Scared and excited.... but saying yes to life!

So I ran a local color run this past weekend. It was a fun run/untimed and for a great cause. I grabbed my sunglasses and camera to enjoy the color filled morning! I found myself watching the other runners and walkers laughing and enjoying the experience. It was great being doused in colors and running with friends. Just a run right????? Not quite, I tend to analyze a lot and that's just fine by me. It's actually really great for my running. So here's what caught my attention:



Children running without a care in the world

Friends decked out in bright clothes connecting while doing something physical

Families joining together to support the community

Runners dedicating miles to loved ones and new friends









I was inspired by the ladies you can see in the picture to the right. My heart was full watching these ladies covered in bright colors saying yes to this run! It made me reflect on my life and how am I making the most of each day. Do I say "yes" enough.... do I let go and just do it?!?






That brings me to my next announcement. I have officially signed up for my first 100 mile attempt. So if you want to follow my journey to 100 please continue to read my blog, join me on a run, or even just send a word of encouragement for my long months of training, I would really appreciate it.




I know I ask this a lot, but can you get more from your life? This world has so much to give, get out there and experience it in your own special way!


Run happy friends :)
 

If it doesn't scare you....

Backstage at Les Mis

It has been a while since my last post. The summer was busy.... work, musical, and running. Now as I'm heading into a new school year it's time to think about what comes next. I always help students set goals and plans on how to achieve them and so I also think about my own personal goals.


So what's next for me? I had a little hiatus from running at the end of July/beginning of august due to a fall. But I'm back and slowly building mileage. It feels great!

Foot feels so much better

Ever dream of something and wake up freaked out and excited at the same time?

I've been contemplating pushing my running limits once again with my next racing venture. I've enjoyed all my runs (not so much the 5ks) but especially when the distances jumps beyond the marathon. I've taken on 50ks and 50Milers with a smile. Can my body handle more?

They say if you're not scared.... you're not dreaming big enough. Well, lets just say this dream has me shaking!

If you know me, I'm kind of a get it done kind of girl. I'll set my mind on something and you can pretty much guarantee it will be accomplished no matter how hard I have to work for it. But the thing is.... not finishing is a real possibility and that terrifies me. So what's more important..... playing it safe and only completing tasks I know I can accomplish.... or the joy of trying something new, hard, and exhilarating?

How about you? Any thoughts coming into your mind right now that excite and make you a little nervous all at the same time? Follow my journey into the unknown and reach out to me cause I'd love to hear about yours as well.

smile on my friends.... even when you're scared!

Stay tuned for race update

Race Report: 50s for yo momma 50M

This last weekend (mother's day weekend) I had the pleasure of running another 50 mile event in Circleville, OH. And the best part is.... my mom and oldest sister, Jamie, came along and joined in on the fun!

 I'll try to keep this report as concise as possible, but bear with me as I try to fully describe the experience of "yo momma!"

The race was set to begin at 6:30 with the pre-race meeting at 6:15. With it being a low key event we were able to get the the park with just a little time to hang out. I got my gear in place so there would be minimal time waisted between loops. My brain was already thinking strategy for staying motivated with a multi looped course. My mom and sister were running the 25k while I was in for the full 50m. I was thankful to have their company for the beginning of the day (except for the 1/2 mile section the 50 milers split from the rest) The full distance was a total of 6 loops with a "14 hour cutoff"

Due to the continual change of course throughout the day, I've separated the post into loop sections :)

Gear: 

brooks cascadia
garmin 310xt (froze loop one and died loop 6)
Pro compression socks
Road runner compression shorts
5 shirts
Nathan quickshot handheld water
Nathan hydration vest (loops 5/6)

Loops 1 & 2

Mom, Jamie, and I headed out for loop one right at 6:30. The plan was to stick together as long as possible and keep moving. It was great to get on course and see what we were going to be working with. We crossed a dam and went into a section of prairie grass. There were several runners since all three distances started out together. Once we made a little loop in the grass we crossed some decking and headed into the woods. Lots of roots, rocks, and turns. There were many sights, sounds, and hills. Within the first couple of miles (no watch made it difficult to keep track of distance/time) we came to a bouncy bridge and the split off that separated 50 milers from 25/50kers. They were going to walk this section and I would run on and catch back up to them. This worked out well and we met up after climbing set 1(of 3) of stairs on course. Once together again mom gave us her blessing to continue on at my pace and she would travel on her merry way. She is strong and brave and conquered this tough event on her own.

