Rise & Rise Again
It is important to me to share this story why? Because this is an example of resilience. Despite the lows, Angelica faced she did not quit. As her coach, I am damn proud.
Here is Angelica’s story about her race experience at Leona Divide on April 23, 2022.
I think it's important to share a little background info about me, my goals, and why I ran this race.
When I learned the 50-mile distance at Kodiak was no longer available in late January, I decided to go big and roll my entry to the 100-mile distance. After completing two back-to-back 50k races, one of which I practically crawled to the finish.
I have been on and off with trail running since 2015 (with several injuries in between pausing my "training"). When I decided I wanted to run Kodiak, I asked a friend with 100-mile distance experience for help with training. I realized quickly I needed knowledgeable guidance, so I contacted Coach Melissa. We discussed training strategy, nutrition, and considerations for my 50-mile qualifying race for Kodiak when we met.
Leona Divide was a non-goal race. It was an opportunity to practice nutrition and implement pre-race procedures and strategies. I was a bit nervous going in because Melissa's training method is different than how I've trained in the past. Honestly, I was afraid I'd die on the course.
Race morning didn't go as planned. My GPS routed me to the wrong location, which resulted in me starting the race 8 minutes late. I was stressed, angry, and defeated (I hadn't even started yet). I saw Coach Melissa as I got to the start, which felt reassuring in my moment of panic. I took a deep breath and went on my way. I was surprised to catch a group of runners on the first of many long climbs. Soon after that, I caught up with more runners (who am I!?). I felt good arriving at the aid station around mile 8.5, but the time I spent removing rocks/dirt from my shoes annoyed me. I felt pressure to catch up.
For the next few miles, I worked alongside two runners.
When they stopped, I did too; we'd catch our breath and continue. It seemed like this went on for a long time. I reached a stretch of rolling hills and created an opportunity to pick up my pace. When I entered the 3rd aid station, I cleared my shoes of rocks (again). My feet burned from the rubbing against the dirt inside my socks. I started to cramp when I stood up; I immediately gravitated to salt pills at the aid station and continued. I passed a few runners, which boosted my morale. I entered the aid station at mile 21. I was disputing about changing shoes, but I'd been feeling okay aside from the dirt issue. I was looking forward to applying lube to my feet, but the product was missing from my drop bag, adding to the discomfort.
Before leaving the aid station, I quenched my thirst with coke. As I approached a long steep climb, I began to power hike; I realized I'd been on my feet longer than in my training and felt proud of myself.
By mile 26, I encountered another challenge. I ran out of my nutrition, knowing I needed to consume the calories. I tried food from the previous aid station, which did not sit well. I felt boiling; the sun was relentless. I missed my step a few times when oncoming runners crossed me and almost rolled off the trail. I felt discouraged. I struggled mentally; my stomach felt terrible. I again felt angry at myself for starting late, not using the porta-potty, and frustrated with this game of "catch-up." My pace slowed (a lot). My feet hurt, I debated if I should remove the rocks from my shoes, and then I saw a girl ahead. I worked my way to her and realized I did not have much to go. I entered the long downhill to the finish and was happy to see the "KH Races" banner welcoming me back.
Despite the challenges I encountered, I was pleased with how I felt during the race. Coach Melissa's guidance was on point. I learned a lot about my nutrition and hydration strategy. I was excited to feel as good as I did the following day.
Thank you so much, Coach Melissa for sharing your knowledge with me. I can't wait for the next event.
