Before the love captured me: the backstory

I started a post about why it's hard to stick to training schedules, (shin splints, joints not used to impact) and ended up with a lot more about my sport history, so, here it is...

I grew up swimming. This is what we did. Year-round. From the time I was 8 until 18. This sport is not conducive to bone strengthening.

Freshman year of high school, I ran track. (I remember my track coach told me I had legs like a colt - my knees were too big for the diameter of my legs - thanks - how inspiring.) My legs are laughable at 28 - imagine at 14. I wasn't particularly fast. I remember my fastest mile was 6:50, followed by my first asthma attack. I also remember the day I ran...... F I V E miles. I was waiting for my mom to pick me up from school, so I just kept going. I remember still the feeling of accomplishment. I remember when I saw her pull up in the grey blazer, I couldn't wait to tell her how far I had gone. (I should have known then!) Anyways, this being my first sport of impact, I got horrible shin splints. They stayed with me the whole season.

I unsuccessfully tried soccer my senior year. (It was a nightmare - team sports are not my thing. I just remember running up and down the field near the sides to look like I was doing something. I was breathing hard and getting a cardiovascular workout, but the benefit was only my own.) I do not recall having shin splints at this time. I did swim throughout high school, however.

Spring semester, freshman year of college, I was on the Crew Club Team. I was too vertically challenged to be on the Lady Vols, plus, I was slow and not too powerful. In rowing, one uses their body weight to have power. I was at a disadvantage. This did have me doing coxswain here and there though. The light ones are good for that. Anyways, no bone strengthening here really either. No impact. We would run now and then around the boathouse. I always enjoyed it for two reasons: The first day I joined, I beat all the other girls. I was told that one of the girls was fast and to just stop when she stopped (I think 7 laps was a mile, it got confusing). Well, I passed her and made a great first impression on my coach. Secondly, I loooooved running in the dark morning with a group of girls. We had to be there at 5am. I remember one morning one girl didn't show up, so we had to run from the boathouse, across the Henley St. Bridge and over to campus to get her, then run back. I had an absolute blast. (It was probably about 5 miles.) I think I spent 2 semesters rowing - therein ended that excursion. (Spring 2001-2002)

Summer 2004 was my first true experiment with running. You know, the self-motivated, this-is-my-inspired-adult-life kind of running. I actually had a great time doing it. I remember 3 weeks in, I told myself that if I was still running, I could get a "real pair" of running shoes. (I had heard that 21 days makes a habit.) I had driven by the running store time and time again. Ooh, the Runner's Market...  so intriguing. I went in with quite a running enthusiasm. I assume this is why they took the shoe size I gave them as true. Looking back, going home with a pair of size 7's should not have happened. (I currently wear an 8 running shoe.) But hey, I didn't know better. I just knew I was proud for picking the uglier pair because they were more comfortable.

I would get kind of dizzy at times, so I checked my pulse and discussed it with student health. It seemed to be over 200 - well over 200. They told me to get a heart rate monitor and walk once it got to 200. Turns out it would get in the 220's pretty often. I don't know how far I would go. I remember one day - one hot day - I outran my friend's dog. He got hot and tired so I ran him back to his house and I kept running. I'd guess in the arena of 6 miles that day. Most days were probably 2-4. (Side note: I also smoked cigarettes at this time. Ahh, college.)

7/3/04: I decided to do the Fireball 5k with my friend Leslie. It was a late evening run, ended with 4th of July fireworks. It was an out-and-back along the river. I don't remember much about the race, except that I ran with Leslie. I was in no hurry. I didn't push myself. I just ran. I do remember the kick at the end though. I was relaxed and rested - saw the finish line so I picked it up considerably. It felt good. (I can't imagine how I looked sprinting at the end of a 32:11 5k.)

I had started a new job at Children's Hospital ER, where apparently a number of the staff were "runners". Hey, I ran a 5k - maybe I can be a "runner" too. I remember one day some of the nurses were talking - they were going to do a race. Hmmm, that would be fun! But... what? How far? A 10k??? I told them I had never run that far, but they convinced me to come anyways. So I did.

