Heaven on earth.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Wow. Just. Wow.
Did you hear me? Did you hear me yell out YIPPEE as I crossed the finish line? Did you hear me scream NO WAY when I found out my results..where I placed in the Superior Trail 50 Mile Run.
I bet you did. I was loud .. and proud.
I headed Up North to Lutsen, MN around 830 Friday morning, just after the boys boarded the school bus.
Extremely excited to run, no pre run jitters, just excitement because I was going to spend the weekend with my favorite friends and spend a good 13 + hours on a beautiful trail. Gods Country. Truly.
I arrived in Lutsen earlier than my roomates so I checked in, unpacked and did some hiking out to the start line, onto the trail and up into the woods a few miles. I was thinking about the next morning, thinking about the race, wondering what would happen out here on the trail.
Would I be able to eat and drink without feeling sick, would I have blisters and would I again be stuck in the dark?
Friends arrived, we went to the packet pickup at the host hotel, where we were staying, mingled with everyone and settled down to the hotel's pasta special. Spaghetti, sauce, garlic bread and salad. Well, the spaghetti sauce was without meat, apparently the previous year 'too many people asked for meatless'. Unreal. So no meat for anyone. And the spaghetti, it was fat and water logged. I called it flobberworms (I'm reading Harry Potter). It sat in my stomach and grew even more.
I had a bad dream about the spaghetti that night. I dreamed that I had a spaghetti tail growing from my bottom. Oh man, a spaghetti nightmare. Should I cut it or let it grow? Please wake up. I did. No more flobberworms for me.
Race day morning was fun. I and Jeffrey were late checking in. We moved up to the front of the start. Runners were all around us, Race Directors Larry and Colleen were standing in the front, clipboards in hand. I and Jeffrey walked up to them and as they were checking us in I felt like it was an 'Amazing Race' moment. Of course I said what I was thinking out loud, as I usually do, and everyone laughed. It was a funny moment. I love 'Amazing Race'.
It was warm and dark. We began at 6 AM. I had a flashlight to carry and then drop off in my drop bag at Oberg Aid Station. I figured I could then pick it up on the way in if I was going to be running in the dark. I hoped I wouldn't need it.
Larry told us to head out, so out we went. At Voyaguer I and Jeffrey started out in the front pack, and that turned out to be a good thing. I figured I'd try it again. There were about 15 people in front of me as I ran the first section. I ran like hell. It was hot. I removed my long sleeved shirt before I hit mile 1. That was a sign of things to come.
It took about 1:40 to get to Oberg; 7 miles. I was happy with that. I dropped off my flashlight, said HI to Scott and Alicia who were working the aid station, had my bottles filled and was out of there.
I felt awesome, but it was early. The next section was 5 miles. Lots of climbing, lots of rocks and roots. This trail is so rough. SO rough. It's like nothing else I've ever run upon.
The fall colors were spectacular. I stopped along the way and took many pictures, I then told myself to cut it out and get running. No more picture taking. I will post the pics soon. There was beautiful scenery.
It took me 1:30 to cover the next 5 miles. Into the aid station, get both bottles filled (48 oz in 1:30!), grab a PB&J and out of there.
Onto the next 5 mile section. More climbing, climbing, climbing up the hills. But I felt good, felt strong. I told myself it was early, the bad patch would arrive soon.
It didn't.
The pack I had started out running with was dispersed and I was running most of the race alone. I was happy that the marathon was going one from our turn-around back to our start, so I could see some folks.
My friend Ann looked awesome in the marathon, she was in a bunch of 4-5 when I saw her, we said hello and good bye. Ann ended up finishing in 6:04, taking 2nd Master Woman. Go Ann. You rock!
This section is 8 miles long and goes on forever and a day. I drained both bottles of drink; one water, one Hammer Heed, had to dig into a Myloplex bar and finally arrived at the aid station. Filled up the bottles, grabbed a sandwich and was on my way.
5:45. 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Wow. A Miracle!!
