tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58833902209512007142024-03-13T04:44:54.711-07:00FATOZZIG'S PLACELiving and Running Behind the Redwood Curtainfatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-49047004578756218562014-10-20T13:42:00.003-07:002014-10-20T13:42:56.773-07:00Dick Collins Firetrails 50 - Saturday, October 11, 2014<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So what happened?<br /><br />My goal to run two 50–milers this year without a pacer came to an abrupt halt at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2014 . . . a mere 6 miles from the finish of the Dick Collins Firetrails 50. Time is everything in these races - the clock is always my biggest nemesis - and I missed the final cutoff at Mile 44 by 15 minutes.<br /><br />I knew this was going to be a tough race for me. With 7800 feet of elevation gain/loss over the 50 miles and climbing being my biggest weakness, I worked my butt off in training, spending countless hours climbing mile after mile after mile in the Arcata Community Forest, treating each long run as if it were the actual race, pushing myself harder than I think I ever have before in training. I had already blown it three months before at Mt. Hood, and I wanted this race so, so badly. I had learned some hard lessons at Mt. Hood, I knew what had gone wrong there, and I was as prepared as I could be for Firetrails.<br /><br />I ran this race probably smarter than any other race before. I didn’t participate in the jackrabbit start (I never do), staying back from the rest of the early start runners, working my way into a good running groove. Before the second aid station, I caught up with another runner, Pamela, with whom I was pretty evenly matched, and we spent about an hour running together, silently agreeing to power walk the inclines, and getting to know one another. I lost her at the third aid station, the first time I saw Shorty, but once in awhile I’d catch a glimpse of her ahead of me, which assured me that I was on track.<br /><br />I did a good job consuming around 260 to probably 280 calories an hour in solid food and fluids which, for the most part, sat okay on my stomach. I didn’t have too many issues in that regard until later in the race, but I knew it would happen and knew to adjusted accordingly. I didn’t hang around the aid stations as Shorty and I had a great plan for getting me in and out quickly. I arrived at the turnaround a full 30 minutes before the cutoff, so I felt comfortable spending an extra few minutes there to let my stomach settle a bit. Sometimes it’s better to take those extra minutes or you will find yourself paying dearly for it down the road. It was going to be a tough climb out of that station - the hardest, longest of the race - I knew I needed to be fully prepared and I was.<br /><br />The second half of the race is just as tough as the first - only in reverse - and knowing I was starting to come up against the clock, I pushed it as hard I could without pushing myself over the edge. I came into Steam Trains the second time badly in need of the portable bathroom and some extra butt paste, which took a few extra minutes more than I would have liked, but again, you do what you have to do. It was use the bathroom there or squat in the poison oak a short time later down the trail. Either way, I would’ve had to take the extra time.<br /><br />This race was chock full of long, tough climbs, and the climb up to Sibley aid station left me kind of shaky, and I again needed to take a couple of extra minutes to collect myself and get ready for the next section. Even with this, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind I would finish this race.<br /><br />When I arrived at Sibley and saw Shorty I leaned over, hands on my knees, my head against his stomach and said something about it being a tough climb (okay - the whole race is a lesson in tough climbs). Unbeknownst to me, there was a woman sitting at a picnic table right behind us and she said to Shorty, “And they do this for fun??” He said something about us runners being crazy and then turned on the nearby water spigot so I could stick my head under it. That felt so good! He got me out of there in a short amount of time, but I ended up having to use the bathroom again as I left. Probably not very sanitary to walk into a public bathroom with food in your hands, but hey, at that point who cares?<br /><br />Coming into Skyline Gate, the last aid station where I’d see Shorty, was - again - tough. Again - I knew I was going to be pushing the cutoffs and I needed to get there and get out. There was a split railing fence in front of the car, and I remember I just stood bent over, hands on the railing, trying to compose myself. I was SO tired. Shorty was great, though. “Sit down for a minute, but you have to get out of here.” As soon as he had my stuff ready, I got up, grabbed some orange slices from the aid station, and start shuffling down the trail.<br /><br />Bear Gate Aid Station was 4.5 miles away. There was a nice downhill stretch that I tried to take full advantage of, passing a few people in the way include my morning running friend, Pamela. As I came up on her, we acknowledged each other with her saying how tired her legs were and me saying mine keep trying to cramp. It actually worked better for me to run than to walk in that regard. <br /><br />The cramping issue had been hovering around the fringes of the race for a few hours, and I had been very diligent about taking an S-cap every hour on the hour, and once in awhile taking two, being mindful of the balance of fluids to salt. There was only time did I ever feel nauseated, but because of the exertion I was putting out on the climbs, food was sitting in there like a boulder and it was becoming a hinderence. There’s a saying in ultra running: If your stomach is going south, hit the reset button; that is, puke it up and start over. <br /><br />I came to a fairly open area about 3 miles or less from Bear Gate AS, so I went over to the fence, stuck my finger down my throat and proceeded to puke out an amazing volume of “stuff.” Actually, it was quite extraordinary, and if hadn’t been me doing the puking, I would have been quite impressed. As it often goes, once I started throwing up, it just kept coming. I spent probably a good five minutes throwing up while at the same time fighting cramps in my stomach muscles whenever I would bend over. Have you ever tried to throw up standing up straight? It’s not easy.<br /><br />Some of the runners I had passed, of course started passing me, including Pamela and another female runner. Pamela gave me words of encouragement, and the other lady left a ginger chew for me. I don’t really like ginger, but once I stopped puking, the chew actually helped and didn’t taste too bad. Probably helped my breath a touch, too.<br /><br />Once I threw up, I felt SO much better - light - and was actually able to move along at a little bit of a faster pace. Then about five minutes or less down the trail - WHAM!! It was like someone - something - grabbed both of my quads and the outsides of my hips in a vice grip and started twisting. Stopped me dead in my tracks. I have never in my life felt such physical pain. My quads muscles were very contorted, especially the right, from the cramping. Thank God - and I mean thank you, GOD! - another runner and his pacer were right behind me. <br /><br />As soon as I seized up, both stopped to help. The pacer told his runner to keep going then proceeded to work on me. It’s all sort of a blur, but I remember trying my best to not scream from the pain. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t sit, I couldn’t stand up straight - I could not move. The pacer - Dennis - dump a salt pill in my mouth and instructed me to work on massaging my quads. He asked questions about the race, I answered to the best of my ability. When the salt didn’t work within about a minute, he dumped another one in my mouth, stuck his left leg behind my legs for leverage, and proceeded to massage my right quad as hard as he could. I don’t know which hurt worse - the massaging or the cramping, but all I could do was apologize (silly, I know), say how freaking bad it hurt, and hang onto his back in an effort to not fall over.<br /><br />Another female runner who I think came out to run just a few miles with a race participant, stopped to help, as well. She held me up on the left side while he was bent over working on my right quad. She said, in a wonderful German accent, “Have you ever had children?” Me through gritted teeth: “No” Her: “Child birth is worse.” To which I surprisingly quipped: “Then I don’t want to have children.”<br /><br />Both kept saying it’ll pass soon, hang in there and at some point . . . voila! Everything “miraculously” loosened up and I was able to move. They both ran with me a short way, me profusely thanking them, then lady went off in her direction, Dennis gave me some final advice, then took off to catch up with his runner. I will be eternally grateful to those two folks. If they hadn’t come along when they did, I have absolutely no idea what would’ve done.<br /><br />As Dennis took off, I looked at my watch and knew the likelihood of me making the 5:45 cutoff was close to none existent. I had lost too much time, my legs were too tired, and I was having to be very mindful of more cramping since there was no one around to help.<br /><br />I came into the Bear Gate AS - Mile 41.5 - with only 30 minutes to go the next 2.7 miles, with - yes, you guessed it - another climb. Much to the credit of one of the workers, he said, “You can do this. You’re going to have to push hard on the climb, but you can make it.” . . . . . . . . . I have never worked so hard on a stretch of trail in my life.<br /><br />I left the aid station shoving some food in my face, and as soon as I’d downed that, I start running and within a short distance hit the hill. I don’t know how long it was, but it was long and steep. A couple of short downhill parts were rutty and rocky and I had to be careful not to trip and fall. But the climbing - I climb hard. I passed five people in the 2.7-mile stretch, four of them on the hill, including the woman who gave me the chew (thanked her as I passed her) . All of them had passed me during my puking bout or my cramping bout, and I think they were surprised - and rightly so - to see me moving as strong as I was. I kept looking at my watch, trying to calculate how far I was from the aid station. On a short downhill stretch, I saw a guy who had been following his wife all day. He told the runner in front of me that we were about a mile out, and that’s when I knew without a doubt I wouldn’t make it. It was just a minute or two from the cutoff. I would be only six miles from the finish and not allowed to go on.<br /><br />To my credit, I kept running as best as I could, even though I knew I wasn’t going to make it, passing one more runner before I got to the aid station. The volunteers all cheered me as I came in, and I walked a few feet past them, trying not to cry. One of the ladies was extremely nice to me as I partially sobbed that this was my 2nd 50-mile DNF in three months. Her comment: “You didn’t quit, we just can’t let you continue.” It was very sweet and made me smile somewhat. Then she said, “There’s someone here for you,” and I turned around and Shorty was walking up to me. To HIS credit (because I know I smelled terrible), he held me while I cried, “I tried so hard! I tried so hard!” He just kept saying, “I know you did, babe. I know you did.”