A weird thing happened...

A weird thing happened on the way to sell our car.  There I was happily day dreaming as I drove the super secret spy, LBM and myself back over the mountain at the conclusion of the sale of our Passat.  That little silver baby had been a great car but with the introduction of our new mega car,




I basically drive myself.

 

we simply had to let one of our other cars go.  The Passat will now live with a super nice family over the mountain from us.  We expect Christmas cards and frequent updates on how she's doing.  So I didn't shed a tear after the papers were signed but happily piled everyone into my car and headed home. 

 

Since I had endured the majority of the day dealing with very uninteresting car issues, I didn't feel bad at all when I switched the ride-home conversation away from all things cars and focused on updating the super secret spy on my running/racing schedule.  Due to his frequent travel I need to make sure I know when he will be home to support my racing or when I need to get something else worked out.  I was chatting away about my need to run various 50ks and my hopes to get into my spring 50 miler when my husband suddenly thought he was a super hero.

 

Not that he isn't a super hero.  He comes to my rescue quite frequently.  Or maybe it's the children he rescues from me?  Either way, he is pretty super normally but during our ride home I think he thought he'd become an actual super hero.  What made me feel this way was when I mentioned that I had spent some of the morning registering for a 50k in late February, he calmly stated that he could do that - go ahead and register him too.

 

SAY WHAT?

 

 It took me 13 marathons before I made the leap to ultra length races.  Then when I did make the leap I trained.  I ran a lot.  I got to my racing weight.  It took a long time for me to feel ready to go 30 something miles in the woods, on trails, over mountains, across creeks and down hills.  The super secret spy is going to do it in about ...a month.

 

And now you know why I call him the super.

 

Closer to Confident

Day #653

It's a relative thing.

Trying.

Some days my runs are effortless breezes that help retain my sanity.  Other days my feet feel as though they are foreigners in running shoes that speak a completely different language.

But every day I keep trying.

Trying to get a little stronger, a little more certain that this lofty goal I have set is somehow within my reach.

This Saturday starts a string of 50ks to help lengthen my reach towards that goal. 

100 miles

A goal in which I won't be the strongest or the fastest but I will be trying my hardest to get one step closer to confident.

Thanks to YMX I'll look good while getting there.

Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k ~ Goals

Hoping the water on the FOTM course is not quite this high!

With the Tough Mudder Virginia still ever present in my mind and on my backside it's been a challenge to get my mind around the fact that my 32 mile "training run" this Sunday is the Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k. 

You can read about last year's race HERE. 

But I know that even though this is a run to prepare me for the Stone Mill 50 Miler on November 19th, it is still a race that I would love to improve my performance at so keeping both those things in mind I give you my FOTM Goals for 2011.

 My I FINISHED goal:

To arrive on time. To start. To finish.

The race has a 9 hour cut off.  I was fortunate enough to get to do two 16 mile runs on the course.  Unfortunately I did the same 16 mile leg twice, the end.  Leaving the most technical and dangerous section "unpracticed" since last year.  I hope to run a smart race in that I want to run the last 16 faster than I run the first 16 given my practice that could happen.

My I CAN goal:
Finish within 32 minutes of previous course time.  Last year I ran this race in 6:32 minutes. 
I won the female master's division. 

I say 32 minutes because that is the distance of this course in minutes. I figure I can finish within 32 minutes either side of my previous time. Barring not falling on my very painful tail bone or having it cause me problems during the run.

My I LOVE IT goal:
A new distance PR.

Since trail ultras are not exact distances. RDs like to say their course is at least 50k, a new PR would be more about average pace than finishing time but with a 50k PR (time) of 6:06 I'd love to crush that on Sunday.  And retaining my master's title would ice the cake.

My I DREAM IT goal: Under 6 hours.

I know anything is possible.  Even with 539 days of running.  Even with a broken tail bone.  Even if this isn't the A race.  Even if I don't have the best day of running.  I still could achieve this goal.  I still could amaze myself at what God can do with the body and mind He has given me.  I pray Sunday is one of those days when I am yet again the vessel through which He does something amazing!

