At Home

I didn't get much sleep last night.  It may have been the several late nights, the late night runs or just too much on my mind whatever the cause I was wide awake when the call came that there would be no school thanks to a few inches of snow that fell over night. 
As soon as it was light I went outside too take it the beautiful scene but couldn't run since the super secret spy is off saving the world.  It was a great morning for a walk in the snow.  I could still hear the spring peepers in our pond.  They must have declaring their confusion about the weather.  The pines in the woods beyond our house stood dressed in white as they sheltered the few birds that were chirping to greet me.  I walked into the woods and listened to the sounds and breathed in the smells and somehow the day seemed better simply for those moments of quiet among the trees.  It makes me eager for this weekend and the HAT Run when I'll get to spend the day under those comforting branches.  Until then I'll visit the woods and feel at home.

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.

Since I've Been Away

It's been nearly a month since I last posted.  You may wonder what I've been up to.  Since it has been such a long time the only way to handle it was, you guessed it, a photo update.

 

Since we last visited I have...

 

 

Made these amazing treats

 

I've served snow cones at S'ghetti Girl's middle school fun night

 

Rocked out while we decorated our little tree in Virginia

 

made salt dough ornaments

 

I've ran a bit.  About 272.7 miles since my last post. 

No need to thank me for sparing you from all those self-portraits.

 

The family and I enjoy seeing some ice sculptures come to life at our home town holiday festival

 

 

and we told Santa our wishes.

 

We got silly and played

 

We gathered at my sister's house to bake sugar cookies

 

I finally opened the box and put together

thanks to my better half

my new treadmill

a variation of the pumpkin jars from Halloween.

 

I got crafty and made jars to give away puppy chow

 

We got a NEW CAR!

Does anyone know what kind it is? 

 It deserves it's own post, coming soon.

 

Hubby and I celebrated our anniversary with a dinner alone.

 

 

We enjoyed our traditional Christmas Eve morning cousin's breakfast that my younger sister hosts.

Hubby and I crashed it this year to get to spend more time with the oldest and his GF.

 

The traditions continued with Christmas eve at my mom's house followed by candle light service and gift opening into the wee hours.

 

The family and I must have made it home in time because...

 

...we enjoyed a Christmas morning filled with gift unwrapping.

 

And we enjoyed a white Christmas and piles of snow.

 

It has been a wonderful December break but I'm glad to be back and have so much more to share with you like BIG BIG race plans, a potential giveaway and lots of fitness and creative fun!

More Time. A Good or Bad Thing?

You call yourself an ultra runner?  Get out here and run!

Where were we?  Oh yeah at the end of last week I was telling you all about my goals for the Fire on the Mountain Trail 50k.  I told you how with only 3 weeks between FOTM and the Stone Mill 50 Miler I was torn about pushing for a PR at FOTM.  I guess I don't have to worry about having only 3 weeks between races now...

I have to worry about only having TWO weeks between them!

With the winter weather making a sneak attack on the area, the RD did the responsible thing and postponed the even until this coming Sunday.  Due to the race's location and remoteness the risk of injury was too great and the decision was made early Saturday. 

I won't say I wasn't disappointed because I was and still am

BUT

The risk was not worth it and I am glad no one was injured in an already challenging event.

It didn't snow enough to keep us from celebrating my FIL birthday

In an effort to quickly get my mind around the reality of my new time line I'll list the PROS and CONs while you enjoy a few snap shots of what we did get to do this weekend instead of race.

1/3 of the way done with an imaginary FOTM

PROS:

I will able to try out some sweet new tights that just arrived and they may make the cut for race day.

My very painful tail bone will have another week to heal.

I was able to walk easily this morning.

My husband didn't have to deal with getting to the finish line in time with the kids.

I got to join the family for all our Sunday activities.

No one was injured getting to the event or on the course due to the bad weather.

I had an extra week of lower mileage which is hard for me to do

Oh yeah, No Upper Body Strength Shelly will help you

CONS:

I was mentally ready to run that race.

I needed the "time on my feet" to help prepare for the Stone Mill 50.

Only 2 weeks between ultra races.

The new date will mean the super secret spy won't be able to be home.

I will have to arrange for kid care during the event.

No one will be able to be at the finish line or along the race to cheer.

The trails will be a sloppy mess after all this snow melts during the week of fore casted 50 degree weather.

