Kara Runs For Cupcakes

Race Report: Music City Sprint Triathlon July, 21 2018

While I was down and out for long-distance running for a bit I decided to tackle a long buckle list goal of completing a triathlon. First, that meant tackling learning to swim as an adult. With a very patient coach, I learned to swim in a few months and finished 3rd overall in my first triathlon, Murfreesboro Sprint Triathlon on MTSU campus. Now, the thing about my first triathlon that made it easier to podium overall was it was a POOL swim. While yes I was still terrified and made mistakes, it was easier on my body in general. I made up for my slowness in the pool by biking and running fast. But I knew I wouldn't feel like a legit triathlete in my mind until I had swum in open water. Yes, one of my biggest fears...open water and fear of drowning. I worked hard on my swimming form and had gotten comfortable in the pool swimming 300 meters on a weekly basis. Then, it was time for an open water session before my race. That proved to be a whole different feat altogether...I struggled some but made it 400 and 500 meters with crazy tides from the boats that morning.  

Then comes race day.

I had a LONG work week leading up to my race with a few days of overtime hours, getting to work by 6 am. I have been at my new job for a few weeks now working full-time hours, which have been an adjustment on its own. I walked 12,000-15,000 steps on my Garmin just at work within those few days along with lifting boxes all day. I came into the race feeling a bit fatigued, under stress, and laking sleep. But I did my best to prepare and didn't everything else I could for success. Tornado watches the night before meant there was no bike drop off option the night before, but an earlier check in the morning of. I had woken up a few times in the night due to the storms, but I was crossing my fingers and toes praying for decent weather race day to calm some of my nerves. Race morning, the alarm felt way too early as always, but I got everything together quickly since I had packed the night before, and just double checked my list in the morning. Everything was ready to go, I just had to eat breakfast, get my tri kit on and affix my race number tattoos. Out the door, I headed with my husband and 2 kids at the wee hours of 5 am. I was as ready as I could be for this day. I thought I had everything I needed until I realize I left my inhaler on the counter after I grabbed my water bottles. "Damn it!", I thought. "Now I'm really going to suffer". I felt tight in my chest already just sitting in the car. Exercise-induced allergies are no joke, but top that with already race nerves, and I felt like an elephant sitting on my chest. 

Bike check-in went smoothly. All my gear was set up and now it was time for waiting in the bathroom line, then just waiting for the start. Bike transition closed, everyone headed down to the swim start area. I watched as the first group of swimmers started lining up on the deck in numerical order. I was number 986, so I had quite a bit of time to wait. I still didn't feel quite awake yet and continued to yawn over and over again. I found a bench to sit down on and think about the task ahead.

I watched as little by little every 10 seconds or so another swimmer was sent in the water. The line continued until they finally called out the 900's. I found my spot in the lineup and continued down the ramp with the other swimmers who expressed their worries and anxiety about the swim. For many, it was their first open water swim as well. We observed people hanging on the edge of kayaks, being brought back to the start...their days ending just like that. We all agreed in glum voices that it was sad to see that happening. We chatted on about our thoughts of how that happened for them...injury? Fear? Just too tired? I thought to myself, "No way is that happening to me". One by one, swimmers jumped in the water, until it was my turn. Here goes everything. "KARA CALM DOWN," I told myself, "just breath". One hand went over my goggles to hold them down as I jumped in and submerged myself in water. I popped back up only to realize water had still found its way into my goggles and was burning my eyes. I treaded water trying to drain and readjust my goggles. I hate getting water into my goggles because of my contacts. I put my head back underwater and tried to start my swimming pattern, but my goggles were still bothering me. I fix them again and keep moving, but can't seem to get in a groove with my breathing. It seems so hard! I keep trying, but its just not feeling right breathing out under water. I stop and tread water again and it wears me out. At that moment I reached full panic mode. "I cannot make it to the other end feeling this way", I thought to myself, "I won't have the energy". I felt like I might suffocate, I was still fully capable of swimming, but my heart rate was high, and my body weary from inefficient form. "I will just have to call it a day right...my first open water tri a failure. I should start looking out for a kayak in case I need it, right??".

Fear.

If you let it control your mind it can completely overtake you. My body was still moving, even though it was tired, but it was my mind that was giving up. I hadn't even thought to roll over on my back and just backstroke for a second to regain my composure, I just thought first off of giving up if things got worse. I mean this water was probably "Near 50 feet deep" as a volunteer informed me the night before. People were swimming close to me and I felt people bump into me and touch my feet. "They could pull me under in a second".

Fear.

I thought about the months of training and hard work I had put into getting ready for this race. I could not give up this easy. In training, I had swum 500 meters in open water with higher waves then this. I only had 300 to go this time. I had run two freakin 100-mile races last year...that was way harder than this. 

"God give me the courage to finish this".

"Fear is a liar", "I will do this".

And that, then and there was when beast mode Kara kicked in. Fearless Kara overcame. "Do not think of anything other than breathing and moving forward". I could hardly see anything because my goggles had fogged up due to the water getting in at the start. I tried my best to spot see so I didn't go too far out. People bumped into me, I bumped into others...no big deal, just keep going.

I found my way again. And before I knew it I saw the finish of the swim course, crowding up with people trying to get out of the water. I kicked hard the last few meters, as coached had told me to do. I felt disoriented coming out of the water, but a wave of relief as volunteers knee deep in water held out a hand to assisted me out of the water. 

I DID IT! I FREAKIN DID IT!

It was as if my race could have ended right there and I still would have felt so accomplished for having made it through my panic mode.

Reality set in 1  second later as I was walking up the hill headed towards transition 1 when I knew I now had no time to lose to make up for my mistakes in the water. It was GO time. I started running. I sprinted ahead of a few swimmers walking at a slow pace up the switchback grassy little hill. It was like my trail body took over right then seeing that switchback and I flew up the hill.

"7...goggles...5"

"7...goggles...5", I repeated in my head.

That was the position of my bike on the bike racks as I turned the corner. You can almost lose your bike if you don't remember where you put it amongst hundreds of others, all looking similar as you run by them. "Goggles" was the 7th bike rack down, and the race had awesomely given each rack a catchy tri gear name with a picture to help spot it quickly. So helpful! 

I threw on my bike gear, still dripping wet from the swim and ran out with my bike over to the "mount bike" line outside of the transition area. You can get a penalty or disqualified if you get on your bike prior to that line. Volunteers yelled out to remind us, "Don't mount your bike yet!"...before the line...."Ok Go!" After the line. Over the seat I go and clip in, now I was on my way.

Biking.

This is where I will make up some lost time. I am super comfortable on the bike now. Lots of weekend group rides with my coach have helped me out a lot. He showed me lots of tips and tricks to riding as efficiently as I can on my older model rode bike. I am at some disadvantage already riding an older model road bike vs. a tri bike, like some others ride. My bike fit is even slightly too big for me since I didn't understand what I was looking for when I just up and purchased a used bike off craigslist. I did it on a whim after a running injury when the doctor said I could still ride a bike instead of running. I fly by many people on the bike, gliding the downhills freely in the drops. I continued along, still passing people on the uphill as well. My breathing still very labored on the ride, as it had been all morning, but my legs feeling great. The leg burning started kicking in slowly but I handled it. I sipped my electrolyte water slowly every now and then, keeping hydrated on a hot day. The next time I go to take a sip, my sweaty hands slip...not used to going glove free on the bike, and I drop my water bottle, running it over with my bike....it shoots out the other side, with a biker right next to me, but thankfully misses their wheel (they didn't even notice) and goes rolling off into the ditch. I watch as another girl down the course hovers bent over her bike, one knee on the pavement, as I emergency car arrives to help her. Her day ended there. "That could have been me had I had a worse mishap with my water bottle". 14 miles comes quickly and it's through the transition shoots again, volunteers yelling out as a reminder to all bikers "Stay on your bike until you reach the line!".  I dismount and rack up my bike, swap to my running shoes, grab my race number belt, visor, and sunglasses and I am out .

