A couple of weeks ago we were running on a country road at 6:15 in the morning. It was a morning without a moon so it was very dark. As we were running I see a dark silhouette shoot across the road. Me "Look did you see that?" Terry "you are crazy, you didn't see anything, you are getting old" We run a bit further and I see it again this time on the side of the road. Me "there it is!" Terry "yeah I see it, I think". As we get a bit close it becomes clear the skunk is small but running in the little ditch right beside us, keeping pace right along with us.
Screech...we come to a halt. Me "What do we do? If we get in front of him will he turn and spray" Terry "I don't know, we can wait" Me "Let's outrun him, sprint until we get past him" Terry "OK, let's go".
We take off pushing our pace, we catch up to him and for a few seconds he is beside us and then we pass him. Not daring to stop we keep our sprint pace until we are sure we are far enough ahead that he won't catch us.
Success! We did indeed outrun a skunk on a day when speed work was not on the plan. Nothing like unintended speed work.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Sun and Moon
It is easy in this mess we call life to forget to see what is around us. This morning I was reminded that each day is a new day.
I left boot camp at 5 am, not really in the mood to run, but on my schedule it called for 4 miles. And so I switched my shoes, put on my Garmin and my shuffle, and hit the road. By chance, or maybe not, my music was set to Mercy Me. Soon I was moving to the music without feeling a struggle from the run.
As I ran I realized it was cloudy, big thunder clouds with rain in the far distance. Although it was still dark the moon, not quite full, was boldly shining behind the clouds, occasionally peaking through to shed a graceful glow on the world around me.
A few minutes later I realized that I was experiencing one of those times when the not quite full moon was shining through the dark clouds to the west and the sun's orange glow was lighting the sky in the east. The mixing of dark, light, orange sunrise and moonlight, wow. I had to stop and just be still in awe of what God can do.
I left boot camp at 5 am, not really in the mood to run, but on my schedule it called for 4 miles. And so I switched my shoes, put on my Garmin and my shuffle, and hit the road. By chance, or maybe not, my music was set to Mercy Me. Soon I was moving to the music without feeling a struggle from the run.
As I ran I realized it was cloudy, big thunder clouds with rain in the far distance. Although it was still dark the moon, not quite full, was boldly shining behind the clouds, occasionally peaking through to shed a graceful glow on the world around me.
A few minutes later I realized that I was experiencing one of those times when the not quite full moon was shining through the dark clouds to the west and the sun's orange glow was lighting the sky in the east. The mixing of dark, light, orange sunrise and moonlight, wow. I had to stop and just be still in awe of what God can do.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Missoula Marathon
Have you seen the movie "A River Runs Through It" ? The scenery outside of Missoula really hasn't changed much. Oh sure there are a few roads and cars, but the homes are separated by enough land to give you freedom, the rivers still run wide and deep, this year especially with the unusual amount of snowfall, and the mountains still had snow even in July.
The marathon started outside of Missoula in a little "don't blink your eyes" town, at dawn.
Fireworks against the soft glow of the morning rays just barely starting to light the sky was the signal that it was time to run.
From the moment we began with the day dawning and a much appreciated 48 degrees, I really did not feel my feet hit the ground. I was too distracted by the amazing views of the mountains that surround this glacial valley.
But it wasn't just the mountains, it was the people. From the farmhouse who had a wagon at the end of their long driveway with flowers and a sign welcoming us and a box of tissue tied to the mailbox. Someone new how runners noses ....well...run! To the couple who rode their horses through the valley to cheer us on.
And then there was the long hill, the only hill, but a doozy of a hill at the mid way point. Normally this would ruin my day but I was so in love with this country, the river, the trees, the valley, the mountains, the snow, the clear blue sky...I sailed right up, then struggled downhill a bit, a little tough on the knees.
After the hill and around the bend, music. Not a band, not a radio, but a baby grand piano, in the middle of this beautiful green grass behind a white fence and in front of a beautiful farm house. There, in a tux, was a man playing a baby grand piano. The music seemed to sweep me off of my feet and my tempo picked up. What a treat.
