Yay! Back in the Woods : )

I looked forward to my Gorham run today, knowing that I could go back on the gnarly, (not the 90's usage of the word) single track behind USM. I hadn't been on the trails since some severe weather so expected more trees down on the trail to scale. I was not disappointed - in any respect.

Not long into my first loop, I jumped a deer. It was very noisy in the dried leaves. Seeing the deer made me really see the woods around me. I still am stunned by how different the trails look in the different seasons. The last time I ran this trail, the downed leaves were brilliant (even the oak ones were a gorgeous coppery color) and, now, things were dead looking. I started getting down looking at the drabness, but soon was too busy picking debris off the trail. There were two large trees down that I have no doubt the school (or someone)will take care of since it's on part of the USM xcountry course. There was only one, new big tree down on the single track portion that I don't think is maintained. That's OK; I enjoy most of the ones I need to climb over (only one or two would be hurdle-able...even by those who can do hurdles). I think this course has a lot of the fun of an obstacle course.

The time of my first lap was pretty slow, but I even used some branches to "sweep" some of the less obvious trail. My second lap I was able to get close to my previous times. It was on this lap that an idea popped into my head. It started with the realization that people pay lots of money to run man-made obstacle courses. I thought, as I ran down a steep bank of a little gorge and then up the other side, that this was just as good - no, better. Then, I thought about Hell. Hmmm....Yup, a plan was forming.

Besides the plan for a TM event, I also had an idea pop into my head for a children's story. I have wanted to write/illustrate a kids' book for a while now. It will be interesting to see if I do anything with it. Running is great for ideas!

Great Day at Bradbury

Rick and I headed to Bradbury on Sunday. It was still in the mid-twenties at the start of our run. We had decided on seven miles. Since I ran Bradbury 4 times per week nearly all Spring and Summer, I had a good idea of what to run to get seven. We headed out the Bruiser, but skipped the Island and Bat Cave trails. Then when we got back to the Link headed back on it instead of continuing on. Perfect! Crossing the road to back to parking, the Garmin turned 7 miles.

Besides enjoying an idyllic late Fall day, we were rewarded with two big does bounding across our path not long after we turned onto Lanzo. They were going pretty fast, probably jumpy from deer season (Yay! Maybe not as much as the deer, but glad that's done with).

The going was mostly fine, but had to be on the look out for ice-covered rocks. I did do one scary root-skiing near fall, but stayed upright. Gotta get the screws into my shoes. Gorham trails could be a bit treacherous without them.

Christmas Photo Saturday at Thorncrag

It seems like a lot of families use Thorncrag as a backdrop for their Christmas card photos. I actually asked one family if that's what they were doing, the rest, I just assumed. I hope that they also took the time to enjoy a walk there.

My run was a repeat of the 5 mile run Rick and I ran Thanksgiving day, but with a twist; the snow/sleet of the day before made it a lot harder (not complaining...it was a lot of fun). I do think I'll be putting screws in one pair of my Inov8s tomorrow. On a couple of stretches of the steep Green Trail hill, I walked to try to avoid falling. I still ended up slipping enough to need to put my hands down.

On my way out, I saw another runner heading up the Red Trail at an impressive clip. I love to see others enjoying the Sanctuary : )

Two Friday Runs (sort of)

Last night Ryan and I headed to Freeport for a midnight run. I heard an ad on WCLZ for a run starting on Main St in front of LL Bean at midnight and the first 300 finishers would get a $10 gift card to Beans and the first 15 finishers would get an additional $10 card to Mexicali Blues. I thought I heard 4 miles, but wasn't sure.

I won't do that again. It wasn't worth the combined $20 that Ryan and I got. There may have been 200 runners, not more. The woman seemingly running the event said it was about a mile. When my garmin said just over 5 minutes, I knew that was wrong. Turns out it was .71 miles. I didn't even know where the finish was, but figured out I must have crossed the "line" cause no one was running in front of me any more. Not sure how they kept track of the 1st 15, but the woman was just handing the Bean cards out to anyone with a hand out. Maybe if we planned on shopping after we could have found something fun about it. The total driving was just over an hour for 5 minutes of running. Oh well.

