Lemonade and Orange Crush Pop is a perfect combo!

Well it’s hot out and lemonade is best when made with fresh lemons. Just a little metaphor for what ended up being my and my friends Memorial Weekend trip. This isn’t my typical blog, which tends to be race reports; instead this one is about life and learning to embrace adversity.

The Memorial weekend trip to the Western States training camp went off without a hitch. Tim, Miguel, and myself had planned this weekend to be full of fun, running, and hanging out with incredible people whilst enjoying the Western States trail. Day one of training was just amazing. We ran from Robinson Flat where there was still snow covering the trail to the warm canyons to reach the final destination at Foresthill. We finished the day soaking up the sun and relaxing at our rented home in Michigan Bluff. Happily exhausted.

Then on to day two, which started the collection of lemons. Since, we had two rental cars we planned to drive one to Driver’s Flat and leave it. That way after the training run we didn’t have to take the shuttle bus back to Foresthill. We got to Driver’s Flat and decided to leave a change of clothes along with our money so that we could drive to Auburn straight after the run and get some lunch. We paid our fee to the parking area, which was supposed to be $10. However, since none of us had a $10 bill we gave them $20. We walked back to the pickup and Miguel was thinking about placing the keys behind the gas cap door. I remember telling him not to do that, and said that if anything I’d carry the bundle of keys. I just felt something inside me telling me that would have been a bad idea. So, he took the keys and locked the doors. We got into the other rental car and drove down to Foresthill (the start).

The run went great! We all had a fun time and felt happy as we finished and started walking up to Driver’s Flat. Miguel unlocked the door and I opened the back door ready to reach for my bag. My eyes got wide and I had a pit sink into my stomach…my bag was not there. I then panicked and opened the passenger door thinking I must have kept it up there. And there again was nothing! I looked at both Miguel and Tim and said, “My bag is gone” Tim replied saying, “Mine is gone too.” We looked up at each other and I instantly started tearing up in disbelief. Miguel jumped up front and opened the consol where he had left his wallet, and sure enough it was gone too. We all went into a bit of shock and panic. How did someone do this? Can this be real? Did we bonk that bad in the run…and are now having hallucinations? Unfortunately no…it was reality. The thieves had gotten into the back of the pickup truck and slide open the back window and grabbed all of our things.

We at once hopped into the pickup and drove down to Foresthill to the other car. Miguel and I luckily had left our phones in the car down at Foresthill, but unfortunately Tim had not. All of our money, credit cards, licenses, and bags of clothing and other odds and ins were gone. We made it to Foresthill and got into our other vehicle. I hurried and grabbed my phone calling my grandma right away. I needed her as I have always reached out for her in times of need. She always knows what to say and how to calm me down. She answered the phone and I was in the biggest panic rushing to tell her what had happened and that I needed to get ahold of my bank ASAP. Since it was Sunday and Monday was Memorial Day this was going to be a problem. She told me she would call one of the bank tellers that she knew and would call me back. At that time I started searching on my phone for a number to call or anything that would help. I found a 1-800 number that was to be used for these kinds of emergencies. I called right away and there was a nice gentleman who walked me through each step and got my debit card cancelled. That was a huge sigh of relief. Miguel was having success getting his cancelled and Tim was starting his process using our phones. By the time Tim got to his last card the thieves had already purchased $55 worth at a Shell gas station.

Our next issue was that we only had a little less than $200 between us in cash. In addition, our licenses were gone and we had flights to get back home. While we were figuring out what to do next, Tim had the idea to see if he could track his phone with the find my iPhone app. Sure enough the thieves hadn’t turned his phone off and we tracked it to Sacramento. We hopped in the car and took off to where it was last pinged. As we were driving the tracking had stopped on an off ramp going from 1-80 to a neighborhood. We got out and searched high and low for the phone but came up empty handed. We drove back into town where Tim was lucky enough to have his parents wire him some money. It was now close to 5:00pm and we just realized we hadn’t eaten or drank anything since the run. We were all wearing thin with emotion, however we kept each other upbeat and positive (as best as we could in the situation given). We finally decided to give up and head back to our rental home and call it a day. We all grabbed a foot-long Subway and devoured them before even 5 miles out of Auburn. We got back and sat a long time in silence just reflecting on the day.

