Lake Natoma Four Bridges Half Marathon

The Lake Natoma Four Bridges Half Marathon was my first half marathon, three years ago. It remains my favorite half, likely because my first time out still remains my fastest half to date.

As I thought I was doing CIM this year (I am not, as my coach said no-go due to the unexpected staph-induced break in training), I signed up for LN4B with the intent of using the race as part of my CIM training. As my marathon plans have been deferred until February, I decided to still participate, but to treat the day as a long training run.

Paul, Dian and I headed to Folsom on Saturday for race packet pick-up. Our road trip over was so much fun. I hadn't seen Paul and Di in a few weeks and it was nice to catch up in person.

The moment we pulled into registration and saw people walking out Dian and I let out a groan. The race shirts were hideous. They looked like pumpkins -- orange and black. Not attractive.

After an entertaining dinner at Bandera (can you say Perrier?), a local hot spot I had frequented in graduate school, we headed back to the hotel to turn in early in preparation for the race. I didn't realize how tired and worn down I was until I fell asleep just after 8 pm. SO SAD. A good night's sleep and a surprise visitor to cheer us on made for a perfect pre-race evening.

I learned an important lesson during the race today. While I am fit and have a strong aerobic base -- a base that allows me to participate in longer distance events with little training -- without discipline-specific training I will not excel. I had wanted to post a PR at this event. I knew that was not possible due to the unexpected break in my training, however I irrationally held out hope that I would still post a somewhat respectable time. That was not the case. I posted a faster time in a half in which I fractured my leg in two places at mile 11.

While I realized that I have a lot of work to do over the next few months, the day was also motivational. These types of revelations are what make me excel.

Homecoming

Elisa FINALLY came home. She's been traveling for work and has not been home in five weeks.

In honor of her homecoming, we planned a little outing to catch up and opted to do so at a Halloween party with fellow GGTCer and friend Kristen Stanton.

Elisa and I were laughing from the get-go. Before we even arrived we both were itching to NOT go and discussed the fact that we would rather enjoy the evening dressed like freaks in a sushi restaurant. When did we get so old?

We rallied, as we were meeting Kristen, however, we did not last long. "I'm ready to go." We were home by 10:30. While the party was a bust, it was great to see Kristen and to catch up with Elisa. Elisa, I can't wait until you are back for good!

Mud Run

Chris and I signed up for the Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA 10K Mud Run this past spring. The Pendleton Mud Run events sell out quickly each year and we both were really excited about the event.

I asked my doctor if I could participate.

"No."

"But, I feel fine and my wound is almost all healed."

"As you just said, 'almost' healed. You will not swim and run in mud until it is completely healed. Jennie, it's a STAPH INFECTION."

Bummer.

After having watched the race this year, I can't wait to do it next year. However, I can tell you now that I will not beat 'my' time from this year. I came in second in my age group! NOT. That is something will not likely EVER happen. At least not in a running event. (Actually, I shouldn't say that. I hope it does happen, as I want it to happen.)

Officially, Chris and I both finished at 51:57. Ha! Since I couldn't race, and the event was sold out, Chris' friends Chatom ran wearing my number. Chris and Chatom were FAST.

I knew it was going to be a fun event to watch when we discovered as we were waiting for the start that it was best to have your shoes or boots wrapped in duct tape to hold the laces down and to try to keep the mud out. They had duct tape stations!

I watched Chris and Chatom as they took off at the start and then waited for them at the final "mud pit" just before the finish line. The mud pit was a 30-foot long muddy hole the runners had to crawl through. The leaders came through and I knew Chris and Chatom wouldn't be too far behind, and they were not.

Chris finished FIRST in his age group. He continues to amaze me and is so much fun to watch race. This was his first first place age group finish, but I know there will be many, many more. Chris, congratulations! You inspire me to trainer harder and to be faster.

I look forward to doing a mud event, somewhere, next year. Consider this an advance warning... I see a team mud event in the future.

The wait is over

Paul sent me an email this week: "I was just talking to Christopher on the phone and while we were talking a box arrived from Guru."

