Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Final thoughts and a bit more...

Trinity, BP & I went to Outback Steakouse for dinner. As you can imagined, I was FAMISHED. We are were...especially after waiting about 75 minutes for a table. Sheesh. But, when the food came, man was it ever good!! It was about the best meal i have ever had. We soon returned to our hotel rooms and as I lay in bed, I had numerous thoughts of the day and what I could do differently next time. My mind automatically went to “how can I improve?” “what can i do better?” Even though i was and still am disappointment, I did not wallow in any of that...i was already looking ahead. And I now know I can finish the 50 mile race. I’ve seen it. I’ve been there. I have the experience. I just need to tweak a few things in my training and I know I will be set.
Sure, I am proud of what I was able to accomplish on November 17th. But, I am far from satisfied. I will be back on that trail or some other 50 miler. The best is yet to come.
I gotta give more shout outs to trinity and bp. They were rock supporters and crew. I am a very self-sufficient and independent woman, however, I cannot imagine doing a race like this without some support. Seeing them at the aid stations helped get me as far as I did. THANKS!!!!!

We ate at BWI airport prior to take-off back to Atlanta. I had fish and chips & i believe that was the culprit to some food poisoning I experienced later that night when I returned home and extended the next 2 days. ICK! NOT FUN!
My quads were so extremely sore and I was barely able to make it to the bathroom so I could vomit. UUGGHH. Anyways, that knocked me out for 2-3 days. It was even worse because I couldn’t stretch or move my body. I couldn’t try to work out any soreness because I was sleeping so much. It was not pleasant.

Ok. Now on to better things. I recovered and Trinity, BP, and I hopped on our planned flight to Vegas over the Thanksgiving Holiday. We spent 3 nights and 3.5 days in the desert city. It was a fun-filled trip...in fact, the most fun I have ever had in Vegas and I didn’t even win! We gambled a lot, laughed a lot, ate and just took it all in. It was so needed for me. A great break from work and a major “treat” after the race. I found myself just dancing at random times and being silly and goofy and I needed it. My oh-so-serious self took a break!!

I’m still not feeling 100% physically and that was evidenced by last night. I went to the gym and ran a measely 2+ miles on treadmill. I could feel myself laboring even for that short mileage. This was my first time running since the race (except for the 1 mile I ran to my hotel in Vegas because I didn’t want to take a taxi)

My promotion at worked has now kicked in so my work days will be longer. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to making time for some workouts, some cross-training and some longer runs on the weekends. Maybe even take a class or 2 at the gym.

What’s next, friends? What’s next?

Cheers!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

JFK 50 Mile report: part 3

The next mile marker/aid station was around 27 miles. It seemed and felt like a long haul between the 15.5 marker and this next one. I passed some folks, some folks passed me, walking, running, shuffling..most people were very nice, offering "hellos" or encouraging words or other comments like, "what ARE we doing out here"

Other than my quads which were tired as hell, I felt great. No stomach issues, no feet problems and aerobically, I felt strong. It was surreal to be on the path for so long...the colors of the leaves kept changing...one section would be bright red, then next, a section of bright orange and green...I kept powering along as much as i could while chugging down another gel and snacks at an in beetween aid station. I knew there were time cut-offs for the mile markers, but I didn't recall what they were exactly.

As I pulled into 27 mile aid station, I took off my long bottoms and grabbed some grub. I told BP and Trinity I wasn't sure I would make it pass the next marker at approx 38 miles. They were encouraging and supportive and I gave them hugs and headed on out.



The next few miles did me in. My legs were tiring more and more. I was only running about 5 minutes and walking 3 minutes, etc...At a low point, SCOTT, flew by...he was smokin'. We exchanged hellos and he was gone. How the heck was he running so fast? My mind kept changing from thoughts of, "i should stop at 38" to "no way...i'll be so close, i will finish"
Basically these were my only thoughts for the next 7 miles when an inpromptu decision was made for me. There was an aid station at 34.4 miles and the race official said I could not go on. I had missed the time cut-off by 15 minutes. I was so shocked because I thought the next cut-off was at 38 miles. (there was one at 38, but this was also one I had somehow misread)
There were people right behind me who had to stop as well and like me, they had been surpised.

After my initial shock, I was really disappointed because I wanted to make it to 38, at least. That is where BP and Trinity were waiting for me. I knew the possibility of finishing 50 was becoming unlikely, but to have someone tell you that you have to stop is even more deflating. I understand why the cut-offs are necessary, but my feelings are the same. On a race of this sort, I WANT to be able to call it a day. Not a clock or a human. I want to be able to decide my body and mind are done. I didn't get that chance.

More runners came in to the aid station and we waited in the growing cold for a van to take us to the mile 38 or the finish line. As I looked at the faces of my comrades, I could see they were disappointed also for not getting the chance to make their own choice as to when to stop or even finish. Our day was done.