Tim had a flight scheduled for 4:00 pm the next day and decided it was best that he didn’t push it by trying to make it from the end of the training run. He decided to run from the house at Michigan Bluff before heading to the Sacramento airport. Miguel and I had flights early on Tuesday morning so we were able to run the last training run. We all decided that we weren’t going to let this ruin our weekend. We had a strong bond between us before the incident, and now it has even made it stronger. We were in this as a team. We went to bed although none of us slept as we kept thinking about the day’s events. And it didn’t help that the dogs were barking crazily all night.

The next morning we were all red-eyed, but in decent spirits. Miguel and I wished Tim off as he was heading out for a run before his long drive to the airport. We hoped that he would be able to get through TSA somehow to fly home. Miguel and I went to training camp and were overwhelmed by the outpouring of care and concern everyone had for us. That is truly what a community is about and why I love the ultrarunning community we have. Bless you all. XOXO Miguel and I made sure to leave the troubles behind and focus on the moment of that day. We were going to enjoy that run and embrace the healing powers that the Western States trail has. It is a magical trail that you cannot but smile when running on. We both finished happy, but soon after the looming stress started coming back. I rushed up to make sure the pickup hadn’t been broken into again. Thankfully it was fine. I then grabbed my phone and checked on Tim. He had made it through security at the airport, even without his license. He had to go through a long process of questioning, bag searching, and being patted down, but he was on his way home back to Omaha!  This made me feel relieved thinking Miguel and I would be able to get home too.

Wow, does a 4:00 am alarm suck! Miguel and I got to the airport over an hour early to be sure we gave ourselves plenty of time. We got up to the security checkpoint and had to wait as someone in front of us had a similar issue. When they got through I explained to the TSA woman our incident and that neither of us had our licenses or any forms of proof of identity. She sighed then said we needed to fill out a document and then she would have to call and ask us questions. She said that she had been on hold for over 20 minutes with the last person and hoped it wouldn’t take that long for us. So she called and we waited and waited and waited…sure enough another 20+ minutes passed before she started talking to someone on the other line. She asked if she could get both Miguel and I through during this one phone call. The person on the other line said absolutely not and she would need to call back. Finally, she asked me my questions and I passed. I had to have everything in my bag checked and I had to go through the complete pat down. I worried that Miguel wouldn’t get through in time. I boarded and fortunately he was the last person to get on the plane. We had made and were headed home!

What I learned through this whole experience:

1    1. Never leave anything of value in a vehicle.

2    2. People know how to break into a locked pickup by sliding the backseat window open and sneaking in.

     3.  Friends mean everything, as I couldn’t have gotten through this without Miguel and Tim.

4   4. The Lord watches out for those who love him.

5   5. It could have been much worse:

a.     That morning I decided to take out my house key and extra Garmin from the bag that was stolen.

b.     I also decided to put my phone charger in the glove compartment instead of my bag. (They didn’t get that!)

c.      Miguel and I took our phones in the other car. (We could have all been without phones)

d.     We could have came upon them while in the act and who knows what could have happened.

6   6. The outpouring of care from family and friends was beyond my imagination.

7   7. We were not in this alone…we had our whole community behind us!

     8. The thieves may have gotten away with a crime, but I know they will have their day of judgment whether it is in this world or another.

9   9. Material items can be replaced.

    10. Not letting something rotten ruin a weekend…PRICELESS!

Thanks for reading and happy trails to you all!!

Recovery Update – Patience is a Virtue

Life sometimes takes you down a path of bushwhacking and unrunnable terrain.  I followed that path throughout the month of February. Instead of fighting I let go and decided to stop and embrace the moment that I was in. Don’t get me wrong, fighting injury and anemia is not a fun time, but one that I reflect on and am now grateful for. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I would find that reason.

