So I finished my second 25 miler within a 7 day span. Started off again as a cold clear day with temps in the 20’s. You have to love the fact that we get to train year round in Colorado….it can just start off a bit on the cold side sometimes.

The run went stellar! I started at the Goodson Rec Center again and ran 5 out and back for the first 10 miles. When I reached my car at Mile 10 there was Kristen waiting to run the rest or the 15 miles with me. I must say that it is so nice to have someone out there running with you when you have that many miles to cover.

Kristen started out faster than I was running….and there went my ego again. I had to remember what Coach Andrea said- that the important thing is for me was to have a strong run. So I watched Kristen run off ahead of me. But it didn’t matter that she was ahead, it was just nice knowing she was out here with me. Maybe misery does love company!!!!

As we were about 2 miles out from the rec center again (Mile 18 for me), I caught up with Kristen and we were able to finish the run to the cars together….and when we go there, Elizabeth was waiting to run the last 5 with us! We had a blast!!!!!!

I must say, it there is ANY one you want to run the last 5 miles of a long run with you, it’s Elizabeth!!!!! She rocks! Elizabeth has wonderful stories to tell and she is so positive- that you literally forget that your feet hurt, or your left glute is hurting…..

So the three of us did our last 2.5 miles out and back for the final 5 miles. Running those last 2.5 miles I felt strong….I mean really strong. Elizabeth commented on how she was running harder than the previous week, which meant I was able to run a stronger pace. It’s nice too having Elizabeth as a measure…. I know how I felt, but she could confirm that I was running stronger this week. And as we ran into the parking lot there were hugs all around, a min leg rubdown from Elizabeth, and we were off to the rest of our days.

I’m not sure when my next long (25 mi +) run may be….but I’m kinda sad that I don’t have any on my training schedule for March. I have really enjoyed running this distance and finding in myself and ability I didn’t know for sure that I had. I have learned how to pace myself, not based on a watch, but based on my own awareness of myself. It’s kinda amazing how one about 1 year ago, I could not run worth a darn….and today I love 25 mile runs…..Anything truly is possible when we try. And I look forward to my next LONG RUN!
PS- Thank you Elizabeth for you support and laughs! And Kristen for being out there with me!
(video to come)

after I finished that 25 miler-about 2 hours later- I got to go SWIM for 45 minutes non stop! And ya know what- I didn’t even feel tired…….

I get really excited when I feel like I am making progress with my level of fitness.
I was talking to Andrea (my coach) yesterday and shared with her how after this past Sunday’s workouts of a 25 mile run followed by a 45 min. swim- how I was beginning to feel burly. I mean like- I”m getting pretty fit.

Yesterday someone else pointed out that it pretty awesome that I am able to run 25 miles without much trouble. She said that I could pick any marathon and just go do it, and how many people train all year to do just a marathon- and here I am running that distance for training.

It’s funny how other peoples perspectives help to put “me” and my view of myself into a different light. I don’t really realize that it kinda is a big deal to do this stuff and that not everyone can……Although I believe anyone has the potential to do anything if they want to and try to…..

So, with that- here’s to the next 25 mile run this Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now how amazing is it to live in a place where it’s 20 degress on Tues and 60 on Friday. Ya gotta love it.
Spent my lunch hour today going for a 6 mile endurance run. Went to Washington Park and hit the trail. It was a glorious day. Truely amazing to be running in shorts and a t-shit in the middle of winter (?)…..
The run started off pretty ruff. Took about 3 miles to warm up- as in my bones and muscles….
After that I felt great. I felt like my running form has changed a bit….maybe that because I had plenty of time to be aware of it during my marathon.
There were so many people out today during lunch. People running, walking dogs, walking w/stollers. People where playing tennis and feeding the geese. It was glorious! I love living in Denver. It just doesn’t get better than this….but that’s just my opinion.
One thing I noticed was my knees were a touch sore after the run…not an injured sore- more a use sore and I attribute that to running downhill for 18+ miles during the marathon….
Anyway-what a great way to spend lunch today! Sure beat eating in front of my computer doing work
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/1987113

It’s funny how many people ask you- How’d ya do? And when I got asked that I had to think about it…..my first response is- “I finished”. It’s been hard to feel good about my race- as I ended up walking a lot in the last 4 miles. Doing that leaves me feeling like I did not race well…..My coach always talks about executing a good race. So did I? Probably not.

I started the race going out too fast. Even though I was toward the back- it was still too fast. Beginning with 3 miles of serious downhill made it hard for me to hold back a bit more. I felt absolutely fantastic until around mile 18. At that point I just hit a wall-slump-whatever you want to call it- but I never really made it back.

Also, at mile 18 I ate 1/2 an espresso gu- I think that effected me too as it did not sit well with me at all.

But there is still that nagging feeling when someone asks me how I did- I don’t feel like I did “well”. I feel like I finished…..but I did not finish strong. Interesting how just finishing a marathon is not good enough….I actually want to do another one soon to take what I’ve learned from this one and try again….

So what did I learn- start out slow- pace myself better- be careful not to overfuel (NO MORE Choc Gu’s!!!)- and don’t walk no matter what! It’s absolutely almost impossible to run continous again after walking……..Good races/not so good races- I actually am blessed that I am able to do this at all, and am grateful I have my health and wellbeing….

Another really good training week. Lots of running which felt good and it was nice to be on the bike 3 times this week. The best was being able to get outside for 3 of the workouts! YEAH!
Felt good- pretty good sleep- too much sugar and not the best nutrition…but hey- it was Christmas!

Weekly
Swims: none
Bikes: 3 Days- 7 hrs
Runs: 3 Days- 6 hrs 40′
Weights: none
Stretching: 4 days

Sleep: pretty good this week. Got more than 6 hours many nights
Recovery: Chiropractic- that’s about it this week
Mood: pretty good-
Health: Very healthy! No aches or pain or sniffles.

Key Workout:
Description: 17 Mile Run
Location: High Line Canal Trail from Goodson Rec Center
Nutrition: Hammer Perpet; Clif Shot Mocha- 16 oz water
Weather: 27 degrees- clear- breezy
Distance: 17 Miles
Pace: 12:94
Heart Rate Stats: 144 AHR; 159 Max HR
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/1650490

Comments: good run- enjoyable- I felt good on run.

Went to Moab on Nov 14-16 for a 20 miler “trail race”.
The race ended up being 23 miles (Canadian)- and was an adventure run! The run was spectacular! Running through the most beautiful canyons and mesas in Moab. As I was running I frequently felt so blessed that I was able to be exactly there in that moment and that I was able to run.
The run was challenging at times…the hardest part for me was just running sometimes. My strengths came from my years of climbing and backpacking. We had to ascend from one canyon to a mesa over the course of less than one mile with an elevation gain of 2800′. This felt like a rest to me…as I had hiked ascents like this many times, but this time I did not have a pack on.

The other part that play to my strengths was crossing rock and descending rock. At these areas I was able to pass people who weren’t as comfortable on these sections. I loved the race. 6 hours went by fast it seemed. I finished in 5:55:46. Not bad for my first race….also, heard from people who have done adventure runs befor that this was a more technical and challenging course than most races……What a great time….I am feeling more fit and more confident in my abilitites as an athlete!!Love it! I could do more of these races!
Pictures from Practical Coaching