It's Just One Foot in Front of the Other

Wondering on Wednesday

2012-02-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of tee-shirts that I have worn forever.

Take this one.

How that barefoot/minimalist is becoming so popular,

I wonder if Nike regrets this slogan?

I wonder if you have time to be reading my blog would you also spare a moment to help me win?

2XU is hosting a contest click HERE to like my comment on their photo so my 647 day tired feet can enjoy a pair of 2XU compression socks.

Thanks in advance!

Shelly Cable My husband is to credit with my ultra running love. If it hadn't been for him daring me to beat his old high school marathon time, I may have never started running distance races. I really should thank him for that!

I wonder how I get myself into these things but I just realized that with all my schedule shifting I have just put in 6 consecutive double digit run days...and I will probably make it 7 before the day is out.

The weekend and a little break in the heavy training can not come fast enough!

Even on the hard days

2012-02-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Every mom, or parent for that matter, knows that Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to teach your children about love. The kind of love you have for your friends. The kind that you have for your family, the kind that you have for your community, your church, yourself...

The list goes on because there is more than one kind of love.

Just as there are many ways to love.

On Valentine's Day I like to make sure the kids have an extra special treat to share with their friends. I want them to feel special and important. Then I want them to share that feeling with their classmates.

I know I look back at all the extra things my mom did and I cherish the time she took to make me shine amongst my peers.

Looking yummy!

So Sunday I spent the day in the kitchen. Not completely unusual but this Sunday I was making a little something special for the kids to share on Valentine's Day. S'ghetti girl was thrilled with the results. Her happiness makes me happy. I will look forward to them sharing their stories of how much all their friends enjoyed the cards and treats that they shared.

For me Valentine's Day is a little bit about getting. It's about getting love back from all the love we give each day. That's what it is about remembering that the more we give love out to others, the more love we get in return.

Heart pie lollipops

So for those who think Valentine's Day isn't special, you might be missing the point.

Valentine's Day is just a way to focus on the topic and teach our families because of course we love each other every day.

It's just easier on some days than others.

LBM decorated himself for Valentine's Day

It is all falling into place

2012-02-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

Another piece of the 100 mile puzzle fell into place yesterday when the DOW closed up at 12890.46.

My random number was 384.

That meant that I got in

The Bull Run Run 50 miler!

No wait list for me this year.

This puts me another step closer to being ready for the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100.

I am currently at 66 on that wait list.

I'm not worrying about that now.

Really, I'm not.

Am I trying to convince you or me?

I have 4 training races between today and the A race in May

First up is the Hashawha Hills Trail Run on February 25

Then the Seneca Greenway Trail 50k on March 3

The HAT Run on March 24

and then the Bull Run Run 50 miler on April 14

With MMT 100 nicely timed on May 12 - 13 which will coincide with my 2 year streaking anniversary.

Running any of these races too?

What does your spring schedule look like?

Want to crew a 100 miler in May?

Don't miss this post HERE. We can run together this fall.

Wanna Join Us?

2012-02-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

Many of us are deep into our spring race training schedules with serious thoughts of setting new PRs or attempting new challenges. At times it is hard to remember why we ever thought we liked this crazy thing we are doing.

So I invite you to take a break for a moment and consider scheduling in some fun this fall. A brief reminder that this is all supposed to be because we love it. I can't think of a better way to reconnect with the joy of running than to run a 5k with a biggest group of friends we can gather!

All while getting splattered with color!

Are you in the DC area? Game for taking a little trip to DC or VA this September?

If you are interested in being part of a running/bloggy friend color run 5k this September 22, let me know so we can plan the best celebration.

After all we will have set PRs and conquered new challenges in the spring and summer, we will have lots of reasons to celebrate!

An Addict

2012-02-09T04:45:00.000-08:00

It probably comes as little surprise to my regular readers when I tell you that I have a slightly addictive personality. It's a handy thing to have when it comes to many aspects in life. I am extremely committed. Give me a project and I'll see it through. Crash a plane and I'm the one to hike out for help.

In my running life this addictive tendency has helped in my deepening love of running long. I can also credit my 640 days of running to that dedicated side of myself.

So knowing how I can easily get a little to into things I should have heeded the comments about

pinterest

but I didn't. I started to pin. And now I think I am addicted to pinterest too.

I just need to figure out how to make it through the day without sleeping because I am quickly running out of hours to accommodate all my passions.

Monday MisMash

2012-02-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

Seventy mile week are becoming the new norm

I successfully took a running rest day this past week.

See that little tiny 3 mile day.

It is a huge accomplishment for me. Almost on par with successfully cross training.

not the I accomplished that too baby steps people

I did however get my long run in on Sunday which I am completely shocked that I did.

The big miles, the run streaking, the kids, the husband, the big girl job, the date on the calendar, all combine to completely exhaust me this week. I entered the weekend simply needing a break but knowing that I had to get my B2B started on Sunday.

So when Friday came I was all too ready to allow my wake up miles to be my only run of the day.

Followed by....

Roller derby may be in my future

More Roller Skating!

I think my family should form a team.

We were so busy having a blast that I forgot to take photos. Luckily the oldest snapped some to share.

The hay barn is completely down

After many hours on my feet between running and rolling, I was ready to put my feet up and enjoy our surprise snow storm. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful. It was a peaceful end to a very full day.

Why I love PA winters

Ultra training at the grocery store

2012-02-03T04:50:00.000-08:00

First we stretch to loosen up.
This is never a good sign. It usually indicates that this could be a long episode.

The the declaration of demands which is quickly followed by the mock walk off. But the walk off thwarted by strangers. It will required a second declaration and a rerouted walk off.
But that too fails.
The plan begins to unravel and all the stops are pulled out. Demanding, pouting, whining.
He just wants the blue gun.

Although LBM's attempts to get the blue gun were not rewarded,
come on a toy at the grocery store. Why? It doesn't help sales when moms have to walk out.
he did demonstrate a few techniques that apply to running.

First he sets impressive goals.
Did he just meet me to think that he was going to get a toy at the grocery store? Clearly, it's not on the list.
He changes up his approach.
Here I could learn a lot. When I don't like the results I'm getting or not getting, I need to follow his example and change what I'm doing.
He is relentless.
I will really need to draw on this approach as the racing season begins at the end of the month.
He doesn't care how he looks to others.
Sometimes I worry too much about what everyone else will think of: my training, my race schedule, my weight, my pace...
He quickly got over his unsuccessful attempt.
This one I'll will keep in mind when I get that first 100 mile attempt. Knowing that I will give everything to finish doesn't mean I will. Being able to accept whatever happens and move forward quickly will help me better reach my goal if my first attempt doesn't see that 100 mile finish line within the time limit.

I just can't wait to see what LBM teaches me during his next tantrum!

What have your kids taught you lately?

How'd January Go?

2012-02-01T04:45:00.000-08:00

January 20112

Monthly Miles Ran: 337.80 (Year total: 337.80)

Highest Mileage Week: 1/2 - 1/8 (DM Weeks) 78 miles

Rest Days Taken: 0

The Streak: January 31st was Day # 632 of the streak ~ 5,209.9 miles,

Runs ~ ave. 8.2 miles per day/ 57.7 miles per week

Races:

Zero. Zip. Zilch

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:
I am a Nutella addict

Non-food Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Too much computer time

Which Outfit did I Wear the Most:

I must really want the VHTR to hold the Skyline Challenge Trail 50k

again because I keep wearing that race shirt.

What We Are Watching:

With the Kiddos:
Magic School Bus episodes

My Viewing:
TBL and The Bachelor

Funniest/Best Kid Quote:

The kids know that I am trying to clean up my diet.

S'ghetti girl asks me as I am reaching for the Nutella again,

"Mom! Are you sure you wanna eat more of that?"

Current Triumph:

632 days streaking

Current Goals

Personal:

To get my monthly budget reworked

Running/Fitness:

To get into the Bull Run Run 50 miler

Current Blessing:

Every single day in my life. A gift.

Current Excitement:

Family:
Getting S'ghetti girl to wear something besides sweat pants!

Running/Fitness:

Registering for the Bull Run Run 50 Miler

It's a lottery and I really need to get in

Running a 50 mile training run without a race would suck.

Current Concern:

Personal:
My Christmas tree is still up.

Family:
Getting LBM to want to sleep on his own.

Running:
I've moved up on the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100
eekkk!

How did your January days add up?

As if you asked...11 things

2012-01-31T11:08:00.000-08:00

I started my day right with a quick 3 mile run to help wake me up this morning. That a.m. habit is coming along quite nicely! Yesterday the lovely Katye at Long Legs on the Loose tagged me, so here goes:

Here is how it works:
1. Post these rules.
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

11 Random Things About me…

I like black licorice.
My husband and I got engaged in a chat room.
I feel the most comfortable surrounded by trees.
My husband taught me to drive a stick shift and now I can't imagine driving an automatic.
I have three screws in my jaw.
I am in love with CEP Compression. Seriously.in.love.
I have sat in the same spot at church my entire life.
On the rare occasion that I hit a bunny or squirrel with my car, I cry.
My first car was an AMC Pacer. Loved it.
I re-hang toilet paper when it's hung wrong. (Right = paper over)
I have never voted.

Katye's Questions:

If you absolutely had to change your first and middle name, what would you change them to? First name to Samantha
If you could just drop all responsibilities for a week with not negative outcomes, what would you do with that week? I would spend the entire week hiking on the AT.
What pattern best fits your personality and why? Animal? Stripes? Dots? Plaid? Paisley? Argyle actually I like structure but with a bit of personality.
If you could take up any career for a month, what would you pick? Only a month? I'd probably want to be field guide in a state park taking groups on extended hikes.
Trendy or timeless? Timeless
Are there any brands (can be any kind of brand) that you just can’t live without? no
If you could create your own endurance event, what would it be? Place? Time? Event? Prize? What else? If I had the time and resources I would want to create an event that supported people hiking/fastpacking/running the AT. The problem it takes to long for most people to be able to commit to doing it. So in reality if I ever really did this, it would be a distance event (probably from half marathon through 50 miles) in my home town through mostly trails and forests.
If you are running out the door and can only tag one bag with you for the day, what would it be? Gym bag? Purse? Mommy Bag? Brief case? I carry a string back pack every day. It has everything it in.
What was one article of clothing from your childhood that you distinctly remember and what makes it so memorable? Rosebud duds. They are a brand of blue jeans. Memorable because my mom, grandmother and I had to go to a special store out of town to get them. They were the only jeans that they could make to fit my then super slim body. I loved the individual attention my mom and gram gave me when we went. Though later in life being singled out turned out to be the start of a skewed body image.
What’s your bedroom look like? Do you love it or would you change it up? my bedroom is a mess. I wish I could take everything out of it. go through it all then only bring back what I actually use/need. Like that show Clean Sweep.
Just for the hell of it, what Chinese Zodiac year were you born in? Google it if you must ; ) I was born in the year of the Rooster.

My Questions:

Link a blog post that you loved but thought it didn't get enough response. Why did you feel it should have seen a bigger audience?

How many social media sites do you maintain? Do you ever think of cutting back?
When was the last time you ate M&Ms?
What one decision or choice you made/had earlier in your life would you change if you could?
How many pair of running shoes do you currently own? actually use?
If you could instantly give one of your children your current life, would you? Does that tell you that you are happy with where you are or not?
If you said you weren't happy with your current life, what would you do to change it?
What is your favorite drink?
How many miles a month do you drive?
When is the last time you flossed our teeth?
What was your favorite toy to play with as a child?

Since this post has been nearly every where only consider yourself tagged if you haven't done this yet and want to join in the fun. Just let me know in your comment so I can hop over and read your answers.

Happy Tuesday

Labels

2012-01-30T11:32:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful fun-filled weekend our family enjoyed! It was an unusually short one with the super secret spy not being off an extra day like we have gotten so used to thank to the holidays but we still packed a lot of family time into the hours we had.

Sporting my new ChiRunning hat. Part of my HBBC haul!

Thanks Amanda!

I finally got outside and enjoyed the milder weather on a nice run around VA. Not the 24 miles long run that this week called for but a nice rework of the plan allowed for more family time and still a decent long hilly run. With safety being brought back to the forefront of my mind and I am certain many other's too, I have been struggling with getting outside for long runs. That feeling of safety is something I have to work on getting back. Maybe it's more a need to feel prepared and aware.

After a messing weekend we did have to do some chores like cleaning the floors. Which was made easier with the Shark. Even the kids didn't mind helping especially helping to put the box to good use.

LBM can make everything chore more fun with his antics!

Teamarcia got a little free press with S'ghetti girl's new shirt.

Speaking of shopping, I noticed something troubling while we were shopping.

Labels.

You might notice that I don't wear a wide variety of clothes. I wear the same running outfits frequently and even in casual photos I am often sporting the same argyle purple or black sweater. That is because I don't like to shop. So I don't do it very often.

