Thursday, June 30, 2011
Bradbury-er
The air was so much clearer this morning. I think I actually shivered when I went out to get the paper. By the time I met Mindy at the Brad, it was warmer, but still pretty nice. We ran our eight miles with our tongues wagging, but not hanging out. Great terrain, great weather, great conversation and then great food! If Mindy and I don't solve the worlds problems this summer, I'll be surprised.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Back to Bradbury or Redemption
After Pineland yesterday, I was looking to rebound. I need to start picking up the pace a bit on my runs since my next focus is the Bradbury Series. I find the Scuffle to be hard since it's the first time I try to run fast after training to run just far. The stitch yesterday reminded me of my last few Scuffles. So, I went to Bradbury to run the Scuffle at a not race pace, but not a relaxed pace either.
Though the weather was a little more cooperative (sun and temperature not much of an issue), the humidity was still pretty horrible. I think the dew point was just one degree below the temperature when I started, resulting in almost immediate sweating. The run was still great. I pushed till I could feel a stitch threatening. Once it backed down, I'd pick up the pace again. Around 3 1/2 miles in, I'd find myself drifting off into thought and my pace would drop back to normal. I'd have to make myself remember that I was supposed to be running harder.
My time wasn't great, but, it was a start and I enjoyed myself.
Though the weather was a little more cooperative (sun and temperature not much of an issue), the humidity was still pretty horrible. I think the dew point was just one degree below the temperature when I started, resulting in almost immediate sweating. The run was still great. I pushed till I could feel a stitch threatening. Once it backed down, I'd pick up the pace again. Around 3 1/2 miles in, I'd find myself drifting off into thought and my pace would drop back to normal. I'd have to make myself remember that I was supposed to be running harder.
My time wasn't great, but, it was a start and I enjoyed myself.
Pineland Plans
Seems my plans for running at Pineland do not go as planned. Jamie had put out the word he was running long at Pineland and wouldn't mind some company. Stephen was going to take some of his early miles. Mindy and I wanted to grab some of his later ones when he wasn't as fresh. He planned on 9 min miles. I figured I could handle those for at least 6 miles and then I'd let Mindy go on with him if I needed to drop the pace. Both Mindy and I were thinking 12 for mileage.
Well, unplanned shit in Jamie's life made him miss out on running with Stephen all together, not getting there till 8 am. Mindy and I still wanted later miles so didn't join him till 9. By the time we got to the parking lot, Jamie was already looking very soggy - high humidity.
We started on the Campus side for the eight mile loop and then figured to get 4 out of the Oak Hill side. The first two miles were the only ones we held the 9 min pace; they are pretty much down hill. Our run didn't get really ugly till mile six, when almost all hills became cause for walking. I struggled with a stitch from somewhere near 5 miles in. It became full blown before we called it quits after the first loop.
I have to quote Jamie's and Mindy's accounts from their posts, respectively: "On a selfish note, thankfully Val and Mindy weren't really feeling it either", "We ended up all agreeing that we felt like crap and in a selfish way, I was glad that at least I wasn't holding up Val and Jamie" Guess what? I selfishly loved reading those lines because I think I had some residual doubt, thought that they may have been acting like they were having a rough time so as not to make me feel bad. Several times while battling my stitch, I encouraged them to drop me.
We said our goodbyes, dried off as well as we could (just to start sweating all over again), and, while Jamie left, Mindy and I headed to the Visitor's Center. There were some cupcakes we'd been eying for quite a while now. Figures, they were slightly disappointing - just not quite as good as they looked.
For all the negatives, it was still good to be out there with Jamie and Mindy. Their picture is supposed to follow, but blogger doesn't seem to be letting me : (
Well, unplanned shit in Jamie's life made him miss out on running with Stephen all together, not getting there till 8 am. Mindy and I still wanted later miles so didn't join him till 9. By the time we got to the parking lot, Jamie was already looking very soggy - high humidity.
We started on the Campus side for the eight mile loop and then figured to get 4 out of the Oak Hill side. The first two miles were the only ones we held the 9 min pace; they are pretty much down hill. Our run didn't get really ugly till mile six, when almost all hills became cause for walking. I struggled with a stitch from somewhere near 5 miles in. It became full blown before we called it quits after the first loop.
I have to quote Jamie's and Mindy's accounts from their posts, respectively: "On a selfish note, thankfully Val and Mindy weren't really feeling it either", "We ended up all agreeing that we felt like crap and in a selfish way, I was glad that at least I wasn't holding up Val and Jamie" Guess what? I selfishly loved reading those lines because I think I had some residual doubt, thought that they may have been acting like they were having a rough time so as not to make me feel bad. Several times while battling my stitch, I encouraged them to drop me.
We said our goodbyes, dried off as well as we could (just to start sweating all over again), and, while Jamie left, Mindy and I headed to the Visitor's Center. There were some cupcakes we'd been eying for quite a while now. Figures, they were slightly disappointing - just not quite as good as they looked.
For all the negatives, it was still good to be out there with Jamie and Mindy. Their picture is supposed to follow, but blogger doesn't seem to be letting me : (
Monday, June 27, 2011
Scuffle Course and Turtles
No, the turtles weren't at Bradbury, but I'm still gonna write about them. Andy was already waiting for us when Rick and I pulled into the parking lot at 8:30. More Monsters would be running at 9 am, but we wanted to get some stuff done at the house after the run and before the Sox game.
I hope Andy enjoyed the run (at what must have been a very relaxed pace for him). I enjoyed getting to know him a little better. On the snowmobile trail, he looked like he wanted, maybe needed, to just run. I basically told him to go for it. Rick and I continued on at our easy pace, even stopping for a photo op (I'm trying to get a good picture for the blog header...I love the ocean scene, but feel like a shot at Bradbury would be much more representative. Notice, however, it's still the same pic : ( )
Andy was waiting at his truck to say bye. Then I noticed the coolest dog and struck up a conversation with her person. Turns out she was the mom (probably chauffeur) for a kid running with Ian and Emma.
Rick and I didn't even go to E & L's ....stuff to get done.
Later, walking Spot, I found two turtles laying their eggs not 15 feet apart. One was the largest painted turtle I'd ever seen. Had to run back to the house to get the camera. When I returned, the big turtle was gone, the nest empty. Perhaps I made her nervous. Still got the other one.
I hope Andy enjoyed the run (at what must have been a very relaxed pace for him). I enjoyed getting to know him a little better. On the snowmobile trail, he looked like he wanted, maybe needed, to just run. I basically told him to go for it. Rick and I continued on at our easy pace, even stopping for a photo op (I'm trying to get a good picture for the blog header...I love the ocean scene, but feel like a shot at Bradbury would be much more representative. Notice, however, it's still the same pic : ( )
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| Andy, post-run |
Andy was waiting at his truck to say bye. Then I noticed the coolest dog and struck up a conversation with her person. Turns out she was the mom (probably chauffeur) for a kid running with Ian and Emma.
Rick and I didn't even go to E & L's ....stuff to get done.
Later, walking Spot, I found two turtles laying their eggs not 15 feet apart. One was the largest painted turtle I'd ever seen. Had to run back to the house to get the camera. When I returned, the big turtle was gone, the nest empty. Perhaps I made her nervous. Still got the other one.