Throughout February I was plagued with an Achilles injury (Achilles tendonitis+bursitis) that caused me to be unable to run. I couldn’t push off without excruciating pain and aggravating it more. So what did I do?! How did I not go crazy without running? Well what I do know as a physical therapist, is that you do NOT run or do an activity if it causes the injury to become painful. What you do find are other ways to be active. What I found is that I had no Achilles pain with cycling, the Arc Trainer, and walking. So, my choices of activity were those and I did them 5-6 days a week for 1-2 hours at a time. I worked hard on the Arc Trainer, as I was able to get a ‘workout burn’ and a heart rate that equaled what I would have during a running workout. I also got back into the gym and started lifting. Things I had wanted to do, but neglected to do.  These activities helped me work on being balanced both physically and mentally.

I finally hit rock bottom. It had been over a month since I had gotten to run and my Achilles was barely making any progress. I reached out as a physical therapist to other physical therapists that I work with. Community Rehab, my employer, has been such a great company to work for and every one of my coworkers go above and beyond to help those in need…me included. I sent out an email asking for help with my Achilles, and I received several replies offering assistance. Luke Collins, one of my coworkers fortunately made time for me that day to come see him. He did an evaluation and found my gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in my left calf to be tight and knotted up like a braided rope. He ended up dry needling my calf muscles. With every needle inserted in my calf muscle I felt a ZING, some areas worse than others. Then he applied an iontophoresis patch and KT-tape. The instant I got up and stood I had relief and what felt like a release of my calf muscles. I was in complete shock. I went home that night and couldn’t help but go for a test run. That night I was able to run for the first time in over a month pain-free!! I cried in happiness. I continued the PT treatments for the next couple weeks and to this day have not had any Achilles issues. I am now a firm believer in dry needling.

For my anemia I looked into my diet and made changes along with starting a regime of taking two iron pills a day along with a multi-vitamin. Then I followed up with my doctor every other week to have blood tests. I started feeling better as my iron levels started to slowly improve. Recovering from iron deficiency can take many weeks since it takes your body time to build back its iron reserves. I will continue to stay on this regime so that I don’t allow my anemia to recur.

Now at the end of March, I have bushwhacked my way out of the wilderness to find the sweet buttery single-track trail. I will continue to be careful and watch the path set out in front of me to be sure to stay on the trial of good fortune. I have been back to training and even racing without any pain or injuries. My iron is still rebuilding, and I will continue to be careful. I am just so thankful and fortunate to be happy and healthy running once again. Thanks for reading. 

Finding answers and understanding the results.

I typically am a private person who doesn’t like to post about my personal problems, but this time I want to open up and share my story in hope that it helps others.

For the past month or so, I started noticing how easy paces were feeling like I was needing to put more effort in them. I also noticed my decease in ability to climb any hill, even the bunny slopes. I made excuses saying it was because of the snow on the paths, I was wearing more clothes, it was cold, etc. The trend continued to become worse. It was starting to wear on me mentally as to why I was struggling so much. I became stubborn and fought through it during training. Run after run was getting harder both physically and mentally. Finally, my body gave up and I strained a hamstring. I took time off right away and went to the gym to cross train.

Once I felt it was healed I started running again, only to notice my Achilles was feeling sore. It progressively got worse with each run. I put a heel cup in my shoe to help. I continued my stubbornness and ran through the pain. I was missing red flags left and right…being blinded by my own madness. Then the bottom fell out and I came down with a cold/flu. I was drained and couldn’t manage to function normally. When 9-10 hours of sleep wasn’t even making me feel rested I knew something was very wrong.

I continued to try and run, even though my body was fighting every step. I was so worried I would loose fitness going into Rocky Raccoon and that made me force runs when I should have been resting more. The weekend before Rocky I was allowing myself to do a couple test runs to see how my body was going to respond. Saturday I went out for an easy hour. The pain in the Achilles was there but, something I could ‘deal’ with. Then Sunday I went for my run, in hopes to have a solid 2 hours to really decide if I should race Rocky or not. I ran, but had excruciating pain at times that about dropped me to my knees. It felt like a knife was stabbing my Achilles. I continued to force the run.

