Facing and Embracing

I had the perfect run the other day. It was the day after my 9 mile uphill time trial and one week after I ran 50km with over 6000ft of climbing. In between, I had kept up my training. So, imagine my surprise when Sunday my calves hurt going up hill and my body felt like it was moving through quick sand. I happened to be running with some ultra runner veterans so I just kept on going the best that I could. They wanted to do hill repeats, I was in. Slowly but surely I kept plugging along and loved every minute of it. This was what I wanted, I don't want to feel fresh and fabulous every time I go out and train. I want to know that I am actually doing enough that I am fatiguing my body and building strength and endurance. I had to make some adjustments, walk up a few hills I would normally run up. Slow my pace at times, pick up the pace when I felt good, and just run through the suck. I haven't run 100 miles before, but I am pretty sure that at some point there is going to be something that hurts and I'm going to feel deep fatigue. Not every workout can be fantastic. It is the ones where you have to suck it up and get it done that you gain the most mentally and physically. Runs like these will prepare me best for what I am trying to accomplish this year. The next day I felt great and had no signs of the struggles from the day before. When another 'perfect' day presents itself I look forward to facing and embracing the suck.

Here's a picture of my running buddy the day after.

Snow Day

I have been having recurrent powder dreams. I'm carving sweet turns through knee deep fresh fluffy white stuff. It could be because I recently gave up my awesome circa 1986 Atomic Arc boards to the museum (not really but they are antiques by now), but it is most likely due to the multitude of pictures from the slopes that my friends have been posting. Either way, I have been craving some snow action and therefore been living it in my sleep. It has been exhilarating. This weekend however I went out and made some fresh tracks of my own. I participated in a 9 mile uphill off road time trial. I really just wanted an excuse to test out how the new boy toy handles a long climb followed by a long descent. I can report that the chassis is good, the engine needs some overhauling still;)

We climbed up to and above snow level and the only complaint that I have is that when we hit the ice, his edges didn't dig in, but all those years of riding the boards taught me to relax and just go with it on the ice so we got out unscathed. Unlike during my youth when I tried to get as many runs in as possible during the day, this day I settled for one, it was easier when I rode a chairlift to the top. It was a little chilly on the way down, but I had foresight to bring a windbreaker and a shower cap up to the top with me. I'm blaming the extra weight of those items for slowing me down!

Making fresh tracks in the snow was just as fun as I remember and that night I went back to riding the moguls like a pro. My fun snow day just intensified my snow nights:)

Running Bandit

A Bandit is a robber or an outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area. On Sunday I banded together with others of like mind and we stole scenic views in the quiet hillsides above Simi Valley California. Just like Robin Hood I want to share the wealth so here are some pictures I took during the race.

Put a Lid on It!

As an ex trauma nurse I feel very passionately about a couple of things. Today though I just want to say, wear your helmet. I know it might mess your hair, but I can tell you with certainty that brain material REALLY messes up your hair. It gets all matted, and therefore it ends up getting shaved off. Nothing ruins your hair style more than a giant bald spot. Also, how you look isn't going to be a priority when you have a TBI (traumatic brain injury) that requires you to relearn how to walk, talk and you need to wear a diaper. You don't have to be a genius to have a brain worth protecting. So people, please, I'm begging you, PUT A LID ON IT!

Fateful First Date

I went on a first date on Fat Tuesday. A Fat Tire date. We had been trying to coordinate a day that worked for both of us, and finally our schedules lined up. The trails were dry, I had no other plans. While it wasn't ideal, since I had been on some pretty big dates over the weekend that left me a little tired shall we say, I really wanted to see if we were compatible.

Like any date, I obsessed a little over whether we would enjoy each others company. If we would be able to fill the time, and if he would treat me well. I shouldn't have worried at all. He was a complete gentleman. He let me choose the route and the pace. I got butterflies in the pit of my stomach just looking at him. Our time together carried me to new heights that had previously alluded me. I will admit that there were a few times that I had to slow him down, things were moving too fast for me. He made a bit of noise about taking it slow, but when I showed him the alternative was completely stopping, he came to his senses. Like any forming relationship we had to push each other a little but when I pushed him, he put up barely any resistance.

When the end of our date approached, I couldn't believe the time had passed so effortlessly and quickly. I entered this date with tired legs but they were soon forgotten. It was just him and I on the trail and I found myself smiling the whole time. He was so easy to be with, we clicked and let me just tell you that the climax of that mountain has never come so easily.

You know it was a good first date when you do the post date analysis and come up with only good things. That happened once before in my life, and I've been married to him for almost 22 years. Looks like this is going to be a long and happy relationship. His previous girlfriend said he was a great bike, but just not the great bike for her. We found each other at just the right time, that's what you call Fate.

Greener Grass

Lately the grass has been greener right where I am. Loving the trails and the change in scenery that comes with 'winter'. It may not look like your typical winter weather but today hail pelted me for part of my run. Even so, I'm not looking over the fence. It's perfect on my side.