Soon we were heading into town and everywhere, and I mean everywhere, people were out with their hoses and sprinklers holding them out to let us run through. This is something runners truly appreciate, by now the sun is up and shining bright and although the temperatures are cool, we are still hot, oh does that cold water feel good! You find misters on many courses but nothing like this, not this many, not people with their own hoses, their own sprinklers...cheering you on, welcoming you to their neck of the woods.
As we approach mile 20 the inevitable happens, my legs begin to feel heavy. This is how it happens in the marathon. Mile 20 to 23 is always the toughest, you are just plain worn out. My plan was to increase pace for that last 10K and so, legs heavy, but mind positive and thrilled my knee is feeling good, I slowly begin to run a little faster.
The euphoria speaks to my legs willing them to stay with it, keep going, soon the beer will flow. And they respond. At mile 23 I increase a bit more, just a little but enough to know it's an increase in pace.
The last mile I am oblivious to the pain in my legs and my feet. I am amazed that I am running faster in this last mile and then it's up and over the bridge. With the Clark Fork River flowing beneath me I see my family standing on the right of the course. I move over for a quick high five and run in with a smile on my face and a deep love for Missoula.
Oh the mountains they call me home...and there someday I shall be!
The marathon started outside of Missoula in a little "don't blink your eyes" town, at dawn.
Fireworks against the soft glow of the morning rays just barely starting to light the sky was the signal that it was time to run.
From the moment we began with the day dawning and a much appreciated 48 degrees, I really did not feel my feet hit the ground. I was too distracted by the amazing views of the mountains that surround this glacial valley.
But it wasn't just the mountains, it was the people. From the farmhouse who had a wagon at the end of their long driveway with flowers and a sign welcoming us and a box of tissue tied to the mailbox. Someone new how runners noses ....well...run! To the couple who rode their horses through the valley to cheer us on.
And then there was the long hill, the only hill, but a doozy of a hill at the mid way point. Normally this would ruin my day but I was so in love with this country, the river, the trees, the valley, the mountains, the snow, the clear blue sky...I sailed right up, then struggled downhill a bit, a little tough on the knees.
After the hill and around the bend, music. Not a band, not a radio, but a baby grand piano, in the middle of this beautiful green grass behind a white fence and in front of a beautiful farm house. There, in a tux, was a man playing a baby grand piano. The music seemed to sweep me off of my feet and my tempo picked up. What a treat.
Soon we were heading into town and everywhere, and I mean everywhere, people were out with their hoses and sprinklers holding them out to let us run through. This is something runners truly appreciate, by now the sun is up and shining bright and although the temperatures are cool, we are still hot, oh does that cold water feel good! You find misters on many courses but nothing like this, not this many, not people with their own hoses, their own sprinklers...cheering you on, welcoming you to their neck of the woods.
As we approach mile 20 the inevitable happens, my legs begin to feel heavy. This is how it happens in the marathon. Mile 20 to 23 is always the toughest, you are just plain worn out. My plan was to increase pace for that last 10K and so, legs heavy, but mind positive and thrilled my knee is feeling good, I slowly begin to run a little faster.
The euphoria speaks to my legs willing them to stay with it, keep going, soon the beer will flow. And they respond. At mile 23 I increase a bit more, just a little but enough to know it's an increase in pace.
The last mile I am oblivious to the pain in my legs and my feet. I am amazed that I am running faster in this last mile and then it's up and over the bridge. With the Clark Fork River flowing beneath me I see my family standing on the right of the course. I move over for a quick high five and run in with a smile on my face and a deep love for Missoula.
Oh the mountains they call me home...and there someday I shall be!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Training for Missoula
It's been almost a year since my knee surgery. Two days after the surgery I was walking, not far but walking. Three days afterward I was walking three miles. Slowly I built up to 6 or 7 miles every day. It took about two weeks to get there, but get there I did!
Two weeks afterward I started back swimming, after the incision healed. And three weeks afterward I started boot camp.
As you can see I was not sitting on my tush doing nothing! However, it was 9 weeks before I started running again. It really wasn't running in the beginning it was more like very light jogging and for very short distances.
