Sunday, August 20, 2006
Final SHT Training Run
As we were nearing the Superior Hiking Trail I noticed tears in my eyes, then they began to stream down my cheeks. I felt goosebumps. I realized how much I love running the Superior Hiking Trail. I love it so very much. Running fills an empty spot that I have within, that I have tried to fill for years. Running fills that spot. Running fills the void. Running on the Superior Hiking Trail overfills that spot.
We met my Mom and Dad at McDonalds in Duluth, they followed us to the trail head that would bring us to Carlton Peak. During the 50K last spring the boys and Mom and Dad just missed me at the aid station that would show them Carlton Peak. This trip I wasn't going to let them miss it. The area is a wonderful place to hike. There are huge outcroppings of rock-anorthosite rock, blocks of whitish mineral that was carried up from the base of the earth's crust, 25 to 30 miles below, suspended in molten diabase magma. The climb to the top of Carlton Peak reveals some tremendous views of the area. The trail isn't real difficult, navigable for my 65 year old parents, an inactive husband and a 10 and 14 year old boy.
They loved it! Tyler and Troy scampered down the trail, commenting on every mushroom, caterpillar and spider they could round up. The rock walls were awesome, they hiked up the summit and slid down. My Dad decided he has had enough of walking and hiking and actually RAN from the peak back to the Britton Peak Parking Lot. It was wonderful. He hasn't run in a few years but since taking glucosimine chondroytan every day for the past year his knees are feeling good.
Saturday I, Maria and Doug headed out at 4 AM to hit the trail. Doug left us at the Finland Rec Center. Man it was dark in those woods! Our lights worked well, we only needed the for 45 minutes or so before we tucked them away. We saw zillions of toads crossing the trail; big huge fat ones! I think those toads were the only wildife we saw the whole day.
Dawn approached and showed a beautiful blue sky, not a cloud to be seen. The forecast was for a rainy day, I was grateful the forecasters were incorrect.
We removed our jackets and took in the views. We saw beautiful Sonju lake, the mist lifting off of it, the sun shining and reflecting on it, it was a magnificent sight.
We ran through low bogs, high cliffs, pine forests, maple and oak stands and large areas of birch. It was so wonderful, so peaceful.
We didn't see anyone on the trail except for one section. A piece of trail between Caribou River Wayside and Cook County Road 1 showed us 5 or 6 people. That was it! We didn't see any others. Amazing.
Doug met us at each of the aid points for a refill of Hammer Heed, a peanut and butter sandwich, some oranges, etc. Their son, Jason, helped out at two of the stations. They did a fabulous job! Doug was at each station before we arrived, ready to fill out bottles and asking what we needed. What a guy.
I wanted to be back to the resort with my family by 2, so I called it a training run at 30 miles or so. Maria went for another 10 miles to Carlton Peak.
I am glad that I ran the portion that I will be running through the night hours of the race. The trail isn't TOO treacherous in these portions, there is actually a good percentage of the trail that is runable and there aren't too many cliffs that drop off. I feel much less fearful of this portion of the trail. A river crossing at Manitou River could be treacherous. The bridge is going to come down next week and won't be rebuilt in time for the race. It had rained three times in the past week so the river was pretty high and moving fast. I don't know that I and Maria could have gotten across without the bridge or help of some sort. Larry is going to have a rope and volunteers helping us cross during the race if the river is still moving quickly. That's a good thing, it will be dark and we'll be 60-70 miles into the race at this point.
After Doug brought me back to the resort I showered and we all headed to Grand Marais. We hiked for 3 hours and had dinner. It was a nice afternoon. Back to our resort, I and the boys swam and met up with Maria and her family. I and Maria were pretty exhausted. We were ready to get back to go to bed.
Today before heading home we hiked the portion of trail through Tettegouche State Park. Again, everyone loved it. The bridges over the Baptism River, all of the stairs, we had a great time!
Now I guess I taper, hu? 3 weeks..and it will be all over. Bummer.
