Break is Over, Back to Work!

Kuani gets a facelift

After six weeks of boatyard work interrupted any semblance of consistency in my training, the idea of starting Ohlone 50k, much less UROC 100k, felt ridiculous. I took DNS's in both races. The bright side is in Kuani's fresh topsides, and my well-rested body. I have just under 40 weeks until Angeles Crest 100. I jumped in as a charter member in the "run club" at Mcmillan Running.  I hope some structured and focused training plans will help me get back in shape.

Ready to get back in the water!

To stay in shape, I plan to run the PUSATF Ultra Grand Prix in 2016. I enjoyed the challenge of staying consistently fit and healthy in the 2012 Gold Country Grand Prix, and stepping up to an ultra series fits well with my current goals. First up will be the Jed Smith 50k in February. I will miss the American Canyon race, but hope to return to that special event. A "road" 50k, Jed Smith will get me whipped back into shape by developing a speedy base. 

And I'll need a good base! Lottery season is upon us, and once again I have thrown my name in for States. Also on the list: Gorge Waterfalls 50k, Way Too Cool 50k and Miwok 100k (both Grand Prix races).

Grizzly sighted in Nevada County

Adding to the novelty of running again is my inclusion on the Victory Sportdesign ultra running team. I have long been a proponent of their vision and integrity. My duties have already begun, as I was enlisted to do some wear testing on the new Grizzly series backpack. The Grizzly has a lot of potential to help further organize the existing Victory bag lineup. It can hold two of the Bear II's stuffed full, or a combination of the smaller Coyote and Cougar bags. Victory's reputation for organizing your endeavors is evident in the interior. An adjustable divider unit and laptop sleeve provide a flexible, adapatable platform.  The design is not finalized yet, but I am excited to see this bag hit stores in 2016.

Please welcome official sponsor: Victory Sportdesign

I am honored to have been chosen for the Victory Sportdesign Pro Team. Victory Sportdesign drop bags are integral to me while racing and training, helping me stay organized and focused on running. I am excited to move forward with their support and I hope to represent their integrity and values within the trail running community. 

#getingetoutgetmoving

Master Amino Pattern and International Nutrition Research Center (INRC)

Having proven to myself that Master Amino Pattern provided a benefit, I went all in at Western States. Over the course of the event, I consumed 145 grams. My post race CPK level was 9,995 IU/L, compared to a median value of 20,000 IU/L. Some of the highest recorded at States are over 500,000 IU/L. I experienced little DOMS in the days following the race, although my blistered feet remained tender.

I contacted the International Nutrition Research Center (INRC) in Coral Gables, Florida to discuss a potential partnership. Dr. Grandi offered a significant discount to me, which I am happy to pass along to you! You can use the link on the right to get the discount. Or, you'll be able to purchase them from me directly in the Bay Area.

Victory Sportdesign and Trkac Running Store

Please welcome new Wanderplace sponsors Victory Sportdesign and Trkač Specialty Running Store! Both have provided material support to me in my pursuit of long distance adventures. I appreciate their quality of service and contributions to the running community.

Victory Sportdesign, owned by Victor Ballesteros, manufactures a line of drop bags based on Western States size requirements. The bags have design features inspired by years of running ultra races. I met Victor in 2012 when the bags were first being developed. Besides pacing me at the 2013 North Face 50 Mile, Victor has donated gear for the 2014 Western States 100. I am proud to endorse his products. He continues to innovate and improve his drop bags, which are omnipresent at aid stations across the country.

Trkač Running Store (pronounced "tracks") in Grass Valley is my local shop in Gold Country. When I began running in 2009, a trip to the running store meant a 45 minute drive to Auburn Running Company. Since opening, owners Mark and Leatrice Erickson have developed a loyal following, encouraging and enabling runners of every shape, size and speed. In addition to providing Grass Valley and Nevada City with premium running products, Trkač works with the Sierra Trailblazers in supporting a local running team.