3 weeks before raceday

   Do any of you ever actually feel like you are prepared for a race? I never feel like I've done enough for a race but it's not something I dwell on. I, personally, would rather be slightly undertrained than overtrained when it comes to racing. I don't really have a training strategy. I run when I want to and it's never more than 3 times a week; this seems to be working for me so I'm sticking with it.

   I did my longest training run, preparing for this race, on Saturday. My favorite man and I went out to Umstead SP about 8:15 that morning. It was still in the 20's and I was FREEZING! I had on tights, a thin long-sleeved shirt, and gloves hoping that I'd be warm enough. As soon as I started, I couldn't feel my fingers. I was double fisting water bottles and my thin Walmart gloves just weren't cutting it. I knew I'd warm up quick but it just didn't seem quick enough.

   After 2 miles, I could finally feel my fingers and I was cruising along. The first 9 miles were on single-track trail and I was loving the scenary. I'd never run that portion of the park before and didn't realize how pretty it was. I didn't know exactly where I was going so I'd have to stop at every trail intersection to look at the map; luckily they had one at every intersection but I had a paper copy just in case.

   With the single track and stopping every little bit, it took me 1:50 to do 10 miles! Also with it being so cold, I hadn't even gone through one full water bottle. About mile 10, I hit the gravel road portion of the park and would be running that the rest of the way. I took walk breaks periodically and felt pretty tight when I finished at 20 miles. When I finished and was lying on my back with my feet up, all I could think was, In a few weeks you're gonna have to do that twice!


   The next day, I did an additional 10 miles at the park for a two day total of 30. My legs were dead, the cold and wind kicked my butt but I still finished. I did some hot yoga on Monday which really helped me get stretched out and dealt with some of the soreness.

Distance: 20 miles
Route: Umstead SP
Shoes: Brooks Cascadia
Food:
Before the run- Blueberry muffin oatmeal and half a pita w/PB
During- 3 water bottles (1 filled half with grape Gatorade), 1 GU, 1 pack of sport beans and 1 mini Cliff bar
After- double tall soy latte, big can of soup, and a smoothie
Result- No GI issues before or after (I think my GI issues the weekend prior was due to the V8 juice in one of my bottles; won't be doing that again). I didn't take in as much food as I probably should have during the run but I'm trying to get my body use to not eating as much during. I usually take salt caps on long runs like these but I did fine without any. I'll probably use some for the 40 though.

"Endurance never sleeps." ~ Karno

LIVESTRONG!

Sunday 16 miler

   It was another gorgeous day here in North Carolina and I took advantage of it. I headed out at 10:00 to run a 16 mile loop; all on road. When I rolled out of bed this morning, I was a little tight/sore from hiking about 3 hours yesterday at Raven Rock State Park. It was beautiful and my BFF, Erin, came with me and we had a picnic of my homemade tuna salad/pita, mango, blueberries and almonds.


   The temperature, when I started, was a lovely 57° and I was in shorty shorts and a t-shirt. It really hasn't felt like January/winter but I'M LOVING IT!! No complaints here! I hadn't charged my Garmin and I didn't know what pace I was running, so I just went with what felt good. I met Erin at the halfway point and she ran the last half with me. I always love being able to do my longer runs with her. We are always able to chat and it makes the miles seem to breeze by. This run gave us some great hills and was a great workout.


   Sometimes after long runs, my stomach bothers me. It doesn't always happen but today is one of those days. I just finished the run about 45 mins ago and haven't been able to eat anything yet. I did mix up a Carnation Instant Breakfast packet (chocolate) with some 1% milk and was able to down that.


   I'm feeling more prepared now for the Uwharrie 40 coming up in less than a month. Next weekend I'm going to try to get 30 miles out of Saturday and Sunday; maybe 20/10 or 22/8.


Have a great week folks!