We met my Mom and Dad at McDonalds in Duluth, they followed us to the trail head that would bring us to Carlton Peak. During the 50K last spring the boys and Mom and Dad just missed me at the aid station that would show them Carlton Peak. This trip I wasn't going to let them miss it. The area is a wonderful place to hike. There are huge outcroppings of rock-anorthosite rock, blocks of whitish mineral that was carried up from the base of the earth's crust, 25 to 30 miles below, suspended in molten diabase magma. The climb to the top of Carlton Peak reveals some tremendous views of the area. The trail isn't real difficult, navigable for my 65 year old parents, an inactive husband and a 10 and 14 year old boy.
They loved it! Tyler and Troy scampered down the trail, commenting on every mushroom, caterpillar and spider they could round up. The rock walls were awesome, they hiked up the summit and slid down. My Dad decided he has had enough of walking and hiking and actually RAN from the peak back to the Britton Peak Parking Lot. It was wonderful. He hasn't run in a few years but since taking glucosimine chondroytan every day for the past year his knees are feeling good.
Saturday I, Maria and Doug headed out at 4 AM to hit the trail. Doug left us at the Finland Rec Center. Man it was dark in those woods! Our lights worked well, we only needed the for 45 minutes or so before we tucked them away. We saw zillions of toads crossing the trail; big huge fat ones! I think those toads were the only wildife we saw the whole day.
Dawn approached and showed a beautiful blue sky, not a cloud to be seen. The forecast was for a rainy day, I was grateful the forecasters were incorrect.
We removed our jackets and took in the views. We saw beautiful Sonju lake, the mist lifting off of it, the sun shining and reflecting on it, it was a magnificent sight.
We ran through low bogs, high cliffs, pine forests, maple and oak stands and large areas of birch. It was so wonderful, so peaceful.
We didn't see anyone on the trail except for one section. A piece of trail between Caribou River Wayside and Cook County Road 1 showed us 5 or 6 people. That was it! We didn't see any others. Amazing.
Doug met us at each of the aid points for a refill of Hammer Heed, a peanut and butter sandwich, some oranges, etc. Their son, Jason, helped out at two of the stations. They did a fabulous job! Doug was at each station before we arrived, ready to fill out bottles and asking what we needed. What a guy.
I wanted to be back to the resort with my family by 2, so I called it a training run at 30 miles or so. Maria went for another 10 miles to Carlton Peak.
I am glad that I ran the portion that I will be running through the night hours of the race. The trail isn't TOO treacherous in these portions, there is actually a good percentage of the trail that is runable and there aren't too many cliffs that drop off. I feel much less fearful of this portion of the trail. A river crossing at Manitou River could be treacherous. The bridge is going to come down next week and won't be rebuilt in time for the race. It had rained three times in the past week so the river was pretty high and moving fast. I don't know that I and Maria could have gotten across without the bridge or help of some sort. Larry is going to have a rope and volunteers helping us cross during the race if the river is still moving quickly. That's a good thing, it will be dark and we'll be 60-70 miles into the race at this point.
After Doug brought me back to the resort I showered and we all headed to Grand Marais. We hiked for 3 hours and had dinner. It was a nice afternoon. Back to our resort, I and the boys swam and met up with Maria and her family. I and Maria were pretty exhausted. We were ready to get back to go to bed.
Today before heading home we hiked the portion of trail through Tettegouche State Park. Again, everyone loved it. The bridges over the Baptism River, all of the stairs, we had a great time!
Now I guess I taper, hu? 3 weeks..and it will be all over. Bummer.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Off to Lutsen!
Today I am back to work for Day 3. It's going well but I am glad that it is a three day week! Tomorrow I am already taking a vacation day so that I can get up to Lutsen. We'll leave in the AM, pick up my parents in Duluth, arrive Lutsen early afternoon.
Saturday early early I, Maria and Doug will head out for the Superior Hiking Trail. Doug is going to be our traveling aid station and I and Maria will run from the Finland Rec Center toward Lutsen. I think I am going to run roughly 30 miles and Maria is planning on 40.
Doug will drive me back to the resort-Eagle Ridge-so that I can spend the rest of the weekend with the family. We'll do some more hiking, swimming, check out the gondola and the alpine slide. Then I'm set for the Superior Sawtooth 100 mile race.
Would you like to pace me?? I'm still looking for a pacer. I'll get a condo at Caribou Highlands so will have plenty of room for a pacer and crew, in case I get so lucky. I'd like someone to run with from 8 PM to 6 AM but it is getting close and I still don't have any takers! I'll probably be walking most of the dark hours as the trail is so rough, so will be fine on my own too. But a pacer would be wonderful.