Running...this is also, MY THING.

From then on out it was a suffer fest to maintain a steady 5k pace. That terrible, labored breathing, "I want to throw up", 5k pace, along with a swim and bike already on your legs, so it makes it harder. I run in a completely focused zone, only able to nod my head as a fellow friend racer yells out my name. "Steady Kara"...."Focus Kara" I remind myself. "It will be over soon, so you better give it your all". I stop at water stations only to throw water over my head to keep cool. "So dang hot", I think. At the 2 mile mark, I remind myself, "There's only like 8 minutes left...", "...you can do anything for 8 minutes"..."Make it all worth it". All the tough training. All the long days. The time. The money. "You have to be able to dig deeper than those around you". I continue passing people one by one. Then I see it. Chalk words written on the pavement up ahead.

"Sprint...

in...

3....

2....

1.....

"GO!"

That was all it took. It's now time to burn that last match and leave everything on the table, even if that means collapsing at the end. I sprint with everything left. I turn the corner to the crowds of people and the finish line. I throw my hands up and smile. I DID IT! I really did it!

I am given a finishers medal and a cool towel to lay across my neck. I see my family at the end. I walk over to the results tent and find out I placed 2ed in my age division! That made it all worth it even more! What a day! I received a cool Nashville Hatch print poster and a small piece of metal engraved with 2ed place age 30-34 female. We can take them to the local business to get framed at a discounted price they say. The overall winners received theirs already framed. Pretty cool. 

I left the race happy with my award and overall accomplishment, but couldn't stop replaying the water scene in my head.

Why did I let that happen?

FEAR

I think only having one open water swim session didn't prepare me mentally for the task ahead. I plan on getting out in the open water more in the future to get more comfortable for the future, but my next tri I already signed up for will be in the pool in 4 weeks. Looking forward to that! 

I want to encourage anyone facing their fears to please don't let it overtake you. You are capable of amazing things, and with overcoming those fears you rise to the next level. Prepare and surround yourself mentally with as much positive reinforcement as you can. Arm yourself with mantras and tricks to get yourself out of a mental funk the best you can. Visualise your better future when you complete the task ahead, whether its completing a race, starting a new job, starting over in a relationship, or just takling the week ahead. YOU CAN DO THIS! So many people have been through what you are going through and overcame it. You are an overcomer. 

I saw this quote today:

F.E.A.R.

has two meanings-

Forget Everything And Run

              or

Face Everything And Rise

 

The choice is yours. 

Let your faith be bigger than your fear. 

 

Fear is a reaction, courage is a decision. 

INHALE COURAGE, EXHALE FEAR.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting Over; Where am I now?

It's been over a year and a half since I wrote my last blog entry. That was a race report on Music City Trail Ultra, 2016. I have run over 10 races since then; 8 of them being on trail; 7 of them ultra distances(beyond 26.2 miles). My life has gotten crazy hectic with a 9 & 11 year old, a Dog, Fish, Hemit Crabs, work; managing all of my training, mixed in with a lot of other overwhelming life stresses. I had to let go of blogging for my sanity, and to focus on the most important things. I do miss writing; even if I was never very good at it. I miss the outlet it gives me to process my thought, set future goals, and have written account of memories. A lot of races can become a blur if you are racing a lot, and it's easy to lose some important details of the long hours spent out there in the woods with trail running. After Music City Trail Ultra I ran a PR road marathon at The St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon.

One week after I ran my first road Ultra; Strolling Jim 40 miler; put on by the well known devilish race director and creator of The Barkley Marathon, Laz. (If you don't know anything about The Barkley Marathons, go look it up; "Marathon" is a somewhat loose word for what the race actually is).  Strolling Jim; 40 Miles on road with the heat; that just hurts people! Especially one week after a hilly road marathon PR. I finished humbled.

I started training under a coach for the first time around this time. I had an amazing season of races lined up including a return to my favorite and first ultra; StumpJump 50k, and The Barkley Fall Classic 50k "ish". Training was going well and I felt fast, fit, and strong. Unfortunately I developed my first stress fracture over the summer before I could put my strength to the test at my fall races. I was devastated that at my strongest I would never get that chance to put my body, and mind to the test.

The doctor I saw for my injury told me I should,"Reconsider Distance Racing"...since I wasn't an Elite. I was highly offended. I don't know about you, but I dislike being told no. I don't give up easy.  I would later go on to take his advice...and shove it. I would come back stronger, and smarter. I would learn what I did wrong, and strengthen my weaknesses. As soon as I learned about my stress fracture, I went out and bought a road bike, and immediately learned to ride clipped in. My second ride was a group ride around the hilly road of our local park, Percy Warner. I was all in, even if I was back of the pack because I knew nothing other then grit. I didn't give up. I learned fast and eventually worked my way up. My longest ride was 60 miles. I also signed up for a recap in swim lessons; since my swimming was rusty, and needed a lot of work to just stay a float. I swam, and rode my heart out.  It was actually quite fun learning about these new sports; giving me something to take my mind off of not running. But I still missed running the most. I made new friends but missed my running friends too. It was hard watching results of races posted and all the photos of everyone having fun. But I stayed positive. 

My stress fracture healed quicker then the doctor expected. I was back running around November. I raced my first race back in January at The Cloudland Canyon 1/2 Marathon.

(Photo by Greg Gelmis; We Run Race Photos LLC)

Even before my first run back I was trying to decided on future race schedule for the next year; because as trail runners know;  races are small and usually fill up fast. You have to start thinking about next years races while you are waiting on Santa to pop down the chimney the year before. My friend Joshua was going to sign up for his first 100 miler; Zion 100 in Utah in April. After seeing the beautiful photos, and not wanting to miss out on the chance to run our first 100 at the same time I committed to 100 miles before I was even back running. I decided I wanted to do a 100 so bad because I had been saying "One Day" for quite a while. I had thought what if I kept waiting for that "One Day" to come and I wasn't physically able, or the responsibilities in my life wouldn't allow it. No more waiting. 100 miles here we come! We convinced my other best friend Annapurna the same thing; she had to do her first 100 with us! The trio was in! I ran 3 races as training runs leading up to Zion 100; Mountain Mist 50, Nashville Running Company's Dry Creek Trail race Marathon, and Land Between The Lakes 50 miler. I made a change in coaches during that time to go with a local coach who could spend more time with me on details and training form etc. 

Hours and miles I pouring into training. I trained at all hours of the day, all weather. 

There was that crazy night run where we ran all through the night from midnight to sunrise in the freezing cold! 

Training went great and before we knew it months ticked away and it was Zion time. My family; my husband Russ, and my two kids; Jayson and Ella made it a long road trip out to Utah traveling the whole week prior and stopping at places like New Mexico, Flagstaff Arizona, and the Grand Canyon.

 

The furthest I have ever traveled for a race; another reason it made this race so memorable. All three of us finished our first 100 miler!  Not without the many struggles that come with that distance. I finished after terrible stomach issues the next morning with a time of 30:38:07. 14th female, 88th overall.

(2 photos above by Jobie Williams)

 

While there was nothing better then just the great task completed of just FINISHING my first 100, I knew I had more in me. I made a goal right away to choose another 100 mile race later in the year. Time to give 100 miles another go after applying all of my new lessons learned. Pinhoti 100 in Alabama was my next goal race. So here I am now months and miles later; 5 weeks out from my second 100 miler. I have since recently raced two races as training runs leading up to my 100; Rebecca Mountain 50, and The Georgia Jewel 35.

(2 Photos above courtesy by Jobie Williams;  courtesy of The Georgia Jewel)

 

A few more weeks of tough training and it will be taper time once again. 