Enjoyed my late morning run with Rick much better. We did some loops in the near fields. Really could have used screw shoes, but we just took it easy. Got in 5 miles (no travel involved : ) ).

Thorncrag Thanksgiving Morning

Rick and I headed to Thorncrag this morning planning on a 5 mile run. It was pretty chilly with a cold breeze; for the first mile, I regretted not having a headband over my ears. We ran the same course that I ran the week before with some TMs. A few people were out walking, no doubt trying to walk off some of the coming calories.

Rick's fitness is markedly better. We hadn't run Thorncrag together in a while and I was impressed! I brought the camera along again. The pictures don't do it justice, but they're better than nothing.

Go Gorham Snowmobilers!

I was expecting even more downed trees on my run on the Gorham x-country course today given the nasty weather we've had, but...The downed trees were all cleaned up and the trail smoothed out. There were signs indicating which way to go for gas or food. I hope the Gorham snowmobile club also tends to the trails behind the college. Oh, I don't want them taming it at all, but I'd love it if they pack down the snow. I'd definitely need all the screw shoes have to offer in traction.

Today I got in about 5.25 miles on a muddy course.

A Different Kind of Scuffle

Rick and I headed to Bradbury this chilly morning. Since we were thinking 5 to 7 miles, we decided on the Scuffle course. I brought the camera. I hope the shots capture the fact that the trail looks like a totally different place in the late Fall than when we run the race. It was just so open with all the leaves off the trees.

There weren't as many downed trees on these trails compared to the mountain side.

I found a nice tree stump to use as a comfy place to pee. Good thing there weren't many people out...it's right on the trail.

Lots of frost in the ground and a few places that made me think screw shoes are just around the corner. The best part of the run was running it all with Rick and having him feel like he's getting back to form. He did say he's only running the "O" trail once a year...during the Bruiser!

TMR Thorncrag

Thorncrag was TMRs official Saturday run, but very few chose to run it. I know it's a long haul for a lot of Monsters, but think it would surprise everyone to see that Lewiston has such a trail gem in its midst. In our 5.3 miles, we gained over 1,500 ft. Some of the ups seem like they're never going to end.

The "group" was Ian, Lily, Maureen (I'd never met Maureen before...I'm always amazed at how many Monsters I don't know!) and myself. Ian only had around 40 minutes to run ( : ( ) and Maureen was recovering from an injury so had about that time in mind also. Lily and I added another 20 +/- minutes after they left.

Soggy Fields

Ran the fields this evening. Stayed close and did a 1 mile loop 4x. I didn't see any other orange out there, but a hunters car was parked in Linda's driveway. My big toes disliked the soggy condition because they seemed to get flexed a lot more.

Random

Back to the Gorham x-country course today. I can't believe there were more trees left to come down. One was sort of more length-wise in my path than cross-wise and there was too much debris off the course to skirt it easily. It slowed me down a lot. Pretty soon Gorham will be like a prairie! I got in another 5+.

Now both my big toe joints are grumping at me. I can't figure out why they grump sometimes and not others. It seems rather random. Is that what arthritis is like?

Twofer

Ran just over 5 miles on the x-country track in Gorham today. The trail is a bit dull in comparison to my other Gorham trails, but hunter-free.

Later, headed to Thorncrag for just about 3.5 miles with Linda. She didn't sound all that eager to go, but was really rewarded; She saw her first pileated woodpecker...ever!!! Even without the bird, she was glad to be out once she got moving (of course).

Pancakes and Cathance (and Monsters)

Team SnoPlug did it again... hosted a run in the Cathance River Nature Preserve and a great post-run pancake breakfast! I think there were 18 (counting baby Sam). There was a 9 mile option, 5 mile option, or a nature walk choice.