I immediately replied: "Was it my bike?"

No reply. (Paul had gone missing! I found out later he had gone into a meeting. How dare he leave me hanging to work? Ha!)

I couldn't take the silence and emailed Christopher. The title of my email was something to the effect of: “I apologize for harassing you.” I mentioned that Paul had said a bike had arrived from Guru. Christopher quickly confirmed that the box did indeed contain my bike. I screamed. My assistant laughed.

I don't think I can ride slowly on this bike... too embarrassing when your name is on it.

Resolution of Ridiculousness

Back in August one of my dear training mates was issued a citation for running a "red" light on his bike when he proceeded through an intersection on a yellow light. I was not happy.

Today the tables were turned. Now the citing officer is not happy.

We went to court today, after some fine cross-examination of the citing officer by the alleged defendant and subsequent witness testimony, the matter was dismissed. It took every ounce of decorum to not leap with joy when the judge announced his verdict. I managed to wait until we were in the elevator.

My favorite moment of the day: After the "trial," a Novato police officer who had appeared on another matter followed us out of the courtroom to congratulate us. He said, "I know what you two like to do for fun (cycling), but as soon as you started talking I knew what you did for a living."

Sausalito and Back

I have a tradition of running to Sausalito and back two weeks before a half marathon. The run is a 12-mile loop that I used to run with my old running partner.

I had been planning on running the Four Bridges Half Marathon at the end of the month, but was sure that race was out of the picture due to the events of the last few weeks. However, after yesterday's long ride I knew that if I could do my traditional long run today that all would be fine and that Four Bridges was not lost.

It is not lost.

As I am somewhat rational (I recognize that this is debatable), I have decided it probably not best to pursue a PR for a half during this race (which was my original goal). Regardless, I know it will be a fun day with Paul and Dian and a great training day. I cannot wait.

Chris, congratulations on the San Jose Half! You continue to amaze me. I love watching you succeed and can't wait to see you achieve all of your goals, training and otherwise.

Back in the Saddle

I awoke tired after staying out way too late celebrating Ashli and Lewy's birthdays, but leapt out of bed because I was SO EXCITED to get back out on my bike.

I am alive. I appear to have survived the staph infection, which is healing up nicely.

My doctors cleared me to start training again this week and Paul, Dian and I set out for a leisurely heart rate-restricted ride north up into Marin. It was so much fun to catch up with Paul and Di, and to see Paul's new road bike in action.

We opted not to ride Paradise today and headed north into the unknown. As we made our way through Greenbrea we turned onto Via de Cumbre, which for purposes of today meant Via de SUPER STEEP HILL. I am sure I was driving poor Paul and Di crazy. I couldn't stop saying Via de Cumbre for the rest of the ride. We spent a good portion of the ride hoping that our coach and his girlfriend were having a great race at the Ironman Championship and discussing who we wanted to win.

We stopped at one our local post-ride favorites, Fish, on the way home and then battled back to the City and up the Sausalito hill with full bellies.

I had been worried that taking so much time off was going to be detrimental. However, today I felt powerful and well rested, which made me happy. Let's see if I feel the same way after a long run.

Celebration of Friends

Happy Birthday Ashli!

Wishing you a fabulous year full of joy and success!

I cannot wait to watch you fulfill your dreams. It is an inspiration.

Happy Birthday Lewy!

I cannot wait to celebrate it together, properly.

I have a feeling that this year is going to be amazing, and I hope that we can spend more of it together. Lewis, you know how I feel about you, and I wish you every happiness.

Winter Found?

Last Friday I was sure my winter running plans -- the Pendleton Mud Run, 4 Bridges Half Marathon and CIM -- were over. My doctor informed me that my staph infection was not healing as quickly as he would have hoped and it appeared I needed to have surgery. I was so sad. Chris was with me and I tried not to cry, but the tears came anyway.