I won't go backwards to relive, I just want to take a moment to remember that only 9 months ago I was whining, worried, concerned, and afraid that I would never be able to run again. Taking that first step after the surgery was scary and for months the runs were hard and I struggled. My leg was weak, my knee was sore, by breathing was labored. And yet I kept with it, kept with the push to get to my goal.
I am constantly reminded of how the human body can adapt. People who don't push themselves will never know what it's like to keep going, push through, and then one day you realize that you were able to obtain a goal you never thought possible. Our bodies and our minds are amazing machines.
My goal for after surgery was to do the Missoula Marathon and feel good, no pain, no injury, and enjoyable experience. (Well as much as is possible in a marathon).
Running strength for my knee began in October but after the Cowtown Half Marathon, where I did not feel my best, my training for the Missoula Marathon began. The training went well until June. In the years we've lived here June has always been a pleasant month. It does get warmer but generally in the mornings it's something we can handle. This year June days hit 100 plus and it hasn't changed. We are now in our 25th day of temeratures over 100. I am NOT a warm weather runner. I much prefer the 40's to the 80's. And yet here I was doing longer and longer runs in temperatures 80 and above even at 6:00 in the morning.
It is a known fact that your heart has to pump harder in hotter more humid weather, my heart consistently felt like it was going to pump right out of my chest. And yet I stuck to it, getting my long runs in. And then came my first 19 mile run. I made it but it was a struggle.
The next long run of 19 miles was again very tough, I just couldn't keep enough water or fuel in my body. I didn't want it but I had to have it.
And then two weeks before the marathon came my last long run, 21 miles. We started early but the temperature and the humidity were high that day. I was doing ok until mile 14. That is when I began to feel sick. I found that I couldn't drink and couldn't eat my gels without feeling sick. And yet in the heat I needed those two things in my body. The sun was up by now and blaring down baking my shoulders, pounding me into the ground. I felt like the wicked witch of the west melting into the dirt below my feet.
I made it to 17 miles where my husband was waiting. His comment was "you are weaving", not a good sign. I was struggling to even make my legs move. Four more miles, that's it! Surely I could go four more miles. At 17 I rested for a bit went on but found that I could only walk and so mile 18 was a walk not a run, not even a slow jog. I just could not go forward and consistently felt as if I were going to lay down and never get up. Dizzy, sick, there is just a point where you know something is wrong and I was at that point. And so I quit. My 21 mile run never happened.
It was too late to do another long run, it was time for the taper. To be forthright I was happy to be tapering but also concerned that my lack of completion on that last long run would come back to bite me later. My coach assured me I would be fine and so with confidence I let it go and was able to relax. After all my goal was to enjoy the marathon, not go out and hit a tough pace. I knew I could at least finish in good form.
And so my last two training weeks, the taper weeks, were good. And then we fly to Missoula.
Two weeks afterward I started back swimming, after the incision healed. And three weeks afterward I started boot camp.
As you can see I was not sitting on my tush doing nothing! However, it was 9 weeks before I started running again. It really wasn't running in the beginning it was more like very light jogging and for very short distances.
I won't go backwards to relive, I just want to take a moment to remember that only 9 months ago I was whining, worried, concerned, and afraid that I would never be able to run again. Taking that first step after the surgery was scary and for months the runs were hard and I struggled. My leg was weak, my knee was sore, by breathing was labored. And yet I kept with it, kept with the push to get to my goal.
I am constantly reminded of how the human body can adapt. People who don't push themselves will never know what it's like to keep going, push through, and then one day you realize that you were able to obtain a goal you never thought possible. Our bodies and our minds are amazing machines.
My goal for after surgery was to do the Missoula Marathon and feel good, no pain, no injury, and enjoyable experience. (Well as much as is possible in a marathon).
Running strength for my knee began in October but after the Cowtown Half Marathon, where I did not feel my best, my training for the Missoula Marathon began. The training went well until June. In the years we've lived here June has always been a pleasant month. It does get warmer but generally in the mornings it's something we can handle. This year June days hit 100 plus and it hasn't changed. We are now in our 25th day of temeratures over 100. I am NOT a warm weather runner. I much prefer the 40's to the 80's. And yet here I was doing longer and longer runs in temperatures 80 and above even at 6:00 in the morning.
