By the Seat of my Pants

I've been asked quite often what my 2013 racing schedule looks like.  Well, here it is...

 

 Yeah, that's how I roll, by the seat of my pants.

I know that I am officially registered for a few items on this list and I completely know I'll never get to or want to do everything listed.  Since the super secret spy often traveling much of my planning revolves around working out a sitter for the kiddos without being away from them every weekend. 

This year's A race will be Massanutten Mountain Trails 100.   My training and racing plans up to race day will be shaped completely by this one race.  With the first training run over MLK weekend I won't have long to worry about getting to know the extreme trails on the mountain. 

Luckily I won't be alone on the trail for those nearly 33 miles my fellow trail runner, D will be joining in the challenge.  D will be pacing me this May for about 40 miles.  I already know that if when I finish this amazing challenge it will be because D helps me remember that quiting is not an option. 

But for now, today, I'll remember that just like in a race I can't run the whole distance at once.  I can only tackle the step I am taking right now.  There is no need to worry about the next 99, first I have to tackle the one I am facing.  Today I am gaining strength, endurance and confidence to make each mile a little more enjoyable.   Because I might just barely finish the 100 mile adventure by the seat of my pants but I want to do it with a smile on my face.

How are you pushing out of your comfort zone in 2013?

Plan B

It's time to talk about Plan B.  I left hints on THIS post. 

Did you click and check them out? 

After the incredibly long wait to see if I got into my A Race I had to post the disappointing news HERE.

But after some encouraging words from friends I have concreted Plan B.

These two races will be the next steps in getting to my 100 mile goal. 

Since I had every confidence that I was going to get into Massanutten Mountain Trails I had already planned my fall racing schedule which I'll keep those details until closer time....

...just to make sure I can still walk, let alone run after both of these.

Do you know what today is? 

Do something amazing today and think of me.

 Since the Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k

 was postponed a week due to winter arriving last week I won't bore you with another goal post. 

You can go HERE and read it again to refresh your memory. 

Even with one less week between the 50k and the 50 miler I won't really change my goals.  I will run the 50k with the thought in mind of putting in a solid effort until I get to about half way.  At that point I'll see how I have done on the "unpracticed half."  If I am doing well and feeling strong I will try to negative split the course knowing the second half is "easier" technically and I should be able to make better time.  Then at about 8ish miles to go when I leave the logging "roads" and go into the single track again I will make the call to give it everything for that PR or cruise in for a solid training run.  

p.m run 6.5 miles ~ Day # 543

I've been feeling the weight of all the issues I've got going on right now.  The stress level has reached yoga-unremovable levels.  I knew I had to do something that would help give my mind a break.

Did I crack open a cold one?

Did I open a good book?

Did I pop a little pill?

Did I hide under the bed?

of course not

I went running....

in the dark....

under the stars...

in my new tight reflective leggings

new gear always makes things better when they help you feel skinny

My super great RelaxReflect tights!

I just ran.

And I remembered how much I loved it.d

Now my problems were not magically solved when I got back.  But I felt like they weighed a whole lot less on my shoulders.  I felt like I could trust that everything will work out; in my race, in my health, with my work, my schedule and my family.

As I ran through the dark occasionally feeling that tug of fear at being out there all alone I also felt that faith.  The faith that is with me every day get just a little bit stronger.  It reminded me that I will either live in fear or I will live in faith. 

It's all going to be just .... amazing!

Does new gear help get you out of a rut?

Do you think you can have fear and faith at the same time?

Do you think I should push at the 50k or save it for the 50 miler?

Thanks for your input! 

Now go out and have a wonderful weekend.

Run Strong to everyone raving this weekend.  To the many running the NYC Marathon this weekend, I know you are going to do some amazing things up there!

A band of Hippies

Day # 527

Does she ever stop taking pictures?

The Big kid decided to get serious with his girlfriend, the future Vet and bringing her to VA for a short weekend visit.  Since super secret spy husband had to save the world, the visit wasn't the best timing but we still made sure to make her feel welcome.  That's right as soon as she arrived she was helping with chores.  She is such a nice girl she didn't complain at all but jumped right in to help.

Bring me a glass of milk!

We refueled at Panera Beard.  Super secret spy hubbs joined us to chat and get to know the future Vet a little better.  Although it is still a little like pulling teeth to get her to talk, we all enjoyed the brief visit.  Can you remember that nervousness in meeting a boyfriend or your husband's parents for the first time?

Don't take my photo!  My hairs not done.

LBM is beyond needing a haircut.  I have put it off even with a niece who is a beautician because it is always a traumatic event for him when it happens.  But he is starting to look like a bit more like a daughter than a son so I know I'll have to medicate myself knuckle down and get it down with week.  I knew after all the sugar from our Panera Beard visit I would never get him to sit still for it. 

I'm gearing up for round two.

I underestimated sugar crash and should have cut his hair while he napped in the jogger.  Instead I grabbed a few more miles and tried to figure out what our team, of two guys and two girls should dress like for the Tough Mudder this coming weekend.  For some reason a band of hippies keeps coming to mind.

Ideas?  Any one else doing the VA Tough Mudder on Sunday?

If you create a habit...

If you create a habit in 21 days,

you create an obsession in 106 days.

I simply could not make myself get out the door Sunday morning.  I knew my body was needing a rest.  I busied myself with other chores all while trying to convince myself that I could take a rest day.

The family enjoyed breakfast together, S'ghetti girl had a friend over later in the day, I worked on head bands, baked a cake, cleaned the kitchen, played with LBM, did laundry and talked with Hubbs.  Before long it was time to take S'ghetti girl's friend home and head back to PA.

The drive was uneventful, which is exactly how I like it to be.  When we arrived home the kids piled out of the car to run off some energy.  I got to work unloading and settling back into the house.  It wasn't until I was putting away my running clothes that it really start to nag at me.

On the clothes went, out the jogger came and off we went for a later than usual run. 

Habit. 

It just felt like something was missing in my day.

Or has it crossed a line somewhere along the way?

I have made some racing plans for October, a few in fact.  Hopefully one that includes Hubbs.  So I know that my body is going to be in need of some rest and recovery if I want to enjoy some of the distances I have planned to take on.  Don't go crazy mega miles are probably "off the table" for this year.

And I am still hoping to find a race I can use as a training run during September so rest has to be in the plan.

But how do you know when you've gone from Habit to Obsession?

And is that really a bad thing?

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