The 12 - 15 creek crossings will be more like 22 - 25.

I'll probably have to run with my yaktraxs on and then remove them for the logging road sections and then put them back on.  pain in butt

I reduced my mileage last week for nothing (I'm a mileage whore)

But Mom, you wanted to a reason to run

As you can see I'm a bit on the negative side of the delay so help me add to that PROs list and tell me how I will be able to capitalize on the race delay!

Now that's a cool friend

Congratulations to the many racers who were able to get out this weekend a Killed in their races!

Did I miss your race report?  Link me so I make sure I catch it.



Brisk

It was 3 degrees this morning.

It was brisk and invigorating.

I find an odd kind of beauty in a morning like this one.

It seem the colder the temperature gets the quieter it becomes.

I am missing that quietness in all my treadmill running lately.

Although I am enjoying the benefits of running in one place; being home with the kids, watching movies and not having to pee in cornfields, I am also eager to get back to those quiet reflective runs.

In the meantime, we enjoyed a weekend of running in one place and exhausting afternoons of playing in the snow.  We built snowmen, had snowball fights,  

 played on the swings and

sledded down hills.

Now this is a kind of cross training I can really get into no matter the weather!

33 days until the Seneca Greenway Trail 50k

47 days until the HAT Run Trail 50k 

Just a Country Girl Running

The snow is coming. 

The upper end of the ridge line was whited out as the snow crept it's way down the cove as I ran this morning.

Yeah, outside!

I made it back just as the flakes began to fall around me. 

I wish I had more time since I love running in the snow.

Day # 215 ~ 3.5 / 26:32

I didn't get up super early since LBM was up coughing through the night and we had very little sleep.  Even though I really wanted to just crawl back into bed after I got S'ghetti girl on the bus I knew I had to get outside for a few miles.

With weather shield and heating pad in place we headed up the road. 

My pace felt easy the first mile which often happens after being stuck inside for so long but when I looked at my time I knew I was going to have a great run.

I just went with whatever my legs could give me and it felt comfortable.

After reading some other posts this morning, I know that I fall into running most of my runs without a pre-determined pace.  I wish I cared more about that but I don't.

I typically run because I love doing it.

Do I regret this training method in some race?

You bettcha!

I know that structured training produced predictable results.

But right now and into the beginning of the New Year, life is just real good remembering that I am simply a country girl who loves to run trying to raise country kids who I'll always be able to catch!



An Experience

After logging another 13 miles on the treadmill last night, I was so happy to get outside this morning for 3.5 miles even if I had to do lots of feet watching to avoid the ice.  That huge dark cloud moved in quickly and stole the sunshine away.  But that did not take away for a great running experience. 

I recently had a conversation with Denise about a guest post I did.  That conversation ended up being more about experiences.  That is what life and running is for me.  Experinces.  I choose not to view them as good or bad.  Simply things to learn from or not. 

So last nights 13 miles on the treadmill using my computer to watch an instant Netflix because ALL 3 of my "spare" tvs died and my morning run finally outside with ice and snow were not bad or good experiences.  They just reminded me of a few things:

• 
  
  I need to be flexible
• 
  
  I need to be prepared
• 
  
  I need to appreciate all I have when I have it
• 
  
  I am lucky to live in a place where I can count on my neighbors to watch out for me
• 
  
  I have many ways to be able to run, I should be thankful

Not everyone would agree with running 13 miles on a school night, it takes time from my kiddos.  Not everyone would agree with running on roads that are ice and snow covered due to the risk.  But the things I choose to do I hope will encourge someone else to try something in a different way.  To have a new experience.

And with the I will leave you with the end of my on-going conversation...

"...But here in bloggy land I hope to encourage and inspire people who are seeking many different things; one of which is an obsession with running. I hope to learn from these same people. So I keep my mind open to things that I might not have thought of before. I don't always agree with what others do. However, I believe we are so blessed by having the ability to choose whatever we want at any given time that I try to honestly think about things people do that are unlike "my way." I would like to think with that outlook I will not miss out on something that may have been a great experience for me.

And isn't that really what this all is, an experience. Neither good nor bad, simply a time of undetermined length in which to experience as much as we can and impact as many as we can."

I am going to experience everything I can today.

How about you?