The only other I could pray for is to have that thought that has been with me so much lately stay with me as I run across that finish line and throw my log onto the bonfire!

I pray this year that I see those flames and think;

What else does He have in store for me?

Need a prayer for your weekend race or long run?  Maybe you just need a little prayer lift?
I'll be praying through my run and would love to add you to my prayer band.
Just let me know!

The HAT Run Trail 50k ~ Goals

I am reminded; in light of all that is happening in the world today that I am sheltered from but not unaware of, that I am so fortunate to be given the opportunity to be out in nature with other like-minded people enjoying what God has given us and helped us to be capable of. Along my run on Saturday I will be praying for various people and situations as I often do. I ask that you might join me (perhaps during your own run) in praying for all those affected to the recent natural disasters around the world.

Day # 311 ~ p.m. run ~ 6 miles

Did you see the weather forecast?

I guess I should be happy that the temperature for my Saturday race is a more comfortable 50degrees however I already thought there would be enough water on the course with at least 4 major creek crossing!

The upside is that I usually like running in the rain.  I just don't know how I will like running hills in the rain for 6 to 7 hours.  My fingers are going to be crossed that it holds off until after I have crossed that finish line!

The conditions will be what they will be so I won't speed a lot of time worry about them.  I'll try attempt to prepare for them as I look at setting so goals for this latest adventure. 

So here it is:

My I FINISHED goal: To arrive on time. To start. To finish.

aka: Finish Feeling Fine having Fun

 

This may be my biggest worry for this race since I will be traveling alone to a place I have never been.  Did I mention I am geographically challenged?  I am.  I have a card.  It's a club.

 

My I CAN goal: Finish in 7:06. 
Which is my time from the most challenging Ultra I've yet run.

This one is a little harder this time.  I don't know the course at all.  I DO know that it is relentless hills and water crossings.  So I am going into this race with much the same attitude as the Skyline Challenge 50k.  That would be to enjoy the challenge of this course.

My I LOVE IT goal: To finish within 31 minutes of my PR.
 With a current PR is 6:06 my I LOVE IT time would be 6:36.

My I DREAM IT goal: Under 6 hours.

As I often say, on any given day you just don't know what you are capable of until you amaze yourself doing it.  I will take all the positive experience I can from this race and it's runners and volunteers no matter how my body chooses to perform on Saturday. 

Where did the time go?

Last night was basketball for S'ghetti girl so LBM and I ran around the playground, chased after balls and shared a few books.  We were having so much fun!

But before we knew it S'ghetti girl was racing out the door and basketball was over.

Where did that time go?

While playing with LBM on the playground chasing after him and making sure he didn't fall off the top of everything he just had to climb on I wondered the same question.

Where did that time go?

How did Army Son go from Squirt to Army Son to soon to be Married Army Son?  With problems and choices and decisions beyond the ones I can catch him if he falls from?

Where did that time go?

Since I had already ran in the morning I didn't do any real miles last night.

I mean the race is a mere 2 sleeps away.

Where'd that time go?

And I haven't talk goals yet.  So here it is:

My I FINISHED goal:  To arrive on time.  To start.  To finish.

The race has a 9 hour cut off.  Which tells me the course may not be a challengening as The Skyline Challenge course was.  If you remember, that was my all time favorite race EVER!  I know that I can finish in 9 hours as long as I don't fall off the side of the mountain, which can happen you know!

My I CAN goal:  Finish within 33 minutes of my last 50k trail ultra.

I say 33 minutes becuase that is the distance of this course in minutes.  I figure I can finish easily within a minute either side of my previous time.  Again barring not falling off the side of the mountain. 

My I LOVE IT goal:  A new distance PR. 

Since trail ultras are not exact distances.  RDs like to say their course is at least 50k, a new PR would be more about average pace than finishing time but with a 50k PR (time) of 6:46 I'd love to crush that on Sunday.

