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March 09 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon 2008 The CCUM 2008 was an Amazing Adventure!!!!!! I arrived in Creel on Monday night with my Mother, Sandy and Step Father, Dave. We had driven the 9 hours from El Paso with relative ease. Crossing the border at Santa Theresa was no problem and the drive through the Mennonita Zona (Mennonite country) was beautiful and fascinating. Tuesday morning Caballo,(race director), and runners, Joe, Chris, Franco, and myself caught the bus down canyon to Batopilas. An hour into the ride Caballo suggested we climb up and ride the rest of the way down on the top of the bus. It was a blast but also one of the most frightening experiences of my life.... the road is very windy and the drop of thousands of feet was terrifying. We spent a night in Batopilas and took off with the early morning energy on our 30 mile hike to Urique. (Dave and Sandy drove our gear down while we hiked.) About 1/3 of the way we got to Cerro Colorado where a group of very shy and brightly dressed Raramuri runners met us for the remainder of the journey. It was amazing to watch them run, hear them speak to each other in their native language, and see them slowly warm up to us "gringo's" We got to Los Olisos and had the best grapefruit staight from the tree! Then continued to Urique. We arrive at about 6:30 and had a great meal at Tita and Jose's. A few more runners arrived and the next day we were off for our 18 mile hike to scope the other course loops. My legs were trashed after all this hiking so the original 4 runners + Pam(Mrs. Cabro) took a trip to the swimming hole and to lounge at the beach on Friday. Saturday my legs were still really sore and I was concerned but having a great time with all of the runners and Raramuri (by now 16 gringos and about 60 ramramuri were with us) So, we spent another day at the beach, soaking in the cool water, playing volleyball(?) and jumping/diving off the rock cliffs. Saturday night the town put on an incredible pre race party with mariachi's, and folklorico dancers. Sunday was race day..... 16 gringos(all amazing people and runners) and over 100 Tarahumara (Raramuri) plus a handful of townspeople. There were even 2 Raramuri women! (they do not typically run mixed races) My legs were still not up to par but otherwise I was ready to run. The first loop was cool and I took it easy. By the second loop I was in the lead(women) and plugging along at my slow but steady pace. The last loop was super hot but there was plenty of water and great people along the course. My legs were feeling the 7,500 ft of climb but I felt good and was stoked about seeing all these Indians running in huaraches! They are amazing athletes. I finished the race 8 hoursL and 23 minutes later. Again the town threw a huge fiesta in the plaza with standing room only! All of the gringo's donated their winnings back to the Tarahumara or the towns people..... it was awesome! I was able to give 5,000 pesos (prize for 1st female), a ton of corn, and $150.00 from the SMH Young Democrats. Monday we met for breakfast and then headed out. Sandy and Dave drove back to Arizona and I joined, Theresa, Joe, and Josh for a fun filled journey on cars,trains,buses,cabs,and airplanes. It took 30 straight hours but I got back to SA at 11:00am on Tuesday, exhausted but feeling great about where I had been, what I had done, and the people I met. Once again my life has been enriched by the sport of running and I am soooooo grateful! A Special Thanks to everyone who continues to make it possible for me to run these amazing events. Hammer Nutrition for keeping me fueled. Sandy and Dave for driving me, gear, getting water, taking pictures, and everything else. Art for staying with the kids! Of course Ryan and Callie for putting up with me and all my training! All of my great Clients for understanding when I am away racing and supporting my efforts. Anna Maria for teaching my classes. Keith Williams and eveyone at SMH for all your help and understanding! The Raramuri runners of Copper Canyon for sharing your friendship and traditions with us!!!!! Last but certainly not least..... Caballo and the Mas Locos for making this a truly amazing experience. January 06 Bandera 100K Jan 5th was the Bandera 100k Results: 2nd Female, 1st Master, 7th Overall Photo: See Album below Story: This is a race I love to hate!!!! The course is wicked: rocky, steep, unforgiving; but incredibly beatuiful. Plus it is put on by Joe Prusaitis, for those of you who know Joe, enough said. He is an awesome friend and puts on a top notch race plus he has an incredible crew of people helping him. Racers are totally taken care of. Being that I have done this race 3 times, I decided not to attend the pre race briefing, where Joe apparently told everyone that they would only be marking the course at crucial turns and not to expect ribbons or glo stick every 1/4 to 1/2 mile as in the past. My fist loop ( the course is (2) 50K loops) was tough, my legs were clearly not recovered from the Q50. I thought about dropping after the first loop, but I had the race sweatshirt in the back seat of my car and I really liked it. So, in order to wear it with a clear conscience I decided I would finish even if I had to walk the entire 2nd loop. So, I ate a banana and walk out of the aid station. Soon I started to feel better and decided to run. I was going slowly but I was running. I actually felt better and better and was able to run a lot of the second loop. After dark I was really enjoying being alone in the woods but I started to get panicked since I hadn't seen a marker for over 1.5 miles (remember I didn't go to the trail briefing). So, I decided to back track and look for the last marker. After about 10 minutes I ran into Paul Frost who reassured me I was on the correct route. So we ran in together and it worked out great even though I lost 20 minutes. We finished in 12:04 ( I was hoping for around 12). It was a great day and lots of fun! Today I am really sore and tired but very happy that I am able to have incredible adventures like these and to be surrounded by amazing people and athletes from all over the world! December 19 Thank YouThanks to all of you for your support and amazing comments. None of this would be possible if it weren't for my incredible, friends, students,and family! A Huge Thanks to Everyone at Hammer Nutrition, your support through the years has enabled me to accomplish great things! Be sure to take a look at the photo albums below to see amazing Patagonia! Many Many thanks to Marcos Ferro for the incredible photographs!!!!!
Love You All,
CoachMac December 10 Q50 ChampionHey Everyone,
I WON!!!!!! The race was in an amazing place called Villa Traful, on a lake surrounded by mountains. The weather was awful. Lots of rain and tremendouse wind with temperatures in the 40's. But, the scernery was magnificent and the company just as good. I think I came in 6th overall. 7 people were taken off the course with hypothermia. I was cold at the end but overall was prepared and felt good. Today I am a little stiff but otherwise feel great!
I will upload pictures later today or tomorrow.
Miss you all,
Coach Mac December 06 Villa La AngosturaI have arrived in Villa La Angostura. This is a beautibul town in Patagonia where I am staying with friend for the days before the race.
I have put up some pictures below. The plane ride was long but eneventful (20 hours total travel). Today I will help the organizers prepare for the race and spend time with friends and do a little running in this beautiful place! More pictures to come.
I miss you all
 CoachMac |
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