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TRT100 Recap

July 30, 2018 by Marilyn Oberhardt Leave a Comment

Normally, I would not be inclined to share a race report for a DNF. But, since this was not the run-of-the-mill situation and I had so much joy at Tahoe Rim Trail 100 2018 despite the outcome, I wanted to share. Also, I learned a new definition for DNF (thanks to I-Tao Tsai) that I think is far more appropriate than the usual – Do Not Forget. That motivated this report!

TRT 2018 pre-race, with Julian Martinez – Photo by Matt Oberhardt

Was also really happy that part of my pre-race Truckee time coincided with the DPMR Trail 10k and Half Marathon, and I had a chance to be more than an East Coast ghost and to volunteer at the event. I had great prep and acclimation in the 10 days prior to race start. Tuesday preceding race weekend I went up to the top of Granite Chief for one last bit of real “work” in the 8000-9000 ft zone. I felt so fit and couldn’t wait to start the race!

Race briefing came around on Friday, and there was so much smoke from the Ferguson fire. That was a bit of concern but by later in the evening that had cleared, and I was pretty optimistic about that for Saturday and Sunday. A bit more disconcerting was the thunderstorm forecast, so I just made sure to have what I needed in case storms hit us during the race.

Despite doing all the “right” things, I didn’t get a wink of sleep Friday night! Oh well! Was up and at ‘em and just wanted to get going. Morning was pretty warm all things considered. Was fun to see friends at the start and get the trail party started. Had a wonderful run up through North Canyon on the way to Hobart that morning and was really enjoying the start. Rolled into Hobart right on time, albeit feeling the climb a tiny bit – just needed to wake up the body a bit. Loved the Dia de Muertos theme at Hobart!

Sunrise from Tunnel Creek 7.21.18 – Photo by Matt Oberhardt

From Hobart to Tunnel Creek, I was really in the flow, with fun miles with Julian. Unfortunately, my brain turned off for the nanosecond it took to catch my left toe hard on a rock and get thrown to the ground very hard. Landed mostly on my right quad and my right calf instantly starting seizing. Man, was I annoyed with myself, both for tripping and opting to not tape my left psoas/glute and right calf because I thought that I would be annoyed later in the heat. Popped back up so that I could get the calf to stop seizing, brushed off and got going again.

One of my goals for TRT 2018 was quicker turns in the aid station. I hit Tunnel Creek fired up and ready to go. Grabbed coconut water from my brother Matt and my good friend Eric Ellisen, who had hiked up to cheer me, and was out in under 20 seconds! Woohoo! Had a very good Red House loop, scoring a big hug from Frankie Stone on my way up as she descended in the 50 miler. I was feeling a bit of a low point coming into to Tunnel the second time, truth be told, because my non-cooperative GI was an energy thief in my legs and was kicking myself for not taping. Asked Matt to bring my KT tape to Diamond Peak and I would remedy things there. Thankfully that was my only negative mental state of the whole event.

I felt the best that I ever had on the Tunnel Creek to Bull Wheel segment and beyond on the way to the Tyrolian downhill. No altitude or heat stress and was right on the pace that I wanted. So stoked! Julian took off in this stretch as if on jet fuel, but I restrained myself because that was a “speed kills” pace. When I was by myself, I was even singing out loud (sorry surrounding flora and fauna, ghastly, I know.) Hit Diamond Peak in a great split. Matt’s crewing was so on point – he helped me tape, gave me my ice shirt/bandana/hat, fuel and hydration and got me out of there to hit the hill. Attacked Diamond Peak climb with constant and relentless forward motion. My friend Baldwyn Chieh passed me as we were part of the way up – he is amazing on that hill!! Unfortunately, the tape job on my legs was for naught, as the direct sun on the climb melted the tape right off of me. Very near the top, I had an odd sensation that, with the benefit of hindsight, was probably the initial flare sent up by my body regarding the brewing infection. I had this flash headache and a hint of nausea. So, I took a few minutes to regroup at Bull Wheel and ate and drank there rather than on the move. When that sensation passed, I hit it to get to Tunnel.

At Tunnel, I visited the medics to see if they had tape. In what was pure stubbornness and foolishness on my part, I tried to apply it to my slimy self. They patiently watched me fumble, and then offered again to help me. They alcohol prepped me and then applied glue and then applied the Rock Tape. They instructed me to not pull it off because of the glue, and that it had to come off on its own or I would rip my skin. Took me a bit of extra time at Tunnel, but I was sure that that was worth it. Still have some of the calf tape on today, 7/28/18!

Climbing back to Hobart, even with the medics’ expertise, dang tape on the left leg started flapping in the breeze. Oh well! Figured that was a message from the universe so I decided no more taping was to be. Was really looking forward to some beer at Hobart and motored along. I was also motivated as there was a storm that seemed to be advancing northward to us and I really wanted to be through Hobart and out of Snow Peak Valley if that came along. Saw some lightening far off and heard some thunder, so was processing contingency plans as I moved along. Nothing came of that on course, fortunately, with the storm staying east of us off of the ridge. Hobart did not disappoint and had wonderful Brewer’s Cabinet Dragon’s Punch IPA, apparently a session IPA. The Boy Scouts were also amazing as always at Snow Peak – my favorite there was a Nutella & strawberry jam sandwich on gluten free bread; was sorry to only get through there once as it turned out.

