Let’s Get Out of Funk(y) Town…

I’m in a funk!  Anyone else finding themselves in a late winter slump?

Um, Yup.

Um, Yup.

Well, I’ve managed to gain about ten pounds since Christmas.  Yes, ten whole pounds.  At first I surmised that maybe it was muscle from all the lifting I’ve been doing.  But then I realized the girls had grown up, if you know what I mean, and then I saw my tummy jiggling…and…Let’s just say it’s been a long time since anything significantly jiggled on me.  I guess it’s the out of control snacking and the endless spoons of nut butter straight from the jar.  Sigh.

Ok so I'm cool in the thigh department for now (while they don't really fit in my jeans anymore, they also don't clap)...but my belly...well it's become it's own entity...

Ok so I’m cool in the thigh department for now (while they don’t really fit in my jeans anymore, they also don’t clap)…but my belly…well it’s become it’s own entity…

I don’t know what it is…I did great through the holidays and then from January on…it’s been straight downhill!

I did have two great races – the Mountain Mist 50k in late January and the Thrill in the Hills Marathon in late February.  But as you can see, since I’ve been residing in Funky Town, I haven’t gotten up the gusto to write and post race reports.  I was certified as a running coach over a year ago; have been training athletes; and am now ready to announce and promote and expand…but I just can’t seem to get around to doing it.  Double Sigh.

Mama Goat, being the devout Catholic she is, gives up something for Lent each year.  Myself, I’m something of a heathen and haven’t given up something for years.  Anyways, I need some sort of catalyst here, so I thought I’d join  her in giving up sweets and junk food until Easter (April 20th).  That’s a loooooong stretch!  Day One was Wednesday.  It went alright. I managed to skip my new afternoon habit of late – a Kind Bar Granola Bar (which isn’t horrible for you – but is still minimally processed and has sugar and grains in it…..I replaced it with a green apple), and after dinner I only had some banana chips and homemade sweet potato chips (I made them myself – with nothing more than a sweet potato and an oven).  I know, I know.  But I needed something.  Yesterday I had a super clean day of eating with only dried apples for dessert.  But then I woke up at about 1:30 a.m. and had a bunch of banana chips.  Well at least they were unsweetened and organic.  Plus I got up at 4:30 a.m. to get my workout in and didn’t eat so I count the middle-of-the-night banana chips as breakfast.  Triple Sigh.

Not ready to give up on cranky just quite yet :)

Not ready to give up on cranky just quite yet 🙂

I went for my regular check-up Wednesday with my doctor.  She is an MD but also a Holistic practitioner, so she does super thorough blood panels that test for some unconventional things – including a regular allergen panel.  She told me my allergen panel came back showing me super allergic to Almonds and moderately allergic to peanuts.  WHAT?!?!?  I’ve been all sniffly and bloated and icky, and she said my over the top consumption of almond milk, nuts and nut butter (and reversion to allowing more gluten back into my diet) might be fueling it… She wants me to layoff the almonds and peanuts for a while to see if the results were just due to overconsumption of late or if I’m really developing a new nut allergy.  So looks like almonds and peanuts will be added to the list of things I’m giving up for a while.  This means a re-think of the morning smoothie, so I stocked up on coconut water as my interim base.  Might make some cashew milk too but I tested a little high on that one too but no where near the peanut and almond.

Doc also said there were signs of inflammation in my body likely caused by me falling off the wagon as to my other food issues (i.e., gluten, dairy and rice – revealed in an ALCAT test a couple years ago)…So time to go back on the wagon with that.  Particularly with the history of auto-immune type diseases and issues in my family.

It’s funny – a couple years ago when I first went to see Dr. Bhatia – she did the ALCAT and gave me recommendations as to supplements, diet, etc.  I took those recommendations to heart – and maybe over the top – and I felt really good.  However, everyone harped on me that my diet was too restrictive or I needed to do this or that…and slowly I let in a little here and a little there and slowly I’ve become more and more miserable.  It’s a funny relationship we have with food.  On one hand we think – what’s the point of being so restrictive with what we can eat that it makes us miserable – go ahead! Live a little!  But then on the other hand, if you’re miserable – for whatever reason – overweight, allergies, health problems, not performing up to speed athletically etc – and someone said, all you have to do is alter how you eat and you’ll feel great – then why wouldn’t you?!  It’s a hard balance to find and something I think we all struggle going back and forth with.  I have a hard time with moderation and tend to be an “all or nothing” type person in all aspects of life.  So I think I need to get back to my hard-line stance… At least for a while.

Same goes for diet I suppose :)

Same goes for diet I suppose 🙂

SO anyways…you all ever feel like you have so many things you want to do, you need to do, you have to do?  Things that are obligations but then things that you really truly want to do for yourself…but can’t find umph you need to start?  Yeah, that’s where I’m at right now in Funk(y) Town.

SO not sure if anyone else needs a pre-Spring re-boot to get their mind and body in check?  If so – join me!  Here’s what I plan to do (as best I can!):

  1. No processed junk foods!
  2. Gluten free/Dairy free diet (and no processed “gluten free” or “dairy free” replacement faux food – also cool it on the rice, almonds and peanuts (specific to me due to an extreme sensitivity/allergy)
  3. More fresh fruit and veggies!
  4. No snacking in between meals (and if need be, keep it at fruits and veggies or homemade unprocessed whole food snacks (like “ice cream” made of blended fruit or “chips” made of sliced and baked zucchini or sweet potato or other fruit/veggies) and very limited nighttime snacking…
  5. To bed early, to rise early!
  6. Lots of yoga – at least 2-3x a week!
  7. More blogging!  (For yourself, insert here some hobby, pet project or thing you do for yourself that you’ve been neglecting)
  8. More focused work days and less lazy (i.e., less pissing around on Facebook and Amazon and Deadspin and HuffPost and….)
  9. More gratitude! (i.e., hello, my life is awesome…move out of Funky Town)
  10. More volunteer work! 

