My Everest

Finally, I have conquored it. It was kind of like nursing school for me... I waited a long time to be able to say I was a nurse. Now, I can say, "Why yes, I did the Shut-In this year."

For me this race meant a lot. I trained for it so very hard last year, and got injured, blah blah blah. I was really disappointed and discouraged with myself. I define myself as a trail runner, and in Asheville this is the race that I believe defines a trail runner. I could keep writing about how much it means to me that I accomplished it, but I think I'll just tell the race report, with some background.

So, in the last 60 days, I have run 61.05 miles. Yep. That's all. My highest mileage week was 16.21. Now, if I had made the mistake of looking this over before the race, I would have scared myself for sure. Thank goodness I didn't.

So the race had the pleasure of falling on my birthday this year. I am a huge birthday person. I LOVE birthdays. But even though, I have waivered about doing it for two main reasons.

1. I didn't really feel prepared. Compared to last year, this training year was a joke. However, this wasn't a big issue for me for some reason.

2. This was the very same day/time as the infamous Green River Race. A lot of my friends went to Saluda to watch that race instead, and Yonton was in that race too, so I wanted to support him.

In the end, I realized how much this race meant to me and made the right decision for me.

Race day.

It being my 29th birthday and all, (I may mention that an annoying number of times, so prepare yourself), I woke up to an omlette breakfast with fabulous honey-covered toast. Mom came and picked me up. (I consider mom my #1 fan. She always goes above and beyond and always says she had fun. She drove around in 25 degree weather for 4.5 hours and waited outside in that weather to crew for me.) Anyways, we headed to the Arboretum at 8:15 for packet pick-up. She helped me decide on how many layers and which hats to wear, given the snowy and FREEZING conditions. Before the race started, Steve my stepdad, my sister Stephanie, Blake, her husband and Bailey, my niece all came to see me off too. It was awesome.

Brenda and Marc from SMR were running too. I lined up with them. The final decision was announced upon start that we would be doing the last two miles. Given the snowy conditions, road closure was impending. It's not really Shut-In without the last two greuling miles. I would have felt cheated out of the experience and was so happy the whole race went as planned.

The race started at 10am. I decided to really take my time and relax. There were many miles to go. I was excited when we took a right at the end of Owl Ridge onto Hardtimes Rd. I knew I would see my family at the top where the parkway meets. I had to shed some clothes here, so I tossed them to mom, gloves and all. (I wish I would have kept the gloves.) I felt it was too soon to take a snack break, but I did drink a little cup of water to stay on the safe side.

Here was a significant climb as the race turns to the trail. I walked, as did most everyone. Most of the race here continued uneventfully. I jogged at an easy pace if it wasn't a significant hill and walked hills. It  was exciting here, because I knew I would see mom at Chestnut Cove, then Sleepy Gap. It was fun to have the crowds at the overlooks. I decided that I should start eating here, it had been about an hour since the start. I had gone to get my favorite cappuccino hammer gels the previous day, but apparently I am not the only one who likes them because they were sold out. I ended up getting those Sport Bean things. I tried some at Chestnut Gap, but they were horrible and I knew if I ate them it would make me sick. Anyways, I kept running and after those two, I told mom I'd see her at 151 and kept on my way.

My friend Kim and her husband Adam were kind enough to stand at Bent Creek Gap with some food/clothes for me if I needed it. I was glad I had given them an extra shirt, becuase it was pretty cold out there once you couldn't move too fast. When I got up to Bent Creek Gap, I had a hard time spotting them. Kim had told me she was going to make a huge glitter-glue sign, but at the time, I couldn't seem to find it. I don't know if it was blood sugar or blood pressure, but I couldn't see very well - I just couldn't focus enough to see them. I decided I should eat 1/2 of a banana here on account of that.

I thanked them (once they pretty much grabbed me by the shoulder) and kept running, thinking I wouldn't see any aid stations for 7 more miles. Thankfully I was wrong and the Forest Service had let water aid stations at each scheduled overlook.

Ferrin Knob was here, which is about 1,000ft elevation gain in less than two miles, with a 500ft drop in 0.7miles on the top of the peak. Needless to say it's rough on the legs, and slow. There are a few parkway crossings here with aid stations at most. Due to the parkway closings, however, it was one awesome person and a water cooler. I kept on uneventfully. My legs were pretty tired, but still working. My shinsplints were fine. The only frustrating part was my left Achilles was really tight. It's doing better now though and I was able to make it fine then too.

As 151 was approaching, I got excited to see mom again. At this point the friendships of a long race began to form. I had been running with Jim and a father/son team for about 10 miles. The father/son duo fell behind right before 151, and Jim and I kept on. At 151, there were a lot of spectators. I did spot mom though and had a snack and some water. I grabbed more gloves and a hat and was on my way.

As I stepped onto the trail, my heart soared. I realized if I started this section, there was no going back. I knew I'd finish. I also had the realization that I may break 4 hours. These last two started pretty uneventfully. I felt okay... then the mountain rose, and rose, and rose. It was the equivalent of 80 stories - 80 stories after a 16 mile run. It was amazing. I didn't even know if I was moving at some points. (I didn't think 1 inch steps counted, but now I do.)

