tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31000177820512680212024-02-19T08:07:11.430-07:00ULTRA - Triathlon MomLesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.comBlogger258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-60084534349469856862016-07-31T23:51:00.002-06:002016-08-01T09:43:38.420-06:00Ultrarunning and Sacrament meeting<div style="text-align: center;">
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Gotta love when you can throw ultrarunning into church! </span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I'm a member of the<a href="http://www.lds.org/" target="_blank"> Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints</a>, also know as the LDS church, or <a href="http://www.mormon.org/" target="_blank">Mormons</a>. It was finally my turn after living here a year to speak in sacrament meeting. The talk I gave is below<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">. </span>I'm sure it's not APA edit standard ;) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><br></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">My husband Jeremy and I have 4 great kids ages 4, 8, 10, 12. I have my hands in
many things including doula work and teaching water aerobics. I recently graduated from nursing school and
hope to begin work as an RN this fall.
By hobby and a little by trade also, I run. A lot.
I grew up a triathlete for many years and then began ultrarunning about
4 years ago after my husband co-founded Altra Footwear. Ultrarunning is anything longer than a
marathon, typically 31-100 miles, usually on trail in the mountains. My most recent race was my 5<sup>th</sup> 100
mile race on the Western States trail in California.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">The first questions I
typically get are “<b>100 miles?! all at once??</b>",<b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">“<b>do you do it alone?”, </b>and “<b>how?”</b> Also a lot of bewildered looks wondering why. All I can say for why is because I can. I love to be out in the mountains and see
such beautiful things, I love to race, and I love the more relaxed pace run in
a 100 miles. They are a big journey though,
full of ups and downs physically and mentally, literally and figuratively, before
ultimately crossing the finish line.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I bring this hobby up
because I have a lot of time to think while I’m running, and I find a correlation
to my talk assignment of <u><b>Building a Testimony</b></u>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Do I do it all at
once? Yes. I run and hike 100 miles all
at once. There might be quick breaks at
aid stations, but I don’t stop for long.
It typically takes around 24 hours.
I do run it alone, not as a relay like in Ragnar. I may have a pacer join me during the last
30-40 miles. The weight of the work is all on me though, but there are people
along the way like my crew and pacers and volunteers that support me. As for how, well, it’s one step at a time,
you just keep moving.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGzmjo7fgBRPnMbErtVUEYGZ_mzxo3NtY7gOS1VGRPL9BByWdygKyGsOdJ8lq3jUKvTAuOmMfQS0E8VvzXjzBbe2QaaRXkbqcJGboMjBLaKxEkR8149WnumoepwRmlzHn5QmPiQX4U5uY/s1600/Sequoia_sempervirens_Big_Basin_Redwoods_State_Park_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGzmjo7fgBRPnMbErtVUEYGZ_mzxo3NtY7gOS1VGRPL9BByWdygKyGsOdJ8lq3jUKvTAuOmMfQS0E8VvzXjzBbe2QaaRXkbqcJGboMjBLaKxEkR8149WnumoepwRmlzHn5QmPiQX4U5uY/s200/Sequoia_sempervirens_Big_Basin_Redwoods_State_Park_4.jpg" width="200"></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">A <b>testimony</b>, or those things we <b>know</b>
to be true through the power of the Holy Ghost, helps us to</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> stay close to the
Lord and keep His commandments. The
Relief Society presidency in the <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1991/02/building-personal-testimony-one-by-one?lang=eng" target="_blank">February 1991 Ensign</a> said “<i>our testimonies should help us sink our
spiritual roots deep so [that we cannot be moved and] can grow to new heights”</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">We begin a testimony
of something, first by belief. <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.27?lang=eng#26" target="_blank">Alma</a> in the Book of Mormon counsels <i>‘even if ye can no more than
desire to believe, let this desire work in you’.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I studied several
talks while preparing mine, and found the same 3 basic answers on how to build
a testimony over and over again from prophets and apostles. They are simple answers of <b>prayer</b>, <b>scripture study</b>, and <b>service</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #ff0066; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Prayer</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Joseph Smith knew that if
any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.
In the <a href="https://www.lds.org/new-era/1999/04/words-of-the-prophet-building-your-testimony?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 1999 New Era</a>, President Hinckley said <i>It is unlikely you will hear voices from Heaven, but there will come a
Heaven sent assurance, peaceful and certain.</i> I was counseled in seminary (9-12th grade religion class) growing up to not
simply jump up quickly from prayer to carry on with my day or climb into bed,
but to pause during and particularly after my prayers to listen for and feel
answers and guidance from the Holy Ghost.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Prayer is the most
simple of these 3 actions to build a testimony.
Something we can do anywhere, anytime to seek knowledge and confirmation
from the Lord.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">2<sup>nd</sup>, Scripture Study</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">President Hinkley
counseled <i>despite demands on your time
and your studies </i>[speaking to the youth]<i>, read the word of the Lord. I promise there will come into your heart an
understanding and a warmth that will be pleasing.</i> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">President Uchdorf in
the <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/11/saturday-morning-session/receiving-a-testimony-of-light-and-truth?lang=eng" target="_blank">October 2014 conference talk</a> titled Receiving a Testimony said to <b><i>search
the word of God…not with an intent to doubt or criticize but with a sincere
desire to discover truth. Consider,
ponder, fearlessly strive to believe.</i></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Along with the same 3 principles
of pray, read and serve being counseled again and again, so too was reading
from the Book of Mormon specifically. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy said <i>Searching <b>#greatandspaciousbuilding</b> for knowledge will not lead you to truth,
it’s not posted there. Only the Savior
has the words of eternal life. </i>He
continues,<i> If you are struggling,
confused or spiritually lost, I urge you to do the one thing I know will get
you back on track. Begin again to
prayerfully study the Book of Mormon and live it’s teaching every day…I testify
of the profound power in the Book of Mormon that will change your life and
strengthen your resolve to follow Christ.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I would also like to add music,
specifically hymns to studying in an effort to strengthen our testimony. There can be powerful spirit surrounding
music, and reading, listening to, or singing from the hymn book or even children’s
song book can be a great way to remind ourselves of the truths of the gospel
and hopefully feel a spiritual confirmation of them.</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #fe8602; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">3<sup>rd</sup>, Service or Action</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">A testimony is not just words we
speak to others, it is shown in how we live. Mathew 7:16 said <i>“ye shall know
them by their fruits”</i>. How we live
our lives, the little things we do because we know them to be right, testify to
others, and can be beacons to us individually of our own testimonies. Our service to others is serving Him and also
invites the spirit to be with us, the spirit that teaches and strengthens us.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Quoting Elder Pearson again, <i>Obedience builds faith in Christ. Faith is a principle of action and
power. Consistently following the Savior’s
example produces spiritual power and capacity.</i> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Just like with my running, consistency
is key. I cannot show up to run 100
miles having only trained a few times a month here and there. I must exercise
my body regularly to keep it strong and growing stronger. Elder Pearson also
counseled the importance of continued effort in building our testimonies. He said<i>
If we stop doing those things that bring about deepening conversion, we regress
spiritually</i>. In a race, if I let
myself stop for too long and get comfortable at an aid station particularly at
night when it’s dark and cold, I run the risk of staying there. Not finishing the race, talking myself out of
continuing. I have been there many times. I have to press forward. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Elder Pearson said <i>there is no 'hanging in there' principle of the gospel, we must
constantly be coming unto Christ and be perfected in him. True disciples continue to awaken unto God
each day in meaningful personal prayer, earnest scripture study, personal
obedience, and selfless service. </i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">President Uchdorf</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> adds that <i>Most often gaining a testimony is not a task of a minute, hour or
day. It is not once and done. The process of gathering spiritual light is a
quest of a lifetime.</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">So we have our 3 basic answers,
pray, study and serve. We should
continually seek knowledge, serve those around us, seek to live righteously and
keep our covenants, and attend our meetings and the temple to help to build our
testimonies. But sometimes life is hard
and we struggle, our testimonies may even struggle. I know in regards to a 100 mile race, I
certainly struggle. I lose motivation,
encouragement, hope, energy. I have to
asses where I’m at with my nutrition, hydration, electrolytes. Do I need to turn music on to help keep me
moving? I need to work on keeping a
positive attitude, and often, I just need to be patient and keep going having
faith that in time that I will feel better and come out of this low.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Elder Jeffery R Holland gave an <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/05/lord-i-believe?lang=eng" target="_blank">April 2013 conference talk</a> titled Lord I Believe, about the bible story of a man who
approached Christ to heal his son. Jesus
asked if he believed and he quickly answered <i>Lord I believe</i>, [then I imagine he paused a moment and continued] <i>help thou my
unbelief</i>. He did have a testimony, but
he knew it wasn’t perfect and he needed Christ to help not only his son, but
him also.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Elder Holland said <i>When doubt or difficulty come, do not be
afraid to ask for help. If we want it as
humbly and honestly as this father did, we can get it. The scriptures phrase such earnest desires as
being of real intent, pursued with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy
and no deception before God. I testify
that in response to that kind of importuning.
God will send help from both sides of the veil to strengthen our belief.</i> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">He also says to <i>Hold to the ground you have already won. Hold fast to what you know and stand strong
until additional knowledge comes. Be
true to the faith you <b>DO</b> have. The size of your faith or the degree of your
knowledge is not the issue – it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the
faith you do have and the truth you already know.</i> He continues,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I
am asking you to be true to the faith you do have.. Sometimes we act as if an
honest declaration of doubts is a higher manifestation of moral courage than is
an honest declaration of faith. IT IS
NOT! Be as candid about your questions
as you need to be, life is full of them on one subject or another, but if you
and your family want to be healed, don’t let those questions stand in the way
of faith working it’s miracle.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Hope
on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and
concerns, <b>but first and forever <u>fan
the flame of your faith</u>, because all things are possible to them that
believe.</b></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyMvVuvPiEQ4k0hmewo1VEjgf7Ebgur9azR571vK5BNJH2pjPkI73z2spmGV-dHoAccWFB85_6hN-CpCrdxTb9XLa8pSoRfFyg1uGTAd4E78-E17l96Q2t2y9DSJAzUosuCDPQF69BnGT/s1600/meme-holland-hope-journey-1251705-print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyMvVuvPiEQ4k0hmewo1VEjgf7Ebgur9azR571vK5BNJH2pjPkI73z2spmGV-dHoAccWFB85_6hN-CpCrdxTb9XLa8pSoRfFyg1uGTAd4E78-E17l96Q2t2y9DSJAzUosuCDPQF69BnGT/s320/meme-holland-hope-journey-1251705-print.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Belief is so important. I believe very much in positive thinking and self talk and mental imagery. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I cannot run 100 miles if I don’t believe I
can. I have to exercise my body to
prepare it for the difficult journey, but more importantly I have to condition
my mind. I have to have confidence that
I can do it, that I can endure the hard times and complete the distance. If I approach it casually and just hope for
the best, I may not achieve it. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Elder Pearson said <i>Casual obedience and lukewarm commitment
weaken faith.</i> We need to be diligent in our efforts and to focus on what we
do know, not what we don’t. We can think
back to times when our testimony has been strong, when we’ve had great
spiritual experiences, and lean on those for a while if needed. </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">President Uchdorf says <i>If you seek God’s truth, that which now may
appear dim, out of focus and distant will Gradually be revealed and clarified and
become close to your heart by the light of God’s grace. Glorious spiritual vistas, unimaginable to
the human eye, will be revealed to you.</i></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I know from a worldly perspective in
these ultramarathons, I have seen amazing vistas, unimaginable to the human
eye, and they inspire me, lift me, and are quite often experiences full of the
spirit. I have often stopped and cried and
praised the Lord in prayer for His beauty and blessing me with the spirit
then. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I know the spiritual vistas Elder Uchdorf
talked about are so much greater though, and of greater importance. I hope that through sincere thoughtful prayer
and pondering, studying of the Book of Mormon, and acting on it’s principles to
continually work on building a stronger testimony, that I’ll get to experience
those glorious spiritual vistas often.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">In closing, then Elder Hinkley in
1966 said <i>If you will read the word of
the Lord, if you will serve in His cause, if in prayer you will talk to Him,
your doubts will leave and the witness of the Holy Spirit that Jesus is in very
deed the Son of God, born in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world resurrected from
the grave will come. It is your
opportunity so to know and it is your obligation so to find out.</i></span></span></div>
<br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I’m thankful for the opportunity to
prepare this talk. It can be hard for me
to focus on all the demands of the world I have while also devoting myself to
spiritual demands, but spending so much time reading the scriptures and words
of the prophets and praying, I have felt the spirit more and my testimony
strengthen. We truly do need to surround
ourselves with the most important things and the Lord will help us balance and take
care of the rest.</span></span></div>
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<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I bear testimony that I know Jesus Christ lived and died for us, and that he lives today. I know he and Heavenly Father love all of us and want nothing more than to bless us and for us to return to them. I know all we have to do is open the door and they will be there. I know the plan of salvation is true, that I can be with my family forever. I know Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God and that President Thomas S. Monson is one today. I know the Book of Mormon is true and compliments the Bible. I know that the Holy Ghost has power and presence in my life and I am so thankful for that. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. </span></span></div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-81824089533976043822016-07-16T10:56:00.001-06:002016-07-16T11:17:45.229-06:00Here goes everything - Western States 100<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Long
post warning, no really, it's long. This is my race report and
emotional vomit, doesn't have super specific time splits, if you really
want those you can find them on ultralive.net. I will post a gear post
for this race separately next week since I did have that go really well
for me.</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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We
are national park buffs, so we took the opportunity to visit one on our
way to Western. Yosemite was amazing as advertised! Super great
waterfalls, mountains, views, our favorite being on the drive into the
valley when you get your first site of Half Dome through the canyon
walls. Lots of oooh and ahhh moments, and my sweet husband was so giddy
over it. We went on a steep hot hike with the kids that was good heat
time for me, they didn't love that one so much though. Visitor center
time which I love with kids because they love to learn all about the
parks. We rode the shuttles around a bit and played at camp one day
when my husband went on a 25 mile fly fishing fast pack run across the
park. Saw two bears within 1/4 mile of our camp site too. </div>
<br />
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Jimmy-rigged
our two air mattresses together so I could sleep better for those 3
nights since typically I end up on the floor of the tent and a young
child on my mattress. I actually slept really well out there and it was
just nice to know all my race stuff was packed, that our long drive was
mostly done, and that we could just relax and not get anxious about the
race to come. Great way to spend the first half of race week.<br />
<br />
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Terrible
photo, but after arriving at our rented house in Squaw late Wednesday
night, I woke up earlier than expected, probably due to the sunlight
filling our room from the amazing floor to ceiling windows that were an
entire wall of our bedroom. And with forest out beyond that and a view
of the mountain we would climb? Amazing! I snuck out for a quick early
morning shake out run, and got a little more excited seeing this sign
behind me. We were really at States!<br />
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That day, <b>Thursday</b>,
there is a welcome ceremony thing on the top of the mountain that would
be mile 4 of our race Saturday. I knew people hiked or ran up there
and that the tram was also an option, leaving you with only 1 mile of
hiking, but at like $45 a ticket?! I figured I wouldn't do the ceremony
since I didn't want to hike the 4 miles up on foot. I did really want
to take advantage of experiencing everything Western States though.
That morning we found out the resort donated 2 trams for racers and
spectators to take up - for free! So happy that I could take my little
clan up with me and experience a small part of the course with me from
above.<br />
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We
rode up and went to the 1960 Olympic museum at the top of the tram.
Really cool little corner of the whole big building up there. Squaw's
Olympic story is a great one. After hanging out up there a while, I
sent the family back down on the tram and I set out for the mile hike.
Got to walk and chat with several interesting people from the dad who's
been trying to get in for 5 straight years and then had to have knee
surgery but ironically his 17 year old son got in at the drawing at the
end of the lottery (who ended up finishing to become the youngest ever
finisher, way to go Hunter!), to a group from the midwest out supporting
their friend (who happened to be carrying the flag all the way up), and
some who had run it and were full of great advice.<br />
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The
view at the top was really great with lots of Lake Tahoe blue. A
really cool snow field beside me too. Was neat to wander around up
there and check out the historical monument and admire the rest of the
course in front of us beyond mile 4. Course unknown to me yet.<br />
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They
had a program once we were all up there that really was something
special and while long winded at times while it was chilly and loud from
the wind, I'm glad I went and would recommend it. They started with
all of us singing America The Beautiful and then went on to give
inspirational stories, talks, and poems. They also honored those close
to the race who had passed away that year. This race is such a family.
The organization is huge, but very close knit too. Finally, check out
the board member in the black pants and white shirt and serious Achilles
brace you can't really see who had to be helped stand in the wind
occasionally, who hiked the mile up and back (assuming he took the
tram). And when I say up, there was some big up. The passion up there
for the race was palpable and I could tell I was going to be partaking
in something very special.<br />
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<br /></div>
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<b>Friday </b>was
exciting. We headed back over to the plaza from our lovely mountain
house that overlooked the start. Lots of buzz around, people to say
hello to, hang out in the Altra tent for a bit. Then it was time to
check in.<br />
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The
buzz and excitement I felt from the beginning of check in to end was
great and I soaked it in. Got my yellow wristband on, photo taken,
urine sample for the medical study I was participating in to see what
effect running 100 miles has on the body (hint: probably not a great
one), and swag handed out by enthusiastic volunteers, seriously every
single one of them. They had 3 colors of race shirts for us to choose
from and we also got a hat, buff, socks and snacks, not a bad deal! The
highlight for sure was this photo above. I just felt so in the moment
and excited and honored to be there. I felt like a star! I was at
Western States!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Ran home after check in to <strike>finish </strike>start
my drop bags which were due in like an hour. Story of my life. Got
them done though which was pretty simple. More Vfuel gels or drink
mixes, an Elete Electrolyte flask in a couple, socks in most of them
despite me never changing during races, a pair of shoes in 2 of them for
just in case, and a headlamp.<br />
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<br />
After
dropping them off it was off to the pre-race meeting. I usually love
these and I did this one too, but it was way over crowded and hot and
while I didn't mind terribly sitting on the floor, I did mind the people
standing in front of us the whole time. Really didn't see anything, oh
well. The buzz was good though and I was happy to know now that at
3:00, my day could quiet down. We had an early dinner, a little
pre-race hot tub with my 8year old, and I'd like to say I got to bed at a
reasonable hour, but well, I did ok <b>:)</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>R a c e D a y</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ga2WdgAgV2-P49KaBKIOT1XiTTx7uEHg1xPpKUuATGGj_gt3fw22QtA4bRwIq6P_wxaQBMfr9_CMZTgQ2nKXej83FWhU5XgSDIujgqooW1lrD6IyrvfBD4VcqDNjGXpCf6wY3_HO6PQc/s1600/Western+goal+altra+pic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ga2WdgAgV2-P49KaBKIOT1XiTTx7uEHg1xPpKUuATGGj_gt3fw22QtA4bRwIq6P_wxaQBMfr9_CMZTgQ2nKXej83FWhU5XgSDIujgqooW1lrD6IyrvfBD4VcqDNjGXpCf6wY3_HO6PQc/s320/Western+goal+altra+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And finish in 10th place (I would consider it a win for me). </b><br />
<b>That was a big, important goal to me, and one I didn't share with many people.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I
slept pretty good actually and was relieved to wake up only when it was
time, not sleepy, and calm. Of course there were last minute things I
had to do because that's my style, but also, my husband Jeremy would
have to go back to the house after the start and pack our family up and
out of the house and get to me on time around 11am with a 3 hour drive
in front of him. I kissed my babies bye while they were sleeping,
emotional as I usually am leaving them before a big race, and off we
went.<br />
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The
building for bathrooms was very crowded and I did not want to wait in a
line with less than 15 min to go - secret - go upstairs where it's dark
and quiet with very few people and a bathroom down the hall by check in
no one seemed to know about. Jeremy and I prayed together up there in
the quiet and headed to the start. Met up with buddies Canice, Pete,
Dom and Paul who we had the privilege of sharing the house with. Great
guys.<br />
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The
4 miles to the top were so good! Hiking up in the twilight under
overhead lights along our ski resort dirt road, the excitement level was
10! There were spectators along almost the whole 4 miles uphill that
helped the excitement a lot. The day was new, temperatures good,
spirits high, and for goodness sake there was Eric Shranz of Ultrarunner
podcast (one of my favorites) at the top in lederhosen blowing a 10ft
long Ricola style horn. My face in the photo above taken by good friend
Paul Nelson was absolutely accurate. SO excited to be here! As Canice
and I said many times in our first 28 miles together <i><b>"We're really at Western States!"</b></i><br />
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Canice
and I enjoyed those early miles together. Friend Meghan warned me the
first 30 miles were crap, they were in terrible shape after the winter.
I was pleasantly surprised to not think so. Not buttery smooth or
anything, but nothing terrible. Canice and I worked to hold one another
back and be calm when others would pass. Control and care was the name
of the game right now. <br />
At one point around the 2nd aid
station we came upon a woman handing her pack off to a volunteer (like
1/2 mile from the aid station at least) which we wondered about but as
we got closer I had this feeling it was Magda Boulet, and it was. So
sad to see her there with such a sad look on her face. I don't know
entirely what happened but she dropped from the race.<br />
Canice and I
also took note of the dust. Wow was there a lot! For many many miles
too. We'd be reasonably far back from the next person but it was still
there. My contacts didn't love it but by Robinson is was gone.<br />
Physically
to this point, my back was quite sore Thursday and Friday before the
race, perfect timing I know, and from about mile 4-24. Like that
backache that makes you want to stand up and straighten or arch your
back. I was thankful to hold off on my first dose of ibuprofen till 6
hours in and that seemed to make the backache go away and it wouldn't
return for the rest of the race. I had one good ankle "stretch" before
we ran into Dom and Paul at Duncan Canyon but thankfully I walked it off
after a minute or two. The ankle I worried about in the months leading
into the race would thankfully not be a problem at all. <br />
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I
loved our time together, but Canice and I separated for the final time
on the climb up to Robinson. I was feeling good and also a tad stressed
about what time I was coming in. There were a few times I felt like we
could/should be running a little slower, but I never felt like we were
running too slow. Apparently for 24 hour pace we were though because
after searching and searching with my eyes and ears for the aid station
while glancing at the ever advancing watch I rolled into<b> Robinson
Flat(mi30)</b>, around 25 minutes behind goal pace.<br />
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I was feeling fine though, good in fact. <b> Loved loved loved </b>the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/howard.nippert/media_set?set=a.10206357750320584&type=3&pnref=story" target="_blank">ice bandana</a>
from Howard Nippert that I had picked up from Dom and Paul a few hours
earlier which they had all ready to go and tied right on me. Seriously
no bounce, kept me cold and wet for hours and hours before getting a
new one from crew. LIFE SAVER. Buy one, support team USA
ultrarunning. I also picked up a small <a href="http://www.nathansports.com/hydration/hydration-handhelds/exoshot" target="_blank">handheld flask from Nathan</a>
I won as part of the Ultrarunning race series. It would always hold
water to wet the top of my head with and was super easy to carry. <br />
Anyway,
I feel like this this was my first experience with the magic of the aid
stations at Western. I ran in and several volunteers met just me
there. They took my pack and asked what I needed. I told them I needed
my pack filled and to find my crew. The lady sent me off to find them
and when I said I didn't have my pack back yet she assured me she would
come find me. And she did a minute of two later about 50 yards down the
trail with my family. Amazing! And every single aid station was that
same quality. No one ever sitting and just looking at me, always up and
helping from the second I arrived and always enthusiastic! So good!! I
kissed the family and headed out. <br />
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I
ran into friend Tommy right out of the aid station and worried because he
was ahead of me. He was concerned about a leg issue he'd been having to
the point of not even being sure he'd be able to start. And he and the
heat don't typically get along. I wished him well, picked up my pace
and headed out. The rocky downhill switchbacks to come I recall running
more gingerly than I'd like at the training camp, came much easier to
me today and I made a few passes and gained confidence. I settled into a
good working pace. Faster than I had been going, but sustainable, not
too much. I knew I needed to run a little out of my comfort zone to
achieve my big goals. The night before the race I saw an IG post from
Billy Yang that instead of here goes nothing read <i><b>Here Goes Everything</b></i>.
It resonated with me the second I read it and I had my husband write it
on my arm in orange Sharpe race morning. While I might look really
serious in the photo above, it was a good place mentally. Good hard
work. I was here to give this race everything and was ready to
physically and mentally.<br />
<br />
Somewhere out there, maybe<b>
Dusty Corners</b>? I found out I was 16th or 18th woman. That was great,
better than I thought and helped to keep me going. I was also back on
track time goal wise. I passed one woman shortly after that but that is
all I would see for hours. For Western being such a big race, it for
me was very very quiet out on the course after Robinson. I didn't run
along side anyone or have a conversation with anyone besides aid
stations for 30 miles. A few passes and hellos, but no side by side
running or anyone close enough for conversation.<br />
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The
miles I remember as long between Dusty Corners and Devils Thumb in the
training camp went quickly today. Approaching the descent toward Devils
Thumb I felt a twinge of apprehension since I didn't do a great job on
it at training camp, but I squelched that quickly and kept my mind
positive and moving forward with confidence. I'm sure I wasn't the
fasted down, but I felt controlled and smooth and calm - good things.
The climb up to Devil's Thumb aid was almost welcome, not because I was
tired, but because I was excited to hike. It's something different and
I'm good at it. I turned my ice bandana around to the front for a
change and since I wouldn't be bouncing and it was nice. I kept a light
quick cadence up, passing several men. I kept a mantra in my head of "<i>I hike strong because I am strong</i>"
and I believe it. I was very happy and positive going into <b>Devil's
Thumb(47.8)</b> aid as the volunteers were too of course. Met photog friends Paul
Nelson and Billy Yang and was convinced to take a popscile. Kind of
love the photo Paul took above. He had to sprint ahead of me for a
minute or two out of the aid station to get the shot he wanted and I
didn't slow down at all for him. Stoke was high and strong and the pace
was good. New ice on my neck, <a href="http://vfuel.com/shop-product/27/Black+Cherry+Cola.html" target="_blank">Vfuel Cherry Cola drink mix</a>
in my pack now as I was hoping to keep my stomach happy in the heat,
hands full of a grape popscicle, flask of coke, Vfuel gel packet in my
mouth. This was a good time, good memory.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #999999;">My first low</span></b>
would come next, starting a few miles before Michigan Bluff, just after
halfway. I don't remember exactly what, just kind of that off
feeling. I kept up on my calories, took some First Endurance Pre-race
and got my ipod out for the first time. Got it going as quick as I
could so I'd keep moving forward and with music on and a mind still
strong enough to say "we're ok, we got this, lows happen, take care of
yourself and be patient" I moved forward. Until 2.5 min later when the
music stopped. Literally. My ipod turned off. Weird. So I turned it
back on and kept going. 2.5 min later it turned off again. Great. It
has done this before, goes into some mode I do not know how to turn
off. Super frustrating. I'm not a runner that can't exist without
music, but right now I needed it. So it turned into running until it
turned off then quickly turning it back on while walking or running if
it was smooth around me. Not ideal but I made do.<br />
<br />
I
arrived a tad grumpy into <b>Michigan Bluff (55.7)</b>, but mostly just that
feeling of I don't know what I want when presented all kind of food
options. Nothing sounded great. It can be hard when that happens since
you know you have to keep the calories going. I tried to get out of
there quick feeling a little better, stopped to pet a dog cause that's
what I do, and carried on down and up the quiet barren dirt roads.
Great to get to <b>Bath Road</b> where I was kind of hoping someone would meet
me and run in, and no one was there and Bath Road itself was much
quieter than I expected, but it's ok. I was running now because I knew I
needed to when possible, it felt good, and I wanted to make my time
goal. I passed Scott Wolf on his way down who looked at me and said I
could make top 10 if I kept that pace up. I appreciated that a lot.
Feeling the day a bit, but excited for the race to really begin, I ran
quick and easy into <b>Foresthill(62)</b>, right on time and right in the female
position I wanted to be in.<br />
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Pacer,
friend, Altra teammate and all around amazing ultrarunner Zach Bitter
had met me 1/2 mile or so from the aid station and was so great for what
would turn into a very long time together.<br />
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Unlike
Wasatch, I was smart enough this race to actually tell Zach on our way
in and then my husband when I got to our spot that I was sitting for 5
minutes. That I was ok with that and that I would leave when it was up,
so someone time it. And it was a nice brief break. I won't lie and
say I felt fresh as a daisy. I wasn't dying or anything, but I had just
run 62 miles, it felt nice to sit and frankly, more efficient to go
through my pack and do what needed to get done. I got some quick love
from my babies including hugs from all, my boy helping me with a new ice
bandana and my 4 year old spraying me with a spray bottle, a job I came
up with her before the race. It was mostly a good idea except her
water was warm from the day and she would usually spray me with a tight
stream in the face<b> :)</b> Thankfully Zach was able to fix my ipod
while my husband Jeremy took care of everything else and with a few
seconds to spare we took off.<br />
<br />
It felt good to run down
the iconic Foresthill road lined with crews and spectators but I did
find it humorous that Zach got more cheers than I did, he's kind of a
big deal <b>;)</b> We chatted casually about how the men's race was
going since I had heard nothing all day, and thanks to the wonders of
modern technology, he could follow the race from his phone. I was super
excited to hear how well my male teammates were doing. He asked if I
wanted to hear about the women's race and I said yes. I wasn't overly
anxious about things right now and I also had heard nothing about our
race either. There were surprising standings to me with excitement for
some of the women and sadness for others I knew must not be doing well.
He told me I was only 20-30 min back from 11-14th or so place and who
was in it, and that was intreaging! While it gave me a little bit of
excitement that my goal of 10th was in reach, the pain in my leg started
squelching that.<br />
<br />
<i>Back in April I ran a local fun
run trail marathon. Lots of climbing and descending, but nothing I
hadn't done before for sure. I felt great during it but my legs were so
smashed afterward for at least a week, which is longer than normal for
me, that it surprised me. I noticed one particular spot about 2-3inches
long, 1inch wide on my upper left quad that would continue to be sore.
My awesome <a href="http://bodyworx.biz/" target="_blank">massage therapist Heber</a> would work on it along with my rolling and <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/tissue-rejuvenator.tr.html" target="_blank">Tissue Rejuvenator pills</a>
I take and it would go away for weeks at a time, but with lots of work
or intensity it would come back here and there. Nothing to ever concern
me really, certainly no limp or training adjustment needed, it was just
a sore spot. I hadn't felt it in a month leading into Western so it
honestly didn't even cross my mind as a potential problem. I hadn't
thought about it at all. But I figured this pain was that. Some
ultimately unhealed strain or tear that didn't appreciate Western States
100 like I did. </i><br />
<br />
I remember a few miles out
of Robinson, so maybe say mile 34, I felt my quads for the first time
that day, but I was calm about it and knew I was strong and while yes
there was plenty of race in front of me, I was being smart and it was
normal to expect to feel the body 34 miles into a run. Certainly didn't
feel like blown out or worn down quads, just noticed them. I recall
laying my ice bandana on this painful spot on my leg somewhere around
Michigan bluff (55), but I was still managing ok. Don't remember if I
said anything to the crew in Foresthill about it, probably trying to
stay positive, but by mile 65 my hands were the opposite of a fist, they
were fingers out stretched, locked out in pain at any downhill. I told
Zach and we decided to try some biofreeze gel I had in my pack when we
got into <b>Cal-1(Dardanelles)</b>. And so we did but it didn't do anything.
I was kind of grumpy by this point, possibly neglecting full calorie
intake and I know I was getting sensory annoyed by anything on me. I
had Zach stuff my bandana, hat, even headphones into the back of my pack
because I just couldn't handle anything touching me. Weird. I felt
like these 5mile mile apart aid stations were taking forever which is
kind of sad. My pace was ok, but not great, just tried to keep running
on this part I was so excited before the race to run my heart out on.
It's a lot of downhill though, and that sure hurt a lot.<br />
A few
miles from the river we heard a woman's voice behind us and let them
pass. It was not only a female pacer but racer too. One that we knew
was in front of us. What the what? We must have passed her at an aid
station somehow although these aid stations between Foresthill and the
river are very small. Anyway, she passed and it was exciting for a
second to know I was ahead of her, but then sad to see them trotting on
like nothing while I was walking more and more out of pain. And then
with headlamps on, we ran into my friend and teammate Nicole and that
really worried and baffled me. She should have been hours in front of
me! In very stammered speech and wobbling side to side she said she'd
fainted several times and was just trying to get to the river. It was
not good. The first responder and new nurse in me said we couldn't
leave her, but Zach reminded me she had a pacer (and a man at that that
could carry her if needed) and that we were close to the river. She
ended up making it in fine and dropping there and I'm just glad she's
ok.<br />
<br />
I was looking and listening around for signs of the
river crossing for a mental boost. I was looking forward to crossing <b>
Ruck-a-Chucky(78)</b> more than anything leading up to the race. I wasn't
feeling great or excited about anything at this point, but Zach and I
had hoped this would be good and help.<br />
We arrived 30 min off my
goal split (which isn't terrible, but we had been right on only 16
mostly downhill miles earlier). I was thankful to see my husband and
kids down there and took a few minutes to get the things together I
needed for the other side of the river. I knew I wasn't quitting, but I
gave my husband a big hug and asked for the same in return and not a
get me out of there pep talk. I cried to him that 'this wasn't fun, I
didn't want to finish this. I wasn't going to quit but please just take
me with you.' He's heard this plea in races before and I feel bad he
has to deal with that because I'm sure it's not easy to see someone you
love like that, suffering, doing something that is hard, and frankly, is
optional, yet being loving and also pushing them on. I had taken too
long there and it was time to get going. So they strapped Zach and I
into life jackets and glow necklaces and sent us down the trail.<br />
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It
was nice to have my family walk down to the water with me and watch us
cross, but it was so hard to leave my beautiful babies. Although I
really enjoyed the last 22 miles of the course on training camp day,
very much, I knew how long the rest of the course would be now in the
dark, moving slower. I knew of all the winding endless trail and dirt
road even just between the river and Hwy 49.<br />
I probably ruined it
for myself, but the river crossing was the real start of my race going
very much not as planned. It was kind of a let down. I never
envisioned myself crossing it at night, the water was cold, not
welcoming, and the volunteers there weren't as loving, they were bossy.
