Start - May Queen Aids station 13.5 miles, May Queen to Fish Hatchery 10miles

The race started right at 4am.  My pace was at very easy jogging pace, but I felt my legs were little bit heavy....  I did not try to think about it too much, and kept jogging.  I heard somebody was talking to me in Japanese... Yes, it was Mr. Tatsuya Muramastu, an experienced ultra-runner from Japan.  We were talking and running for a while together, probably couple of miles, then I needed to drop the pace a little. It was nice to get to know him!!!  That was great he came all the way from Japan, and he loves Ultra-running, he had done this once before 11 years ago.  He gave me great advices!! I kept my jogging pace all the way to the Turquoise Lake trail.  The trail along the shore of the lake has many ups and downs, and towards the end it gets little bit rocky.  I was able to pass some people but try not to focus on going fast.  I just needed to get to May queen aid station by 6:30am.  The sun was starting coming up, and the clouds were very low closed to the water.  It was a beautiful view, I actually looked around and enjoyed it! ha!  As I approached May Queen Aids station, I could hear that people's voice cheering runners.... I was so excited to see my crew!  " Where are they???"  I saw many people I know, cheering my name, thank you!, I found my crew at the end of aids station.


I was in good mood!  lots of energy!

 I did a quick stop to take off my head lump, and got my sun visor and sunglasses.  I felt very good, still having fun.  I said to Team Junko, See you in couple of hours!!

I knew next 10 miles will be hard because of the Colorado trail to Sugar Loaf, and long Power line decent.  On the Colorado trail, Jon and Amy passed me... but I kept my pace till Power line downhill.  I love downhill but I had to be careful not to exhaust my legs from going too fast!  It was still 1/4 of the race!

Oh Boy!  Knowing I needed to be careful, I might have gone too fast on downhill.  However, my legs were still feeling great, just little bit of tightness on shin, that was all.

I got to Fish Hatchery 10 min. faster than my target split.  It was around 8:20am.   I found Kenji at the beginning of crewing area. He quickly called the rest of crew to let them know I am here.  The Team Junko was found towards the end of Crew area!  It was nice to see my Team!!

Team Junko-Kenji, Junko, Kei, and Yukiko.  Yuki is taking picture!

I did a quick check on my hydration, and food in the pack.  I got few sips of Coke(very tasty!!), and had a couple of tiny rice balls.  I knew my crew was not going to meet me at Treeline or Half Pipe, so I needed to have enough fuel to get through the section.    I got everything I needed, and said goodbye to my crew!  " I will see you around noon!