This week has gone so far so good. No real junk food since Tuesday…two yoga classes…too blog posts…tons of veggies…a volunteer conference call Saturday afternoon and a charity event Saturday night!

So during this 40 day stretch from me, look for more posts! To include: posts with recipes and health tips; an announcement regarding coaching services; race reports; volunteering opportunities and stories; and updates as to my new racing plans, strategies and a new certification I’ll be getting soon – yoga teacher goat guru : )

Let me know if you plan to join in, what you’ll be doing and how it’s going along the way!  Would love to see updates via Facebook and Twitter too.  I’ll try to update too to keep us all accountable!

Hopefully!

Hopefully!

Gear and Glimmer Awards 2014

Gear and Glimmer 2014: A Celebration for the Southern Multisport Athlete!

So I’m sure you’ve heard myself and Swim Bike Mom talk about the awesomeness that is the Getting2Tri Foundation.  The Getting2Tri Foundation is an amazing organization “whose mission is to provide services and programs to assist individuals with disabilities with athletic pursuits, create communities for support, and reduce barriers between people.”

Screenshot 2014-03-06 12.27.53

This year’s flagship event to support the Getting2Tri Foundation is Gear and Glimmer 2014.  Gear and Glimmer is part awards show, fashion show, cocktail hour and celebration of all things awesome of endurance and multisport!  Gear and Glimmer will also honor some amazing and inspirational people and will feature a keynote address by Sergeant First Class Joseph “Kap” Kapacziewski, the only amputee in Army Rangers history to return to combat, serving nine tours in the Middle East.  If that doesn’t get you inspired…I don’t know what will.

As to the awards – I am completely humbled and honored to be nominated in the category of Best Female Endurance Runner!  The other ladies in my category are amazing and particularly, Kelly Luckett, an inspiration!  And my very dear friend, Meredith Atwood, aka, Swim Bike Mom has been nominated as Best Female Comeback Athlete!  I would urge you to go online and read about all of the inspirational nominees for the 2014 Gear and Glimmer Awards Sponsored by USAT Southeast.  You can vote online here until March 7, 2014 at Noon EST.  You can also vote by “liking” the pictures of each athlete on Instagram here also until March 7, 2014 at Noon EST.

Mike Lenart – the founder and fearless leader of Getting2Tri has put together an amazing event.  I would urge all of my fellow endurance athletes and multisports athletes (yes that’s you runners, swimmers, cyclists, triathletes, etc.) to come on out on Saturday if you’re going to be in the Atlanta area.  It’s going to be a great time for an amazing cause.  Go and take a look around their website and see all the fun things in store!

If you can’t make it out, then I urge you to make a donation to the Getting2Tri Foundation through their website, here or my personal Getting2Tri donation page, here (don’t mind that it hasn’t been updated since the TransRockies).

Screenshot 2014-03-06 12.28.51

Pine Mountain 40 (12-8-13) … A First Time for Everything…

Pine Mountain 40 Mile

 So I came back from the TransRockies super geared up about running crazy races.  I was totally obsessed and wanted to find a 50 miler to do STAT.  However, I really couldn’t find one that was convenient (i.e., driving distance) and right away (because I must do everything immediately!).  Mostly because most people don’t want to run 50 miles in the August heat in the South.  There were plenty to be had in the fall and winter, but I was impatient and didn’t want to wait. (cue Paula Cole in the background…”I don’t wanna wait…” – on a side note, I went to see Paula Cole once in high school.  She played at the local water park.  She was a lovely singer, but didn’t shave her pits which kind of sullied the show.  Totally random… OK back to running…)

Screenshot 2014-01-19 18.37.30 And then I just didn’t end up signing up for anything at all.  But then my friend Alex talked me into signing up for the Pine Mountain 40.  I had always thought I would do it one day because 1) It’s put on by GUTS and GUTS is awesome!; 2) It’s close to home; and 3) 40 miles seems like a logical step before 50 miles, right???

OK so running 40 miles or 50 miles is not logical at all. I know. I know.

OK so running 40 miles or 50 miles is not logical at all. I know. I know.

However, I never signed up because I knew it was at FDR State Park and I knew that trail was pretty technical.  And in December, a rainy December, it was totally covered in wet leaves.  So rocks and roots hidden by slippery leaves.  That just seemed like it would be miserable to traipse about for 40 miles of slippery leaves which lay upon rocks and roots galore….particularly with clumsiness…

So anyways…yeah, when Alex said he was doing it, for some reason I decided I would do it too.  I never did find that suitable 50 miler and was itching to do something crazy – so this should be plenty crazy, right?

We haven't even reached my underground garage of crazy yet...trust me!

We haven’t even reached my underground garage of crazy yet…trust me!

Leading up to the race, I didn’t quite get to train as I had planned… or much at all.  I ran the Darkside 50k in Peachtree City on November 10, 2013 – I was supposed to run Rock ‘n Roll Savannah, but we had so much going on at work…it was just bad timing to trek down there.  Darkside was run on pavement, and I ran it pretty quickly.  Afterwards work continued to be crazy.  We had so many mediations and depositions and other madness.  There was just no time.  So I did no running the next week.  Then in the next couple weeks I ran maybe three times.  I lifted here and there.  But surely no sort of 40 mile training.

Darkside was fun and had cookies!  Yay!

Darkside was fun and had cookies! Yay!

I checked in with Alex the week before the race.  Turns out post NYC Marathon he had taken on a similar training – or should I say non-training – schedule as me post Darkside.  He bailed.

Some other friends – Deborah and Brennan decided to sign up last minute, so I was still assured of some company.  I’m typically a loner when it comes to running, but 40 miles with no headphones is  a long way alone!  And you know what they say – misery loves company!