I was feeling so good, I was hot, but not baking. It was 81F and very very humid. Some people were frying. I was eating, drinking, doing Ecaps every hour, no pain other than blister pain, but that's a given for me. I was feeling really strong.
I noticed the first woman on the way to the turn around, Deb Bennet, she rocks. She finished in 10:30. Yeah, 10:30. I spoke with her after the race for a long time, trying to glean some knowledge from her! An awesome strong woman, 46 years old.
Going back toward the start was awesome. I love out and backs. I was able to see all of the runners, get a few high fives, a few shocked glances, lots of encouragement. These ultra runners are just the best.
I just kept moving forward. No pain, no cramps, no bad patch. It was a miracle. Ouch, I did get stung by a bee a few times. It didn't bother for too long though.
I was trying to figure out the math in my head, trying to figure out the miles and the time I may finish. Then I thought I was becomming too cocky and just better run. My luck I'd fall down and break an ankle as I'm dreaming of a 13 hour finish. Just run, woman, run.
All alone to my thoughts, not a person to be found after the 50 Milers reached the turn around was real lonely. I yelled out "TOPIE WOPIE" for Topaz. I actually thanked him out loud for being my faithful training partner this past year. For helping me to go out and snow shoe for 20 mile snow shoe runs during the winter when I was cold and lazy and didn't feel like it. For always being at my side with a wag of a tail and a wet kiss for me. He's the best.
When I reached Oberg at 430 I was pretty amazed. I think Scott was shocked. I asked him if I needed my lights and he laughed at me "No, Jul, you don't need your lights. You'll finish this thing in the day light" He gave me a big hug and a bunch of encouragement and I was going to run in the last 7 miles. I was going to run my ass off.
I started crying as I was running that last section. Crying because I was doing something I never thought I could. Finish WITHIN the time limit? I hadn't done that here before. I was always the slow, fat chick. Barely finishing before the cut off's or even after. 17:50 last year and 15:30 the year before.
I might finish in 12:45. But I might crash and burn. I might get sick or fall or who knows what.
I was running along and saw Kim Holak running towards me on the trail. She has won this race in the past. She wasn't running because she is doing Bear 100 in three weeks. Her husband, Andy, won the race (tied with his friend) in 8:xx. Anyway, I asked Kim how much farther. "1.5 miles Julie, and it is all downhill"
Crying again, I ran as fast as I could. It probably wasn't that fast but boy it felt like I was flying. It was all downhill, over the rocks, the roots, over the final river. I told myself DON'T LEAVE ANYTHING INSIDE. LEAVE IT ON THE TRAIL. LEAVE IT ALL ON THE TRAIL. All the blood sweat and tears. Leave it here. Run hard. Run hard.
Man I ran hard. I was bawling. I was embarassed. Nobody saw me though. I came out to the road, up the hill, saw the Caribou Highlands. Saw the pool. Oh my god. I'm here.
Ann yelled. They all began clapping. I crossed the finish line in 12:20. Second Woman. First Master Woman. 11th Overall.
11th Overall. That's what really gets to me, inside. 11th Overall. It's shocking. It makes me cry..happy tears :)
I bet you did. I was loud .. and proud.
I headed Up North to Lutsen, MN around 830 Friday morning, just after the boys boarded the school bus.
Extremely excited to run, no pre run jitters, just excitement because I was going to spend the weekend with my favorite friends and spend a good 13 + hours on a beautiful trail. Gods Country. Truly.
I arrived in Lutsen earlier than my roomates so I checked in, unpacked and did some hiking out to the start line, onto the trail and up into the woods a few miles. I was thinking about the next morning, thinking about the race, wondering what would happen out here on the trail.
Would I be able to eat and drink without feeling sick, would I have blisters and would I again be stuck in the dark?
Friends arrived, we went to the packet pickup at the host hotel, where we were staying, mingled with everyone and settled down to the hotel's pasta special. Spaghetti, sauce, garlic bread and salad. Well, the spaghetti sauce was without meat, apparently the previous year 'too many people asked for meatless'. Unreal. So no meat for anyone. And the spaghetti, it was fat and water logged. I called it flobberworms (I'm reading Harry Potter). It sat in my stomach and grew even more.