That night the Achilles blew up and was painful to touch or even walk on. I was frustrated and still feeling under the weather with my cold/flu. I decided on Monday it was a make or break day. I planned to run and if it went well I was going to run Rocky if not I would have to sit out. From the first step to the last I had so much pain that I was in tears the whole way fighting. I don’t cry often, but when I do it means something. It was time to realize there was not going to be a race in my future and I needed to get into the doctor to see what’s wrong.

I saw the Orthopaedic doctor to find out that I had a severe case of Achilles tendonitis along with bursitis and a strained gastroc muscle. I had pitting edema in my ankle to the point it looked like a cankle. No contours. The doctor wanted me to be in a CAM-boot, but I said I wouldn’t run and would be very cautious. This definitely meant NO Rocky.

Then I went to see my Primary Doctor on Friday. I had developed sinus infection, so she put me on an antibiotic. Then she wanted to get blood tests done to see if there were any underlying issues. I just received my lab results today with confirmation of why I was feeling so terrible…I am anemic. My Hemoglobin is 9.4 (12-14), Hematocrit 30.9% (32-36%), and Ferritin is 7 (11-310). Normal values are in parenthesis and should all be at the higher end as an athlete for optimal performance.

So, this left me with answers as to why I felt like I was struggling during my runs, getting sick, and being injured with the inability to heal. It is a real problem for many endurance athletes. I just want to remind everyone to go in for blood tests regularly so that you don’t end up having my problems. They honestly can sneak up on you and then BAM…hit you in the face. My dream of running Rocky has been put to rest, but now I have fire to get healthy for the rest of the season. Don’t be stupid and stubborn like me. Learn from my mistakes.  

I will be getting healthy and keeping happy doing biking, lifting, any other activities that allow me to be active but not overtaxing and risking set backs. Please, don’t take your health for granted.  

Happy Trails!

Kaci xoxo

3 Strikes You’re OUT!

Much to my dismay, I will not be racing Rocky Raccoon 100 this year. In the past three weeks I have had insult to injury. It all started with a fall on the ice. I didn’t think much of it at the time, just had a bruised and swollen left knee and some other bumps and bruises. I continued training and without realizing it I was overcompensating for my knee. My patella had swelling around it causing my patella tendon to track wrong, and I was using my hamstrings and glutes more. This ended up causing me to strain my left hamstring. I did cross training for a few days and was happily back to running. No big deal, right…WRONG!

Once I was back to running, little did I know that I overcompensating again. This time my left gastroc-soleus was being over used. I continued to run even when it became very sore. I put a heel cup in my shoe to unload the Achilles (which did alleviate the pain). I kept training again only to have it become more painful with each run and soon during daily activities. I decided to take a few easy and rest days to see if I could get it better. This was just last week.

Then I came down with the flu. It knocked me out. I was drained. I tried to think of it as a forced taper for Rocky. I was starting to feel a little better over the weekend, but still couldn’t shake off the fatigue and congestion. Then on Monday I woke up to a left very painful cankle. My Achilles had inflamed with pitting edema around the malleolus. My heart sunk as I knew there was no way I was going to be healthy enough to run let alone race Rocky.

I had been looking forward to this race since last year, and now I will have to bow out. I understand the importance of health and being healthy at the start line. I had a good discussion with my Coach Jason Koop, and we both agreed that we will focus on me getting healthy and ready for the bigger goals ahead. So, even though I am really sad and down, I must remember that this too shall pass. Just like an ultra, you have to ‘Keep Moving Forward’. Keep positive and know that there is always a reason for everything. I will keep the faith and follow the path that is before me.

Happy Trails and I wish the best to those racing Rocky! I will be there in spirit!

~Pixie Ninja

Embracing a new year - Welcome 2016

Happy New Year to all of my family and friends. May your new year be better than the ones before. I resort to make mine better. The first step is by staying optimistic and positive throughout life and in every situation. It goes to show how positivity feeds on positivity. I have found that when I surround myself by like minded people, that it brings about a good aura in my life. I feel like too many times we let that negativity we feel downward spiral into a black hole. We all know how hard it is to get out of those situations. So my challenge to myself and to you, are to keep out of that hole by staying positive and finding the good things in what life brings us. I am a firm believer that 'everything happens for a reason'. We may not know why those things happen at the time, but we will after further reflection. It is what we do in those situations that make us who we are. So why not find the good and let go of the bad?!