The van came and about 15 of us piled in. I got off at the next aid station and met up with BP and Trinity.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

JFK 50 Mile report: part 2

The gun went off and some clapping from the crowd accompanied hoots and hollers from us
runners. The adventure had finally begun!! We made a climb of nearly 3 miles on paved
road. To my left was a sea of orange and red leaved trees in the distance. I
felt a sense of peace and excitement; a welcome change from the previous days' anxiety. The
climb was steep with a majority of us walking most of the climb. Wow.
What a way to start a 50 miler. No joke of a climb. Finally, the
applachian trail. First time for me. Gorgeous, but very demanding of mental
energy. I kept my eyes on my feet most of the first 9.3 miles until the first
aid station. Rocky at some sections and then leaf covered and deceptively
tricky in other parts. I was quite glad at this point that it was not
raining!! With excitement, I finished the first section and met Trinity and BP and 9.3 mile mark.
They were my troppers all day. I grabbed a few bites of a clif bar, more water and headed off to
next section. Trinity came with me on this section and I was happy to
have her there and to share more of this experience with her!
9.3 to 15.5 miles were more of the same trail/terrain. Some parts not even runnable
due to the heavy rocky terrain, but I still tried to pass as many people
as possible. It was a tricky and wild descent
off the trail and down to the next aid station.
I was definitely ready to get off trail and onto towpath.
I made the mistake of not changing shoes at 15.5 mark. I didn't
realize we were gonna go right to the towpath. At aid station, I had Trinity
strecth my left hamstring as it felt sooo tight. I stayed at rest stop more
than I wanted. I ate a banana, fractional pbj and got more water. Grabbed small
handful of pretzels and headed on. Again, BP and Trinity were awesome as my crew/handlers.
I was stunned by the C & O Canal Towpath. All I could see straight ahead
was the flat path completely covered
with various colored leaves. On the left, was the Potamac River. There was such a peacefulness out there...
A beautiful quiet...

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

JFK 50 Mile report: part 1




It all starts with what you bring to a race. Here are a couple of pictures taken by Trinity (T2) the night before we left for Maryland. All my gels, bars, and clothing. Shoes: for trail portion: ADIDAS Response Trail and for Non-Trail portion: ASICS 2120



T2 and I left our hotel in the saturday morning darkness so we could arrive at Boonsboro High School Gymnasium by 6:20am for a pre-race meeting. We arrived and went into the gym. I was so freaking happy to be there, I can't even tell you. There I was, surrounded by about 1400 other really crazy people. Everyone was pretty bundled up as it was below 30 degrees outside. People were sitting, standing, stretching...and then the race director greeted us and gave us some info and details about the course. I loved the quiet, the seriousness of the crowd. Not to belittle any other distance, but hey, this wasn't some 5k or 10k crowd out there. I looked around and just felt happy. Happy to finally get to race day. I had been very anxious the past 2 days and it was great to finally get to the big event and go!!

We exited the gym and had to walk .6 of a mile to starting line. Here is a photo of me: all smiles.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Falling Short

JFK 50 Mile Race:

With disappointment, I report I did not finish the race.

I completed 34.4 miles in 8 hours, 15 minutes.

Much more later...

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Last Post before JFK 50 Miler

"Seeing a great performance, whether by a human, or another animal, still inspires me to no end. I'm moved by others' dreams and by their devotion and courage in the pursuit of excellence. I get choked up when I see a kid, or anyone else, fighting hopeless odds - someone who goes out there to run the lonely roads with a dream in the heart, a gleam in the eye, and a goal in mind. I admire those who have the courage to step up to the line of a great race to run their heart out for a dream. "

-Bernd Heinrich in "Why We Run - A Natural History

There are so many things I could comment on or reflect on, but at this point, I'm only reminded of words written by the late George Sheehan. Some of you may have seen these words written before...but they are the words that have sunk into my skull and my soul...

"the long distance race is a struggle that results in self-discovery. it is an adventure into the limits of the self, representing for runners what has been called the moral equivalent of war - a theater for heroism, where the runner can do deeds of daring and greatness.....an opportunity to be your own hero."

CHEERS!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 3.33 miles treadmill

Followed by hot tub and a strawberry-banana smoothie. Then went to REI and bought 3 clif bars, 2 power gels, 2 gus, and 1 clif shot blok. Also picked up another pair of awesome socks.

ok..also bought another pullover Columbia Fleece (i already have 2) I just love 'em. They are actually men's size small. I bought a burnt orange color. Perfect in time for the upcoming BROWNS vs RAVENS game we are going to on Sunday after race day.

getting ready, getting ready....

Sunday, November 11, 2007

the weekend

Saturday: 3 miles, 28:05 - outside
Sunday: 3 miles, 28:34 - outside

Both days I wanted to run longer, but I was not feeling well physically. I think a combination of (lots of) stress and fatigue. Felt better today than yesterday, but still not 100%. Felt good to rest. I have a full plate right now and really need to do a lot of very basic things: EAT ENOUGH! SLEEP! TRY TO RELAX!

