2013 Stone Mill 50 Mile Race Report

Run your own race. 

That is something I have been advised to do ever since I started running ultras.  I've been offered that piece of advice with increasing frequency ever since my MMT experience.  I almost said unsuccessful MMT experience but that may not be the most correct description of what happened at MMT because my experience at MMT taught me more about ultra running than anything I've ever been told or read however I digress.  Run my own race.  That was the plan for my third running of the Stone Mill 50 mile endurance run.  Little did I know that I had already set into motion a series of events that would completely shape my race day into something that was much better than any number I thought I could have gotten on my own.

 

 

The Start

 

The moon had decided to stay tucked under a thick blanket of clouds as I found myself in the cold morning picking up my bib with Nicole and her BF after sharing a hotel room to save everyone from having to wake up even earlier than we had.  The school that would serve as our "after party" was closed in the morning but the field house bathrooms were open and heated a nice perk for a $35 ultra race.  I'll take a heated bathroom over a race tee any day.  I chatted with the many trail friends that were already there while Nicole checked on the status of her bib which had been picked up for her by friends.  With only a few minutes to spare Nicole's race bib finally arrived and we made our way to the start line.  We chatted with many friends in the minutes before the race, Charlie, Ron, Gary, Janet, Adam and as with every race many more whose names were lost among the effort in the miles to come.  Then we were running.  Running around the school after instructions and a command to go that it seemed no one heard or listened to.  We rounded the school and slid down the steep hill and slipped into the woods to enjoy some single track running in the dark.

 

 

Charlie photo bombed us on the dam

 

  I doubt you wondering about that plan I had made to run my own race seeing how Nicole and I had only just started running but I had already forgotten that pledge to myself.  That silly notion was a foggy memory.  Nicole had graciously shared her first Mega and first 50k with me, how could I give up the chance to share another milestone with this amazing new ultra runner for two silly letters. 

 

 

 Early in the race enjoying the foggy morning

 

The course was a bit congested as we hit the trails but we were moving well thanks to the very runnable trails.  Usually the train of runners that the single track creates is a point of frustration for me but the everyone moving well the frustration we offset by the benefit of shared light.  We were moving well finding our place in the pack, passing and being passed.  Unfortunately this seems to be an increasing mention in race reports; poor trail etiquette.  The course's out and back section is run in the morning which means a lot of passing on a narrow section of muddy single track while runners are still jockeying for position.   Since this only deserves a mention all I'll say is why is it so hard for passing runners to say, "on your left"?

 

Having fun cheesing for the camera

 

Nicole and I chatted as we made our way to the first aid station.  Knowing we needed to avoid losing time at each aid station, I didn't stop.  I had my pack and knew the next station was only a few miles.  I nearly forgot to drop my headlamp in the box but thanks to a very observant volunteer who offered to take it for me, I avoided having to carry it for 23 more miles.  The volunteers were awesome!



Around Mile 22 can't wait to see the PennyLock aid station

 

Throughout the first 20ish miles we were moving at a steady pace and keeping each other entertained with chatter.  We came through an aid station and were uplifted to hear that "their" mileage was 2 miles more than we thought.  After grabbing some coke and banana we headed out towards Quincy Orchard with renewed enthusiasm.  It was great to hit Quincy and hear Matt and Larry cheering as we ran in.  Of course I gave them big sweaty hugs which were far better than any fuel I could eaten.  With introductions kept brief we grabbed another round of coke and bananas.  As I grabbed a couple olives I noticed Alyssa and Kara running into the station behind us.  Hellos were quick with the long push to the Penny Lock half way point. 

 

The delicious trail...with skinny trees

 

Nicole was carrying a handheld and nothing else but I kept my "trail mothering" under control during these early miles and focused on keeping our pace strong and attitudes positive.  The only issue I pushed was nature calls which at times were an effort since modest still runs strong until the miles add up.  There were lot of trees to choose from if you are a twig but I need a tree with a few more years on it to cover my backside.  Finally we found several uprooted trees to avoid to much exposure. 

 

Rt 28 Aid Station

The section from Quincy and Penny Lock seemed to hold the most challenge for Nicole.  I tried to keep the chatting going.  I tired focusing her to lead.  I tried pulling a head a bit and giving her a break from my cheerful chatter.  I know that having to listen to an upbeat happy runner while you are struggling can sometimes bring out the wrong emotions.  So I just kept our pace up.  I knew that there were only two options.  The Penny Lock aid station would either be a recharge for Nicole or it would be the beginning of a drag through the canal miles. 

