2013 Hashawha Hills 50k Race Report - Ice and Mud

"How do you want to feel Tuesday?" 

This may be the best piece of trail racing advice I have ever gotten.  Those words were just a part of the wisdom that trail master and legendary ultra trail runner Gary shared with me as we laughed over and exaggerated about our day on the ice and mud covered trails.  But that thought hadn't entered my mind as the super secret spy and I finished what had been more than six hours of driving and arrived at our hotel.  The excitement of another day on the trails and the spy's first ultra was enough to carry me through the ritual of setting up our gear and ensure we wouldn't get too much sleep.

Bright and early we awoke to a nicely ice coated world and I'm sure we were both wondering what the day might hold.  We quickly got ready and happily followed another runner to the Bear Branch Nature Center where we scored some sweet parking spots again this year.  It seemed as though luck might just be on our side.

We met up with Diane who will be pacing me at MMT and several other trail friends and chatted in the warm comfortable center.  Getting to stage the race out of the center makes it much nicer when conditions are bad.  We didn't have to stand out in the ice and rain but were able to be inside for final instructions which included the gum band explanation; fat first, skinny second.  Which meant we had a short out and back on which we had to first pick up a fat gum band on the first loop and then a skinny gum band on the second loop.  This is always one of my favorite elements of this race.  We also got the usual don't litter, don't cheat, help others kind of advice then we gathered outside at a pavilion which would serve as the start, half way aid station and finish line then with a quick "Go" we were off.

Right from the start the super secret spy took off ahead and Diane and I ran loosely together.  I knew that the spy wanted to finish the first loop in about 3 hours so he would be able to have a cushion as conditions deteriorated through the day.  I fell into running with a group of runners who helped to pull me along a bit faster than Diane wanted to go and I drifted ahead.  Frequently I would make sure that I wasn't getting too far ahead.  But I ended up running several miles solo.

I was enjoying the solitude and surroundings.  It was surprising how much of the course I remembered from last year's running.  The mix of fields, single track trails, fire roads and even a short asphalt section gives every runner a bit of what they like most.  The amazing surroundings combine with that unique feeling of being enveloped in a cocoon of my own warmth to fill me with such happiness.  The first creek crossing - only a short 2 or 3 step creek -  was a refreshing blast on my feet.  The miles flew by and before I knew it I was at the 8.5 mile aid station.  With the cold rain coming down I opted for a small cup of warm broth, a cup of ginger ale and a quarter of a pbj.  Then off I went for the next 2.3 miles before returning to this same aid station.  On the return visit I topped my pack, had more broth and ginger ale and headed out again.  Along the way I saw Diane across a hay field so I waited and we fell back into running together and before I knew it we were heading into the halfway aid station.

As we entered the aid station I asked when the super secret spy had been there but before they could answer I saw he was still there.  He was working on changing shoes and had developed some cramps.  After a quick massage and assistance with his shoe change he was ready to go.  I was so proud of him!  It would have been so easy to stop at half way.  He would have beaten me!  He could have gotten cleaned up and been warm inside the nature center but even without training he wanted to push through.  We all ran together for several miles before the super secret spy said he was cramping and would need to go his own pace.  It was so amazing to share the trail time together and having that time be during a race made it even more special.

Diane and I went off and the gap grew as we drew ahead making our way along the now increasingly muddy trails.  What had been frozen hard with ice earlier was now iced with several inches of slick sticky mud.  The out and back to retrieve our skinny gum band was a slippery mess and several runners took a spill.  Each time I got caked with mud another opportunity to wash it off would appear.  Then no longer would my issue be having heavy feet but frozen ones.

Diane and I would take turns leading which helped to break up the miles and allow me to enjoy the scenery a little bit more.  Even though the decision had been made to run a steady safe race due to the conditions I didn't want to get too lost in the surroundings and end up finishing in too leisurely a pace.  When I would pause to take pictures Diane would keep going making sure I had to move it to stay on track.  I am feeling very confident in our ability to run together this May at MMT.  I know she will be more than able to make sure I push through the inevitable discomfort and only focus on the joy and privilege that running is.

