May Training...NOT!

In spite of running Hog's Hunt this month, training has been close to nil. With birthdays, holidays, volleyball games, First Communions, Confirmations, Prom, and Graduations happening, running took a back burner this month, as it should have.

I love running and the peace it brings me. When I feel myself becoming stressed because I can not find the time to run, I need to re-examine what I am doing. Believe it or not, I think I am finally beginning to find balance with running and the rest of life. Going into my third season of running, I am able to see that if I need to forgo a run here or there, it won't kill my training. In fact, several off weeks won't kill my training either. Mind you, I am not winning any races here, not even close, but I am gaining so much more!

How can I possibly complain about my family obligations taking up my running time? I am so blessed to have this family! What's more, they support my running, my quest for health and fitness, and put up with my madness. Everything from having to check out the new shoes reviews, to running in thunderstorms, to eating "interesting" new "healthy" recipes that don't involve any type of meat... etc. I have the very best crew behind me!!

So as with everything in my world, there is a season for all. This May has been a season of celebrations! And how fortunate am I that I can celebrate with the ones I love. The trails aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and I'll be back at it in no time, training hard for those fall races.

Enjoy the moment...it's really all we have.

Hog's Hunt 2009!

What a day, what a day! Today was my second running of the Hog's Hunt 50K and I had intended to attempt to PR, however with the heat I was expecting, this morning I made the decision to go out slow and relaxed and see how it went. If I could maintain the same time as last year, I would be happy with that.



The first loop started a few minutes late which was nice because I didn't need to carry my light with me. I tossed it back into my bag and realized that I didn't have my Garmin on. I looked and looked for it, but was not able to find it. Hopefully, I'll get some good news from Paul Stone, the RD, about one being turned in, but if not, all is well.

Coach Bill met Tiffany and I at the park and set up TWRC tent. It means so much to have a friendly, smiling face cheering us on. Pat, Sarah, Barbara, Susan, and others were there as well. Always great to see such wonderful folks enjoying the day in the same way.

We started on the 1st loop and for the first 2.5 miles, my calves felt as though they were cement. I've noticed on my last few runs, they have been especially tight and no amount of stretching seems to help. The only thing that loosens them up is a brisk walk/jog combination. Once they are warm, everything else seems to be working well. We settled into a nice run, walking the uphills and running the down and straight-aways. We ran into Norman along the way and he helped keep our minds off of the heat by talking to us as we traversed the trails. I noticed that Tiffany was struggling a bit, and we walked more to help her catch her breath. It was very hot, and getting hotter, not to mention the humidity. We would really have appreciated a little rain out there to things off.

We had the pleasure of seeing Adrienne sail past us on her way to claim 1st female, 3rd overall, AND PR her 25K time by 6 mins! This woman is amazing! Way to go Adrienne!

After the 3rd aid station (all of which were fantabulous!) I got too far ahead of Norman and Tiffany and finished the first loop in 3:10. I waited for them to come in because I wanted to be sure that Tiffany was ok. They came in and Tiffany told me to go on without her. I only agreed to do so because Norman said that he would stay with her. I NEVER want to leave anyone out there on their own. Thankfully, Norman stuck with Tiffany all the way through and they both finished a very tough race!

My second loop was interesting as I have never really run a race on my own. I felt horribly guilty for about 5 or 6 miles and then I saw Norman and Tiffany on the out and back and they looked good. From that point on, I ran the rest of my race, calling on the reserves that I had tucked away.

After the second aid station (7 Hills!!!) I felt a slump hitting me. I began walking all up hills again and slammed down a double dose of S-caps and Gu. It seemed to do the trick as I was able to make it to the 3rd aid station feeling good.

As I hit the Nature Center, the kind gentleman reminded me that I had only 9/10ths of a mile left. That 9/10ths felt like 10 miles! Again, I walked the uphills and then sprinted in for a strong finish. I came in at 6:34 which was a PR for me by 5 minutes!



As I cooled down, I had the pleasure of meeting Richard in person, talking with Robin K, and Coach Bill. I also visited a short while with the WF Trail folks. They were enjoying a well-deserved picnic after they finished their race.

It was a great day to be out there, albeit a bit warm. I truly believe I felt as good as I did because of a few factors.

1. I made sure I slept no less than 6 or 7 hours every night this week. For those of you who really know me, you know that this is a feat unto itself!

2. I ate well, especially yesterday. I find that I do well with a balanced protein/carb dinner the night before. Not too many carbs as that tends to make me feel sluggish.

