Monday, November 12, 2007
From a Recent Conversation...
Running has made me a nicer person. I’m not as stressed as I used to be. It allows me time to think and time to feel. I’ve learned to deal with problems and to let others go. One long run has taught me more about who I am than all the meditation I’ve ever done combined. I have learned to dig in and find out what I can do when I don’t think I can do any more. Most of this comes from the long runs…20, 30 or more miles. I would love to be at the point where I could do that every weekend – 30 or more miles. I learned a lot about myself on Sunday between Miles 35 and 40 – especially the ones Koach wasn’t there for. And somewhere in the last four miles I found even more. The 50 was a long way on a boring course. I almost think it was harder because of the repetition. There were too many times it would have been easy to stop. We were at the start/finish line seven times. A few people did – they just called it a day with two 8 mile loops to go. I’m sure there will be a time when I DNF. I’m not sure how I will deal with it. So far I’ve been very, very lucky. Part of that is good training/coaching and part of it is me. Somewhere in me is the will to survive (be it a race or a disease) and it has to be the strongest part of me.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
First 50 Miler!
A flat, chat course…Hmmm…sounds good after doing the mountains. That’s how I went into the Blue Springs 50/50. This is a Lou Joline special. It’s very low key with enough support to get you through it. You have the option of starting at 6:00 or 7:00 am and you can run a relay, marathon, 50K or 50 Miler. Everyone runs the same route – north 4.5 miles and back then south 4 miles. You do a combination of those to meet the distance of your race.
I chose to start at 6:00 am. That way I’d have plenty of time to do 50 miles. Cheri is there to help and Brent has come to see me off – isn’t that nice! My instructions were to run a 12 minute pace for the first 40 miles then I could do whatever I felt up to after that.
I began running with a woman named Tina who was trying to get a qualifying time for Western States. She had no watch or GPS and so she decided to hang with me for a while. I was also without my GPS. It wouldn’t come on! Cheri called her husband to bring me hers. It was dark and cold. We were told there were mile markers every mile and so I checked the time as we left. When we reached 12 minutes we walked for a minute. There was no mile marker. Hmmm…Did we not see it in the dark? Oh well on we went.
We almost got lost the second time we stopped to walk. This time we saw the mile 2 marker just after we stopped. We were at a bridge. Apparently someone had taken the directional arrows that were put out. Thankfully there was a guy just behind us that knew the course. He pointed us in the right direction and off we went. At this point another woman was with Tina and me. She was there because I was the only one with a headlamp as well. Don’t these people every run trails? Why would you come out to run in the dark with no light? The guy at the aid station had a cowbell or something like that. He started ringing it loudly as we came in. I checked my watch and I was pretty much on schedule for time! Woohoo for me!
Back we went to the start. Pretty uneventful. Tina talked about moving from Berkley to Columbia. She works for the university. And she talked about there not being any hills there! She is used to the long, sustained uphills of the Bay area. I simply listened. Well, kind of, it’s more like zoning out. I’m starting to approach the distance where my mind settles into itself and I just cruise along!
I stopped at a bathroom on the way back and Tina continued on. She really wanted to make her qualifying time. I just wanted to finish! When we got back to the start Cheri had her Garmin for me to wear. Yippee!
The next section is 4 miles to the south. It’s really flat except for a couple places where it dips for water to flow. Those spots are also concrete and not gravel. After crossing them a few times you can feel it. I get to the turnaround (Mile 13) and cruising along in my own little world that I almost didn’t hear my name. Karl is at the aid station. He checks on me. I’m fine.
Back to the start – 17 miles done. I take my jacket off to run this round; Cheri helps me take me it off. It gets stuck trying to go over the Garmin! Cheri is also helping me out with fuel. She exchanges my bottles each time I get to the start. Out for another round on the north route. Again, uneventful until I hit a soft spot in the gravel. It was like the ground gave way under my foot. This is about mile 21 – shortly after the turnaround. By mile 23 I can feel it. My knee is starting to hurt. I get to the start and keep going. I’m just past half way!
