Sunriver Archives - Glitter and Dust

I Made The Cover Of A Map

December 18, 2015 by Kristen 32 Comments

I want to thank everyone who commented, reached out via text, email, and phone, and shared words of encouragement regarding my last post. Opening up really allowed me to feel normal and “not alone” about the emotions I have been experiencing. Although I haven’t had a chance to respond to each of your comments, I am still planning to do so now that life has settled. I have learned that honesty and openness can be the best medicine, and it has allowed me to work through a lot these past weeks. Right now I am in a much better place. SO thank you.

Work definitely took precedence over blogging these past two weeks and my days were jam packed with grading papers and exams, and submitting final grades. It was a bit overwhelming at times, but I pushed through and got all of my work done. I am now on a three-week break and winter term does not start back up until January 4.

Although my social life is nothing like it once was, I’ve been able to get out of the house a couple times this past month and hit the social scene, which isn’t much in Bend to begin with. These days, staying out past 9pm seems like a big deal. Haha. Oh, life with a baby.

A few weeks ago I met up with my friends Melanie and Christy at our local running store, Footzone, for a sip and paint event. I’m no artist, but the wine sure makes me think I am. We had the task of painting a runner (from the calves down) making his/her way down a trail. This definitely felt like an advanced piece compared to some of the scenic paintings I have seen at these kinds of events.

I thought yellow and purple were a good choice at the time, but no. My shoes ended up looking more like blobs than shoes. Darn wine! It took me 2 ½ hours to paint my masterpiece, which is now on display in my husband’s office out of pride or sympathy…but I’m not sure which one.

Speaking of my husband, Justin and I got all glammed up for the first time this year(?) and attended his company Christmas party. It was fun to get out of the house for an evening and be around adults. Twice in two weeks past 9pm is a big win in my book!

I even walked away with an Oregon “you are here” Starbucks mug from the white elephant gift exchange. It was the perfect addition to my collection that is now seven mugs strong.

It’s been snowing a lot here in Central Oregon and it looks like we will definitely be having a white Christmas this year. There is something about snow during the holidays that makes them extra special. Last weekend, in the midst of a snowstorm, Justin and I took Axel to Sunriver for a little adventure. We put Axel in his North Face snowsuit (which is still too big) and walked around the village. He wasn’t as entertained and amused as we were, and decided to take a nap as soon as we put him in the Bob.

We also stopped by Central Oregon Visitors Association and picked up the new 2016 area map that features a photo of yours truly on the cover, taken during one of our many hikes last summer. I joked with Justin that this summer I am going to wear the same outfit, walk around with my hands in the air, and see if anyone recognizes me. To think I was six months pregnant in that picture!

On the fitness front things are going really well. I’ll save my update for another post that is in the works, but lets just say I am back on a schedule and things are cruising along. There has been a lot of running in the snow (I actually love it) and time on the trainer. PT is still going well and I’m now down to one hour a week with Ellie. I have a feeling I will be graduating before the new year!

And of course, Axel has been a little bundle of joy (95% of the time). He is sleeping through the night, sometimes waking once to feed, and is on a fairly predictable schedule. His growth spurts still throw us off from time to time, but we get through them. Justin and I have actually made the decision to hire a nanny/babysitter a couple days a week to relieve me for a few hours so I can train, work, clean house, or run errands. It will be nice to have an extra set of hands around to help – I think it will make all the difference in the world.

I am really looking forward to this next week and all the holiday festivities we have planned. We are celebrating Christmas with my family and then Justin’s family will be coming into town the following week for New Years. I can’t wait for Axel to meet his cousins and uncle! I am trying to soak it all in, because I have a feeling it’s going to fly by in the blink of an eye!

Have you ever done a paint and wine event? If you could paint anything, what would it be?

Do you collect anything? Maybe we could swap a mug (from where you are) for _____? 🙂

Any big plans for Christmas? New Years?

