What a Difference a little Sunshine Makes!

The time change. 

I struggle when they take that hour in the Spring.  I need to see the sunshine to lift my mood especially when I am not running many miles.  Due to the weather and flooding over the weekend I was able to REST.  Not really willingly but I did take off two WHOLE days from running.  I know that my body needs to rest after a race but I didn't at all race the Greenway Trail 50k that I completed.  I simply enjoyed it, experinced it, had fun with it.  So, my toes aside, I didn't really feel like I need to rest.  Of course all that would be excuses reasons why I am trying to justify not taking more time off when I know that to build a body, rest is one of those building blocks. 

But today I decided that if the sun was finally back at it's job of shining, I was going to get back to running, slowly.  That is what littlest and I did this morning.  A slow short wake up jog.

We enjoyed the sun coming over the ridgeline as we finished. 

Oh, I enjoyed it...

...because littlest was fast asleep by then.

I must have bored him to sleep because I was playing tour guide as we ran. 

I pointed out all the wild life and changes in the scenery from the receded flood waters while we cruised along. 

I guess I can check tour guide off potential fall back jobs! 

You never know what you'll find in a cereal box!

Today I finally woke up NOT feeling tired.  It was an achievement.  A milestone, really. 

My body was just trying to do too many things at one time. 

Let's see, running crazy high weekly mileage (90, 60, 40 in the week of the Ultra!), making milk (yeah still nursing!), menstruating (sorry men folk but girls have to deal with these extra challenges), working full time, married-single parenting, oh and running a trail 50k!

So this morning when I woke up and I didn't feel tired.  I didn't feel my boo-booed big toes.  I didn't feel my sore quads.  I just felt refreshed and awake.  I knew it was going to be a good day!

 Littlest and I went to a easy morning jog (3.5/30:40).   Before school my middle one had cereal for breakfast.  She is often upset that I don't buy her the kinds that have "prizes" in the box.  But today she found a little "prize" in her pile of flakes and she gave it to me.

There were no medals or T-shirts at the Greenway Trail 50k.  She told me I could have this to remember how much I had loved that race and that she was there with me running in to the finish.

Does it get any sweeter?

When I Dream I still see Trees

I know it has been 3 days and I am already looking for my next trail race but I feel like I can still smell the evergreens.  It has been a long time since a racing experince has left such an impression on me.  Even though I can't really say I was "racing" during this lastest event as much as I was enjoying the journey. 

And ENJOY I really did!  The still painful big toes are a small price to pay for such a wonderful day.

Since the race I have been cross training; the eliptical, walking, a little jogging and core work but that is it.  And I am going crazy.  I do hope to get in a short easy run tomorrow to test out my poor boo-boo toes.  I hope I don't lose more toenails!  My trail shoes did not have enough miles on them and I think they should have been a half size smaller. 

My big toes were the only 'hot' spot after the race. 

Major fluid under my toenails.  Painful! 

I will spare you the details.

Have you ever experienced a blister under your nail bed?

What did you do to relieve the pressure?

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.

Over the river and through the woods...

The Greenway Trail Marathon and 50k is over.

I am in LOVE!

Amazing experience!

I'll be back to tell you all about it.

Who knew I love mud!

Training Brain

Symptoms of Training Brain


Symptoms of training brain usually appear about one to two weeks prior to the scheduled running event. Signs and symptoms of training brain may include:

■Unability to focus on non-running related issues

■Consumption of large amounts of carbohydrates

■Frequent need put on running outfits

■Loss of memory

■Obsession with time of day bowel movements occur

■Weight gain
■Signs of being a hypochondriacal behavior

■Mild fatigue


The presence of three or more of these symptoms would indicate the patient has been infected with the viral infection, Training Brain.  The only know cure is the completion of the running event.  However, this course of treatment offen leads to a follow along infection of Runners High which is easily managed by large amounts of running related conversation and praise.

Thanks for not calling me out on my obvious infection of

Training Brain!