If fact the only pair of blue jeans that I own that fit were purchased about 7 years ago. They look terrible on me now and were part of the reason I finally gave in and went shopping.

The other reason is that my poor dressing habits have be adopted by my beautiful daughter.

I am not doing her any favors setting such a terrible example.

While I don't want her to be too wrapped up in her appearance, I do want her to care about herself enough to look her best given the situation.

I guess I want her to take pride in looking nice to an appropriate degree.

It's a fine line, right?!

S'ghetti girl lives in seat pants. If it is not warm enough to wear skirts she will be wearing one of a few pair of sweats that she owns. While sweats have their place they shouldn't be the only pants she wears.

Enter the dreaded Blue Jean label.

We went to countless stores and until the next to last store every single label share one word:

s.k.i.n.n.y

First off, my daughter is of an appropriate for her height and age. She is healthy and beautiful. While she may not be a active as some children she is by no means over weight. Yet time and time again she was told that her body was somehow not "right" after she tried on pair after pair after pair of blue jeans.

Of course, no one said that directly to her but I can remember being that adolescent girl struggling with no longer being a child and not yet being ready to be what come next. Even though I repeatedly told her that everyone has to go through all these different styles and cuts to find the pants that fit them best, she was still brought to tears in the dressing room after dozens of pairs simply didn't work with her shape.

s.k.i.n.n.y

I h.a.t.e that word.

If you really follow me you know that I never use that word. The H one.

There is very little worse than seeing your daughter struggle with something that shouldn't even be an issue. I tried my best to tell her that it's just a pair of pants. And we did find several that she would agree to wear and honestly they a super cute on her. I just worry that everything she wears them she will remember the experience and view herself negatively.

I wish I had a magic ball to see if this one experience was going to affect her or if all the praise and love she is given daily will be enough to give her the confidence she should have. Something, some comment or person or situation caused me to view myself differently than the reflection in the mirror which lead to years of pointless self confidence issues. Was it the nicknames in grade school? Was it the "special" jeans (Rosebud duds. I was really thin as a young child) that set me apart from the other kids?

Whatever it was I just don't want there to be an it for my daughter.

I need her to know the true, that she is smart, kind and important!

How can you over come an entire industry seemingly set on brain washing your kids?

Lastest from the CDC: This could be contagious

2012-01-28T07:01:00.000-08:00

In a recent announcement from the CDC regarding patients afflicted with a condition long diagnosed, runrunrunitis, have now be displaying a progressive array of symptoms.

runrunrunitis

The CDC has not reported whether this is a result of the runrunrunitis condition or if this new discovered racealottaultracoccal is a variant strain of a virus emerging in patients who fall within similar parameters.

racealottaultracoccal

Early studies were inconclusive regarding the duration of infection. One study indicated that this disease will display symptoms and then potentially go into a apparent dormant state only to return weeks, months, even years later. Other studies seem to show evidence that re-exposure to others afflicted with runrunrunritis brought about a reemergence of the racealottaultracoccal in patient who previously demonstrated symptoms.

CASE STUDY # 111269

Female patient in otherwise good health presented with an ongoing case of runrunrunitis. The patient displayed the classic progression throughout her long running infection.

Classic progression: Increased physical activity, expansion of social groups, increased sunlight exposure, progressive desire to move more, culminating in an injury. These injuries are typically of the lower body and seemingly self induced.

Due to early detection of the infection, even after more than 20 years, the patient has remained injury free. However on recent evaluations the patient has been exhibiting an expanding array of symptoms, both physical and mental.

SYMPTOMS

Increased confidence

Heightened awareness of time

Adhering to a strict daily routine

Obsessive interest in diet, weather and clothing often focusing on foot wear

Soreness

Lack of energy

Moodiness

Loss of confidence

Nervousness

These symptoms continued for 16 - 24 weeks

In the final phase of the disease the patient exhibited:

euphoria

delusions

extreme joy

exhaustion

soreness

increased appetite

This final stage presented in a group setting and is cause for further study to determine if reinfection occurs due to the close proximity of others as reemergence of the initial symptoms is sometimes spontaneous. Others displayed a delayed return of symptoms.

I wish to thank all those who help with this case study. In particular Dr.s R. and K. Brown, RunER; K. Spradlin, RD; B. Powell, iRunFar without whom this study would never have been brought to light.

If you feel you are exhibiting any of these symptoms and would like to participant in a study, please leave your case history in the comments below or email me directly.

although all these "symptoms" are true for me and ultra running, this case study and illness is fictional.

Ultra Running is not a disease, it's a gift!!

5 Things Friday ~ Let's not kid ourselves Edition

2012-01-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

I am not silly enough to think that I actually have 301 followers. But that is what Blogger is telling me. On the verge of Google Friend Connect going away I am happy that new people are finding me interesting or amusing enough to hang out with. I know most of the "followers" don't come around anymore but I still want to celebrate you, faithful reader, who comes back time and time again. To read about how I am still running every day and still praying to get into that 100 mile race. Still running the same races as last year (hopefully a little faster).

You don't want to miss out on anything exciting so remember to subscribe via email to make sure you get all the latest posts.

I move up another spot on THE wait list!

It does make me feel a little bit bad that in hoping to get into the Massanutten Mountain Trail 100. I am really hoping that 71 other people either hurt themselves, don't believe in themselves and simply can't keep up with the training. Let's not pretend any different, as bad as that is, I am hoping those 71 others hurry up and do it soon!

It was report card day. That is either a day of joy or a day of misery. As I am the mother of a rock star, it was a day of joy for her and pride for me.

But I am no any different than most parents. I can remember how my folks did it to me too.

The Scene: S'ghetti hands me her report card. Face beaming.

Me: That's great honey! Look at those grades.

S'ghetti: I improved my math grade and got 99% in science again! I am going to be a chemist...

She continues but I'm now comparing the first 9 weeks to the second. And as if nearly straight As wasn't good enough (which it is), I open my mouth and start saying how "we" con improve in a few places.

DUH!

I don't pretend to be the best mom but even I should have known that all her hard work simply needed praise in that moment. The "extra work" in those other areas could have waited for a later time.

I secretly registered for another 50k. This one at the end of February. It was only $19.85 to register. But I'm not fooling anyone with fact that I will have to tell Hubbs that I need to do a "little" 31 mile training run...and it might require a hotel stay.

click HERE

If you want to join me.

After 628 days of streaking you might think that those runs are so ingrained that I hardly think about them. Well, you'd be right. So much so that I am sometimes guilty of not thinking about how far I have already ran in a given week. I simply run my "usual" run each night. So I am not kidding when I say I haven't remembered to that an actual cutback week in about 8 weeks. And that is only if you count dropping down 4 miles as a step back.

If you don't use DailyMile then the 55 and 12 might look odd. That's the week that went from December to January so DM split it.

Since we will be traveling this weekend, I think I might actually be successful in stepping back!

I know my body will thank me even if my mind disagrees.

Are you thinking about "follower" with GFC going away?

Waiting it out for any races this year or did you get into everything you wanted?

Did you kids enjoy a joy-filled or misery-filled report card day?

Have you ever secretly registered for a race?

How many miles or what percentage do you use to call it a "step back" week in your training?

# 2

2012-01-26T04:50:00.000-08:00

My training plan.

yeah I do have one.

its written in pencil

good thing considering how much erasing I have done lately.

This weekend is to be my 20/12 b2b long run.

I can tell you now that will not happen this weekend
if
we are in Virginia.

That's the thing with my life. It doesn't seem to care that I have a plan.
It doesn't care that in about 16 weeks I could be high up on a mountain half lost on a rocky trail frantic to make friends with another runner who wants to run, in the dark, through the night, with their new best friend, me.
My life doesn't care about any of that.
This week my back to backs came early in the week and spanned 3 days.

That is the way my life goes. A bit off-plan. Often unpredictable.
But come to think of it.
My training my be exactly the plan I need to see my way to a 100 mile finish line.
Ultras tend to be a bit unpredictable. They rarely follow a plan.

With 16 weeks to go, I think I might actually be right on track.

If you are wondering were I am on the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 wait
list click Here

How important is it to you to "follow the plan"?

The other things I do

2012-01-24T04:45:00.000-08:00

You might think with all the running to get ready in the hopes of getting into the Massanuetten Mountain Trails 100

I'm currently at 72

that I would not have time for anything else.

Well you'd be wrong.

This weekend we celebrated another family tradition as we gathered for my mom's birthday.

We went bowling!

My oldest did great. It might have something to do with the bumpers in his lane.

The super secret spy and LBM worked together.

LBM got his first strike!

My mama with her birthday bowling pin.

We spent a lot of time doing hill repeats, I mean sledding.

We even had time to get S'ghetti girls new soccer shoes.

They have just the right amount of pink for kicking Grass, right?

And I also ran a little bit...

more than I had planned.

It was a great weekend to cap off and epic week!

My New Squeeze

2012-01-20T04:45:00.000-08:00

Can they help offset 57 miles so far this week?

The arrived in an inconspicuous plastic packing bag. I think they were trying to their presence unknown. My usual compression shorts were tucked away waiting for me to get my evening run done. I just won't let them know I had a visitor.

This is the result of a 10 year old offering posing advice

I put on these incredibly soft shorts more easily than I thought I would. After reading many reviews that talked about how tight they were I expected them to be, well tighter. I did not wear them during my run I have only worn them after my run so a full review will have to wait but if first impression are any indication.

Be glad you can't really see my toe!

I might have a new squeeze in my house!

Thanks to Marcia The Studly Runner for the great Aspaeris Pivot Shorts.

Tearing Down

2012-01-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

This post has little to do with running but everything to do with who I am and the kind of people I am raising my children to be.

It's been a constant in my life. Although my view of it has changed over the years my Pappy Max's barn has always been there as a symbol of some many things I believe my grandfather and father stood for. It was about a way of life. A kind of integrity not often found.

The boards and beams of our barn will be used by others and in that way they live on.

Our barn stood for hard work. The kind of work that few people do any more. The work that starts before the sun rises, blisters your hands, wearies your back, ends after the sun sets but fills your soul.

That barn represented an escape. It housed days and days of youthful adventures. Within it's wooden walls I created worlds and lives and escaped the youthful boredom of rural living.

It represented a source of pride. Although I would grumble at every chore my sisters and I were charged with doing, I found a sense of pride in doing them well. I was proud to be a part of something that had stood for so long. The sense of neighborhood and community with all the farmers gathered in our barn yard as the auctioneer sing-songed the bids as we held a cattle auction in the spring.

The barn represented history and family. Being a creative child I would linger in the thoughts of my grandfather and his father's hands at work on the very boards of that barn. I enjoyed imagining that my hand lay where theirs had been. I felt connected to a history of my family that I would never know in this life.

The barn represented taking chances. I remember climbing into the rafters and jumping into grain filled gravity bins below with my heart pounding in exhilaration. My heart was also pounding the day my mother caught me with a boy in the haymile.

It's probably the same for many family farmers. The barn is a central part of family life and takes on a life of it's own. That life, the life of our family barn is coming to an end. It's hard to imagine what my view will look like without it. Tearing down walls is rarely an easy thing to do. I am thankful for all the time I had growing up on the rural farm. I am hopeful as I look to see what reality lays beyond those comfortable walls of my past. But I won't forget the lessons I learned and I will share those memories with my children so that in the retelling of them, they will live on in our family always.

Cove Creek Farm

Doris June Barrack Diehl and Max Samuel Diehl

gone but never forgotten

may I live to make them proud.

Side Rails

2012-01-18T04:45:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a killer run! The training plan I am ~~modifying~~ using for the MMT 100 this May has a lot of B2B but I can't always fit them in on the weekends so I shuffle things around a bit to fit into my family's plan for life. That reality had me on my treadmill last night for 15 miles.

Having gotten off work early thanks to a dentist appointment and having my oldest home to help with his brother and sister, I could have done this run outside but I chose to be on the mill. It was a decision made easy because I had a movie to watch.

Courageous.

My side rails got a bit more visiting during this run than any in recent history. It was a very moving story and spoke to me on many levels. It is a movie about 4 fathers who find a need to follow the Bible's teachings on how to be a Godly father and the head of a household. The obvious message is an amazing one that I hope every family hears. But there is a message for everyone in the family, not just the fathers.

When I write a post I rarely think about whether my readers will "like" it or not. I hope that what I have to share will be of some use to my readers but I rarely consider that a post might get 1 comment like this one because I choose to share something beyond my children's antics and my running.

It takes courage to do many things in life. And that's the point. It takes courage to get on a treadmill for 15 miles. It takes courage to put your beliefs out there. It takes courage to run a 5k, a marathon, a 50 miler or a 100. It takes courage to look into the sweet eyes of your children and accept the responsibility for raising them. And it takes courage to make yourself aware of what you are asked to do in your life. Because once you are aware you are responsible to do it!