 

RACE REPORT: Music City Trail Ultra 50k 2016

4:30am the alarm goes off and I push snooze. I lay there calm and in deep thought about the day to follow. I was about to run a 50k later that morning. 50k...31.2 miles...what is considered an ultra marathon. Normally running a marathons scares people, I was about to run more then a marathon, and on tough trails which means it would take a lot longer then your usual road marathon. But surprisingly running 31.2 miles doesn't scare me anymore. I have come a long way running over the past few years. Just 4 months ago I ran my first 50 mile race. 50 miles which at one point seemed impossible, and I did it. Today I was about to run my 3rd 50k. I had trained really hard this season. I had been weight training 6 days a week along with logging all my miles. Tired legs was an everyday thing, but I had high hopes of it all paying off. I noticed big changes during my training and I felt ready to race. I didn't want to just finish this race, I wanted more then anything to podium.

Music City Trail Ultra. Last year I ran the 25k at this race and placed 3rd. It was a tough race! The ground was already wet from all the snow we had just currently melting, then on top of that it had been raining for days leading up to the race. The course was a sloppy slippery mud pit. Slipping, sliding down hills, crossing though creeks, running the biggest hill I had ever see. I  gave it everything I had even though I felt like my lungs would explode at any moment. I had been trailing 2nd place female for quite sometime into the race but towards the end when we hit jeep roads she was able to pick up the pace and after turning a few corners I lost her. I continued pushing in hopes to catch her. I pushed my body to its limit. I felt a pain down my left leg towards the end of the race that I had never felt before but I just told myself it was normal for pushing the pace and I was almost finished anyways. My leg felt like it wanted to give out but I figured it was just tired and I kept going the best I could. While I didn't know it at the time I later found out that I had torn my hamstring. That injury put me out for months and out 3 races, one being the 50k I was in training for.

This year I was about to tackle the 50k. Steep uphills and downhills. But I felt prepared.

My whole family came along for my race this time, my husband Russ, my two kids Jayson(9) and Ella(7), and our dog Klondike.

 We pull up to the race and are directed to park in the open field. This year the ground is a lot more dry as the snow was gone a long time ago, and we have hit record highs of 80" in March. Last year they were pulling out cars stuck in the mudd from the field at the end of the race. It was suppose to be a high of 58" today. There were light sprinkles in Nashville as we headed to the race but as we pull up it was now just cloudy. It felt chillier then last year but I knew we would warm up a few miles in, and it would be perfect race weather.

I picked up my race packet and went back to the truck to get my hydration vest packed and ready only to realize I had forgotten all my solid food in the fridge at home; my salted potatos, my bullet burrito, my beef jerky.  But I still had my Tailwind electrolytes and my Huma gels, and I remembered I had an extra pack of beef jerky stick in my backpack. I would now have to rely on aid station food which I had no idea what it would be. Normally this would freak me out having something go wrong,  I am a planner.  But if there is anything I have learned trail running it is to be more relaxed, to adapt, and that things are not predictable on the trails. Race number pinned on and ready to go as I will ever be we walk over to the campfire and try to stay warm while waiting for the race to start. There was just a small group of people now as the 50k's were to start at 8am and the 12k's and 25k's started at 9am.

Shortly after the race director makes the announcements and has us raise our right hands to say the runners oath, which is a tradition for all of his races;

"I promise to push myself,

to protect my fellow runners,

to respect the earth that I run on,

and to always be humble".

 

And then is was time!

It was a very small race so I stood more to the back of the pack heading out. The race starts in an open field but then you quickly go into the woods to start your first climb. My plan was to keep my heart rate low for the first few miles and warm up easily.  I had no idea who went out first since I stood toward the back so I didn't know my place, or what females were ahead. I run calmly slowly making my way past runners but not running hard to where my heart-rate would climb high yet. I pass one or two females calmly when we get to a flat. We make our way to the first ginormous hill, "THE HILL" as we call it.  I have clear memories from last years race calves burning on fire and sliding downhill on my butt a few times in the mud before making it back out to the top, calves still cramping as I tried to run the flat before starting to climb again.

It looked just as big in person seeing it for the second time but this time it seemed so much easier working my way to the top. Well that part was done, "huh", I think,  "Easier then I thought". I have turned on my ipod to my motivational audio with my earbud in one ear, low enough sound so I could continue to hear my breathing, and everything around me. I was still running easy, and feeling amazing as I clipped off the first few miles. I felt full of energy, like I was bursting at the seams,  and I wanted to run so hard but I knew better, "Hold back!", I remind myself many times.  I make my way across a creek, about ankle high water, as I slip and almost fall on mossy rocks but quickly catch myself and see the first aid station, about mile 4.5,  on the other side. "Good going Kara, fall the only moment when people are starring at you", I think. I ask how many females are ahead of me and they say none, your in first and just a few guys are ahead. That was good to hear but then I thought, I hope I didn't go out too fast! Oh well! I was there to take risks today because without a few risks there is no reward! My friend Josh runs up and crosses the creek, slipping on the slippery rocks also but also not falling, refills at the aid station, and we head out together. We trained together this whole season and ran almost all of our long runs together so it was good to see him. We run for a little while together both saying how great we were feeling and talking about food...don't all runners talk about food at some point running?! He trained hard this season,  and I knew he was going to race amazing today! We roll into the next aid station around 11 miles in,  and see our friends David and Shannon, and David's daughter holding down the station. David and Shannon; two more badass ultra runners right there! They were recovering from their race the week before so they opted to volunteer instead today. It's always good to see familiar faces.

What a great race photo this one is of me! HA HA HA

We quickly grab some goodies and are off.  We go a little further chatting then I stopped to eat on an uphill and Josh pulled ahead quite a bit, once we got to flat he picked up the pace and was off, eventuality I see him turn a corner and he was gone.  I was happy seeing him go because I knew he was going to have a great race. I passed though more creeks, there were to be 35 water crossings today according to the race director. So with wet feet I continue on.  I look down at my legs to see blood dripping down my cuts, earlier I ran though the briars(thorns) like they weren't even in existence. I had made a decision earlier that day that pain like that wasn't even going to phase me, I was going in full force. I was here to win. With each race I have learned to be mentally tougher. It has come to a point now where I know there is going to be pain, its inevitable...but there are certain pains you just have to accept and push aside.  I made it to mile 11 aid station, quickly grabbed some sweet potatoes and chips and continued on.

I was on top of my nutrition from the start. I ate a gel every 30-40 minutes followed by a solid food 30-40 minutes after that, and sipped my Tailwind mixed with water often. I mainly ate sweet potatoes and bananas from the aid stations.  15 miles in I was still feeling super fresh. I was running with 2 more men at that point.  I made my way up a few more massive hills and more creeks still wondering how close the other females were behind me. I pull into mile 19 aid station where more of my friends Phil and Dillon were manning the aid station and I was feeling great still.  It was time to fill my hydration pack, but I hated stopping for so long as I didn't know how far the females were behind me.  I kept looking back, they must have guessed what I was thinking and they informed me that the 2nd place female was quite away behind,  at least 5 minutes. I threw my pack back on, grabbed some food, and hustled out of there, eating while running. 5 minutes wasn't that much time considering what can happen in an ultra.  At 5 hours in I was still feeling great, like the best I have ever felt running for that long! I couldn't believe how good I felt! I was certainly on a runner's high!  I remember even on a few tired long climbing moments seeing beautiful trees that had purple flowers blossomed on them, and just feeling thankful for their beauty, and what I was feeling. It was like they were in just the right places when I needed encouragement.