I chose the nine mile run without a worry; I don't think I've ever felt this good this soon after a marathon. Perhaps that indicates I didn't leave it all on the course, but it sure felt like I did. I think training on harder trails than the race was my secret.

The run was lots of fun. With so many runners, we periodically stopped to get the group consolidated. Jim skinny dipped in what must have been a very cold stream. Shauna turned her ankle around 7 miles in, but ended up being able to walk out.

The highlight was the excellent food waiting for us when we got back. Danielle held down the fort and was really cranking out the pancakes and coffee. There was lots of other goodies, too. The conversations turned into quite the din; amazingly, Sam napped through most of it.

I'm not sure if it's just cause this one's so fresh in my mind, but I think it was even better than the first edition of the event. Thanks Triffitts!!!!!!!

Bradbury

Headed to Bradbury this morning. Met up with Blaine, Erin, Jeremy, Erik and Django to run on the mountain side. It was nippy to start, but we were warmed up in no time. We kept the pace pretty relaxed; the ground was pretty wet and very leaf covered. Our course was the Breaker without South Ridge, but going directly to the Summit from the Boundary. We added Krista's (or whatever girl's name) Trail (off of Tote Road) and then ran down Terrace. It came to as close to 5 miles as you can get. A great way to start an idyllic fall day.

Teeny Longer, Teeny Faster

Today's run was almost a duplicate of yesterday's. I just went 1/4 mile farther and about 15 sec/mile faster. I'm thinking I might be ready for the nine mile option on Sunday.

Evening in the Field

Just got in from a slow 3.5 in the fields. I wore lots of bright orange and stuck to a loop close to the houses. I saw lots of deer tracks. I hope the buck I've seen throughout the summer survives.

There are still some twinges from the piriformis and my left heel is numb (better than pain!), but all the muscles are fine.

In Working Order

Tried out the parts on a 4.3 mile, pretty flat run on the high school x-country course in Gorham. The hammies were a teeny tight (a big surprise to me since I've hardly ever had tight hamstrings; after a big run, it's always been sore, sore quads), but loosened right up as I warmed up. My toes didn't complain and I only had a slight reminder that I still need to be doing all the stretches for my piriformis.

I was also surprised to find more downed trees. I even had to scale some. I was pretty certain the twister had taken all of them down that were going to come down.

Stone Cat Marathon Race Report

Rick was able to get off work early on Friday so that we could head to Danvers, settle in, and not be rushed. I had packed everything I needed and then some; I had long-sleeved shirts (one light one, one that zipped, and one heavier one), my short-sleeved TM shirt, shorts, tights, multiple pairs of socks, both my Inov8s, along with all the gear: Garmin, Fuel Belt with 3 bottles, headlamp (one also affixed to my belt), foam roller, Body Glide, 3 Gus (all we had in the house), and Gatorade.

We got to the hotel, checked in, and hooked up with Jamie who was already there. He'd located an Italian restaurant within walking distance to the hotel. We all enjoyed a great pre-race meal. Rick and I headed back to the hotel where he watched hockey and I paced. Oh! And we ran into TM Kate and her friends in the hall. The hotel was full of runners. Made for a nice quiet place to sleep. I was asleep by ten, but up for good by 2:20 am. Kind of a bummer when the alarm was set for 4:17! I tried to go back to sleep, but the best I could do was just not wake up Rick.

The hotel opens their breakfast early for all the runners at 4:30. We headed down at 4:25 expecting a line, but we were just about the first there. I had a english muffin with PBJ and coffee. Back upstairs, I transferred my gear to a smaller bag easier to deal with and we were off.

Then as we neared our turn off from Rte 1 (just 2 miles from the race) we saw a cop car with a cop waving cars past. NO! He seemed very grumpy when we stopped to ask how to get to the race. "Keep going, turn right after McDonald's." I wanted to say, "And then what??!!" It seemed like a long detour, but we found the parking and were told there was a shuttle taking runners to the school where the race starts. I grabbed my Fuel Belt, looked for my Garmin...SHIT! I'd left the Garmin back in the room. I started getting a bit flusterd, even grumpy at this point. I also really needed to use the restroom. "How far is it to the school?" 3/4 of a mile, I'm walking. As I lit my headlamp, a van pulled up and asked if we'd rather ride. OK.