 



Loving my fresh dry YMX shirt

 

We ran into the aid station with a few other runners.  I woohoo-ed and cheered as we ran the short gravel road into the station.  This would be one of our longer stops.  Nicole used the port-a-potty while I visited with everyone at the aid station.  We had seen Janet at an earlier station changing her shoes but didn't stop to talk.  She didn't look like she was having the best day so I offered a bit of encouragement but remembered that cheerful runners sometimes do more harm than good in their efforts to rally a struggling runner.  Still it was great to see her giving the course everything she had and looking so great while she did it.  Nicole was refueling and told me to try a piece of lemon cake.  OMGosh.  I think I ate two.  It was so amazing.  I drank coke and ate some banana.  My pack still had water in it so I still did not refill it wanting to keep it as light as possible since I had been running every thing.  Just as I was trying to get out of the aid station we heard the phenomenon that is Bob Gaylord coming into the aid station.  (I just have to say that I am incapable of creating through words the experience of sharing the second half of this race with Bob.  What follows is my attempt and it will fall very short of the actual experience.)

 

Where as I am a cheerful chattering trail runner, as anyone who knows him will testify, Bob is a running heckler.  And capable of running vast distances while talking nonstop.  You can see why I'd like him so much.  He was running with Kelly and I saw the perfect opportunity to distract Nicole's struggling mind from the temporary aches and pains that invade while running long distances.  Introductions were made and let's just say that it was love at first sight.  I knew that Bob was going to make the difference in the second half of Nicole's 50 mile experience.  The four of us left the aid station, Nicole running with Kelly and I with Bob.  I usually try to "gain some time" over the canal miles but Bob kept me reeled in.  The slower pace was probably just what Nicole needed.  It seemed that her attitude and posture were improving

 

 

Hard working volunteers serving up HOT food

 

 

Over the next miles we would be entertained by Bob and his vast repertoire of stories and remarks.  The canal section whizzed by and Bob told us we had 5 minutes to use our drop bags, refuel and get out of there.  I only wish I could have hear the thoughts inside Nicole's head as General Bob barked out his orders.  Our bags were at the Stone Mill aid station and so was something else.  Grilled cheese sandwiches.  It's an amazing running moment when you are sick of bananas and chilled to the core to bite into a gooey warm sandwich.  With Nicole's socks changed and my fresh shirt on we headed out of the station headed toward Rt. 28 and another big boost for Nicole.

 

 

All the salty sweet you could want plus a few little surprises

.

What about me? 

 

I'm having the running day of my life.  Well at least the near best running day I can long remember.  Yes, my hamstrings a talking but it is a lively conversation they are having.  It is not like the call the cops domestic dispute they sometimes have on the Massanuttens.  Yes, I've had a few nature calls that wasted more time than I wanted.  And yes there is that issue of wanting previously wanting those two little letters.  (pr, duh! If I actually had to tell you) I am filled with such giddiness that even my low moments are not actually low.  While Nicole and I have been together the entire run, there have been many moments when other runners have joined us and I pulled away to steal a moment somewhat alone to listen to the crunching of the leave under my feet.  This day was a reminder that for me ultra running is rarely about running my own race.  Running for me is about sharing something so simple that it has almost been forgotten.  It's about stripping away the pretenses and doing something for the sheer enjoyment of doing it...with no other incentive or reward. 

 

A breath taking day at the feet of trees

 

RT. 28 aid station holds family for Nicole and warm food for me.  Several of the aid stations have had broth or noodle soup which hit the spot on the damp day.  We snap a few photos, thank the volunteers and hustle on our way.  I'm eager to capitalize on the energy surge Nicole might get from seeing family but Bob reels me in.  The "to push the pace or not" debate will continue to the finish line.  We laugh.  We talk.  We run inching our way closer to that finish line.  Along the way we gather KC and Toni who had been running with Bob earlier in the race.  We find what might be the only two shirtless guys running the race.  We debate about getting across the finish line before the darkness sets in.  Then Riffleford Road aid station is there.  There is music, of course I dance.  More coke.  Burritos for the brave.  Hot soup for me.  More pace debates with Bob but with only 7ish Stone Mill miles to go the debates were pointless but fun banter.