<br /><br />He had been at the previous aid station - hiding somewhere - because he knew I’d be close to the cutoff at Bort Meadows. When I kept going at Bear Gate, he drove to Bort Meadows knowing I wouldn’t make the cutoff. It’s not like I sobbed uncontrollably or anything, but after the effort I’d put out the previous 12 ½ hours and 44 miles, I deserved to shed a few tears.<br /><br />Not surprisingly, I had issues with cramping the rest of the evening. Getting in and out of the car was interesting, because almost every single move put my legs or hips into a cramp. By the time I finally got to sleep that night, I think every part of my body, with the exception of my hair, had cramped multiple times at some point.<br /><br />Not finishing this race has been an exceptionally hard pill to swallow. I don’t think I’ve ever felt better prepared for a race, I don’t think I’ve ever run a smarter race. The cramping and puking took the cushion I needed to make the final cutoff. But even with the setback of the cramps and throwing up, I ran the 2.7 mile section from Bear Gate to Bort Meadows in 45 minutes, and that’s with a significant climb. The course from Bort Meadows to the end is fairly “flat” (compared to the rest of the course), so there is no doubt in mind that had I been allowed to continue, I would’ve finished the final six miles by 7:30 - the final cutoff.<br /><br />I believe the cramps were what Dennis, the guy who helped me, said they were - old fashioned muscle fatigue. I’d pushed my legs harder than I ever had before, it was a just a little too much, and they decided to go on strike. But they bounced back remarkably well, for the final miles, reaffirming the fact that I was in great shape for this race.<br /><br />I know there will be other races. I know this race provided some good lessons. I know, I know, I know. . . . . . . but it still hurts and it still sucks.<br /><br />I’m going back next year, and I’m going to get that finisher’s jacket.</span></div>
fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-7538026866667301552014-04-24T13:27:00.001-07:002014-04-24T13:28:11.019-07:00Weigh-In Wednesday . . . Happened on Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I forgot to weigh in yesterday, but today I was 142 (or was it 143?). I am yo-yoing between 141 and 143, which is fine. Just so long as everything stays at 145 or below. <i>However</i>, that being said, last Friday I weighed in after my 20-mile long run and I had hit . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . .140! Yeah, yeah, it was exhaustion weight, but so what. That number was definitely on that scale, and I would've done some type of "woot-woot-white-girl-hoola-dance, but I was too tired and I needed to get showered ASAP so I could take my dad to a doctor's appointment.</div>
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I also treated myself last Saturday to three new pairs of work slacks (thank goodness for the Kohl's Easter sale), so the crotch of my pants is where it's supposed to be (at crotch level), and I no longer look like I'm carrying a load in my britches. And since I'm actually wearing pants that <i>fit</i>, I actually look like I've lost weight. Go figure.</div>
fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-58105440975947951792014-04-23T13:07:00.001-07:002014-04-23T13:07:47.101-07:0020 Days Since My Last Post?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dang. Didn't realize it'd been that long.</div>
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I'm still hanging in there with the new eating program. The 30th will be two full months, and although I think I will begin adding a few grains back in here and there, I am going to do my best to keep it at a low level, like maybe up to 150 grams once a day four times a week. My coach keeps encouraging me to not poo poo things like white rice and sweet potatoes, but I am determined the do a solid 8-week stint of this and then see where I want it to take me.</div>
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After the eight weeks, I will try adding things in on Mon, Wed, and Fri, and then some extra recovery carbs after my long runs. My body still seems to think it's suppose to be getting all these extra carbs, so my long runs have been a bit tough, but I suspect that will change soon.</div>
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Right now I'm getting excited about my upcoming Memorial Day Weekend trip and seeing my buds, Karen and Kate. Saturday's run that weekend will be 25 miles on the Cascade Crest trail in Washington, Sunday's run will be 15 in Kate's territory around Astoria, OR, then we'll head down to Portland and finish up with the Trail Factor 50k in Forest Park on Monday. I miss those ladies and am looking forward to running with somebody!</div>
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Next on the list will be Mt. Hood 50 in July. That and Dick Collins Firetrails 50 are my goal races for the year. Goal races to be run without a pacer. My reasoning - if I want to run a 100-miler, I have to be able to get through 50 miles on my own. That's the protocol of most 100-mile races.</div>
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So there's not much about this year that's not an experiment. Praying and keeping fingers crossed I continue to stay healthy and uninjured!</div>
fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-13417426750462027502014-04-04T13:32:00.002-07:002014-04-04T13:32:26.624-07:00No Ice Cream? No Chips?? Now What?!?Meet my two new best friends:<br />
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Zoi Yogurt <br />
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And pork rinds <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Zoi yogurt mixed with a little bit of low fat Lucerne Vanilla yogurt, top with raisins and chopped almonds . . . I - AM -IN - HEAVEN!! The Hub keeps telling me that one cannot live on this alone (for breakfast I add sliced fruit), but I'm out the prove him wrong. . . . . Not really, but I LOVE this stuff.<br />
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Pork Rinds - Thank you, Andy, for this suggestion as an alternative to chips when I need something salty and crunchy. Just a few does the trick.fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-17349505845664072522014-04-02T12:50:00.002-07:002014-04-02T12:56:02.858-07:00One Month . . . And Counting<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven't had a chance to post here in over a week, but between work and a huge transcription job I've been working on at home nights and weekends, posting here has been at the bottom of my list.</div>
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However, since yesterday was the beginning of the second month of this "experiment," I figured I needed to get some result logged.</div>
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When I started this one month ago, I weighed in a 147.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6P48KjcGil4/UzxptUhvTpI/AAAAAAAAA58/x-SqkjV0f0c/s1600/happy+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6P48KjcGil4/UzxptUhvTpI/AAAAAAAAA58/x-SqkjV0f0c/s1600/happy+cat.jpg" /></a>Today: 141.9</div>
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Measurements - well I haven't measured my measurements that I measured on a string (are you following this?), but I wrapped the same string around my waist and my rear end this morning, and I've lost close to an inch around my waist. Not so much around my rear, <strike>but</strike> however, there is a small amount of decease aka improvement.</div>
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(<~~~~ happy cat dance) YEA!!!!</div>
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I've already discussed what I've gone through with the diet change, so I won't beat a dead horse; but it really hasn't been that bad, and aside from a craving now and then, mostly for something salty and crunchy, I'm staying very satisfied. My "guilty" pleasure is my yogurt concoction with raisins and almonds in the evening.</div>
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So now we'll see where Month #2 takes me. I've basically reached my goal weight (140 being the goal), so I'm not looking to lose any extra weight. However, if it does come off and it's easy to maintain, then that'll just be icing on the <strike>cake</strike> scale<strike></strike> . . . and an excuse to buy some new clothes!</div>
fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-59182270192941595952014-03-21T13:30:00.004-07:002014-03-21T13:32:34.567-07:00Day 21 - Let's Make Cheeseburger Quiche!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went looking for a sports drink picture and found this one. Cracks me up. She really looks like she's been exerting herself and needs electrolyte and fluid replacement! (PS - That's <i>exactly</i> how I look 3-4 hours into a long run or an ultra. . . . NOT!)</div>
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Yesterday got the almond butter packets I ordered, and today I got the UCAN. Tomorrow it's going to be 18 miles out at Headwaters, so it'll be a good run for experimenting. The almond butter packet I sampled last night wasn't too bad, although I ended up with heartburn a bit later. Maybe I should carry TUMS with me tomorrow, just in case. Heartburn + running = Ugh. And since I won't have any blue sports drink with me . . . .</div>
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The UCAN - You mix a packet with 16 oz of water and drink it 30-45 minutes for you exercise, then re-up every 90 minutes if you're going to be out there longer than 2 hours. I plan to take an extra bottle of water with me, carry an extra packet, and gauge if I think I need to drink some more. As always - we'll see!<br />
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Oh, regarding the cheeseburger Quiche - I found a recipe in the 'net yesterday, and it looks delicious! I'll have to report back on this one. </div>
fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-44173299940612718352014-03-19T12:29:00.002-07:002014-03-19T12:30:41.765-07:00Day 19 - Weigh In (drum roll, please . . .)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love my kitties. They keep me sane. . . . sort of.</div>
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Well, shoot. Why did I pick Wednesday for weigh-in day? Can I randomly go back and pick another day after <i>last</i> Wednesday? No. That'd be cheating.</div>
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Not what I had hoped for, but today I weighed in at an even 144, so a drop of .7 of a lb. Better than a sharp stick in the eye, right. I wasn't expecting miracles . . . but a hint more - like weighing in at 143 - would've been nice. Something to look forward to for next week, I guess.</div>
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Been having a great email conversation with an on-line running cohort, Andy, regarding low carb running. For health reasons, he has had to drastically change his diet and has been an invaluable source of information. We "talked" running food and electrolytes today.</div>
