I normally perform my speed work on Tuesdays. I know, Jenn Shelton would disapprove that I run upon a schedule. However, since running Voyager 50 Mile Trail Run on Saturday I thought I'd skip it this week, if necessary.
Yesterday I was still a bit tight in the calves so thought I'd pass. Today while running with Topaz for our morning 5 I was feeling real good and decided I'd go for a speed workout today. I had the mind battle going on: you may be tired from V, therefore a crappy speed workout, that will crush your ego and make you sad; yes, but any speed work is better than none, just go give it a whirl and see how it goes. OK. You win.
Off I went.
I was surprised to see action at the track. The 3rd and 4th graders were on the football field practicing and the Strength and Training workouts were taking place on the track. I recognized many of the guys as Tyler's friends. I stood around, watching, then heard hellos and how ya doing Julie. I'm fine, came for my track workout, how long will you guys be? Oh, about an hour. Dang, I was thinking to myself. Oh well. I sat down and watched a bit. Pretty soon a real good friend of Tyler's yelled to the Coach "Can Julie Berg run on Lane 8, we aren't using it" Coach said "Why don't you move over and give her Lane 1" Sweet!
In speaking with Coach I realized S&T work outs are scheduled on M,W,F; I'm usually at the track on Tuesday, that is why I haven't seen them out there before. He told me he had no problem being there and was welcome to work alongside with them. I then was reminded that he graduated from Proctor. I remembered Scott Jurek graduated from Proctor. Bingo! He ran with him on the track team. Small World.
So, the workout was fabulous. I'm so shocked. I ran 800s again with the thought that I could quit at any time but on the other hand I would then feel my ego deflate so I thought I'd try to hang it and it would be OK if I were slower than last week. I wasn't! I can't believe I wasn't tired or slower with the race on Saturday. What is up? I ran a 1 mile warm up, (being sure to tell the boys it was a warm up) and a 1 mile cool down (they were already gone) and 8x800. My fastest was #3 at 327 and slowest #5 at 345! I'll take it.
Having other people on the track really helped. I was thrilled! It was a great workout and it is amazing how it makes everything well within the world for me this afternoon. Makes me want to set a goal time at Lean Horse. Isn't it funny how a good workout can make everything dandy.
The scrambled tofu I had post run #1 may have helped as well! I'll have to post a picture/recipe. My first try with tofu and I loved it. It was so good I think I'll eat the leftovers in a wrap this afternoon.
From now on I believe I will be hitting the track on Wednesday instead of Tuesday.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Voyaguer 50 Mile Trail Run: A Perfect Day :)
I must say I was a bit apprehensive about running Voyaguer 50 yesterday. I fretted it over it a bit as I don't have all of the long distance running miles as I have had in the past two years. I didn't run the Afton 50K as I went up to the lake with the family, I didn't have two 100 finishes prior either as I have in the past. I was also concerned about all of the lifting I have been doing, maybe the effects would show up on the trail. You know, I had to have something to worry about.
Before I left the house yesterday morning I took a look at the weather forecast for Carlton and Duluth. Duluth showed thunderstorms and Carlton showed showers. Great. The power lines become orange mountains of lard when they are wet and you know how I enjoy running in the cold rain. Not.
I headed out at 330 AM, a bit tired as I was totally Godsmacked at the Myth Friday night. Fabulous! I had plenty of time to make my way to Duluth, arriving around 630 for the 700 start. Lots of visiting friends and visiting the bathroom. The beans Friday were making themselves known. Yikes.
I saw Uncle Al Sauld, but where was Debbie McKenzie? Debbie, we missed you. Were you golfing, instead of running?
I wore a new top yesterday, one that has a good sized pocket in the inside, in between my boobs. I decided I'd stash a few gels in there as I can't stand the way my race ready shorts fit and I didn't want to wear a belt or pack. Sadly Voyaguer doesn't have gels on the course. Or Heed. I had gels in the small inside pocket of my shorts as well as my bottle pocket. I also had gels in two drop bags with a Red Bull in each. I have never tried Red Bull while running before but figured if the RockStars (Helen, John Duke..) use it then I should try it.
So the shirt, it worked great! I looked like I had a third boob but who cares? The gels fit in there perfectly along with an 11 hour pace chart. I was hoping to finish in 11 but didn't really know what might happen.
Off we went, leaving the High School in Carlton, up the street, onto the asphalt bike path and into the woods and rocks. This first 4 miles is a bit like the Superior Hiking Trail. I like it on the way out, hate it on the way back.
I found myself with Matt Long, Kevin and Paul; listening to their conversations as I ran along. It was a really nice morning. The sun was shining and it didn't look like rain. Happy days.
It was great to see so many women running the race. I never looked at the entrants list but I think I will to see how many women ran. Alicia registered in the morning and was number 137! Lots of runners for a 50 mile.
Over the swinging bridge, before the first aid station. Be sure to smile, click, they take your picture, have it developed and it is ready for pickup at the end of the race. Cool.
Wayne was working the aid station, refilled my bottle with Ultima, the race drink, and off I went.
OK, rant about Ultima. You know I favor Heed but drink Ultima at Voyaguer because it is there and I didn't feel like dragging Heed in drop bags, having to take the time, etc. Well, I noticed this morning in my race bag there is a sample of Ultima. Get this: 10 CALORIES per 16 ounces. TEN!!!!! 3 grams of Carb. WTF is up with that? This is more of an Scap in drink form. I can't believe it. I can't believe I haven't researched this and just drank it, thinking it must be relatively near Heed's 130 calories/35 g of carb per bottle. NOT. Dang. More work for me next year; dragging along powder. No wonder I feel totally wiped out at mile 40. I am mistakenly thinking that I am consuming 1000 calories/350 grams of carb when I am getting like nothing. Wow. Eye opener. I'm glad the sample pack of Ultima was in my packet.
I kind of think I must be reading the label wrong? How could this me an energy drink?
OK, enough of that business.
I ran along, feeling great, strong no worries. The clouds looked friendly, it was warming up, it was going to be a super fine day. Indeed.
About 2 hours in I approached the power lines. Crazy 300 feet hills of orange mud hills over and over again with a few rivers thrown in for added entertainment. The hills were actually in pretty good shape. A few slippery spots but not too bad. It's been MUCH worse!
As I crested the top of a hill I heard Kevin yell "ICEBERG". I gave him a pump of the arm. It was the last time I was in front of him.
I wore my Garmin Forerunner 50 and as I was running through the river I saw that it still had the footpod signal. Cool.
Out of the powerlines, no damage, all good. Onto the bike path for a bit and then an aid station 15.5 miles I believe. I had gels here so dropped my trash and refilled my boob pocket. Sweet.
I wasn't really running in a pack anymore, I was hanging out on my own, totally enjoying the scenery.
As I was running a downhill section deep in the woods I was thinking about how I was really in a zone. Really running hard, feeling good, listening to Ozzy now. As I was thinking about how great this all was a man was at my side. I about jumped out of my skin. I felt bad because I was not paying any attention at all and I should have had one ear bud out so that I was at least paying attention to other races. I apologized, he apologized for scaring me, I said I should have been listening for runners, it was embarrassing. This is why some don't like us to wear headphones while running. I totally broke the rule. Oops. The man was running really strong and was a good 40 minutes ahead of me at the turnaround.