Bossy was appropriate though because this was not an easy crossing.
The current wasn't bad, but there were so many big rocks, some pointy to
deal with. They had a smart idea of sinking glowsticks near the worse
ones, but there was just so much tip toeing through there from shin
deep, to watching your shins hopefully not get ripped open, to waist
deep. And it was cold, and I don't like being cold. Once across I
waved bye a little emotionally to my family and took too much time
getting dry stuff on and out of there. I was procrastinating.<br />
<br />
The
hike to <b>Green Gate</b> felt so long, and it's only 2 miles. The pain was
starting to creep into the flats and the ups now and was still so much
pain going down. I thought strongly of dropping at Green Gate, but Zach
sneakily said it would be an easier ride out the next aid station,
Auburn Lakes <b>;)</b> Which with this pain at 20:00min/mi pace at
best and over 5 miles away would 'only' take us almost 2 more hours.
Ugh. We got there, <b>Auburn Lakes(85),</b> I sat down on a cot since I figured I'd get to end
my race there from pain, and embarrassment of how my race was ending and
Zach kindly went off to get me soup and ask them and every other aid
station for any icy hot or anything like that. A medical guy came over
to me and man, just wasn't about to let me quit and continued asking
what they could do for me. <br />
<i><b>Tip for people supporting a woman in labor - don't ask her a million questions.</b></i>
Same goes for 70 miles into an ultramarathon. But I appreciate his
support. Since apparently we weren't quitting, and I think I said it
that way to Zach since no one was respecting that emotional wish, we got
up and walked out. For about 10 feet and stopped. I was so frozen
just then in indecision. I felt like if we left the aid station, even
though it was only 15 miles to the finish it meant I had to go all the
way. Yeah I wanted to finish, but at that moment in my state, I wasn't
passionate about it. I was embarrassed by how things were going, how I
wouldn't be anywhere near my goals, and after being mentioned by iRunFar
as a top 10 contender. I wondered if DNFing would look better than the
finish I knew would result if we kept going. <b> *</b>I'm going to stop
anyone right here from any misunderstanding. I respect anyone and
everyone's goals, they belong to the individual, and for many, it <b>is</b>
simply to finish. That wasn't the case for me. Going into this race, a
finish was obvious to me, it was the much bigger goals I set for myself
that were my focus. I don't want to belittle anyone's finish of any
time, but for me, my goals meant more than 'just finishing'.* <br />
Back to the story - <b>frozen in anxiety and debate</b>
over whether to walk back in to the aid and call it, or to keep
trudging on in our slow, dark pace, mind you around 1am now. We
honestly stood there for at least 10 minutes just thinking and me
talking out loud. Zach was a wonderful pacer who was very neutral and
supportive and made me feel heard and cared about, but wasn't making my
decisions. I felt terrible for making this world class ultrarunner <b>walk </b>the entire night with me, but ultimately, I just couldn't come up with a good enough excuse to tell <b>my kids</b>
when I got a ride back to the finish instead of crossing it on my own.
I was so past my goals and still had 5 hours to walk, but could I
really show them it's ok to give up if things aren't going your way?
You bet I had an injury, a strain that I'm confident was now a tear.
But I was not signed up for anything after this, on purpose. All my
eggs were in this basket so that I could <b>give this race everything</b>
and come home smashed. This was not the smashed I imagined, but I
couldn't use the "I could make it worse if I keep going" excuse. There
was no reason I couldn't rehab when I got home and it wasn't so bad I
was risking my safety or life. The other big reason for continuing was <b>respect for the race</b>
and those who have wanted to race but haven't had their chance yet. I
was given a chance to race and experience Western States. It didn't
seem right of me to quit, even in my circumstances when there were so
many people out there who would love to be there. And the pettiest
reason I had to keep going? I really wanted to be able to wear the<b> new Western States shirt</b> I bought the day before <b>:) </b>
Now don't think I got all hero like and ran out of there, I didn't.
But I somewhat grumpily trudged on, questioning myself every minute or
two for a while.<br />
I wasn't a happy person in <b>Brown's Bar (89.9)</b>.
Their aid station was cool, lots of Christmas lights strung about and
loud music playing, but I was a grump. Didn't want anything to eat
because nothing sounded good (and probably got snappy when they kept
asking if this or that sounded good, as a good volunteer would). All I
could tell them was I wanted a finish line, for this to be over. We
were out of there pretty quick and the only thing I took, against their
advice, was enough extra strength Tylenol to max me out for the day,
earlier than I should have based on my first dose. I was also maxed out
on ibuprofen for a 24 hour period, and had a pain patch on my leg, but
none of it helped. Leaving Brown's Bar for Hwy 49 we saw an opossum and
owl and scorpion. Grateful I was reasonable enough to take notice of
them. It was a teeny bit comforting to know there was 10 miles left, but
10 miles at our pace still meant more than 3 hours to go. It would
leave me sad when a couple women passed us, that was hard. Absolutely
no disrespect to these women, but they were ladies I had seen earlier in
the day I knew I would finish ahead of. But they were smart and
physically intact and were running well. And I'm happy for them. Then
came Tommy and Kenzie blowing by us which was amazing. I feared Tommy
might not finish, and figured he'd at least be in the late 20's, and yet
here he was truly running down the trail. I wished them well although
I'm not sure they realized it was me. Then Canice and Dom passed us and
didn't recognize me till I wished them well. Dom looked crushed to see
me there and told me to run with them but that wasn't going to happen.
Canice had such determination in his stride. It wasn't a long open
beautiful powerful stride, but it was a determined and focused one. I
am so happy to say that they made our goal of sub 24, against many
odds. Way to go guys!<br />
<br />
Finally into <b>Hwy 49 (93.5)</b> and
we had a decision to make. If we could maintain a very fast walk and
stop at no more aid stations we might be able to break 24. I debated a
little but just really didn't believe it was possible, and more
importantly, with my race and mind shot to crap, I didn't want to be
pushed and hustled another couple hours in pain to possibly not break
24. The sliver buckle wasn't a big deal to me at this point, my goals
were much bigger to me than the color of the buckle.<br />
As funny as
this will seem, I always wanted to experience a nap on a cot in an aid
station, something I couldn't do as a front runner, and so I made our
decision. I was going to finish, but we were going to not kill
ourselves doing it. So at mile 93.5 I laid down and told them to wake
me up in 22 minutes no questions asked. I would get up and go I assured
them. I do really well with 20 min naps at home and give myself that 2
min to fall asleep so that's what we did. Unfortunately for someone
sleeping, that is a very noisy and lit aid station and it sounded like
everyone there stood right over me the whole 20 min. I got maybe 5 min
of sleep. Ugh. I was in better spirits though.<br />
So with a tad
more relaxed attitude we trecked up to the trails above and eventually
down to No Hands Bridge. It was long and painful, but I think I've
already said that a million times. About a mile from No Hands I got<b> super sleepy eyes</b>, like literally cannot keep them open. I <b>HATE </b>that. So what did I do? I took another nap <b>:)</b>
We got into No Hands aid station and told them quickly I was going to
lay down for 10 minutes this time. Zach actually supported the idea
because by the time I got up and left it would probably be twilight and
that might help. And you know what? I slept that whole 10 minutes, the
sleepy eyes were gone, and we could turn our headlamps off with the
wide bridge and dirt road ahead. Isn't it a neat place? I knew I had
been in a bad place mentally for 10 or so hours now. Some was
unavoidable and some unfortunately I held onto. I felt guilty and
really wanted to try to take in some of the things that are so iconic to
this race, and No Hands was one of them to me.<br />
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I
was cold now, from sleeping, but it was peaceful. The volunteers
wished us well, the giant screen playing old race footage and lights
made things feel special, the sky was lighting up, and the finish
actually felt close, for the first time all night. <br />
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We
had a nice walk up to Robie, checking on the top 10 men and women.
Excited for some, sad for some. My Altra teammates had done amazing
with 4 men and 2 women in their respective top 10's!<br />
I didn't
really feel the energy of Western States in those final miles from Robie
unfortunately. Just a quiet ending to our night. It was probably the
embarrassment of my race ending so much slower than my goals on such a
big stage and getting ready to see those who knew me and could expect
more from me. I think also, I just never visualized during all of my
training a finish in the light and I don't know whether I should have,
because I believe firmly in picturing yourself achieving what you want,
but it may have taken from some of my experience then.<br />
It was
ironic that the night before the race I was chatting with Craig, the RD
who mentioned that there's this big lul in spectators and even finishers
from 24 hours to about 27 hours, and guess where I was finishing?
Right in the middle of that. The track was quiet and I was sad and I
didn't have that magical experience on the track I read of and watched
so many videos of. It was just another race over with. (thankful for
my family there of course) <br />
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25:03,
19th woman. 4 hours behind 10th place which was my goal and I believe I
could have achieved. I was sad, let down, angry, frustrated and yes,
embarrassed that on the biggest stage in ultrarunning for me, I had a
finish like this. Why did it have to happen at <b>this </b>race?</div>
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I
crawled in our tent and slept for an hour maybe but it was hot, my hats
off to those behind me who endured a second day of heat. We humorously
cleaned up as well as we could in the plastic wading pools for foot
soaking and drove 10 minutes to a 9am LDS church for sacrament meeting.
Packed our little finish line tent area up and headed to awards which
were nice. Talked with lots of friends, congratulated them and tried to
figure out how to answer when they kindly asked about my race. I
didn't want to sound ungrateful for the chance to race Western. I
didn't want to sound like a whiner being so sad and disappointed with a
25 hour finish, but if you didn't understand my goals and all I worked
for for months, with a family, through nursing school, you didn't
understand. This was not any other race and I was not there to simply
finish. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H5r8IlSCtHnqdwwiNfnWA2N2ZhaMqfEtQ_s-UqsPsYJ35cU387GhvHPE3j3A8aBygrjhZ2fP7D_bOSVifXvz_Qnal8CaN7RCPqlMYSZe9VUHiYlMIBuhzyuyb9EqFfsZzBAyGsvtD-c2/s640/blogger-image--957720695.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H5r8IlSCtHnqdwwiNfnWA2N2ZhaMqfEtQ_s-UqsPsYJ35cU387GhvHPE3j3A8aBygrjhZ2fP7D_bOSVifXvz_Qnal8CaN7RCPqlMYSZe9VUHiYlMIBuhzyuyb9EqFfsZzBAyGsvtD-c2/s640/blogger-image--957720695.jpg" /></a></div>
We
drove to Reno that night and enjoyed dinner at a casino buffet which I
must say is a perfect post race dinner with so many options for an
either touchy or ravenous stomach. I slept reasonably and got to put on
my new Western States shirt and my kids and husband were proud of me. I
was slowly starting the road to healing.<br />
<br />
The drive
home was long and uncomfortable but I was with my funny and supportive
family which is most important. I came to the reality that I do not
have to race 100's. They are hard, a lot of suffering, and not a whole
lot of fun to me honestly. 100k is a really great distance and it is
totally fine to 'only' go that far. I got to catch up on FB and IG and
all the wonderful sweet messages left that helped to soften the blow
some. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-TQCpfAJdOKfhsueGeeUaRwHEp0lM9WBJZ9XC82zj9iaeZMnjT3Eut9BeIFnvoEoLKdmKBEFo3oEHwqHMnM5Ze26O0pygLuNHflfKPDGeEHgbgYMxqxUddgpuqJxRDqEWTWuiDptWVSp/s640/blogger-image--588941419.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-TQCpfAJdOKfhsueGeeUaRwHEp0lM9WBJZ9XC82zj9iaeZMnjT3Eut9BeIFnvoEoLKdmKBEFo3oEHwqHMnM5Ze26O0pygLuNHflfKPDGeEHgbgYMxqxUddgpuqJxRDqEWTWuiDptWVSp/s640/blogger-image--588941419.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made me cry when we got home. I didn't know who left this at the time, but it meant a lot to me.</td></tr>
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I won't lie, from around midnight during the race up
to a few weeks after I have been really sad about this. My training was
on point, I was strong and healthy and in a mentally good place. The
stage was set with lots of wonderful athletes to race with, so many well
wishes - the stoke was high. And I was going to get to experience
Western States 100! And if this were the Western States 70 I would tell
you I had a great experience. Because I did until then. Yes I had
some downs, but those come with the territory. What I didn't have after
70 that makes me hesitant to give you an answer when you ask how
Western States was, was an able body. All I wanted was a tired,
fatigued, but able body that could fight the mental tough stuff that
would come. I was ready to fight that stuff. I talked to myself about
what I'd learned in other races and I was going to use those lessons.
What I didn't anticipate or plan on was an injury and man this was not
the race to have that happen. I am learning to take comfort in my
finish, but it does not erase the failed expectations I had for myself.
What's hard about this one is that despite how hard 100's are for me, I
would love to race again for redemption, but I feel like there is no
race to do that in other than Western States, and who knows the next
time I'll get in again.<br />
<br />
I am proud of the way I handled
the heat. I owned it! It may not have been the hottest year, but I
know others were suffering with it. I can honestly say I was never
hot. I am very happy with how I handled the canyons. Smooth down,
strong up. I am proud that I worked to be nice to my pacer and
crew/husband <b>:)</b> Sounds funny, but I get emotional and grumpy and
I know that's what pacers have to expect, but I wanted to control it
better and I think I did. The atmosphere there was wonderful, the aid
stations A-MAZING! It was a wonderful trip. I'm not sure more take
aways from this race though, I'm not sure the lessons I can say I've
learned. I guess that will come in time.<br />
<br />
The leg has
been healing remarkably well really and there are times I go back and
question if I was really hurting that bad and injured, or just letting
my mind take over and find an excuse to slow down. And then I remember
how swollen and discolored my whole left quad was for 5 days and how the
other one looked and felt perfect. How my massage therapist could feel
the damage in there the entire post race week. The injury was real at a
really bad time and I'm really sad about how it affected such an
important race to me, but life goes on. I don't have anything
particular planned for the rest of the year, probably won't race again
till September with healing and family life and starting as an RN.<br />
<br />
I
don't really have a great ending to this post, it's been long and I'm
sorry, just my therapy I guess. I hope I didn't come off too
negatively. I could be bitter about what was written on my arm and how
it turned into "here go all my goals out the window" or something, but I
love that quote, <i><b>Here Goes Everything</b></i>, and I gave this race that as long as I could. Until next time - #seeyouinsquaw</div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-52807546783846230702016-05-23T23:32:00.001-06:002016-05-24T15:29:26.284-06:00Female distance runner, thin AND healthy - it's a thingI have no idea how this post will go over. It's simply my thoughts and I am looking to win over no one. I have seen so many articles lately written by both men and women about the great perpetuity of eating disorders, particularly in distance running. I will acknowledge right now that they do exist. And I pray for those struggling with the real problem it is. But what I'm not happy with is the feeling I get that some of these article's authors seem to pit any thin, fast, long distance female runner as unhealthy or one with an eating disorder. I know that's a generalization, but it's how it feels to me. And here's my problem with it. I am a thin, fast, long distance female runner, have been for 16 years - and I am neither unhealthy nor do I have or have I ever suffered from an eating disorder. And I don't want this to belittle anyone at all that has or is struggling with one, but why do we have to be so politically correct? My big beef here is not that others might assume I have an eating disorder, it's that because of all this writing about it and the stigma, that my daughters will think I do. <div><br></div><div>My daughters know their mama is strong, that their mama runs a lot, and that she can share some of her clothes with their 12 year old sister. But it's not because I am unhealthy. This is my frame, it's my build. The same one my non-athletic twin sister shares, ironically <b><i>minus</i></b> some of the bulk I have. Sure some of it could be the miles I run and the good food I generally eat, but I have never altered the miles I run or the food I eat to be thinner. I have honestly never considered losing weight to get faster. I don't want my girls to think that watching and worrying about their weight is the way to get better in their sport, and with all the talk of the epidemic eating disorders are amongst athletes, sometimes I fear that's what they'll interpret. </div><div><br></div><div>I may very well be the anomaly here with my thinking, but I kind of don't think so. I don't know why I wrote this, but it's been on my mind lately. Strong, thin, healthy, fast, female, distance runner are all words that can get along. Let's try it. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>*And while we're at it, why don't I hear more blame or accountability toward coaches? Seems like much of these disorders stem from a coach's pressure or influence. I'm postitive there are many amazing coaches, I've experienced some! But I find it funny that in the women I know personally who have struggled, it came from the outside pressure of a coach. Let's instill hard work and clean eating and positive body image in our coaches and then athletes as enough to achieve their goals. </div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-54551880221896477922016-04-18T13:09:00.001-06:002016-04-18T13:11:13.045-06:00Early season happenings - skiing, injury, track race, Buffalo 50k, bosho<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Forgive my everything-in-one post. I just need to get it all down and checked off the life to-do list</span></i></div>
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So the plan after <a href="http://triathlon-mom.blogspot.com/2015/09/wasatch-100-report.html" target="_blank">Wasatch 100</a> was to take an off season. A real one. Like I haven't had in several years. You can only push the body so long and I didn't want to push those limits. I want decades in this sport enjoying my body and what's around me. </div>
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Well, then <a href="http://triathlon-mom.blogspot.com/2015/12/tnf.html" target="_blank">TNF 50</a> came up as an Altra USATF team event and I jumped. I still had the fitness, would just need to tune it up for a month or so and <b>then</b> would take that off season. And for the first month I so enjoyed it! I loved not having to go out in the frigid cold or wind or chunky icy trails or roads. This break was good, I wasn't itching for it to be over. We skid several times as a family which was SO fun! So neat to see my kids be so into and active. Truth moment? My kids are really whiny about getting outside and being active, and sometimes are lazier than kids should be, and that's hard for my active husband and I. It feels like we're not teaching them something or not teaching effectively. So to have our whole family out on the mountain, even if it is green runs for the baby and I (and they're my comfort zone), was so good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOdPxh2HXsm_Xa2Ze0V43CVBCmvL0h-xWQeAy75-pSDBF1HaZJJ8hJ1YSlkG5iO05LzMLHkqCWaffPnB0ndOVWAm1-bC4glQ0yBh-4i6kxGX_QQuQKhv6dRTF5CLGnn4GsU27vkc1h_Du/s1600/10348744_10208997340470390_3417194571542034696_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOdPxh2HXsm_Xa2Ze0V43CVBCmvL0h-xWQeAy75-pSDBF1HaZJJ8hJ1YSlkG5iO05LzMLHkqCWaffPnB0ndOVWAm1-bC4glQ0yBh-4i6kxGX_QQuQKhv6dRTF5CLGnn4GsU27vkc1h_Du/s320/10348744_10208997340470390_3417194571542034696_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyplKD_vPBfcwUOqUGDGUIJPzPMKjsUCSw60pGTLNsMKDnE8DuM_KxBkX9jBEb1lKaoiKqBziAxL866W1G2obwf-7FLOxEJyC_mfUG6rTBmow6Hu19lscvxSdSoT01l8rxm-I8LXWFRtv/s1600/12657215_10208797149225734_3115993360467758613_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyplKD_vPBfcwUOqUGDGUIJPzPMKjsUCSw60pGTLNsMKDnE8DuM_KxBkX9jBEb1lKaoiKqBziAxL866W1G2obwf-7FLOxEJyC_mfUG6rTBmow6Hu19lscvxSdSoT01l8rxm-I8LXWFRtv/s320/12657215_10208797149225734_3115993360467758613_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two kids, our 10 and 8 year old are animals on the slopes! They get a kick out of having to wait for their mom <b>:)</b></td></tr>
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And then this happened. First week of January at Outdoor Retailer Demo Day at Snowbird my husband encouraged me to go on this beginner backcountry guided ski tour as I do really like skinning up, but need more practice going back down. Which made itself very clear 2 turns into my first big powder experience. With a crust hidden underneath. Yep, sprained my ankle bad. Bad enough I thought I broke it and the guide offered to call a helicopter since there was no way I could ski on this thing. Um, no thank you. So I spent the next hour awkwardly and painfully hiking down in my ski boots with a snowshoe group that was heading down. Ugh. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFly563jxeR7wOYJ4_3dMtXGL9Tr_hwyaUemeOtg9jSJ8pfXeSCF4pOMTogRAxsZZ83463QJ7TVDkXBSjN41gZd5rG6kqBik_Gxf8JCl5FXu9mNB8jNje23zAHuycz1G1_gURbyJDg0F_x/s1600/882453_10208564816377558_1440462210636550875_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFly563jxeR7wOYJ4_3dMtXGL9Tr_hwyaUemeOtg9jSJ8pfXeSCF4pOMTogRAxsZZ83463QJ7TVDkXBSjN41gZd5rG6kqBik_Gxf8JCl5FXu9mNB8jNje23zAHuycz1G1_gURbyJDg0F_x/s320/882453_10208564816377558_1440462210636550875_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Long story short, it took way longer to heal than I expected. This getting older thing? A reality! Ligaments are always slower to heal though and I just didn't have the patience for it. But I was a good patient and used crutches for a week, didn't run for at least 4 weeks I think, and even swimming was out, too much ankle movement. So at least I got a nice long off season for the rest of the body eh? Like I predicted would probably happen though, the generally advised 8 weeks would come by, and I'd be ok. And that's about how it went. But those 8 weeks had me pretty worried.<br />
<br />
During my time off, my husband decided out of the blue he wanted to do the <a href="http://www.jeremyhowlett.com/adventures/antelope-canyon-modified-55k-race-report/" target="_blank">Antelope Canyon 50</a>, except only the best parts scenery wise. And he certainly wasn't in shape for a 33 mile day, but we had hoped he could just go slow and take care of himself and enjoy a long day on the <b>amazing</b> course. I so wanted him to have a good experience, because his last big thing, the Zion Traverse a few years ago, left him not wanting to do anything like that again. Kids and I saw him around 13 and he complained a little but was fine. Missed him at 20 or so which I hated, but I hear he was in good spirits. And then we saw him come into around mile 28. NOT HAPPY. He was hot, tired, worn out from miles of sand and simply miles beyond what his body was prepared for. He was discouraged and emotional. All things I have been many times and while friends teased us that he would have to give me a real hard time to make up for how whiny and grumpy I can be during crew stops, I was happy to be there and take care of him! I knew not to take anything personally, I knew to offer him what I knew could help, but not to offer too much when his brain was fried, and to not get upset if he said no to everything. I was worried how he would handle these next 5 miles, knew he wanted to be done, but the best canyon to come was thankfully in front of him and I was able to get him out of there. And it was the <b>best feeling ever</b> to see him 5 miles later, smiling and <b>running</b> to his finish for the day. He did a big thing for him, and he was happy, and I'm so happy it went that way!<br />
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Back home, able to run up to 9 miles fine on paved surfaces, certainly no trail, I decided to get the competitive juices flowing again with an indoor 440m half marathon at the Utah Olympic Oval. I have done a 50k here before, so wasn't too worried about the boredom side of it, I enjoyed that 50k. Got there literally 2 minutes before the start, story of my life, and squirmed my way up to the front hoping to run with friend Ari (center in the photo below) but didn't quite make it. And she is a beast who took off and I never would have stayed with anyway. Good news, ankle was good for half the race. Bad news, it didn't feel great for the other half and neither did I. Just felt so heavy and forced and mentally not there. There was slow office music playing overhead the whole time and I forgot my own music. Anyway, it was good to get the miles, but didn't leave me with the excitement races usually do. Ran a high 1:3something. 2nd place. Was slower than I expected, but it seemed like everyone was without the aid of any downhill.<br />
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Skip forward a month and I had been enjoying my time on the paved trails close to home, really! Pavement doesn't have to suck. I get to run with my daughter in the Chariot and there are better views of the mountains down here too <b>;)</b> Really I was just doing what was good for my ankle, and also working on leg speed and turnover, really training for Western States now. Buffalo races on Antelope Island is a race I've been to every year since I started ultrarunning. Their fall 50k was actually my first ultra fall of 2012. I wanted to volunteer out there and also run so was planning on the 25k. I really hadn't run on trail more than 3-4 hours total since my injury and it was touchy. But I figured I'd be ok for 25k. I've been ranked in and following the Ultrarunning Magazine <a href="http://ultrarunningraceseries.com/" target="_blank">ultrarunner rankings</a> for a few months after I popped into the top 10 after TNF. They take your top 50k, 50m, 100k, and 100m time over a year period and basically try to produce a ranking of overall ultra performance. The only distance I had not done for the ranking was 50k. Nursing school was and is crazy, and I just wasn't sure I'd have a Saturday free in the next month to travel to a race before the ranking ended. So after much self deliberation and trying to get other people to make the decision for me, I decided I'd go out with the 50k and if I needed to stop after the first 25k loop for the ankle, I would. Or I hoped I would. For a competitive mind like myself, this wasn't the smartest plan <b>:)</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These great photos courtesy of Lori Burlison. Thanks for your cheery face Lori!</td></tr>
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I did not bring my brace with me because I don't like how locked in I am, I almost feel more unstable. But I also didn't want to hurt the ankle again on this run, more trail than I'd done in months, so I decided to have the medical sports guys there tape my ankle. And I pretty much hated it from the get go <b>:( </b> Something bothered me and I didn't know whether it was the ankle or the tape job, but I figured I'd give it a while before ripping it off. I tried to be somewhat conservative that first loop, but like the track race, just felt kind of off. I decided with about a half mile to go before the 25k point and turnaround for loop 2, I needed to know what this feeling was. So I sat down in the dirt beside the trail for a couple minutes and ripped all the tape off (which can I say left my leg burning for like an hour! ouch!). The burning hurt but the ankle felt better! I resistantly but almost instinctually headed back out for lap 2.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnNqWXigtOSOzcgAfKS08VOf310AZOvwpjdYgIBNGLTdLNxqURGx3g1lEr8SrIZRO8583aBbMQWPPtSaag6_yVxcisRNcjq4VpC8We_jp1r8I32eSg-SXxkuF5_DvUV2PcNlQRkvsFTvC/s1600/IMG_3002-50k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnNqWXigtOSOzcgAfKS08VOf310AZOvwpjdYgIBNGLTdLNxqURGx3g1lEr8SrIZRO8583aBbMQWPPtSaag6_yVxcisRNcjq4VpC8We_jp1r8I32eSg-SXxkuF5_DvUV2PcNlQRkvsFTvC/s320/IMG_3002-50k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>And lap 2 rocked! </b> I mean it took me about a mile in, but then things just kind of clicked and I felt normal and fast and strong. The goal for this race was to even split if I ended up doing the 50k, and I wanted to try for that. So I pushed, but not crazy like, I just never gave up any time. I had a great experience at the <a href="http://triathlon-mom.blogspot.com/2015/07/2015-ogden-marathon-i-can-push-hard.html" target="_blank">Ogden Marathon</a> last year where I really pushed the last 15 miles, and it told me I could, I could push for a while. I've used the mental strength I gained there in several races since, and used it that day at Buffalo. I wasn't afraid of the pace I was running, I could be strong and hold it, none of this waiting for the last mile or two to start pushing.<br />
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The Wasatch Mountain Wranglers were out there and it was fun to see them and have their help to move quickly through their aid station. I continued to push hard hoping to run under 5 hours, and never gave that up until I saw 5:00 hit, about 100 yards from the finish line - darn! But it was exciting to try for it. But I ran a 5:01, 3rd place, I'd made up a lot of time on those ahead of me, even splitted!, a 19 minute course PR, but more than that - <b>my ankle was good!</b></div>
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Gosh that was a huge turning point for me. It meant that Western States training was game on more than it already was. And it's helped push me onto the next phase of training both physically and mentally. Little podcast I was flattered to be asked to do by Trail Manners, <a href="http://www.trailmanners.com/episode-21-buffalo-run-leslie-howlett/" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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So this last weekend I had the opportunity to do a run which shall not be named. Ok, that's the story we like to tell, but it's an organized fun run more than race, Bosho. You can report your time, but there's no timing, no shirts, no entry fees. I've wanted to do this one for a while and was excited for the chance. </div>
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The day before it rained and snowed up there good. We were all worried about mud but the trails were in such good shape and so green and beautiful!</div>
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A lot started at 6am, some started at 7am, and I started at 6:20am. I was bummed to have missed the first group, but those first few miles of trail all alone in the twilight sky with sunflowers popping all over the green hillside were really nice. And then I spent the next several hours passing earlier starts and getting to chat for a moment with everyone along the way. I don't remember most names, but they were all so happy and friendly, what a way to spend a morning!</div>
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Soon enough the 7am speedsters came just blazing by, like crazy fast. Made me question my training pace that I thought was sufficient, and it was for a training effort, they were just super fast and fun to watch. It was good to get up and down bigger climbs than I've been doing, and remind myself what a big climb is. Need to do more of those up and down and strengthen the quads and downhill steep technical footing. I wanted to push the last 4-5 miles as prescribed and that was fun. Tried to once again chase down that sub 5, but ended up at 5:10 and that's ok. A great training run in control like it was supposed to be, super happy to not have any real mental or physical lows, didn't take any caffeine or vitamin I, and didn't feel the need to put music in till 4 hours in despite running alone for most of the race. Great morning! Happy to be alive, healthy, improving, and be supported by my generous but human husband who picks up a lot of the slack. Couldn't do all this without him.</div>
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Onward and upward! He and I get to head out to Mendocino, California this weekend for a 50k I'm really excited to see! I graduate May 4th and hopefully take the NCLEX that month. Then want to run a 50miler May 14, thinking Quadrock (ouch) but not sure yet. End of May is Western States training camp, and then comes the big dance June 25! Oh, and lots of training and family spread in there too of course <b>:)</b></div>
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-41359062498888461122016-03-02T13:21:00.000-07:002016-03-02T13:36:33.895-07:00Stroller running with kidsI have 4 kids ages 4-12, and I have been running longer than I've been a mom. I remember my first run after my first baby 6 weeks postpartum. I had so much excitement and energy to get out, which lasted a block or two to the stop sign when reality hit and I walked home. Sharp kick in the pants by reality, but I hadn't maintained my fitness level as well the year before her birth and had a pretty rough birth with her. Thankfully, my running relationship as a mom has gotten much better, and I wanted to share some of my tips and experience with you all!<br />
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First off, I have to recommend the best investment we ever made in staying active with our kids, our <a href="http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/products/active-with-kids/bike-trailers-and-seats/multisport-trailers/thule-chariot-cougar-2-_-10100931" target="_blank">Chariot Cougar 2</a>. We've had ours for <b>10 years</b> and it is still going strong! I have not replaced one part, but we bought it at REI with our member 20% off so we could always get any replacement parts if needed. I encourage you to use your local retailer if possible, but if not REI is a great place to buy it from. Now they've gone up in price quite a bit from 10 years ago, but I'm telling you, if you want to run, bike, and/or cross country ski with your kids, particularly in any weather, save the money and buy one. Maybe you can find one used. I could write a whole review on our Chariot, but I'll try to summarize my favorite points.<br />
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<li><b>All weather protection</b>. This thing is weather proof whether hot, cold, wet or wind. I've got a<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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half length sun cover, full length mesh cover which covers the entire opening (which can I say <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXNCnCthFTNTUNbSdV1SbNPR16bfP2lLw_DgHrn_0i9i4fboWltTvlKJz3mrE_0NkSiZ3ijDYlaopUB9-ZU6wRsRezaI_A0P-7Bk0rVTd_mf8gaQmPhOOC1MIZtQOp-LHOk1sDDNwuJpl/s1600/Trailer5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXNCnCthFTNTUNbSdV1SbNPR16bfP2lLw_DgHrn_0i9i4fboWltTvlKJz3mrE_0NkSiZ3ijDYlaopUB9-ZU6wRsRezaI_A0P-7Bk0rVTd_mf8gaQmPhOOC1MIZtQOp-LHOk1sDDNwuJpl/s200/Trailer5.JPG" width="126" /></a></div>
