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

Posted on December 8, 2013 by UrbanMountainGoat

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…)

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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 😉

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 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!

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! 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!

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!

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!

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).

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.

Victory is mine!

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

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. 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 😉

Superheroes v. Villains 5k (10-19-13)

Posted on October 19, 2013 by UrbanMountainGoat

Superheroes v. Villains 5k

(10-19-13…was like three months ago…I know! I know! Bad blogger, bad blogger! But, better late than never, right?!)

So while trolling the internet for races (don’t tell my boss, but that’s basically all I do interspersed with some Facebook and Amazon) I happened upon this race. The race was for a good cause – it was to honor the memory of Mat DuVall, owner of Required* Fitness and to raise money to benefit a scholarship in his honor. Also, the premise of the race was that you either dressed up as a superhero or villain! For a good cause and an excuse to dress up like a superhero or villain? I am SO in.

This is true.

I circulated the race around to all the usual suspects, begging someone to come along. I couldn’t go to a superhero themed family friendly race alone – lest I look like some sort of odd ball creeper. Luckily Swim Bike Mom, the Expert and Kids all signed on! Yay! I could tag along as the third, large child that they never wanted.

This would not be the first time I tried to tagalong as the third Swim Bike Kid. Here I’m trying to blend in with real life Swim Bike Kid Stella on Tybee Island.

Swim Bike Mom is a great Mom to even her fake, fully grown children as evidenced by the fact that she fed me a nutritious cereal breakfast before the race.

After signing up, I further inspected the website. It appeared that the prize for overall male and overall female finishers was an all expenses paid trip to Universal Studios with all the fixings. Then I saw that the first superhero and first villain got courtside tickets to the Hawks game of their choice. When Pooky heard this he freaked out. Being a super NBA fan (and even bigger LeBron James fan), he was hell bent on me winning these tickets. So somehow, out of all the races I was doing and had done this year, this local community 5k had become my “A” race. Me, the girl who likes to run long and slow and leisurely through the mountains, preferably where candy and potato chips are provided at the aid stations. But there would be none of that at a road 5k. Especially a road 5k I was expected to run fast. Sigh.

Road runners are just a different breed. A fast breed 😉

Figuring that far less people would sign up as “villains” than superheroes, I emailed the race director and asked to switch to villain. Figured that would help my chances of winning my man the tickets.

Fast forward to last night. Friday. Before the race. About 6pm. And I have no costume. Shoot. I had plenty of good ideas but none seemed to lend themselves to running (think Bane, Dark Vader, Storm Trooper, Magneto)…masks would suffocate me and long capes would trip me. Hmmmmm…

I really really really wanted to be Bane…but I really really really also like to freely breathe and eat pizza

I eventually decided that I was tired and didn’t want to deal with it, and that I would skip it. Then after Courtney finished my long awaited and MUCH needed massage, I thought, well let me just go look for a costume (mostly because Pooky wasn’t due home until a couple hours later and I was in fear that I would eat everything in sight in the house while I waited for him).

I went to Party City. I was horrified at the selection. When asking the woman for a Darth Vader costume, she gave me something that had a short skirt, hooker boots, and this cutesy hat thing. Um, I don’t know if you’ve seen Star Wars lady, but Darth Vader don’t wear no skirt. Sigh.

Completely absurd.

This is what was offered me. What the **** is on her head?!

I went on to Atlantic Station, Target, and Walmart.. Nothing, nothing nothing. I was exhausted and about to say screw it again. Then I thought about it, and I really wanted to do the race, and it was rare that I had a chance to see the Swim Bike Family, so I went back to Atlantic Station. They had a little boys’ Darth Vader costume which was just a shirt with a cape and a mask. I smooshed myself into the shirt…now Darth Vader is wearing three quarter length sleeves 😉 It would do. They even had a lightsaver and it was only nine bucks so I got it too. In my mind I could totally carry it while running. Pooky offered to fashion a “holster” for it, but I didn’t have much faith in that idea and passed.

Race morning came and I donned my get up. Got to the race and met the Swim Bike Family who looked as cute as could be. About 10 minutes prior to the start it started raining. I decided at this point it was probably a bad idea to run in a mask holding a lightsaver in the rain. So I stashed them under a table and went for my usual multi-bathroom trip routine.

I had an awkward family photo of me with the whole SBM family which was hilarious but now I can’t find it. So this ridiculous pic of me and SBM will have to do.

Got to the start and there was a guy at the front holding a sign that said “8 minute miles and faster.” So I thought, well I’m going for faster so let me give it a try. A guy dressed like Johnny Depp in those pirate movies was next to me and apparently planned to run in his boots. Good luck with that. He asked me if I was fast. And I said, fast for me. He told me that the front line was only for “fast people.” I told him, don’t worry, I’ll be fast enough.

Yep.

And we were off like that! Right at the start there was one girl who went out ahead of me. She was wearing no costume – only a sports bra and shorts (despite the fact that I was freezing my vader legs off in the 60 degree / rain temps) and she clearly came here not to pretend to be a superhero or villain but to kick butt and win (incidentally, that’s what she did!)