Needless to say, I finished. I walked the last downhill mostly too, scared of my failing legs and frost-covered leaves. I saw mom at the finish. I had my first coke in 3 years, some potato chips and a handful of m&m's. It was so cold up there though, that I felt someone had placed me directly in a freezer. I didn't even want to take a picture by the sign - which is VERY unlike me. I was freeeeezing, and wanted warmth. I grabbed my shirt, and we left.

We rode down 151 to Asheville with the heat on high, all clothes layered on and the seat warmers on high. I was convulsively shivering. We switched cars, drove to Weaverville in my car which literally has the hottest heat of any car I know. I still convulsively shivered. Once I got to mom's, I sat in front of the wood stove for 30 minutes and finally was able to stop shivering. Once I felt I wouldn't die of cold, I put on a suit and got in the 110 degree hot tub. I stretched in there for about 30 minutes, got out and took a boiling shower, and dried in front of the wood stove. Finally, I was warm.

 

It was a great experience. I'm glad I didn't decide to wait another year - prepared or not.

It was my Everest, and I conquered it. And I will continue to do so, for years to come.

22 days to go! Oh, and FALL ROCKS!

This will be short, but I just have to say...

I WENT ON A TWO HOUR RUN!!!

It was so very fabulous! The trails were covered with leaves and the wind was blowing and it was sunny and beautiful! At one point, the pine needles were snowing down on me and the sun was shining down through the trees. I LOVE fall running.

The new orthotics I had made at Foot Rx have done a world of good for me. I only ran for about an hour straight, the last hour was quite a struggle though. It made me realize how out of shape I am.

With Shut-In in 3 weeks, I figured I better start kicking my ass some if I hope to finish it. Maybe next year I'll actually be in shape for it. But back to the shins. They didn't hurt much at all! My hips and right knee hurt (that same knee thing during the DuPont half and it's training).

I have also decided to embark on a diet overhaul. Here we go!a

Would you rather I start smoking?

I had a slight unhealthy love for the blue and grey look of the Montrails, but they didn't work with the new orthotics.

I ended up with the Brooks Cascadia 4's (which I already had) because they were on sale! They said that the shoes I had were not the problem, that possibly I needed a more supportive orthotic. It was time for a new pair of shoes though.

So I also got a new orthotic made with major arch support. I wore it all night at work, but unfortunately by the end of work, my right shin hurt so badly that I was limping. (Unreal.) I'm upset. : (  I work again tonight, I am going to wear my old orthotics and see if that helps.

I really thought this would be the answer, but now my shin hurts so badly I think I have done more damage. I feel like something is against my running. I don't know what it could be except karma or something. (Too much My Name is Earl.) A lot of people are able to easily keep up their unhealthy habits. Why is it such an ordeal for me to keep up my healthy one? Blugh.

Shoooooooeeeeessssss!

I have made up my mind. Tomorrow, I am buying new shoes. (If Foot Rx has a shoe that they recommend in stock for me. Pleeeeeease please do!) It's 6 weeks to the race, and if I don't get moving it will be quite the embarassment. Plus, the nightshift schedule is making me eat constantly... Check back later for the posted picture of my beautiful new shoes!!!

Travelling through time

I got to go on a run! I was going to go to Bent Creek with Yonton, let him mountain bike, while I ran/walked for an hour or so, just to be on my feet. I met him at his house and shared my brilliant idea. (He's shared before that he likes to mountain bike alone sometimes - I think it's relaxing for him.) The hesitation caught me by surprise. Yonton is not a runner. He kayaks, mountain bikes and climbs. Occasionally the treadmill calls him for 10 minutes - as it had the previous day of our excursion.

So the hesitation led to him offering to run with me - if I didn't go far. Well hell, I shouldn't really be running anyways, so it sounded good with me. We had a late start - maybe 7pm. (I thought I'd give him the Garmin so he'd have something fun to watch to entertain himself during the run. But, my Garmin has broken itself - yet again.) We started out at a relaxed pace - and as always - in it for the experience.

We ended up going (by my guess) about 4 miles. We both ran the whole time. My shins periodically flared up during the run. Currently they feel fine, but could probably use some ice. The run was great - by the end of it, it was really dark outside and I couldn't see where I was stepping. Thank goodness we had just come out of a trail when some headlamped-mountain-bikers came tearing down after us.

Needless to say, the run was fabulous. I think Yonton actually enjoyed himself, the berms calling him to play late in the run. We got to discuss his dream of time travel he had had the previous night and how the logistics may work out, if it really ever happened to either of us.

I appreciate the company and experience, fully and completely. Thanks for the support, as always. You rock.

What I deserve, as a wonderful person.

So I had to skip LeHigh Valley altogether. Being raised Catholic, this caused immense guilt for not supporting my family in an endeavor I started with them months ago. Good thing they were also raised Catholic and know forgiveness well. Ha! I was planning on going and supporting, without any running due to the shins, then a case of strep throat exacerbated by three nights of work in a row and a fever of 101.4 kept me home.

Anyways, this shin issue is ongoing. I gave myself the gift of a mile-long run on Monday the 6th. It hurt. I actually ended up walking part of it. Once I got back to the car, my left (?!?!) hip was really hurting and I was actually limping, along with the right shin being sore. Luckily the hip seemed to be acute and went away in a few hours.

But, about that run. It was the kind of day for me, where I left crying (the really good kind of crying) because I loved the experience so much. The air was cool and crisp. It was about 4pm. The woods were beautiful and inviting, the ground was packed and not muddy at all, perfect conditions. I got reminded of last fall.

