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!

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?

Stretches That Kept Me Injury-Free During My 175 Mile Relay

Happy Tuesday! I did my first track workout of 2018 this morning and it felt both hard and amazing. Isn't it funny how some things can feel like that?! I did a mix of 200's and 400's this morning, along with a 1.5 mile warm-up and cool-down. I'm also trying to be better at doing core work after every run, so I followed up with 10 minutes of that! I've missed morning running, but how I also love to sleep in a bit ; )

I wanted to share with you a video of all of the stretches that helped keep me loose (relatively... ;) ....) during my ms run the us relay. These are still my go-to stretches after *most* runs (I would be lying if I said that I stretched after every run). 

Stretches that are included:

• pigeon pose
• twist
• toes pose (I'm convinced this pose helped stave-off plantar fasciitis during my training)
• shin stretch (these really helped after each day of my relay)
• rag doll to IT band stretch

Forgive my sweaty-video taking skills. Ha. It was really hot out yesterday afternoon for my run and I didn't give myself enough "cool down" time before jumping into video-taking mode! I promise I will *try* to get better at this videography thing!

What stretches do you love to do after a run? 

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 ;) 

What My Training Has Looked Like Since MS Run The US

Happy Friday eve Friends! I hope you enjoyed my relay recaps and if you skipped them, well welcome back to your regular scheduled programming! I really enjoyed reliving my relay and it already got me dreaming about what my next BIG goals should be. I've got a few ideas ; ) What are you planning for the weekend? Is anyone racing?!? I'm really excited to just be "running" for the rest of this month and not in "training" mode. I've got my 50k mid-July and know that I'll need to fit in a 20-miler later this month, but otherwise I'm just running however long and wherever I like! My goal for the 50k will to just finish it, since I've never done one before!

SO, since I'm NOT training here is a breakdown of what my running has looked like post-relay (remember I didn't really feel anything besides just tired after my relay, so I started running much sooner than I originally anticipated):

Monday, May 28th (one day post-relay): OFF

Tuesday, May 29th: OFF

Wednesday, May 30th: OFF

Thursday, May 31st: 30 minutes on the elliptical

Friday, June 1st: 10 minutes on the stairclimber/ 10 minutes walking on the treadmill/ 20 minutes of strength work

Saturday, June 2nd: OFF / 3 mile hike with Alex & Stella

Sunday, June 3rd: 7 miles @ 9:08 / 20 minutes of Yoga / Light Strength Work

Monday, June 4th: 6 miles @ 9:30

Tuesday, June 5th: OFF / 4 mile hike with Stella

Wednesday, June 6th: 7 mile progression run 9:56 --> 8:01 pace (last mile cool down @ 10:36)

Thursday, June 7th: OFF / 35 minutes of strength work

Friday, June 8th: 6 miles @ 9:57

Saturday, June 9th: 3.26 miles @ 9:49 462' UP/ 3 mile backpack with Alex & Stella

Sunday, June 10th: OFF/ 3 mile backpack with Alex & Stella

I've just been basing my runs on how I feel and not running if I don't feel up to it. I may do a hike or strength work or just take it completely off if I don't want to. While I LOVE the structure of training, I'm kinda loving the freedom of this relaxed running schedule. 

What's your favorite thing with off season running?

What's something your most looking forward to this weekend?!?