• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Run
    • Point Mariah Trail Marathon
    • Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race
    • Castle Peak 100k
    • Group Runs
    • Snowshoe Loans
    • Code of Conduct
  • Join
    • Membership Cost & Benefits
    • Race Discounts
    • Join Us
  • Volunteer
    • Be a DPMR Volunt(HERO)!
    • Aid Station Volunteers Needed!
    • Trail Stewardship
  • About
    • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • Calendar
  • Store
    • Shopping Cart
  • Donate

Donner Party Mountain Runners

Inform Inspire Connect

  • Member Highlights
  • Race Reports
  • Newsletter
  • Webinar Videos

Breaking Up with Running – Injury to Opportunity

August 31, 2017 by Mone' Haen 8 Comments

On Wednesday, August 2nd at precisely 6:07AM, I pulled my right calf. Yes, I know the exact date and time because I was running with my friend, Cortney and we were heading up a hill just outside of the Donner Picnic Site to meet more friends, Audrey, Tiffany and JP, for a run on Drunken Deer. My calf had been tight since the night before and suddenly, I felt a pop followed by pain and an inability to run or even walk without a limp. #@&^!! Damnit!   #@&^!! #@&^!! #@&^!!. #@&^!! All the bad words!

I had literally just signed up for the Sierra Crest 30K two days before this happened and planned to run the race in three days’ time. #@&^!! Damnit!   #@&^!! #@&^!! #@&^!!. All the bad words!

Needless to say I was in a very bad mood for the rest of the day, but then managed to convince myself that it really wasn’t that bad and I just needed to stay off of it for a day and it’d be fine. Fine! It will be fine damnit! Wear a compression sleeve, ice it, ignore the limp, ignore the pain – mind over matter right? It. Will. Be. FINE! Yeah, not so much.

Three days later, Abe (my husband) and I headed to the Alder Creek Adventure Center for the start of Sierra Crest. Our plan had been for him to run the 50K which starts an hour ahead of the 30K, catch up with me on the 30K course and then we’d run together for whatever portion remained of the race. The 50K started and I sent him off with a kiss, a pat on the behind and a “see you in a little bit”.

An hour later, the 30K started and I was limping from the first step – this was not going to end well. A little running guardian angel (eh hem – Carol Lindsay) called out to me “Mone’ you’re limping”. Yes, yes I know, but maybe it’ll loosen up. It’ll be fine. FINE! I swear – it’ll be fine! Nope.

It did loosen up for a bit, but was never pain free. Then the pain started to get worse and three miles in, I decided to throw in the towel and accept my first DNF. It wasn’t worth a long term injury. Discouraged, defeated and depressed, I turned around and started my hike back to the Adventure Center. I crossed paths with Abe about a mile and a quarter on the way back. This was not how we had planned this. Nonetheless, I could tell he was having a great race thus far and was so excited for him. Another quick kiss and he was on his way. I proceeded down “The Path of Defeat” [read with an ominous, gruff voice]. No swear words, no feisty defiance – just depressed resignation.

Abe at the Sierra Crest 50K finish

I decided that I would allow myself to wallow for a few hours and then buck up in time to go watch Abe finish. He called me about an hour away from finishing so that I could be there in time. Of course Abe finished a lot faster than he expected and I managed to miss it by about five seconds. Abe had a great race and was pretty happy as a result. I’d like to say that it was contagious but I’ll be honest in that although I was happy for him, I was still depressed about what I was coming to terms with as a legitimate injury that wasn’t going to miraculously vanish any time soon.

The day after Sierra Crest, I rebelled against my calf and broke up with Running. “F@#^ you, calf! F@#^ you, Running! If I can’t run, I’ll date Biking and Swimming and whatever! I don’t need Running – yeah that’s it. I’ll find endorphin fueled happiness again without you, Running!” Anyway, I decided I was done wallowing and that I was just going to focus on other things until my calf decided to cooperate. That morning I took my mountain bike out on the Animal. What on earth made me think I could ride Animal? I suck at mountain biking. I’m not exaggerating and I’m not being humble. I’m being factual – I suck at mountain biking, but since I was in a defiant, rebound from Running mood – F@#^ that! I went out and pedaled away on freshly rained on dirt. It was GLORIOUS! Angels singing, sun light emerging from behind clouds – GLORIOUS! When I got home and told Abe how much fun it was, he beamed. He has been trying to get me to mountain bike for years. Later that day we went to visit friends at Palisades Lake and when they wanted to swim across, I happily joined in. Same thing – angels singing, sun light emerging, all that jazz – it was awesome! “See – told you so Running, I don’t need you! I have these other sports that want me! Ha – take that!”