I am not a huge believer in New Year's Resolutions, but I have resolved in making a few.

1. I plan to blog at least once a month - I have slacked really bad last year, and I want to change that.

2. I plan to be more helpful in the community by volunteering and offering any assistance to those in need.

3. I plan to smile more, laugh more, and find the positive things in life each day.

4. I will never ever believe in taking anything for granted. I will remember to be grateful for the gifts I am given in life.

5. I will Praise God each day for the life I have been given and glorify his name.

I am looking forward to what 2016 has to offer. I am excited for new adventures, friendships, and memories. I hope to see you on the trails!

Happy New Year! Let's start it off on the right foot (or left-whichever you lead with!) ;-)

~Pixie Ninja

UROC 100K

UROC 100K – Spetember 26, 2015

My race was similar to the course elevation, where the highs are high and the lows are low.

It was a beautiful morning standing on the street seeing the moon and stars still faint in the sky as the sun was just starting to rise. The start of the race was on road and downhill, which are both my favorite. I got off quickly and felt really good. We made a single file within a mile to start our descent down to the single-track trail. After a steep descent down Cardiac the trail smoothed out and was runnable switching back down to the No Hands Bridge. I caught up to Luke Garten who was running smooth, and enjoyed a short time running with him until I was forced to slow down going up the long climb to the second aid station. I wanted to make sure I kept my breathing and heart rate down. After that aid station was a sweet single-track multipurpose trail. It went on for several miles until we popped out onto a service road.

At this point I am still on a high, feeling good and running well. We next had a section that went up and made a big loop. Then we came back out to the road service AS again and had to make our way down a very long descent to the river. I knew Coach Koop was going to be there, so that kept me excited. Coach swapped my bottle and put my ice bandana around my neck and said to keep on moving. The river crossing was nice and cold. I definitely would be enjoying this on the way back. The river was so low that we had to run through the sand that reminded me of one of my roads back in Dannebrog, Liberty Road. My mom will get that! 

Next, is the road that never ends…up, up, up. I ran what I could and hiked what I had too. Then at the top the course is back to single-track and it was undulating going up and down. It started getting warm and being in the trees made it worse as it was very till. I was thankful to have my ice bandana. Soon, I started seeing the leaders, Justin Houck and Mario Mendoza, working hard running up a long climb. They both looked good and focused. Next, I saw the very happy and cheerful Ford Smith. He always makes me smile with his positive enthusiasm.

The next part of the out and back, we got onto an exposed section of trail that ran above the river. I could tell the heat was getting higher and I couldn’t wait to get to the next aid station to refill my ice. I started seeing more men come back and then the ever so graceful, Magdalena Boulet. We wished each other the best as we passed. She is another person that always lifts me up and inspires me.

I started thinking more about the aid station and looked over to gaze upon the river when suddenly my foot clipped a tree root and I went down. I fell completely on my left side, which I am so thankful for because I am still dealing with my right side fall from about 4 weeks ago. I picked myself up and said to not even look at the damage and to keep running. I made it to the AS. I took a little more time than I would have wanted to assess everything. I was still able to move, so there was no stopping. It hurt, but so does running an ultra…that’s kind of the point right?

Photo: Courtesy of UROC

I hit a low point going out of that AS. My knee kept me from running well on the descents, and I had to hike most of the uphills. I just kept telling myself that I would not quit. I will NOT be a quitter. I made it back to Coach and he gave me a bottle of OSMO full of ice. It was exactly what I needed for the long climb up to the next AS. I was still in a semi-low mood, but better than before. I got to the AS and was directed back to a single-track trail where I would make my way to Cool.