I had a bad dream about the spaghetti that night. I dreamed that I had a spaghetti tail growing from my bottom. Oh man, a spaghetti nightmare. Should I cut it or let it grow? Please wake up. I did. No more flobberworms for me.
Race day morning was fun. I and Jeffrey were late checking in. We moved up to the front of the start. Runners were all around us, Race Directors Larry and Colleen were standing in the front, clipboards in hand. I and Jeffrey walked up to them and as they were checking us in I felt like it was an 'Amazing Race' moment. Of course I said what I was thinking out loud, as I usually do, and everyone laughed. It was a funny moment. I love 'Amazing Race'.
It was warm and dark. We began at 6 AM. I had a flashlight to carry and then drop off in my drop bag at Oberg Aid Station. I figured I could then pick it up on the way in if I was going to be running in the dark. I hoped I wouldn't need it.
Larry told us to head out, so out we went. At Voyaguer I and Jeffrey started out in the front pack, and that turned out to be a good thing. I figured I'd try it again. There were about 15 people in front of me as I ran the first section. I ran like hell. It was hot. I removed my long sleeved shirt before I hit mile 1. That was a sign of things to come.
It took about 1:40 to get to Oberg; 7 miles. I was happy with that. I dropped off my flashlight, said HI to Scott and Alicia who were working the aid station, had my bottles filled and was out of there.
I felt awesome, but it was early. The next section was 5 miles. Lots of climbing, lots of rocks and roots. This trail is so rough. SO rough. It's like nothing else I've ever run upon.
The fall colors were spectacular. I stopped along the way and took many pictures, I then told myself to cut it out and get running. No more picture taking. I will post the pics soon. There was beautiful scenery.
It took me 1:30 to cover the next 5 miles. Into the aid station, get both bottles filled (48 oz in 1:30!), grab a PB&J and out of there.
Onto the next 5 mile section. More climbing, climbing, climbing up the hills. But I felt good, felt strong. I told myself it was early, the bad patch would arrive soon.
It didn't.
The pack I had started out running with was dispersed and I was running most of the race alone. I was happy that the marathon was going one from our turn-around back to our start, so I could see some folks.
My friend Ann looked awesome in the marathon, she was in a bunch of 4-5 when I saw her, we said hello and good bye. Ann ended up finishing in 6:04, taking 2nd Master Woman. Go Ann. You rock!
This section is 8 miles long and goes on forever and a day. I drained both bottles of drink; one water, one Hammer Heed, had to dig into a Myloplex bar and finally arrived at the aid station. Filled up the bottles, grabbed a sandwich and was on my way.
5:45. 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Wow. A Miracle!!
I was feeling so good, I was hot, but not baking. It was 81F and very very humid. Some people were frying. I was eating, drinking, doing Ecaps every hour, no pain other than blister pain, but that's a given for me. I was feeling really strong.
I noticed the first woman on the way to the turn around, Deb Bennet, she rocks. She finished in 10:30. Yeah, 10:30. I spoke with her after the race for a long time, trying to glean some knowledge from her! An awesome strong woman, 46 years old.
Going back toward the start was awesome. I love out and backs. I was able to see all of the runners, get a few high fives, a few shocked glances, lots of encouragement. These ultra runners are just the best.
I just kept moving forward. No pain, no cramps, no bad patch. It was a miracle. Ouch, I did get stung by a bee a few times. It didn't bother for too long though.
I was trying to figure out the math in my head, trying to figure out the miles and the time I may finish. Then I thought I was becomming too cocky and just better run. My luck I'd fall down and break an ankle as I'm dreaming of a 13 hour finish. Just run, woman, run.
All alone to my thoughts, not a person to be found after the 50 Milers reached the turn around was real lonely. I yelled out "TOPIE WOPIE" for Topaz. I actually thanked him out loud for being my faithful training partner this past year. For helping me to go out and snow shoe for 20 mile snow shoe runs during the winter when I was cold and lazy and didn't feel like it. For always being at my side with a wag of a tail and a wet kiss for me. He's the best.