is 100% awesome for keeping kids from throwing toys out!), full length vinyl waterproof cover that is also gold in the wind. There are also two vent pockets inside to give air if I have all the covers on. All those covers stay attached to the trailer so you don't have to worry about carrying anything extra or forgetting anything. I have literally taken the trailer out in any and all weather with happy warm dry kids inside. They don't even wear heavy coats in freezing temperatures because the covers keep them so tucked in. Love the tinted windows on the side too.</li>
<li><b>Formed seats. </b>Seems like a simple thing, but not having a sling style bench inside makes it so kids and their things don't collapse onto each other in the middle. Very comfortable padded seats and 5 point buckles with covers over the buckles so kids don't get pinched or let themselves out. You can move a buckle system into the middle too if you only have 1 kid in there who doesn't want to stay on one side.</li>
<li><b>Shocks</b>. No matter the bumps I take the trailer on, books/toys/food does not fall off the seat and I don't worry my kid is a bobblehead doll on a rough road either. They are adjustable but we have always left them as they came.</li>
<li><b>Infant sling. </b>From birth to 1 year, Chariot makes a sling that hooks up to the buckles and <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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trailer so baby can lay vs having to sit, because we all know a 3 month old is not going to sit up, and who wants to wait 6+ months to get out and get going. They do not recommend biking with a child using the infant sling, but rather wait till they are a good sitter, but I have definitely run with very young babies (and biked smooth quiet road with babies technically too young). Great way to sooth them to sleep but not have to fit the carseat in which then wouldn't leave room for a big brother or sister.</li>
<li><b>Versatility</b>. The Chariot has so much <b>storage</b>! A few good pockets in the trailer but 3 great size ones in back for me. I love memories of walking/running/biking to the grocery store or library with the kids and filling those pockets with books or gallons of milk. And as I've mentioned, they sell kits for different activities: jogging, stroller, bike, ski, hike. We have owned the first 3 and after many years of the big jogger wheel in the front, I discovered the stroller kit thanks to my friend Charity. You'd think those two little wheels wouldn't be good to run with, but they totally are! No more adjusting the tracking on the jogger wheel, the stroller wheels turn on a dime and do just fine on any surface I've run on (note, I do not take the trailer trail running beyond smooth canal road, too much work). Also way easier to navigate indoors since the stroller wheels sit right under the front of the Chariot. <b>Buy the stroller kit!</b></li>
<li><b>Down sides</b> - there aren't many and wouldn't keep me from buying one again, but a couple things to keep things honest - no recline. Stinks not to be able to lay them down like a traditional stroller, but there is soft mesh in back of their heads to allow for helmet room when biking that they could lean into a little, or they sleep on each other, or now that it's just Ella in the stroller I'll bring a cozy blanket and she'll lay sideways to sleep if we're running.<b> </b>It's heavy and bulky to collapse and fit into the car, but we certainly have. I'm lucky to have a paved river path a mile from our house that we do most of our running on. </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband and our then 3 kids stuffed in the Chariot biking around watching me at a triathlon 5-6 years ago</td></tr>
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If you don't have or can't afford a Chariot, don't fret. There are a few tricks you can use to make your own stroller/jogger better. When I went on the first run as a mom, I just threw a receiving blanket over the front of our old school borrowed jogger. And as soon as I went outside it blew off and my poor 6 week old baby took a big gasp of the winter air. Oops. That led to a whole lot of trying to figure out how to keep it covered. My best recommendation is to buy a <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12894888&camp=PLAPPCG-_-PID12766683:BRUS&cagpspn=plab_12766683&eESource=CAPLA_DF:12894888:TRUS" target="_blank">vinyl rain cover</a> that will fit your stroller and use it for cold temps or wind, even if it isn't raining. Makes a big difference and is an affordable $15-$20 option. There are lots of varieties and while the vinyl is best for wind and cold, they do make netting ones to help keep toys in and dirt out at least.<br />
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Make sure your ride is equipped with supplies. <b>Diapers and wipes</b> if you're using them (confession, I haven't cleaned out the deep back pockets of the Chariot in apparently, a very long time, because I found a few new diapers in there, and my 'baby' has been potty trained for over a year... Make sure there are several <b>extra snacks</b> in there, and if it has to be treats you wouldn't normally give, pack them. Sometimes kids don't want to go running with me, but a few incentives they only get there can help. We'll do <b>oatmeal </b>in the trailer on cold mornings too which isn't too messy but gets us out the door faster. <b>No spill water bottles</b> are great so if, I mean when they get turned upside down, they won't leak. Now I hate to admit this one, but you may need to pack a device - <b>phone or tablet</b>. I try really hard to not give them one, and almost never start with it out, but if they're grumpy or the run is long, you have to keep the captives happy.<br />
These <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Animals-Alphabet-Numbers/dp/B00CPHX9JK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456948987&sr=8-1&keywords=melissa+and+doug+water" target="_blank">water color books</a> are one of my favorites lately for my Ella. No, not watercolors, I'm not that crazy, but a simple water paintbrush book that shows color when wet, then dries and they can do it over again. The little brush pens are nice, but I don't want it squeezed out or to have to stop every 2 minutes to refill it, so we put a small 4oz water bottle/flask with the cap off in a pocket inside, 1/3 full of water, and use a regular paint brush she can dip in the water. At only 1/3 full it won't splash out and ours stays upright pretty well, but this is a good time for duct tape to the side of the stroller if needed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Ella! One of her fun, but not super safe ;) trailer activities when we're walking</td></tr>
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<b>Parks and playgrounds</b>. Now like I mentioned earlier, you've got captives that may get restless, and if they end up hating going running with you, you probably won't get out or will feel guilty doing so. So you have to reward them. Now before I sound all mom of the year, most of the time after a run, all I want to do is go home, eat everything, and be lazy, not stop at the park and then wrestle a kid away when it's time. But if I have the time, I try to hit one at the end of our run. I have really nice memories of nursing a baby (<a href="http://triathlon-mom.blogspot.com/2012/04/awesome-running-and-nursing-sports-bra.html" target="_blank">my favorite nursing sports bra post here</a>) or changing a diaper at the park, while an older child gets out to go play.<br />
If you can't or don't want to stop at the park - don't run by one! I've definitely rerouted a run I knew would go by a playground or tried to show them something out the other side of the trailer if it wasn't a good time to stop.<br />
And if your run is a casual one, not structured, do half your run to the store/library/park/museum/pool, let the wild ones out to play, then run home. Great relay training if you're into Ragnar and such! I do prefer to do our playing at the end though so I can stretch while they play. Bring a recovery drink or snack with you if it was a hard or long workout to eat before you get home.<br />
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I have cycled between biking and running with the kids a lot, and not. I haven't biked much since I got into ultrarunning in 2012, but sure did a lot before then in my triathlon days. Sometimes running has just worked better to do it before they get up, and I don't do all my running with them now, runs alone are nice me time and sometimes a better or more focused workout. <i> </i><br />
<i>But I treasure the time outside with them. I get emotional thinking of the songs we've sung, ABC's we've learned, animals pointed out and I-spy we've played over the years. My older kids too big for the trailer will bike next to me sometimes, and that's a great way to keep them involved and give them quiet, distraction free quality time.</i> <b>Such good time and memories!</b> It's made me feel good about including them in the time I take to workout, less mom guilt, and hope I influence them to be active too. I feel a funny sense of save the earth warm fuzzies when we run or bike to places we can, rather than drive. Two birds with one stone, well probably more birds than two actually. Errands done, no driving, workout, time and vitamin D together.<br />
It's not always easy to be active with kids. Sometimes the workout takes longer with them than it would without, I get tired, don't want to pack everything and the chickens into the trailer sometimes, worry she'll be grumpy or want to stop at the park or get out when I don't have time, but that doesn't usually happen. Pushing a kid or two (or more) is kind of like wearing a weight vest in my opinion, extra resistance, but more importantly, it keeps things in perspective for me. <i><b>Mom first, athlete second.</b></i><br />
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I hope any of this rambling has helped you! I have really enjoyed the last couple years running with my youngest child while our older three are off at school. Great quality time for us, and I'm getting my road and speedwork done, without having to get up as early. Mostly though, I just love our time together and the feeling I get of multitasking together. <b>Get outside!</b>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-74494267522676042402016-01-09T15:05:00.002-07:002016-01-12T10:12:01.023-07:00Western States motivationI'm going to make a little collection of Western States motivation videos and will update the date of the post when I do so it will stay near the top. There are so many great one's out there, but I have a thing I learned preparing for baby #4's birth about only introducing positive thoughts about the goal into my mind. So while there will be much work and possibly adversity out there, I'm going to focus on and post the reviews that make me feel most positive. Enjoy!<br />
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Timmy's win is impressive and inspirational for sure, but this is just a great all around feel good video. Can't wait to run down that track, hopefully with family around me<br />
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Loved this one! Short but sweet. Great footage, great music <br />
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-20892002157234461042016-01-08T16:28:00.003-07:002016-01-10T08:44:19.212-07:00#seeyouinsquaw!<br />
Wow, I have wanted to used that hashtag for a long time. Western States 100, the oldest 100 mile race in the country, and probably the most prestigious. Kind of like the superbowl of US ultrarunning (although plenty of international folks come over too). Brings out some of the best competition, but really, just has such a rich history and electric vibe to it, that anyone would be grateful to run it. And I most certainly am.<br />
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I found out about this race years ago, early in my ultra running experience, and was taken by it after watching Unbreakable. I wanted that experience. It's a hard one to come by though simply because of supply and demand. A whole lot of people want to run it, thousands, and there are only about 300 spots. I put in for the lottery for years, no luck. Most people have to put in a lot longer though.<br />
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I spent 2014 and 2015 chasing it the hard way, the Montrail Ultra Cup. 5 or so 50m-100k races where the top 2 men and top 2 women are given slots (which can roll down to 5th if needed). I ran <a href="http://triathlon-mom.blogspot.com/2014/04/lake-sonoma-50.html" target="_blank">Lake Sonoma 50</a> in California in 2014 not really expecting to get in, but I was sure going to give it my best effort. I placed 8th and I believe the slot went down to 3rd or 4th. I raced <a href="http://triathlon-mom.blogspot.com/2015/01/bandera-100k.html" target="_blank">Bandera 100k</a> in <br />
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January of 2015 after a long year prior, and a cold windy winter preparing for a warm weather race by doing what heat training I could in SLC. Turned out colder there than at home race day, and I just felt flat all day. As a mountain girl I also underestimated the Texas hills. I really thought that would be my day though. I placed 6th. That was a hard blow to have put so much mental and physical energy, and money, into something I really believed I could do, and not have it happen. I was bothered enough I had to try again with the great fitness I knew I had built.<br />
So the next month I went from cold and icy rocks and insanely sticky and heavy mud, to way more heat than my winter body was ready for at the <a href="http://triathlon-mom.blogspot.com/2015/02/black-canyon-100k.html" target="_blank">Black Canyon 100k</a>. Again I went in determined. I went alone, this was no family trip, not even a couple's trip. I was there to earn a spot. I ran in 3-5th place for the first 16 miles, with a wonderful pack of women, and it was surreal to be there and feel totally capable. Then the really heat of the day started, and it took a toll on me like I've never felt <br />
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before. I don't know that it was anything I did wrong, although I've learned from it how to deal with the heat better which served me well at Wasatch, but I was beaten down to walking much of the next 9 hours nauseous and dizzy and never wanting to DNF more in my life for such a long period of time. I thank the Lord for friend and fellow mom and runner Carol who I spent much of the day with, trying to get each other to continue. Pacer and new friend Cari had to listen to my whining and endless talking to keep me moving since now the only reason I was finishing was hope of the Last Chance Lottery. If you finished any MUC race in 2014 you were entered into a drawing for 1 Western States spot. I had to finish so that I could say I tried everything to get that spot. I did finish, but didn't get that spot or the one at Bandera. That last Black Canyon spot rolled down to 4th or 5th I believe and looking at the time run, I was really upset at myself again. I really do feel like I could have run that time if the heat hadn't consumed me. But I didn't. Note - the women ahead of me in all these races are amazing and certainly belonged there, I would never take anything from them.<br />
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I learned a little something from those MUC experiences of trying to get in. It burned me out a little. A) these races take place in the winter or spring and in warmer weather states and I live in a snow state. Despite my best efforts, I just don't know that I can acclimate well enough to place that high, and<br />
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B) the time and money it took to train for and travel to those races is more than I should take from my family right now. I don't mean to sound like those faster than I have it easy or don't train their butts off, in fact, they probably and most certainly train harder and more than I do. But many don't have 4 young kids and are going to school right now. I just simply don't have the time and resources ($) to train to the level it really takes to earn one of those spots. Nor should I personally put my family below my athletic goals to this extent. I committed to not enter the Ultra Cup races this year, but I would of course throw my name in the lottery since I had plenty of the qualifying races<img class="irc_mi" src="http://blog.altrazerodrop.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Western-States-Altra-Sponsorship-01-700x321.jpg" height="145" style="margin-top: 47px;" width="320" /></div>
Fast forward a few months and <a href="http://www.altrafootwear.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Altra</span> </a>became the Western States 100 official shoe sponsor. Wow! I can't tell you how cool that moment was. My husband Jeremy and Golden and Brian were 3 20-something year old guys that had a dream to solve a problem and started a shoe company that incredibly spread across the whole world, in the 6 short years since conception. With that came a couple race entries. I wasn't sure initially how I felt about that and how I'd feel if I was offered one. I didn't want to feel like it was less of an entry and effort than any other method of entry. I didn't just want it 'given' to me (we're a weird breed eh?). I wanted to feel like I earned it. And somehow, even the lottery felt more like earning it to me. But I put my name in that hat hoping to be selected. And then the slots were offered to two other wonderful Endurance Team athletes of ours and I was pretty bummed. A lot actually especially after not getting into the WS or Hardrock lottery. I've been pretty unsure and lost as to what this year would hold despite so many other great races out there. <br />
About a month later after a funny turn of events, I got a phone call wondering if I still wanted to run Western States. It surprised me and caught me off guard since I certainly wasn't planning on that race was planning on not training up to and racing a 100 until the fall, but um, YES, of course I want to race Western States!!<br />
And I'm not going be anything but excited now.. I know there are so many people, so many of my friends who want to do this race and have worked hard to keep their qualifiers and enter the lottery or go to theses qualifying races. I have done those things too though, so I'm going to take this opportunity given to me as an <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://blog.altrazerodrop.com/elite-athletes/" target="_blank">Altra Endurance Team</a></span> athlete to experience one of the most amazing races out there! <br />
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<i> #seeyouinsquaw</i> <b>Wow</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-10541111101961947852015-12-11T11:46:00.001-07:002015-12-12T14:22:56.364-07:00TNF<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Had the chance to go out and race TNF 50 mile in San Francisco. Yeah I probably should have ended my season after Wasatch since it's been over a year since I've had an off season, but still healthy, unsure of what next year will hold for me, and wanting a bit of mental/emotional redemption after Wasatch, I decided to put in a couple more months of training in after a month off (which was super difficult for this race with school this semester and my family of course) and head out. Thankfully we got to bring the kids too and stay in a fabulous Altra team house with our great Altra teammates out there to race as well.</div>
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My goals were somewhat casual. I wanted to have a good time. Different than run a good time. First and foremost I wanted to enjoy myself and what was around me and come away from this race and season happy. My motto was "Fun and focus, focus and fun". Now of course I wanted to run well and thought top 10 would be amazing in a crazy deep field like this was set out to be. Top 20 for sure. Figured it would take about an 8:30 to come in 10th based on previous years. Great coach and friend Nick Clark gave me several pieces of advice including staying out of the top 10 in the first 20 miles and not asking for my position till 30 miles. Basically to come into Stinson at 27 feeling good and not destroyed, and then to push hard and pick up any carnage. He told me they would come and I held fast to that and all of his advice. I got several other great motivating thoughts to add to the pot from great friends and I'm really grateful!</div>
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So I am in my 3rd of 4 nursing school semesters. Had a hospital clinical the Thursday before the race that I could not (and would not want to) miss. So my husband and kids made the 12 hour trek out west in the van and I got to fly out late that night after clinical. You know, it was only flying to Oakland from SLC, not some exotic international race, but I looked down at one point on the dark flight at my scrub pants and Altra shoes, wearing my Wasatch shirt on top, and was so grateful and happy and honored to be able to fly to a race.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW2SVeJsF0PU-4J3oUkrqUFtBDrsAn3cEOeVcGb2X-UjA1tCnYrxvvMPm6XofkMj5qcynccafLwDygFnel7XDib7xH-SXrQPGUWnqIC15Z5SgDfOGr6m489JRPM7hzAvbaW3DWwztB_bN/s640/blogger-image-2140300912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW2SVeJsF0PU-4J3oUkrqUFtBDrsAn3cEOeVcGb2X-UjA1tCnYrxvvMPm6XofkMj5qcynccafLwDygFnel7XDib7xH-SXrQPGUWnqIC15Z5SgDfOGr6m489JRPM7hzAvbaW3DWwztB_bN/s320/blogger-image-2140300912.jpg" width="320" /></a>Friday we spent the day scouting for photo spots with our Altra photographer Tyson and my little fam enjoyed a great afternoon at Stinson beach and in the wonderful Muirwoods. I also spent time stressing over and trying to figure out how I was going to deal with a significant sore/post blister on top of my foot. I have never blistered in Altra's in our 5 years of having shoes, never. But trying a prototype sample 2 weeks before the race, I somehow got one. And it wasn't healing. I spent the 10 days before the race out of shoes and either barefoot on an elliptical or in flip flops giving it every chance to heal possible. Well come night before the race and it's still not healed, all the shoes I brought out rub it painfully to some extent, and I was scared. I got lots of good advice from my Wasatch Mountain Wrangler family and teammate Josh Arthur though, and made a plan I would stick with (non adhesive dressing cut to size covered with leukotape) and would hope and pray. I packed extra supplies for my foot in my pack and drop bags.</div>
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Typical race morning, so lets get to the actual race eh? Used the bathrooms, ran around in the dark trying to find my husband who had my pack and headlamp, put on my pack, and lined up with like 1 minute to go. How I roll. Then I realized I didn't have my headlamp. Freaking out because I couldn't find him and couldn't do that 2 hours without a headlamp, I asked friend and teammate Meghan Arbogast's crew for her's. Oops. So glad to have it though! Off we went and Meghan and I enjoyed some miles together. I wanted to stay with her, this queen of ultrarunning who obviously knew more about all of this than I, but at some point she got ahead of me. I kept my cool and hoped I'd see her again, which I did near the top of a big hill and we ran together again through Tennessee Valley aid and up some of the next climb. An honor to run her. </div>
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When we got to the top of a big climb between Tennessee and Muir, I saw the best most colorful sunrise over the ocean and looked down to see and hear big waves crashing into the rocks. So great! Meghan was having GI issues and I hoped they'd be ok for her, but in all that talk, I think it got to my head and guess who had to stop now? Guess which section now had no where to pull off and hide behind? This one. Almost at the end of my rope and out of options besides indecently flashing everyone, we came to a switchback where I could continue forward past line of sight to do my business, and even happened to squat perfectly over a small log I could rest my weight on. I smiled, did what I needed to do, and happily continued on. Saw Megan shortly behind me and wondered if we'd be together again. We went up a big hill/mountain covered with more switchbacks than I had ever seen in one go. And it was great, totally runable, loved it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWVQbgyR5uu2aNLR85TxCzP1_TGl2muiw60JXu_uYIWuj2L6V-mbG8DiAKpsFaqgus_88gUpVHLh7zIITlzWS5fRDNxc-MetRCgbNC_arnfR0FsIJXxlhiBN8YKu9ahnGBNv0v7SJC4R-/s640/blogger-image--1857956605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWVQbgyR5uu2aNLR85TxCzP1_TGl2muiw60JXu_uYIWuj2L6V-mbG8DiAKpsFaqgus_88gUpVHLh7zIITlzWS5fRDNxc-MetRCgbNC_arnfR0FsIJXxlhiBN8YKu9ahnGBNv0v7SJC4R-/s320/blogger-image--1857956605.jpg" width="320" /></a>Leaving Cardiac we got our first taste of the woods and it was so nice! Wide soft pine needle covered trail with big green trees and moss. Eventually getting to the long out and back section it was fun to see the tail end of the leading men and all of the leading women ahead of me. Trail was very tight in places so there was a lot of running up on the hillside for a couple steps hoping not to roll anything or knock anyone down. Felt good to get on the road at the top eventually and run that strong. Beautiful views up there both east and west toward Stinson beach far below with great fog clouds rolling over. Enjoyed a good pace and conversation with a local gal and some beautiful green rain foresty stuff on the way down to the beach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little idea of the foresty sections by friend Katie Despliter</td></tr>
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Was excited to get to Stinson and could feel the energy approaching it. Was looking forward to seeing my family but wasn't going to be upset if they weren't there. I was ahead of schedule as I'd been all day (yay!) and it's a lot of work and driving for him and our 4 kids. They weren't there, but my motivation to get to push now was. The second I left mile 27 the fire was lit. I never took it easy, had a positive mind that I could push for that long, felt good and was going to continue taking care of myself. Hadn't taken any caffeine or pills besides electrolytes and was happy about that. Music wasn't even on yet. I felt like I still had lifelines to turn to and was half way done with the race now.</div>
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Heading up the big climb with lots of stairs toward Cardiac again I saw friend Caroline coming down toward me and that wasn't good. Poor lady had fallen hard and busted 2 teeth! Wished her well and continued on, seeing what I thought was my husband green coat at the top of a climb. Soon after I turned a switchback and saw my 9 year old boy with cowbells in hand. Was so good to see him! He put them around my neck as instructed by his sisters so they would hear me coming. He ran up a minute or two with me which was really neat and said huffing and puffing "How do you do this Mom??" :) Ran into the rest of the clan and enjoyed a quick moment with hugs and kisses and ran off down a hill now with my 7 year old for another minute or two. Such a nice lift to see them!</div>
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Still working hard, feeling good, keeping up on nutrition and hydration, enjoying music now, and I come up on top of the ridge before Cardiac and had the most emotional moment. It reminded me exactly of the ridge above the Grunt at Wasatch where I puked and pulled out of my great darkness and ran hard for 12 miles. Now though, I wasn't in a pit, I was feeling good, and I was going to push that long and longer till I was done. The view of the ocean all around me was so great and it was just a really neat moment. I was going to work to correct my mistakes from Wasatch and take this race as the opportunity to do that, even just for me and my psyche. </div>
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Through Cardiac quickly with the help of teammate Sondre who unfortunately dropped there and onto what was for sure the funnest part of my day. It was green and soft and amazingly gorgeous in the Muirwood forest and there was a lot of downhill. I literally flew down it better than usual for me, feeling like a kid. Felt like this went on for hours and I loved every second of it! A guy I passed wanted to stay with me and that was fine, good motivation to keep the feet moving quickly and nice to feel like I was helping someone else. Gosh that section was fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo I found on http://www.savetheredwoods.org/park/muir-woods-national-monument/ by Paolo Vescia seemed appropriate for how I felt on that section - running free fast and happy like a child</td></tr>
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Nearing Muir beach aid station I was feeling a tiny bit of fatigue, probably from diving through the downhill forest like I did, but enjoyed petting a few dogs along the way (yep, totally do it, we're there to have fun and 10 seconds to stop and pet a dog is not going to hurt anything) and pushing up the very long hills from here. I was having to work to to do it of course, but was so happy to be running up things I wouldn't normally. I wasn't too chatty now, but wasn't grumpy, just focused. Kept that focus through Tennessee where I saw my husband and boy one more time and hurried out. Wasn't doing any math on when I'd come in, but was relying on Nick's words that I would pass people by the end. I knew I was going to have to work to do that. More than that though, I wanted to say to myself that I had pushed and worked the whole time, that I didn't physically or mentally give up and 'just finish' as I have done in other races this year, a lot actually. I wasn't going to be top 10 today and frankly I wasn't sure top 20 would even happen as I just was not seeing any women in front of me. But I wanted to finish strong for me.<br />
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Breathing hard, running hard, keeping positive thoughts in my head and remembering the errors of races this year and running to correct those, to redeem my mind from this year, I pushed. I still tried to keep a smile on my face when I could, as I had all day. Ive heard a smile can make a really big difference psychologically and physiologically and I was going to experiment on that. Couldn't hurt right?! Finally finally done with the last climb, man there were a lot, it was time to blast down the last 4 miles at as fast as I could go. I'm pretty sure I ran a 22 minute last 5k, and it felt great. I finished running fast, not just finishing pace, and with a smile. And happy. And I am SO happy about that!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFyrUGfO11RbWW1UOati5ePt5AxG2SbCRsw6XlRAha6S0ZqjDEj2belDGgLq8dkCazZMAWzmu-Qhtgjfytj6J9Y0bMl5zNF4EjqeeLIv4FsE42USFGY6JlIcf-p8IKObu0baE8EDRk3dG/s640/blogger-image-1283122682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFyrUGfO11RbWW1UOati5ePt5AxG2SbCRsw6XlRAha6S0ZqjDEj2belDGgLq8dkCazZMAWzmu-Qhtgjfytj6J9Y0bMl5zNF4EjqeeLIv4FsE42USFGY6JlIcf-p8IKObu0baE8EDRk3dG/s400/blogger-image-1283122682.jpg" width="400" /></a>8:38, 21st place. 12th American, a lot of international! Lower than I thought, but I believe I was 34th at mile 8.7. Only passed 1 woman during the race that I know of (maybe passed some in aid stations not realizing it), so there must have been a lot of drops. Yeah I wanted to place higher than that, but the time I ran this year, would have been 14th last year on what my friend said was a slightly easier course. And I don't think of this as my best race time wise, but it was a good strong healing one. I'm cool with the place and time! What I'm thrilled about was how strong my body and mind showed me they/we are! I pushed strong and consistently from 27 on, sometimes feeling pain, but able to push through it, often without pain and just full of gratitude, positivity and motivation. Next time the challenge and test will be to start that push earlier. I will have to learn to tune the fine balance of conservative start - strong finish, with less conservative start - strong finish or strong start to finish which I think is possible, it would just hurt a lot more. This race filled me with the confidence to do that, turn the engines on for a longer period of the race than I may have thought I could. It filled me with happiness for my body and opportunities and the gorgeous world around me. And it put any demons from the long year+ to rest. I didn't get emotional or grumpy or ornery, I didn't give up mentally or physically and just settle for whatever pace, I am not worried about my time or place. I'm left satisfied for now without the need to enter another race for redemption. I'm happy and that's such a great way to end a very long 18 month season!</div>
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And guess what?? My foot didn't bother me AT ALL. That is truly a miracle to me and one I am so thankful to God for. That could have ruined my day. But I had a great day. Let the off season and not having to run in the cold wind and ice if I don't feel like it and ski not worrying about injury begin!</div>
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As far as the race itself, definitely worth doing once! Lots of uphill and downhill, some pretty big and/or long, not an easy course, and not much flat stuff, but some great scenery and excellent race management and volunteers.<br />
Altra Running Paradigm have been my go to for many ultras despite not considering myself a maximal runner. Sure was nice to pound the downhills with all that lightweight cushion. Vfuel gels worked great all day and I decided to go with packets this time vs a flask of gel as I have before. Made sure I got enough and I felt like it reduced the weight I carried since there were times I didn't pick up all the gels I had packed in drop bags. I really love that Ultraspire Spry vest. I use it more than any other hydration system I have. Minimal and simple and light but enough. I filled the 30oz bladder a couple times but it's quick and easy and the couple pockets up front held just what I needed and no more. Loved my Elete Electrolyte routine for the 3 days pre race in everything I drink as usual. I know it helps absorption and priming my body and is a good thing mentally for me too to psyche me up for a race feeling excited and prepared.<br />
Other stuff - Handful bra, Injinji wool socks, Gore shorts and singlet, 1 dose of First Endurance Pre-Race pills.</div>
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<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-77717720285565377892015-09-25T15:15:00.001-06:002015-09-25T15:17:22.783-06:00Wasatch afterthoughtsI'm good. I had a rough first weekend frustrated with how I handled Wasatch, but really started feeling ok about it all the Tuesday after the race. I did race most of it really well and am grateful to be able to claim 2nd place at a race like Wasatch. No I didn't perform as best as I could have, no I'm not happy overall with my race, but I'm ok with it. I'm not dwelling on it. I can and will learn from it. <div><br></div><div>Now the problem is the itch to race again, like right now. I wonder if I'd feel it as much if I had had the race I wanted. A combination of things make me want to race again soon. So soon I really considered doing the Bear 100 today. I think what contributes to my itch to race is wanting a do over and the chance to control and handle myself better, using the great fitness I built, and the fact that I have recovered physically really well so far! </div><div><br></div><div>But I don't have anything scheduled and do want to take care of my body. Although I am considering TNF 50 in San Francisco in December. School however has kind of smacked me in the face since finishing Wasatch, so we shall see. </div><div><br></div><div>I am enjoying not working out based on a training schedule and just doing what sounds fun when I have time and spending more time on other things, but I can fall off the wagon pretty hard and I think having a workout plan is good for the rest of my unorganized life. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, that's about it. I've run a few times since Wasatch, spectated a few races last weekend with my family (and watched friends who also did Wasatch and raced already- jealous!) and spent more time out with my 3 year old during the day and less time napping :) I hiked a great fall hike today with a friend.</div><div>I'm ok with being ok about my race and I'm really glad I can wear this shirt :)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHRyCK_j8yWWpbRnd79hXmFw-bNUp7JVdm0OgMQgdbMozwfK-kkcAl-AmxCTZkYKXZ714kidj2c2bsLA71bXbTse-Km_THdRNFyH0S3jou8fv4gZ1r1E3PJdgpAx7Sjtl6Km8xCzvWmYU/s640/blogger-image--1556615693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHRyCK_j8yWWpbRnd79hXmFw-bNUp7JVdm0OgMQgdbMozwfK-kkcAl-AmxCTZkYKXZ714kidj2c2bsLA71bXbTse-Km_THdRNFyH0S3jou8fv4gZ1r1E3PJdgpAx7Sjtl6Km8xCzvWmYU/s640/blogger-image--1556615693.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RkvMp_ttUI8CXtwQTpuQGlELvs40W8AT5mu3H-tBvdt0iWZ9pHrvji7SDKP8bSRH6o4WKOG0ox7Z1Gljzm7MuvQLxt8F78ZVtD8CA5xH8wC-prgtRGbXTKfLxaPx2HdpNR8UNtGvxnD2/s640/blogger-image-743040303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RkvMp_ttUI8CXtwQTpuQGlELvs40W8AT5mu3H-tBvdt0iWZ9pHrvji7SDKP8bSRH6o4WKOG0ox7Z1Gljzm7MuvQLxt8F78ZVtD8CA5xH8wC-prgtRGbXTKfLxaPx2HdpNR8UNtGvxnD2/s640/blogger-image-743040303.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-85614513373380041132015-09-15T16:42:00.000-06:002015-09-16T11:14:09.907-06:00Wasatch 100 reportThis is the report, not conclusion. I'm not at a place yet to say in a sentence or two how the race was. But here is the experience.<br>