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Not sure if I mentioned in my last post, but I ordered a sample pack of <a href="http://www.generationucan.com/super.html">UCAN</a> and some packets of almond butter. Hopefully, they come before Saturday's run for experimentation purposes. Also per Andy's suggestion, will be trying cheese on the run. Love me those Baby Bels. Should be able to fit a few in the vest pocket. Am also considering trying a hard boiled egg - the perfect food.</div>
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I mostly came in here to document my weigh-in, so not much more to tell, except that for lunch today I am quite enjoying my mash up of hard boiled eggs (2), avocado (whole thing), chopped red bell peppers, tomatoes, lemon juice, and a little bit of sour cream, and my carrots and Baby Bels. Quite tasty, with mandarin oranges as a chaser.</div>
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Have a good one, folks ~</div>
fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-66959695492783140342014-03-18T12:36:00.000-07:002014-03-18T12:36:34.624-07:00Day 18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Six days since I last wrote. Haven't felt like writing, and now God has answered my prayers and provided me with a really big transcription job that is going to keep me very busy for the next couple of weeks after work and on the weekends.</div>
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Anyway - so what's happened since my last report. Let's see . . .</div>
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Saturday, the 15th, I had a 16-mile run at the very benign McKay Tract . . . .and it freaking worked me. I didn't take any electrolytes with me, and barely ate anything over the 3:40 I was out there and only had water. I haven't bonked that hard in awhile, but I deserved it. Lesson? Even though you're working on becoming a "better butter burner," at some point in the run (like after the 2-hour mark), you need to start thinking about ingesting some calories and refueling. Point well taken. My legs were tired for Sunday's 10, but I felt better than I anticipated, so it's nice to know I'm recovering fairly well. Also, last week was my first 40+ mileage week in quite awhile, so I deserved to be just a tad bit tired.</div>
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I've cheated a couple of times on the weighing thing, but since tomorrow is the official weigh-in date, everything else is just a fairly tale. That being said, both Saturday and Sunday after my runs, I weighted in at 141. Woot Woot! Haven't seen that number in ages! I don't anticipate my weight being that low tomorrow morning, but it sure was nice to see for a short time.</div>
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Sunday, I tried my hand at making black bean and hamburger meatballs. Sauteed up half an onion and a bunch of garlic, then pureed that with the beans, then hand mixed it all together with the meat, adding an egg as a binder. If I'd been smart, I would've added some shredded cheese. Next time.</div>
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I didn't season everything enough, and there was sort of a different texture, but overall I was pleased with the results. I made "spaghetti noodles" using thinly sliced zucchini, dumped those into some spaghetti sauce to simmer and soften up, and sauteed Brussel sprouts, mustard greens, onions, and garlic separately, then slapped it all together on a plate. It was good! The Hub - He took the meatballs and wrapped them in a tortilla with lettuce, ketchup, and mustard. *sigh*</div>
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I've ordered a sample of a product call <a href="https://store.generationucan.com/">UCAN</a> that an on-line ultra runner buddy, who is a low carb eater, is using, as well as some almond butter packets. Hopefully I'll get it before this weekend's long runs so I can begin experimenting.</div>
fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-60857331523462798642014-03-12T09:16:00.002-07:002014-03-19T12:31:20.000-07:00Day 12 - Weigh InNot much progress on the weight loss front. Okay - <i>NO</i> progress on the weight loss front and even up .70 lbs. I need to measure myself, but I'm not holding out too much hope for a difference in that department in only one week. I think, for whatever reason, I've been sort of compensating for the "loss" of the grains, etc., and have been overeating a bit. I need to watch that and work harder at sticking with eating when I'm hungry, not just because I always eat at noon, or I always eat at 5:30 or I'm bored, or whatever.<br />
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I'm still feeling a bit sluggish in the running department, although yesterday's speed workout went pretty good. 8 miles with 8 x 1 fartleks scattered throughout the mileage (for you non-runners, that would be 8 bursts of speed, each being 1 minute in length). They were too fast (all in the 8:00-8:15 average pace range), but I didn't feel horrible, just a bit whipped at the end of it all. (FYI - I don't like speed work. It's a necessary evil, but I don't like it.) I was pleasantly surprised, however, that my legs weren't feeling too bad during my strength training session this morning. I'm hoping that one of the positives of the changes I'm making is faster recovery.<br />
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For lunch and dinner, I've been sticking with salads full of goodies or leftover pork, chicken, or fish with some type of veggie, or eggs (e.g, last night's dinner was a slice of leftover roast pork, spinach sauteed with onions and garlic, a fried egg, and a few slices of avocado. It was really good!), as well as my usual breakfast of fruit and yogurt. The salads are getting a bit tiresome, but Shorty's making a pot of chili beans I'm looking forward to.<br />
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Weight - 144.7 (bleck - that's a gain of almost a whole pound)fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-81446112955006995872014-03-10T13:08:00.001-07:002014-03-10T13:08:40.996-07:00Day 10First - If whoever is reading this is from Humboldt County . . . How'd ya like that shaker last night? Our household was in bed when it hit. Four of the cats scrambled to under the bed, one road it out on the back of the couch (good job, Goofy!), I stood in the bathroom doorway, Shorty went out to the living room to hold the TV in place, and Dad (who spent the night) didn't even get up, although it woke him up.<br />
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This past weekend was my first long run weekend with the dietary and HR training changes, and things went better than I anticipated. I was so freaking hungry when I got up in the a.m. that I ate a small amount of fruit and yogurt with almonds and raisins, and then had a small amount of raisins and mixed nuts for the run on Saturday. I ate some of it because my stomach was growling, but tried to keep the food intake limited. "Why?" you ask. Good question. As I said before, this whole change is to get the body to use its fat stores for fuel, and heaven knows I have <i>plenty</i> of that on reserve. If you feed yourself constantly during a run (especially carbs), you are defeating the purpose. And like I said before, that's is a very simplified answer. The full on answer is too much to put here. Google "Metabolic Efficiency Training" and "Bob Seebohar" for more information.<br />
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So it was plain water in the hydration bladder, some electrolytes, a small amount of raisins and nuts, and work on keeping the HR between 132 and 142 with a goal of an average of 137.<br />
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I ran out at Headwaters (as it offered me more chance of actually running, as opposed to the Community Forest whether you're either going up or your going down), and by and large things went really well. My legs were feeling a bit heavy at the end, but overall I felt good - not trashed and depleted like I usually do after a long run, and that's obviously due to keeping the HR low. Finished the 14 miles in around 3:45 or so, so all in all not bad.<br />
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Sunday's run was wet, wet, wet, and, again, slow. By the end, my legs were definitely feeling it more than the day before (and are today, as well, when going up stairs), and I felt fairly depleted the rest of the day. We pretty much watched movies all day (it was pouring rain), so I ate when I was hungry and did my best not to sit and munch on stuff just because.<br />
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Breakfast/Brunch was 2 scrambled eggs with loads of spinach, some ham, a little bit of cream cheese melted in, avocado, and a small glass of milk.<br />
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Munched on Cutie mandarin oranges, had something else, but I can't remember what.<br />
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Dinner was a nice salad with hard boiled egg, avo, and my homemade dressing, some pork loin, Brussel sprouts sauteed in a little bit of olive and butter with garlic and onions, and red chard sauteed separately but the same fashion. A short while after dinner, I actually had the bowl out for some fruit and yogurt, but asked, "Are you really hungry?" The answer was no, so back it went. Victory!<br />
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I won't be officially weighing in 'til Wednesday, but it's been hard to <i>not</i> pull out the scale. Did it once this weekend and was happy with what I saw. Won't do it again until Wednesday.<br />
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I am definitely feeling a difference. The highs and lows throughout the day are decreasing, which is nice, and the full on munchies are decreasing. Although Karen, who posted a comment the other day, posted on Facebook pictures of pizza and chocolate chip cookies, which just about killed me! ;-)<br />
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Oh - and my biggest "find" was to mix Zoi plain Greek yogurt (full fat) with some low-fat Lucerne vanilla yogurt, add in my fruit and raisin/almond mix . . . Oh My! I've nixed the idea of Greek yogurt for quite some time now because the ones I <i>have</i> tried, I haven't liked (flavor or texture), and those brands are so much more expensive than my cheapy Lucerne - especially considering the amount of yogurt I go through. However, I do like the Zoi/Lucerne mixture, and the Zoi is "only" $.88 more per the same size container.fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-54290918823707065202014-03-07T10:57:00.005-08:002014-03-07T10:57:45.483-08:00Day 7 - The Seduction of Birthday Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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See that picture? There's one of those suckers sitting in the kitchen here at work RIGHT NOW from one of the best bakeries in town. ACK!!! I sniffed it, then walked away and commiserated with a co-worker who can't eat it because of severe food allergies. At least it gives us something more to bond over - foods we can't eat.<br />
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Yes, I could cheat, but that'd be cheating, right? And how would I feel about myself after work? "A moment on the lips . . . forever scarred by your own lack of self-control."<br />