Last fall, I was training for Shut-In, and got up to about 35 mpw. I remember thinking there was no point in going out if you're not doing at least 8 miles. I remember one day when I had done over 30 miles in the last 4 days so I left myself have pizza at a work party. I was trying to do everything perfectly, eat right, rest right, etc. It was the highlight of my running career to date. I could go run 5 days a week - sometimes 6. I was going 7+ miles every time. I felt so good, so confident and so strong. I felt invincible. My body was starting to change. Instead of just being skinny, I was actually getting muscular. A dream in the making.

Everything was going really well until my grandmother died. I went up to Michigan for the funeral. The family was a mess. The Catholic Michiganers are a breed of their own... and yes, technically I am one too, but I run to let out stress. We even ended-up having an intervention at a Coney Island. The stress of the trip, added to the stress my body was under caused it to crash. At the hotel, I remember telling mom that for some reason, my shins were really hurting, and I hadn't even run in two days. Stress goes and sits in the weakest muscles for me. My stress was going to sit in my shins, and not leave. That was the beginning of the end.

I got back home and returned to running 35 mpw. That next weekend, was a 16-miler up Shut-In. I could tell I was hurting, but was sure I could push through it. A few days after that was hill-training day. This gave me an opportunity to run fast. I LOVE to run fast. I let loose, and did around 20 short and long hill combos, with an additional couple miles of warm-up. By the last one, I could barely walk, and found myself sent home with two ice packs on my hips... crying. Cool-down was aborted. I knew the future, and was heart-broken.

The story has the ending.

So, my run on Monday... Ahhh. Just thinking about it now is making me want to go out right now. It's cool and rainy - perfect fall conditions for a run. I could wear one of my jackets! It's been so long since I've gotten to wear a jacket to run! I wish one could force healing. I wish that if you wanted it bad enough, it would happen for you. Why can't life be like that? Patience. My friend Brian told me that he had shin pain in the past, and tried new shoes over and over until his finally went away with a certain pair. I'm thinking I should go buy some new running shoes. Right now. Immediately.

Fall is the perfect time to run, and I am selfish and believe I deserve to get to run. I deserve to get to train for Shut-In and not just have to hike it in two months. I deserve to get to go out this beautiful time of year and pound away at the trails. I deserve to let my stress out the way I love to do it. I deserve the heavy breathing and that feeling my lungs get when they've been worked hard. I deserve the sweat. I deserve the toned muscles. I deserve the looks of others who see me as strong. I deserve thinking of myself as strong, confident, healthy and beautiful. Now, off to the shoe store...

Thank you Universe.

Lake Logan Triathlon

I'm hooked. Completely and totally hooked.

The Lake Logan Sprint Triathlon was AWESOME.

Background: I went with my friends Hannah and Chad, and some SMR friends (Rick and Keila) had signed up too. I borrowed a road bike from my friend Tim, who was nice enough to not only loan me the bike, but to also put pedals that would work with my shoes and give it a proper tune up. This would be my 3rd time on a road bike. (The Friday before the race was my 2nd time, I trialed the roads and did 11.55 miles in 50 minutes.) I have done two "hard" swim workouts this year, and about 5-6 total swim workouts. (About 8 in the last 10 years total - a blessing in disguise, being "forced" to swim as a child.) And the running you probably know... I have run 6 times in the last 6 weeks - two of those being races. But I'm still in decent shape with all the mountain biking and running in the previous months.

So. Race day. My mom had so lovingly agreed to join for support, knowing it meant a 4:45 wake-up time. (My mom rocks.) We got there and it was foggy and beautiful. It was dawn - about 6:10am when we parked the car. The lake looked as smooth as glass. The atmosphere had a swim meet quality. It was friendly and busy and happy. It reminded me of a group of people who were old friends, who came together for something they loved. I guess that's the actuality too.

We parked and I got all my various gear together. We parked on the opposite side of the river and walked across the bridge to the transition area. As we exited the lot, I heard the familiar voice of Hannah. She and Chad had just got all their gear together, and we walked over together, alive with the buzz of adventure - the feeling of trying something new, putting yourself out there, and knowing a good time would be had either way. There is something so fabulous about being with amazing people, in such a beautiful setting, preparing to physically exhaust themselves by choice, with a huge smile the whole time. It's spirit.

I set up my station. I rolled my socks into my bike shoes (with cornstarch), loosened my running shoes, taped my gel blocks and gloves to my bike handles, put my helmet on the handlebars, and put my bike in the correct gear. I put my inhaler in my bike shorts pocket, folded up my towel on the dewy grass, ensured my drink was placed in the bike holder, set out my cap and goggles, put an extra hair tie on the bike handlebars, and set out my hat. Bike number on bike tube, helmet number on, number pinned to shirt to put on before running. Check, check, check.

Next was the timing chip and marking station. (And I must admit, I felt really badass having my number Sharpied on my arms and legs.) Left ankle, timing chip, bilateral arms and quads - race number, right calf, age. Ok. Age! What a great thing to be able to see as the 45-year-old women FLY by you on the bike. Seriously. (Mental thought: Oh no, it's fine, she's not in my age group, but DANG, look at her leg muscles. Maybe I'll be a badass in 15 years too.) Anyways, back to the story. I'm chipped, marked, organized, half-dressed, and cold. My toes are numb in this beautiful morning dew. I learned today that shivering uses 500% more oxygen by the heart than being warm. 500%! Glad I didn't know that Sunday.