My I DREAM IT goal:  Under 6 hours.

Yeah.  You read that right.  When I dream I don't have little baby dreams.

When I dream I jump in with both feet even on Day # 175

 I dream that I can cover that distance in under 6 hours.

If I don't fall off the side of the mountain.

It can happen.

The only thing more I could pray for is to have that thought that has been with me so much lately stay with me as I run across that finish line and throw my log onto the bonfire!

I pray I see those flames and think;

Where did that time go?

Feel like a Ninja Warrior

S'ghetti girl doing her lunges.  She said she felt like a Ninja warrior.

LBM did pushups on the road.  I kid not.  Photos to prove it.  Oy vey

You remember my Legs Love Lunges Post  thanks to the lovely Amanda at 5 Miles Past Empty, right?

That was the brain storm from one very nice west coastie soon-to-be east coastie runner who loves to stick out her tongue in photos.  I can't wait to get her on my side of the country!

She challenged us to do lunges for 30 days at least 3 times a week.  Well, you know I love me a good challenge so I did those lunges!  At first my legs screamed!  Hello back of my thighs.  Not in shape much?

But after about the first three days they seemed to get used to it.

I must admit that I never got past 20 lunges per leg.  Lazy much?  Yes I am.  But I did lunges after my runs 3 - 5 times a week. 

Here are the photos:

Before

After

You may not see a big difference but my muscles do feel firmer and the back of my legs does seem a bit smoother.  This is a habit I will be keeping up!

 

On the running front, it's Day # 129 and the third of four 10 mile days.  I am looking forward to the weekend and having some sitter support to get in some runs without the jogger.  I enjoy having LBM with me, we share some interesting conversations along the way.  I know the neighbors are staring!

BUT a girl needs to put in some solo trail miles in order to race on trails and have any idea of an expected pace on race day. 

I only need to know what paces I will be hitting to allow my family to be able to be at the finish line to cheer me in.  I am still not at a place where I am trying to be competitive in a ultra distance and probably never will be.  So for the upcoming races I will be 1) Running a relay with Hubbs ~ his pace 2) Pacing Hubbs in the half or using the Marathon as training run for the Ultra 3) Racing local 10k ~ Hubbs running 5k? 4) Running the Ultra ~ hopes to improve my distance PR.

If I can make all that happen along with day-to-day life is yet to be seen but one thing I know for sure is my legs will look good trying and maybe I'll feel like a Ninja Warrior too thanks to Amanda and her Legs Love Lunges Challenge!

Thanks Amanda!

Happy Wednesday!

Awesome Brooks Giveaway  hosted by a busy mom of three, entrepreneur and running coach;  Racing with Babes.  She's up to so much she has to write about it all or no one would believe one person can do all that! Go check it out!

Five for Friday

1.  The trees are filled with blossoms that scent the air near them. 

It is heavenly.  I hope the blossoms linger.  I enjoy all the green but the added color is so nice.  I enter a local photography contest each year maybe this year I will get some new macros of the different blossoms to submit and win the category!

2.  Little Bug-man and I went for our evening run tonight.  6.5 miles (52:55)  I had planned to do a split 10 miles tonight since the weather is to get unfavorable but my legs said the first loop was enough and I didn't argue since I already have 40 miles this week.

The Skyline Challenge

Trail 50k Ultra-Marathon

"Your Pain Is Our Pleasure!"

Saturday July 10, 2010

3.  I have finally settled on setting my next "big" race goal.  The Skyline Challenge.  This race is in Virginia, any local-yokels who might be up to experincing it with me, drop me a line.  Or anyone with experince on this course please let me know!

I am excited to have something to look forward to.  Now if hubbs can just work out being able to support me during this race.  His big-boy job has a crazy schedule.

4.  Hubbs finally went back to the doctor because a year after knee surgery he is still having serious pain.  His doctor took an X-ray and did an MRI.  The doctor is fairly certain additional surgery is required to further clean up the medial meniscus that was torn and to remove a screw that is now unnecessary and may be causing some of the discomfort.  I have been praying that hubbs is able to return to running and biking.  Although, hubbs is not a lover of big distance, I have missed sharing training runs with him since his injury.  Hopefully whatever is required will be easily recoved from and end his pain.

