Two Hour PR!

Second annual 100-mile week is in the books!  And, I ran it 2 hours faster this year!  I only ran about 15 miles by myself, too -- thanks to Liz, Rach, Abby, Aimee, Karla, Jenny, Michelle, Theresa and Olivia!  You all rock!  It also helped that the Rock-n-River marathon was during my 100-mile week.  Sunday's 17 miles went by fast (literally) since I was cheering and pacing for friends.  A quick shout-out to all my running buddies who met their goal in that race.  Way to go! 

Here's this year's watch:

Going for sub-14 hours next year!

A New Tradition

I love traditions, especially ones that involve running!  Last year I decided to conquer a 100-mile week in honor of moving up to my new age group.  Well, it's that time of the year again!  I started my 2nd 100-mile week on May 1.  So far, so good!  I love that it's become an annual event.  Plus, it's great training for my upcoming 50K! 

Here's last year's watch.  I ran the 100 miles in 16:32.  Faster this year?  Hopefully!

Go Ducks!

I became a University of Oregon fan this past weekend.  Loved, loved, loved the Eugene half marathon!  College towns are so much fun, especially those that embrace running like Eugene does.  Everything was perfect -- the course, the weather, the fans.  It was a great weekend!  Not only did I get to run an awesome race and land a new PR (slight, but still a PR), I also got to hang out with one of my favorite running buddies, Cara, and my newest running buddy, Katie.  Next time we need to make the trip longer, though, so we can rest up before hitting the outlets!

I also came up with a new tradition.  I brought Reno Running Company shirts for both Cara and Katie.  And, Cara gave me a Shu's Idaho Running Company shirt (she's from Boise).   I am hoping to add to my new collection each time I go somewhere new to race.  Better stock up, Aimee!  ;)

 

Back to the race ...                                                        
Here are my stats:

• finished in 1:36:25
• 197/3719 overall
• 45/2416 women
• 5/297 age group

Overall, I am happy with my race, but not completely satisfied.  A sub-135 is next on my goal list.  Just need to find a good race!  Any ideas?

Until soon, Sportsfans ...

 

Happy Earth Day!

Spring is in the air!  I love that it's getting warmer and lighter now.  And, the high desert is exploding with color!  It also means that long trail runs require my camelback now.  I like to be as free as possible when running, so it's not my favorite to mule around lots of stuff.  But the advantage is there's a spot for my camera!  Here's a pic from this morning/turned-into-afternoon's trail run.

We ran up to the antennas way up there!  The beginning of this run was up, up, up and more up.  (Also not my favorite.)  But the return down was so worth it!  I love running on rollercoaster-y single tracks!  I'm looking forward to the Silver State 50K (the route follows these same trails). 

New Kid in Town

The mother of all marathons, the Boston Marathon, will be run this Monday, 4/16.  Good luck to all my Reno running buddies -- Aimee, Karla, Rachel, Vicky, Joanna, Liz, Lara, Mark, Jim, Anthony, John, Ashley, Mike.  Run fast and rock Beantown!   

While running Boston means you've left your mark on the distance running scene (I am proud to say that I ran Boston in 2007), there seems to be a newer, more esteemed race in town.  And, it is literally in town -- well, in Rhode Island.  The same weekend!

Looks like I have a new goal!  The Gansett Marathon.  I remember reading a brief article on this new race a couple of years ago in Runner's World.  I wasn't sure if it would continue, but it seems to be picking up steam!

Boston will always be held in high regard.  It'll be interesting to see where this Gansett gig goes ...

The Untitled Post

Another Bucket List Item
Got a Pacer?
The Ultra Scene

I'm so excited about this post I'm not really sure what to title it.  Maybe the title will come to me after I am done writing ...

First of all, I am very proud of my friend, Jenny, who completed her first 50-miler yesterday.  Way to go, Jenny!  I got the privilege of pacing her the last half of the race.  It was pure awesomeness!  I loved it!  The course was beautiful -- right along Folsom Lake.  The spring flowers and butterflies were out. The weather was perfect. The views were remarkable. We even saw this black beauty -- a cormorant. 