In our families, in our running or swimming or biking, in our work, in our faith; it takes courage to step out and do what makes us stand out. Are you feeling courageous?

Have you seen Courageous? What did you think?
What have you done lately to stand out?

A way of life

2012-01-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

Today is day #613 of the running streak. It's become so automatic to run every day that I often forget to check and see where I am as far as what day it is or how many miles I have run. But a couple days ago I check to see how the numbers were looking and I realized that I was about 40 miles from hitting

5000 miles.

I don't know what you did tonight but after the first mile of my run tonight I had run 5000 miles without taking a day off. I finished my run at 5010 miles. That had a nice ring to it. For a brief moment I thought it was pretty amazing, then I remembered all those runners who have streaks that have lasted decades HERE. Runners who really live the running lifestyle.

It was a great way to spend some of my evening. The kids cheered for me as I "crossed" the 5000 mile mark and then they quickly got bored of watching me run in one place. After this long my thoughts are a little different than they used to be. Now my thoughts jump to things like wondering when I'll hit 6000.

Crazy how a little habit becomes a way of life.

Ignore it

2012-01-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

Every time I read a post I feel inspired, encouraged, educated, uplifted. I often feel some how more powerful by simply knowing this amazing group of people. The courage that is shared whether your journey is to your first 5k or your about to embark on a Ironman has become contagious! I thank you all for putting your adventures out there and allowing me to share in them.

But I have to admit that I am scared shit less about getting into Massanutten (MMT 100). I know I have felt this kind of self doubt before. I felt completely freaked out before my first 50k and then of course before each of the 50 milers I felt the doubt creep in. But I chose to ignore it. It would be great to be a well of confidence just bubbling up but the reality is I forget sometimes that I really can't do anything.
That is not a typo.
I can't. I can't run 100 miles. I can't run marathons. I can't.
That is if I try to do it myself.

I was so nicely reminded that I don't have to be sure that I can, what matters is I know that He can.
yes it is going to be one of those posts
Granted when I started running many years ago, I didn't consciously do it to get closer with God. But that is what happened. I found that as my miles piled up and my mind grew quiet, I was praying. Suddenly I had found time to devote to a conversation that I had not really been holding up my end of before.
The work, the training, the time will be mine but I know that in the end this is something I feel drawn to do. The blessing I have been given requires me to share it.

This spirit of determination will help carry me through those things I am worrying about. The rocks, snakes, cliffs, hills and hills and hills, the loneliness, the fatigue, the darkness, the unknown will all be here but I won't be alone. I know that even with faith I may still not complete this next challenge. I may be unable or unwilling to pull that strength up from inside myself and I might not finish or hit my goals but I do know that when I make it into the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 it will be because I did have doubt.
I just didn't listen to it.

What are you allowing doubt to steal from you?
Need a few words of encouragement, send me an email for a uplifting heart-to-heart.

A long engagement

2012-01-11T04:50:00.000-08:00

Even though I haven't yet done a year end or a 2012 goal post, you wouldn't have to be reading very often

but of course you read every day, right?

to know that my A goal for 2012 is to go for the 100.

yeah, as in miles run at one time.

on trails, in the mountains, through the day and through the night, without dying or falling off a cliff.

To achieve that I registered for the Massenutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run.

Like many true trail races, the MMT 100 has a limited field of runners. To allow runners a some what equal opportunity to run a very popular race MMT 100 uses a great lottery system as part of their registration. The next step of the system was on January 4th, the last day for "lottery winners" to submit payment and stay on the entrants list. On that day I went from a potential 158th to 75th.

That's right there are 74 people ahead of me on the wait list.

The race only allows 205 runners to be on the entrants list.

As mose of my readers are beyond the fourth grade and can do simple math, I'm sure you can see that I might have a long engagement with the wait list.

Fellow ultra friends who have run MTT 100 many times assure me that with the next two steps on April 16 the (last day to withdrawal with full refund) and May 1st (last day to withdrawal with partial refund) many entrants will drop out for a list of reasons.

The race scheduled for May 12 - 13.

As exciting as the possiblity of doing a 100 mile ultra is, it would kinda be nice to know before the day of the race that I am going to get in.

What is the shortest notice you have ever had that you made it into a race?

What do you think of race lottery systems? Level the play field or should it be first come first served?

for a complete explanation of MTT 100's lottery system click here

Cause for Celebration

2012-01-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

Today is Day# 610

It was a high mileage week in my journey towards my 100 mile trail race.

Daily Mile 78 mile week
One more week higher mileage week
and then a step back week with cross training
I will actually be excited to cross 80 miles in a week again.

This little blog made the Top 30 on Marathon Training Schedule's Top 100 Running Blogs. It really is a list of some amazing bloggers. Click HERE to see who else made the list. There are 100 great runners to learn from and share with.

I was one of the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge Top 3 Winners!
Click HERE to see the other winners, congrats the other winners and enjoy Amanda's wonderful monthly challenges.

Maybe I should pay the lottery?

I need a favor...

2012-01-05T05:02:00.000-08:00

I do. I need a favor.

Somehow I have gotten out of the habit of getting

~~my increasingly big butt~~

out of bed in the morning.

The morning is seriously a great time to squeeze in a little exercise and start the day right. I know all this stuff. I lived the double days for years. Lately I have gotten tired.

Tired of fighting with LBM.

Tired of dealing with weather.

Tired of not getting my sleep again thanks to LBM.

Tired of feeling, well tired.

The odd thing is that the days I do get up even for a short run or workout I always feel better throughout the day.

So this morning if you haven't seen me post my run on DailyMile by, let's say 9 o'clock feel free to

~~completely call me out, say I'm lazy, remind me that I'm letting myself down...~~

leave me an encouraging comment.

I'll be happy to return the favor because

that after run smile...is always worth it.

The Other D Word

2012-01-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Recovery is about more than not being active.

I was thinking about recovery while I was watching The Biggest Loser last night. For anyone who has watched the show, you know that first episode shows scenes of "contestants" being pushed beyond their limits physically and mentally. That usually results in footage of contestants fainting, throwing up, crying, whining, or just plain walking out.

Last night we were even introduced to the term "fake vomiting." Which Bob Harper explained is really the way a contestant gets to take a break in the workout. While I didn't watch the entire episode what I did see left me wondering why they still don't show any footage of what the trainers have the contestants do or not do for recovery.

Now I do realize they are editing hundreds, maybe thousands of hours of footage down to fit into their hour and a half show time.

Come on. they are not kidding anyone. At least 30 minutes of every show is advertisements!

I credit them with trying to show as much of "the process" as they do BUT I think they are missing a key element in the fitness journey.

RECOVERY

This is probably the last topic you might expect to read about here considering that I haven't taken what most would consider a "rest" day for recovery in over 600 days. I do however use many things for recovery after every workout.

Today let's talk about diet.

I know it's the other D word but often your diet can be a critical part of not only your fueling but your recovery.

I am currently on a "diet" meaning I am restricting the options and reducing my calories on purpose. In case you are interesting I am basically following The 17 Day Diet. This plan for the first 17 days capitalizes on the rapid weight loss you can experience due to reducing the amount of water you retain. While many may feel that "water weight" loss is not "real" weight loss and thus has no value. I would disagree.

The first positive of the rapid results on the scale, as quickly as the second day, are that you feel motivated to continue to eat healthier because you see your efforts rewarded.

You also benefit on this plan by eliminating items from your diet that may be difficult for your body to digest. Due to any number of reasons I have gotten lazy in my meal preparation. Typically after my evening run I simply just want to make sure the little kids have eaten and they are often happy with less than stellar choices. With this plan I am reminded how little preparation is required to have several day's worth of meal ready that are fresh and good for my body.

My mid morning snack

Fueling your body in a healthy way will help your body to repair and recover from all the stresses you put it through. While this plan may not be for every one and may not be an example of a realistic life long eating plan for most, a "diet" is a tool to help rid your body of unneeded pounds and bad habits that are hindering your performance. Diet doesn't have to be a bad word. A diet can be a useful tool in achieving the fitness level you are reaching for this year.

So how you do feel about diets?

Have you ever followed The 17 Day Diet?

How has "dieting" effected your training?

Speaking of recovery tools. You don't have to visit often to know my number 1 recovery tool, my all time favorite recovery tool is COMPRESSION. And The Studly Runner is hosting a Aspaeris shorts giveaway. I am dying to try them since I hear amazing things from every one who has. Hop over and share some of your wisdom with Marcia or just go to talk about my crazy dieting-during-training thing.

How'd December Go?

2012-01-03T04:50:00.000-08:00

December 2011

Monthly Miles Ran: 286.4 (Year total: 3021)

Highest Mileage Week: 12/12 - 12/18 (DM Weeks) 76 miles

Rest Days Taken: 0

The Streak: December 31st was Day # 601 of the streak ~ 4872.2 miles,

Runs ~ ave. 8 miles per day/ 56.2 miles per week

Races:

Zero. Zip. Zilch

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Pumpkin dessert
I told I would share this recipe.
It is sooo good.

CRUST:

1 Box of yellow cake mix (Reserve 1 cup and set aside)
Add to the cake mix 1 melted stick of butter or margarine, 1 beaten egg, and ½ cup of chopped walnuts. Mix well. Spread mixture in a 9x13 greased baking pan.

FILLING:

Mix together: 1 large can of pumpkin, 4 beaten eggs, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup sugar, 2/3 cup of Evaporated milk, 2 ½ tsp of cinnamon, 1 tsp of nutmeg, ¼ tsp salt. Spread the filling over the crust.

TOPPING:

Mix together until crumbly: the reserved 1 cup of cake mix, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup of walnuts, ½ stick of softened butter or margarine. Crumble the topping over the filling.

Bake @ 350 for 50-60 minutes. Cool and serve with whipped cream on top.
(I have had better luck reducing the temp to 325 to avoid over browning the bottom)
Believe me, you will want to write it down!

Non-food Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Too much computer time

Which Outfit did I Wear the Most:

Kinda lived in my Skyline Challenge Trail 50k shirt.

What We Are Watching:

With the Kiddos:

Alpha and Omega

My Viewing:

Red Box Rentals

Funniest/Best Kid Quote:

Given the fact that my kids NEVER stop talking, you'd think I'd have endless ideas for this one.

BUT I must have perfected my tune out abilities because this month I've got nothing.

Current Triumph:

601 days streaking

Current Goals

Personal:

To get LBM to sleep in his own bed. every.night.

Running/Fitness:

To be ready for spring ultra season.

To cross train more.

To drop body fat.

Current Blessing:

Every single day in my life. A gift.

Current Excitement:

Family:
S'ghetti girl is playing basketball

Running/Fitness:

I registered for my first 2012 fall event (September). It sold out in 90 minutes.

Current Concern:

Personal:
Still working on reducing my body fat.

Family:
Getting LBM to want to sleep on his own.

Running:
Where will I be on the wait list for the 100 miler come January 4th?

How did your December days add up?

Resolution Run ~ 2012

2012-01-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

As I look ahead to the new year that I woke up to this morning; the thought of a clean slate, fresh goals and a renewed drive helped move my over indulged body and out of schedule mind.

The weather was a wonderful mix of sunny skies and cloudy breaks with a breeze to keep me company.

Had I been in PA I would have had company on this run as Biking Sherpa is making fitness goals for 2012 she would have happily joined the fun

extra HBBC points are incentive too

and LBM would have enjoyed the jogger ride

but with the "race" to take place in VA traffic is often an issue.

But even solo the miles flew by and the hills didn't seem nearly as tough. It's amazing what a little "race" incentive can do for your mind.

I finished ready to return to my family and content that I did something wonderful for me.

Here's to another year to running and fitness!

Thanks Amanda.

How I spent my last day

2011-12-31T20:49:00.000-08:00

I started the day with a celebratory 6.01 mile run to mark the day.

The family and I went to Monticello to get our hands on some history.

It was a great tour with a guide who really helped historty come alive.

LBM had trouble staying awake

But he quickly got a second wind in the Discovery Area.

Then it was off the C-ville to take in all the activities on the mall.

We rocked out with a lazer light show

...and rang in 2012 a little bit early for pratice.

Crazy hugs and kisses and Happy New Year wishes!

Happy New Year!

An unexpected ring

2011-12-30T20:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was day # 599.

Since I am taking some time off from the Big Girl job the kids and I are in VA while the poor super secret spy has to work. Well, he had to work today.

I had big plans for the run today. The plan was to run a long loop with LBM in the jogger to start pushing my upper body strength a bit. Then follow that run with a round of Insanity while the kiddos all played and frequently checked on me to make sure I didn't pass out.

I still got out for a run. I still challenged myself during that run. It just wasn't the "big deal" I had wanted it to be. And forget doing anything after. LBM was having no part of being away from me to play or nap.

