Big River 1/2 Recap, the year with no course sabotage!

To sum it up:  I went to bad places in my head and for all but a few instances was able to pull myself out.  This race ended up not being about time but about enjoying myself.

Part of the past few months have been to get ready physically and mentally for training for and then to train for and complete a 100K.  I think the thing I remember most about the 50K was the places I went to in my head, I cannot completely block them out, and they lingered through most of 2015 (it started at the one year mark after finishing that 50K) made it a rather miserable year for me (and probably those who had to deal with me).  The last few races have been about not getting so wrapped up in how horrible an athlete I am compared to other people.



Goal A:  2:45
Goal B: 3:00
Goal C:  Do not die

My result:  3:30

Full Results:  here

I think I knew at the 10K split off 3:00 wasn't going to happen, I really struggled with just throwing in the towel and hanging a left on the New London Turnpike and not going back in to the trails.  I gave myself a mile and said, well you could turn around.  But I was running out of water and water was to be had at mile 9.  I only had 3 more miles for water or to be done, suck it up buttercup.

This was about completing 13.1 miles on the trail.  Johnny said his GPS consistently measured 13 miles, and with the in accuracy of GPS on trails lets give it 10% extra, so this was more like 14 miles if it was actually measured.  This was one of the debates in my head for my lack of motivation to keep running and to power walk/hike a considerable amount of the trail in the last half of the course.

I missed this race in 2015 (it was an off year for me in so many aspects), 2014 was 2:54 (after having run most of the course as a warm up to get to my total long run mileage for that training cycle), 2013 incomplete course. All the last three years the course markings were removed for large sections.  Well 2013 I missed a marker, or maybe it was trampled down, in any event...

Let's jump back, A goal of 2:45 wasn't completely unreasonable, 3:00 was more reasonable. But enough of that, it's not about time it's about growth.

The course was great, technical and had lots of flat and fast areas with beautiful views from both areas.  Mike puts on a great race, period.  They have always been unforgettable experiences that challenge me and help me improve my mental toughness.

A big shout out to Seth, manning the aid station at mile 9, he listened to me whine and ask what was the shortest way back and took the most horrible picture (really do I really look like this?  rhetorical, don't answer it)

Anyhoodles, he told me the shortest way back for point to point and reminded me the worst was over.  I sucked it up and rambled down following the orange arrows, for the next few miles when I saw a spot I THOUGHT was the New London Turnpike and could take a straight shot back (with my luck with directions this could have ended badly).  Then I was SURE when it was a slight jog on the NLT.  I went left, back on the marked course, and ran it to the most adorable couple with a friendly and happy black lab.  I petted the lab for a bit and talked to them and then ventured onward. Remembering it was a beautiful day, right foot left foot, and STOP TRIPPING ON THINGS!!!

At the finish I had a nice chat with Mike and a gal I cannot remember her name...  Mike reminded me about my enthusiasm for the series from the beginning, and that made me remember why I started running and truly what it means to me.  It is fun and it makes me feel good, when I let it.  When I don't, I have a year like 2015 that I think may take me a year to recover from!!!

Sincerely,
Beth -- Remembering life is a journey, for some it is far to short, this reminds me to enjoy every step of my journey and to thank all of you who ceaselessly support me, Thank You.

Dogs on Trails

I've watched the Strava posts that are labeled "Don't Worry He's Friendly" and then the picture of the dog bite on their leg.

When Gus and I were out in Grill Preserve on our fake run on Sunday, he only wanted to bomb down the down hills, well it is his time he gets to decide....  We ventured across the Polly Coon Bridge - the weaving through the barriers stumped him!  And we were in to Grills Sanctuary.  Very cool.

Yes, he is off leash until the moment he stops because he sees something or I stop him because I see or hear something.  He stays put (for now) and waits for me to hook the leash to his harness. He sticks close to me and doesn't get to far ahead.  I'm a little lax with behind because I expect to see people coming at us not behind us, but still he gets in his smells and uses the space to open up and run a bit faster.

We were alone on the windy trails until the Tomaquag Bridge.  Then he stopped, in the middle of the bridge (well I had to convince him he did not really NEED to bomb through the muddy water and it would be OK to go over the water - it was quite the debate).  I knew him stopping that meant he spied something.  Another dog.  Shit.  The owner was yelling "He's friendly.  He's Friendly."  I yelled back "He's NOT" the guy was shocked and hurried to get his dog who was romping around in the water and then coming up to investigate this new dog on this narrow bridge. This owner had no collar or leash on his dog and eventually caught up.