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| eggless |
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| less distressed turtle |
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| Rick tilling the garden |
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| garden |
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| last year's leeks and parsnips |
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| Ally Kat |
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| peppers already |
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Rainy Run at Bradbury
A lot of TMs were heading to Mt. A to do a 6 hour run in honor of the Western States 100. It was tempting, especially after all that was said by the TMs who'd done the Fat Ass down there this spring. Again, I just didn't want to add the driving time to my run. Rick had been traveling this week, so I wanted to be home longer.
Fortunately for me, Mindy decided to stay on home turf, too. We met up at the Brad early, 7:30, looking for 16 miles. The steady rain of the day and night before had puddles all over. We both debated short or long sleeves, really knowing short was the only answer; we just had to make ourselves do it.
We ran roughly Mindy's 40 loop then headed to the cars to move them inside the now opened gate and refuel/hydrate. In the lot, we saw Martin, Bret, and another runner I hadn't met before and whose name escapes me. We'd seen them out on the trails running with Jeff. They appeared to be running the Scuffle course. It was their 2nd lap and they were calling it a day. Jeff had gone back out for a few more miles. Based on where they thought he was heading, Mindy and I took off on a course to intercept. We never did. It made our path a kind of chopped up version of our original loop just run in out of order pieces.
It's amazing how quickly three hours of running can go by. We finished fairly muddy, very wet, and feeling pretty deserving of hot sandwiches at E & L.
Fortunately for me, Mindy decided to stay on home turf, too. We met up at the Brad early, 7:30, looking for 16 miles. The steady rain of the day and night before had puddles all over. We both debated short or long sleeves, really knowing short was the only answer; we just had to make ourselves do it.
We ran roughly Mindy's 40 loop then headed to the cars to move them inside the now opened gate and refuel/hydrate. In the lot, we saw Martin, Bret, and another runner I hadn't met before and whose name escapes me. We'd seen them out on the trails running with Jeff. They appeared to be running the Scuffle course. It was their 2nd lap and they were calling it a day. Jeff had gone back out for a few more miles. Based on where they thought he was heading, Mindy and I took off on a course to intercept. We never did. It made our path a kind of chopped up version of our original loop just run in out of order pieces.
It's amazing how quickly three hours of running can go by. We finished fairly muddy, very wet, and feeling pretty deserving of hot sandwiches at E & L.
Friday, June 24, 2011
It's Raining, It's Pouring, I'm Running Thorncrag
I thought about Bradbury today, thinking I'd either do it before or after a trip to Wholefoods. When I thought about what I really needed to buy, I couldn't justify the trip down to Portland. Since I was heading to my Hanniford, I decided to run Thorncrag, not even 1/2 mile from the store.
The light rain became fairly steady by the time I hit the trail. It wasn't long before the hard packed dirt developed a slick layer of slippery mud on top. It was nowhere near as slick as the wet, mossy rocks. I either need new Inov8s or another model to handle the wet. Fortunately, I just had skids and no falls.
I enjoyed the cool, wet day. Only one other person was out on the trails, an older guy walking at a good clip. He commented that this was as good a day as any for a walk on these trails. Replace run for walk and he summed up my feelings exactly. I got in five hilly miles.
The light rain became fairly steady by the time I hit the trail. It wasn't long before the hard packed dirt developed a slick layer of slippery mud on top. It was nowhere near as slick as the wet, mossy rocks. I either need new Inov8s or another model to handle the wet. Fortunately, I just had skids and no falls.
I enjoyed the cool, wet day. Only one other person was out on the trails, an older guy walking at a good clip. He commented that this was as good a day as any for a walk on these trails. Replace run for walk and he summed up my feelings exactly. I got in five hilly miles.
Mosquitoes in the Mist
Linda and I left early (for me) to meet up with Mindy for a run at Bradbury. I had the heat on while diving over; the cool air, dampness, and holding the steering wheel is a recipe for Raynaud's. The funny part is I knew I'd be sweating as soon as we got started; the due point was practically the same as the temperature.
I was surprised to find the gate closed and Mindy parked outside the Park. We were early. The plan was to show Linda the Bradbury/Pineland Connector. We knew we wouldn't cover the entire trail; Linda had to work later and we wanted to fit in Edna and Lucy. Priorities.
Mindy and I ran at our normal pace, Linda at hers. Whenever we thought the trail might be a little confusing or there was a turn, we'd head back and regroup. She was never really that far behind. Though I'd told her it was easy since the trail was marked with pink ribbon, there were new ribbons going off on what looked like new or just other trails.
The first river crossing, without the bridge, took a little extra time. The moss covered rocks were extra slippery due to the mist and earlier rain. It was here that I first noticed how thick the mosquitoes were. I slapped one spot on my calf and killed three. Linda told Mindy it was good to have me along since I was such a mosquito magnet. I really am.
Mindy and I were close to popping out on the power lines when we decided we'd head back to see where Linda was. When you are familiar with a trail, sometimes it's hard to see what could be confusing for someone who is not. We ran for longer than expected without running into her, but the plan was always that Linda would turn around when she had run the miles she wanted. Then we found an arrow drawn in the dirt that told us that's exactly what she did. Good, we'd pick her up on the way.
It was lucky we turned back when we did. At the end of the long field, on the ridge, where the trail turns sharply left to head back towards Tyron Mountain, the arrows had been covered with arrows that pointed straight. I could see Linda not far down that path. Come back! I'm not sure where she would have ended up if she kept going. Hmmmmm....Last time I'd run on a Thursday morning at Bradbury, some mountain bikers had left their race course marked on the east side trails. I wondered if the extra pick ribbons and now this arrow could be the same thing. No matter, we were all together now and back on track.
I think every time we stopped, I was busy swatting mosquitoes. I'm getting better. I used to swat and let them ruin my experience. Now I just swat and take shorter breaks. Stopping off on the summit was better. The openness and breeze combined to keep the mosquitoes away. We watched the fog blowing below us. No mosquitoes to rush us along, just the draw of E & L's.
I was surprised to find the gate closed and Mindy parked outside the Park. We were early. The plan was to show Linda the Bradbury/Pineland Connector. We knew we wouldn't cover the entire trail; Linda had to work later and we wanted to fit in Edna and Lucy. Priorities.
Mindy and I ran at our normal pace, Linda at hers. Whenever we thought the trail might be a little confusing or there was a turn, we'd head back and regroup. She was never really that far behind. Though I'd told her it was easy since the trail was marked with pink ribbon, there were new ribbons going off on what looked like new or just other trails.
The first river crossing, without the bridge, took a little extra time. The moss covered rocks were extra slippery due to the mist and earlier rain. It was here that I first noticed how thick the mosquitoes were. I slapped one spot on my calf and killed three. Linda told Mindy it was good to have me along since I was such a mosquito magnet. I really am.
Mindy and I were close to popping out on the power lines when we decided we'd head back to see where Linda was. When you are familiar with a trail, sometimes it's hard to see what could be confusing for someone who is not. We ran for longer than expected without running into her, but the plan was always that Linda would turn around when she had run the miles she wanted. Then we found an arrow drawn in the dirt that told us that's exactly what she did. Good, we'd pick her up on the way.