So we baked brownies side by side in the kitchen in my running clothes. S'ghetti girl had a friend over and everyone loved the unexpected treat. It got me thinking about how I had wanted to make a big deal out of the approaching Day #600 tomorrow. Joining the Charlottesville Area Trail Runners for a long trail run or run a memorable number of miles or start a serious cross training program to mark the day. I thought about all those things. But I will probably be the only person who notes the day to mean anything to me and my running.

After not clicking publish yesterday on the half written post above. I stand corrected thanks to the unexpected ringing of my phone today. I had just gotten back from a 8 and 1/2ish run which was much more challenging than I would have liked such a distance to be. I was feeling a little defeated and little down about my running, my fitness about what I am trying to do with sharing my silly little running life until that phone call.

The unexpected sharing of a friend's acknowledgement of my day 600 and a reaffirming that I might actually be reaching someone, anyone who happens upon my blog was just the pat on the back I needed. It never ceases to amaze me that my friend might have thought he was thanking me for helping him get back to running and start his own running streak but his unexpected kind words ended up helping me.

Thanks to my friend and to everyone who supported and encouraged and followed me down this rabbit hole of running, streaking and ultra running. No matter how far down you have gone with me, thanks for believing in me and more importantly believing in yourself that you can do these crazy things too!

Who's up for day #601 tomorrow? I know I am!
How do you plan to use your LAST day of 2011?

Ending the year on a high note

2011-12-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

Last night I was figuring out my yearly mileage. I keep my workouts recorded in several places.

I am old school and still write it on a paper calendar.

I use an spreadsheet based program on my computer.

I also use DailyMile to record and network with other runners.

The numbers didn't add up.

I thought at first the error was due to DMs lovely rounded but I actually forgot to enter a run in June into my computer database. That is usually where I get my totals.

So this morning I knew I only have to run 7.4 miles to hit 3000 for the year.

I did what any runner would do. I ran 9.

While the number of miles really doesn't show anything about my running year it was a fun way to not slack as if the HBBC wasn't keeping me going enough!

Now the next milestone will be on the 30th when I hit 600 days on my running streak.

Always something to look forward to, right?

What are you looking forward to as the year ends?

Or are you just glad to have 2011 over?

Our Holiday

2011-12-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

Our holiday started off with a wonderful and all too infrequent night out with the super secret spy. We celebrated another year of not killing each other wedded bliss.

A lingering meal at Jean Bonnet Tavern and several hours of adult conversation that was priceless.

Saturday morning we shared a big breakfast. After breakfast the super secret spy took the little kids to see Arthur Christmas so I could finish wrapping presents. I was bummed that I would miss seeing the movie since I am a big fan of animated kid movies but I'm sure I'll enjoy watching it on DVD while running on the mill in a few months.

I finished just in time to go to my mom's for our Christmas Eve get together before heading out for evening church services. Then back to mom's in our pjs for a gift exchange.

The cousins exchanged names and gave out their gifts first so everyone shared in the excitement of the giving and receiving.

LBM loved his new remote control truck.

And S'ghetti girl was excited with all her goodies as was her little red-headed cousin, Z.

Biking Sherpa got a gift that fits everyone...a shirt made out of money.

I know she won't return it.

Any guesses on who is who?

Our holiday slipper sock tradition got a bit updated with some really eye catching foot wear!

We had a great evening but it was far from over...

After the Christmas Eve festivities were over and my house was finally all asleep, Santa paid our house a visit.

It was a tiring day. But I still enjoyed having those midnight hours alone in the house with the tree lit and the gift arranged just so. It is a nice moment to really give thanks for the original Christmas gift.

But in no time at all it was time for a frenzy of paper.

We tired to slow down the process...

But soon everyone was opening something. I think it is kind of expected with younger kids that the morning end with mounds of paper.

Sprinkled amount those days have been my runs. Which have been reather uneventful, I'm sad to say. With the rest of the week free of my Big Girl job I am looking forward to running my usual 6.5 mile hilly route with the jogger and hopefully an agreeable LBM.

Time to ponder

2011-12-25T07:17:00.000-08:00

Even though I was tired and the hour was very late I was still moved at the thought that I was falling short. Everyone had certainly enjoy the family Christmas eve traditions. The kids had more toys than they could possibly need. I sat in the quiet house after Santa had visited and took in the glow of the lights on our tree, I wondered if my family would even take time to remember why the coming day was being celebrated.

Knowing that in hours and a blur the Christmas morning festivities would be over I gave thanks that I can have hope. I glad thanks that I can know that something far better than any of the wrapped gifts waiting to be opened is in store for me and everyone.

Remembering the true reason for this season and holding in my heart every day, I wish you and your family a moment of calm gratitude for the first Christmas gift.

Merry Christmas

Five 4 Friday

2011-12-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

Being a numbers girl I was excited after my run last night when I realized that I had run 2936.1 miles in 2011. That means that if I can average 7.1 miles a day for the rest of the year I could hit 3000. That could be a lifetime record! The stumbling block could be the holidays but at least it gives me one final goal to push for.

Do you have a final year end goals? Did you meet all your 2011 goals? What was the one you are most proud of?

Well it seems as though my readers don't like the idea that the word failure can be a positive thing if the response to yesterday's post is any indication. If you missed it click HERE

What do you think being a "failure" means?

Today is my wedding anniversary. I'm not a big romantic. With kids under foot it is easy to slip into mom and dad roles and neglect the husband/wife roles a bit especially when the super secret spy and I are apart most weeks. BUT tonight we will be spending an evening without children. I know there will be eating and adult conversation. I think there may be more but it's been a while since I was on a date so I might need to glance over the handbook to prepare myself.

Do you and your sweetheart make time for just each other? Even after years of marriage?

I think December forgot it was December because we have been enjoying so fantastic weather! Look at the morning I enjoyed recently. Getting to run without looking like the Michelin man this time of year is great but I am kinda wishing for a white Christmas. Sorry I am a four seasons kind of person.

Do you wish for a white Christmas?

Speaking of Christmas and the holidays no matter what you celebrate or if this time of year is simply the ending of one year and the beginning of the next, I wish you and yours a safe and happy season.

Merry Christmas everyone!

I credit myself a failure

2011-12-22T04:50:00.000-08:00

When I was in grade school we did a play. I think it was called I Want an Elephant for Christmas. It was turned into a Peanuts play. Think Charlie Brown. I was Sally. I thought it was fate that the teachers had cast Scotty Waugerman as Linus because I LOVED him. Scotty, not Linus.

Well, my little grade school self thought I loved him.

So I thought it was sweet that my own little girl recently confided in me that she has a crush on a little boy in her class. It so happens that little boy was the main snowman in their recent Christmas play.

Life can be sweet. All tied up in a pretty little bow.

As things would have it once in the middle school when boys finally discovered girls (at least in my era), Scotty Waugerman didn't like me like that. He liked my older sister. Isn't that always the way. The bow comes untied. Life doesn't work out the way we had planned.

It seems at times I'm a little bit more like Charlie Brown than Sally. There are more days when the ball gets yanked away. That might get a person down if it were not for the days when you kick the ball. Sometimes it's just a little contact with the ball and other days it's a winning field goal kind of connection.

Maybe you have been having a string of down days. Days when you are left feeling down and defeated. Perhaps wondering why you even got up that morning. Feeling like you are a failure.

You can only credit yourself with being a failure if you have tried! To be a failure shows you saw the ball, took aim and charged!

There isn't anything beyond your ability. There are only things you haven't successfully tried yet. The important thing is to remember that being able to say you failed means at least you had the courage to try.

What will you do today to be able to credit yourself a potential failure?

The Runaway Snowman

2011-12-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took the day off of my Big Girl job to spend the day supporting S'ghetti Girl at the three performances of her 5th grade play, The Runaway Snowman. It was a cute story about a snowman come to life who teaches the kids about friendship.

I hoped to finish up Christmas shopping, wrap everything and get a long run in before the evening show at 7 o'clock.

The show was wonderful. I love that her school does these kind of things and it really allows the kids to experience a board array of activities. S'ghetti girl felt like a Super Star!

Between the morning and the after noon show, I shopped and ran errands like a mad woman. I didn't even take time to eat. Opps. I kinda forgot to do that most of the day. Not great on pile o'miles weeks.

Between the afternoon and evening show I went home to run but was really pressed for time so I only squeezed in 7 miles thinking that I would finish after the kids were in bed with a drizzly run to see the Christmas lights.

I picked up the kids after a quick shower and let S'ghetti girl celebrate at her choice of dining establishments.

Yeah, she is high society at the Golden Arches.

BUT the kids both liked it. So again I didn't eat.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I did eat a few french fries. Which were not hot enough to be good.

After the kids finished it was back to the school for the last showing.

I only took about 70 photos and a 45 minute video so count yourself lucky to only endure these few. I was very proud of how S'ghetti did and I loved that she was enjoying herself so much!

We mingled with a few friends after the show but everyone was eager to get home. Once home I of course had to deal with the 70+ photos and the 45 minute video. That couldn't wait until later! I wanted the super secret spy, who had been on the west coast and couldn't attend, to see them right away.

All that lead to me feeling a little like this:

I didn't make it out the door before I feel asleep trying to get LBM to sleep. I didn't get to run in the drizzle. I didn't get to see the lights or finish my miles.

It seemed like the only one how did much running yesterday was the Snowman.

Does your children's school have plays or drama clubs?

Did you ever perform in a play in school?

Do you "skip it" on days when kid activities are heavy?

No Secret

2011-12-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

This past week was epic for miles. Notice I didn't say for running because to be epic my running would have needed to be in the woods or under the stars. This past week outside miles were few and far between. I make no secret of the fact that many of my miles are now on the mind numbing treadmill. The glamorous life of married single parenting with a strong willed mini-human to battle. But it might be a secret to LBM that he will be back in the jogger snuggled under a heating pad before too long. Now that will be a different kind of will power training for me!

Do you see that little pink bar. I left it there so you all can go over and congratulate Marlene

at Mission to a(nother) Marathon. Do you see those running, swimming and biking miles.

That girl is hard core!!

Its been no secret that I am drooling over INKnBURN's designs and want to look killer for the 100 and a couple sweet training "races" leading up to it. But I also know it's the season of giving so I'll share this link again.

It's the final day to enter the INKnBURN giveaway that Heather @ Run Faster Mommy is hosting. I so want to win this! Then I could host a giveaway for all your guys. Because I just know that after my rave review (I of course already know I would love their stuff), they would be dying to give me more free stuff to giveaway to you!

LBM spilled all his secrets to Santa

Five 4 Friday

2011-12-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

1. I have a Christmas Tree up and decorated in my house

and it is only December 16th.

If you understand how BIG of a deal this is, then you really know me.

2. Another big deal is all the extra exercise S'ghetti girl have been enjoying at her basketball practices.

even LBM has gotten in on the fun!

3. Look what I got in the mail yesterday! Thanks to my secret bloggy santa Caratunk Girl I will be toasty while I get my running exercise outside and rewarded after my runs with a little yummy chocolate. She even sent treats for my dogs! Thanks for the great surprise!

Another thanks goes out to Jill at Run with Jill for the great blogger secret santa again this year.

4. Speaking of surprises, Look who is YMX by Yellowman's Fan Of the Day.

although they probably picked me because that cute Biking Sherpa and S'ghetti were in the photo, too.

Now they just need to send me a boat load of amazing gear so I can be stylin' for that 100!

5. Since I brought up that 100

prepare yourself because the next 5 months will be nauseatingly fill with talk of that 100

I only have 25 peeps ahead of me on the wait list.

Dreams of Burning Ink

2011-12-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

I must have some InknBurn!

I think I need to already start planning my 100 miler outfit because I KNOW that I am going to Massanutten in May.

I love this shirt to many reasons.

Single track mind. Okay they might mean one thing but I like to think it means single track trails!

Run or Die. That pretty much sums up my daily life. I run every day because I don't feel alive if I don't. And on that fabulous day in May I may feel like it's a Run or Die situation high up on that rocky mountain trail.

The color! If I fall over from exhaustion, someone is sure to notice me. Right?!

If you want to help me pick the bottom half of my race day outfit hope over to Ink n Burn and take a look around. Plus Heather at Run Faster Mommy is hosting a giveaway so you might be able to rock so Ink n Burn!

Let's Talk Lottery

2011-12-13T04:45:00.000-08:00

I had the weekend to get over the fact that thanks to the stupid DOW being down on the 8th I did not get into the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100. This weekend also provided me time and opportunity to lower the boom on the super secret spy and get his ~~approval for my insanity,~~ ~~relief that his doesn't need to get me a Mother's day gift from the kids~~, support for crewing for potentially 36 hours of running fun!

So let's talk about the lottery system that Virginia Happy Trails Running Club uses to pick those lucky runner who get to know that they are IN for events.

VHTRC is one of two running clubs I belong to. The other is the MCRRC.

One day I will actually get to participate in more of the events and work days that these two great clubs put on.

