Party, Roga, Relay?

I was supposed to be in San Diego today and tomorrow but a VERY last minute meeting cancellation left me standing on the BART platform this morning and instead of boarding, I turned around and headed back home.  Side note: House of Cards (spoiler alert) has forever ruined subway platforms for me.  I've had nightmares and I now stand right in the middle and constantly look over my shoulder for Frank Underwood looking figures.

I'll be heading down to SoCal wine country in April now instead but I was especially sad this trip got cancelled since I'll be missing out on this evenings festivities at the Lorna Jane North County store.  This is the second LJ store opening I've missed due to work travel plans.  Rumor has it they offer some great swag, discounts and do a fun group workout.  Doesn't it suck when your real life gets in the way of your internet life? Sadly I won't be there but if anyone else is in the Escondido area, you should check out the preview party tonight or enjoy the 20% off they are offering all weekend.  Post workout I would recommend hitting up Stone Brewing Co., you will not be sorry.

To make myself feel better I am going to try and get to Roga (not the shorts) tomorrow morning.  5AM wake up calls can be a little rough, especially after today's to catch my non-flight,  but I am sure I'll be happy I did it. I think I can, I think I can...

I am coming to the realization that I may be enjoying my NVM recovery a little too much.  I did get in a longer run this past weekend but the altitude in Tahoe was killing me.  I didn't put in a lot of effort and it turned into a nice long run/walk.  I have a 15 on tap for Sunday that is going to be rough, followed by RNR Half next weekend.  I've REALLY enjoyed the break the last few weeks but it's time to put down the wine glass and pick up the Garmin.  Big Sur isn't going to run itself.

Confirmed Races for 2014:

1. Kaiser Half Marathon - 2/2
2. Napa Valley Marathon - 3/2
3. Rock N' Roll SF Half Marathon - 4/6
4. Big Sur Marathon - 4/27
5. Zooma Napa Valley Half Marathon - 6/28
6. Eugene Half Marathon - 7/27
7. Hood To Coast - 8/22-8/23 (the dreaded leg 5)
8. New York Marathon - 11/2 

Now that I am looking at my race calendar for the year, it's kind of light.  I did 12 races last year, including three relays.  I would really like to run one more relay this year, maybe even another Ultra.  If anyone is planning on doing Reach The Beach or The Bourban Chase and you need another average runner with above average sarcasm, who will inhale more than her fair share of beer and peanut butter pretzels; I am your girl.

NVM - 11 Days Out

After a minor distraction with a potentially horrible but really fun idea to go run an ultra in AZ this weekend, I am re-focused on the marathon:

@SarahOUaL @jcbonn yeah let me know. I'am intrigued enough to see if it's possible. Last min plane tix = why I ll never have savings.
— Kara Ruecker (@2tix2karadise) February 19, 2014

They ended up filling the spot, which was definitely for the best but it would have been fun.  T minus 11 days until the Napa Valley Marathon.  I am trying not to think about it too much or let the pressure get to me.  It's safe to say I've achieved that since I was wiling to forgo taper to run 30 miles the weekend before the race.

I seem to do my best in races when I don't overthink it and just run.  I don't want to stress too much about plans and the time.  My only real goal is go out slow and hope that when I cross that finish line, my Garmin says < 4:29:59.  Honestly my biggest concern is that we can't wear headphones.  You'd think my biggest concern would be running that last 6 miles but I am VERY used to running with music or someone to talk with.  I apologize in advance to whomever I run stalk and convince them to casually chat with me for 26 miles.

I am looking forward to the experiencing this marathon, it was recently listed by Forbes as a Top Ten Marathon Worth Traveling For:

With a smaller field than most—organizers accept only 2,300 racers annually—the Napa Valley Marathon allows runners some elbowroom. The route runs along the Silverado Trail on the east side of the valley, and winds south from Calistoga down to Napa. The scenery? It’s simply stunning, with views of the valley, fruit trees and dormant vineyards flanked with gold-colored mustard flowers. Except for the last stretch into Napa, this is a rural race—just you, the road and Wine Country. It’s a great race for beginners, as the majority of the course is downhill (with the exception of the oh-so-beautiful rolling hills in the first six miles). Keep in mind that you can’t use headphones, but the picturesque surroundings make up for the lack of tunes. Though this year is sold out, registration for the 2015 race opens on March 3.

