How Being an RN Correlates to Running an Ultra (Making Lemonade)

Yesterday I completed my first week at a new place of employment.  Since the move from Portland to Orange County several months ago, I have enjoyed being sans job and home with my kids, driving them to preschool, exploring our new territory, pushing them in the double stroller on long runs to the playground every day, and literally soaking up this new concept of sun (new to us native Pacific Northwesterners).  It took far longer to obtain my California RN license than I estimated, and thus this Monday was my first day as a nurse at the Children's Hospital here.

Being a Pediatric RN has fun perks!

The truth is, it has been a rough and emotional week for me.

I loved my days home with my children.  Loved.  The stress of changing our routine, bringing an unknown person to the house to care for the children while I was away, the commute, the long hours spent with sick patients, the confusion of learning a new way to do a job you've been confident with for years, and the scared sensation of entering a tightknit group of RNs as the "new person" has truly caused anxiety and tears this week.  I know I will persevere, as I always do, but I must be honest and admit that it has not been easy. 


And therefore, I have been thinking a lot lately about how working as an RN at a busy Children's Hospital is quite beneficial to running an ultramarathon.  So here are my thoughts.


1. Thirteen plus hours on my feet spent scurrying around like a maniac to obtain supplies, physicians, medications and provisions for my patients and their families on a "rest day" is the best kind of active recovery.  Surely it is better than sitting on the couch right?


2. Lengthy 13 hour shifts also double as mental training for when I am in that lull of a race, bored to tears and ready to be done.  Hour 11 of a long shift is the similar sensation, complete with frequent time checks.


3. Working the night shift is perfect training for those sullen hours of a 100 mile race; these night shifts will whip my circadian rhythm into shape and instill a sense of normalcy in going 24 hours without sleep.  Furthermore, I have a few training runs planned for directly after I clock out just so I can train while physically exhausted AND sleep deprived.  Much easier to actually do this kind of training when I'm already sleep deprived from my job than if I simply tried to stay up all night in my own home.


4. Every single second of every single day at my job I am reminded of those enduring far more suffering than I have ever known.  The strain I experience at mile 88 of a 100 mile race is not comparable to the burden a child sustains on his 8th dose of anti-nausea medication to minimize his post-chemo symptoms; the empty feeling I cope with at 4 A.M. while running a 100 mile race is nowhere near the sadness that a four-year-old may be feeling while she is left alone at the hospital to recover from her brain tumor surgery because her mother has no choice but to stay at home to care for her siblings; unlike the paraplegic 13-year-old with Spina Bifida, I am not confined to a wheelchair, unable to experience the thrill of the final quarter-mile kick.


I vow to remind myself of this when I am in the darkest hours of my races, when every step is excruciating and my mind insists that I quit.  I cannot quit, because in the end, my pain and suffering is nothing.  It is a choice.


Running is such a privilege, and though I may complain a bit about returning to work, I am thankful for the daily reminder that I am so lucky just to be alive.  I will continue to live limitlessly.

Race Report: Tinkerbell Half Marathon 1/19/14 - Why YES You Can RACE a Disney Event!

Three days ago I completed my first runDisney event.  I remember the moment I registered for this race, because just a few weeks prior, my husband came home from work to tell me that we were moving (from Portland, OR) to Orange County at the end of July.  Registration was early in July, and I had heard that the Disney races all sell out swiftly, so I logged onto active.com from my phone while sitting on the bench outside my daughter's ballet class.  I thought to myself, well, since I'll be living down there anyways, "when in Rome...".  It is funny how sometimes you do things without really knowing the huge impact that can result.  It is scary to move to a new state without knowing another soul, and I had no idea that when I registered for that simple Tinkerbell Half Marathon, I'd be waking up in an Anaheim hotel room at 3:15 AM to prepare silly costumes and discuss race strategies with some fantastic new Orange County friends. 


Yes, I said 3:15.  Since the race had to be totally completed prior to the opening of Disneyland for the day, the official start time was 5:00 AM.  Luckily, several of my awesome new friends from our Moms Run This Town chapter and I stayed in a nearby hotel the night prior and utilized the free shuttle service to avoid traffic and parking.  Logistically, this made it super easy and a total blast.  We chatted and laughed the night prior until 11 so needless to say, we were not prepared for the alarm clock the next day.  Everyone woke up happy and excited though (hello, we were about to go RUN at DISNEY) and we put on our various wings and tiaras and in my case, cowboy hat, and got on the shuttle.  I dressed as Jessie from Toy Story, complete with her signature red cowboy hat piped in white, blue Team Sparkle skirt and cow-print knee socks.

Deer in Headlights With Several of my MRTT Girls Before Finding our Corrals.

