clock at 1:38. Mile 13. 6:54. I want to rest and recover but I've got to get to my partner. The achilles is hurting now but I'm almost done and so happy for the gift to run a great race. Mile 13.4. 6:48. I come in with a big smile and tell Troy "8 seconds over" so he'll know what to shoot for. I tell him to "go have fun. God is with you!" Whew! So glad to be done, and to hug Robin and my girls. Just when I'm glad I don't have to run anymore, Robin tells me bad news. Karen's calf has flared up and she will have to drop out unless I or someone else can run the next leg on her team. Immediately I feel like this was all planned out and I'm excited to do it. We also realize how difficult it would be to quickly find someone to run 7 mi to the next town. And that it would be unfair for Robin to run with 2 chips. Here comes Karen! And right next to Robin's partner, Leonie. Leonie exchanges to Robin and Karen exchanges to me. I can see the pain in her face every step she takes. I take off, but much slower now. About 9:30 pace. After 1/2 mile my achilles hurts bad and I think maybe this was a bad idea. I might have to walk the whole thing and Stephanie will be very confused. But it gets my focus back on the Lord immediately. I stop and stretch and tie my shoe tighter. As I start again, it's getting better. I feel like maybe this was to confirm that these shoes are too loose for me. I got injured in them before IMLT and now injured again.  I'm focusing on God and keeping my toe down and my pace is getting faster. Under 9:00 now. I set a goad for 8:40 by mile 16. Yay, I get it! Now I shoot for 8:30. And I get there, too. I really want to help Karen's team and set a goal to come in at 8:20 average. At 19 miles I'm down to 8:27. I want to stop so hope the exchange is at mile 20. But I also want to get 8:20 so hope I have farther to run. We pass by the "Wall" at mile 20 and no sign of the exchange. 8:23! This might happen.. Finally, there it is, I pick it up and, wow, 8:20!
I see Stephanie's well-known smile, make the exchange and she's off. Wow, thank you Lord for not only getting me through the first run and keeping me from letting my team down.. to getting me through 2 runs and being able to help 2 teams! I really felt God's hand in the race today and am so thankful for His grace, and for the lesson that I need different shoes. Troy went on to accomplish both goals, a sub 1:30 for him and a sub-3 for us. We all reunited at the Christmas tree at the Capital and got to catch up with some of the amazing Auburn marathoners from our track group. It was indeed a special day.
| Date/Location: | November 21, 2015 – Davis, CA | | Distances: | 5km Run | | Time: | - Ariel – 33:07, PR! (Previous Best 37:18)
- Anna – 27:57, PR! (Previous Best 29:39 – ;Previous DTT ‘13 - 31:25)
| | Place: | - Ariel - 5th out of 10 (1-7 Year Girls)
- Anna – 6th out of 30 (10-11 Yr Girls)
| | Teammates: | 5K: Dave Campbell
10K: Dave Campbell, Leonie Alesci, Troy Soares (Daddy) | ARIEL’S RACE I was with Daddy before the race. The starter said go! People were running past me. Daddy and I ran and ran and told stories. We also talk to a couple older girls and Daddy says, "see you made some friends already." Then Daddy left me to go to run in his race. I was little scared to be running alone. After that, I saw my Mom crossing a bridge above me. She called my name and waved at me. I said "Hi Mom!". I knew I was close to the bridge. I finally got to the bridge and saw a lot of people below. I ran through a pretty park. There was a man playing weird music. Then I saw Mom waving at me and calling my name. Mom helped me finish the race. And I got a medal! I was glad to do the race and I was okay running alone. (No race pictures of Ariel appeared to have been taken =/). 
ANNA’S RACE  Start
I got in my place at the starting line and started doing exercises. Then they said, "on your mark, get set, go!" I started off running. I felt good. I saw different kids as I passed them. We turned and turned as the course went on. I saw the 1mile sign. I kept running and saw the 2mile sign. I got some water at the aid station. Then I kept running and saw my mom running towards me. She gave me a high five. I saw a girl and a boy running with their dad I tried to stay in front of them. I heard them say that we were close to the finish line. Then I saw the finish line and  sprinted. I finished! The end
|
Right away my legs are screaming! It's going to be a tough climb! 
Charity and I push each other along. Farah is right there and Trixie is pulling away. Let's push! 
Last climb! We line up on the Foresthill side of the bridge in order of our Old Foresthill Road finish. Ready, set, go! I'm right behind Richard and start loosing the draft over the bridge so I have to push hard to keep up. 
Mile 10 is 9:17. I pass the grey girl just before the last climb out of the canyon! I dig deep and sweet potato energy is there. Thank you Jesus for renewing my attitude. I fly up the last hill and push hard through the lower dirt parking lot. I see my sweet family, Suzanne and Karen cheering! I smile and push as hard as I can! Up the road and into the upper lot to the finish! 
As I cross the finish line they are announcing the 5K winners for the 0-10 girls age group…"first Leah Booth, second Anna Soares and third Ariel Soares"...music to my ears. Thank you Lord! What a day! 
![151206_cimrelay_robin_finish_thumb14[2]](http://3strands.brinkster.net/images/2016/CIM-Relay-17-Robin_14747/151206_cimrelay_robin_finish_thumb142.jpg "151206_cimrelay_robin_finish_thumb14[2]")