(Man! I better get to the race. Hang in there just a little longer, I'll get there soon)

I went to use the restroom while Rick went to pick up my number. When I got out, there was Danielle. Somehow, that helped a lot. I was able to let go of my bitchiness. She introduced her dad to Rick and me. Then she and I debated what to wear. We'd both already opted for shorts. It seemed warmer than we'd thought it would be. I ended up with my short-sleeved TM shirt under my light, long-sleeved shirt, figuring I could peel off the outer shirt for the second half of the race. George and Ann joined us. With the camaraderie, any remaining tension melted and there was just anticipation. Ann even offered me her Garmin! Very thankful, I declined took Rick's watch.

Due to the traffic issues, the race start was going to be delayed till 6:30 am (I guess this was only a 15 min. delay, but I had thought the race started at 6). Finally we headed out of the school to the race start. It was a cool sight to see all the runners with their headlamps on. Danielle and I now debated where to position ourselves for the start. I think we did OK. The 50 milers and marathoners start together, but soon us marthoners peel off to get in our 1.2 mile loop (the main loop that we do 2x is 12.5 miles). I don't even think we were a 1/2 mile in before I was already feeling hot. I peeled off my outer shirt and got ready to fling it to Rick as we looped around the school. He just seemed to be right where I needed him to be as I flung it at him. "Already?" Yup.

Danielle? She had slowed a little. Good thing she had the Garmin and knew we were going to fast. The adrenaline of the start had me heading out too fast. I dropped back with her and we still ran right along, just not sub-9's! We chatted comfortably, all the while concentrating on the footing with the leaves trying to conceal the roots and rocks from our eyes just getting used to running with the odd lighting of the headlamps.

The inevitable slowdown came when the single track went up the first of what the course had to offer as hills. Even though we expected it AND had tried to convince ourselves the forced slowdown would help rein us in, it was frustrating and we did our best to pass the runners who were mostly walking (as I would have been on hills if I were doing the 50 mile race). Lots of people let us by and wished us well and we tried to be as smart and polite about picking out passing points, but it was obvious we pissed off a couple of runners. Sorry.

There was more of the fire roads (or whatever you call them) than the single track, however, so it wasn't long before we got to pick up the pace again. Some guys behind us asked what we had in mind for our finish times. They said our pace was well ahead of that. Yeah, but sometimes it's good to go with it when you're feeling good and get the miles over. I knew at some point I was going to drop back and let Danielle go it alone, but I wasn't ready to give up the company and was just feeling too good running.

Somewhere around 4 miles, the group ahead of us parted and were all tip-toeing along the sides of the trail trying to avoid getting their feet wet in the long, deep puddle that had formed between the two bogs on either side of the trail. Danielle, the good Trail Monster that she is : ) ,went right down the middle with me right behind. It was a blast running by all the others and I didn't even feel bad about splashing them! At this point I was still hot (must have been the adrenaline) and the cold water actually felt good.

Not long after that, we went through the first aid station. Neither Danielle or I required anything so passed more runners here. I think the next stretch of single track would be the last that there was any issue with feeling being held up. It's really only a line of people that is difficult navigating; a single person, even two, is easy to pass.

Around here, I told Danielle I was going to let her go. I didn't drop off the pace too much, but didn't want to be tempted to keep up and making the conscious decision to let her go was good. I think the next few miles were pretty solitary, but enjoyable. I like the course. Most of my training was at Bradbury and the trails behind USM. The course was easier than the training terrain. I felt prepared.

I think in here is where I passed George. He was in his own world filled with music. I tapped his on his arm and we talked for a time. Ever the good coach, he reminded me of what was to come and when I should be thinking to just go for it. He offered me his Garmin and said he could pick it up for his 3rd lap. Do they get any sweeter?! No thank you, I was doing fine with just the time. I told him how strong he looked. And he did. And happy. And then continued on.