My doctor referred me to two plastic surgeons and I was able to get in to see one of them later that afternoon. Dian took me to the appointment and we were both in shock when what we thought was a consultation turned into minor surgery. Dian, bless her heart, in an effort to distract me while the surgeon further cut open my abscess to allow it to heal, engaged me in random conversations, including a lengthy discussion of what we were going to have for dessert that night, as Dian had invited me to join her, Paul and Paul's parents (who were in town visiting for the weekend) for dinner that evening. The surgeon was optimistic that allowing the infection to drain would allow it to heal without any additional surgery. Finally, some good news, but I didn't want to get my hopes up, as this prognosis was so contrary to what I had been told earlier in the day.

But, a weekend of kindness from my friends -- dinner at NOPA, a movie date, a home cooked family meal, Miette cupcakes and ice cream, Iron Chef, alfajores, brunch at the Dipsea, a TJ's shopping adventure, my favorite dry-farmed tomatoes, and twice daily visits to assist with wound issues -- as well as calls, emails and texts from family and friends (including my coach), provided me some joy and distraction after a horrific week in bed. On Sunday I realized that I was starting to feel better. A little retail therapy helped as well.

I am happy to report that all the thoughts and prayers were heard and appear to have been successful! I met with two plastic surgeons today that both confirmed that I am healing quickly -- more quickly than expected! Better yet, I should be able to start training again in about a week! I cannot describe how happy I am. While I will not be able to participate in the Mud Run at Pendleton, 4 Bridges (albeit at a slower pace) seems probable, and CIM does not appear to be lost after all.

THANK YOU ALL. Your kindness will not be forgotten.

Staph Haze

One benefit of being home, ill, and bored to tears... being able to enjoy hours and hours of Blue Angels practice from your bedroom window and rooftop!

Namaste

"The spirit in me recognizes the spirit in you and smiles."

Challenges in life reveal certain things...

Injury has revealed just how amazing my friends and family are and how fortunate I am.

Phone calls, flowers, ice cream, rides to doctor’s appointments, hugs, daily visits, text messages, visits in emergency rooms, emails, shopping trips, Top Chef, prescription pick-ups, books to read, coordination of all of the above...

It is nearly impossible to sink into sadness with the thought that your entire winter of training is slipping away when you feel as loved and supported as I have felt this week. Thank you all.

Tinley

Two words about Scott Tinley's Adventures Olympic distance road triathlon - Mini Wildflower.

I spent the entire event comparing each element of the race to Wildflower. Everything about the Lopez Lake recreational area reminded me Lake San Antonio.

The Olympic distance event was on Saturday, so Chris and I drove down Friday afternoon. The trip down was one of the more entertaining road trips of my life, which included Chris singing a self-penned song, "Idiot Reserve," as we attempted to locate a gas station on an empty tank. (We made it.)

From the moment we entered the park on Friday evening to register and pick up our race packets I felt like I was at Wildflower. We noted from the size of the transition area that this was a MUCH smaller race.

After picking up our race packets, Chris and I enjoyed a lovely dinner with his parents in Pismo Beach, who had driven up to see their son and cheer him on. I enjoyed spending time with Chris’s family. It was fun to discover that Chris took after his mother in some particular regard and after his father in others. Chris has wonderful parents, which I expected from knowing the man they raised.

Thereafter we checked into one of the coolest little hotels I have ever stayed at -- the Avila La Fonda Hotel in Avila Beach. It is a very welcoming and comfortable hotel, with all the amenities. I knew we were in for a good weekend when they asked us if we wanted wine when we checked in. We passed on the wine, opting instead to get ready for the race. Race numbers were placed on bikes, helmets and on race belts, CarboPro water bottles were mixed, tri bags were double checked and then we called it a night.

Race day started out as a chilly one. Our hands were frozen as we made our way to transition, but it warmed up quickly. I was pleasantly surprised to see two fellow GGTCers in transition -- Andreas and Maria. I hadn't seen them since a long weekend ride many months prior.

The event was so small that all the men were in one heat and the women in another. It was my first time participating in an event with multiple loops for both the swim and the run. I found it cruel while doing the swim portion of the race that I had to get out, run around the swim start marker and then get back in the water and do it again.

