Just running

Still have not signed up for another race, but my running has gone remarkably well and I have 2 races planned right now. Let's catch up on my training first.
I started something new the week after my Laurel Fork Falls run - I started running 5 days a week. I've purposefully never ran 5 days a week before, but thought I'd see how it goes. So each week I am doing 4mi hills (ICAR), speedwork (6-7mi), a tempo run (6-10mi), another 6mi hills (ICAR) and I am back to doing a longer run. After my run tomorrow morning, this will be 4 weeks in a row with 37+ miles. That is a first for me. I am surprised how well it's gone (and with yoga twice a week). Last weekend's long run was 17 and it was so easy. 2nd half faster than the first, and my last mile was my fastest. I also just restarted my speedwork/FIRST program to just a bit faster than I had been doing 3:40 training from a 3:45 marathon training plan.
I was contemplating an April race, either Sweet H2O 50k, Southern Blue 1 day relay, or Xterra Hickory Knob (3.7mi + 7.2mi double event), each one the weekend of April 21st. In the end, I think I just decided none of those, as that weekend may not work for me (maybe a work-travel thing). I'd love to do any of them though...tough calls.
What I am signing up for soon is the Race For Awesomeness (12hr, Individual, Day - not the 24 hr, or the relay, or the Night run) on June 2nd. I really want 50 miles. 53 would be even better - a double marathon. Heat will be a factor, but I will prep as well as I can. And isn't that the best name for a race??

Trail Running on the FHT!

So I got back to the trails last weekend and my motivation has definitely returned. A group was getting together to run the Foothills Trail Heartbreak Bench Marathon Saturday morning at 8am. It's an out-and-back from Hwy 178 towards Lake Jocassee to a particular bench. I wasn't quite up to a full marathon (training or time), so I came out to run 13 or so.

I joined Scott, Scott, Lester, Joe and Chris as we left the parking lot and climbed the stairs onto the Foothills Trail. This is the starting location of the difficult Laurel Valley ultra that is held in August. 33+ miles with no aid. I have never been on any of this section, so I was very excited to come out and see some of it. Joe pretty much took off from the start, and I hung out with Chris & Lester mostly. Scott H was a bit ahead and Scott was a bit behind. We four would all be together again as I stopped to turn around.

The trail was wonderful and I quickly remembered how much I enjoyed this. The week leading up to this - I wasn't even sure if I was coming out here, so I ran my normal schedule. Long-ish run Sunday, speedwork Tues, tempo run Thurs and some hills on Friday. I do not do the 3 straight days of running thing often, but legs felt pretty good. I got a quick introduction to some of the Steps that people always refer to on this section.    

They were a bit slick going down (we had torrential storms early this morning but not a drop during our run) and slow going up - both ways.
Great scenery - waterfalls, bridges, trees, etc - and great running. After an hour - made it to Virginia Hawkins Falls (~4.8mi in). Timing was good so continued on to Laurel Fork Falls and made it there in 1:33 or so. Went just a bit further, said my goodbyes, and went down a side trail to the Lake Jocassee boat ramp access. Interesting...here's some photos of some of these things:

Virginia Hawkins Falls

Laurel Fork Falls

Lake Jocassee & Falls

One of many bridges

Suspension Bridge

Laurel Fork Creek

I turned around after 1:41 of running - just over 8 miles I'm estimating - and felt Good! On the way back - legs started complaining on some of the steps, but felt decent on the flats and excellent on the downhills. Came upon 3 or 4 sets of hikers while returning, took a few more of these photos, and enjoyed being outside. Took short detours twice on the way back, but quickly got back on trail. Sun finally came out not long before I finished, but it never did get terribly warm. With my handheld and 100oz camelback - I was overcautious carrying that much and only ended up drinking 45 ozs of water or so. 3 Gu's and half a PB&J bagel was plenty to keep me energized too.
Ended up finishing in 3:43 for almost 17 miles worth and still feeling good. Such a relief...now I can start planning for future runs/future races. Nothing just yet - but soon I'll decide.