Before the final section before the turnaround I began to see the front runners approach. Andy Holak was first and ended up winning the race in 7:16! Good job, Andy. 7:16. Just floors me! I believe Dusty ( Scott Jurek friend and pacer) was next, and John was next. Woohoo! Not too much later and here comes Helen, looking as strong as can be! Helen took first woman in 8:07 I believe! Incredible. I can't imagine.
Onto the final section before the turnaround. At 25 I had a Red Bull and more gels. I slammed the Red Bull, it was tasty. No aftertaste, no burping, just numminess. I emptied out my used gels and refilled with some more. Up and out of there.
I saw Doug Hansel at the turnaround and told him to get going. He is so much faster than I, he had no business running my pace! I decided to take out my pace chart and saw, much to my almost horror, that I was on pace for 10 hours. Oh oh. I needed to slow down, didn't I? Then I saw Julie Treder and was even more concerned. She's usually a good piece ahead of me too.
I didn't feel bad so figured I'd just keep running as I had been. I knew I would eventually slow down. I might as enjoy it while I was feeling strong.
Out of the zoo and uphill forever. It's so much fun to see the rest of the runners running into the turnaround. Lots of good jobs and high fives.
At Becks Road I ran out with Connie, Kami, Julie and Doug. On the way up the hill, Steve Q passed us. He exclaimed "road section, I'm faster here" or something like that. He was too! He zoomed right by us.
Steve posted on his blog that he felt it was time to beat me at this race. As we entered the woods I told Doug to take off and quit hanging with me. You should have seen him fly! He zoomed out of there and ended up finishing in 9 something! Wow.
I was feeling strong and fast so ran hard down down down the path, passing Steve, but saying "you can still beat me"! I didn't feel like I was going too fast, but who knows. Again, figured I might as well spend what I had.
At mile 35 I couldn't believe how good I felt. I had a drop bag, slammed another Red Bull and realized I hadn't been grabbing any solid food. I had depended entirely on Hammergel, two Red Bull and Ultima. I was calculating each Ultima to be 130 calories.
My shorts were really bothering me. I was SO wet! I was sweating like crazy, more than usual. Well, I never used to really sweat much running these things. My shorts were soaked and clinging to my thighs. This was causing horrible chafing. I looked at my legs and the girl that had been telling me how great and strong I looked gasped. Ooh, raw. I grabbed a glob of Vaseline and rubbed it onto the chafing. Ouch.
It was only about 65 so I don't get the sweating so much. Maybe it just took 5 years of ultra running for my body to begin to work correctly.
Each aid station I looked for Vaseline thereafter and lubed up. Thank god each aid station had some! Pain I tell you. Pain.
Back over the power lines. Now I was back with Connie and Kami. I thought I recognized Connie from Superior 50K, she won. At the awards ceremony she told me she had ordered some of my Foot Potion and loved it. If this was Connie, I had just mailed her out two MORE canisters of Food Potion Wednesday! I didn't ask her if she was Connie until after the race while we were showering, yes, it was Connie! I could have saved her the postage.
The rivers felt good on my feet which felt hot for some reason. There was a very light shower, but nothing much, more like a mist now and it actually felt good. The power lines were in great shape, they had dried out were actually tacky.
Mile 39.5 aid station came and went. Onto the final 10 miles. This seems like it is all uphill at first. I was so happy I made it through the power lines unscathed, then it is miles of uphill grinding. I was now on 1020 pace. Still thrilled but worried that I hadn't peed at all the whole freaking race.
Mile 44 aid station is coming up and I see Kami is missing it. I yell out to her so she turns around to make it. That would really suck, to miss the aid station at mile 44! Ugh.
Now I'm just trying to get to the finish. Everything is tired, I keep telling myself this is how it is supposed to feel..hard. If it was easy there would be more than 130 people running and I probably wouldn't be here. So suck it up and get it done.
Final aid station. Wayne is still working, tops off my bottle and I'm out of there. Wrap this baby up. It begins to pour out as I'm running over the bridge. Downpour. I know that the next section is my nightmare on the way back. Now it will be wet and slippery. I tell myself to be happy..you are now at the last section, you made it. Enjoy the final miles. Ok, Ok.
I let Kami go ahead, I could not talk anymore. I just had to grind this out. I recall that it took me 39 minutes to reach AS1 so it will probably take me an hour to get to the finish. Hmph.
Rain rain rain. But at least it waited until the finish. It could have been so much worse, it could have been raining through the power lines so be happy. Be happy that you are able to do this, that you don't have any blisters and the only pain is the chafing. That's pretty good!
Ok, across the bridge, amen, and onto the bike path. Run Run Run, onto the road and I can see the school. Thank goodness! Lots of cheering, there is John and Helen, there is the finish line in 10:44. I think. I forgot to stop my watch. Woohoo!!
Celebrate the race!
Even with the rain many spectators and finishers stayed at the finish line to cheer on the runners. I sat down with Helen and John and learned that Helen BEAT John in the final 1/4 mile. I said " Helen is the winner, see her prize...John is the loser that sits and cries", all in fun, of course. John was pretty excited that Helen beat him! Nice stuff.
After chatting for quite some time I went in for a hot shower. Fabulous. Wash away the chill and the dirt.
More visiting, awards and hot coffee. I even received an award for a 5 year finisher. I didn't realize it! I enjoyed talking with Kim Holak about Hardrock. Wow. What an epic adventure. This was her second year and she'd like to go out every year forever. She loves it that much! Amazing.
Eventually I called it a day and packed up for home, hoping to get pretty close before dark. I have horrible night vision.
Back home by 1000 to revisit the day with Steve and the boys. What a great day!
This morning Topaz and I went for a five mile run. Slow and easy. No pain but for the chaffing. Oh man. What is up with that? I slathered Foot Potion all over it so I could run. It felt so much better. I'm down 8 pounds today. This is strange as I used to always be up and bloated with water / salt post race. My body is beginning to act differently during racing. I don't pee every hour, as I used to..I didn't pee during the race once and not until I arrived home last night. I still drink the same amount, at least 24 oz each hour. Yesterday I drank more. I am not eating all of the sandwiches during the race, this may be the weight difference/bloat. I'm not sure. I no longer take eCaps or Scaps because I became so swollen during the race. I found that Heed was enough. I didn't take any salt yesterday, maybe this is one reason I'm not so bloated/heavy the next day? Interesting.
Thanks to the race committee and all of the volunteers that make this race what it is!
Up next: Lean Horse 100 August 21
Before I left the house yesterday morning I took a look at the weather forecast for Carlton and Duluth. Duluth showed thunderstorms and Carlton showed showers. Great. The power lines become orange mountains of lard when they are wet and you know how I enjoy running in the cold rain. Not.
I headed out at 330 AM, a bit tired as I was totally Godsmacked at the Myth Friday night. Fabulous! I had plenty of time to make my way to Duluth, arriving around 630 for the 700 start. Lots of visiting friends and visiting the bathroom. The beans Friday were making themselves known. Yikes.
I saw Uncle Al Sauld, but where was Debbie McKenzie? Debbie, we missed you. Were you golfing, instead of running?