The swim was slow going. After the first "leg" of the swim, the course made a turn directly into the sun and you could not see the next buoy. I spent a lot of time trying to sight and am sure I swam a very poor line, not once, but twice!

I was happy to be out of the water after completing my second loop and enjoyed having cheerleaders on the sideline. However, I was so sad when I got to transition and saw a gentleman next to me getting ready to go out for his run. Was I that slow? When I realized he was doing the sprint distance event and that I wasn't THAT slow, I felt much better.

I headed out on my bike and felt good. The bike course was also reminiscent of Wildflower. Immediately after coming out of transition -- a huge hill. Now, this hill wasn't as steep or as long as Lynch Hill, but it was close. The course was a partial out and back, partial loop and I enjoyed the ride. I spent most of it wondering if I should run. My leg wasn't bothering me, but it was swollen and I could not decide if I should run on it.

At the end of my bike I decided that as I was not in pain, and as I have never failed to finish an event, that I would run. I felt fine the entire run. It was slow going, as the course was hilly, and boasted a "worse than Wildflower" hill (steeper, but shorter) that we had to run twice. It was during the run that multiple people commented that my right leg was a bleeding. Interesting. Didn't feel it. Did something happen to my spider bite?

In the end, I enjoyed the race and was glad to have done it.

Chris had a fabulous event. He met his time goal and came in 4th in his age group. I am glad his parents were there to witness his wonderful achievement.

After the race, still feeling fine, Chris's parents took us out to lunch to celebrate. We enjoyed a lovely meal in Avila Beach. What a beautiful town!

It was during lunch that my leg started to not feel so great.

After Chris's parents departed to return home, we headed back to the hotel for a little post-race nap. As we were staying until Sunday, we were able to waste the day away. It was a lovely way to spend the weekend, with my wound being the one exception.

I awoke around 2:30 am on Sunday morning in pain and feeling feverish, but took some Advil and went back to sleep.

Sunday morning we headed out to make the trip back to the City.

After Chris dropped me off at home, while unpacking, I noticed I had the infamous red streaks on my leg. I immediately packed a bag and headed out for Marin General. I didn't want to bother anyone with what was sure to be a long day, so I went on my own.

After checking into the Emergency Room, a physician's assistant came out to see if they could treat me and send me on my way. "It would be much faster." "Let's take a look." "Um, nope! You need to see a doctor." Uh oh. That's not a good sign. I also realized that it might be worse than I though when they took me back rather quickly, before a man who clearly needed stitches to close a gash above his eye. Trouble.

After an entertaining conversation with a sassy EMT, the doctor came in to see me. "Well, let's take a look. Goodness gracious!" Oh great. "We're going to have to cut this one." "Wow, this is bad." At this point I figured I needed to tell someone I had gone to the emergency room and thereafter sent Chris a text message and an email to Dian.

The doctor explained that I had an "advanced" infection as well as cellulitis, and that it was a close call on whether I should be admitted. He thereafter determined that he was going to give me IV antibiotics and drain the wound. Fun times.

Hours later the doctor came in to tend to my leg. OMG, did it hurt. Even after they numbed the wound, I could feel him cutting it. At one point I screamed as tears streamed down my face. It is a rare occasion when I cry due to pain.

Thereafter, while my IV antibiotics continued to flow, I heard a familiar voice in the hall… The moment Paul and Dian walked into my room I burst into tears. I have never been so happy to see friends in my entire life.

Shortly thereafter I was discharged, and after picking up antibiotics and painkillers at the pharmacy, Paul and Dian assisted with getting me home. No small feat when on crutches and you live on the top floor of your building without an elevator. Two Vicodin later I was fast asleep.

Chris took me to see my primary care physician for my post-emergency appointment, who confirmed that my "spider bite" is a staph infection. Lovely.

Chris, Paul, and Dian -- you are godsends. There are not enough words. Thank you.

I am so thankful to be in good hands -- not only my doctors, but in my friends. I can only assume there have been calls of which I am not aware, as my life seems to be coordinating around me without my involvement. Thank you to the organizers. I only hope I can repay you in a positive way, and not with services in-kind. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.