It was lucky we turned back when we did. At the end of the long field, on the ridge, where the trail turns sharply left to head back towards Tyron Mountain, the arrows had been covered with arrows that pointed straight. I could see Linda not far down that path. Come back! I'm not sure where she would have ended up if she kept going. Hmmmmm....Last time I'd run on a Thursday morning at Bradbury, some mountain bikers had left their race course marked on the east side trails. I wondered if the extra pick ribbons and now this arrow could be the same thing. No matter, we were all together now and back on track.
I think every time we stopped, I was busy swatting mosquitoes. I'm getting better. I used to swat and let them ruin my experience. Now I just swat and take shorter breaks. Stopping off on the summit was better. The openness and breeze combined to keep the mosquitoes away. We watched the fog blowing below us. No mosquitoes to rush us along, just the draw of E & L's.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Duckling Dilemma
Linda, Bethany, and I were carpooling to meet up with Dora and Mindy to run the Scuffle course. On the way across the driveway to tell L & B that I was ready, I heard a very upset duck behind Linda's garage. I rightly guessed that she had ducklings on the move from their nesting spot to the pond, but the cat(s) were interfering. I ran over to tell Linda. We couldn't quite decide what to do about it. The mama duck took to wing and circled the area still urgently quacking. Then I saw Taffy back there. I was able to catch him and put him in. Meanwhile the mama duck landed behind the garage again. We decided we'd head out, since we were meeting up with Dora and Mindy, but Linda told her daughter-in-law to be on the lookout for the other cats and/or the ducklings.
Not long into the drive to Bradbury, Linda's phone rang. There were five ducklings in her pool and the mom was trying to get them to move on.
At least they were safe from the kitties in there. After our run we learned that they had moved on, but we haven't seen them in the pond. Perhaps they are heading to the nearby river.
Oh, yeah, the run....We all headed out on the Scuffle together, but, maybe a mile in, Bethany and Linda decided to pull back on the pace a bit. Both had run the Close to the Coast race (and both got pies, Linda with an age group win) on Sunday and then the Scuffle course yesterday. So Mindy, Dora, and I ran along laughing and talking. I hope Mindy follows through with one of the ideas hatched along the trail : )
After the run, disappointed that Edna and Lucy's was closed, we consoled ourselves with good food at Pineland Farms.
Not long into the drive to Bradbury, Linda's phone rang. There were five ducklings in her pool and the mom was trying to get them to move on.
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| reunited in Linda's pool |
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| urging the ducklings to move on |
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At least they were safe from the kitties in there. After our run we learned that they had moved on, but we haven't seen them in the pond. Perhaps they are heading to the nearby river.
Oh, yeah, the run....We all headed out on the Scuffle together, but, maybe a mile in, Bethany and Linda decided to pull back on the pace a bit. Both had run the Close to the Coast race (and both got pies, Linda with an age group win) on Sunday and then the Scuffle course yesterday. So Mindy, Dora, and I ran along laughing and talking. I hope Mindy follows through with one of the ideas hatched along the trail : )
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| cute little blonde runners |
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| Linda relaxing after a good run |
After the run, disappointed that Edna and Lucy's was closed, we consoled ourselves with good food at Pineland Farms.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Pancakes and Monsters and Beers, Oh My!
The Triffitts hosted one of their famous Cathance and Pancake runs. As usual, it was a blast. Ryan, on the DL, held down the fort with Kate and Sam, while Danielle lead the group (Jamie, Mindy, Rick, Mary, Christine and me) through the beautiful trails in the Cathance Preserve. Pete opted for a mountain bike ride on nearby trails (bikes aren't allowed in the Preserve).
After a fun run covering right about nine miles, we headed back for yummy coffee, banana bread, pancakes, watermelon, and beer. It was the perfect day for hanging with friends. Thanks, Danielle and Ryan!
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| the group lead by Danielle |
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| the babbling brook that ran along side us |
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| Jamie on lookout |
After a fun run covering right about nine miles, we headed back for yummy coffee, banana bread, pancakes, watermelon, and beer. It was the perfect day for hanging with friends. Thanks, Danielle and Ryan!
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| Ryan and Sam |
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| Sam drawing with Kate |
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| newly engaged! |
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| caffeine! |
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Bradbury Recovery
I really needed today's run. My previous two days off from running were no fun. Thursday was spent fasting and then prepping for my first colonoscopy (recommended after turning 50, plus my Grandfather had colon cancer). I was surprised by how well I did with this; I'm usually pretty bitchy when hungry and rarely go very long without eating. Friday was the actual procedure. (You may skip to the next paragraph to get to the run and avoid maybe a TMI situation; your call.) I let the nurse know that I am very susceptible to the la-la drugs they give as sedatives. I didn't want to lose the rest of my day. Well, it turns out that I have intestines that are to regular peoples' intestines as the O Trail is to normal trails. They said they needed to give me an extra dose of the sedative because the procedure was causing cramping. This resulted in me being very difficult to wake up. I'm not sure how Rick got me home, but it was nearly 4pm before I woke up (I went in at 8 am), still fairly groggy. I functioned enough to make supper for the people, but then was back to sleep on and off for the rest of the night. I wasn't sure what the Dr. meant by the causing cramping till I woke up the next morning and found the muscles in my hips, glutes, and lower back close to spasming. I felt like hell, but assured Rick that running would fix me.
I was still a bit foggy when I got to Bradbury. Ian and NJ Dave were already in the parking lot with TMs trickling in. There was Jeff, Mindy, Julia and Dave, to name a few. Ian had the Connector with exploring in mind. I think he said he was looking for about 20 miles. I wasn't up for that and certainly not at what I imagined the pace would be. Fortunately for me, Mindy, looking to fine tune the loop for her 40-40 run, planned on two 8ish-mile loops. I figured I had at least 8 in me and hoped to hang in there for both. Nate (I think) Augustine, who'd already been out running for an hour before, decided to run with us. I hope he didn't regret his decision; Mindy and I really were chatty today. Really.
My muscles seemed to loosen up fairly quickly. The fog didn't lift till half way through the first loop. But the Brad worked its magic. I felt better and better as I ran. After the first loop, we stopped at the cars to refuel. Mindy didn't even carry water with her on the loop, relying solely on the stop. Yikes! I couldn't have survived. It wasn't hot, really, but the humidity was intense. We said goodbye to Nate, who was happy with his miles and, perhaps, to get rid of the chatter.
Heading out on the second loop, I felt totally recovered. Mindy is such a great running companion. I think she helps me put something into perspective for me every run and gives me interesting insights various topics. I hope that someday she is able to incorporate running into her therapist practice.
She tweaked the second loop just slightly (I haven't looked at the garmin yet to see how the mileage compares). A little over half way into this loop, I realized that 12 miles probably would have been the optimum length of a run for me, but I survived all 16.5ish. Yay! I downed another bottle of water before we got to E&Ls. I think the owners love our reaction when we see TBLTs on the menu and we love seeing it! Changing in their bathroom, I realized I felt a lot better than I looked. That's OK; I'll take feeling good over looking good any day.
I was still a bit foggy when I got to Bradbury. Ian and NJ Dave were already in the parking lot with TMs trickling in. There was Jeff, Mindy, Julia and Dave, to name a few. Ian had the Connector with exploring in mind. I think he said he was looking for about 20 miles. I wasn't up for that and certainly not at what I imagined the pace would be. Fortunately for me, Mindy, looking to fine tune the loop for her 40-40 run, planned on two 8ish-mile loops. I figured I had at least 8 in me and hoped to hang in there for both. Nate (I think) Augustine, who'd already been out running for an hour before, decided to run with us. I hope he didn't regret his decision; Mindy and I really were chatty today. Really.