Last night was Run Club. The Cross Country team from Big Lake showed up! It was wonderful, many many young runners were out running the course. We have over 60 students out for Cross Country this year. I hope they stick with it.
Tuesday I ran 800's during Troy's football practice. I ran 10 @ 3:30-3:35 with a 400 recovery jog inbetween; a one mile warm up and one mile cool down. Next week I'm going to try to hit 3:25's-3:30's.
I find it more difficult to run in the evening/afternoon because of the eating. I so love my early morning runs but they are difficult to fit in during the work week, its dark and I go to the gym at 5 AM twice a week now for early lifting. I get off early (3PM) so it is easier to run at 330 with Topaz on the trail. But then I have the stomach problems from eating during the day. Yesterday I had a salad at lunch and it was ready to move on out by the time I finally ran-at 6 PM plus I was hungry. During my 800's I had eaten a salad at lunch and again about 4, but by 7 I had a stomach ache and thought I was going to barf. Early morning runs on an empty stomach rock.
Today I'll run the trail at 330 with Topaz after work, before Troy's football practice, I'll drop him off as I have a Planning and Zoning meeting at 630 so Steve will be on football duty.
Have a great weekend!
Saturday early early I, Maria and Doug will head out for the Superior Hiking Trail. Doug is going to be our traveling aid station and I and Maria will run from the Finland Rec Center toward Lutsen. I think I am going to run roughly 30 miles and Maria is planning on 40.
Doug will drive me back to the resort-Eagle Ridge-so that I can spend the rest of the weekend with the family. We'll do some more hiking, swimming, check out the gondola and the alpine slide. Then I'm set for the Superior Sawtooth 100 mile race.
Would you like to pace me?? I'm still looking for a pacer. I'll get a condo at Caribou Highlands so will have plenty of room for a pacer and crew, in case I get so lucky. I'd like someone to run with from 8 PM to 6 AM but it is getting close and I still don't have any takers! I'll probably be walking most of the dark hours as the trail is so rough, so will be fine on my own too. But a pacer would be wonderful.
Last night was Run Club. The Cross Country team from Big Lake showed up! It was wonderful, many many young runners were out running the course. We have over 60 students out for Cross Country this year. I hope they stick with it.
Tuesday I ran 800's during Troy's football practice. I ran 10 @ 3:30-3:35 with a 400 recovery jog inbetween; a one mile warm up and one mile cool down. Next week I'm going to try to hit 3:25's-3:30's.
I find it more difficult to run in the evening/afternoon because of the eating. I so love my early morning runs but they are difficult to fit in during the work week, its dark and I go to the gym at 5 AM twice a week now for early lifting. I get off early (3PM) so it is easier to run at 330 with Topaz on the trail. But then I have the stomach problems from eating during the day. Yesterday I had a salad at lunch and it was ready to move on out by the time I finally ran-at 6 PM plus I was hungry. During my 800's I had eaten a salad at lunch and again about 4, but by 7 I had a stomach ache and thought I was going to barf. Early morning runs on an empty stomach rock.
Today I'll run the trail at 330 with Topaz after work, before Troy's football practice, I'll drop him off as I have a Planning and Zoning meeting at 630 so Steve will be on football duty.
Have a great weekend!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Last Summer Vacation Run
Today is my last day of summer vacation. I've thoroughly enjoyed 8 weeks off from work, enjoying summer. I've spent most of this vacation in my running clothes or my swimsuit. I love the slow pace of the summer; no schedule other than the boys sports, my running schedule and dinner at 5. That's about it. It's been fabulous.
This morning I brought Tyler to football practice at 8 and then I and Topaz headed out to the trail for our final summer vacation run. The sun was shining, the grass was still wet from the night before, it was a lovely 58F with a light breeze and no humidity. Minnesota Perfect.
All during the run I kept thinking about how grateful I am to have 8 weeks off, to be able to run every day, to have my health and a healthy family.
I came up with the realization that maybe I enter these 100 mile races so that I have a reason to run long. You know, if I wasn't training for Superior 100 I would have to explain my 100+ mile week last week. I would have to explain a 30, 40 or 50 mile training run. What are you training for? At least with a race looming ahead I have an answer that some people may understand. Or not.