As we neared the end of our second loop we could hear the trail chatter from Bob and his crew.  His motivating banter had kept smiles on our faces throughout the day. 

A brief gratitude pause.

Bob was just one of many trail friends we shared the journey with that day; Gary, Kirstin Cherry, Mark, Al, Bobby and his fiance, Sima who was after her first ultra finish line were just a few of the many friends who played in the woods with us.  Of course our day couldn't happen without all the hard work the Alan, the RD and his crew of volunteers put in to make this race happen.  You know it's something special when your race director is out on the course, at an aid station, standing at the finish line to shake your hand and give you your finisher's mug!  A huge thank you to all the aid station workers, trail sweepers, cooks, bakers and general volunteers would made Hashwaha Hills amazing!

As we neared those final hills I was reminded again how blessed I am to do this thing I love and I used that thought to push those final challenges and cross another finish line.

After a brief celebratory pause at the finish line I quickly went to the nature center to change into some warm dry clothes before returning to cheer the super secret spy into his first ultra finish.  I was rushing so much that I took my first fall of the day as I ran down the hill to the finish pavilion.  Luckily I had enough time to quickly clean up as the spy rounded the turn at the bottom of the final hill.  We all cheered as he pushed up the hill and crossed the finish line.

I couldn't have been happier for him.  He was so proud of what he had accomplished.  After a few quick photos we gathered our things and returned to the nature center one last time. 

We enjoyed the warmth of some amazing chili as we chatted with our trail brethren sharing our tales from the day and for some a bit of liquid pain relief.

The day was full of firsts as I got to met online friend, Dora.  She finished her second 50k and set a new PR!  She is completely full of positive energy.  I have no doubt that she will set another PR as she races Seneca this coming Saturday.

My trail family was so warm and welcoming to Mark as we lingered and laughed with the party crowd.  I know that the super secret spy has even more understanding about why I love this seemingly crazy, hard, often painful, time consuming thing.  This May as we take on 100 miles I know that even if he never takes on another ultra, he will be my biggest encourager and greatest supporter.  I also know that with his help I can cross any finish line out there.

Hashawha Hills 50k 2013

6:41

Hashawha Hill 50k Goals

 

Even though I often feel as though I am on thin ice with my heavy run volume and no rest days, I am going to get uncomfortable and declare some goals for the Hashawha Hills 50k.  By putting my goals out there for any one's judgement I may be able to push myself just like I know I will have to push myself when I am deep into the miles, in the dark, potentially alone, in the middle of nowhere working my way towards a 100 mile finish line. 

 

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

aka: Finish Feeling Fine having Fun

My I CAN goal:
Finish in under 7:00
This is a number that would have me potentially running with the super secret spy.  Again the decision to stay with him or take off with be made after conditions - my body, brain and trail - are taken into account. 

My I LOVE IT goal:
To beat my PR.
With a current PR of 5:59:33 my I LOVE IT time would be anything less

I'd even be giddy with 5:59:32 given that conditions this year with be worse than in 2012

 

My I DREAM IT goal:
5:45

This would be dreaming given predicted conditions for the day but if I am going to dream I'm going to dream big. 

 

No matter what the clock says as I make my way through the woods, over fields and across creeks I will be loving every step of it because that is the biggest goal after all.  The biggest goal I can achieve is to find joy while I am out there running immersed in nature.

 



How'd January Go?

 

January 2013

Monthly Miles Ran: 342.8

11.1 avg miles per day 77.4 avg. miles per week

Highest Mileage Week: 01/14 - 01/20

Rest Days Taken: 0

 

The Streak: January 31st was Day # 998 of the streak ~ 8,744.9 miles

Runs ~ ave. 8.8 miles per day/ 61.3 miles per week

Races:

Zippo

 

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Puppy Chow

Non-food Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:
Baking.  Baking. Baking the treats I'm indulging in!