My muscles seemed to loosen up fairly quickly. The fog didn't lift till half way through the first loop. But the Brad worked its magic. I felt better and better as I ran. After the first loop, we stopped at the cars to refuel. Mindy didn't even carry water with her on the loop, relying solely on the stop. Yikes! I couldn't have survived. It wasn't hot, really, but the humidity was intense. We said goodbye to Nate, who was happy with his miles and, perhaps, to get rid of the chatter.
Heading out on the second loop, I felt totally recovered. Mindy is such a great running companion. I think she helps me put something into perspective for me every run and gives me interesting insights various topics. I hope that someday she is able to incorporate running into her therapist practice.
She tweaked the second loop just slightly (I haven't looked at the garmin yet to see how the mileage compares). A little over half way into this loop, I realized that 12 miles probably would have been the optimum length of a run for me, but I survived all 16.5ish. Yay! I downed another bottle of water before we got to E&Ls. I think the owners love our reaction when we see TBLTs on the menu and we love seeing it! Changing in their bathroom, I realized I felt a lot better than I looked. That's OK; I'll take feeling good over looking good any day.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
8 Miles and Hill Repeats of Sorts
Mindy had been in NJ till Tuesday, so we planned a Bradbury run for Wednesday. I was looking forward to catching back up with Mindy and getting out of the fields and onto the trails at the Brad. I did enjoy my home turf, but, my ITB was starting to get a little grumpy. I'm not sure what it is about field running that aggravates it, but it does seem to be a phenomena with either too long of a run or too many days running them in a row.
Then there was an email from James asking if TMs could show up at Bradbury at 10 am on Wednesday; Bill Green was going to be interviewing Ian and James about trail running, the Bradbury series, and the 100 Mile Wilderness Run and would like to have some other TMs for filming running. Mindy and I decided doing our run first and then being there for the interview.
Jeremy joined Mindy and me for the run. The plan was to do one Mindy Loop and then head in. I know there was no dead air. Mindy caught us up on her NJ trip, we talked of interesting relatives, and how lucky we were to have and be running at Bradbury. Back at the Link trail, we realized we'd better head back. Sure enough, everyone was assembled for the interview.
Bill Green and his cameraman, Josh, were planning the shoot with Ian and James. Bill Green must have commented several times through filming how handy it was to have James there with his film experience to help coordinate us. Ian asked if I'd mind being interviewed cause they wanted to get one woman as well as Ian and James. OK. We watched Ian and James easily handle the interview (can't wait to watch, Monday at 6pm on WCSH6). A little into my turn, Bill asks, "So what made you want to run 100 miles?" or something to that effect. Oops. That was really the main focus of his interest. I think I'll be on the cutting room floor - at least for the talking part. From there, we were filmed running up the Summit Trail. In order to get enough good footage, we repeated it quite a few times from varying angles and locations. Then, it was onto the Summit to run in the background of Bill Green's introduction. Fun!
Mindy, Jeremy, and I were very happy have gotten our run in already; we were super hungry by the end of filming. While Erin stayed to get her run in, the rest of us headed to Edna and Lucy's for some proper refueling.
Oh, and my IT band felt just fine after the run and hill work. I think Bradbury is very nice to the body.
Then there was an email from James asking if TMs could show up at Bradbury at 10 am on Wednesday; Bill Green was going to be interviewing Ian and James about trail running, the Bradbury series, and the 100 Mile Wilderness Run and would like to have some other TMs for filming running. Mindy and I decided doing our run first and then being there for the interview.
Jeremy joined Mindy and me for the run. The plan was to do one Mindy Loop and then head in. I know there was no dead air. Mindy caught us up on her NJ trip, we talked of interesting relatives, and how lucky we were to have and be running at Bradbury. Back at the Link trail, we realized we'd better head back. Sure enough, everyone was assembled for the interview.
Bill Green and his cameraman, Josh, were planning the shoot with Ian and James. Bill Green must have commented several times through filming how handy it was to have James there with his film experience to help coordinate us. Ian asked if I'd mind being interviewed cause they wanted to get one woman as well as Ian and James. OK. We watched Ian and James easily handle the interview (can't wait to watch, Monday at 6pm on WCSH6). A little into my turn, Bill asks, "So what made you want to run 100 miles?" or something to that effect. Oops. That was really the main focus of his interest. I think I'll be on the cutting room floor - at least for the talking part. From there, we were filmed running up the Summit Trail. In order to get enough good footage, we repeated it quite a few times from varying angles and locations. Then, it was onto the Summit to run in the background of Bill Green's introduction. Fun!
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| Trail Monsters between takes |
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| Erin and Karen |
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| James talking technical with Josh |
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| Ian and Mindy |
Mindy, Jeremy, and I were very happy have gotten our run in already; we were super hungry by the end of filming. While Erin stayed to get her run in, the rest of us headed to Edna and Lucy's for some proper refueling.
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| James post-refuel |
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Back to Back
Another run on home turf. Today's run was a lot faster since I wasn't taking pictures. It was also slightly wetter, with a mist coming down the whole time. I was going to repeat the same course, but right in the middle of the mowed path across the street was an injured woodchuck. Injured or sick. Whichever, he didn't move at all. I yelled, clapped my hands, and approached him stomping my feet. I had to look closely to see that he was indeed breathing. I had broken my rule of non-interference with wild life yesterday when I tried to nurse chipmonk back to health after the neighbor's cat mauled it. The little fellow hung on till this morning.
I stood there just watching the woodchuck for a while considering my options. Finally, I turned around and ran the other way. Then, back home watching TV, a bird flew into our window. At least it flew off just a bit stunned. Yikes!
I stood there just watching the woodchuck for a while considering my options. Finally, I turned around and ran the other way. Then, back home watching TV, a bird flew into our window. At least it flew off just a bit stunned. Yikes!
Home Run
I was a little bummed about running at home. I just couldn't justify not. Once I got out there, I felt pretty guilty about thinking I was settling. I get to run in very pretty fields with lots of critters to appreciate.
At my little brook crossing, almost dried up with the lack of real rain, I stopped to catch a big polliwog. I thought I could take its picture, but it required two hands to hold it for just seconds.
I can say I enjoyed my run through the fields. Bringing the camera helps; it makes me see around me and not just my foot placement. The fields, in a lot of ways, are much more draining than dirt trails, but they are beautiful and right out my door. Five miles just two ticks.
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| the male bobolinks bailed while the moms stayed on the nests right by my path |
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| pretty purple seeds on some grass type |
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| the fields are beautiful with ordinary flowers |
 |
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| the little bit of woods on the way to the beaver pond |
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| Buddy, a neighbor, walking with his person |
I can say I enjoyed my run through the fields. Bringing the camera helps; it makes me see around me and not just my foot placement. The fields, in a lot of ways, are much more draining than dirt trails, but they are beautiful and right out my door. Five miles just two ticks.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Four of a Kind
This weekend, I ran both days at Bradbury, making four runs all at the Brad for the week. Saturday, Rick and I headed over not expecting to find a lot of other Monsters, thinking that a group was running the Pemi Loop. Dave Bidler, a runner I ran with once at Bradbury last year, was already in the parking lot. Soon after, Jim showed up. I just expected he'd be one of the Pemi group, but he was planning on 4x the last loop of the Breaker as training for the Escarpment. Then Alan and Karen showed up. Jim attacked the mountain, while the rest of us headed across the street to run the Scuffle. We stayed together till somewhere on Fox East, when Karen and Alan decided to take the pace down a bit.