Distance: 16 miles
Route: St. Mere drop zone loop
Shoes: Brooks Ghost 3 (purple)
Food:
   Breakfast- waffle and Chai spiced oatmeal w/milk and cofffee
   During the run- 1 GU, 1 pack of Sport Beans, 2 water bottles (one with    
   diluted V8 cran/blackberry juice...don't think that was a good move; just 
   trying it out)
   Result: Upset tummy after


LIVESTRONG!

It's a new year!

2011 was a stressful yet productive year that ended very well for me. I had a wonderful year of running and adventure racing, which I've already recap'd, and I can't wait to see what happens in 2012.
I ended 2011 with a 12 mile run at Umstead State Park. The weather was phenomenal and I ran in shorty shorts and a tank-top! Who would have thought it'd be that warm here at the end of the year? The run was great and refreshing with a stream crossing (x2). Today I got in a few shake out miles with my buddy Erin just to start the new year off right. I don't do resolutions but I do want to start keeping my training log again. I did good last year through August but then slacked off.
I've had some great changes recently and some more coming up. I can't wait to see where they go next year. There is a lot to look forward to and a lot of life to live. I'm thankful I get to wake up everyday to all the things and people I have in my life. I am incredibly fortunate to be able to enjoy the great outdoors and I plan to take advantage of that every chance I get. I uncovered a lot of my potential in 2011 but I know there is lots more just itching to show itself! Let's do this!

Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve run

What a better way to start off Christmas Eve than with a frosty 7 mile run. I managed to get myself out at 7:30 this morning and took off down the road. I hate running around where I live but sometimes I just don't want to drive to go run. My neighborhood is a bit shady (and not because of the trees). I wanted to get some decent miles in so I started taking side roads I hadn't run down before.


It was pretty uneventful except for almost being eaten by a big ol' German Shepherd. Luckily, there was a fence between us and I saw him before he started barking b/c I might have peed my pants.


The air was nice and chilly and everything smelled great. I love the smell of leaves after they've fallen off the trees. I am going home for the holidays and hope to get some good runs in while I'm there. My mom lives in a valley in the backwoods of Western NC so there are some good hills to train on.


I hope everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas!!!

Bad run

I haven't had a bad run in a long time. Yesterday was 6 miles that I never thought would end. My stomach was hatin' on me and I just felt like crap. Those runs definitely make me appreciate the good ones that much more. I am so fortunate to be healthy and to be able to run. I don't know what I'd do without it.

Uwharrie 40 miler is coming up in barely over a month and I'm not going to be as prepared as I'd hoped. I'm still running it though and will give it all I have. I'm excited!

I hope everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas!!

Year recap (AUG-DEC)

August 

Run for the Red 10K

This was a local race that I just wasn't ready for. The two big adventure races of July really had me worn out. The hills and smell of manuer really kicked my butt. I don't even remember my time but it was terrible. I did debut my sweet bright green leopard print spandex!

You know you LOVE the shorts....

Warrior Dash Carolinas - Hendersonville, NC

I was PUMPED for this race because my little brother (2 yrs younger) signed up to do the race too! It was his first event ever and I was stoked to run with him. He is not in shape and smokes but he gave it his best. I was so proud of him and he had a good time!

Me and my bro

September

Odyssey Trail Half Marathon - Virginia

This was one of the toughest yet most awesome half marathons I have ever done. The first THREE miles were up hill and I think it was a 1500' elevation gain! Even the leaders had to walk some. The woods were beautiful and I was able to talk to some great people. After the 3 miles uphill it was about 6 miles down. I was flying down that mountain! Even though it took me 2:25, I got 4th female overall and 1st in my AG!

Erin, Myself, and my AR partner Allen

River Bound Trail 13.1 - Charlotte, NC

Again, my brother signed up for this race but for the 5K! I didn't even mention it to him or ask. He saw it on my Facebook and asked if he could still register. It was a rainy muggy day. This race BLEW! I have never ran so many switchbacks and lolly loops in all of my life. I don't even know what a lolly loop is but it was BAD! Every inch of the woods looked the same and I didn't know if I'd ever get out. I got 2nd in my AG.