A great crew to finish with

 

Those last few miles always seem to be the longest and often they are the quietest.  The light was leaving the sky and the day had almost come full circle as we could hear the cheers from the finish line.  I joined in the cheering to get Nicole across that line first but missed seeing it when Bob tripped right before the finish.  Ironically making it all day unscathed only to stumble at the end.  Bob was up just as fast as he went down and we crossed the line right behind Nicole and cheered as Toni and KC crossed.  It was a great feeling to share so many miles and finish together. 

 

Stone Mill 50 Miler - 11:36

 

My experience this year at Stone Mill was a great way to end my 2013 racing season.  Getting to be part of someone else's big moment as I have with Nicole is really a gift.  In helping someone else I was actually helping myself.  I think back to the goals I used to set and remember that somewhere along the way my focus got a little skewed.  I definitely hit my A Goal;

 

Finish Feeling Fine Having Fun.

 In the end I did run my own race.  I just chose to run it based on more than just myself which turned out to be exactly how I run at my best.

 

Thanks to Doug, Bob, Kelly, Toni, KC, Charlie, Larry, Matt, Gary, Ron, Jonathan, Janet, Gary K, Alyssa, Kara, the countless name that I am forgetting and Nicole for giving some of their day to me and helping me create the best Stone Mill adventure...so far.



The HAT Run 2013 Race Report

Whether it's an grand inflatable surrounded by cheering crowded and an energetic band or an intimate gathering of trail brethren in an open meadow and a simple go, every start line begins another opportunity to go places in nature and within one's self that few people dare to venture. This Saturday I again had that opportunity. 

 

The start line wasn't even a distant thought as I drove the 4 hours toward it.   Being a farm girl from rural Pennsylvania the concept of the need for 8 lane highways is simply lost on me.  As is the need to drive 90 mph while chasing your fellow law breakers via weaving erratically through traffic sans turn signals.  I did arrive safely and felt as though the hardest part of the journey was now behind me.  Tomorrow morning I would only have to run.  Easy.

 

 

I was able to get a great night's sleep thanks to a 9 a.m. start time.  The sun was shining and I was eager for the day to begin.  After a quick drive to the Stepping Stone Farm Museum where the race was held, I quickly got my bib picked up and spent time visiting with fellow trail runners.  My ultra running parents were there as usual.  The ones who birthed me into this crazy world of ultra trail running by simply saying they thought I could do it.  I needed to hear their thoughts for Massanutten.  They somehow always make my impossible seem possible.  It is a true blessing to be able to call them my friends.  With my confidence soaring I gathered my gear and walked to the aid station pavilion which we would run through three times during the race, once after about 4 miles again at a bit over 17 and finally finish there. I chatted with several other runners as we made our way to the open meadow with the other 422 runners who would begin the journey together.

 

THE BEGINNING

The course consists of a short 4 +/- mile loop followed by two 13.5 mile loops. During these early miles the pack spreads out over a short road section before running over open meadows before entering the woods. In no time at all I was warm and wanting to drop my gloves and arm sleeves. If I am lucky enough to get into the HAT for a fourth running next year I will leave my pack in the start pavilion for those first miles. Because in no time at all we were through the start/finish pavilion where I dropped my gloves and arm sleeves and headed out for the first of two long loops.  

As I left the pavillion and made my way back into the woods there was still a steady stream of runners. Although we were moving at a strong pace I felt like I had to play follow the lead while I decided if I really wanted to pass. Shortly after entering the trails came our first creek crossing. This year although there was plenty of water there were also plenty of rocks to cross. So early in the race I failed to do what I had wanted to do, run only this race today. With the rocky, night Chocolate Bunny training run in mind I sissied across most of the creeks to keep my feet from getting too beat up. 

 

 

WHAT GOES IN

After the first creek crossing there was a short climb that helped remind me just how hilly the HAT course actually is. I focused on simply running and tired to ignore my increasingly upset stomach. Early on I thought my issue was simply nerves but after attempting to take my first GU reality hit and I got to get closer to nature that I really wanted to. Another side note about the course, there are many sections in which a nature call is really not convenient. For the course of the first loop I would lose time dealing with yet another nature call and then run to "catch up" with the group of runners I had fallen into running with. As we got to the upper picnic area aid station I quickly cut through to visit the potty. Losing a lot of time at this stop I ended up catching a new group of runners as I was making up some time cruising down the gravel road section. One of them was actually from the same home town as the super secret spy. Small world. We enjoyed chatting and the distance flew. I was able to ignore an further nature calls until we got to the lower picnic aid station...and again lost time at the potty. This was not encouraging. I felt as though I was losing my fluids then I was taking in. My fingers were swollen and I was sick to my stomach. I took a piece of banana and a few chips and walked out of the aid station.