Dave, Rick and I ran along talking about our running over the year. I took out my camera on the bridge on the when I saw the irises in bloom.
Turning off the Snowmobile Trail, back towards Knights Woods, we met Erin, Mary with Ruby, Christine with Susie, and...another runner with Christine that I can't place (sorry) starting the Scuffle.
Rick lead the rest of the way in. I noticed he picked up the pace as we went. Then, he stopped dead, "There's your bird!" I immediately got my camera ready, heading to where Rick was pointing. Sure enough, the pileated woodpecker was on a tree trunk just ahead. By the time I could get off a shot, he'd gone around the tree. He kept working his way up. Still, I did manage a couple of shots.
Back in the parking lot, we said bye to Dave. I decided to run up the Switch Back to see if I could catch Jim somewhere heading up the Boundary. When I didn't see him on the stretch approaching South Ridge, I reassessed the time and figured he'd more likely be heading up the Summit, so I headed down. I caught Jim and Alan midway up. Jim kept trying to moon me, but the camera refused to work for most of that : )
They continued on up and I on down. Rick and Karen were chatting at the picnic tables.
Today (well, Sunday), Ian, Danielle, and I planned on getting in some miles together. When I got to the park, Danielle was waiting in the parking lot, but Ian and Jim were running up to the summit. Danielle and I both had opted for long-sleeve shirts; it was damp, misty (with some rain now and again), and right about 50 degrees. As soon as Ian and Jim got back, we set off on the Boundary Trail. The plan was to introduce Danielle to the Connector up till the power lines. Jim peeled off a couple miles in; he'd already gotten his miles in for the day.
It wasn't long into the run, that I regretted the long sleeves. Aside from the wrong clothing choice, I appreciated the weather. The rain/mist seemed to keep the bugs away. And 50s beats 80s any day.
On the way back, Ian asked if we minded checking out another trail. Both Danielle and I were game. The trails were very similar to the connector, but added a cool bridge over the 1st stream. It's always fun to explore. We reconnected to the Connector just before it climbed back to the Boundary. Danielle wanted to get in 12 miles; Ian planned to run long, perhaps doing an ultra-badass. I really have no schedule right now, but didn't feel like stopping. We set off on the Scuffle. Our pace seemed pretty steady and so did our chatter.
I hated to head back, but had stuff to do at home. Danielle decided she'd head back with me too. So where the Ginn crosses the Old Tuttle Rd. we cut across to the Snowmobile Trail, to the Link, and back. By the time we got to the parking lot, Danielle's Garmin turned 12 miles! Nice. We saw Ryan's car and new that he and Sam were somewhere waiting for her. Pretty good timing, too.
I know from FB that Ian stayed the course, getting in over 32 miles. Nicer!
Dave, Rick and I ran along talking about our running over the year. I took out my camera on the bridge on the when I saw the irises in bloom.
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| prettier in person |
Turning off the Snowmobile Trail, back towards Knights Woods, we met Erin, Mary with Ruby, Christine with Susie, and...another runner with Christine that I can't place (sorry) starting the Scuffle.
Rick lead the rest of the way in. I noticed he picked up the pace as we went. Then, he stopped dead, "There's your bird!" I immediately got my camera ready, heading to where Rick was pointing. Sure enough, the pileated woodpecker was on a tree trunk just ahead. By the time I could get off a shot, he'd gone around the tree. He kept working his way up. Still, I did manage a couple of shots.
Back in the parking lot, we said bye to Dave. I decided to run up the Switch Back to see if I could catch Jim somewhere heading up the Boundary. When I didn't see him on the stretch approaching South Ridge, I reassessed the time and figured he'd more likely be heading up the Summit, so I headed down. I caught Jim and Alan midway up. Jim kept trying to moon me, but the camera refused to work for most of that : )
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| Good thing Alan's in this pic...otherwise people might think I was bigfoot hunting! |
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| both Alan and Jim ran all the way |
They continued on up and I on down. Rick and Karen were chatting at the picnic tables.
Today (well, Sunday), Ian, Danielle, and I planned on getting in some miles together. When I got to the park, Danielle was waiting in the parking lot, but Ian and Jim were running up to the summit. Danielle and I both had opted for long-sleeve shirts; it was damp, misty (with some rain now and again), and right about 50 degrees. As soon as Ian and Jim got back, we set off on the Boundary Trail. The plan was to introduce Danielle to the Connector up till the power lines. Jim peeled off a couple miles in; he'd already gotten his miles in for the day.
It wasn't long into the run, that I regretted the long sleeves. Aside from the wrong clothing choice, I appreciated the weather. The rain/mist seemed to keep the bugs away. And 50s beats 80s any day.
On the way back, Ian asked if we minded checking out another trail. Both Danielle and I were game. The trails were very similar to the connector, but added a cool bridge over the 1st stream. It's always fun to explore. We reconnected to the Connector just before it climbed back to the Boundary. Danielle wanted to get in 12 miles; Ian planned to run long, perhaps doing an ultra-badass. I really have no schedule right now, but didn't feel like stopping. We set off on the Scuffle. Our pace seemed pretty steady and so did our chatter.
I hated to head back, but had stuff to do at home. Danielle decided she'd head back with me too. So where the Ginn crosses the Old Tuttle Rd. we cut across to the Snowmobile Trail, to the Link, and back. By the time we got to the parking lot, Danielle's Garmin turned 12 miles! Nice. We saw Ryan's car and new that he and Sam were somewhere waiting for her. Pretty good timing, too.
I know from FB that Ian stayed the course, getting in over 32 miles. Nicer!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Yup, Bradbury Again
...And, like yesterday, I was rewarded with a great run and a yummy treat.
When Mindy and I were on our way back from the farthest point on the Scuffle course, on the last "longish" up on the Snowmobile Trail, we'd seen what I was sure was a new trail off to the left. I almost opted for the Scuffle course again, but decided to start out on the Bruiser and then head down the Snowmobile Trail when I got to it and pick up that new trail.
On Regan, I was surprised to find the far end of the high bridge blocked with logs, branches, and a rock. Hmmmm....It appeared a lot of mountain bike activity had gone on the "by-pass".
I remembered my camera after I'd gone over and turned to photograph the evidence. Blocking off just one side was really thoughtless since mountain bikers coming over the bridge from the other side wouldn't be able to see it till they'd crested the bridge.
Turns out that wasn't the last of the make-shift course marking. Evidently the course blocked the Snowmobile Trail (also in the opposite direction I was running) to divert the bikes onto the new trail I was planning on taking.
The trail was very short and brought me back onto Regan (near the big rock). I turned back and took a wider trail that brought me to familiar territory, Ginn West of the Bruiser. I didn't see any more of the bike course marked with the barricades, but did see an arrow on a paper plate tied to one of the numbered posts.