I was thankful to have Jamie with me.

Loop one was pretty uneventful but I will say I had an eerie feeling that this day was going to be much harder than I expected.

hill with ropes

Jamie and I came back into the start/finish, checked in to have our lap counted, grabbed food and walked back out to start the second loop (eating on the move). We were right on track for how I wanted to pace the day. And my watch was finally working! This loop we did a good amount of chitchatting and planned the split off strategy (Jamie would walk until I caught back up to her). It was fun to start to know the major landmarks on the course: new decking, bouncy bridge, stairs #1, hills with the ropes, stairs #2, the "big ass hole" , down, down, down section, up, up, up section, stairs #3, the big step down stairs, etc (not in order!)
(Time on clock: 4hours 14min)

Loops 3 & 4

After 2 loops with company it was hard to head out knowing the rest of my day would be alone. The great thing about looped courses is less drop bag worry and a lot of family support.... the bad thing about looped courses: the car is right there! Ha!

 I tried to push through without music for as long as possible. My legs were starting to really feel the fatigue. The mud was making things difficult on the ankles but I was maintaining pace pretty well. I lived for the unmanned water stop and the campground aid station. These were great mental checkpoints on the course and helped me stay motivated.

Things really started to get interesting at loop 4 when the rain hit, including  rumbling thunder! I continued on soaked but enjoying the new smells and sounds (add in ipod). The rain only made the course conditions exponentially sloppier. There were several spots on course where the footing was fairly narrow with steep drop offs just past the trail. I began walking sections due to mud, causing these previously runnable areas to slant more than my comfort level. You could see where others tried certain paths and failed. I was constantly planning, re-adjusting, and recovering which took a mental toll. All the while, the heart was happy knowing I was giving it my best.

These loops brought special gifts from nature. I know that sounds weird but it is something that keeps me motivated for so many hours in a run.
*The section by the dam was filled with beautiful yellow finches.
*I love the understated beauty of the female cardinal and the splash of vibrant red from its male counterpart.
*Of course the encouragement and camaraderie of fellow runners were welcomed distractions from the TOUGH course/run.

(Time on clock: 9hours 4 min.... loop 4 killed the pace)




hill/bridge/hill combo

Loop 5

stairs #1

After coming in from loop 4 well past when I wanted, I immediately asked the RD "can I go out for more?" His quick response was of course! So I grabbed a new shirt (The 4th of the day) and snacks, a sip of Mountain Dew and hit the road.... ummmm trail for loop 5. By this point the trail was really quite sloppy. Areas that were the easy parts previous loops were SCARY! :) The ropes were necessary and where there weren't ropes, I found myself grabbing for branches, roots, and sometimes just digging my hands into the mud to stay upright.  I think the pixie sticks I grabbed from my gear box gave me a little sugar boost during this loop too. I had bananas at the campground aid station to stave off the twinge of cramps in the legs.  I was thankful to find some others on trail still working on loop 5 too. I was tired, but not completely discouraged. I set out to accomplish this run and I kept sticking to plan.

(Time on clock: 11hours 45min)

Loop 6

"So if I go out for loop 6 but come in after 14 hours will I still be considered a finisher?" This was a legit question knowing I'd be heading out into an extremely difficult final loop. "Yes! we want all that can to finish" was the RDs' answer. No change of shirt or shoes, not enough time, banana to go and another swig of pop. With my headlamp in tow I left home base for the final loop. Cheers from the pop up tents gave me a new spurt of energy. My plan was to run anywhere that was "runnable" even if it was an uphill. The places that were so muddy it felt dangerous would be my walk breaks. I was surprised with how much I was able to push and run, even with the conditions. Each person I came across gave a quick wave, good job, or "wow you look too fresh to be on loop 6!" I love to chat with others on course so I gave my cheerful responses and kept moving. I made it to the campground before needing my headlamp. I saw my mom and sister at this stop! I loved that they made the trip over to see me on course. My sister said get through the dangerous hill/bridge/hill section before dark! That was the plan but I knew the next mile and half were what I was most nervous about.