This year all you needed to do to register successful for the MMT 100 was:

Qualifications for Entry: Entrants must be at least 18 years old at the time they apply for entry and have completed, within the official time limit for that event, either:

A 100 mile run at anytime before December 1, 2011

A 50 mile run after January 1, 2010 and before December 1, 2011

That would be an official race not a fat ass event and not an event that you "dropped" down in distance during the event.

Easy.

Next year it gets a little harder.

Qualification Change for 2013 Event: Starting with the 2013 MMT, a qualifying 100 mile run must have been completed within the 36 month period before entry opens. If an applicant does not have a qualifying 100 mile finish, he or she must have two ultra distance event finishes, at least one of which is 50 miles or longer, completed in the 24 months before entry opens. Runners with five or more prior MMT finishes need not have a qualifier. (This paragraph added November 2011)

You will need TWO ultra length events within the prior 36 month period. Not that this new qualification would have been so hard given my current racing schedule BUT things change and if I waited until 2013 or after to attempt MMT 100, I might not have those 2 events completed.

So 2012 is going to be the year.

Once you've registered by simply meeting those qualifications they check your race history and filling out their online form, you are given a random number. Then you simply wait for the closing bell the day after the final day to register. This year that date was December 8th. They use the last three digits of the DOW at close to pick the "start" number for entries. If the DOW was up for the day the number that got "in" go up. If the DOW was down the numbers go down. If only it had been up!

Lottery Results: On December 8, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down at 11,997.70. (We confirmed that with the DOW official site.) That makes 770 the beginning number. Lottery numbers 766 down through 269 are eligible to enter. (There is no one on 770.) At registration I was #194

As you can see in the photo above my worst case scenario wait list ranking is 158. I don't have seniority by having run this event before. That would suck. And would probably mean I would not get in on race day with a field of 205 runners. However, as January 4th draws near the final day to pay if you got "in" or join the wait list runners will question their once strong bravado and not pay the registration fee and not join the wait list.

This will move me quickly up the list.

I am hopeful that I get in and get in early so I know that I need to get serious about my fitness and running. Get serious and smart. By smart, I mean the ~~dreaded~~ rest days. Okay, minimum mile days and cross train days is more honest and accurate. Because if I were to label myself which I don't I would most accurately be called an ultra running streak runner because running every day is important to me. But that is another post entirely.

Given the 2013 requirement changes and the race date of May 12 - 13, I feel like THIS is the year to go for 100. If you are new around here, May 12 - 13 would be Mother's Day weekend. That will be my second Streak-iversary. And while I don't love the results of the lottery for this race, I do think it is a great way to even the odds for applicants to get to participate in sought after events.

What do you think?

Have you every participated in an event that used a lottery system?

Did you think it offered a "fair" way to choose participants?

What do you think of lottery systems?

Life is Good

2011-12-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

Life is Good.

I'm a celebrity. I'll be signing autographs and working on my autobiography.

Montgomery County Road Runners Club

I got this in the mail.

Yeah, I'm a member of USRSA.

It helps to know that I am not the only one who does this ~~slightly insane~~ amazing thing every single day.

Although currently there a quite a few others who are joining me via Tall Mom through the month of December for a 30 day challenge.

Did you join the challenge? How are you making that daily run fit in?

My husband did not freak out when I told him about Massanutten Mountain Trails 100. It may have helped that he had just gotten back from trading in his ATV for a upgraded model unexpectedly AND is taking a trip to the west coast without me to hang with his friends.

Timing IS everything.

E.P.T Moment

2011-12-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

Maybe you have experienced the feeling.

You are late.

Not late for a meeting or to get the kids from school but late.

You pray. You bargain. You beg.

You promise God everything anything just to let that little stick you are about to pee on to not turn blue.

And then

when it doesn't

you are sad.

Tears running down your face for something you didn't even think you really wanted.

That's how I feel today.

I did not get in to the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100

Yes I registered.

Yes I was ready to pony up the dough.

But I wasn't completely sure I wanted to go through with it.

Until my number wasn't picked.

Now I can't believe I didn't get in.

Now I'm so sad that fate grant me entry.

At least now I know that I really want to do this.

which makes the next step worse.

The Wait List

I won't have priority (previous finishes) to get in

but last year no one was left on the list.

that means I still could make it

and I still should probably tell my husband.

Massanutten Mountain Trails 100

I'm not giving up yet!

Three Things Thursday - Initials Edition

2011-12-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

Massanutten

Mountain

Trails

I registered!!!!

Come back tomorrow to see is I got in!

In the meantime, could you start praying?...

oh, not that I make it in but that if I do my husband doesn't kill me.

If you don't laugh...

2011-12-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Today has been a challenge that actually started last night.
My hubbs who lives and works away through the week gave me the clear indication that he wanted me to get the Christmas tree up due to the grumblings of our daughter.

Thanks daughter for throwing me under the bus with daddy!

After a hectic early morning of cooking, getting kids ready, Sunday School, church, a Christmas party and headband making, I found myself just getting on the treadmill at 6 p.m. I was running merrily along when I jumped on the side rails crushed by the sudden realization that it was SUNDAY NIGHT! We had work and school to prepare for. Where had Saturday gone?

I finished my 10 miles, dealt with the usual road blocks in getting the kids ready for bed all while feeling like I had lost a day's time in which to do it all. Once we had the next day's preparation done and were in our jammies, we put up the tree. An ancient artificial tree up and fluffed to be decorated Monday night.

We was feeling a bit impressed with myself as I tried to get LBM to go to sleep. He is still sleeping in my bed. Get off my back about it. I'm too old to argue with a stubborn 3 year old. After 30 minutes of cuteness, i.e., "mom let me tell you a secret....", "mom I'm going to dream about....", "mom I have to....pee again....get another drink...." and my personal favorite as the hour nears midnight, "mom, sleeping is bbbbooooorrrrrrrrriiiiiinnnnnnggggg!" I had had it! I grabbed that little ball of cuteness and tossed him in his room. Tossed is figurative not literal. Duh! Of course that didn't work because 1) my PA house is small. 2) sounds carries. 3) I have ears and 4 ) so does my daughter.

I went back and got him feeling like a meany. LBM promptly spits up. Yeah. He can do it on demand. Just enough to make a mess and require attention. Goal accomplished. After apologizes me to him and a quick bath. LBM returns to bed with me. We again say prayers. We snuggle to sleep. why couldn't he have done that 2 hours ago.

This morning I just know things will be more smooth. S'ghetti girl does not recall any of the noise from the night and although she is not excited to have to get up for school, she does so without major problems. My morning routine goes well, except for a lack of a wake up run and LBM cooperates mostly.

We pull out of the drive way within minutes of our need to time. That's when I started to seriously wonder about my sanity.

Recall that little light that I saw on Friday. The one that got cleared thanks to my hubbs. BUT not because he and my FIL fixed anything. They simply cleared the code. The car worked all weekend and I simply was none the wiser. Until I was about a mile from my house and 10 miles from the sitter and 20 miles from work.

At times I think that all the running and training gets me through the ultras that I do. But it's days like this one that make me wonder if it's not the ultras that prepare me to get through the days like this one.

I couldn't cry with LBM in the car, so I just had to laugh.

I saw the light

2011-12-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

My morning started with the inability to get my butt out of bed to grab a quick run this morning. I should have recognized the tone I set for my day but I went about my morning blissfully unaware of what was in store for me.

I got my shower. S'ghetti girl got ready. She talked me into buying another book from the visiting author, Henry Cole.

We chatted about her spelling test and our evening plans. Nice and smooth. The bus arrives. I kiss her good bye. Back in the house to wake up LBM and head off to work.

After a few patient rounds of "where's LBM hiding" we were gathered and loaded into the car. Then off to the sitter. Listening to Despicable Me play at the back of my head taking in the beautiful frosty views.

Until I saw this:

Back Story: The evening before Stone Mill my children's sitter told me that my wonderfully reliable Honda CRV had left a "giant puddle "in her driveway. She was adamant that no other car had been there. So I drove to the nearest well lit parking area, WalMart, and phoned a friend.

Thankfully my friend was able to come check out the car and confirm that all my fluids were fine and the under body of the car didn't seem to show any signs of a leak.

Given that episode, I completely freaked out this morning when that little light came on. Okay freaked out is a strong way to put it but I didn't shut off the car at the sitter's and LBM got the fastest bye kiss ever as I jumped back into the car to drive straight to the garage. Only to find out that they couldn't look at the car until Monday.

Monday!

I had a moment to think so I got out my owner's manual and actually started to remember what I know about this car. Sure enough it is probably an oxygen sensor. I've already replaced two or three on this vehicle. While sensors are the only repairs I have ever had with the car, the timing is not the greatest. With the expense of the holidays, basketball practice starting Saturday and Holiday workshop tonight, I was hoping to have a safe car to drive.

It will all workout. Things always seem to.

But is it wrong that along with the worries of safety and finance, I was also worried about that morning run that I didn't take and wondering how I was going to fit that in?

Runner first.

How'd November Go

2011-12-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

November 2011

Monthly Miles Ran: 275 (Year total: 2727.6)

Highest Mileage Week: 11/14 - 11/20 (DM Weeks) 92 miles

Rest Days Taken: 0

The Streak: November 30th was Day # 570 of the streak ~ 4578.8 miles,

Runs ~ ave. 8 miles per day/ 56.2 miles per week

Races:

Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k ~ November 6th

Stone Mill 50 Miler ~ November 19th

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Pumpkins desserts.
I found a new recipe and will be sharing it closer to the Holidays
Believe me, you will want to write it down!

Non-food Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Stalking race websites for registration days. Oh yeah, life on the edge baby!

Which Outfit did I Wear the Most:

After boring you with a million self photos it seems like I rarely take one during my runs.

I have been typically wearing my 2010 FOTM white shirt and yellow running skirt (inside version)

Layered long sleeve tech top and tights (outside cold version)

A Mix of tops and my Nike shorts (outside warm version)

What We Are Watching:

With the Kiddos:

Cars 2

My Viewing:

The Walking Dead
Season 1

Funniest/Best Kid Quote:

"Daddy, are we going to go run over the deer now?

Current Triumph:

5 Ultras in 2011

Running my farthest distance yet thanks to the Stone Mill 50 Miler
arguably almost 55 miles

Current Goals

Personal:

Organizing my PA house

Running/Fitness:

Working slowly at dropping that extra pudge

Current Blessing:

Every single day in my life. A gift.

Current Excitement:

Family:
S'ghetti Girl landed a part in her fifth grade play!

Blogging:
So exciting news in the coming month.

Running/Fitness:

Already registered for two spring 50ks

Current Concern:

Personal:
Surviving the holiday madness.

Family:
Working out fitting all S'ghetti girl's practices into an already hectic schedule.

Running:
Adopting a plan that allows all my goals to be achievable.

How did your November days add up?

What I Love/What I'd Love to Love Wednesday

2011-11-30T09:42:00.000-08:00

What I Love and

What I'd Love to Love Wednesday

Through daily life it is often the little things that make each day special. With that in mind, today I wanted to share with you a few things that I have been using/enjoying lately.

My Crocs

After so many miles on my feet nothing beats slipping on these shoes. My toes are often tender after ultra length events and the roomy toe box allows me to give my tootsies all the room they need. I also like the feeling of walking barefoot. I wear these around the house after running and I haven't had any problems with my feet or calves cramping after hard runs. Could there be a connection? I don't know for sure but the soles of my feet haven't felt better!

The Walking Dead

When my oldest attempted to get my interested in this series I said No Thanks! However, when I was stuck on the treadmill Again with nothing to watch he talked me into giving it another chance. 10 miles later I was hooked. Granted I could do without the graphicness of the show, the story line is reminiscent of Lost with wonderfully well rounded characters and an engrossing story line.

Today is day # 570 of my running streak and with this series to watch, I think tonight's going to be a long one!

Using Leftovers

One quick and super easy way to get a few more servings of veggies in your diet is to use those left over veggies from dinner in your breakfast or lunch. As a full time working married single parenting mom, my time is at a premium so packing for the day's work is often something that doesn't get done. That usually means I won't be eating since I work straight through without a break. But if I plan ahead it doesn't have to.

A trick I have found that is super fast is to use my leftover veggies in my breakfast meal. Whether I add them to my eggs or eat them in a wrap. If I made extra the night before I will add the reheated veggies to my salad at lunch time. I love how the warm and cold veggies mix in interesting textures. Its a quick extra serving or two of veggies that might have gone to waste.

Running Skirts

Okay so I was the one that was so keen on my Running Skirts skirts at first. They didn't stay up but I did keep trying them and found that I really like them for shorter runs. I even wore one for the Fire on the Mountain 50k. I had pinned it to my tights to keep it from slipping.

But this little one is on my

What I'd LOVE to Love List!

Lululemon Run You Heart Out Skirt

Do you see that little cord? I think it could be the answer to my skirt slipping problems! The only issue is the price of this little beauty.