I wore a new top yesterday, one that has a good sized pocket in the inside, in between my boobs. I decided I'd stash a few gels in there as I can't stand the way my race ready shorts fit and I didn't want to wear a belt or pack. Sadly Voyaguer doesn't have gels on the course. Or Heed. I had gels in the small inside pocket of my shorts as well as my bottle pocket. I also had gels in two drop bags with a Red Bull in each. I have never tried Red Bull while running before but figured if the RockStars (Helen, John Duke..) use it then I should try it.
So the shirt, it worked great! I looked like I had a third boob but who cares? The gels fit in there perfectly along with an 11 hour pace chart. I was hoping to finish in 11 but didn't really know what might happen.
Off we went, leaving the High School in Carlton, up the street, onto the asphalt bike path and into the woods and rocks. This first 4 miles is a bit like the Superior Hiking Trail. I like it on the way out, hate it on the way back.
I found myself with Matt Long, Kevin and Paul; listening to their conversations as I ran along. It was a really nice morning. The sun was shining and it didn't look like rain. Happy days.
It was great to see so many women running the race. I never looked at the entrants list but I think I will to see how many women ran. Alicia registered in the morning and was number 137! Lots of runners for a 50 mile.
Over the swinging bridge, before the first aid station. Be sure to smile, click, they take your picture, have it developed and it is ready for pickup at the end of the race. Cool.
Wayne was working the aid station, refilled my bottle with Ultima, the race drink, and off I went.
OK, rant about Ultima. You know I favor Heed but drink Ultima at Voyaguer because it is there and I didn't feel like dragging Heed in drop bags, having to take the time, etc. Well, I noticed this morning in my race bag there is a sample of Ultima. Get this: 10 CALORIES per 16 ounces. TEN!!!!! 3 grams of Carb. WTF is up with that? This is more of an Scap in drink form. I can't believe it. I can't believe I haven't researched this and just drank it, thinking it must be relatively near Heed's 130 calories/35 g of carb per bottle. NOT. Dang. More work for me next year; dragging along powder. No wonder I feel totally wiped out at mile 40. I am mistakenly thinking that I am consuming 1000 calories/350 grams of carb when I am getting like nothing. Wow. Eye opener. I'm glad the sample pack of Ultima was in my packet.
I kind of think I must be reading the label wrong? How could this me an energy drink?
OK, enough of that business.
I ran along, feeling great, strong no worries. The clouds looked friendly, it was warming up, it was going to be a super fine day. Indeed.
About 2 hours in I approached the power lines. Crazy 300 feet hills of orange mud hills over and over again with a few rivers thrown in for added entertainment. The hills were actually in pretty good shape. A few slippery spots but not too bad. It's been MUCH worse!
As I crested the top of a hill I heard Kevin yell "ICEBERG". I gave him a pump of the arm. It was the last time I was in front of him.
I wore my Garmin Forerunner 50 and as I was running through the river I saw that it still had the footpod signal. Cool.
Out of the powerlines, no damage, all good. Onto the bike path for a bit and then an aid station 15.5 miles I believe. I had gels here so dropped my trash and refilled my boob pocket. Sweet.
I wasn't really running in a pack anymore, I was hanging out on my own, totally enjoying the scenery.
As I was running a downhill section deep in the woods I was thinking about how I was really in a zone. Really running hard, feeling good, listening to Ozzy now. As I was thinking about how great this all was a man was at my side. I about jumped out of my skin. I felt bad because I was not paying any attention at all and I should have had one ear bud out so that I was at least paying attention to other races. I apologized, he apologized for scaring me, I said I should have been listening for runners, it was embarrassing. This is why some don't like us to wear headphones while running. I totally broke the rule. Oops. The man was running really strong and was a good 40 minutes ahead of me at the turnaround.
Before the final section before the turnaround I began to see the front runners approach. Andy Holak was first and ended up winning the race in 7:16! Good job, Andy. 7:16. Just floors me! I believe Dusty ( Scott Jurek friend and pacer) was next, and John was next. Woohoo! Not too much later and here comes Helen, looking as strong as can be! Helen took first woman in 8:07 I believe! Incredible. I can't imagine.
Onto the final section before the turnaround. At 25 I had a Red Bull and more gels. I slammed the Red Bull, it was tasty. No aftertaste, no burping, just numminess. I emptied out my used gels and refilled with some more. Up and out of there.
I saw Doug Hansel at the turnaround and told him to get going. He is so much faster than I, he had no business running my pace! I decided to take out my pace chart and saw, much to my almost horror, that I was on pace for 10 hours. Oh oh. I needed to slow down, didn't I? Then I saw Julie Treder and was even more concerned. She's usually a good piece ahead of me too.
I didn't feel bad so figured I'd just keep running as I had been. I knew I would eventually slow down. I might as enjoy it while I was feeling strong.
Out of the zoo and uphill forever. It's so much fun to see the rest of the runners running into the turnaround. Lots of good jobs and high fives.
At Becks Road I ran out with Connie, Kami, Julie and Doug. On the way up the hill, Steve Q passed us. He exclaimed "road section, I'm faster here" or something like that. He was too! He zoomed right by us.
Steve posted on his blog that he felt it was time to beat me at this race. As we entered the woods I told Doug to take off and quit hanging with me. You should have seen him fly! He zoomed out of there and ended up finishing in 9 something! Wow.
I was feeling strong and fast so ran hard down down down the path, passing Steve, but saying "you can still beat me"! I didn't feel like I was going too fast, but who knows. Again, figured I might as well spend what I had.
At mile 35 I couldn't believe how good I felt. I had a drop bag, slammed another Red Bull and realized I hadn't been grabbing any solid food. I had depended entirely on Hammergel, two Red Bull and Ultima. I was calculating each Ultima to be 130 calories.
My shorts were really bothering me. I was SO wet! I was sweating like crazy, more than usual. Well, I never used to really sweat much running these things. My shorts were soaked and clinging to my thighs. This was causing horrible chafing. I looked at my legs and the girl that had been telling me how great and strong I looked gasped. Ooh, raw. I grabbed a glob of Vaseline and rubbed it onto the chafing. Ouch.
It was only about 65 so I don't get the sweating so much. Maybe it just took 5 years of ultra running for my body to begin to work correctly.
Each aid station I looked for Vaseline thereafter and lubed up. Thank god each aid station had some! Pain I tell you. Pain.
Back over the power lines. Now I was back with Connie and Kami. I thought I recognized Connie from Superior 50K, she won. At the awards ceremony she told me she had ordered some of my Foot Potion and loved it. If this was Connie, I had just mailed her out two MORE canisters of Food Potion Wednesday! I didn't ask her if she was Connie until after the race while we were showering, yes, it was Connie! I could have saved her the postage.
The rivers felt good on my feet which felt hot for some reason. There was a very light shower, but nothing much, more like a mist now and it actually felt good. The power lines were in great shape, they had dried out were actually tacky.
Mile 39.5 aid station came and went. Onto the final 10 miles. This seems like it is all uphill at first. I was so happy I made it through the power lines unscathed, then it is miles of uphill grinding. I was now on 1020 pace. Still thrilled but worried that I hadn't peed at all the whole freaking race.
Mile 44 aid station is coming up and I see Kami is missing it. I yell out to her so she turns around to make it. That would really suck, to miss the aid station at mile 44! Ugh.