I had been warned just how thick the crowd would be and it certainly was.  However, with over 14,000 runners, I was impressed with the organization of the event.  Each runner was corralled via a confirmed time from a previous race, so I made my way up to the "A" corral, as designated by my bib.  Since the bib numbers were also assigned by previous race times, I knew I needed to start close to the front since my bib was number 36. 

My view at the start.

For several months leading up to this race, I actively participated in a national Tinkerbell Half Marathon Facebook group.  Most of the other members had done several other runDisney events so I learned a lot about what to expect.  Here is where I learned what makes runDisney races VERY different than all other races.  A large number of the Disney race participants are not there to race, in fact, MOST participants have no desire to run fast or focus on time, and that is just fine.  Many mentioned that this is not a "PR race", and instead to focus on taking pictures with the various cast members along the route, and just to take in the entire experience.  But I had an internal struggle with this advice.


I love Disneyland, I truly do, but I love running more. 


Since moving to Orange County, we frequent the parks, and have ample opportunities to explore without the feeling of needing to rush through every ride and scene since we can just go back the next week as a local.  I had no idea prior to the start of this race if I would participate in all of the set aside photo opportunities, or treat the race as any other race.  I dressed in a costume like all the other participants, but I knew deep inside that the FUN for me is actually in the running.  I knew that morning of the race that I wouldn't be stopping for pictures along the course, and that is equally just fine.  I know many loyal runDisney fanatics look down upon my method, but to me, this truly is a race, one that should be preceded by a training plan and dedication to crossing the finish line in the best possible shape.  Just because I chose to actually run the race does not mean I did not have fun.


So I weaved my way to near the front of the start with 15 minutes to spare, and prepared for an experience I knew would be like no other race I'd ever done.  The National Anthem was concluded with classic Disney fireworks, and this set the tone for an over-the-top Half Marathon.  Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck stood on the podium with the announcers and in the pre-dawn darkness (which lingered until after I finished the entire race) at precisely 5 AM, under an over-sized screen portraying Tinkerbell herself, we were off! 

Minnie Mouse Announcing the Start.

Passing Under Tinkerbell at the Start.

Because I got to start so close to the front, I never experienced the typical elbow fighting and jockeying for position that usually occurs at the beginning of every race.  I know this was not the norm for a Disney race, and I found it refreshing.  This calmed my nerves, as I was anxious about that crowded start.  I must state though, that the only reason I started so close to the front is because my bib number was 36.  If it had been something higher, I would have given other runners the front, just out of common courtesy.  I have heard horror stories of those that actually wanted to run this race yet found themselves stuck behind pockets of walkers lacking the decency to stay to the right.  This is infuriating for someone who has trained hard for a race. 


Disney provides Corral A bibs to special VIPs and in that first minute I ran by Sarah and Dimity, authors of the book Run Like a Mother and Train Like a Mother.  I have met these ladies several times so I ran parallel to them for a few seconds to say hello and tell them that they looked gorgeous in their Queen Elsa (of the movie Frozen) costumes.  And then I kicked ahead.  The race started in the California Adventure Park.  We weaved up and down the various areas of the park, from the Paradise Pier to Cars Land.  We saw cast members and parade floats and the music of the park was blasting.  It truly was magical.  Each person and character lining the streets cheered us on, yelling "Go Jessie, Go!" to me as I ran by in my distinguishing red cowboy hat and cow print knee socks.  World of Color was running, and I loved that since I've never stayed at the park long enough to capture the spectacle.  Since the story of Peter Pan is filled with tales of pirates, there was an abundance of pirates along the course too.  We made our way through the back lots, past the animal barns that house the park's horses, the employee buildings, the maintenance sheds, and through Disneyland.  The darkness of the early hour was electrified by Disney's magical lighting in pink and blue and green.  I saw Cinderella, Rapunzel (I yelled hello!) and Merida.  My daughter would have swooned.  I saw more pirates, and Mike and Sully from Monster's Inc..  My son would have chased them down!  Since I was up front, I basically ran all alone, the nearest runners ten yards ahead and behind.  This made it special because everyone cheered as if I was the only one there.  I held my pace right at 7:30/mile.


I never stopped smiling the entire time.  Never.  Though I did not stop for pictures, I had FUN!

Marathon Foto Captured my Neverending Smile in my Toy Story Jessie Costume.