Screenshot 2014-01-19 21.11.23

The race was on Sunday.  The whole week I wrestled with whether to run or not.  I had to cancel the hotel by Friday so the decision had to be made by then.  The weather report looked crappy – rain…but 40s/50s.  So doable.  Debate some more, debate some more.

Friday came and I sat on the bed expressing my internal torment to my husband.  I told him, I didn’t train properly, it was going to rain, the whole thing was a bad idea and I thought I would just back out.  And, in true Pooky fashion, he looked at me and said, “Why wouldn’t you run it?  It’s only 40 miles.  You’ll do just fine.  You should definitely do it.”  So I decided I’d suck it up and do it.

Screenshot 2014-01-19 21.13.41

Later, when I said, “But what if I hurt myself and then I can’t run for a while…” And his face went white and panic set about. I could see him remembering a time when I hurt my back and didn’t run for months.  A time when I was a cranky, horrible monster.  Then he panicked.  And you could tell he regretted giving me his usual motivational speech…but it was too late.

Nuff said.

Nuff said.

Saturday came and I packed up my crap.  We headed down to Pine Mountain in the afternoon.  Stopped in the cute little downtown and discovered a cupcake shop that was simply amazing.  Best cupcakes I’ve bought from a bakery in a very long time.  Soft and wonderfully delicious.  If you’re down there, get you some.  You’ll thank me.  So we bought what she had left in cupcakes and cookies (it was closing time) and meandered on.  We went to Lodge and checked in.  They had a big Christmas lights display at Calloway Gardens (and I LOVE Christmas lights) but the only time left to see it was at 9-10pm.  I hemmed and hawed whether we should go or I should rest.  Finally I pissed around so much that it was sold out.  Problem solved.

Pooky got me some great pre-race goodies too!  My phone died so I didn't get any pics of the awesome sweet treats though.

Pooky got me some great pre-race goodies too! My phone died so I didn’t get any pics of the awesome sweet treats though.

We indulged in lots of free apple cider and cookies at the hotel.  The hotel was super nice, and I wish we had time to explore and hang out.  Dinner time came and we both decided we were exhausted and didn’t want to go out…I did my usual thorough googling of the area’s offered cuisine.  We found a pizza shop that got good enough reviews and ordered a feast of pizza and potato wedges.  Then I gorged on pizza, potatoes, cupcakes and cookies.  Suffice it to say that I was OVER carb loaded.

I tried to sleep but I was SO restless (…could it be the carbs…).  I thought about bringing some Benadryl, but  didn’t.  I had a headache and just didn’t feel good.  And the front desk had no sort of Tylenol, Advil or anything else.  Sigh.  And I basically didn’t sleep the whole night.  Come about 4AM I finally fell asleep for about an hour.  After that, I just gave up and got up.  I looked out the window.  Looked cold and rainy.  I decided to bail.  But I couldn’t.  It was too late. I could see everyone else Facebooking about getting ready.  It was go time.

I layered up, lubed up, and choked down some Purely Elizabeth granola with almond milk  and a banana.  I woke up the husband to give me a ride, and we were off into the misty, rainy darkness.  He dropped me off near the front since of course I was late…A quick trip to the bathroom was of course the priority.  And there was no line!  Woo hoo!

Obligatory pre-race hotel picture.

Obligatory pre-race hotel picture.

It was actually not that bad when I got out there.  Much warmer than expected and only lightly misting.  I saw Brennan and Deborah and Matthew and started to get excited.

We climbed the steps up to the road and I looked around for friends. I found Deborah and yelled and yelled for Brennan, but couldn’t find him…but low and behold Pooky suddenly popped up out of nowhere, and that was a very welcome site before take off!

It was pretty dark!

It was pretty dark!

start4

Off into the darkness we want, headlamps a bobbing.  Into the woods and winding around the trail in the darkness was pretty awesome.  I tried to stay with Deborah and company but ended up alone for a bit.  I just super duper focused and tried not to trip in the dark.  However the sun came up quickly, and I got warmed up fast.  Shed some layers and just kept on keeping on.  I was really tired due to lack of sleep, but overall felt pretty good.

Deborah on the move!

Deborah on the move!

Not too far in, Brennan caught up to us, and we kept trucking on together.  We chit chatted about everything and the time passed pretty quick.  We kept a pretty leisurely pace (which would bite us in the ass later) and enjoyed the trail.

The aid stations were well stocked and full of awesome volunteers who were always a welcome site.  Early on I got an extreme craving for nachos.  When I expressed this at an aid station, one volunteer reached into her purse and pulled out some gluten free tortilla chips and gave them to me!  So sweet!

Nom nom nom

Nom nom nom

Brennan and I had a great “coach” and cheering squad….an older gentleman that Brennan knew.  He was at each aid station and would tell us how on or off pace we were and offer encouragement.  Not to mention Snickers.  Yes he gave me a Snickers mid race 😉

Aid station still smiling ;)

Aid station still smiling 😉

I texted Pooky every now and again with my whereabouts.  He told me he would see me at Mile 22, at the TV Tower.  I texted him that I had a couple more hours – meaning a couple more hours to Mile 22.  However, next time I had a text from Pooky it read “until you finish?  Awesome, you’re doing great” lol.  Talk about an overconfident husband.  If only…

At some point it started raining pretty hard.  It was super slippery with all the leaves and there were lots of rocks and roots to keep us on our toes.  Somehow I did manage not to fall.  Amazing!

However, in our chit chat, Brennan noticed I had decided to wear my wedding band.  He was like, um, you better watch because your fingers will swell. I said, “nah, its fine.  I wear it all the time on long runs.”  Then I went to wiggle it to show him.  At this point I noticed my fingers were WAY swelled and the ring was VERY stuck.  We  tugged and tugged and I freaked out.  Eventually we got it off.  Aaaah that felt so much better.  Thanks for the wisdom running buddy.