It is a known fact that your heart has to pump harder in hotter more humid weather, my heart consistently felt like it was going to pump right out of my chest. And yet I stuck to it, getting my long runs in. And then came my first 19 mile run. I made it but it was a struggle.
The next long run of 19 miles was again very tough, I just couldn't keep enough water or fuel in my body. I didn't want it but I had to have it.
And then two weeks before the marathon came my last long run, 21 miles. We started early but the temperature and the humidity were high that day. I was doing ok until mile 14. That is when I began to feel sick. I found that I couldn't drink and couldn't eat my gels without feeling sick. And yet in the heat I needed those two things in my body. The sun was up by now and blaring down baking my shoulders, pounding me into the ground. I felt like the wicked witch of the west melting into the dirt below my feet.
I made it to 17 miles where my husband was waiting. His comment was "you are weaving", not a good sign. I was struggling to even make my legs move. Four more miles, that's it! Surely I could go four more miles. At 17 I rested for a bit went on but found that I could only walk and so mile 18 was a walk not a run, not even a slow jog. I just could not go forward and consistently felt as if I were going to lay down and never get up. Dizzy, sick, there is just a point where you know something is wrong and I was at that point. And so I quit. My 21 mile run never happened.
It was too late to do another long run, it was time for the taper. To be forthright I was happy to be tapering but also concerned that my lack of completion on that last long run would come back to bite me later. My coach assured me I would be fine and so with confidence I let it go and was able to relax. After all my goal was to enjoy the marathon, not go out and hit a tough pace. I knew I could at least finish in good form.
And so my last two training weeks, the taper weeks, were good. And then we fly to Missoula.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Missoula Marathon
If you read my last blog you know that training for the Missoula Marathon was tough. Living in Texas, in a drought year where the temperature has been over 100 every day from the end of May until now, July 17.
Training runs early in the morning, 5:30 or 6:00 am, but still in the 80's at the start of the run. And then add to that any humidity hanging around it's a recipe for disaster. You know I just don't understand how it can be humid and yet not a chance of any rain...how does that work exactly?
Anyway back to that recipe for disaster. I was able to acclimate some and the shorter, 6-8 miles, were OK. Not great but OK. It was the long runs that killed me. It's just not easy for me to run in high heat for a long time. And so the training this time around was killer and I struggled with dehydration.
I began this blog by detailing the race, then I deleted it all. Instead I am going to attempt to capture the emotions. But not tonight. For tonight suffice it to say it was the best marathon I've run. Not that it was the best time, but it was the most beautiful, the best put together, and the most amazing experience. Perfect weather, beautiful scenery and incredible local support.
More to follow...
Training runs early in the morning, 5:30 or 6:00 am, but still in the 80's at the start of the run. And then add to that any humidity hanging around it's a recipe for disaster. You know I just don't understand how it can be humid and yet not a chance of any rain...how does that work exactly?
Anyway back to that recipe for disaster. I was able to acclimate some and the shorter, 6-8 miles, were OK. Not great but OK. It was the long runs that killed me. It's just not easy for me to run in high heat for a long time. And so the training this time around was killer and I struggled with dehydration.
I began this blog by detailing the race, then I deleted it all. Instead I am going to attempt to capture the emotions. But not tonight. For tonight suffice it to say it was the best marathon I've run. Not that it was the best time, but it was the most beautiful, the best put together, and the most amazing experience. Perfect weather, beautiful scenery and incredible local support.
More to follow...
Monday, July 4, 2011
5th Marathon
Yes the 5th one is coming up. In fact it's the 10th of July. It's been so long since I've written, life is so busy sometimes...it's really a shame.
This is the first time I've trained for a marathon in the summer. Of course this would be the year when the 100 degree days hit before July and every day in June has been over 100. Running in this heat has been pretty tough.
Any of you who know me know that I hate the heat. I would rather run in the cold. But I wanted to run the Missoula marathon and so the training has been in the heat. I've acclimated some but also had some very bad runs with some dehydration. The good news is it will be 50 at the start in Missoula. The perfect running temperature and running in the heat should have made me stronger. I am hoping it will pay off.
Training for the marathon and working lots of hours has make it tough to do cross training, subsequently I've given up the swimming. Cycling occasionally but not enough. After this marathon we are going to get back to strength training, and I am going to cycle through the rest of this heat.