About halfway through the race, I downed my Surge Espresso Gel as we left the parks and looped our way through the streets of Anaheim.  Even though we had exited the "Happiest Place on Earth", the positive energy followed.  From the Red Hat Society ladies who lined a corner to the various High School bands and cheer squads, to the hundreds of Anaheim Police volunteers, my goofy smile remained intact.  Interestingly, I never turned my music on the entire race.  There were several lonely miles too, just listening to the sound of my own feet hitting the pavement.  Looking back, I am very proud of myself for maintaining the 7:30 pace through these long stretches.  I never ran out of energy though, and was able to pick up the pace in the final two miles, passing a few women along the way.  The only people to pass me the entire race were a handful of guys, every single one of them dressed as Peter Pan, which I found quite comical. 


The race concluded near the Disneyland Hotel, with Mickey and Minnie and Chip 'n' Dale there to provide endless high fives at the finish line.  Again, I was impressed with the organization of this race, but considering I was only the 67th person (31st woman!) to cross the finish line (5th in my division!), it was not a chaotic traffic jam of finishers trying to claim their snack boxes, mylar blanket and the glittering Tinkerbell medal.  The finisher's chute lead to a large area where an Army band sang well-done covers of popular songs.  Since I was alone, I did not remain and instead made my way back to the hotel shuttle.

Displaying my First runDisney Medal!

My conclusion of this, my first runDisney race, is that I had an absolute blast.  It was a unique, unparalleled experience to run through the empty yet still vibrant Disneyland parks.  The crowds raved over my Jessie costume and that fired me up even more.  My net time was 1:39:04, which is still four minutes above my PR, but I was happy with the result nevertheless, especially considering I ran in a non-aerodynamic cowboy hat, danced along to the High School bands, and high fived all the cast members along the entire 13.1 miles.

Because I am a Numbers Girl.

Just this morning I registered for the Disneyland Half Marathon in August, and I am already so excited to repeat this day.  Now I need to start planning my costume!  The only soreness I felt post race was in my cheeks from my permanent smile and I am counting down the days until I feel it again.

Race Report: SoCal Half Marathon 1/11/14

I'll be honest.  When I registered for the SoCal Half Marathon a few weeks ago, I did so solely because the starting line was about a half mile from my front door.  Turns out I received a lesson much more valuable than gaining a few more minutes of sleep.


The day began unlike the typical race morning.  Instead of setting my alarm several hours before loading my car, before driving at least 30 miles, before standing around freezing for a few more hours, before finally selecting "start" on my Garmin, I simply woke up, enjoyed my usual leisurely breakfast of oatmeal with chia seeds and coffee, and then met my friend and her husband (who are also my neighbors) for an easy warm-up walk over to the crowds.  We met fifteen minutes before the gun, I'm not even kidding.  We meandered right past the port-a-potty lines, laughing about our ability to take care of business in the comfort of our own homes just minutes prior.  Oh runners, not a modest bone in the body!

Natalia, Mitch and I, skipping those pesky port-a-potty lines!

The race began at 8:00, and the gorgeously reliable Southern California sunshine promptly thawed our bare shoulders.  I wore my Nathan Intensity pack and Brooks Pure Cadence.  I carried a disposable hand warmer in each hand to stave off the Raynaud's without needing to wear a "throw away" long-sleeved shirt.  This was an effective plan, one that I will repeat in the future.  I just tossed the hand-warmers in the first water station's garbage boxes.


The course was flat.  Well, all courses are flat to me after running a full marathon in San Francisco.  But this course was flat, and swept along the San Diego Creek Trail, where I spend many hours every week logging training miles.  It was home. 


The start was not too crowded, though there were 4,352 runners that completed the half marathon, and another 902 5k runners that shared the same start time.  One of the best aspects of this race was that it served as a training run for thousands of Los Angeles students training for the Los Angeles Marathon with the Students Run LA program.  According to the SRLA website, the organization strives (or strides?) to "Inspire at-risk youth to achieve their dreams through a life-transforming experience: The training for, and completion of, the ASICS LA Marathon."  Wow.  What an inspirational morning it was, to be alongside these students in the brilliant yellow shirts and specially made Nike sneakers, donated from their powerful sponsor.  To see kids falling in love with running truly moves me, as it was at this age I found running as a release and outlet.  Seriously, go check out the link above to discover this wonderful program.


Truly, the weather conditions could not have been more perfect at 60 degrees with very little wind.  But I'll admit it, I'm so easily pleased when it comes to running.  As a recent Southern California transplant from the webbed-feet requiring Pacific Northwest, we are so spoiled down here.  And I love every second of it. 


This particular race is over 23 years in existence, and benefits the Woodbridge School District.  Various sports teams from Woodbridge High School volunteered their time at each aid station, and the spectators along the course were abundant and cheerful.  Never did I feel a lull.


At about mile five, I glanced at my Garmin and noted that I had been keeping extremely regular splits around 7:30/mile pace.  I was very proud of this feat, as it meant I didn't go out too quickly, as I usually do.  I was feeling great, despite having battled a stomach virus two nights prior.  I downed my espresso-flavored 2nd Surge Gel (yum!), guzzled some water and pressed on, aiming for the 7:30/mile pace.