Pretty awesome right?  It's been on my race bucket list for a few years and the time has finally come.  Big Sur is on the Forbes list as well so I am knocking out 2 of the 10 this year.  This race will also be a good chance to preview the course for the Zooma Half.   Which speaking of, our ambassador bios are up on the Zooma site, makes it official.  And don't forget, 10% off registration fees, for either distance when you use the code: NAMB10.

To keep my mind distracted we're  heading to Tahoe this weekend to enjoy some snow, skiing-and-hopefully-not-breaking-anything.  One more 10 miler on Sunday, a few short runs next week and then it's go time.

Taper Time & Zooma Napa Valley Ambassador

Today I ran my last 20 miler before I start tapering down for NVM.  It feels good to be on the downward slope.  I've put in the work, now I just wait and hope it pays off on race day.  Last week I received a package in the mail from Tritreats and was very excited to find our 2nd place trophy from our Ragnar Vegas Ultra Team.  Granted we were 2 of 2 but that's not the point, the point is we got a trophy from an actual race.  I had a great weekend in the rainy city, relaxing and hanging with friends.  During a Sat. morning excursion, I ended up at Lorna Jane and came across this little gem:

Lorna Jane Active Living Journal
I track all my workouts online but I like to have a physical "journal" as well to plan my week ahead while I am in bed on Sunday night.  It fun to look back through and it's just nice to have a break from being on my phone/i-pad/laptop non-stop.  Last year I used the Believe I am Journal to track all my training and loved it, but when I went get one for 2014 they were sold out:(  Enter the Move Nourish Believe Diary.  It's got a great layout to log workouts but also some good healthy recipes, motivational quotes, workout tips etc... to keep you inspired.

Added bonus - it's only $20 now.

I am beyond excited to announce that I was selected as an ambassador for the Zooma Napa Valley race, taking place on June 28th.  If I could create the perfect race, this would be it.  It's flat, small, on a Saturday (very rare), great swag-bag, in wine country and has an awesome medal.  Nailed it.  I'll be running the half marathon but there is also a 10K distance.

2013 Review - Ya Done Good

2013 was once again the "year of Kara."  Since 2006 or so I've dubbed every year the "year of Kara" and I've had some great years, especially since 2010, so I am not going to mess with tradition.  You know things are going pretty well when you look back and try to single out your favorite memory from each month and every month has multiple contenders.  Here was my best effort and horribly lazy editing skills and my favorite moments of 2013:

2013

All in all I had a pretty amazing year.  Looking back at the year I am feeling very blessed with family, friends, health, travel and adventure.  Besides my mothers health (multiple bad diagnosis this year), what more could a girl ask for?  I have lots of goals for 2014 and I have a feeling it's going to be another year jam-packed with fun, new experiences and changes. But before I move forward, a quick recap of last year.

2013 Goals:

• To finish a marathon in under 4:30 - F (FAIL)
• Didn't even run one but this is my No.1 goal for 2014 and one I hope to have completed on March 2nd
• To finish a half-iron in under 7 hours -NP (no-pass)
• Didn't do a half Ironman but I am much more okay with this one.  I knew early in the year I would burnout if I tried to fit this into my crazy calendar.  I am not going to recycle this one for 2014 either.  If I end wanting to do one at the end of the year, I will but I don't need the pressure since it's not a huge priority right now.
• To finish 3 half-marathons in under 2 hours - B (2 of 3)
• I knocked out two right away with Nike DC & MTB.  Both of those I finished much faster than I thought possible but I never got that 3rd.
•  To get on the Nuun Hood To Coast Team (this one is not entirely in my control but I will do everything I can)  - A+
• An amazing experience I will never forget!
• To do more races in the state of CA then outside of it - A 
• Stuck to that goal and didn't get burnt out.  Win win!