So I found Rick. Keila had injured her leg at a race series and was unable to come. I hated to miss her (and hate she's injured) but it was fabulous to see Rick. I compared stations with Hannah. We ran over equipment, shared anxiety and excitement, took some pictures. Mom found a great spectator spot, became official photographer of the day, and pulled out the camping chair. What dedication.

So we pulled on the cap and grabbed the goggles. We headed across the bridge to the swim start. Hannah and I were wave three. Chad was wave 2, and I believe Rick was wave 1. We had 4 minutes between waves. We waded in the water. Some people warmed up. We chatted instead. The cool morning made the water feel great. It reperfused our toes. (My Grandpa, having had boy scouts at Camp Daniel Boone, warned me of the frigid water temperatures. We were lucky that it was actually 75 degrees!)

I missed Rick getting in, but wave 1 entered the water. The horn sounded, they were off. "Wave 2, enter the water." We told Chad good luck. Horn sounded. We filed across the dock, waiting for our turn to enter. "Wave 3, enter the water." Good luck Hannah! Jump in... hey - not too cold, but it still took my breath. I had never done an open water swim. I went to the front, terrified of being kicked. 1 1/2 minutes. 1 minute, 30 seconds. This treading water was making me nervous too! 10 second countdown. Horn sounded.

My strategy was to stay as straight as possible. Straight for the first buoy. The people kind of fell away. I looked up periodically to check my location. Ok, buoy still there. Then the mental thought "Crap! Am I going to get tangled up in some buoy-holding rope and drown?" Anxiety ridden, I was breathing every stroke for a while - which is unlike me. I'm a 3-5er. I turned the first corner and there was a girl to my right, swimming even with me. She had been right behind me the entire first straight-away. I wanted her to go first; I didn't like someone right behind me so I let her go ahead. Second turn - now just straight to the dock. I noticed I looked up about every 10 strokes. It felt too often, so I started trying to go to 25. I made it to 15 once. I wanted to keep checking. (I'm sure made the swim slower, but hey, I didn't run into anyone or veer off course too far, so that's good!) The last 100 meters or so, we caught up with some wave 2 folks. It got a little congested under the bridge, as well as about 10 degrees colder where the river entered the lake. This took my breath a bit more. I skirted around people and made my way to the dock. Okay, arms pull me up and ...... Crap! I can't get on the freaking dock! I flopped over onto my side (I'm sure looking fabulous). Mom said it looked pretty funny later. Okay. Swim - check. Now I had to run from the dock, down the grass to the back of the transition station to get my bike.

I was short of breath, so I didn't rush too much at the station. Bike shorts on, socks and shoes on, swig of water. Inhaler in pocket. Helmet on and fastened. Run with bike to mounting line. Ahhhh! This is a blast!!!

 

Mounted bike, and was off. Well, as off as I could be. The bike portion was my Everest here. It started out uphill. I went slowly - one to catch my breath and two because it was hard! I kept pushing. The downhills (I think) are one place cyclist gain speed, but I'm not too comfortable going super fast, because I'm just not used to it. It was a beautiful course though - rolling hills and farmland. I was surprised how few people were around me, knowing this was a race of almost 200 people. A lot of people passed me. I didn't really mind though. I pushed as hard as I could, but tried to remember to conserve energy for the run. I had my gatorade/green tea/honey mixed drink. (It was not good.) Then I kind of freaked myself out thinking of the 3 cups of coffee earlier that day, then green tea. I didn't want to have a heart attack. (Like I needed more adrenaline. Geez. Sometimes I feel this is the blog inside the head of an extremely anxious person. Hell, that's probably why I love running. Whatever.) I passed one girl. Just one, but hey, that's okay. It was pretty fun, but I was excited when I knew we were on that final downhill back to the transition stations. I hopped off my bike at the dismount line and ran it down the road, into the transition station to do my favorite - running!!!

Transition station went pretty smooth. I racked my bike, switched shoes, grabbed my shirt and had and off I went (struggling to put shirt over head and run simultaneously).

Ahhh, the run. How fun, how great, how... Crap. I'm EXHAUSTED. About 1/10 mile in, I realized how tired I was. I told myself I should have demolished that disgusting drink. Hey though, this is my favorite part. I decided to enjoy it, and try to run the whole way, even if it was slow. I crossed the bridge and there was Rick! I shared my feelings, with a smile. "Holy crap Rick, I'm exhausted!" (I become very eloquent when hypoglycemic.) He (I believe) was feeling good. He seemed to be running well. We chatted a bit - then I continued on. Hey - there's Hannah! We chatted too. I again, shared my feelings, oh so eloquently. She was encouraging as always. I hopefully encouraged back (I was in my own world, I think I did) and continued on. My head told me, "Just keep running. Just keep running. Slow down a little if you need to - just keep running. If you walk, you may not be able to start again". At the 1 mile mark, the aid station had some water - or so I thought. I took a sip, and I don't know what it really was (tea, powerade?), but it was not what I was wanting at the time. Hey - only two more miles! (Aww! I hate it's almost over!) Doo de doo. 1.5 mile turnaround - now the best part, a slight downhill the whole way back! My shin was alright, but my right knee was hurting. Ugh that right knee. What to do? I just tuned it out and kept pushing. I felt like I was just jogging though. Like 8:15 pace or so. (Turns out, it was under 7:30) With about 1/2 mile left, I got that end of the race feeling. I pretended like I had been running only, and had a good kick left. This lasted about 12 steps. Oh well. Just keep up a pace. I was breathing way too fast as it was. Last turn - I can see the finish line! I didn't speed up though, just kept the pace. A guy shot past me - I encouraged him - and kept plugging away. Ahh, BEEP, through the last timing chip chirp.

Breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe. I was handed a water, used the inhaler, got my chip cut off, walked around the gate and there came Hannah! Woo-hoo!!!! Chad walked over  - he had already finished too! In came Rick! Yay! Great race!!! We caught our breath, mom came over, and I don't even know what was said. I think I gushed about how fun it was, but it may have been how hard it was. I don't remember.

We took more pictures. Hung around and absorbed the experience. I had some watermelon and cantaloupe, as well as a turkey and cheese sandwich from the sponsors.

We stayed for awards. Rick won his age group! I got 3rd, and Hannah got a very close 4th - making us perfect training partners. We all had a blast - I can't stop looking at pictures.

 My times were as follows:  

Swim: 5 00:11:26    T1: 00:01:46   Bike: 41 00:50:57   T2: 00:01:24   Run: 13 00:23:21   Total: 01:28:52

I miss Sunday. I had Guster lyrics in my head, "I wish tomorrow was like today." I am officially hooked. I can't wait to find another one. I am definitely doing this one next year - it was so beautiful. I hated it was over so quickly - I may do the international distance that's on Saturday in 2011.

All in all, if you can't tell, this was epic. (In the words of a friend.) The people, the experience, the atmosphere, the setting. All epic. (And highly recommended to all.) Epic.

I'm Trying a Tri...

So my shins are feeling a slight improvement. (YAAAAYYYYY!!!)

I have worn the orthotics all week at work, and iced at least three times a day, if not more. No running or biking this week so far, just one swim. (I feel a little lazy.) My friend has so generously lent me his road bike, and put my pedals on it for me. I get to try that out today (maybe) and am definitely going on a road ride to get used to the experience tomorrow afternoon with a friend also doing the triathlon. I'm getting really excited!

I just watched a video of last year's Lake Logan sprint triathlon. The part I am most nervous about (the swim start) turns out to have been an in-water start. (At least it was last year.) That brings my anxiety down considerably.

I am debating attire, from shorts to shoes.

May go look at Frugal Backpacker today for some tri shorts. I don't want to spend a lot if I'm not going to like the experience. (Even though, it seems like it will suit me perfectly. Rushing through transition stations will be just what my high-strung self loves.) I was just going to throw on some running shorts over my suit to bike and run, but my friend said that the bike seat may chafe my legs without longer shorts. I don't want that.

Shoes wise, I think I have decided on some old Mizuno road shoes. They look really worn, because I wore them on trails primarily, but I think they have only abut 200 miles on them. (Picture included to spice up the post.)

Also, I have come to the conclusion that my beloved Garmin will not be joining me. I don't think you can swim with one, and it really doesnt' seem to be good for me to race with one anyways. I really don't need to know each quarter mile, do I? I'm sure I'll deal with it.

\
But anyways, the gist of the post is to say...

I'm getting so very excited!!! Yay!

Plea for Help

Thinking of trying a new pair of shoes.

My cousin gave me some words of wisdom. He is a life-long runner as well as multiple Boston qualifier - way under the time cut-off. I figured he may know a thing or two that all the medical professionals I have seen don't seem to be seeing.

So, I will dissect my running shoe history for you here. Well, the last three pairs at least.

Shoe #1

Trained for Shut-In last year - ended up with incredible shin splints and hip flexor injury, as well as bilateral hip bursitis and a right labral "abnormality"

Consideration: increased mileage exponentially compared to any time in the past, and basically only ran uphill and hard for 3 months.

Shoe #2

Bought right before I got injured, but minimally ran on them to avoid injury. This was my come-back-to-running shoe this winter and spring. I probably have about 350 miles on them. 

Shoe #3

I got these right after DuPont half. I got these because I wanted the newest model. It wasn't really time, but I had heard to have two pairs and switch them out occasionally was good for you. (And who can pass up an excuse to buy a new pair of running shoes?) 

Well, as I write this blog, my conscious reminds me that I also went barefoot, and that maybe should count as a shoe choice:

Shoe #4:

Shoeless (I'll spare you the picture of my bare feet.)

Late last summer, I was made orthotics by a physical therapist because I pronate. Apparently I even pronate some just standing there, AND I have really high arches. Okay then. So I was instructed to wear the orthotics day in, day out - until my shins healed. I did last summer.

Chaco's everywhere around me. My favorite sandal, there at home, in the shoe bin, begging to be taken for a stroll. My toes needed some air, but I was a good patient. Kept the orthotics in. ALL SUMMER.