Suddenly, I felt a presence just over my left shoulder.  I could tell he was wearing a blue shirt, was at least 20 years my senior, and was somewhat invading my "personal bubble".  At this point, the crowds had thinned enough that it seemed a bit strange really.  His cadence fell into step with mine, and our arms moved in the same rhythm.


We continued like this for minutes, then a mile, then another mile, around corners, down hills, through aid stations, our feet striking the ground in the same tempo.  It stopped feeling awkward and started to feel like a dance; we synchronized our pace.  I glanced at my Garmin, still pegged on 7:30/mile.  We exchanged no words, our common language was simply our sequenced stride.  I still felt physically comfortable, but that little devil that teases your confidence started to make an appearance.  But my silent partner by my side forced all negative thoughts away, by picking up the pace a bit, quietly begging me to join.  I had no choice, I was committed to this stranger, I was committed to finishing strong with him. 


Finally, around mile 10, I found the nerve to strike up conversation.  "Wow what a nice day!" I started generically.  He nodded, still holding the quick footstrike we shared.  I spoke again, "You are truly pushing me this morning, and keeping me going."  In a thick Hispanic accent he responded, "You have wonderful form, a truly great runner."  I thanked him, and we continued our sneaker-clad quest for that finish line. 


Another mile, this time at 7:40 pace.  I knew we were nearing the end because we were back on the San Diego Creek Trail.  A few strides in front of us, I spotted a female runner, obviously running out of energy.  I glanced at my new running inspiration and when our eyes met, he knew what I was thinking.  We picked her off, the defeat feeding my energy even more.  We continued to pick other runners off, our pace now around 7:20/mile.  Then finally, we hit the last mile.  I told him to go ahead and kick, I knew I was holding him up.  "No way!" he exclaimed.  "I want to see you finish, let's do this!" and we did just that.  We picked up the pace even more and finished strong, side by side, without even knowing each other's name.  Before even claiming our medal, we hugged.  I thanked him profusely, for giving me the mental stamina to finish my first race of 2014 STRONG.  My official time was a 1:39:34, for 6th place in my age group and 25th female overall.  I was ecstatic.

My motivator in blue!  Turns out that even my phone was sweating from the effort.

I have NEVER had a negative split Half Marathon before until last weekend.  What an exciting accomplishment it was, one I surely could not have done without my running Yoda by my side.  During those silent miles we ran together, I got lost in my thoughts about the camaraderie that is running.  So many running organizations, from SRLA, to various running clubs and teams, to Instagram and Facebook and Twitter bring runners together, of all ages and various skill levels.  But we are bonded by our mutual passion for the sport, our need for endorphins and self-improvement, of goal accomplishment and sweat.  So to my new friend, (turns out his name is Art) I cannot thank you enough for the reminder that we are all in this together, silently soldered by our collective love for running.

Nothing.  I repeat, NOTHING makes me happier than seeing my family at the finish.  THANK YOU HUSBAND!!! Now go play 18 holes of golf!

Like a Hammer to the Knee: IT Band Injury and Prevention for Runners.

This summer, based on MRI evidence, my sports physician announced the diagnosis of  "severe IT Band damage" and since then I have drastically changed my methods of training.  I constantly hear of others that have been sidelined with the same devastating injury, and I want to document my experience here so as to help prevent it for everyone else.  I must preface this post by stating that I am not a physician; if you suspect any type of injury it is imperative that you visit a licensed sports physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Image courtesy of rice.edu.

What is it: The Illiotibial Band is a ligament that stretches down the side of the leg, from the hip/pelvis to the shin, and functions to stabilize the knee.  Injury to this anatomy presents with sharp pain in the outer knee during exercise.  For me, I could run almost exactly one mile before feeling like someone struck my knee with a hammer.  I'd set out feeling hopeful that I was on the mend, and then BAM!  Debilitating.  I always had to stop and walk home, battling tears from both the physical pain and the frustration of not being able to run normally.  Illiotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is an extremely common overuse injury in runners, and recovery can vary from a few days to several weeks, as in my case.  During this summer while I was in treatment, I was forced to skip FOUR races including two full marathons, a 50k and a 50 mile race.  As any runner can understand, this was completely heartbreaking. 

Causes: Causes for such an injury can include overuse, improper foot strike, running in shoes that need replacing, an imbalance of or weak leg and hip muscles, pronation, running repeatedly on banked surfaces, increasing base mileage too quickly, and tightness in the IT Band itself.  In my experience this summer, I became lazy and complacent in my training.  I neglected cross-training, was sporadic with my foam-rolling routine, and did not, I repeat, DID NOT rest enough.  From this experience, I learned the hard way that rest days are just as important as speed work, long-runs, and proper nutrition.  Do not make the same mistakes that I did, because this injury is so common, it WILL happen to you if proper techniques are not enforced.