The Numbers:

• Running: 765 Miles
• Swimming: 13,500 Meters
• Cycling: 277 Miles
• Hiking: 45 Miles (actual hikes, does not include commute & general daily miles)
• 15 Spin Classes
• TOTAL: 1341 Miles

• 15 Core/Weight Sessions
• 11 Yoga Classes 
• 12 Races - One for every month
• 6 Half Marathons
• 2 Olympic Triathlons
• 3 Relays (2 regular, 1 ultra)
• 1 Bike Race
  

I feel good about where I am with my fitness compared to a year ago.  I had some breakout races this year and stuck to my goal of not getting burnt out and keeping my life balanced. I kept most of my races "local" and had a great time exploring my new home state.  There are lots of little things I would like to improve upon (ex - daily vitamins, more veggies) but I am proud of this year and everything I accomplished.  Running HTC with Nuun was better then I ever imagined and I am very proud that I made that dream a reality.  Crossing the finish-line at MTB and Nike DC knowing I had run my hardest and averaged Sub 9 min miles was a big accomplishment for this  previous 11 min/mile runner. I also really enjoyed getting back into the world of triathlon since my retirement in 2011.  Although it was only the 1st half of the year, it reminded me how much I love the sport and the cross training.  Reflecting on my accomplishments before I look forward to my 2014 goals, MFR and I came up with our new motto;  Enjoy the now, then take it to the next level.  2013 was an amazing year - 2014 looks to be even better.

Ragnar Vegas ULTRA

I posted a pledge to run a marathon and then fell off the face of the earth.  Sounds about right.  In the last three weeks I have been traveling, working, running and traveling more.  As a quick catch up, I spent a week in Kauai with MFR, my parents and our close family friends.  We hiked, kayaked, golfed, even ran a bit, ate, drank and did a damn fine job of relaxing.  Pretty much the whole week looked like this:

 

Last Thursday I arrived home from Kauai around noon and had just enough time to unpack, repack and shower before heading back to the airport to fly to Vegas and meet the girls for Ragnar Vegas Ultra.  This was not ideal as far as timing goes and I don't recommend this approach but since I can't say no to races or vacations then sacrafices must be made: sleep, laundry, sitting still etc....

I arrived in Vegas Thursday night to find the girls all ready to go.  They picked me up at the airport and the van had been decorated, the food had been purchased and everything was packed.  Basically I got all the glory and none of the work. Just how I like it.  As Leslie said, we're not sure who's idea an Ultra Relay was but at one point we all agreed to it and all of sudden it was here. I should mention that my teammates were all women from Portland who knew each other from PDX Tri Club, TNT etc...  Besides Leslie, I didn't really know anyone too well but they did not dissapoint.  I am counting down the days until I get to race with these ladies again.

Friday morning we were up before 6am and on the road, headed to  Lee Canyon Ski Resort.  It was very bizarre going from high 70's to freezing with snow on the ground in under an hour.  At 8am it was go time and Erica took off.

Team Draggin Aces - Checking In

I missed the butt-grabbing and get your hair out of the way memo on this one

I missed the camera is over here memo on this one.  You guys are welcome for the countless pics I ruined this weekend.

As Erica and Anne ran down the mountain, I started to prepare for my first run.  As you can guess I have been terrified for this event for many months.  I haven't been running the proper mileage for an Ultra (whatever that may be).  To date I wouldn't say I've ever had a great relay experience as far as the actual running goes.  I clearly love everything relay but something always goes wrong (stomach issues, altitude etc...) and I never really feel great about my actual running performance.  And that's with 12 runners.  Regardless I have always wanted to run an Ultra (6 runners) so why not now?  When legs were assigned, I picked Runner 3 since it looked easier then most and had nice even legs: 10, 9, 10.  Considering I don't usually run 30 miles in a week, I knew doing it in one day would be a challenge but I figured I could get through it.  

Two weeks ago we received an e-mail from Ragnar stating that the course had been changed and so had some of the legs and distances.  Runner 3 was now running: 13, 13, 10 and my middle leg had gone from a rating of easy to very hard.  FML!  Two half marathons and a 10 miler in 24 hours?  I knew I'd have to dig deep to get through this.