Another thing holding me back are some of the negative comments about it's fit.

So do you have this sweetheart of a running skirt?

What do you think of it? Is it worth the investment?

Do you like zombie movies? Or watching movies while you run?

Do you now think I'm a geek for loving my crocs?

How are you doing getting those HBBC points?

What have you been Loving lately?

What's on your Love to Love It List?

Conflicting Goals ~ HBBC Week One

2011-11-29T12:56:00.000-08:00

This year's installment of the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge could not have started on a better day for me,

November 19th.

Remember that was the fabulous Stone Mill 50 Miler

which turned into 55 miler

Are you sick to death of these photos yet?

So I started the challenge off with a weeks worth of points!

Although my diet left a little to be desired that day.

(There is a suggestion for the aid stations, more fruits and veggies. )

I did eat about 2 and a half bananas that day.

The down side of the HBBC for me is that I want to rack up points even though I know that I need to have at least two weeks of lower mileage so that I can start adding Intensity back into my workout routine along with my running.

Conflicting Goals.
That should be my middle name.
Seriously.
I got a email from a friend today.
He is offering to crew me in an early spring 100.
Yes. I just typed
One Zero Zero.
For a split second I thought he was on crack and then I jumped to the website and started thinking how could I make this work. Emailing other friends for their opinions. Contemplating which 100 I could do.
Do I have brain damage?

While you all contemplate my sanity, let's look back at yesterday's 21 Facts. Not surprisingly the first to get the answer right was Marlene.
She knows me so well!

My mom did dress my sister and I alike however I did not like dressing like my older sister. Today I'd feel differently due to her sense of style. I wish she's show up each morning and pick out clothes for me. Because if left up to me, it's tees and capris every day! When I'm not in running clothes, that is.

Glad to see that so many of you guessed correctly.

HBBC Weekly Points
11/19 ~ 55 mile run = 55 pts
11/20 ~ 2 mile run + F/V = 3 pts
11/21 ~ 5 mile run + F/V = 6 pts
11/22 ~ 8 mile run + F/V = 9 pts
11/23 ~ 8 mile run + F/V = 9 pts
11/24 ~ 2 mile run + F/V = 3 pts
11/25 ~ 8 mile run + F/V = 9 pts
Week One 94 pts

I doubt I'll see those numbers again but it sure was fun!

How are you doing with the HBBC? Getting in those F/V?

Do you allow yourself multiple goals at one time?
How do you deal with conflicts between them?

Shelly Tells a Lie

2011-11-28T08:50:00.000-08:00

Marlene at Mission to a(nother) Marathon tagged me to share 21 bits of fabulous facts about me. I thought it might be fun to share 21 fabulous facts but have one fact be a fib.

You know kinda life Penn and Teller Tell a Lie

Did you see that show yet?

So I'll give you 21 tidbits and see who can be the first one to let me know which one is the fib. There could be a little holiday reward for the first correct response.

1. I really don't like my name, Shelly. It rhymes with words that kids in grade school used in a mean way. Like Shelly Jelly, Shelly Belly. All of those things made me think I was fat even though I wasn't. Right up until I was born I was to be Samantha. I would have liked that better.

2. Although I call them silly names here, my children's real names spell my daddy's name. And my name and my husband's name begin to spell his last name.

S.A.M S.M.ITH

3. At the Tough Mudder I broke my tailbone. It hurt like crazy bad! It was the second time I broke my tail bone.

4. As a child I had to endure quite of bit of humiliation due to my mother being a beautician. There were days spent with tape in my hair, multiple perms resulting in tears before school. Maybe that's why I just let my hair grow and then donate it.

5. A big item on my life list is to through hike/fast pack that Appalachian Trail.

6. I have run 13 road marathon with a goal of going sub 3:30. The closest I have ever gotten is 3:36. As much as I wanted to hit the goal the lure of the trails pulled me in a different direction. Although I wonder if I could make that goal now I rarely regret the decision to leave the road in pursuit of a different kind of running.

7. I am the middle child in a family of three girls. Middle child syndrome exists.

8. My grandmother used to make brown sugar frosting. I loved it. As an adult, I would make the frosting and not have a cake to put it on.

9. We watch a lot of animated shows. Having kids that span two decades helps to get the cartoon theme alive. But to be honest, I'm only using the kids as an excuse to get to watch them.

10. I will routinely flip the toilet paper around if it was hung the wrong way. Regardless of whose house I am in. Right way: paper over the top.

11. I don't like "doing" my hair. It seems like such a waste of time to me. I usually think if I run in the morning and wash it and do it only to run again after work, way bother? Luckily I have crazy curly hair and can usually just wash and go. Until it is long enough to donate to someone who actually needs it. I bet my hair is so happy to go to someone who actually with do something with it!

12. When I am traveling by car, I do not like to stop. I will stop for gas only if unavoidable but forget needing a potty break when traveling with me. I want to get there and be done with the drive. The only exception is if part of the trip is the area we are driving through. If taking in the scenery or local attractions is part of the plan, plan to be late because I will want to stop for everything!

13. I used to be in love with Prince. As in the artist formerly known as.

14. I love to cook and bake. If I could do it all day long I think it could become a close second to my love of running.

15. As a cheerleader in high school I was hit in a sideline tackle. 15 minutes of fame? For years after they would show the video, yes they caught it on video, to the new players. A kinda don't let this happen to you video about the play. I think they should have been showing the new cheerleaders.

16. My hometown is where I have called home my entire life. My two sisters and I all live within a mile as the crow flies from the home we were raising in. It truly is one of the greatest places on earth.

17. My toes routinely suffer from lack of complete toenails.

18. My older sister and I are less than 2 years apart. My mother used to dress us alike in little dresses and outfits. I loved the attention!

19. Being able to "suck it up" is something I pride myself in. That is probably why ultras hold such an interest for me. But it goes beyond running into my daily life and how I choose to do things. That my three kids, all born without the assistance of medical intervention. And I used to brag about it.

20. I feel the most at peace when I am running through trees.

21. I don't believe this life is the only one.

That's it.
Can you figure out which one might be not quite right?
Comment with your guess.

I think everyone has been tagged with this 21 Fun Facts but if you haven't and you want to share consider yourself tagged and link back so I can be sure to share in your 21 Fun Facts.

I give you permission

2011-11-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the opportunity to be part of a study aimed at finding out why women do Ultras and the challenges them face.
I have Barefoot Angie Bee to thank for being able to take part in the study.

The interview lasted about an hour. I was asked a bit about myself and how I got into running. To be honest I felt a bit like who was I to be giving my two cents until the interviewer asked me how many ultras I have done in the past two years and I said about 10. When she responded with "Wow!" I realized I was doing it again. I was doing what many people do. I was down playing what I have accomplished because I keep comparing it to what others have done.

Our conversation continued and I hope that what I was able to offer through my experiences will help in some way. But as many conversations hindsight is always slightly more clear. Her final question was,

If I could say something to encourage a woman who was contemplating running her first ultra, what would I say?
Although I had talked about this challenge earlier in my interview, I wish I had answered that final question more simply with this:
I give you permission.

Why would I need to given anyone other than my own children permission to do anything? Well, I shouldn't but that's often the problem. Many women feel that they don't have permission to use the time in their days for themselves. Women feel that family comes first.

People paint it on signs and hang it in their homes.
Not that family is anything other than a top priority but women often forget that we need feed our own needs to be able to meet the needs of those we love.

I no longer feel guilty about taking a few weekends a year to enjoy races and I don't feel guilty about the time I spend running to be prepared for those races. Having given that small percentage of my day to myself, I know that I am made a better person for everyone in my life.

I gave myself permission.
And in doing so I gave my family a much better version of me.

What finally made you give yourself permission?
What would you say to someone who is just starting out and feeling guilty?
Considering an Ultra? What do you feel is your biggest hurtle? How can I help you overcome it?

Stone Mill 50 Miler Race Report

2011-11-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

When you pray for strength, does God give you strength or the opportunity to be strong?

What follows is my 2011 Stone Mill 50 Mile Race Report
actually more like 55 miles
subtitled: My Opportunity

The Stone Mill 50 Miler was held November 19, 2011 with packet pickup the day prior at Fleet Feet in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Luckily my super secret spy husband was able to pick up my packet and catch up with old friends in the area while the kids and I made the drive to Maryland Friday evening. With the 6 a.m start and a cold morning forecast, I was happy to save a few extra minutes of standing in the cold since the Watkins Mills High School would not be open at the start of the race.

After a minor potential issue with my car worked out, the kids and I enjoyed an uneventful drive to our hotel. We stayed at the SpringHills Suites and for as much as I saw of it, the hotel seemed very nice. As soon as we arrived I staged my gear and prepared for a quick exit in the morning.

No night before photo. My nerves must have been on edge!

Waking up was easy as in I wasn't asleep much and hard due to knowing that I and 342 other adventurous souls signed up to enjoy a day on the Seneca Greenway and Muddy Branch trails for a predicted 51.5 miles most likely beginning and ending for me in the dark. The super secret spy and I drove separately so that I would have my car there after the race to be able to get my gear in the event that I finish much sooner than predicted but as with all trail ultra events you just never know how the day will go.

DISCLAIMER: Since I suffer from trail brain and generally lack the ability to string my race day memories together my observations may at times be out of order.

THE START

I'm the dork in green socks (center) stopping to see my hubbs (far right).

Once there I quickly checked in and started looking for Alyssa at Chocolate is MY LIFE who was also running. Since it was seriously dark and freezing cold, I wasn't able to find her in the little amount of time I gave myself by showing up so close to the start time. I barely had a chance to smooch the super secret spy before we were running around the school to spread out the pack a bit before a slippery slide down a steep hill to the trail head.

TRAIL RUNNING IN THE DARK

If I knew we all looked this cool I would have enjoyed it more!

Once we entered the trails the idea of pace or passing was completely gone. My sole concern was to not fall on my (fill in the blank) from all the frozen leaves, rocks, roots, general forest topography. The darkness did have a benefit for the first few miles in that I wasn't able to go too fast which was a recurring issue thorough out the day. Odd how going too fast can end up making you go too slow. With no recollection of how it happened the first few miles had passed and the sun was coming up. We crossed an open area and I got to momentarily see an amazing sunrise.

CEP Compression should sooo sponsor me!

THE LOOP

The course consisted of a 44.5ish mile loop and a 9ish mile out and back following the Seneca Creek and Muddy BranchTrails. I realize that math doesn't add up for a 50 mile race. Trail math rarely does. But we will get to that later, just like they saved that reality for late in the race on race day.

The loop was a nice mix of beautiful open spaces and single track trails on mostly rolling hills. Largely runnable. While that should be a plus it turned into a minus for me on Saturday. I was loving the course and feeling really strong the first hour of daylight. Running much too fast most of the time.

Did I not see my own shirt? I wore it to remind myself to slow down.

I was also afraid to eat or drink anything after all the FOTM nature calls. However after about an hour thirty I took my first GU. And shortly thereafter started looking for trees to get to know.

Notice I just came up a hill...running.

RUNNING ALONE
Even with the need to stop three times in the first 18 miles of the race, I was still enjoying the run and the surroundings. I fell in with and away from multiple groups of runners but I spent the majority of my run alone. That results in a lot of time to think. A lot of time to look around. A lot of time to listen.
For me ultra running is a mind set that goes beyond simply running distances over a marathon. Ultra running is about a connection with myself and with nature, a reflection of how very dependant I am on these simple things around me and how much my life is benefited by simply taking time to appreciate the sound that my feet make on the fallen leaves, the smell of the forest on a cool morning, the chance to see the sun rise and the frost melt as I focus on nothing other than my own forward movement. The ability to do this thing is not based solely on hours spent training, it stems from something inside each of us that carries us through and allow us to enjoy what others find difficult or seemly impossible. I am endless grateful that I am among those lucky few who get to do this.

Obviously, I like to talk to photographers.

CREEK CROSSINGS

The Stone Mill course had a few creek crossings and loads of opportunities to get your feet wet and muddy. With the temperatures starting the day in the 30s the water was brisk but the chance to cool my feet was very welcomed. Several creek crossings came early in the race with other spread through the distance making drop bags helpful if you don't like to spend the day in wet shoes however thanks to layout of the course most everyone finished the day with wet feet.