Don't miss Erica's One More Mile Giveaway. I love them!

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!

Tidbit Tuesday

We all remember Casey's Virtual Race in January

I had to show off the spoils.

Thanks Casey!   

My daughter wants to steal my wrist warmer and bracelet!

We actually had a bit of sunshine yesterday.  But we also had snow showers. 

I know there will be an end to all this winterness so today I choose to be happy and think that it is all beautiful.  Because it is much pretty when it's not on my face.

Yes there IS ice on my face

I have no shame. 

I ran this morning OUTSIDE!  It was beyond cold but I HAD to get outside. 

C.A.B.I.N.F.E.V.E.R

I only went my 3.5 miles (27:01) but I had ICE all over my face.  I unfortunately wipe the ice off of my forehead before realizing just how lovely I looked.  I totally rock the icicle category in a beauty pageant.  But you get the idea.  I was a frozen running deliriously happy icicle.

Have you ever gotten back from a run and discovered you were a beauty queen?

When I will get outside again is anyone's guess but at least for today I feel content and happy something that treadmill running just doesn't do for me. 

Do you get the same 'high' from running on your treadmill that you get from running outside?

Timewarp Treadmill

We had a busy weekend here in PA.  Loads of cross training shoveling. 

To be honest, I enjoyed all the playing in the snow.  I love being outside.  I love working hard.  I love pushing myself even when my body is screaming for me to stop.  Love it!

So today should not have suprised me. 

I got up early even though we had a 2 hour delay for schools.  Instead of sleeping that extra little bit I got up and ran 6.5 miles.  It was great!  I had to watch since the majority of the roads are still snow/ice covered.  But after not getting to run until Sunday evening when the rest of the free world was watching the Super Bowl and even then it was on the treadmill for 15 miles playing catch up on the 30 I had scheduled to run, I was eager to be outside running.  I wish I had taken my camera to get a better photo of the great frosty morning instead I have to settle for a picture taken with the camera on my cell phone.

It does not do the scene justice however, I like seeing the muskrat colony area as it changes over time. 

Yeah, muskrat. 

In case you missed it HERE I am looking for a great name for a new muskrat acquaintance that I am cultivating a friendship with.  Give the best name suggestion (as judged by my middle one) and you could get something sweet.  Also don't forget the Lift Your Sole Giveaway ends at midnight on 02.12.2010. 

(Boy there must be something about Ones, Twos and Zeros.)

To finish my Monday recap, I got in a great morning run.  It really refreshed me.  My legs felt happy and slightly aware that I had ran the fast 15 the night prior.  Since I am a big fan of double days and I have to get my miles in when life allows, I was planning on another 3.5 to finish my running day.  HOWEVER, the road are still bad and the temps are really low to have the littlest one out so I finally decided to attempt a treadmill run with just the middle one and littlest.  No other grown up assistance!

I got them all set up with the 'big' projector, a couple Veggie Tale movies and snacks.  I started my treadmill movie, The Perfect Getaway.

And.Guess.What?

They did so well I ran 13 more miles. 

It was like I was on a timewarp treadmill!

I feel bad that our evening together was so short but I have to admit that the lack of long runs with a 50k looming has been stressing me.  My middle one was so proud of her self for being such a big helper.  (Of course delaying her homwork didn't seem to bother her either!)

My training week runs Sunday through Saturday.  With 34.5 miles in for my week already I am feeling much more confident about things even with more snow forecast and loads of family responsibilites to deal with this week.  Just like getting your run completed early in the morning, getting your runs in early in the week just takes the pressure off incase life happens and running doesn't.

Don't be sad

We finally got shovel out today.  You should see my huge biceps!

(Don't worry littlest was not outside without his winter gear for long)

The kids loved all the snow.  It was a beautiful winter weekend.  But soon it's back to the training schedule hopefully the weather will improve in time for my early March race.  I would be sad if they had to postpone it!

But don't be sad. 

There is still time to enter the great giveaway hosted by

 Jill @ Lift Your Sole! So Click Here for the Details.

Giveaway ends 02.12.2010

And don't miss this great giveaway too!!

That girlis a running fool BondiBand Giveaway

Can You Run In This Much Snow?

When you get this much snow and still consider running outside, you might have a problem.

But there isn't too much snow for entering the Lift Your Sole Giveaway. 

Click Here!