Many don't understand why I run what they call 'junk miles'. Why spend all those days running with Topaz on the trail? Haven't you heard of junk miles ? You are wasting your energy. Make each workout count. Tempo, track, hills, long, train train train, make every workout count.
I run the 'junk miles' because that is what I enjoy. I don't run for a means to an end. I don't run only because of the next race. I'm not running only to train. I wouldn't give up my 'junk miles' for anything. They are as important to me as any other training run I do. These are the runs that keep my sanity. These are the runs that make me feel alive, that give me a sense of myself, that make me... me and that I enjoy fully.
Many people don't understand that I run because it makes me joyful. It gives me peace. The act of running itself calms me.
I run to spend time with Topaz, my quiet running partner, who is always there, always runs my pace, is always ready and never late for a run.
We have a wonderful time.
This morning I brought Tyler to football practice at 8 and then I and Topaz headed out to the trail for our final summer vacation run. The sun was shining, the grass was still wet from the night before, it was a lovely 58F with a light breeze and no humidity. Minnesota Perfect.
All during the run I kept thinking about how grateful I am to have 8 weeks off, to be able to run every day, to have my health and a healthy family.
I came up with the realization that maybe I enter these 100 mile races so that I have a reason to run long. You know, if I wasn't training for Superior 100 I would have to explain my 100+ mile week last week. I would have to explain a 30, 40 or 50 mile training run. What are you training for? At least with a race looming ahead I have an answer that some people may understand. Or not.
Many don't understand why I run what they call 'junk miles'. Why spend all those days running with Topaz on the trail? Haven't you heard of junk miles ? You are wasting your energy. Make each workout count. Tempo, track, hills, long, train train train, make every workout count.
I run the 'junk miles' because that is what I enjoy. I don't run for a means to an end. I don't run only because of the next race. I'm not running only to train. I wouldn't give up my 'junk miles' for anything. They are as important to me as any other training run I do. These are the runs that keep my sanity. These are the runs that make me feel alive, that give me a sense of myself, that make me... me and that I enjoy fully.
Many people don't understand that I run because it makes me joyful. It gives me peace. The act of running itself calms me.
I run to spend time with Topaz, my quiet running partner, who is always there, always runs my pace, is always ready and never late for a run.
We have a wonderful time.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Weekend Runnings
I had a great weekend! Happily, it is only 940 AM so most of Sunday is still wide open. I am going to head over to the Outlets of Albertville in an hour or so to do some more school shopping for the boys. Thank goodness they are not very picky and Old Navy, Nike and PacSun serves them fine.
I was originally intending to drive to WI yesterday AM to trail run with friends along the St. Croix. However, as the weekend drew near and I realized Tyler had football equipment pick up and Troy had paintball and Steve really wanted to work on the deck and I wasn't going to run 40 at SHT next weekend, more like 25, I rearranged my schedule.
Yesterday I headed out at 4 AM to the Blue Hill Trail. There is a sign that states Daylight Use Only. Oh well, so write me a ticket then. I ordered some new lights from ZombieRunner that I wanted to try out so I and Topaz left home bright and early. Topaz already had 35 miles on this week so I asked Steve to come and pick him up at 8 AM; 20 miles was going to have to be enough to Pazzie. Most of the water holes are completely dry; there is one river that has like one foot of water in it and that is it.
My lights worked incredibly well. I have never run on the trail here in the dark, it gave it an eerie look, but very cool. The sunrise was fantastic, all pink and orange coming over the hill. There were white swans flying overhead. I hope they are not leaving the area already. Please don't tell me fall is already on the way.
As Topaz and I were running the 4th loop at 20 miles he took off into the woods. I heard what I think was a couple grouse getting angry with him. They were making that fluttering sound and puffing themselves out. I stopped running, I'm standing in the middle of the trail, looking back, into the woods and listening to this ruckus. All of a sudden Topaz come barreling out of the woods, full of pickers and brush, flies past me and the DAMN BIRD lands at my feet! What the hell? I hate birds. Well, I like them in my bird feeder, I like to watch the Eagles at a distance but I don't like birds near me. I screamed out three loud screams, freaked Topaz out so he is jumping and me and this damn grouse is flopping at my feet and PECKING me. WTF?? I'm out of there. We ran toward the trail head as Steve was walking out to the trail to pick up Topaz for me. I walked a loop with him and of course we never saw the damn bird. He and Topaz took off and Topaz was not a happy camper.
