Three Weeks To Go!

I can't believe that there are only three weeks left of summer...it has gone by so fast! My summer basically consisted of long runs, lots of long swims (but very little speedwork thanks to the 85 degree pool) and some cycling. Haha...I heed to train more like a triathlete and less like an ultrarunner but this is hard! I love running soooo much and am not very eager to begin the second half of tri season. But oh well! I will HTFU and get at it. Starting tomorrow, with a 150-mile ride and swim. Friday is a 30-mile run and another swim. Saturday will be a 4000 swim, 40 mile bike, 10 mile run personal triathlon, and Sunday will be a 20-5-2000 reverse sprint. Double-swim Monday to rest. This sounds like what my last weekend should have been, only I got sick. But no more! I am on a 10-day detox to remove all the crap I've been putting in my body to fuel the crazy runs I've been doing. I need the calories, but my immune system does not appreciate all the sugar. I am trying to fuel up on low-sugar foods, but invariably I run out of energy, and can't stomach much solid fuel during training anyway. Maybe I should just try to condition my body to accept what I want to put into it?

But there you have the training aspect of my life...the "real world" is about to hit and I am glad to say that I am ready for it! I finally found housing, and am just looking for a Church and a second job to help pay for my races and the travel involved. I was blessed to receive a full scholarship, so I won't have to pay any tuition, and nearly all my personal expenses should be covered by the stipend :) But the life of a triathlete is not cheap, already I need to book a flight to New York and possibly Hawaii. Plus I will be driving to Louisville and Arizona, and oh my poor, poor car! :( lol! So I'm looking for childcare jobs, or something involving kids...if anyone knows of any available jobs, or has any advice, please let me know!

That's about it for now...I need to finally go to bed to rest for the longest ride of my life tomorrow. Double-century day is only a week away so I will not feel sorry for myself tomorrow. Get ready legs, ultra season is over and triathlon season is HERE!!! :D

Vermont 100K Part 2

Race morning, I woke up around 6 because the 100K racers didn't leave until 9AM. I ate a leisurly breakfast of coffee, orange juice, a banana and a locally-made blueberry-oatmeal bar. Yum! I drove out to the race site early and just hung out and talked to people for a bit. I met the two other people from Texas, an awesome couple from Nacadoches who planned on running the whole way together. Anyone who has raced an ultra before knows that putting up with another person beside you can be more difficult than actually running! LOL. Somewhere along the way, we runners turn into foaming neanderthals who forget all social rules and are reduced to communicating by either grunting or yelling. I would say that I've seen it all...but pretty sure I haven't. Watching the interaction between depleted, exhausted runner and his innocent crew is so funny sometimes, especially 'cause you know how the runner is feeling. Hahahahaha I'm cracking up right now, just thinking of some of the stuff I saw!!!

Anyway, we started off at 9, and boy those first two miles provided a not-so-pleasant glimpse into what the course would be like. I hadn't really appreciated the fact that the course has a total elevation gain of 11,000 ft. Yipes! There is running 62 miles, and then there is running a HILLY 62 miles..

The field spread out quickly, and I ended up running in 3rd for the first 32 miles. It was a beautiful course, hilly but oh so scenic! Sometimes, as I crested a hill and looked down into the valleys I felt like I had a semi-IMAX view. It was incredible! The aid stations had absolutely everything one can think of, but I stuck with gingerale and orange slices for the first half. Just enough to provide energy but not too much to upset my stomach. It was wayyy hotter than I'd thought it would be, in fact this race experienced record temps! Almost got into the 90s, uggh. Running literally ALL day in this wasn't too easy, but it's all good. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!

Then, around mile 32...what every ultrarunner dreads happened to me. I got lost. I was running alongside another girl, when we got confused by two sets of arrows, pointing two different directions. Apparently one set was for the 100-milers and the other for the 100K-ers. There was supposed to be a volunteer there to direct people the right way, but apparently the volunteer didn't get there until the first 10 or so people ran by. We ended up running the wrong way for 6 miles, until we reached an aid station where the volunteers informed us that we weren't supposed to be there! We consulted one of those insanely confusing course maps and eventually discovered where we'd gotten off. So back I went...the other girl decided to drop out. I don't blame her - it is incredibly tough on the mind to run all those extra miles, with so much more to run after that! After getting back on course, I still had 30 more miles to run...that moment was one of the toughest of the race. Already tired, sore, behind by an hour and I'm not gonna lie...the mere though of running 30 miles isn't easy, ever! But I knew that I would never forgive myself for dropping out so on I ran!