So for the next three weeks, I did my best not to drunk dial Running and just be happy dating Road Biking, Mountain Biking and Swimming. Yes, occasionally I would succumb to my feelings for Running and give a reconciliation a chance. Each time, Running and I would work well together for a little bit but then old wounds would reopen and I’d feel hurt and depressed again.   “F@#^ you, calf! F@#^ you, Running! We are never ever everrrrrr getting baaaaaaack together [thank you Taylor Swift]”

Before swimming Donner East to West

I managed to talk Cortney into swimming Donner Lake with me from East to West. I love that Cortney and I can talk each other into almost anything. Everyone needs a friend like that – especially when you’re going through a break up. So yeah – we did that on Wednesday, August 16th bright and early in the morning. It took us about an hour and a half to swim the three miles from the TD Beach to West End. Queue singing angels…..

Looking West before walking in

I got to thinking that if swimming East to West was that awesome, what about swimming AROUND Donner? Searching online for a swim around Donner turned up absolutely nothing. I remembered that Rich Molsby had circumnavigated Donner a couple of years ago so I reached out to him to get some insight. Turns out he had done it solo and not as part of an organized event or race. He recommended swimming it after Labor Day and early in the morning.   Alrighty then. Hold that thought.

On August 26th, Cortney and I raced in the Lake Tahoe Sprint Triathlon. Cortney had a great race! I had a great race! My calf was fine throughout the race and even on the two-mile run leg. Maybe Running and I would be getting back together after all. I was signed up to race in the Olympic Triathlon the next day, but in typical fashion, Running hurt me again and my calf started to tighten up that evening. I wouldn’t be racing in the Olympic. “F@#^ you, calf! F@#^ you, Running! We are never ever everrrrrr getting baaaaaaack together [thank you again Taylor Swift]”

Well, as fate would have it, my father in law was going to visit that Monday through Wednesday and Abe and I would have childcare if we wanted to get out for an adventure together. Having run Waldo 100K on August 19th, I was able to convince Abe to stand on a paddle board for up to three and a half hours to pace me while I attempted to circumnavigate Donner. So, ready or not, I was going to make the attempt on Tuesday, August 29th.

Abe prepping the paddleboard

Abe and I headed out to Donner at 5:30 on the morning of the 29th. Abe unloaded the paddleboard and I put my wetsuit on. We entered the water at 6:09AM – while it was still pretty dark. Swimming the perimeter of Donner gave me an entirely different vantage point of the homes and area surrounding the lake than what I had experienced while running around the lake. The contrast was remarkable. Above the water, I got a tour of the homes, piers and landscape surrounding the lake. Below the surface, there is a whole otherworldly landscape. Huge granite boulders, tiny white shells, fallen trees, crawfish traps and the occasional human artifact suspended in the depths. I even saw what I think is an aquatic moth. Once the sun came up, the rays of light illuminated the deeper sections of my route and even proved to be a navigation tool. I found that I could tell if I was headed in the right direction depending on the angle of the rays. My mind didn’t wander once. I had anticipated that the swim would almost be entirely devoid of sensory stimuli, but it was completely the opposite. I was hyper aware of the visual and auditory surroundings as well as the temperature changes in the water and even changes in how the water smelled in different areas of the lake. Having Abe pace me on the paddleboard provided me with a sense of safety and security that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I knew he was watching for ski boats so I didn’t have to. Seeing him when I turned my head to breathe allowed me to relax and enjoy the entire experience.

Swimming with a buoy for safety. (pc: Abe Haen)
Even with a swim buoy, I’m difficult to see, so I was very grateful to have Abe scouting for ski boats. (pc: Abe Haen)

Three hours after entering the water, I drunkenly stumbled out of the water. Holy crap – I actually did it – I swam 6 miles around Donner Lake. As soon as I stopped moving I started to shake and shiver uncontrollably. Abe had to help me out of my wetsuit, and my neoprene booties. He wrapped me in a blanket and poured me a hot cup of coffee. I could go on and on and gush about how amazing and wonderful he is, but it makes him uncomfortable so I’ll just say he’s amazing and wonderful and leave it at that (sorry honey – I had to say something).

