Mount Umunhum (7.7 hr 29 mi 6400 ft)

Starting from the middle of the week, I fasted for two days and only loaded up
on food on Fri evening. Sat morning, I had instant noodles with tomato and one
egg, filled three bottles (about 60oz) with water, sugar, salt, and apple cider
vinegar. I stuffed them in the backpack along with some almonds and one
Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Coffee and set off for my weekend long run.

S suggested this run. As I never visited Umunhum, curiosity got the better
of me and I bit a little more than I could chew. Just under 30 miles, this run
was much harder than my first 50k due to the elevation. I felt less than 100%
from the start, not able to enjoy uphill trotting as much as I used to.

The top itself was sort of a letdown but the trail leading there was shady and much
friendlier to my sandals than the rock-infested fire roads. A freeway also led up
to the summit, there were parking lots closeby, and more hikers appeared. The views
were breathtaking: the winding golden trails carved out of the verdant Santa Cruz
mountains, the white clouds at our feet, the mega metropolis of Silicon Valley
from afar, all under a clear blue sky.

What made me really happy was my right foot. It had always been the weak link
and yet today endured much better which I attributed to my three-day calf
stretching (which was a different story). It seemed I finally found the fix to
the pain. My running mates laughed at me for ignoring the most obvious place to
improve while suffering for the last five years.

The two kept encouraging me to ran longer and to pace them in their crazy races.
Unlike them, I do not see running as everything. There are too many things I
would like to spend time on. For example, the dictionary-reading project is such
a monumental work that I just have to do it. Unlike them, I see strength
training as essential of its own and much more than just for running.

L can be too formed to change, I guess, but I have convinced S to try the Xero
Z-Trail which is currently on sale (50% off) because retailers like REI have
been canceling orders for the shutdown due to the virus.

I kept comparing with last year's Skyline-to-the-Sea 50k and feeling thankful.
In that race, my joints hurt so much starting from the middle and I basically
walked the second half. Today, however, I ran all the way in much better shape.
The last five miles were certainly the toughest. I focused on the rocky trail and
gingerly placed one foot in front of the other in my descent. Every step was painful
but at least I did not walk.

As for nutrition, I think overall I did fine with a few improvements in mind.
First, pure water tastes better, especially towards the end. Second, the coffee
did not help much and S was surprised it did not explode during the run. Third,
temperature kills. Running in the sunny afternoon in the second half, I needed
much more water.

Thank You!