The next several miles passed by in a blur. Unfortunately getting lost went to my head, and I was fighting the demons for what seemed like forever. Running through the forest, I was not too happy to discover that several of the signs directing the course had been blown down in a windstorm the night before...you didn't know you were off course until the lack of "confidence markers" that were usually placed every few tenths of a mile dissapeared. And if you're not paying attention, then you don't notice the lack of markers for a while... Oh boy. I ended up getting off course twice more. By that time, I just wanted to get to the damn finish. I was so depressed, upset, you name it, I felt it. I was still running by myself, 'cause I was passing almost everyone I met, 'cause most of them were the slightly slower runners who hadn't gotten lost 'cause had pacers who knew the course! It took me a while to snap out of it.

But I did, thanks to my awesome boyfriend. Kiplimo Chemirmir, you don't even know but I had got "hakuna matata" stuck in my head around mile 45! It definitely perked me up...reminded me that IT DOESN'T MATTER what pace I'm going, what time I'll finish in, there is no such thing as a professional ultrarunner(not really), no money involved, it's juts all about doing your best and having fun. Isn't that why we all get addicted to running anyway? I started to smile, and even picked up my pace :)

Around 9PM it started to get dark (yes, it was taking me this long) and I put on my headlamp. I was afraid that it would make the horses around me skittish, but nope! They were awesome. Around mile 50 I met up with that guy from Argentina and another man, George who was being paced by his wife. Talk about moral support...we didn't talk much, just ran and enjoyed the company near the end of a long day. At the last med station, I found I'd dropped 7 lbs thanks to dehydration, and was warned to take in more fluids, yadda yadda ya. I'd been eating solid food like pb&j and fig newtons for the past 20 miles, which was sitting nicely, much to my surprise. At the last aid station I had some chicken broth and WOW! wish I'd been drinking that earlier, it was the best thing I've ever ingested during an ultra. Gave me tons of energy and sat perfectly. The last 5 miles I ran by myself, Argentina and George moved ahead and I truged toward the finish. The 70+ miles was weighing on me now, I was barely in shape for 62 and my legs were screaming at me now. Yowch! Everything was coming down on me, and it was all I could do to drag myself along. I had to stay on my toes 'cause the cutoff for the horse races was coming to a close, and there were horses galloping by me in a desperate attempt to make it to the finish on time! The last mile was pretty sweet...seeing the finish line after all those long hours nearly brought tears to my eyes. And of course there was one last mini-hill to climb before I reached the finish, but it didn't matter. I was done!

And I couldn't walk. Literally, I was limping like both my legs were broken, just trying to hobble to the med tent and the FOOD! I hadn't eaten nearly enough during the race 'cause I was afraid of upsetting my stomach in the heat, and now I was famished! First time for that after a race, usually I'm just too tired to eat. There was rice pudding, chicken broth, hot chocolate, and much more. And ginger chews, thank God for that beautiful person who thought to bring those. Soooo nice on the stomach :)

After eating and catching a short nap on one of the cots provided by the awesome local hospital, I sadly gathered my things and headed back to my hotel. I had three hours to get back to the hotel, shower, pack, and drive the 90 minutes back to the airport to catch my flight. That was my only big regret for the weekend, that I didn't get to stay around and chat with the other runners and the volunteers. The people are what makes the ultrarunning too incredible for words :)It's just the best feeling after a race, hurting sooo bad (I'm one of the nuts who actually likes that feeling), and hearing the stories of the other runners. I LOVE that!!!

I definitely want to race this one again...there are so many other races out there, but there's just something about the Vermont 100K...the people are incredible, the course is beautiful, it has everything! I will be back :D But for now, recovery is pretty much over, and I'm psyched for the epic triathlon training this weekend - I'm about to leave for a 16,000 meter swim, then I have a 150 mile ride on Friday, and 30 miles running Saturday! Send prayers my way...my legs will probably rebel somewhere in there but thanks to Vermont I know that I can handle any amount of pain :D

Vermont 100K Part 1

Oh man...what a race. It was definitely the toughest one I've ever run, both mentally and physically. I think I'm gonna divide the race report into two parts, 'cause there's so much to tell! Sooo here goes:

I left on Thursday, 'cause I had 8hrs of mandatory work at the race site. For most top-notch ultras, each runner is required to work for 8 hours at any ultra, as a way of giving back to their sport. Since I had been so busy with school and stuff, I opted to do my work at the Vermont 100K, doing retail and setting up for dinner, etc. I met the coolest people through this! But anyway, I flew into Manchester, NH on Thursday night, rented the cutest little car (of course I have no idea what make and model...it was white..) and drove an hour and a half to White Lake Junction in Vermont. Settled into my motel, met some other runners, and promptly fell asleep. Friday morning, I headed out to West Windsor, VT, to work at the race site. The drive was supposed to be 15 minutes but of course I got lost and ended up driving twice that. The scenery was incredible so of course I didn't mind. Throughout the day I kept meeting awesome people from all over, including a guy from Argentina who ended up pacing me through the latter part of the race, a couple guys from South Africa, a sweet old couple from Germany, and so many more! Everyone is so friendly and relaxed at these races...