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I did, however, purchase myself a high-quality chocolate bar this morning and will spend the next couple of weeks letting that be my sweet treat in the afternoon. Just a small amount, letting it slowly melt in my mouth.<br />
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Shorty made a wonderful beef and veggie soup day before yesterday. A bowl full of warmy goodness with a dollop of wonderful sour cream - delish!<br />
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I've been eating a couple of hard boiled eggs with butter in the late afternoon, and that seems to get me through to dinner since, generally, we don't eat 'til around 6:30/7:00. Even though I kept telling myself "Don't do it!", I got on the scales this morning, fully clothed, but was happy with what registered. Remove the clothing (get your minds out of the gutter), and things are good.<br />
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Last night did my first true run monitoring my HR. Had to do it manually, but ugh! it's slow going! My 7 miles took me 10 minutes longer than usually, and that's on a fairly flat course. I foresee my week long runs taking quite a bit longer. BUT - I know in the end all this will be worth it. Visualize the finish line! Visualize the destination! Your dreams will come true!<br />
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Meals yesterday:<br />
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Breakfast - Fruit and yogurt<br />
Snack - (I can't remember)<br />
Lunch - Chicken breast and salad (was at a continuing ed class)<br />
Snack - 2 hard boiled eggs with butter and four celery sticks with peanut butter<br />
Dinner - 1 1/2 bowls of beef veggie soup with sour cream<br />
Treat - About a tablespoon of peanut butter<br />
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PS - The Hub is still not convinced re the whole full fat thing and told me there is new research that a diet rich in proteins and fats is not good for you. My question - what kinds of protein and fat are we talking about? Besides, dontcha know that eventually even <i>breathing</i> will kill you? Okay, maybe it's the <i>lack</i> of breathing that actually kills you. I don't know. I'm sure there's research out there on the subject.fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-68204241967860815892014-03-05T12:51:00.002-08:002014-03-05T12:51:53.455-08:00Day 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Had a really great discussion last night with my coach regarding nutrition. He is very much in the camp of lowering grain intake and increasing lean proteins and healthy fats, especially the fats part. He said doing so will not only help replenish the fat stores I will eventually be using for energy, but I will also stay satisfied longer - not feel hungry to soon. Like today, I had my usual half an apple and half a pear (sans my delicious homemade granola) and yogurt (low fat vanilla mixed with non-fat plain). Started eating it around 8:15 or so and finished over the course of about half an hour (I eat at work at my desk). By 11:00, I was so hungry, I was starting to get shaky, so I ate a couple of hard boiled eggs warmed up with butter, salt, and pepper. (As an aside - my mom and I used to eat hard boiled eggs like that. Memories . . .)<br />
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Anyway - back to the fats. Once I use up the yogurt I've already purchased - which won't take long - I'll be going full fat yogurt.<br />
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Coach also talked to me about "<a href="http://www.bulletproofexec.com/bulletproof-coffee-recipe/">Bullet Proof Coffee</a>," which I've heard a lot about lately. Again, a lot of my reading is showing people are liking this - including Coach - that it keeps them feeling satisfied longer, and they even are feeling more energetic and alert. Hmmmm . . . .<br />
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Lunch Today - Leftover steamed asparagus and carrots with oven roasted chicken legs (skin removed), half an avocado, shredded cheese, salsa, and some lemon juice. It looks like a mess on the plate, but it's really good. Loving the avocado! The Hub is making a bean and veggie soup for dinner.<br />
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Weight this morning - down 3 lbs. to 144.1. Woo hoo! Sure, it's probably just water weight, but so what - I'm stoked! I don't expect to see that kind of progress the whole time, but I'll take what I can get for now.<br />
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Reminder to Self: Need to go home and look for HR monitor.fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-7688905965486416082014-03-04T12:47:00.001-08:002014-03-04T12:47:10.731-08:00Day 4 of this ExperimentSo far so good! I mean, how bad can it be when I'm eating my version of carne asada atop a bed of red and romaine lettuces, spinach, and cabbage with cherry tomatoes, black beans, broccoli, hard boiled egg, shredded cheese, and salsa? I have had a couple of cravings for something salty and crunchy/crispy, but a tsp or so crunchy peanut butter seemed to do the trick.<br />
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As far as weight goes, I will be weighing myself once a week - Wednesday mornings. Weight fluctuates so much, it would be ridiculous and irritating to weigh myself every single day. <br />
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I did the math re heart rate and figured out my max heart rate right now should be 137. Suffice to say that quite often I am well over that, especially when climbing hills, so I'll be having to slow down, which means more time on the trails and roads . . . which translates into "get your butt up earlier or else you'll be out there all day." I think my hopes of running with a group of ladies I've been in contact with has to be set aside for now since I will be running so slow in order to keep the HR down. Hopefully, however, I will soon be leaving people in my dust!! (Well, not likely, but at least I'll be able to keep up better without all the huffing and puffing.)fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-24355966438087508852014-03-02T19:43:00.001-08:002014-03-02T19:43:40.601-08:00Low Car or Metobalic Efficiency Training . . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That's the big question (see the title of this post).<br />
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Today on my run, the timing was perfect. I had saved a podcast of an interview with Sports Nutritionist (and amazing athlete) Sunny Blende, who was a guest on my favorite podcast, <a href="http://trailrunnernation.com/">Trail Runner Nation</a>. By the way - if you haven't listened to these guys, they're great. They strive to bring information that can be used by any runner at any levels and I will save up podcasts - or even relisten to some - just so I can listen to these guys while out for the long (*sniff* lonely) runs.<br />
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But I digress . . . .<br />
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As I said, my timing was perfect in listening to their podcast today because of their interview with Sunny Blende, who talked about metabolic efficiency training and eating and how it differs from just a low carb diet. I then went to her web site and read her article on the same and am quite excited about the information. (<a href="http://eat4fitness.com/">www.eat4fitness.com</a>)<br />
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In reading about low carb diets, I have been trying to figure out where dairy, such as milk and yogurt, fit in and beans, if at all. I am a dairy girl. I love my milk and yogurt (cheese is a given on a low carb diet), and Shorty and I supplement our food budget quite a bit with beans. Could I still eat these mainstays? According to Sunny, yes! Metabolic efficiency is all about a balanced diet and training, but the big thing is to stay away from grains and white starches completely for 4-8 weeks: no pasta, no rice (white or brown), no bread, no chips, no potatoes (not even sweet potatoes). Doing this forces your body to use your fat reserves for energy, as opposed to just your small carbohydrate reserves, thereby allowing you to run longer and more efficiently with fewer calories. That's the simplistic explanation, because there's a whole thing in there about heart rate training, but I won't go into that.<br />
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So I am looking forward to discussing both aspects (low carb vs. metabolic efficiency) with my coach to see which way I should go.<br />
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Oh - the whole metabolic efficient eating? Makes you a better fat burner / better butter burner. AND, she basically guarantees that if you follow the program, you lose the gut. Who doesn't want that?!?<br />
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This whole switch has my mind reeling . . . and it's only been two days. Today we went grocery shopping and bought a ton of veggies and lettuces and cheeses, and I spent the better part of an hour preparing stuff to take to work for snacks for the next few days. It was kind of time-consuming, and I hope that once I get the hang of it, it'll go faster (i.e., veggie sticks, slicing up cheese, preparing lettuces ahead of time for salad during the week). You may be asking, "Why not purchase the already prepared stuff?" Simple Answer - We can't afford it, so it ain't gonna happen.<br />
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So how'd the last two days go. I'm not sure if I'm hungry here at 7:30 p.m. or just think I'm hungry because I'm talking about food. And I know I'm craving tortilla chips only because I can't have them. But the way I look at it, if my husband can stop drinking and . . . wait for it, wait for it. . . STOP CHEWING!! (41 days and counting!!) . . . surely I can go a few weeks without some rice or pasta or bread or chips or even my delicious homemade granola.<br />
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My weight at the start of this: 147<br />
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I need to find my sewing measuring tape and measure my waist to see where I end up in about two months.fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-35372715371644318642014-03-01T17:16:00.003-08:002014-03-01T17:16:38.292-08:00The Low Carb LifestyleThe amount of information on a low carb lifestyle and its benefits is almost overwhelming. However, after much reading and talking with others who have adopted this lifestyle, I have decided that at least for the next four weeks, I am going to give it a go. Why? Glad you asked!<br />
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I turned 48 on February 23, and over the last couple of years, since really settling into menopause, I have found it harder and harder to keep my weight at what I consider best for running. I struggle to stay under 150, and at the same time, my belly pooch keeps increasing. This is probably a combination of menopause and hormone replacement therapy, which I could stop, but let's face it - the world does not want Leslie to stop her hormone replacement therapy. At least not for the moment. And I like the idea of staying out of jail. (Yes, things were that bad before I started on the drugs).<br />
