What's Your Dream?

Last year I had many setbacks, not only in running but in my life. I never thought after the year that I had that I would even consider signing up for another ultra distance race, yet, here I am. All signed up for two more ultra races! Not only am I signed up, I am more excited about them than I ever have been with a race.  The North Face Endurance Challenge California 50k in November! Then the Black Canyon 100k in February!  One of the things that I have learned through running is that is ok to fail, it's how you get back up that matters. That isn't just about running. That is with all things. My favorite quote right now is from Star Trek, The Next Generation. Jean-Luc Picard "It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life."  Even if you are not a Star Trek fan I highly encourage you to watch this short video. This resinates perfectly for so many different things.  The next several months are going to be...

At this point in time, other than injury (knock on wood) the only thing that will keep me from finishing Mountain Lakes 100 is not having the correct gear. So I thought I would share why I am concerned and that all I am still needing. I am sure this list won't be complete either.  (UPDATED as of 8/8/17 6:22 PM PDT) Ultimate Direction Adventure Vesta 9L Hydration Vest - Women's Obsidian, M/L Black Diamond Distance Z Z-Poles, Carbon, 110cm - Borrowing!   SaltStick Caps, Electrolyte Replacement Capsules, 100 count bottle  - Gifted!!! Tailwind Nutrition - 7 Stickpack Set by Tailwind Nutrition Huma Chia Energy Gel, Variety Pack, 24 Gels - Premier Sports Nutrition for Endurance Exercise Shock Absorber Women's Active D+ Classc Support Sports Bra, White, 34E UK  - Gifted!!! Altra Trail Gaiter Protective Shoe Covers, Orchid, S Regular US - Borrowing!  Petzl - NAO 575 Lumens - Borrowing! A running puffy jacket  Second pair of Altra shoes   - ...

I have started making short videos sharing my journey into the deep unknown world of crazy long distance running.  This video hosts my big announcement! This shows where I am currently physically and where I need to go. This is just a fun after workout video. :D Current body measurements as of today! Weight: 155 Body fat %: 24.2 Water %: 52.5 Muscle: 40.2 Bone: 4.8 Neck: 12.5" Upper Arm: 11.5" Lower Arm: 9" Thigh: 24" Calf: 15.5" Bust: 37.5" Hips: 40.5 Waist: 30" Ribs: 31" Naval: 35"  Keep on Running!

 You know those crazy stories you hear about people running even further than a marathon? (A marathon is 26.2 miles) The ones that just keep going and going? Those crazy people are called ultra marathoners. This year we, Ladies of Green Lake, decided to try something new for Ragnar Northwest Passage. We decided to try out some of this craziness for ourselves. However, we took it up at notch.  How does one take ultra marathoner running up a notch?! Easy, run the distance as a relay, without any sleep, questionable food decisions, (because who really know how to properly fuel for a 30 hour relay with no sleep??) non stop go go go, and having to focus on driving, coordinating, not getting lost, trying to sleep in a very loud moving van, running through the night, not getting lost... not getting lost... don't lose your runners! and spending 30 hours with 6 people in a van... that van gets really small very fast!  Here we are, sweet innocent Ragnarians about to start on ...

I started this journey with the inspiration to run a race for my beloved grandpa. I knew I wanted to do something big. So I decided to do the same race that I ran 4 years ago as my first half marathon but as a 50 miler this time. I love my grandpa more than anything and this is how I wanted to show him that. My grandpa and I visiting on the porch like old times. This whole experience was surreal, it feels like a dream that didn't really happen. Which, I know I am extremely fortunate to be able to say that. I had many downs in my training, from ending a relationship, to trying to find a new place to live and moving, to getting injured but I made it through all of that and race day came whether I was ready or not. Mom and I doing last minute crew planning the night before! I had planned on my whole family crewing me during the race but the week of the race things fell apart last minute. My mom (Karen), nephew (Joshua) and best friend (Tiffany) came through for me though....

There is no way to express my gratitude to everyone that gave me support and encouragement for the Frisco Railroad Run 50 mile run. Mom, Joshua and Tiffany who spent their day crewing for me, to  Kaurine  and Joshua for running us into the finish, to  Lori  and  Aaron  who stayed several several hours after their days were over to see me finish, and to my Grandpa and Aunt  Janet  who waited anxiously at the finish line waiting for me to arrive. Thank you to all of my friends  back in Seattle who encouraged me every step of the way and especially  Elizabeth  who was the one who told me I could do it in the first place and to  Theresa  for continuous encouragement through all of my doubts, and to all of the other dozens of people I am missing, thank you all so much. I want to give a special thank you to Katie Wohnoutka who found me at mile 32 when I had reached a mental breakdown. My crew wasn't there for me but she got me ...

Starting out! All ready to go with the 42 degree temps! 50k or 31 miles, that is what I just ran in preparation for my 50 mile run coming up April 30th. Heading into this training run I was really nervous, I honestly didn't know if I could do it or not. I had some really great emotional support from all of my running friends and coworkers going into this run and even more support from Anthony who crewed for me the last 12 miles. Him being there, holding my water and gels for me made a world of difference.  Mile 2!  My run started off a few minutes late. I thought it'd be light enough out at 6:30 to start my run without night gear but I had to wait until about 6:40, I didn't think too much on it because 10 minutes in a 6 1/2 hour training run is barely a drop in the bucket. So I started off and before I even got to mile 2 I had to pee! Ugh! So I headed on as quickly as I good to mile 4, the Ballard Locks, which I knew would have restrooms. I hit the restrooms and ...