Legs 5 & 6: 13.68 Miles

Around noon on Friday I started my first half marathon of the day.  It was out on Hwy. 95, the sun was beating down and it felt like a hair dryer was blowing directly on my face.  I knew it was going to be rough so I just tried to stay positive and not think about the many miles left to go.  Instead I concentrated on taking it easy and not burning out on the first leg.  I will say that it does feel pretty badass running through an exchange and saying "Ultra - Running Through."  I did not get sick of that all weekend and people give you major respect when they see you're running the Ultra.  After some very long hold ups at stop lights, I finally got to my handoff exchange with Garmin showing 13.68 for a total.  I was sweaty, hot and happy to be done. Nuun had a tent at this exchange which was awesome because I got to see HTC Coordinator extraordinaire Megan!  Nuun also hooked us up with bottles, stickers, van swag and of course Nuun.  All things that were pretty clutch at helping us survive this race.

Spotted during Laura's run - hello friend.

Legs 17 & 18: 13.32 Miles

The weird thing with Ultra is how fast the whole thing goes.  With only 6 runners and one van, you never stop moving.  I felt like I had just started to relax when it was time for me to run again.  Around 7:30pm, Anne came into the exchange and off I went.  The sun was down and the temp had dropped to high 50's.  I really debated wearing long sleeves because I run hot but eventually decided to.  Thank god I made the right choice.  After 3 miles around town, I started the 10 mile climb out to Red Rock Canyon.  

Middle of nowhere

There was no van support on this leg and it was VERY dark.  The temperature kept dropping until my hands lost feeling.  In the end, the dark and cold is what got me through.  I couldn't see the hill I was running up and if it had been during the day and hot, I would have died.  I saw about 10 other runners but had mulitple mile stretches where I couldn't see anyone.  The mirage of the exchange (van lights) seemed to never get closer so I just put my head down and thought how lucky I was to be out here on a beautiful night.  Finally, after almost breaking my ankle on a cattle grate I handed off to Leslie.  

I immediately tried to shove all the food in my mouth and get some sleep.  The first task I was very successful at, the second not so much.  We took turns driving, navigating and trying to stay awake.  At 5am the sun was coming up and it was time for my final leg.

Legs 29 & 30: 10.18 Miles

After some serious bitching about not wanting to run again and having too many miles (sorry ladies), I put my big girl pants on and got out of the van.  Anne came into the exchange, handed me the bracelet and I took off a bike path into the sunrise.  The first mile or two were ugly.  I kept stopping to walk and I couldn't catch my breath.  I was focusing on how much I had already run and was worried I just wouldn't be able to do it.  I realized this negative focus would make for a very long 10 miles.  I needed a plan.  I made a deal with myself that I would run for 2 min and walk for 1.  Running at all was tough at this point but I just kept saying, "you can do anything for 2 min."  It worked.  On all the flats and uphills I kept up this routine and on the downhills I would just let go and let gravity do it's thing.  My average ended up similar to my other legs and I even finished with a smile on my face.  I think I was also smiling because it was starting to really heat up and I was so thankful my run was over before the hair dryer came back on - sorry Leslie, Steph & Laura:(

So there you have it.  My first Ragnar and first Ultra done!  Considering I never ran more than 26.2, I was proud that I knocked out 37 miles in less than 24 hours.  I never thought I'd be able to run an Ultra but I did and even had fun.  Great way to finish out my 2013 race schedule.  

Kara, Leslie, Laura, Steph, Erica, Anne

Final stats: We finished in 30:13 and came in 2nd in the women's ultra division!

I am not as sore as I would have thought though stairs are a challenge.  I spent yesterday watching football and hanging out with my adorable nephew before flying home at the crack-o-dawn this morning.  I am looking forward to a few days recovery and relaxation before Napa Valley training officially begins next week.

October Stats:

Running: 68 Miles
Cycling: 44 Miles
Spinning: 18 Miles
Yoga: 1 Hour

Weights/Core: 45 min

Walking: 9 Miles

Total: 139 Miles