So, as much as I really really really hope that Running and I will get back together one day soon, I’ve fallen in love with Swimming and Biking as well.

Filed Under: General, Training, Trip Reports

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ksenya says

    September 1, 2017 at 10:44 am

    congrats on all the accomplishments, Mone’!

    Reply
    • Mone' Haen says

      September 5, 2017 at 11:21 am

      Thanks Ksenya.

      Reply
  2. Carol Patterson says

    September 1, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    Running and I are having a “rocky relationship” right now, too…. (neuroma gone crazy). I’m overeating in Spain in between wandering cobblestone streets in my Altras. Hoping to get it whacked on my return to US. Missing you…..

    Reply
    • Mone' Haen says

      September 5, 2017 at 11:21 am

      Oh no Carol, I’m so sorry to hear about the neuroma! Spain and overeating in Spain sound like great coping mechanisms to me too! Enjoy the relaxation even if it is forced.

      Reply
  3. Molsby says

    September 2, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    You go girl Im really proud of you. Great read and description!

    Reply
    • Mone' Haen says

      September 5, 2017 at 11:19 am

      Thanks Rich! And thanks for the intel and inspiration!

      Reply
  4. Michelle Dunphy says

    September 3, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    Sharing this with Jacob. He was forced to break up with running in May and has been having a tough time with it (though he did take up swimming too!). 🙂

    Reply
    • Mone' Haen says

      September 5, 2017 at 11:18 am

      Sorry to hear about Jacob’s injury. It’s no fun but hopefully he’ll find a substitute until he can rekindle his romance with running. 😉

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Become a Member Today »

Subscribe to our email newsletter & announcements!

2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

trail race logo
Join us on Aug 5, 2023!
See race details

Connect in Person

Oct
3
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Oct
5
Thu
5:30 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Oct 5 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels in Coldstream Canyon, Truckee. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Keep an[...]
Oct
10
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Oct
12
Thu
5:30 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Oct 12 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels in Coldstream Canyon, Truckee. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Keep an[...]
Oct
17
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Connect Online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

See us on Instagram

dpmrunners

Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plen Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plenty of fun)!

📍 : @donnerskiranch 
⏰ : Saturday September 16th, 8am
🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ : Judah Loop and continue on the PCT.
Run the Judah loop for ~6 miles, continue to Anderson peak for ~13miles (or further on the PCT if you want to go longer)
🗺️ : https://www.strava.com/routes/3135724872218937730
🎉 : Rejoin at the Donner Ski Ranch Old 40 Bar & Grill after the run (and there may be some sweeeeet giveaways...).
🙋‍♀️ : The Judah Loop is a trail adopted and actively maintained by DPMR as part of @truckeetrails' Adopt a Trail program

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #lakesonoma #lakesonoma100k
Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOM Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOMORROW?!! DPMR is so excited to bring you this second edition of the race that promises to be bigger and better than last year! RD Chris Cloyd and team have been working so hard all week with final prep. The course is in great shape with some beautiful fun flowy singletrack. He said he'd love a few more volunteers so checkout the signup genius on our volunteer page, but otherwise wants everyone to please come hang out, cheer, and join the party! 
Unique to this race is the 5 segment course that utilizes a central aid station and can be done as a 2 person or 5 person relay, in addition to challenging yourself to run the whole thing solo!
Registration is still OPEN in person until 6pm tonight with bib pick-up at @tahoemountainsports with reg remaining open online til 1159pm. Race day bib pickup available in the morning 6-730am. No Race Day Reg. 

Thanks to our amazing sponsors this year, every participant will be eligible for a prize giveaway and get a pair of @darntoughvermont socks and @drinklmnt hydration.