That night we had the best pre-race dinner I'd ever had - among a billion other things there was chicken, quinoa, rice, the best couscous salad I've ever had, tons of veggies, fruits, breads, etc. As I wanted to be careful of my stomach I avoided the giant cheese wheel and the dessert table *tear*. I ate with a guy whose son was pacing him through the last 20 miles of the race, what a cool duo! Haha the son was more worried about the run than his dad.

Also at our table were some of the distance riders! The Vermont 100 is one of the few ultras that still allows horses to do the ride. How awesome is that?! Riders have the option of either 100, 75, or 50 mile races. I chatted with several of the riders, and a few vets, who told me all about how this sport got started, how the horses pace (they trot most of the way! just have to build strength in their ankles) and fuel with electrolytes just like humans, only via a tube that squirts the stuff into their mouths. I actually got to inject some of the horses during the race when the riders were having trouble controlling the beasts. Haha it was so much fun! I just can't get over how awesome it was that I got to do this race alongside horses! During the race they were really relaxed and looked like they were having a blast. Mostly they were Arabians, such beautiful horses! I want one :P

That about sums up the pre-race summary. There is so much more that happened but I can't write a book here...

New Juicer!!!...race report comes later

Not because a juicer is more important than an ultramarathon race report, but just 'cause I don't feel like writing about the race right now. I don't know why, but it usually takes me a few days to get everything straight in my head...I ALWAYS beat myself up over the little things, and think and plan of ways to improve the next one, without ever congratulating myself on a race well run. Seriously, I was so upset at how long it took me to finish the Vermont 100K (120K for me lol) that I have not even thought of how cool it is that I just raced an incredibly tough ultramarathon, in an extremely competitive field. I mean, during the race I kept my cool and was able to focus, but that's just "survival instinct" or whatever you want to call it. I never have a problem just doing what needs to be done in a race, it's after the race that my head falls apart. I guess it's because I'm so damn competitive, both with myself and with others. This is necessary to some extent, but when you can't even appreciate racing a tough 62+miles, there's something wrong :P But I digress - this post is about my new juicer!!!

I already forgot what brand it is, of course, 'cause I don't get along to well with electronic gadgets. But I managed to make a beautiful glass of fresh juice already, and WOW! This is totally different than the stuff you buy at the grocery store. I definitely encourage you all to get one, they are fairly cheap and there is nothing better for you this stuff. I am going on a 10-day juice "fast" to reset my body and hopefully cure this lingering sickness that's been plaguing me for the last few months. To fuel my longer workouts during this time I'll probably drink green smoothies loaded with flaxseed and hemp protein.

If I come across any brilliant fresh juice recipies I'll post them here :)

Adventure Races and Epic Triathlon Weekends!!!

No, I haven't done any of these yet. But I will, starting early 2011, and I couldn't be more excited. I've wanted to try out some adventure races for quite some time now, and have finally decided to register for some. I just need some other die-hards to join me 'cause most of these races don't have solo options. Mountain biking, trekking, orienteering, ropes courses, you name it, they have it! I'd much rather race one of these NOW, but my checkbook is empty and my race schedule is full. If you're curious, the races I'm looking at are the "Big Chill" in late January, and the "Spread Your Wings" in late May. And no, the sprint options are NOT an option for me. Sorry prospective teammates, I'm only considering the long stuff! :D

And then there's these epic triathlon weekends that Nate Poland (THANK YOU NATE!!!) told me about. There are two of them - one in Ohio in October, and one in South Carolina in May (the weekend before Spread Your Wings). I have every intention of racing them both (if I don't race Kona that is). It goes like this: Day 1: super-sprint triathlon. Day 2: TWO Olympic distance tri's; the one in the AM is normal, and the one in the PM is backwards. Awesome! Then Day 3: half-ironman triathlon. Come on people, is this epic or what?!?!?! Those who know me are already either laughing or crying now, 'cause they know there is no talking me out of this :D

So that's that. Since I've been tapering (uggh) my days have been sadly lacking in adventure. But this will be remedied on Thursday when I fly out to Vermont for the Vermont 100K. Yessssss it is about time to race! I've missed the ultras...
I have mandatory trail work on Friday (all participants must do some of this) then the race is Saturday. I will fly back Sunday, have some R&R, then head down to DFW for another epic weekend consisting of a double-century ride on Saturday, epic El Scorcho cheer party Sat night, pool party early Sunday morning, then playing all day at Lifetime Fitness while Limo works (bless the guy, on his feet all day right after his first ultra :P).

