Refusing to walk

Day 37

55 Runs

272 Miles

Wow

Run #54 (3.5 / 27:24)

I am still a little amazed that this streak has lasted this long.  But when a new morning comes, my legs feel good and I think, "You never regret the runs you take...."  So out of bed I go and on to the road. 

Happy to be done with s'ghetti girl

Tonight at about the last mile of my run I noticed my legs.  Meaning I felt them.  They were tired and really would have been happy to stop or at least walk.  But Shelly does not walk.  Have I ever told you that?  When I set a goal to run X distance.  I run X distance.  I don't walk.  Not that there is anything wrong if someone else chooses to walk.  It's just not something I do when I am running. 

This is a touchy subject so I will tread lightly because I do not want to discourage or offend anyone who is practicing a method that allows you to run longer distances by walking some of it.  In fact, if I do a 50 miler this fall, I will probably end up being forced to walk some of that race.  Maybe.

Do you allow yourself to walk during a run? 

Is it okay to walk during a race?

Run #55 (6.5 / 54:13)

I did not walk tonight.  Like I said, Shelly does not walk.  I just pushed through that tired feeling when I got to yet another hill and although my pace was a bit slow for me on this loop (since I've ran it for 2 decades!) I still felt strong when I finished and recovered quickly.  But as for the streak, it still continues - it refuses to walk too.

Who knows how far it can make it.

Tonia at Racing with Babes is hosting a Wooha Gear Giveaway!

Who is Tonia?

She is an amazing wife and mom of three who recently became a certified running coach.  She is busy trying to complete P90x while increasing her mileage.  Let me tell you that IS hard!  She somehow manages to pull it all together through sick kiddos, races and a hubbs who has to be away at times and looks amazing doing it!  She truly is inspiring.  So if you don't let know Tonia, get over there and tell her I sent you.

Who is Wooha?

What they say:

Inspire yourself...that is the goal Whooha Gear has set for you! Started by two women athletes, Whooha Gear provides athletic wear made for women by women. Our shirts and accessories have inspirational sayings for athletes that range from runners, climbers, triathletes, cyclists, hikers and much, much more.

We look forward to broadening the Whooha line to fit the needs of those women who are out there doing what they LOVE!!! Please feel free to contact us with your inspirations!!!

Click on their link and check out all their cool stuff.  Go on.  You know you want to.  Maybe a new shirt for that next race or because it Tuesday.  Whatever the reason, hop over and check it out.

Running this weekend

It's late already.  Where does the weekend go? 

We did accomplish more this weekend than just running but for now the running review will have to do.

Run #51 - I finished my Friday with a double.  (a.m. 3.5 / 28:44 and p.m. 6.5 / 54:07)

I really need these temps to ease up.  I can not imagine "racing" in this heat. 

Friday evening #51

Saturday LBM and I went out for a single run.  The activites of the day combine with the heat to make just one run enough!  Run #52 (3.5 / 28:29) 

LBM ready to keep the streak going.

As you can see even after a cool down, I am still rather red faced.  When will I learn that it is ALWAYS better to get out first thing in the morning?

Saturday #52

No photo of Sunday's run #53 (3.5 / 26:53)  I figure you probably tired of seeing me all sweaty anyway.  We spent most of Sunday by the pool.  So as you can see I did rest from the double digits and double runs most of the weekend.  I am hoping that will do the trick to help my legs be a bit fresher for the race this Saturday. 

Where will this 100 Runs end?  The poll was nearly tied. 

I still have not made a decision and I may simply allow life and how I am feeling make the decision for me.  But for now, my body is saying let's do it and I am eager to see how far I can get.

I did what I do

LBM and I did what we do.  We went for our run. 

We were one second slower than Wednesday night's run. 

I am doing a bit better at the run slower to run faster idea even though I really don't think with the type of races I am doing currently, I am overly concerned with pace.

Since I am breaking new ground for me and running new races every finish line is a PR of sorts.

Not that I truly care.

Right now I am enjoying another run completed, day dreaming about how hard challenging almost frightening great the Xterra Xduro Trail race is going to be and feeling the breeze and the sun as I rest in this hammock.

Mel at Tall Mom on the Run is hosting a Nathan's Handheld Giveaway. 

Actually she is hosting a bunch of giveaways to celebrate her 500th post!

Day 31 - 31 Days to Go

Some of you might have thought I was enjoying a rest day today.  In a way, I did.  I skipped my morning run and enjoyed a little extra rest while the rain poured outside.  Good timing.

Aye Matey.  LBM's pirate eye.

So after work LBM and I waited for a break in the rain and headed out for 6.5 miles that ended up being a wonderful dual purposed run.  I got some exercise and the jogger got washed.  It poured down rain.  It was great!  LBM snoozed through the rain hitting off the weather shield.  My legs felt amazingly rested and ready to go.

What is in those silos?

We saw a huge rainbow that seemed to end on the neighbors silos.  It was beautiful.  While I ran I got to thinking about the timing of my upcoming races and this crazy idea of doing 100 Days of Running.  I realized that I don't have enough time before my Ultra in July to go 100 days without a recovery day.  I have concerns that I will need to take a recovery day after the Ultra and I wouldn't want the pressure of a self-challenge to make me continue to run when my body really should rest.

Day 31 - Run 47.  6.5 miles 53:58

So I think I might try doing 100 consecutive runs before my Ultra.  I placed a poll to the right.  See it there? 

I know I have mention that my June race is a 21k Challenge type race.  I will be running it to see if I can do it.  I doubt that I will be able to "race" it at all.  It is in 10 days. 

And in 31 days is my next Ultra.  The Skyline Challenge.  A little trail 50k up and down a mountain.  If I do the math I could be done with 100 runs before that Ultra.  I just wonder if I will be able to get in long runs with no recovery longer than 24 hours. 