Cheri runs up to tell me how Amanda is doing at Marine Corps. I said something about me knee and she offers to get my strap from my car. I’m not sure how far I got when a voice says “how long has your knee been hurting” as Karl hands my strap to me from his bike. “Since mile 23” I say. Then explain what happened. He rides with me for a while and then goes off to check on Trish and Karna who are doing the 50K and started at 7:00.
When I see him again I’m on my way back. This is lap 4. I’m just over 30 miles with two laps to go. The three out and backs on to the south are all running together in my head. Karl stays with me for most of this leg. My knee is starting to hurt…bad. He asks me if I want something for it. If you know much about me you know I know NOTHING about pain killers! He rides off and meets me at the start with ibuprofen and acetaminophen. (I think??)Hopefully one of them will work. As I start back out my hip flexor is getting bad. It’s taking the beating from my knee. Karl rides up and offers to help stretch it out. What a sight that must have been if you were on the road. I’m standing on a bridge on Hwy 78 with my hands on the bridge and Karl has one leg bent at the knee while pulling my leg up behind me! He sends me on my way and meets Trish and Karna again. They should be on their last lap.
After I walk it out for a little bit (and the meds start working) I’m running great again. I’m even maintaining a pace about 30 seconds faster! Woohoo! The next time I see Karl I have 12 miles to go. From this point on, he pretty much stays with pushing when I need, letting me cruise along when I’m fine and pulling me when I don’t think I can take another step. Whichever it was, it was always the right mix of humor and encouragement to get me through.
The 50 mile course is set up so that you so that you go north then south, then north then south, then south, south. On one of the last three trips to the south I said “I’m about bored with this course.” It’s an easy course and it’s flat but 4 of the 6 trips from the start are to the south with the last 3 in a row. For me it was very boring. I needed something to take my mind off of how far I’d gone and how far I needed to go. I needed something to “look at.”
When you have finished the race you get a Lou Joline special medal – this one is even round! Overall though, it was a great day with good weather. Would I do it again? Probably!
I have learned that even though you are running when you do something like this you do not accomplish it alone. Thanks to Karl & Cheri for all their help and to Brent for coming out to cheer me along.
bat
I chose to start at 6:00 am. That way I’d have plenty of time to do 50 miles. Cheri is there to help and Brent has come to see me off – isn’t that nice! My instructions were to run a 12 minute pace for the first 40 miles then I could do whatever I felt up to after that.
I began running with a woman named Tina who was trying to get a qualifying time for Western States. She had no watch or GPS and so she decided to hang with me for a while. I was also without my GPS. It wouldn’t come on! Cheri called her husband to bring me hers. It was dark and cold. We were told there were mile markers every mile and so I checked the time as we left. When we reached 12 minutes we walked for a minute. There was no mile marker. Hmmm…Did we not see it in the dark? Oh well on we went.
We almost got lost the second time we stopped to walk. This time we saw the mile 2 marker just after we stopped. We were at a bridge. Apparently someone had taken the directional arrows that were put out. Thankfully there was a guy just behind us that knew the course. He pointed us in the right direction and off we went. At this point another woman was with Tina and me. She was there because I was the only one with a headlamp as well. Don’t these people every run trails? Why would you come out to run in the dark with no light? The guy at the aid station had a cowbell or something like that. He started ringing it loudly as we came in. I checked my watch and I was pretty much on schedule for time! Woohoo for me!
Back we went to the start. Pretty uneventful. Tina talked about moving from Berkley to Columbia. She works for the university. And she talked about there not being any hills there! She is used to the long, sustained uphills of the Bay area. I simply listened. Well, kind of, it’s more like zoning out. I’m starting to approach the distance where my mind settles into itself and I just cruise along!
I stopped at a bathroom on the way back and Tina continued on. She really wanted to make her qualifying time. I just wanted to finish! When we got back to the start Cheri had her Garmin for me to wear. Yippee!
The next section is 4 miles to the south. It’s really flat except for a couple places where it dips for water to flow. Those spots are also concrete and not gravel. After crossing them a few times you can feel it. I get to the turnaround (Mile 13) and cruising along in my own little world that I almost didn’t hear my name. Karl is at the aid station. He checks on me. I’m fine.