The stretch to Stonehenge was great – I was motoring on the downhill. Matt says that he thinks I moved up ~20 places! I was so happy on this stretch, even as the pain began in my left lower shin area. Didn’t know what was going on there, but I could run and that I did. Matt was super at Stonehenge again – with everything that I needed. I wanted to get out of there a bit faster but took a bit too long on my feet; this is an area for time saving improvement for me in the future.

Headed out for the second lap in a great mental state and very energetic. Unfortunately, the left shin pain was increasing with every step. I still hit my planned split to Hobart so didn’t lose hope. Picked up Baldwyn there and we worked together to get to Tunnel with a very solid split for 2 lame horses. Stopped at Tunnel to look at the leg and there was the tiniest swelling under my calf sleeve but nothing to warrant stopping.

The Red House descent made the shin crazy angry. I couldn’t run down and was being passed left and right. My plan was to get some ice wrapped on at Red House aid station and press. However, when I got there and removed my calf sleeve, it was clear from the dramatic change in swelling and redness that the jig was up. The misleading feature was nothing warm to the touch at that time. Also, there was the early tumble due to the left foot toe catch so that pointed to possible trauma causing what I feeling. There was a bump but hadn’t ever felt a bug bite or seen one. Baldwyn came through while I was in the chair with ice trying to figure out what was happening; he gave me a hug and I told him to go get it done and he did! Red House folks were awesome, and after a lot of weighing of options, best plan was for me to self-evac to Tunnel to get to the medical team up there. A volunteer from there, Jacob, hiked with me the whole, godforsakenly slow way up. Even through that, my energy level was high and my mood was positive – it was beautiful night to hike and I just needed to hold on to that thought. Jacob got me to the check-in at Tunnel where I declared that I was DNF and went to the medical tent, take 2.

Due to the somewhat odd combination of things, it seemed like a fluke muscle injury, with muscle herniating through the fascia on the lower left leg. Dr. Pasternak said that if we were at the hospital, this would be one he’d bring all the residents to see. Dr. Pasternak and his team at Tunnel were very kind and helped me with how the injury presented itself at that point. As a proper precaution, Tunnel medical staff drew a contour around the swollen area so that if that was some type of infection, it could be more easily identified. I had texted Matt from Tunnel so that he wouldn’t go to Diamond Peak to crew me at 5 AM but he never got the text. He then ended up with time to kill at Diamond Peak and ended up helping tear down the aid station. I spent a few hours at Tunnel, until someone was available to give me and 2 others a lift down to Diamond Peak. Thanks, Jeffrey Connor for that ride!!

The angry shin at Tunnel Creek Sunday morning

Got cleaned up and wanted to get to the finish to see Julian and Baldwyn finish. That turned out to be a fortuitous decision. Getting the right care quickly with the change in how the injury was presenting on Sunday afternoon was due to the phenomenal attention of TRT RD George Ruiz at the finish line. Huge thanks to him for that as well as putting together the most phenomenal team for TRT! In the midst of all that George Ruiz had going on at the finish, he once again showed how much he cares about all of us out there racing by making sure that I followed up with Dr. Islas. His care saved me untold time and likely cost, as the infection went asymptotic in the afternoon and I would have been in urgent care that evening. When I saw him at the finish line medical tent, the redness had spread outside of the boundary and was now hot to the touch.

It seems that the mostly likely explanation for what happened is that a bug bite occurred, probably in the morning on Saturday, that carried staph into my skin and caused cellulitis. How many thousands of bug bites have I had with dirt or mud covering me and never had such a thing happen! Add this one to the list of figurative lightning strikes. I wanted to share this as a PSA in case anyone else were to encounter something similar. Also, as a PSA, there aren’t any pharmacies open in Incline Village on a Sunday!

Very happy to report that getting the antibiotics prescribed by Dr. Islas on board resulted in a very effective counterattack with the swelling and redness down on Monday morning, 7/23/18. I have continued to improve and am seeing my primary care doc on Monday, 7/30/18. Once I have a clearer picture on full healing time, then I can plan the next adventure and capitalize on this fitness base. I had a wonderful, joyous race, had a blast with my brother, overcame health issues from late last year, and had an awesome training cycle for TRT 2018. This Do Not Forget was just a bad stroke of luck, so I press on with joy, eagerly anticipating getting back to it. Happy trails, all!

Filed Under: Race Reports, Races Tagged With: tahoe rim trail 100, trt100

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2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

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21
Thu
6:00 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Trailhead, Truckee
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Trailhead, Truckee
Sep 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Trailhead, Truckee
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Keep an eye on Facebook and[...]
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6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Sep 26 @ 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[...]
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6:00 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Sep 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Location TBD. Keep an eye on[...]
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
6:00 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Oct 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ TBD
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Location TBD. Keep an eye on[...]
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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!
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