Check your shoe wear pattern for signs of pronation and seek assistance from a decent running store for shoe and insole advice!

Image courtesy of the runningshop.uk.com

 

Prevention: Prevention of injury then obviously includes decreasing mileage (yeah right!) while increasing more rest days, improving running form, replacing worn-out shoes, considering the use of custom shoe insoles, cross-training to increase leg and core muscle strength, following the 10% per week mileage increase rule, varying your running route, and incorporating proper warm-up and stretching into a running regimen.

Diagnosis and Treatment: After weeks of inability to run and consequent impending depression, I hung my head, picked up the phone and made an appointment with a sports physician.  Best decision of my life.  My MD immediately got me in to complete an MRI and the next day he showed me the shaded areas of "severe IT Band damage" on the pictures of my knee reflected on his light box.  From there, I made an appointment with a physical therapist.  I chose one that was familiar with running injuries and he proved to be a priceless wealth of knowledge I will forever utilize.  I met with him weekly for exactly a month. At each session he painfully massaged the area where the IT Band connects with the knee, and taught me several exercises and stretches to improve the strength and range-of-motion of my quadriceps, hamstrings, and muscles of my hips.  In the meantime, I completely stopped running (nearly an impossible feat, but nevertheless necessary in my case), continued to ice/heat my area of damage, continued to foam-roll until it hurt, and began swimming laps to maintain my fitness level as best as I could.  There is nothing more humbling for a runner than to be sidelined with an injury that could have easily been prevented by proactive steps.

Do this now: Since the LAST thing I want to do is reinjure my ITB, and I refuse to decrease my mileage (and I imagine you agree), I have committed myself to performing the following list daily. 

1. Do not neglect rest days, especially after long run days.  Listen to your body; learn to discern feeling lazy versus feeling tired and in need of rest.  And similarly, ensure you are getting enough sleep at night since sleep is how your body repairs after the physical destruction of cells during training.

2. Foam roll.  Do it.  Every single day.  It will hurt, but that is key to improve circulation and blood flow to vital areas to thus promote tissue repair.  If you do not know what foam-rolling is or how it's done, check here. That link also includes pictures of several foam-rolling techniques for the IT Band as well as other main muscle groups.

3. If not already currently doing so, add at least a five-minute warm-up slow run or brisk walk prior to your run.  I (now) always follow this warm-up with a regimen of stretches such as:

• Basic IT Band stretch: Cross one leg in front of the other and reach down.  Also, reach up and over.
  
   
  

• Seated cross-legged stretch: You can also lay on your back while doing this stretch for a deeper pull.

• One-legged squat stretch: Cross one leg above the knee of the other leg and sit back in a squat.  I prefer to hold on to the wall or another stable object for a deeper stretch.
  

• Kneeling hip flexor stretch: Your knee does not need to touch the ground.
  

4. Increase muscle strength and balance with the following exercises several times per week:

• Band walks: Walk laterally side-to-side with band around ankles or do Monster Walks by walking forward as shown below.
  

• Single leg balance exercise: While standing on one leg, focus on balancing then slowly bend down to touch first at your toe, slowly stand back up, then slowly bend down to touch outside your toe.
  
  

• Leg lifts: Rest on your arms, using your core muscles (abs and glutes), lift your tush in the air and slowly raise the extended leg up and down slowly 20 times.  Also, you can perform small to large circles with the extended leg, or even pretend to write the alphabet with your foot.  Keep all movements slow.

• Various squats and lunges with or without plyometric elements.  Land softly on your knees, use proper squat and lunge form.

ITBS can strike at any time so make these stretches and exercises just part of your routine.  Do not risk the emotional and financial consequences of being forced to miss scheduled races due to a preventable injury.  As runners, our miles are more than just burning calories or getting in daily exercise.  Running is our mental release, our therapy and outlet from daily stresses.  If banned from dashing due to ITBS or other injury, we are truly lost.

Citations:

runnersworld.com
Dr. Trimberger, Oregon Sports Medicine
Dominic Chambers, DPT, North Lake Physical Therapy

Where will you be a year from now? Goals for 2014.

It's that time of year again. When, in a haze of post-holiday binging, we hastily make insane promises to ourselves to completely change our ways. Resolutions. I cringe at the word. 