When I reached Oberg at 430 I was pretty amazed. I think Scott was shocked. I asked him if I needed my lights and he laughed at me "No, Jul, you don't need your lights. You'll finish this thing in the day light" He gave me a big hug and a bunch of encouragement and I was going to run in the last 7 miles. I was going to run my ass off.
I started crying as I was running that last section. Crying because I was doing something I never thought I could. Finish WITHIN the time limit? I hadn't done that here before. I was always the slow, fat chick. Barely finishing before the cut off's or even after. 17:50 last year and 15:30 the year before.
I might finish in 12:45. But I might crash and burn. I might get sick or fall or who knows what.
I was running along and saw Kim Holak running towards me on the trail. She has won this race in the past. She wasn't running because she is doing Bear 100 in three weeks. Her husband, Andy, won the race (tied with his friend) in 8:xx. Anyway, I asked Kim how much farther. "1.5 miles Julie, and it is all downhill"
Crying again, I ran as fast as I could. It probably wasn't that fast but boy it felt like I was flying. It was all downhill, over the rocks, the roots, over the final river. I told myself DON'T LEAVE ANYTHING INSIDE. LEAVE IT ON THE TRAIL. LEAVE IT ALL ON THE TRAIL. All the blood sweat and tears. Leave it here. Run hard. Run hard.
Man I ran hard. I was bawling. I was embarassed. Nobody saw me though. I came out to the road, up the hill, saw the Caribou Highlands. Saw the pool. Oh my god. I'm here.
Ann yelled. They all began clapping. I crossed the finish line in 12:20. Second Woman. First Master Woman. 11th Overall.
11th Overall. That's what really gets to me, inside. 11th Overall. It's shocking. It makes me cry..happy tears :)
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Over and Out
I feel like a puffer fish. In preparation for the Superior Trail 50 Mile Race on Saturday I have been eating a few more carbs than usual. I usually eat approximately 130 grams of carb/150 grams of protein and 30 grams of fat each day.
Today I have consumed 250 grams of carb; tomorrow will be about the same and during the race I will eat as many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches during the race that I can. I have learned that I need to eat as much as I can as early as I can. I have found that 1/4 of a pb&j, a 1/2 banana and 20 oz of water/hammer heed every aid station does wonders. There is one section of the race that has 8 miles in between aid stations. I do carry 2 24oz bottles in my waist pack and always drain both during that stretch. I carry Myloplex bars and Clif Shot if needed.
After 8 hours my appetite is way off and I can barely stomach anything. That's why I eat early and often.
I also take one Succeed cap (salt/electrolyte/potassium) each hour.
I have two drop bags planned. I usually don't use drop bags but I'll begin the race in the dark so I'll have to carry a hand held flashlight. I'll drop that off at an early aid station in one of my bags. I'll then have my head lamp in a later aid station in a drop bag in case it gets dark..oh I so hope it doesn't..on the way to the finish. Last year I became lost and finished in 17 hours. It was such a bitch. It was so damn hard. I didn't have any lights and had to sit around for an HOUR waiting for some other runners to help me out. Thankfully, Bob and Chris were very experienced ultra runners, had a spare light for me, and we all finished together. I was just damn lucky they were still out there running.
Two years ago I finished in 14 hours. I'm hoping to finish this year in 13. We'll see.
Tomorrow morning after the boys board the school bus I'll be on my way to the beautiful Lutsen, MN to hit the Superior Hiking Trail. I can't wait!
Over and Out..
Today I have consumed 250 grams of carb; tomorrow will be about the same and during the race I will eat as many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches during the race that I can. I have learned that I need to eat as much as I can as early as I can. I have found that 1/4 of a pb&j, a 1/2 banana and 20 oz of water/hammer heed every aid station does wonders. There is one section of the race that has 8 miles in between aid stations. I do carry 2 24oz bottles in my waist pack and always drain both during that stretch. I carry Myloplex bars and Clif Shot if needed.