Back to the start – 17 miles done. I take my jacket off to run this round; Cheri helps me take me it off. It gets stuck trying to go over the Garmin! Cheri is also helping me out with fuel. She exchanges my bottles each time I get to the start. Out for another round on the north route. Again, uneventful until I hit a soft spot in the gravel. It was like the ground gave way under my foot. This is about mile 21 – shortly after the turnaround. By mile 23 I can feel it. My knee is starting to hurt. I get to the start and keep going. I’m just past half way!
Cheri runs up to tell me how Amanda is doing at Marine Corps. I said something about me knee and she offers to get my strap from my car. I’m not sure how far I got when a voice says “how long has your knee been hurting” as Karl hands my strap to me from his bike. “Since mile 23” I say. Then explain what happened. He rides with me for a while and then goes off to check on Trish and Karna who are doing the 50K and started at 7:00.
When I see him again I’m on my way back. This is lap 4. I’m just over 30 miles with two laps to go. The three out and backs on to the south are all running together in my head. Karl stays with me for most of this leg. My knee is starting to hurt…bad. He asks me if I want something for it. If you know much about me you know I know NOTHING about pain killers! He rides off and meets me at the start with ibuprofen and acetaminophen. (I think??)Hopefully one of them will work. As I start back out my hip flexor is getting bad. It’s taking the beating from my knee. Karl rides up and offers to help stretch it out. What a sight that must have been if you were on the road. I’m standing on a bridge on Hwy 78 with my hands on the bridge and Karl has one leg bent at the knee while pulling my leg up behind me! He sends me on my way and meets Trish and Karna again. They should be on their last lap.
After I walk it out for a little bit (and the meds start working) I’m running great again. I’m even maintaining a pace about 30 seconds faster! Woohoo! The next time I see Karl I have 12 miles to go. From this point on, he pretty much stays with pushing when I need, letting me cruise along when I’m fine and pulling me when I don’t think I can take another step. Whichever it was, it was always the right mix of humor and encouragement to get me through.
The 50 mile course is set up so that you so that you go north then south, then north then south, then south, south. On one of the last three trips to the south I said “I’m about bored with this course.” It’s an easy course and it’s flat but 4 of the 6 trips from the start are to the south with the last 3 in a row. For me it was very boring. I needed something to take my mind off of how far I’d gone and how far I needed to go. I needed something to “look at.”
When you have finished the race you get a Lou Joline special medal – this one is even round! Overall though, it was a great day with good weather. Would I do it again? Probably!
I have learned that even though you are running when you do something like this you do not accomplish it alone. Thanks to Karl & Cheri for all their help and to Brent for coming out to cheer me along.
bat
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Why Run??
For those that don't know, I belong to a group called Runner's In Touch. We raise money for charities, currently it is the Touched by Cancer Foundation based here in Kansas City. Through that group our coach (Koach Karl) will sometimes ask a question. He might have us read or listen to something first and then we "discuss" it via email. This week he asked "Why do we do endurance events?" So I'm going to share part of my answer with you.
I grew up at a county lake and running to me was (and still is) watching the heron glide over the water, the morning sun as it peeks through the trees and glistens on the lake. It’s the deer at dawn and dusk as they emerge to feed on the farmer’s corn. The changing of the seasons in the park. Running for me was never the punishment in school that kids perceive it to be. I never hated it.
For me the benefits begin to happen when I get to the higher mileage. Not the benefits of being “healthier” but the peace. Healthier is just a side effect. I don’t get comfortable running until somewhere around 4 or 5 miles and then find the calm when I start to get upwards of 15 or more. The longer my run the longer the calm that comes from it lasts. Also, I have about the worst case of ADD that a person can have! Running keeps my body busy so my mind has time to be still!
Somewhere in all of this becomes the challenge to see how far one can go – to test the limits of our humanness. I listen to friends, family and the kids in my classes as they say “I could never do that” or “I can’t do that” and I wonder what makes them believe it. If you know me, you know that I am full of quotes. One that I attribute much to is Arthur C Clarke’s “The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.” I wonder what has limited so many to their view of possible. I know that my view of possible had been limited to a marathon until life’s path introduced me to Koach who has used endurance runs (multi-day and ultra distance) as a means of raising money for and awareness to a charity.
