Monday, September 29, 2008

The 100 mile glow. It's what you get after finishing a hundred mile race. Doesn't everyone get it?

Don't ask to understand the secrets of the universe, but simply to know what this moment means.
It's easy to get lost in endless speculation. So today, release the need to know why things happen as they do. Instead, ask for the insight to recognize what you're neant to learn.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Happy to report I finished my 8th 100 mile race of the year .I will write a report later here's the brief update. I started my period that morning got dehydrated on the Olmstead loop(but who didn't) suffered from 4 painful blisters on my left foot and suffered from a bladder infection. Haven't had a serious one in a while.
Still managed to finish in a slow painful 27:24. Thank God for pacers. Thanks Mike Palmer for putting up with me.

Friday, September 26, 2008


HI friends I will running Rio Del Lago 100 miler this weekend please send me happy thoughts, and positive vibes. Help others quietly, without expecting gratitude or rewards.
Let the healing power of your spirit run through your hand as you reach to touch another, but say nothing to the person you help. Learn to give invisibly.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Mission Peak run this morning. Mission peak
Me heading up Peak Meadow trail
Heading along Horse Heaven trail
Bobby the Bob Cat on Horse heaven trail
On the top. What a beautiful day.

Change, disruption or obstacles could be the order of the day! There is a reason for each of these occurrences but in general it can be said that the way in which you are doing things, or viewing things, has to change. Very often the universe takes a hand and helps you by clearing away the debris of the old, but be assured that what is right, essential or just plain needed, will remain in place. In all cases be calm in the face of these unexpected events and just know that everything is going to be all right.


Tuesday, September 23, 2008

More Half Dome Photos.Andy & Aaron at the top of the Cables they made it!
Andy & me showing support for our friend Don who is battling Cancer.
Aaron being bad ass doing a hand stand at the overlook on Half Dome.
Aaron helping me with my form.
Just another beautiful day in paradise. My 52nd trip up Half Dome.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Half dome trip with my nephew Aaron and Andy.I was thrilled a few weeks back when my nephew Aaron asked if I would take him up Half dome for his 20th b-day. Me being an expert on Half Dome just went to the top for my 52nd time, I said yes. I have been wanting to take Andy up too. Since we both were recovering for injuries from AC 100 me from all my falls and Andy had blisters still healing.
He decided to come up too.
I was very impressed with Aaron he is actually in great shape. He did really well he had a blister starting which I fixed. Had sore legs on the way up and stomach issues which I was giving him salt for. He did awesome. Andy of course did great he is strong.
Andy did mentioned it was hard. Aaron said he wasn't sure at one point he was going to make it to the top. But he pushed through and we did the whole trip in 8 hours 25 min.
We had a blast. He did mention he wants to do it again. I told him I would take him in the Spring when the falls are flowing.
Vernal falls foot bridge
Near the base of Half Dome cables. Aaron and Andy
The boys going up the outside Catra style.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Congrats. to all the Skyline to the Sea 50k runners.
My friend Jo Lynn who ran her first ultra this was at the start.

Andy and I worked at the Half way point of the 50k we also got to see the runners a second time once they did a 5 mile loop. the weather was awesome and everyone who came through seemed to be doing great. We also got to sweep the 7k loop which was awesome.
We also went to the finish line to watch my friend Jo Lynn finish her first Ultra. I am so proud of you, and all those doing their first Ultra. It won't be long until they all make their way to the darkside and start running hundred milers ;)
Way to go Kristy and Tanya for also finishing their first 50k's.
Gazo creek crew Rick, Will, Catra, Andy and Larry.
The course sweepers Andy and Catra on the 7k loop.
Jo Lynn, Catra and Kristy way to go girls on running your first ultras. I'm so proud of everyone who ran.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Good luck to all the runners running Skyline to the sea 50k this weekend. Andy and I will be working at an aid station .Rocky and I went out on a short run on Mission Peak on his short loop.
It was beautiful. The cloud formations were breath taking..

Looks like he spotted the cows :)
This is my new favorite picture of Rocky and I. I will frame this one. I just love my little dog. He loves me more than anyone. And I love him the mostest.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Ask for guidance in seeing the truth concealed in your personal challenges.Bless your difficulties and ask to see their hidden guidance. Have the courage to accept what you discover and to initiate whatever action your healing requires.