She probably read this book before the race 😉 Just kidding! I could use to be a bit more serious myself…then maybe I would’ve won myself a sweet vacation like her…

I was ok with her passing me and staying ahead because she wasn’t dressed up. She was going pretty fast and my legs were still heavy with the hills of Mystery Mountain from last week’s marathon, so I let her go. She could have the trip – however, my man wanted those courtside seats so I just needed to be the fastest villain. No problem, right?

Who could say no to this face? It’s tickets he wants, it’s tickets he gets!

However, right out of the gate, there is another lady Darth Vader right next to me!?!? What??!?! Grumble, grumble, grumble. She stayed with me for a bit, but she was out of site within a mile or so. Shewwwww…. Thank goodness. I didn’t want to have to fight to the finish for this. Also I would’ve been really p.o.’d that I went to such lengths to dress like a villain to improve my chances when the only girl near me was also dressed as a villain!

I am the villain of the story 😉

Only because I love you, I offer you these hideous race photos to enjoy. See the other Darth?

WHAT am I doing??? WHAT?

So I have to admit something – I really wanted to run this sub-20 minutes. I know, I know, a ridiculous pipe dream for a lazy long distance runner who’s been doing a marathon or more each month since February and who spends the rest of the time eating tortilla chips and granola and watching Fringe on Netflix. But after the fast half at Atlanta 13.1 Marathon, I really thought I could do it.

Well, first mile was slightly under 6:30. Next mile had a hill in it and I started to get tired. And hungry. And thirsty. I think my body is too used to getting to eat and drink lots on runs, but sorry body, this is no long distance trail race. Sigh. I think I clocked the second mile pretty close to 6:30 too, but I’m not sure.

Me, after the first 6:30 mile.

I looked behind me and didn’t see any girls in sight – neither superhero nor villain nor civilian. This gave me relief because my lungs were burning and I was really ready to slack off. So I did.

I guess I was happy that I could now slack off? More time for skipping? These pictures of mine…weirder every time…

I came around the 3 mile mark and thought I could sneak in under 21. I didn’t but pulled out a respectable 21:02 for the race, 2^nd overall female, 9^th overall. Not bad for a sloth of a trail runner out on the mean streets for a 5k.

Actually its neck and neck with gluttony.

I must have it!

I was pretty sure that I had got the courtside seats at this point, but didn’t want to jinx it until it was official. I was winded, so I sat down on the curb and drank my water while I waited to take a picture of the Swim Bike Couple finishing together on their anniversary! (this is so awesomely cute I can’t stand it)…however, despite my best efforts I didn’t get a picture of this : ( Hopefully the race guy did.

OK somebody got a picture. Look how cute! Happy Anniversary!

Afterwards, we went and retrieved the Swim Bike Kids from the daycare (they seriously had child drop off for this race – how cool is that?) Then we set the Swim Bike Kids forth for their kids run. So cute to watch them in action. Stella totally takes after Aunt Liz – she was smiling and pumping her arms and upon finishing said, “The race was too short.” Love it. Love it. Love it.

Ready to zooooom!

I was loitering around when I noticed the awards were happening so I ran over just in time. Got my courtside seats! I would not let my man down! However, they say which game you get the seats for is subject to first come, first serve, out of the four winners. So I instantly emailed the woman from my phone from the awards table in hopes of scoring Pooky the courtside Heat tickets in January. His birthday is right around that time so it would be totally awesome.

I did it!

I was going to say goodbye to the Swim Bike Family when they called my name again! Apparently I also got the age group award?! Random! And it was $20 cash in an envelope and a car wash. Awesome. I never have cash in my wallet and my car is always filthy so this made my day. It also included a gift certificate for the Rib Shack. Anybody want it? 😉

…you know, these 5k things aren’t so bad afterall 😉

And although this post was 3 months late, it’s totally relevant because tomorrow we use the tickets I won!

Til we meet again (or until I’m not too lazy to write a report) … Happy Trails!

Too Much of a Good Thing…

Posted on October 13, 2013 by UrbanMountainGoat

Mystery Mountain Marathon 10-13-13

So for as many trails as I run, of course I’m a member of the Georgia Ultra and Trail Running Society – or “GUTS” as its known. However, in the years that I’ve been a member, I rarely make it to their races. They Mystery Mountain Marathon is a staple, and this year I decided to add it to the race roster.

This year was a crazy year for racing. Starting in February I’ve done a marathon or greater nearly every month. February I did the Thrill in the Hills Marathon coming off an exhausting back to back trip to India and Portland. March I did the Publix Marathon and had a PR. April and May I don’t really recall. I know I did Scenic City in May…June I did the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race (3 days, 3 mountains, 60 miles), July I did the Troop Trot 39k (ok, not really a marathon, but I won!), August was the TransRockies (6 days, 120 miles, 20,000 feet of elevation gain), September I did the 6 Hours of Dauset Trails doing 6 loops in 5:06 (just shy of 30 miles…and beat all but one boy!), and October I had Atlanta 13.1 and Mystery Mountain. Who knows how many small races I also had peppered in along the way plus all my training.

I know! But I can’t cover it up!