Motivation

So - After a disappointing (to say the least) Harbison 50k in early January - my motivation was GONE. Didn't want to think about any race of any distance. I kept running 20-30 miles a week though, now having done 7 weeks of speedwork and tempo runs. Have not run over 13.5 miles at a time - but that will come back. I am just beginning to consider racing again, just not sure when or what distance.
Not going to rush into another 50k (or more) undertrained (we'll see about that!).

Right now - plan is to keep the speedwork/tempo runs going and "think" about extending my long run to 15-18 miles again, maybe every other week, pushing my weekly avg up to 35 (or what it was training for Chicago, but with shorter runs).

So where I have been the last 5 weeks?

That is a very good question. I wrote about half of my race report within the 2 weeks following Harbison. That was the decent half, where things weren't great, but had not completely fallen apart. Finally finished it tonight. I've been here, just have not had much time at all to complete it. I knew it wasn't going to be pretty when I did, but still.

My "recovery" was surprisingly fairly quick - after taking 4 days off (that worked last time I had ankle/lower leg pain), I still ran 20 miles in the next 4 days (1 day off in there). Thought I'd get it all back and just keep motoring on.
However - my motivation was sapped. I was tired of struggling in these 50k's/ultras. How to move on?
I started doing a circuit training class once a week.
I added back in a 4th day of running (the hills around ICAR).
Added speedwork back in (on the FIRST 3:50 marathon pacing schedule)
All that seemed to do (or maybe it was just the overall timing) was make my legs very heavy and weak. Long runs were Not happening. Cut all of them short since the race to 9-13 miles.
I did my longest run on the trails at Lake Conestee, which was a much better place to run than I expected. Did two full "laps" of practically every trail.
After 4 weeks of struggling (except my speedwork/tempo runs have been decent the last 2 weeks) with weak legs, I decided to take an easy recovery week. No circuit training, no extra hill run - just a speedwork session and a 6mi tempo run.
So far so good...until last night.
Out of the blue, a cramp in my right calf woke me up from a deep sleep. 20 hrs later, I still feel it. Tomorrow is my "long" run, so we'll see how it feels. Heading back to Conestee - it's closer/quicker than Paris Mtn.
Part of my motivation waning has been do to my desire to be at home with the family. My little girl is three now. Enough said.
I also do not have a single race scheduled. During Harbison, I obviously gave up on the Mount Mitchell Challenge. I don't believe in myself to do the long runs just yet needed to train properly for any race of any distance, and I don't have the speed to enjoy a shorter race right now.
So what does that leave?
Doing my FIRST training plan, but without the longer run. I'll stick to 10-13 miles each weekend, but focus on my speedwork and tempo runs. Getting my speed back is my new goal. For what - I am not sure. Keep my mileage around 30/wk though. May have a 1-day relay with Team DNR in April (Southern Blue). Brother wants to do Tough Mudder in SC in October...unsure right now.
We'll just see how the next few weeks go!

2nd Harbison 50k Trail Race Report

Saturday January 7th was the 2nd Harbison 50k Trail Race outside Columbia, SC. Got down there an hour before the 7:30am start and quickly got my bib, technical race shirt and pint glass. Although starting temps were comfortable in the mid 40's, it was expected to reach into the 60's as the day progressed. At least the aid stations were numerous on this double loop course to keep us all hydrated.
3 weeks after my last 50k, I was unsure how I'd do on this one. I was hoping I would not have IT band issues as I had last year (and 3 weeks ago) but a finish time near last year's would be nice.

After the pre-race instructions by the fire, we started on a short gravel road before quickly getting on the single track trails. We were warned that these first miles were easy - but that did not stop many of us from going out a bit too fast - even those of us out here last year. The 5.8mi first section was constantly winding with small ups and downs. I felt decent but wondered if I was going out a bit too fast. Without a GPS (not that I truly trust them anyway), I did not have much of an idea other than comparing my times to last years splits.