After 8 hours my appetite is way off and I can barely stomach anything. That's why I eat early and often.
I also take one Succeed cap (salt/electrolyte/potassium) each hour.
I have two drop bags planned. I usually don't use drop bags but I'll begin the race in the dark so I'll have to carry a hand held flashlight. I'll drop that off at an early aid station in one of my bags. I'll then have my head lamp in a later aid station in a drop bag in case it gets dark..oh I so hope it doesn't..on the way to the finish. Last year I became lost and finished in 17 hours. It was such a bitch. It was so damn hard. I didn't have any lights and had to sit around for an HOUR waiting for some other runners to help me out. Thankfully, Bob and Chris were very experienced ultra runners, had a spare light for me, and we all finished together. I was just damn lucky they were still out there running.
Two years ago I finished in 14 hours. I'm hoping to finish this year in 13. We'll see.
Tomorrow morning after the boys board the school bus I'll be on my way to the beautiful Lutsen, MN to hit the Superior Hiking Trail. I can't wait!
Over and Out..
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Wednesday Night Run Club
Today I was apprehensive about Run Club. My quads were screaming, my butt was plain old sore. The DOMS had set in big time from all of the squats, lunges, extensions, ham curls I did on Monday. Then add yesterday's track workout and I was nervous.
But I love Wednesday Night Club. It is Ann's birthday today and I had recruited another run to give us a try. I had to show up.
I did, and it went just fine.
5 miles in 39:09. Lots of good friends and good conversation.
There were 4 women running tonight; a record :) Yes, it is just fine to run with the guys each week but it sure is nice when some women show up. I hope we didn't scare them off :) I think they will be back.
But I love Wednesday Night Club. It is Ann's birthday today and I had recruited another run to give us a try. I had to show up.
I did, and it went just fine.
5 miles in 39:09. Lots of good friends and good conversation.
There were 4 women running tonight; a record :) Yes, it is just fine to run with the guys each week but it sure is nice when some women show up. I hope we didn't scare them off :) I think they will be back.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Friday, August 19, 2005
TGIF
I haven't had to have the thought 'thank god it's Friday' for many weeks. Today I thought that thought over and over again. Back at work for the first week, after having eight weeks off, getting the classes and offices ready for school to open, eek.
Trying to get up before the crack of dawn, run, lift, bike, shower, work, meetings, kids sports, run, bike, shower, lift..whatever and to bed to do it all over again.
This takes some getting used to!
Tonight was a 7.5 mile run with Topaz on the trail. Hot, humid and I was just plain tired. I don't think my body is used to running in the late afternoon. The food that I've been eating all day is jumbling around in my stomach, I pee over and over again because by 330 I've already had 80 ounces of water and coffee and whatever else I may have consumed.
I love my fasted morning runs. No food in the tummy, don't have to worry about what to eat and what not to eat, etc.
I looked at my eating logs for the past 7 days. I consumed an average of 1734 calories which consisted of 38% carbs, 42% protein and 20% fat. I lost .10 of a pound. A great week of maintenance. I'm going to live here for a while, then try to lose another 5 or so...
Trying to get up before the crack of dawn, run, lift, bike, shower, work, meetings, kids sports, run, bike, shower, lift..whatever and to bed to do it all over again.
This takes some getting used to!
Tonight was a 7.5 mile run with Topaz on the trail. Hot, humid and I was just plain tired. I don't think my body is used to running in the late afternoon. The food that I've been eating all day is jumbling around in my stomach, I pee over and over again because by 330 I've already had 80 ounces of water and coffee and whatever else I may have consumed.
I love my fasted morning runs. No food in the tummy, don't have to worry about what to eat and what not to eat, etc.
I looked at my eating logs for the past 7 days. I consumed an average of 1734 calories which consisted of 38% carbs, 42% protein and 20% fat. I lost .10 of a pound. A great week of maintenance. I'm going to live here for a while, then try to lose another 5 or so...
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Run Club
Wednesday means Run Club night.
I always thought the runners at Run Club were a pretty awesome group of guys. I was way too timidated to ever even think of running with them. Or even speaking with them.
