A Fun Run Miwok 100k, May 2008

When I told people I was running my first 100k race the responses I got were the following, “Why do you want to run that far?” “Are there other people who run like you?”
“We have automobiles…you don’t have to run!”
And finally, “What do you think about?”
I know there are many ways you can answer all these questions. But for me the main reason I enjoy the challenge of running ultras whether it's 50k, 50 mile or 100k is,
“because I can and it’s fun.” Don’t mean to sound arrogant but I think there are several of you reading this who understand my response.

In fact, there are several of you reading who not only run ultras but …you do it every other weekend. Now that’s crazy! But I get it.

So it was with this idea of having fun that I set out to run my first Miwok 100k. I tell you there were moments when I have to admit, I was NOT HAVING FUN! For those who’ve never run this event be “fore warned”, this race will stretch your anaerobic threshold and test your ability to endure a variety of high peaks and steep valleys.
This year’s race began with 318 endurance junkies from different parts of the country congregating at Rodeo Beach Lagoon. The race had a delayed start as a result of parking challenges. Race Director, Tia Bodington announced the race would begin later than expected. For those of you, like me, who were preparing for their first run beyond 50 miles, a delay in the start time was not what we wanted to hear.
I’m like... let’s get this over with.
Once the race began it made for a somewhat long day. I had hoped to finish in under 11 hours but didn’t anticipate the number of climbs toward the front and back end of the race. In fact, (for those who raced) how did how’d you like those last 4 miles?!
Not only did you climb for about 2.4 of the 4 miles into the finish, but there was a long steep descend to the finish line.
The funny thing is realizing that as make your way to the finish, the folks who’ve finished ahead get to watch as you try to pull yourself together to cross the line. If you’re like me, you put on the best face possible; shoulders pulled back, head high, and a last attempt to stretch out your stride so it appears that you have a bit of gas left in your dehydrated, fatigued, and ready to be done self.
Without going into great detail, the highlight of my run was meeting up with my good friend Prudence L'Heureux. Prudence recently moved to Bend, Oregon and when we last spoke she was just rehabilitating from a foot injury and preparing for her move to Bend. Her recovery paid off and she finished the race with a 3rd place finish for the women. She finished in (9:47 ) behind Beverly Anderson-Abbs (9:42 ) and 1st place woman Kami Semick (9:15). Awesome job “P”! She is going to run Western States in June. I’m looking forward to interviewing her about her rehabilitation and ultra running comeback in my next story.
So stay tuned.
Oh, as for me, I finished top 10 for the women (11:14 ) and look forward to running Diablo June 8th. That’s another fun place to climb…I mean run. : )
Till next time. Live Well …Finish Strong. --Bree

Kami Semick running into Randall Aid Station

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Bull Dog 50k Ultra August 23, 2008

It’s Masters Day!
The last time I visited Malibu Creek State Park I was 12 years old. As I ran through the park race morning I tried to recall the trails hiked with my mom and siblings. I vividly remembered visiting the MASH film set which has since burned down. I remembered scrambling up a few steep climbs and have a picture of myself with my mom atop a very high peak. But that was the best of my recollection.

I arrived that morning with my very best friend of 25 years Dyan who had never experienced an ultra event. She enjoyed watching athletes go through the process of bib pickup, drop bag organization and line-up for the pre- race briefing. Race Director Nancy Devin dedicated the race to a good friend who recently passed away and had been instrumental in coaching her through some tough ultra events.

I didn’t expect to lead the race for the women. I mean, I’m 40 now, for some reason I keep anticipating the disintegration of my joints and muscle tissue because I’ve entered a new decade. The race is a 25k double loop course with a significant climb known as Bull Dog Mountain on the front end and a couple of short but steep climbs in the middle and back end. The course is mostly exposed fire trails with a bit of single track to keep things interesting. I knew the key to doing well would be getting through the first loop with enough gas in the tank to complete the second and before the heat of the day could catch up to me. Luckily, the temperatures remained manageable. As I completed my first loop, I realized I had run my fastest 25k split of 2:13 and it was then that I knew I needed to maintain an aggressive pace in order to stay ahead of favored local runner Diana Rush. I caught a glimpse of Rush on the first descent as I made my way to the start/finish of my second loop. It was only after I completed the race that I came to realize just how close Rush had been. My finish time was 4:57:45 and hers was 5:00:43.

The highlight of this race was seeing my mom Lillian, daughter Summer and Dyan with her husband and two daughters at the finish. My mom could hardly contain her enthusiasm as she watched her 40-year-old daughter, who years ago was scrambling up a park peak on all fours, win the 50k race. She yelled, “That’s my girl!” Funny how, no matter how old you get, there’s nothing like having your mom cheer you to the finish line.
During the awards ceremony Nancy announced that for the first time ever, both the Male/Female Open Champions were also the Master’s Champions. Jose Ortiz (47) and I Bree Lambert (40) had won both divisions. I thought that was pretty cool. You know, I think the 40’s are going to be a great time for running ultras. I’m looking forward to my next one.
Until next time... Live Well. Finish Strong. ---Bree
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