Well, I got to thinking today. After my barefoot stint with running, I stopped wearing my orthotics in my work shoes. (Possible culprit 1) I need some new ones, after just 10 hours my toes start to hurt from being squished in them. When I don't use the orthotics, my toes have enough room. I would just wear another pair to work, but it's not that easy. My shoes don't walk around an office. They often walk through urine, "super-bug" contagious infections, vomit, poop, blood... you name it. Maybe I need new work shoes too.

Back to the story... I did get those horrible shin splints after the two weeks on road. (Possible culprit 2)

Another interesting discovery... When I put pressure on the lateral side of my foot (where the orthotic makes me go) my shin splint hurts very badly. When I put pressure on the medial side of my foot, like the ball of the foot, or even just that medial side, my shin barely hutrs. So, it the orthotic helping or hurting? Conflincting evidence, right?

Excuse me for a second... (ARRRRRRGGGHH!!!!!!)

So again. Back to the question. Do I...

1. Start wearing orthotics at work? (I guess?)

2. Get new work shoes? (ASAP)

3. Get new running shoes? (inconclusive)

4. Keep icing multiple times a day? (Y)

5. Take off until triathlon on Sunday? (Y)

6. Beg for any input from friends, no matter what background (non-medical)? (Y)

Does anyone see some puzzle piece that is in plain sight that I can't seem to see anymore?

2.16 miles of hell

So I tried something new.

In light of my upcoming inaugural triathlon, (in addition to the fact that I have worked and not done any exercise in 4 days), I decided to do a hard bike ride, then tack on a few miles running. I have done both before, but I always run first because I feel I would be less likely to be injured if I am running strong and biking weak. So...

When I bike, my right knee always gives me some weird trouble. I don't know how else to describe it. Occasionally my left has patellar pain too, it always goes away when I stop biking. So I went on my bike ride, a little after noon so it was hot as crap.

I have heard there is some threshold you meet at 90 minutes of exercise so I wanted to be running after I had reached that threshold. (I don't really know what I am talking about, I guess I need to do some research.) I ended up doing a little over 11 miles in 91 minutes (not overachieving here). Bike Portion Well, I took a little time in loading up my bike and switching shoes... and off I went.

My right knee felt like someone had put glue into the joint. It was incredibly stiff and painful. And it wasn't just that outer part that usually hurts when I run, it was the entire freaking joint. So, 0.11 in, I walked. I stretched that knee and popped it about 12 times, thinking this would loosen it up. Over the course of the 2.16 miles, I walked multiple times. My average pace was 10:30. Run Portion There goes my 22:00 5k after the swim and bike sections I was hoping for.

It was really frustrating. I wanted to keep running, but I was exhausted. I'd walk for a bit, then felt great, like I could run and actually pick up the pace, but about 75 steps in, I'd feel exhausted again. Every time. It was kind of funny, in a way. I hadn't had anything but breakfast, but I don't think that was it. That's a transition I am going to have to get used to. I wasn't too hard on myself though. It was a first, and that's how they go sometimes. It's good because it gives me something to work on.

And now for my quick ADHD pharagraph...

I don't really sweat incredible amounts - especially my face. Even if it's 90 degrees, I usually just bead up on my face. Today I don't know why, because it was only 83 or something, but I was pouring sweat. Come to think of it, I did drink my CamelBak dry. It was awesome though, I love to sweat. I drove a ways up Bent Creek Gap, and sat in the river for about 10 minutes to cool down my legs.

Therefore, my plan now, is to try and bike just even a little, before each run. I kept thinking of that triathlon I watched on Universal Sports. They were flying. I figure this will get me into incredible shape, because it totally kicked my ass today. We'll see.

Riverbound Race Series 15k

The 15k. I really enjoy this distance. It's long, but not too long. So, I had taken most of the previous three weeks off from running. I did a barefoot run (3 miles) about a week in and then last Wednesday tried out the legs with a 4 miler and then raced on Saturday. However, I had done a fair amount of mountain biking to supplement my fitness. My shins were suprisingly quiet during the entire race. The right knee got uncomfortable, but I have gotten used to that one.

I was excited about going to this race because of the people I would see. I was meeting my friend Brian, who I hadn't seen since the DuPont half. Christina would be there with a unique perspective, since it was also her wedding day. My 2nd and 3rd cousins Missy and Abby would also be there - racing the 5k. Coming back from three weeks off, I figured I'd just take my time, and enjoy the company.

Knowing the mistake that had made the 10k so miserable, I started slow. I did not try and get in front of anyone here. Brian and I ran together and caught up on eachother's running lives. We chatted races, injuries and experiences. It made almost 4 miles go by very easily. Brian also shared the pour-the-aid-station-water-on-your-head stragety. At first it felt weird, but Charlotte in July made it a necessity. It really helped me to keep my body temperature down! I was planning on taking my time, and enjoying this experience. At this time, the entire wave we were in began to slow. There was an article in one of the magazines I get, about the middle miles. Apparently this is a place where the miles slow for everyone. I was fine for a bit, but then got antsy so I picked up the pace, and continued on my own.

I started thinking about the middle miles at this point. I like them. They are what make a longer run a longer run. They are the ones that test you, and push you. I knew that they could also break me, so I tried out a stragety. If I was behind someone that I wanted to pass, I would see if I could "regain my breathing". (The phrase my head came up with.) If I was behind them and had breath control, I would be allowed to pass them. This stragety seemed to work well, and didn't let me get my ass kicked by trying to go too hard. There was no hurry, and I was running for the experience. (I had to put in the back of my mind the part of me that likes the push-until-you-drop-experience.) Basically this is how I completed the rest of the race. If my breathing got out of control, I'd slow my pace. I walked the steep hills. I didn't judge myself for it. I even decided to walk at mile 8 for 50 steps so that I could have a good finish. (I'm a counter.)