Despite taking pictures along the way, I ran at a good clip, really hitting my stride around 3 miles in. I ran for 6.3 miles. I felt like running more, but I had errands to get to. Besides, the heat was really building.
The pretty flora could be considered a treat, but not the one I was referring to at the start. Yesterday, when I told Mindy I'd be heading to Whole Foods today, she asked if I'd be getting my favorite chocolate-chunk scone. I lamented that they didn't seem to carry them any more. Well! I better play the lottery after my next Bradbury run; yesterday we were rewarded with the TBLTs and, today, Whole Foods had my scone. Yum : )
Oh, yeah, I did mention the inconsiderately marked and inconsiderately not picked up make-shift bike course to Tammy.
When Mindy and I were on our way back from the farthest point on the Scuffle course, on the last "longish" up on the Snowmobile Trail, we'd seen what I was sure was a new trail off to the left. I almost opted for the Scuffle course again, but decided to start out on the Bruiser and then head down the Snowmobile Trail when I got to it and pick up that new trail.
On Regan, I was surprised to find the far end of the high bridge blocked with logs, branches, and a rock. Hmmmm....It appeared a lot of mountain bike activity had gone on the "by-pass".
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| Naughty |
Turns out that wasn't the last of the make-shift course marking. Evidently the course blocked the Snowmobile Trail (also in the opposite direction I was running) to divert the bikes onto the new trail I was planning on taking.
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| More naughtiness |
Despite taking pictures along the way, I ran at a good clip, really hitting my stride around 3 miles in. I ran for 6.3 miles. I felt like running more, but I had errands to get to. Besides, the heat was really building.
The pretty flora could be considered a treat, but not the one I was referring to at the start. Yesterday, when I told Mindy I'd be heading to Whole Foods today, she asked if I'd be getting my favorite chocolate-chunk scone. I lamented that they didn't seem to carry them any more. Well! I better play the lottery after my next Bradbury run; yesterday we were rewarded with the TBLTs and, today, Whole Foods had my scone. Yum : )
Oh, yeah, I did mention the inconsiderately marked and inconsiderately not picked up make-shift bike course to Tammy.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Bradbury
I don't know if I'll make it over to Bradbury as often as I did last summer (four days a week was not uncommon), but I'd be fine with it if I did. Mindy and I ran the Scuffle course yesterday. It's a nice length and the next race.
As always, Mindy and I filled the run with words. Probably a third of the run was dissecting her hip. There was no way the two of us weren't going to able to justify her running through whatever is going on. I'm praying for her to have Jeff's achilles rapture experience, but it seems more like just stretching and exercise are her left behind (left hip) future.
The run? It was a Bradbury run, which is to say, great. The only thing that could have been improved on was the humidity. I was almost instantly soaked and we noticed the breathing was a bit labored. I'm pretty sure Chuck posted info on poor air quality. Oh well, both of those things would have been issues no matter where we ran.
And then to Edna and Lucy's! I think we felt like we were lottery winners when we saw TBLTs on the special board! Good day.
As always, Mindy and I filled the run with words. Probably a third of the run was dissecting her hip. There was no way the two of us weren't going to able to justify her running through whatever is going on. I'm praying for her to have Jeff's achilles rapture experience, but it seems more like just stretching and exercise are her left behind (left hip) future.
The run? It was a Bradbury run, which is to say, great. The only thing that could have been improved on was the humidity. I was almost instantly soaked and we noticed the breathing was a bit labored. I'm pretty sure Chuck posted info on poor air quality. Oh well, both of those things would have been issues no matter where we ran.
And then to Edna and Lucy's! I think we felt like we were lottery winners when we saw TBLTs on the special board! Good day.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Pair of Beautiful Bradbury Runs
You couldn't ask for better weather. The only thing I would have asked was that we could have had this weather a week ago. Oh well. Rick and I headed to Bradbury on Saturday, even though the group run was at Pineland. Uh huh. Nope. Would love to have seen the group, but I'm not running again there till next year, well, maybe a fall 6 - 8 would be fine okay.
For such a gorgeous day, we were surprised to see so few cars in the parking lot. We opted for the Scuffle course. It's been a while since I've run the whole course in the right direction. I don't know how many times I commented on how beautiful it was. Not long ago, I had posted about the new green looking so strikingly pretty against the dark, wet trees; it had nothing on the bright green leaves against the brilliant blue sky.
I was prepared to need to walk. I told myself I was recovering. But, damn! I felt pretty good. Rick and I hardly pushed the pace, but ran along at a respectable, yet, surprisingly easy pace. I had some little tendon-type pains around my knees and left hip, but that was it. We had a great run.
Today, we headed back to Bradbury, looking forward to meeting up with Karen and Alan. Not long after we pulled in, Pokey came over and introduced himself. He's a friend of James, who suggested he try some of the group runs. We explained what we were planning and that we were waiting for two more. Meanwhile, TM Tom Whittaker came over to say hi. He'd just finished up a run.
When Karen and Al showed up, we discussed the route, then headed off to run the Connector to the power lines. The run was filled with chatter and appreciation of the trail. Karen and Alan peeled off close to 2.5 miles in. Karen is still building distance. Somewhere on our return, I had a stretch where my running felt just right, like I was totally recovered. Nice. It didn't last the entire run, but, it sure felt good. Heading up the summit, I felt more knee and ankle twinges. That's fine. I'd still say this is by far my easiest recovery.
Back at the start, we sat at one of the picnic tables having some water. I saw a thin, Bradbury Blizzard tshirt-clad person heading our way. Ryan Triffitt! He pointed out Sam and Danielle over by the playground. They made their way over as Pokey came back from his car. He stayed for a brief introduction before heading out. We stayed to chat a bit longer with the Triffitts. Another perfect day at Bradbury Mountain : )
For such a gorgeous day, we were surprised to see so few cars in the parking lot. We opted for the Scuffle course. It's been a while since I've run the whole course in the right direction. I don't know how many times I commented on how beautiful it was. Not long ago, I had posted about the new green looking so strikingly pretty against the dark, wet trees; it had nothing on the bright green leaves against the brilliant blue sky.
I was prepared to need to walk. I told myself I was recovering. But, damn! I felt pretty good. Rick and I hardly pushed the pace, but ran along at a respectable, yet, surprisingly easy pace. I had some little tendon-type pains around my knees and left hip, but that was it. We had a great run.
Today, we headed back to Bradbury, looking forward to meeting up with Karen and Alan. Not long after we pulled in, Pokey came over and introduced himself. He's a friend of James, who suggested he try some of the group runs. We explained what we were planning and that we were waiting for two more. Meanwhile, TM Tom Whittaker came over to say hi. He'd just finished up a run.
When Karen and Al showed up, we discussed the route, then headed off to run the Connector to the power lines. The run was filled with chatter and appreciation of the trail. Karen and Alan peeled off close to 2.5 miles in. Karen is still building distance. Somewhere on our return, I had a stretch where my running felt just right, like I was totally recovered. Nice. It didn't last the entire run, but, it sure felt good. Heading up the summit, I felt more knee and ankle twinges. That's fine. I'd still say this is by far my easiest recovery.