I once had a conversation with Koach that went along the lines of “What makes one want to run farther – as running has done more for me than any amount of prayer or meditation.” The answer for me is what Koach said it was…Running gives each of us what we need when we need it. It allows me to find out what I’m made of and how I will react to the stress it provides. It has allowed me to find my demons and begin to face them.
A final thought:
“What you see and hear depends a great deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what sort of person you are.” C. S. Lewis
I grew up at a county lake and running to me was (and still is) watching the heron glide over the water, the morning sun as it peeks through the trees and glistens on the lake. It’s the deer at dawn and dusk as they emerge to feed on the farmer’s corn. The changing of the seasons in the park. Running for me was never the punishment in school that kids perceive it to be. I never hated it.
For me the benefits begin to happen when I get to the higher mileage. Not the benefits of being “healthier” but the peace. Healthier is just a side effect. I don’t get comfortable running until somewhere around 4 or 5 miles and then find the calm when I start to get upwards of 15 or more. The longer my run the longer the calm that comes from it lasts. Also, I have about the worst case of ADD that a person can have! Running keeps my body busy so my mind has time to be still!
Somewhere in all of this becomes the challenge to see how far one can go – to test the limits of our humanness. I listen to friends, family and the kids in my classes as they say “I could never do that” or “I can’t do that” and I wonder what makes them believe it. If you know me, you know that I am full of quotes. One that I attribute much to is Arthur C Clarke’s “The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.” I wonder what has limited so many to their view of possible. I know that my view of possible had been limited to a marathon until life’s path introduced me to Koach who has used endurance runs (multi-day and ultra distance) as a means of raising money for and awareness to a charity.
I once had a conversation with Koach that went along the lines of “What makes one want to run farther – as running has done more for me than any amount of prayer or meditation.” The answer for me is what Koach said it was…Running gives each of us what we need when we need it. It allows me to find out what I’m made of and how I will react to the stress it provides. It has allowed me to find my demons and begin to face them.
A final thought:
“What you see and hear depends a great deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what sort of person you are.” C. S. Lewis
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Tahoe Triple - WOW
Tahoe – What a beautiful place! Brent, Michele (our crew) and I left for Tahoe Tuesday afternoon. We flew to Denver then on to Reno. We had to drive from the Reno Airport to Tahoe. After a few trials and tribulations we made it into our rooms at the Ridge Pointe Resort. (Thank you, Cheri!)
Brent started this event with ankle trouble. He had some trouble with it along the way but got up each day and completed the task he had set out to do. I am very proud of what he did. He accomplished his goal of the Tahoe Triple because he did not quit. If hardship is the tuition for a character degree, then Brent has earned his Master’s!
There are many events taking place during marathon week in Tahoe – bike, swim, multi-day triathlon, marathon, ultra marathon, triple marathon, super triple, a 5k and a golfing event. Day 1 and Day 2 are “unsupported” marathons that are run on the roads into traffic. The roads are not closed for the runners. There are a few volunteers on the course with water, more on the first day than the second. The bike event is the second day and some of the volunteers are helping them. We pass the bikers as they travel the entire distance of the lake on Friday. We are halfway into the 2nd marathon at that point.
It was absolutely breath taking some days. The views made you forget that you had run so far or up and down so much! After each day I got in the lake! It was like having your ice bath right there!
Day 1 we began at Inspiration Point on Emerald Bay we traveled downhill for about 6 miles and the “rolling hills” until the final uphill at the end. As you leap frog the crew for other runners they become friendly sights as much as your own crew. They cheer for you and offer help to all the runners. For an “unsupported” event I felt more supported than in an “official” race. At mile 23, a three mile climb – what a way to end Day 1! J
Day 2 the temperature dropped and the wind picked up. It was approximately 25 mph coming off the cold lake. The wind was creating white caps on the surface and flags were blowing straight in the wind. It was COLD! Even for me – I never took my jacket off. Day 2 also takes you through a nice little neighborhood whose least expensive home is $1.5M – yep! Very nice!