I was running on the biggest "runners high" I had ever felt! Maybe it was the adrenaline of being in first place, maybe it was the empowerment of running such a tough course and knowing how far I have come with my running over the past few years, but I truly felt the strongest I have EVER felt during a race, esp this distance of a race. Don't get me wrong there was pain, there was pain all over, but for the first time I was also able to run outside of the pain I was feeling and go into a different place in my mind. I was able to dig into a part of me I knew existed but potentially hadn't felt like I had tapped into before. I passed by my friends aid station for the 2nd pass though and they said our friend Josh was still looking good and doing amazing, and that made me super happy.

A few more miles I cross over yet ANOTHER creek back to the last aid station where they tell me I am first female still and less then 5 miles to go. Another tough climb heading out from there. At that point I reminded myself of this quote that I had used as my mantra from the beginning of the race:

I kept thinking about how my friends and family had told me they knew I could do this. My kids believed in me and were waiting at the finish and I needed to show them I could do this. I thought about some of the athletes that inspired me. I thought about how hard I worked to get to this point that there was no way I would slow down now and give that up. Towards the end I kept telling myself run with the same energy and excitement as you started the race with. The last downhill hurt so bad I was grunting and having to stop every few steps down,  but all I could think about is my family and friends at the finish. I came out of the wood to the open field where all my friends and family were screaming my name and cheering me to the finish, I ran harder. Crazy enough at that point even though I was in lots of pain I believe I could have kept running and running, I felt like I had reached a whole new level in my running in which pain was just there but on the back burner. My legs were still completely turning over and I was fine. I see my son and daughter smiling and I wave them to run with me to the finish, my son follows but my daughter was confused and stayed back. I run with my son by my side and I cross to the finish tent BEAMING.

6:14:34

1st Place Female

7th Place Overall

4,642 Feet Elevation Gain

4,631 Feet Elevation Loss

 

 

 

 

 And oh what joy your feet go through with 35 water crossings....This was a few hours after...

 

 At least two weeks prior to the race, when I was eating healthy, all I could think about was this Jalapeño cream cheese burger, tots, and Reese's spiked shake I was told myself I was going to get if I placed. It was so worth it! Now I will go back to eating healthy to earn my next one!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Race Report: StumpJump 50k Trail Race 2015

Its been two years.

Two years since I had my heart set on coming back to the race I did my first 50k at...

StumpJump 50k.

For two years I have wanted a comeback. Last year I switched over to run road and ran my first road marathon, The famous Chicago Marathon in October so I wasn't able to race StumpJump. After doing 3 marathons in 3 months last year I was ready to switch back to where my heart was calling me...TRAILS. It was just what I needed. I was back in my happy place.

 

I trained really hard this year knowing what I needed to do in order to excel at this race. Longer runs, more hill work, strength training, excursion runs leading up to race, and even threw in a stage race, and an easier 50k race to prepare me for a harder race day.

I ran Music City Ultra 25k in April: I placed 3rd female, 23rd overall with time of 3:13:04.

I ran Still Hollow 1/2 in Aug: I placed 1st my age group with a time of 1:56:59.

I ran Cumberland Plateau Stage Race in August for my birthday: 3 day stage race totaling 50 miles. I placed first my age group.

 

I have so many more pictures from that race so I will need to follow up with another post for that one!

 And I ran Stanky Creek 50k in Sept: I placed 1st Female. 12th overall. Finish time of 5:42:34.

 

 Excursion run to Chattanooga to run part of race course:

And Sewanee Perimeter trail:

Everything was going as planned and I felt more then ready to toe the line with excitement this time knowing I put in the work.

Happy smiles as I headed out with some of my Ultra Dirtbag girls to Chattanooga, TN...

Arrival at our hotel...

  Pre race dinner...

In 2013 the weather was a brutal record high heat day of 87" for October. Saturday morning the weather was a lot cooler with a high of of lower 70's. I was happy for the cooler weather! But another big issue was RAIN. It had been raining for 3 days leading up to the race so conditions would already be tough. They were calling for rain at start, and then rain again around 1pm but that was not what happened in reality. It rained the whole time.

The ULTRA DIRTBAGS ready to start! These guys are are my second family. This is my trail family!

 Time to go!

 The week before they also added a course change. We would now run a section of the previous 11 miler course since that distance option was no longer available. This meant more technical single-track, a little added distance,and an added 1000 ft elevation.  But the change also eliminated the "spiral of death" finish; running for miles and people saying your almost there while hearing the shouts and cheers from finish line but not being able to reach it, and having to run a bunch of road leading to the finish. This also meant we were able to run along more bluff line for some beautiful views which didn't disappoint for sure. It was a foggy dreary day from the start but I actually didn't mind that at all.

There was something so calm and beautiful about running in the woods in the rain. The sound of water cascading from the clouds and slowly trickling down the trees. It was like cleansing the soul as you ran in it. The fog over the lookouts was beautiful!

Lot of Photo credits to Jessica Brinks!

I passed through the first two aid stations at miles 4.8 and 7.9, they said I was 7th female. Still early on but I was happy with that. I made it through the first 12.6 miles in a breeze feeling super strong and on fire to come into Indian Rock House aid station. Nothing like being greeted by a bunch of your fellow runners and friends!

I was still on time for my goal. I was holding back still and taking it super easy because I knew the day was still long. As I rolled into Indian Rock House I pulled off my pack to refill with tailwind. I have been training with Tailwind Nutrition for almost a year now and its helped me so much on the trails. Its like liquid gold to me. My heart dropped when a volunteer said they couldn't find my spare bag of tailwind powder in my pack, "It's gotta be there I said, I put in it there this morning". I dug through my pockets of my pack with no luck. I was wearing a hydration vest I had borrowed from a friend that was working great for me with all the extra room it had. I was a little in freakout mode but tried to remain calm when I couldn't locate my electrolytes. I had more in my drop bag in next few aid stations. Problem was with the new course change instead of drop bags being at mile 19 as in previous years in now brought drop bags and cut off location to mile 21.7. I now had to go 9 miles without my electrolytes and normal calories. At the time it didn't seem too big of a deal though I just tried to push worry aside and move on. I had them fill pack with water and left.

Still 7th female I was feeling great! My plan was to slowly pick up my pace around mile 17 or so before 18.8 Haley road aid station. What I had planned on and what happened in reality were two separate things by far. Without my nutrition I started slowly crashing hard. A wave of tiredness I couldn't shake came upon me and my legs came to a slow. I finally hit a wall. First time I have ever hit a wall that hard. I couldn't even get my legs to turn over and found myself walking a lot. When I arrived at Haley road aid station my spirits were hitting a low too. I stopped for some real food there as one female passed me putting me 8th now.

The next 3 miles another female passed me putting my in 9th and I reached an even lower low. Stopped in woods to pee and was passed by another female. I was in a dark place at that point. I knew I just needed to make it to the drop bag point to get my tailwind and some more nutrition and hopefully some Coke for energy and caffeine. The dreaded "Rock Garden" well it was slow through there as I knew it would be with all the slippery rocks and considering I was already at a low walking to begin with. I had found a friend to run with a clung behind him to make it through this point.

FINALLY the drop bag point!!!! It was like angels were singing the chorus "Hallelujah" from the heavens! There were lot of people and COKE!!! Volunteers helped me fill my hydration vest with my beloved Tailwind and I grabbed some more gels and nutrition from my bag. I stayed at that aid station a little too long as a few more females passed me but I knew I needed my nutrition in order to even have a chance of finishing at this point. My goal times adjusted twice between miles 12.6 and 21.7. Now I was at the point of please just let me finish and please let me at least beat my time from my first year here by at least a min! Crazy how you can go from I got this like superwomen to holding on for my dear life.

Pack filled and had eaten some more solid food there I was off again. We crossed over the long bridge at some point although I couldn't even tell you at what mile that was.