Which Outfit did I Wear the Most:

 

This YMX shirt will eventually wear out considering I live in it.

YMX needs to make me an ambassador already, huh?!

What We Are Watching:

With the Kiddos:

Kiddo singular, S'ghetti girl is far too busy Skyping with her friends

Hotel Transylvania

 



My Viewing:

On the mill, I'm watching Warehouse 13

Funniest/Best Kid Quote:

One evening LBM fell off the back of the love seat.    After the booboo drama, I was talking with him about how he needed to obey and stop climbing and jumping on the furniture to avoid getting hurt. He explained that he had his own solution. He told me that I just needed to get a taller couch, one that went nearly up the the ceiling that way when he fell I'd have more time to run over and catch me.

 

Current Triumph:

Being more active with the PTO.

Current Goals

Personal:

Getting more active with other local friends

Running/Fitness:

Get back on the cross training wagon

Current Blessing:

Every moment of my life
 

Current Excitement:

Family:

My first grandchild is due today

Running/Fitness:

Another big MMT training run

and getting to run Hashawha Hills 50k with Hubby

Current Concern:

Family:
My first grandchild is due today

Running:
Running Hashawha Hills 50k with Hubby

 

 

 

A Snow Day, Bad Math and Winning the Lottery

The alarm went off this morning like every other school day but to my surprise we had about 3 inches of snow!  And if you know anything about Virgina and snow, you know that in Virgina
snow = NO SCHOOL!

An unexpected snow day was just what we all needed!  It was so cold outside that the snow a light and fluffy.  Great for staying dry while you played outside but not so good for building snowmen.  The kids and I enjoyed some of the white stuff before I even got my morning run completed.   

I had been eager to run today because I started the day thinking it was my 1000th day of streaking.  Amagine my surprise when I started entering my run and gathering my totals for a 1000th day blog post only to see I was only at day 991. 

Speaking of surprises, you may remember the post HERE where I told you all that the super secret spy was going to try to get into a 50k in February.  Well it happened.  We both won the lottery and got in.  So did my pacer for MMT, Diane!  In about a month hubby and I will be running the Hashawha Hills 50k.  You can read about my 2012 experience HERE.  I couldn't be more excited for him to join me on the trails.  It is going to be an exciting month as he shifts his workout routine to prepare for the challenges of a trail ultra.  I know that he will be able to go the distance.  I can only hope that he will love the journey of getting from the start to the finish.

How'd February Go?

February 2012

Monthly Miles Ran: 300.4 (Year total: 668.20)

Highest Mileage Week: 2/6 - 2/12 (DM Weeks) 85miles

 

Rest Days Taken: 0

The Streak: February 29th was Day # 661 of the streak ~ 5,510.3 miles,

Runs ~ ave. 8.3 miles per day/ 58.4 miles per week

Races:

Hashawha Hills Trail Run 50k

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:
McDonald's Coffee and Girl Scout Cookies

Non-food Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Pinterest

Which Outfit did I Wear the Most:

Since scoring several YMX tops I have been living in them. 

Can you ever have enough color?

What We Are Watching:

With the Kiddos:

The Secret World of Arrietty

My Viewing:

Survivor, TBL and The Bachelor

aka Junk Televison

Funniest/Best Kid Quote:

You know, my kids were just not that funny this month. 

 

Current Triumph:

56 days into 2012 ~ New 50k PR

Current Goals

Personal:

To never let anyone treat me badly

in front of my children

 

Running/Fitness:

To stay strong while waiting to get into

Massanuetten Mountain Trails 100

 

Current Blessing:

Every single day in my life. A gift.

 

Current Excitement:

Family:
S'ghetti Girl got an invitation to Environthon

 

Running/Fitness:

Did I mention that 50k PR?