Brennan - all smiles!

Brennan – all smiles!

Brennan and I pushed on.  When we got to Rocky Point which was like 17 miles in we realized we were meandering pretty slow and may not make the 6 hour cut off at Mile 22.  Eeeeeek!  I’ve never run this race before; I’ve never run 40 miles before; and I’ve never been so close to a cut off before.  Never!  So naturally, I started to freak out.  And then I told myself, there’s only one way to fix this….so I put my head down and pushed on.

Me and Brennan chugging it into Mile 22 cutoff!

Me and Brennan chugging it into Mile 22 cutoff!

I got to TV Tower, Mile 22, with minutes to spare.  They tried to feed me, and I wasn’t  feeling anything.  But then someone offered me a grilled cheese sandwich. I haven’t eaten a grilled cheese in eons.  Eons.  And this was on regular old white bread with regular old fake orange cheese.  For some reason it sounded good.  It was promised to be hot and salty.  And omg it was.  This grilled cheese sandwich was the most amazing thing I had ever eaten.  It was magical.  It was spiritual.  This grilled cheese sandwich was a religious experience.  And it was all I could think about for the next 10 or more miles.

Yay for the awesome aid stations!

Yay for the awesome aid stations! I guess this is the only pose I have.

At this point my only goal was to make it to mile 28.5.  That was when the sweepers were unleashed.  I knew Jason Rogers was sweeping, and I felt comfort in knowing that I could run with someone I knew.  I figured I could just keep telling myself that I just had to stay one foot in front of him, and I’d be ok.

Beautiful day to be in the woods!

Beautiful day to be in the woods!

I got to 28.5 aid station and Pooky was there!  Yay!  I was so happy to see a familiar face.  By this time I had lost Brennan (he had to drop out) and Deborah (little did I know she was right behind me).  However, Pooky was in full blown “Dance Mom” mode.  He was dead set on helping me finish.  When I got to the aid station my pack was finally empty and I needed to refill with water…which is an ordeal – getting it off, getting it open, filling it, etc… And Pooky was admonishing me, to hurry, that I didn’t have time…he kept me moving and he meant business!

Jason was there, preparing to sweep with a few others.  He told me that I had some time… so off I went!  I just kept thinking they were one step behind me and so I high tailed it best I could…

Trying to get my supplies as fast as fast can be!

Trying to get my supplies as fast as fast can be!

The aid stations were every three miles after this.  I was a little woozy and mostly just pissed at myself that I was going so slow and barely staying ahead of the cut off.  The race cut off was 10.5 hours.  And it looked like I wasn’t going to make it.  I have to admit, I thought I’d run the race in 8.5 or 9 or maybe even 9.5 hrs.  But 10.5, or not finishing, that never even crossed my mind…until now.  I spent a good 10 miles or so of the race, at various points, yelling at myself and scolding myself.  I don’t know why I trucked it so slow.  I was super tired, but my body felt fine.  I think I was just being overly cautious on the rocks and leaves and roots and such.  I guess.  Who knows.  I guess there is a first time for everything and this was my first time to be barely barely making it…and I sure didn’t like it.

Pooky met me at every aid station until the end.  Poor thing.  It was cold and rainy.  And it had to be so boring.  But he met me with great “Dance Mom” zeal at each spot.  Yelling at me and not letting me slack.  If this were a pageant of some sort, he would’ve been ready with the vaseline for my teeth, hairspray for my undo and lipstick for the touch up at each stop.

When I saw him at the Buzzard’s Roost road crossing (about 2 miles from the finish) …at this point I knew I was going to make it.  I passed two guys taking a picture with one of their wives (or sisters?) and kids.  It was so cute.  I started to get emotional thinking about the long day and the fact that I had done something that seemed kind of impossible earlier.

Almost there!

Almost there!

I rounded the corner and could hear the camp.  I knew I was getting close.  I looked at my watch.  It looked like I wasn’t going to make it under 10.5 hrs.  They were still letting people finish for some time afterwards, but I made a promise to myself that I would not accept one of the coveted fleeces unless I crossed the line in 10.5 hrs or under (not to say there is anything wrong with doing so – a finish is a finish – but I had already worked this out with myself and a promise is a promise).

photo 1

I could hear the camp for sometime.  Eventually I could faintly see it.  It was almost dark by now.  I sped up and ran in as fast as I could.  I spotted the clock in the distance.  10:27 !!!!  I made it in under the wire.  Pooky was there cheering me through.  Lots of people were there cheering me through.  I really have to hand it to all the volunteers and fast runners who stuck around for us slow pokes (to put it in perspective, the winning woman ran it in 6.5 hrs… FOUR hours faster than me!!!!).  I loved it!!!  And totally totally appreciated it! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.  Trail runners rock.  Supporters of trail runners rock.  They are just good people.

photo 3

Victory is mine!

It was SUCH a good feeling when I crossed that line.  Indescribable.

meandp40

I headed inside and went to get my fleece.  Molly was handing them out, and I had met her at the Six Hours of Dauset Trail race.  She came in second behind me (not even sweating or tired) and then went out for an “extra” cool down loop of six miles afterwards.  But then again, she runs 100 milers.  What can I say, she’s a beast.

They were out of size small, but were sweet enough to order more and have it shipped right to me!  More awesomeness!

I changed my clothes and got my chocolate almond milk.  I went outside and saw that Deborah had finished too.  Yay!!!!  Was so glad to see her smiling face come through.

Deborah and MDD

Deborah and MDD.  MDD is a beast.  She finished, had time to take a nap, then see me and Deborah finish lol.

We chit chatted with a few people, I changed (OMG it felt good to get out of those cold wet clothes) and then we were on our way.