2nd place podium!

October

North Face Endurance Challenge 50K - Pine Mountain, Georgia

The two trail halfs the month before really had me ready to go for my first official ultra! I had signed up for this race late/spring early/summer and it was finally here. I had no idea how I'd do, like in most races, but I knew I wanted it. Badly. It was the hardest terrain I'd ever run on. Really rocky and rooty, lots to climb over (including boulders) and many other shenanigans that my words won't do justice for. I felt great until about 8 miles to go. I was out of steam but knew I couldn't stop. A guy from Australia, who was running the 50miler, started running beside me and pushed me along. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have finished as fast as I did. I would run a little, sob a little, run a little and sob more. The last few miles were finished purely on heart. I found out I was the 4th female with a couple miles to go. There was mix of 50K, 50M, and marathoners so I didn't know who was who. I didn't care. I started picking off ponytails left and right all the while hoping I didn't kill over on the trail. I finished in 6:34, 4th female and 3rd in my AG. I couldn't have been more proud of myself. I got to run the race with my BFF Erin, got to meet Dean Karnazes, Nikki Kimball, and Hal Koerner. Best Race EVER!

November

Old Reliable 10K - Raleigh, NC

This was a last minute signup and I just wasn't prepared. I'd taken it easy since the 50K and just wanted to do this for my Nov race. I freakin' PR'd by about 45 secs and got 1st in my AG!

Philadelphia Half Marathon - Philadelphia, PA

I got to meet a lot of incredible people from Runner's World and could not have had a better time. And running with my sisters from another mister was so rewarding.. My BFF Erin and I ran with her sister Kristin who was shooting for a sub-2 half. She did awesome and pushed herself to accomplish her goal! I'm so proud of her and know that she is only going to get better and FASTER!!! LOOK OUT! 

Kristin, Erin and I

Us with the Runner's World.com Editor, Mark Remy

December

Inaugural Green Beret Jingle Jog 10K

Another local race that would also get me my race for December. I'd forgotten my Garmin in my car so I was running naked and blind. It turned out to be pretty awesome. I played leap frog with the lead female the whole way and dubbed her Pink Santa Hat Girl as in my last RR. This girl was fast and tried to get rid of me. I just wouldn't leave her alone and breathed my hot air down her pretty little neck the whole time. Ok, it wasn't that intense but you get the idea...HAHA! It was a fight to the finish and she pushed through a little more gas than I did beating me by 6 seconds. But guess what.....ANOTHER PR! 43:53. PR last run of the season and a second place overall female award....what could be better?!?!

I'm in the red shirt

This year was a turning point for me. I had a 6 month stint of constantly going to the gym, which is pretty dang good! I've been burned out for a little while but think I'm ready to hit it again. I have accomplished many things and been many places this year. This year I realized that I had so much potential within myself and that not one drop of gas/energy should be left when I finish a race. No cheating myself. I have left my blood, sweat, tears, soul, my EVERYTHING out in the woods from here to Georgia, up to Virginia and even to PHILLY! I'll end with this....Let 2012 be your year to find out what your body can do. Push yourself. Kick your own ass. Do something you never thought you'd do. Be the best runner you can be. LIVE.

LIVESTRONG!

Year recap (JAN-JULY)

With the year winding down, I've been looking at what I've done this year. Where did 2011 go?? 

What have I done this year? The only real goal I set for myself this year was to do at least one race every month and......I DID IT!

January-

Little River 10 mile trail run

I had been sick for a couple weeks and it had just snowed. I wasn't feeling this race and decided to just 'run' it. HUGE mistake as I got shoved in the back of a conga line and poked around the whole 10 miles. Never again. That's when I said to myself "Race hard or stay at home."