5.  I have a 5k on tap April 24th for my April race.  Since this goal is very "if-y" due to various life issue right now, I haven't offically mentioned it here but I am hopeful to run a race (of any distance) at least once a month this year.  So I was very excited when I found out that Woodman of the World is hosting a Relay for Life running event locally!  Score! 

A race for April, maybe a 5k PR and a good cause. 

That's my 5 for Friday.  What's yours?

3 Changes Challenge

April 15th - Thursday

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 70oz - Success

2. Destress - Post run I spent some time while the kiddos played in the bubble tub doing yoga and I prayed this morning before getting out of bed and will spend time in prayer again tonight before I drift off to sleep, which will be soon!! - Success

3. Xtrain - I did walking lunges and squats after my run while walking to see the baby goats with little bug-man, s'getti, my niece and nephew. Still not what I want out of this goal so I will HAVE to get it in this weekend to make my 2 days goal! - needs improvement

Through snow and mud and water high...

We were up and ready early in the morning. 

I was still suffering from a major cases of nerves but I was eager to get the race started knowing that once I was running things would settle down.

We didn't have any trouble finding our way to the race start.  I got registered (you did that race morning) and could have made the 7a.m. earlybird start up couldn't find hubbs, who was managing the kiddos to let him know I could head out early.  So I waited with the family, visited the potty a few times and generally just dealt with second guessing my clothes, shoes, fuel, screws in the shoes....

Finally it was time to get out there and line up with loads of other crazies! 

It looks like I was feeling very confident.

As the race started I realized I didn't know the proper way to pass someone on a single track.  I struggled with finding a way to pass with so many runners trying to fit into the tiny trail.  I will remember this for my next trail race; start at the front of the pack!

I wanted to try and take pictures throughout the race however the footing was so bad the first, hummm how many miles?  With no mile markers it was difficult to judge distance at all and to be honest the footing was bad almost the entire race (whether it was due to ice/snow or mud/water).  At least the first 7+ miles were serious snow/ice with challenging footing.  Once I was in a safer section I snapped this shot to show a little of the snow.  This was at least a runnable amount of snow but it was frozen solid making footing very unevening and often ankle turning.  I saw many runners who must have not wore screws or cleats of some kind stumble and fall.

After about 45+ minutes of running we came to our first 'real' stream crossing.  I could hear the runners yelling as they hit the cold water so I knew we were getting close long before we got there.

I was not sure I wanted to go into the water!  BUT after I did it I was amazed at how good it felt on my feet.  The water didn't make me cold at all and my feet and toes didn't seem to mind being wet.

This was one of two serious water crossings and the first of many times my feet would be soaking wet.

The trails continued to be a mix of snow, ice, mud, water and some runnable sections for the next 6+ miles.  This is a view back at the aid stattion at mile 11~.  There were so many amazing volunteers helping at aid stations, flagging road crossings and keeping us all encouraged along the way. 

After this point there were aid stations about every 4-/+ miles along the way well stocked with all kinds of goodies!  I even drank a little bit of regular soda at one station!

When I left this aid station I finally started running on my own.  Prior to this point I had been afraid of being alone on the trail as the pack had thinned out.  Worrying that I might get lost by missing one of the blue blazes that marked the way.

The next aid station was about mile15+ at that point each runner had to decide if they were going for the 50k or running the marathon.  The choice came easily I was feeling so great at this point!  The extra distance was ran around a beautiful lake.  I knew from the course discription that there were bathrooms at the park/playground somewhere near the lake and I knew I would have to use them!  Ahh, mother nature.  

The bathroom detour cost me about 10 minutes and the distraction of getting toasty warm in the bathhouse and then having to go back out in the cold.

But it put a smile on my face!