Gus, is unpredictable, to say he isn't friendly isn't true, introduced calmly he is friendly.  But to yell "HE'S UNPREDICTABLE" is incredibly long and hard to understand.  The fact that Gus is on a harness makes him less iffy than when he just has a collar around his neck.  I mean really would YOU want to meet another person with a collar around your neck attached to your person and the other person didn't.  (Get your mind out of the dungeon)

The pups met, no big deal.  Not a hair raised on either's back but I ushered Gus over the bridge swiftly.  He only has 4 teeth left and the likelyhood of him actually trying to bite is fairly low.  BUT feeling threatened I'd resort to biting.  And the dogs feed off their guardian's emotions, so if I'm stressed he gets anxious.  (I'm also part of the problem?)

I'm sure this guy was like what the hell is this girl (or insert your own expletive  here) doing on trails with an unfriendly dog...  so be it...  I do remember having a few words with a biker on the JB Hudson who tossed his bike at the dogs when I was out with Diesel, Sage, and Gizmo and the three of them got a little packish.  Taking three dogs to the woods wasn't exactly smart on my part either. I have learned my lesson also.

It really annoys me when people yell "S/he's friendly" about their dog.  Well probably most of the time but who knows.    If you are going to let your dog off leash s/he needs to be under your control.  With Gus I trust him just enough that he won't run off, but I do need to stay on alert and not go places were there are a lot of people at an off time.   With Jax he is shocker collar trained.  As medieval as that sounds, it was the only way to get him to pay attention and not chase vehicles or go into the dunes at the beach (as two examples).  It was becoming a yelling contest where I think he would see just how loud we could yell at him.  Anyhow, Dave takes him out on the more technical trails (Sammy Cs, Secret Trail, etc) in Burlingame for 5 - 7 miles.  Jax sticks with Dave and after the initial training he's only had to shock him once or twice.  Jax knows what's expected he also knows whats more fun...  he makes the correct choice, and if he doesn't he is reminded.  We both think this isn't the option for all dogs, however for this one, it was the perfect option.

So that's a long rambling blather about dogs on trails and their guardians.  Those that don't pay attention to their surroundings are ruining it for those of us who do.

I'm sorry there are assholes out there that have bitten several of you.  I am sure if you cross paths with Gus and I or Dave and Jax, there won't be biting.  Hopefully just a curious dog on the end of a leash, and a runner going on his merry way down the trail, unscathed.

Sincerely,
Beth always trying to be the responsible dog guardian....

Weekly Recap: 4/18 - 4/24

Monday (8.4) - Wowza was my body tired.  I didn't want to stop my run, I ran out of time not motivation.  It was going to be tight getting lunch and getting back to my desk for a 1 p.m. call under normal circumstances!  So I called it and it was 5.4 all said and done, probably 5.48 but Strava doesn't round up!  My left knee was still a little janky, but mostly the pain I felt was chafing on already chafed areas, not a lot of fun, and as I type this, some days later, I still haven't picked up a new Glide.  The one I have has given up the ghost and it's not gliding on..  Aquaphor worked just as well, just no nifty stick form to apply.  Although it was much easier to feel the disaster of scabbing line on my back than to guess I hit the right spot.

Still got to the BARRE class.  Heather is the instructors name, she asked my name again and said I remembered your athletic build but not your name.  Um ok...  it was a good class.  Again I felt limber like I did the previous Monday.  Score, think I've found what I need.

Gus got a nice stroll.  He needs to get me up at 6 a.m. and not snuggle in bed with me so we can both get our day started on time.  Used to be we were up and out walking by 5:45 once upon a time.  Guess we've both gotten lazy in our old age.

Gus and Jax helping by pre-cleaning and rearranging

Tuesday (6) - Felt a little more put together but got caught on my back foot with someone calling to me "Hey Elizabeth!" I think the horrified look on my face coupled with "What did you call me? Martin?" in that tone Crutch knows from trying to push me along at a race (or at the end of a race). Put him on his back foot.  Then I said, "Beth, my given name is Beth."  He looked confused. And I felt like an ass, I was focused on getting into the locker room and getting changed, not having a conversation about my name!   I've yet to run into him again and his desk is near mine (and perpendicular to Mrs. Crutch's desk)...   So that rolled around in my mind for the hour I was out running on a beautiful day where I was told "go out in short sleeves" by another runner (Lisa) on my way to the gym and her way back from the gym.  Awesome advice.  The wind has kicked back up into the 20's and it was kind of welcome as the sun is getting strong.  My freckles (well sun damage spots) are becoming more plentiful and darker.

My most favorite part of this day was the three hours of me time!  Knitting and watching TV.  I'm not a big TV watcher but wanted to catch up on a series I am kind of interested in.