Sunriver Half Marathon – Female Champion

September 1, 2014 by Kristen 63 Comments

Yesterday was a major milestone for me, as it was the first time I have ever earned the title of female champion of a running race – and a half marathon at that! Achieving a PR was a goal I had set for myself going into the race, but the overall win was completely unexpected. So was my second consecutive lucky palindrome race number. And to know that I probably could have pushed a little harder and extended my PR by another minute or so was also reassuring, but I was not feeling 100% and did not want to do anything stupid (aka completely bonk or blow up).

I participated in the Sunriver Half Marathon for a Cause last year, so I knew what to expect on race day. The course is very flat with a couple of gentle hills around miles 7 and 11. One of my favorite things about the race is that it starts at 7:30am. Early and cool. The temperature was a brisk 43 degrees when we started, but warmed quickly once we got out in the sunlight. I felt comfortable the entire race and was reminded of how much I love running in cooler temperatures – even if they mean summer is coming to an end and fall is just around the corner.

The marathoners got a head start and took off at 7:15am, while the half marathoners listened to some upbeat music vibrating through the air, stretched, and took care of last minute “business.” I saw my friend Karly at the starting line and the last thing she said to me before the horn blew was “you are going to win this.” I laughed because I honestly had no expectation of winning. There is ALWAYS someone faster than me.

I immediately positioned myself in the lead with a group of speedy men in front of me. I tried holding back like my coach instructed me to do, but the first mile came and went faster than I had intended. I kept repeating to myself, “slow down, don’t bonk” for the next five miles, which is typically where I have a tendency to go out too fast.

For some reason I was completely out of my race element that morning and forgot my gum, GU, and glide (three critical Gs). My husband was a lifesaver because when I saw him at mile one, I was in a panic and let him know that I did not have my nutrition. Sure enough, when I saw him again at mile six, he handed me my long lost GU Roctane. I would not have made it mentally without any nutrition.

After the first six miles of weaving through Sunriver Resort’s Meadows and Crosswater Golf Courses, and enjoying spectacular views all around, I began catching up to some of the marathoners, which was encouraging. Everyone was so incredibly friendly and cheered my on as I passed by, yelling “first female” and “you’re in the lead.” It kept me smiling and optimistic.

After seeing my husband again at mile six, the path took me through Caldera Springs where I encountered my first little taste of hill territory and enjoyed some shade. I took my GU at mile eight and at about the same time started feeling a little dizzy and cramped in my stomach. This slowed me down a bit, but as soon as my GU kicked in I was feeling much better. At about mile 9.5 the course crosses a beautiful bridge that spans a large man made lake in Caldera Springs, which is where photographer Matt Lasala from Lasala Images snapped this photo of me – freshly energized from my GU. Matt photographs a lot of sporting events in Bend (because just being a Doctor isn’t enough for him, apparently), and I have to say this is one of the best in-race photos I have ever had taken of me. Usually the background is boring, my eyes are closed, there are other racers in the picture, I look like I’m not having fun, etc., etc.

The hardest miles for me mentally during a half marathon are 8, 9 and 10. I usually struggle a lot at this point and then recharge and kick it into gear during the final few miles to the finish. I got to see Justin a lot between miles 8-11, so that really helped keep my mind off of any mental shutdowns I was facing. I honestly don’t know who puts in more work during these races, Justin or myself. He is always running around all over the course making sure I am good and have everything I need, including GU, gum, lip balm, water, and the occasional in-race pep talk. And taking lots of photos for my blog in between.

It was so beautiful running through different areas around Sunriver and the volunteers were absolutely amazing. Because there are so many turns and paths going in multiple directions, more than the usual number of volunteers were placed throughout the course to help direct the runners. I swear it takes an army to put on these races – cheers to them!

I parted ways with Justin one last time around mile 10.5 so he could bike back to the car and get to the finish line. Once I reached mile 11 I had one last “hill” to conquer before it was downhill and flat to the finish. At this point I was still in the lead and decided to pick it up to remain that way. Mile 12 was a blur and as I approached the starting area near the main lodge, I knew I was almost to the finish. I definitely took it all in as I rounded the corner and heard on the loud speaker, “Our first female half marathoner is making her way to the finish line.” I smiled, engaged the crowd, and was across the finish line in a time of 1:38:04. A two-minute PR.