WOW finally I will stop feeling like a slacker. Does anyone else feel like they gain 10lbs when they taper? Blah, worst feeling ever. Soon I'll be back in my normal state, exhausted and sore on a daily basis. Love!

Oh what a weekend!

Yup! This weekend was epic. I will try to cover everything, but Limo is making pancakes so this might be shorter than I intended ;) We just finished a 9-mile run (jog for him) and boy my hamstrings are screaming at me. I only ran three times last week, but those times included one half-marathon race (last portion of a half-ironman tri), a 20-mile easy run, and that 22x1 mile repeat session. Best week of running ever! The milaege wasn't that high but the intensity sure was!.

Anyway, my week started out with birthday day on Friday. Happy 22 to me! Off to the track @5AM 'cause I was going to a wedding with Limo in Dallas that day. A wedding! As if my day needed to get any better :D I love weddings :) But anyway, I get up @4:30 to stretch and it's pouring outside. Even though it was warm, the outdoors just didn't seem that inviting and the only thing that got my sorry butt out the door was the desire to start my 22nd on the right note. So off I went! Starting out, I wasn't too sure what to think. But it didn't take too long for my mind and body to adjust...boy I'd missed the track!

It went something like this:

Miles 1-3: oh boy, speed speed speed. Yay. This is boring, I feel like a hamster. Is it possible to get dizzy from whirling around a quarter-mile track? Yes, I think so. Ahhh this is gonna be fun. Why am I doing this again?

and yes, after that first mile, despite my best efforts to NOT think about this, I couldn't help but think: "1 down, 21 to go". Oh boy.

But things got better. After the first two repeats, I divided the workout into 4 sets of 5 repeats. After the first 5 were down, I knew I was a quarter done so that really helped me out mentally. I kinda vegged out for the next several repeats, just thinking about life and stuff. Then my Mom showed up! She's a beast - after going to her Master's swim class, she came to the track and ran about 7-8 mile repeats while I finished the last 11. It was awesome.

It kept raining on and off, with an occasional downpour, but that actually helped drive away some of the heat. I was so grateful! The last few repeats were actually the hardest, despite my mental boost from knowing I was almost done. I've been having issues with tight hamstrings and a sore hip for a while now, and boy they started complaining towards the end. Ouch! But I just dealt with it, 'cause after all this was my birthday workout and no wimping out allowed! Of course, I never "wimp out" anyway, but occasionally I will be smart and cut a workout if needed. At least I think I've done that...maybe a few years ago. I don't remember ;)

But anyway, once I got through that workout I was on top of the world! Felt great, legs were trashed, but tons of mental energy. There is just nothing like driving back from the track in a torrential downpour, relieving the epic workout you just did and thinking about a warm yummy breakfast. Only for me, that breakfast was one of my (delicious!) green smoothies, which everybody but me thinks is absolutely disgusting. Lettuce in smoothies is not gross, people! Don't knock it 'till you try it.

A quick shower later and I was on the road...for nearly 7 hours. The drive from SA to Flower Mound is usually about 5 but the traffic was at a standstill in several places due to scared and stupid drivers (sorry, what can I say...). But I picked up Limo and we got to the wedding with several minutes to spare. And what a wedding! Mate and Lucy and the cutest couple ever and I am so excited for them. Their wedding was the most beautiful I have ever attended; so much fun!!! What a night.

The next morning, Limo and I met with some of his friends to talk about his vision for a church, an orphenage and a running camp in his hometown in Kenya. We're so excited for the things to come :) Then we headed back to SA so he could meet my family. As I'm writing this the morning after, he's sitting beside me, somehow still alive. If one can survive one day with the Lindner family, they're good to go! As I mentioned earlier, we just finished an awesome run and now we're off to make and eat pancakes. Then it's Church, and off to the Riverwalk to see an IMAX and tour the Alamo. WHAT A DAY!!! We're gonna finish things off with a track workout in the PM. Wish us luck! :)