The race ends around the "river". It's out in the open. Once I got to this part, I was pretty tired. I had been pushing decently for nearly an hour and a half. I knew I didn't have much of a kick left in me. There was a guy on the side observing, so I asked him if anyone would be able to overtake me. He said "no - you're wide open". Ahhh. I just kept my pace until the end. I saw Abby and Missy on the side cheering and I smiled. I love my family!

It was a great race. I didn't have that horrible negative self-talk this time. I started slow and enjoyed the run. At the finish I had no idea how I'd done, and I didn't care too much. I had really enjoyed the run. When you're off for weeks, getting to do a long run is a gift. I'm actually looking forward to the half marathon. (I was dreading this run, just a bit, despite all the good people I knew I'd see.) Christina actually ended up getting sick at mile 4, and left to get ready for her wedding that afternoon. I also met Pearce, a new friend who discovered my blog while searching about the riverbound series. Brian ended up having a good race - I believe his injury stayed under control. Abby and Missy I believe had fun - and both finished 2nd in their age group.

I ended up 2nd in my age group. My time was 1:27:42. I think I was about 10 minutes behind the first girl in my age group. (wow!) I was pleased. It was fun and I enjoyed it. I hadn't run over 4 miles in weeks. Good run. I appreciate the gift.

Roads are my meat-grinder

So, the shin splints have gotten me. Again. (Ultimately why Shut-In didn't happen last year.) I had switched to a majority of roads for about two weeks, some to save gas, some to try and utilize my location for what it is, and some to run with my Smoky Mountain Relay friends. I'm not sure what actually did me in, but the roads, speed drills against my friend Marc, or different shoes could all be likely reasons.

I found myself having to back out of some races, and back off in others. I have decided to do just a half marathon in LeHigh Valley, and am not going to get the Triple Lakes run in at all. My friend Brenda has told me to pick the one I want to focus on, and not worry about the others. Easier said than done, but I'm trying.

I have been biking and hiking. I tried a barefoot trail run because I knew it'd make me go slow, and ended up breaking my toe. I have gotten up to almost 3 miles barefoot each run so I don't think it was anything to do with the shins, just the Universe telling me to keep resting.

It's heartbreaking. I don't feel like I have gotten the outdoor time I need, despite a 9 hour hike yesterday. I have discovered that it's not the outdoor time, it's the type of outdoor time. It's the running. It's the love of the feeling. So I am limiting myself - or trying to. Shut-In training starts the first of August. I got the email last week. Heal heal heal. Don't start with an injury. I'll run it fast or slow if healthy, but not if injured.

Here's to you, land of trails, may I run with you soon.

Downfalls of attempted organization

Training schedules are constantly evolving for me. In fact, I just read today in Running Times that they have a new training plan personalization feature. I'm going to check it out this week. My current training schedule (Hal Higdon) has me at four days a week. I picked this one initially because it focuses more on the mileage and less on speed work. (I love speed work. I've been told of injury risk and experienced  it once post session though. I really think I go too fast for my true abilities.) Anyhow, the point is, I don't stick to schedules well. The reasons vary day-to-day.

I usually run alone and I love running alone, but once every week or two, it's nice to have company. I was talking with one of my running partners last week about this, we were discussing how the opportunity can often disrupt a training schedule. He was rearranging for travel and I was rearranging for him. But... it's a fun opportunity. How does one not take it? Running in company has nice benefits. In a long run, it makes me go slower. I often chat during these long runs and when you can barely control your breathing, talking doesn't work so well.

I seem to hurt a lot. Injury hurt, or verge of injury hurt. (See: I'd rather be running) So I take a few days and cross-train. Then my schedule is completely thrown. I've been training through two pains for the last 5 months, but I am able to keep training with them if I do it right.

I run enthusiastically because I love it. If I am feeling good, I am going to go run 8 miles. If I feel good the next day, I will do the same. By the third day, I have realized this may be detrimental, and cut it down to a five-miler. Fourth day, I cannot walk comfortably and I have to take off 5 days. Ugh. Seems like I could go for some self-control. Yeah, well I have gotten better. That's why I finally tried to start sticking to my training schedule - which is how this whole post started. I found a good quote for this. "I prefer the folly of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom." - Anatole France

Another issue I have experienced is that I am not good at rearranging the week for races or schedule switch-ups. Races get me the most. They're always on long run day, and long run always gets sacrificed. So, I tack on a few miles to some other runs during the week. (The wrong thing to do, I know.)

I think this topic has come to be important to me because I am attempting to train for a marathon in early September. I don't feel I will be properly trained unless I follow the schedule. I am getting nervous about signing up for the full and am now considering the half. (But I'd love to do the full!)

I'll figure it all out. But for now... off for a run .. Ahhhhh.

I'd rather be running. Always.

Cross-training. Ugh. Kind of. Or, do I like it?