It started heating up more, and the sun was relentless. At one point I felt like I was running face first into a furnace. It was brutal. Finally, making my way to mile 47 AS. Next, was what the locals call the KT climb. It was a beast…that thing was so steep and relentless. It was one of those climbs that you kept looking up never seeing the top, and wonder if there really is one. I consider it similar to Devil’s thumb, but with less switchbacks. I got to the top and was able to start running again. I came into an exposed prairie that the sun felt like it zapped the life out of me. I had to stop and walk. It frustrated me, as it was a runnable section. I knew at this point the temps were above 90, and to just keep chill into I got into Cool (no pun intended!).

Photo Courtesy of Richard Watson

 I got to the Cool AS surprised and happy to see my mom, step-dad, Miguel, and Coach. However, I was in a big low and was crabby. I was frustrated, but they tended to me and sent me on my way around a 4.5-mile loop. I was recharged slightly enough to start running and I made my way up a short hill before falling again right on the exact same side and places as I had to earlier. I stood up completely angry and threw a little temper tantrum. I slammed a gel and my bottle to the ground and yelled some obscenities at myself for falling. That really put me in a funk. I was angry, hot, and hurting. Every fiber of my body wanted to turn around and give up, but my stubbornness prevailed and brushed myself off and kept moving forward. I ran for a while, and then I hit the section of paved road that had to have been 100+ degrees with no wind or shade. I couldn’t get myself to pick my feet up to run. I walked getting angrier at myself for walking a road.

Photo Courtesy of Richard Watson

I finally made my way back to the AS and was raged. Coach calmed me down and said there is 8 miles left. Just take it one mile at a time. I thought, alright 8 miles or basically a loop around Lake Zornisky…I can and I will do this. I walked out and started running soon after. I started recharging and got my head back in the game. I prayed on my way back and it calmed me. The miles started clipping off and I forgot about the pain from my falls and focused on the finish. I got to the last AS and blew through it knowing there was 5 miles left and I was on a mission to reach the finish line. I rallied back strong and finished hard to place 3^rd female and 9^th overall in a time of 10:56:22.

It was one of the most challenging races I have done both physically and mentally.  I fought off demon after demon and came victorious. These are the races where we become stronger. To know that you can rally back from the darkest depths is something that I will remember. It reminded me of when I fought hard during the 2014 Western States 100. I took that experience and used it during this one.

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Overall, I highly enjoyed the course and the event. I want to thank the race directors Gill and Dr Francesca for all the hard work in putting this event on. Thank you to all the volunteers for giving up your valuable time to take care of us runners. I thank God for giving me these opportunities in life. My family, for always believing in me. My friends whose words and thoughts keep me fighting when I was having low points. And my Coach Jason Koop with Carmichael Training System, who helps me on and off the race course to achieve my goals. Nike Trail, who provides me with support and the best gear!! CarboPro for the proper nutrition and supplements for pre, during, and post running, in order for me to perform the best I can.

Nike Trail Kiger 3's

What I learned:

1.     I just have to be patient and remind myself that in 5 miles I will not have the same attitude.

2.     When in doubt pray.

3.     I can push myself beyond what my mind believes, and to never give up on myself.

4.     Focus on what I can change, not what I can’t. Exp: (mood, attitude versus weather, falling, etc)

5.     Zero GI issues (fixed this from last Western States)

6.     This is why I love ultras – expect the unexpected! 

Gear:

·      Nike Trail Kiger 3’s – another flawless race with no rubbing, blisters, or hot spots!

·      Swiftwick socks

·      Nike race top (orange) Nike Pro shorts

·      Visor

·      Bandana

·      Nathan and Amphipod handhelds

Western States 2015 - June 27, 2015

"Persistent Patience" 

A race that has been on my mind for the past year. The day to prove to myself that I had learned from last year's implosion at Western States. I had three main goals for the day. Goal #1-Finish smiling. Goal #2-Improve upon 20:07 from last year. Goal #3-Finish in the top 10. I can happily say all of the goals can be checked off. 