I finished up the next 15 miles uneventfully and was able to make it home before the boys activities began.
Today I was a bit apprehensive, but excited about my run. I was running with Curt, from run club, and a friend of his, Steve. Last night I was able to talk Deb, from run club into joining us as well. Yippee! I wanted to get in 20 miles and Deb was planning on 12 or so. We met in Elk River at 530 and headed out into the dark streets. We ran asphalt, I tried out my Inov 8 Terroc shoes and they felt awesome the whole way. They are so light I just can't believe it.
We ran city streets, bike paths, quiet residential roads. We arrived at the starting point at 2:08 so Deb and Steve called it a run and I and Curt went out for another hour. It was awesome. We ran 9:20's most of the time and my legs felt fine.
So I guess I'm all trained up for the Superior Sawtooth 100 mile run. There isn't much else I can do now. I'll check out the night portion of the race next weekend and just hang tight. I'll probably run 2 50 mile weeks, a 30 mile week and it'll be party time!
I was originally intending to drive to WI yesterday AM to trail run with friends along the St. Croix. However, as the weekend drew near and I realized Tyler had football equipment pick up and Troy had paintball and Steve really wanted to work on the deck and I wasn't going to run 40 at SHT next weekend, more like 25, I rearranged my schedule.
Yesterday I headed out at 4 AM to the Blue Hill Trail. There is a sign that states Daylight Use Only. Oh well, so write me a ticket then. I ordered some new lights from ZombieRunner that I wanted to try out so I and Topaz left home bright and early. Topaz already had 35 miles on this week so I asked Steve to come and pick him up at 8 AM; 20 miles was going to have to be enough to Pazzie. Most of the water holes are completely dry; there is one river that has like one foot of water in it and that is it.
My lights worked incredibly well. I have never run on the trail here in the dark, it gave it an eerie look, but very cool. The sunrise was fantastic, all pink and orange coming over the hill. There were white swans flying overhead. I hope they are not leaving the area already. Please don't tell me fall is already on the way.
As Topaz and I were running the 4th loop at 20 miles he took off into the woods. I heard what I think was a couple grouse getting angry with him. They were making that fluttering sound and puffing themselves out. I stopped running, I'm standing in the middle of the trail, looking back, into the woods and listening to this ruckus. All of a sudden Topaz come barreling out of the woods, full of pickers and brush, flies past me and the DAMN BIRD lands at my feet! What the hell? I hate birds. Well, I like them in my bird feeder, I like to watch the Eagles at a distance but I don't like birds near me. I screamed out three loud screams, freaked Topaz out so he is jumping and me and this damn grouse is flopping at my feet and PECKING me. WTF?? I'm out of there. We ran toward the trail head as Steve was walking out to the trail to pick up Topaz for me. I walked a loop with him and of course we never saw the damn bird. He and Topaz took off and Topaz was not a happy camper.
I finished up the next 15 miles uneventfully and was able to make it home before the boys activities began.
Today I was a bit apprehensive, but excited about my run. I was running with Curt, from run club, and a friend of his, Steve. Last night I was able to talk Deb, from run club into joining us as well. Yippee! I wanted to get in 20 miles and Deb was planning on 12 or so. We met in Elk River at 530 and headed out into the dark streets. We ran asphalt, I tried out my Inov 8 Terroc shoes and they felt awesome the whole way. They are so light I just can't believe it.
We ran city streets, bike paths, quiet residential roads. We arrived at the starting point at 2:08 so Deb and Steve called it a run and I and Curt went out for another hour. It was awesome. We ran 9:20's most of the time and my legs felt fine.
So I guess I'm all trained up for the Superior Sawtooth 100 mile run. There isn't much else I can do now. I'll check out the night portion of the race next weekend and just hang tight. I'll probably run 2 50 mile weeks, a 30 mile week and it'll be party time!
Friday, August 11, 2006
Planning Another Superior Hiking Trail Run
Next Friday I, Steve and the boys will head up to Lutsen so I can get in one more run on the Superior Hiking Trail before the Superior Sawtooth 100 Mile Trail Race (www.superiortrailrace.com)on September 8.