Now I'm just trying to get to the finish. Everything is tired, I keep telling myself this is how it is supposed to feel..hard. If it was easy there would be more than 130 people running and I probably wouldn't be here. So suck it up and get it done.
Final aid station. Wayne is still working, tops off my bottle and I'm out of there. Wrap this baby up. It begins to pour out as I'm running over the bridge. Downpour. I know that the next section is my nightmare on the way back. Now it will be wet and slippery. I tell myself to be happy..you are now at the last section, you made it. Enjoy the final miles. Ok, Ok.
I let Kami go ahead, I could not talk anymore. I just had to grind this out. I recall that it took me 39 minutes to reach AS1 so it will probably take me an hour to get to the finish. Hmph.
Rain rain rain. But at least it waited until the finish. It could have been so much worse, it could have been raining through the power lines so be happy. Be happy that you are able to do this, that you don't have any blisters and the only pain is the chafing. That's pretty good!
Ok, across the bridge, amen, and onto the bike path. Run Run Run, onto the road and I can see the school. Thank goodness! Lots of cheering, there is John and Helen, there is the finish line in 10:44. I think. I forgot to stop my watch. Woohoo!!
Celebrate the race!
Even with the rain many spectators and finishers stayed at the finish line to cheer on the runners. I sat down with Helen and John and learned that Helen BEAT John in the final 1/4 mile. I said " Helen is the winner, see her prize...John is the loser that sits and cries", all in fun, of course. John was pretty excited that Helen beat him! Nice stuff.
After chatting for quite some time I went in for a hot shower. Fabulous. Wash away the chill and the dirt.
More visiting, awards and hot coffee. I even received an award for a 5 year finisher. I didn't realize it! I enjoyed talking with Kim Holak about Hardrock. Wow. What an epic adventure. This was her second year and she'd like to go out every year forever. She loves it that much! Amazing.
Eventually I called it a day and packed up for home, hoping to get pretty close before dark. I have horrible night vision.
Back home by 1000 to revisit the day with Steve and the boys. What a great day!
This morning Topaz and I went for a five mile run. Slow and easy. No pain but for the chaffing. Oh man. What is up with that? I slathered Foot Potion all over it so I could run. It felt so much better. I'm down 8 pounds today. This is strange as I used to always be up and bloated with water / salt post race. My body is beginning to act differently during racing. I don't pee every hour, as I used to..I didn't pee during the race once and not until I arrived home last night. I still drink the same amount, at least 24 oz each hour. Yesterday I drank more. I am not eating all of the sandwiches during the race, this may be the weight difference/bloat. I'm not sure. I no longer take eCaps or Scaps because I became so swollen during the race. I found that Heed was enough. I didn't take any salt yesterday, maybe this is one reason I'm not so bloated/heavy the next day? Interesting.
Thanks to the race committee and all of the volunteers that make this race what it is!
Up next: Lean Horse 100 August 21
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Cake Slice: Marbled Lemon-Blueberry Butter Cake
This month we voted for the Marbled Lemon-Blueberry Butter Cake. I find that the flavor of blueberry and lemon go very well together. Last year was the first time that I combined the two flavors, in Dories Blueberry Pie. Since then, I have created many recipes using the combination of flavors. Very tasty. After tasting a slice of Troy's cake this month, I gave it to Steve to bring to work. It was just too good to have laying around the house. Very dangerous for me. There isn't even any chocolate. What's up with that?
The lemon butter cream frosting is fabulous. I did add a bit of lemon extract to the frosting-it was just too buttery without. The homemade blueberry jam in between the layers is wonderful. The butter cake delivers a very tight crumb. Yum all the way through.
I think I will try this with the raspberries that I picked last week. I think raspberry/lemon would be tasty as well and I have a get together that I could bring it to.
I will decorate the top of the next one a bit more with the raspberries. In looking at the other blogs/cakes I just can't get over how beautiful they make them look!
You can check here for other cakes and here for the recipe.
From Sky High: Irrisistable Three Layer Cakes
The lemon butter cream frosting is fabulous. I did add a bit of lemon extract to the frosting-it was just too buttery without. The homemade blueberry jam in between the layers is wonderful. The butter cake delivers a very tight crumb. Yum all the way through.
I think I will try this with the raspberries that I picked last week. I think raspberry/lemon would be tasty as well and I have a get together that I could bring it to.
I will decorate the top of the next one a bit more with the raspberries. In looking at the other blogs/cakes I just can't get over how beautiful they make them look!
You can check here for other cakes and here for the recipe.
From Sky High: Irrisistable Three Layer Cakes
Monday, July 13, 2009
BETA IV
It's hard to believe that we have been running a "BETA" run on the Superior Hiking Trail for the past four years! Thankfully this was a ritual that began because Larry Pederson was going to direct the Superior Sawtooth 102.5 Mile Run as a point to point along the Superior Hiking Trail. He wasn't sure how long it would take the runners and wasn't sure how long the aid stations would have to be open. He asked if anyone would be interested in running the first 50 miles to see how long it would take. He didn't have to twist my arm!
Scott Wagner set up a weekend and organized BETA I. Maria and I were the only two that ended up finishing the 50 mile BETA run. We had great aid the whole way as Doug and Alicia had the van filled with anything we might need. They met us at each 'aid station' we would use in the race. It was a great beginning to an annual event.
This year 10 of us took on BETA IV. We planned on a day run (one year we ran a night run of 40 miles through the Manitou River area-hard as hell) from Beaver Bay to Co Rd 6. Approximately 25+ or so miles.
Friday I left home early so that I could run a portion of the trail. I decided on a section I haven't run before. I began at Castle Danger and ran to Gooseberry Falls. Ran back to Castle Danger, filled my bottles and then went in the opposite direction; Castle Danger to Encampment River. It was a great day for a run. Sunny and warm, just how I like it. The creeks were all dry. I took a picture of a creek with a big bridge over it..all it consisted of were rocks with no water at all. Even Gooseberry Falls was a trickle.
While I was running deep in the woods I would find myself in the throes of a panic attack. I could feel the worry escalate as I was all alone deep in the woods and I felt claustrophobic .. from all of the trees I guess. I sat down and took deep breathes, calming myself. It was quite odd. I did get over it and tried to smother those feelings when they arrived later during my run. I never did see another person within those miles and I think that is why I felt so panicked.
After my run I headed toward Tofte where our weekend house was. I unpacked, sat on the shoreline of beautiful Lake Superior and waited for the rest of the crew.
As everyone arrived we congregated on the beautiful deck outside, soaking in the last rays of the day. We ate together and planned the course for the next day.
Saturday was another beautiful, sunny and warm day. We hit the trail at 7 in Beaver Bay, running toward Little Marias at County Road 6. We stopped at County Road 1 to drop water..about 17 miles into our run. County Road 6 would bring us to 27 miles.
We were all going to go our own pace, we left three vehicles at the finish. Helen led our pack, Holly followed and then me. As I came up to Bill he told me that Holly was only a few minutes ahead. I never found her.
