Getting Ready For Santa!!!!

It's been a busy last couple of weeks! I got to help crew a man who ran/walked across the United States for a week in Arizona, set a PR at the High Desert 50km in Ridgecrest, CA, and have been busy wrapping presents, baking goodies, and getting ready to travel for the holidays. But Princess and I thought we'd share a few pictures of us together. She LOVES Christmas!

Blue Springs 50 Mile PR, and time for a short rest!

I've never thought of myself as a competitive runner. Sure, just like everyone else, I get that happy, devilish rush that occurs when I pass someone, but for the most part, I simply consider myself to be a serious recreational runner.

I know there will people who will disagree with me, having taking off over 14 hours from the previous women's Death Valley Double Crossing record , made by Rhonda Provost in the mid-1990's, and also breaking a 21 year standing record for a woman going from Badwater, CA to the summit of Mt. Whitney. Admittingly, it has been a very good year for me. However, deep down inside, I know the truth, which is that there are a lot of very talented runners out there that could clobber my double crossing time, given the right crew, the right weather, and of course, Mt. Whitney's good graces.

However, on October 26th, 2008, I decided to through caution to the wind and run competively. I chose a low-key 50 miler in Blue Spring, MO, the BS50, as it humorously called. There was no list of entrants, no elevation map, no jet fly overs or screaming crowds, no stupid chip timing, just a small group of people doing something they loved doing; running!

Basically the course was flat, on a wide bike path, consisting of several out and back spurs in different directions. I liked this, because I could see if I was catching people. Although a few minor bathroom issues kept me towards the back for the first 20 miles, the slower pace allowed me to eat and process more calories, which paid off big time later on. I ended up winning the women's 50 mile division, and came in second overall, less than 9 minutes behind the overall winner. If I had only had a crew.......or maybe if I didn't run a 50 miler and marathon back to back the previous weekend I might have won overall. One thing is for sure, it is time for a two week active rest/rebuilding phase.

Palo Duro Canyon 50 miler and the Duke City Marathon: Another great weekend of running madness.....

One of the best things about being a military spouse is getting to run all the different races in the various parts of the country you end up moving to every two to four years. Now that we currently live in the southwest, I am able to run more races in Texas.

I love going to Texas for ultras! I can't wait to cross the New Mexico border just to see the Texas Rangers wearing their cowboy hats while out on patrol. And without exception, every race I have run in Texas has been well organized, generous, and friendly. The Palo Duro 50 miler on the 18th was no exception. With their well stocked aid stations, and well marked course, and with the much appreciated help of my husband Tim who crewed for me from start to finish, I was able to take second place woman in this very scenic race. If you are looking for a good first time 50 miler, or just a fun, safe, end of the year race, I highly recommend the Palo Duro Canyon 50!

The following day I ran the Duke City Marathon in Albuquerque, NM. Although it wasn't a PR race, perfect fall weather made for another solid marathon finish.

11th at Arkansas Traveler 100!!!!

OK. 11th to last, that is. Severe chafing problems almost forced me to drop, but either out of stubborness or pure stupidity, I duked it out, and made a very painful, bowlegged finish.

Despite getting my ass handed to me, I really had a great time. I met up with old friends, made some new friends, and finished a very challenging 100 with no crew or pacer. Fortunately, the volunteers at this race went above and beyond in their efforts to encourage me to finish. And a big thank you to Robin for her humor and company going up that mountain with all the bear poop at night, although what is shared on the trails, stays on the trails, for sure!

Here I am with some of New Mexico''s finest ultrarunners at the pre-race meeting. Thanks Ian for the great shirts!

Off to Arkansas Traveler 100!!!!

Tommorow I leave for the great state of Arkansas, to run the Arkansas Traveler 100 for the first time. Hopefully, all the training and races I have done this month, (four marathons and one 50 miler, the scenic but very challenging Run Rabbit Run in Steamboat Springs, CO) will pay off.......

Oh, did I mention I have the most beautiful, cute, adorable cat in the world??

Three Marathons in Three Days!

Labor Day Weekend was a blast!

The weekend started out with Tim and I running the Creede Mountain Run, in beautiful Creede, CO. Although it is only 22 miles long, it takes you up and over the continental divide, giving you some breath-taking views. (pun intended) He ended up finishing fourth overall, and I finished 2nd female overall, in a PR of 4:52:00, (approx).

On Sunday we found ourselves in lovely Breckenridge, CO. I ran the notoriously difficuly Breckenridge Crest Marathon. It is very technical, and takes you up and over the mountains surrounding Breckenridge, at altitudes of over 12,000 feet. It took me over 7 hours to finish, and was by far the most difficult of the three races. Many runners commented that the BCM was harder than the Pikes Peak Marathon, and I would have to agree! But is is absolutely one of the most beautiful marathons I have ever run!

Finally, on Monday, I ran the American Discovery Trail Marathon, in Colorado Springs, CO. With somewhat tired legs, I still managed to PR, and qualify for Boston, finishing 7th female overall. I loved the point to point course, and the very runnable Sante Fe Trail it was held on.

A big thank you to Tim for being there at every race, and to all the volunteers who helped make these three races possible!!

On Sunday we found ourselves in Breckenridge

CUTEST CAT EVER!!!!!

Yes, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "gosh, I wish I had such a fit and trim, cute, cuddly little cherub of a cat like Anita!" Not only is she cuter and better than your cat, but she fits well in shoe boxes too. See! There really is more to my life than running.....

Running Across America in 2009 or 2010

For years now, I have been considering running across the United States. Depending on sponsorship, weather, and finances, I have decided to run across the United States in either the fall of 2009, or spring of 2010. I will run it solo, with crew support. More to come soon......

Princess the 20 pound cat helps me with race report

I'd rather be out running than writing or blogging. Fortunately Princess is helping me complete my Badwater Double race report, which I might actually have done before next year's Badwater!

2008 Badwater Double

July 19th, 2008

Finally! After one miserable failed double crossing attempt in 2007, I was able to put it behind me and complete what only four other women on the planet have done, a notorious 292 mile double crossing of Death Valley. I did so in a record time of 129 hours 44 minutes, and 5 seconds. Many thanks to all my crew, friends and family who helped make this possible. More to come soon........