(I misspelled Wednesday in the title of Wednesday's post!!!)

I am certaining suffering a bad case but looking forward to the cure!

I will be even more absent in bloggy land BUT I will get catch up.

Thanks for all the encouragement for this lastest adventure!

 We went for an easy morning run.
Last one before the BIG race tomorrow morning!
Yep! That's TOMRORROW at 8 a.m.!
Everyone who is running or racing this weekend...RUN STRONG!
or as Katie so wonderfully put it,"slow, steady and safe will win the race!"
Bye for now! 


Dorothy is having a great contest!
Don't miss out but I'm gonna win it!

It's ALL I think about

There is NO hidding the fact that there is only FIVE MORE DAYS to my birth into the world of Ultras.  Okay it's only 32+/- miles and that is really only 6ish more miles than a marathon but I am giving this trail race all the respect it deserves.  I am new to racing on serious trails, I am new to winter condition racing, I am new to this distance, I am new to serious mud.  But I am excited for some serious trails, excited for some winter conditions, excited to see if I can go this new distace, and excited to play in the mud!

I have been reading blogs of runners who have done this race during pervious years when conditions were less than ideal.  It has helped me to understand that it will be a journey.  Here is what the race director has to say on the race website:

Feb 28, 2010: Tons of volunteers have been hard at work, opening sections of the trail, scouting, shoveling snow, and executing trail repairs. As of today the race is on. Expect slower times and wet feet. You will be running and hiking in the snow. We do not have much capacity to transport runners who cannot finish to the finish area. Please understand that the trail will be pass-able but not necessarily totally run-able. This means snow, ice, ,mud and some run-able sections. It is getting better each day. We will try to update the website several more times before race day.

Feb 26, 2010: There are crews of volunteers out now and they will be out almost every day until the race.

Reports are scattered: there is still much remaining snow and probably no place where it is not at least wet. Some places still have ankle deep snow and it is not a great thawing day today. However, a slow steady warming trend is predicted. There are certainly obstacles (blowdowns, pine branches embedded in snow banks, detours and very icy bridges) and the trailheads and other trail parking lots/areas are getting open. Right now, probably the best prediction is to expect wet feet no matter what and a slower than usual race. We will try to post updates on the web as the week progresses otherwise fell free to email or call. I believe the race is a go but you should stay tuned.

Feb 16, 2010: Will the race go as planned? Probably, As far as the race, it is really too soon to start making reasonable predictions. There is a fair chance, that there could be snowy and icy sections, muddy sections and run-able sections. The race will only be cancelled if one of the park services insists on it and they have been incredibly good to us so far. If you live out of town, I would definitely stay in touch and watch the website. I do not mind reporting trail conditions but I think it is best to do so after next week. One member of the sweeper team is trying to singlehandedly pack down the trail. I think he might have 2-3 miles done so far but we cannot really rely on that. We were out yesterday ‘post holing’ and it took about an hour and half to cover a mile and half (out a d back). It is fun but hardly run-able yet.

I am going to a run tonight to shake off some nervous energy.

How do you cope with the week before a BIG race?

Three Things Thursday

  

1.  I am the most blessed girl in Bloggy land! 

I won an amazing Giveaway that Mel at Tall Mom on the Run was hosting! 

What great timing!  I needed some happiness and motivation heading into the count down to Race Day!

Thanks Mel!

2.  Thanks to all my followers and constant commenters! 

I don't tell you all enough how motivating and inspiring you all are to me. 

Thanks for all your words.  Whether those words be supportive, educational, inspiring or thought provoking; thank you for them all.   

3.  I recently had a post where I shared some lovely Before and After photos.
Well, actually it would be more accurate to say During and After photos.

If you missed it Click Here.

Let's see your best During and After photos!

(If you are brave enough!?!)

A quickie in the morning

I just had to show you all that I do wear something other than my light pink dry fit. 