My favorite winter running pic

February-

Anderson Creek 10K

It was a chilly rainy day and I didn't know what was going to happen. My 'rival' was running this race and I gunned for her the whole time. I paced myself just right, snuck up on her and passed her the last half mile to win the overall female award! WOO!

Georgia Chainbuster 9 hour moutain bike relay

This race was in preparation for the 30 hour adventure race I'd compete in the next month. I am terrible at biking single track and was WAY out of my league. I had kids passing me! NOT OK.

March-

Northern Georgia 30 hour Adventure Race

This was going to be the mother of all races. The longest AR I'd completed before this was 12 hours. After 30 hours of biking, hiking, running, getting lost, navigating around in the dark, eating tons of beef jerkey and trail mix, getting my legs shredded by briars.....it was done. We walked up to the race director to turn in our checkpoint sheet and all we got for doing the race was a handshake and a "Thanks for coming!" My teammate and I took 2nd place in that race in our division.

I might look happy but I'm thinking..."Get me out of this boat! I never want to see a canoe again!"

This was the second morning...I was a zombie at this point.

This was our finish, after 30 hours, and that's the guy saying "Thanks for coming out." WTH? I downed about 4 pieces of pizza right after..

Shamrock Dolphin Challenge: VA Beach, VA

I'd done the 8K once before but would be doing that plus the half this time. I was STOKED because I'd be meeting several girls from Runner's World and they were great gals. I ran a great 8K and even got a huge PR in the half! Girl time, Yuengling, running, huge PR....what could be better??

April-

Country Music Marathon: Nashville, TN

This was to be my first official marathon! Not only that, but I got to go with my BFF (Erin), her sis and her mom! We had a blast and I almost got a sub 4 on the first try! I ended up with a 4:00:23! I still curse those 23 seconds : )

Myself, my BFF Erin and her sister Kristin outside our sweet lodging!

May-

White Lake 10K

This was a little race out in BFE. It was hot already and I started off WAY too fast. I was gunning for girls way out of my league and I blew up towards the end. Still managed to get 1st in my AG.

The trophys were messed up...it was of a running guy and had TRACK in big letters going up the side : )

June-

Army Birthday 10 miler: Ft. Bragg, NC

This was MY race. I was shooting for a PR that had to be below 1:19 (from this same race back in 2007). I hadn't been training for speed though and didn't know how it'd go. I ran my heart out with nothing left and managed to PR with a 1:18:38!! YESSSS! (Oh and I barely beat my local running 'rival'!)

Virginia SPROUTE 12 Hour Adventure Race

This turned out to be the most eventful AR of the season. The parts that really stuck out were the last 2 hours. On my bike, that I have to clip into with my shoes, I was crossing a small creek. I was getting along fine until I hit a rock that I couldn't see. I slowly fall over and wasn't able unclip in time falling onto some rocks. One of those rocks punctured the top of my right kneecap. I immediately felt the pain and couldn't move. After several minutes and washing all the blood off my knee (in the creek....) we took off. The adrenaline was pushing me along as we were suddenly in the middle of a crazy thunderstorm. Trees were blowing sideways, you couldn't see more than 5 ft in front of you b/c of the rain and it was lightning everywhere. We were one of the few teams that actually finished the race. We took first place in our division for that one. Days later I was hobbling around on crutches with a busted and infected knee. After lots of meds and doc visits, I was walking again. Now I can't even tell it happened except for a lil scar. Scars are sexy, right? Or does that just apply to guys? : )

July-

Tidewater Traverse 18 hour Adventure Race: Virginia

The next month, I was ARing again! This one went really well and we were one of the top teams until we got lost right at the end. We also missed our cutoff time by about 2 minutes costing us first place! Ouch...

My partner Allen and I

July was the only month I didn't actual do a running race but I ran during the AR so IT COUNTS!

Part 2 coming up with August thru December!

LIVESTRONG!