AID STATIONS

One major highlight of this race was being able to meet some great DailyMile friends who are so encouraging and supportive. One of them, Larry was helping at aid station mile 13 and mile 39. It was so great to see his smiling face offering to help as I neared. As much as some runners rely on aid stations for fuel or hydration, I rely on them for interaction and encouragement. As the miles get higher it's often easy to forget to thank those people who gave their day - a long and cold one - to make it possible for me and all my fellow runners to enjoy a day on the trails. Thank you!
At the pennylock aid station which was listed as about mile 20 (my garmin about mile 23) there were port-a-potties. I wasted considerable time there. But once I finally convinced myself that I was going to keep moving forward until I ran out of energy from not being able to fuel properly, I drank a little water and walked slowly as I ate a 1/4 of a glazed and pumpkin doughnut. Best.doughnuts.EVER! I enjoyed checking out the lock system while my stomach decided if it was going to keep the food I put in it. In fact a volunteer asked if I was going to attempt some sort of biathlon by swimming across the lock. Luckily taking my time at this aid station helped to settle my stomach and once I walked over the bridge to the canal I started running again and the sugar hit!

Too tired to drink and keep my eyes open at the same time?!

TRAIL GRUB
Before I tell you how much the tow path sucked let me tell you another positive.
Another bright spot was the treats. I don't usually plan on really using the aid stations for much more that topping my hydration pack once or twice but I did indulge in a few things after my planned GUs were not working for me. There were the usual things like cookies of all kinds, chips, potatoes, pretzels, M&Ms, candies, water, soda, sportdrinks and then there were those extra special aid station offerings of homemade brownies and rice krispies, soup, Krispy Kreme glazed and pumpkin doughnuts, grilled cheese sandwiches, roast beef or pork and random booze. Over the course of the race I had about 2 bananas, a 1/4 of a pbj, 1/4 of a grilled cheese, 3 pringles, 1 baby potato, a piece of glazed doughnut, a piece of the best pumpkin Krispy Kreme doughnut in the world, 1/4 of fig bar, several cups of gingerale, and the best cup of broth ever!

STONE MILL & THE TOW PATH

Now on the tow path I again struggled with running too fast and then too slow. I couldn't find a comfortable pace. Thoughts of the JFK runners having to endure the pebbly surface over a longer distance kept entering my mind. I wondered how Kara was doing and knew she would be finishing her first 50 Miler in the daylight. I played leap frogged several female runners. One of them, Marty I had met before through mutual friends and know the level of runner she is. I had been playing leap frog with them all day which I knew meant I was struggling with finding a steady comfortable pace. We chatted briefly and I did the unthinkable, I ran ahead of them knowing that I should have stayed and paced closer with them to help keep my desire to run faster at bay. Unfortunately the uncomfortable tow path pebbles encouraged me to run faster to get off of them more quickly.

After about 3 or so mile on the tow path we hit the Stone Mill which was really cool. It was at this point for me that we started running the course for Seneca Greenway Trail 50k backwards. As I don't remember courses exactly, it may not have followed perfectly but I loved recognizing where I was after the Stone Mill. I enjoyed taking a few minutes to check the old building out as I passed them and thinking of the people who had been there from the past. I also remembered that this portion of the course held a 50k PR for me and I tried to used those happy thoughts to pull my fatigued body through the next section.

I need to learn to follow!

21 MILES TO GO?

Through this section I had been running off and on with two men, Todd and Wikipedia. Okay, so I didn't get the younger guy's name but he seemed to know a little bit about everything. As we lost Todd (there I go running too fast again), Wiki and I ran together for many miles while he entertained me with his knowledge of complex mathmatical equation and the differences between Karate and Taekwondo. As we came into the Rte 28 aid station, there was a sign indicating where we were to go back onto the trail. It read, "21 miles to go." This sign concreted my feeling that this course was not just the emailed 51.5 miles long but significantly longer as my Garmin readed nearly 34 miles already. That thought didn't sit well with me as I struggled to push past this aid station.

Where were the photographers later in the race?

NATURE CALLS AGAIN

After leaving the aid station again without being able to eat anything, I hadn't made it very far until nature wouldn't simply leave a message. I was running alone and thankfully the area allowed lots of natural cover. Hopefully the wildlife in the area won't start tracking me from all the "marking" I did of their forested home. Why share all these nature call moments with you? Because this report is as much for me as it is for others thinking about doing Stone Mill next year. I want to be able to look back and learn from what I did in 2011 so I can improve my performance in 2012 because believe me, I'll be back!

THE OUT AND BACK

aka Trail Math

Between the Route 28 aid station and the out and back things get kinda fuzzy. I ran and ran. I wanted to stop. Often. But I kept running, as loosely as running is defined at this point but I was feeling stronger after what would be the final issue with my "stomach." Now I simply had to put in some miles and not DNF when I got to the aid station close to the start. Yeah, that's right. The course not only ran long it also took us right by the start/finish line in a true test of our will to finish after having run over 44 miles and be within earshot of the finishing line cheers.

Let's talk for a minute about trail math.

It's not like that math you were taught in school when 1 + 1 = 2 always and forever, amen. It's more of a loosely defined math. A math where a cheerful, wanting to be helpful and encouraging aid station volunteer tells a drained, crazed looking, salt covered runner that they are at mile XYZ and they only had X miles to get to the next aid station at Y miles. They don't do it to be mean. They do it out of a need to keep us moving. Sometimes they are simply pawns in the RD's ultra game and they have been given bad information to spoon to the crazed salted covered runners. We can't blame them. It's trail math where a 44.5ish mile loop added to a 9ish mile out and back equal 1 loosely defined utterly amazing opportunity to push myself beyond what I thought I'd asked for 55 miler.

FABULOUS NEXT TO LAST AID STATION

A simple 9ish mile out and back is what we were told. I hit this stretch running loosely with a few other runners, all guys. As I ran along the trail I knew that given my pace I would be very lucky to be out of the trail before the sunset. That fact alone should have helped my pace but it only caused the return on my stomach issues. The mind is a powerful thing! Although I hadn't eaten anything more than a quarter banana, I had been taking small sips of gatoraid. I wasn't going to let myself stop no matter what. We hit an aid station and were told 3.5 more miles. Questions where passed around by others about the inconsistent numbers but I had already resigned myself to the fact that the course was going to be much longer than we were told. The aid station workers told us all those encouraging things that they say and said there would be one more aid station at which we'd get to turn around. I was off again.

The return runners were passing as they headed towards the finish.

This was bothersome.

I was constantly getting off the trail to let them pass and they were never taking the "side step." This was slowing me much more than I wanted but it was a fact that someone had to get over and this was the course I had to run.

Suck it, buttercup!

The up side to having runners coming from the turn-around was that they did say what lovely things were in store for me and my fellow runners. The best was a big creek crossing! Now did I really make you understand how cool I think it is to run through creeks? I didn't? Well, it is. Earlier in the race there was a family on the trail and I actually bragged to their little girl that I got to play in the creek that she was walking along. What? Was that mean? I offered to carry her across but she wasn't interested.

Anyway back to the big creek. Oh how I wish there had been a race photographer there. It was beautiful. There was a sissy line to got across if you thought walking on scum covered rocks was a good idea. It isn't by the way, as demonstrated by the lady who tried it and put her behind in the water. I slipped down the muddy creek bank and charged across soaking myself up to my thighs.

Awesome! And to think I was going to get to do this again...in the dark!

I ran. I chatted with two guys. I made it to the last big aid station. And boy it was a nice one. If only they had placed this one sooner. With my issues from earlier I was concerned about eating anything but checked out the offerings. There was a beautiful dog there too. Not to eat, just sitting there. Like a good girl, I asked permission before interacting with the dog. I was given permission and quickly almost got my face bite off! Good thing my reflexes weren't too dulled.

After the adrenaline shot from the doggie incident I decided to risk drinking some broth. I didn't care at this point if my "stomach" was asking me to stop because I wasn't listening.

Should.have.done.that.sooner! I was instantly energized!

THE FINISH

The return trip took forever. There were still runners coming at us and the going was miserably slow. I still loved the creek crossing even in the fading light and wished that the volunteers there had been taking photos.
It was in this section that I finally got to "meet" Alyssa. She nearly scared the pee out of me! A string of headlamps came at us and I looked to the right to avoid blinding them when I hear this voice yell, Shelly it's Alyssa! Shortest bloggy meet up EVER. I wanted so badly to stop and hug her and congratulate her for doing it but I knew that stopping was probably a really bad idea.
After my brief meet up with Alyssa, I felt a surge of energy and lost one of the guys running with me as he tired and needed to walk. The remaining guy, I think his name was Michael, stayed with me even though he wanted to walk at one point and I asked him to continue pushing. I love how through these races everyone is given the opportunity to help and to be helped. We ran together closely as his headlamp was awesome compared to mine. Finally we were at the road crossing for the school and I was dancing waiting for cars to pass. (yeah, that wasn't nice to have to stop) I was so excited to see that finish line...until I did. The finish line sat atop that same slippery leaf covered straight up hill
and to the RIGHT, personal joke about me wasting almost a minute before crossing the actual finish line, duh
but I charged for it anyway and finally I was done.

Stone Mill 55 Miler

12:38:42 offical time

12:37:09 garmin time

Super Human Abilities

2011-11-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

I know you are waiting on that Stone Mill 50 Miler race report and it is coming.

In the meantime, marvel at my super human abilites.

which do not include dressing like an adult for work...or ironing clothes.

Feel free to be impressed!

Trail Math: The Numbers Don't Always Add Up

2011-11-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

Stone Mill 50 Miler

make that almost 55 miler

DONE!

No. I didn't get lost.

The RD just really wanted us to get our money's worth.

Full report up tomorrow.

I think about numbers

2011-11-18T09:33:00.000-08:00

As a runner I enjoy numbers. I enjoy seeing them pile up as in the almost 4500 miles I have ran during my 558 days of streaking. I also like seeing them go down as in the count down of miles I'll be doing while running my 50 this Saturday.

I also enjoy the way numbers work together.

Take my Fire on the Mountain 50k bib.

Little did I know as I wrote on my bib before that race that the odd 7 in the middle was predicting my finishing time. I like to write encouraging things on my bibs. For the FOTM I used the number 2 to write things like 2 have fun, 2 get a PR, 2 get stronger. I used the number 4 to write things like, 4 better health, 4 ME, 4 my sanity. But that 7 simply didn't offer anything and so I didn't add anything around him.

Yes the number 7 is male, in case you didn't know.

In hindsight, that 7 was telling me about how my race would eventually go.

As in a 7 hour finishing time.

For the Stone Mill 50 Miler

and yes, I have to add the 50 Miler every time

my bib number is 49.

I've already thought of things I will write around that nice number 4.

But feel free to offer suggestions.

I've been having a freaktasticly wonderful running week even though it was a taper week, so that little innocent 9 got the Optimistic Shelly thinking and thinking.

To the point that I've actually spoke the thought out loud,

What if that little innocent 9 was trying to tell me something?

Could it be?

Wouldn't it just be giddy inducingly amazing if my finish time at the

Stone Mill 50 Miler

started with a 9!

Since I know that my mind will carry me much farther in this race then my legs ever will, I will be entertaining that idea clear through the finish line.

S'ghetti Girl will not be a photographer when she grows up

Am I Going Too Fast??

but wearing this to remember that Goal # 1 is to finish.

Safe running and racing this weekend to every one who is blessed enough to be doing it.

3TT ~ Other's Goals, Real Goals, Dreamland Goals

2011-11-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

Others
Alyssa at chocolate is my life is also running Stone Mill on Saturday. She posted about her "non-goals" for her first 50 Miler. I think enjoying the experience is a great way to head into the challenging task of running 50 miles. Hop over and wish her...not good luck because luck has nothing to do with it...but maybe a strong mind and unfailing legs!
Another friend, Kara at It's a dog lick baby world has spent the summer and fall preparing for her first 50 mile adventure. If you haven't been lucky enough to already follow her please click over there and send her some well wishes as she takes on the mighty JFK 50 Miler this Saturday!
She posted some to me aggressive goals. Goals I feel certain her training and the course will carry her to hit. I have been giving my Stone Mill goals A LOT of thought. Although I hadn't planned on setting any public goals with all the question marks surrounding this race day, I decided that nothing ventured is nothing gain.

So here for better or worse are my Stone Mill 50 Miler
REAL Goals:

My I FINISHED goal:

To arrive on time. To start.

To finish. To finish feeling fine. To finish feeling fine having fun!

My I CAN goal:

The race has a 12 hour cut off. I feel baring any issues that would

result in my legs being removed from my body

force me to DNF

I can finish this course within that time frame.

My I LOVE IT goal:

A new distance PR. I have run some of these trails during the Seneca Greenway 50k this spring. I set my 50k trail PR on that section of trail. Setting a new PR shouldn't be completely outside the realm of possibility. Anything under 11:08:59 would do it.

DREAMLAND

My I DREAM IT goal:

10 hours and anything

Seriously with my lack of 50k+/- length training runs, the healing tailbone, the cold that won't quit and now sick kids too, if the course and day give me 10:59:59 I would be giddy with happiness.

Monday Mishmash

2011-11-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

This weekend I did all the right things...

I ate too much icing.

I played with fire.

We threw ball...in the house.

We played outside in our pjs.

I tried to sweat my cold out.

And then Monday morning came when I read this G.