This morning for my quickie I wore my HOT pink dry fit. 

Oh please, quickie.  What were you thinking?

I mean I ran a quickie 3.5 miles to warm up and stretch out the tired legs.

12 more days to the Greenway Trail Marathon & 50k

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!

How its going - Week 2

Tomorrow will be exactly 2 weeks since Army son started his journey called basic training.  I probably should capitalize that, Basic Training, to show it the level of respect it deserves.  I am eager to hear all the experinces that Army son is enduring creating while he is being beaten transforming himself.  Hopefully we will hear something very soon!

Week one was sheer "I'm going to show him I can do it" attitude.  I wanted to hit my training really hard to make him proud of how far I had come and the goals I had set for my self. 

Week Two has been harder.  The weather has not been cooperating.  Wind is my nemesis.  I can get out there in ANY kind of weather except wind.  I do have a treadmill.  Yeah.  Tell a 17 month old to entertain himself while you run 10 miles.  That goes something like this:

Dresses for workout - Check

Towels for sweat - Check

6 zillion toys for littlest - Check

Snacks for littlest - Check

Sippy cup for littlest - Check

Ask middle one to help out as she can - Check

Start treadmill - Check

Set incline - Check

Adjust speed - Check

"no littlest, don't unplug the treadmiiiiiiiiiiilll..."

get up off the floor - Check

Plug treadmill back in - Check

Decide that I'll try to run after the kids are in bed - Check

You see my point.

I have gotten in some runs this week.  My mileage is a little down from week one's 47 miles but I still have a few days and I have long runs on the training schedule for the weekend.  I am not sure where my mileage will end up falling.  I have only 38 days until my marathon or 50k but that's another post entirely.

So back to my stats for the week so far:

Sunday - January 24th was our travel day (and I wussed out at the "city" gym)

Monday - January 25th - 3.5 miles alone 24:43 (my speed work.  Felt great but wiped me out!)

Tuesday - January 26th - 3.5 miles 29:45 snow, ice and wind.  I had to stare at the ground to keep from slipping and falling on the ice. 

Wednesday - January 27th - 7 miles 56:06 a.m.

6.5 miles 56:22 p.m with littlest in the jogger

Littlest is such a champ! 

I wish you could see the latern behind him, the layers of blankets, heating pad and socks on his hands (they stay on better than his gloves).  He was so excited to go. When he saw that I had changed my clothes, he grabbed the jogger and started pulling it to the front door.

Yeah, I know.  I love my Nike DriFit Pink top. 

It has a little pocket on the side and a great hood with a high zipper to keep the wind off your neck and lower face when it is really cold. 

Keeps me so snuggly warm and it is so soft!

Eventually you will get to see some of that other running gear from Christmas.

Don't miss this great giveaway!!!

Marlene's Lift Your Sole Giveaway

I Kicked Bootie

A great BIG THANK YOU to Amanda at Run to the Finish for hosting the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge that kept us all mindful of our diets and activity levels over the holidays! Who says you have to gain weight over Christmas and New Years? Thanks to Amanda a lot of us did not! Oh and did I mention that I won! Can you believe that?

I have to give the credit to Army son for all the extra support he gave me with the little kiddos for me to get in some great runs that I would have otherwise missed out on.  I can't wait to tell him that I won!

Greenway Seneca Creek Trail Marathon & 50k

It's done.  I'm in with 8 weeks to go.  March 6th.  A little bit scary but with that great Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge, I kept my mileage up over the holidays so I am only behind on my long runs a little.  I will hold off on the decision to run the B&A Trail Marathon  on March 7th, until I can email the race officials and see if dropping to the half is an option mid-race.  I have ran several marathons that offered that option so I know it could be a possiblity. 

I am still needing my hubbs blessing before I can register for the second race anyway.  He does think a day apart is pushing it as far as my sanity goes. 

There is always the Lower Potomac River Marathon on March 14th.  This race may be a bit close to Army son's graduation from basic training.  We don't have a firm date yet. 

