I'm BACK TO DO IT AGAIN.

You know those things where you’re thinking to yourself ‘gee, well I MIGHT be a bit crazy, but 'WHY NOT?!?’’ - that’s me most of the time. Ha. And I suppose this latest new goal basically solidifies my craziness.

I’ve signed up for a 100 miler on August 14th, 2020. And my big goal? Do it in 24 hours.

Oh, and my other big goal? Fundraise some money for my favorite non-profit, MS Run The US because well, why not?

Once I committed to training for my first 100 miler, I thought back to my Relay experience in 2018 and how amazing of an experience it was to run for more than just me. Running is a very selfish sport (you have to take hours upon hours to train away from your family/friends!) and running a 100 miles just because didn’t seem right to me. I wanted it to be more than just running 100 miles in 24 hours- I wanted to connect with my new community, meet others who have been impacted by MS, and draw upon these experiences during my 100 mile race.

I’d love to say that my big goal is to again fundraise $10,000, but that most likely is not possible given my very busy student schedule these next 6 months (ahem- HOW is it already only 6 months away?!?). BUT I want to see if I can get to $1,000 (maybe $10 from 100 people) and who knows beyond that. I have a few different fundraising ideas and hopefully can get those in motion within the next 3-4 weeks.

I have my fundraising page up here and also have a Facebook fundraiser page as well if that is easier for you to donate.

Maybe you’re unable to donate, but want to help me reach my goal in another way? AWESOME! I’d love to have anyone jump in with me for a few miles (it’s a 2.6 mile loop course - race website is here), help me with my fundraising campaign (help me get the word out- share it with co-workers, friends, family members), or come support me during my race!

It also happens to start the same day that the 2020 MS Run The US Relay Team finishes the entire relay in New York City! Coincidence? Maybe. But I’ll take whatever signs I can get.

SO, that’s a new update from me and I promise I’ll start sharing my training recaps on Wednesdays beginning next week because not everyone trains for 100 miles and shares how they get it all done!

The Race That Was The Most Rewarding & I've Lost My Mind

Happy Friday! OK a few things to recap for you before we get to the last of my 3 race recaps of 2018. First of all- pretty sure I’ve lost my mind!?!? Race will be announced soon-ish! ; ) I can’t announce EVERYTHING to you all at once! I have to keep the suspense going just a little bit.

Also stocking up on all the Elderberry, Vitamin C things, and vitamins - when I feel a little niggle coming on! I also have a busy weekend of teaching skiing (tonight/ tomorrow/ Sunday), so I know I won’t get as much rest as I’d like this weekend (good thing I have Christmas Eve/ Christmas Day completely off of work)..

I’ve got an easy 5 miles on the schedule this morning, which I will probably actually do after work (before teaching skiing) so I can sleep in (but still totally winging it in the morning)!

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Alright let’s get to the race that was the most rewarding (for me) in 2018. It actually wasn’t even a race, it was the most amazing experience of my life. I’m convinced I was in the best shape of my life and cannot believe how well my body handled it. You know exactly what I’m talking about if you’ve read along on my journey for a bit- MS Run The US Relay, where I ran from Steamboat to Denver (175.33 miles, over 2 Rocky Mountain Passes!) in May of this year and raised over $10,000 for multiple sclerosis research.

I guess you can say that it definitely gave me the “bug” to see how I can challenge myself even further (hence why I’m setting my sights on a lofty 2019 goal- a 50 miler!). It’s so funny when I look back on the relay and how absolutely floored I am with what I accomplished.

It never really felt ‘real’ (even afterwards!) for so so long (I’m sure my struggle with depression and lacking of confidence at the time also didn’t help), until we DROVE to Denver this past Fall. I was just completely in awe of myself and what my body helped me accomplish.

It was also so amazing to be a part of a larger community- not only did I do my part, but all TOGETHER we ran across the country! No one runner didn’t pull their weight and we raised so much awareness/ funds for MS.

I’m not even sure I would say that it was the most rewarding because it was the most amount of miles that I have ever covered (or even attempted to cover), but it was the most rewarding simply because it was part of a much larger picture. I wasn’t running or fundraising just for my grandfather, but for all those that I’ve met along my journey who have been affected by MS.

It’s a pretty incredible feeling to be part of such a wonderful community and I 100% recommend it to anyone looking like they need a new running challenge or to switch up their training. It’s something I never saw myself being able to do until I did it.