Nice runner tan lines showcasing my normal Irish skin tone.

This is an afghan for a friends granddaughter.  Her mother used to make these for her grandkids and Ann has no interest in knitting.  An excellent seamstress, no use for knitting.  Long time ago she asked if I would fix one of the kids afghans that had been used as a chew toy by the boys pup!  I asked for the pattern so I could re-knit the section with the  yarn I salvaged.  At that point I thought, what and awesome mindless pattern.  It is three rows, one you have to pay attention to, one you knit and one you purl and repeat. I finished the one for her grandson when I was at my parents in April.  This one should be done by the end of the month (it is much smaller) and I can get them off to her to give to her grandkids just in time for the summer warmth!  Good timing, eh??

Wednesday (7.6) -  Wednesdays are Ro days.  She has a fracture on the backside of her patella (skiing accident). No impact activities.  Walking is fine.  We power walked hills to get our cardio up.  Wow that felt really good!  She is an active person, like 3 times a day exercising, ok maybe maniac is more the right term.  A humming bird on speed.

She got out and seemed in much better spirits when we got back to her house.  She has 4 weeks restricted activity and is thankful in the 6 weeks she's been avoiding seeing the doctor that she didn't do any more damage running or teaching spin class...  She can cycle though so wasn't too sure on this no spinning or no teaching spin...

Gizmo being not appreciative of his little brother, Jax, trying to help him relax

Thursday (0) - Active rest day.  TRX for some core work in the gym and a short hike in Pequot Woods. I felt like being a slug so I was!  I didn't even hit my 15,000 steps...

Friday (9) - Hour run with Faith.  First run in any real heat.  Neither of us are a fan, we got it done!  Also my fastest run of the week and her slowest.  Ha ha we are a pair!!  Fun conversation, heart rate, poop, stupid running articles for women, insurance, and running.

Think I have a path forward on my Heart Rate thing, the standard 220 - age for max heart rate is quite low for me and most active people.   I do need to get my resting heart rate, which is my heart rate before I get out of bed.  I did that on Sat with an app, 71!  WTF? Dave's was 49 and he had been out of bed and back into bed.  Perhaps the three beers and big meal before bed and the fact I didn't sleep well.  Even sitting at my desk at work my HR is 60...  weird.  Well maybe it was because I am tired.  I can't have that shitty of a cardio vascular system, could I?

Saturday (3)  - Today was a morning clean up at a local land trust for Earth Day.  Pulling out years old garbage from the woods.  People suck. I will say that those plastic grocery bags do decompose.  But the crap people put in them does not.  It was an interesting experience, one I will do again.

My family used to plant trees for Earth Day, and by trees I mean more than a few, like 10,000 it was a 3 days project...  These are all planted in the farm fields around my parents farm. 70 acres of trees we've planted  Now it is all on its own, turning into a forest in parts and in some parts, not so much, the land and the trees did not agree.  Random trees and bushes have been filling in those areas.

I didn't get to test out either new pair of bike shorts or get in a run.  Gus got a walk and that is good enough to call it a day!

Sunday (5.5) - Having an aging dog I don't get to spend as much calm time with as I'd like, before he goes over the rainbow bridge.  I think he will be much happier there running around with Sage and Diesel, Dave and I don't see eye to eye on this.  It's kind of a big deal sort of thing to not agree on.  So that sucks up a lot of time and thought.

I got out for a nice bike ride in the afternoon.  I didn't plug the route in to my Garmin, like a good girl.  I decided I would be able to remember.  I missed about 5 miles of the ride.  Yes, it will go in my Garmin.  I see exactly where I messed up and knew I did when I saw Hangman Hill road because I knew at some point I needed to be on that road.  It was lovely and one I will do again, low number of cars and really super pretty and pleasant, plus lots of cows and farms, helped me get through my gloomy fit this a.m.

Gus and I went to Grills while Dave and Jax went to Burlingame.  My intention was to run Grills with Gus, Gus did not have the same intention.  Instead of pushing him to do something he didn't want to do, it was pretty clear after a mile.  We hiked 5.5 miles and ran a few downhills and a couple flats but only when he'd start.  I think we both needed to decompress after the stressfest with Giz in the a.m.

Weekly total:  39.5 (run: 22.7 walk: 16.8)
Yearly total:  676.3 against a straight line target of 633.6

Biking:  212 against a straight line target of 633.6, not as depressing... will be able to get in more biking as the weather has improved immensely.

Not a bad week, not a great week, a so-so week.  Two weeks left till I have to get serious about following my training plan.  KO 5/9/16  (my birthday)

Sincerely,
Beth, bitten by a tick, will be interesting to see how this plays out...