I'll start with the "ugh". As I have said before, I'd rather be running. It's free, it's happy, it's hard. It makes you sweat - and you can tell. (Unlike swimming.) I like going past people when I am running. I feel strong and powerful. I am proud of myself. When I am biking and I pass a runner, my soul wants to scream out to them, "I'm actually a runner!!! I'm just biking because I have to! I'm like you!!!". It feels kind of sad. I just want to throw down the bike and run in my Velcro clip-in shoes, just to get to run. I think the worst is hiking though. I very purposefully pull out the non-back-strap-Chaco's so that if I do get the urge to run, (or attempt to succumb to it) it isn't long before I remember the decision of these shoes was to keep me walking. Then, I hopefully don't use them as hand weights and run barefoot - but at least when I do, this slows my pace, since my feet are not yet tough enough to run at a decent pace. I remember last year when I was deep in the snake-phobia, I would be too scared to run. I would be walking painfully slow, anxiety-ridden, and tiptoeing. How I first got myself to run again was to bully myself into it. "If you're walking you're just a hiker! You're not a runner!" We can be so kind to ourselves. I identify with running, it's who I am.

Now to address the "kind of". One must see the advantages - otherwise there wouldn't really be an issue. [It's like a moo point, a cow's opinion. No one really cares. It's "moo". Thanks "Friends"] It takes away the impact. It switches up which muscle groups are used to make one a more well-rounded athlete. It gives the greatly-used running muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints a nice break. Cycling especially strengthens the knees. I'm not sure of all the advantages, but I can imagine they are innumerable. The bad side of "kind of" - at me least for me - is this: I have cardiovascular endurance that far outlasts the strength of my running bones, muscles, tendons etc. I could run on and on and on, but a pain always appears in the weaker parts of my running form. I believe this is a lot of why I get myself into trouble - in the form of an on-the-verge injury. I could easily keep going, if it didn't hurt! I feel I sit on this injury fence. I have thankfully learned to listen to my body (more) and will take a few days off and only cross-train, when I feel I am pushing over to the other side. Which unfortunately perpetuates this cycle, and fortunately keeps me fit. (Please note: This should be a link to the entry on why I can't stick to running schedules - the one I've been trying to write for a week.)

Finally, "Do I like it?". Hmmm. I think I do, but I say that hesitantly. (Please refer to "ugh") I do because I am not sitting inside somewhere. I do because I love to be active. It makes me stronger. It increases my confidence, especially swimming, because I know how - it's something I am good at. I am not a great mountain biker, but I'm getting better. I can do this on trails. I am outside! When I integrate other activities, I can be active every day. I am actually becoming a faster runner (somehow) on around 20 miles per week. Once up to 35, occasionally down to 8. I am a very inconsistent runner, because I love it so much, when I don't hurt, I do as much as I can... and therefore cause myself to hurt. But that's another topic.

Therein ends my spiel on cross-training. Mixed feelings, but like it or not, (sometimes both) it gets done. Thank God for my bike. Thank God for my goggles. Thank God for my legs.

What, may I ask, are you running from?

I don't know if I am alone here... I can't imagine that I am. I love to run trails. I would rather be running than doing anything else.

I usually run alone. I enjoy it. I can go the pace I want to go. I can go the distance I want to go. I can push myself too hard and complain later - and the only one to blame is myself. (Similar to living alone and leaving a pan in the sink, to be crustily found the next morning.) Usually at the beginning of each run, I have a talk with the Universe. I request to receive what the Universe believes I need. I request the unknown.

 

Sometimes I obtain peace, sometimes insight. Other times it is strength or power. I almost always obtain confidence. Sometimes it is a slew of memories, with the hope they are returning for me to be able to release them. I obtain tranquility. I obtain endurance. Sometimes it's anger, oftentimes it is fear. And sometimes, I just attempt to balance my budget.

Why would one run, if it oftentimes brings fear?

My runs that are flanked with fear, that leave me anxious and unnerved serve a purpose too. The Universe has its ways. I fear "scary wildlife and scary people", lightning, new injuries and whispers from injuries attempting arduously to heal. First of all, these runs, if continued on for enough miles, afford me the exhaustion to stop obsessing about the wildlife I think is at every corner. This is quite possibly the most enjoyable of the runs for me - once I reach this stage. Finally my mind just gives up - it can't afford the glucose of worry. I love running exhausted - for me, it is the absolute feeling of freedom. My friend Alex works closely to individuals who suffer with OCD. He explained to me once, that a way of desensitization, is to repeatedly do the thing that annoys the hell out of them, so sooner or later, their mind stops keeping count. I basically desensitize my fear with miles of exhaustion. I feel the more fear I experience while doing something I love, the more I love the lessons fear affords, and the less fear encroaches on my everyday life.

When some find out running has our hearts, they jovially ask us what we are running from. Myself, I laugh and speak of my love of the task. I get frustrated at their question. Why must all runners have skeletons in their closet? Maybe not all do. However, when I really think about their question, my answer may include a variety of answers in any given minute.

Well, since you ask, I run from incorrect grammar, heart disease, life patterns, diabetes, carbonated beverages, failure, bears, fear, perfectionism, bad jokes, shyness, dementia, laziness, anxiety, my love of puns, substances, weakness, cancer, being ordinary, snakes, memories, close-talkers, grouse, obesity, 90-degree angles, anger, darkness, tears, race shirts that are too large and a million other things. Basically, I guess I run from being human - a perfect human.