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My coach, Gary Vale, has been talking to me off and on over the past year about a lifestyle change to eating fewer carbs, but 'til now, it just hasn't seemed like something I want to do. I mean come on - the world of endurance running has done almost nothing BUT say you can't perform without stuffing yourself with carbs (ever see an aid station table??). I mean, races even have spaghetti feeds the night before so you can "carbo load."<br />
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However, yesterday as I sat at work in pair of jeans that only a month or so ago fit very comfortably but were now cutting me in two, I decided enough is enough. <br />
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I work hard at being physically fit, but where I used to see progress in my body, I now see things slipping backward at an unbelievable rate. I'm a slower runner than I was two years ago. I don't have the energy I used to. My body is thickening in places I don't want it to thicken. And I can't believe all of this is simply because I'm getting older. Something has to change.<br />
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I don't expect this to be easy. I have never been one to count calories or anything like that. But as one individual I've been talking with told me, if I really want a change, it's going to take work, but will eventually become the norm and it'll be worth it.<br />
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So as I step off into the great unknown, I will try and post here more often and provide updates. I don't know if anybody is bothering to read this blog anymore since I rarely ever think about coming in here, but it will help keep me honest with myself.<br />
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I'll back soon ~fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-16716081036174001162013-10-07T14:22:00.000-07:002013-10-07T14:23:36.351-07:00Weaver Basin 50k - 2013n (or "How to DFL in Spectacular Fashion")Raise your hand if you’ve ever been in a race and you know, you just<i> know</i> you’re screwing up, but for some inexplicable reason, you’re not correcting it or failing miserably at trying to correct it. Then, before you know it, you’ve fallen so far down the hole there are only two possible outcomes: (1) You will hit bottom and bounce back spectacularly or (2) you’ll hit bottom and SPLAT! All they’ll find is a shell of the person you were X-number of hours ago.<br />
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This is exactly the predicament I found myself in this past weekend when I participated in the 2nd Annual <a href="http://www.weaverbasin50k.com/">Weaver Basin 50k</a> in Weaverville, CA. I ran this race last year, and although I didn’t exactly have a blistering finish time (8:03 and some change) (and let’s face it folks, when have I ever had a blistering finish time?), I finished with only a few grunts and groans and knew I had executed the race to the best of my ability.<br />
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“Executed the race to the best of my ability” - This is not what I did on Saturday. Far from it, I managed to layer mistake upon mistake until I was shaking my head (when I could without getting a cramp in my neck) and wondering how I ever managed to get through a 50-miler last year, and if I screw up this badly in a 50k, how will I ever manage to get through the 100-miler I so badly want to attempt? (BTW - that 100 miler? Not soon. Maybe in a year or two).<br />
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So what went wrong. Let us count the ways:<br />
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1. The previous weekend I had driven up to Portland, then to the Mt. Hood National Park area, to crew and pace for my buddy, Kate, and work when I could at the Clackamas Ranger Aid station my buddy (and Kate’s sister), Karen, was heading. The weather for horrendous, and the race was called at 8:30 p.m. that Saturday due to unsafe conditions. Between the long hours of driving, helping to deal with getting runners to safety, etc., and driving in horrible weather conditions, I was exhausted by the time I got home the evening of Monday, September 30.<br />
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2. My eating habits from the time I left here to drive to Portland on Thursday, September 26, through to this past Friday were not exactly stellar. They weren’t horrible, but they weren’t in line with running 31 miles on Saturday.<br />
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3. Along with my less than spectacular eating during the week, I also managed to consume maybe half of the water I should have (and that’s being generous), so self-induced dehydration was an issue.<br />
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4. Saturday, race day, I managed to do what I am prone to do during a race, and that’s get an F in nutrition management. No, it’s not that there weren’t enough aid stations. The aid stations were fantastic. The first one even had these little homemade energy bars that were fabulous, and for which I need to find the recipe. I just totally brain-farted on eating. On the upside, however, only once did I get a slightly upset stomach and that was because <i>only once </i>did I come close to getting plenty of food in me.<br />
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5. And this is the kicker - I freaking ran out of water. I know, I know - <i>WHAT?!? </i>How could you run out of water??? Let me spell it out for you - S-T-U-P-I-D.<br />
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The Weaver Basin 50k is not a hugely difficult race, but neither is it easy. (Is there such a thing as an “easy” 50k??) There is over 4000 feet of elevation gain, so one shouldn’t go into this thing lightly. One of the climbs comes around Mile 16/17 (I think) and is a nasty little bugger about .75 miles in length. It took me over 15 minutes to ascend. The only good thing about the climb is it’s a series of switchbacks, so you’re not actually on your hands and knees clawing your way to the top . . . . although there are a couple of spots where, given the wrong conditions (rain, mud), you would probably have to do exactly that.<br />
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There are also a couple of other ascents between Miles 23 and 28 that, when you look at them, especially in the condition I was in, all you can think is, “Really??” Actually, I think what came out of my mouth is “For crying out loud” and “You’ve got to be kidding me,” in that order. (You’d think I would’ve remembered these from last year . . . . . I did when I got to them.)<br />
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A blow-by-blow account of each mile is not necessary here, but suffice to say when you’re suffering, each mile seems like 5, and it was around Mile 19, and at the farthest aid station, that I started my meltdown in spectacular fashion. I knew I was the last Mohican, the last raisin in the bag, the last overcooked potato in the pot, but the gentlemen working that aid station were really great.<br />
<br />
Me: I’m the last one aren’t I?<br />
One of Them: Yes, but you’re looking great!! (He was really good liar. It’s a requirement to be an aid station worker.)<br />
Me: Well, someone has to be last! (I was feeling so gosh darn hopeful at the moment.)<br />
<br />
And with that, I took a few more potatoes (I’d been living on them and soda all day), sucked down the rest of my soda and left. I was tired, but I wasn’t doing too awful bad . . . . until about 10 minutes later when here come the workers driving by me, waiving and going home. That was kind of the sucker punch for some reason. When even the aid station workers are gone, you know you’re alone.<br />
<br />
From that point to Mile 23, things just went downhill. The great fix would have been to<i> frigging eat, you idiot! Eat!!</i> I had food with me, and I did eat some, but I just got in a downward spiral. By the time I got to the Mile 23 aid station, I was too pooped to even think straight, sat down for a minute, drank some soda, and got to love on a dog (his name ended up being Spencer) for a second. I didn’t even realize the RD, Gus, was there until someone said something to me about finishing and I looked up and he was standing there. I asked him if there was a cutoff and he said no, but if I got to the next aid station and wanted to stop, they’d figure out how to get me out.<br />
<br />
I managed to pull myself together and said something about I’d better get going (it was 5 miles to the next aid), and as I started walking out of the station, this guy who was there on a mountain bike asks me, “Do you want me to ride with you or stay a little behind?”<br />
<br />
What? And then it hit me, “Are you the sweep?” “Yeah.” Crap. I hadn’t been caught by a sweep since my first SOB 50k in 2009. “Well, it depends on how slow you want to go,” and with that, I walked out of the station. Looking back, I sure as heck hope I didn’t sound rude. I didn’t mean to be, I was just done.<br />
<br />
And right here, my friends, is where I made a major mistake. I forgot to refill my fluid bladder and there were at least two more decent climbs ahead of me.<br />
<br />
Soon, Alex, the Sweep, caught up with me while I was stopped contemplating how to not have to climb what was in front me (um, not an option). First, Spencer came running by, then Alex rode up and asked me if I wanted some watermelon. Yes! He had some other food stuffs and some water, but I just took the melon then started going again. He stayed a good distance behind me, although Spencer would catch up with me now and then.<br />
<br />
It was probably around Mile 25 or so that I ran out of water. Stunned, I sucked on the hose from the bladder a couple of times to make sure that yes, I was that stupid. I was going through an area without a lot of coverage from the sun, I was starting to cramp up, and I finally said, “God, you gotta get me out of this.” By now, I was in my head too much, so I started negotiating with myself. I wasn’t sure if once I got to the last aid station it was 3 or 4 miles to the finish. If it was 3 miles, I’d finish. How can you go this far and not do the last 3 miles? If it was 4 miles, I’d stop. Who wants to continue for another hour in this condition? 3 or 4 - those were the magic numbers. <br />
<br />
While I was working through this self-negotiation, I got a cramp in the inside of my left thigh. Holy Frigging Cow! Have you ever got a cramp in the inside of your thigh? It’s not easy to get rid of. I tried to get it go away, but then something else would cramp up. About that time, here comes Spencer running by, and Alex popped around the corner. “How you doing?” “I ran out of water and I’m cramping.” “I have some water.” It wasn’t much water (and all he had for himself, too), but it was enough and I was darn happy to have it. He dumped the little bit I didn’t drink into my bladder, I got another piece of watermelon, and we started going again. <br />
<br />