Okay, so we all went a little overboard with the M&M pretzels ala Pinterest; indulged a bit on the merlot; skipped a few miles (and by skip I mean settled into the sectional). But I'm here to declare that you are NOT a failure! Just as fast as your scale may have crept up, or your pace gained a few seconds, you can reverse it and get in the mindset you desire. So let's set some GOALS. Screw the resolutions, achieving goals is much more measurable and rewarding. 

How do you visualize yourself exactly a year from now? Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? 

How will you get to that place? 

Write these steps out.  Make them measurable. Be very specific. Dream big, don't hold back. Never be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone, as that is how we discover just what we are capable of. 

These steps you listed are your goals. Want to finish your first 5k? Be honest with yourself about how you'll smash that goal (What training plan will you use? When/where will you carve out the time to train? How many days/week will you dedicate?). List steps you'll take if you fall behind or fail, because there WILL be roadblocks. Those who succeed know how to hurdle over these roadblocks instead of getting knocked out by the flak. 

Do you share your goals with others for accountability or do you keep them hidden in fear of failure? Maybe share them with just a select few peers? Only you know what works for you. There are thousands of online message boards out there with active people seeking similar experiences you can join to keep your goals alive yet still relatively anonymous. 

Write your goals down in a very accessible location. I keep an active list in my phone and visit that page daily. If you are attempting to make drastic lifestyle changes, such as weightloss, a nutritional overhaul, or a new sport, remember to start with small changes. Make these changes habit, like brushing your teeth. You would not think of going to bed without clean teeth (I suspect) so why would you think to not sweat daily? Healthy people sweat nearly daily (even during active recovery "rest" days) because it is habit. Wake up, brush teeth, sweat. Just another part of the day, part of the routine. If you're making lifestyle changes, know that it's not easy to change years of habits overnight, but if you continue to JUST DO IT (Nike was on to something there!) then it will become a habit and YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. 

We all know how fast a year floats by. We will blink and it will be December, 2014. Life is short and we get one chance to fully experience everything. Now is the time to make the changes necessary to live your best life. 

I am sharing my goals for 2014 for accountability. 

1. Run 2,000 miles total. 

2. Complete a WSER100 qualifying 100 mile race. 

3. Run a sub-3:25 full marathon. 

4. Run a sub-1:35 half marathon. 

Your goals will look completely different and that is okay, in fact, that is awesome! We all come from different places; never compare your goals to another person's. I can assure you, while fitness and nutrition are my niches, I'll never ever have an organized house and my laundry pile will forever rival the height of Mt. Rainier. Hmm maybe I need to rethink my goals...

Please feel free to share your goals below and contact me if you want ANY help or tips in order to become your best you in 2014!

SmushTush Launch Giveaway!

Please help me get SmushTush running and fitness launched on the right foot! I'm giving away a 1L Nathan bottle crammed full of my favorite things. I want to help get YOU launched in 2014 too! 

Please simply "like" me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/smushtushfitness and on IG @smushtush and twitter @smushtush 

Thank you!

Run d' Amore 100 Mile Ultra Marathon - 11/23/13

The million dollar question I have been asked every single day since finishing the Run d' Amore 100 mile Ultra Marathon two weeks ago is, "Will you do it again?" Read on and you shall see...

I am forewarning you, just as it takes a LONG time to run 100 miles, this post will be equally lengthy.  But I feel a need to document my thoughts, before my brain becomes clouded by life and future races and IPA.  This race changed me, not only as a runner, but as a person, and I need to remember.

I will agree.  The idea to run 100 miles is crazy.  I get called crazy a lot.  Your definition of crazy might be a bit different than mine, I suppose, but yes I'll agree, running 100 miles is straight nuts.  The idea to attempt this "crazy" distance was put into my head by one of my closest friends, Leigh Anne.  This powerful girl has done three 100 mile races and I trusted her when she casually asked me to join her in November for this race.  Casually, like, "Oh hey, want to go run 100 miles in November?" as if it was just another activity to place on the calendar, right next to "Petunia's ballet recital".  That was in September.  If you've read my "about me" description, you know that I am "addicted to endorphins and registering for races" so of course I obliged.  I have an issue with saying no really, it is truly an addiction.  So we registered.  And here is what we were getting ourselves into, according to the race's website:

"This is a 4 mile loop course with a 1 mile out and 1 mile back (kind of lollipop shaped) on trails followed by a two mile loop of paved surface.  Cumulative elevation for the 100 miles will be approximately 11,000 feet.  There will be restroom facilities (port-a-johns) at the starting line/main aid station and on the course (please use these, not the bushes or trees). There will be one main aid station at the starting line that you will pass each loop.   We will be supplying some food and drinks, but because this Run D'Amore race is  a "fat ass" type event, you will need to plan and supply most of your main food and drink needs." 