7/14/04: The Carter Mill Classic in Strawberry Plains. I arrived with a group of three other runners. It was cool and foggy when we got there. I had maybe 5% of the competitiveness I have now. I jogged along - it was BEAUTIFUL. It was an out-and-back on an old country road, lined with farms and fences. The first half at least was cool and foggy. I walked with one of the group members, Shannon, for a little bit - to show her support. I knew I could keep running though, so I excused myself, wished her a great run and saw her at the finish line. I remember coming down the last stretch. I could barely see the clock. Was I going to break one hour? Along the side, was Gary - one of the nurses cheering me in. It felt great!!! I came off with a 59:18. Somehow, I got third in my age group! I got a sport towel with a logo. Some prizes are better than others. Now, I would love to say that this race had me hooked. Sadly, although I still remember the experience like it was yesterday, it did not keep me.

My running life dwindled to nothing by October. I didn't understand why one would run in the winter and wasn't going to try. That was the end of it. Or so I thought. :)

Run on the Wildside

Well, after my experience with the Riverbound 10k, I did not have high hopes. I decided to relax, take my time, and enjoy a run on my own stomping ground. I went out relaxed and fairly slow. I know it took me about 1.5 miles to have to breathe with my mouth open. (This is one way I have learned to judge my efforts.) I felt great. I noticed how hard the people around me were breathing. I noticed how effortlessly I was breathing. My confidence increased.

Once we left the front of the Arboretum and went down the wide fire-road, we come up to Owl Ridge. I have a love of this section. It is flanked with pine trees and is part of the start of Shut-In. It gets pretty hilly here, which I thrive on. I powered by a few people here, without overdoing it. I still felt strong. I knew at the end of Owl Ridge, we took a left and had a nice downhill for at least a mile. I pushed hard to the end of this section. With one female I passed near then end, I shared the upcoming downhill, as a sort of apology to the passing. I don't know why I feel the need, but I do at times.

I kept pushing at a moderate/hard level. We got to the bottom of the hill and it turned to well-groomed, winding single-track. I had just passed a guy, and it had taken me a while to do on that downhill. Normally, I would be sure to give him space to pass if he wanted, however today, I decided to "run my own race". If he wanted to pass, he'd have to do it himself. I was not moving over for anyone for some reason. We ended up back on the wide fire-road, where I caught the next person. I could feel myself gaining strength with each passing. It was the exact opposite of Riverbound 10k. I felt like I was becoming mentally stronger, I felt badly passing people, but it felt good at the same time.

The last stretch was on pavement - I had three more people I wanted to get by. The girl was struggling, and one guy was waiting on her, so I knew those two would happen. I wanted to slow down. It was hot and sunny, but I knew the end was near. I pushed to the finish, with one guy a few seconds ahead of me. I didn't mind. I had given my all.

The race ended up being not an 8k, but 5.32 miles from my Garmin and up to 5.4 on others garmins. I wanted to break 40:00, and I would have if the course was accurate, so I was pleased. Garmin link: Run on the Wildside 8k I got 41:47. I ended up 3rd place female overall, 1st in my age group. 10th Overall out of almost 200. It felt great. I needed this race as a confidence booster to offset the last one. My mom was there for support and encouragement. It was a fabulous race on a beautiful course.

 

Riverbound Race Series 10k

I had done well with the 5k. It was a small race - first in a new series. For the 10k, I mistakenly expected the same. Talking with my friend Christina, (who I had first met at the 5k) I was convinced to start out fast. (Take note, she is a much stronger and faster runner than me.)

There is about 0.3 miles to get your spot before it turns into the tight single-track. I wanted my spot near the front. As it happens, I went out too fast. Completely too fast. Two miles in, I was ready to give up - walk - and not quickly. People began passing me about mile 3. It was hot, it was humid, it was miserable. I had never encountered such negative self-talk in the two years of my running life. I know at one point, I had decided to give up running completely. I asked myself why I chose (and paid) to do this to myself. There was one huge hill in the middle - I am good at hills, usually they are my strongest part. I kept my spot on the hill, but as it leveled out that was the end of it. As people passed me - girls especially - I felt myself become mentally defeated, time and time again. I did end up walking quite a bit - maybe 0.5 miles total. I was so happy to see that finish line.

I found Christina after the race, and she did make me feel better. Apparently the same negative head-space was occupying her too. It wasn't just me! Ahh! It's a bad run! They happen! I'm okay - I will still be able to be a runner!

Ended up fourth in my age group, 11/83 female overall. Disappointed with the outcome. I know I'll may never win, but trails are my love - just expected more. But I did come out with the knowledge that bad races will make you want to quit. I had heard but not experienced this before. Thankfully I am back to running - just took an hour mental break from it. Much needed mental break.