After I began running I entered my first race..the Big Lake 8K put on my the Big Lake Run Club. They seemed very nice, so I attended one of their Wednesday night runs.
Oh my gosh. I was ill prepared for them. Two men felt sorry for me and ran with me, at my pace, the whole 5 mile route. I think we ran 11 minute miles and it was pretty much walking for them.
I didn't go back for three years.
Now this group of men have become my very very good friends. They are still faster than I (most of them) but I am no longer intimidated by them. We even get a few women once in a while to join us.
We all begin in the front of the Big Lake High School at 6 PM. We run together for approximately 5 minutes and whooooshhhh off they go! I see their backs for the rest of the route, up the hills, around the lakes, through the town. At the end of the run they all stand in a line and clap and cheer for me.
They are a pretty awesome group.
Tonights run : 5 miles 39:30. A long way from my first Run Club night.
I always thought the runners at Run Club were a pretty awesome group of guys. I was way too timidated to ever even think of running with them. Or even speaking with them.
After I began running I entered my first race..the Big Lake 8K put on my the Big Lake Run Club. They seemed very nice, so I attended one of their Wednesday night runs.
Oh my gosh. I was ill prepared for them. Two men felt sorry for me and ran with me, at my pace, the whole 5 mile route. I think we ran 11 minute miles and it was pretty much walking for them.
I didn't go back for three years.
Now this group of men have become my very very good friends. They are still faster than I (most of them) but I am no longer intimidated by them. We even get a few women once in a while to join us.
We all begin in the front of the Big Lake High School at 6 PM. We run together for approximately 5 minutes and whooooshhhh off they go! I see their backs for the rest of the route, up the hills, around the lakes, through the town. At the end of the run they all stand in a line and clap and cheer for me.
They are a pretty awesome group.
Tonights run : 5 miles 39:30. A long way from my first Run Club night.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Scary Run
I was going to run a 20 mile route on the asphalt today but Topaz looked so sad that I was going to go without him, I changed my mind, grabbed Topaz and headed for the Prairie Drive Trail. This is the 7.5 gravel road loop that goes through the Wildlife Refuge; it is for automobile. They drive through the refuge.
I park my car at the visitor center, fill my water bottles with water and Hammergel Heed, grab my cell phone, Topazs' leash, keys..I'm off.
One mile into my run a guy in a brand new white Mustang goes by..no biggie. There are autos out here now and again. 15 minutes later and he drives by again. This is a 7.5 mile LOOP. Why is he driving by again? Another 15 minutes later, he drives by again and is leering out of the window. SHIT.
I can feel the hair on my arms and neck prickle. I'm listening to my intuition: this isn't good. Am I over-reacting? I call my friend Ann. Are you going to be out here to run? No, her legs are tired and she's still in bed. OK. As I'm running and talking to her I notice a pair of mens' shorts and underware in the middle of the gravel road. What the hell? Oh, maybe Mr. Mustang got out of his car to look at the Eagles and accidently kicked out a change of clothing. Maybe that is why he is driving around and around..looking for his clothes. OK, all is well now. I was over-reacting.
15 minutes later and he drives by again. I always position myself on the side of the road near the passenger side. I don't want to be near the driver. He leans over to the passenger window, rolls it down and stares..and slows down to an impossible pace. I'm at the side of the road and scared shitless. He continues on and I'm a mess.
I call home and the line is busy. I call Ann and the line is busy. Should I call the Sheriff? Am I over-reacting? No one else is driving by..maybe he's casing the place, figuring out where others are so he can get me...oh sheesh.
He drives by again. That's it. What kind of lunatic drives 40 miles in a circle like this. He's purposely scaring me. He's leering. He's awful. I call 911. I explain where I'm running, describe the car, the guy. Deputy tells me he'll send someone out to drive through and see what's going on. I tell him I was going to run 21 miles but will get to my car and get out of there.
My phone rings a few minutes later. It is the deputy. His deputy is a ways away and can't get right out there. He asks me to call him as soon as I get to my car and asks if I've seen Mr. Mustang again. No, I haven't.