I came off of the TransRockies feeling good but searching for the next big thing. Then I did Dauset Trails where I had a totally unexpected win and great day. That lead to over confidence which lead to last week’s PR at the Atlanta 13.1 Marathon. My body was pretty mad following the 13.1. You see, it can run long and slow all day long, but short and fast does not agree. My back was hurting, and my legs were crampy and I was feeling a hot mess. Following a glorious 14 days of detoxing, constant yoga, healthy eating, weight loss, and sanity in early September (If you’re in Atlanta try out the seasonal detoxes at Kashi, they are awesome!), I had about 14 days of no yoga, bad eating, weight gain, and insanity…and about a month of not taking any of my many supplements …then running the 13.1. So I scheduled a massage for Thursday evening to set all right in the world. However, we were in trial and I missed my appointment for the closing. Then, my beloved Courtney of Sequoia Massage went on vacation for the weekend (how dare he?!)! Eeeeek! I thought about going to someone else, but I decided to just suck it up.

Courtney is so amazing. He can fix what ails you. I promise. He keeps the Goat go-go-going.

Saturday I went to a yoga class and that provided some relief. Afterwards I went to the office to do some work then home to pack up my stuff. Pooky was out of town again and so I was flying solo.

I packed my provisions and headed up to Chatsworth, Ga to the lovely Super 8. On my way there I passed through so many small towns and counties that I had never heard of….each town had a Dollar General and several Baptist Churches. The upside was that they had a great country music channel, so I rocked out and especially enjoyed cruising the crazy windy road up the mountain to packet pickup.

Here at last!

I made it up to packet pickup and they had all sorts of swag, and moonpies, and fun GUTS stuff for purchase. I couldn’t help myself and decided to partake in a lovely GUTS tie dye. Awesomeness.

I tried to rotate this photo a million times but oh well! I give up!

You don’t want to know how long it took me to rotate this photo.

Swag!!!

On the way back down the mountain I stopped and took some pictures of the beautiful view, but the pictures didn’t come out so beautiful.

My pictures suck but the view was awesome!

I checked into the Super 8 which actually wasn’t bad. I walked to the gas station across the street to get water and was super excited to check out the ice cream shop next door. Too bad the town closes up at 7:30 p.m. Oh well, next time Chatsworth.

I went back to my room, laid out my clothes and my swag and photographed them for you all because I know you care. Also I wanted everything ready to go for the morning. I then heated up the food I brought for myself and settled in for some TV. Interestingly, the Super 8 did have about 3 different Fox News Channels, but I was unable to find MSNBC. I settled for USA’s re-runs of Modern Family.

It may look gross, but it was delicious! Pumpkin kibbee, mujadara and hummus! Vegan gluten free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies for dessert 😉

I tossed and turned through the night and didn’t get much sleep at all. Don’t know what the major malfunction was. My alarm went off and I was already up. Went through the usual routine and was once again thankful for remembering babywipes. Super 8 toilet paper is just not forgiving.

So I go to get dressed and put on my sports bra. The only one I brought. And its one of those Moving Comfort ones with the two hook and eyes on the back. And I can’t get one hook hooked. Arrrggh. And I try. And I try. And I try. And I finally take it off to investigate. Here the hook is broken!!!! Nooooooo!!!! I am in the middle of Chatsworth 30 minutes from go time with no sports bra and a loosey goosey tank top to wear? Oh dear.

Ready freddy!

So I go on to gnaw on this hook and twist it and fuss with it until I get it where it can hang on at least a little. I get the thing closed and can finally move on with the rest of my life.

I go out to pack up my car and go check out and pour hot water on my to-go oatmeal cup. On my way past cars to the front desk area, there are all these people gathered around an SUV. I hear some murmuring and then I hear lots of “meowwwing”. What the heck? Then I go inside the office and am fixing my oatmeal. And these two kids go to the desk and try to explain to the clerk that there is a cat stuck in the engine of an SUV and that they need to figure out who owns the SUV so they can tell them and try to get the cat out. What a fiasco. I wonder what became of the cat?

So I head on out to my car, crank up the good country station I found and have a grand old time driving up the windy mountain road. Trail races are really the only time I get to do some fun driving so I always take advantage. I got to the race, parked, immediately went to the bathroom and meandered towards the start. I spotted Alex and we had some chit chat. In fact, so much chit chat that I forgot to make my usual second and third bathroom trips. And so much chit chat that we didn’t realize the race was starting until this insanely loud gun (or something) was fired, scaring the crap at us and letting us take off.

It was so beautiful!

Alex was certain that I would finish well ahead of him. I told him I had a tough week, was tired and sore and had no idea how this would play out. I said I was hoping to finish under 6:30 but really I wanted to finish under 6 hours. Ever the optimist. Well, at least when it comes to racing 😉

So we started along the trail, talking with some others Alex knew and I felt pretty good. Of course I had to pee within the first few minutes, but I just ignored it. I had one quick fall but bounced right back up. Not bad for me.

However, about three miles in or so, when I stopped to mess with a packet of Island Boost (decided to try something new, I’m on the fence, more later) I lost Alex and the pack by a little. I restarted again and wasn’t too far behind. However I started feeling wretched and got further and further behind. For the first time in a long time, I just wasn’t enjoying this race. Eeeeek. It’s the end of the world as I know it.

Damn Island Boost. Tasty but hard for me to work with for some reason..