My friend, Maria, and her family are planning on being up there as well. Maria is running the 100 too, I asked her if she would like some company while running the trail next Saturday. Thankfully, she said yes. So..plans were made.
I was pleasantly suprised when Steve and Tyler said that they wanted to come along. I knew that Troy would like to come. It'll be a fun weekend.
I and Maria will begin at the Finland point and head toward Moose Mountain. We'll begin at 5 AM so we will be on part of the trail during the dark. This will be the portion of trail we will be covering during the night hours of the 100.
Maria's husband, Doug, who is an ultra-runners dream spouse, will crew for us. He is crewing for Maria during the 100, too. He crewed for us while we ran the 50 up there a few weeks ago. What a guy! He has this crewing thing down to a fine art.
I'm planning on running 25 miles or so. I don't want to run all day as I want to hike and hang out with my family. If they weren't going to come along I'd get my last long run in up there, and do 40. I'm glad they are coming though, so I changed my plans.
I'll run 40 miles tomorrow near home. Some run club members are running 20 on asphalt on Sunday..I'm going to tag along and get two last long back to backs in. Looks like another 100 mile week on tap!
My friend, Maria, and her family are planning on being up there as well. Maria is running the 100 too, I asked her if she would like some company while running the trail next Saturday. Thankfully, she said yes. So..plans were made.
I was pleasantly suprised when Steve and Tyler said that they wanted to come along. I knew that Troy would like to come. It'll be a fun weekend.
I and Maria will begin at the Finland point and head toward Moose Mountain. We'll begin at 5 AM so we will be on part of the trail during the dark. This will be the portion of trail we will be covering during the night hours of the 100.
Maria's husband, Doug, who is an ultra-runners dream spouse, will crew for us. He is crewing for Maria during the 100, too. He crewed for us while we ran the 50 up there a few weeks ago. What a guy! He has this crewing thing down to a fine art.
I'm planning on running 25 miles or so. I don't want to run all day as I want to hike and hang out with my family. If they weren't going to come along I'd get my last long run in up there, and do 40. I'm glad they are coming though, so I changed my plans.
I'll run 40 miles tomorrow near home. Some run club members are running 20 on asphalt on Sunday..I'm going to tag along and get two last long back to backs in. Looks like another 100 mile week on tap!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Team Inov-8
Last week I received an email from the Team Inov-8 Rep. She asked me if I was interested in racing on a woman's team for Inov-8 at the JFK 50 Mile Race in November, in Maryland. The woman's team can have 5 members and 3 of the members will score/place. My first comment was "oh my gosh, I'm not good enough". Then I felt foolish for spurting out my true feelings about myself. I was worried she would think less of me, because I thought less of myself. I wasn't sure what I was feeling. That I was too fat, that I was too slow, that I'm an imposture runner..all of that. I need to work on my feelings about myself.
After conversing with another member of the team, I have decided that I will participate. I mean, really, what an honor! I get to travel to Maryland, a part of the country that I have never visited to take part in a race that I wouldn't be running in otherwise, and I'll get to meet these other women that I wouldn't otherwise meet. It really will be awesome. I've never flown to a race before..I've never raced farther from MN than IL! I'm looking forward to it.
I am going to put the feelings that I am not good enough away, and I am going to continue training hard, getting into the best shape of my life, and come November I'll run as well as I can and have a blast doing it! Isn't that what this is all about anyhow?? This is just the reason why I was so excited when I received the Inov-8 sponsorship.
This morning I and Topaz hit the trail for 6 miles. The ponds are drying up, we need some rain. I took a few pictures of him and see that I am not the best 'focus-er'. I'm focusing on weeds and noses and who knows what else!
Tonight is Run Club. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.
After conversing with another member of the team, I have decided that I will participate. I mean, really, what an honor! I get to travel to Maryland, a part of the country that I have never visited to take part in a race that I wouldn't be running in otherwise, and I'll get to meet these other women that I wouldn't otherwise meet. It really will be awesome. I've never flown to a race before..I've never raced farther from MN than IL! I'm looking forward to it.
