WS 2018: The Women Brought It.

#SheMovesMountains

I think the most impressive story line of Western States this year was the strength of the women. I mean, I know Walmsley absolutely crushed it and totally stole the spotlight (as he should!). But, as Walmsely was HE-MANing it, the women were doing something epic behind the scenes. If you look at the top 50 results overall, it’s sprinkled with F’s. Not to take away from the men, but I’m really stinking proud of the women! The women totally brought it this year.

80% Good.

When thinking about my day personally, I’d say it was 80% good. Meaning I ran well for 80 miles and then things got ugly. It was a bit of a bummer to end on a low note, as the rest of my day was spectacular. But, that is the nature of racing 100 miles. Shit happens and you accept it and move on.

I think I first noticed a twinge in my quad going up Devil’s Thumb. But, it just felt like a small muscle cramp.

When I made my way into Michigan Bluff, I whispered to my crew, a little embarassed “I need a Tylenol.” It was a little early in the race to be needing a pain pill, but my quad was starting to hurt with every step.

At Foresthill I picked up one of my best friends, Tonya Littlehales, to run Cal street with me. We took off chatting and catching up on the day. We had the best time together! Somewhere near the end of Cal Street I started to feel my quad a little bit more than I’d like.

Crossing the river was a game changer, and not in a good way. I’m not sure if it was the pause in running or the cold water, but after exiting the river, I was in a lot of pain.

Zach took over running with me, but I suddenly wasn’t able to move. Uphills were great, but I had to walk every. single. downhill. It was a bit demoralizing to feel so good, except for the 4×4′ section just above my knee. There was literally nothing I could do to make it feel better.

But I digress. I’m not upset, just a little bummed. This wasn’t the year for everything to fall in place for me, and that’s ok. I still am proud of finishing and I get to come back next year!

 

On a positive note, I nailed my nutrition (thanks Meredith Terranova!) and managed the heat really well. Pre-race I gave a #verbal that I’d use ice and let my crew pour water on me. And it was awesome! What have I been missing all these years?!

Another big highlight: there was no crying at Devil’s Thumb! Instead of tears, I was able to greet Elke Reimer with a huge smile and I didn’t have to visit Dave Mackey in the med tent.

A Little Help From My Friends

People say running is a solo sport, but I disagree. I may be the one actually running, but it’s my support team that allows me to thrive on race day. And this support extends way further back than race day. It’s in the months leading up, when I’m running all weekend and Zach takes on extra dog and house chores so I can get in my longer runs. It’s also the constant dialog I have with my coach, Jason Koop, sometimes on a daily basis to keep me on track. It’s also in the friends who gave up a full weekend to chase me from Squaw to Auburn, with little to gain for themselves. All of these people are in a huge way responsible for my success.

It takes a village.

 

 

 

What Now?

One week post-race I still have #tinytim. Diagnosis is a partially torn VMO. But that’s good news, as it should heal in 2-8 weeks (let’s hope the former).

For now, I’m spending lots of sedentary time with my furry friends. They seem to be good at helping me recover.

 

 

 

 

 

5 responses to “WS 2018: The Women Brought It.”

1. Bartman says:

   July 4, 2018 at 2:59 pm

   Great run Steph!! It was impressive to follow the women as they moved up through the field during the latter portion of the event. Better race planning? dealt with the heat better?

   Heal up quick.

   Reply
   • stephanie says:

     July 4, 2018 at 4:02 pm

     Thanks! I definitely had a good race plan and kept myself cool all day. It made a world of difference.

     Reply
2. Alfonso says:

   July 4, 2018 at 11:49 pm

   Congrats Stephanie, what a race!!!

   Tottaly agree: “People say running is a solo sport, but I disagree.” Crew is the best of a race.

   Reply
3. kel says:

   July 6, 2018 at 5:26 am

   Congrats on your wonderful race, despite the last 20 miles!! Hope you heal quickly. It was also wonderful to see competitors supporting each other in such a race.

   Reply
   • stephanie says:

     July 6, 2018 at 7:02 am

     Thank you! I’m already feeling a little better 🙂 That’s my favorite thing about these races- people put each other first!

     Reply