OK.
I get to my car and call the deputy. I'm here safe and sound and heading out to another trail. OK. I figure that's it. The end. Who knows if I was over-reacting or not.
I get to the Blue Hill Trail for another 5 mile run to make my 20. As I'm running the phone rings. It's another deputy. He asks where I am, I tell him. He tells me that he spoke with Mr. Mustang. WHAT? You saw him? Yes, he was BACK at the Prairie Drive Trail. Oh my gosh. I would have totally lost it if I had seen him go around again. Mr. Deputy told me that Mr. Mustang has been arrested prior for indecent exposure and trespassing, that he is a 'slime ball'. He told me that he is not a sexual predator. Mr. Deputy asked Mr. Mustang why he was going around and around the Prairie Trail. He told him "I liked to look at her dogs' eyes..and her arms" Oh. My. Gawd. Mr. Deputy told Mr. Mustang to get out of there, and Mr. Deputy followed him to the County Line.
What the hell? So, was I over-reacting? I don't know.
It makes me want to run with a gun holstered around my leg.
I finished my additional 5 miles and was almost expecting to see the Mustang at the trail head.
I didn't. Thank Goodness! Ugh.
So, women runners out there: what do you carry with you while running to make you feel safe? Does anyone carry a knife, gun or weapon of some sort? How sad that we have to worry about ourselves while running by ourselves.
I park my car at the visitor center, fill my water bottles with water and Hammergel Heed, grab my cell phone, Topazs' leash, keys..I'm off.
One mile into my run a guy in a brand new white Mustang goes by..no biggie. There are autos out here now and again. 15 minutes later and he drives by again. This is a 7.5 mile LOOP. Why is he driving by again? Another 15 minutes later, he drives by again and is leering out of the window. SHIT.
I can feel the hair on my arms and neck prickle. I'm listening to my intuition: this isn't good. Am I over-reacting? I call my friend Ann. Are you going to be out here to run? No, her legs are tired and she's still in bed. OK. As I'm running and talking to her I notice a pair of mens' shorts and underware in the middle of the gravel road. What the hell? Oh, maybe Mr. Mustang got out of his car to look at the Eagles and accidently kicked out a change of clothing. Maybe that is why he is driving around and around..looking for his clothes. OK, all is well now. I was over-reacting.
15 minutes later and he drives by again. I always position myself on the side of the road near the passenger side. I don't want to be near the driver. He leans over to the passenger window, rolls it down and stares..and slows down to an impossible pace. I'm at the side of the road and scared shitless. He continues on and I'm a mess.
I call home and the line is busy. I call Ann and the line is busy. Should I call the Sheriff? Am I over-reacting? No one else is driving by..maybe he's casing the place, figuring out where others are so he can get me...oh sheesh.
He drives by again. That's it. What kind of lunatic drives 40 miles in a circle like this. He's purposely scaring me. He's leering. He's awful. I call 911. I explain where I'm running, describe the car, the guy. Deputy tells me he'll send someone out to drive through and see what's going on. I tell him I was going to run 21 miles but will get to my car and get out of there.
My phone rings a few minutes later. It is the deputy. His deputy is a ways away and can't get right out there. He asks me to call him as soon as I get to my car and asks if I've seen Mr. Mustang again. No, I haven't.
OK.
I get to my car and call the deputy. I'm here safe and sound and heading out to another trail. OK. I figure that's it. The end. Who knows if I was over-reacting or not.
I get to the Blue Hill Trail for another 5 mile run to make my 20. As I'm running the phone rings. It's another deputy. He asks where I am, I tell him. He tells me that he spoke with Mr. Mustang. WHAT? You saw him? Yes, he was BACK at the Prairie Drive Trail. Oh my gosh. I would have totally lost it if I had seen him go around again. Mr. Deputy told me that Mr. Mustang has been arrested prior for indecent exposure and trespassing, that he is a 'slime ball'. He told me that he is not a sexual predator. Mr. Deputy asked Mr. Mustang why he was going around and around the Prairie Trail. He told him "I liked to look at her dogs' eyes..and her arms" Oh. My. Gawd. Mr. Deputy told Mr. Mustang to get out of there, and Mr. Deputy followed him to the County Line.