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<b>Some ground rules:</b> I always treat this blog as my journal and don't write for others but if they want to read it and gain from it then great! I share lots of details. I'm not sure a post has ever made me so nervous to share. I feel vulnerable. Be nice. I am not a snob or elitist, but I am very driven.</div>
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This is about <b>my</b> race with <b>my</b> goals. It's going to sound whiny and maybe prideful in places but my intention is NEVER to belittle anyone else or their experience. I have the utmost respect for those that can somehow endure many more hours than I can. This is just <b>my</b> experience. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Like is typical, I plan to pack my drop bags several days early but got them packed that morning before leaving for the pre race meeting along with packing for the kids and Jeremy and I for the weekend. Once I got up to the meeting, 10 min late, darn, it was so great to meet with friends and see so many smiling faces. All the stress of getting ready melted away and things were exciting now! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Enjoyed a great BBQ at the Williams who were also gracious enough to host our family in the basement, but I was tired pretty early. Had a hard time getting to sleep with the commotion upstairs then woke up 30 min before I had to. Felt pretty rested though. Ate, dressed, packed my packs and wrote last minute instructions to Jer. I woke up with this weird pain in my right foot that I had felt the day before too. I felt it every step and it really got to me mentally. How could something come up now?? I got pretty emotional about it to Jer and after an LDS blessing and prayer and kisses to our sleeping babies we were off to the race. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Yeah, typical me style, we arrived with minutes till start. I kissed my lovely crew chief, grabbed a quick photo by the sign and squirmed my way to the front to try to find out where to check in. Literally 30 seconds to the start. Got a quick hug from friend Canice I happened to stand next to and we were off!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I ran faster than I normally would in an ultra in order to get a good spot in the conga line and avoid a lot of dirt in my face and eyes. Thankfully within 1/4 mile I had settled right into my pack of guys I'd spend the next hours with. James, Patrick, Scott and several more guys were such great company. We would split up a little sometimes but generally met back up.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I remember saying to Scott while still in the first few miles how much I loved the start of a 100. Everyone happy, chatty, feeling good and looking forward to the day. I also realized I wasn't feeling that foot pain. So thankful. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Lori Burlison for your great photos!</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The climb up to the base of Chinscraper was long and covered with lots of sharp bushes. The back of my right heel was being a little irritated by the relentless uphill. Was nice to finally get some terrain change. There were times I wondered if I was working too hard, but usually only when I looked back to see the pack of 10-20 at any one time I was leading up the mountain. I heard a woman or two's voice a few times but didn't recognize her. Tried not to let it get to me at all since it was still so early in the race. I was running my race. James was great to remind me of that. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The actual Chinscraper climb was not nearly as bad as I expected. That's always nice! Said hi to fellow WMW Lane, awesome friend Mark in a sheep suit, and got my first "you're the 1st lady!".</span><br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lane, Scott, the friendly Chinscraper sheep Mark<br>
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Francis peak towers ahead<br>
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Heading down to the first aid station, Francis Peak, I paid very specific attention to my pace or at least how it felt. I'd been instructed by others to not blow my quads on this long downhill dirt road, and I did not. I didn't brake, but I didn't let it rip like several guys around me did. Rolling into the first aid station Francis Peak was great. Happy faces, a drop bag, and nice to know we were almost 1/5 of the way through the race. I looked at the splits I had written down for 22:21 and 23:30 and realized course record was not likely to happen today. The next aid station would confirm that, and that was A-OK with me.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles, life was good!<br>
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Heading to the Bountiful B with Scott</td></tr>
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Don't remember a ton between the next few aid stations, except running with friends James, Scott, and Patrick, going through the most beautiful yellow aspen patch, and that t<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">he race had such great aid stations! Seriously, they were all so helpful and well stocked. I was in and out in about 2 minutes every time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Will you look what these selfless, unpaid aid station volunteers went through to get to many a station I'm sure. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sessions had a pirate theme and popsicles which was awesome. I also traumatized (or made their day), a couple young boys who watched me stuff ice into my bra :) I was very proactive about keeping cool and it served me well. I had a cooling towel with me from Francis on, that I meant to take off and soak every aid station but only did at a few. But I always carried a handheld flask or bottle of ice water that was for keeping me cool. I put in on my head, chest, and back of my neck, and frequently, not just every aid station. I never ran out of water to drink either, very smart. I carried a very small flask of Elete Electrolytes I added to my water when I filled up. Worth it and so nice to not have to swallow a million pills. I peed very regularly also. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHviP9Mnn7tGJeDDFsiIuaQzZql79QVFPGlV50Ff8k9ceO5CDPLJ0trbNnGnlVytcabgpzkqOeR59opkw4XHEwGqH3GxaYEQ02amjZHuxPh2NlXhH-NVf4tP9BFDejHJrZDVwbAUgNwYS/s1600/12011394_10205132977820418_3255878774685763573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHviP9Mnn7tGJeDDFsiIuaQzZql79QVFPGlV50Ff8k9ceO5CDPLJ0trbNnGnlVytcabgpzkqOeR59opkw4XHEwGqH3GxaYEQ02amjZHuxPh2NlXhH-NVf4tP9BFDejHJrZDVwbAUgNwYS/s320/12011394_10205132977820418_3255878774685763573_n.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There were some good climbs between Sessions and Swallow but I still didn't feel overworked. Patrick told me at one point a woman was 5 minutes back at Swallow which I didn't really want to hear but it was fine, race was still early and I was just running my race. James was having problems with his back and worrying about splits, but I was still pretty cool headed mentally. Apparently I kicked a snake without realizing it too....gross. He and I separated at Swallow, but it was so exciting to know how close to Big Mtn I was now. This was a big hurdle for me, getting to the part of the course I knew, I would see people I loved, be taken care of at aid stations with my specific instructions I wouldn't have to repeat or think about, and we'd be 39 miles in!</span><br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Just past Inspiration Point with maybe a mile or two to the aid station I was SO excited. As I got closer to the aid station I waved my bright orange towel around and hooped and hollered. I was SO excited to be there, be there in 1st, and to see my family. My parents haven't seen me race much and my dad's health isn't great, so it was special to see them there and give them little jobs to help with. I ran in with the biggest smile on my face, Jeremy had my new pack and handheld ready to go, my mom wiped me down and reapplied sunscreen and my dad handed me a small bag of buttered popcorn jellybeans and coke - what could be better??</span><br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My parents in the background. Husband waiting to lead me to our spot. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I left that aid station quick and the new pack felt heavy. I hated to carry so much water (probably 60oz), but this was a notoriously hot and long section so it was better to have too much. I switched from Vfuel gels to the new Vfuel drink mix which I thought would be a good idea when the heat really kicked in and I just wanted to drink everything in sight vs eat, even just gel. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">James left at the same time I did but I wouldn't see he and his pacer again. I don't regret not having a pacer here too much, but it might have been nice. It was the first time I put music in and also the first time I'd take any caffeine or pain meds and I was happy about that, almost halfway in. Shortly after leaving Big Mtn I hit a low. I don't remember my mental state or what I was mentally down about, but I know my stomach felt a little off because I remember sucking on a ginger chew (yuck, I don't like those things but my Gu salt pills with ginger weren't cutting it). Thankfully that heavy pack of mine was full of iced drink mix to sip on. This low probably lasted an hour and I really think it might have been an endorphin dump. I was SO excited going into Big Mtn, maybe so excited that my body didn't have anything left to support me with. Interesting.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I kept looking back during this time expecting to see a woman but never could be sure. About a mile from Alexander aid station I felt good and ran hard again. Tried to move quickly through but when I saw the small inflatable swimming pool (which ironically I had mentioned wanting earlier in the day), I had to sit in it. AMAZING! A couple women came into the aid station just as I left ( they left 2-3 min after me). Crap. My goal now was that it would be cool to come into Lambs in the lead at least. So I worked hard, but still in control and came into Lambs (mi 52) back with my 15-20 min lead. </span><br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So spoiled. Cold wet rag on the head, my sister rubbing my legs, Jer and Seth taking care of my feet. Niece Reagan patiently watching and dealing with my undoubtably stinky self.</td></tr>
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Was great to have my twin sister there, she's never seen me race an ultra and she was great help. I hear she also confused a fair number of people there wandering around the aid station in normal clothes :) I got to sit down and Jer and pacer Seth took care of my feet (R bunion and a bit of arch were hurting) changing me from the Altra Lone Peak 2.5 to the Altra Paradigm 2. I was perfectly happy in the Lone Peak really, but with 3 road section and smoother trails in this next 25 I figured it might be a nice change. I got to enjoy a few pieces of watermelon, my sister rubbed muscle cream into my quads, and I got to visit with the sweet boy <a href="http://lotatoaourwarrior.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lota</a> I met earlier this year and whose name I wrote on my bib. I thought of him during my Big Mtn low and how I'm sure he would buck up out of his tough times and continue on. My hip flexors cramped up bad a couple times while sitting which made me laugh so we got out of there pretty quick. The mind was good and I was ready to continue.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a pleasant surprise to see Lota and his family waiting by my crew!</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The climb up to Millcreek and then down and back up to Upper Big Water (mi 61) went well and I felt steady. It was nice to be out of the sun. We chatted and I remember cheering to Seth "30 something to go!" because even 39 counts as 30 something and sounds better than 39 or 40. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was well taken care of again by Altra friends at the aid station and enjoyed a couple bites of grilled cheese and some chicken noodle soup we loaded in a flask and I ate on the go. We were asked to remark the next few miles of course which thankfully didn't seem as under marked as they said. Not a lot worse than getting lost in the mountains while in a fragile mental state. Head lamps had to go on just before Dog Lake (I wanted to make it to Deso). We saw a mom and baby moose near the trail close to Deso which perked Seth's interest and was fun to watch. He didn't let me for too long though. I was getting hungry for real food now so I got some Ramen from Deso (mi 66) and ate it on our way up to the ridge. Shortly after my stomach felt unsettled and I got really sleepy. At like <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">9:30</a> at night. What? Seriously?? I've had sleep issues, but never before midnight. The pace slowed as I was sleepy and uncomfortable stomach wise and I tried to close my eyes at Scott's sneaking into the covered tent next to the food while he took care of our packs. I heard him ask where I was and the darn aid station volunteers ratted me out. ;) I could have gotten at least 30 more seconds! Seth didn't let me stay of course. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He told me a woman had made 3 minutes up on me and I think that freaked me out now also moving slower. I was downing pepto and ginger chew and trying to handle the stomach but was also quiet and getting grumpy. Seth and his sweet positive self was calling Jer and telling him how awesome I was doing all the while I was either ignoring him or yelling at the phone that "no I am not!" Sigh. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I had this plan in my head now to get me to the next aid station, that while I needed to be fast through Brighton, I needed to take care of me too. So I was going to sit in my reclining camp chair with a blanket over me so to not get cold. I would drink my rockstar lemonade and close my eyes for 10 minutes while they took care of my pack and feet (changing back into the Lone Peak 2.5 but a 1/2 size bigger now). Well, unfortunately I didn't tell anyone about that plan.</span><br>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>I don't remember all I was upset about other than feeling crappy and sleepy so early and losing some of my lead and being so late to Brighton, but at some point I started freaking out and by Brighton was in tears telling them I couldn't go back out, I didn't know how I could. I didn't want to go back out but I also wasn't 100% ready to quit. That would look pretty bad having been in the lead the whole day.</span><br>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since I failed to mention to anyone my aid station plan, it didn't exactly go like that. New pacer Roch was rushing me and hollering out orders from the second I got there while I was trying to tell Jer I didn't know how I could go back out. I didn't know how I would do it on a stomach not allowing food in. No one was listening to me.</span><br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Roch drug me out of my chair, into Brighton to check in and out all the while I'm crying to whoever will listen that I just cannot do it. Most of it was fear of how long I know the rest of the course is. Once you descend from Catherine's pass there is no way out. I couldn't fathom 8+ more hours feeling like I did (upset stomach and sleepy and discouraged and losing the lead I'd had for 74 miles, but mostly the fear of how long the next 8 dark hours would feel).</span><br>
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<br>Long story short (yeah like I know how to do short stories), after Roch and I had to wait out another mom and baby moose on the trail, I drug my feet to the top of Catherine's and stopped there, leaning over the poles I made my crew let me have, and just couldn't force myself to continue. I really truly wanted to quit and yet I couldn't make myself. I was so close to quiting though. It was so far to go and would be all in the dark and I could hear Heather behind us. Roch kept telling me I had to find my happy place and that just seemed impossible with my emotions and stomach. Such a dark dark place I was in inside. He wasn't very happy with me and I can't blame him. Yes I wanted to go back down, but the smallest rational (or irrational) side left of me still said I should continue for some reason. I felt bad wasting Roch's time if I quit, my mom and family were sleeping at the finish line waiting for me and I did really like the shirt this year <b>;)</b> </span><br>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then Heather and pacer passed us (mi 77). </span><br>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">She was very nice but there they went. I felt awful. I had just given the win away. We went a couple more minutes down the trail and I sat on a rock which upset my dear pacer again, yanking me up. I stayed there though and just tried to work out my head. Mental implosion. I was such a mental emotional mess. Pain is one thing, but I was suffering so bad then and it seemed like no one was listening to me or respecting what I wanted (which started back at Brighton). Now I know they were just trying to help me stick to my goals, my big time goals. Roch told me I should be finishing this for my team, for my family, but never mentioned for me and that made me mad and I expressed that I didn't feel like I was being listened to and that this was for me too. I said I didn't have anything to prove, that I'd finished 3 100's, won 2 of them, I didn't have to finish this. Nice excuses eh? My patient pacer was being put through the wringer now and showing me no pity. I got up pissed off and prideful and marched down the hill toward Ant Knowles totally mad. I'm kind of a brat like that in these moments unfortunately. Something I continue to work on. It was quiet between us all the way into Ant Knowles (which I walked all of mostly out of anger, some still stomach issues). I wasn't going to quit now but my new option was I get to experience the last 20 like most people. I get to slow the pace to a walk/jog, sit at aid stations and eat what I want and I get to take a nap if I want. Roch never agreed or denied that plan, but probably just rolled his eyes at me :)</span><br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Very cool Ant Knowles aid station. Yeah that fun dome doesn't reside there permanently. The volunteers brought it in. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We got to Ant Knowles (mi 79) and found out Heather was 20 minutes in front of us. That seemed close enough we'd try to catch her (I reluctantly agreed, I felt so bad about letting my lead go I figured I had to try to get it back, but was nervous if I'd be able to hold chase pace for 20 miles at the end of a 100). I still couldn't eat anything though but knew I needed to. We got up the steep grunt climb to around mile 80 where it flattens out. I took 3 prerace pills and promptly threw up everything I'd probably eaten all day. I was worried about now continuing on nothing in me, but I did feel better. Then we took off. Passed the 3rd place lady who had just passed us and we ran hard. I was out of my demons and feeling pretty good. While I unfortunately moved slower than I probably could have from Brighton to Ant Knowles, now I was doing all my body would let me. I was fearful at only mile 80 I wouldn't be able to hold this pace for 20 more miles but we went with it. Booked it through Pole Line and Pot Bottom and up to Stanton road. Found out by Stanton they were only 4-5 min up. We'd made up 15 minutes in about 8 miles. We could see them and tried to turn our lights out so they wouldn't see us but at some point they did. I didn't really still have that pushing pace by mile 92 (stiff, short gait, sore big toe) but was still going as fast as I could (which was probably 12-15 min mile shuffle). I was into this whole hunt thing until we got to the stupid cow pasture section around 92 and then got mad at the course winding-ness and the severe lack of course marking there where there really wasn't clear trail most of the time. I was so afraid we were lost. The last aid station told us they were only 1 min up, which was wasn't true looking at splits after. They were around 4 min up still, same as Stanton. So we had held our place but somewhere they had seen our lights and took off running scared (according to her pacer). By the time we got to the hair pulling, never ending deer creek trail along the lake I did the math and realized they were at least 7 min up. And moving fast. I didn't believe I could make up 7 minutes in 4 miles especially at the pace I was moving and they were moving. I still gave it what I could, but the stride was really short and painful after 95 miles. Roch was still trying to get me to catch them but I really just wanted to finish the race at the effort I could and not be any more upset than I already was. Poor Roch, every woman he'd paced at Wasatch had won. I felt weak around such a famously good pacer. I felt really bad breaking that streak. He never caused me to feel those though, it was all self inflicted.</span><br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnL78vQTpR4h0jU3VEJFcxRo5eGAoOE3oyVGsqNczBukGM6EknWsIelInk0Cyfyc3GgjoGM4u6W4K-Z3zNZP2n3iCQph-lypipV-22CihxcJkdRfmUuqb5lT8LuMMWRwM1I9bBppyCr9Ha/s640/blogger-image--743051558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnL78vQTpR4h0jU3VEJFcxRo5eGAoOE3oyVGsqNczBukGM6EknWsIelInk0Cyfyc3GgjoGM4u6W4K-Z3zNZP2n3iCQph-lypipV-22CihxcJkdRfmUuqb5lT8LuMMWRwM1I9bBppyCr9Ha/s640/blogger-image--743051558.jpg"></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So we ended up finishing 11 min back and 2nd place. 25:49. About 37 minutes ahead of 3rd place. I've been pretty upset all weekend. Heather is a really sweet lady and it was nice to chat with her a little post race. Yeah this all burns a lot right now, but I really am happy she had a good experience, especially as a first 100. And heck, the awesome lady is 45! If anything that's motivational goodness for me to know I've still got many good years of competition ahead of me.</span></span></div>
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<br>I ran strong for 70 miles, handled the heat great, had a blast leading as long as I did, loved seeing my family and friends, had a dream team of crew and pacers (whom I have apologized to for being such a jerk) and never felt like the course itself was harder than I was prepared for. I was trained very well under friend and teammate Nick Clark's coaching. I'm pretty ok with my time, I'm not sure sub 24 was in the books for me with how the day went, even without my melt down. And sure 2nd place is awesome, I am not trying to belittle that, but it feels embarrassing to me personally when I led for so long. I don't want it to look like I went out too fast. I don't think I did. The way the race was playing out it felt like it was my year to win it, a slower winning time even, and I didn't. That kills me. I don't think I would feel like this if I had come from below 2nd up to 2nd. Funny how if I had taken a hard fall and was hurt physically this might not hurt as much, but because it was a mental struggle (ok, the stomach was upset too) that lost me time and the lead I feel like I allowed it to happen. We always have control over our minds and can flip the negative switch to positive in a snap right? Just like depression and addiction? No. And yet that's how it feels to me right now. The pride of finishing has not overtaken the sting of losing the win. <i> *Please don't see me as a sore loser toward Heather, obviously she had a great and smart race and I would not take this from her, she earned it*</i><br><br>I know I'm my harshest critic. It is punishing me right now, easing a little, but will drive me to greatness eventually if I let it. Which I must. I realize in the end what I did was great, but it didn't fulfill me and is hard to end my season on. Big goals mean big consequences - good or bad. This is a strange sick sport we're a part of, and even more so if you're trying to race at a high level.</span><br>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'll try to post again later this week or next with how I'm doing closure wise. BIG CONGRATS to all my friends who showed up and started and finished the Wasatch Front 100. Those who took so much longer to finish - wow. The strength and determination and tenacity you show is beyond what my mind can grasp. It's amazing. Many people did not finish and to you, I hope your hearts and bodies heal quickly. 100 miles of Heaven and Hell indeed.</span><br>
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-18192285801187776532015-09-10T11:21:00.000-06:002015-09-15T16:23:10.996-06:00Wasatch eveIt's here! I still have drop bags to pack and plenty more posts to write I won't, but I'm excited and a healthy bit nervous.<br />
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Wasatch is 100 #4 for me. I have had three very different experiences so far with Bryce, RRR and Buffalo, but have gained from each. The photos from L-R, top to bottom teach me. </div>
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Tomorrow and Saturday I hope to have fun. I hope to push past pain and endure, to go into the night unafraid, and to run strong but easy. I hope to smile a lot and enjoy my surroundings. I hope to surprise myself and break past barriers I may set. I hope to remember those I love, and to run smart. Looking forward to seeing many friends (good luck!) and some family out there and to be spoiled by my crew Jeremy (I'm racing on our anniversary weekend yet again) and pacers Seth and Roch (which spoiling may consist of tough love too). Let's do this thing! </div>
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Thank you Altra Running, Vfuel, and Elete Electrolytes for your support!</div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-50866636660105385432015-09-08T15:36:00.001-06:002015-09-08T15:36:14.623-06:00Home again, final Wasatch trainingWe got home from our trip July 25 and moved into our new house that week. Then I ran Katcina that Saturday. It was a very crazy week. Katcina went great and really motivated continued and serious work to be done. My goal now for the next 5-6 weeks before taper was to get up in the mountains and on the course as much as possible. I also spent as much time as I could running during the day. That's hard to do with my youngest at home and a working husband, but I got a bit of heat training done. Also ran on the road about once a week. Speed work is good there, as is radiating heat. <div><br></div><div>Wild flowers motivated me to get out as soon as we got home. Literally. I feared I missed them while we were gone so the first morning home I was up high with friends to see what was left. And it wasn't too bad!</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-RnGvpaLiuiSYoxJVR3LKedCf5pEZPXVjaQTRaHnESn3kAe6Zrr_zI_GNItdDqCxR0_S0z3VeClGfSUUFbgsB6js3PJ5I09Mxq679gwXacyOUl0YDiSaKL6LViLNEboBJNHFGHyUNnXM/s640/blogger-image--1700672390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-RnGvpaLiuiSYoxJVR3LKedCf5pEZPXVjaQTRaHnESn3kAe6Zrr_zI_GNItdDqCxR0_S0z3VeClGfSUUFbgsB6js3PJ5I09Mxq679gwXacyOUl0YDiSaKL6LViLNEboBJNHFGHyUNnXM/s640/blogger-image--1700672390.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NxZ8otCTzv86ro26i079DniBB-duG8ewxr8u85LQp68MyRrFAbVtG32CoIgMHPCSMh3fijFV2U3AgOLVXfOXR_RX4Zd4Mr5zccCl0Syez49jlp00OWfCt2YIkA07CTxun_MoBfdlqVX-/s640/blogger-image--1507034583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NxZ8otCTzv86ro26i079DniBB-duG8ewxr8u85LQp68MyRrFAbVtG32CoIgMHPCSMh3fijFV2U3AgOLVXfOXR_RX4Zd4Mr5zccCl0Syez49jlp00OWfCt2YIkA07CTxun_MoBfdlqVX-/s640/blogger-image--1507034583.jpg"></a></div>Home!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHMRDMljSghUgo9gcBeU0iyz-4vF5xUxdSfCkgwl8PlzCeLEVIy0pGnaNyZTVZjyuO6D5xNWxxRRH2e70JzJ5YULtmf0J4WMoco0wxymAkeMNcV5rV1x0sazPOjGuyuIHNYL4y_kivbOx/s640/blogger-image-2102160251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHMRDMljSghUgo9gcBeU0iyz-4vF5xUxdSfCkgwl8PlzCeLEVIy0pGnaNyZTVZjyuO6D5xNWxxRRH2e70JzJ5YULtmf0J4WMoco0wxymAkeMNcV5rV1x0sazPOjGuyuIHNYL4y_kivbOx/s640/blogger-image-2102160251.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjn709UyIrrUGKHFIBsozVKupWHsONNEvUBv9a04HF1yBlPAQpq0A9ed1BUg41XW7vReNKHMya4e8UGuZO-a41GHy2pJAdvdn9Gke_qgpUrvjFaI3hhvvklMlQuAfmaz-F-jWK5oqv91t/s640/blogger-image--1239941548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjn709UyIrrUGKHFIBsozVKupWHsONNEvUBv9a04HF1yBlPAQpq0A9ed1BUg41XW7vReNKHMya4e8UGuZO-a41GHy2pJAdvdn9Gke_qgpUrvjFaI3hhvvklMlQuAfmaz-F-jWK5oqv91t/s640/blogger-image--1239941548.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yeah, this is home. Katcina course near Lightning Ridge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHmyJI6xIbs8Qb2bmsJYvV1fymOdxlnJgGdw_8TXgM4HXLwHAJjA_Wtk4VpeUKLw0VcV7pXf_u-_f5TqAXMXxXIzcKbeGk9c3MjrTbKlNKcB6nqhtCWc7-E6TC1KLmVvwuxBdBOMJ1mLl/s640/blogger-image-44124288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHmyJI6xIbs8Qb2bmsJYvV1fymOdxlnJgGdw_8TXgM4HXLwHAJjA_Wtk4VpeUKLw0VcV7pXf_u-_f5TqAXMXxXIzcKbeGk9c3MjrTbKlNKcB6nqhtCWc7-E6TC1KLmVvwuxBdBOMJ1mLl/s640/blogger-image-44124288.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Went up toward Chinscraper at 4:30am one morning, and got lost</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4bpijNUEA0646I8scxtZLdBlghDhbtLUbhV4Ee_h_IuT6lqJ8xJGop0Yulj_5i83pP1iniLNcsvvPkB0iUJ1lvchDL34sSOsgOokN-ju2Qi_9kKZ4-IygzgKVRTPbs6e8AHYYVeXxAEX/s640/blogger-image--695137187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4bpijNUEA0646I8scxtZLdBlghDhbtLUbhV4Ee_h_IuT6lqJ8xJGop0Yulj_5i83pP1iniLNcsvvPkB0iUJ1lvchDL34sSOsgOokN-ju2Qi_9kKZ4-IygzgKVRTPbs6e8AHYYVeXxAEX/s640/blogger-image--695137187.jpg"></a></div>Another 4:30am start for a neat Flattop peak. Great group outing </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAtBRLMvoD_4O710hGBo_-jAfDOtY2hJVFohae2tB6LACSNEmMnPcI0A1UsmANxdcJA_H_Jj5zaaXb440TpSX1Do8PT7YQTFweVCDXWn5ElXFVMwu56WcrHteXVtyrzasBJRFO5udOrbo/s640/blogger-image-979434308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAtBRLMvoD_4O710hGBo_-jAfDOtY2hJVFohae2tB6LACSNEmMnPcI0A1UsmANxdcJA_H_Jj5zaaXb440TpSX1Do8PT7YQTFweVCDXWn5ElXFVMwu56WcrHteXVtyrzasBJRFO5udOrbo/s640/blogger-image-979434308.jpg"></a></div>Yet another early morning from Big Mountain to Lambs with new friend and amazing lady Toby</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCCa52ViuK64vM5q79ndYHOaULw2QnXhnij9zfzcLyRo6j7CVw_mWJ6lgxn5r2CdRJUuBKWVZiw9LOWSbxAUv9o247z_kpcEzN3nexoHhhxXz0V3aXmEETQ-iJzN-H70Vffd-0B5F-MBk/s640/blogger-image--259813856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCCa52ViuK64vM5q79ndYHOaULw2QnXhnij9zfzcLyRo6j7CVw_mWJ6lgxn5r2CdRJUuBKWVZiw9LOWSbxAUv9o247z_kpcEzN3nexoHhhxXz0V3aXmEETQ-iJzN-H70Vffd-0B5F-MBk/s640/blogger-image--259813856.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLBcCAS1dUEs5IdCzyj4i_aaEE1GW3VsshYqnrHTjb2bsz-rmwFoAPalhxA-aeYFQiyqFA4AVK_fFgmsLx_yf9rRAkuziJmnugPl2o6SgaNX4J7vgvFKjzBGj4N2NK_UEUQUfwnY8T4WG/s640/blogger-image--1142041366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLBcCAS1dUEs5IdCzyj4i_aaEE1GW3VsshYqnrHTjb2bsz-rmwFoAPalhxA-aeYFQiyqFA4AVK_fFgmsLx_yf9rRAkuziJmnugPl2o6SgaNX4J7vgvFKjzBGj4N2NK_UEUQUfwnY8T4WG/s640/blogger-image--1142041366.jpg"></a></div>A quick jaunt up to Catherine's Pass before trail work. While these two were curious about me, mom and dad around the next corner were not. I've never been charged by a buck. That was exciting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6yzQ6Byc03nnfSj5ebR4IQMkqSjGO8bP4w0ADZaJ80l6LqtDbfd4JiBuJlgQA5g8HmvBLvhA5srwFjmZ0L33nh40AJsoPH-y5KhnVxk-3hZiU0lQPaX3FgNczNJtsNhhVh0vyeJ1rNfD/s640/blogger-image-1632309786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6yzQ6Byc03nnfSj5ebR4IQMkqSjGO8bP4w0ADZaJ80l6LqtDbfd4JiBuJlgQA5g8HmvBLvhA5srwFjmZ0L33nh40AJsoPH-y5KhnVxk-3hZiU0lQPaX3FgNczNJtsNhhVh0vyeJ1rNfD/s640/blogger-image-1632309786.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba5XGrASJE7GSkzpexgwSnBHgURKcCeiVMpTkTQYC07G8mUqVr3BGsHKT4RDxP1MVSKp2OHekenGP6G_z6hdZlruUrp6ILAGkGx4sX37hXc8o6H7Zpqn5Ib7bSb72q319p4Qe9ljaNtI0/s640/blogger-image--710375056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba5XGrASJE7GSkzpexgwSnBHgURKcCeiVMpTkTQYC07G8mUqVr3BGsHKT4RDxP1MVSKp2OHekenGP6G_z6hdZlruUrp6ILAGkGx4sX37hXc8o6H7Zpqn5Ib7bSb72q319p4Qe9ljaNtI0/s640/blogger-image--710375056.jpg"></a></div>Great new trail coming between Dog Lake and upper Desolation Trail. No need to go down to Blunder when it's done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3HkAxAvf8eOl9aAdqWdppUvviRfQ-kHZAtzE2cUxUWekVOsd2Lb3VYU4IXvra3ytitUjWdGHHx2dsueEP8HHpKBGbKSkdAxv0watIEF5FVOEanAWl9WWkepz1DOeAcqvWwXJh2LofF6p/s640/blogger-image-943408090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3HkAxAvf8eOl9aAdqWdppUvviRfQ-kHZAtzE2cUxUWekVOsd2Lb3VYU4IXvra3ytitUjWdGHHx2dsueEP8HHpKBGbKSkdAxv0watIEF5FVOEanAWl9WWkepz1DOeAcqvWwXJh2LofF6p/s640/blogger-image-943408090.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Quick easy morning with sweet friend Dana </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNS5ecE4zWCj-b_SMgDkNJcIlqYt_zpUIuBsFWeAy95qFz4-pLRgcNbXwg0PkJ2Sgx3tCk_0JiuxjPNZyspkLvM9NiH5s4z-9KWC3MJgCXs7DyDahj3FQLhLFszrZc2FJhGosppPzMa2A/s640/blogger-image--796560720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNS5ecE4zWCj-b_SMgDkNJcIlqYt_zpUIuBsFWeAy95qFz4-pLRgcNbXwg0PkJ2Sgx3tCk_0JiuxjPNZyspkLvM9NiH5s4z-9KWC3MJgCXs7DyDahj3FQLhLFszrZc2FJhGosppPzMa2A/s640/blogger-image--796560720.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Had an amazing morning up near Big Water and Dog Lake. 2-40 min tempo hill climbs wasn't easy but was so satisfying to finish strong. Had an emotional moment, as is typical in the mountains for me, just so grateful to be healthy and outside. On Instagram I posted this and basically said Get Outside! Anyone could see what I pictured below. It's a 20-30 min walk from the paved parking lot. And it's amazing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjeHt-wSv2KNi-O4o6WWaJuxVgXXHXCCXzrPAAbMF66HBhxhDCDAK0hlT6wsVFr3UCG2L1ElXP0rIl0T-sD2Q_TMmAXCn_kMroFmh5hhJPs_PPHudWLXu9BD0evsW7V7uGEnTr9P5HcS3/s640/blogger-image-2012255369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjeHt-wSv2KNi-O4o6WWaJuxVgXXHXCCXzrPAAbMF66HBhxhDCDAK0hlT6wsVFr3UCG2L1ElXP0rIl0T-sD2Q_TMmAXCn_kMroFmh5hhJPs_PPHudWLXu9BD0evsW7V7uGEnTr9P5HcS3/s640/blogger-image-2012255369.jpg"></a></div>Saw my first taste of fall too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELAbyH4-GDiAxaes6l3yJ905HSifhFAzrfWjVmJ7F7iw0SOylbw_tOlgh10W3PRd0EUXgFoWfcFzu4iKe50vX3dpQwr9SDEvYRuX6UhW0xbnegS2zwv8Z27IuSnaq2EWdP4oLdds8nTzV/s640/blogger-image-231560204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELAbyH4-GDiAxaes6l3yJ905HSifhFAzrfWjVmJ7F7iw0SOylbw_tOlgh10W3PRd0EUXgFoWfcFzu4iKe50vX3dpQwr9SDEvYRuX6UhW0xbnegS2zwv8Z27IuSnaq2EWdP4oLdds8nTzV/s640/blogger-image-231560204.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now onto part of the course I hadn't seen yet. Back to Big Mountain again, KenIe and a new friend and I set off backwards from Big Mountain and got lost a few minutes later. We explored a new area and then realized our error and watched the course from afar for an hour. Oh well, we got the time and miles in (I had to finish 4 when I got home so the babe and I ran to the park and back). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6VXyTAqecglihnc8WQco8Sm9x9KIQbJPvCu6o8NIqYLSKLaNJaPVOMPEjrOch7pwfmOEOcmrjjZ8rS5TI09moDQwT8qkmrN_tmMNFMX8GrgNa-Klu8b9VUSWQblyxFf4Zg0Vq-zwJLSI/s640/blogger-image--444877853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6VXyTAqecglihnc8WQco8Sm9x9KIQbJPvCu6o8NIqYLSKLaNJaPVOMPEjrOch7pwfmOEOcmrjjZ8rS5TI09moDQwT8qkmrN_tmMNFMX8GrgNa-Klu8b9VUSWQblyxFf4Zg0Vq-zwJLSI/s640/blogger-image--444877853.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBmgm_Mo2KEeNJkItddKCAkg2TH0rwXko_NFQsi2r4x4qsXmvrjADc1YI4VOllk1MhPBnOJzPUq1W9zjS46HUxg4vhcEGDVpO0UNbG4Msd7eDGysP_y-DGry4arbywtRYEaAGHs7GvB7j/s640/blogger-image--1566507618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBmgm_Mo2KEeNJkItddKCAkg2TH0rwXko_NFQsi2r4x4qsXmvrjADc1YI4VOllk1MhPBnOJzPUq1W9zjS46HUxg4vhcEGDVpO0UNbG4Msd7eDGysP_y-DGry4arbywtRYEaAGHs7GvB7j/s640/blogger-image--1566507618.