FYI: A "fat ass" is any type of race where you supply your own energy needs, fluids, etc.  Basically just a bunch of crazies getting together because they truly love to run, not for the glory or fancy porta-potties with anti-bacterial hand sanitizer dispensers or even the commemorative t-shirt.  Yes you read that correctly, a race with no t-shirt.  Every runner gathered supplies to share together, including food and drinks for the aid station.  Trips to Costco pre-ultra are the best!


On the Friday prior to the start, my wonderful, selfless friend Dede and I left Orange County around 3 PM.  She was only going up to help us get through the race, known as "crewing" in the ultra world.  Did I mention she is SELFLESS? She drove us up the six hours that night, keeping my nerves in check with silly stories and good old-fashioned girl gossip.  We rolled into San Martin (right outside of San Jose) around 9 PM, assembled our gear, and passed out, as that 4 AM alarm clock was sure to come too quickly.

The race started at 6 AM.  There was a generous 36 hour cutoff time so I knew I'd be able to finish unless some unthinkable event occurred, such as loss of limb to a coyote or a lightening strike to the tush.  It was dark at the start so we secured our headlamps and took off.  The first mile of the four-mile loop course was straight up.  All of the 11,000+ foot elevation gain took place in that first mile, so the total gain was only over 25 miles, not 100.  The second mile was straight down the same hill.  I loved these two miles the best because they were on dirt.  The remaining two miles looped around an asphalt trail, though I ran alongside of that in the dirt.  I find that running on trails and gravel is so much easier on my muscles and joints, and I needed them to sustain a long time so I chose to stay on the dirt for the entire duration.  After that two-mile loop, we crossed the aid station, which was packed with our donated food, to include Twizzlers, cookies, salty chips, electrolyte tabs (imperative!) , Coca-Cola (sweet nectar of the ultra-running gods), salted potatoes, watermelon...I could go on and on.  Let's just say it was a veritable buffet of running delicacies.  I wore my Nathan Intensity hydration pack so I was sure to have plenty of water the entire day.  On a side note, one thing I LOVE about ultra running is the strict "zero littering" policy.  Anyone caught littering (to include throwing a water cup) is immediately disqualified.  We all brought our own water cups to reuse.  Totally opposite of the millions of wasted cups strewn everywhere in a traditional race.

Why not wear flying cat pants while running 100 miles?

And so we continued along this route for hours.  The sun peeked above the hills and the cattle that roamed the grassland surrounding the course watched us circling, probably thinking the same thing you are right now, "Why are those people so crazy?"  However your comments were probably not followed by an inquisitive, "Mooooo?"  The heat radiated and we shed layers of clothes.  The salt collected on the brims of our hats and we continued to replace it with electrolyte caps and Lays.  And that Coca-Cola tasted sweeter than ever. 

View from the top of the ascent.

Ultra running is such a fun sport because EVERY runner is there to support each other, as if we are one huge team.  I made friends with complete strangers, runners from Texas to India, ages 18 to 73.  Everyone had an interesting story to tell.  Moms, physicians, musicians, hippies, computer programmers, engineers, sons, daughters, grandfathers...all walks of life were represented yet we were brought together by our common passion for running.  That alone makes for immediate best friends.  We talked gear and races for hours, for what else is there to do when you are circling the same four miles for over a day?

I hit the 50 mile mark at around 10 hours, so around 4 PM.  I felt awesome.  I rotated between listening to my music (an eclectic blend of Radiohead, deadmau5, Disclosure and Wu Tang, among others) and having lengthy discussions with fellow running teammates.  I lost track of the number of high fives I gave and received somewhere in the afternoon too.  I had zero GI distress, which elevated my mood because I fully expected to be miserable.  I went into this race EXPECTING to be miserable.  I was anxious actually, to experience the highs and lows of running 100 miles.  That IS why I did it.  I wanted to just feel.  Even if it meant physical pain or mental strife.  I knew the bright side would be the brightest side imaginable, if I could just get there.  And so I kept going.

Cruising down around mile 50.  My husband said this was after my "costume change".

Every few loops I stopped and stretched a bit.  The downhill was starting to become painful.  While the first half was spent literally bounding down that mile two decline, I was slowing way down and feeling those quads.  But I still felt as good as could be expected.  And then the sun went down.  That glowing orb of hope and positive energy and warmth just vanished.  And into those depths I was seeking I began to fall.

The sun disappears, bringing my confidence along with it.

At sunset I was feeling energized.  Those last few moments before darkness ensues is magical.  Twilight.  The air felt crisp and electric.  This sensation only carried me about one loop before it got cold.  Much colder than I was prepared for.  Sure I added more layers and mittens, but what I did not account for was the wet marine air.  I ran 12 miles thinking that the little flecks that were flying into my headlamp were tiny bugs, when in reality it was the condensation in the thick air.  Looking back, I know some of those sensations were perhaps hallucinatory as well.  It was about 2AM I started sleep running.  Literally running while sleeping. 