 

MY LEAST FAV PART

Feeling a bit discouraged about how my fueling was failing after it had went so well on the last training run, I was not happy to find that the next section included more hills than I really had the push to handle. My energy had bottomed out and over the next 5 miles I put in two of the slowest of the entire race. Conversations with fellow runners, the beautiful scenery and knowing that I still had time to get my things figured out all helped pull me through that first loop.

 

REBOUND

aka I've freakin got this

When I got to the aid station I took off my pack, sipped on some Gatorade and grabbed some pretzels. The wonderful volunteers tried to encourage me to get moving saying that lingering I would only get cold. I dug through my pack looking for what I hoped I had left in my pack. I did! Pepto tablets! I quickly chewed them drank some water and armed with some pretzels headed out for the final loop hopeful.



SECOND LOOP

The second time around was simply amazing. Yeah my stomach took some time to settle down but not having to get friendly with a tree or duck behind some brush helped to allow me to settle into a groove. Once my stomach had settled I started drinking more and chewing on pretzels. Before I knew it I was catching back up with runners I had lost during the first loop. I ran a new ultra runner, Kate who was on her way to finishing her first ultra. She way running strong and looked great. We chatted as we would fell into running together and then drift apart. This time around when we made it to the upper picnic area aid station I indulged in the famous french fires. Maybe not the smartest fueling option but simply a right of passage during the HAT. On the gravel road section I pushed my pace to make up some time. At the lower aid station I grabbed a piece of banana, pretzels and drank ginger ale and water.

 

TRAIL RUNNING MAKES ME GIDDY

I often forget in my irritating giddy trail chatter that not everyone who runs trail ultras is out there because they are secretly in love with all things nature.  I forget that not all ultra runners agree that smaller is better or that over coming a wickedly challenging trail is better than any bling in the world.  My giddiness became apparent to me when I was talking with Kate along the trails.  I was cheerfully recommending little trail races with awesome trails and unbelievable support, meaning pbjs and warm broth when she told me that she had already signed up for a NorthFace Challenge.  Don't misunderstand.  NorthFace puts on amazing events.  And there are many reasons runners are drawn to ultra trail running.  All great reasons.  I just act like a child with a brand new box of crayons when I get to be out in the woods all day.       

 

 

DID I SAY THANK YOU ENOUGH?

This is one of the "bigger" races that I like to do.  I have yet to take part in any run that hasn't been really well run but the HAT Run with all it's history may be a step above some of the smaller races.  I can only imagine the level of work that goes into making the day seem as flawless as it appeared to me.  Thank you to the race directors, Phil, Tim, Mike and Jeff, the countless volunteers, Maryland DNR, the State Park, the rangers and the families who gave of their day to be out cheering not only for their runners but for every runner who passed.   

  

Third HAT Run - 6:42:31

 

THE FINAL AID STATION

aka the finish line

 

I had stopped looking at my watch after the first loop knowing that any time goals had probably gone out the window when I had finished the first loop at 3:33 I was simply enjoying making up whatever time I could in the last few miles and was zipping along when I caught up to a trail friend who I had lost during the first loop at the upper picnic area aid station.  I knew where was only about two miles left and I wanted to give it everything I had.  I passed runners and tried to encourage everyone to push those final twisty trail miles when I found myself with Kate again.  We left the tree line and headed across that final meadow and up the last hill to the finish and we crossed the finish line together. 

 

 

IT'S NOT OVER YET

I still had that very unsettling long drive home so I didn't linger long after the race was over for me.  I thanked a few people, chatted with trail brethren I had shared the trail with, grabbed a bite of warm food.  Speaking of food.  There was warm soup, jambalaya (regular and veggie) and a buffet of tasty treats.  Not only was there food but there was music too.  Thanks to the amazing UnderArmor sweatshirts we received with our annual HAT finishers hat we were all warm enough to enjoy a little trail bragging before heading home.  But I couldn't linger for long, I quickly changed out of my wet clothes and headed home.  Stopped along my way as this train passed, I thought how like this train, my journey had many parts to it.  Some parts were not as pretty as others but they were all needed to get me to the finish.

It's Not Halloween...

....so why am I scared?