I had a great day. It was warm, I drank heavily. 72 ounces of Heed to Co Rd 1 and 72 ounces from 1 to Co Rd 6. If I had been carrying 4 24 oz bottles I would have definitely consumed an additional 48 oz. I conserved my Heed until I reached our refueling points. I was surprised as I came upon our water at Co Rd 1 that there didn't seem to be much water gone. I then realized that Holly must be in back of me. I learned after our run that she took a spur trail and went off course 3 or so miles. Luckily she found her way back and was running in back of me with Tom and Nancy.
Bill ended up hurting his knee and Jim convinced him to walk back to Tettegouche Visitor Center where we picked him up later.
I finished the 27 or so miles in 6 hours, then decided to run back toward the group. I ran another 4 miles up the trail, then back down to Co Rd 6, never seeing anyone! I then walked to the gravel pit where we parked the vehicles but our vehicles were not there. I was at the wrong spot. I walked up Co Rd 6 a while longer and eventually came across our vehicles. As I was climbing the hill I saw Helen up in front of me, then saw her leave in her vehicle. She didn't see me so I removed my pack and sat in the lot, waiting for someone to finish. I became bored so began to walk back to the trail head when I saw Jim and Alicia coming up the hill. They both had a grand time.
Jim, Alicia and I went back to pick up Bill. In our ultra induced brains we passed Tettegouche and ended up at Beaver Bay when Jim let us know that we were where we began our day. We passed Tettegouche. Oops. Back to Tettegouch where Bill was waiting for us.
When we arrived to the house John had arrived, having run the 1/2 Voyaguer. Helen was back and soon Maria, Holly, Tom and Nancy arrived. We spent the afternoon on the deck telling stories, speaking of past BETA's and just enjoying ourselves.
Sunday morning came all too soon and we were all off for our own runs. I decided to drive into Duluth, grab a coffee at Dunn Brothers, drive back out to Lester River and run the Grandmas Marathon route from Mile 19 to 26. I wanted to run the stiffness out of my legs and run upon stable smooth ground. I wasn't the only one running that route; many others were out as well.
Another fine weekend at BETA IV. We are already looking forward to BETA V!
Scott Wagner set up a weekend and organized BETA I. Maria and I were the only two that ended up finishing the 50 mile BETA run. We had great aid the whole way as Doug and Alicia had the van filled with anything we might need. They met us at each 'aid station' we would use in the race. It was a great beginning to an annual event.
This year 10 of us took on BETA IV. We planned on a day run (one year we ran a night run of 40 miles through the Manitou River area-hard as hell) from Beaver Bay to Co Rd 6. Approximately 25+ or so miles.
Friday I left home early so that I could run a portion of the trail. I decided on a section I haven't run before. I began at Castle Danger and ran to Gooseberry Falls. Ran back to Castle Danger, filled my bottles and then went in the opposite direction; Castle Danger to Encampment River. It was a great day for a run. Sunny and warm, just how I like it. The creeks were all dry. I took a picture of a creek with a big bridge over it..all it consisted of were rocks with no water at all. Even Gooseberry Falls was a trickle.
While I was running deep in the woods I would find myself in the throes of a panic attack. I could feel the worry escalate as I was all alone deep in the woods and I felt claustrophobic .. from all of the trees I guess. I sat down and took deep breathes, calming myself. It was quite odd. I did get over it and tried to smother those feelings when they arrived later during my run. I never did see another person within those miles and I think that is why I felt so panicked.
After my run I headed toward Tofte where our weekend house was. I unpacked, sat on the shoreline of beautiful Lake Superior and waited for the rest of the crew.
As everyone arrived we congregated on the beautiful deck outside, soaking in the last rays of the day. We ate together and planned the course for the next day.
Saturday was another beautiful, sunny and warm day. We hit the trail at 7 in Beaver Bay, running toward Little Marias at County Road 6. We stopped at County Road 1 to drop water..about 17 miles into our run. County Road 6 would bring us to 27 miles.
We were all going to go our own pace, we left three vehicles at the finish. Helen led our pack, Holly followed and then me. As I came up to Bill he told me that Holly was only a few minutes ahead. I never found her.
I had a great day. It was warm, I drank heavily. 72 ounces of Heed to Co Rd 1 and 72 ounces from 1 to Co Rd 6. If I had been carrying 4 24 oz bottles I would have definitely consumed an additional 48 oz. I conserved my Heed until I reached our refueling points. I was surprised as I came upon our water at Co Rd 1 that there didn't seem to be much water gone. I then realized that Holly must be in back of me. I learned after our run that she took a spur trail and went off course 3 or so miles. Luckily she found her way back and was running in back of me with Tom and Nancy.
Bill ended up hurting his knee and Jim convinced him to walk back to Tettegouche Visitor Center where we picked him up later.
I finished the 27 or so miles in 6 hours, then decided to run back toward the group. I ran another 4 miles up the trail, then back down to Co Rd 6, never seeing anyone! I then walked to the gravel pit where we parked the vehicles but our vehicles were not there. I was at the wrong spot. I walked up Co Rd 6 a while longer and eventually came across our vehicles. As I was climbing the hill I saw Helen up in front of me, then saw her leave in her vehicle. She didn't see me so I removed my pack and sat in the lot, waiting for someone to finish. I became bored so began to walk back to the trail head when I saw Jim and Alicia coming up the hill. They both had a grand time.
Jim, Alicia and I went back to pick up Bill. In our ultra induced brains we passed Tettegouche and ended up at Beaver Bay when Jim let us know that we were where we began our day. We passed Tettegouche. Oops. Back to Tettegouch where Bill was waiting for us.
When we arrived to the house John had arrived, having run the 1/2 Voyaguer. Helen was back and soon Maria, Holly, Tom and Nancy arrived. We spent the afternoon on the deck telling stories, speaking of past BETA's and just enjoying ourselves.
Sunday morning came all too soon and we were all off for our own runs. I decided to drive into Duluth, grab a coffee at Dunn Brothers, drive back out to Lester River and run the Grandmas Marathon route from Mile 19 to 26. I wanted to run the stiffness out of my legs and run upon stable smooth ground. I wasn't the only one running that route; many others were out as well.
Another fine weekend at BETA IV. We are already looking forward to BETA V!
Thursday, July 09, 2009
800s, 1200s, Tempo Runs, Heart Rate Training..Oh My
So this is a little embarrassing. I purchased a Garmin 50 last May. The 50 because the battery lasts a year, versus 8 hours that the other Garmin with GPS last. I mainly wanted it as a pacing tool to use at FANS last year, which I did. Worked great. What good is an 8 hour battery going to do me. Really.
I haven't really used it since. I sprayed mosquito spray on the face and it is now all scratchy, but still readable. I never took the heart rate monitor out of the box or the ANT stick until today..over a year later. Yeah.
This morning Topaz and I ran our usual 5 fun miles on the trail, taking it easy, knowing I was going to try my first tempo run this afternoon. I took out my Garmin box and read the instructions for the heart rate monitor and the foot pod as it has been forever since I used the foot pod. Of course the watch shows a low battery signal. No matter, I was taking it for a spin as soon as I dropped off Tyler at work.
I looked up a quickie heart rate calculation at Runners World. By plugging in my last 5K race pace, last month at the Princeton 5K at 26 minutes I came up with a tempo run at 8:33 minute mile pace. Don't laugh. I'm not real fast. For the max heart rate I did the 220-44 and came up with 176. Ta da. Now this should be my max heart rate. Well, after my tempo run today there is no freaking way that 176 is max for me.