Current Concern:

Personal:
My Christmas tree is still up.

what can I say, I like the lights

 

Family:
Getting everyone to be nice to eachother

 

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

How did your February days add up?

L. O. & Ts

I run every day. 

Today is day #661.

I like this saying a little better this way:

If you always do what you always did, you always get what you always got.

Saturday I proved how true that saying is for me.

What running the Hashawha Hills Trail Run 50k showed me:

Lessons

I learned that I can run with someone else and not get lost.

I learned that what works for some runners isn't always what works for me.

 I learned that I can ignore a lot of discomfort when distracted by good conversation.
I learned again that my mind is 1000% stronger than my body will ever be.

I learned you can run fast across a hay field and not break your ankle.

sorry pappy, you were wrong.
I learned that just when I think I've fallen in love with this sport I fall deeper.

Observations
I noticed that I can run a 50k on very little fueling.

I noticed that some people don't like cheerfulness after 20 miles.

I noticed the same views can be just as breathtaking the second time around.
I noticed that people are really nice especially when you stop mid-race to help them pick up their dropped mail.  

I noticed that body type and age have nothing to do with how well you run an Ultra!
I noticed there is a child-like joy about splashing mud while you run.

Thoughts
I wonder how many runners were tempted to not get the gum bands?
I wonder if I will ever be able to share that level of joy with my family?

I think about those volunteers and wonder if they know how much their smiling faces helped me?
I wonder if my family knows how much ultra running is a part of who I am?

I think about the runners whose only desire is to go fast and I wonder why?
I wonder how much of this I will be able to put into practice on Saturday?

Hashawha Hills Trail 50k ~ Race Report

Hashawha Hills 50k Trail Run

Westminster, MD

Saturday February 25, 2012

I arrived with a smile on my face in Westminster, Maryland after a little family drama delayed my arrival by about 3 hours.  Checking into my hotel at midnight is not exactly how I like to stack the deck in my favor the night before a race however, reminding myself that the number one goal for the Hashawha Hills Trail Run was steady time on my feet I went about the routine of prepping for a smooth departure in the morning.

I set out two options for clothes to wear with the weather forecast a bit questionable.  But no matter which option I went with I knew I might via for the title of the flashiest runner on the course thanks to YMX by Yellow Man.  They seriously should offer me a sponsorship!

Tune in tomorrow for my thoughts on how my gear handled the day.

After about 4 unrestful hours of sleep I could hear the wind had done nothing but pick up through the night so I opted for a base layer and a long sleeve on top and Relax Reflect full tights on the bottom.  Do I really have to say that I was also squeezed into my new CEP Compression shorts?  Because I don't run without them anymore, it's a given!

After the morning routine with no one to get ready but myself since I was flying solo for this run, I packed up the car and headed to the Bear Branch Nature Center.

Race Director Alan Gowen could not have picked a better location to serve as the start and finish for this event.  Prior to the race we received requests to carpool and be courtesy of park users as space was limited for parking.  If I hadn't gotten that email I would never have know it could have been an issue because in my experience it went flawlessly.  Thanks to those who carpooled and those who helped point us to the right places to accommodate everyone.

After parking and a short walk to the center, I was quickly checked in and happy to see that we were able to wait inside until mere moments before the race began.  Even though this was to only be a "training" run I was still suffering with a few nerves about my poor preparation, i.e., I hadn't brought anything to eat prior to the race.  So my last meal was at 6:30 the night before.  I did enjoy a honey straw that my daughter gave me but that aside I was going to start this event on empty. 

I enjoyed sitting back and watching the wide array of participates as they mingled through the conference room.  The young ladies who helped at registration couldn't have been nicer as was everyone who I briefly spoke with while we wait for final instructions.

Our pre-race brief was just that brief and to the point and filled with a bit of nerve-loosening humor.  Alan reminded us to be courtesy of our behavior while on the trails and to leave nothing behind.  He also instructed us that we would be running a bit on the honor system due to an out-and-back section where we would need to collect first a thick and then on the second loop and thin gum band.  I absolutely loved this element of the run.  It guess it simply plays to my child-like love of this sport.  With a few more reminders we were sent off to the start line aka pavilion down the hill.