It was an epic, awesome day.  First, it was a humbling experience.  This was my first time at this race and at this distance, and I almost didn’t make it to either the starting line or the finish line.  However, I’m so lucky to have such an awesome supportive husband…and friends and family…who encourage me to do these crazy things I love to do.  Every time I want to give up on myself before I’ve even started, Pooky won’t let me.  And each time I run one of these crazy races, it reminds me how awesome and amazing my husband, friends and family are….and how ridiculously lucky I am to have them in this unreal life of mine.  What I learned is, that while it was disappointing at the time to be barely making the cut-offs, what would have been most disappointing was if I hadn’t even gone out there and tried today.  If I had quit before I even toed the line.  Luckily, my friends and hubby won’t let me get away with that 😉 You never know if you don’t try…so if I have anything to tell you from this – it’s go out and try!!!  A slow finish or a DNF (*did not finish) is way better than a DNS (*did not start) in my book!

We headed home and I racked my brain for what I wanted as a celebratory meal. Exhausted and worn out, we decided to eat in the house.  No sleep, 40 miles, 10.5 hrs by foot and 1.5 hrs by car later, I cooked us dinner.  Mac n cheese from a box and crossiants from a tube… with a can of green beans for good, healthy measure 😉

It was an amazing fake food meal, and I loved every artificial morsel.  Promptly thereafter, I fell dead asleep.  And what a glorious sleep it was.  Time to dream about the next crazy adventure to conquer….

Happy Trails until next time guys 😉

Respect the Half Marathon – Atlanta 13.1 Marathon

Respect the Half Marathon – Atlanta 13.1 Marathon

Race day came and I decided I would take Marta.  There was one train early enough to get me there on time, and it was a mile to the start from the station.  It seemed so much easier than the prospect of driving…but we all know I hate driving.

So I packed a drop bag (um, why have I not done this before?  It was awesome) and off I went.  With oatmeal in a cup.  Of course the Marta was only running on one track and so it was late.  Sigh.  But I saw some fellow runners on it, which made me feel less spazzy.  Still we got there with very little time to spare – especially when you’re me and require many multiple bathroom stops pre-race and there are crazy long lines at these busy road races.  I hopped off the Marta and sprinted the mile to the race.  I couldn’t figure out all of these people leisurely walking to the start.  I guess they didn’t have to go to the bathroom.

I got there and dropped off my bag.  As expected the bathroom lines were outta control.  I was able to make it through once.  This seemed woefully inadequate, but would have to do.  At least it was only 13 miles.  Although coping a squat on the side of the road was probably not a realistic option.  Another plus of trail running 😉

If only...

If only…

I ran to the start corral with less than a minute to spare and frantically looked for the pace groups.  My PR in a road half is about 1:42.  I thought I’d start out chasing the 1:40 and see what happened.

I sort of found him and set off chasing him.  Within the first quarter mile of the race, some dude in front of me drops his Five Hour Energy.  I see this and I think someone is going to break an ankle on that thing rolling down the pavement so I dive down, get it, bounce back up and sprint to the guy and give it to him.  As I keep on running past (chasing the 1:40 pace guy) the Five Hour Energy guy’s friend makes fun of him for a girl picking up his energy drink, returning it and then chicking him.  As he should.  Come on man, this is a half marathon, not an eight hour work day.  What’s with the Five Hour Energy.  But I digress.

I cannot have caffeine for this reason...

I cannot have caffeine for this reason…

Wonder if it worked out for him?

Wonder if it worked out for him?

 So I’m following the 1:40 pace person and I’m not too far off.  There are some chicks inbetween me and the pacer guy so I just try to stay with them.  I’m feeling good.  It’s dark at the start so that was kind of freaky.  I just kept expecting to trip and fall since I’m always miss graceful.  But alas, I made it until the sun was out and I could see.

The race runs through the Brookhaven neighborhood in Atlanta.  The start of the race is about 7-8 miles from my house right down Peachtree.  So for long runs, I often run down there, past there and back to my house.  So parts were not unfamiliar.  After some time we turned back into neighborhoods which was some new scenery.  I was just enjoying mindlessly running chasing the pacer

Some time around mile 4 or so, we looped back out on Peachtree to go past where we started.  I was feeling really good and enjoying the race despite ever increasing heat and humidity.  OK mostly humidity.  Damn humidity.  Ugh.  Then out of nowhere the 1:40 pacer guy veers off course!  And I’m like, wait, don’t go, please! I need you!  I don’t know what his deal was, but I’m guessing he needed to take a dump or something?  Who knows.

I wanted to tell the pacer this so that he didn't mess up my race…but then I guess I didn't want to be down wind from that for another hour...

I wanted to tell the pacer this so that he didn’t mess up my race…but then I guess I didn’t want to be down wind from that for another hour…

So then just like that I’m totally on my own.  And let me tell you – I suck at pacing.  My strategy is usually as fast as I can for as long as I can.  No pacing there.  It’s all out or die.  Or if it’s a long race or a hard trail, then slow and steady.  But out here on the road…I got no strategy.  So I pick up on the ladies in front of me and just follow them for a while.  But I’m feeling good so I pass them and I keep on keeping on.  Eventually I get to this guy who is running with this tall guy.  The tall guy keeps running ahead then stopping and coming back or running in place waiting for the other guy and shouting motivational phrases the whole time.  I guess he was the other dude’s coach or something?  I don’t know, but I now join the coach and his runner as well.

Here is coach behind me.  Yes I know I look insane.

Here is coach behind me. Yes I know I look insane.

Here is coach's athlete in front of me.  And, yes, I know I look even crazier in this one.

Here is coach’s athlete in front of me. And, yes, I know I look even crazier in this one.

We went through this cute little section of the PATH trail in Dunwoody and at this point I realize the 1:40 is definitely happening for me, and I’m so excited!!  It was a fairly hilly course and there was a big hill towards the end, although just where escapes me now as I write this in retrospect.