Long line of runners early on.

Still a bit crowded on the nice trails

There were some long lines of runners and I stopped to let two sets pass me before the aid station. Made it a bit crowded, but I was in and out in no time, and 1 minute ahead of my 2011 pace.

I knew from last years race that each of the next 3 sections would take about 40 minutes each. It helped knowing where I was on the course, but I realized I wasn't feeling that great and was hoping for the next aid station a little too much. No pains, but just slowly increasing leg fatigue. Course was still enjoyable as people passed me every so often. Played leap-frog with a number of runners as they obviously spent more time at each aid station. Came thru the next aid station (mile 9.4) another 2 minutes under 2012 time. That would not last.
Third section was the most difficult (of course it's all relative) with the "Spiderwoman" section. It's a short (.75mi) section that goes up, loops around, and comes back down. I wasn't pushing thru this section - just getting thru it - and that was fine with me. Next aid at Mile 12.7 and the last section had a nice view overlooking the Broad River and some rocks. Picture time!

It was early here that my legs really began to fail me. Thighs weren't just weak - but getting sore. This just confused me. I know I had run a 50k 3 weeks earlier, and I had a cold the full week before (that kept me home yesterday), but sore?! I was also getting a hot spot on a toe...but held off doing anything about it. I came to the halfway point aid station and in my desire to not stay long, left it without even thinking whether I needed anything out of my drop bag. 50 yards out of there, I realized it - stopped - thought for a moment about dealing with my toe, then continued on.
Halfway in 2:50. Faster than last year, but that last section seemed shorter (don't remember the difference, but it was a good 5 minutes faster).
The second half got worse and more miserable by the mile. Lower/middle back started to hurt and didn't let up. I dealt with my toe at mile 15 or so and as soon as I sat down and bent my leg to remove my shoe - a fierce cramp shot thru my thigh. I have Never had a cramp like that during a race. And at Mile 15? I was in trouble.
No blister on that toe, but I loosened up my sock and that was at least taken care of. That cramp though - man that hurt. (I'd feel the resulting soreness from it for the next 3 weeks).
A few people I knew were behind me would come into the aid stations as I was leaving them and we did that for few a few aid stations until they finally caught me near the end.
My legs were sore enough that I couldn't even run the flats. The soles of my feet began to hurt at mile 21 and didn't let up either. The first half I was doing 10-11 min miles...I came out of the halfway AS doing 14's. Slowed to 16's thru Spiderwoman. The last 4 miles, my lower left leg became so sore I could not run the downhills either and walking was only with a limp. I had been able to at least shuffle thru some downhills prior to that, but those last miles were brutal. A handful of runners passed me the last miles and I could do nothing about it.
I never doubted I would finish - not once. A few people asked how I was and with all my issues were surprised that other runners had dropped out in obvious better shape than me. There was no reason not to finish this. I was in pain, very uncomfortable with my lower back, but I really wanted that "bison 50k" pint glass!

So - finish time of 6:39:57, only about 2 minutes slower than last year (yes, I struggled last year for a while too). I did run in the last 100 yards or so to make it look good.

I was not a happy camper. It was good to see some people though (Jason S, Jason S, Seth, Dan (RD), Viktor, Bo M, Joe P, William S, +) and the volunteers were always SO Helpful! Thank you!! I still ove this course and if I ever get my confidence/motivation/ability back to doing ultras, this will be on my list.

Where do I go from here?
Stay tuned...