 It's nice to have something to look forward to and focus on.  This is really helping keep me from getting depressed over my Army son's absence.  It's amazing what a little running can do for you. 

Speaking of running I haven't put up my totals for a while.  I'll catch you up for the week.  This is the first week without my running supporter so I am thrilled that I was able to use all of your encouraging words to keep me motivated.  I can not say it enough, thank you thank you thank you for all the comments and emails that help encourage me to not  just sit on the couch and eat potato chips crying about how my little baby boy has left me.  It is so wonderful to have a group of people who completely understand why I would spend days thinking about which race to run, what shoes to wear, how cold is too cold to run outside, fretting over only getting 7 miles when the schedule called for 10; here I am understood and encouraged and inspired by all of you.  Thank you!

January 10 ~ 6.5 (53:30/8:05) last outside run before Army son left (I had a good cry during)

January 12 ~ 3.5 (27:34/7:53) first a.m. run  Yeah I did it!

January 13 ~ 3.5 (27:23/7:49) a.m. run

January 13 ~ 3.5 (29:52/8:29) p.m. run first run with jogging stroller.  What a difference that makes!  I really need upper body work but I am so proud that I got out and did it!  Battery powered lantern and heating pad for the littlest.  It was great!

January 14 ~ 3.5 (27:47/7:56) a.m. run  Starting the day off right again!

January 14 ~ 6.5 (54:08/8:20) p.m. run  Double Day.  I am so proud of me for getting some miles in!  Another night of lanterns, heating pads and jogging strollers. 

My schedule has another 10 and my 20 miler for the weekend.  With kiddos it is a struggle to cover those really long runs and 20 of the treadmill is so yucky!  I am hoping that my mama will help with kiddos on Sunday.  I have my biking sherpia lined up since my 20 will be on trails in the Buchanan State Forest.  I am hoping to have some great pictures to share with you after the run.  So what is on your schedule for the weekend?  

My Morning Run Thinking about Spring Plans

This has been my morning view.  I like to think of it as refreshing.  This morning I got out for a short 3.5 mile run (27:32).  Sunday I got up to similar weather conditions and did my favorite 6.5 mile loop.  That run was the first time in a week I was able to run outside!  Sometimes when your attempting to distract your brain from one thing (like the mind numbing cold) you think about other things like what races I want to run in the Spring - when it's warm!



I have been logging a lot of miles on treadmill.  Thanks to Army son!  Now that he is at basic training, I will have to find a routine that will work for me to get in the number of miles I like to maintain. 
Once the weather moderates I will be able to take littlest with me and mileage won't be an issue...just having the energy to push the jogging stroller! 
How do you guys handle getting the miles in with kiddos?


I am looking at two marathons for this spring. 

Greenway Trail Marathon
B&A Trail Marathon

Yeah, I know I am not formally doing any offical training and I am looking at an early March race.  I never said I was the sharpest tack in the box!  I like both of these options.  Of course, there is a crazy person inside me who dreams that I could get hubbs to support the idea of me doing both
(note: that doing not racing).  If I run the 50 mile ultra this fall, these would be great for training runs.  At this point I plan on running a series of "teasers" through the spring and summer to prepare for the ultra.  Running those and a bunch of shorter (10 mile and under) races will be a lot of what I do to determine how I feel about the 50 mile ultra. 
Okay back to the spring plan.

Anyone with first hand information on either trail marathon?  Anyone running them?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the races and opinions on running two back to back with so little offical training.  So give me your racing wisdom!  Obviously I am in need of some for considering it! 

It's not cold.  It's refreshing I tell you!  Or maybe my brain is just frozen?

Just looking forward because in the dreariness of winter we

need things to look forward to!

My next giveaway will be in February sponsored by Lift Your Sole go check out their website to scout out what great things you could be winning for Valentine's Day!

Don't miss Teamarcia's I Declare Giveaway!