I. COULD. NOT. STOP. SMILING.

So this is what it feels like to win something. Everyone was congratulating me. My husband (I swear his eyes were a little watery) was there to give me a big celebratory hug. It was one of those moments I had never experienced and will never forget.

Another thing I love about this race is that they treat all of the runners to something special at the finish. All runners receive a nice finishing medal, pint glass, long-sleeve Nike Dri-Fit shirt, and can treat themselves to a serious buffet of food and beverage options. I received my free beer (yes, at 9am) and sat in a pair of compression hip shorts, compliments of Renee and Austin at Recharge, which felt amazing.

After walking around and mingling for a bit, it was time for the award ceremony and my podium debut. It felt really good to stand on the top and center for my two seconds of fame (HA!) and I received a certificate for stay at Sunriver Resort for my first place prize. The awards and prizes they offer to athletes at this event always impress me.

Another race in the books and yet another reminder that training and hard work do in fact pay off. This was just the boost I needed as I prepare for the Portland Marathon (four weeks away) and hopefully a finishing time that will qualify me for Boston. Let the final stretch of training begin!

The Calm Before The Storm

August 12, 2014 by Kristen 25 Comments

What does one do the weekend before a big Ironman 70.3 race? Why, take a staycation and enjoy the taper zone of course. Justin and I headed out to Sunriver Resort on Friday afternoon for a two-night stay in a river lodge suite. Last year when I placed second overall at the Sunriver half marathon, I won a two night stay (best prize EVER) and decided to save it for the summer months, as there is a lot to do in Sunriver this time of year. After a little swim/bike/run trio that morning, we ventured up the road 15 minutes and checked in for our little weekend getaway.

Not only were we hoping for some rest and relaxation, we also wanted to celebrate our two-year anniversary, which is on the 18th but will be kind of overshadowed by my race. Sorry hubby!

Once we were all checked in we walked around the village shopping area, had a hummus plate appetizer and cold beverage, stopped by the grocery store, and then went back to the room to get ready for dinner. We had a reservation at The Meadows and it was an absolutely stunning setting with gorgeous views of the mountains.

After dinner and before heading back to our room, we couldn’t help but walk around and capture the sunset in one direction and “almost” full moon in the other.

After eight hours of solid sleep, we woke up to colder than normal temperatures and prepared for our run. This is pretty much how I feel whenever I go out for a run.

Happy dance. Happy dance. We did a gorgeous loop on the paved path around the resort and stopped along the way to enjoy views of the river and watch the helicopters prepare to take off to fight a nearby wild fire.

One of my favorite things about Sunriver is the wide, paved bike path that creates a network around the resort for miles and miles. After Justin and I finished our run, we hopped on our mountain bikes and pedaled about. It felt good to take it easy on the legs and just cruise around at a leisurely pace.

Along the way we stopped at the nature center where they shelter a variety of local birds, many of which have been injured and are rehabilitated in a safe place. I made best friends with this red tailed hawk.

Justin and I encountered some odd looking poop along our run and bike ride, and when we asked the gentleman at the Nature Center what it could be, he told us to bring in a sample. Of course my husband would take him literally. Yes, this is Justin scooping up poop that we would in turn take back to the nature center.

It ended up being porcupine poop. We learned that porcupines like to climb trees, gorge themselves on bark and eat themselves into a food coma, then proceed to fall out of the tree, break a lot of bones, and then do it all over again. It sounds similar to a college hangover.

That afternoon we spent a few hours basking in the sun at the pool. I was able to read a good chunk of my book and didn’t want to put it down until we went back to the room. The combination of sun and a good read always makes me smile.