I'll have to try the method of running 3x800, 1 200 recovery and another 400 full boar to figure out max heart rate I guess. (I should have brought this along with me when I ran at the track on Tuesday. Yes! Another track workout; this time all 800s :) I read this somewhere, is this a good enough way to figure max heart rate? At least it is more individualized than the standard 220-age. I mean come on. We are all different. Don't tell me all 44 year olds are going to have the same max heart rate.
I ran the certified Big Lake 8K course this afternoon. Apparently I don't know how to toggle between pace from the foot pod and heart rate or the 50 isn't capable of this feat. I was stuck at heart rate and recalled that 156 heart rate would be 'tempo' if 176 was max .
OK, so maybe the 405 with the 8 hour battery would be a good item to purchase for speed workouts. I'm seeing the light.
The first 3 minutes HR was 150 to 171, then stayed 171 to 173 for the next 36 minutes. I saw 176 as I ran up a hill and I wasn't dieing or gasping so I really don't think it was max. 39 minutes for 8K, not full out, just a quick pace that I was able to sustain..but couldn't sustain for an hour and half I'd imagine. 39 minutes was plenty. Now I have a starting point.
How do most of you figure your heart rate? Do you train with a HRM? I'm never too old to learn.
Heading up north to the beautiful Superior Hiking Trail for three days of long slow running with friends. BETA IV!
I haven't really used it since. I sprayed mosquito spray on the face and it is now all scratchy, but still readable. I never took the heart rate monitor out of the box or the ANT stick until today..over a year later. Yeah.
This morning Topaz and I ran our usual 5 fun miles on the trail, taking it easy, knowing I was going to try my first tempo run this afternoon. I took out my Garmin box and read the instructions for the heart rate monitor and the foot pod as it has been forever since I used the foot pod. Of course the watch shows a low battery signal. No matter, I was taking it for a spin as soon as I dropped off Tyler at work.
I looked up a quickie heart rate calculation at Runners World. By plugging in my last 5K race pace, last month at the Princeton 5K at 26 minutes I came up with a tempo run at 8:33 minute mile pace. Don't laugh. I'm not real fast. For the max heart rate I did the 220-44 and came up with 176. Ta da. Now this should be my max heart rate. Well, after my tempo run today there is no freaking way that 176 is max for me.
I'll have to try the method of running 3x800, 1 200 recovery and another 400 full boar to figure out max heart rate I guess. (I should have brought this along with me when I ran at the track on Tuesday. Yes! Another track workout; this time all 800s :) I read this somewhere, is this a good enough way to figure max heart rate? At least it is more individualized than the standard 220-age. I mean come on. We are all different. Don't tell me all 44 year olds are going to have the same max heart rate.
I ran the certified Big Lake 8K course this afternoon. Apparently I don't know how to toggle between pace from the foot pod and heart rate or the 50 isn't capable of this feat. I was stuck at heart rate and recalled that 156 heart rate would be 'tempo' if 176 was max .
OK, so maybe the 405 with the 8 hour battery would be a good item to purchase for speed workouts. I'm seeing the light.
The first 3 minutes HR was 150 to 171, then stayed 171 to 173 for the next 36 minutes. I saw 176 as I ran up a hill and I wasn't dieing or gasping so I really don't think it was max. 39 minutes for 8K, not full out, just a quick pace that I was able to sustain..but couldn't sustain for an hour and half I'd imagine. 39 minutes was plenty. Now I have a starting point.
How do most of you figure your heart rate? Do you train with a HRM? I'm never too old to learn.
Heading up north to the beautiful Superior Hiking Trail for three days of long slow running with friends. BETA IV!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
June Daring Bakers: Bakewell Tart...er Pudding
The June Daring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Jasmine of Confessions of a Cardamom Addict and Annemarie of Ambrosia and Nectar. They chose a Traditional (UK) Bakewell Tart... er... pudding that was inspired by a rich baking history dating back to the 1800's in England.
I can't believe I almost forgot to create and post this recipe today. I guess that will happen with only 3 hours of sleep in a 40 hour span of time. After running all night I arrived home, made the boys waffles, showered and crawled into bed from 900 to 1200. I couldn't sleep any longer! I wanted to play croquet and swim in the pool with the family. I couldn't stay in bed. The sun came out, we played..the rain came back so I watched The Dark Knight..and looked at the calendar to see what was up for tomorrow. Before I looked at tomorrow I saw today. OH NO! The tart/pudding recipe I hadn't yet made.
Luckily this was an easy recipe to put together. I chose to make a lemon curd for the filling, I used lemon zest and juice in the tart crust and topping.
Steve loves lemon/almond flavoring. The crust has crushed almonds and there are almonds on the top layer. He had a slice with ice cream and declared it delicious. I don't care for lemon so I will pass.
Now, I will go to sleep.
Jasmine has the recipe posted on her blog.
I can't believe I almost forgot to create and post this recipe today. I guess that will happen with only 3 hours of sleep in a 40 hour span of time. After running all night I arrived home, made the boys waffles, showered and crawled into bed from 900 to 1200. I couldn't sleep any longer! I wanted to play croquet and swim in the pool with the family. I couldn't stay in bed. The sun came out, we played..the rain came back so I watched The Dark Knight..and looked at the calendar to see what was up for tomorrow. Before I looked at tomorrow I saw today. OH NO! The tart/pudding recipe I hadn't yet made.
Luckily this was an easy recipe to put together. I chose to make a lemon curd for the filling, I used lemon zest and juice in the tart crust and topping.
Steve loves lemon/almond flavoring. The crust has crushed almonds and there are almonds on the top layer. He had a slice with ice cream and declared it delicious. I don't care for lemon so I will pass.
Now, I will go to sleep.
Jasmine has the recipe posted on her blog.
Midnight Run O' Fun
I received an email from Alicia last week asking to join her on a midnight rendezvous at Afton State Park. How could I resist?
Running through the park-in the dark-at midnight-when most sane people are sleeping. An offer that was incredibly enticing.
John, Kevin, myself, Alicia, Tom, Pierre, Helen, Maria and Amy all met at the visitor center before midnight. We applied mosquito spray, donned headlamps and headed out into the dark woods. Fabulous!
As we were running the race course I noticed two bright, round lights just past a large tree. My first thought was that it must be John spooking me, as he had been running just up ahead. Eventually I voiced my find in the woods. "Look at those two lights, is that someone else out there or what is that?" It was the first of many, many deer, peering back at us as we were interrupting their nighttime rest.
A while later I saw Pierre and Kevin stop abruptly, I heard raised voices. As I walked up to them I saw what Pierre almost ran through. A HUGE circular web with a large spider attached to the middle. Creepy! Pierre could have had that web spread across his face.
We continued to run and as predicated, within 2.5 hours the thunderstorm began. Loud cracks of lighting with booms of thunder followed. There were a few very scary bolts of lighting that were loud, that had struck something out there and lit up the sky like the fireworks on the 4th of July.
It felt warm and humid during our run so the rain was actually welcomed. The storm we could have done without.