About mile 6 or 7 I finally lose Alex and the gang completely, and I’m pissed that I’m moving so slow. Ugh. What is going on here? The race is legendary for being tough and the tough stuff hasn’t even happened yet. Sheesh. I don’t know what it is… perhaps it’s all the crazy racing mentioned in the second paragraph of this post. Maybe I’ve just had too much of a good thing. Maybe I just overloaded my body and mind on trail racing. Could it be? At this point I’m freaking out and think that I may make this my very first DNF (“did not finish.”). There was both a 12 mile and marathon, so I tell myself I will drop at the 12 mile split and I put my head down and meander on.

If only…

At some point around this time I finally give in and pee. Using the skills so artfully taught to me by my dear partner Heather during the TransRockies, I pull off the trail behind some large log and squat down for sweet relief. Except that I squat right into a jagger bush. Uh, for you that don’t speak Pittsburgh-ese, I essentially sat in a bunch of thorns. Awesome! I even drew blood on one finger and one calf. At least my unmentionables stayed unscathed. However, a group of dudes comes by right as I am standing to pull my pants up. Super awkward. But that’s my life.

When I get to mile 11 which is where the 12 milers go on to the finish and the marathoners go up a humongous set of hills known as the “Power Lines,” I get my second wind. I don’t hate the race anymore and am starting to feel the groove. I decide that I am enjoying this, eat a bunch of junk at the aid station, and march on right up the power lines. The power lines are steep but not horrible. Of course I believe this comes from a place of powering up far worse things for six days in the Rockies and haven’t yet forgotten it. Part way up there is a Barbie head which scares the sh*t out of me! But I loved it. I get to the top and there are the “Beer Fairies” sitting there. I decline the beers but thank them and they note that I look way too happy for having just climbed the power lines. I tell them it’s a beautiful day, I’m on the trail, and I’m still moving forward on both feet, so how bad can it be? They agree and I realize I have officially turned my frown upside and am back in the game.

Made it to the top!

I feel great and am all smiles at the top. However the yin to the yang of the uphill is this super long, super terrible steep crumbly rocky dirty downhill. This thing was so wretched and horrible and I’m so clumbsy on the downhill that I took it nice and easy to avoid falling. Then I get passed by like 20 people going downhill and its like the TransRockies all over again! Grrrrr!!!! I hate downhill. There, I said it.

down down down!

I get to the aid station at mile 13.3 and don’t feel all that bad. I catch up to some people I recognize, and a guy tells me that we’re only a little over three hours in so there’s still hope for a 6-6:30. This lifts my spirits. And on I go! Although at this point I realize that my hands feel swelled up just like my partner’s were at the TransRockies. So although this is annoying, it amuses me and reminds me of Heather waving her hands madly above her head throughout the race and I do the same and get a good laugh in to myself.

After a while this old man comes up and tells me that around mile 19 there is a 1.3 mile climb that goes up 1300 feet. As I typically never look at the elevation map before a race, or even the course really, this came as a surprise to me. But I think that this should be no problem after all the power climbing up crazy climbs at the TransRockies. I get to an aid station right around mile 19 and I feast and feast. At this point I have decided that I am going so slow that I might as well enjoy myself and I’m stuffing my face at every aid station more like I’m running a 100 miler than a marathon. I tucked pretzels and chips and bananas and gummy bears into my vest pockets like I was a squirrel hiding nuts for the winter (do squirrels hide nuts for the winter?)…It was just like me and Heather’s picnic breaks during the TransRockies. Just without the days of mileage…and I was alone so that wasn’t quite as fun either.

Crazy Barbie head!!!

I leave the aid station and I have to pee – again. I look and look for cover but there is none to be find so I just cop a squat in the middle of the trail. To hell with it. Luckily no one caught me on this and luckily there were no thorns to be found.

It was pretty and I was alone 😉

About Mile 22 or so I got another wind and really started to enjoy the thing. Somewhere around Mile 23 I caught up with Alex and that made me feel vindicated like I hadn’t actually ran all that slow thank goodness. Alex waived me by so I trucked it on in as by Mile 23 I was finally feeling really good and ready to run. It only took me six damn hours.

Anyways, it took me 6:14 to run the damn thing! Terrible! But between the peeing, the thorns, the lack of a massage, the tiredness, the hills, it wasn’t bad. Not bad at all. Plus as with all my runs, if I’m not feeling it at the beginning I was feeling it by the end….this one just took a little longer.

Got the medal!

But I think I realized that I may have been on to too much of a good thing. So I enjoyed a nice week of no workouts save for a yoga class and a couple walks so that I could rest up for my big 5k “A” race next week…but more on that next time!

Happy Trails guys 😉

Did I say there was homemade root beer? Awesomeness!

Respect the Half Marathon – Atlanta 13.1 Marathon

Posted on October 6, 2013 by UrbanMountainGoat

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…

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…

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…

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’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.

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…

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…

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!

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

Go Steelers!

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

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 😉

Volunteer Time! Run 10 Feed 10

Posted on October 5, 2013 by UrbanMountainGoat

Volunteer Time! Run 10 Feed 10

So typically I hate big road races. I usually run one each year – either Publix Marathon or the Thanksgiving Half or the Peachtree – but it’s a rare occasion.

So Pooky has been out of town at a conference…but the book just came out, so there were a ton to prepare for shipping – and a ton of work at the office… so I’ve been holding down the fort at the office, the house, and with the book. Sigh. I haven’t been to yoga all week! This guy is killing me! Does anyone become a monster when they can’t get their workouts in??!!