 

In a mere 3 more sleeps I will be toeing the line at the

 

MEGATRANSECT

 

That usual race day nervousness that begins to build has over flowed and crossed the line where excitement, nervousness and fear all like to get together and party.  It's a place I haven't visited in quite a while.  But there is also something about feeling a twinge of fear going into a challenge that fuels my desire to face it. 

 

1000s of feet of elevation change. 

 

 2012 has been labeled Mega X since the actual course map has yet to be shared.

Checking out the results page.  Finishing times ranging from 4ish hours to over 12!!

Don't forget all the great wildlife opportunities.  I usually love those.

This Saturday, maybe not so much.

I do have several things on my side;

I usually do well on a course that I have never ran before.

The weather is to be nearly ideal for race day.

Hopefully I will be with a few other newbies to share in our naive fun.

If needed I will have some music ready to help keep the legs moving.

Having not raced or had a big event all summer, I should be carried through this event on pent up adrenaline alone.

Nerves, fear or uncertainty is bound to creep in around the edges as race day draws near.  What is important is to remember that most everyone feels it, feeling those things is NOT a sign of weakness or being unprepared, and if you are smart you'll use those feelings to add fuel to your desire to overcome the upcoming challenge.  Because the greater the challenge the sweeter the victory. 

The Heat and it's playmate Humidity

Today is day # 681

50 days to my 2 year run-erversary!

The weather on my end of the East coast has been Ah-mazing!

When my family is in Virginia my runs already have to be worked in around the Heat.  The Heat is an issue that I usually don't have to start factoring in for at least another month.  Even back in PA I am wearing shorts and tees on every run and I finish my run a dripping mess.

The Heat.  It begins to take on it's own persona as it becomes yet another factor to be weighed when planning my days. 

It's a welcomed friend in the mornings when I can grab and tee shirt and shorts and run out the door.  There is no need to make certain that my base layers was washed or my tights can be found, I can get up early and hit the road.

The Heat has a less friendly side as the day goes on.  What started as an easy run can quickly become an event in planning as the mercury climbs.  Thoughts of distance, duration, hydration and protection all have to be handled before I step out the door once the Heat begins sharing the day with it's playmate, Humidity.  They can be a bully of a combination.  Afternoon runs have to be pushed to later in the day or inside once those two team up. 

Although I've been lured out on more miles thanks to the mostly friendly side of the Heat , I know that come this Saturday at The HAT Run,

read about my 2011 Running of the HAT Run HERE

I might have to deal with his friend Humidity too.  And I'll be ready!

But no matter what the weather brings this weekend I am eager to have another race to help me get one step closer to that A goal this year;

The Massanutten Mountain Trails 100

It's only Tuesday. 

Are you already looking forward to the weekend too?

What are your big plans?

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.

Trail Math: The Numbers Don't Always Add Up

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.

3 Things Thursday ~ Good, Better, Best Edition

Could they be as Good as...?
Lil Runner is hosting a Aspaeris Pivot Shorts Giveaway.  Now I know faithful readers will remember I am already married to CEP Compression but our relationship is a progressive one.  I am free to see what else is out there.  I'd love to win these just to be able to compare.  Don't worry CEP you know no one will ever be as good as you!

Which one do you like Better?

Our Tough Mudder team name is BioHazard. 

Does that mean we are all crazy sick for doing this?

These are some of the ideas for logos on our shirts that I just found out I have to make.  Boy I would have loved to have known that a little sooner.  So help me out. 

Which one do you like better?  Any other "costume" ideas?

Looking for the Best?
With marathon season in full swing I thought you might be interested in a site to help you fill those race calendars.  Find the Best is a great resource for comparing marathons side-by-side.  Gone are the days when you could wait to register for marathons.  Now we need to have race calendars planned often a year in advance and be clicking Register when the marathon opens to simply get in.  Check out this link Find the Best to help you make those marathon choices.  Happy Racing!

It's feast or famine

I admit it. 

I'm a stalker.

Yesterday morning couldn't come fast enough.

Because that morning

The HAT Run Trail 50k

registration opens....

at 9 p.m. EST tonight.

I missed that last little bit of information when I last

every day for the past three weeks

diligently check their website.

But you know where I was a 8:59 p.m. last night...

Frantically trying to remember my Ultra Signup password.

Duh!

What amazes me most is that I haven't even survived completed my fall schedule of racing
one so far of which is another 50 Miler
and I am frantic to get into my spring races.

All summer it was a racing desert around here
but now I'm trying to pack'em in like a Thanksgiving dinner!