What the hell? So, was I over-reacting? I don't know.
It makes me want to run with a gun holstered around my leg.
I finished my additional 5 miles and was almost expecting to see the Mustang at the trail head.
I didn't. Thank Goodness! Ugh.
So, women runners out there: what do you carry with you while running to make you feel safe? Does anyone carry a knife, gun or weapon of some sort? How sad that we have to worry about ourselves while running by ourselves.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Last day of my Summer Vacation
Today is the last day of my summer vacation. I've had 8 weeks, yup, 8 weeks off. I've enjoyed it very, very much. I enjoyed sleeping in, getting up early, going to the lake, biking with the boys, hitting the beach and getting in excellent workouts.
Over the weekend I'll come up with a scheduled training plan. I've been able to wing it these past two months. I've climbed out of bed, ground up my Caribou French Roast, prepared my french press and relaxed before heading out for my run, biking whenever I feel the urge and hitting the gym whenever I want to.
That will all change for the next 10 months. Back to waking up at the crack of dawn (or before), jumping on the treadmill or running in the dark, running after work in the afternoon and squeezing in weight training during the busy periods at the gym.
I'm ready to go back to work. It's been a nice, lazy, enjoyable summer but I'm ready to go back to a schedule.
I would like to go back to school when the boys do (2 weeks out) but apparantly I need to be there two weeks prior. I'm really not sure why...I would prefer student contact days like some of the other office staff keep.
Today I slept in until 745, drank my coffe and hit the trail for 7.5 miles. Rode my bike for 10 miles and mowed the lawn...the same way I have spent most of the summer.
Back to reality...
Over the weekend I'll come up with a scheduled training plan. I've been able to wing it these past two months. I've climbed out of bed, ground up my Caribou French Roast, prepared my french press and relaxed before heading out for my run, biking whenever I feel the urge and hitting the gym whenever I want to.
That will all change for the next 10 months. Back to waking up at the crack of dawn (or before), jumping on the treadmill or running in the dark, running after work in the afternoon and squeezing in weight training during the busy periods at the gym.
I'm ready to go back to work. It's been a nice, lazy, enjoyable summer but I'm ready to go back to a schedule.
I would like to go back to school when the boys do (2 weeks out) but apparantly I need to be there two weeks prior. I'm really not sure why...I would prefer student contact days like some of the other office staff keep.
Today I slept in until 745, drank my coffe and hit the trail for 7.5 miles. Rode my bike for 10 miles and mowed the lawn...the same way I have spent most of the summer.
Back to reality...
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Sugar Fed Kids
I and the boys went to Valleyfair today. What a blast! I don't care much for the rides but I love the water park. After a few hours on the rides we hit the water park for a few more hours of fun in the sun. The body slides, the body boats, the tubing, the rapids; it's all so much fun!
Ty and Troy had their fill of cotton candy, dunking dots, cheese curds, pretzel and cheese, turtle sundae and french fries. I had a bite of each; that's all one needs!
Once in a while a day of sugar and fat for the boys isn't going to hurt much. As long as it isn't each week; and it isn't.
I was able to sneak out at 530 AM for a 5 mile run on the trail with Topaz and a session of weight training at the gym (chest, bi, tri) before I woke them at 800 so we could be on the road by 9.
What a great way to spend the day.
Ty and Troy had their fill of cotton candy, dunking dots, cheese curds, pretzel and cheese, turtle sundae and french fries. I had a bite of each; that's all one needs!
Once in a while a day of sugar and fat for the boys isn't going to hurt much. As long as it isn't each week; and it isn't.
I was able to sneak out at 530 AM for a 5 mile run on the trail with Topaz and a session of weight training at the gym (chest, bi, tri) before I woke them at 800 so we could be on the road by 9.
What a great way to spend the day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)