The Race That Taught Me All About Perseverance

When I started thinking about recapping what races I did this year and which ones really left a lasting impression on me, this race was one where I kinda wanted to forget about. Don’t get me wrong, I accomplished an amazing goal- I became an ultramarathoner! But it was so tough. It reminded me of my first (and second) marathon, where I really really wanted to quit (multiple times). It was so tempting to just call it quits after that first 25k (the first of two loops of the course).

It was the slowest I’d traveled anywhere in a really long time (actually even slower than my 175 mile run to Denver in May 2018). It was also my first solo traveled race, so I could just quit whenever I wanted and there would be no one to feel bad about my decision (except myself). So, why would I continue to push along when all the signs were telling me to turn around?

It was honestly the people surrounding me. We were all pretty miserable, but when they took off for that second loop I followed along. Not even sure what I was committing to at that time.

But when you hear the finish line announcer celebrating each runner that crosses that line, you feel a sense of earnest. I didn’t want to miss out on that opportunity. After all, the kitties were waiting for me at home- expecting me to come home as an ultramarathoner. I couldn’t let them down.

It’s funny when I look back, I dont’ really remember exactly how miserable I was. I don’t remember convincing myself that at 25k I would just walk off the course. I remember really really wanting to be done, but pushing on anyways. Coming out stronger (mentally) at the 40k mark than I was at 20k.

It’s funny in those moments of doubt, how we somehow find a tougher layer within us. It was slow and absolutely off my time goal, but when you completely doubt yourself and then somehow persevere - it’s the most amazing feeling. So I guess that’s what most people refer to when they say ultras are addicting because I’m already looking forward to pushing my boundaries even further next year.

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What race taught you all about perserverence? Why?

Feature Friday- My First 50k GOALS! & Final Prep

Happy Friday! We finally made it! I got up early this morning to get in a 3 mile shakeout run along the lake then will be working from 7-3 to hopefully arrive in Copper by 5:30 this evening (it's around a 2 hour drive there)! I rented a Condo for the night right at the base of the mountain (where the race starts), so it will be SO NICE to just wake up a bit later and just walk 5 minutes to the start line (it's the little things in life)... I'll make sure to give the entire a nice little review afterwards! Hoping to get a lot of great pictures in throughout too!

I'm still trying to decide what my post-race "treat" will be, but there's few options on my drive back home! So, here are my race goals! Since it's my first ultra, I have ZERO expectations besides finishing, which feels oddly really nice :)

• GOAL #1: FINISH!
• GOAL #2: HAVE A SMILE THE ENTIRE TIME!
• GOAL #3: TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!
• GOAL #4: HAVE FUN & TRY TO ENJOY EVERY CLIMB/ DESCENT/ TRAIL

I'll be stopping by the expo this evening, then relaxing for the evening (making sure I've got all my things ready to go for the morning (including pre-race breakfast & gels/ snacks)) while making dinner (SO nice to have a place that has a kitchen!) and binging on a few episodes of The Crown on Netflix (super addicted to this show right now). 

What's your favorite post-race treat?

What are some things you look forward to doing the night before a race?

Anyone else racing this weekend- where/when/what distance? GIVE ME ALL THE DETAILS!

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"??

Last Week's Training Rundown 6/18-6/24

Happy Humpday! This week may be exceptionally long, but I'm already looking forward to next week! We have both Tuesday & Wednesday off for July 4th, so I am already daydreaming about all the things I'd like to do those two days! Currently trying to decide between an awesome hike or relaxing day(s) by the water... what are your plans for the holiday?!?

SO I'm still not technically following any training plans (July 1st begins my next "official" training cycle) and honestly- I've been pretty lost! Don't get me wrong, I have loved just doing what I want whenever I wanted, but I also seriously miss the regimen of a training cycle. I think that's why I've come to love marathon training so much. I love the challenge that each week brings and seeing my fitness improve over each week. BUT I also know how important this break was for my legs/ our relationship (marathon training is a huge time commitment to both myself AND Alex) / mind etc. I put together my training plan for Rock n Roll Las Vegas (running the marathon again) and will give you a little preview of it on Friday! This is the first plan for a marathon where I've kinda made it my own- I took the plan from Hanson's Marathon Method and gave it some tweeks based on my past experiences with it to help get me to the start even more prepared than ever before!

Last week, I had "loosely" planned to fit in a 20-23 mile long run and that did not happen. I was originally disappointed, but I also looked at it as a sign that I wasn't really ready for it yet. I know I still have my fitness (both physical & mental) from my relay to carry me across my 50k finish line in a few weeks and while I love to be prepared for races, this is my first one so I'm going in with no expectations other than to finish with a smile on my face and cross it off my bucket list. I know it will absolutely hurt (probably even more so since I haven't trained "hard" for it), but I think half the battle with long races is knowing that there will be pain and then learning how to deal with it. 

Monday 6/18: 6 miles @ 9:37 pace 699' elevation gain. 30 minutes of strength

Tuesday 6/19: Rest Day

Morning Run! I forgot how beautiful Summer Mornings can be!

Wednesday 6/20: 6.2 miles @ 9:17 pace (mile 4.2-5.2 alternating 0.10 with fast surges at low 7's) 193' elevation gain. 20 minutes of strength

Thursday 6/21: 3.5 miles @ 10:28 pace 308' elevation gain. Trail Run!

Friday 6/22: 7.27 miles @ 12:03 pace 1,254' elevation gain. Trail Run #2! Straight Up Emerald Mountain!

Originally planned 20-23 miles, but felt good with 11 miles. When I'm in my "off season", I think it's really important to not push past your mental "done" mentalities. When I'm training --> I think it's absolutely necessary to push past those mental blocks to get stronger. 

Saturday 6/23: 11.26 miles @ 10:18 pace. 643' elevation gain. Trail Run #3 by the lake! 30 minutes of strength

Sunday 6/24: 30 minutes of recovery yoga & Day #1 Meditating with Headspace!

Total Mileage: 34.23 miles / 3, 097' elevation gain

Do you prefer to follow a training plan or use it more as a "guide"?

Trail Running - yay or nay?