3. Consistently taking in the Succeed caps every 30 mins. Not being afraid to double up when I could tell I needed it. I also Gu'd at about every 5 - 6 mile interval. Without the watch this was hard to really track, but I used the aid stations as a guide.

I had a great motivator for today's race. My friend Kelly who is still battling cancer. At every moment when I thought it was "too tough" I prayed for Kelly. I can't tell you how much this simple act of offering up my tiny struggle helps get me through the next mile, the next minute.

Up next is possibly Hell's Hills aka Revenge of the Trail Nerds. Then I'll be focusing on more intensive training to get ready for the fall season. Life is good!

Happy Mother's Day aka Running with the Skeeters!

What a great Mother's Day Weekend! Yesterday I was able to run 13 of my planned 20 miles. I had to cut it a bit short so that we could get to Lem's Volleyball game at 8:30. Kind of funny that getting up and out the door at 5 am isn't quite early enough...

Lem's opponents did not show, so it was a win in their column. It's been so exciting watching these girls evolve from beginner players to where they are now. Most had never played before 6 months ago and now they are a true force to be reckoned with. Lem is loving the game, and I love watching her play.

Next on tap for me was a wonderful brunch with my dear friend, J. She is an amazing woman and any time I can spend with her I am so grateful for.

We did a bit of shopping which is something I don't normally partake in, but since my clothes are not fitting anymore and my children are beginning to liken me to a bag lady...

Last night was a big deal in our home. We have been working up to this one for quite some time now. I purchased a night light a few days ago and we were just waiting for that "perfect" night to start. Boo is a wonderful little boy, but he has not put himself to sleep, ever. We love the snuggle time with him, so really, it is our own doing that some nights he is up at even 11:00! The time has come for him to get onto a normal sleep schedule beginning with him putting himself to sleep.

Mark read a story to him and then placed him into his bed. I'm sure that each of you could hear the screams that immediately ensued. We braced ourselves for a good 30 minutes to an hour of the unbearable parent call of the wild, but were blessed with only 15 - 20 minutes of it. Ahhhh.... let's see if this holds up tonight.

Mark then proceeded to begin making the lasagna for tonight's festivities. Not only is it Mother's Day, but it is also the celebration of Mark's birthday and Fish will be making his First Holy Communion! It smells heavenly. I did try to make it healthier with turkey instead of ground beef, whole wheat noodles, and organic sauces. The verdict will be in tonight after Mass.

This morning, I set out to finish the last of my 20 that I didn't get in yesterday. I ended up putting another 11 miles on the feet and though it was hot, humid and generally miserable out there, I enjoyed the run. I must be insane.

At one point I stopped at the water fountain and was immediately attacked by several skeeters. How quickly I was reminded that in Texas, you can't stop running, ever. Your own personal "coaches" will be on you quicker than you can say, "OFF!" They do tend to push one into a tempo run...

Only saw one snake today, and it had been brutally killed. Not pretty. Neither was the dog deposit that some wonderful soul left on the path for us all to see. Thanks for that. I place you right up there with the "runners" that drop their gel litter along the way. Your footprint has been made.

As I arrived home, my children were awake and preparing my favorite breakfast for me, French Toast! I also indulged in a few strips of bacon which I usually try to avoid. But hey, it's Mother's Day!

As we celebrate our Mother's today, I can't help but think of mine. Though she is no longer with us here on earth, knowing she is waiting at the feet of Jesus for me to come home leaves me with a peaceful, joyful spirit.

To those of you who have lost your beloved Moms, I know that feeling of our earthly sorrow. I pray that we can call on the wonderful memories of the ones who gave us the gift of life and then take the time to truly honor a special woman in your life.

Running in Place

I've been getting some consistent mileage in and with the addition of the boot camp class, the core work is coming along. I find myself getting out of bed earlier and craving the exercise sessions even after completing them for the day.

Today, I woke up and thought I had missed class, had students waiting at the door, and missed the washer repairman. Then I realized it wasn't Monday... thank goodness.

It seems as though the humidity has returned. Time to get back to business with the heat training.

Last night, we ate dinner at our church in celebration of Altar Server Appreciation. Attempting to run afterwards was probably not the smartest decision I made. I got about 2 miles in and realized that dinner was wanting to re-visit. I still put the miles in (6) but it was a slow and slower run/walk home.

I can't decide if I am running Hogs Hunt or not. I am certainly ready for it, but with hectic schedules at home, mid-May for this race is very poor timing.

Revenge of the Trail Nerds is planned for June 6th. I will hopefully be able to make that trip. If not, it looks like my next race could be in October.

That should give me a nice solid summer of training.