Back at the start, we sat at one of the picnic tables having some water. I saw a thin, Bradbury Blizzard tshirt-clad person heading our way. Ryan Triffitt! He pointed out Sam and Danielle over by the playground. They made their way over as Pokey came back from his car. He stayed for a brief introduction before heading out. We stayed to chat a bit longer with the Triffitts. Another perfect day at Bradbury Mountain : )
Friday, June 3, 2011
2011 Pineland 50 - Race Report (Part IV - the final miles (...hopefully!))
Back to Camp. I'm not sure what prompted the decision, but I planned on putting on new socks. What a task! Sitting on the foam roller, I leaned forward towards my shoes. That put everything from my feet all the way up to my back into sometime of wild cramping. When I'd try to stretch one muscle/muscle group the opposing muscle(s) would immediately start cramping. Rick worked at trying to get my socks and shoes off. I'm not sure how it was finally accomplished, let alone how he was able to get them back on, because I continued to spasm. Mindy put straight Gatorade into my bottles. I put lots of salt on each potato piece I took time for. Better move while I still could.
Mindy started working to make sure I remembered to drink. A new problem surface; my stomach began to feel unhappy. I don't think it was absorbing the drinks quickly enough. Mindy told me that the salt and straight Gatorade would get into my system soon. I'd feel better. That it would help with both my stomach and the cramping. As we got further into this lap, I definitely got needier and more toddler-like. Fortunately, Mindy took all of it in stride. I could see her working out new strategies as we went.
Not long after we set out, I felt the familiar pain on the outer side of my left knee. Soon I was feeling twinges up in the hip/butt area, too. I did some pathetic attempts at stretching the band. Stretching prompted cramping of other muscles. Mindy volunteered to try and find the spot and work it out. I wouldn't have wanted to touch me. Back up and running, well moving. After the Valley Farm aid station, I was back down trying to stretch out some cramps. Jamie was heading our way. He asked if I was OK. Mindy said, yes, just cramping. Jamie said some encouraging words as he headed off. Mindy! He's on his way to finish!!! We both yelled big time for him. I hope he heard. I was happy to have recognized his effort before he got away. He was looking very strong this late in the course. Wow.
Off my ass and back to forward progress. I complained of a different pain, lower than the knee. Mindy started putting some pieces together. Maybe it was my piriformis acting up, bothering the nerve. She pointed out that could be a good thing; the piriformis is easier to stretch than the ITB. We could get on top of this. Down on my back, getting totally covered in all kinds of trail debris, I stretched. Yes. Back up, I was able to run again. Yes. While I could run, I could actually run at a decent pace.
I told Mindy that if we walked a hill and I kept walking, she should start running. If I went with her, good; she just reminded me to run. If I kept walking, means I meant to keep walking. Same for anytime I walked. She should start running. Very good. There would be pretty frequent breaks for stretching, but the periods between started to lengthen.
I had periods of light-headedness. Mindy wanted me to get in more potassium. At an aid station she gave me a banana. Yuck. It was too green. I really was a toddler at this point. Did I pout? Pretty sure. Nothing appealed to me. PBJ? They have good ones at a later aid station. Yes, I am fussy and got fussier. I hate PBJs with a lot of PB, especially when running; swallowing is hard enough. Remember to take GU. That became Mindy's job, too. Stomach issues would continue. Don't, don't, don't puke. Nobody likes that.
I think somewhere after the 2nd Yurt visit, my piriformis had been tamed. I would still have periodic cramping of random muscle, but, Mindy's methods were working. The stomach would only bother for a bit while it dealt with trying to absorb the stuff I needed. The chafing that had started a while back now became really annoying. The lube stuff wasn't working at all. Though most of my body had chafing, it was the short hem-line that was the problem. Mindy handed me a wipe (yes, she'd brought unscented, moist towelettes...no one likes sticky-GU/Gatorade fingers. We'd already been through a lot of these. Sticky fingers kept attracting trail shit like Pig Pen attracts dust. I finally had to give up on the idea of clean fingers...) the idea being to start from scratch. OOOWWWWW! Major, major stinging. "But they're alcohol-free!" Ouch, ouch, ouch. Now nothing helped. Shouldn't have even been an issue; it's just chafing. You can run with chafing. So we did.
We were approaching the Yurt for the last time! We celebrated. Then! Was that a mirage? They had popsicles! Oh. My. God. It's amazing how just that could raise you up so high. I asked who's idea. Sara's. I said, "You'd think you were married to someone who runs ultras!" Another volunteer said, "She is!" I smiled. "I know." I gushed. I said they were my favorite of all aid stations ever. They were.
Mindy reminded me it was getting to be GU time. I told her I'd take it when we got to the "troughy up in the field place" or something very similar. And she knew where I meant. How in tune is that?! When we got there, "isn't it GU time?" Very good. Mostly now, walking was due to heat/dizziness. I'd, we'd, pretty much worked out the left leg pain.
Valley Farm aid station. Anything look like you want it? Watermelon! The toddler reappeared. I'm not sure if it immediately came back out, but I know I "yucked". Blah. Hot, mushy watermelon made me want to hurl. Then I tried to hide my reaction from all but Mindy; the aid station volunteers were doing an awesome job. I didn't want to make them feel bad. Besides, they are the ones that make the good PBJs : )
Oh, we are so getting there. I hope this doesn't sound like I was miserable this entire last loop. Mindy and I were having fun even while dealing with the pains, cramps, fueling issues. We were working well; dealing with and solving the problems. I did realize at this point that I was not going to even hit my "B" goal. That was OK.
Whoa! Coming back into the Grove, you'd think I was on pace to set the course record. The TMs were out in full-force, cheering. Ian asked our neighboring camp if we could steal some of their shade. A chair was produced. I had ice on me, drinks, salted potatoes, and was encircled by friends. Emma! How'd you do??? She gave me her little impish smile and said good, but didn't go on much. I got the sense that, right now, this is still about you. Jim handed me a sip of his beer. Mmmm. Better get up and finish this.
I know we took a long time across the road, but it was good. We knew we had it. Still had to work on fluid intake. I had to go down all steep hills backwards (better on my really sore big toes and easier on the ITB). We were still leap frogging a lot of our same people. We did pick up a couple, younger woman, older man (both in relation to me). Also a younger (20 something) woman, Joslynn Lee, who, though struggling with the heat, seemed to have the best attitude (turns out it was her 1st 50!).
Maybe 1/2 mile out from the last aid station, we see Alan running toward us! He offered encouragement and advice. Told me that a worried Rick was waiting for me at the aid station. Then, there he and the aid station was! People tend to hate that field. I was very happy to see it. I wanted to make sure I stayed ahead of the couple. Mindy was to look back and let me know. I was going to use them to push me. I didn't hate them like I did my "stick" from last year's race, but I would definitely beat them. OK, Mindy was giving me targets to run till, but we just kept running. I loved not stopping when "allowed". I saw TMs near the end of the field. After walking that little hill near the end, I would make sure I pushed, for me and for them.
I ran fast and faster. I felt like I was sprinting through the finish. Rick and Monsters made me feel like a hero! People waited on me hand and foot (pretty literally!). I was shaded by Ryan (though he needed reinforcements, he casts a narrow shadow!). After icing my feet and discovering my first-ever black toenail, I was lead over to the Triffitts camp and put in Jeremy's chair (it was already wet). Emma gave me a wonderful shoulder massage. I wish I could have stayed there listening to their tails of the trail longer, but, I began to shiver. Time to get home.