Once again like last year, 3:44am the alarm goes off and I am up like a shot out of a gun. My stomach  was already in knots and my mind was racing through all the last minute details to prep for my day long journey. Waiting at the start line I felt a rush of emotions come over me. I remember turning to Miguel and saying, "I feel like I could cry". My pain and agony from last year was staring me right in the face. To say I was scared was an understatement...I was petrified. However, I was ready to prove to myself that I can finish this race stronger than before. 

I said a prayer before the gun went off and I set foot on my journey. Ascending up Escarpment with Stephanie and Aliza was exactly what I needed to start my day off right. My nerves settled and I was enjoying the present moment I was in, not worried about how my day might unfold. At the top of Escarpment we paused to see the sun rise, and with that moment my breath was taken away and I knew no matter what it was going to be a great day. I was doing what I love.

Photo Credit: Allen Lucas

Traversing down the back of Escarpment I found myself alone and just running in my own world. I kept it relaxed and comfortable, not even caring what place I was in. I was going to make sure I ran my own race and didn't get caught up in what was going on ahead or behind me. I was feeling sleepy and tired, however my body felt fine. I hadn't had my normal caffeine in the morning, so I attribute my sleepiness to that. I soon found myself sandwiched between two Seattle guys! How on earth does that happen?! It was great chatting with Matt and Ian and it woke me up. The miles and time ticked by. Matt and I had the same game-plan, to be able to run the last 30 miles. So steady patience was the name of the game. 

Photo Credit: Gary Wang

I soon found myself moving up towards Aliza and Michelle. I luckily got to run with Aliza for a big chunk of the race. I enjoyed getting to know her and how sweet of a person she is. She and I grinded up Devil's Thumb together...making it more pleasant than it could have been. We reached the top where the AS was and I was starting to feel 'off'. I got cooled down and grabbed a popsicle and left. I was eating it and feeling more and more nauseated. Finally, my stomach said NO MORE. And I felt like I got sucker punched right in the stomach. Trying to descend a canyon with stomach pains is not ideal. I had to pull back and walk it out as Aliza bounced down out of sight. She had given me a couple TUMS to see if it would help before she left (that is what community is all about). I just kept feeling worse and worse. I walked so much to keep from jarring my stomach anymore. I started feeling this panic and thought to myself, "is my stomach going to keep me from continuing...heck no...my legs still move and don't hurt...you're fine...push on!". So, I did. I soon noticed that my breathing was getting ragged and my heart was pounding as I went up any ascent. I stopped a couple times just too get my body under control. I then noticed that my nose was full of dried blood. I must have had a pretty good nose bleed and it had been draining down into my stomach. That aways makes me nauseated. So, the combo of heat, canyons, and the nose bleed had been wrecking havoc on my stomach. 

Photo Credit: Jeff Allen

Finally, I reached Michigan Bluff! I came into that AS looking worked. I yelled out to my coach, Jason Koop, what do I do for a bad stomach? He advised me to get ginger chews and to cool off. I grabbed the chews and before I could get them down I was finding the nearest trash can. The stomach said, "Heck NO!!". I walked over to my crew, Chris Hall and his nieces, coach, and Ann Trason! They took me under their wings and got me in the right mindset. Ann told me her story about her stomach turning and when she just wanted to sit on an ice chest and rest, but someone told her that her legs still worked and she wasn't going anywhere by just sitting so she continued on. And that is exactly what they did to me! Coach had made me an OSMO slushy to take on my way, which I nursed as I made my way to Bath Road. Within that section I was brought back to life. I felt better and my legs started running again. Bam! The smile on my face returned!!

Photo Credit: Kevin Willett

I saw Ann and Jason again on Bath Road just before reaching my Ultra-Pacer and best friend, Miguel Ordorica! I was almost 25 minutes slower reaching him this year than last year, but this year I was ready to RUN the next 40 miles...not slog. This was exciting to both of us. We ran through Foresthill and down to Cal-1. Throughout the next sections to the river we ran like we do on any training run, just chatting and goofing off. It was a blast. 