I am going to put the feelings that I am not good enough away, and I am going to continue training hard, getting into the best shape of my life, and come November I'll run as well as I can and have a blast doing it! Isn't that what this is all about anyhow?? This is just the reason why I was so excited when I received the Inov-8 sponsorship.
This morning I and Topaz hit the trail for 6 miles. The ponds are drying up, we need some rain. I took a few pictures of him and see that I am not the best 'focus-er'. I'm focusing on weeds and noses and who knows what else!
Tonight is Run Club. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.
Monday, August 07, 2006
The Extra Mile by Pam Reed
Last Wednesday when I and the boys went to Barnes and Noble I picked up a few books. I purchased The Extra Mile by Pam Reed, Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes, Duel in the Sun by Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley and The Perfect Mile by Neal Bascomb. I know, I should go to the library once in a while. I have a zillion and one books on many bookshelves, but I love to read.
I just finished The Extra Mile: One Woman's Personal Journey to Ultrarunning Greatness by Pam Reed.
I found it phenomenal. I wasn't sure what to expect. When the title was first available at book stores quite a few people on the big ultra list took stabs at her. They made fun of the title saying it "isn't Ultrarunning Greatness a bit much?" they said much worse than that too and I found it all too negative for me and deleted most of the posts without reading.
Once I began the book I could not put it down. Today I finished it for the second time. I found it that good.
I actually met Pam in real life. I was running the Superior 50 mile and she was running the 100 mile. Somehow we ended up running the same section of the race together. I looked at her and was stunned! I didn't even know that Pam Reed was in the race. I knew who she was immediately; I believe she had WON Badwater just a few months prior. She was very kind to me and let me ask her the 101 questions I had as a newbie ultrarunner. I remember all that she told me, too.
Pam begins the book with her life as a child, growing up in the UP of Michigan. She talks much of her battle with anorexia which she still battles. She went to treatment a few times for it and has been hospitalized because of it. She is very frank and honest with the battle.
She talks of her first marriage, the subsequent affair, divorce and remarriage. She speaks of her Ironman finishes before she began the 100's and her family life, she has three sons and two stepsons.
She talks of her relationship with the media and how the so called rival with Dean Karnazes was blown entirerly out of proportion.
She is a normal mom, wife, worker, friend, daughter and one hell of a runner.
I loved that she talked about her training, her races, how she gets into a mindset, how she works the race, looks at the competition and makes her move. It's awesome. It's an inside view of what it might be like to be uber competitive and so talented. She talks of Badwater 1,2,3 and 4; she talks of the San Diego 1 day race, the World Champion 24 and 48 hour races, a London Marathon/Boston Double; how she loves Leadville and Grand Teton 100's. It was fascinating.
I'll probably read it again..after I read Ultramathon Man, which I'll begin tonight.
It's so nice to read about ultrarunners. I guess that is why I enjoy some of the blogs of other ultrarunners out there. I would probably be rather intimidated to introduce myself to at the races; hell, I'm intimated to introduce myself to anyone who just looks lean and fast! I enjoy reading all about them.
I highly recommend the book!
I just finished The Extra Mile: One Woman's Personal Journey to Ultrarunning Greatness by Pam Reed.
I found it phenomenal. I wasn't sure what to expect. When the title was first available at book stores quite a few people on the big ultra list took stabs at her. They made fun of the title saying it "isn't Ultrarunning Greatness a bit much?" they said much worse than that too and I found it all too negative for me and deleted most of the posts without reading.
Once I began the book I could not put it down. Today I finished it for the second time. I found it that good.
I actually met Pam in real life. I was running the Superior 50 mile and she was running the 100 mile. Somehow we ended up running the same section of the race together. I looked at her and was stunned! I didn't even know that Pam Reed was in the race. I knew who she was immediately; I believe she had WON Badwater just a few months prior. She was very kind to me and let me ask her the 101 questions I had as a newbie ultrarunner. I remember all that she told me, too.
Pam begins the book with her life as a child, growing up in the UP of Michigan. She talks much of her battle with anorexia which she still battles. She went to treatment a few times for it and has been hospitalized because of it. She is very frank and honest with the battle.
She talks of her first marriage, the subsequent affair, divorce and remarriage. She speaks of her Ironman finishes before she began the 100's and her family life, she has three sons and two stepsons.