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #trailmarathon #trailrace #pointmariah #pointmariahtrailmarathon
Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in th Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in the works.  We’ve been collaborating with Alibi Ale Works to release a co-branded beer (YES!).   Join us for a social run next Tuesday, where we'll have the pleasure of running alongside Alibi's head brewer, Matt Garcia! We'll hit the trails together, and afterward, we'll gather at Alibi to brainstorm the perfect brew that represents our club.  And since the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, we're adding some extra fun to the mix. We'll also be assembling course markings during the event. It's going to be an unforgettable night! Hope to see you there!
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Ent 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Enthusiasts! Join Us in Supporting the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
The Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, and we need YOUR help to make it a roaring success! 🌟 This incredible event brings together the running community and showcases the determination and passion of athletes from all walks of life. Now, we are seeking volunteers to be an essential part of this memorable experience!
📅 Event Date: August 5th
⏰ Volunteer Dates: Several different shifts available from August 2nd - August 6th
🤝 We firmly believe that it takes a village to organize events like these, and YOU can be a crucial part of this vibrant community effort! No prior experience is required—just bring your enthusiastic spirit, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
📍 Positions Available:
1️⃣ Course Marking: Help ensure that the runners stay on track and have a smooth route to follow.
2️⃣ Finish Line Support: Cheer on our amazing athletes as they cross the finish line and celebrate their achievements.
3️⃣ Course Marshals: Guide and assist participants at key points along the trail, offering encouragement and direction.
4️⃣ Timing Assistance: Play a vital role in accurately recording race times and ensuring accurate results.
... and more! There are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the success of the marathon.
🌟 Not only will you have a fantastic time being part of this incredible event, but you'll also have the chance to bond with fellow running enthusiasts, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
💪 Together, let's show the world the power of community and support in making this marathon an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR!
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! Link in bio.
Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at the Diamond Peak aid station this weekend at the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs.  Everyone out on the course really appreciated all of the support!!! Stay tuned, we will be posting the Volunt(hero) leaderboard soon!  In the meantime, we're seeking more incredible volunteers to join our team at the upcoming Pt. Mariah trail marathon, and we promise it'll be an experience you won't forget! 😄
Sign up today! No experience needed. Link in bio.
The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going strong with more than 60 volunteers out helping runners get through our various aid stations this year. What is the Volunt(hero) program? The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free race entries for a year, up to $1000. We will be posting our leaderboard soon but only a few hours separate those at the top.  Adding a shift can catapult you in to one of the coveted top 10 spots to be included in the raffle.  So come and join us THIS WEEKEND out at TRT! There are still openings overnight, morning clean up Sunday, and sweeps for TRT (Double points for morning clean up).
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻 Link in bio for more info!
Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane h Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane has been a DPMR member since the inaugural year (2014).  She has been a board member for 5 years with the last 3 at the helm. Diane loves a good joke and believes life is a whole lot better if you don’t take things too seriously.  She also believes that trail time is best shared with dogs and friends. And friends with dogs.  Diane is a recovering graphic designer but will come out of retirement for a good race logo opportunity (thank the cosmic forces for that!). Diane will be out on the course for the TRT100 next weekend - so if you see her out there, give her a big hello and high-five! Good luck Diane! #unafraid #dpmr #girlboss #100miler #paincave #yougotthis
Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-runni Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-running-obsessed artist extraordinaire to transform our boring old 3D foam sign for Pt. Mariah into a mind-blowing piece of art. Picture this: foam sculpture meets artistic genius equals immortalizing Pt. Mariah in your artistry.  The project consists of 30” letters, which are 4” thick, and spell Pt. Mariah.  The letters can be picked up in Truckee after Jul 3rd and need to be complete by August 3rd. This is a commissioned project with a budget of $500. 

Are you ready to unleash your creative beast? Then don't hesitate! Slide into our DMs faster than a trail runner chasing a PR. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create something truly legendary.
The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here!!  Please consider volunteering with us.  We have many shifts available from Friday, July 14th through Sunday, July 16th! 
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥

Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻
Link in bio for more information. 

P.S. If you are racing, let us know so we can cheer you on!!
What are you waiting for? Register today to take p What are you waiting for? Register today to take part in a unique, fun, multi-loop style course with five segments that tour different parts of the Royal Gorge land. Race solo, with a partner, or as a 5-person team!  There is something for everyone! Register today! Link in bio.
Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutel Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutely shattering the women’s course record at Western States 100 today! Such an inspiration to all. We know you are the GOAT but tell us the truth Courtney… is your secret weapon the DPMR pancakes?!?
Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western States 100 just now. Incredible performance landing him the 4th fastest time in the history of the event!  Well done Tom!
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

Run with Us

  • Group Runs
  • Code of Conduct

Race with Us

  • Point Mariah Trail Marathon
  • Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race
  • Castle Peak 100k
  • Discount Codes

Join Us

  • Membership Cost & Benefits
  • Join Us
  • DPMR Gear
  • Donate

About Us

  • About Us
  • Volunteer
  • Board
  • Contact Us

© 2023 · Donner Party Mountain Runners · Truckee, California · Website by Tahoe Web Works