It snowed on Saturday (Day 3) so we ran the first 10 miles or so on snow/ice but it didn't matter because the views were incredible. The trees were so tall that as the snow melted from the tops of them it turned back into snow by the time it got down to me! It was AWESOME!! Day 3 has a 2 mile mountain climb at 18 to 20 that is approx a 12% grade - if not more. Then there is another one about a mile after that! But when you get to the top of the first one you are looking at Emerald Bay. It's like Heaven! J The 2nd hill is where we began on the first day and it's all downhill from there!
The recurring theme was “OMG – isn’t it beautiful!” I can’t tell you how many times each of us said that.
As runner’s we tend to think with our feet rather than our head, I repeatedly found myself swerving into the road as I looked at the majesty around me. My feet had a mind of their own as I ran through the course. They carried me up and down hills, through towns and around bays. Each day they carried me into the lake. It was an incredible experience!
If you want to try an endurance event this is a fantastic way to do it! Three marathons, three days and all the “hills” you will ever need!
As soon as I figure the photo thing out I will post some pics!
Brent started this event with ankle trouble. He had some trouble with it along the way but got up each day and completed the task he had set out to do. I am very proud of what he did. He accomplished his goal of the Tahoe Triple because he did not quit. If hardship is the tuition for a character degree, then Brent has earned his Master’s!
There are many events taking place during marathon week in Tahoe – bike, swim, multi-day triathlon, marathon, ultra marathon, triple marathon, super triple, a 5k and a golfing event. Day 1 and Day 2 are “unsupported” marathons that are run on the roads into traffic. The roads are not closed for the runners. There are a few volunteers on the course with water, more on the first day than the second. The bike event is the second day and some of the volunteers are helping them. We pass the bikers as they travel the entire distance of the lake on Friday. We are halfway into the 2nd marathon at that point.
It was absolutely breath taking some days. The views made you forget that you had run so far or up and down so much! After each day I got in the lake! It was like having your ice bath right there!
Day 1 we began at Inspiration Point on Emerald Bay we traveled downhill for about 6 miles and the “rolling hills” until the final uphill at the end. As you leap frog the crew for other runners they become friendly sights as much as your own crew. They cheer for you and offer help to all the runners. For an “unsupported” event I felt more supported than in an “official” race. At mile 23, a three mile climb – what a way to end Day 1! J
Day 2 the temperature dropped and the wind picked up. It was approximately 25 mph coming off the cold lake. The wind was creating white caps on the surface and flags were blowing straight in the wind. It was COLD! Even for me – I never took my jacket off. Day 2 also takes you through a nice little neighborhood whose least expensive home is $1.5M – yep! Very nice!
It snowed on Saturday (Day 3) so we ran the first 10 miles or so on snow/ice but it didn't matter because the views were incredible. The trees were so tall that as the snow melted from the tops of them it turned back into snow by the time it got down to me! It was AWESOME!! Day 3 has a 2 mile mountain climb at 18 to 20 that is approx a 12% grade - if not more. Then there is another one about a mile after that! But when you get to the top of the first one you are looking at Emerald Bay. It's like Heaven! J The 2nd hill is where we began on the first day and it's all downhill from there!
The recurring theme was “OMG – isn’t it beautiful!” I can’t tell you how many times each of us said that.
As runner’s we tend to think with our feet rather than our head, I repeatedly found myself swerving into the road as I looked at the majesty around me. My feet had a mind of their own as I ran through the course. They carried me up and down hills, through towns and around bays. Each day they carried me into the lake. It was an incredible experience!
If you want to try an endurance event this is a fantastic way to do it! Three marathons, three days and all the “hills” you will ever need!
As soon as I figure the photo thing out I will post some pics!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
It's been a while!
So it’s been a while since I’ve talked to you all. Sorry. Lots going on. I left for Philadelphia in late June to attend a meeting. I returned on July 6. I went to another meeting for the last week of July. So here’s the deal: I am no longer with Team In Training, as our coach left and I went with him. There was some trouble at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society office here in town and they were not supporting him. He has done much to promote their cause. I felt they should have done a better job in dealing with the situation.