Wish me luck!
This is the first time I've trained for a marathon in the summer. Of course this would be the year when the 100 degree days hit before July and every day in June has been over 100. Running in this heat has been pretty tough.
Any of you who know me know that I hate the heat. I would rather run in the cold. But I wanted to run the Missoula marathon and so the training has been in the heat. I've acclimated some but also had some very bad runs with some dehydration. The good news is it will be 50 at the start in Missoula. The perfect running temperature and running in the heat should have made me stronger. I am hoping it will pay off.
Training for the marathon and working lots of hours has make it tough to do cross training, subsequently I've given up the swimming. Cycling occasionally but not enough. After this marathon we are going to get back to strength training, and I am going to cycle through the rest of this heat.
Wish me luck!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Fires
This week we have had very high wind and unfortunately all around us are acres of burning brush, grass, and some homes. This has been a bad year for fires. Terry and I head out this morning for a shorter run as we have a long run tomorrow. The smoke yesterday was heavy in the air with ash falling like little flakes of snow here and there. The wind was so high it was miserable to go out. Today although no wind the smoke still hangs in the air. From the house it didn't look too bad but as we get further out the smoke is hanging. We can smell it and it burns the nose and the lungs. Obviously this isn't a good thing so we cut it short and head home. Tomorrow is a 14 mile run so we are hoping the smoke has cleared, but more than that we hope that the brave firefighters are able to put the fires out and that no more families lose their homes.
Cincinnati
Recently I had the opportunity to be in Cincinnati for work. One of the things I enjoy about traveling is the opportunity to run in different places. While it's difficult running when you travel, you are more tired, you don't where to run, and you have to do it really early or in the evening, it does provide a great change of pace as well. The first look at Cincinnati showed a very industrial city with the Ohio River being the focus. The river itself was dark and full of debris. However that view changes when you have the opportunity to run. I asked the hotel staff where to run and sure enough they had a route all mapped off! I love it when the staff is into running :). This particular route takes you from downtown to a bridge, not just any bridge, but a suspension bridge that was built in 1865! Amazing! 1865, so just what was going over the Ohio River in 1865? There were no cars and it's not a pedestrian bridge. Nope, street cars! As I ran over this bridge with it's glorious stone towers I tried to imagine what it would have been like to ride a street car this high over the river. Speaking of bridges there are many of them across the river, one what is just a pedestrian bridge, it's purple and so is called the Purple People Bridge. It is at least 3/4 mile long. Back to my run. As I exit the bridge and go right there is a bike/run path all along the river through amazing green space with two amphitheaters and beautiful gardens. Some of the path follows an old train rail and all long the path there are columns that house different pictures and text about all of the boats that have come and gone up the river. From show boats to war boats. Unfortunately I was running and didn't stop to read them, I will do that next time! The gardens are from all the different continents so as you run you feel like you are going from one country to the next. The vegetation changes, it's simply thrilling visually and the different aromas tickle your nose. You really have to understand that all of these gardens you are running through are surrounded by a city full of industry it's not as if you are out in the country, you are literally right in the middle of the city. And yet it's an amazing green space that transforms the city into a calming scene. And then in front of me under an underpass, of all places, is a playground! An amazing playground with beautiful green grass surrounding it. Amazing. Most cities underpasses are ugly and filled with graffiti and homeless persons junk. Instead I am looking at this playground that looks so inviting even I want to go down that slide. I turn to go back the way I came and so I am able to experience it all again, but this time going back I also pay more attention to the baseball stadium to my right before I go back over the bridge. What a great place for the stadium to sit. I run back over the bridge stopping to take a picture of the stadium from high up (have to show this to my husband). And run back to the hotel. I am exhilarated! You just can't get this experience in any other way. Thank you Cinci! I am looking forward to my next run in your city.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Uncalled for Frustration
Since I have written I have run a half marathon (Cowtown), the Granbury Road Races 10K, and the Capitol 10K in Austin. I am so happy to be running and feeling good. My knee is really feeling good. However I am struggling. Physically I am getting stronger, but after the surgery it just seems to be taking so long to get back to where I was, it's there in my heart but it's not in my body. It isn't fair for my brain to take away from what my body is doing! I was so excited when I first got back to running, just so happy to be out there again. Loved being able to feel myself get stronger. And here I am whining because I am not fast enough. My body isn't there....yet! Silly brain....let it go I tell it. I am doing it, I am running miles and starting to do some speedwork. Build it, speed will come right? And what if it doesn't? Why can't I be satisfied with just getting out there and doing it? Running, enjoying the feeling of the pavement/trails under my feet? This frustration is simply uncalled for. Time for my brain to let it go.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Sorry Blog
Dear Blog,
Sorry I haven't written in awhile. I've been very busy. I am still running and now that the weather is warm cycling is back in my schedule too.