All the stairs and bridges were so slippery all day. My fear of heights must have shown at that point as guy behind me told me he was slowing down behind me to try not to shake the bridge too much. I'm sure he wanted to just push me out of the way with my death grip on the sides. He said hey the fall can't be that bad, at least its into water....

I ran with a few people for a while but we were all pretty silent as we were just focused on moving one foot in front of another at this point. Having started on this section we knew what to expect coming back but the trails had before a mud pit by this point. Every step had to be extra careful as to not slip. One part I came though holding onto the weeds along the side having seen where peoples feet had slid in the mud right along the edge of the embankment but had pulled themselves away from it. I looked over and that would have been a long fall down. Lets just hug these weeds instead since I am allergic to them anyways and as if they would catch me from falling. The very last aid station had beer but I passed, I wanted to save that for the finish line. My slowest mile was mile 30 with a 22 min mile. Coming out of the woods to the finish line I gave it everything I had just to run it in. I crossed the finish in 7:43:46. The announcer called out my name and as I crossed..."Kara Molitor, you are now an offical StumpJumper!"

 11 min PR from 2013 and although not my first or second goal but I will take it after the day I had. I finished 112th overall, 4th my age group, and 14th female. In 2013 I placed 231 overall and 35th female so even though my time wasn't a huge improvement my placings were and with the course change on top of that its a great thing! Soggy and cold I was never so happy to see my friends at the finish! And I never fell! In those dang 31+ miles in the crazy mudd!

Fastest mile:8:48

Slowest mile:22:31

Some crazy course elevation!

5, 451 feet elevation gain.

5, 471 feet elevation loss.

When I arrived home Sunday and cleaned out my hydration pack guess what I found....

Rather then being super upset about it I take it as it was a learning experience. I know now that Tailwind Nutrition works for me and I don't do well without it! And that pack has some really deep pockets!

My facebook post leaving Sunday: Goodbye Chattanooga and mountains. You gave me my money's worth yesterday, and a hard earned metal that I am proud of because it was the hardest I have had to fight yet to finish. Slick course after having rained for days before and then rained almost the whole race. Course change this year added around 1000 feet extra elevation and more technical single track. The longer into the race parts of course you had to hold on to trees to not slip off embankments. I bonked early on in race, something I haven't experienced yet in a race and it was humbling to say the least. The fight is not over yet... I will be back... #gonnamissthemountains #chattanooga #stumpjump50k

Positives from race:

1. No falling. I tripped multiple times and slid to my butt once on a rock but never had a full out fall.

2. No yellow Jacket stings

3. No chaffing! AMEN to that! Big plus!

4. No heat

5. Having so many friends there!

6. Gummy bears, chips, and coke at aid stations!

7. I FINISHED!

8. Recovered fast and ran again on trails by Tuesday with no specific muscles feeling injured or hurt.

 

So now what's next? Well I might have signed up for a 50 miler next month.....

 

Post Race Hamstring Injury and Sitting Out on Race Day

My last post I ended on such a positive high. After placing 3rd female at Music City Trail Ultra 25k I was stoked. I felt a renewed energy within me.

Well it ended pretty quickly when every run  I went  for turned into epic fails. One run I went out with a group, went out a few miles, and had to walk all the way back. That walk back turned into me crying, and going home again to cry to my husband that I was probably injured and out AGAIN. But I hoped for the best still.

I went for a massage thinking I was just dealing with some super tight muscles. I took a week off running and had a second massage. I attempted another run as suggested after my week off and second massage. Within minutes it turned into a limping walk. And it was then I knew it for sure.

I was injured.

Having tried to run on it at all made it worse, I woke up numerous times that night with an achy leg. Not much sleep happened. I made an appointment to go to my Physical Therapist the next day.

At my PT appointment I received the news I had hoped it wasn't...but deep down knew it was after that last run...

I had torn my hamstring muscle.

I know the moment it happened now. Although at the time it happened I wasn't aware what it was.

In the last few minutes of the race I got a weird tingling sensation down my leg and it made my leg feel like it was going to give out. I thought my legs were just getting tired. I also had gotten dizzy toward the end of the race due to not hydrating as well as I thought I did so my focus was toward that. I thought maybe that had something to do with it. But there wasn't time much to think about it all because moments after I was crossing the finish line.

The first few runs I attempted the week after the race everything was pretty sore so I couldn't pinpoint exactly what was wrong. I thought maybe it was IT Band tendonitis at first because I felt tightness into my knee. But toward the ends of my runs I kept feeling as if my leg would give out or something. Finally after that last attempted run I went to foam roll my legs as I had been doing and I hit the spot as soon as I set the foam roller on my leg. I couldn't put ANY weight on my hamstring without INTENSE pinching pain. After reading up more on that area of leg and possible injuries I figured out what I was sure it was and PT confirmed it. I tore my bicep femoris muscle, aka lateral hamstring. Because it connects into your knee I was also dealing with inflammation into my knee which is why I also had felt knee pain during my runs.

 

More on Hamstrings:

The hamstring muscle group is located on the posterior aspect or the back of the upper leg. Three muscles compose the hamstring muscle group: semitendinosis, semimembranosus and biceps femoris. Semitendinosis and semimembranosus are located on the medial or inside aspect of the back of the thigh, while biceps femories -- a muscle that possesses two heads, a short head and a long head -- is located on the lateral or outside aspect of the back of the thigh. The tendon of the biceps femoris muscle attaches to the head of the fibula -- the smaller of the two long bones in the lower leg.  (Credit: www.livestrong.com)

Symptoms of a Hamstring Tendon Strain

A grade 1 strain of the hamstring may be felt as a slight pull or ache in the back of the thigh. The exact injury may not be remembered or recognized, and onset of the pain may be gradual. There may be minimal swelling and a nonspecific pain when the knee is extended. A limp may or may not be present, but the pain is usually worsened with aggressive activity like running or walking up or down stairs.

Grade 2 strains often occur with an acute event, and an immediate sharp pain is felt in the back of the thigh or higher up toward the buttock. Walking may be difficult because extending the knee stretches the injured muscle, and a limp is often present. Swelling and tenderness can be appreciated at the area of injury.

Symptoms of a grade 3 strain are a progression of a grade 2 strain with symptoms of pain and swelling being more pronounced. Many times in athletic injuries, the muscle can be so aggressively stretched that it tears with a pop so loud that it can be heard by other players on the field. If there is a significant tear, a divot can sometimes be felt in the belly of the muscle at the site of injury. (Credit: emedicinehealth.com)

Right now we think mine is a mild tear, probably a grade 2 I would guess. PT said two weeks rest minimum. I go back for my second appointment tomorrow afternoon and hopefully that will tell us more.

Being injured is no fun.

Being injured and having to miss a race is double no fun.

Being injured and missing TWO races is triple no fun.

Saturday I had to sit out on the race I had been on a waitlist and got in and had really been looking forward to,

River Gorge 10.2 in Chattanooga, TN.

The River Gorge race runs though part of the StumpJump 50k course that I will be doing for the second time this October. StumpJump was my first 50k in 2013. I really wanted a chance to see the course again and go through the famous "Rock Garden" area to get a feel for it again.

But I could pout all I wanted and it wasn't changing the fact that I couldn't race. I had to move on with my sadness and make the best of the situation. Because we already had a hotel we decided to make the trip to Chattanooga and use Saturday as a family day(more on that in my next post).

The second race I will have to miss will be the Oak Barrel 1/2 Marathon this coming Saturday in Lynchburg, TN.

I have a bunch of friends going and I had done one of the preview runs and it was beautiful course.  And I really wanted to conquer a hill that has its own name and Facebook page, "Whiskey Hill".

This week I had lots of moments I wanted to just let myself feel down in the dumps, after all I have an injury just 3 months after I had recovered from my last one. I deserved to be sad right? But I can't change the situation and I realized its just a waste of my days sitting moping around. So I keep surrounding myself with positiveness and moving forward. I enjoyed spring break with the kids and really took the time to relax and do some special projects with them(more on that in my next post).