The Code is here!

So Wednesday night at like 10 or 11pm I’m sitting in our guest room/office wrapping books to be shipped out and doing the occasional Facebooking with the Running Teacher trying to figure out what help she needed or Saturday’s Run 10 Feed 10 charity fun run. When she says, “Hey do you want a free entry into the Atlanta 13.1 Marathon this weekend?” Um, do I? Free. Race. Entry. My favorite three words! So despite the fact that I would never pay the $95 to run this thing, I sure would run it for free. I had the impending Mystery Mountain Marathon coming up the next weekend, but though, eh, it’s just a half marathon. No big deal.

I got them wrapped….

…..but it took a lot of chocolate….

So a long week of work and wrapping books and house chores came and went and finally it was time for a running packed weekend! Thank goodness. The cranky no-exercise/ no-husband/ too-much-work monster was about to get out of control…

DONE!

First on Saturday was the Running Teacher’s Run 10 Feed 10 Run at the Big Peach. It was a 7 mile run around the Kennesaw Mountain area on a super fun trails/cross country type course. We had a good little turn out for the first year and had major swag and major food! What more could you ask for?

More Liz action shots….

This is me taking action shots of the crowd pre-run…

Isabel, The Running Teacher and Phil!

So with as much as I run, I rarely volunteer aside from doing registration before Xterra runs. But being that Isabel needed a few extra hands, I thought, hey, why not. So I was appointed to man the first road crossing. I waited my post and as the runners came through, I snapped pictures and helped them across the road. When a girl came along and told me that was the end, I waited about 20 minutes more and decided I would go out and run the rest of the course and “sweep” it, sticking with those at the back. I also contemplated picking up the orange flags for Isabel so that she wouldn’t have to bother with it afterwards, but I recalled some saying they wanted to run it more than once, so I decided to leave them.

Here was my post!

Here come the runners! Safely being guided across the street by yours truly…

And into the woods!

It was kind of a “shame on me” moment when I realized how little I volunteer at races! Without volunteers there’d be no races, and I really need to get out there more. We all do! So go find a race, and volunteer! And never ever forget to thank the volunteers when it’s you out there running! But it was super fun, and admittedly, I’m already planning the next time I’ll volunteer 😉

After a while I caught up with the group and ran along with them. Some really fun and nice ladies. There was an aid station which was super stocked and we enjoyed gummy bears and bananas and such and were on our way. It was a lot more hot and humid than expected so I was pumped for the aid station. When we got about half way out, we turned around to come back. Um…uh, oh. I had no idea this was an out and back course. Color me the worst volunteer ever as now that road crossing would not be manned! Oops! Good thing I did not “help out” by removing the flags too 😉 Oh Liz.

It was a beautiful morning!

Yay, the aid station!

Double fisting!

Loved these…they were all over…

Such a scenic course!

We eventually got back to the store and there was a crazy food spread set out. Isabel baked all sorts of treats, plus gels, bananas, coffee, water, and bagels and juice I brought. It was nuts. And she gave away all sorts of awesome prizes (like Brooks shoes and Road IDs and such!)

Me and Isabel…I look a little crazy-eyed for some reason…but check out my shirt …hehehehe 😉

Post-run massages!

The spread was out of control….

More goodies!

All and all it was a fun morning run! Plus we raised a bunch of funds for a great cause! I hope you’ll all join us next year!

SO much cooler than a race t-shirt….this cute tote bag!

The girls were heading out for another loop and for once I said no, and went to pick up my packet for Sunday’s Atlanta 13.1 Marathon (which by the way, what is with the name? Isn’t kind of a misnomer to call it a 13.1 marathon when a marathon is 26.2 miles? But I digress…)

I have a post-run tradition of covering my seats with a Pirates or Steelers towel to keep my sweat from infesting my seats…This is the first October I didn’t get any crap for my Pirates towel. Go Bucs!

13.1 Swag!

Anyways I got home that night and Swim Bike Mom texted me that she was bailing on the half…and Pooky had just gotten home from being gone most the week. And I was tired and the race started SO early. I thought, I think I’ll just pass.

But then I remembered that my friends Kim & Chuck were going to be there and we always always miss each other at races. It’s happened over and over! Well not this time, I decided I was going and I would see them. And trail runner friend Alex would also be there. And it was a free race, which Isabel was nice enough to give me, so what the heck!

Speaking of which, Isabel is nominated for an awesome Action Hero award for her work with Run 10 Feed 10 so you should totally go on and “endorse” her!!!!

http://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/isabel-rivera-267

Race Report on Atlanta 13.1 Marathon coming next!

Until then, Happy Trails 😉

Six Hours of Dauset Trails (9-14-13)

Posted on September 14, 2013 by UrbanMountainGoat

6 Hours of Dauset Trails

So in the mountain bike world, timed races are popular. Six hours, eight hours, twelve hours, whatever. Same goes in the ultra running world. There have been plenty this summer in Georgia – Hot to Trot, Merrils Mile etc. I missed both due to TransRockies trainging and them just not fitting in the plan. The deal with these are that you run a loop – usually about a mile – as many times as you can in the prescribed period of time. So really more of a mental challenge than anything else as you’ll be going round and round and round the same piece of dirt for hours.

True.

