Unplugged: August

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The Long Road Home

By Carol Terracina Hartman

By day Rena Schumann is a self-effacingadministrative assistantat EDS Corp.’s Rancho Cordova branch, known for her perfectionism, stamina and attention to detail. But by dawn and dusk, and the occasional three-day weekend, she’s known for her ability to run and run and run, with a will to perform that refuses to acknowledge the option of quitting.
     Schumann’s athletic resume includes 115 ultramarathons (any event longer than the standard marathon’s 26 miles, 385 yards) including eight completions of the grueling Western States 100, which sees runners traversing 100 miles from Squaw Valley to Auburn. In that event, she has finished three times as one of the top 10 women. In honor of this longevity, the Pacific Association named her Women’s Ultra Runner of the year in 2004. Not one to self-promote, Schumann says, “I’ve been doing this so long – 13 ultras a year, consistently. I’m always there.”
     A 13-year veteran of Texas-based EDS, an integrative communications firm, her work as an administrative assistant in the data center supports clients across many industries, including manufacturing, government and healthcare. “(We) have a lot of respect for the fact that she can juggle two very serious, major activities in her life at that level,” says Ron Handley, data center manager, adding that she maybe limping around the office after one of her events but that never interfere swith her work.
     Schumann usually trains five days a week, with Mondays and Fridays off, modifying her mileage to target whether she’s running a marathon or 100K or 100 miles. Weekends not spent racing she dedicates to long runs. Her diet is vegetarian supplemented with energy boosters such as El Dorado Hills-based Impax’s EnerPrime. She combines running with weight training, cycling and yoga.
     She points out the decision to cut down on cross-training and up her weekly mileage to 85 is partly to credit for 2004’s success, which saw her setting a personal record in nearly every race – including a 22 hour and 20 minute finish in the 2004 Western States. “That (personal best) was my plan going into the year — that’s what I wanted to do well,” adding that her recovery was quick enough for her to win Hernia Hill, a daunting trail half marathon,six days later.
     This past June, Schumann completed what may have been her most challenging appearance at the Western States 100. Battling intestinal problems, blood blisters so severe that a podiatrist had to treat her, and dehydration, Schumann persevered to finish in 24 hours, 53 minutes, good enough to be among the top 15 women.
     “I worked through my problems by mile 62, so at least my run through the night was strong, smooth, and more fun,” Schumann says. “My goal for my next Western States opportunity will be to ensure I don’t encounter similar problems and again seek the silver (buckle) finish (given to runners who complete the race in less than 24 hours). But I have learned that even years of experience may not be enough.”
     Spoken like a true perfectionist.

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