I think its ok to feel a moment of sadness, because YES there is disappointment in a situation like this. So I felt the moment, let it out, binged on icecream, and then moved on. Ok so the eating binge lasted over a week. But once again I am moving on. Time to eat healthy again especially since I am not burning calories running.

I took a spin class yesterday as suggested by my PT and during a song came on about being Thankful. I sat back and realized I have a lot to be thankful for despite my situation. Even the last race I just finished was amazing in itself. The improvements I was able to make in my running over the past few years. The amazing supportive awesome(I could go on and on)friends I have made through running. My family who believes in me. My kids who support me and cheer me on. So many people who have told me despite what happened they have been encouraged by the things I post on my blog and Facebook. Some moments even this blog I wondered if anyone was even reading it. Was it worth the time and effort? I wondered if it was good enough compared to what else was out there.

And then I realized if I had encouraged even ONE person it was all worth it.

I want people to believe in themselves, to look back and say be able to say to themselves, "Because of my hard work, I did this". I want people to wake up reaching for a goal or dream and make a step to pursue that. It doesn't even have to be running. I just want you to be proud of YOU and know you can do amazing things if you set your mind to it and don't give up. Don't ever think its too late or its too hard. You can get there. You can do it.

 

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Race Report: Music City Trail Ultra 25k

Getting dirty on the trails, crockpot love, and missing a run

Anniversery, Fear Of Heights, Rock Climbing, and CUTE Baby photos.

Race Report: Music City Trail Ultra 25k

Last Saturday I raced the Music City Trail Ultra 25k.

Music City Trail Ultra has 3 distance options: 12k, 25k, 50k and is held in Pegram, TN. 

I am training with the Fleet Feet's Ultra Dirtbag group this training season to prepare for GnawBone, Dances with Dirt 50k, May 9th, in GnawBone, Indiana. We used Music City Trail Ultra as one of our training runs.

I remember reading reviews for this race last year when I was trying to choose another 50k. From what I read this was no easy race for sure. Even on the race website they give you a WARNING heads up. Very technical hilly STEEP course on mostly single track terrain, and rugged jeep roads. Its held at a family farm that connects to the Cheatham Wildlife Games reserve with over 20,000 acres. The 25k was roughly 65% trails and the rest on jeep gravel road.

With the snow that we had gotten a few weeks having just melted as the weather had warmed up this week we were already in for a muddy race, not to mention it had now been raining for a few days. A wet and muddy race was about to go down.

I will admit I was nervous going into this race as I had felt I was not able to put in the miles I had hoped for at this point due to all the ice and snow TN was hit with over the past few weeks. We had 3 weeks of running with ice and snow, and when it did melt it left the trails a pure mud pit.

This was one of our Saturday morning group runs a few weeks ago.

The next week wasn't any better. The trails were so icy we ended up doing a butt slide to get past one point.

The following week was less ice but a lot more wet and muddy.

I had put in more treadmill miles then I wanted over past few weeks as a result of the weather and the kids being out of school.

I had also just finished up my first round of 21 Day Fix Extreme which included lots of strength training as a result turned the miles I did run was like running on led legs. Although I knew the strength training would eventually help me get stronger and faster, at this point I wasn't see the results in my running as my miles were slower as my body adjusted.

Regardless, the day was here,  it was time to just get out there, do my best, and have fun.

Fleet Feet Dirtbags and Ultra Dirtbags Group photo!

 

The elevation on this course was crazy! My Garmin said 2,617 Feet elevation gain.

On your marks, get set.....

GO!!!!!!!!

The race starts out in a flat field but you almost immediately start your climb to the BIG HILL.

It doesn't give your legs much of a chance to warm-up warm at all.

And what goes up must come DOWN. The decent was actually a tough one for me,  I slipped on my butt at one point and slid but thankfully it was not a rough fall. I looked back like 3 times on this hill and kept saying, "WOW!!!!". It just looks so much bigger in person and when you finally finish it you can't believe you just did THAT. My calves were BURNING on fire with pain just from the climb and decent.

 

Once you make it back out to flat ground you think that you can make up time by running the flat, but your legs are already trashed from the climbs and its difficult getting your heart rate back down to just catch your breath.

When I made it to the first aid station I was told I was 3rd place female. It defiantly put a boost into my step to hear that and I picked up the pace! I was worried that I tend to go out too fast so I may not be able to hold the pace the rest of the way but I was sure as heck going to try!

My new goal was remain in 3rd place and not let any women pass me.

I realized I would have to start taking the downhills a lot faster then I had previously felt comfortable if I wanted to stay ahead. I had to just let go and let my legs guide me with no holding back. It was tough because there was so much mud and leaves covering the downhills that it was hard to see what was under the leaves until your foot touched so you just had to be quick in adjusting where you went. I had been running since before the first aid station with one of the guys from our group and it was great to have someone to talk to and keep my mind off the pain.

I kept pushing and when I made it to the second aid station I was still in 3rd place! What a rush! I was continuing to push the pace and feeling great but was starting to get worried I would get passed still. I was feeling such a rush taking the downhills fast! It was like each hill you made it down without wiping out or twisting something was a success that you just did that!

We had already crossed through several creeks and were covered in mud. I done a few butt slides through the race but thankfully most of them I was up again quickly and going again. I will admit I had bad memories in the back of my mind of the big wipeout I took when I raced StumpJump 11 miler in Chattanooga a few years back when it was muddy and raining.

I had been following the girl in 2ed place for quite some time. She was just enough ahead of me that I could see her but I wasn't able to pick up speed to pass her.

I had been told that even through the race says 25k which is 15 miles the race they joked is called 25kish. Yea the ish was another mile and a half. I was glad I knew that going into the race.

My mind at one point in the race really wanted to take over and tell me I couldn't keep going at this pace until the end. It told me I wasn't strong enough, that someone was for sure going to pass me and I wouldn't place, that my legs were tired and would need to slow down. I had to replace those negative thoughts with positive ones.

Nearing toward the end of the race were came out into gravel jeep roads. I picked up the pace the best I could but the second place female was flying and at one point I could no longer see her. That was pretty disappointing but I knew I just had to hang it there to get 3rd.

I had taken a gel about every 50min or so throughout the race and was sipping Tailwind nutrition from my water pack. What I realized AFTER the race was that I hadn't taken in as much fluid as I THOUGHT I had. I had only drank 15oz the whole race. The last 2 miles or so I had started to get dizzy and my legs were wanting to slow down so badly. I was walking the hills slower and weaving a bit and was worried this was it... this was when my place would be taken.  I passed a friend at this point and I owe him a lot for motivating me not to give up and keep pushing. I walked some, ran some as he suggested and dug in deep.

I continued on and fought my way to the end.

3rd place female with a time of 3:13:04!!!

 

I even placed in the top female performances for the 25k as 4th place course record.
 

A little soaked but happy because we finished! This is my awesome coach Malin!

Who by the way takes the BEST race photos!

My legs were barely moving in a forward motion at this point and she manages this! She rocks!

Pouring rain and some of my awesome friends drove over 45 min and stood in the rain to support our group! Runners love at its best!

 Everyone in our group did such a great job at their distances and many placed! So proud of everyone for just finishing today at a tough race!

My daughter drew me this when I got home.

Photo bombed!

Our shirts...

Music City Trail Ultra, "Harder then a treadmill". Ha ha very funny!

Then it was time to CELEBRATE!!!!!

Spiked Nutella milkshake from Burger Republic.

Jack Daniel's burger and fries. Everything was SO DANG good!

 Yes this was a crazy tough race today but the crazier the better I say!  Because when you accomplish the things you think you couldn't do the feeling of joy is even bigger then if you had finished something you knew you already had in you. I defiantly want to try this one again next year!