Anyways, Mountain Goat Adventures decided to put on 6 Hours of Dauset Trails this year as an inaugural event. In talking with my friend Elizabeth (she has a blog too – go read it!) this summer, who was training for the event as her first foray into the ultra or endurance running world, I was intrigued. It was set up a bit differently. It was almost a 6 mile loop that was run as many times as possible in 6 hours. What sold me on the whole thing is that you could set up your own little “pit” stop at the start/finish area complete with your own supplies and snacks. I don’t know why but I loved that idea…that and they were offering a free Mountain Goat Adventures mesh tote bag for the first so many to sign up… so a few weeks before the TransRockies, I decided to sign up.

When I got done with the TransRockies, immediately upon getting back, I was already spazzing about what was next. Honestly I really really wanted to tackle a 50 miler, feeling that I had the mileage I needed in after training for and running the TransRockies and thinking that any course I picked out here would pale in comparison to what I had run in the Rockies.

Luckily I had this race on the schedule already to kind of quell my looming insanity and give me something to focus on. I trained a little with a really chill week following the TransRockies, and a twenty miler the next weekend, and then a down week, then it was race time again already! Yay!

Figuring after this race I had some time off again, I signed up for a ten day yoga detox at the Kashi Ashram. It was a cool thing they did seasonally where you do a lot of yoga and eat super duper clean for ten days – to kind of reset. And after the eating debacle that was the TransRockies and beyond…um, I needed it. However, Day 1 fell on race day. Hmmmm…this was going to be interesting. I decided I’d follow as closely as I could and actually did great considering.

Yeah this is definitely how it went down at the TransRockies. Six days of running and eating to excess.

The night before I finished my pre-detox meeting at about 8. Pooky & I proceeded to our favorite pizza dive Camelis and feasted like it was going out of style. Monster slices and French fries all around. We went home, and I packed up for the race brining coconut water, some plan potatoes, and bananas. I brought some Huma gels and nuun too but didn’t really use too much. Oh and salt pills. Thank god for salt pills.

I was tasked with bringing a card table and chairs for Elizabeth and I to set our stuff up on. However, I didn’t go to the storage unit to get said table and chairs until the night before the race at about 9:30pm. I come to find its missing. Hmmm. Where did it possibly go? The mystery remains unsolved so if you find my black card table, please let me know. I felt so bad and quickly sent Elizabeth a message and luckily she had one to bring. Sigh. Crisis averted.

The next day I made myself some oatmeal and fruit and decided to wear this super cute pink tie dye tank top that my cousin had just happened to mail me the day before. Awesomeness. Also despite the fact that we had a “pit stop” set up at the start/finish, I still wore my hydration vest. It had still been pretty hot out, and I wanted to consistently hydrate.

I got to the race and set up with Elizabeth. She really had nice dedicated friends and family, which was good, because it also made me appear to have friends and family since I was a squatter at their table. Her friend Kimberly as well as her parents and little niece joined us. Everyone sat up and we waited.

Look at our aid station!!!

Kimberly was a great crew chief and the signs were awesome!

I ended up seeing trail running buddy Alex as well who also had a large entourage and really fancy set up. I had no idea what I planned on doing with this race – it was either going to be a “just finish” day or a balls to the wall type day, but I hadn’t decided yet. I started off with Alex and his friend who was a 100 miler and we chatted about her races and about the Rock Creek 50 miler and such. I thought I would hang with them for a while, but I was feeling good and although this was a timed race and I should probably pace myself, I decided that I’d go with the usual Liz plan – use it or lose it. So I said my goodbyes and told them I’d see them when they passed me later. And I took off. Well what qualifies as “taking off” for me.

The race was at Dauset Trails in Jackson. I run there every June for Xterra’s finale and always enjoy it. However, this race was on a different set of trails there down by the lake. It was really pretty – a little rocky and rooty but nothing major and nice rolling hills. Or at least this is the way I remember it over a month later 😉

Pre-race jazz hands!

There was also a relay going on and there was really no way to tell who was doing what, so I wasn’t sure how well I was or wasn’t doing. After a the first lap someone told me I was the first girl. Hmmm…. Did I want to really try to race this? I stopped at my table briefly and ate some banana and said hello to Elizabeth’s family and set back off.

Here I come!

Still felt good. It was getting pretty hot though, and I kept trying to eat and drink as much as I could and take in salt pills. At some point in the second lap I was joined by another girl who I decided was the one beating me and so I raced her. Or at least in my head. I don’t know if she knew I was racing her. We stopped at the one aid station and I heard her tell them she was a broke college student. I decided that it was ok if she beat me because I had to have about 12-15 years on her. Oh that just sounds awful out loud. But on I marched.

Lap three I was still feeling pretty good and making good time. I’d managed to run each lap around an hour or slightly less or slightly more. Another girl caught up to us and now I was racing both of them. I didn’t really stop at my aid table except to gulp down bananas since I was still racing the girls in my mind. Potatoes tasted awful for some reason so I stuck with bananas.

I tripped on a root at the beginning of lap three and luckily that was my only fall. It was hot and I could feel the salt on my skin. I knew I was dehydrated and just kept chugging and tried to get in what I could.

Somewhere on loop 3 or 4 I was really truly racing these other two girls. Like neck and neck. I finally made my move and never saw them again. I would come to find out later that one was running the relay. Grumble. She did thank me for pushing her and I thanked her back because honestly I probably would’ve slacked otherwise.