And this is when Alex the Sweep became God’s answer to my prayers, and I got Alex the Pacer Extraordinaire. I told him I was dropping at the next aid station, and he never agreed or disagreed with me, just said we’d get to it and see how things were going. We talked quite a bit, and it was really nice, I mean <i>really nice</i>, to have someone to talk to for the first time the whole day, aside from the aid station workers. When someone is talking to you, it’s hard to focus on your own problems and what a lift it can give your spirits!<br />
<br />
I had to walk almost everything that was downhill or my quads would start to cramp, but I found myself able to power walk pretty hard on the flats and inclines and even move into a shuffling run once in awhile.<br />
<br />
We popped over the a ridge to where the 2nd, 3rd, and last aid station was - Jackass Ridge - to find two people left - a guy who had been at the previous aid station and had hiked into here from I-don’t-know-where and the kid who had been working the walkie talkie there all day. The rest of the workers had had to pack up and go, but they left water, fruit, and - glory of glories - M&M’s!! That sugar is just what I needed for a quick pick-me-up. Alex and the boy got my bladder filled up, I stuffed my mouth with M&M’s while trying to alleviate the cramp in my neck, and while Alex was getting his own water bottle filled, I thanked the guy and kid profusely (at least it seemed liked I did) and started out again (it was only 3 miles to the end - end of negotiations). Heck, Alex was on a mountain bike. He’d catch up!<br />
<br />
The last 3 miles weren’t easy, but they weren’t horrible. It was mostly flat or slightly downhill, and I moved as fast as I could (again, we aren’t talking blistering speed here), combining a shuffling run with a strong power walk (and this is why I work on power walking). Once we popped off the trail onto a dirt road, all I could do was grunt and blow out a hard “Unh” with every other step, but I was running. Alex kept telling me I was doing great, I was going to finish, and I wouldn’t get my 2nd DNF. I just kept responding with an out of breath “Okay,” or some other kind of grunting noise.<br />
<br />
A short way down the dirt road, we dumped off to the left into a wash and then up a hill, across the road, down onto the high school football field (and let me say, at this point, running in thick grass is akin to running in sand), then down onto the high school track, and halfway around the track. The small band of folks remaining at the finish were hootin’ and hollerin’ for me, Alex rode right beside me telling me I was going to finish, and I just kept grunting with every other step. When I finally ran through the “finish chute,” it was all I could do not to start crying. (Actually, once I sat down, I did cry a little bit. I deserved it.)<br />
<br />
I was given some ice water (oh my!!! Yum!!), and Gus (the RD) handed me my finishers award (a really cool wooden picture holder made by the high school wood shop with a photo from the race) and a prize for being DFL - a card for a free pair of KEEN shoes. Woot!! Woot!! (Sometimes it does pay to come in last!)<br />
<br />
I am so appreciative of:<br />
<br />
1. Gus letting me finish. Yes, he could’ve stopped me at either Mile 23 or 28 because I was so far behind everyone else, but I’m sure he’s been there, done that and he knows how important it is to gut it out to the end.<br />
<br />
2. Gus and family and Alex’s wife and baby for waiting a full hour for me after the runner before me finished.<br />
<br />
3. Alex. Alex the Pacer Extraordinaire. When you are at your bottom and God brings someone like him to drag you back up, there aren’t enough words to express how thankful and grateful you are. He did everything right - gentle prodding and encouragement, just enough to me through.<br />
<br />
My finish time was around 8:48 (I think), about 45 min slower than last year and either my worst or second worst 50k finish. . . . . . . BUT I FINISHED. I am SO happy I didn’t give up, even when the demons were telling me I had nothing to prove and it was okay to quit. I’ll be back next year for revenge.fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-48862385491462561542013-02-20T20:09:00.001-08:002013-02-20T20:09:41.366-08:00"Want" vs. "Need"<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PO-vPsKmP7I/USWdWM1mzJI/AAAAAAAAA30/Q0EnHdYX-8o/s1600/sunlight+through+the+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PO-vPsKmP7I/USWdWM1mzJI/AAAAAAAAA30/Q0EnHdYX-8o/s320/sunlight+through+the+trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was talking with a couple of co-workers this afternoon and the subject of grocery shopping came up, at which point I said that my husband and I are going to try to get by on $100 a month for groceries. Both ladies looked at me like I was crazy, but we don’t have growing children (one of them does), and we are being much more careful about our purchases these days, as are many folks. Don't get me wrong, once in awhile we will buy something “for fun,” but that is a rare occasion. We buy extra when things are on sale, and we eat from our cupboards and our freezer. I can count on one hand the number of times we've "eaten out" in the past year, simply because it is no longer within our budget.<br /><br />Many of you know our story, what has happened in our lives over the past two years. It's been hard, but there isn’t much I would change. If I did, would my husband be sober? Would we have this now wonderful relationship based on mutual love and respect? Would we have the growing relationship with God we are experiencing? My guess is No, No, and definitely No.<br /><br />What we have had to learn is how to get by on an income that has been cut by more than half. We’re not the only ones in this position, as many people around the country are struggling to make ends meet. It hasn't been easy, but it's working, and one of the main reasons is we have come to terms with what is a "want" and what is a "need."<br /><br />How often do we say we "need" something when in reality that "need" is a "want"?<br /><br />We NEED a roof over our heads, but I WANT a TV that doesn’t have a blue line that shows up randomly across the screen.<br /><br />We NEED food on our table, but I WANT to go to the movies.<br /><br />We NEED clothes on our back, but I WANT a pair of boots that are all the rage these days.<br /><br />Too many times we let our desires become our needs, instead of feeling blessed with having our needs met each day. Sure, my husband and I WANT him to be working more, but you know what? Right now God is providing enough work for my husband so that the income he does bring home is enough to buy the groceries we NEED to sustain us.<br /><br />Sure, we want to go on a nice vacation, but God continues to bless me with a full time job, the income from which we are able to pay our monthly bills. And He continues to bless me with extra side transcription work so I can continue to do the activity I love, trail running. And He has blessed me with a wonderful man to coach me who, until my husband and I are more securely on our feet, is willing to coach me at little to no cost. (Okay, right now it’s at no cost, but I plan to rectify that. Are you listening, Gary?)<br /><br />So the next time you look around and think about all you don’t have and wish you did, stop for a moment, look around, and think of all you DO have. Is your family healthy? Are you sleeping in a warm bed, in a secure home, with a full stomach? Are you bills paid? Are your children safe?<br /><br />My guess is that for most for you, you are blessed to have your needs, your true needs, are being fulfilled each and every day.fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-20579659988368926812013-01-04T13:11:00.000-08:002013-01-04T13:11:11.831-08:00And the Saga Continues . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--d6KrhGC1b4/UOdD8905ZVI/AAAAAAAAA3g/deGmMx4Z0oo/s1600/bill+the+cat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--d6KrhGC1b4/UOdD8905ZVI/AAAAAAAAA3g/deGmMx4Z0oo/s1600/bill+the+cat.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So - -<br /><br />Went to the ortho yesterday (01/03/13). Doc: “I saw you on the schedule and thought, ‘What’s she doing back here?’” Me: “No offense, but I never wanted to see you again, either.”<br /><br />Anyway - He thinks the problem might be circulatory. I’m having nerve issues in the foot, it’s colder than the other foot, and the color doesn’t bounce back as fast when you put pressure on the skin. There’s a main artery that runs along the top of the foot and takes a dive deep into the foot as it heads between the big toe and the next toe. He thinks that might be part of the problem - maybe it’s getting pinched.<br /><br />I’m being scheduled for an MRI to rule out the possibility of the beginnings of a stress fracture or bony protrusion pinching the nerves or that main artery. If nothing shows up on the MRI, he is thinking of referring me to a vascular surgeon. Also, he has a doctor friend in Mammoth Lakes who not only deals with ultrarunners and their foot issues, but is an ultrarunner himself (Mi<span style="font-size: small;">ke</span> Karch, M.D.). Depending on the results of the MRI, he may call and consult with him. Mammoth Lakes a 9-hour drive from here, but if Dr. Walter thinks I would benefit from seeing his friend, I will be there lickety split.<br /><br />As for what I’m allowed to do - basically anything that doesn’t hurt. If I want to try running, try. If it hurts, don’t do it. I asked about still running WS 3-day training camp and Mt. Hood, and he said he doesn’t see either of those being an issue (although he did hesitate for a micro second re WS).<br /><br />So I will forego my race plans in Feb/Mar/April (for now), concentrate on finding out exactly what’s going on with my foot, and make WS , Mt. Hood, and (hopefully) Headlands 50 my main goals. I plan to do some power walking tomorrow to see how things feel before I contemplate running again.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PS - I looked up </span><a href="http://mammothhospital.com/services/sport/ortho/index.php">Dr. Karch</a> on the 'net. He works with a lot of world class athletes. </span>fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-18181376911472795522012-12-28T12:31:00.000-08:002012-12-28T12:31:04.030-08:00. . . . Again . . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So here I am . . . Again. On crutches . . . Again. Just a mere 20 days after my last post with my anticipated races for the year. Now all those plans have more than likely been flushed down the proverbial toilet.<br />
<br />
"So what happened?" you ask. I . . . have . . . no . . . idea. There I was, running along Elk River Road, minding my own business, listening to some podcasts, when "Wha???" What was that? My foot suddenly started hurting in the same manner it did March 26, 2011, only this time not as intense. The pain soon went away, only to appear one other time for a millisecond later in the day. I completely forgot about it.<br />
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Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve Morning. Out for an EZ 4-mile run. About a mile into it - Ouch! Brain neurons snapping to attention. Adrenaline suddenly on high alert. What's going on? A vain attempt to make the pain go away by loosening my shoe laces. Run very easy for another 1/4 mile. Reality setting in. My foot is injured again. Slowly limp the 1.25 miles back home. Pull the crutches out of the closet and resign myself to being on them again.<br />