I found myself running along the edge of the path in the leaves to get more traction. At the bottom of several hills I spend a moment planning the best route knowing the wrong path would send me sliding back to the bottom only to have to climb again. Trees and ropes became my best friends in regards to climbing hills and even "skied" down a few declines in the grooves of previous sliding runners. I felt relieved after pulling myself up the worst of the inclines and made it through the creek. There was still course left, but it felt safe!

Dusk was upon me and I was thankful for my headlamp. The woods kind of took on a spooky element with the sounds of animals rusting in the dark (Was that a coyote yip???). "Get through the pines and near the lake.... parking lot with geese.... down the hill by the boat docks.... through the grassy area".... before the finish I could see my mom and sister (what a beautiful sight)! The checkered flag chute was mine! Rob (RD) was waiting for me at the finish ready to place the well-earned medal on my neck. I did it!! Definitely not a PR for time, but a new farthest distance: 52.2 miles.

(Time on clock: 14 hours 31 min.)

Reflection

This was the hardest event I've taken on and I am so glad I did it. I'm proud of my mom and sister! They both kicked butt on a tough course! They are strong women and were a wonderful support team for me. (I think they both proved more than capable at becoming my crew/pacers for longer events in the future) The run was also my mom's first trail race!

Lucy, my I Run 4 buddy gave me such inspiration all day! I run because she can't. I am so blessed to get to know this strong family that handles challenges like bosses! Awesome examples for me and my need for control!

Rob and Angie put on an awesome event. They cared for each person out there. Rob's energy was so fun and he wanted to all succeed and have a fun day.

Not only do I want to do this event again.... I don't see myself taking a break from ultras anytime soon.

I run ultras for me: to get away, to destress, to push myself past the comfort zone, to be better than I was yesterday....

But I also run these things for others. To encourage, to connect, to reflect and meditate for those in need, to inspire.

How about you???? What keeps you pushing and striving to be more of what this world needs?















Fun Extras:
* Food consumed on run: potato chips, 3 bananas, 4 pixie sticks, 1 oreo cookie, 1 chocolate chip cookie, 2 packages of fruit snacks, 1 jolly rancher, a few pretzel sticks, peanutbutter pretzels, and a couple doritos.
* 1 bathroom break at the campground aid station during loop 1
* 0 falls...... several close calls! :)
* 1 cheezy smile for several hours.

Pursuing goals and conquering fear

I'll be embarking on my next 50 mile race in a couple weeks (May 10th to be exact) and I must admit I've been a bit fixated on it. I've been planning... plan b-ing.... making lists, and visualizing. This has impacted my training runs and my sleep. I know that sounds odd.... I think it's because I have a specific goal in mind and I tend to put a bit of pressure on myself. Do you ever do that too?

I have had the pleasure of helping some friends see through personal goals themselves and I've smiled and loved every minute... or mile. Yet, fear is closing in as my goal gets closer to reality. Why is it that helping others reach goals is much different than accomplishing your own?

I've run this far before, but races are never guaranteed, especially at this distance. Would anyone think less of me if I were to DNF (did not finish).... I doubt it especially when I had the courage to start. But the brain plays games... especially with a perfectionist.

