“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” Confucius
Running a 50K trail race feels exactly like carrying away small stones to chip away at the distance and finish strong. Unlike running marathons, in ultra running, the focus is less on getting to various milestones, and more on running from one aid station to another. Runner 208 was sure ready to enjoy the cold, crisp, and sunny winter morning after having trained with my Fleet Feet Sacramento racing team and my awesome coach Robert Ressl-Moyer, winner of many 50K races and such a kind and generous soul.
The Start Line
Long distance races require preparation and support from our families and friends. As always, my sweet husband drove me to the start line. On our way to Magnolia Ranch, Coloma, CA, where Salmon Falls race starts, the temperature kept dropping all the way to 25 degrees. My husband kept joking with me and said: “It’s freezing out there and you will run 31 miles in the cold. Did I tell you you’re crazy?”
“Yes, darling. You already know this. I am much happier to run in the cold than when it is hot,” I replied.
After my husband dropped me off, I immediately scanned the shivering runners trying to find my friends. The ground was frozen, the grass covered in frost, the sky clear, and most runners bundled up in coats, hats, and gloves at the start line. I knew that I would get warm quickly, but I also chose to wear cheap gloves that I was planning to dispose off later.
I also got to chat with my Fleet Feet racing team mates Josh Fernandez, who is wicked fast , and Melissa Tafoya, who has just joined our team and who is also a boxer. I felt great to be in such wonderful company and promised myself to relish every moment of my second 50K race and to become one with nature, breathing in joy, exhaling any stress, doubts, or fears.
The First 12 miles
I started strong, but not pushing it too hard knowing that I had 31 miles ahead. The crisp winter air permeated my joyous being and gave me energy. The gloves kept my hands warm. I focused on my breathing, footing, stride, and the terrain, which on this course it is a constant up and down, making it hard to get into a rhythm. We also had a creek crossing. I got my right foot wet, while I climbed on the rocks, but I knew that I would dry quickly.
During my first miles, I noticed the frost and the frozen ground that gave me a nice bounce, almost like doing a quick jump on a trampoline. I started writing in my head, too, as I normally do when I run.
However, in descending to Cronan Ranch, where the first aid station was, I was able to get moving and it felt great. I was knew there were a total of seven aid stations, so from now on, it was about reaching and counting the aid stations, where I would refuel with bananas, grapes, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and water.
After the first aid station, I started my climbing and focused on taking small steps. I also remembered what my awesome coach Robert Ressl-Moyer told me on the phone the previous day. He always calls me before races to discuss strategy and to push me towards greatness. He said: “You’re great with hills, so don’t sell yourself short by power hiking too much. Try to run portions of big hills and only power hike a little to conserve energy.” I applied his advice and it felt great to pass runners on the hills, while breathing steadily.
I soon arrived at the second aid station, where the signs made me smile. One of the signs said: “You’re not crazy, you’re ultra special.” Indeed, people think running these long distances is crazy, but being out there for hours feels like being rinsed inside and out in nature’s washing machine. It is about being immersed into something grander than ourselves, which turns us into more humble and grounded human beings. And, yes, I will admit that there is a little bit of craziness required for this equation of happiness to work.
Around mile 12, my team mate Melissa and my trail friend Tracy caught up with me. Melissa and I started running together and kept each other company, which was the best part of the race. I knew my father was watching over me, sending me a team mate, which is why I never despaired at the distance.
The half marathon point was getting near. We could hear cheering and clapping. As we came through Skunk Hollow, I heard friends screaming: “It’s Carmen.” Special thanks to my awesome friend Amy Jensen, whom I met in my first year of running through the California International Marathon training. She took my video and pictures, as well as helped me out with the food and hydration. So grateful for my running friends.
Melissa and I continued our running and talking, taking the Sweet Water Trail after we crossed the Salmon Falls Bridge. These trails reminded me of my training for the race and loved the rolling hills, even though we could not get into a rhythm. We still started to pass runners and focused on the trail, trying to avoid the many rocks, which I did remember from my training. This was the spot where I turned into a tea bag, immersing myself into nature the same way I did when I did my long training runs.