 

Here is my garmin link to the race:

Riverbound Race Series 10k

Smoky Mountain Relay

This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I read about this relay - the inaugural trail relay, modeled after Hood to Coast. 205 miles from Mills River to Bryson City. I wanted to do it, but there were hesitations. It was the weekend before my last final in nursing school (the following Monday). Friday was my last section test, and the race started 4 hours before the test even started.

I emailed the race director, and asked if this was even feasible. He immediately replied that of course it would work - I'd just have to be in the second van. Sounds good to me. Now to find a group that is in need of another relay member. This question I also sent to the race director. I had two choices: a more competitive group from the west coast (I believe) or a team from here in Asheville that's in it for the fun. Well... in it for the fun? Sounds like a plan.

I (easily) convinced my friend Alex to join the relay as well. He, being a veteran ultra runner, could have possibly run the entire thing himself, but happily agreed to join the team. We met twice as a group before the actual event. Right away, I knew I had made the correct team decision for me. This was an amazing group of local runners. They all were cheerful, happy and inspiring. I was excited about this adventure. After finishing my test Friday morning, I was still able to meet up with van 2 at their original meeting place before heading off to meet the runner of the 6th leg in Balsam Grove.

We got to the middle-of-nowhere post office (Balsam Grove) and waited for the arrival. During this time, it was discovered that I had about 5 miles less than one runner in the van. We decided to compromise and I'd do two of his miles in the middle of one of his longer runs. Perfect.

My first two miles (of Russ's leg) were fun. SMR Partial Leg It was basically all uphill on a windy country road. I usually run alone and having a van every so often along the way to offer me water and encouragement was a truly magical experience. It was unusual for me to have this group feeling, and I noticed it made me want to push harder, even knowing all the miles I had ahead of me that weekend.

We basically travelled with the runner, offering water and support for hours. It may sound monotonous, but it was amazing. I got to learn about the lives of these new people in my life. I got to watch people pushing themselves. I got to watch people having an absolute blast. I got to watch people being healthy, and doing what they love.

My first official leg was a beast for me. It was 3 miles with 957ft elevation gain, and 174ft loss. Ahhh, almost entirely uphill. I love hills - even when I hate them. I got to cross under the parkway, then the downhill started. The support was beautiful, the run was beautiful.  SMR Leg 10

The day continued on into the night. I believe we got to the hotel in Franklin at 11:30pm. We arose at 1am, ready to keep on moving. We followed one of our runners here while she did 3 straight legs (around 18 miles I believe) in the middle of the night. She wanted to be a part of the experience, but had family in town. (Ahh, for the love of the run.) We all appreciated her dedication... running in the middle of the night with all the wildlife opportunities was a bit nerve-wracking for me, at least.

My second official leg began at sunrise - 6:23am. It was the most magical run I have ever done in my life. It was 7.36 miles. The van had to go attempt to find phone service for our dedicated night runner, so she could get back home to her family. This left me in an opportune place to relax and love my place in the world. It started off foggy (with a short sprint r/t possible bear scare). I took my time. A few miles in, a short and very refreshing rain started. It revived me. It was literally one of the magical times when you actually see life for what it is. At the bottom of a road, I turned left and to my left, a giant mountain rose up, with a low-hanging cloud hovering just above the base. One of the most beautiful sights I have seen in my life... ever. I was tired when I got to the hand-off, but sad to see the end of that experience. SMR Leg 23

By this time, our team realized that we needed to double-up on legs to be able to finish in time (before nightfall, while food was still warm). Ahhh, real food. Something other than nuts, bananas and PB&J sounded incredible. Our van went ahead and started our third legs right away. Mine was a 6 mile country road run, flanked by farms (after the giant hill at the start). I took my time, relaxed and tried to use muscles other than my poor legs. I believe this leg is where my stomach muscles got their extreme soreness. My last leg passed by beautifully, with a surprise mile-less-than-expected finish. SMR Leg 31

Once the last runner was on the last leg, we waited at the finish line to run her in. When she arrived, we all cheered and celebrated together. I'm not sure now if I was more excited for the food that was going to be had, or the experience. We had a Native American dish served to us - I don't know the name, but it was fried bread topped with chili, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cheese, etc. It was so delicious. We also got some great brownies. The souvenirs we got to keep were a metal water bottle with SMR logo on it, a great technical tee and one of those wooden train whistles with "Smoky Mountain Relay" burnt into the side. What great items!!!