We gathered in front of a pavilion huddled to block the wind and it was a simple "GO" that sent us down a short hill through the trees and to a brief road section.  With a goal to try and hold a steadier pace I had worn my Garmin although it did not pick up signal until we were well into the road section so I missed a bit of distance however in the end that didn't matter due to the tight winding curves of the trail the Garmin didn't read very accurately (as we had been told it would do).  The course was previously 'wheeled' so I was told and believe that it is at least 31 miles. 

I already know that I can not wait to run this course again.  With the changes in registration next year I hope I am lucky enough to get to repeat my visit.  This course was the nicest mix of country roads, single and double trails, creek crossings, mud and hills.  We passed through woods, hay fields, corn fields, little rural residential areas and even enjoyed seeing the raptor aviary.

During my first loop I often ran alone.  I had forgotten that the first aid station wasn't until about 8 miles.  Those early miles I struggled with keeping my pace under control and remembering that I needed my legs to last all day.  Since I hadn't eaten anything that morning I remembered to drink often and even brought gummies (yes, the little kiddo kind) since Gus have been giving me issues on these long runs. 

Sadly the first challenge came early in the form of mud on the out-and-back to retrieve my first gum band.  This section had a nice downhill grade on the way out and then of course the reverse was an uphill.  Since I struggle with stringing all the sections of the race together correctly, I will say that somewhere here came the first creek crossing which I think was only a two-stepper kind of creek but the water was frigidly cold.  There would several two and three-stepper kind of crossings and then one long deep creek crossing through the course which we got to repeat on the second loop.

During the first 8 miles I eat about 3 gummies and ran right by the first aid station feeling like I didn't need to stop.  After doing the section from the first aid station and back again, I stopped at the aid station and drank a half cup of broth and then drank a half cup of ginger ale.  Every aid station should have ginger ale.  Worked like a charm to keep my stomach quiet.

I chatted with many interesting runners along the way. A young lady and her boyfriend. She was doing her first trail race. They would end up finishing just minutes behind us. A "smart ass" inside joke in a bright orange windbreaker who didn't know anything about local history. Another DMer, Matthew who like to run a lot of miles the week of races. He is just my kind of crazy runner. 

During the last quarter of the first loop Larry H, a fellow Daily Miler (who provided the wonderful course and finishing shots.  Thanks Larry!)   caught up to me.  This came as a surprise since He had been in front of me earlier.  It seems my lack of aid station stopping had allowed me to get in front of him.  Little did I know that this would be the biggest blessing of my day.

I spent some time considering whether or not I was going to call it a one lap day.  My left hamstring and glute was talking.  They were getting rather loud on the hills.  When I fell in beside Larry again I questioned whether I would do the second loop fearing that I would not be able to ease up.

We finished the first lap close together.  I topped off my camelbak with orange Gatorade, ate a section of banana at the fabulous volunteer's insistence and realized that the clock said 2:52.

I was doing the second loop.

The high from seeing that I had hit the halfway mark well in front of 3 hours gave me a boost to push through the second loop.  I quickly caught up with Larry and excited told him I was going to do it.  Sub-6 or not I was going to try and be smart and finish strong.  Come on now you didn't really think I could DNF, did you?  There were gorgeous handmade mugs on the line.

The second loop was more of the first but with a strange new element.  Company.  I have never run with any one person that long.  Although we ever not always side by side and not always talking, Larry's presence and my confidence in his ability to run a smarter-than-me race kept me with him. 

I sure hope I didn't wear out my welcome.

He would lead the hills which would force me to walk when I might have tried to "run" them.  I would push on the downhills which felt easier thanks to walking the climbs.  I tired to keep my walking pace up but there were hills that were simply too steep for a 15 minute mile.