About a halfway in lap 4 I got a horrible horrible leg cramp. I haven’t had a leg cramp like that since my first marathon where I did not fuel properly at all. It hurt like the bejesus. It was insane. I thought, well this is it, I fought a good fight, but I’m going to have to phone it in at this point. And I really thought I had a shot at winning. Blasted. I ate and chugged some extra salt pills and rubbed at it and walked as quick as I could. Some ladies passed and asked if I was ok. I told them I was fine just walking off a cramp and gimped on. Sigh.

This was a ridiculously humid summer. Ridiculously.

After a few minutes, I told myself, well this is either going to be an uber painful and long walk in or an equally painful but shorter run in. So I started gimping. And I gimped a little faster. And a little faster. Until finally I was running again and at an ok speed. It still hurt like heck, but I got back into stride. By the end of the lap I had run it out or the salt pills had kicked in. Thank goodness.

I went out for my fifth lap just feeling the toll of the day. It was super hot and humid by then. I had run fairly fast for me for over four hours. I was crampy. But I was getting this thing done. Yes I was.

So I went as fast as I could at this point, mostly to just get it over with. When I got to the top of the hill towards the end, I looked at the little boy who sat there each lap and told him, “I have never been so happy to see you.” He seemed to like that. I barreled down the hill and into the finish area.

5 laps at 5:06. They taunted me over the loud speaker – aren’t you going to go out for a sixth lap??? No way. Not at this point. I’m done.

Yay! I’m done!

A few minutes after I came in a girl wearing rec specs (yes rec specs like we wore in gym class in the 90s) finished and went out for another lap. I was kind of nervous she would beat me…but we saw her turn around and come back after like 20 minutes on the course.

Alex’s 100 miler friend finished a few minutes after me and asked me if I wanted to do an extra lap as a cool down. I told her thanks but no thanks. Crazy ultra runners 😉

I went to our table and found that Elizabeth had decided she’d just do four laps as the heat and humidity had also gotten to her. Me and Kimberly walked to the finish area and waited for her. She put in an awesome race on a tough day in tough conditions. Her first day out as an ultra runner or endurance runner or whatever you want to call it was a smashing success. This was only her second trail race! Madness. She would go on to finish her first 50k just a few weeks later and rocked it. Yay!

Elizabeth Triumphant!

After more milling about I changed and looked at these iPads they had with the results (how neat!). It appeared that I had won the women’s and came in 2^nd over all with only one dude beating me! I didn’t want to get too excited until it was official.

As I was milling about I met some nice ladies who were Swim Bike Mom fans and knew I was the Goat. That was fun and exciting. Although I’m not a good blogger so I forgot to get a picture.

The awards came and I did win overall female. Yay! I was pretty pumped. They give you this cool podium shirt showing a little Goat in 1^st place to wear! They gave me a small and then I debated about size eventually trading it in for a bigger one which worked out much better.

Second place is missing because she is off running more laps 😉

I headed home starving and at according to my detox rules despite just having run nearly 30 miles. Beans, rice and sweet potatoes and greens plain. Sigh. I did eat a ton of it though.

When the results were finally posted I did confirm that I was first female and second overall – only one dude beat me! How sad for the dudes out there that day. But how cool for me! Official time was 5:06 for 5 laps. The laps were supposedly about 5.82 miles long, but there really was no consensus on it. So not sure on distance, but I like to think close to 30 miles. So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

LOVE the shirt!

Hopefully I survive the detox!

Happy Trails!

TransRockies Run Day One – Buena Vista

Posted on August 14, 2013 by UrbanMountainGoat

So today was day one of the TransRockies…a six day stage race across the Colorado Rockies (hence the name)! (If you’re wondering about the madness leading up to the race – including taper insanity… well, I have posts about those, but they are for later, when I have the energy to finish them…one day soon…)

The course wasn’t very trail-ish to me – lots of hard packed dirt and sand double track. A few steep climbs but lots of nice small rollers…and breathtaking (literally due to the altitude) scenery. It was amazing.

My piss poor photography does not do it justice!

I had been completely fretting about the altitude and the effect it would have on me during the run. I hadn’t felt too bad since arriving in Colorado ….but was feeling a little wooziness here and there. And well the lungs … you know… I was hypoxic! Panting like a dog…

Our team name: Hypoxic Mountain Goats… get it?!

The first two nights we were here, I slept like a rock. However, come Monday night…I woke up every hour and tossed and turned. Eh. So I got up a lot earlier than planned, made me and Pooky some oatmeal, bananas, and tea, and set about going to the bathroom about eight hundred times (not an exaggeration).

Found some great gluten free oatmeal packs and topped them with almond milk, banana and blueberries!!! Side of Vanilla Hazelnut tea and electrolyte drink…

…And I also made my sherpa breakfast in bed!

I wore my Swim Bike Mom tri top to channel my inner SBM strength. (Spoiler alert – it totally worked!)

I got ready and Pooky dropped me off at the start, where I had a mini-clothing crisis, then went to pee and got some water.

The start!

I then saw my partner, Heather, and her two friends, Seth & Dan, and we took some photos. One more trip to pee and then…we were off!!!

Ready to roll!