 

 

 

 

 

Where My Heart Lies...Making A Big Decision This Week.

So I made a big decision last week with my running and race goals coming up. Some of you may know that I joined Fleet Feet's training group for Nashville's Country Music Marathon.

I went with the 4 hour pace group and our first training run was 10 miles.

Everything went great but after our first run I decided that I was feeling stronger and needed to switch to the next fastest pace group to challenge myself more.

So week two I went out with the 3:45 pace group. We did a 12 mile run and I felt great!

Well last week I decided to go to the Fleet Feet trail training group meeting to get some details of what was happening with that group since I was going to join them later in the summer to train for Stumpjump 50k. I have came out to the free Thursday trail run they host over the summer for the last 3 years. That's what started my trail training love.

After I signed up for Stumpjump 50k last week something fired up within me.

I was completely motivated again.

What that reminded me was....MY HEART LIES ON THE TRAILS. 

As much as I loved training for my last marathons and was ready to do it again, I wasn't as excited for Country Music Marathon even with a goal in mind. I wanted to get another marathon in to try again to break 4 hours, and I was ready to do it again. But then I realized I got so excited when I signed up for Stumpjump...more excited then training on the road. I wanted Stumpjump to be my "A" race for the year. My husband told me last week that he thought I was so much happier when I trail run. He was like so why aren't you doing it now?!?! So I made a big decision. I talked to the Fleet Feet coordinator and switched programs.

I joined the Ultra Dirtbags to train for Gnaw Bone Dances with Dirt 50k in May!

 So that means I have a 50k in May and a 50k in October. I am hoping to use Gnaw Bone as a race, yes, but ultimately to get stronger for Stumpjump. I would really like to go back this year and knock a bunch of time off of my 2013 race. I now have 3 marathons under my belt and more distance experience, and I am getting the opportunity to train with a group with some great coaches and mentors vs training on the own like I did the first year at Stumpjump. I may or may not still run CMM as a long training run for time on my feet, but I haven't made that decision yet.

This week I went for a few runs on the trails. I realized at those moments, this is where I need to be right now. I made the right decision.

I even tried out trail running in the dark with the Dirtbags on Thursday night. That was a whole new experience for me but I loved it!

The kids were off school Monday so we went for a little walk/run at the park with the dog. We adopted our dog from the shelter about a month ago. Actually it was a few days after The St. Jude Memphis Marathon.

Tuesday I was able to go out to my friend Annapurna's house for a nice country run.

That giant hill in the middle, whew, always kicks my butt. Can't wait until I can breeze up that one and my lungs not want to burst at the top.

I also made it out to NRC for great run! It was our group leaders birthday so we surprised him with a "Where's Scott" group photo before our run.

I decided if I don't take a map it turns into a great speed-work run trying to keep up with the fasties.

Banana chocolate "icecream", my no guilt clean eating treat after my run.

Ate a bunch of clean eats this week...

Most of the time I eat it all up before I remeber to take a picture. Life of a hungry runner.

I got some more PIYO in this week. Still kicking my butt.

 

Lots of foam rolling torture sessions.

And my dog slept some more like usual.

I have been eating clean all week and then leaving some meals or snacks either Friday or Saturday as my splurges.

Yesterday I had a Starbucks iced caramel macchiato and blueberry muffin for breakfast...

and then I splurged again for dinner with pizza and RED VELVET CAKE!!!! My favorite cake!!!

This morning we woke up to SNOW!!!!

But with snow came some icy roads for our long run this morning. I joined the CMM group again this week. I will go again next week one last time before I have a race(Frostbite 1/2 Marathon) and then switch over to trail training group. I tried to make the best of the run but the ice made it a little crazy slipping and sliding and I got left behind some on the run. I was trying to take it easy and not get injured from falling during a training run.

I came home and Ella wanted to play out in the snow. She managed a snowman with that little bit of snow,  it was so cute and tiny!

Get out there and get moving no matter how you choose to do it! Do what makes you happy this week!

 

 

 

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St. Jude Marathon Pictures are up!

This is how I felt toward the end of my race.

So Sunday I was still dealing with so much pain in my foot I wasn't able to put any pressure on it. That's what happens when you start a marathon with pain already in your foot and push until the end. I had no idea I had this many pain creams in my house.

Sunday night we went to dinner to celebrate all my hard work the past few months. 3 marathons in 56 days. I had a Big O' Bowl of Mac & Cheese and Orange pop.

And the dessert I should have never gotten started on...

J. Alexander's carrot cake with cream cheese frosting! The BOMB DIGGITY! I felt this one was WELL deserved after running three marathons in 56 days. I was a little bit of a good girl and split it with my husband(although I had second thoughts of sharing).

After that we went to pick out our Christmas tree! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas! My favorite holiday for sure!

Hot chocolate to warm us up while tree browsing.

Found the one!

Started a plank challenge with my friends Sunday night! 3 X 60 Seconds. Harder then I thought with a sore post marathon body.

Monday I was dealing with some post marathon boredom and blues. Decided to go browse the local shelter for dogs. We had been talking about how much we all wanted a dog for a while now. We had a dog last year but had some problems with her and decided to give her back to her owner. We were on the search for a smaller, more calm dog this time around. I browsed around but only saw large dogs. One of the dogs in the last cage was a med size Husky/German Shepard mix and his eyes caught my attention. He was super calm in his cage. When I walked away he whined a little bit.

Well I was in search of a smaller dog so I moved on and ended up driving to another place a few miles from there, but they were not open. While I was sitting there in the parking lot that dog with the captivating eyes was still on my mind. I decided to drive BACK to the shelter and look at him one more time. While I was there he captured my attention and I ended up taking him for a walk.

 He was calm but excited to go for a walk and loved attintion. Brought hubby and kids back later and...

Everybody was in LOVE!

We adopted 5 year old Klondike to come live with us!

See his left eye is half blue and half brown and his right eye just blue, kinda crazy, but I like his unique eyes.

He was super chill in the car.

Noticed that dollar in Ella's hand in the last picture...she lost her first tooth!

He layed down in the living room right away on my lap, such a sweet guy!

Monday night we decorated our tree! The Yule Log Christmas music channel is the closet we will get to a fireplace right now.

Our new family member was enjoying the festivities in his own way...

We are so happy to see him feeling so comfortable here.

He loves car rides. He likes to ride with his head on my lap, or on the passenger seat with his paws stretched out onto my seat.

I adore the fact that he already finds comfort having us around.

When we took a drive to Starbucks they gave him a "pup cup" aka heavy whipping cream. He ate some but wasn't too sure about it.

What I didn't expect is when I left the house the next day for ONE hour to go to the gym...

He was able to bend his cage and crawl out and I saw him jumping up to the window at the door.
While I was doing the elliptical at home later he was completely relaxed as long as he was close and laying on Russ's Jackets.

Last night I started filling out my thank you cards to my St. Jude donors.

We fixed the cage last night with zip ties but Klondike, the bionic dog, wasn't having any of that last night...

I MUST BE NEAR MY FAMILY AT ALLLLL TIMES he says.

Today 5 days post marathon. Finally not sore anywhere today and my foot has been ok the past two days so I decided to meet my friend Shyla at the gym today, and run on the treadmill. One minute down on the treadmill and it was a NO GO. My foot isn't liking running at all yet. Really a bummer. So I opted for elliptical again today. Elliptical doesn't cause any pain at all with my foot.

And while the mama is away the baby did play...

See that cabinet above on the right...well guess who was standing on it!

And then he knocked the other one on the left over.

And of course looked inocent as ever...

This time I had let him run free in the garage thinking the cage was his problem, music was playing, and he had new kong toys and bones, obviously none of that was fooling him. There is some major seperation anxiety going on with him so we are trying to find solutions to help him adjust to his new home.