The feeling when I completed each day (AND THEN ACROSS THAT RELAY FINISH LINE?!?) was absolutely indescribable. I can equate it to receiving my Undergraduate Diploma times a million.

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What are three things you’re doing this weekend?

What was the most rewarding race for you in 2018?!

Ever completed an ultra- what was your experience?!

Catching Up & I'm Feeling *TWITCHY*

Happy Friday-eve! I hope you have some fun plans this weekend!! I'm traveling solo down to Copper tomorrow afternoon. My 50k begins at 7am Saturday morning! I cannot believe that it's already HERE! Also, I'm excited to start getting back into the swing of things as far as a training plan/ schedule/ looking forward to Fall adventures (is it OK to look forward to Fall/ cooler weather when we're still in the midst of Summer?!?...maybe I just jinxed us and winter weather will be unusually terrible this year)! I'll post my goals for the 50k tomorrow, so make sure to check back!

I've been packing for my race/ putting together a playlist/ updating my garmin/ will be getting my race day nails ready tonight! What are your race day necessities?!? Alex is backpacking with the boys this weekend and taking Stella, so I'm honestly super looking forward to Sunday morning (I'll drive back home Saturday after the race) when I don't need to worry about taking Stella out super early and can literally sleep the entire morning away (if I want). I have NO IDEA how I'll be feeling after my race (thinking super sore, but who knows), so I've scheduled next week to either include all rest days/ a few rest days just depends on what my body needs! 

I'm also feeling pretty twitchy this week. My runs feel a bit stiff and I've really had to hold back on my paces --> this is my nice little sweet twitchy spot that lets me know I'm ready to RACE! When my legs want to go fast and my body feels a bit tight --> race-ready!

Sunrise views from my run yesterday morning!

Alright, so I've been feeling just ugh lately. I'm not sure if it's a delayed post- MS Run The US blues, raging hormones that won't go away for weeks, or just stressed/bored/ etc.? I've felt bloaty for weeks and just a bit blue. I know I've gained back some of the weight I lost during my relay week (which was good because honestly I was too thin by day 7) so that could be contributing to the bloaty feeling, but I've also had no real desire to eat healthy foods (normally I always do) so I'm eating more sugary things and also just running way less so I have no real outlet to relieve my stress/anxiety and have more time on my hands to do...something? IDK. Maybe I need a new hobby? I'm trying to add in more yoga and meditation into my life, but they haven't really left me feeling "full" and "complete" as they normally do.  

I'm trying to be less strict with myself on following a training plan/ diet because I know taking a break is good, but honestly I feel like it's gotten me down into a rabbit hole of sorts. Maybe I'm just one of those people who needs structure in their life, but all I really know is that I'm so looking forward to training for the Vegas Marathon after this 50k and having some real scheduled things again.

Maybe this is TMI or maybe you've struggled with something similar when transitioning from one goal to the next? Any thoughts/ recommendations/ insights?

How do you know you're "race ready"??

Feature Friday: Top Products I Used For MS Run The US

Happy Friday friends! We made it to the weekend! I *think* we will be backpacking tomorrow night, but still deciding (ha, nothing like waiting until the last minute!...). What are you up to this weekend?!? I have an 8 mile run to do, but otherwise I'm cutting back for my 50k (one week from tomorrow eeeeek)! I've switched my original plan of my ultra to have a time goal (because let's face it, running UP a ski mountain is REALLY hard), to just having fun, enjoying the experience and finishing! Any ultra runners out there have any advice for a first-timer?

I wanted to share with you some of the products that were absolutely necessary for my MS Run The US Relay.

These items I was SO thankful to have throughout my 175 mile journey:

• Two pairs of sunglasses. Goodr sunglasses were perfect and if I couldn't find one pair, I had the second one there are a back-up.

• Oofos Recovery Sandals for post-run recovery. I couldn't tell you how many times when I was running that I looked forward to slipping my feet into my sandals. 

• Buff neck gaiter. I had never used a Buff before this relay, but I had read a bloggers article about the 'must haves' for running an ultra and a buff was on there. This seriously was amazing to keep my neck protected from the sun, as well as it kept me cooler and helped wick away sweat.

• 3 pairs of sneakers. I had 3 pairs of Brooks Ghosts and switched them halfway through my run each day. My feet IMMEDIATELY felt relief and often I found myself having an extra little pep-in-my-step after slipping into a new pair. Additionally, two pairs of socks for each day (AT LEAST). When I switched my shoes, I would also switch my socks. Sometimes, I'd go to compression socks and other times it would just be nice to go to something that wasn't sweaty or had some extra cushioning (really nice to have a few extra plush pairs of socks for those later days in the relay when your feet are killing you).

