Posts Tagged ‘50K’

Deception Pass 50K Trail Ultramarathon

Sunday, December 15th, 2013

At Mile 29 of Deception Pass 50K
Picture Courtesy: Glen Tachiyama

On Sunday, I ran the Deception Pass 50K Trail Ultramarathon, held by Rainshadow Running. It was some of the most amazing trail running I have ever experienced. The course is designed with several lollipop loops, so as a middle of the pack runner, I frequently was cheered on by the lead pack as they passed me. The party at the end of the race was great; food and beer was amply supplied.

Deception Pass Route Map

The Pacific Northwest is known for it’s lush and verdant environment and this race did not disappoint. I ran through groves of ferns which were taller than me and under thick canopies of trees so dark that I wished I had a headlamp! The trails were soft underfoot and, in all but one section of the race, fairly free of mud swamps.

Deception Pass Elevation Profile, Speed, Gain

There were 185 racers and I came in 105th place. Out of the females, I came in 31 out of 87. I was happy with the race result, even though it took me about 45 minutes longer than expected.
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Deception Pass 50K Trail Ultramarathon – Why Do It? and My Training

Thursday, December 12th, 2013

Deception Pass Signage
I decided to run another trail Ultramarathon, since I had so much fun at Way Too Cool earlier this year. I picked the Deception Pass 50K, on Whidbey Island in Washington State.

Why I selected this race, over the others:
1. It is almost entirely on single track, with only a small amount of pavement involved.
2. It is small, with less than 200 runners total.
3. It is at sea level.
4. It is right before the holidays, so I will be able to enjoy ski season without having to train throughout the winter.
5. It is affordable, being only $65 bucks.
6. It is not an out and back, so I will not be bored.
7. I get to run across a bridge!
8. It is unlikely to be over 70dF or under 20dF.
9. I get to visit with family before the race.
10. It is an incredibly beautiful setting!

Here are the numbers of minutes I ran every week, while in “training mode”. Prior to the 3 months of training, I spent all summer climbing mountains…24 to be exact. So, my legs were in very good condition prior to the training period.

Week 1: 275
Week 2: 350
Week 3: 60 (I was sick)
Week 4: 405
Week 5: 430
Week 6: 540
Week 7: 320 (I was sick, again)
Week 8: 570
Week 9: 490
Week 10: 380
Week 11: 350
Week 12: 470 (This includes the race itself!)

A big shout out to my coach, Lea, for devising the custom weekly training runs and keeping me focused. Also, to my friends Tilden, Dan, Kristina, and Erin for running with me during training. Most important, thanks to Dennis for providing me with aid, both nutritional and emotional, during training and the race. My success is a reflection of your care and support!

Running – Way Too Cool 50K

Saturday, March 9th, 2013


Climbergirl completing the Way Too Cool!

With 4 months of intensive training, I was ready to run the Way Too Cool 50K! I had heard the hardest part to running an ultramarathon is showing up to the starting line healthy. So, my training program and coach were focused and determined to accomplish this very task!

Way Too Cool 50K Course Map
The Way Too Cool 50K Map

Way Too Cool Mascot
Unfortunately, no amount of training can prevent a person from contracting a viral upper respiratory infection! About 4 days prior to my race I was having a rough time. Seeking respite from the constant coughing and hoping for a good nights sleep, I went to urgent care. I was informed, by a doctor named Claire!, I didn’t have bronchitis or pneumonia. Yay, I was “cleared” to run the race, but would I be able to do it?

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I Won The Lottery…

Saturday, December 8th, 2012

For the Way Too Cool 50K endurance race! I can’t believe I won a spot to participate in this much sought after race!

Way Too Cool is a very special 50k trail race near Auburn, CA. Only 1000 participants are selected, so it’s a small yet premier event. The race is on the same trail as the Western States 100 Mile Ultra and the single track trail is absolutely gorgeous!

While I was waiting for the lottery results, I started looking for a coach. Also, during the month of November, I had slowly ramped up my running to a base level fitness, in anticipation of winning the chance to run. When I finally found my coach Lea, I was up to 1 hour of running 6 days a week. I hoped it would be sufficient, as race day was only 3 months away.

My largest concern was being healthy on race day. Would my body hold up during training for this 50K? Would I find the right nutritional balance? Would I enjoy the race?

With Lea as my coach I felt much more assured of having a positive outcome. After our first telephone conference, I was sure she was the right fit. She has years of experience in coaching as well as the education and skills to provide first rate training plans. She sent me my first 2 week schedule and I was jazzed, there was an awesome mix of strength and endurance; plus extra curricular activity (not just running)!

Now, I just had to do what Lea says and with a bit of luck, I’d be running all the Way Too Cool!