First day out – Breathe Easier

There are two themes to this post: first about a lost runner coming back to civilization and her first day out of the “wildernes”, and second my first day out on the trail trying out my lungs.

Two runners go lost in the Cleveland National forest since Late Sunday.  Both are said to be experienced ultarunners.  The first runner returned to the trailhead on Wednesday morning after being separated from his partner and sister-in-law since early Sunday.  The second runner was found by helecopter on Wednesday afternoon.  This is the fist day out of the back country they can breathe easy.   A team of people from the Ultrarunner community assisted in the search giving of their time to find one of their own.  I am glad this came to a safe and positive outcome for the runners. But I question their preparedness in these mountains and their experience.

I know what it’s like to do these kinds of runs.  You should know the terrain, trails and the physical dangers.  When running with friends we keep tabs on one another.  We signal each other to let each other know we are OK.  We wait for them at critical trailheads.  What drove these runners to separate and not keep tabs on each other…were they searching for water as one post intimates?   Were they duke-ing it out on the trail to see who could last the longest in the oppresive heat?  Don’t know although when the older runner is passed by the younger woman runner as he is throwing up as cited in her interview you wonder why they did not stick together at that point to ensure the safety of both.

Experience comes not only from the number of miles you put in and the races you have run but the time on feet in conditions that test your stamina, strength and judgment.  Most critical in this circumstance in my opinion is judgment.  Judgment to pace yourself, working as a team, knowing the trail and your bearings. There is much to learn from this this experience for these runners and I hope other runners and outdoor adventurers will take notice on what occurred here and take steps in their own passions to be prepared mentally and physically prepared for what mother nature decides to dish out.

On a related note today was the first day in a week I could actually fill my lungs to capacity without stabbing pains in the left side of my chest.  Was was up early taking with Jeanne and decided to get out for a short hike and watch the sun rise.  It was probably the slowest I have ever covered this section but it was nice to get out.   Now I need to strengthen my muscles in my mid section and ensure all the blood pooled between my lungs and plural cavity gets absorbed.   On the road to recovery but my adventures scheduled still hang in the balance.

Hemothorax – WTF

About 13 days ago while mountain biking in Mammoth I took a digger and landed on my shoulder. Kept riding for the rest of the day and was sore and tired. Saw the doc 3 days later and found out I had a Type 1 separated shoulder and a bruised rib….. OK….I can handle that, just take it easy for a few days…. So I did…

A couple of days later I did an easy trail run, then a rest day and then a 60 and 20 mile road bike ride. Chest pain started during the road biking. Took a two more rest days and then did a little night riding to check equipment and crew for the upcoming Furnace Creek 508 . I completed the ride but was in pain.

Went to a pulmonary specialist Friday and found out I have hemothorax. WTF!! That is blood between the lung and wall of the plural cavity… Not enough blood to require draining it through surgery but enough to keep me from taking deep breaths and keeping me up at night.

I am thankful I now know what’s wrong but the rehab is slow. I am seriously bummed and will be trying to figure out if I can take on my scheduled adventures in the next month.

Guess I’m not 18 anymore…

Back to Blogging….again

Now that I am back from China and the Hardrock 100 I will try to get back to blogging.  I have been accepted to compete in the Furnace Creek 508.  This is a 508 mile solo bike race across the Mojave Desert in early October.  I have about 10 weeks to get my long distance cycling fitness in order.  This will be a step up from other endurance activities and frankly it scares me.  That a lot of time in the saddle.  On a recent 200 mile ride I got to feel what this will be like.  It was and epic ride where my saddle sores got the best of me.  I will work out these kinks for the 508.

Here are some recent training:

7/25 – Bike Mulholland Loop – 42 miles
7/24 – REST – feeling a little left knee ITB pain… also not sleeping well the past 2 nights
7/23 – Run – Backbone trail, 10 miles west of Kanan Road
7/22 – Bike – Rock Store, Yerba Buean from Mulholland, Stunt Road, 40 miles

7/21 – Bike with Bill, PCH, Latigo Canyon, Mulholland, 70 miles
7/20 – REST,
7/19 – Bike with George, Mulholland Loop, 42 miles
7/18 – Run – Pt Mugu State Park, 10 miles

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Chicken, Waffles and Startrek

Spent the morning at the Chinese Consulate turning in my application for a visa. After a 90 minute wait and 2 minutes at the window Rachel and I went to lunch.
Roscoe’s is an iconic diner serving up fried chicken, corn bread and 2 big waffles. It was tough eating all the meal but I did it as my belt was loosened a couple of inches. Rachel however could not meet the challenge and left some on the table.
On the way home we stopped to see the latest epic Startrek movie. It is customary for me to nod off at the movies after a big meal. Rachel was so sure I would be pushing zzzzs that she bet me $20 that I could not stay awake. I qualified that bet by saying as long as I can stay awake during the feature I would win. Hoping I would get a quick snooze int he previews I agreed on the bet. Well, I was on the edge of my seat for a few of the previews so no sleep there.
The Startrek flick was action packed and engaging. I highly recommend it to any loyal trekkie fan or anyone who likes action flicks.

Blogging…Got to start somewhere..

Finally breaking down and starting a blog.  Just got back from Boston on a LONG flight..  The toddler on the plane behind us and his parents have no concept of personal space.  I hate this kind of attitude.  Another couple 2 rows up did the same and then the two babies started to communicate with one another.  When that started it was time to TURN UP THE MUSIC..

After an In and Out Burger as close as possible to the airport (on Sepulveda within a mile of LAX) we headed home.  Our dog Anouk was so glad to see us.  Hung out for a while and got this wordpress to work on my server and aftere I posted this for the first time it was time for a run.

Boney Mountain from the trail in the late afternoon

I drove up to Wendy drive and decided to run up to the cabin site.  I ran into Brad Youngblood.  He is heading to Namibia next week for a 6 day race put on by Racing the Planet.  He feels like he has trained well and looking forward to this adventure.

I wished Brad well on his journey and then ran/walked to the cabin.  The week of moving furniture and the prior weekend’s double century road bike ride has taken its toll on my running.  I feel tight, and my form feels off.  Some funny pains in my abductor muscles and my shoulders.  I will have to get more focused on running this week and ramp up on my miles.

Run: Wendy TH to Boney Mountain Saddle – 8 Miles. Some trail maintenance as well.

• Miles: 8
• Activity: Running