The trails had many large trees down blocking the path.  Some had been cut allowing us to run through them others we had to climb over or bushwack to get around.

The hills on the course were challenging over such a distance but the scenery helped to keep my mind off the burning in my legs.  This race was so amazing.  The trails were breathtaking! 

As challengening as the course was in places there were also places like this one that were open and sunning and finally for a brief moment running was easy!

Every so often along the race there were signs like this one about Goldfish to encourage us along the way.

Gotta love volunteers!

With about 4 miles to go, I had fallen in with another runner. We traded leading several times. We chatted when the trial would allow us to be close enough to hear one another since we rarely could be side by side. As the other runner took the lead and we chatted we missed a turn. We stayed on the trail BUT the course didn't. There was one other runner ahead of us who we quickly caught up to since she was having to bushwack her way through the trail. We talked about how there were no "ribbons" tied to trees and the trail hadn't been opened only to find out that we had gone the wrong way, slopped through extra water and mud, fought loads of thorns and created extra distance but we now back on the course!

And finally there was my family cheering for me as  I can to the finish strech after what turned out to be 33+ miles!  I felt amazing!  Still with a smile on my face.

At the finish!  My first Ultra completed! 

There was a great BBQ picnic after the race for runners and family. 

I am so proud of my accomplishment.  I just can't explain the feeling of joy having just spent those hours playing my the woods, getting covered with mud and splashing through the creek a few times.

Thank you feet for carrying me through.

The day was not over after the race.  Our family was headed farther south to see a few houses on Sunday so that meant about 2 hours in a car before I got to finally get a shower.  Gross!  But I didn't want the day or the high to end!

Thanks for all the encouragement and support leading up to my lastest adventure. 

I honestly thought about many of you along my journey and I can't wait to take you along for the next one.

I should be a Nike sponsor...

...if only for the Saucony shoes on my feet!

I had a great 3.5 (27:52) wake up run this moring.  The road in my area were a bit snow/ice covered so I participated in some foot watching while I was running but it didn't slow me too much.  Tonight I am looking at 15+ on the treadmill or 6.5 with the jogging stroller. 

With so much snow on the sides of the roads I have been very hesitant to take littlest out.  If there are cars on the road there is literally NO WHERE to go to get off the road.  I could go to some even more "back" roads where there is even less traffic but they are in even worse condition.  Ugh. 

I am happy that I have the option since I really need some mileage to feel prepared for my 50k Trail Race on March 6th.  That is right around the corner!  Ekk.  I e-mailed the race director with concerns about the conditions of the trails.  This is the exchange we had.

..."Hey Shelley (I think I remember you) (is that a good thing or a bad thing that he remembers me?)

Starting with the second issue. There is a chance the race could be cancelled the park services have the final say. I think it is too early to predict that yet. Then there is the issue of trail conditions, a friend and I went out yesterday and all we could do is ‘post hole’ we got about a mile and a half in about an hour and half.

I tend to think we will be seeing snow, ice, mud and some run-able sections but who knows. It is probably best to check with the website or me the few days before the race..."..."now all you might need are snow shoes (two of my sons live in West Virginia they were supposed to get another ten inches last night.."

I said,  "...heehee. I wonder what kind of pace I could make in snowshoes. ;-)"

to which he responded.  "Based on our pace yesterday all we need is a 120 hour time limit..."

Even though I know he was joking, it does not fill me with confidence about the trail conditions.

With so little time I doubt I will get any decent trail runs in before the race day.  I know I would be doing this for fun as a lot of trails runners have the attitude of "enjoy the journey."  I like that idea.  BUT I don't like the idea of 10 hours on an unfamiliar trail in 20+" of snow and ice WITH a stream crossing. 

Time will tell. 

I will keep getting my miles and see what Mother Nature has in store. 

Anyone with experience running a trail race on really bad trails?  Creek crossings?

Any advice or suggestions? 

Any and all are welcome.

Thanks!

Don't Miss this one!

Mel @ Tall mom on the run 

is having an amazing giveaway bonanza!