Eventfully we reached the lot and were welcomed by Nancy. She was at the park, early this morning, to begin a wonderful breakfast of grilled grass fed beef burgers for us! We changed out of our wet clothes - except Pierre who forgot dry clothes - and reminisced about our hours on the trail as we were drinking hot coffee and eating burgers, a mixture of salads, birthday cake for Tom and brownies for a second dessert.
A wonderful way to spend the dark dark hours; running with fabulous friends. I'm grateful to be a part of such a wonderful friendship.
Running through the park-in the dark-at midnight-when most sane people are sleeping. An offer that was incredibly enticing.
John, Kevin, myself, Alicia, Tom, Pierre, Helen, Maria and Amy all met at the visitor center before midnight. We applied mosquito spray, donned headlamps and headed out into the dark woods. Fabulous!
As we were running the race course I noticed two bright, round lights just past a large tree. My first thought was that it must be John spooking me, as he had been running just up ahead. Eventually I voiced my find in the woods. "Look at those two lights, is that someone else out there or what is that?" It was the first of many, many deer, peering back at us as we were interrupting their nighttime rest.
A while later I saw Pierre and Kevin stop abruptly, I heard raised voices. As I walked up to them I saw what Pierre almost ran through. A HUGE circular web with a large spider attached to the middle. Creepy! Pierre could have had that web spread across his face.
We continued to run and as predicated, within 2.5 hours the thunderstorm began. Loud cracks of lighting with booms of thunder followed. There were a few very scary bolts of lighting that were loud, that had struck something out there and lit up the sky like the fireworks on the 4th of July.
It felt warm and humid during our run so the rain was actually welcomed. The storm we could have done without.
Eventfully we reached the lot and were welcomed by Nancy. She was at the park, early this morning, to begin a wonderful breakfast of grilled grass fed beef burgers for us! We changed out of our wet clothes - except Pierre who forgot dry clothes - and reminisced about our hours on the trail as we were drinking hot coffee and eating burgers, a mixture of salads, birthday cake for Tom and brownies for a second dessert.
A wonderful way to spend the dark dark hours; running with fabulous friends. I'm grateful to be a part of such a wonderful friendship.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Summer Fun in the Sun
The second week of my summer vacation is closing in on me. I can't believe how quickly it goes. I no longer 'wish for Friday'; Friday is here all to soon. Instead, I enjoy each and every day.
I love summer. Oh, how I love summer. No snowshoes, no snow, no boots, no booties, no Minnesota Hunch of my neck and back, I'm not wearing three layers of clothing to run in. Lots of running on the trail and track. Running in shorts, running with the deer flies. They aren't even getting me down. I'm happy. I love summer.
The past week has been absolutely Minnesota Perfect. 90's, clear and sunny. It has been raining during the night, clear and gorgeous during the day. Awesome.
I have 6 weeks left of summer vacation. I'm very lucky to have this time off. I am enjoying each and every day.
Each day it seems Troy is playing baseball. I love it. They don't have a very good team, they've won two games. They are all having fun and that is what counts..I keep on telling the boys that. They may believe me one of these days.
Tonight Troy plays at 7 and after the game..off for a midnight run under the moon, and maybe under a storm as well. The plan is a good 6 hour run on the trail. Just what I need..physically and mentally. I'm really looking forward to it.
Enjoy summer. I am!
I love summer. Oh, how I love summer. No snowshoes, no snow, no boots, no booties, no Minnesota Hunch of my neck and back, I'm not wearing three layers of clothing to run in. Lots of running on the trail and track. Running in shorts, running with the deer flies. They aren't even getting me down. I'm happy. I love summer.
The past week has been absolutely Minnesota Perfect. 90's, clear and sunny. It has been raining during the night, clear and gorgeous during the day. Awesome.
I have 6 weeks left of summer vacation. I'm very lucky to have this time off. I am enjoying each and every day.
Each day it seems Troy is playing baseball. I love it. They don't have a very good team, they've won two games. They are all having fun and that is what counts..I keep on telling the boys that. They may believe me one of these days.
Tonight Troy plays at 7 and after the game..off for a midnight run under the moon, and maybe under a storm as well. The plan is a good 6 hour run on the trail. Just what I need..physically and mentally. I'm really looking forward to it.
Enjoy summer. I am!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The Cake Slice: Pina Colada Cake
I can't believe that it is already the 20th of June and time to post the latest cake from Sky High: Irresistible Triple Layer Cakes.
This month we go a bit tropical with the flavors of the Pina Colada: Rum, Pineapple, Coconut, Lime melded together in a flavorful cake.
The cake layers are 'brown sugar' cake; dense and moist. In between the layers is a pineapple filling with lime and vanilla bean. A coconut butter cream is frosted upon the cake with coconut sprinkled over the top. Flavorful!
The recipe stated it would make 3 9" layers so I didn't increase the ingredients. I was only able to get two layers full. My cake is only a double. I didn't bother doubling the frosting or filling with only two layers. Of course I could have cut each layer in half and had a four layer cake..but then I would be called extreme..again.
This cake will be Father's Day dessert. The boys couldn't resist and wanted slices tonight. They liked the cake but weren't crazy for it. There was not a crumb left upon their plates though!
Here is a link to the recipe
This month we go a bit tropical with the flavors of the Pina Colada: Rum, Pineapple, Coconut, Lime melded together in a flavorful cake.
The cake layers are 'brown sugar' cake; dense and moist. In between the layers is a pineapple filling with lime and vanilla bean. A coconut butter cream is frosted upon the cake with coconut sprinkled over the top. Flavorful!
The recipe stated it would make 3 9" layers so I didn't increase the ingredients. I was only able to get two layers full. My cake is only a double. I didn't bother doubling the frosting or filling with only two layers. Of course I could have cut each layer in half and had a four layer cake..but then I would be called extreme..again.
This cake will be Father's Day dessert. The boys couldn't resist and wanted slices tonight. They liked the cake but weren't crazy for it. There was not a crumb left upon their plates though!
Here is a link to the recipe
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Teamwork.
Last week I wrapped up my latest beginning running class. For the 'graduation' we ran the Princeton 5K as the girls first race. It was fabulous! I wasn't sure that I would be able to run it well having run 60 miles at FANS last Saturday. I really wanted to share in the girls first race so decided to run it no matter how my legs felt.
Carol and Heidi from my very first group joined us; Carol has run half a dozen races now and Heidi has even run a half marathon! Awesome.
Mary told us last Tuesday, on our final class, that she didn't feel ready for the 5K. We were all pretty bummed at that, I knew she was ready but wasn't going to force the issue. I told her that I would be leaving home at 700 and that she should call me should she change her mind and I would pick her up on the way.
Saturday morning at 630 the phone rang. Mary had changed her mind and was in! Of course, her hubby telling her that if she didn't run the race she could sand a wood project with him, helped to make her decision!
I picked up Mary, she said "...this is crazy, I can't believe I'm running a race.." "Welcome to the Dark Side" I told her!
The girls were very happy to see Mary. It helps to have a few people in your camp that are in the same state of progress as yourself. Most were running first race ever. Two spouses entered to run and support their wives! Fabulous. This was Kevin's first race since Superior 50K '08. Kevin has had some medical (heart, appedectomy) set backs and is now back at it, building his base.