However, Koach and his wife have begun a new group called Runner’s In Touch – Endurance Teams. We have had RIT for charities for a couple years. The charity group has been volunteering at a local home for boys where we develop activities to get them active. It has been a great program. For the endurance teams we have hooked up with the Touched by Cancer Foundation and will begin raising money for them. Doing this allows the members to run for any cause they choose and receive the training and support they need. It’s great!
I completed a marathon on 9-11. It serves to honor those who lost their lives and those who are serving our country. My cousin left for Iraq last week and I ran in honor of him. There was a simultaneous run in Ramadi, Iraq as one of the race directors was deployed and is currently serving there. The actual run is for 9 hours 11 minutes but this year they added the marathon. You can come out anytime to join the long run and run as many or few laps as you can. The entire thing is done on a ¾ mile loop! Originally I thought that would be daunting but it wasn’t so bad. I had my best marathon time doing it! Of course, a friend came out at 3:00 to run 15 miles and she really saved me! I’m not sure I would have done so well without her help. It was like having a pacer for a marathon!
I will be running in Tahoe next week. Brent and I leave on Tuesday along with his girlfriend. Michelle will crew for us the first two days of the marathons. I’m looking very forward to this. I was having some issues with eating for a while but they seem to have passed. I apparently uncovered some old demons and will now begin to face them. But through it all I have believed that I am very well trained for the three marathons. I’m very excited about going and believe it will be a great experience.
Gotta go! I promise to be back sooner this time!
bat
However, Koach and his wife have begun a new group called Runner’s In Touch – Endurance Teams. We have had RIT for charities for a couple years. The charity group has been volunteering at a local home for boys where we develop activities to get them active. It has been a great program. For the endurance teams we have hooked up with the Touched by Cancer Foundation and will begin raising money for them. Doing this allows the members to run for any cause they choose and receive the training and support they need. It’s great!
I completed a marathon on 9-11. It serves to honor those who lost their lives and those who are serving our country. My cousin left for Iraq last week and I ran in honor of him. There was a simultaneous run in Ramadi, Iraq as one of the race directors was deployed and is currently serving there. The actual run is for 9 hours 11 minutes but this year they added the marathon. You can come out anytime to join the long run and run as many or few laps as you can. The entire thing is done on a ¾ mile loop! Originally I thought that would be daunting but it wasn’t so bad. I had my best marathon time doing it! Of course, a friend came out at 3:00 to run 15 miles and she really saved me! I’m not sure I would have done so well without her help. It was like having a pacer for a marathon!
I will be running in Tahoe next week. Brent and I leave on Tuesday along with his girlfriend. Michelle will crew for us the first two days of the marathons. I’m looking very forward to this. I was having some issues with eating for a while but they seem to have passed. I apparently uncovered some old demons and will now begin to face them. But through it all I have believed that I am very well trained for the three marathons. I’m very excited about going and believe it will be a great experience.
Gotta go! I promise to be back sooner this time!
bat
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Some days are better than others
Why are some days so hard and other so easy? Distance makes no difference. Monday was a 3 mile run and it was easy. Tuesday was a trail – I’ll tell you about the excitement later – but it was easy. This morning it felt like I didn’t know how to run at all. My legs didn’t work right. Every step felt “jerky.” My breathing was erratic. It was like I had never run before. I don’t understand. Especially at the beginning of the run but somewhere after the first mile it began to change. Thankfully!