I hope everyone is healing from AC 100. My knee is still sore but my body feels good. Finally had my bridge and new crowns put in. I had a temp. one in. My dentist couldn't believe it lasted 6 months without coming out.
I wish money did grow on trees. I had to pay 1200 bucks to have it put in that's why I waited so long. Well at least I only had to pay 600 of my own money my flex card covered the rest.
Have a great day.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Angeles crest 100 mile endurance run.Every year I ask myself the same question at the end of AC 100, why do I go back year after year ,getting my butt kicked by this grueling course. Why?? Because of the people the wonderful volunteers, crews, pacers and supporters of this event. They all bring me back. Oh and of course the beauty of the Angeles national forest.
This race was not easy for me this year. Most of my 7 hundreds this year have been some what easy, but AC 100 I was put to the test and didn't give up the fight. I hung in for each round and came out on top a winner. It wasn't because of me. It was only because of my crew and pacers. Without these people motivating me, and inspiring me to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I could of easily stopped. But that is not who I am, I don't give up I am stubborn which is a good thing to be ,when running hundred mile races.
My crew and pacers were made up of some very hardcore peeps. Crew, Kellie who is a very amazing crossfitter/runner who will be at the start of AC 100 in 2010, I think she knew more about the course then I did, and I have run it 6 times. Also I had Vanessa who is an amazing crossfit trainer and full of life, and has the most beautiful smile. I'm thinking in time I might rub off on her, and she might want to run a 50k.
These two girls where the best crew ever cheering me on at each aid station. There were times when I would hit a low, but the closer I got to the aid station the happier I got knowing someone who cared about me would be waiting to take care of me.
The pacers Johnnie B who is also a member of the crossfit elite fitness academy and Coach Eric LeClair.
Johnnie B I met at crossfit and the minute I saw him knew I wanted him to pace me. Maybe because he reminded me of myself just a boy version of me. He will be running his first 50 miler next year along with coach LeClair and by 2010 I expect to see Johnnie at the start of the AC 100, if not sooner ;)

The start of the race was perfect not to cold not to hot just right. I enjoyed the climb up acorn and thought of my PCT journey as we hit that trail. I got to enjoy hiking 42 miles of it last year and was happy to be running it again this year.
It often takes me 30 miles to hit my groove in a hundred.
I didn't bring any shot blocks for the first 25 miles, forgot them so when I was climbing Baden-Powell I ran out of gas. I was so tired and slow. I really wanted a sup 30 hour finish but felt like crap. No energy what so ever. I sat at the top of the climb to regroup and watched a hiker climb with a heavy load. I instantly stopped feeling sorry for myself and thought I'm lucky to be going light and not carrying a 40 pound pack. I popped up and took off running down the trail. I came into islep where I would get to see Kellie and Vanessa(my crew) for the first time.
I was so excited to see them. I got some coconut water and ice in my bottle some shot blocks and took off.
The climb up williamson was a bit hard but knew there would be some good down hill into the next aid station. I was flying down, hit something and hit the trail with my right knee. I was ok, I jumped up and went on.
About 5 min. later I crashed hard flying through the air landing on my left knee and left hand and right wrist. I freaked for a min. but got up hoping nothing was broken. My knee and hand were a bloody mess. I had all kinds of little rocks under the skin. I just had to take it easy and not kill myself before the next aid station. I was about 1/4 mile from the aid when I fell on my knee again and this time almost fell 100 feet down a slope.
I arrived at the aid station where Deb fixed me up with some very stylish purple wrap to go around my knee and hand.
I was a little bummed that I had to slow down because of the pain but happy to see my crew. The next section through cooper canyon was nice, ran a lot and enjoyed the cooler temps then normal. It can easily be 100 degrees in the canyon.
Saw the girls at Cloudburst refueled and was ready to make up some time to three points. It's mostly downhill.
Made good time through here and just continued thinking about how much fun I had hiking this section of the PCT last year.
I caught Mike Palmer at Three points and decided to hang with him for a bit. We headed into Hellyer together but I took off at some point wanted to get to Chilio before dark.
Got there and was feeling great. My pacer Johnnie b was there. I would pick him up in 8 miles. Said goodbye and off I went alone into the dark.
Newcombs saddle took forever and was happy Johnnie was there. We headed out for some fun. He was great we just talked about everything. We got to know each other out on that trail through the night. Being out there I think inspired him more. He wants to run a ultra and I know he will soon. This section went well I ran and walked and made good time. I ran at a good pace on most of the down hills.
We finally arrived at Chantry, this is where the race starts for me mile 75 it will make you or break you. Most people who are having a bad day drop out here.
I was so happy to see Eric, he would take me from here on home. This would prove once again to be my hardest section. I must say I made one of my best times on the climb out of Chantry to the bench. Eric was the best coach giving me rewards to work toward, like; you can take a two minute rest at the top or just two more switch backs and it will get flatter. He encouraged me every step of the way.
There were a few times I thought I wasn't going to make the 33 hour cut off. My mind gets wacky and I can't think during a hundred. I had a few melt downs, but Eric was awesome, he would talk me down and help me focus my energy on what I need to do ,and that was to keep moving so I could finish the hundred miles in a good time.
I even got cranky and moody and cried and he kept calm which helped me to focus again. He made me believe in myself when I was falling apart and my brain wasn't functioning.
I really didn't think I could get in under 31 hours. But once again it was Eric he got me to move and to set little goals along the way. He said I could get in in under 31 hours so I focused on doing just that.
We arrived in 30:57. I was overcome for a moment by emotions but was really to tired to cry much.
It was my 6th AC 100 and I will be back again next year.
I hope to have the same crew and pacers, they really made this race special without each of them my finish would just not be the same. They are the ones who helped me earn the buckle.
You guys rock. Thank you so much Kellie, Vanessa, Johnnie b and Eric.
You are my angels.