Ode to Tea Bag
Today during my 18-mile run I turned into a tea bag
and steeped myself in the lush grass, nature,
the moss-covered trees, the creek, the hills,
and the fresh air after the rain.
Trail running brings me the most joy.
I am mindful and love the twists and turns of the trails,
as well as the tunnels of trees.
I am focused on every step, every rock, and root.
I am deliberate running up and down the trail
while I quickly check the views
and sink and steep deeper into
nature’s magnificent teapot
allowing the flavors to infuse my being.
The Middle Miles – Long and Rolling
Melissa and I took turns to lead and stayed steady and strong. We talked, joked, and laughed. I told her that I knew that section of the trail very well and that we would get to New York Creek soon. We tried to get into a rhythm, but the rolling hills and rocky terrain made it a little challenging. Nonetheless, we felt great and were grateful to run together. Melissa’s form and climbing ability were impressive, so she motivated me to keep running strong. She also told me that I was giving her confidence with my positive attitude. We pushed each other on the trails; our running effort felt easier and much more pleasant than if we had each run on our own. Team work at its best!
Around mile 20, we started to pass a few runners. Our famous words were: “Coming through,” or “on your left.” As we passed these runners, most of them were nice, supportive, and cheered on us by saying: “Looking strong, ladies.”
The Last 7 Miles of My Second 50K Race
As opposed to my first 50K race that I ran with a lot of despair at the end two years ago, Salmon Falls 50K race made me feel calm, contained, and strong. I was telling Melissa about my improving as a runner and about my amazing coach Robert, when my cell phone rang. I pushed the middle button on my headset and responded, as I always do: “Hi, this is Carmen.” My coach was on the other line checking in with me. I told him that I only had seven miles to go and that I felt great. He told me to stay steady and finish strong. He also told me that he won a 50K race in the Bay Area for which I congratulated him. Later on that evening when we attended the Sacramento Running Association Awards ceremony, he told me that he was very surprised I answered the phone.
“I was happy to hear from you, coach,” I responded. Running at a 10-min to 11-min pace due to all the hills and the terrain made it easy to talk. Besides I am known to talk even during a much faster pace, so I was glad to have a life line to my amazing coach during the race, which helped me stay motivated and determined.
The sun felt warmer as it was past noon time, the trails replete with raw beauty, the hills ubiquitous, and the sweeping views of Folsom Lake magnificent. My body felt strong and my being anticipated the finish. However, as I told Melissa, we needed to stay and run within each mile and not let our minds wander. We ran in the NOW, the only true constant on the trails. We had to keep our focus on every step we took, every rock, tree root, hill, you name it. We became the one with the trail and gave it the respect it needed, while also asserting ourselves with conviction, determination, and joy.
We had been running for a little over six hours, when we reached the long and interminable levy leading us to Folsom Five Point Park, where the finish line was. I told Melissa that by now we could smell the blood, so to speak, and needed to push and finish strong. Melissa took the lead, getting into a much faster gear. The cheering got louder and louder. I saw Terri and David who cheered on me with enthusiasm and joy. To my left, I heard my husband and then saw our sweet son Alex who started to run next to me on the outside of our enclosed finish line. Sophia was also cheering on me dressed in her black winter jacket, her pony tail swinging from left to right.
“Come on, Mom. You can run faster,” Alex told me.
I crossed the finish line with elation and tremendous gratitude. My father was there in spirit. I cried with joy, as I received the beautiful medal made out of a light wood.
I was not too hungry after the race, because I kept snacking and eating during the race, but was happy to get a Blue Ale and sit down a little. I was happy and amazed at my ability to run this 50K race and have a 48-minute PR from my first Folsom Gold Rush 50K, which felt hard at the time.
Practice, training with my Fleet Feet Racing team, as well as having my own coach sure make a big difference. To many more running adventures with gratitude for a race well-done and for the company of my new friend Melissa. I finished Salmon Falls 50K strong, defeating Red Dragon trail and any other demons lurking out there.
For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!