It was by far, the most amazing running experience to date. I made new friends I have continued to run with regularly. I got to experience kindness during times of heat, humidity, hunger and exhaustion. I know there are many more miles that can be run, and much tougher situations to encounter, but having a team that was as perfect as this one may never again be experienced. Well, hopefully annually :) I thank the universe for the wonderful experience.

DuPont Forest Half-Marathon

Disclaimer: This is written two months after the race...... tenses may shift. :)

This was my first half-marathon. As soon as I heard about it from a training partner last fall, I knew I had to do it. Ooh, a trail half - perfect. (I found out during the first preview run, however, that it was more of a fire-road half. I was disappointed, but got over it pretty quickly.) I'm not one to follow self-made training schedules very well. I think in 2010 I had done a few 9-milers and one or two 11-milers to train for it. I do a fair amount of supplementation bike riding, so I figured I was prepared despite. In addition, last fall, my medium runs were 8-9 miles, shorts 5-6 and longs up to 16. Anyways, I had a base built up.

Within the two months before, I was reminded that my cousin Katherine was joining, and then learned my friend Kim had also signed up (along with her friend Megan, who I had yet to meet). I love races with friends! I was so excited! I did a training run with Kim and Megan down at DuPont - showing them the course preview I got in January. (It was 6 degrees on that preview day - I should have gotten 5 minutes off my time for going to it!) Garmin link: DuPont Training Run I also did a training run of Southridge in Bent Creek with my friend Billy as well as Kim as another long run to add to the tally. Garmin link: Southridge Training Run

Day of the race, my mom had sleepily agreed to join to see me and Katherine and Kim. We left the house at probably 7am. I have that extra race day energy usually, so on race day it's almost unbearable for others. My mom lovingly rode in my car, windows down, heat on, music blasting and me singing at the top of my lungs to get "geared up" or whatever reason it is that I love to do that.

Once we arrived, we bumped around and finally saw Katherine and Kim with her family. Port-a-potty lines were excruciating, and nerves make me have to pee - to the woods we went. Anyways, we all lined up and the race started. I had no pace in mind. I just wanted to relax and take the run as it came. I ended up staying with Katherine for about the first half. (If my memory is correct.) She powered on at some point. I settled into my groove and just kept a moderate pace.

The course was beautiful - Old Guion to the airplane strip and around the back of Fawn Lake where happily a little double-track greeted us. Once we were back on fire roads, I knew to use the downhill to gain some speed. I caught up with a small group - Katherine included. We ran together for about 4 miles. I met a now friend - Brain (view his blog here ) - in this section. We chatted ultra-running hopes and dreams. He was training for his first 50k (last weekend by the way, and did great). The last two miles were uphill, so I put my head down and tried to get through them. They were rough. It was really sandy here and a steady climb. There was one person in my sights the last half mile that I was able to pull away from to the finish. Garmin race link: DuPont Half Marathon

1:53:48 - 4th of 30 in my age group (just missed a mug!) As my first, and as a "trail", I was pleased.

All-in-all the race felt great. My knee was pretty stiff once it was over, but I felt okay. The course was great. The people were great. It was wonderful to do a race with Katherine - she has been running just about her whole life. (I definitely had some non-athletic, unhealthy times.) Getting to experience it with her was incredible to me. It gave us a new experience together, and I finally discovered that she wasn't crazy as a kid for always wanting to hike and run. It's fabulous! She is the culprit for talking me into this LeHigh Valley Marathon - my first. She hopes to qualify for Boston, I hope to finish uninjured. Perfect.

It was also wonderful to get to race with Kim - we have known each other since first grade. We had remained distant acquaintances throughout the years, but had lost a real connection, as geography tends to do. Running is so magical. It can create such a connection with people - doing what they love and working so hard to better themselves - together. We now get to run, hike, camp on a regular basis. Yay! (I still need to attend a Kim-taught yoga class, however.)

Riverbound Race Series 5k

Disclaimer again: This is written almost 3 months later,  please have a grain of salt by your side...

Ahh, the 5k.Ooh, a trail! I had actually never run a trail race before this one. Never. And it's all I ever train on. I had no idea what to expect. I knew my road PR and felt that I may be a minute or two behind there. My friend Alex agreed to join - he's usually up for anything. We met at 5am and headed over to Charlotte.