Let me tell you – the volunteers and aid station workers and spectators were awesome.  Lots of fun signs, bands, djs, music, and just fun happy people.  Really loved the vibe.  And in my usual form I just took the time to really really enjoy the day and settle in.  I smiled ear to ear the whole race and was just grateful for another awesome day in the sun moving forward on my own two feet.   It was a great experience.

I got to the home stretch and realized I was about to break 1:40 significantly!  I finished in 1:36 which is crazy fast for me.  I was pretty pumped and really happy with myself for sticking it out the whole race.  A six minute PR. Not bad, not bad at all.

Following the race I took some pictures and perused the vendors.  There were some giveaways at Big Peach so I went there and got a raffle ticket.  You had to be present to win so I loitered around while waiting for Chuck and Kim.  I realized Big Peach had a super nice new bathroom that no one was a using so I hurried and got my drop bag and snuck in there to change.  It was glorious!  Clean and wonderful and even had a shower.  I was tempted, but I didn’t.  I did change and go to the bathroom.  I really wanted to loiter around the nice bathroom some more, but I knew people were waiting so I hurried out.

2013-10-06 10.23.07

Now, I know I run a lot.  But what I don’t do is run hard and fast a lot.  And let me tell you, going into this race I thought, it’s just a half marathon.  No big deal. What’s 13 miles after what you’ve done this summer.  But what did I learn?  Respect the half marathon.   When you run only 13.1 and when you run them at almost as hard as you can, your body gets mad.  And mine was no exception.

I exited the bathroom and the Big Peach and some obstacle race had a booth set up outside.  They tried to convince me to do some sort of challenge which involved pushups, kettle bells, and box jumps.  Suddenly, my stomach did something crazy and I was like, dude, I love push ups but I gotta go.  I ran over to the porta potties because there was no line (thank god). I dug around in my drop bag like a crazy woman and found some baby wipes in there.  Oh my goodness, let me tell you these baby wipes were like mana from heaven at this point and I had never been so happy to see something.  Sigh.  Yeah, my body was not happy about moving so fast for so long in such humidity.

Don't leave home without it…and I don't mean your American Express card...

Don’t leave home without it…and I don’t mean your American Express card…

I got that all taken care of and squared away and went back to Big Peach to wait for the raffle and Kim and Chuck.  The obstacle race people got me and I stupidly agreed to do their challenge.  Push-ups no problem.  However, kettlebells and box jumps post-half marathon sucked.  Ugh.

…Seemed like a good idea at the time...

…Seemed like a good idea at the time…

Chuck came over shortly thereafter and he had a PR too!  Yay!  Go Chuck.  Kim and Chuck are a super cute runner couple so Chuck had taken sufficient supplies for both he and Kim to ensure she’d have what she wanted when done (so sweet!).  After some cajoling I convinced Chuck to put their fuel in my bag and we went to the finish to cheer Kim in.  While we waited, Chuck called Kim on her iPhone and encouraged her along.  This was beyond sweet.  Every runner wife’s dream.  Sigh.

Kim came in also having a PR!  Which was awesome.  We got some pictures in and they dropped me off at their car.

Three PRs!  Yay!

Three PRs! Yay!

I was delighted to find the Pittsburgh mug in their back seat (Chuck is a fellow Pittsburgher!)

Go Steelers!

Go Steelers!

All and all for the day it was a pretty good one!

Screenshot 2013-10-19 13.58.53

Another awesome day to stop and smile in the sun and appreciate the fact that I’m still moving forward on my own two feet.  A good day indeed.

Until next time…Happy Trails ;)

Until next time…Happy Trails 😉

I Get to Do This!

I get to do this.

I get to do this.  I am one of the lucky ones. I get to do what I love.  I have two arms and two legs and everything works.  It may not always work great, but it works.  I get it done.  I get to do it.  And that’s amazing.

It really is sometimes, isn't it?

It really is sometimes, isn’t it?

 Charlie Birchem Ligtenberg, a FB friend I met through Swim Bike Mom coined the phrase, “I get to do this.”  It’s how she gets through her tough workouts…traipsing through freezing temps and snow to get her Minnesota runs in.  I loved it.  I borrowed it.  And it works wonders.  Just remind yourself, “I get to do this.”  Not only for workouts but just about everything.

The awesome Charlie racing away - getting to do it!

The awesome Charlie racing away – getting to do it!

Running the marathon today, I saw so many people with pained, miserable faces.  I understand that its tough, but as Parag reminded me last night, this is your hobby.  Stop stressing about it.  You shouldn’t be doing this if it’s stressing you out – if you’re not having fun.  You should be enjoying it!

homer beer running

And that’s the attitude I take with doing races.  I get to do them.  I love to do them.  I enjoy doing them.  And I show it.  I smile.  I wave.  I thank each and every volunteer and fan that I pass.  They are the ones toughing it out.  Getting up at 4 or 5 a.m. to help us all get out there and achieve our goals.  And for what, a free t-shirt and wet cups being thrown at them?

Tell me that's not excitement!

Me, cheering for the crowd and volunteers and getting everyone riled up!  Good times!

And so, while it may take a little more energy, try it.  It will help your run immensely, I guarantee it.  Smile.  Enjoy yourself.  Wave at the spectators.  Thank them for coming out.  Cheer for the volunteers, thank them for giving their time.  Pay it back.  And in the meantime, you’ll benefit, I promise.  And you’ll have a whole heck of a lot more fun.

SO today was the Best. Race. Ever.  It was awesome.

Some more excitement.  This is just a ridiculous face.  You know, it know it.  But I was just loving it.

Tell me that’s not a “Best Race Ever” face!

I’ve run the Georgia Publix Marathon before.  I ran it last year.  My goal was to go sub-four hours…but I couldn’t find the pace team at the start.  Then I had to stop to go to the bathroom.  A number of factors later, and I finished at 4:09.  Ok but not great.