Photo courtesy of MS Run The US

• Some type of windbreaker/ all-weather jacket. I LOVED my merrell 1/4 zip windbreaker/ waterproof jacket. It's actually discontinued, but you can find something similar HERE. It kept me visible in the fog, but also had me feeling prepared if a rain storm where to come out of nowhere. 

Photo courtesy of MS Run The US

• Ultimate Direction Hydration Vest. I really loved this vest, EXCEPT that mine was a bit too large (so it actually rubbed against my neck and created this lovely hickey-looking scar that is STILL faintly there). Some type of hydration vest is needed.

Photo courtesy of MS Run The US

• Some type of small iPod Shuffle/ Nano/ similar product. Although my iPod Nano didn't have bluetooth, it really saved me (and my phone battery so I could take more photos). Plus it was nice to go from listening to music on it, to my phone for a podcast and then back. 
• Two Hats. I brought along my Honey Stinger Trucker hat, as well as my Boston Red Sox visor. It was so great to have the option of what I wanted to wear each morning and also gave me a break from wearing the same thing every day. 

Photo courtesy of MS Run The US

• Some type of light top layer. When it was expected to be in the 90s in Denver on Day #6, I was so thankful for my Oiselle Flyout Shirt. It provided UV protection and felt so light that I didn't even realize it was there! Also kept my shoulder protected from the sun, unlike a typical tank top would do. 

• Gels/any recovery items if you're specific. The relay ended up not having a full supply of Honey Stinger gels (they got restocked at the beginning of my segment, but didn't unpack them yet) and they only had some Hammer Gels (I've never tried those). I'm really hesitant to try new things when I'm running long, so I was SO glad that I brought along (and had Alex drop more off halfway through my relay segment) some Honey Stinger gels with caffeine. I also brought along my own Tart Cherry Extract (it's pretty expensive), which I would take after running to help aid in recovery and reduce inflammation. I felt slightly bad about bringing my own things, but looking back- I shouldn't have. If it will help me with my run, then there's no reason not to break it out. 
• Icy Hot & Lotion. My feet really started to get torn up in the later days of the segment, so lotion was sooo nice to have. I'd put some lotion on, then some icy hot all over my feet and calves, then my compression socks before taking a nap in the afternoons. I also always do this after I race to help aid in recovery (plus it feels amazing). 
• Inspiring book to read. I read Scott Jurek's book during my relay and I remember drawing on some of the things I learned while out on the run each day. It was also just a nice break later in the afternoon to look forward to reading something I really enjoyed. 

What are you up to this weekend?!

Any ultra runners out there have any advice?!

Favorite must-have products when running long?

Top Songs That Got Me PUMPED UP For My Relay

Happiest Friday friends! We made it through the week (yay)! What are you most looking forward to doing this weekend? The weather looks a bit unsteady, so probably no camping or backpacking for us, but hopefully we'll get out to enjoy the lake or trails a bit. I'm still enjoying mainly unscheduled runs for the month and just going out for however long and whenever I feel like it!

I wanted to share with you 10 of the top songs that I listened to during my relay that really got me going. These were the songs that up'd my mental game and got me ready to tackle however many more miles I had left to go. They helped me when the sun was beating down on me and when the wind was unbearable. Some of the songs were really motivational and others had some sort of sentimental connection to it (Wide Open Spaces made me think of when I first moved to Colorado & Night Moves reminded me of my friend from High School whom I lost at the same time that my grandfather passed away). Heigh-Ho and Under The Sea both immediately lifted my mood and I sang them out loud along the run SEVERAL times ; )

1. Don't Stop Me Now- Queen

2. Ghost (Oliver Nelson Remix)- Ella Henderson

3. Love Runs Out- OneRepublic

4. 'Till I Collapse - Eminem

5. Heigh-Ho from "Snow White"

6. Under The Sea- "The Little Mermaid"

7. Night Moves - Bob Seger

8. Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac

9. Wide Open Spaces - Dixie Chicks

10. Sugar- Maroon 5

Have a great weekend! Anyone racing this weekend?!? What are you most looking forward to this weekend?

Top song that never gets old while you're running or working out? --> probably something by Eminem ;)