Shannon & Pam, after months of training, officially became ultrarunners with finishing Way Too Cool 2010 (3/13/10). They continue to run the long distances as they continue to challenge themselves physically & mentally. This is where they post those triumphs and also their tribulations.

March 12, 2010

The Trail Turtles have arrived...


The much anticipated day is upon us and the infamous Trail Turtles have arrived!! Tomorrow morning, Trail Turtles, Shannon & Pam, will arrive in Cool, CA for the 14th annual Way Too Cool 50k.

After many months of training, sore muscles, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, bug bites, mud baths, rain, and psychological angst, the Trail Turtles feel they are ready for the challenge. They have faced a lot during these past months - some great, some not so great, but they feel they are at their best, physically. They know what they need to do - pack enough fuel, band-aides, wet wipes, an extra pair of socks, camera, and a very positive attitude. The most important will be to set a pace that gets them to each cut-off point in time. Can they do it? We spoke with one of the Trail Turtles, Shannon, and here's what she has to say:

"Pam and I are nervous about the cut-offs and other issues we have faced in past runs, however, we've done everything we can do to be prepared for the challenge we face tomorrow. Our only goal is to cross the finish line standing and smiling!! We are hoping we are able to keep our spirits up and enjoy the run. We don't want to see any 6 ft badgers (one of our fellow runners has seen one of those, yikes) or any Storm Troopers (Pam has seen one on the trails before - HHMM). But mostly I hope we don't end up like Carl. I am hoping we can maintain our pace so that we can enjoy the scenery, take pictures, and hopefully see a newt or two."

The race will begin at 8am and closes at 4:30p. Come on out to see the Trail Turtles cross the finish line. If you're there by 4p (3:30p, just in case they have a burst of energy), you should get to see the epic finish!

Go get dirty Trail Turtles, you can do this!!

Sidebar from a fellow trail runner:

Watch out for the newts. They're out there with this wet weather, especially near the creeks, and they're just too cute to step on. If you do find one, I've heard they generally head towards the downward side of the trail and that's where they should be placed out of harms way.


Help the newts if you see one but be sure to wash your hands in the creek afterward.


A great quote that fits the Trail Turtles:

A man(woman) must love a thing very much if he/she not only practices it without any hope of fame and money, but even practices it without any hope of doing it well. - G. K. Chesterton

Good luck to all tomorrow!

4 comments:

  1. GO TURTLES GO!!! You ladies are going to rock it and I have to say, it is so awesome you have each other. Truly. Just having a person by your side lifting your spirits and making you laugh is what it is all about. Not only have you gained endurance these past few months, I am sure you have gained a whole new level of friendship.
    Training with my group the last 3 months has brought some of us closer but I still generally am out there running "alone" on a lot of the trail since I am not super fast and I am not the caboose. I admire and adore your committment not only to training, the race but to each other. See you Saturday!

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  2. I love the picture :) You both are prepped and ready and I have no doubts you will have a great day out there tomorrow!!! Have a blast!

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  3. I'll be there at the finish line with camera in hand. I can't wait to see you there!

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