I'm not worried about JFK. I am really looking forward to it...to the adventure, to the challenge and to the opportunity to get away and do something I love: run a race! It will be so neat to just get there, get all the info and BIB # and meet people. And then, it will be awesome to get to the starting line. Regardless of anything else, it is awesome just to be able to be a part of it all.

I've got 2 buddies coming along for support and I'll be happy to have them there. T2 will come out and run either once or twice with me and we'll have to figure out where. I'm sure no matter where it is along the 50 miles, I will be pretty damn happy when I see her.

Cheers to all and have a good week.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Time: 29:17
Distance: 3.25 miles, treadmill

"the pleasure and pain is only yours. it's personal."

-cut out from a magazine & on a collage i made
I go online, look at my blog, check the "countdown clock" and see the race is in 8 days.....


YIKES!! WHO-HOO!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

a fellow race report:

Christian's race report on his attempt to do the Mt Masochist 50M MMTR

Monday, November 5, 2007

Time: 42:10
Distance: 4.5 miles - treadmill

I took a vacation day from work today and although it was gorgeous outside, I elected to go to gym because I didn't want any more hills! A good run and legs felt pretty good after 1/2 mile or so..

Got a much needed massage and enjoyed every second of it!

During the JFK Race weekend, I will be going to see (my team) Cleveland Browns play Baltimore!! I'm sooo excited. This is the best season( thus far) Cleveland has had in years. I have been a fan forever and it's been a long time since browns fans had anything to get excited about. They just finished a nail-biter on Sunday in OT vs Seahawks. GO BROWNS!!!

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Time: 3:45
Distance: 21:50 miles - all over the city!

When I began the run, my thoughts were heavy with the news of Ryan Shay, who died yesterday while pursuing his Olympic Dream. The news shook me up much more than I would think it would. People die every day. People I don't know die all the time. Why the heaviness with this? I'm still not sure, but I guess it is just because of the enormity of the event this young man was participating in....the U.S. Men's Olympic Trials. Unbelievable. Apparently, he had a heart condition...that decided to take him from earth on the day he was going to burn through the streets of NY toward a dream.
As I made my way from my house and into the early miles through the PONCE DE LEON corridor, I thought of him and his family and just how enormously shocked and saddened they must be....
My thoughts started to shift as I passed through the OAKHURST & KIRKWOOD nieghborhoods; the mid 50's temperature felt perfect and I was focused. I sucked down a power gel and soon made my way back to my house for a pit stop to re-fuel on water, grab a bit of gatorade & change shirts. It was my own little aid station at mile 9. I ditched my iPod & headed back out through VIRGINIA-HIGHLANDS, a bit of MIDTOWN and into DOWNTOWN. Passed though GA STATE campus, CNN CENTER. There were lots of folks out around there cause of the FALCON-49ER game about to start. Ingested a GU, some RED LICORICE along through rest of downtown & by GA TECH campus. About this time, my left outer upper thigh area started hurting. This typically happens on long runs that are not on a trail. At this point, I could not wait to get my butt over to PIEDMONT PARK and do a few laps around a "track" that is all crushed rock. After 1-2 miles at the park, I went in the direction of my house. I was between mile 20-21, when I saw a car gently honk and someone wave at me from inside. It was a colleague from work who I really dig. He is a cyclist, mostly, and has done several 100 mile rides for juvenile diabetes. (I will definitely hope to train with him when I go for my goal of a 100 mile ride sometime next year.)
As I was zig-zagging my way though my hilly neighborhood, I decided to call it at 21 and 1/2 miles.
Overall, a very solid run and I'm pleased with it. However, I do wish i had one more weekend to go longer.

This afternoon, I was able to watch some coverage of the NYC Marathon and watch PAULA RADCLIFFE!! She is amazing. She pulled away in the last 1/2 mile or so and finished so freaking strong. It was inspiring and it made my eyes tear....to see an athlete, a female athlete, pushing and being so determined....how amazing it must be to be the front runner, especially at the NYC Marathon. She has never come in 2nd in ANY MARATHON SHE HAS RUN. UNBELIEVABLE.

I really noticed today how running for hours is so very calming to me. I feel like my head is so busy much of the time and being out there with myself for a long time brings some peace and quiet.

Cheers to all. Be well, friends

Saturday, November 3, 2007

On one of the most exciting days for the men's running Olympic hopefuls, there was also an incredible trajedy.
You can read about both here: men's trials

Obviously, I didn't know R. Shay, but I have followed his racing some and actually thought of him as a big longshot to do well in the race. Incredibly sad. 28 years old.

I feel pretty deflated even mentioning my training, but here it is:

Friday: 2 miles -- hills around neighborhood - just to loosen up
Saturday: 5 miles, 57:29 @ Sweetwater
I did the Yellow Trail twice as it has the most climbing and I wanted to get in as much as I could since the start of JFK 50 will be climbing. A good, solid run, with very steep ascents and descents.
Tomorrow will be long.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Wednesday

Time: 46:03
Distance: 5 miles, outside

"Run hard, be strong, think big"
-Percy Cerutty