Happy Earth Day!

Spring is in the air!  I love that it's getting warmer and lighter now.  And, the high desert is exploding with color!  It also means that long trail runs require my camelback now.  I like to be as free as possible when running, so it's not my favorite to mule around lots of stuff.  But the advantage is there's a spot for my camera!  Here's a pic from this morning/turned-into-afternoon's trail run.

We ran up to the antennas way up there!  The beginning of this run was up, up, up and more up.  (Also not my favorite.)  But the return down was so worth it!  I love running on rollercoaster-y single tracks!  I'm looking forward to the Silver State 50K (the route follows these same trails). 

New Kid in Town

The mother of all marathons, the Boston Marathon, will be run this Monday, 4/16.  Good luck to all my Reno running buddies -- Aimee, Karla, Rachel, Vicky, Joanna, Liz, Lara, Mark, Jim, Anthony, John, Ashley, Mike.  Run fast and rock Beantown!   

While running Boston means you've left your mark on the distance running scene (I am proud to say that I ran Boston in 2007), there seems to be a newer, more esteemed race in town.  And, it is literally in town -- well, in Rhode Island.  The same weekend!

Looks like I have a new goal!  The Gansett Marathon.  I remember reading a brief article on this new race a couple of years ago in Runner's World.  I wasn't sure if it would continue, but it seems to be picking up steam!

Boston will always be held in high regard.  It'll be interesting to see where this Gansett gig goes ...

The Untitled Post

Another Bucket List Item
Got a Pacer?
The Ultra Scene

I'm so excited about this post I'm not really sure what to title it.  Maybe the title will come to me after I am done writing ...

First of all, I am very proud of my friend, Jenny, who completed her first 50-miler yesterday.  Way to go, Jenny!  I got the privilege of pacing her the last half of the race.  It was pure awesomeness!  I loved it!  The course was beautiful -- right along Folsom Lake.  The spring flowers and butterflies were out. The weather was perfect. The views were remarkable. We even saw this black beauty -- a cormorant. 

Gotta give props to NorCal Ultras again, too.  What an amazing organization!  The course was very clearly marked.  (Those who have run trails with me know that this is key.)  And, the aid stations were incredible!  It was like showing up to a party every 3-5 miles.  The volunteers were super nice and the food -- talk about a smorgasbord!  I wanted a little bit of everything on the table -- Oreos, lemon cupcakes, hard candy, pretzels, chips, soda.  But, luckily I listened to my stomach, not my eyes, and stuck with the delicious orange slices, pretzels and Gu.  Oh, I had a couple of handfuls of M&Ms, too.

I enjoyed the entire experience -- and I was just a pacer!  The AR 50 is definitely going on my 2013 schedule.  The whole thing.  So, my first thought for a title was something about my bucket list.  I'm digging the ultra scene, though, and I don't think these races will be just a one-time-only thing.  So scratch bucket list.

Speaking of pacing, that was awesome too!  There's something about being a part of the race without really racing.  I needed a long run this weekend, so why not go somewhere new and beautiful and have fun with some friends.  I'm thinking about pacing for a few other ultras in the Tahoe area this summer.  Anyone need a pacer???  I'm also reading Rachel Toor's book right now.  I just finished the part where she talks about pacing.  It's fun to be able to relate to the book first-hand.  Hence the thought of the pacing title. 

So, are ultras going to be my new thing?  I have really enjoyed my little taste of them lately.  I don't know, though.  The Eugene half is just around the corner.  That's going to be my focus for now.  At least until May!

Still no title ...