The morning was beautiful. Bright, warm and sunny. Woohoo. We met up with one another, picked up our packets, I decided to register, and we waited for the start. GO! The course was an out and back, along the golf course, onto a gravel road. It was a great first race for the girls. Only one hill, water at the turn around, spectators cheering. Loads o' fun.
I came into the finish at 24:20 - 2nd girl - and ran to the car to collect my camera. I was able to take pictures of the finishes and cheer loudly! What a great experience.
Mary and Michelle had teamed up and encouraged one another. Michelle doesn't care for the heat, she was really becoming warm. They ran a strong finish, sprinting to the end. Amazing!
It was so rewarding to be part of this first race for these girls. I love it. Showing them that they CAN do it! They all did it. Heidi ran a 30:12 and was aiming for a 30! Good going Heidi.
After the race I came home to make breakfast for the boys, changed and headed to Hastings..aka the other side of the world.
John Storkamp, RD for the Afton Races, was having a Heavy Medal party. 20 of us volunteered to create the finishing awards for his race. It was a great time. It feels good to help out in any small way. Check out the ATR Blog for the pictures of the awards. The art work he did for this year's Tshirt is incredible. The shirt isn't only for running; you can wear art work anywhere.
Back home to attend grad parties with the family.
A great day. A full day. A rewarding day.
Carol and Heidi from my very first group joined us; Carol has run half a dozen races now and Heidi has even run a half marathon! Awesome.
Mary told us last Tuesday, on our final class, that she didn't feel ready for the 5K. We were all pretty bummed at that, I knew she was ready but wasn't going to force the issue. I told her that I would be leaving home at 700 and that she should call me should she change her mind and I would pick her up on the way.
Saturday morning at 630 the phone rang. Mary had changed her mind and was in! Of course, her hubby telling her that if she didn't run the race she could sand a wood project with him, helped to make her decision!
I picked up Mary, she said "...this is crazy, I can't believe I'm running a race.." "Welcome to the Dark Side" I told her!
The girls were very happy to see Mary. It helps to have a few people in your camp that are in the same state of progress as yourself. Most were running first race ever. Two spouses entered to run and support their wives! Fabulous. This was Kevin's first race since Superior 50K '08. Kevin has had some medical (heart, appedectomy) set backs and is now back at it, building his base.
The morning was beautiful. Bright, warm and sunny. Woohoo. We met up with one another, picked up our packets, I decided to register, and we waited for the start. GO! The course was an out and back, along the golf course, onto a gravel road. It was a great first race for the girls. Only one hill, water at the turn around, spectators cheering. Loads o' fun.
I came into the finish at 24:20 - 2nd girl - and ran to the car to collect my camera. I was able to take pictures of the finishes and cheer loudly! What a great experience.
Mary and Michelle had teamed up and encouraged one another. Michelle doesn't care for the heat, she was really becoming warm. They ran a strong finish, sprinting to the end. Amazing!
It was so rewarding to be part of this first race for these girls. I love it. Showing them that they CAN do it! They all did it. Heidi ran a 30:12 and was aiming for a 30! Good going Heidi.
After the race I came home to make breakfast for the boys, changed and headed to Hastings..aka the other side of the world.
John Storkamp, RD for the Afton Races, was having a Heavy Medal party. 20 of us volunteered to create the finishing awards for his race. It was a great time. It feels good to help out in any small way. Check out the ATR Blog for the pictures of the awards. The art work he did for this year's Tshirt is incredible. The shirt isn't only for running; you can wear art work anywhere.
Back home to attend grad parties with the family.
A great day. A full day. A rewarding day.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Happy Paz
Thank you so much for all of the kind comments relating to Topaz. I appreciate it so very much. Your kind thoughts did help.
It's amazing how quickly the brain can change priorities. One minute I'm thinking about FANS, it is on my List Of Things That Matter and the next minute finishing FANS was on my List Of Things That No Longer Matter.
Topaz had surgery and is recovering just fine. The vet called me during surgery to state that his in addition to the first tooth that was causing trouble, he felt that the exact tooth on the opposite side of the jaw could be causing trouble as well. He asked me if he should go ahead and extract the second tooth in addition or if he should clean it well and with good oral hygiene it might be OK. I think he was really asking me if I wanted to spend the money on the second tooth. I asked him his opinion and he was of the opinion to take the second tooth. OK, then do it. He told me that Topaz would be ready to go home about 4 PM.
I walked up to the counter and was handed my bill. $212? I looked at the receptionist and told her I was quoted $500 per tooth if extraction took place and if all three roots had to be removed. She mumbled something about the bone of his jaw.
The vet arrived and told me that the infection was so bad that it had eaten away all three roots of the tooth, that he didn't have to work real hard at the extraction. He told me that the infection and begun to eat away at his jaw bone and that this caused the trouble with the nerve. The infection ran along the nerve up into the ear and near the brain. On tooth number two, the roots were exposed above the gum line, but the roots were still intact. He cleaned it very well and felt the tooth was worth keeping. With dental care, sealants, etc. the tooth will be OK.
With continued good nutrition his jaw bone will grow back, his gums will again become healthy. Hopefully the paralysis of the face is due to the nerve damage caused by the infection.
It's amazing to me that Topaz never let on that this tooth caused any pain. He continued to eat, to chew on rawhide, didn't have any offensive order, his energy level was high. As an ultra runner I guess he has a high tolerance for pain.
This morning his ear is back up, his eye is beginning to blink, his lip is slowly coming back up. I don't think it was the Frontline after all!
Again, thanks for all of the kind thoughts and words.
It's amazing how quickly the brain can change priorities. One minute I'm thinking about FANS, it is on my List Of Things That Matter and the next minute finishing FANS was on my List Of Things That No Longer Matter.
Topaz had surgery and is recovering just fine. The vet called me during surgery to state that his in addition to the first tooth that was causing trouble, he felt that the exact tooth on the opposite side of the jaw could be causing trouble as well. He asked me if he should go ahead and extract the second tooth in addition or if he should clean it well and with good oral hygiene it might be OK. I think he was really asking me if I wanted to spend the money on the second tooth. I asked him his opinion and he was of the opinion to take the second tooth. OK, then do it. He told me that Topaz would be ready to go home about 4 PM.
I walked up to the counter and was handed my bill. $212? I looked at the receptionist and told her I was quoted $500 per tooth if extraction took place and if all three roots had to be removed. She mumbled something about the bone of his jaw.
The vet arrived and told me that the infection was so bad that it had eaten away all three roots of the tooth, that he didn't have to work real hard at the extraction. He told me that the infection and begun to eat away at his jaw bone and that this caused the trouble with the nerve. The infection ran along the nerve up into the ear and near the brain. On tooth number two, the roots were exposed above the gum line, but the roots were still intact. He cleaned it very well and felt the tooth was worth keeping. With dental care, sealants, etc. the tooth will be OK.
With continued good nutrition his jaw bone will grow back, his gums will again become healthy. Hopefully the paralysis of the face is due to the nerve damage caused by the infection.
It's amazing to me that Topaz never let on that this tooth caused any pain. He continued to eat, to chew on rawhide, didn't have any offensive order, his energy level was high. As an ultra runner I guess he has a high tolerance for pain.
This morning his ear is back up, his eye is beginning to blink, his lip is slowly coming back up. I don't think it was the Frontline after all!
Again, thanks for all of the kind thoughts and words.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)