So, my slowest time yet, but I had fun and learned so much. This race was about surviving the heat and the cramping it brought. I had no residual pain in the piriformis/ITB leg. I think it was a spasm not an injury. Looking back in my log to my first 50, I commented that it was "perfect weather". I truly believe that, with the training I did, I was capable of 10 hours. I needed the "perfect weather" though, not the hot, humid, hell that we had. I am complaining, but I'm not complaining. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. I liked this race. Next year's 50 will be a day earlier calendar-wise. I will try again. I'll hope for good weather, but...
PS. I had no delayed onset muscle soreness. Means I didn't work them hard enough. Seriously, I had to do too much walking/stopping. I look forward to having the stairs as my enemy next year. I want to earn that.
Mindy started working to make sure I remembered to drink. A new problem surface; my stomach began to feel unhappy. I don't think it was absorbing the drinks quickly enough. Mindy told me that the salt and straight Gatorade would get into my system soon. I'd feel better. That it would help with both my stomach and the cramping. As we got further into this lap, I definitely got needier and more toddler-like. Fortunately, Mindy took all of it in stride. I could see her working out new strategies as we went.
Not long after we set out, I felt the familiar pain on the outer side of my left knee. Soon I was feeling twinges up in the hip/butt area, too. I did some pathetic attempts at stretching the band. Stretching prompted cramping of other muscles. Mindy volunteered to try and find the spot and work it out. I wouldn't have wanted to touch me. Back up and running, well moving. After the Valley Farm aid station, I was back down trying to stretch out some cramps. Jamie was heading our way. He asked if I was OK. Mindy said, yes, just cramping. Jamie said some encouraging words as he headed off. Mindy! He's on his way to finish!!! We both yelled big time for him. I hope he heard. I was happy to have recognized his effort before he got away. He was looking very strong this late in the course. Wow.
Off my ass and back to forward progress. I complained of a different pain, lower than the knee. Mindy started putting some pieces together. Maybe it was my piriformis acting up, bothering the nerve. She pointed out that could be a good thing; the piriformis is easier to stretch than the ITB. We could get on top of this. Down on my back, getting totally covered in all kinds of trail debris, I stretched. Yes. Back up, I was able to run again. Yes. While I could run, I could actually run at a decent pace.
I told Mindy that if we walked a hill and I kept walking, she should start running. If I went with her, good; she just reminded me to run. If I kept walking, means I meant to keep walking. Same for anytime I walked. She should start running. Very good. There would be pretty frequent breaks for stretching, but the periods between started to lengthen.
I had periods of light-headedness. Mindy wanted me to get in more potassium. At an aid station she gave me a banana. Yuck. It was too green. I really was a toddler at this point. Did I pout? Pretty sure. Nothing appealed to me. PBJ? They have good ones at a later aid station. Yes, I am fussy and got fussier. I hate PBJs with a lot of PB, especially when running; swallowing is hard enough. Remember to take GU. That became Mindy's job, too. Stomach issues would continue. Don't, don't, don't puke. Nobody likes that.
I think somewhere after the 2nd Yurt visit, my piriformis had been tamed. I would still have periodic cramping of random muscle, but, Mindy's methods were working. The stomach would only bother for a bit while it dealt with trying to absorb the stuff I needed. The chafing that had started a while back now became really annoying. The lube stuff wasn't working at all. Though most of my body had chafing, it was the short hem-line that was the problem. Mindy handed me a wipe (yes, she'd brought unscented, moist towelettes...no one likes sticky-GU/Gatorade fingers. We'd already been through a lot of these. Sticky fingers kept attracting trail shit like Pig Pen attracts dust. I finally had to give up on the idea of clean fingers...) the idea being to start from scratch. OOOWWWWW! Major, major stinging. "But they're alcohol-free!" Ouch, ouch, ouch. Now nothing helped. Shouldn't have even been an issue; it's just chafing. You can run with chafing. So we did.
We were approaching the Yurt for the last time! We celebrated. Then! Was that a mirage? They had popsicles! Oh. My. God. It's amazing how just that could raise you up so high. I asked who's idea. Sara's. I said, "You'd think you were married to someone who runs ultras!" Another volunteer said, "She is!" I smiled. "I know." I gushed. I said they were my favorite of all aid stations ever. They were.
Mindy reminded me it was getting to be GU time. I told her I'd take it when we got to the "troughy up in the field place" or something very similar. And she knew where I meant. How in tune is that?! When we got there, "isn't it GU time?" Very good. Mostly now, walking was due to heat/dizziness. I'd, we'd, pretty much worked out the left leg pain.
Valley Farm aid station. Anything look like you want it? Watermelon! The toddler reappeared. I'm not sure if it immediately came back out, but I know I "yucked". Blah. Hot, mushy watermelon made me want to hurl. Then I tried to hide my reaction from all but Mindy; the aid station volunteers were doing an awesome job. I didn't want to make them feel bad. Besides, they are the ones that make the good PBJs : )
Oh, we are so getting there. I hope this doesn't sound like I was miserable this entire last loop. Mindy and I were having fun even while dealing with the pains, cramps, fueling issues. We were working well; dealing with and solving the problems. I did realize at this point that I was not going to even hit my "B" goal. That was OK.
Whoa! Coming back into the Grove, you'd think I was on pace to set the course record. The TMs were out in full-force, cheering. Ian asked our neighboring camp if we could steal some of their shade. A chair was produced. I had ice on me, drinks, salted potatoes, and was encircled by friends. Emma! How'd you do??? She gave me her little impish smile and said good, but didn't go on much. I got the sense that, right now, this is still about you. Jim handed me a sip of his beer. Mmmm. Better get up and finish this.
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| heading out for the last 5+ miles (see why those shorts chafed?) |
Maybe 1/2 mile out from the last aid station, we see Alan running toward us! He offered encouragement and advice. Told me that a worried Rick was waiting for me at the aid station. Then, there he and the aid station was! People tend to hate that field. I was very happy to see it. I wanted to make sure I stayed ahead of the couple. Mindy was to look back and let me know. I was going to use them to push me. I didn't hate them like I did my "stick" from last year's race, but I would definitely beat them. OK, Mindy was giving me targets to run till, but we just kept running. I loved not stopping when "allowed". I saw TMs near the end of the field. After walking that little hill near the end, I would make sure I pushed, for me and for them.
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| Emma (remember she's already run 50 miles) running out to bring us home! |
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| In Jeremy's chair (an honor, really. read about his amazing race) |
So, my slowest time yet, but I had fun and learned so much. This race was about surviving the heat and the cramping it brought. I had no residual pain in the piriformis/ITB leg. I think it was a spasm not an injury. Looking back in my log to my first 50, I commented that it was "perfect weather". I truly believe that, with the training I did, I was capable of 10 hours. I needed the "perfect weather" though, not the hot, humid, hell that we had. I am complaining, but I'm not complaining. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. I liked this race. Next year's 50 will be a day earlier calendar-wise. I will try again. I'll hope for good weather, but...
PS. I had no delayed onset muscle soreness. Means I didn't work them hard enough. Seriously, I had to do too much walking/stopping. I look forward to having the stairs as my enemy next year. I want to earn that.
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