Post-race

View of the finish area

Harbison 50k race tomorrow

Wondering what causes people to DNF, or more particularly, not start an event. I understand being completely under trained, work/family priorities, serious sicknesses.
Why do I bring this up today, 12 hours before my 50k?
I have a cold.
Started trying to fight it off Tuesday after my 4.3miles in 24° weather. (Didn't feel too cold)
It was a draw thru Thursday morning. Someone asked what would it take to Not start on Saturday? Not sure, but I was not close to that.
I have only not started 3 or 4 races, I have limited knowledge.
1. My 1st Half ever. Sept 2000, Asheville Half. Was ready enough, but got into some poison ivy that week and was absolutely miserable. Drove up to get my shirt and drove right back.
2. Reedy River Run 10k 2003 or 2004. Think I had a cold and it was a cold rainy morning. May have been injured/under trained?
3,4. Marine Corps Marathons back in 2000 and 2001 or 2002. Completely under trained/injured. Fought injuries for Years until I tried the right shoe (Asics 2120's and such) back in 2007 - after 7 years of running. How ridiculous is that?!

So I got a little worse yesterday - moved more down into my throat/chest, head ached, even had achy teeth. Fever, stuffy/runny nose (and bloody noses), chills, constant tickle int he throat and annoying cough. Have mostly had an appetite though, and have gotten some sleep. The 5hrs Mon night and only 6 Tuesday night probably didn't help. Rested much of today and felt a bit better - but it gets worse as the sun goes down.
No goals for tomorrow. Hope to not have my 1st DNF. Surely this isn't enough to do it. My 50k PR streak may be over.
Good luck to all those out there and to the volunteers - you are appreciated!!

No idea how tomorrow will feel.

2011 Year in Review

So 2011 was a year in which I ran a bit more in mileage, but fewer races and more long distance events. Had a few times where I had to stop running for more than a few days at a time, but I jumped right back into it each time and kept it going. Didn't cross train much - mostly yoga again, but serious injuries stayed at bay. Did have a bad bout of Poison Oak after my May 50k that kept me from running for the longest amount of time since December 2007 - 10 days off - from anything.
Had two runs with my brother as he ran his 1st Marathon in 17+ years and his 1st ultra - both were nice in their own way.
I did run more on trails this year (the 1st half anyway). I also did alot of speedwork in prepping for Chicago. Ran half-marathons on consecutive weekends. Ran a 40miler and a 50k in the same month (doing the 50k second made it seem super-short!!)

Random stats/info:
-Total miles for year: 1507 (+14 miles than 2010)
-Fewest events (9, by design) since I had zero in 2008. 3-half-marathons, 2-full marathons, 3-50k's, and 1-40miler.
-My farthest run/race ever: 40 miles
-Successive PR's in my three 50k's (From 7:23 to 6:38 to 6:34 to 6:19)
-Only 196 days working out (Run, walk, yoga, etc)
-8 weeks of under 20 miles (low of Zero, see Poison Oak above)
-I did have my highest weekly mileage (Mon-Sun) ever in late April = 50.9 (included my 40mi run!)
-I averaged almost 35mi/wk for the 15 weeks leading up to the October Chicago Marathon (so included the whole summer)
-I thought last year's heat was bad - this year was Much worse. How about 78° at 5:30am??
-Ran on all but 4 weekends (1-injury-1st weekend of the year, 1-poison oak, 2-scheduled)
-Changed to Smart Wool socks (for trails) and size 12 shoes.

Races:
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8-Jan-11	Harbison 50k Trail Race	6:38:05
19-Feb-11	14th Myrtle Beach Marathon	4:14:14
1-May-11	2nd Enoree Passage 40 Mile	8:30:28
29-May-11	2nd Long Cane 50k	6:34:30
11-Sep-11	6th Parks Half Marathon	1:51:26
17-Sep-11	12th Asheville Half Marathon	1:48:56
9-Oct-11	34th Chicago Marathon	4:07:53
12-Nov-11	2nd Camp Croft Half Marathon	2:03:21
17-Dec-11	3rd Seashore Nature Trail 50k	6:19:16

2012 Goals:
See upcoming post!