Life is short... running makes it seem longer. Baron Hansen

Last week, I accomplished my first trail race in Sausalito, Ca. - 20k Pirates Cove Trail Run. Every week, the challenge continues and even though its tough, I have learned to enjoy it even more.

Our race started out on a steep hill. I don't think many of us thought it was going to end. It seemed as though we were just walking/hiking for the first 2 miles.

But once we got to the top, we had an amazing view.

even seeing the Golden Gate Bridge to the side of us. :)

The course had just the right amount of difficulty. I think I completed the course in just under 2:39 minutes. Considering we were walking/hiking up for the first couple of miles, I think I did pretty good. My pace in the beginning was probably around 15m./mile, and once we climbed and running rolling hills, it was more like 10-11m./mile.

Still Running,

Bethany Perry

Knowing Cancer - Coach Mama Lisa

True Inspiration!

"At Saturday run, I was told by several mentors to speak out and let runners know what is

going on with my health. They didn’t ask me to speak out (I don’t believe) because I was

running slower than anyone else on the course or I looked ill (did I?) or a lack of nutrition

or the last one on the trails (I am a Sweeper for goodness sake!) but mentors thought

everyone needed to know about my health condition

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on December 23, 2009. A diagnosis of breast cancer is

startling, almost incomprehensible news. I will have my first dose of chemo on

Wednesday, March 17. I hope that treatment for breast cancer is the most difficult thing I

will ever have to face in my life. It is very difficult and part of the difficulty is the

unpredictability of side effects. My doctor said, while handing me a long list of possible

side effects of treatment, “everyone gets something; no one gets everything.”

One of my greatest miracles thus far is the overwhelming love and support from

ultrarunners, friends and family. I am sustained by the love ad support of those who are

taking this journey with me. I know that Craig, Mark and Laura feel the same too. Thanks

to you, friends and family for providing strength, comfort, laughter, companionship, and

unconditional love.

Ultrarunning has always been a huge part of my life since 1992. I brought the word ultra

running to Team in Training in 2005 and 4½ years later Team in Training approved ultra

as part of their program. For the first time in the history of TNT you and I are making it

happening. Even though it only took me 6 weeks to write the training schedule, it took 6

months to write the program, including rules and regulations of trail running, layouts of

trail running, mentor/captain guideline booklet, guidelines of training runs, the do’s and

don’ts, nutrition facts, clinics, choosing a race for your first best, talking and meeting with

dozen of the greatest ultra runners ever lived and many of which are in the book called,

“Born To Run.” I wanted to know their thoughts and ideas about training first timers. It

is hard to believe but no one knew. It surprised me as much as I surprised myself. I

started by running a little more each week until I could run a 50K, 50 miler, 100K and

eventually 100 mile.

As an up and coming ultra runner, your ability to grow at a rapid pace on trails for hours

amazes me! Ultra did not come easy for me. I was a lot like Stephen, trained on streets,

around lakes and anywhere I could run for a few hours. Trails came later into my life after

running over 200 marathons I wanted something different and a difference came with over

110 ultramarathons later. I enjoy trails and street running but most of all trails running

teach discipline, how to except and appreciate pain, how to dig deep, and never wait too

late to think what’s next. Body language teaches us to think, to eat, to drink and to sort

things out as we run. Trails can either break you or make you stronger. Have fun, because

trails humble you; respect the hills and they will respect you and remember: listen to your

body!"

-Mama Lisa

Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do.

Last Saturday, I ran in Woodside Hills at Huddart Park. If you are unfamiliar with this area, it is next to Palo Alto and is a must if you are looking for a new place to hike, go on a picnic with the family, or even explore! I am beginning to truly love trail running. It is so much more enjoyable than running on pavement or flat surfaces.

We had perfect weather for our run and we managed to miss the rain yet again. Mama Lisa invited a friend of hers named Milo to help mark our course and lead us. We were immediately informed that he wasn't very friendly, but very knowledgeable and an amazing person once you get to know him. He was very stern and focused to start on time...one of those NO messing around kinda guys (I think someone said he was a Navy Seal...Ah that explains it). I liked him and respected how he lead us.

The climb started immediately on our course. I'd say the first half was all uphill until our turnaround point. I was suppose to run about 12-15 miles, but I had to cut it short to about 10 to make it to work on time. So that was 5 miles of incline in the beginning (about 3,950 ft incline). Saturday made me appreciate ROLLING HILLS <--Favorite! After our turnaround, it was smooth sailing. Gina, Angela, and I ran almost the entire way back without stopping. I got into my groove and didn't want to stop. I definitely could have ran another 5 miles if I didn't have to work.