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Left the end of a family camp out over dressed on purpose (on top anyway) during the heat of the day to run up to Desolation Lake</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO25UaBrlE5fkKbOS8_7gNrg8kugmVOi2hcfj5BV0xcu5L2smWcs3g0ZruQMaqkDIAeHndwNrHE0vhXdiFIx8UctvwRfGyuEtyoJ4K0pxGM_lc44S4yHLDT-BwVB5EidI5HD-PM2eZAQN/s640/blogger-image-1906344869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO25UaBrlE5fkKbOS8_7gNrg8kugmVOi2hcfj5BV0xcu5L2smWcs3g0ZruQMaqkDIAeHndwNrHE0vhXdiFIx8UctvwRfGyuEtyoJ4K0pxGM_lc44S4yHLDT-BwVB5EidI5HD-PM2eZAQN/s640/blogger-image-1906344869.jpg"></a></div>Felt really good. Really happy with my uphill trot right now. I love me a good powerhike section but know there are places I hike I could probably run. Feels good to be doing that</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpsKen7jGpZKoRriqybeb2UiYr2qTJcF5VCxxZc5ONgi8v6iiMpqvLwC044-pxvFz391JYD_HVCwZaKjBC5T34Tu_tMYWrEI7v_AgkIFRdx7B00Q1yQSQUQobHP54GQtGM86sB2hAydSO/s640/blogger-image--57664418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpsKen7jGpZKoRriqybeb2UiYr2qTJcF5VCxxZc5ONgi8v6iiMpqvLwC044-pxvFz391JYD_HVCwZaKjBC5T34Tu_tMYWrEI7v_AgkIFRdx7B00Q1yQSQUQobHP54GQtGM86sB2hAydSO/s640/blogger-image--57664418.jpg"></a></div>See you soon Red Lovers Ridge!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of the road running I do passes these fine friends. Llama llama!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd8E9yzVUSMjjB401m_t7CPreRpSYroiePW3N9bKnhbJTynLwxPGWOz-zgsZ4J6PGWuJ4J1rM-p5IIpZ404Mf1vWYRDDWpn2BKg91Lfda20E_7APp5KKnjVcTWl-9sDCTnohf6LGZsRBh/s640/blogger-image--391913290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd8E9yzVUSMjjB401m_t7CPreRpSYroiePW3N9bKnhbJTynLwxPGWOz-zgsZ4J6PGWuJ4J1rM-p5IIpZ404Mf1vWYRDDWpn2BKg91Lfda20E_7APp5KKnjVcTWl-9sDCTnohf6LGZsRBh/s640/blogger-image--391913290.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now not all my running has been kittens and roses. This morning while beautiful, did not feel good. I got it done but it was awkward feeling and difficult. I tried to put it past me as just one of those days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLgQc_ci1eE65oM2foiZ9Y0Ezjf4nOi6G5vLbHsevEEAHXnfD5nVOk-ken3oOym5nlYFXs3qCr6DUA1h0t7hniQtEYAboObqWsUSQjvXB7FIdGPR1g-nhnHOV0Dc7P0EJdAc0RBlscsvH/s640/blogger-image-1091782268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLgQc_ci1eE65oM2foiZ9Y0Ezjf4nOi6G5vLbHsevEEAHXnfD5nVOk-ken3oOym5nlYFXs3qCr6DUA1h0t7hniQtEYAboObqWsUSQjvXB7FIdGPR1g-nhnHOV0Dc7P0EJdAc0RBlscsvH/s640/blogger-image-1091782268.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My last year of nursing school started back up. Boy can sitting take its toll! I do my best bringing lots of healthy food and water and my roller to keep those affects at bay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5bO0xHtJ9g6PdZCAUVmKY0tIRMcjHPnw562nQM8DlFyfbvpuRdMO66PJEXb7BfD2LTqUsn4G8YTAKp15p717475DIEHsJALUK4vGzDWLIWwzzSKzvJB-FgK-y4JPDZxWGrRZuRXdIpyh/s640/blogger-image--1557425635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5bO0xHtJ9g6PdZCAUVmKY0tIRMcjHPnw562nQM8DlFyfbvpuRdMO66PJEXb7BfD2LTqUsn4G8YTAKp15p717475DIEHsJALUK4vGzDWLIWwzzSKzvJB-FgK-y4JPDZxWGrRZuRXdIpyh/s640/blogger-image--1557425635.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On to the last long hard run before Wasatch! A repeat of GrandAire from early June. My choice. I wanted to compare my fitness. I thwarted that a little by doing it during the day rather than early morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvicVFpRJWBXijeVeACNDDQ5-JYOGCSu8jG49WGOQ-x8PPuCc4Kz5JHqn0jIQgcf_UU1lu2RrN-fTnrUEAAemd4y24NZFf6X13jg5emT4js7SfdgkJKhC43eyIKm76ScpbD_ExQd7Lsac/s640/blogger-image-147136650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvicVFpRJWBXijeVeACNDDQ5-JYOGCSu8jG49WGOQ-x8PPuCc4Kz5JHqn0jIQgcf_UU1lu2RrN-fTnrUEAAemd4y24NZFf6X13jg5emT4js7SfdgkJKhC43eyIKm76ScpbD_ExQd7Lsac/s640/blogger-image-147136650.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Peak #1. This face is the result of the west side of Grandeur. I hate that side! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHFEkS0j5h55K24WKl_5Qo1l3G6q_JAj-POMEnmmLmCphvtKQJRcK9VYLFhckmuwryvb-fLbLVhX3K-cxvRtQN9QsChTLp0ftOeXn4RbDFSBHMAXF7yICa2QoHCORe8Hn1NWxTQhDHxYx/s640/blogger-image--1556846936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHFEkS0j5h55K24WKl_5Qo1l3G6q_JAj-POMEnmmLmCphvtKQJRcK9VYLFhckmuwryvb-fLbLVhX3K-cxvRtQN9QsChTLp0ftOeXn4RbDFSBHMAXF7yICa2QoHCORe8Hn1NWxTQhDHxYx/s640/blogger-image--1556846936.jpg"></a></div>But the view up there looking south is my favorite!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU53_7icmiCeKDM-XOd0wsEIIMDgUhYEBajLe6AlP3A7_1LZAyXOxJ1Id9HiPfDLA9InEKDFxUPbOOrY6nBVdEQdDckkz7lCRHP_KOddkTD61Kf3YuI7NAZEYzDru2c5kL6JivORaWEq1C/s640/blogger-image--890700572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU53_7icmiCeKDM-XOd0wsEIIMDgUhYEBajLe6AlP3A7_1LZAyXOxJ1Id9HiPfDLA9InEKDFxUPbOOrY6nBVdEQdDckkz7lCRHP_KOddkTD61Kf3YuI7NAZEYzDru2c5kL6JivORaWEq1C/s640/blogger-image--890700572.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was grateful to be at Peak #2 after a long hot climb up, but was low on water and couldn't wait to get the 4 miles back down to the river. It's so hard to ration your water when it's hot! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehhc6loVG8VHp7Mv70IMSXW9dM3aaibQhn9AWv5LjG80McOczbWacqaKWVf2ot-VpUXHmhiA9HDhYw3Wl2FHa8OQANIRNQihPMBwYM4TljPc_x3f6MCBFMCLqa7250p4l-8l3qmpOQQ4p/s640/blogger-image-519011685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehhc6loVG8VHp7Mv70IMSXW9dM3aaibQhn9AWv5LjG80McOczbWacqaKWVf2ot-VpUXHmhiA9HDhYw3Wl2FHa8OQANIRNQihPMBwYM4TljPc_x3f6MCBFMCLqa7250p4l-8l3qmpOQQ4p/s640/blogger-image-519011685.jpg"></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After I filled up in the river I had to wait 30 minutes for the water purification tablet I used to dissolve. THAT was a challenge!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And, this is what peak 3 looked like. Ok, so I was staging this and thankfully not feeling dead. Worked, but not dead. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2slZW96yqRLgH52TOkkWiagE19TsaMPP3nJggZnryuULsBZhz7aoz7HQ8IKdJ1sOvJHqQPqmh0ljFeJSH_12oZeKWeceUR3nn2Y_o_e7m-ote-v0nCcAItaZpIxhiPXTc7hZWDgSsD6WB/s640/blogger-image--1807741798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2slZW96yqRLgH52TOkkWiagE19TsaMPP3nJggZnryuULsBZhz7aoz7HQ8IKdJ1sOvJHqQPqmh0ljFeJSH_12oZeKWeceUR3nn2Y_o_e7m-ote-v0nCcAItaZpIxhiPXTc7hZWDgSsD6WB/s640/blogger-image--1807741798.jpg"></a></div>Now to get down the side I hate so much. I saw a deer trail off to the north ridge on the way up and decided I'd try that on the way down. Totally worth it, way more runnable!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My time didn't end up being faster, 5 min slower actually, but I'm ok with it. I did it in far warmer conditions and came away from it feeling better, especially after. No messed up knee this time! My body was pretty fit this time even though the time didn't reflect it. Great to be done with the big stuff!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The next night after my husband and I spent some time in the Draper LDS temple, he dropped me off at a trailhead nearby, and drove home. True love :) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was a quiet peaceful night and the end of the run felt a little harder than I expected so I felt good knowing it really was taper time now. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZY5_WGqR9i3U7KgSjyAU1UXF2ocZQMMRfEZbW_WH02sZS9So8-qq5Y9ZH5XbKEgVxkbeQLgvSSo3wXrPP5nDjkn1Y03_gPj6sDaj9wbkufwuXxVhZrLxzvCA-2GFKi8gz3-GhXUwlxrK/s640/blogger-image-1961795556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZY5_WGqR9i3U7KgSjyAU1UXF2ocZQMMRfEZbW_WH02sZS9So8-qq5Y9ZH5XbKEgVxkbeQLgvSSo3wXrPP5nDjkn1Y03_gPj6sDaj9wbkufwuXxVhZrLxzvCA-2GFKi8gz3-GhXUwlxrK/s640/blogger-image-1961795556.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Looking back at my photo history I guess I haven't documented any of the taper, but it's been good. I'm very excited for Wasatch now in 3 days!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We do currently have a wildfire only miles from the finish line that's put a lot of smoke in the air. Fingers crossed it clears! </div></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-13497608190638255342015-09-06T19:38:00.001-06:002015-09-08T09:23:18.232-06:00Summer U.S. Road trip runningOur family had the awesome opportunity to road trip across the country for 3.5 weeks in July. My husband who is a co-founder of Altra Running and now works in marketing there travels a lot and we had been able to save up enough Marriott points to cover the whole trip! So awesome. <div><br></div><div>What wasn't awesome was finding out we had to move shortly after getting back so we packed our current home up into pods in the 10 days before our trip and set of "homeless" if you will. It was great to finally get on the road to at least relieve the stress of packing. </div><div><br></div><div>Not sure I'll cover every run (I'll leave out the treadmill runs, you're welcome), but here's a good summary. </div><div><br></div><div>First stop was a quick paved trail run near Denver. They apparently have a skunk problem. I thankfully did not. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlNVAB_YsWxoUQM2mARz4NJyFuQ3hGtOqO5Cgx-PsOBzYLYrWAO_F6lUosjEIAtrLJFqzFDP3VnqUsfxSiLcCwpClgV5WWLsTZntZbOD_E9Mm87mMRYHr4wtE0HV0kQA5T6P7aJ0eLNlH/s640/blogger-image--1347270110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlNVAB_YsWxoUQM2mARz4NJyFuQ3hGtOqO5Cgx-PsOBzYLYrWAO_F6lUosjEIAtrLJFqzFDP3VnqUsfxSiLcCwpClgV5WWLsTZntZbOD_E9Mm87mMRYHr4wtE0HV0kQA5T6P7aJ0eLNlH/s640/blogger-image--1347270110.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I next ran around the Independence, Missouri area in a neat park, Ruth Stocksdale Park. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsokC5K4qYic-hLNCr7UH9xUELirANTGfBodhG-2SEY8T039qAAYsRxXG5CW-7aXyTfjp2WuJB3k3iGuGre-YmUz2tuFlI7v9oeRvC-p223wj27S_UGRDfJ2qmzTVBVThtQqsptug3IfRs/s640/blogger-image-853847400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsokC5K4qYic-hLNCr7UH9xUELirANTGfBodhG-2SEY8T039qAAYsRxXG5CW-7aXyTfjp2WuJB3k3iGuGre-YmUz2tuFlI7v9oeRvC-p223wj27S_UGRDfJ2qmzTVBVThtQqsptug3IfRs/s640/blogger-image-853847400.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC8wlf4eImqrECYObZvuvm4eF7_VtQESS7uhLdEQGGjBum8oupLywAM1Z6c-zJuh0FAb7OTFTsnE5xPwNvFLogWr2l5LMyEuc3HKc5u7Mac6Um4xuYDmLnAyf4Yxq3489qY_CdVZ9Wi5f/s640/blogger-image-1923507159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC8wlf4eImqrECYObZvuvm4eF7_VtQESS7uhLdEQGGjBum8oupLywAM1Z6c-zJuh0FAb7OTFTsnE5xPwNvFLogWr2l5LMyEuc3HKc5u7Mac6Um4xuYDmLnAyf4Yxq3489qY_CdVZ9Wi5f/s640/blogger-image-1923507159.jpg"></a></div>No mountains now but neat views</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B2zim78bxPS3Vt2C3tAzhXgYcXYgWQ3dvkcp-5ScZns7Qd1kODLvg5aj3dX8TyG2i058T2qh4ljTn3VX1xPC5kKvAQKuZPOLUTyu-yS3E5ZWFtSNvlXVazW_88myUV4iNVQ9VuFlLM28/s640/blogger-image-2101138965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B2zim78bxPS3Vt2C3tAzhXgYcXYgWQ3dvkcp-5ScZns7Qd1kODLvg5aj3dX8TyG2i058T2qh4ljTn3VX1xPC5kKvAQKuZPOLUTyu-yS3E5ZWFtSNvlXVazW_88myUV4iNVQ9VuFlLM28/s640/blogger-image-2101138965.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YWPXk0RPoXbjUl7KswkMLMsXbuvL9dNTlOZF_jmQmh8SlFme1mc6uiHlV_NCf61RyqEZZT0QeihOu1G3HnjFTewdSobzU4n29wx99uuQmZ8OLHdqdWqcqan8HkUtb5F6W5EuvaYXjLxz/s640/blogger-image-1661681557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YWPXk0RPoXbjUl7KswkMLMsXbuvL9dNTlOZF_jmQmh8SlFme1mc6uiHlV_NCf61RyqEZZT0QeihOu1G3HnjFTewdSobzU4n29wx99uuQmZ8OLHdqdWqcqan8HkUtb5F6W5EuvaYXjLxz/s640/blogger-image-1661681557.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC1T1E0763cdIRYKyfTNNDPDgLrF0pOaS_L6jNOeonEwfJxmDR-0gqM121kD4zR5mNYDVbBKHvQ10lL1371swnIbqXTEkqMsdKIQB_LSxCJ3osYdhikEj2ejtBLTF7cXwDXULvZhPWXyc/s640/blogger-image--1659113296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAC1T1E0763cdIRYKyfTNNDPDgLrF0pOaS_L6jNOeonEwfJxmDR-0gqM121kD4zR5mNYDVbBKHvQ10lL1371swnIbqXTEkqMsdKIQB_LSxCJ3osYdhikEj2ejtBLTF7cXwDXULvZhPWXyc/s640/blogger-image--1659113296.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk95nSs8zUaciCrJE6m9snERzOrD8JvgABJWQS3MnAFGcgW6JzwprGcBA5po7o1etmBf7XOzWDt9rvyF4iACjlLLPsWS45hnO9IqiA01Ku8wrU_B9a7CLZh9zOX8ZOnUB7gYicYBYX5Dn0/s640/blogger-image--1680507378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk95nSs8zUaciCrJE6m9snERzOrD8JvgABJWQS3MnAFGcgW6JzwprGcBA5po7o1etmBf7XOzWDt9rvyF4iACjlLLPsWS45hnO9IqiA01Ku8wrU_B9a7CLZh9zOX8ZOnUB7gYicYBYX5Dn0/s640/blogger-image--1680507378.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Loved all the old churches and buildings we saw. Really was interesting to see how much older the eastern half of the country is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSTT-odY1Zsy3_j6z3JK_6K8oh1miEU7pneK4rIOR7C_lXj2Fi3q8DtyR-4qzPQ90gHd1Bkmq_hUSdpdLQTBKPVkgDameJu9IOguHyQ1mKZIA9TYdeIxZgxXExdM5tUXrLnxPLGhValC_/s640/blogger-image--1342870894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSTT-odY1Zsy3_j6z3JK_6K8oh1miEU7pneK4rIOR7C_lXj2Fi3q8DtyR-4qzPQ90gHd1Bkmq_hUSdpdLQTBKPVkgDameJu9IOguHyQ1mKZIA9TYdeIxZgxXExdM5tUXrLnxPLGhValC_/s640/blogger-image--1342870894.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next my husband and I got to sneak away for a run together in a suburb of St Louis, St Charles, Missouri where he served a 2 year LDS church mission. This Lewis and Clark Trail system was great! Although covered in spider webs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65zJSEelZY82Mn_Qs1AsYED5dD6FACeeOLd0XhlMCvYPTr6rsJEY98HDp6eSnjZHCnaicfO1BU59WHvghfyz-LBOcrM-i_dsoleHB6evY_APnlw8mOo9VAUyOW5TLiWYYRAHFcEJdPZY9/s640/blogger-image-65916240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65zJSEelZY82Mn_Qs1AsYED5dD6FACeeOLd0XhlMCvYPTr6rsJEY98HDp6eSnjZHCnaicfO1BU59WHvghfyz-LBOcrM-i_dsoleHB6evY_APnlw8mOo9VAUyOW5TLiWYYRAHFcEJdPZY9/s640/blogger-image-65916240.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeKTeDJB7VDLG9N9B_MXEuBHQrTULR_2_T2PH8RdXJ0wuAWgW3CiJmTGbVzh-8gSck3cv5PGXwYA-VACUt900sxgTro9_dvFs7g-fY_i1O44eJ7wu4ic5i-A_J_Y_jdNRZARqY_BibKJN/s640/blogger-image-1855229694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeKTeDJB7VDLG9N9B_MXEuBHQrTULR_2_T2PH8RdXJ0wuAWgW3CiJmTGbVzh-8gSck3cv5PGXwYA-VACUt900sxgTro9_dvFs7g-fY_i1O44eJ7wu4ic5i-A_J_Y_jdNRZARqY_BibKJN/s640/blogger-image-1855229694.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He drove back to the hotel and I finished a long run along the Katy Trail which is an incredibly long, flat and wide dirt trail running across most of Missouri. I love the green of the Midwest and East coast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKB6pTuf_zYAjbdukMAmDuNQWtvR2i6xpXy9s41UbEAk05toav7G-sOJ_AfU9NcTvFmfKmpxB4xu_2EUL82wIzx_bfR0DrqsDiM-C3ymT04dudndT-apouMTvcT5uESjxEQu3uVKolWGT5/s640/blogger-image--1532713156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKB6pTuf_zYAjbdukMAmDuNQWtvR2i6xpXy9s41UbEAk05toav7G-sOJ_AfU9NcTvFmfKmpxB4xu_2EUL82wIzx_bfR0DrqsDiM-C3ymT04dudndT-apouMTvcT5uESjxEQu3uVKolWGT5/s640/blogger-image--1532713156.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr6xTCwPM83bc80EjaJ60SihJs0nh_XkDlWmiSj1nU-9NpfIqxM_WGS-_WIBeiXR-PX22A-BadEaS2LeeQfj_s6WGoXPc5rrHMdB9aZYG9RpBvLbxueXhwllTdZbtmBJNgYhyoHMCqNiW/s640/blogger-image-1917278335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr6xTCwPM83bc80EjaJ60SihJs0nh_XkDlWmiSj1nU-9NpfIqxM_WGS-_WIBeiXR-PX22A-BadEaS2LeeQfj_s6WGoXPc5rrHMdB9aZYG9RpBvLbxueXhwllTdZbtmBJNgYhyoHMCqNiW/s640/blogger-image-1917278335.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Was quite surprised to see this on my run halfway across the country #skiutah!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AkK0Ygb9VF4qURhNQsIHYRPRpRZ064t2AV6NLJnzmaqSHaHMAmN73eDW8ExA5_ccW5xnER53ENrUwL3H1kqwgOfgLVY0ZGLHYKtswyASqGO3av-Wq7HykXJYJjwVTJQ2gy7_1ppPYvSq/s640/blogger-image-1266044465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AkK0Ygb9VF4qURhNQsIHYRPRpRZ064t2AV6NLJnzmaqSHaHMAmN73eDW8ExA5_ccW5xnER53ENrUwL3H1kqwgOfgLVY0ZGLHYKtswyASqGO3av-Wq7HykXJYJjwVTJQ2gy7_1ppPYvSq/s640/blogger-image-1266044465.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally made our way over to the East Coast and wow, so crazy to be in the Atlantic Ocean. LOVED that warm Yorktown, Virginia water. The kids and I had a blast swimming. Fun to get my open water swim on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJJTLygRvLqUpXwccOtCJF99HsgZIrs3LFkzLgiXpFxKPgRXv6J6bGUqdJHJiEiKZxMmOmbI_JyIan8UhDjH8LL3R34uMKWritQW3JcMkr2hx4VMLiCs5o5NMtsY31a6buHQ42dXxT6xl/s640/blogger-image--357985119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJJTLygRvLqUpXwccOtCJF99HsgZIrs3LFkzLgiXpFxKPgRXv6J6bGUqdJHJiEiKZxMmOmbI_JyIan8UhDjH8LL3R34uMKWritQW3JcMkr2hx4VMLiCs5o5NMtsY31a6buHQ42dXxT6xl/s640/blogger-image--357985119.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWqNpRMF_deGsWEjbjqfYyGFtzZOjCT0GdHbhM7oWUVKNiASfki7TRN_CYaEjlNhZz3LdbzvPhOOYTS6DGnUe_FAqnzJP4LoGIWBnfhGAie5lE78iEVNvipWwVTDbaHshvHP5kZvI7tBF/s640/blogger-image--1421598555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWqNpRMF_deGsWEjbjqfYyGFtzZOjCT0GdHbhM7oWUVKNiASfki7TRN_CYaEjlNhZz3LdbzvPhOOYTS6DGnUe_FAqnzJP4LoGIWBnfhGAie5lE78iEVNvipWwVTDbaHshvHP5kZvI7tBF/s640/blogger-image--1421598555.jpg"></a></div></div>We thankfully only came away with lots of sand on us and no tetanus. It really was a beautiful beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After some great national history in the Yorktown, Georgetown area it was a run around Lake Accotink Park in Northern Virginia. Great place. Holy moly was it humid!! Easily the most drenched I have ever been on a run outside a rain storm. Just couldn't believe how saturated all of me was so quickly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjwRWSq0hgYUKAlq0Oz-_-HTCd3w66N1kar7jUEYKYRAR9DndHT0lBOaAqt9Y4anbzDPNUjMlxJnH8Ic2CiPbOlARNXnFNLm_DouHusnpvIDwhqRCQbdTxhGjiNyPd26_R6jtBmuUmPds/s640/blogger-image--175797537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjwRWSq0hgYUKAlq0Oz-_-HTCd3w66N1kar7jUEYKYRAR9DndHT0lBOaAqt9Y4anbzDPNUjMlxJnH8Ic2CiPbOlARNXnFNLm_DouHusnpvIDwhqRCQbdTxhGjiNyPd26_R6jtBmuUmPds/s640/blogger-image--175797537.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On to Washington DC! Crazy to wander in front of the White House 2 minutes from the hotel. Ran a beautiful river trail, onto Theodore Roosevelt island which feels like such a remote abandoned old city. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfnjMkEq5XqEhZULnTbRCwpU_yKXWOVUHrXy-SUI3iAsYIOShhQI8XbWL09ZJXWhUaUbDTkxMkYWCaAeRcTlA-Dnc38I7ItudwIrKGsmICzU3dsasMbZCRTCvYs8YhcWOb3d-fURBHgp-/s640/blogger-image-349942544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfnjMkEq5XqEhZULnTbRCwpU_yKXWOVUHrXy-SUI3iAsYIOShhQI8XbWL09ZJXWhUaUbDTkxMkYWCaAeRcTlA-Dnc38I7ItudwIrKGsmICzU3dsasMbZCRTCvYs8YhcWOb3d-fURBHgp-/s640/blogger-image-349942544.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">DC run #2. So fun to explore a city that's usually so busy and loud while it's quiet and still. So much to be thankful for in this country </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk0wPmjSJESMTKzY6gFhB_LsXmFJEjUXEATBkNtBVQYpFWkW4MHdyc0wFShd3rgO34-3nAptY0zHhhB74oJ6dcDOJFW9dT6nwiB1jr-a8Mj8Zi3ICGwFmDEUGw2aqsHVqL7DBxwQA7XBc/s640/blogger-image-1846224855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk0wPmjSJESMTKzY6gFhB_LsXmFJEjUXEATBkNtBVQYpFWkW4MHdyc0wFShd3rgO34-3nAptY0zHhhB74oJ6dcDOJFW9dT6nwiB1jr-a8Mj8Zi3ICGwFmDEUGw2aqsHVqL7DBxwQA7XBc/s640/blogger-image-1846224855.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Now onward and upward to Long Island, NY. It was so wild and surreal driving into Manhatten at night, that we'd really driven from Utah to NYC! This Long Island run was a neat change from the big city of the last 3 days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3iXJJospZt_SZXuoinIGWsB4KzQ3RN06TAxXoSYQDy_DM7zW7U6xLZ6XcxcCjc5DfjJP8umxSzRGctD_UjVQKoAhrQmLZVhQWk_lehYqiyZa9cH5VxaivcR3VFnidPkxbzxgaRIPuukS/s640/blogger-image-1776252641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3iXJJospZt_SZXuoinIGWsB4KzQ3RN06TAxXoSYQDy_DM7zW7U6xLZ6XcxcCjc5DfjJP8umxSzRGctD_UjVQKoAhrQmLZVhQWk_lehYqiyZa9cH5VxaivcR3VFnidPkxbzxgaRIPuukS/s640/blogger-image-1776252641.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now onto the big apple, NYC! When you're using hotel points, pretty much every level of Marriott is the same points in big cities so we had the chance to stay in the Essex House right across from Central Park, amazing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvH_YSCe519pfol2edvJIoFk6wCGneDdbY9EPMWy4l5w2piKuylMJAL3aRycRiOUXQUVbimmlbOPBhMTOhhxwY2dOqEo5UlpOFjbKLa9qFltIzG3E60I-MS9nQLPveaPRTQyF5NQkRpyr/s640/blogger-image--699193411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvH_YSCe519pfol2edvJIoFk6wCGneDdbY9EPMWy4l5w2piKuylMJAL3aRycRiOUXQUVbimmlbOPBhMTOhhxwY2dOqEo5UlpOFjbKLa9qFltIzG3E60I-MS9nQLPveaPRTQyF5NQkRpyr/s640/blogger-image--699193411.jpg"></a></div>First run in NY coach scheduled a Central Park lap warmup followed by Quensborough bridge repeats. Pretty cool to have coach Nick know the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was neat to be away from all the tourists and see the locals getting to and from work early morning during the week. Even stopped a guy I saw in Altras for a chat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1JmLUBTyC-CahfkkjrwEndA1eP5kP2frvW_LyDrsw35UexkeAYdDuw5Z40eU6p4comOBbhQbDkDfRmfDa2TjdAzF8bbk4IRD9geud1u6lE2O0rFCEG_FfCNL7YBr-j7tFwvezOodS2kX/s640/blogger-image-1422885441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1JmLUBTyC-CahfkkjrwEndA1eP5kP2frvW_LyDrsw35UexkeAYdDuw5Z40eU6p4comOBbhQbDkDfRmfDa2TjdAzF8bbk4IRD9geud1u6lE2O0rFCEG_FfCNL7YBr-j7tFwvezOodS2kX/s640/blogger-image-1422885441.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNOenyJVMlD-Ct4Bm27lv38rTCojQhAPIkvG9kuTLj3mqc0e0uY7wXyRtQwnZyJRUjOGFJ9PQcJ5jeiYqlJpX2HgsUMcFLoJlfwWJZURhbqxaKJquODvYJUrOwlmY1pJSznRkrC2WykbU/s640/blogger-image-44425470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNOenyJVMlD-Ct4Bm27lv38rTCojQhAPIkvG9kuTLj3mqc0e0uY7wXyRtQwnZyJRUjOGFJ9PQcJ5jeiYqlJpX2HgsUMcFLoJlfwWJZURhbqxaKJquODvYJUrOwlmY1pJSznRkrC2WykbU/s640/blogger-image-44425470.jpg"></a></div>Second NYC run was two big loops in Central Park. Enjoyed people watching while on the road and meandering around the trails inside the park. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w3K2zGO7gXr2pdmwD2Z_V1RjSJZMoUCwZ7rh0gB4Ybo6G6DXfp3GfFoLSbQiTDfiYutXeXpQ0D8tA3Ij7CYaz6G_N1l1LL5siTwGPIAYv1lKJ8THeTanOqz4BydHdoSi_xBdW3qacrnu/s640/blogger-image-1785032043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w3K2zGO7gXr2pdmwD2Z_V1RjSJZMoUCwZ7rh0gB4Ybo6G6DXfp3GfFoLSbQiTDfiYutXeXpQ0D8tA3Ij7CYaz6G_N1l1LL5siTwGPIAYv1lKJ8THeTanOqz4BydHdoSi_xBdW3qacrnu/s640/blogger-image-1785032043.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuXXlZREsXKJc6YPv6NPTeTavfAxXc2F6D0F0l1UlRA0-gJMPjHunj1rwq8NSwxGB76hvb0hJBgRPqCa9I9QN3wE3LK1hmSmabZEYfFNozeMDq-0-YwS2_v8dV0ChOAOEIoWTWhhX9Qqo/s640/blogger-image-549292347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuXXlZREsXKJc6YPv6NPTeTavfAxXc2F6D0F0l1UlRA0-gJMPjHunj1rwq8NSwxGB76hvb0hJBgRPqCa9I9QN3wE3LK1hmSmabZEYfFNozeMDq-0-YwS2_v8dV0ChOAOEIoWTWhhX9Qqo/s640/blogger-image-549292347.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CqHpyJYN4BFMjIstnO_0J5Rz9xblM-kUn2Q4hBzIb8Lai5q-LpypF_0iRY0NFU56fifkoBIDQqZ5C3s4HjxMEbuawwP5ezUDfhTmLreU7tzqLOI9I4RipW02_jqIR5dIVcRTfmgoTAzB/s640/blogger-image--288810419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CqHpyJYN4BFMjIstnO_0J5Rz9xblM-kUn2Q4hBzIb8Lai5q-LpypF_0iRY0NFU56fifkoBIDQqZ5C3s4HjxMEbuawwP5ezUDfhTmLreU7tzqLOI9I4RipW02_jqIR5dIVcRTfmgoTAzB/s640/blogger-image--288810419.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8YjNAEvlwjgG6PvnWftx3Edlsb8CebHldExtlVZn0piEc8VLFKgnMWhmGTBjMa4IDaz6pXT8Gd31Am8rq4rweSSDYZSzXB8lmUeHQPFWrLAaD8KjCfUSdFDK1DdJ7q1NMVbfJyfdfc1w/s640/blogger-image--1585444927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8YjNAEvlwjgG6PvnWftx3Edlsb8CebHldExtlVZn0piEc8VLFKgnMWhmGTBjMa4IDaz6pXT8Gd31Am8rq4rweSSDYZSzXB8lmUeHQPFWrLAaD8KjCfUSdFDK1DdJ7q1NMVbfJyfdfc1w/s640/blogger-image--1585444927.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Had another lovely run on Long Island before leaving the area. We got really lucky with the temperatures and humidity and neither were usually unbearable. I love the green!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8vtCtWPt25ktPR8wQ0AOd9j2aKAj_TisGE9gXi4K86q0DIohyphenhyphenf-PaKlmL-51izqsSwcjD_kQXq29Pan8nWvWgtQoSEgwAfZ2LBjO3t-8QaKyT7yQ0_0Zpv0mADJg-wCzpbsZbn7KiAjN/s640/blogger-image-418586799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8vtCtWPt25ktPR8wQ0AOd9j2aKAj_TisGE9gXi4K86q0DIohyphenhyphenf-PaKlmL-51izqsSwcjD_kQXq29Pan8nWvWgtQoSEgwAfZ2LBjO3t-8QaKyT7yQ0_0Zpv0mADJg-wCzpbsZbn7KiAjN/s640/blogger-image-418586799.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now in upstate NY it was off to a muddy good time around Mendon Ponds Park. Lots of neat cross country and woodsy trails, well marked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHuc3OW4jq8piAIqrkBfA46bvAnR1icV2mZoPimOiD5nGY9M4rVdHtqUFN_MWRL-780vTtdxfsn7-4L-HQOh1r0uhIyo59COXe7DeBcSfch_AvTQPB_LdXkrrb9DyCQG7zmKa02c6lfWF/s640/blogger-image-865622493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHuc3OW4jq8piAIqrkBfA46bvAnR1icV2mZoPimOiD5nGY9M4rVdHtqUFN_MWRL-780vTtdxfsn7-4L-HQOh1r0uhIyo59COXe7DeBcSfch_AvTQPB_LdXkrrb9DyCQG7zmKa02c6lfWF/s640/blogger-image-865622493.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next stop was Grifith, Indiana before our trip into Chicago for the day. A quick simple paved trail through a suburb that almost landed me with a tetanus shot. Lesson learned: if doggie snarls the fist time, resist owners urge to try and pet him again when you come back the other way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3343yK2qRi18c9-LpEMj4hJ8NobWwqcNHIIOSkB_z4lcms_STvZTm4IZ8leIZgIL-UzD5aLjzni_bxf7Dz6U9HkrgPZ4TBvXZTPqjgOy8Fc08nqpi0akSxwRZ3u6kIyCnNbmnoL6ldzB/s640/blogger-image-501845262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3343yK2qRi18c9-LpEMj4hJ8NobWwqcNHIIOSkB_z4lcms_STvZTm4IZ8leIZgIL-UzD5aLjzni_bxf7Dz6U9HkrgPZ4TBvXZTPqjgOy8Fc08nqpi0akSxwRZ3u6kIyCnNbmnoL6ldzB/s640/blogger-image-501845262.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDv4-zgptxUTntwkZA1Fb1Z8DNwtgsjmqe60e_JSBH-cp_sk-zP7Ul81D1qPeJkBcsZuGuhCKCCiyNPbIbZMCR4QyfCI5OGdFl9BM9rgmK8F557ZfeOFzHj57FfnuW1KLpJo0fjZoWdMH/s640/blogger-image--1009924257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDv4-zgptxUTntwkZA1Fb1Z8DNwtgsjmqe60e_JSBH-cp_sk-zP7Ul81D1qPeJkBcsZuGuhCKCCiyNPbIbZMCR4QyfCI5OGdFl9BM9rgmK8F557ZfeOFzHj57FfnuW1KLpJo0fjZoWdMH/s640/blogger-image--1009924257.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No U.S. road trip complete without Mall of America right? Not according to an 11 year old girl anyway. This was also a turning point run for me. I'd been struggling with a tightness outside my knee for almost a month now and one of my NYC runs and my last run in Indiana were rough. And while I had been getting up early (like before 5am) most days of these road trip weeks to get my runs in without interrupting our family, I still hadn't managed longer than a 2.5-3 hour run. This run I woke up early yet again prepared to be outside the whole time. Unfortunately it was dark and pouring and the sky full of lightning. So the first 90 minutes or so were inside on a treadmill. Once I ventured out the sky was stormy dark blue but it made for some neat scenery again around the lush green. Looking at this photo L to R, top to bottom you can see that in the first three photos. Then came an interesting sign kind of in the middle of nowhere that left me running a little quicker (turns out the sign means that people with dissabilities are taken out to experience hunting here, near the trail, so they don't want you coming in and/or scaring the wildlife around). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiznFjZYI3pbr6zUhy2lhCB3oqbtCqeXIVzqxlQfFeadPAAxzvHAPg5Hc2FoLrJoCc-AxZ1vr_aWFJSaG3XVgB8HF07n1Yfc_T9cpSlsp6V8UDxAA3ZRiOs5bHou_mbKZo-fQsMGnb_DWS/s640/blogger-image--1360416941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiznFjZYI3pbr6zUhy2lhCB3oqbtCqeXIVzqxlQfFeadPAAxzvHAPg5Hc2FoLrJoCc-AxZ1vr_aWFJSaG3XVgB8HF07n1Yfc_T9cpSlsp6V8UDxAA3ZRiOs5bHou_mbKZo-fQsMGnb_DWS/s640/blogger-image--1360416941.jpg"></a></div>The canoe. Oh boy. So I had this plan of a big loop around this big river. Unfortunately when I got to where I expected to cross back over it, I found myself here, literally on the wrong side of the overpass. A little uncomfortable with my surroundings, very isolated. No way to get up on that road I needed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7VS38V4nlv5yMdYVNi0AOVIQP8q-U8BNkcFgj7ppuec9nMVut2dD9U1kmGLnUXWssLJGWXcnO5EI9RvgzP7SDaKvP3wWSG_0B5Oxw91hXvst-jNbNlQy7GHoLtfRFSpzziZ0fp8hjXh8/s640/blogger-image--1110927566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7VS38V4nlv5yMdYVNi0AOVIQP8q-U8BNkcFgj7ppuec9nMVut2dD9U1kmGLnUXWssLJGWXcnO5EI9RvgzP7SDaKvP3wWSG_0B5Oxw91hXvst-jNbNlQy7GHoLtfRFSpzziZ0fp8hjXh8/s640/blogger-image--1110927566.jpg"></a></div>I considered the canoe still, but decided against it ;) I was in a conundrum now. We needed to get on the road for our next long drive and I did not want to go back the 7 miles I just went. So I figured I'd run up the river even higher and there would be another place to cross. The problem with "The land of 10,000 lakes", is there really isn't much bushwacking that can be done, without waders anyway. I was so close to some railroad tracks (according to the map view on my phone anyway) which were next to a road. I tried getting to them and ended up turning around super frustrated with the swamp land around me, and now so itchy I thought I might pass out for a minute there. Wow. Kind of a scary idea being no where near car access. I did have the brilliant idea to grab a stick to itch my legs instead of using my hands though. I had called my husband to come pick me up since I was running so behind and headed north figuring at some point this must let me out. And finally and obviously, it did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUdEgjFvn9fTbXOEm5nmCyASFsnmBLXuhDgd3Tg4oRZL3e_BoV1fO-6o-xrgBEZctjFIblBpY2BUyZBDaIUQtL44U3xgHTHKh0j4TOojDDjYwzfKqVKGneVs-msH4O57m9JKLh-hdg8Pk/s640/blogger-image-2119875717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUdEgjFvn9fTbXOEm5nmCyASFsnmBLXuhDgd3Tg4oRZL3e_BoV1fO-6o-xrgBEZctjFIblBpY2BUyZBDaIUQtL44U3xgHTHKh0j4TOojDDjYwzfKqVKGneVs-msH4O57m9JKLh-hdg8Pk/s640/blogger-image-2119875717.jpg"></a></div>A great trailhead map and information sign greeted me which was great but I'm surprised there was one in the 10 miles previous. Anyway, the good news was my energy levels and legs felt great for all 5 hours I was out on them. And my husband wasn't upset I ran 2 hours long ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our last main stop of the trip, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Ran 60 minutes on the road from our hotel across town in some sketchy areas very early in the morning to get 45 minutes on these awesome piney trails near Skyline Drive that reminded me of home. It was really fun running!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpiCdSAkJ9-_fGuMJhhWMjs_r24aN9JI3eTabB0fkFV3pY3_4sMMBBQLvknZLSE203LFm-_L2MeiSsYnrh-j6oo_LQkJ0Sb581esq1XAq-OtxxPBg6Kn3sRypFjK_As3joRxTiEA43sPV/s640/blogger-image--62454301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpiCdSAkJ9-_fGuMJhhWMjs_r24aN9JI3eTabB0fkFV3pY3_4sMMBBQLvknZLSE203LFm-_L2MeiSsYnrh-j6oo_LQkJ0Sb581esq1XAq-OtxxPBg6Kn3sRypFjK_As3joRxTiEA43sPV/s640/blogger-image--62454301.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Switchbacks!! The need for switchbacks again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dg0LFsVBvNJJJ1FCwP_g2K1ISibvZBf1RVoSIoYNAwHbE3vOW_nlsLOAARKptxd1N7fuzoFaz16E1lm6jtJCpoLumUwUhS2uyFLOyqLUiz5QQd0uyhUaJjFU-sCYVn3FDJ0xXFMS1gMS/s640/blogger-image-1136287853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dg0LFsVBvNJJJ1FCwP_g2K1ISibvZBf1RVoSIoYNAwHbE3vOW_nlsLOAARKptxd1N7fuzoFaz16E1lm6jtJCpoLumUwUhS2uyFLOyqLUiz5QQd0uyhUaJjFU-sCYVn3FDJ0xXFMS1gMS/s640/blogger-image-1136287853.jpg"></a></div>It's amazing how much drier the air felt from one day, and one state, to the next. Back I ran my hour to the hotel passing this cute fairy house. Home sweet home soon for us too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBR66FvO4AiXIrrNt-GYM9EU8TOMv0XCOzUKKsebYebm-5gZzG_PsKTSKFeiYjWl-MoOZSELouGgg6RiwjioYsa35LWOxUwgSJ-UmZn_GbDR9RCRilQRzdUqEGT1xj_3ekU5sAkHl2qGd/s640/blogger-image-1146132283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBR66FvO4AiXIrrNt-GYM9EU8TOMv0XCOzUKKsebYebm-5gZzG_PsKTSKFeiYjWl-MoOZSELouGgg6RiwjioYsa35LWOxUwgSJ-UmZn_GbDR9RCRilQRzdUqEGT1xj_3ekU5sAkHl2qGd/s640/blogger-image-1146132283.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What an amazing trip! We had reservations about going when not all of our 4 kids would be old enough to remember, but we had the hotel points and the time. My husband worked on the road and when would we ever have 3.5 weeks we could all be together? So we jumped and had a grand adventure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As far as training quality, I was definitely focused and knew what every workout was. I didn't get quite the heat at home or obviously much vert, but I did put the miles in and didn't get bored of my surroundings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I really loved experiencing the country via running. All runs required very early wake up calls, a couple were on a treadmill, some on the streets of the big cities we were in, and many on their surrounding trails. I did a lot of googling for trails nearby or just looked at my map for green latches signaling parks. This country is full of great things to see, go out and play where ever you are!</div></div></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-80170677167314950602015-09-05T12:24:00.001-06:002015-09-05T13:59:56.852-06:00Kickoff to summer and Wasatch TrainingWasatch in 6 days! It felt so far away at the start of training and the summer and that was good and bad. Good because I wanted lots of time to devote to specific training for it, wanted to take my time with it and enjoy the buildup that comes with waiting and preparing for a race, and hopefully recover from all my spring racing - Bandera 100k, Black Canyon 100k, Buffalo 100, Ogden Marathon. The only reason it was hard to have it so far away was because I was excited and ready to go play!<br />
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Kicked off the spring snowmelt in May with a couple of my first 'mountain runs' of the year. Little Baldy in one of my favorite areas was definitely fresh from winter. </div>
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Loved being up in the fog</div>
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Then a little bike run bike action up to one of my favorite trailheads, Timpanooke. Only had time for a few miles up the trail on foot but it's always fun to do something self supported once in a while, getting myself to the trailhead without a car and carrying my shoes </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhk3a1utXN-CTZTMc-9aJ5vlYIwWXy327wbGviFDoZKdfG7if9jkHIs7eoa2fqRrdPPMfVO7ErGSj6331IAwAVNa6cj-ZdQvSCCGzkugNZgYShPg0SJ-tSI4Cgxzx2kCwOV-9DWGJ1BOeo/s640/blogger-image--1756680178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhk3a1utXN-CTZTMc-9aJ5vlYIwWXy327wbGviFDoZKdfG7if9jkHIs7eoa2fqRrdPPMfVO7ErGSj6331IAwAVNa6cj-ZdQvSCCGzkugNZgYShPg0SJ-tSI4Cgxzx2kCwOV-9DWGJ1BOeo/s640/blogger-image--1756680178.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Then it was on to probably my first peak of the year, </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Little Black to prepare for Wasatch Steeplechase. It involves some scrambling and I do not profess to be good or comfortable with that, so up with good friends we go! Only way to get more comfortable and get better is to gain more experience. </span></div>
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My second time on this mountain and I was still pretty nervous. Thankfully the actual race went much better! It's a steep climb up to the peak, a lot rougher this I thought going down to the entrance to smugglers gap, just really steep and narrow and not really a trail, but smugglers gap was so awesome! Wide, treed in, soft pineneedle trail, switchbacks. I pushed the last 7 miles of trail and road hard and passed almost all that passed me on the way down and snuck under 3:00 like I wanted to. Great morning!<br />
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School finished up for my first year of nursing school (halfway done!) and for 4 my babies. I love having them home in the summer!</div>
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I don't know why I wanted to do it then, but I wanted to do a big mountain run here called GrandAire, probably to have something to test my fitness against again before Wasatch. And because it felt like someone tried to scare me away from it online. Challenge accepted :)</div>