I have run complete distances and never found a rhythm, that’s very uncomfortable and no FUN! I run because I enjoy it. Period! I love the way it feels to run and the way it feels to be done. I get lost somewhere when I’m out there, especially at 4:00 am when I have the road to myself. But if things hadn’t smoothed out this morning and stopped heading into the “NO FUN” zone, well, I guess I would have just finished and come home as planned…
Tuesday we were running at Shawnee Mission Park. I am totally sold on the trails. You don’t get to zone out like on pavement but I love being in the woods. We had just started running and I was leading. As I was cruising along, looking at the path before me and then scanning 8 to 10 feet ahead to see what is coming, I looked down and on the trail was a snake! I couldn’t say anything fast enough to let my running friend know what it was – so all that came out was a loud squeaky noise as I passed over the slithery critter. He apparently had time to “move” as she passed over him! It was great! We had to stop to regain composure (after we got a distance from him). I’m not really afraid of snakes. I just wasn’t expecting to see one stretched across the trail. His head was on one side of the trail with his tail off the other. That makes him about 18 to 21 inches long. I learned later that he was a Red Milk Snake – not poisonous in any way. Again, I just didn’t expect him. I hadn’t seen any snakes on any of my runs – the deer, squirrels, possum, skunks – they’ve all been there but no snakes yet! Now I can say I’ve seen one on the trails. Mark that box and go on…
I have run complete distances and never found a rhythm, that’s very uncomfortable and no FUN! I run because I enjoy it. Period! I love the way it feels to run and the way it feels to be done. I get lost somewhere when I’m out there, especially at 4:00 am when I have the road to myself. But if things hadn’t smoothed out this morning and stopped heading into the “NO FUN” zone, well, I guess I would have just finished and come home as planned…
Tuesday we were running at Shawnee Mission Park. I am totally sold on the trails. You don’t get to zone out like on pavement but I love being in the woods. We had just started running and I was leading. As I was cruising along, looking at the path before me and then scanning 8 to 10 feet ahead to see what is coming, I looked down and on the trail was a snake! I couldn’t say anything fast enough to let my running friend know what it was – so all that came out was a loud squeaky noise as I passed over the slithery critter. He apparently had time to “move” as she passed over him! It was great! We had to stop to regain composure (after we got a distance from him). I’m not really afraid of snakes. I just wasn’t expecting to see one stretched across the trail. His head was on one side of the trail with his tail off the other. That makes him about 18 to 21 inches long. I learned later that he was a Red Milk Snake – not poisonous in any way. Again, I just didn’t expect him. I hadn’t seen any snakes on any of my runs – the deer, squirrels, possum, skunks – they’ve all been there but no snakes yet! Now I can say I’ve seen one on the trails. Mark that box and go on…
Saturday, June 16, 2007
In the beginning...
Where do I begin?? I started out wanting to run one marathon - something I had always wanted to do. Somewhere along the way I fell in love with ultra running! I've completed two marathons and one ultra. I am planning on a 50K in July, the Tahoe Triple in September, The Nike Marathon in October and a 50 miler in December. There will be something in August and November – just not completely sure yet… How does that happen???
I can explain part of it - I started running with Team in Training in 2004. We have a fantastic coach - Koach Karl. His dedication to us and the integrity with which he does it is amazing. The rest…Well…It lets me find that “quiet” place inside. The one you hear about from people who meditate or pray a lot. Running is my form of meditation I guess.
I have also learned that I LOVE running on trails. Although you can’t “zone out” quite so much out there as on pavement, there is definitely something about running in the woods!
Back to Team in Training...this program allows you to train for a marathon while raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. When I began the program, it was about me... I wanted to run a marathon and figured this would be a great way to do it. Somewhere along the way though that changed. You learn that it (the program) isn't about you. It's about what you are doing to help patients and their families. It touches you somewhere inside and you come back season after season to raise money. Your family sees the change it makes in you and doesn't mind as much when you keep hitting them up for donations. It truly makes a difference in a person as well as the in the community in which one lives.
Soooo If you feel like donating sometime please visit my link at the right. It will be money well spent!
I can explain part of it - I started running with Team in Training in 2004. We have a fantastic coach - Koach Karl. His dedication to us and the integrity with which he does it is amazing. The rest…Well…It lets me find that “quiet” place inside. The one you hear about from people who meditate or pray a lot. Running is my form of meditation I guess.
I have also learned that I LOVE running on trails. Although you can’t “zone out” quite so much out there as on pavement, there is definitely something about running in the woods!
Back to Team in Training...this program allows you to train for a marathon while raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. When I began the program, it was about me... I wanted to run a marathon and figured this would be a great way to do it. Somewhere along the way though that changed. You learn that it (the program) isn't about you. It's about what you are doing to help patients and their families. It touches you somewhere inside and you come back season after season to raise money. Your family sees the change it makes in you and doesn't mind as much when you keep hitting them up for donations. It truly makes a difference in a person as well as the in the community in which one lives.
Soooo If you feel like donating sometime please visit my link at the right. It will be money well spent!
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