So getting a dog made the post marathon boredom go away, that's for sure.

Not sure why I am still feeling a little blue. I think its the fact that I am not able to run yet and afraid its still going to be quite some time before I can again. Also the fact that my three big races I trained so hard for are done leaves me feeling a little like "now what?". I have plans already in place for the new year but defiantly want to get out of this funk fast. I plan on cross training until I can get back out there. I went searching for some funny things to make me laugh tonight...

 

 

 At least our case wasn't this bad...

 

This guy better start behaving if he wants Santa to bring him goodies...

 

 

Race Report: St. Jude Memphis Marathon

The day before

Breakfast: Coffee, OJ, 2 pieces of white toast with PB

Lunch: Subway 6" turkey breast on white bread, light veggies and extra pickles, oatmeal raisin cookie, and a pineapple-coconut water.

And then it was expo time!

The "Get Set...To Run For Their Lives" was whew, hard seeing. That banner hung at the start on race day.

Found my name on the St. Jude car!

Raising money as a St. Jude Hero made my heart heavy with emotion before and during the race. Reading this, "No child should die in the dawn of life"... talk about full of emotion! Makes me want to cry. I am beyond gratefull for my familes health. I am happy to be able to help in any way I can for these familes. I wish I could have done more.

Dinner: You know when they say never try something new before or on race day...well yeah I didn't follow that rule this time. I rode up with friends and everyone wanted pizza so I just went with the flow and ate what everyone else was eating.

I slept pretty well the night before which was great! Normally I am a restless sleeper before races.

Race Morning

We woke at 5:30am, quikly got ready and headed to the race. We had a 40 min drive still to the race. But the race started at 8am so that late start helped.

Breakfast was a banana and Starbucks coffee. Crazy me was in such a rush that morning I forgot to eat my bagel, take my tylenol(for my foot) and forgot my handheld in the car. Finally went back to the car because we decided not to drop our drop bags because of the long line(which I regretted later when I froze to death after finish) so I was able to eat a quick bagel 20 mins before the race start and grab my trusty handheld. 

FRIENDS!!!!

Deb(left), Annapurna(middle), me(right)

We didn't get a whole group picture with Sara and Stephanie because we drove 2 different vehicles to the race :(

 This was my third marathon in 56 days. This was the one that would qualify me to become a Marathon Maniac member!!!

 So in the end my goal was to finish, BUT I wanted this race to be my sub 4 hrs so bad. I felt like I had in me and this was it, this was the day I would do it.  I thought the third time is a charm, but my foot apparently had other plans for me.

I felt soreness in my foot every step I took but I tried to drown it out for now. The weather was 50's with a strong, cold 15 mph headwind. I felt like a lot of energy was wasted running into that wind but I was doing great and on pace for the first 1/2!

 

 Then after 13 miles my foot pain was starting to get bad and my pace slowed but I was still ahead of the 4 hr pacer even at mile 19.

But mile 20 they crept up on me. Then my goal was don't lose sight of that pacer! Which worked for about well a mile.

Shortly after my only goal was to finish and just do best I could do. I was fighting through a ton of pain in my foot and it became sharp pains at this point. I tried to stop and walk but it didn't make my foot feel any better and I just kept thinking it will take way longer to finish and I just want to be done! So I fought harder! I even drank 2 cups of beer handed out! Yeah thats unlike me lol I don't even like the taste of beer, but I thought well maybe it will make the pain lesson some.

Running through the St. Jude Hospital grounds at mile 5 and 24 was so emotional!!!

 

I was tearing up! I just can't stand the thought of all these children sick. I fought harder for those kids each time. Every mile marker had a sign from letters A-Z with drawings from the St. Jude Children.

There were large TV screens displaying videos and photos of the children throughout the race, and there were numerous signs and banners held by spectators. The one that got me the most with burst of happiness was the teenage girl smiling holding up a sign that said: Because of you I am a survivor! I shouted and cheered for that girl, because of donations brought into St. Jude this young girl was able to receive the care she needed to fight back at cancer and WIN! I found out the day before the race that the family I met at the St. Jude picnic and I had stayed in contact with; their daughter Harper had been at St. Jude all that week prior to the race getting tests to finally find out she is 100% CANCER FREE!!!! Praise God!!!!

So I gave it everything I had and kept putting on foot in front of another fighting for the lives of these children. I had some REALLY ROUGH miles but I kept going and finished!

 
Not my best time but grateful I was able to just finish. The gender place didn't print out correctly on my results somehow because final results online said there were 1062 females and and 1062 is what printed on my friends results. So 215 out of 1062 females.

Ok so you finish in a stadium and have to go UP stairs to get the food! Those stairs!!!! HOLY COW! WHY!?!? It was up in this case but this photo is true.

I tried to pull myself up the first time and it wasn't happening. So I let the people behind me go first.

Then I tired again. I got up that first step...then cried. Yes I cried. The lady behind me was like, "Its ok honey just take your time".

They had lot of yummy food after the race, pizza, chili, Krispy-Kream donuts! But I just didn't feel like chewing anything at that point so I opted for my Endurox recovery drink back at the car and then some peanut butter crackers a bit later.

This race was rolling hills.

Congratulations to Sara, Stephanie and Debbie who both finished their first marathons yesterday! So proud of them!!! We had a long drive back to my friends house and then I had a long drive back home by myself after that. When I got home I took a long epsom salt bath and then sat around watching tv until bed. My foot was not loving me at all.

This morning, the day after...

I'm practully crawling around my house.

And I don't even want to talk about trying to go pee.

My foot is shot. Not sure whats going on but probably a doc appt. in my future :(

I will leave you with these funny videos of "The day after".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Last Big One, Taper Time Again, Pinterest Addict's Raise Your Hand

Yesterday I hit up the Juice Bar for a second round of burn.

Sniffle Stopper shot round 2. Ginger, Lemon, Cayenne, and OnGuard Essential oil.

Feeling slightly better today then I was yesterday with this head cold thing going on so hopefully it helped and I am on the upside of recovery.

This mornings 12 mile run was a nice hilly one out at Percy Warner with my friends Wade and Karl whom I met at the Fleet Feet's Summer Trail Mixer program this summer. Those friends introduced me to StumpJump where I ran my first trail race in 2012, I did the 11 miler that year. I have attended the free trail mixer group the past 3 summers and have met some great friends out there. So happy I decided to venture into trail running. I have had some great experiences out there on the trails and I love the change from road racing.

While Training for my 50k I spent hours upon hours out at Percy Warner on the trails. I trained mostly on my own during that time.  Ah painful but good memories, Stumpjump 50k 2013.

I also ran the Rock & Road Relay Marathon that year out at The Percy/Edwin Warner Parks.

 We decided not to do trails today since I am tapering and one week out from my marathon, so we hit the roads instead and took it nice and easy. I have been dealing with a little ankle soreness and hip pain since last week. Neither a big deal. I have been icing everyday and hoping that will go away this week with the extra rest. Because we all know that even the slightness soreness can turn into a nightmare in a race.

Now that my long run is done I just have some short runs beginning of this week and then resting and carb loading for next Saturdays big race, St. Jude Memphis Marathon.

I Re-Pieced my upper ear today since it had closed up. Just iced it up and bam stuck that sucker in. It really didn't hurt that much but the thought of piering my skin grosses me out more then the pain. Pain is beauty they say. Well it does look pretty good.

 
This mama didn't feel like cooking tonight so it was family favorite, Chinese buffet.

On to Taper week. Tapering is hard.

I need to fill my free time with baking cute things like this!

And eating delish things like these! (sorry not sorry)

 

 Clearly I will spend way too much time on Pinterest while tapering. I am a Pinterest Addict. What does that say about me?