I will write more later.
Me
Sorry I haven't written in awhile. I've been very busy. I am still running and now that the weather is warm cycling is back in my schedule too.
I will write more later.
Me
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Running and Games
Our family has a game we have played for years, since the kids were little. On trips, driving to school, driving to sporting events, any time we went anywhere we played this game.
The game started out as "slug bug", the game we all know from our childhood. As a family we revised the game to include other unusual cars, and cars in the color yellow, instead of slugging we put into place a point system. We also had penalties for various actions, as well as rules for the driver and car lot cars. We always had a family meeting when one of us decided the rules need to change. The game has evolved over the years and we consider it "our" game but will share the rules when appropriate.
Well today marked another evolution of our game. Terry and I went to Weatherford to the Rails to Trails to run our 13 mile run today. It was chilly, cold, and the wind picked up out of the north as time went on.
If you are a distance runner you will understand the need for distraction on a long run. Usually Terry and I plan an agenda for the run so can talk about different topics to keep ourselves occupied. Today however, Terry came up with a different idea.
His idea was our "game" only revised, it went something like this: Cardinals - one point, Dove - one point, Bunnies - one point, Squirrels - one point, Horses (with rider on trail) - two points, Human (must be on trail) walking or cycling - one point, Deer - 2 points, Wild Hog - 5 points, and if we happen upon a dead body that would give you the winner for life. (Morbid I know). If misidentified you lose a point.
Is it possible that this game made this run such a good run? I can't explain how much it helped and how much fun it was to look for those things that would offer us freedom from "what mile are we on now?" and instead give us a fun sense of competition. Yelling out "person" "cardinal" "there's one", I am sure the few folks we saw thought we were out of our gourd!
So for all of you who enjoy games and also run, try it where you run using your own critters or anything else you run across and see how much distraction you can create for yourself.
Oh and yes, I won :). 10 - 7
The game started out as "slug bug", the game we all know from our childhood. As a family we revised the game to include other unusual cars, and cars in the color yellow, instead of slugging we put into place a point system. We also had penalties for various actions, as well as rules for the driver and car lot cars. We always had a family meeting when one of us decided the rules need to change. The game has evolved over the years and we consider it "our" game but will share the rules when appropriate.
Well today marked another evolution of our game. Terry and I went to Weatherford to the Rails to Trails to run our 13 mile run today. It was chilly, cold, and the wind picked up out of the north as time went on.
If you are a distance runner you will understand the need for distraction on a long run. Usually Terry and I plan an agenda for the run so can talk about different topics to keep ourselves occupied. Today however, Terry came up with a different idea.
His idea was our "game" only revised, it went something like this: Cardinals - one point, Dove - one point, Bunnies - one point, Squirrels - one point, Horses (with rider on trail) - two points, Human (must be on trail) walking or cycling - one point, Deer - 2 points, Wild Hog - 5 points, and if we happen upon a dead body that would give you the winner for life. (Morbid I know). If misidentified you lose a point.
Is it possible that this game made this run such a good run? I can't explain how much it helped and how much fun it was to look for those things that would offer us freedom from "what mile are we on now?" and instead give us a fun sense of competition. Yelling out "person" "cardinal" "there's one", I am sure the few folks we saw thought we were out of our gourd!
So for all of you who enjoy games and also run, try it where you run using your own critters or anything else you run across and see how much distraction you can create for yourself.
Oh and yes, I won :). 10 - 7
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