Maybe my poll should be "How many runs will Shelly get in before coming to her senses?"

We played in the rain...barefoot.

At this point I am attempting the 100 unless one of my faithful followers gives me a piece of advice that makes me shorten the goal or focus on the race more.

But as for today, I rested (my definition of resting anyway), I ran, I played in the rain. 

I moved one step closer to completing another goal whether it turns out to be 100 runs or a new PR at the Ultra.

Laken and Lila are having a June Giveaway!

S'ghetti girl loves Heather's amazing skirts.

She would live in skirts and knee high socks (thanks Tonia) if I would let her...and I do.

30 Days of Running

Day 30

I am laughing in this photo because Biking Sherpa

the college educated smarty-smart awarding winning lit' teacher

thought it should be ...

... this way!  hee hee

Sorry Biking Sherpa.  It was too funny to pass up.

I love you!

I love the sunlight in this shot!  Morning run 3.5 (27:12)

30 Days ~ The stats:

228.1 miles (you know I want to go run 1.9 miles to get 230)

46 Runs Taken

Average Miles per day ~ 7.6 miles

Time running per day ~ 1:36:09

Average miles per week ~ 53.2

Longest run ~ 8.1 miles

Shortest run ~ 2 miles

Fastest pace ~ 7:08

Not so fast pace ~ 9:06

Weight lost ~ 4 pounds

Even though I was sporting tired legs I was so excited for my last run in my 30 Days of Running

For the evening run Biking Sherpa picked a new route 8.1 miles (1:10:36)

Can we say HILLS!

What I think comes next.

There were a few good suggestions on what I could have been thinking I "could" do next on my last post.  I loved the "3 a day"  comments.  But what I was wondering "if I could" was,

Could I run for 100 days?

Is that insane?

Others have done it.  There is a website. 

100 Days of Running 

Okay it doesn't seem like it's been updated since January 2009. 

Do you think they came to their senses?

Okay that is a lot to

scold advise rant judge me for even thinking of

consider and weigh in with your opinions and thoughts.

Point to remember: 

 I have a 21k trail "challenge" race June 19th ~ doing it.

I have a 50k trail race July 10th ~ doing it.

If I use the websites "any run separated by 6 or more hours" I am already at 46 runs.

I could easily finish before the Ultra.

Let's hear what you think!

A final note:

Mel at Tall Mom on the Run is hosting a Scape Sunscreen Giveaway. 

Can we talk sunscreen for a minute?  I just had some worrisome news from my dermotologist.  4 out of 6 spots removed were "bad."  I take full responsiblity for this.  As a child my mother wasn't preached at about sunscreen like we are now.  So when I was too little to do it, people weren't really told they should.  Heck, people still smoked cigarettes without warning labels on them too! 

 It seems I was a child through an era of realization.  Society realizing that the things we were doing were effecting the quaility of our lives.  Unfortunately for my skin, the wake up didn't happen fast enough because I can remember putting baby oil on while I lay out in our back yard as a tween-ager.  Yes, there were a couple years when I really did that!  Combine that behavior with years and years of running.  Oh, I wear sunscreen but when you run for an hour+ and wipe your face repeatedly guess what happens to your sunscreen?  Yep, gone. 

All that to tell you, you really need to hop over to Mel's and enter this giveaway!  Today go do it now.  You can always hop back here and catch up with me later.  And if you win some great sunscreen you'll maybe be catching up with me while enjoying being just a little bit healthier.

Now go do it.  You can thank me later!

29 Days Later

P.m. run with Jr Biking Sherpa and LBM. 

S'ghetti girl joined us for bike riding after the run.

After being sick ordinary things just feel so great!

When I woke up Monday I felt so much better it was amazing.

Although our weekend plans didn't work out, things seemed to fall into place for everyone to get the rest and support we all needed to quickly get over this latest bout with the "flu." 

Hubbs got home just in time to pick up the slack and allow me to get some seriously needed rest.

We saw this wonderful mama carring her babies.

and I think pushing mine some of the time is hard!

I finished Day 29 with 6.5 (51:19) to give me another 10 mile day. 

Ms. Spider aside our wildlife spottings were limited to bunnies, domesticated animals and a large fish crane.  Oddly we saw more people tonight than we saw animals, there's a first!

LBM was excited about Day 29 too...

...or maybe about getting to ride Jr Biking Sherpa's bike

I have been wondering a "what if?"  Maybe it is more of a "could I?"

Anyone  care to take a guess what running related thing I am wondering about?

I'll tell you the answer in my Day 30 post coming soon.

Feet to the Future

LBM graduated from pre-pre-preschool.  They had the cutest program.  I know it might seem silly to some but it is amazing what kids learn but just being exposed to what the older kids are doing. 

I am sure that it will be wonderful to compare this graduation photo with the one to come 16 years from now.

I wonder if college graduation will be blue and gold? 

I wonder what colleges that might be?

Momma Twitch @ Run momma run is having an OH MY GOODNESS Stuffitts Shoe Savers and Running Skirt Giveaway!

Do we all know how often I stalk go to the Running Skirt website to see if there are any skirts on sale in my size?  Lots and lots.  I am not being cheap just financially frugal until Hubbs works out his employment situation!

But enough about me, let's introduce you to Momma Twitch who is quickly approaching her first marathon!

She is a busy mom of 3 who writes a running, family, yummy food blog.

I am completely jealous of her running family.  She just ran an 8k with her mom. 

Now we know where she gets it!  You really should hop over and give her some encouragement as she struggles with the marathon crazies that get us all right before the BIG day.

Tell her I sent you so I can win and you can see me running in something new!