I hope to be enough.... I hope to smile while accomplishing my goal. But what is the true goal?
             to finish
             to reach out and encourage others
             to enjoy the trail and connect with nature
             to stay tough even when things get hard

What I find with my fear... if I talk myself through all scenarios... if I plan, re-plan, and accept outcomes the fear becomes less. Have you read the story "Henry y el terrible quiensabeque" It's a story where a boy finds a big monster and the more he confronts this scary thing... the smaller it becomes, until it finally disappears. Hopefully this post is me diminishing the "quensabeque" ("what's it")

I will embark on a 50 mile journey. I will have my mom and oldest sister on trail and I will LOVE that I can push my limits. I can smile knowing uncertainty is natural and means I'm not living my comfort zone. I am growing... changing... and testing my limits.

Thank you for accepting me where I'm at in this journey today, fear included. I'll report back in in a couple of weeks. Win, lose, or DNF I will keep pushing past my limits and comfort zone... conquering fear and pursuing my goals.

Celebrating with Others

 

This past weekend I ran the St. Louis half marathon. I ran it simply to celebrate an accomplishment of a fellow running buddy. Ashley started running last year and set her sights on a half marathon. Jessica and I said "pick the race and we'll be there." Ashley chose the Go St. Louis half marathon... a birthday run for her!

 
 
See the details of the fun trip below:
 
The trip down to St. Louis was fun and easy. We stopped in their old college stomping ground for lunch and then continued on. Once we were in the race city we went to the packet-pick and Expo. This was in the basketball stadium at the local university. We grabbed our packets and shopped around for a bit. Ashley of course picked up her new 13.1 sticker and we all grabbed some fun headbands.
 

 
 
 

 
 
Then we had quite the adventure trying to meet other runners at the Spaghetti Factory. There was road construction and lots of traffic. About an hour late... we made it to dinner. Had a great time with Stephanie and Crystal (running marathon and half respectively) as we fueled for the next morning.
 
Easy... fun evening!
 
The race:

Our hotel was within a 1/2 mile of the starting line. This made the morning a breeze. We got up, dressed, and walked to the starting corals. Ashley looked ready even if she was feeling nervous. Jessica and I were there, encouraging and equally excited for the next few hours.
 
Race began at 7:00 and we headed out decked out in purple outfits and big smiles. We soon found out that the course was hilly.... not just the "Holy Hill" section we were already prepared for. We stayed conservative with our pace and chit-chatted/enjoyed running in a new city. There was a constant flow of runners and sporadic spectators. We passed by the arch.... sports stadiums, a cute farmers market, and a huge brewery. I was snapping pictures as best I could while running :) (I really need a camera that just attaches to my hat or chest!)

 
At mile 6 we crossed new timing mats for the 2 mile section called "Holy Hill." This was actually a 2 mile stretch of about 3 major hills. You would get to the top of one and think "wow, that wasn't that bad" to see as soon as you went down you were climbing once again. We all ran the hills like champs!
 
The hilly course did take a toll and Jessica and I stayed positive because we knew how well Ashley could do. It's awesome when on course... sometimes things come up that give you a push when you need it most. Sometimes it's a spectator cheering you on by name, or a snowcap candy at an aid station.... for Ashley it was a sip of beer a couple miles from the finish! :)
 
Her goal was to run her first half marathon in under 2:30 and we finished in 2:18.01! She finished with a smile and a double thumbs up!
 
It was a great time to just enjoy her accomplishment! It is amazing what the body can do when you say yes. It's also fulfilling to help someone else reach a goal and to celebrate with them.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extra pics if you want to check them out:

Flat stanley was on course!

Steph(Bday run) and Beth (1st marathon) 

Buildings around brewery

 

All smiles over half way through

pura vida on the course

13.1 done... great day

Sneaky pics

on course early on

Downtown St. Louis

Paleozoic 50k

This past Saturday I had the joy of running the Paleozoic 50k in Palos Park, Illinois. It was a wonderful day for many reasons and I'll expand on it all below. But I first have to mention that I ran this race to enjoy time with my running buddy Jessica on her first 50k. I told her pick the race and I'll be there. It's just so amazing that she picked a race that I truly love because of the awesome race directors.