Photo Credit: Stephen Ingalls

Upon reaching the river I saw a woman just ahead. I saw it was Emma Roca. I crossed the river before her and started up to Green Gate. I was wondering if she was going to catch me. Soon after Green Gate AS, Emma and her pacer flew past us. I told myself to hold on and run your race. There was a long ways to go yet. Unintentionally, I always find myself reeling whoever is in front of me in when I am in race mode. We were right behind them going into ALT AS and we left just ahead of them. Then I saw Aliza and her pacer working through a tough patch. Aliza now had stomach related issues. I felt for her, as I knew what she was going through. 

I decided that it was time to turn and burn. I told Miguel that I felt great and wanted to start ripping off some miles in the sweet single track, that I had to walk last year. I was ready to enjoy this section of runnable trial. Cruising along in 3rd was beyond my imagination. I had been 5-6 most of the day and to be up to 3rd was unreal. I had no idea where the women were behind me, only that I wanted to try and race to the end. I was running scared thinking at any moment they would catch me. 

I found myself passing by Stephanie and her pacer/husband Zach, and it broke my heart that she didn't have the race she was hoping for. I tried to give her some encouragement as I went by and some motivation telling her there were a couple women close behind. I was in disbelief that I was in 2nd place, holy smokes! Now, I was ready to do what I had to, in order to keep that position. That meant running harder than I ever had at the end of an ultra. Miguel was all for it and he knew I was on a mission. We got to No Hands Bridge AS, where Miguel quickly got water and I was told by coach to bring it home and to keep racing! That is what we did, I told Miguel that we had to dig deep and push our limits. A moment I will never forget was when Miguel started hacking up Robie Point and I asked him, "how are your legs?" and he said "they are fine" and I said "good, since they are working you are going to have to keep moving even if your stomach doesn't want you to". He was a great sport and did just that. We got to the top of Robie Point and cruised up the road. We listened for any cheers behind, but heard none. We knew we could make it now...we can run a mile. Hitting the track knowing I was going to be in second place I couldn't be more than grateful for God granting me the race I set out for. I was elated beyond words. Running under the WS sign hearing John Medinger say my name and 2nd place female made me raise my hands to God and grant him the glory. Praise be to God. Then we stopped and I looked at Miguel who looked frantic and the next thing I saw was him puking. I couldn't help but say, "Eww go over there or find a trash can!! Not on the track!!". He and I are still laughing about that. I couldn't have done it without him. 

Photo Credit: Allen Lucas

Reliving that day in my mind, I am proud of the way I raced. I completely stayed within myself and made sure that I finished with all three goals intact. I now have the fire to see if I can push myself to a faster time, now with more course knowledge and how I know myself more. I am already thinking about next year...oh Western States you have stole my heart. You are a part of me.

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

Thank you God and to everyone who allowed me to experience this opportunity. Nike Trail running for your support and encouragement. My best friend and pacer, Miguel Ordorica, who endlessly trains his butt off with me day in and day out. I couldn't do what I do without you. My Coach, Jason Koop, who believed in me and got me healthy and ready to race. My outstanding crew, Chris Hall, Lexy, and Josylyn, who tirelessly were there to give me everything I needed during my journey. My family and friends for believing and supporting me. Ann Trason for being my mentor and saving grace. Your words of wisdom is without a doubt something I took to heart. The aid station volunteers, Craig Thornely RD, Tropical John, John Trent, and all of the veterans of this sport that I look up to. My sponsors, Nike, Carmichael Training Systems, CarboPro, and Honey Stinger. Thank you all!! I can't wait to #seeyouinsquaw 2016!!

Much Love, 

Kaci ~Pixie Ninja

Photo Credit: Chris Hall

Photo Credit: iRunfar

Gear:

Trail shoes: Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 3's

Tank top/shorts: Nike Trail Racing top/Nike 3" Modern Embossed Tempo

Bandana: Howard Nippert's Ice Bandana (super awesome!)

Handheld: Nathan's 18 ounce

Hydration: CarboPro Hydra C5 (watermelon flavor)/OSMO slushy from Jason Koop

Nutrition: Honey Stinger waffles, Gels, AS food.

Salt: CarboPro MetaSalt tabs (I had no cramping issues)