Chasing Kris

Chanoko is a Total Body Fitness Race that starts at the Auburn Dam Overlook park and hugs the North Fork of the American River following the Pioneer Express Trail. In Ultra circles around here, the Pioneer Express is a major artery for big name races like the Western States. Chanoko is a smaller run, less than 75 people were entered into this distance (31k) the day I ran it.  I like that because the trail is yours, for the most part.  We aren't back-to-back people chugging along, worrying about our pace because we don't want to hold up the group.  It's easy to spread out, with the fasties taking the (considerable) lead, then everyone else finding their pace and enjoying the solitude of nature. The overall elevation change of this route was 1,629 feet.  That number is deceptive (as it always is). The beginning of the race is up on the overlook and the first three miles are spent moderating speed as you wind your way down to the river.  We are three miles ...

Granite Head Trails and Ales is a race that fit into my training plan for Ragnar Napa in November and also keeps me having fun and on track for my California International Marathon Relay in December.  I've run this race before and, since it's practically in my backyard, decided to sign up again this year for the long course (11.2 miles). This race is put on by Fleet Feet and begins and ends at the Granite Bay Main Beach area of Folsom Lake in Granite Bay, California.  They offer two course options, the long course and a shorter version that is a little over 6 miles.  The parking is abundant, although getting through the entrance into the State Park can take a while.  If you don't have a State Parks Pass, the parking will cost you $10 at the gate. Pre-Race organization was very good.  The check-in process on site was quick and easy.  There were plenty of fresh new porta potties to keep the lines short.  Runners get their bibs and shirts right in ...

2018 is going to be a banner year for me.  So far, I've kicked ass on Breast Cancer with my final chemotherapy and surgeries ending in April.  With that task completed, I've thrown myself into recovery and rehabilitation mode.  I signed up for a bunch of races while I was sitting through my chemotherapy infusion in March.   Dirty Secret Trail Race was my first run, at 5.8 miles I thought the short distance race would be an excellent motivator (and it was!).  A sweet deal came across my Facebook page for Gold Country Half Marathon in early June, so I grabbed it.  An Independence Day local tradition in my running group is the Firecracker Trail Run on the 4th of July.  It's an 8 mile out and back race with elevation that kicks my butt every year, but I did it anyway.  At the end of July I survived the short distance Blood Sweat and Beers Race , which also kicked my butt, but I did it anyway.  In August, my husband and I celebrated 27 ye...