The National Whitewater Center is a pretty awesome place. Definitely worth checking out if you've never been there and you are into climbing, mountain biking, trail running or paddling. Anyways. We were there by 7:15. Being the inaugural of a new series, there were two race times posted so we of course went with the later, 8:30. Could have slept in a bit longer. Ah well, I love mornings anyways.

The race started at the top of a hill and quickly went into single-track trail. Windy and tight single-track trail. I got stuck behind two runners who would not step slightly to a side. I felt I wasted a lot of energy being frustrated with their race etiquette. Finally the guy right behind me jumped up onto the bank to pass. I waited until the next switchback to make my move.

The race was hard. I was exhausted. It felt good though. I know how to run quickly with small steps on this terrain. I passed people. At one point I was all alone and didn't see anyone so I debated turning back. The time I was expecting was about to pass so I figured I had made a wrong turn. I meandered back for a second, to see if I saw anyone. That's when I saw the 3 people come around the bend 50 feet back. I quickly commenced my run. We had about 3/4 mile to go at this point. Once I saw the clearing in the trees, I knew the end was near. I picked it up - or felt I did anyways. There was a bit more left than anticipated so I had to back off some. I normally have a decent kick at the end, but as I recall, someone passed me right at the end.

All in all though, the race was awesome. I couldn't believe my time. 26:36. Garmin race link: Riverbound 5k I had worked so hard and finished over 4 minutes slower than my road PR. Geez, trails are their own beast. I ended up 2nd female overall (of 89) and 2nd in my age group. And therefore, met a great new friend. Christina had gotten first female overall with an amazing time of 24:00. Alex also did well - 2nd in his age group, and I think, really enjoyed the race. He does ultras so only doing three miles was a new challenge for him.

I felt I had found my kind of race. One I was good at. Time not affecting the outcome. (Ahh, foreshadowing... see RBRS 10k - eeek.)

Frostbite 5k

You must love the 5k. You must because they completely deplete you. It really is a 3 mile sprint. The whole way - push the whole way. What a fabulous experience to be had. The 5k for me is like a waiting game. Are you going to be able to pull it off? That effort? The whole time? Are you going to get mentally defeated that last half mile to quarter mile to go? Ah! How exciting.

The back story: I have never done well with the 5k. My PR was hovering directly over 25:00 - 25:05 to be exact.. I could run faster too! I knew I could, it just never happened in a race. My 5k back in 2004 (my 6 month running trial) 32:11. For Bele Chere last year, I ended up walking - yes w-a-l-k-i-n-g, about half a mile at least. My shins cramped up - I could barely lift my toes. For one, my technique needed some improvement, two I had not been on roads since the previous race, and three, I don't believe I had done any speed work. So this Frostbite was important to me, although I knew better than to expect a miracle.

My mom and step dad came to support me. My friend Kim and her mom also ran it. (My first ever race with Kim - she is mentioned again in the DuPont half post). I had no real expectations. I usually give mom a range of times so she "knows how happy to be when I finish". 

Happiness level 1: 24: something 

Happiness level 2: 23: something

Happiness level 3: 22: something

And of course the unattainable Happiness level 4: 21:something - just to be safe.

Well, the race started well. It went around Park Ridge Hospital on their walking path. It was rolling hill style. I kept a moderate/hard pace - tried not to look at the pace of my Garmin. First mile went by - I heard it beep so I glanced down - 7:00 (what? really?)  Mile two stayed a rolling hill style. Mile three started with a nice little hill including a turnaround at the top. I am mentally competitive so I counted the people as they passed at the turnaround. Hey - I wasn't too far behind! Last little bit - once I knew the finish line was coming, but couldn't see it, I held back for about 25 feet. There were little dirt clumps that had me thrown for some reason. Anyways, I picked it back up. As I ran into the finish I spotted the clock and was AMAZED. (I don't really utilize the Garmin well for this) I was close to 22! I didn't get to break it, but ended up with a 22:06. Garmin link: Frostbite 5k 

I was astonished. I had finally run a decent (for me) 5k!!!! It was great to have my family there to support me. I also ran into an old high school friend with her husband and 3 kids. It was great to see her and she had just started running too! We now keep in touch and share future race possibilities. If only my mind hadn't gone directly to...  "Now... how can I break 22?"