All of a sudden Danielle came from the woods; she'd needed a pit stop. After a little stretch together, she picked up her pace and I think I kept to mine. OK...PAUSE...TMI ALERT: While pooh may be funny, periods mostly aren't. Continue to the next paragraph if you want to avoid the topic.... This was another pre-race concern and why I resented the delayed start. I was timing tampon changes trying to minimize the number necessary in the woods. At this point in the race I noticed a bank that kind of blocked the view of approaching runners. Given that most people aren't looking at scenery, I felt this afforded me the most private location for a pit stop. It was perfect timing all around. I swear I couldn't have gone another 100 feet without the dreaded leak. Having dealt with this before, I was well prepared and was back on the trail feeling good in no time. Oh, just so I won't have to have another TMI alert...I'll include the rest here. I managed to make it through to the finish without another stop, but had only enough time for Rick to pluck off my shoes before I made as quick of a beeline as I could manage for the restroom. Again, not a moment too soon. Period.

I was feeling cold for the first time, probably due to stopping. I went to get my gloves out of my belt, but found I only had one. I put it on and just alternated between hands. It actually helped some.

Soon I was back to where the runners who'd completed their first lap were heading back out (the course is like a lollipop with a huge candy portion and a very short stick). I was able to shout to Jamie who was already off the stick and onto the second lap of the candy. Woohoo! Then came Danielle. Woohoo!!!!!

Now I was running down the field to the school and Rick was running out to meet me and find out what I needed. I gave him my bottles to refill with Gatorade and made my way to the turn-around cone. By the time I had a Gatorade at the aid station there, Rick had my bottles filled and ready to go!

Back out feeling good. My ankle that I'd worried about since I twisted it a few days before was a little stiff/sore, but easily runnable. There were no slowdowns on any singletrack now. I continued running all uphills and pressing on the road portions. This time that big long puddle was less fun; I didn't get to pass any one by running through it AND it made my feet cold and they were slow to warm up (Did they?). Just when I was starting to feel too cold, I found my other glove on the trail, still in good condition. I took that as a positive sign. Really. It's amazing how much something like that can affect your outlook.

Oh, I've babbled about nearly everything, but haven't mentioned fuel. I only had the 3 GUs with me so felt a need to ration. Normally I would try to have one every 45 minutes, but stretched it out to an hour. Pulling into the 1st aid station of the second lap, I decided to eat something to make up for the missing fuel. I was pleasantly surprised to see TM Erik there waiting on people. I had a couple cups of Gatorade, a PBJ section, and a wedge of potato dipped in salt. Mmmmm....Thank you wonderful volunteers; you're very much appreciated.

Now my piriformis problem started acting up. The nerve had my left calf burning/stabbing, my left heel numb, and twinges in the butt cheek itself. Still, this was very runnable. I don't like it when it makes me feel like my ITB is misbehaving. That gets very painful. Besides, my right big toe joint was out paining everything at this point. It might be hard to believe, but I left out something about pre-race (even something I could whine about)....When I put on my right shoe, my toe hurt. I decided it was my new socks and promptly change into my old pair that I'd brought. It felt slightly better. Well, that toe now was reminding me of much pain my left toe was in when I actually went to see the doctor to see if I could have gout. (Turns out they suspect I have arthritis in both big toes and prescribed a topical anti inflammatory drug. Somehow, the idea that I have a prescription is all I really need, but I never fill them.) The point is my toe really hurt. Each little fluctuation in the footing reinforced how much.

I noticed my pace slowing. Not much I was going to do about it at this point, but I was able to keep running even up the hills. It was always a boost to be able to pick off someone on a climb; it made the pain much more palatable. It was during this stretch that I missed the Garmin. I truly wanted to know just how much farther I had left.