Later that evening we went out to dinner at Hola! and enjoyed yet another sunset dinner, but this time right on the river. It was entertaining to watch a young boy fishing on his own during the span of our meal. Reminds me of me when I was a kid, though I would have landed a fish or two. 😉

Now that I have had a nice weekend to rest and recharge, I am feeling pumped about Sunday. Before Boise I felt nothing but nerves and uncertainty. This time it is different. I feel calm, confident, and mentally prepared. I know what to expect. The lake is pretty much still and perfect. I pre-rode the bike course over the July 4 holiday weekend, and even though it poses a lot of challenges, I know where I will be able to push it and when I need to hold back. The run will be fun as it is two loops with great crowd support and scenery. Although the weather calls for 79 degrees and sunny, I am hoping to bring my own little storm. ☺

A PR in Sunriver

September 2, 2013 by Kristen 4 Comments

Yesterday I completed my 5th half marathon of the summer, setting a PR for the 13.1-mile distance in the process. I waited until the last minute to sign up for the Sunriver Half Marathon For a Cause, as a way to test myself after the training I had done throughout the summer. My goal going into the run was to finish under 1:40:00 – which I successfully did.

Saturday was packet pickup at the Sunriver Resort Lodge. As always I was delighted to receive a goody bag and race t-shirt. As part of the event weekend there were a couple of other runs going on while Justin and I were there, so it got me pumped and excited for my run the next day.

That night, Justin made my favorite pre-race meal—oven roasted Dungeness crab. There’s something about crab that I swear makes me run faster. It’s high in potassium, magnesium, and sodium, three essential electrolytes that are important for performance. After dinner we relaxed and watched some episodes of 24 on Netflix, before heading to bed with a few nerves and anticipation of the day ahead.

Sunday morning I woke up early and went through my usual morning routine. Coffee. Braids. G2. Gear up. Jump around. Nerves. Peanut butter and banana. Hug the hubby. Jump around more. I also have a list of essentials that I gather and take with me to each race.

My mom and step-dad followed Justin and I to the race area and we arrived with just enough time to get their bikes ready so they could cheer me on from different places along the course, make a stop at the porta potty, and get me to the starting line.

I love that anticipation and energy that everyone has as the countdown begins. Ready… Set… “BOOM!”

The course itself was very beautiful and fairly flat. A majority of the run is along a paved trail through Crosswater golf course, Caldera Springs, and Sunriver. The weather that morning → perfect!

The first few miles were a breeze. I instantly fell into a position where I was behind one woman and a handful of men. I knew there were a couple of other women close behind and kept that in mind throughout the race.

When I reached mile six I was greeted by my family (aka best cheer squad ever) who rode along the road that was close to the running trail. They were very positive and encouraging, even when I was starting to ache and have doubts. Their uplifting words kept me going strong.

I honestly cannot describe what I think about during my time out on the course. Although I typically train with my iPod and good music, my races are kept quiet and I prefer the natural sounds of my feet on the pavement, cheers from the spectators, and encouragement from other runners around me. It is a time for me to think, listen, and learn about my body’s capabilities and strengths. Those moments free of distractions are some of my favorites, as they can be challenging in and of themselves.

At mile 8 ½ I consumed my GU and knew I still had quite a way before reaching the finish line. After a few motivating words from my husband to fire me up (“Eye of the Tiger” and “Beast Mode” to name a few), I quickly made it through a couple of good hill climbs and started to push myself hard, keeping a comfortable distance between myself and the woman behind me.

When I reached the sign declaring “Mile 12” I knew I had to pick up the intensity and pace. “Only one more mile – you can go hard for one more mile” played on repeat over and over in my head. And go hard I did – pushing forward until mile 13 when I kicked my legs into sprint mode and flew through the finish line. I saw Justin, my mom, and Billy waiting for me as I heard my name over the loud speaker, “Kristen Yax, Bend, Oregon, 2nd overall woman.” YES!! I finished with a time of 1:39:53.

Final Pace Per Mile

It does not matter how exhausted my body may be, once I cross that finish line it gives me a sense of vigor and renewal. I was overwhelmed and energized, ready to run it all over again.

To kill time before the awards, I grabbed a cold beverage, chatted with some friends, and relaxed at a picnic table watching other runners finish. I loved the finishing medals and pint glass we received. The individuals who put on the race really know how to spoil their runners.