G posted about her experience at the Richmond Marathon this weekend.

I won't be a spoiler so click over there and read it first.

After I read it all I could think was (in an "it's all about me" way) what if I can not kick this cold/flu bug and end up in the middle of "you-have-to-walk-out-because-they-can't-come-in-a-get-you-ville" at mile 20, 32 or 44 and pass out.

Ugh

That can't possibly happen, right? I mean how long can a cold last.

A Hard Day's Night

2011-11-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

For all who serve, for all who support, for all who work so that I am free to do the things I love; Thank you!

For my dearly missed Daddy, my husband, my BILs, my FIL, my friends and their families;

We appreciate your service!

LBM starting his day the right way

This week has been full of hard day's nights. Sore legs, sick kids, twisted need to run and sick me all culminated last night at 3 o'clock in the morning in a sweaty shivering heap on the bathroom floor.

I had a lot of time to think about things.

I thought about how after putting in my fastest two 50ks in the spring, I am still recovering from putting in my second slowest 50k last weekend. Knowing the Stone Mill start line continues to plod ever closer, I thought about how nervous I am about my ability to even make it to the start line due to how beat down I felt in the days after Fire on the Mountain. And then I remembered looking at my blog and noticing the photos from some previous races. Go ahead take a look. While you are looking notice the caption under the photo for the Skyline Challenge. I'll wait.

.....

Glad you're back.

Did you see it? Yeah. I put "Best Trail Race Ever!"

Even though I got lost repeatedly, it was raining, muddy, rocky, mountainous, flat out kick-you-in-the-a## hard!

But if asked I would have said that the Fire on the Mountain was my favorite.

Then I realized that I thought the two hardest races I have ever ran are the best races I've ever ran.

Even though they now hold my two slowest times.

As I lay on the bathroom floor worrying about how this illness would effect my performance at Stone Mill in 8 more sleeps, I realized that it does not matter. It does not matter as long as I am defining performance as my ability to enjoy the adventure and beauty of 50 miles in the woods.

I giggled to myself in the wee hours of the morning while huddled on that bathroom floor wandering the trails of my mind as I thought how a simple mom of three will go from this sickly mess in the elapsed time of 7 days to being a blissful force moving through the woods...

for 50 miles.

Three Things Thursday

2011-11-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

Three Reasons Why I love

the Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k so much

even though it felt like it handed me my tush this year

I can sleep in my own bed, get ready in my own bathroom and still make it to the race on time!

I get to take my kids to race packet pickup and enjoy creating some great memories by having them share in my racing adventure.

I get to run here. Breathtaking!

Today is day # 550 and in NINE more sleeps I'll be running the Stone Mill 50 miler.

Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k ~ Race Report

2011-11-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

What ended with a final push along the tree line around a random open field, carrying a piece of wood to add to the fire began actually a week earlier. October 30th was to be the morning of the 2011 Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k and 2 person Relay however, winter decided to show it's self with a little more force than is typical of a late October day. With heavy snow piling up the decision was made to postpone the event by one week.

This decision had multiple consequences for me and my race day experience. Having been ready to run the 50k on the 30th, I struggled with handling the postponement correctly. But I don't want to tell you how the race ended before telling you how it went.

Thanks to the new November 6th race day I was blessed with an additional hour of sleep the night before the race. I had no trouble getting up in the morning and easily got ready, kissed the kids goodbye and slipped out the door after final instructions to the oldest who would be in charge for the day since the postponement meant the super secret spy couldn't be home to support me in the race or bring the kids to the finish line.

Having gotten my race packet the day before I knew I didn't have to rush my drive or stress about being late. (Which is one of the big pre-race worries). I arrived at the finish area in plenty of time to double check my gear for the day and visit the port-a-potties in lieu of the woods, that would come later.

I had made the decision the night prior to not drop a bag. With Stone Miler 50 miler a mere 2 weeks after FOTM I felt certain that I would probably not be racing this event. I had packed 5 Gus in my hydration pack so I would not have to rely on aid stations and of course with me there is always the possibility that I could get lost. This year however that would not be the case.

As the skies started to lighten the buses arrived and we all got on board. I was fortunate enough to sit with some local running friends, Darla, Joel and Michelle.

Joel: veteran distance runner.

Darla: been running and supporting distance events for at least a year now. She was back to FOTM to get some satisfaction after seriously twisting her ankle last year in the first two miles. She gutted it out to the finish last year HERE and I hoped she would enjoy the course a bit more this time around.

Michelle: new to distance running and trail racing. She was hoping to finish with nothing left in the tank.

Our ride was filled with chatter bouncing from one subject; nature calls in the woods, to another; every one's expectations for the day.

With all the chatter our ride seemed like a brief one and we were all too quickly out of the warm bus and back into the cold morning air. Thanks again to the time change we did enjoy getting to see the view at the start line a Point Lookout near Little Orleans. he view was amazing.

Photo credit: Bill Fallier

After final instructions which basically were; red trail, green trail, logging roads, purple trail we were sent running up a forest gravel road for about 1.2 miles. Even though our pre-race topics had included starting out too fast, I still did it. I allowed myself to be pulled along with other runners who I knew were stronger and in better condition for this race than myself. But with no protest from my broken tail bone I ignored my own mental chatter and raced to the single track. I mean it was only a mile. Or was it mile 55?

Red Trail aka the Wet Goat Trail

Honestly if I were in the kind of shape I should be the Red trail is mostly what I love about trail racing. The only problem is the Red Trail has it all to the extreme. It has narrow basically non-existent trail. This time of year it is leaf, branch and down tree covered testing your trail following abilities to the max! DCNR does have excellent trail markings on all the trails along this course so even with the cover a runner familiar with following trail markings can find their way.

The Red Trail has climbs and descents. Did I say descents? More like suicidal drops into nothingness. It has tiny narrow edges of cliffs to run along and climb down only to find yourself tip-toeing in front of a partially frozen water fall. Typically I would have been in ultra runner's heaven.

But along with my feeling of being over-trained, one of the biggest issues early in the race was my fear of falling. Well, I was mostly afraid of the impact from falling if I were to fall on my tail bone. So that meant I couldn't even slide down the steepest descents on my backside. I knew it was holding me up when Joe another veteran ultra running passed me. It was pretty early in the race and honestly I was surprised to realize that I was holding back that much on the descents. Not that Joe isn't typically a stronger runner than I am, but he is also running Stone Mill in two weeks so I knew he probably wouldn't be running with everything he had.

I had managed to navigate some of the steep early descents without falling only to finally be brought down by my numb feet, a stubborn root and frozen laces.

Luckily I fell straight forward when the root that grabbed my lace wouldn't let go when my foot refused to stop. After allowing a few runners to slip by me I had to stop and undo the frozen laces and re-lace the shoe. This might have been the beginning of a mental downward spiral for me.

When Nature Calls

In a race this long I sometimes have to stop for a nature call. Not always. But it happens. FOTM 2011 it happened three times. After the snagged lace fall, the GU I had taken after about an hour of running choose to no longer want to be with me. I investigated the largest tree I could find. I wish I could say I felt better but I did not. Buck Up! I told myself and headed back out.

That cycle repeated it's self minus the face plant after I attempted to take a second GU around 2 hours in. And a final time just barely off the trail late in the race.

I share this to help myself remember not only the wonderful things about ultra running but the reality of my experience at this event this year.

Maybe my candor will help other runners when planning their own 50k adventures.

The trees in the Green Ridge State forest are going to give me a reputation seeing how I visited so many in the same day!

The Green Trail

The Green Trail was really more of the Red trail with less severe descents but lots of continued water. I usually enjoy creek crossing and these were some great ones. Nothing much over knee deep and rocky bottomed creeks with very little silt to quickly become sand paper once inside your shoes. If I had to say the best section this year's race, it would be this section. Simply because I still had enough energy to be enjoying the challenges as they presented themselves.

Somewhere along late into the Green trail I did something I rarely ever do. So to do it in a race situation was a little bit of a learning experience. I was not able to hold anything in so my fueling and hydration was completely off. My energy was tanking and my tail bone was screaming at me. That's when I saw a bright yellow shirt behind me. It was Michelle. I already realized that today, this course, my physical condition was not going to allow me to PR this distance and probably not allow me to PR this course. I slowed and waited for Michelle. She had started with Darla and Joel so I asked where she had lost them and we chatted for a while. The simple act of thinking about someone else was enough to help me over my mental block and I was determined to help Michelle at least to the oasis aid station and in helping her, she helped me.

We cheered each time we crossed another creek. We chatted when we could. We were silent when we needed. We were running near a group of other runners. One female runner wearing purple was ahead of us. I told Michelle how I struggled with "letting" her be ahead of us with more than half a race to go I was still hoping that I would get over my fueling issues and be able to make better time on the second half. Purple girl and I traded places multiple times until finally Michelle and I passed her when I remember to follow the trail and not those ahead of me. We would not see her again until the final miles.

The Aid Stations

I didn't stop at most of the stations. I didn't visit the little DNR building to duck behind this year. I only topped off my hydration pack at the oasis aid station and took four chips for salt only to discard them shortly after. With the GI issues I was having I didn't have to rely on the aid stations for fueling because I simply wasn't able to put anything in me. I did however benefit from the cheerful young men manning several of them. It was great to see their smiling faces and joke with them repeatedly after having seen them at an earlier station. The quick exchanges were a mental boost.

The Logging Roads: The "Fast" Section

Having ran this race last year and been lucky enough to have joined in two of the training runs, I was looking forward to my twice practiced second half of the course. I was still thinking I could pull this race together for...for what? Some kind of magical number that would make all the effort seem more sane?! Whatever it was I thought I could find, I didn't. I found something a little different. I found a few 7ish minute miles on that logging road only to have my tail bone scream me to a dead crawl on the hills and be forced to walk backwards.

Under the right conditions those logging roads can easily be a boast to a FOTM runner's overall pace. This year I ran a stupid. I ran injured. I ran over-trained. I ran under fueled. But I did remind myself that I was still enjoying being out in some of the most beautiful areas I've been lucky enough to see. I was still sharing my love of this sometimes brutal always challenging sport of ultra running with a new friend.

The Purple Trail: The Mountain Bike Trail

I was so happy to be back into the woods again. Back onto single track trails. The sounds of the forest. The smells. The thought that I might see a friendly face at the sixth aid station got me going each time I wanted to stop. Michelle hung in with me the whole way. As we had the majority of our run together, we took turns pushing each other. Often silently or some times not so silently thanking God for carrying us through such an amazing experience.

Last year I remember not loving the mountain bike trail section but this year having practiced it twice, I loved it.

Where's Champ?

I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I was using the memory of a really great guy to pull me through this final section. Last year I ran the majority of this race solo. I usually prefer to run alone. I find my own trail, set my own pace, push myself. The memory from last year of coming upon the 6th aid station while praying aloud and finding Champ rising from his chair to greet me, lifted my spirits like a answered prayer.

So this year, I was eager to see him again. So eager that I allowed my attention to wane and I hit the ground. Hard! Michelle helped me up and I didn't even admit why I fell. But Champ wasn't there. It was a little like a secret rendezvous that only I knew about. Even though he wasn't there the fall had helped to get me moving a little more quickly because now I just wanted to be done.

One Last Push

With a few miles to go and newly creek dampened feet, we began to hear shots off in the distance. I think it made both Michelle and I quicken our pace. Well, the shots and the knowledge that we soon would be done. We navigated another small stream and when I glanced back to check on Michelle's progress, I saw a purple shirt. Now I wish I could say that the old road runner in me was completely gone but she's not. Even exhausted, injured and dehydrated I simply couldn't imagine allowing one more person to pass me. It wasn't that runner. She was a great runner. Purple shirt was running a smarter race than I had run. She had saved something for a final push and I didn't think I had...little did I know.

The one thing I did have going for me

aside from a huge blessing from God to never want to give up

was those training runs. I could remember the end of this course very well, which isn't always the case with

short-term memory loss Shelly.

I knew just how many more hills we had. I knew that just when you think you are done, you are not. I had practiced that feeling of coming through those trees and seeing that finish line only to have to push up another grade, around the tree line and into the finish. And that's what I did. I told Michelle we needed to finish strong. Michelle said, let's finish this. And we were off.

I could smell the bon fire and hear all the earlier finishers. I grabbed a piece of wood and tucked it in my arm as I raced around the tree line feeling like a female Scott Jurek.

It no longer matter what the clock said. The only thing that mattered was once again I was given an opportunity to allow God to use me in an amazing way. My name won't go down in print as the winner of the race so you might think that my experience serves as little more than an self fulfilling afternoon. But I would argue that if someone like me can do this, if I can use the gifts God has given me, just imagine what you can do.

Huge Thanks to all the volunteers, the RD, the trail markers, the grill master, DCNR and Sheetz for putting on one of the best trail 50ks. All your efforts are noticed and appreciated!