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So that's where I am at the moment. I have an appointment with my ortho on Thursday, January 3 - <i>exactly</i> one year since the last time I saw him. There isn't any pain, just the knowledge that when I try to walk on the foot "something" is wrong. And the nerves are out of whack again, as well. I'm covering my bases by icing, ibu-ing, contrast bathing, and doing the whole paint brush on the foot thing again in an effort to get the nerve issue under control. I have no doubt most, if not all, of my running plans for the year are kapoot. The questions are (1) how bad is the tear this time, (2) how long do I have to be on the crutches this time (last time - 3 months), (3) when can I start running again, and, quite possibly a fourth (4) am I going to be able to run again or is this a weak point in my foot and decisions have to be made. While I am trying to not dwelling on the last question, I have to entertain the thought.<br />
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In the meantime, I have resigned myself to getting reacquainted with my stationary bike (OUCH re the nether regions) and am doing strength training from a seated position on a stability ball. Whether or not I will return to pool running (ugh!) depends on the length of rehab. <i>*sigh*</i> This stinks. It really, <i>really</i> stinks . . .fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-71852623456952592332012-12-03T11:02:00.000-08:002012-12-03T11:02:14.549-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="userContent">The quote in the picture to the right just about sums up how I feel about running. I can't say I get up every morning telling myself, "Yea!! I get to run today!" Or on the weekends, "Yea!! I get to spend my entire weekend running!!" But I can say that I love the feeling of accomplishing what only a few shorty years ago I would have told myself I could never do.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Have said that . . . .</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">I have been given the Thumbs Up from Coach Gary regarding a tentative race schedule for next year. The thought of what I want to accomplish almost nauseates me, but that's a good thing. . . . Right? I'm going to be 47 in February. Obviously getting older, not younger. If I don't push myself now, then I may never be able to do so.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">My goals mean more time alone and less time with my husband. He is amazingly tolerant of this craziness, and I love him all the more for his support. I hope he'll be able to accompany on at least a couple of my adventures so I can share the experiences with him.</span><br />
<span class="userContent"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent">So far on the schedule for 2013:</span><br />
<span class="userContent"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent">May 25-27 - Western States 3-Day Training Camp (70 Miles)</span><br />
<span class="userContent">July 13 - Mt. Hood 50</span><br />
<span class="userContent"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent">Tentatively on the schedule:</span><br />
<span class="userContent">Feb 9 - American Canyon 50k, Auburn, CA</span><br />
<span class="userContent">Mar 16 - Rodeo Valley 50k, Marin Headlands, San Fran, CA</span><br />
<span class="userContent">Apr 21 - Sunsweet 50k, Redbluff, CA</span><br />
<span class="userContent">Sept - Headlands 50, Marin Headlands, San Fran, CA</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">The February, March, and April dates are what have my butt puckering a bit, so I need to give myself some more think time before committing, because as all us runners know, committing = non-fundable $$.</span><br />
<span class="userContent"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent">Headlands - I'm waiting for PCTR to get their 2013 schedule posted to see if they're actually going to run it and, if so, will it be in September.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">I'm getting tired just thinking about it all . . . . but it's a good tired. </span>fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-63493632236859351732012-11-06T12:54:00.000-08:002012-11-06T12:56:48.688-08:00Meet Our Office Mascot - Cisco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7BKa7j686I/UJl2UudVW_I/AAAAAAAAA1o/I9dfYuB7xr0/s1600/budgie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7BKa7j686I/UJl2UudVW_I/AAAAAAAAA1o/I9dfYuB7xr0/s320/budgie.jpeg" width="294" /></a></div>
We have one of these little guys living in our office here at work. His name is Cisco (this is not a picture of our actual Cisco, but they look the same). Last February, my boss and her family went on vacation, and when we arrived at work the Monday following their departure weekend, we found Cisco, a bag of food, and $20.00 in her office with a note asking us to take care of him. By the time they returned about 2 weeks later, all us ladies had fallen in love with him, and we basically told Lisa they couldn't have him back. <br />
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He has now become a our office mascot and is quite the character. He's a real chatterbox and can say "kitty, kitty, kitty," "come here," and "pretty bird." He doesn't like hands, so the only time we're able to get him out of his cage is when he decides to launch himself off the door that's almost always open. (Yes, we keep his wings clipped, so sometimes the launching is more of a thud to the floor, rather than a flutter, depending on how much his wings have grown out.) Once he's out of his home, he'll hop up on your finger, then jump to your shoulder and sit there for quite a long time. If you're wearing dangly earrings, all the better for him. He's addicted to hard boiled eggs and millet (aka "birdy crack"), and he's passionately in love with two things: the bell that hangs from the top of his cage and our receptionist, Lynsey. The rest of us, he tolerates. <br />
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With proper care, these little guys can live up to 15 years. We hope this is the case with Cisco as he's brought a whole new level of joy to our office.fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-42256164710996257152012-10-26T13:02:00.001-07:002012-10-26T13:02:52.831-07:00Rest and Rejuvination - Feels Good!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Who'd thunk that taking time off and letting your body rejuvenate would feel so good? Who'd a thunk I would forget that after taking six months off last year because of my injury? (<i>mental eye roll)</i><br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed me seven straight days of being a blob, but am just as happy to get back to some EZ running this week. Am already looking at my schedule for next year . . . and hoping I'm not getting myself in over my head. Tentatively am looking at:<br />
<br />
Late February/Early March - 50k<br />
Mid April - 50k<br />
Memorial Day Week - Western States 3-Day Training Camp (70 miles)<br />
July - Mt. Hood 50 Mile<br />
September - Headlands 50 mile<br />
<br />
We'll see!fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-68216993925733765512012-10-22T13:17:00.000-07:002012-10-22T15:41:10.492-07:00Weaver Basin 50k, October 13, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I started out with this long-winded dissertation about Weaver Basin 50k, but thankfully (mostly for you, the reader) I realized I wasn’t giving this race the justice it deserved, nor was I coming even close to conveying how much I enjoyed this race.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra4cZqxtvbQ/UIXLOzvde1I/AAAAAAAAA1A/imPRwmeLYaE/s1600/DSCN0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra4cZqxtvbQ/UIXLOzvde1I/AAAAAAAAA1A/imPRwmeLYaE/s320/DSCN0391.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(That's where all the fun will be happening - the Trinity Alps)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vi1TqqwrJpw/UIWmINvBfEI/AAAAAAAAAzc/6mHsKlDDXvY/s1600/DSCN0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vi1TqqwrJpw/UIWmINvBfEI/AAAAAAAAAzc/6mHsKlDDXvY/s320/DSCN0405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Very runnable first half)</td></tr>
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I chose Weaver Basin as the last race of my running season mostly because it was so close to home, practically in my back yard at only 2 hours away (normally, I have to drive anywhere from 4 to 8 hours for a race). The race was a benefit for the Trinity High Athletics Department, and even as I type those words, I find it slightly depressing that our schools have to have fund raisers in order to have activities as character building as athletics. But I digress . . . .<br />
<br />
I drove over Friday afternoon, checked into my hotel room, got my bib number at Main Street Shoes and met the very nice Roxanne (who I think was the co-RD or at the very least was one of the sort of sadistic minds behind the course), and topped off the day by attending the spaghetti feed at the Fire Hall, also a fund raiser for the athletics department. In doing so, I was privileged to meet a woman who was celebrating losing 95 pounds and a guy who had lost over 100 pounds (both running the 30k the next day), as well as Wayne, who is from Eureka, too. (Yea! Another local trail runner!) Wayne and I ended up getting engrossed in our own tales of trail running (he’s run Western States three times), and soon it was time to mosey on back to our respective lodges to get ready for the next day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3V1IVc3FSI/UIWnG-AljXI/AAAAAAAAAz0/F5aj8Rmxq4w/s1600/DSCN0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3V1IVc3FSI/UIWnG-AljXI/AAAAAAAAAz0/F5aj8Rmxq4w/s320/DSCN0397.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Prepared for the next day and representin' the 3NJs!!)</td></tr>
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Thankfully, Gus Kormeier, the RD, had set the start time at a respectable 8:00 a.m., so I got to sleep in, somewhat. By the time I arrived at the high school parking lot at 7:30, a number of runners had already arrived. The 30k and 50k would start at 8:00, and the 10k at 9:00 (I think). All total, there were close to 70 runners signed up for all three races. Did I mention this was the inaugural race? I suspect that once word gets out regarding what a fantastic event this was and how great the trail is, they’ll end up with more participants than they’ll know what to do with (at least I hope so).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJg2C_kelu8/UIWlEww9NyI/AAAAAAAAAzA/NFkpS5PwX8g/s1600/DSCN0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJg2C_kelu8/UIWlEww9NyI/AAAAAAAAAzA/NFkpS5PwX8g/s320/DSCN0402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(T-shirts hot off the press!)</td></tr>