Gotta give props to NorCal Ultras again, too.  What an amazing organization!  The course was very clearly marked.  (Those who have run trails with me know that this is key.)  And, the aid stations were incredible!  It was like showing up to a party every 3-5 miles.  The volunteers were super nice and the food -- talk about a smorgasbord!  I wanted a little bit of everything on the table -- Oreos, lemon cupcakes, hard candy, pretzels, chips, soda.  But, luckily I listened to my stomach, not my eyes, and stuck with the delicious orange slices, pretzels and Gu.  Oh, I had a couple of handfuls of M&Ms, too.

I enjoyed the entire experience -- and I was just a pacer!  The AR 50 is definitely going on my 2013 schedule.  The whole thing.  So, my first thought for a title was something about my bucket list.  I'm digging the ultra scene, though, and I don't think these races will be just a one-time-only thing.  So scratch bucket list.

Speaking of pacing, that was awesome too!  There's something about being a part of the race without really racing.  I needed a long run this weekend, so why not go somewhere new and beautiful and have fun with some friends.  I'm thinking about pacing for a few other ultras in the Tahoe area this summer.  Anyone need a pacer???  I'm also reading Rachel Toor's book right now.  I just finished the part where she talks about pacing.  It's fun to be able to relate to the book first-hand.  Hence the thought of the pacing title. 

So, are ultras going to be my new thing?  I have really enjoyed my little taste of them lately.  I don't know, though.  The Eugene half is just around the corner.  That's going to be my focus for now.  At least until May!

Still no title ...

Fun Stuff!

Borrowed these from another blog that I follow (and highly recommend).  http://ccooper.typepad.com/writing_on_the_run/

(Added the highlighted comments myself.)





You Know You're a Runner When ...      
 

. . . the theme from “Rocky” gives you goose bumps.  Or is your ringtone!

. . . you keep running clothes in the carry-on and regular clothes in a checked bag.  Don't want them to get lost.

. . . you give up running for Lent.  I'd rather give up sleep.

. . . you plan vacations around races.  Absolutely!  Where are we off to next, Rach?!

. . . you spend $100 on running shoes but buy other shoes on sale.  I think I own more running shoes than other shoes.

. . . you can easily convert kilometers to miles, and vice-versa.   50K = 31 miles

. . . you have a tan line when you take off your runner’s watch.  Other tan lines, too!

. . . you’re excited that your next birthday will put you in a new racing age group.  Whoo-hoo turned 40!  And celebrated with Karla!

. . . you get a massage but it’s not for pleasure.  Every month.

. . . you use “easy run” and “5 miles” in the same sentence.  Or longer . . .

. . . you go into Starbucks more often to use the bathroom than to buy coffee.  Pretty close, but yeah.
. . . you enjoy going to the golf course, but not to golf.  Good times with Laura & Blue.

. . . you give up Friday happy hour because you have a long run the next morning.  I actually trade my husband – he gets Happy Hour on Fridays if I can run both days on the weekend!

. . . you spend more on running clothes than on school or work clothes.  (See the 5th one.)

. . . you’re the only one outside in the pouring rain.  Or with Aimee in the blizzardy snow!

. . . you’re actually proud of your blackened toe nails.  Proud of my calluses, actually.

. . . there is a “running” playlist on your iPod.  My iPod is only for running.

. . . you go for a run the morning of your wedding day.  Check!  Great run with Noni.

. . . you get mad that an injury keeps you from running, not that it damaged your body.  Injury?  What's that?

. . . your first question to the doctor is “How soon can I go running gain?”  Or to Olivia right after I finished my first ultra!

. . . you have no problem awaking early Saturday morning, but hit the snooze M-F.  Actually up early every day.

. . . you’d rather take the steps than the elevator.  Even after running a 50K.

. . . you generate more laundry than a newborn.  No wonder . . .

. . . you know exactly how far that daily run was.  And have logged it multiple times. Right, Joanna?!

. . . you run for fun. No, seriously.  This one’s for you, Ali!

Your turn.  How many describe you?!?