I was having so much fun that I forgot all about my left leg.  I paused at the "8 mile" aid station for soup and ginger ale again.  I didn't have a single nature call or GI issue. 

Before I knew it we were circling the pavilion area again.  Larry had began to put on a push to the finish only to turn back as he headed up the finishing hill and that is when I saw the clock.

It was counting down to 6 hours.  I yelled for Larry to keep going and I sprinted to that finish clock.

5:59:33

On a day when I didn't think I might finish.  I set a new 50k PR.

The race director was there handing out the fabulous finishers mugs.  I was so over the top excited I'm not sure I even shook his hand.  Had that clock read 7 hours instead this would still be the kind of race that makes me want to do this crazy thing.  If I ever have the opportunity to put on an event, something I think later in life I would love to do, this is the example that I would follow.  Maybe it's not every one's version of the perfect event.  Many runners need a bag full of goodies, bands and cheering crowds, booze and parties but for me this was the dream version of why I love to do this.

After cheering a few runners in to the finish line, I headed back into the Bear Branch Center to get on dry clothes and enjoy some warm food.  There was a big tarp for us to take off our muddy shoes, inside.  I gathered my bag which had not been bothered while I ran and changed into dry clothes.  There was regular and veggie chili.  Oh Yeah!  I must admit that I indulged in two cups of coffee to warm up too.  Probably not the best idea after running that far.  I ended up a bit dehydrated till I got home. 

The atmosphere was welcoming as runners sat around and chatted.  Everyone cheered as new runners came into the building.  I got to talk with the HAT Run RD and was so wide-eyed with questions (and maybe a little trail brained) that I didn't even ask his name.  He and a group of men were all talking.  I was like a kid in a candy store eavesdropping on their racing plans, past and future.  I think they were a bit amused by my naive enthusiasm.  Being surrounded by such experienced ultra runners it was very hard to pull myself away but my cellphone battery had died and I needed to check in with the family back home.  Although I knew that none of my waiting messages would top the text that Larry got from his wife after finishing, I still was eager to share my news with the family who puts up with my daily obsession.

The drive home did little to dull my giddiness over such a wonderful day even the skies seems to share my celebration.  With over 2 hours to drive I thought about the many things that had gone right for me and all the things I learned from this event.  I can only hope that I am able to use what I learned and apply it to my efforts this coming Saturday when I get to run the

Seneca Greenway Trail Marathon and 50k

The things I let get to me...

...when I have a race coming.

As a runner it is usually while running that I notice drivers but in the past 24 hours drivers have been really getting on my nerves in my everyday life.  Take for example my drive home after work yesterday.  I was going through an area near our middle and high schools.  This area is residential so the speed limit is set very low and there are two 90 degree turns.  As I was winding my way through I cam upon a car with two young boys in it.  Well, sorta in it.  One of them was sitting in the open window of the car apparently videoing two other young boys who were on scooter holding onto the cars open windows as it came towards me. 

Luckily I paying attention or I would have hit the young man holding onto the driver's door.  As I drove off the road to avoid him, he politely snarkily said, "Heeelllllooooo" as I gave him my best disappointed grownup look.

Despite much googling I could not come up with a photo to represent what I saw.  I did however find video of teens doing this same behavior. 

You don't have to watch this whole video but what I found interesting is that the young lady doesn't want to do this but the male voice, presumably the driver, pressures her into it.

My next run in with a driver was when the driver of my daughter's school bus barely paused at our house this morning. 
4 minutes early.

I keep a diligent eye on our time in the morning.  I carry my cell phone from 7 a.m. until after the bus goes.  This habit eliminates any human error from watching a clock that I might have set wrong. 

This morning at 7:17 I ran downstairs to bring our dogs into the house so that they would not try to get on the bus with S'ghetti Girl.  As I ran back up the steps the bus was pulling away from our drive at 7:20.  Our bus is due at 7:23. 