AC 100 Images.Ready to get the party started for the 22nd running of AC 100.
Carl Borg of Newport beach crossfit and a Running and endurance pose trainer. He proved you can run 100 miles with high intensity WODS and little running, 13 miles as his longest run.
Mile 27, it got ugly and it hurt.

My angels patching me up Deb and Kellie.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Images from AC 100crossfitters throwing down gangster signs. Karl Borg og Newport beach and Catra team crossfit elite fitness academy/ one world.
Catra and Andy, yep we're on Don's team.
How I relax the night before a 100 mile race. A little game of Blockhead.
Fresh as daisy's at the start Andy Kumeda and Catra Corbett
Here we go again...Mike Palmer going for number 11 AC 100 me going for my 6th and Flora going for her first AC 100. We all finished.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Send me positive vibes this weekend friends. I'm running my 7th hundred mile race of the year.ASK FOR GUIDANCE IN SEEING THE TRUTH CONCEALED IN YOUR PERSONAL CHALLENGES.
Bless your difficulties and ask to see their hidden guidance. Have the courage to accept what you discover and to initiate whatever action your healing requires.

crossfit wod:
100 abmat sit-ups
100 push-ups(knees)
100 squats
100 kettle bell swings.
100 walking lunges
time 12:43

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Pictures from Wasatch 100 pacing.Julia Big Mountain mile 39.
Hanging out with Julia's kids Dustin(Sarah, Dustins GF) Rhianon(sp)?
Julia the trooper heading up Catherines pass
Heading to Pot Bottom.
Timed out at Pot bottom mile 93. I know she will be back.

Monday, September 08, 2008

Wasatch 100 miler. Me, Julia and Linda. We paced and crewed Julia at Wasatch 100 this past weekend it was her first time on the course. She went into the race with a sore knee. She made it to mile 93 and got timed out there. we are all so proud of you Julia. Julia in the middle, at the start of Wasatch 100.

She even said she could of easily dropped out but wanted to move until she got pulled. She felt great other then she couldn't really run because of her knee ,we taped it up, to help her keep moving.
She did miss the cut off by 1.5 hours. She gave it her best. I will write a full report and put up more pictures later.

Friday, September 05, 2008

I'm heading out to Utah today to pace my best friend Julia Bramer at Wasatch 100. Send her good vibes.A visit or call from a friend can heal you..............
You can also heal a friend in this same way. Is there someone you've been wanting to contact but haven't made time for? Today, make the time.