This upcoming Saturday will be my first official trail race. Kinda excited and nervous at the same time. We are going to run the Pirates Cove Trail Run. I had to sign up for a 30k cause the 20k was sold out but I will probably change that day of. I don't know if I could manage 18 miles of trails and then head to work. If you didn't know, I work EVERY Saturday at Nordstrom immediately after my runs (usually showering at my gym near work to make it on time). It will be a beautiful course. I ran part of it a few weeks back and it was very challenging. I look forward to it.

Still Running,

Bethany

A months worth of blogging!

Well it's about time I update this blog. . . I guess this is the beginning of another long journey. You guessed it! I'm running with team in training again. This season is a little different than last . . . actually a lot different. Not only have I chosen a much more challenging endurance event, I found out one of my best friend's father from work was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a slow growing cancer in which the bone marrow- the soft, spongy tissue in the center of bones- makes too many white blood cells. Although normal white blood cells help the body fight infection and disease, leukemia cells look different than normal blood cells and do not function correctly. Large numbers of leukemia cells also interfere with other blood cells, usually red blood cells and platelets.

I really can't imagine going through a battle with cancer, but I can tell you one thing. . . I am going to do all I can to help fight it!!! I am dedicating this marathon to my dear friend's father, Steven Anderson. I don't know if you will ever read this, but I know you can overcome this battle! I think most of us have been affected by cancer whether it be a family member, friend, co-worker, or someone you have met along the way. I use to think that one person couldn't really do much until recently. There are 2 honorees (maybe 3) on our team of about 20ish this season. How inspiring! They constantly remind us each week that with TNT's help, they were able to find a cure for their cancers. So I'm gonna keep on running & fundraising!

I have been training for my second marathon for about a month now and let me tell you, running trails is pretty hard. Trails are usually always rolling hills from what I have learned. I find myself walking up most of the hills. :) Mama Lisa, our main coach, tells us "I can't stress enough, WALK THE HILLS!" And I definitely have no problem listening to that one. She is an amazing woman. She is such an accomplished runner. Mama Lisa has not only completed several Ultra marathons (usually 50-100 miles distance . . . mine is baby - 31.07 mi. - compared to what she has accomplished), but she has been in Runner's World magazine! How cool is that? Ok most of you probably don't care, but I find it really inspiring. Seeing a woman in her 60s pass me up on vigorous trails gives me the confidence that I can really accomplish anything I put my mind to no matter how hard it is. I listen and take every piece of advice she has to offer during my training.

Our first week of training, we ran at Lake Chabot, Castro Valley (our actual starting point for the 50K Skyline Marathon). My only expectations for this marathon training was that it would be a little harder with hills but it wouldn't be too hard since we'd start out slow, right? Eh wrong. . . we ran about 10 miles our first Saturday. Ah &#$%*! I hadn't been running since um October 18th (Nike Marathon), so I definitely felt it afterwards. The following week I missed to nurse my chest cold. I learned that I didn't miss much because week 3 was exactly the same course. One of my favorite parts about running with the team is our courses. Week 3 was stationed in Mill Valley. It is about 15-20 minutes from Corte Madera. We basically ran the cliffs of Stinson Beach. If you haven't explored Stinson Beach, you are missing out. It was definitely the most challenging run I have done to date, but also one of the most rewarding.

What come up, must come down!

So attractive right now! :)

Shea bought me this great bright pink lightweight endurance jacket that I love to run with. I think others like it too cause they can see me and they know they are running in the right direction. It's perfect! It keeps me dry, warm, and it's not too hot to run in. It was the perfect valentine's gift. LOL. Week 4, we ran in Orinda at Inspiration Point. The last time I ran here, I hated it . . . nothing inspiring. However, this time around, I loved it. It probably helped to have my running buddy, Leilani, back with me.

Last week, we ran in Redwood Regional Park in Oakland. It was on the Skyline and at about mile 14 of our future 50K course. Once again, it was another beautiful trail. Quite muddy though after all of the rains. I think we are up to 2 1/2 hours on our feet. One of the main differences with training for this ultra is that we run by time on our feet, not just mileage. You find that running hills will take you much longer per mile than running on flat surfaces.

and one last thing...

Until next time,

Bethany