I wasn't completely crazy for jumping on the registration though
only 20 minutes after registration opened
almost half the field was filled.
as if this morning only 130 spots left

That's crazy for an Ultra.

Do you like to run repeat races?  Or do you look for new races year to year?

3 Things Thursday

Day 346 ~ Third Run of the Day

Yesterday must have felt like Thursday because I went for 3 runs.  My morning wake up 3 miles, 2.5 miles on the treadmill and then 6.5 outside in the gale force winds.  It was during that third run that I crossed over 1000 miles for 2011.  I think it's time for a new pair of shoes!

I have been stuck in that "What's Next" zone since floating back down to reality now that my A goal for 2011 was accomplished.  You know that little 50 miler that I ran.  Sorry but I will be talking about it until I do my next one.  Since my B goal for this year is to increase my overall conditioning and reshape a body that needs to do more for me, I am still working out an achievable schedule to allow for family, work, running and cross training.  While I have BIG plans coming that require a new level of fitness, I still have the need to get back out there in the woods and maybe chip away at a few more course PRs so I have already registered for the Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k October 30th.  Yeah, I was the first to register. 

Does that mean I should train to be the first to finish it?

Besides running three times yesterday the day also marked the start of a new running "season." 

It was the Return of the Biking Sherpa!

Oh how I have missed her company on the roads.

If I could just get her on the trails too!

She never lets me slack.  She is always good for a great story or three.

She helps those miles fly by and never breaks a sweat.

Thanks Biking Sherpa for a very challenging windy run last night

and for the many more to come!

The Return of Biking Sherpa

Can I?

Day #334

Today is my last day. 

This is the last day I will have to wonder, "Can I?" 

This is the last day I will have to second guess my sanity.  

Tomorrow I will seem as sane as the people who surround me for they will all be doing the same crazy thing I am doing,

pushing past what we've ever done before to prove that we can!

When today becomes tomorrow, "Can I?" becomes..

I CAN!

Two for Tuesday

It's Day 274.  That means 91 days to go.  Just in case you were wondering.

That means between me and 365 days I have a mere two trails 50ks, a potential 50 miler and a 10 mile trail run that I need to win the Masters Division at to defend my title.

Gee, 365 days.  I'm almost there.

Since I'm talking crazy today anyway, I thought I'd share this photo.

It is a rare shoot of the fabled FrenchFryosarus.

Just like Big Foot and the Lock Ness Monster photos are rarely in focus.

Since I believe I have the only photo in exsistance I'm pretty sure I'll be offered a lot of money for it.  I am hoping for that anyway.  I'm going to need some help paying for all those races and hotel rooms and food and gas. 

Over and Under Prepared

How can that be you wonder.

How can I be over and under prepared?

Let me tell you.

I am waaaaaay over trained.

no one's fault but my own.

152 days is a whole wagon load of habit.

Day # 152 ~ 3.5 miles a.m. run

I am waaaay under prepared because I haven't even washed my running clothes.

I haven't picked out what I'll wear.

I haven't even decided which shoes I'll wear.

trail or street

BUT

I did only run 3.5 miles yesterday

AND

I have only ran 3.5 miles today.

SO

that could help my legs feel a little bit rested. 

AND

I have time tonight to do the wash.

SO

there will be clothes to wear

AND

no matter how I run or what I wear

I'll be running with Hubbs again

and that will be amazing!

Enjoy the weekend everyone.
Wishing you all strong legs and a happy heart in your running and racing adventure this weekend!

Full Moon

Thursday p.m. run ~ Day # 137

Haven't the evenings just been amazing?

(except for the bugs)

The moon as been so bright it is hard to stay inside and sleep.

Okay you see the photo.

Yes.

I did run last evening

BUT

I took things slower

AND

I shortened my run on Wednesday evening

AND

eased my pace.

Today hip is back to his usual silent self. 

I do plan to adjust my runs since his chatter.

The relay this weekend is about running with Hubbs so

I will be running it at a strong pace but will not be all out racing. 

Next week I will fall back on my mileage and intensity.

We have more racing the next several weekends

and then the main event at the end of October

the Fire on the Mountain Trail 50K.

Thanks for the comments on the last few posts. 

I appreciate everyone who was willing to chime in with their opinions

on world issues and my personal OCD issues.

Steady feet and strong legs to all those lucky runners racing this weekend.

And a special shoot out to all the bloggy meet ups happening, too.

Enjoy the wonderful fall weekend everyone!

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!