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California International Marathon 2021: A Return to Racing

December 29, 2021 by admin 3 Comments

  • Christie is all smiles as she approaches the finish line and a race PR. [Photo: Flashframe]

Race Report by Christie Jackson

CIM was a wonderful reminder that I really love racing. Unfortunately, I have only felt mildly prepared for the few races I have entered during the past 6 years. Between starting a business, growing and giving birth to two babies, Covid and poor air quality, running has been more of an outlet to keep me physically and mentally sane, and less of a goal-oriented sport. Luckily, I had spent enough early Wednesday mornings chasing Peter Fain up trails and enjoyed the occasional “long” 8-15 mile run on the weekends to have a moderate base.

The buildup went really well and I attribute this to getting my sleepy self out the door on chilly mornings and diving deeper into the mental side of training. Gah, just writing these words about the “power of a positive attitude” makes me want to chuck a bouquet of fake flowers at my face. But dammit, these incredibly simple mental techniques really do work.  I highly recommend you read through Jenelle’s race report. I especially enjoyed Deena Kastor’s memoir “Let Your Mind Run”. In my earlier years of running, especially in college, I faced most workouts and races in a mindset of anxiety and fear of failure. Throughout this training cycle I experimented with different mental tricks that helped me maintain a positive mindset and truly enjoy the process of pushing my physical limits.

Despite low mileage (I averaged about 4 runs and 35-ish miles a week) I made a point to believe each day I was becoming better prepared for my goal of a 3:05 marathon. The runs I did get in were quality miles and I ran with confidence. When I missed nearly a week of running because we were on a Baja surf adventure with friends, I considered how great it was to let me my legs recover while I boosted my immune system with vitamin D and tequila-induced belly laughs. When my long runs got hard, I acknowledged my fatiguing muscles by name and re-invented them as guests arriving to my kick-ass dinner party, forcing them to have a good time and stay until the end (seriously, how do I make this stuff up?). I came across the book “Happiness Beyond Thought” by Gary Weber and identified with the phrase “When are you?”. During the hard part of a long run I would ask myself “When are you?” and go on to repeat “I am now, I am now” and then get it done.

Race morning I woke up feeling great, which was incredible considering I had spent the past 5 days pretty unwell. Throughout this training I enlisted the help of my favorite PT, Greg Booth as well as acupuncture by Leila Peace.  Two days before the race, Leila miraculously helped my body rid itself of a nasty cold that had me down all week. I had somehow managed a decent night’s sleep in a decrepit motel room shared with my husband and 2 kids. My throat was still sore but my body felt good and I welcomed that giddy nervousness. Before the start I briefly ran into Adam Kimble (who is 100% smiling even at 5:45am) and I was so temped to join his pace group to break 3:00. Ultimately, I decided to stick to my plan of a conservative first half and hung with the 3:05 pace group. The miles flew by and at some point, perhaps mile 14ish, I saw a woman running ahead whose form looks so energetic and I decide I want to run with her. As I’m getting closer, I noticed Steve Buelna and Karen go wild cheering for this lady and I deduce that if they know her, and I know them, then I should probably get to know her too. Eventually I catch up and we started running together. She asked about the name Arete on my shirt (a women’s run club) and I go out on a limb and ask if she happens to be Aude from Truckee? She looks at me in wonderment and I admit the DPMR facebook group helped me recognize her. Although we have never met, we both agree that we are destined to be running buddies. So fortuitous!

I can only remember one brief section of lapsing into negativity. In a short moment I doubt I can hold it together, I slow down, Aude runs ahead and I question if I have what it takes. Luckily within a 1/2 mile I am cycling through my various mental tricks and the wave of doom passes and I feel so fast again! I take in the increasing crowds, the cheers and music, and I continue to pick up my pace. I never do catch back up to Aude which excites me because I know she is definitely exceeding her goals for this race. As I run towards the finish line, I hear the sweet little cheers “Go Mama!” from my son and daughter and I am just so happy to be in this moment. My watch reads 3:03. F* yeah! A nice PR, a negative-split marathon. I hug Aude at the finish line, cry and laugh, and realize my hamstrings that I yelled at around mile 20 are completely seizing up. Job well done. The next few days are spent shuffling around as I daydream what my next race will be. Sub 3 anyone???

  • Celebrating the finish with the family cheering squad. [Photo: Juliana]

Filed Under: General, Member News, Race Reports, Races Tagged With: California International Marathon, CIM

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Steve Buelna says

    January 1, 2022 at 1:21 pm

    Absolutely fantastic read!! Way to crush it out there.

    Reply
  2. Jenelle Potvin says

    January 2, 2022 at 7:44 am

    Outstanding, Christie, I’m so impressed and so thrilled for you! Congrats!!

    Reply
  3. Renee Jacobs says

    January 12, 2022 at 10:03 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing and congrats on dreaming big and making it happen, fellow mamma!!

    Reply

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6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
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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[...]
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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[...]
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[...]
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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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