My selfless savior Dede hopped up at that moment and knew I needed her, even though I was so cold my lips could barely say a word.  She completed a few laps with me, in the middle of that cold and impossibly dark night, singing horrible renditions of Miley Cyrus (sorry Dede, keep your day job!) to try and make me giggle.  We listened to the whooping call of coyotes in the near distance and we watched the spectacle of the night sky in total darkness together, looking for various constellations we recalled from childhood.  It truly was spectacular, but I grew increasingly more cold.  So cold in fact, that I stopped drinking water and taking in calories.  I had no energy to do so, and consequently, I suffered.  I grew colder and even more tired, and at mile 72, an experienced volunteer at the aid station sat me down, made me a cup of the most delicious hot vegetable broth I have ever tasted, and massaged my calves.  I could have lingered there all night, yet I knew I needed to keep moving or risk the dreaded DOMS. 

I continued around a few more times and then at mile 84 I was just hopeless.  I couldn't feel anything on my body, a combination of being wet and cold, and sheer exhaustion.  Thoughts raged through my mind begging me to quit.  "84 is plenty long, be proud of how far you've come!" I thought, knowing how devastated I'd be tomorrow had I stopped right then and there.  Another experienced volunteer recognized my despair and had me sit in front of the heater and told me I needed to take a short nap, no longer than 30 minutes.  Every person sitting around the heater promised me I would be renewed.  Dede wiped away my tears.  I don't think I have ever fallen asleep so quickly, and as promised, they woke me up after the allotted time. At this same moment, the amazingly tough Leigh Anne came through the aid station.  Even though I had taken a nap, I was still utterly exhausted and crying again.  She kneeled next to me and said "Listen to me.  You are going to get up now and we are going to do this together.  Do you trust me?" and just like that, she renewed my faith in myself and I trusted her.  I followed her commands like a remote-controlled robot.  My head was still intact, yet my mind was not attached.  She placed her warm ski jacket on me (as mine was soaked) and we set off to finish together.

Rock bottom.

Four laps.  Just four laps to go.  16 miles.  Just over a half marathon.  We could run this in our sleep (and we somewhat did).  Four more climbs of that nasty bitch of a hill.  Four more descents laced with screaming muscles and sharp pain with every step.  We pushed each other, each of us struggling with different aspects of the course.  We needed each other and were present and focused on the survival of us as a team.  It is impossible to illustrate just how bonded you become with someone, when you are both equally battling demons in your mind and muscles, in those last few hours before the sun rises, after you have been running for nearly 24 hours.  A day.  While the world went through the usual motions of eating and sleeping and breathing, we crept along that four mile path, eating  and dreaming and breathing.  She is now my sister.

Sunrise.  Layers of clothing slowly peeled away, joints thawed and the most delicious eggs and pancakes (cooked over a camp stove) were consumed.  The race directors knew that true love lay in awakening our stomachs.  The protein of the eggs gave us strength and we washed it down with even more Coca-Cola.

Last lap.  Four miles.  Just over a 5K.  Final ascent up that hill.  We owned that hill.  Final descent at mile 98.  The screaming of my legs was stifled by the voices in my head that were already feeling the pride of finishing, of triumph, of sitting down.  I gave Leigh Anne a special infinity symbol bracelet on that final loop.  See, if you put a "1" in front of an infinity symbol, it creates a 100.  Our friendship will last forever, it is infinite.  We are bonded by this event, this experience of rising above our lowest lows together. 

We crossed that finish line all smiles.  Dede gave us a huge hug, as did the race directors, and we just held each other tight.  We did it in just over 29 hours.  Sometimes I look back on that number, 29.  It is hard to fathom what I possibly could have been thinking about, alone and lost in my thoughts for 29 hours.  Sometimes in my day-to-day routine, an hour seems like forever, yet I continued on for 29 straight hours.  Therein lies WHY I did it.  To push myself; to see just how much I could accomplish.  I always knew in my heart I could do it, but I needed to prove to MYSELF (nobody else) that I could push the limits set forth by society.  Crazy?  I'd have to agree with you that yes, it is pure crazy.

And would I do it again?  Well, I already have two 100 mile races in the books for 2014...

Never given, always earned, the coveted 100 mile belt buckle!

 

 

My true "sole sisters": Leigh Anne in the orange vest and selfless Dede in the middle, holding us together like the glue she is (most likely holding us up in this picture too).  These girls still love me even after seeing me at the most miserable I have ever been.