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3 peaks, 8000 ft of climbing, 22 miles. The first climb up to Grandeur is a beast! So steep and not particularly scenic. Then you wander down into the valley of Millcreek Canyon to pipeline trail and head over to Mt Aire. Also steep in places and took longer than I expected. Then back the way you came up churchfork to the top of Grandeur again and down the nasty west side of the mountain. I couldn't believe how long those last 2 miles all downhill took. Steep, rocky, loose with tiny pebbles, not the easier scree surfing. Ugh. Pretty much hated it. Finished in 6 hours 53 minutes. Quite tired but not wasted. I would however suffer some IT band annoyances for the next month thanks to this. </div>
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The next week I had the chance to fill my triathlon background itch with my 4th Daybreak Triathlon. Came into it sport sprecifically undertrained (swim and bike) but having done this 15 years that base goes a long way. The swim hurt more than usual, my lack of pool time hurt. My bike was stuck in the little chainring the whole time which is good for the long climb up, not as great for the long down back. Did a lot more coasting than I'd like. Came into T2 in 2nd place being hollered at by my husband that I could catch her. I gave that 5k my 100% and definitely made time up on her, getting as close as 10 seconds back (she always looked back for me so I eventually just started waving) but with 1/4 mile to go I threw up 3 times from the effort level I guess and finished second. That's ok though (my first time not winning that race when I've done it), it was great to be out getting that fix again and saying hello to old friends. </div>
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My babies running to cheer for mama<br />
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My boy got to do his first triathlon the next week too! I was so proud of his determination and smile through this. The swim kicked his butt but he did it, he seemed to love the bike and ran way more of the run than I expected him too. Way to go little man!</div>
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Alright this post is turning very long now, so I'll try to summarize the rest of June. Visited my favorite Dog Deso loop still covered in snow in places, ran along the Scott's Hill to Guardsman portion of Wasatch, through what felt like a jungle on a Timp loop, and just enjoyed the warmth of summer now. </div>
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Wild flowers! So happy to see them</div>
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Timp loop<br />
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Mountain goats!</div>
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Like manna from heaven on this long not day</div>
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Me height foliage for miles, in Utah, crazy!</div>
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<b>Ah sweet summer trail running! I live in an awesome place!</b><br />
Lots of playing in May and June. Our epic 3.5 week July road trip to come in a post next week. </div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-28447974020335156562015-09-01T17:47:00.000-06:002015-09-01T18:14:23.510-06:0010 days till Wasatch 100 - The Final Countdown!<div style="text-align: center;">
Commence music video </div>
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I'm so excited for this race! Feels like one of the few I actually trained specifically for. Not to say I don't train, but I jump into stuff last minute, a lot. This one has had a dedicated plan. I didn't over race the summer because I wanted to be primed for this one physically, but also mentally. I am very thankful to be feeling not only strong, but healthy! I want to take these last 10 days and detail some of the gear I use that I love and keeps me going. I also want to document a little of my training over the last several months. I'll try to keep the writing short but definitely include photos. It was a very unique summer for our family.<br />
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Until tomorrow, here is a really cool look at the course from above from fellow runner Chihping Fu. The last 15 or so miles have changed, but this gives you a good idea what next Friday and into Saturday will hold.<br />
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<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-73946130177560146732015-08-02T19:04:00.001-06:002015-08-08T11:54:50.394-06:002015 Katcina Mosa 100kHoly moly I'm happy with that! Short version is I kept everything in control and conservative, was smart, and executed well and ran a faster race than I had anticipated. Finished with loads of confidence and a healthy dose of fear for the next and longer pain cave session - Wasatch 100.<br />
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So I knew I would do a 100k this weekend, in training for Wasatch. I haven't raced since May so was looking forward to it. It was just a matter of which one to do. Do I go to Tushars 93k and possibly deal with elevation issues (we just spent 3.5 weeks on a family road trip back east where I kept my miles up, but without any vert or elevation) or do I do Katcina and deal with potential heat issues (our trip weather was humid, but never super hot). As if life couldn't get any more exciting we packed our house up in the 2 weeks before our trip and now had to move into our new house the day after we got back and days before the race. Feeling overwhelmed with unpacking our new house we decided o stay local and do Katcina. I think this was the race I was leaning toward the whole time really. More Wasatch like and I wanted to see my progress from 2 years previous. In 2013 I ran a 15:47 and suffered pretty good those last 30 miles. I set a goal this year to run a 14 something. After looking at my previous splits and subtracting time where I figured I could, I was at 14:40 so those were the splits I had to go off of. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Katcina has a 3am start. Woah. Was concerned about how and when to eat and settled on eating about half my usual pre-race breakfast a little less than 2 hours before race start vs the 3 I usually do. Scrambled getting everything else ready and out the door for the 40 min drive but not without having to turn around to get gas. Ugh. Rolled into the park 10 minutes before the start, threw my drop bags into place, said hi quickly to a few people, pinned my number on and ran to the bathroom. And heard the race start while I was in there. For the second time at this race I started very last watching people well up the road running ahead of me. Oh well :)</span></div>
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Caught up with friend and lovely lady Carol Manwaring and shared a few miles together while commenting about the chatty brood of fellas just in front of us. And they say women gab a lot ;)</div>
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As the field spread out Chris Pope and I now ran together discussing life and all things gory and medical as he is a angio tech and I in nursing school. Rolled into the first aid station 13 minutes ahead of last time and was happy with that. Chris and I were moving well but smart enough to back off and hike if needed. </div>
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The next section to aid station 2 I remember being very rocky and hard to run but didn't think much of it this time. That was nice. Met new friend Eric. 25 minutes ahead of 2013. Perfect. I trotted the next downhill not wanting to toast my quads even a little and was taken care of so kindly at aid station 3.</div>
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See my singlet up now? Wicked belly button chaffing. Weird! Never happened with that top and happened 2 months ago too in a different top. So random. I think it means I need more (any) real core work so my navel doesn't stick out as far. </div>
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The hike up to lightning ridge was <b>not</b> shorter than I remember ;) and I felt it in places. I stopped several times on this section and would throughout the day to stretch my hips, glutes, sometimes calves, and to massage the topical pain creme on my lower back that complained during hiking. The views up on Lightning ridge are so great and I took them in briefly. </div>
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Ran into friend Amy briefly, got a hug, and continued on. Didn't improve my hike up time much also don't think I hustled as much as 2013 so I'll take it. I recall the first of several quick hip, glute, and calf stretch sessions of the day here. </div>
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The descent to <b>Big Springs</b> was one area I wanted to improve on from 2013. I recall holding back a lot, braking, and being scared of parts of it. There were still a couple sections I went slower than I'd like, but I did my best to let gravity rule and dance over the sometimes sliding and sometimes stubbornly stuck rocks. Passed a lady much like I was last time, frozen, not sure how to go down the loose stuff. I just encouraged her to try to ski/surf down them. Dropped 5-7 minutes over 3 miles so I'm fairly happy with it. Full expected Brian Beckstead to pass me on the way down but mope. No one did actually which made me happy. Pushed a little more than I'd like, well used my quads more than I'd like rather, but wanted to improve time on this section. Anyway, back down to the Big Springs aid station and greeted again by friendly faces and lots of help. </div>
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I recall not feeling well the hour after this aid station last time and was hoping for better here. I kept the breathing quiet and the steps short and easy and felt descent. New friend Patrick caught up with me and we'd spend the next couple hours doing what you do with people you just met in ultras - discuss all manner of life and families and sport. It's a good mind occupier and time passer and I enjoy hearing people's stories. The hike up to Windy Pass was steep and slow in places but good to see. </div>
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I moved out quickly after getting my new Way2Cool towel wet and wearing it like a shawl for a while. Wasn't ice cold or anything but was pretty nice and I enjoyed covering my shoulders for a while. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patrick behind me just after Windy Pass. <br />
Forgive the blurry pictures, leaving the phone in a ziplock bag wasn't the smartest move.</td></tr>
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Gosh I live in a beautiful place!!<br />
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I let Patrick by as I made a bush stop, turned the music on and focused on moving well but easy as the temps we're hearing up and I was on a long part of the course. The trail was so overgrown and rooty it was hard to see what you were stepping on and was really slow going for several miles. Had a neat moment of seeing a blue bird flying in front of me on this pretty wooded section that made me think of my Grandma Ann who loved to go on mountain drives and watching me race. It was sweet to think of her watching this race now too, only from above. </div>
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I eventually ran back into Patrick who was low on water and more concerned about it than I realized and like a good new friend, I told him to come with me and I took off. And he didn't. I feel really bad about that. I rolled into <b>Little Valley </b>feeling good. Dropped my pack off to be taken care of by volunteers and good friend Carol's good husband Jeff and returned from the 1.5 mile out and back ready to go and got out quick. Saw Brian come in as I was leaving but didn't see any ladies. I wasn't worried about placement very much so far, but liked knowing I was at least 20 minutes up on the next woman. </div>
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Now was to come what I remember as the longest and most boring sections of the course. I recall a lot of walking. It was a goal to not experience these sections that way this time though, which would be tough as I would not see another racer for 20 miles. </div>
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About a mile after Little Valley you come to this 4 way stop and as I recall last year, it wasn't clear where to go. I had a feeling it was right but didn't see any ribbons. I figured it was this way so I'd go this way till I saw a ribbon or it had been 10 minutes. I did see an old orange ribbon on the ground near the bushes not far from the turnoff, so put it in the middle of the dirt road under a rock in hopes it would help others and figured I'd move it if I ended up coming back. So off I went looking for footprints and eventually asking some ATVers if they'd seen runners this way and thankfully yes. I think this was the section I had a little bit of a mental low. It had been a long day, I remember this being a long part of last year and frankly it was just kind of boring. Thankfully I pulled out of it after a couple miles though and arrived at the <b>Bathtub aid station</b> 15 minutes faster than last time. </div>
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Leaving Bathtub I greeted all the cows I saw and was thankful to be doing the last long stretch between aid stations. This next aid station would be before we descended back to the road and it just feels like an almost done landmark to me. I recall last year thinking I was almost there so many times, so knew what to look for as actually almost there and knew not to question if I was almost there till I really was. I was moving well and feeling warm but kept it under control. Looked to the east to a beautiful view and got a little emotional at It and at God's great creations. I love moments like that. </div>
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About a mile out of the aid station I did some math and realized I was ahead of 14:40 schedule. If I could arrive at the aid station by 12:15 chrono race time, I could break 14 hours. I picked the pace up a little but still not pushing. Seeing the aid station was exciting and <b>rolling in at 12:12 </b>was really exciting and got me amped up and into "it's on" mode. </div>
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Left the aid station at 12:15 and felt a pretty quick endorphin low actually. It was steep and rough downhill initially with logs and ruts to go over and I felt my sore body. But I would spend the next 3.8 miles hustling now, not like I had all day. Now I was pushing. And while yes I still had 9-10 miles to go I was confident I could push that long (thank you Ogden Marathon). This short 3.8 didn't really feel short and I got frustrated a few times wanting and needing to get into the last aid station by 13:00 to give myself an hour to run the last 6 miles. </div>
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Last year there were reports of a mom and baby bear down here so I kept on alert and only got startled once when I smelled something game-y for sure and then heard some good rustling in the bush beside me. Looked back and saw the bush look pretty dark but I doubt it was a bear. Regardless it kept me moving. I found me telling myself I was doing great as it was and I could totally just keep trotting the rest of the race and finish low 14 something which was still my original goal and a great PR. The other side of me also knew if I was close and had a chance, why not give it a little more time and energy and get to cap the day off breaking into a new standard for me. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eventually eventually (yes I mean to type it twice) after some emotional moments</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I got into the <b>last aid station at 13:02</b>, took the time very quickly to change into the Intuition 3.5 not because my feet were hurting me, but just because it sounded good for these last 6 paved road miles, and it was. Gave me the chance to finally tromp into some streams in my Lone Peak 2.5's before arriving at this aid station knowing I had dry shoes waiting. Jeff helped me again and off I went. </span></div>
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Man, I bet I ran almost 3 miles at around 7-7:30 pace. I felt good and felt fast and enjoyed feeling that fast road form happening. I didn't bring as much water on this last 6 as I would have liked as I changed out of the pack and into my minimal Quantum belt and it was warm, so I did venture down to the river to fill my bottle once. While my feet weren't hurting badly like last time, and I wasn't making excuses to make a bush stop or endlessly complaining we were never going to get there, those last 3-4 miles were tough. Mostly mentally. I walked very briefly a few times before my will took over and pushed me back into a trot. I wasn't running 7's anymore, but I had to at least just keep running. I was so close to this ultimate goal for the day, and I could do it, I just had to keep moving. Knowing I started late I knew I needed to get in by 13:57 or so on my watch. And it was getting close. Finally saw my husband and kids drive up (coming to watch at the last aid station, oops) and cheer for me which was nice. I asked him how far it was and he said 1/4-1/2 mile. I saw the white fence and could finally feel the finish. They were out waiting to run in with me and I feel bad not really waiting for them, but I ran that last 50 yards in fast from fear. To my delight <b>my watch said 13:49 and their clock said 13:51</b>. Wow!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2ZyKM4KWwBaDxzhC01iTu0h60dMb_ypZK14iRy_75pfBiBNJQTOVCnZyZG1zpr4zLeqUgku4jokz6OKBPNURlSgP44hjJsgJxr1P1V9d2oL3_nwWfpDZrmS2NnIlYXVatnCotwHBfKJ9/s640/blogger-image--1635508863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2ZyKM4KWwBaDxzhC01iTu0h60dMb_ypZK14iRy_75pfBiBNJQTOVCnZyZG1zpr4zLeqUgku4jokz6OKBPNURlSgP44hjJsgJxr1P1V9d2oL3_nwWfpDZrmS2NnIlYXVatnCotwHBfKJ9/s640/blogger-image--1635508863.jpg" /></a></div>
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My endorphins fell pretty quick and some real soreness set in quickly upon finishing, but it didn't overwhelm how proud I was of this race. Of course I'm happy I won! Super happy to have run a 13, 2 hour PR and 3rd fastest women's time on that course ever (none of the men broke the top 10 all time times, pretty proud of mine). But what I was most pleased and proud of was earning those things on such controlled and sometimes easy effort. Such a confidence boost for me to my fitness level. I executed well. I kept the breathing quiet and the running and hiking easy until the last 10 when I chose to push. I stayed right on top of my nutrition and hydration and the heat. I was quick in aid stations but got what I needed. I did experience lows, but not badly, and I pulled out of them. Just super happy with how this went. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USATF Utah 2015 100k champion</td></tr>
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And yet I leave humbled for Wasatch. Confident yes, looking forward to putting in a few more weeks of strong training yes, but also a bit fearful of going to the pain cave, but for longer. I can do it though with good prep, a good taper, smart racing and a good crew and pacer. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gear:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.altrarunning.com/women/lonepeak25" target="_blank">Altra Lone Peak 2.5</a> shoes. Loved them, no complaints at all. Never had to retie them and thanks to the Altra gaiters I wore I never got any rocks in them either. Feet were protected from this rocky course but not being a maximal shoe I felt more connected to the ground and never had any good "ankle stretches". This version reminds me a lot of the original Lone Peaks if you've been with Altra that long.</div>
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Wool Injinji socks. Love the toe protection. </div>
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<a href="http://vfuel.com/" target="_blank">Vfuel</a> gel the whole way. Sometimes in packets and sometimes pre squeezed into a 5-6 serving flask. Love the steady energy and digestion. Consumed a little bit of food on course but Vfuel was by far my calorie staple. 1 serving/pack every 30 min.</div>
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Had <a href="http://elete.com/about/products/" target="_blank">Elete Electrolyte add in</a> in my water in my initial 30oz and then from Big Springs to Little Valley. Love not having to take pills or think about getting my electrolytes in and I really do like the slight mineral taste. </div>
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Started with my<a href="http://ultraspire.com/product/spry/" target="_blank"> Ultraspire Spry</a> pack. Love that little thing and if it hadn't been for needing to carry more water as the sections got longer and the day heated up I would have kept it on the whole time.</div>
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I switched at Big Springs to my <a href="http://www.nathansports.com/hydration/race-vests/vaporairess" target="_blank">Nathan VaporAiress</a> I've been testing. I filled the bladder full of ice cubes and maybe 10oz of water and a dose of Elete before I left for the house and put it in my drop bag. Was pleased to have no leaks and a bladder full of ice I had to add water too 5 hours into the race. I wish I'd carried my small Elete flask with me the whole time to redose my water as I had to fill up. The Gu Electrolyte pills I've been using which I like, got stuck in my throat a lot.</div>
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Finished the day with my <a href="http://store.trailandultrarunning.com/products/ultraspire-quantum-race-belt" target="_blank">Ultraspire Quantum waist belt</a> which I've always been a fan of if you only need 10 oz of water at a time. The original holds 10oz, the update only has 1 flask holder although you could fit one in the front.</div>
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Took 2 Hammer Tissue Rejuvinator pills every 3 hours which I think help some keep inflammation down, naturally.</div>
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As my something new for this race I brought a Way2Cool (not to be confused with the race) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cages-Elite-Microfiber-Cooling-Towel/dp/B00OBXGOVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439055502&sr=8-1&keywords=way2cool+towel" target="_blank">cooling towel </a>with me and started soaking it with water around 5 hours in. I wore it around my shoulders tucked into my bra straps, sometimes on my head, sometimes filled with ice and tied around my neck. It's definitely bigger than a bandana and I worried it would be too bulky but it worked pretty well and I'll have it or something like it at Wasatch.</div>
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-68214140846272099962015-07-22T13:48:00.001-06:002015-07-23T11:32:35.722-06:00Win a pair of Altra Impulse shoes<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWjj9ff_8sHT6gw_nWLmemYodixS4j9ymS-DUR7Ff10uN2m3oUK7LiKzcXnvIrKLrSdZFefBLagg4boXTLQNREBuAb8qSLXS-nlz3NBBzGJm20-WYvzGyNec4FlYPCmSppLfOUQVlNHCh/s640/blogger-image-1191686680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWjj9ff_8sHT6gw_nWLmemYodixS4j9ymS-DUR7Ff10uN2m3oUK7LiKzcXnvIrKLrSdZFefBLagg4boXTLQNREBuAb8qSLXS-nlz3NBBzGJm20-WYvzGyNec4FlYPCmSppLfOUQVlNHCh/s640/blogger-image-1191686680.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Want a pair of these bad boys?! Of course you do! Loved the @altrarunning Impulse at the Ogden Marathon I just blogged about. Light, firm, fast, and drain water really well! They kept me comfortable so I could push hard. Just like a fellow Altra athlete has been doing the last 47 days. </span></div><div><br></div><div>James Lawrence, Ironcowboy is almost done with his goal of 50 Iron distance triathlons in 50 consecutive days through all 50 states in an effort to raise awareness and funds to combat childhood obesity. I've done Ironman, I think I could do a few in a row, but I'll admit that I honestly didn't think 50 in a row could be done. Man though, with a big support team caring for him day in and day out and a personal incredible mental strength, James is doing it! And he'll be done with #50 on Saturday back home in Utah. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNG6Fi0WkY_1UI8kUbbt__xmGnJdIvk8XgHYh0VpN4W4mWCLYQ_5a7QIuN6F_prsVZ7BVDOzsX-gtR_R5R7z2Z7Px0bi2s3EWqf7_M-n4Y3qZR-Bx5ytdjJCGoM1ZdObhPk2VDDuq6wxZM/s640/blogger-image--388244891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNG6Fi0WkY_1UI8kUbbt__xmGnJdIvk8XgHYh0VpN4W4mWCLYQ_5a7QIuN6F_prsVZ7BVDOzsX-gtR_R5R7z2Z7Px0bi2s3EWqf7_M-n4Y3qZR-Bx5ytdjJCGoM1ZdObhPk2VDDuq6wxZM/s640/blogger-image--388244891.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A lot of the update posts on James Facebook and Instagram are very positive. Things that made me think yeah take hard, but he's handling it just fine. Then there are a few here and there that show the human side and the struggle. This most recent one was really great. It is a long post so I will just leave the link for you to read if you want, but we're talking shoulder pain at a 12 on a 1-10 scale, stomach distention, legs giving out. Real, big, challenges. https://m.facebook.com/Ironcowboy/posts/946206472110935</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ISYz5yHg0b0LM7aOmF6R5JHVFjs-7EC3v0BAOF5hhcO4q0MIXi5s86MAvj5DLq8BUGPECct_w6JFm9Ksoa8_BvUXsujf7S7DlyK3ylbs0TParQymRe71ijXIfWdSyQuevY9qhVYFJncz/s640/blogger-image--895407723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ISYz5yHg0b0LM7aOmF6R5JHVFjs-7EC3v0BAOF5hhcO4q0MIXi5s86MAvj5DLq8BUGPECct_w6JFm9Ksoa8_BvUXsujf7S7DlyK3ylbs0TParQymRe71ijXIfWdSyQuevY9qhVYFJncz/s640/blogger-image--895407723.jpg"></a></div>Trying to sleep where ever he can. </div><div><br></div><div>I have seen and personally experienced the body adapting to new challenges in an amazing way, but what James doing is so huge physically and mentally. Now not that I want to see James struggle, of course not, but I think he's had more struggles than has been posted about, and I personally wanted to hear about them. Sounds familiar? I seem to not be able to blog without including every struggle I go through. I think it makes James' journey even more inspiring seeing how hard it is for him and yet he continues on. Continues to somehow wake up every day after very little sleep and spend another 12-16 hours always moving. Covering 140.6 miles. Every single day. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9PiDoV0voSJvDUQNTe5nJQa_4E1QLvd9BJH7OcktZRPWK8amVCB5m01Si7MjsERHoJqf7VutMy_TppXYHgFarmeIIZhUnN4H4m-ANs0yc7lCw6WY7qbpeAD2o15yeVrhV3o8eT6L__9P/s640/blogger-image-952137328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9PiDoV0voSJvDUQNTe5nJQa_4E1QLvd9BJH7OcktZRPWK8amVCB5m01Si7MjsERHoJqf7VutMy_TppXYHgFarmeIIZhUnN4H4m-ANs0yc7lCw6WY7qbpeAD2o15yeVrhV3o8eT6L__9P/s640/blogger-image-952137328.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And as a fellow Altra athlete I really admire that, pushing on, not quitting when things seem a little challenging. Not making excuses for why he should stop and why that's ok. Not that we shouldn't listen to our bodies and occasionally stop early, but we can do more than we think we can. I've had some real challenging races in the last year. Run Rabbit Run 100, Bandera 100k, Black Canyon 100k particularly and man they were hard. I came up with excuses during each to stop. And really wanted to. But I didn't. And James isn't. Zero Limits isn't just a phrase. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div>So how do I win the shoes already you're asking right? Well thanks for reading this far (or scrolling to the bottom). Here or on Instagram, tell me one time where you did something you didn't think you could. Something you wanted to give up on, but didn't. When did you show Zero Limits?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzylDHByqT76zS-waIdthT5pUaafuw08iLE8bludmR9NANgOC5sY-42-6bnTBKWsjIxPRkAWqiO2uXj3Ebj3AGBjDCNSWu3G9eU4FVoiogzUlou7Nn6nleA_SwCKn1Ly8-O6PmZFFWHdLP/s640/blogger-image-1081569099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzylDHByqT76zS-waIdthT5pUaafuw08iLE8bludmR9NANgOC5sY-42-6bnTBKWsjIxPRkAWqiO2uXj3Ebj3AGBjDCNSWu3G9eU4FVoiogzUlou7Nn6nleA_SwCKn1Ly8-O6PmZFFWHdLP/s640/blogger-image-1081569099.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>That will get you one entry. I'll give you another 2 entries for donating to the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation charity, what James is trying to raise money for to help combat childhood obesity. Just let me know in a comment if you do donate. Link here (sorry for the lack of hyper linking, on vacation and mobile doesn't like it) <a href="http://www.ironcowboy.co/donate/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://www.ironcowboy.co/donate/</a></div><div><br></div><div>You have till Monday morning at 10am MST when I announce a winner. Good luck!</div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-35438453130229663162015-07-22T09:13:00.001-06:002015-07-22T10:32:18.961-06:002015 Ogden Marathon - I can push hardThat's what I learned at Ogden. <div><br></div><div>Husband was out of town and my twin sister recently moved back so we were able to have a girls night up there before the race. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UOVczw6kF_hy_eRPFNh57pqkJ4HdWbeeSngGp_cGFzUCPOyxQNCASrAZocXYejUUb3OsPV74V8WlXVXYcYlEXRyIJOEN7FGi9Oph-uMyFAi_tJeaYVvX64_XAceasHF3ONZeFqazRzm5/s640/blogger-image-1121064040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UOVczw6kF_hy_eRPFNh57pqkJ4HdWbeeSngGp_cGFzUCPOyxQNCASrAZocXYejUUb3OsPV74V8WlXVXYcYlEXRyIJOEN7FGi9Oph-uMyFAi_tJeaYVvX64_XAceasHF3ONZeFqazRzm5/s640/blogger-image-1121064040.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The weather had threatened rain and it rained on the way up. Thankfully we had a beautiful morning sitting in a field waiting for the start.</div><div><br></div><div>The rain started around mile 6-7 but I was relieved to at least have had that first almost hour dry. Starting in the cold rain would have been a little demoralizing for me. Up to mile 9 or so I was on track for a 3:00 finish. It felt hard but not too hard. I had been debating stopping in a port o potty since unfortunately I wasn't able to get things moving before the race as is typical for me (I wonder if the gluten free bread I ate instead of the regular wheat bread I eat hampered my typical GI motility). Anyway, decided to stop, was somewhat productive, took advantage of the quick down time to grab some pills and get my iPod going. No more then 90 second stop but upon arriving at mile 13 I was on track for 3:05 now. Little bummed that stop resulted in that but it was what it was. </div><div><br></div><div>It was raining hard now and we were all totally soaked. Didn't bother me too much though. Running on the west side of the lake I felt some pain/tension on the outside of my left knee. Worried me some but not too much. Around mile 17 I took 2 ibuprofen and electrolytes knew it would be my last pill grab. My fingers weren't real useful anymore from how cold and wet it was. I was on track for around 3:05-3:10 now, can't remember, think it was 3:05 still. Had 7 miles left and half of them would be significantly downhill, the rest flat. I was confident I could hold on for a 3:05 finish.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgYnRPu7S5BsS-PJTdQ4xd-2vduAv12Ggur-uuwKfuPeYVJpQycsn689GvkQ4sNyEmixPIZhTMtVmklzJEOnx9ap8_M0wrRceyuU1dbUeB_PQNJWH7GcmaU_qi-lPyJz_7pk9G9Xbo6NK/s640/blogger-image--822800671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgYnRPu7S5BsS-PJTdQ4xd-2vduAv12Ggur-uuwKfuPeYVJpQycsn689GvkQ4sNyEmixPIZhTMtVmklzJEOnx9ap8_M0wrRceyuU1dbUeB_PQNJWH7GcmaU_qi-lPyJz_7pk9G9Xbo6NK/s640/blogger-image--822800671.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Shortly after starting down the canyon I got cold. Super cold. About a mile down from the dam I turned to the guy in back of me and asked if he felt that sudden drop in temperature. He had. I was a little concerned for myself now feeling so cold. I don't always handle cold and wet well. My legs felt a little numb but I tried to keep them moving quick. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUTh5ejYexcAUGAmM0VrW96NRy0k9Ng0yyt52VvmqfAlIRiuJ8paY8fGZuv0YHVJnOa_k7O3mnbWWrQUHbGQuKa4_fwmBdC_ei_lf2rZrLwijl9TqVZfRTOeIl7qlWFqypKAUo8LI7XtB/s640/blogger-image-1156455469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUTh5ejYexcAUGAmM0VrW96NRy0k9Ng0yyt52VvmqfAlIRiuJ8paY8fGZuv0YHVJnOa_k7O3mnbWWrQUHbGQuKa4_fwmBdC_ei_lf2rZrLwijl9TqVZfRTOeIl7qlWFqypKAUo8LI7XtB/s640/blogger-image-1156455469.jpg"></a></div>Pale lips. </div><div><br></div><div>With about 4 miles to go, my ankles were numb from the cold. Yes, my ankles. Which resulted in me having no real control over my feet flexion or extension wise. My feet just landed under me where ever and however that was. I was so nervous about uneven surfaces and the idea that I would roll an ankle for sure if I stepped off camber even a little. Did my best to steer around that while at the same time pushing hard. I was running my hardest with 4 miles to go and pushed that all the way through the finish all the while trying to do the math in my head. It was going to be close, sneaking under 3:10, and I really wanted to considering I'd been on track for 3 and 3:05. And who doesn't want to PR? I was pretty nervous getting close to the clock to see what it said. And thankfully by the skin of my teeth, I ran a 3:09! Also secured my other goal of top 10 women with a 10th place finish in a year that turned out much deeper than past years. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj_-T3k56u5Lh0-Rf-wD2bZjJHts8RHo1ggIANu97UyYgRIrDYSVB5M4jX3FQ2YQc6ABDQl6IMmP_tFg_6c2prW0qQVc5A_OiX3f-ZZxkg4nu0Be-iUiatYIe265dFXL-O4zLCshMFl4Z/s640/blogger-image-1106915834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj_-T3k56u5Lh0-Rf-wD2bZjJHts8RHo1ggIANu97UyYgRIrDYSVB5M4jX3FQ2YQc6ABDQl6IMmP_tFg_6c2prW0qQVc5A_OiX3f-ZZxkg4nu0Be-iUiatYIe265dFXL-O4zLCshMFl4Z/s640/blogger-image-1106915834.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Drives me crazy, but the athlete I am was happy with it, but still a little bummed I didn't finish faster. For the amount of speedwork I put in and the kind of day it was, I really am happy for the time though. </div><div><br></div><div>Special thanks to my sister who wrangled my 4 kids and her baby around the finish to see me for a split second, in the pouring rain. I go to races solo a lot the last few years so it's always fun to have support there. I was freezing and chattered hard for several hours, but never did feel badly after the finish, that's always nice. I felt like death after my 3:10 Dec 2013. </div><div><br></div><div>I learned a few things from this race. <b>First</b>, <i><b>I would like to try for sub 3</b></i>. As close as I got, it certainly doesn't sound super easily attainable, but I think I could. I would need to train more, I would need<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> a near flawless race, surely no pit stops could happen. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Second</b>, I learned that <i><b>a smaller, basic sports bra</b></i> (fabric wise, not size)<b><i> over a preferred running sports bra, makes a nice storage space!</i></b> Was nice for once to not have a pack of any kind with me. I kept my small pill bags in there. And my extra iPod cord since I hate it flapping around. I could also keep the small 5oz hand flask I brought in there if need be. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Third</b>, and most importantly, I learned that<b><i> I can push. I can do hard for a long time.</i></b> I love the conservative first half approach to racing, feels better and seems easier, but to go really fast, particularly in shorter races (yes I just called a marathon short) I don't think you can do that. I at least, don't think I could have run a 1:40 first half then a 1:30 second half. And that's for a 3:10, 1:40 and 1:20 for a 3:00. Not likely. Fatigue happened, but not excessively. I'm pretty happy to have run a 1:32 or so first half and a 1:37 second half. Yeah I would have liked to have dropped some time off that down canyon stuff and not have taken the 90 second potty stop, but I ran hard pretty much from the get go, and held it. A pace that was hard in 4 mile tempo training runs, I held for most of the race. I can run fast and hold it for a long time.<i><b> I don't need to be afraid.</b></i> I will hold onto that and use it in my future racing both on and off road. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zgog1hrhC70SpZHEQ8f0cmYiOXqKg0JEOshILpYkPBuT-I9nLEIolL0Ver58B4rhc-ASBds-Pwx2bGWXQ5ARRYrMzhR_gZVwLU8chN6upz1IQsdHv0QYxmZe6ht-14KAfd4GEmb6_myj/s640/blogger-image-191730634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Zgog1hrhC70SpZHEQ8f0cmYiOXqKg0JEOshILpYkPBuT-I9nLEIolL0Ver58B4rhc-ASBds-Pwx2bGWXQ5ARRYrMzhR_gZVwLU8chN6upz1IQsdHv0QYxmZe6ht-14KAfd4GEmb6_myj/s640/blogger-image-191730634.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ran in the Altra Impulse and really liked it! Firmer feel (which to me felt fast), super comfy (and cute) upper, drained great, no squishy shoes like I heard all around me. Perfect choice for this race. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Vfuel gel which worked great as usual, no problems. No massive GI upset like my last time at Ogden in 2009 using another brand. </span></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-82889103786652083902015-07-22T08:25:00.001-06:002015-07-22T08:25:31.412-06:00TBT to Bryce 100 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNEC8ZE4hjQI80AhfCG3VMNd7jUQx4yi3aF0GgHUAOvV40fxrPybq6-Lp3dDDRMztGQe_HoOtKTMM4T93zkOGBa65SkknDvrli6xmBM5PeTcZbEfi0AZwzF1UdjAP5jA-8LPfri2blv7T/s640/blogger-image-160829732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNEC8ZE4hjQI80AhfCG3VMNd7jUQx4yi3aF0GgHUAOvV40fxrPybq6-Lp3dDDRMztGQe_HoOtKTMM4T93zkOGBa65SkknDvrli6xmBM5PeTcZbEfi0AZwzF1UdjAP5jA-8LPfri2blv7T/s640/blogger-image-160829732.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The 1 paragraph (if I'm lucky) story of my first 100, my Bryce 100 experience last year. Found out the morning before the race that my pacer couldn't make it. Freaked out but carried on. The first 65-70 miles passed by quickly and smoothly, really! Was fun to have my husband @jeremy1st and son crew me. Night set in and after begging someone at Blubber aid station to come with me I set off alone down the deep dark dungeon in front of me. The night was traumatic for me. I stumbled around for hours literally sleep walking, putting myself in danger of sliding off the slopes around me at mile 90. Sat next to and against several trees and scared a few men that would pass me. Finally laid down in the dirt on the trail about 4:30am and hoped I'd wake up in 8 min to my nutrition watch alarm and not 8 hours later. I did thankfully but was sure I'd lost the lead. Saw my husband with 2 miles to go and somehow I had not. Ran scared and crying to the finish and pulled off a win and course record I was and am so proud of! I am sure it will fall soon and wish that woman just as happy a race. Wish I was there this year and I wish all my friends the best of luck!! #bryce100 #100miles @ultraadventures #CR @altrarunning @vfuel #eleteelectrolytes #ultraspire @wmwranglers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjip7Q5vkF-BYjcHj6L2nc57qxCDDZqDJHQUejxJsttGG-aDF2nKna1WNEhSkp2bB2yckGSshKBA34pOZ5IB9v9GbjDJ-I2YmbtvRr3_EMFv9a7nQHL_KxmNN8WX5eFo8gQa1bvAzBzlxn7/s640/blogger-image-332229205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjip7Q5vkF-BYjcHj6L2nc57qxCDDZqDJHQUejxJsttGG-aDF2nKna1WNEhSkp2bB2yckGSshKBA34pOZ5IB9v9GbjDJ-I2YmbtvRr3_EMFv9a7nQHL_KxmNN8WX5eFo8gQa1bvAzBzlxn7/s640/blogger-image-332229205.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-51095438586510400502015-05-11T11:32:00.001-06:002015-05-11T12:15:50.756-06:00Fast twitch Slow twitchRecovery post Buffalo 100 took a while. Yes I should have expected it to take longer than my other 100's, because I ran so much more of Buffalo than Bryce or Run Rabbit. Thankfully I didn't deal with any injuries post race, but I did have to work with those sore feet of mine. Wondered if it was plantar fasciitis but I don't think it was. I really think it was taking 5 weeks off of long runs (longest run between Black Canyon and Buffalo was 13 I think?) left my feet weaker and then asking them to run for almost 20 hours was a lot. Lesson learned. I won't go crazy on the miles or anything, I'm still a more minimal trainer, quality over quantity for the most part, but long runs must be incorporated occasionally to keep the feet happy. <div><br></div><div>The taking 2 weeks off post race thing I've been doing the past 2 races I probably won't do again either. I definitely believe in taking it easy and letting the body heal which takes a long time, but not running at all for 2 weeks has really just kept me stiff and heavy I think. Very short shakeout runs are the trick I think.</div><div> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">About 4-5 weeks after Buffalo I was still feeling heavy and slow while running. More than I thought I should. I did a mild speed workout and it just felt way harder than it should have. At the end of that week I ran a local 5k and to my surprise, felt great! Felt fast and light, won on a somewhat tight turn course with a 20:09, and then ran 15 more miles total before and after awards each having a tempo, each feeling great!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxareHhGuH1M_FDCQewsmxfEY1648GLdEtuUuKNDgsEJJb-dSvSNcGHtTHHw9l0yJtuoarKpE5ZNS7IQHDlNlOAMt0YPElq7SXRjumVYH7HNjjBMEIq2m1fGravc1369lL2s-IzG5fup0/s640/blogger-image--1752403904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxareHhGuH1M_FDCQewsmxfEY1648GLdEtuUuKNDgsEJJb-dSvSNcGHtTHHw9l0yJtuoarKpE5ZNS7IQHDlNlOAMt0YPElq7SXRjumVYH7HNjjBMEIq2m1fGravc1369lL2s-IzG5fup0/s640/blogger-image--1752403904.jpg"></a></div>Friends Jen and Ari each ran super strong races in the half marathon and took 3rd and 2nd. Friend Kendall is the RD and did a great job, it's a great race!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The following week I headed up to Park City to run with friends Pete and Jen and new friend Dom, and man did I bonk. Or something. My lungs felt tired the entire time and my heart rate went up so quickly all the time. A <b>very</b> rough 18 miles. Maybe heat, possibly altitude, who knows. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I was signed up to run a local trail 10k a few days later and was pretty nervous surprisingly. Yes it doesn't involve nutrition and gear packing and night running and such, but racing a 10k on hilly trail was going to hurt. Sure I could take it easy (not sure I know how to race easy actually) but this was a great chance to get another tempo run in. The race was tough but I'm happy with how I felt and did. Was fun to run trails so fast again. Pulled off another win which was good for the confidence. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionlJxejXU5y2EEmpD8ZCDFMiNH0aaqbkQ3bw9w86j1lyRl77_2w99RbOEvuT0PFP8dvGUQ4AO72fFrEsGCHsqjylu2DIuMpTakJq2D1tL1nyIRLXS2QfUitMOq_ctkVV_30ewR3AOVDqA/s640/blogger-image-174703639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionlJxejXU5y2EEmpD8ZCDFMiNH0aaqbkQ3bw9w86j1lyRl77_2w99RbOEvuT0PFP8dvGUQ4AO72fFrEsGCHsqjylu2DIuMpTakJq2D1tL1nyIRLXS2QfUitMOq_ctkVV_30ewR3AOVDqA/s640/blogger-image-174703639.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While trying to do some shorter, faster running to give myself some time off from the long ultra stuff before Wasatch training commences, my husband got me into trouble. He's been skiing this year and living in Utah you probably think it's funny I don't. I Nordic/skate ski somewhat, but I've never wanted to downhill alpine ski or snowboard. I borrowed a set of skis and skins from a friend though, and off the husband and I went on a ski touring date. I love it! Such a great combination of hiking/snowshoeing to see what you want on the way up, going up on your own power, followed by downhill that didn't freak me out too bad and left me with both ACL's. The slushier spring snow was good to learn on. It was great to discover another activity that we're evenly matched in since we don't run together. I definitely see more of this in my future!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWVN_pKyAs6YX_kUTPDc0Xib2kvMt2azsbaj2gVMqNntwD-s-55_SXWO89d9g-cgbe8OYxQ2wTjzejLfrKGMcCZceqACxnpv2WOS80oJNk4z_5FKu_wXW-VEvNWeBSB8aH4WOvN9mo3Oy/s640/blogger-image-691218506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWVN_pKyAs6YX_kUTPDc0Xib2kvMt2azsbaj2gVMqNntwD-s-55_SXWO89d9g-cgbe8OYxQ2wTjzejLfrKGMcCZceqACxnpv2WOS80oJNk4z_5FKu_wXW-VEvNWeBSB8aH4WOvN9mo3Oy/s640/blogger-image-691218506.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxk6BGgipu9nGfM0T0mq8rxlUpBXKW3zpvZOhZrI5OMuT2ByU6M3DblzQnzPohctSYvBlEXO2aP-65Swaq-TICQ7lH8I6aKVQFMgZDx1hCVC3OW0CCDJzGLk5zFL5IhS5Z0iezxqPHFkx/s640/blogger-image--481347697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxk6BGgipu9nGfM0T0mq8rxlUpBXKW3zpvZOhZrI5OMuT2ByU6M3DblzQnzPohctSYvBlEXO2aP-65Swaq-TICQ7lH8I6aKVQFMgZDx1hCVC3OW0CCDJzGLk5zFL5IhS5Z0iezxqPHFkx/s640/blogger-image--481347697.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JFaILUFzR5G2UaGkuyVGMpP21_FJVCBlgGThkYXRpp3T_R4qmdc8vs6RanUL12o1j77dv0FI-geHa8lYNwC_0x50wCJnyto3P779S1g1s9eyLHy0EMreZD5WCKXjrcMcu3H2mICBEoNg/s640/blogger-image--1825775129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JFaILUFzR5G2UaGkuyVGMpP21_FJVCBlgGThkYXRpp3T_R4qmdc8vs6RanUL12o1j77dv0FI-geHa8lYNwC_0x50wCJnyto3P779S1g1s9eyLHy0EMreZD5WCKXjrcMcu3H2mICBEoNg/s640/blogger-image--1825775129.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZqjRsa62ttSXKc2-og5_lY9Xpra2SQTymq0jjGRYUGBtQmgQJ-ImVlbqrO81aQsJJ6EVueAaLCIKjbg7XgtIQ3U4WbRcT9ye6foLGinwikKpy8hZEiuGivqr53RlvLC_7asj6XSRPSvY/s640/blogger-image-1627983519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZqjRsa62ttSXKc2-og5_lY9Xpra2SQTymq0jjGRYUGBtQmgQJ-ImVlbqrO81aQsJJ6EVueAaLCIKjbg7XgtIQ3U4WbRcT9ye6foLGinwikKpy8hZEiuGivqr53RlvLC_7asj6XSRPSvY/s640/blogger-image-1627983519.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamK9H9NmmDtnh6XPS333zYmNY2q_5Mp-qJn8CoMHDF4XVh1aNByziSCEsMcXuF5RIeSxyLZcfyubDzk1fgHOGxTnxlreZJ1uFffDkJyHpcniIqDVohdrjKoa0XFTF0KTpxeEvwFL1L81M/s640/blogger-image-883823399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamK9H9NmmDtnh6XPS333zYmNY2q_5Mp-qJn8CoMHDF4XVh1aNByziSCEsMcXuF5RIeSxyLZcfyubDzk1fgHOGxTnxlreZJ1uFffDkJyHpcniIqDVohdrjKoa0XFTF0KTpxeEvwFL1L81M/s640/blogger-image-883823399.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Even snuck a second day in in the rajn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5OU5g0h8_6tq0Q2dTVhq5HezAU_6tq-YM0Cd4MRd1CsjqgOz1R6-kohUNAAnuNQMkfHnJWfUsek9VZjv5maKyKMGS5HDcqDy-9nMokt3wPFNanGPx-NunDt-2YCuUx1Q0yGRwAZikIvr/s640/blogger-image-187269633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5OU5g0h8_6tq0Q2dTVhq5HezAU_6tq-YM0Cd4MRd1CsjqgOz1R6-kohUNAAnuNQMkfHnJWfUsek9VZjv5maKyKMGS5HDcqDy-9nMokt3wPFNanGPx-NunDt-2YCuUx1Q0yGRwAZikIvr/s640/blogger-image-187269633.jpg"></a></div><br></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So my next stop is the <b>Ogden Marathon</b> on Saturday. I last ran it 6 years ago and ran a 3:34 or so and bonked hard hard hard the last 6 miles. I've had several successful speed work sessions in the last few weeks including a set of Yasso 10x 800's at the same pace I did in 2013 before my PR marathon. The workout felt harder than it did then, but doable. My PR from TriStates Marathon Dec 2013 is 3:10. I was in great shape, ran hard and gutsy and am very happy with it. I do think that Ogden is a faster course so I'm curious to see what I can do. I don't feel like I'm in as fast a shape as the last marathon, but I'm strong. Feeling good and looking forward to it. I'd like to be under 3:19 for sure and am going to try hard for a 3:0something. </span></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-63099154191209954982015-03-30T23:02:00.002-06:002015-03-31T08:08:45.585-06:00Buffalo Run 100 - Raced to my PotentialSo I'd been pondering doing the Buffalo Run 100 on Antelope Island here in Utah for about a month. I signed up for the 25k, and would wait till the week of to feel my body out. You'll recall I took a bit of an off season after Black Canyon in February, and I really did. No running for 2 weeks, then 20 mile, 25 mile, 30 mile weeks. Nothing says smart like doing a 100 at the beginning of the end of the off season eh?<br />
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But I wanted a learning experience so I can be better prepared for Wasatch. The only way I know how to practice and perfect those last 30 miles I just don't feel like I've done well with, is by running 70 miles first. This is an easier course than I've done, I know the course, it is a great atmosphere with lots of friends, the weather looked good and I put together a great team of crew and for the first time, pacers. </div>
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I would love to do Bryce in June again and better my course record there, but it's too much interruption of Wasatch training. I have 2 very long runs (Bandera and Black Canyon) under my belt and recently read a blog post from Pam Smith, legendary ultra runner, who had her best 100 mile race up to that point, after about a month off. Like I just took. So I felt good about things. </div>
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That is until I woke up the day before with a left foot that felt like it was bruised and didn't feel good to step on. Great. Then my 3 year didn't feel good night before the race, pretty much kicked me out of my own bed (because I'm a softy with her) and I woke up with a really sore neck.</div>
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Got a ride onto the island with sweet friend Janice and her family and per my usual, spent till the very last second prepping my gear. I ran to the start, they said go, well actually I believe "run you fools!" were the parting words. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run you fools! Janice in the cute pink shorts next to me and Marlin to our right. Melissa behind him</td></tr>
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<b>Short version:</b> Ran a great first half in about 9:15, dealt with the heat just fine, feet started to get sore, real sore. Dealt with 3 buffalo herds. Picked up first pacer, had a great time, slower 20 mile loop than the first though. Picked up second pacer, was scared of the coming sleepy hours. Got pushed and pulled and fought through extremely hurting feet, and you'll have to scroll to the bottom for the result.<br />
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<b>Long version</b>, as usual. I was honestly a little nervous in the hour before the race about whether this really was a good idea or not and if I was up for the nights that can be rough on me. </div>
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<b>Miles 0-20 </b>Upon starting though I was relieved to not feel that foot and settled into a good, relaxed pace. Probably 10 min mile pace, no GPS so never kept track. Heard a gal behind me for a while so turned around to say hi. Her name is Melissa Soper and she is a great runner. She was looking for her first 100 finish after a scary go at it last fall. </div>
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Around mile 7 we headed out to Elephant Head and the trail can be steep and rocky and what did I behold? A very old man hunched over, trekking poles in hand, making his way up the same trail I was hiking up. I'm a sucker for old people, I stopped, patted him on the back and told him how awesome it was he was out here. He had an early start and I'm pretty sure he said something about not being very fast. Bless his heart! </div>
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Melissa and I carried on around the point to get our sticker and see the best view on the island. I fully expected us to spend much of the race side by side so felt bad when I saw her drop off at only 12ish miles in (she had some rough stomach issues that day but went on to get that finish she wanted so bad!!). It did allow me to focus on me and how I was feeling though and not worry about where I was in the mix. I focused on keeping my breathing silent and legs not burning. I was really pleased with the pace I was keeping while perfectly comfortably being able to also accomplish those other two parameters. I mean it wasn't hips open long strong strides or anything, but it felt good and efficient and I wasn't pushing at all. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62rMwWYoTKts6ITwldM0Ate4apOZkIJmNqQ__up0P6g7AnmxfX6UD9C8rFPOzdT8L6tW6987gHyCrFJBzqozFJC4aTRes4yMqiMuG1blcLSi1s1-_oHIV5tnqKCI6iZA7SUj22R8qnyc8/s640/blogger-image-2126840426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62rMwWYoTKts6ITwldM0Ate4apOZkIJmNqQ__up0P6g7AnmxfX6UD9C8rFPOzdT8L6tW6987gHyCrFJBzqozFJC4aTRes4yMqiMuG1blcLSi1s1-_oHIV5tnqKCI6iZA7SUj22R8qnyc8/s640/blogger-image-2126840426.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All these amazing photos above courtesy of Lori Burlison</td></tr>
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Completed that first 20 mile loop in 3:20ish I think? Stopped only long enough at start/finish aid to grab a small pain cream container as my hamstring/glute attachments had been tight for a bit. Helped some I think, although to anyone behind me, sorry you had to watch me basically rubbing my butt.</div>
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<b>Miles 20-50 </b>As I headed out onto the now much flatter 30 mile out and back section of the course I felt good. Did encounter an hour maybe of horrible gnat swarms to run through, but thankfully that was the only time they were there. There are lots of buffalo roaming the island and they're generally not a problem, but I do prefer to keep creatures that weigh 10x my weight a comfortable distance away. The guy next to me however, preferred to attempt to coax them closer to us. Ugh. He was trying to be funny, but I didn't love it so much. <br />
As I furthered on I started passing a fair number of men that reported suffering from the heat. I knew it was warm out, but it really wasn't bothering me at all. I have to suspect maybe I gained some heat tolerance from last month's Black Canyon. Yes that was a long time ago, but you never know. I had a half buff (cut a regular length in half) with me that I'd soak in cold water at aid stations, put it around my neck and then when I didn't notice any effect there anymore, I'd put it on my head spread out like a buff. Worked really well! <br />
Ran into a heard of buffalo planted squarely on the trail so ran off trail to the road where there was a heard on that side too. At least the several cars there watching them could peel me off the ground if the bison got excited. Ran the road for probably 1/2 mile before getting back on the trail. Not too long after had to go way around a big heard of grumpy bison near the out and back turnaround, the ranch. Was nice to have someone with me that time, kind of a team effort, and we did the same on the way back. Marlin I believe was this friend's name. From up high away from the trail we watched another runner who decided to use the trail have several small herds run at him and I prayed out loud he'd be ok. Thankfully he was. The off trail we had to do definitely added time and distance, but something I was entirely ok to do. They are big beautiful beasts, from a distance.<br />
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Around <b>mile 36</b> now I was concerned after the turnaround that I hadn't seen Melissa. I didn't think I missed her but you never know. I saw who I figured was the third place woman an estimated 40 min behind me. And then maybe 20 minutes later Melissa. What?? I asked her what was going on and she said something about having a hard time but she was running and smiling so I hoped she'd be ok. Also saw friend Janice who giddily told me they pulled her from the race. Wait what? They had pulled her due to breathing difficulty but were now letting her continue. And she was so excited about it. I love this sport - that you could have a perfectly good reason to call it a day, but not, and be excited to continue for hours and hours on end.<br />
Now onto the third herd to go around I ran into a new friend, Jim from Ohio. We'd run the next 15 or so miles together. Love meeting someone new on the trail, lots to talk about and keep each other entertained with. I was pleased to be a good 40 minutes ahead of the average I needed to hit for my goal of 20 hours. <br />
The sun was finally going down, farther into the race than I expected which is always nice, although it meant I carried my headlamp in hand for a while. When it was finally headlamp time, Jim was in front and I told him he could turn his on whenever he wanted. He replied that his was already on <b>:)</b> Oops. Thankfully I had the car headlight Petzel Nao with me and lit the way for both of us through the field and around the NW point of the island under beautiful stars and great temperatures. My feet were really sore at this point, not blistered or toe nail issues at all, just sore and my right arch really painful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEIPg5ZAitSXPYUOlTUiOI1YHZxu1qiBiYRXmdIOkaFmcQ45u4H6uA8u1RJjXxo8uJycwt7dcMPaibiSbolGBTJT57QYpU3CWR0lay9pgfT5bsExAW1IeUOIIf2J9p1fS0gvRUHJTqSIp/s640/blogger-image--191314851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEIPg5ZAitSXPYUOlTUiOI1YHZxu1qiBiYRXmdIOkaFmcQ45u4H6uA8u1RJjXxo8uJycwt7dcMPaibiSbolGBTJT57QYpU3CWR0lay9pgfT5bsExAW1IeUOIIf2J9p1fS0gvRUHJTqSIp/s640/blogger-image--191314851.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Canice, my sweet Ella, Jeremy, Jim in the corner </td></tr>
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<b>Mile 50 </b> New friend Jim and I pulled into the halfway start/finish aid tent and while I didn't want a long stop, I did sit down when I saw my sweet baby sitting in the corner waiting for me. <i>"I missed you on your run mama!"</i> Melt my heart. My great team got me in and out quick, Canice timing, Ella comforting, Jeremy taking my orders, neighbor, friend and pacer Jim ready to head out with me. And off we went for miles 50-70. I was pleased with a 45 minute cushion on my goal pace, really glad I listened to Canice the day before and didn't try to run even splits. 9:15 for 50 miles was a comfortable effort and gave me positivity. <br />
<b>Miles 50-70, 9:15pm</b> We left the tent perfectly willingly and had a great time! Fun conversation and easy going, pretty quickly passing miles. I did struggle with temperature regulation a little, jacket on, jacket off. Arm warmers would have been perfect but I forgot them at an earlier drop bag. Didn't get to be real jacket cold till 2am or so. I didn't give Jim too many jobs to do, but just having someone to share the trail with was nice. This was his first real night run and definitely his longest and most technical trail, I was impressed he never fell <b>:) </b> I was getting a little weary of the gel I'd had all day and knew friend Jennilyn had made some famous cinnamon rolls so on our last stop through the Wasatch Mountain Wrangler (local trail group) aid stop, I sat down for a couple minutes to nibble on one. Cinnamon roll, ramen broth, a chair and friends, oh yeah <b>:)</b><br />
We were definitely making slower time than the first time around and I picked the pace up a little the last 5 miles as a result. <br />
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<b>Mile 70, 1:30am</b> We came into mile 70 with only 20 or so minute cushion on our average pace goal. Made me nervous, but I still felt like I could run those 12's and as long as I didn't slow from that we could do it. Aid stops however would cut into that cushion and leave no room for error. Feet were still hurting so much so I walked right into the tent and sat on a cot and made Jeremy rub them with that pain cream. He was not so thrilled with the task. Big baby <b>;) </b>They were really trying to rush me out, but this was my planned longer stop and while I didn't want to eat into my cushion any more, I did want a second. Had my feet rubbed which felt so amazing, ate a cup of Ramen, and closed my eyes for 60 seconds. It felt really good and I was nervous now about the sleepy hours to come. I voiced it in the tent and I voiced it when Canice and I left. I was afraid of the coming hours. <br />
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<b>Miles 70-100 </b> After a 10 minute stop Jeremy and Canice pushed me out of the tent. This time I was far less willing to leave vs 4 hours ago. But I was ok. Canice got me quickly shuffling into a run and off we went. He took good care of me at aid stations doing everything for me (which was really just filling my flasks and sometimes getting into drop bags, simple is best), and often I'd continue right through them and he'd catch up. From the second we started running together he was telling me how we were going to work to break 20:00. I told him I truly didn't care about that goal or passing any men, another goal he had for me. I only wanted to run until 20:17. There was very little communication between us. He would talk, but it wasn't small talk at all like Jim and I had, it was all about fueling and telling me to go faster and some 'good pace' every so often. I rarely answered back. My feet hurt really badly, and I wasn't crazy bored or anything like I've been before at night, I wasn't actually sleepy either, I was just focused. All I could do was think about not thinking and moving forward with as much running as I could do. Truth be told it felt a little less painful to run than to walk fast. So I'd push myself into a shuffle, then a run and carry on. <br />
One job I told him I really needed him to do was to run in front of me and be my eyes for buffalo. I did not want to have to scan around us and keep an eye out for them. He said he would, but I'm not sure he did except for once when he pointed to our right and 10 feet from us was a big black buffalo with glowing green eyes. That was at like mile 75 too. After that, I honestly didn't even think about them. Again, my brain needed to only focus on forward movement.<br />
My nutrition plan didn't necessarily go out the window, but I wasn't sticking to the normal 1 gel every 30 minutes, pills on certain interval schedule. I didn't want to interrupt my mind and didn't really feel like i needed as much at night. Canice was good to hold my flask of gel out as I'd run by, make me take several sips, and then I'd hand it back. Then I'd hope I could block him from running in front of me so <b><span style="font-size: large;">I </span></b>could set the pace, not one like he was, running away from me. That never lasted, he always sprinted in front of me. But it was what I needed, to be pulled along like that. And sometimes, I'd catch right up to him and he'd tell me we didn't need to push that hard if I didn't want to. The thing was, I wasn't pushing per say, I was just going with what my body would give me that mile. Trying very hard to not put us in jeopardy of not getting that course record. <br />
I'm going a little out of order here, but at mile 77 aid station, Lower Frary, I decided I'd try a new pair of shoes in my drop bag. Couldn't make it any worse, and it meant I could sit down, mwahaha! I really did try to be fast while doing it though. They felt ok, but were less cushion than the Altra Paradigm I'd been in all day and just didn't quite feel right so when we returned to Lower Frary after the turnaround (which section seemed to take forever), I changed back into the Paradigms. At that point I don't think there was any fixing how sore my feet were, I'd just have to deal with it as I had for hours already.<br />
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At <b>mile 88</b> we were 15-20 minutes ahead of schedule. We were loosing that cushion. We'd gotten as close to only 10 minutes ahead, and that made me nervous. But now with less than 13 to go, I was feeling good about my goal. We should for sure be able to make it under 20:17. I kept looking behind us, waiting for the mountains across the Great Salt Lake to illuminate. Not because I was tired, because thankfully, I really wasn't too sleepy, but just because it meant we were closer, the headlamp could come off, just another milestone toward the end. When I saw the second to last aid station at mile 94 off in the distance, and looked at my watch and did the math, I got excited. Canice really was right, we really could go under 20:00. <b>Under 20:00?! </b> That honestly was never in my mind before or during the race up to this point. Jeremy and Canice had the goal for me and Canice reminded me of it often (and I'd complain at him that it was his goal not mine) but I never entertained it. All I cared about was finishing between 20:00 and 20:16.59. Now that 19:something seemed possible, we had to try! <b><i>We</i> </b>is really funny here too, since I was the only one that didn't think I could do it. It takes a lot of time and work in the 18 hours before to be in this position of a sub 20 finish, and by golly I didn't want to have to try for it again <b>:) </b><br />
I put my head down and as much as I wanted to cheer people who were passing us, just starting that long out and back, I let Canice. I just kept my head down and ran. Ok, there was that one time fellow runner Phil said "<i>25k sounds nice now eh?"</i> to which I called back too late for him to hear "<i>Not as nice as a 100 mile course record will!</i>". Then I put my head back down. I had my ipod in now and while I thought it a little impolite while I was running with a pacer, Canice suggested it, and it was a good thing. We got to that mile 94 aid station and I never stopped, I power hiked right up that hill letting Canice stop for the both of us, reporting my name. It was twilight now I think and I felt like the finish was close. Then we got to all of mile 95.5 and I was pooped. So drained. Walking wobbly, feet so so sore. Just a little bonked. I had Canice tell our last aid station, mile 96 to radio the finish to let my husband know we were headed in soon. I was nervous he wouldn't be awake yet and I really wanted my kids there to watch mama finish. <br />
<b>Mile 96, 6:50somethingAM </b> Again, I didn't stop at this aid station and the finish felt fairly close. For only being 4 miles to the finish, going around this point of the island sure can feel long. And while not hilly, it's easily the rockiest most technical part of the course. Hard to keep a running rhythm going on tired legs. But I sure tried as Canice would pull farther and farther ahead. I knew even with a walk though, I could power 15 min miles, and that would sneak us just under 20:00. <br />
And then we finally rounded the corner to be able to see the finish about 2 miles in front of us, and it felt SO VERY FAR AWAY! I was panicking now, it was like 7:30am, we had to finish by 8am to go sub 20. I asked over and over if Canice was sure we could even make it under 20 at all. It was so close, I couldn't not, but oh how I feared we wouldn't make it. I ran my best but wasn't going very fast. We were about 3/4 of a mile away and what did we see? Buffalo on our trail. Ugh. Canice tried to get me to follow him and run fast, but I yelled at him to come back, and to go around them with me. So in my freaking out, emotional, physically hurting state, I held his arm and we skirted around our last herd. Finally to the road, a short but steep hill ahead, and I ran it, and it felt good to run it. It looked so long, but was probably only 1/2 mile now of running straight toward the finish line with a quick 1/10 of a mile left turn to actually finish. <br />
We ran it SO fast! I was running my best, with all I could, to put down the best time I could and feel 100% good about the effort I put forth in this race. Hips were open, strides were long and strong, and I don't really remember my feet hurting that last 1/2 mile. Canice said his GPS showed us under 5:00 mile pace. Woah. Neither of us said a word. We just powered forward looking forward to the glorious finish line reception we'd get from my family and the hundreds of 50k runners getting ready to start their race at the same place. I'd envisioned my finish for hours, fist pumps up, maybe hands down and eyes to the sky smiling, but something awesome and victorious. Canice wanted me to feel the energy from all those people. We rounded the corner, I searched for where the finish line actually was, and I ran over the timing strip in the dirt to pretty much silence. I remember a couple cheers in those last couple seconds and race director Jim (lots of Jim's in this race) staring at me as I finished, but that was it. No flags set up yet, no finish chute, no one ready to cheer us in. No glorious finish line pose or photo. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My glorious finish line photo. <span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Such is ultra running I guess. I won't lie though, kind of a let down.</span></span></td></tr>
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<b>But I freaking did it!!!</b> I ran more of a 100 than I ever have. I ran a 100 like I knew they could be run. I defeated those sleep demons. I broke the course record by 32 minutes and ran an incredible 19:45. <b>19:45!! </b> Now this isn't the same kind of vert course like Bryce or Run Rabbit Run, but it certainly isn't flat. Comparable to the other courses, at least a 2 hour PR for me. Most importantly, I finally felt like <b>I ran a 100 to my potential.</b> It could even be my best ultra performance to date. I cannot look back and say I could have run it faster. Sure there might have been places to cut off a few minutes, but truly, honestly, I ran the very best I could have out there and <b>I am 100% happy with it!!</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to make a 19 in my depleted but blissful state. L to R: Canice, Jeremy, Jim</td></tr>
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None of it would have been possible without this amazing team of mine! <b><span style="font-size: large;">WE did it! </span> </b>My Jeremy listens to me talk endlessly about my thoughts and goals and blabbering about ultra running All. The. Time. He isn't always perfect, but is very often a super supportive spouse and father to allow me the time I need to train when I can fit it in. And he is the thick skin I need him to be during a race. I'm not always nice while racing. I can be short and whiney and impatient to him, but I hope he understands, and knows that he is my best crew chief and I look forward to seeing him every chance I get. Jim was such great entertainment. Both Jim's actually, but pacer Jim most specifically. Those 4 dark hours we ran together were entertaining and fun and I needed that. I knew the hardest work would come at 70 and I was grateful that he made the 20 miles before that be chill and calm. And Canice. He made me run like a work horse, was true to his military background and kept me in line. He wasn't mean, but he wasn't soft. He was there to get a job done. And he always believed in me. I knew going into this race that he was exactly who I wanted to get me through the hardest part of the night and he was perfect. I apologized after the race for being mean and ornery a few times but he reassured me he wasn't listening anyway <b>:)</b><br />
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<b>Things to work on: </b>I felt some abdominal strain during the race. I have been a huge core work slacker and with an abdominal separation from my ginormous 9.5-10lb babies, and yeah, my youngest is 3 (hanging my head in shame), my core is weaker than average. I have several custom plans I can use, but I'm lazy and never stick to them. I will get a grip on it and get my core in shape this summer so it's at it's best for Wasatch. <br />
Got to figure these feet out. I don't remember this pain at Bryce 100, but I do remember it the last 30 of RRR (had me in tears the last 6). Again, it's not a blister or toe nail issue at all, I have zero blisters post race. The bottom of my feet were just tender and sore, my right arch was very very painful, from far too early in this race. I love the shoes I was in, the Paradigm, but I may need to experiment with a different model in some long training runs or races this summer, or maybe a different insole.<br />
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<b>Gear I used: </b><a href="http://www.altrarunning.com/fitness/en/Altra/womens-shoes/paradigm-women" target="_blank">Altra Paradigm</a> - Really love it's light weight, max cushion for the legs, perfectly suitable traction for me. I go half a size up from my regular Altra size in this shoe, especially for ultras.<br />
<a href="http://www.injinji.com/trail-midweight-mini-crew.html" target="_blank">Injinji socks</a> - 1 pair the whole race, the thicker wool-ish ones. Zero blisters. Didn't use to like things between my toes, but really like racing in them.<br />
Party shorts, no name brand, probably from Ross, Gore tank, <a href="https://www.handful.com/shop/handful-bras/adjustable-handful-bra" target="_blank">Handful bra</a> - my second ultra in it and I am very happy with it. No rubbing or adjusting all day, no cleavage sweat that I've felt with other bras, Believe it or not I do posses a tiny amount of cleavage, or at least space where that would be. Note that this bra for running is most suitable for A or B cup ladies, a great non-running bra for C and up ladies. Pearl jacket, Gore jacket.<br />