**** quick back story**** I previously vowed to match running/volunteering at races in at least a 1:1 ratio. So last fall I volunteered at the Paleozoic Carboniferous Fall event. I didn't know Bill or Michelle prior to this day. I went, without knowing anyone, and was quickly welcomed to the team and put to work. In fact I was put as an aid station captain! I LOVED my time connecting with Michelle and her sister. It was a perfect day. It helped me realize I can share my joy with others and step out of my comfort zone and connect with new people. Even if it is over Ultra snacks and refilling water bottles.

So when I knew Jessica was considering the spring event as her 50k I was thrilled. I quickly emailed Bill that I unfortunately could not volunteer at the spring event because I would be RUNNING it! The moment we picked up our packets I knew she picked the perfect race. The personal touches really show the special character of the RDs. If I wasn't already smiling in the car, I was definitely smiling pinning on my bib.
 

Pre-race smiles

 
 
 
 
 (Note the personalized
messages on our packets!)













Now the race was a day full of laughter, shrieks, slips, falls, challenges, and ultra success.

The course was set as an out and back that you completed twice to make up the 31 miles. The 50k runners took off just after 8:30. It was a brisk morning and quickly into the run we noticed there was quite a bit of ice. This presented a slippery challenge. We were able to maneuver the thick ice steadily.





Jessica tackling the water pit



my turn

There were patches of clear trail leading up to a large patch of standing water. There was no way around it so we went full in and got out feet (and a good portion of our shins) soaked. This was about 4 miles into the course. It was a cold wake up and we laughed knowing we would have to pass through it 3 more times. The "out" of the course was tough with several inclines and the aforementioned ice. At about 7.5 miles we reached the turnaround aid station.







We were warmly greeted by Jennifer and Rich.
They shared words of encouragement, posed for a pic,
and offered plenty of delicious snacks.
We quickly grabbed supplies and headed back to the start/finish aid stations.

We thankfully found out that the "back" portion of the course seemed quite a bit easier and we were keeping great time. It was warming up a bit and the ice was turning into sludge and mud. We were still able to maneuver the terrain with minimal slips and falls. The freezing water once again brought about shrieks and laughter.



Hitting the home aid station we knew we wanted to make a quick turnaround so we wouldn't be temped to sit. Once again we were greeted by amazing volunteers and some cheering spectators. The snacks were perfect, the drinks were cold, and it all hit the spot, especially the lemon cookies and snow caps.

 

Back out we went but to our surprise the course seemed completely different. The hills were the same, but the ice was now sludge and more mud. I kept saying "The out is the hard part.... let's just get to the Rich and Jennifer." There were a couple of rough miles but Jessica pushed on. (Again, just so proud). We had thought we may need to re-think the 7 hour goal but she would finish.

I could go on and on about the course and each mile, but I won't. (It really is hard to describe it and really do it justice)

 We hit the aid station, filled bottles, had more snacks and friendly chatter with the awesome volunteers and knew we could make it 7 more miles to the end.

Jessica seemed to hit her stride. Even though the mud, it was much easier heading back to the finish. The pace picked up and when we were a couple miles out, I let Jessica know we could get there under 7 hours. It would be close... but definitely possible. She perked right up and we had our fastest mile to finish the race. Jessica crossed the line with her husband and best friend waiting for her. We were all clapping and cheering for the special moment. She did it.... and ultra! (In 6hours and 55 min too... under 7 hours)

For me, I had the most amazing experience. I found how truly blessed I was to be able to encourage, support, and help someone else meet a goal. I loved pacing and pushing my buddy. The miles were easy mentally knowing I was there to stay positive and help someone else. I hope others will allow me to take a journey with them (ultra or outside of my sneakers).

I felt so alive on the trail. Find what makes you feel alive and do it as often as possible.

So if anyone wants to make Paleo a 50k goal... I'll be more than happy to run it with you in the spring of 2015.... as for their fall event, I'll be volunteering :)


**** Cannot thank Bill and Michelle enough. They put on a top notch event and make everyone feel special. Each runner matters and their energy is just contagious. They make you want to keep coming back and getting more involved. ****

(I forgot to hit record so I had to try again ;) All for the blog right?!?!?!)