The awards ceremony was a little unorganized, but I was able to meet and talk with the other two women who placed, and stand on the podium for a photo. Sunriver Resort awarded us each a generous gift card and finishing mug – super excited for a little staycation with my husband.

Following the race, Justin treated me to one of my favorite post race meals – a juicy burger! Craving protein, Justin and I went to the Deschutes Brewery and each had an elk burger, which really hit the spot.

The rest of the day was spent in high spirits while relaxing. I spent a good amount of time on the ground, sliding my legs over a foam roller – that good kind of pain that lets you know your muscles have worked hard. It will probably be a day and experience I will never forget – hopefully it is only the beginning.

A Win at the Pacific Crest Endurance Duathlon

June 29, 2013 by Kristen 1 Comment

I have officially challenged my heart, lungs, body, and mind more than ever before. Once upon a time I thought a marathon was hard, but now I have a different belief. Period.

The Pacific Crest endurance duathlon was one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my life, albeit one of the most physically challenging moments as well.

After a night dreaming endlessly of biking and running in various conditions and passing through diverse obstacles, I awoke with butterflies and energy. Yes, lets do this! My husband greeted me downstairs with a card, twinkle lights, and “trophy.” He sure knows how to fire up my spirits.

We drove to Sunriver and dropped off my running gear at the second transition. With every mile closer to the start, the adrenaline became more intense flowing through me.

Standing at the starting line, just me and the bike, uncertainty both excited and scared me to death. Two by two we lined up and approached the starting line. Clipped in and GO!

I love being on the bike. The speed. The air. The scenery. The pavement below. I absorb all of it. Although several of the TT bikes were zooming past me (a bit frustrating at times) I felt at home with my Trek Madone.

I even was welcomed on a number of occasions with my mom and step-dad, who rode along, cheered, and took pictures. They were an awesome support team.

It took me roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the 58.5 mile ride. I was in good spirits as I dismounted at the transition – notice that smile? I will never get over that funny feeling of immediately running, and in bike shoes at that, after being on a bike that long.

My first thought when I saw my running shoes awaiting me at my 3×5 foot space was, “what? I am going to now run 13 miles. Really?” It got to me mentally, and as I started to run away on my 13-mile journey, panic set in.

After only a few steps onto the course, I suddenly found the nearest sage brush and threw up. The heat and intensity was hurting. I ran a few steps more and started to feel pressure deep in my lungs. What is this? I have never felt this way during a run before in my life!

Suddenly an angel appeared → my husband. He was in his car, but pulled over and ran toward me. Mentally, I was done. He made me walk, got my breathing back in line, and encouraged me to finish what I started. Wow! I married well. 🙂 I got my pace and air back and kept going. There was an aid station every mile. It was in the mid 90s and noon – very defeating to a body.

Mile after mile passed. It is amazing what went through my head during that hour and fifty minutes. At one point I was even talking out loud to my dad, asking him to help get me through it. Very emotional.

But, I did not quit. Seeing Justin’s face along the way, as he met me at various aid stations, kept me going.

I crossed the finishing line at 5 hours 11 minutes, clocked at my time chip. When I saw the cheering crowd and blue flags that flaunted “FINISH” everything became OK.

When I crossed the timing mat and heard my name called out followed by “the first female duathlete to finish” I got teary eyed. The last five hours were a blur, but that moment was flawless and unforgettable.

Justin and I hung out for a few hours and enjoyed the atmosphere. I was on the ultimate high.

The awards ceremony was entertaining and I sat back, enjoyed my Deschutes Brewery Chainbreaker, and engaged in conversation with the people lounging around me. I was called up to the stage area where I received a glass plaque, medal, bag of goodies, and loaf of bread. Yes, the first bread I have ever “won”. The excitement on my face says it all.

A final goodbye to Sunriver and Pacific Crest, I walked away feeling accomplished and happy. What a remarkable day and celebrated learning experience. A special thanks to Justin Yax, Sandy Sherritt, and Billy Sherritt, for helping me make it through.