<a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/NAO?l=US#.VRolg5PF8ew" target="_blank">Petzel Nao </a>and <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/TIKKA-RXP?l=US#.VRolrJPF8ew" target="_blank">Tika</a> headlamps. Love em both. The Nao, seriously is like a car headlight, and that's on low. Neither of them died on me, just changed half way just in case. Each went 4-5 hours.<br />
<a href="http://ultraspire.com/product/spry/" target="_blank">Ultraspire Spry pack</a> - shied away from it for Black Canyon which was smart because it wouldn't have held enough water, and I did run out once at this race, but it was the heat of the day and I skipped the aid station I was going to fill up at. I love this little pack. Holds everything I could need with drop bags around a course and doesn't bounce. Would be a great first pack for someone getting into longer running.<br />
<a href="http://store.trailandultrarunning.com/collections/hydration/products/ultraspire-quantum-race-belt" target="_blank">Ultraspire Quantum belt </a>- my favorite belt ever. Wore it the last 30 miles, held 10oz of water at a time which I never drained - it was night time. If you have a course with aid stations around an hour apart of less it is a perfect choice. I can hold a ton in the front pocket too (like 6-7 gels) and no bouncing!<br />
<a href="http://vfuel.com/" target="_blank">Vfuel gel </a>- served me perfect again. No stomach troubles, the new cut on the tabs always came off perfectly, better than before, and although I did say I grew weary of gel eventually, it wasn't the gels fault, more my mind. I took Vfuel with me for all 100 miles. It was definitely my main source of nutrition. Love the thinner consistency and energy level it gives. I cycled between flasks of it I had prepared and packets depending on how drop bags worked.<br />
<a href="http://elete.com/about/products/" target="_blank">Elete Electrolytes Add In </a>- I recall having the my first hydration bladder dosed with the drops and how good it tasted to me. Definitely got me off to a great start!<br />
Pill wise I used 8 Hammer Tissue Rejuvenator pills which are a natural anti-inflammatory. I don't notice a huge effect, but enough that I keep bringing them along. I use 4 immediately post race and then over the weekend recovering too. I used 2 doses of First Endurance Pre-Race, a stimulant and mental focus pill and don't remember the pick up I've felt in other races, but again, I do think they help.<br />
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-17153085951966020592015-03-18T11:50:00.003-06:002015-03-18T11:50:32.638-06:00A student of the sport<div>
It's my spring break from nursing school this week. But I've still got class this weekend, a long one. I am very excited for the Wasatch 100 later this year and want to be better prepared for it, so I'm going to be a student of the sport and learn more about those last 30 miles, the only way I know how - run the first 70 first. Buffalo Run Adventures 100 on Antelope Island, Friday at noon!</div>
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I've run 2 great 100 mile races. The courses were amazing, challenging, and my results good, especially at Bryce where I won and set a course record, that was so exciting! But coming off Run Rabbit Run I still don't feel like I've got a good grip on how to race the 100, best handle the night, although RRR did go better after more experience, and not sure I know how to get myself through the last 30 miles best. And I think the only way for me to do that, is to experience the last 30 miles, after 70 miles. Running a 30 mile training run is nothing like running likes the last 30 miles of a 100 in my opinion and experience. </div>
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I want to do really well at Wasatch, and also feel really good during it (as good as a 100 can feel), more in control of me in it. Funny, I just had the thought that this is just like my births. My 4th birth I was most prepared and in control and most pleased how it went. Maybe Wasatch being my 4th 100 will turn out the same way ;)</div>
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Antelope Island about an hour north of Salt Lake City is a neat place. Seems like the moon on the west side and is a great flat runnable trail I like a lot on the east side. It is definitely an easier course than I've ever done, in virtually any ultra probably. So that will be nice to feel an easier 100. The race doesn't start till noon so of course I still get to run through the whole night which honestly I'd love to get out of, but I likely won't at Wasatch so through the night it is. My family is going to come up and camp at the start/finish, so that will be fun to see them. All my kids still haven't seen me run a 100.</div>
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When I ran with my great friend Carol at Black Canyon one piece of wisdom I remember gaining from her was <i><span style="font-size: large;">don't be a slave to your goals</span></i>. I really like that. Have those goals, make them big if you want, work toward them, but don't let them rule you. Don't let them take the enjoyment out of the experience. </div>
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So I'm going to have pacers the last 50 miles through almost all of the night. I thought since I've already done my first 2 100's solo, maybe I should keep the "streak" going and be a female Karl Meltzer. But with Carol's wise advice, I'm not going to worry about that. I know a pacer makes things easier, and I feel good about using pacers this time and at Wasatch.</div>
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So off for another crazy adventure! I feel like this is plenty early in training to recover from, probably do a little shorter road racing in the next few months, then buckle down come June and saddle up for the big dance for me this year, at home in my own mountains.</div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-71670885828382425692015-03-16T15:55:00.001-06:002015-03-16T16:00:18.859-06:00Off season goodnessLife since Black Canyon has been busy. Crazy busy. But not with running. I took 2 solid weeks off running. Zero miles. Didn't mind, barely noticed with all that was going on with school. 2 weeks out a friend advertised a run and I hadn't been with her for a while and we had a free weekend. What I didn't consider was how 20 miles would feel after zero miles of running post furnace 100k. My legs did not feel good. I worried how this would effect recovery and getting going again but thankfully a short run a few days later and then every run since have felt great! I think that 20 was just rough because everything wasn't as supple. <div><br></div><div>Anyway, as much as I love to run and train and race, I've been fine this last month not doing much. It's nice to focus my attention on my family and school more. I had a free Saturday morning last week and we'd recently had some snow. I have been wanting to get up to the high country and be in the snow for months. Training for my 100k's didn't allow for that do this was a treat. No pace, no time, no structure worries. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJt1j3nEQpxXbhFvoxJKGnN-x8PPhXB3lLdC9v2n4Eawrv6-U8Kb5JeV6yUaPZm48iHZnfyDtezuzS3h6vWC1h21WaL9IF1he3Cs3IgcXndDCOluPLE5EJzZw2lmOCl-zxl-HvQDbwyQy/s640/blogger-image-81031430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJt1j3nEQpxXbhFvoxJKGnN-x8PPhXB3lLdC9v2n4Eawrv6-U8Kb5JeV6yUaPZm48iHZnfyDtezuzS3h6vWC1h21WaL9IF1he3Cs3IgcXndDCOluPLE5EJzZw2lmOCl-zxl-HvQDbwyQy/s640/blogger-image-81031430.jpg"></a></div></div><div>And it was SO Wonderful!! I walked, hiked, and ran when I felt like it. Saw some beautiful sights, some so great I just stopped and smiled. Even laying in the snow once when a great song came on amidst one of those sunshine warming your face awesome views. I usually save music for the second half of races and not training, so put in some mellow but upbeat stuff just for fun, not to motivate me to push the pace. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xXKNCsGr0mgb_YJ-0qT2dOIdFM3FLTQ10T0j2sRAeACYD1mxIp9uSpdKbAL3Zy951hX0F1BHuyR5Z3QSqrgiIhZGhLlZ3l4akoOncKtSbaJIbpgrk_qYJaGqPIdZm7Cg3NI_uR77FQU7/s640/blogger-image-2107290256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xXKNCsGr0mgb_YJ-0qT2dOIdFM3FLTQ10T0j2sRAeACYD1mxIp9uSpdKbAL3Zy951hX0F1BHuyR5Z3QSqrgiIhZGhLlZ3l4akoOncKtSbaJIbpgrk_qYJaGqPIdZm7Cg3NI_uR77FQU7/s640/blogger-image-2107290256.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Took a million pics, played like an out of control child on the miles downhill. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh it was great! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I've taken more time to hike with my kids and feel like a kid the couple times a week I've gotten out. I feel refreshed. Yay for off seasons!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DT0YEZgn_n0Tls4JVsSh9waWtCfwho_qJHVprryHLmsZoi8btrUSVQhp4HhtdHBV7tmBIN_GjnRkSUjeK8i1aKHTnBj6TVptXA7woW_RgL9YbBiGIN4SkBP81hfHDwiKe5FYrd3lhp-W/s640/blogger-image--1623388952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DT0YEZgn_n0Tls4JVsSh9waWtCfwho_qJHVprryHLmsZoi8btrUSVQhp4HhtdHBV7tmBIN_GjnRkSUjeK8i1aKHTnBj6TVptXA7woW_RgL9YbBiGIN4SkBP81hfHDwiKe5FYrd3lhp-W/s640/blogger-image--1623388952.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-90763686689630151732015-02-25T17:50:00.000-07:002015-03-30T23:11:40.696-06:00Black Canyon 100kLife has been non stop crazy since Black Canyon 10 days ago. Just packed full of family, school, and zero running. Somedays I have zero idea how I manage to fit 2 or even 3 of those things in (note shower and clean my house was not a part of that list, those are bonus activities). I want to keep this short, we'll see how that goes.<br />
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Felt like a big girl flying to a race and renting a car myself for the first time. I had a 12 hour clinical Thursday, and didn't fly out till Friday afternoon. In retrospect arriving around 4:00pm the day before the race was too late. I got through packet pickup having a nice conversation with RD Jamil Coury, then interview with <span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.ultrasportslive.tv/" target="_blank">Ultrasportslive TV</a>.</span> I felt like a nerd being interviewed but it didn't go as bad as I thought, I just never looked at the camera. Robert who interviewed me is a great guy. I feel good about how it turned out too!</div>
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There was a bit of driving between everything and after a nice dinner with photographer extrodinaire and friend Paul Nelson who was also racing I got checked into my hotel...and realized I had forgotten a watch. Decided I'd run out to walmart for a $10 one (I don't run with GPS anyway, but I like to know time for nutrition). Two were less than 10 minutes from me so I chose one. Well apparently Walmarts down there that have clothes, food, tools and anything else a super walmart would here, don't have jewelry. Seriously, THE ONLY thing they didn't have. How weird is that?? So I ran over to the other one, spent too long deciding on $10 watches and got back into the car. To find my phone had died. And I wasn't entirely sure how to get myself back to the hotel. A few wrong turns later I made it though, but later than I wanted. I do not like settling down to pack drop bags at 10pm, and unfortunately was up past midnight packing them. Grrr! One of these days I really am going to pack them before I leave. 3-4 hours of sleep later I was up to eat and leave. SO tired though, the hour drive up to Jake and Jen Puzey's truck for a ride the rest of the way was tough. Was a nice drive up chatting with them and Paul again though. Then I decided to take my time getting ready including filling 40oz of water into my pack from a drinking fountain....and long story short, lost my race bib (which should have been put on hours earlier) and ran at top speed to the start line where they had it (thanks for coming to get me Jeff!). I pinned it on half hazardly as they counted down from 10. Ugh. I was smiling and excited and felt good though. 7am and off we went!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, a pre race bathroom selfie...with a tampon machine in back of me</td></tr>
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I ran along side teammate Angela for the first few miles chatting a little till she was ready to get into race mode. We also ran with super star cool ladies Kaci Lickteig, Katie Desplinter, and Gina Lucrezi. It was really fun to run amongst them, great conversations, and it was easy and fun chatter. The pace too was totally doable! I had to tell myself a few times to hold back because an easier start is smart, and these girls were smart and if they were going to run a very doable pace I had no reason not to run it with them (vs going ahead). I did lead our little pack much of the first 16 miles, and I felt so capable and good! I remember us running along windy single track wondering where our first giant cactus would be and how fun it was to all see it together. When we rolled through the first 2 aid stations I started to see how valuable a crew is since they could blast through them and I was left to my own devices to rummage through my simple drop bag and fill up on water. I'd run and catch up, but it was tough. *Thanks to Caitlin Marion for helping me a couple times along the way!*</div>
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The temps started out cool, I even had arm warmers on, but by 9am, it was really warming up. After <br />
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the second aid station I think it was, I left last having to go through a drop bag and saw some spectacular female peeing abilities. I won't mention who, but they had skill :) They also influenced me to finally stop and squat myself. I ran to almost catch up and could really feel them picking up the pace. I wasn't super comfortable with it, but wanted to hang. It was now around 10am though, the sun easily in the 80's overhead, no shade, and my day of nausea began. I watched them slowly run away out of sight, saw women start to appear behind me, and yeah, I got discouraged. I knew it was early in the race though and it was fine to have a down spell and it was important I run my own race. All the advice I'd heard about this course was to not run too fast the first half. Now however, it wasn't my legs or lungs slowing me down, it was my stomach. Anything I took in made me so nauseous. I stopped a few times and hunched over, trying to relieve it. I had a headache now too and sometimes had stars in my vision and feared how my body was handling the heat. I was smart about hydration and electrolytes, took my pepto and tums, but nothing was helping. I seriously rolled into the 3rd aid station truly ready to pull out. Those ladies were gone, I felt awful, but mostly, I was fearing how I was going to deal with this heat only a few hours into it. Finishing a race with heat stroke did not sound exciting or smart. Local and friend Carol Manwaring rolled into the aid station after I did and I told her I wanted to quit. She didn't look happy either, but she also didn't coddle my idea of quitting. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't yet and reluctantly dragged my feet out of there and back onto the trail. Why I wasn't sure.</div>
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We would share the next several hours together and it was so nice to have each other! I shared some pain relief cream for her aching foot and she shared a Zoran (didn't work, it's actually a drug I'm learning about right now, and apparently it works best preventive, not once nausea has set in. I was certainly grateful to try it though!). We had lots of birth discussion. We are both very natural minded birthers. We were so hot and almost delirious a few times it was funny. We were expecting to finally come to some water to cross for the first time on the course, around 28 miles and 85 degrees into the race. I though I saw it down below us and thought I saw green bushes too. I told her I bet that was it. No she firmly responded, but a minute later when we realized it was it oh how our shuffle picked up. It was literally like in the movies, running for water. We tromped right in and laid down. It felt SO great! We totally weren't in a hurry, probably spent 10 minutes there? It was funny to watch the two guys also there and the two of us all get leg cramps of one kind of another when we tried to get up. We all laughed about it. </div>
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Carol and I were quite the team trudging on, working together, sharing water, running out of water, feeling yucky, but rocking our shorts and sports bras with a collective 10 children between us. Carol has a better body than I do, and she's going to be a grandma soon. She has a mind and willpower of steel too, she inspires me to be better. I hope I can be like her the rest of my running life! I wish we had a picture of our time together.</div>
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I can't remember everything in great detail despite my novel length report so far, but we did a whole lot of walking, mostly on my account, it was just so hard to move at all feeling so sick. The heat was killing my stomach. She pulled ahead a few times, we'd meet up, I pulled ahead once simply trying to move as fast as I could as my body would let me. We got to the bottom of a whole bunch of switch backs around mile 30 maybe? And I was happy to run every step of them. I just got into a great groove and ran on up to the top. I was excited, maybe I was turning a corner now and could get through this darn thing after all! I had been way ahead of schedule up to this point (i.e.:I went out too fast probably) and was hoping I could still hold on. I rolled into the big Black Canyon City aid station where my pacer would meet me, and wasn't feeling as <strike>hot</strike> anymore. Wrong choice of words, I was very hot, just not feeling good again. I saw a lot of people quitting there, including friend Zac who was having some issues. It was hard to not join him. I basically begged for permission to stop, this wasn't fun, I was embarrassing myself out there, and I was grumpy. He would have supported me in either decision, but mainly, my pacer was there and I felt really bad asking her to drive 90 minutes, and then quit there having never taken her out on her first pacing duty. So again, I drug my feet walking out of the aid station. </div>
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I was so unsure how I was going to continue on through the next 26 miles. Less than half a mile from the aid station I stopped, sat down on a rock, and felt the sickest I had yet I think. What was I doing? Leaving that aid station for a 8 mile stretch felt so completely scary and dumb. I was truly sure we should turn around now. She'd understand. And then it came to me. <b>"Oh crap!"</b> I said. Cari probably worried, asked me what was wrong. It dawned on me right then, that if I DNF'd, if I didn't finish the race, I would not be eligible for the Western States last chance lottery. Knowing that a lot of people were dropping made me think my chances were pretty reasonable, and in the end probably were 1 in 17. I'm someone who dwells on things, doesn't let them go. I just couldn't wrap my brain around how I was going to deal with the 'what if's' if I didn't finish and enter the lottery. That would be my very last chance to try for a spot, the other races were full and my life too busy anyway. I stood up feeling so defeated knowing my mind was forcing me to continue, but on we went. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiET69-6XLtbMfDnIIyr7GkQ2FJAiYhbEC3kgX0zKFAWomC_wGvdEv8obTNq7lyslSjBnDN4HMxZRv1M1Dg-iMpUbQhQpXAb1nns70ModFO5XCVWsS_yo9-62Gnlgu9JpjS7mOBe5kIsLNl/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiET69-6XLtbMfDnIIyr7GkQ2FJAiYhbEC3kgX0zKFAWomC_wGvdEv8obTNq7lyslSjBnDN4HMxZRv1M1Dg-iMpUbQhQpXAb1nns70ModFO5XCVWsS_yo9-62Gnlgu9JpjS7mOBe5kIsLNl/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of a mile from the aid station we met up at and yeah, I felt about as dead as I look. <br />
Cari probably wondered if she'd ever get me out of there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT44tWgxSBkK-6NOdZQrIQagFmsvNCzhsIuhaM52Bpmfkkw-3PjjwEUp-6ZsFJbJYk_g4phDXzJwNnrc-M1syBR6bROZwCRhFPhaCBD-iJFBAwgPmoxozxcdYj4h98iFE18Vdm77hRWLjX/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT44tWgxSBkK-6NOdZQrIQagFmsvNCzhsIuhaM52Bpmfkkw-3PjjwEUp-6ZsFJbJYk_g4phDXzJwNnrc-M1syBR6bROZwCRhFPhaCBD-iJFBAwgPmoxozxcdYj4h98iFE18Vdm77hRWLjX/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's amazing that as shallow as the stream was it felt so good. Not so cold it stung either.</td></tr>
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We did SO MUCH walking and a bit more rock sitting in the next hours and I felt really bad for Cari. Here she was thinking she was going to help pull me to a top finish, and we were walking. A lot. I've been in the position of pacer where my runner was not feeling well or moving fast and it can be difficult for the pacer too. Once the sun finally went behind the mountains around 6:00 though, it was pleasant out! She works in environmental something or other so I played "what's that cactus" for a few hours and we trotted along. My stomach finally felt better, 8-9 hours later and I could run slowly, sometimes run normally. I knew there was no way at this point I could earn a spot, and i've kind of wanted to experience an ultra from a non-competitive standpoint, so we stopped at a few aid stations and I actually looked around for food, beyond soda. I never really ate anything besides a few potatoes, but it was nice to sit down and take my time. At this point the only thing to do was to keep moving. Up to this aid station I was still considering quitting, but knowing we only had 3 shorter sections left now was helpful.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxsBKyFOOINSB4JeUuAlV8zNrbj-kLN2Ql1amH-hiOtZ3Wm852hsPfJ6imP-ihvQswqvOwoNZRkn09DxFoSbHOwgPBBfBn1O3OYXLfJ9MviAYmOObThmIa1UBXdcE51xwKguJLfnqWOTA/s1600/IMG_0478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxsBKyFOOINSB4JeUuAlV8zNrbj-kLN2Ql1amH-hiOtZ3Wm852hsPfJ6imP-ihvQswqvOwoNZRkn09DxFoSbHOwgPBBfBn1O3OYXLfJ9MviAYmOObThmIa1UBXdcE51xwKguJLfnqWOTA/s1600/IMG_0478.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trudging on</td></tr>
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We rolled into the second to last aid station just in time to grab my head lamp. I thanked Cari for coming with me for so many more hours than she planned on. She'd done her 14 miles and this is where she was planning to stop but I offered her the option of coming with me all the way if she wanted. We had 10 or so miles to go. I would have been fine but she obliged. And it was great having her! We shared my headlamp for a few hours and I can't believe she didn't trip. We shared some great conversation. It's kind of nice having someone who is patient and flexible who you've never met to pace you, lots to talk about! We played leap frog with a lady who was very consistent. I don't at all mean to sound prideful here, but I was surprised I was having to really work to get and stay ahead of her for good. It was a good humbling. The middle pack is tough! And smart. </div>
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Waiting on the last aid station was a little frustrating. We expected it a mile or two earlier than it was and despite telling myself that it will come when it comes, I still questioned if they moved it or if we missed it. It was great getting past it, but I think I took in too much soda because the nausea came back a bit which was frustrating. Finally finally finally though, we saw the lights of the finish line and it was time to be done. I was so grateful to be done running, but very disappointed with my day, and frankly, I was embarrassed. I was planning on top 5, was interviewed as an elite, ran in 3rd place for most of the first 16 miles, and then dropped off the face of the elite race and rolled in in 11th place and 14:20something, 4 hours behind the winner, and at least 2 behind the ladies I'd run the morning with.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ1OTrOdRzhBU3hU2TOwW13Znd6Jroi-NpW-iNOl5-hbc3I0K6Hd7hdZ0-xX0OSrR99Oc2so1lC-tQR7dg5cvITV2gmK55Wzt-aKMLbsK1hJQBxo1-0-Jzsxg8at1SzHpOY5YaxMhSIYs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-25+at+5.40.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ1OTrOdRzhBU3hU2TOwW13Znd6Jroi-NpW-iNOl5-hbc3I0K6Hd7hdZ0-xX0OSrR99Oc2so1lC-tQR7dg5cvITV2gmK55Wzt-aKMLbsK1hJQBxo1-0-Jzsxg8at1SzHpOY5YaxMhSIYs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-25+at+5.40.09+PM.png" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's me being a bad sport with the thumbs down. It was hard facing the great people at USL TV after a race like that after having talked like I was there to compete (which I was, and they were nothing but gracious BTW)</td></tr>
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I was very grateful to Cari for her help in getting me to the finish line at all though. What a woman to go 10 miles and probably 6 hours farther than she was expecting!</div>
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So, that's kind of how it all went down. I felt great and strong and happy the first 3 hours, then was sick from the heat despite all my efforts to cool and hydrate and fuel and medicate and electrolyte up for the next 9 hours, then pretty ok for the next 2.5. But I finished frustrated and embarrassed. This was easily my worst ultra finish to date. I know, I know, everyone has off days, but I can still be disappointed. The other women handled the heat just fine, including most who do not come from warm climates (1 and 2 did). 2 of the elites did drop, but for injury reasons. Looking at the results, had my day continued on without nausea and like it had that morning, I really do think I would have been in the top 5, and considering the WS spot rolled down the 3rd, that's pretty frustrating. It was within my reach.</div>
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I came away from the race with a nightmare sunburn on my chest and belly that would hurt me a lot for the next week. Sorry body. I can look back on the day with a few fond memories of the first 16 miles with great ladies, river crossings, my time with Carol, and good chats and cooler temps in the evening with Cari. My legs felt great all day, better than Bandera despite being almost 3 hours slower. I'm really not sure I could have done anything differently to improve my day. <i>Maybe</i> go out slower, but I needed the time with and confidence from those lead ladies. </div>
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Despite me truly being unsure if I would, I did learn a few lessons.</div>
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<ul>
<li>I hate heat and don't adore the desert scene. It's its own beauty, but just doesn't do it for me like pine trees and mountains. I will probably avoid truly hot weather <b><i>winter</i></b> races in the future. It is just so hard to acclimate the body to it December-February. I think when I said I was a weather tolerant go with the flow running, I forgot I was standing in an air conditioned building.</li>
<li>I'm grateful for the kind words about me being tough to finish, but honestly, it is an interesting line and dilemma to me to determine if it was really wise or smart. For my mental well being I'm glad I finished, I didn't get into the lottery, but I'm glad to know I did everything I could with what I was given. But I don't have anything to prove about finishing a distance, I've done it. I was having a miserable time out there from hour 3 and it didn't give in for almost 9 hours, that's a heckuva long low Risking my health with the heat and the way my body was handling it, I don't know. Strong, stubborn, or stupid? Still debating that lesson.</li>
<li><b>I have improved my downhill and technical skills</b>. I never once felt myself pulling back on a downhill or rocky section out of fear or losing control. I also did not find the course technically challenging. Now maybe that's because I moved slower most of the race, but reading others reports about how technical and rocky this was, one even 'fearing for her life' (in jest I'm sure), I never felt that. It was totally doable. That is definitely an improvement for me. I worked on it a lot before this race and even that little amount of time helped. I plan to keep it up.</li>
<li><b>I felt good with those lead ladies</b>, and while it is embarrassing to me to look like I was being a poser or groupie hanging out with them then dropping off so badly, I know I could have run with them. And that makes me happy. </li>
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<a href="http://aravaiparunning.com/network/blackcanyon/" target="_blank">Black Canyon</a> 100k was well organized, well stocked aid stations, marked just great and I would recommend any of their races. Thank you to Jamil and <a href="http://aravaiparunning.com/" target="_blank">Aravaipa Running</a>, my great pacer Cari, <a href="http://www.altrarunning.com/fitness/en/Altra/Women/paradigm-women" target="_blank">Altra Running</a> (my feet were happy in the Paradigm all day long), <a href="http://vfuel.com/" target="_blank">Vfuel gel</a> (I don't blame the gel, I blame the heat, I still plan to use Vfuel for every race in the future), and <a href="http://elete.com/about/products/" target="_blank">Elete Electrolytes </a>(was crucial to keep my electrolytes happy and with the drops and pills I did). I enjoyed a <a href="https://www.handful.com/shop/handful-bras/adjustable-handful-bra" target="_blank">Handful bra</a> all day with zero issues, walmart shorts (they were cute, comfortable and matched my bra), <a href="http://www.injinji.com/?gclid=CjwKEAiAgranBRDitfSQk_P7vnMSJAAhx5G5IhQFPRpD8bYIA9BYsvElGgQwL8Cjg9NZfNjdBa0UEBoCwibw_wcB" target="_blank">Injinji </a>socks, and my <a href="http://store.trailandultrarunning.com/collections/hydration/products/nathan-vaporshape" target="_blank">Nathan pack</a> for 50 miles (a dependable no bounce vest and yeah it was heavy, but I needed a ton of water out there), then <a href="http://store.trailandultrarunning.com/collections/hydration/products/ultraspire-quantum-race-belt" target="_blank">Ultraspire Quantum</a> which I love but just didn't hold enough water until the last 12 miles. Also carried a soft flask most of the way which almost always carried water from the 3 rivers or aid stations to get wet with. Amazing how quickly that water heated up though.</div>
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Thank you for all the support and kind words before and after. Thanks to Carol's husband Jeff for helping me and being so wonderful to Carol whom I'm afraid may have suffered more than even I did. I'm doing ok now, heart hurts a little, legs felt better than I would have hoped had I run like I wanted. I'm just so busy with school that hopefully I'll nail down a schedule for the rest of the year soon so I can have some structure and get moving again. Thanks for reading!</div>
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<b>Congrats to everyone out there who endured and many who did well. </b></div>
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<b>Biggest congrats to teammate Angela Shartel who is tough as nails </b></div>
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<b>and finished a solid 2nd place in the day!!</b></div>
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And I can't forget to add this last photo. When I don't have good races it's hard on my family too. My husband couldn't track me all day and was left wondering how I was doing with the heat, especially once my goal time had come and gone, by hours. I typically do not feel well at all for about 24 hours after a 100k or longer race. I flew home after 3 hours of sleep (won't be making that flight choice again) and crashed in my bed so I could be home with my 3yr old birthday girl. She brought a bag of frozen beans for my burnt belly, a cold water bottle for my chest, a flower of course and her sweet little self to sit beside me and "take care of mama". I am a very lucky woman to have what I have and do what I do. </div>
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Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100017782051268021.post-59054489169874393412015-01-22T17:04:00.000-07:002015-02-25T15:20:22.033-07:00Bandera post raceI'm not really sure where to go from here. I have ideas, but not much direction. I'm not depressed about the race, but dissapointed yes. I'm handling it better than I thought, but I'm a little lost as to the future. Do I want to keep competing in national level, more competitve races and try to make a name for myself, or race whatever sounds fun? The second choice sounds like the obvious one, but I feel a level of obligation to my sponsors to represent on a bigger field and I do love to compete. Really, I think competing at big races but not having the pressure of a top 1 or 2 finish would still be fun.<br />
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Update 1-30-14</div>
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My mind was all kinds of scrambled and stressed in the weeks after Bandera. School had started and like I said above, I just had no direction racing wise. That makes it sound like running is my whole life, but it's not. I wouldn't be surprised if I deal with some form of ADD, so to not have any idea what was next on my schedule running wise whether it be a race or rest, to know how to plan my time, was eating at me. </div>
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I spewed my confusion on several friends and a whole lot on my husband. Last Saturday I ran with a Ari and while she certainly didn't make my decision, she was a great sounding board and offered good feedback. My legs felt better then than they had earlier in the week. After Bamdera I had doubts that my training was actually as good as I thought it was. But you know what? It <b>was</b> great. I had some really great long (25-31) mile runs. And I got a really long run in at Bandera ;) I won't lie and call it a training run, but in the end I don't feel like I was able to push 100%, just an off day. But I came away healthy. I wasn't ready to let that fitness go. Enter <b>Black Canyon 100k. </b></div>
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I figured since I scored Montrail Ultra Cup points at Bandera, I might as well try to race another of the 5 or so races to be eligible to be ranked with them. I really debated going out to Gorge Waterfalls 100k late March, the only other race I could do schedule wise, but that meant almost 2 more months of training, and school is kicking my butt (and I found out the kids have something important that weekend too). BC was only 3 weeks away at this point and I figured Staying in shape, finishing recovering my legs and just keeping them fresh, then taking 4-6 weeks off as a short off season sounded most doable and 'smart'. </div>
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I've not put the pressure of Bandera on this race and it feels good. I am definitely going to give it my all, but not have expectations of top 2. I just want to have a race that feels strong to me that I'm more satisfied with, score some MUC points, hopefully come in somewhere around 6th (my favorite number and a bonus point with the cup) and then give my body a short off season. And survive nursing school. Speaking of which, I'm on the train almost to the children's hospital for a 12 hour clinical. </div>
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Stick with your goal whatever it may be. Do something toward it every day if you can, even something small. I don't run every day, and when I don't, that something toward my goal may be 10-20 min of body weight strength training or core work. 10-20 min. We've all got 10-20 minutes. A lot of why I decided to do this race was some really great and influential quotes.</div>
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The first actually made me a little mad. Altra posted this the day before Bamdera and I was and am flattered! But it also gave me a little of a sinking feeling reading it before Bandera, like premonition/superstition I wouldn't get my goal there. </div>
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Well, this is a different path and I'm willing to go down it and give it a shot. The other quote that got me was on a friend Dana's photo. It said something to the effect of</div>
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<i><b>Giving up on your goal after one setback is like slashing the other three tires on your car when one gets a flat</b></i></div>
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They say you usually only regret the things you don't do right? I don't want to regret not giving it another go right now so BC it is in warm sunny Arizona in 2 weeks! ☀️</div>
Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06965358574816248984noreply@blogger.com1