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I had already decided I was going to take my time running this race. It was the last after a long training season, and I just wanted to enjoy myself. In talking the night before, Wayne and I figured since we were both going slow, we might end up running together some. At the end of the first 3 miles (a lollipop loop), I was at the back of the pack (not a surprise), and as I left the first aid station, Wayne was slightly ahead of me. He slowed down so I could catch up and in that silent agreement that happens between trail runners, we running the next 9 miles together. At about Mile 12.22 I stepped off the trail to get some salt pills and didn’t catch up with him again until approximately Mile 22.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oyXCmmsBvQ/UIWlb0yw86I/AAAAAAAAAzI/wjShGDkWeKg/s1600/DSCN0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oyXCmmsBvQ/UIWlb0yw86I/AAAAAAAAAzI/wjShGDkWeKg/s320/DSCN0413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Me and Wayne at Jackass Ridge Aid Station)</td></tr>
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In the interim, I accidentally went off trail, but only for about 1/4 mile total (um - there are no other shoe prints in the dirt. I don’t think I belong here), got to feel like a champion for a moment as I climbed the trail to AS#4 to the theme from “Chariots of Fire,” stuffed my face throughout the race with bananas, potatoes, Pepsi (BPP), and red vine licorice (my stomach was happy with this combo), and had the pleasure of interacting with wonderful and helpful aid station workers, all of whom I can only ascertain were friends, family, and parents of the RD and/or the kids of Trinity High.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-utTjCoCG7eU/UIWlvyXfS9I/AAAAAAAAAzU/6aq8v5GpcQM/s1600/DSCN0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-utTjCoCG7eU/UIWlvyXfS9I/AAAAAAAAAzU/6aq8v5GpcQM/s320/DSCN0412.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Jackass Ridge Aid Station Crew)</td></tr>
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<br />
I called the RD sadistic earlier, didn’t I? It was all in jest, but the reason is because of how he laid out this race. There was approximately 4700 feet of elevation gain, and almost all of it is in the second half. He sucks you in with a very runnable first half, then at Mile 15.25 begins throwing the climbs at you. The first is half a mile and full of switchbacks. However, at the top you are greeted with a sign that says:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7kBOOFKIaw/UIWn3W7gwQI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/2G7FR6AxsqM/s1600/DSCN0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7kBOOFKIaw/UIWn3W7gwQI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/2G7FR6AxsqM/s320/DSCN0422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
followed by another sign telling you you get a brief reprieve<br />
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After that, it’s an up and down fest that tests your will, but never feels insurmountable. Your quads get a workout, but what do you expect? It’s a trail race! In grading the trail on a scale of 1 to 5 ala Ultrarunner Magazine, I’d say the first half is around a 2-2.5 and the second half is around a 3.5.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-VRpxePBHc/UIWnrOT4UGI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/31ei0Kicel0/s1600/DSCN0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-VRpxePBHc/UIWnrOT4UGI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/31ei0Kicel0/s320/DSCN0420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Halfway up the first major climb)</td></tr>
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The only time I felt slightly uncomfortable was during the 2 ½ miles at the top of the first climb. There were a lot of shoe prints in the dirt, but over the top of some of those prints were the paw prints of a large cat. The question: When were those paw prints made? With 13 people ahead of me, I doubted the prints were made over the shoe prints of those who had marked the trail the day before. It was just a matter of whether the cat had been through there moments or a couple of hours before me. This was incentive to kick it up a notch and get the heck outta there.<br />
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At about Mile 19, I hit the 5th aid station and the high point of the race, elevation-wise. There was an older gentleman and a teenage boy working this station, and they were happy to see me since I was the last runner to come through. The man couldn’t have been more helpful and was concerned about me getting food while he helped me refill my fluid bladder. I grabbed some more BPP and red licorice, thanked them for being there and took off. Wayne was leaving the station as I was climbing up to it, and about 15 minutes after I left, I caught up to him. Unfortunately, he was having a some significant knee issues and was having a hard time running down hill or climbing. I stayed with him for about 15 minutes or so, but soon we had another silent agreement that I needed to keep going, so I wished him luck and took off.<br />
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There was a lot of downhill after leaving the 5th AS. It wasn’t extremely technical, but neither was all of it smooth sailing. Plus, I was getting tired and had to work hard to not use my quads as brakes. I was happy to arrive at AS #6 and stuff my face with BPP and some potato chips. As I left, one of the workers told me, “You have 9 miles left. Cross the road and you get to climb.” Me with a grin: “Well, that’s disappointing.” The next five miles was a combo of some good climbing and descending. I could hear the creek down below me, and at one point if I had been willing to go slightly off trail and climb down some rocks, I could’ve gotten wet, but I just didn’t have it in me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Perty, ain't it!)</td></tr>
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About an hour later after descending some rutty service road and starting a little bit of a climb, I saw a guy and dog who had been at the start. He yelled, “How you doing?” Me, smiling: “Pooped, but not defeated!” Him: “The last aid station is just over that rise.” I had been on the move for around 7 hours and this would be my third and last time through my favorite aid station, Jackass Aid Station. These ladies were fantastic, and we had the honor of coming through this AS three times. My third time through, they were packing things up, but were still full of enthusiasm and asking what I needed before I got to them. I asked if they had extra water, which they did, and I had dumped a couple of cups over my head when one of the ladies walked up with a gallon of water and gave me a good dousing. It felt so good!<br />
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It was four miles to the end, and I’m not ashamed to say I was getting tuckered out. I walked more than I wanted to, but I can honestly say I was still thoroughly enjoying myself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8f1D1Gbi-VI/UIWnSe802qI/AAAAAAAAAz8/dTJIyXG1xBk/s1600/DSCN0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8f1D1Gbi-VI/UIWnSe802qI/AAAAAAAAAz8/dTJIyXG1xBk/s320/DSCN0415.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Almost there!)</td></tr>
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The last couple of miles, the course took us back down the initial service road we’d run up, then off to the left on some craggy road (or wash or something), then up to a point above the high school football field. By then, I could see the finish line down below me, and I hustled as fast as I could down a grassy hillside to the dirt track circling the field, and ran my heart out around half the track to finish in 8:03. To top it off, I came in third female and actually got some swag! As I told the RD, “There must not have been very many of us.” He smiled and said, “Three.” Hey, I’ll take a placement wherever I can get it . . . especially since the only placement I’ve had before is DFL.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lG0KzIamGzA/UIWoNXwJKpI/AAAAAAAAA0o/B2wph-yUBnM/s1600/DSCN0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lG0KzIamGzA/UIWoNXwJKpI/AAAAAAAAA0o/B2wph-yUBnM/s320/DSCN0428.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Swag!)</td></tr>
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<br />
lthough I was worried about Wayne and if he’d be able to finish, I needed to clean up and get on the road as I had a 2+ hour drive ahead of me. The results show he finished about half an hour after me, and I tip my hat to his determination.<br />
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This was a great course that I highly recommend. It was extremely well marked, and all the volunteers get an A++ in my book. Because the first half is so runnable, it makes for a fast course for the right runner, like Winner Ryan Ghelfi who finished in 3:48:12. (Say, what??) I'll definitely go back.fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-46580400477126983982012-09-10T13:05:00.000-07:002012-09-10T13:05:04.989-07:00Some Days You Got, Some You Ain't<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Saturday was one of those runs from - well, it stunk. I managed 15, but that's only because I needed to get back to my car. Felt okay until about Mile 4. Had planned on 20 (my max for the day), but realized I needed to adjust down to 18 (my minimum). At Mile 7.50, I finally said enough's enough and headed back down. Ended up walking most of the last 3-3.5 miles. Just nothing there.<br />
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This has happened before, and it'll happen again. I took yesterday off (except for washing/waxing my car and helping Shorty get the house ready to paint), and decided to stay in bed this a.m. instead of doing my core/strength training. Coach Gary scheduled a cut back week this week, so hitting bottom couldn't have come at a better time!<br />
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<a href="http://weaverbasin50k.com/">Weaver Basin 50k</a> is in about 4 weeks, then I'll be in a well-deserved rest mode.<br />
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. . . . I am, however, already looking at races for next year . . . . ;o)fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883390220951200714.post-83193104181648704292012-08-26T15:28:00.002-07:002012-08-26T15:28:17.884-07:00New Trail Running FriendJust finished up my first week of training with Coach Gary. I'm pleased as punch with how things went. Also got to run with a new trail running friend, Chris Bush. Prior to Mt. Hood, Chris had tracked me down on Facebook when he saw that I'm from Eureka. We met up at the end of the race and have been trying to get in a run together ever since. He's running <a href="http://www.roguevalleyrunners.com/P2P100/raceinfo.html">Pine to Palm</a> in a few weeks and has had longer runs on his weekend schedule than me until recently.<br />
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Karen was with us for the first 10 miles, then we split off from her as we had a couple of more miles to go before we headed back. Chris is a bit faster than I am, so at times today seemed like a semi-tempo run, but it felt good to have someone forcing me to push myself. Hopefully, we can run more together 'cause it's a whole lot more pleasant doing long miles with someone than it is alone.fatozzighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10750765982711157404noreply@blogger.com0