This year I went back with the same goal, to break four hours.  And that I did!  How, you ask?

Well, the stars aligned and things went perfectly.  It was just one of those days…

 But I think a few things helped.  And here they are:

  1. Since last year’s Marathon, I’ve added strength training.  In particular, I added an awesome class that the awesome Alana teaches at Urban Iron in Buckhead that involves old school exercises like deadlifts, clean and jerks, rows, squats, etc. and uses a bar instead of free weights.  Adding weights has made a world of difference.

 class with alana

  1. Since last year’s Marathon, I’ve added yoga.  I found a class and teacher I like and I go as often as I can fit it in.
OK so my yoga teacher SO looks like James Harden.  So I had to throw this in here ;)

OK so my yoga teacher SO looks like James Harden. So I had to throw this in here 😉

1.  Since last year’s Marathon, I’ve eliminated most gluten from my diet, added a B vitamin complex and Iron compound in the morning and calcium and magnesium at night.  Plus twice daily doses of turmeric during heavy training.  The B vitamins and Iron help with energy.  The calcium and magnesium at night help with muscle cramps and ease sleep.  The turmeric is an anti-viral, anit-fungal and anti-inflammatory.  Eliminating gluten also helps with inflammation and recovery.  This all helps with recovery…so I can train harder, recover faster, and train harder all over again!

2.  Attitude…its not that I had a bad attitude last year, but it’s better this year.  That comes from a place of leaving a less than ideal work situation, joining an ideal work situation, and working on following my dreams.  It also comes from a place of “I get to do this” and gratefulness for what I have and what my life has become.

This is the NEW attitude.  Try it out.  It's pretty awesome.

This is the NEW attitude. Try it out. It’s pretty awesome.

3.  The last two are the most important – GELS!!!! I finally got my fueling right! AND my pre-race activities … everything you shouldn’t do before a marathon…

But that’s for the race report!  Till we meet again!

A New Year, A New You?

I’ve been on hiatus for a while. I know, I know.  I’m a horrible blogger.  But bear with me.  I’ve got four brand spanking new posts which are just waiting to be published.  Here is number one from New Years 2013.  I’m just a month and a half late on the publishing…

So starting in 2008 when I started my crazy running rebirth of sorts, I’ve been on this long stretch of remaking myself. I remember one summer, almost a few years ago now, when I was first training for an ultra and feeling on top of the world, I told Pooky that I was “Liz 2.0.”

Me, glowing after having beaten all the high school girls in the Alumni Cross Country Race...and then running the race a second time with the guys...me and Uncle Joe striding it in.  Maybe I should've stuck with Version 2.0.  It looked pretty good ;)

Me and Uncle Joe striding it in.  Ran from my parents house, to the high school.  Then ran the girls’ alumni cross country meet.  Won and beat the little skinny high school girls.  Then ran the boys race with my Uncle Joe.  Oh, the Glory Days.  Maybe I should’ve kept the old model? It looked pretty good 😉

Well, I’m not sure what model I’m on now, but I’m still working on it.  Slowly, but surely.  I grew a pair and quit my soul sucking billable hours litigation job.  I went to work with Pooky on a temporary basis until I found a permanent gig. You all know the story.  Blah blah blah.

Well here we are six months later, and I really love working with Pooky. Don’t get me wrong, I still hate being a lawyer, but if I have to be a lawyer, being a lawyer with him is the only way to go.  I’ve surprised myself by really getting invested in the firm and the idea of growing our little “family business.”  Things have been good, and we haven’t gone bankrupt yet, so I think I’ll stay.

And who knows?  If I stick around long enough, I may end up on TV like the Boss ;)

And who knows? If I stick around long enough, I may end up on TV like the Boss 😉

I’ve seen my family more than I ever have before, I’ve apparently been a whole lot nicer and less cranky to deal with, and I’ve had time to pursue my real interests and develop myself.

Aren't they cute???

Aren’t they cute???

Just know this:  You are where you are, but it’s not where you have to be.  You have to accept where you are now in the present and you have to consider where you’ve been in the past before you can move on and get to where you want to be.    I have to keep reminding myself of this on my new journey.

Just remember that today is tomorrow's yesterday!

Just remember that today is tomorrow’s yesterday!

I know it’s New Years and everyone’s making their resolutions and starting a new.  It’s a great season.  You can be full of hope for the year in front of you and the chance to do it all over again.

However, the way I’ve been approaching things is to use everyday as a fresh start.  To try to work with the mindset that every new day is a new chance to start over, to do better, to get it right.

Today is First Day of Rest of Your Life

So it’s New Years – it’s the first day of the rest of your life.  What are your plans for this new year – this new life?

this is your life

What does the Goat have on tap?  I’ve got an ambitious line up for this year.

  1. Keep working with Pooky to grow the Shah Law Firm!
  2. Lobby for the ACLU during Legislative Session!
  3. Get my RRCA run coach certification!
  4. Blog regularly (i.e., don’t take two month hiatus)!
  5. Run Georgia Xterra Fort Yargo Marathon (2/23/13) – Just finish and have fun!
  6. Run Publix Georgia Marathon (3/17/13) – Break 4 hours!!!
  7. Run Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race (6/14/13-6/16/13) – Finish alive!!!
  8. Run TransRockies Stage Race (8/13/13-8/18/13) – Finish Alive!!!
  9. Cook more!  Eat less junk!

AND….Drumroll please…..

10. Beast mode.  All day.  Every day.

543804_486352874741516_1059850448_n

Who’s joining me?

Happy Trails in your New Year!

So What’s Up with this Blog Anyways?!

Well, I graduated college, and couldn’t find a job. I moved back home with good old Mom and Dad and chilled out in the basement. I spent my days cooking and helping to run a small Italian deli, restaurant and grocery.  Ran a little here and there and went out with my friends after work.  It was fun, but my parents grew weary of having an extra over educated house guest.  One day my younger cousin told me she was going to law school. I thought, well I might as well try it.  So I did.  I plodded through law school and interned at fun places like the public defender and legal aid. I graduated with high hopes of saving the world and running free.