The next aid station! Yay! Two more cups of Coke and I was off. I was going to have the last GU, but my hands weren't really functioning well and I decided to just focus on running. Did I mention how much my big toe joint hurt? I really wanted that Garmin.

Oh!!! There's the old, wreck of a car. I think that means less than two miles to go. I started picking up the pace. I had a chance to beat 4:30:00. Runners going the opposite way. Remember to cheer them on; they're going a lot farther. The field! I see Rick running towards me and then joining me. He offered to take stuff, but I couldn't even be bothered changing anything. I focused on the clock at the end of the field. I needed to run faster, faster. I think I really was sprinting and not just in comparison to what I had been doing. When I crossed the line I saw 4:29:1x! The results aren't in so I don't know the official time and I never remember to stop my watch. I almost hyperventilated. Rick got my shoes off. Ouch! Done : )

I want to do this one again. It'd be cool if all the runners in this house could do it next year : )

Three, Four

Just three days left till Stone Cat (well, technically, 2 now) and I headed to Thorncrag for four miles and to check out my twisted ankle. I felt it, but it wasn't bad at all. It will be fine for Stone Cat.

As I navigated the roots and rocks, I was hyper-vigilant about my footing. I could just picture twisting it again. Going up the steep hills, it was almost like running on ice; the trail was covered with a thick covering of slippery leaves. I could have used screw shoes! I almost went as slow down as up to avoid going out of control.

Gorham With a Twist

Tuesday I would normally run on the trails behind USM, but, with deer hunting going on, decided to head to the x-country track behind the elementary school (that seemed pretty safe). The terrain is pretty tame, just about a dirt road. It's like running on the snowmobile trail at Bradbury with just a little more turning (it is a loop).

Well, my mind was wandering, thinking about Stone Cat. Shit! I twisted my ankle. I could hear it. I didn't go down and made myself keep running. I always think it's best not to stop if at all possible, no time for swelling. I wasn't even a mile into the run. I finished all five, but made sure to pay attention. What an idiot!

After the run, I went immediately to Hannaford. I picked up some groceries, but also a bag of ice (frozen peas didn't seem sufficient). I've been meaning to get some containers to store some of my dried pasta (we have a bit of an infestation of flour moths). I made sure it was big enough to fit a foot. While I waited for Sam, I soaked my foot in the pasta storage container filled with ice and water. It was the longest I've ever been able to keep my foot in ice. So far, so good. It is a little sore, but tomorrow I'll know more.

And Then There Were Five

Just five days left till Stone Cat! I have yet to try out my lighting. I plan to wear a headlamp and put one on my Fuel Belt somehow. Better get working on that.

Friday, I ran at the Fore River Sanctuary with Dora. The plan was to get in a few miles then head to Trader Joe's to check it out. Plans....well, we ran a few miles, but maybe not the ones we meant to. I've run there several times and never had trouble finding my way. This time I seemed to be leading us in circles. We did take any path that looked interesting, but my sense of direction got all turned around. The nice thing is we weren't concerned too much; it's not a big enough area to really get lost. You just pop out onto a road or in someone's yard and then you say, "Oh, that's where we are!" By the time we made it back to our cars, we had enough time to catch up, find a letter box, and get in almost exactly the mileage I had in mind. Oh! And my piriformis felt way better after my run than on the way down. I couldn't even stretch and find a catch!

Then it was off to Trader Joe's. Just the traffic leading up to it was amazing. It became obvious that we'd never get into the parking lot. I had things I knew I needed from Whole Foods. I leap frogged Dora, wound down the window, and said bye. As it was I was still late to a haircut appointment that I thought I had left a big cushion for.

Saturday was a day off. Rick and I headed to NH to enjoy our annual Pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving with some college friends. A fun time was had by all.

Sunday I thought maybe I'd get out early enough to try out my lights. Ha! I don't think I got to the Bradbury parking lot till after 8:30. It was me and lots of mountain bikers. My intended 6 to 8 miles stretched into 10 since my butt/leg felt so good. I was cold though. I really need to get some gloves.