I raced down our very short driveway yelling.  The kids on the bus saw me.  Our driver did not stop.  S'ghetti Girl grabbed her things and we jumped into the car and chased down the bus two stops later.

No major harm.  But I wonder why is it that getting behind the wheel makes people act like they have lost all common sense?

That driver could have easily stopped out of kindness due to her early arrival.  Those kids could have gotten into that car if they need a quicker ride home.  As far as I know nothing bad has come from either situation but it could have.  I could have been distracted and hit that boy.  I could have wrecked my car "chasing down" the bus.  All because, in my opinion, there was a lack of common sense. 

But that is just what I think. 

So tell me, how would you have handled these situations?

Would you do anything further about the kid's behavior or the bus driver's?

What have you seen or been guilty of on the road ways lately?

Hashawha Hills 50k tomorrow watch for an update on FB if you follow me there.

In the area, let me know so we can get together.

Run strong and have fun to everyone racing this weekend.

As the Nose Runs

With a training race coming up this Saturday you may have thought it was planned to not complete my "wake up" miles on Monday and again today.  However you'd be wrong.  I had every intention of getting those few miles in to help prepare myself to interaction sociably with other grownups but that didn't happen.  It's seems that the success rate may be directly linked to the pile of tissues beside my bed because LBM is often still in my bed! 

I knew that the super secret spy and I like to teach our children by example but in this case I completely wish he would have not shared his cold with the rest of the family.  Also thanks to the super secret spy being under the weather this past weekend, I missed out on a little kid-free time that helps to refill the patience reservoirs within me.  Even with a sick kiddo I have to admit that at times, say 3 o'clock in the morning after being woke up three previous nights repeatedly, that it can be an effort to not get worn out myself. 

So in the hopes of avoiding actually getting sick myself I have cut a few miles off the lead up to the Hashawha Hill 50k.  I have also mentally made the decision to keep the pace and effort in check since Seneca is the next Saturday and that course hold my 50k PR.  If any thought is going to be given to a PR attempt that will more than likely be the race so being healthy is a must.

I think we are turning a corner this morning when LBM woke up early and happy.  And since he was still to questionable to plop in the jogging stroller and not at all interested in the entertaining pastime of watching mommy run on the treadmill, we spent the morning reading and re-reading

I think those minutes will be replayed as I weave my way through the woods this Saturday in my own version of the story maybe more aptedly named,

Good Run Sun.

In the great green woods

there is a trail
And a red blaze
And a view of--

The runners jumping over the stream

and there were three little frogs, sitting on logs...

come back tomorrow to read the rest.

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.

A 30 pound pack

Weekends are always fun and filled with little surprises.  This weekend was no exception.  I was looking forward to a slightly extended weekend in Virginia.  With the mild weather I had dreams of miles on the trails on Old Rag Mountain.  This is a picturesque mountain that I drive by every time I travel between VA and PA. 

The dream was altered when we got to Virginia and found the super secret spy struggling with a bad cold.  Being the good wife I made certain he got lots of sleep Thursday evening in the hopes that he would be up to hanging out the kiddos Friday while I scampered up a mountain side.  Unfortuately sleep did not cure his ills.   But being the determined person I am I did not allow that to stop me from getting out and enjoying the trails. 

It just added a very wiggly 30 pound pack to my resistance training and one grumbling 10 year old.  After packing LBM up the switch backs, I climbed ahead while S'ghetti girl and LBM rested to see if they would be able to continue.  It made for a great workout and an amazing time on the mountain.

In the end I think both kids enjoyed trying "climbs" they weren't sure they could do.  I know that I was very proud of how they continued on (okay LBM was getting carried most of the time) even when they were tired.  It wasn't the training I thought I would get that day but if the next day was any indication, I got a great full body workout. 

Five days to Hashawha Hills 50k

Have you ever climb Old Rag? 
Running Hashawha?  Ever done it?  Tell me about your experience.