She talks of her relationship with the media and how the so called rival with Dean Karnazes was blown entirerly out of proportion.
She is a normal mom, wife, worker, friend, daughter and one hell of a runner.
I loved that she talked about her training, her races, how she gets into a mindset, how she works the race, looks at the competition and makes her move. It's awesome. It's an inside view of what it might be like to be uber competitive and so talented. She talks of Badwater 1,2,3 and 4; she talks of the San Diego 1 day race, the World Champion 24 and 48 hour races, a London Marathon/Boston Double; how she loves Leadville and Grand Teton 100's. It was fascinating.
I'll probably read it again..after I read Ultramathon Man, which I'll begin tonight.
It's so nice to read about ultrarunners. I guess that is why I enjoy some of the blogs of other ultrarunners out there. I would probably be rather intimidated to introduce myself to at the races; hell, I'm intimated to introduce myself to anyone who just looks lean and fast! I enjoy reading all about them.
I highly recommend the book!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Goodie Box
I'm recovering well from the Voyaguer 50 Mile Trail Race. My quads were a bit tight, but after tonight's run they are feeling great.
I walked 5 miles with Topaz-well, he ran, on Sunday after I arrived home from Carlton on Sunday. He hadn't been out for a run since Thursday so he needed one! Monday was a slow jog, feeling a bit better and yesterday was a good run on the trail. Today I wasn't sure if I'd make it to run club, my quads were still tight and the thought of that pavement wasn't a good one. I ran 10 miles with Topaz; slow and easy. All felt good.
After spending the afternoon at Barnes and Noble and a big salad at Champps with the boys, I decided a run with Run Club might not be a bad idea. I haven't seen my Run Club friends for three weeks. I figured I could at least visit pre and post run and walk if necessary.
We had a huge group tonight. There were two women that I've never met before; Deb, Colene and Susan made it too. There were Cross Country kids and our regular standby's. We had a great mob running down the road.
It was great to visit with everyone and then to run, and run well. I finished the 5 miles in 40:54. Not too bad post 50 mile run! I was pleasantly surprised. After some stretching my quads felt pretty good.
I arrived home and dug into the Inov-8 goodie box that arrived this afternoon. Shoes, hats, shirts, jog bras, all kinds of good things. I took out two pair of shoes for a spin around the yard and driveway: Flyroc's and Roclite's. Both felt great, fit well and both felt very light. It will be fun to try them on trail tomorrow. They are much lighter than my Montrail Vitesse, which I have been wearing since April. Prior to then I was wearing Ascis Gel Eagle for 3 years. I can't wait to try out all of the products in the Inov-8 line.
Tomorrow we're heading to the Water Park. Splish splashing away..
I walked 5 miles with Topaz-well, he ran, on Sunday after I arrived home from Carlton on Sunday. He hadn't been out for a run since Thursday so he needed one! Monday was a slow jog, feeling a bit better and yesterday was a good run on the trail. Today I wasn't sure if I'd make it to run club, my quads were still tight and the thought of that pavement wasn't a good one. I ran 10 miles with Topaz; slow and easy. All felt good.
After spending the afternoon at Barnes and Noble and a big salad at Champps with the boys, I decided a run with Run Club might not be a bad idea. I haven't seen my Run Club friends for three weeks. I figured I could at least visit pre and post run and walk if necessary.
We had a huge group tonight. There were two women that I've never met before; Deb, Colene and Susan made it too. There were Cross Country kids and our regular standby's. We had a great mob running down the road.
It was great to visit with everyone and then to run, and run well. I finished the 5 miles in 40:54. Not too bad post 50 mile run! I was pleasantly surprised. After some stretching my quads felt pretty good.
I arrived home and dug into the Inov-8 goodie box that arrived this afternoon. Shoes, hats, shirts, jog bras, all kinds of good things. I took out two pair of shoes for a spin around the yard and driveway: Flyroc's and Roclite's. Both felt great, fit well and both felt very light. It will be fun to try them on trail tomorrow. They are much lighter than my Montrail Vitesse, which I have been wearing since April. Prior to then I was wearing Ascis Gel Eagle for 3 years. I can't wait to try out all of the products in the Inov-8 line.
Tomorrow we're heading to the Water Park. Splish splashing away..
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