What did I end up doing?  The opposite.  I fell into a job in bankruptcy, and soon learned you sure weren’t helping anyone there.  In no time, I had ascended the ranks and became a litigation attorney representing banks and mortgage companies.  I was working a million hours a week; didn’t have time to pee or eat lunch; and eventually didn’t even have time to run.  I absolutely hated my work – but hey, I did what I was supposed to do and became partner!  I was on the fast track to the life I was supposed to be living!

One day, not so long ago, I had one of those days where you wake up and think, “What am I doing? Is this really my life?”  After much agony, I left my job as a litigation attorney and the soul sucking life of billable hours and living your life in .2 increments.  Luckily my husband, Pooky, has his own firm and was kind enough to let me work with him and didn’t even blink an eye at the thought of losing a significant chunk of our income.

So – was I scared to death to just quit my job, seeming willy nilly?! YES!  But after about four months, the clouds have parted, the sun is out, and things are starting to line up.  The sky hasn’t fallen, and I am still standing…and, most importantly, I feel like I’m on the right track for the first time in years.

Since then, I’ve been working with my hubby/BFF and trying to find my way to the life I imagined myself to have at this point.  With the inspiration of my buddy Swim Bike Mom, my super awesome husband and little brother – I’ve started completely throwing caution to the wind.  Life is too short, so I’ve stopped settling and am going after all the things I love.  And one of the things I love the most is running – so I’ve signed myself up for a crazy six day 115 mile race across the Rocky Mountains, the TransRockies in August 2013…and a bunch of other little races along the way… so hence this little blog to document the journey – through races and training and, well, my journey to a new life…because life is all about the journey, right?

So what’s the blog about?  Well, imagine it like trail runner girl meets Sex and the City.  Scratch that, my life isn’t nearly that uninteresting…although my collection of running shoes might rival Carrie’s collection of Manolo whatever-o’s!

Just a sampling of the obsessive collection…

I guess it’s like Sex and the City meets trails – well without the sex. And with a lot more dirt – of the outdoor kind – not the gossip kind.  How about single track and city? But instead of cosmos we drink nuun and coconut water. Instead of heels we wear running shoes. Instead of a purse over the shoulder, we’ve got a hydration pack on our backs.  Instead of chasing men we conquer mountains, PRs and goal races!

So hopefully you’ll join me on my crazy little journey, cheer me along the way, and maybe even be inspired to go on a crazy little journey of your own!

Meet the Goat!

Apparently I eat, train and run like a mountain goat, earning myself the moniker “the Mountain Goat” on Swim Bike Mom’s famed blog.  However, as a resident of Midtown Atlanta I am often restricted to a more urban environment.  But whether the mountains are pavement or dirt, I keep on trucking.

This goat was an awkward youth, sporting big glasses, a crazy wardrobe, and a full blown mustache and unibrow, enduring taunts due to my “uniqueness.”  I misguidedly tried to fit in by trying out for cheerleader and other conventional things that “cool kids” did.  After much failure and disappointment, a girl who lived nearby encouraged me to join the cross country team and introduced me to an activity that would make high school bearable; teach me to be comfortable in my own skin; and would come to help me stay true to myself and strive through other tough times in life.

The Goat (Right) Circa 1998

 I’ve been running for over 17 years.  I was never a very good runner.  I was a little chubby and didn’t take it much seriously. I liked running, but not running very hard.  It was more about the fun people I met and all the guys on the high school team I could date.  Our girls cross country team hadn’t lost a meet in years, and everyone was very serious.  There was a lot of pressure, and that sort of atmosphere just didn’t work for me. I think it might have actually made me work less hard.  If I wasn’t very good, then I didn’t have to worry about anyone’s expectations.  They’d be kept low, and I’d fly under the radar.  Regardless, I made great friends running, and those friends taught me a lot about being different and being ok with that.  I didn’t have to be a cheerleader or rich kid to be cool. I could just be me.  Despite being a bit pudgy and a just plain awful runner, I found solace on the trails and was embraced by my teammates learning just how awesome runners are and just how life changing a great run can be.

I’ve kept running throughout my life. I ran on my college’s small D3 cross country team.  But it got in the way of beer drinking, and was time consuming, so I quit after a couple years.  I ran on and off through college, law school, and after, but didn’t race.

About five years ago, I really started to get back into not just running, but racing. My brother-in-law had started med school and was dating a girl who also liked to run.  We committed to run a half marathon together.  They broke up, and I panicked that I had lost my race partner.  But she ran it with me anyways.  We got the bug after that, and still race together to this day.

Me and JT survive Battle the 10 miler. JT skinned her knees, and I peed my pants. All and all, a good time had by all.
Ga Xterra Battle at Big creek, 11/2009

In that first half marathon, I was ill prepared, out of shape and carrying ten extra pounds.  Thus, the goal was simple – just finish.  As I crossed the finish line at that race, although I hadn’t won, or placed, or even run a respectable time, I was elated.  I had an indescribable feeling.  I felt proud and accomplished and like – hey, if I can do this, then what can’t I do?

Slow and Steady does not win the race, but it will finish it! Shout out to JT for getting me out there and across the line! Zooma 2008

 As I signed up for additional races, the goal was always the same – just finish.  A funny thing stated happening after I started racing again in adulthood.  Every now and then, I would place or win my age group, or run a time that totally surprised me!  Once I got the bug, I just couldn’t stop!  And so on I will keep going!

Pooky has even joined me for a few races! The bug has spread!
Peachtree Road Race 2010

What’s up next?  Lots of little races, then the big one – the TransRockies in August 2013!  And lots of crazy adventures on the way!

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