I felt good going out. My legs were fresh but the lungs were burning. Me and Heather fell into an even pace as we headed out on pavement. After not too long we got to the trail and it bottle necked up hill. It was a good forced slow down early on. There was really no need to try to waste energy jockeying around people on this pass so we just power hiked it and enjoyed the views.

My photos aren’t great, but the views were – I swear!

Eventually it evened out and widened to double track and we were trotting along. We kept a good consistent pace together and the miles ticked by quickly.

Heather took an “action” shot of me!!! Can you spot the tiny goat in the picture?

I know this day was the easiest and luckily it felt that way. It was a nice “ease in” to the race.

Heather and I got along great for being strangers until that point, as she seemed pretty similar to me. She’s a super Iron-woman triathlete type so I was a bit nervous about the match up with granola trail hippie me…but we got along good.

Mid course!

We made sure to keep up on our hydration and nutrition and were good about reminding each other. Heather was also very good at reigning us in and making us walk and take it easy. Something I am not typically very good at, so I’m sure this will pay off in the later phases of this when this thing really cranks up (wait until you see the elevation charts for stages 5 and 6…meh.

Today was 2,550 feet of climbing topping off at 9,339 feet. 20.9 miles total. All and all it was gorgeous weather – super sunny and cool humidity free air (which coming from the most humid summer of all time in Atlanta, this felt SO good. SO good).

Coming down the home stretch there was an end on a paved road of like 3-4 miles of “false flat.” This was pretty awful. The sun beat down and it was boring and hard pavement. We used a little game where we ran from landmark to landmark and then walked a bit. The highlight was Pooky drove down to see us!!! I was nervous he’d hit a runner, but he snapped some photos of us and was on his way back to the finish.

Besides Pooky, there were also some amazing rock caves!

On the last mile or so, it started to rain and get colder. By the time we finished it was raining pretty good. And pretty cold. Dan and Seth had finished a bit ahead of us and were waiting with Pooky. We snapped a quick pic and then Pooky loaded us up and drove the crew to camp.

Now full disclosure … as part of this race, you camp out. The race transfers your luggage, sets up your tent, and provides catered food and a shower truck, massage tent, etc. That being said, I’m copping out. I’ve sold out. I’m staying in hotels. There, I said it. I admitted it.

You see, it started I was going this alone with my partner. In such case, I was going to stay in said tent city. Then at some point Pooky decided he wanted to come. And he refused to camp. So I had to book him hotels in each locale and a rental car. It was somewhat expensive…and the more I thought of it, if I was shelling out all this cash, might as well make it a vacation and stay in the hotels with Pooky. Plus, who am I kidding? I don’t camp. I mean I could, but why would I when I have Pooky and a warm bed back at the hotel.

I’m staying in a Best Western right now, that’s roughing it, right?! (just kidding, just kidding!)

I felt super guilty and like a fraud, but as Pooky pointed out, who am I trying to impress? What am I trying to prove? He was right. No one. Nothing. I’m here to have fun, and having the husband and a hotel infinitely improve that. So there. I said it. I admitted it. Go ahead and hate on me for being a pampered running diva.

We finished it out better than expected – especially considering we really took it easy and walked plenty. 4:21. Turns out we were 5th of 15 teams in the women’s open division! SO that was a pretty cool surprise. Even if it only lasts through today 😉

After dropping off the teammates at camp, I went home and filled the tub with ice …. and suffered it out while enjoying a recovery drink and some Facebook on the phone…

Brrrrr….

I then followed up with a shower and some grub. And most importantly, a chai espresso gluten free hipster macaroon. It was amazing.

This is for you E!

Got a 15 minute massage at camp, and Pooky found a basketball hoop where we shot hoops for a while. Wasn’t much else to do around, and the friends were napping so we headed back to the hotel.

I made so many baskets too…but didn’t get a picture 😦

I decided against going to the dinner and ceremonies at night. I’m super picky on food, and would rather do my own thing. I felt bad like I should go socialize and enjoy the camaraderie, but oh well, I never have before, so why start now. I went back to the hotel and packed up all my stuff for the hotel change tomorrow. I prepped breakfast and my hydration and fuel, set out my outfit and charged everything up.

We found this fancy-ish Asian restaurant in town and had a huge feast. I was way more hungry than I realized. This feast also involved a flourless chocolate cake to end it. Mmmmm mmmm.

Then I came home and conjured up the energy to blog. Hard as it may be.

Thats why I powered through to write this for you 😉

Feel bad I don’t have better pictures for you all but me, Heather, Seth and Dan all took pics and decided we would share them later and all the ones Pooky took were on the real camera which I don’t have the cord for right now…so photo album later.

Tomorrow is Vicksburg to Twin Lakes and contains Hope’s Pass…Eeeeek…

Until tomorrow…Happy Trails all!

Red Top Roaster 2013 – August 3, 2013

Posted on August 4, 2013 by UrbanMountainGoat

Well it’s taper time. And of course I’m going nuts. One week from today I will be leaving on an airplane headed to Colorado to start a journey that has been over a year in the making. But we’ll get to that. Now on to today.

So the appropriate thing to do when in the midst of a taper, only ten days away from a six day stage race that is 120 miles long and has nearly 25,000 feet of elevation gain … is … run a hot, hilly race!

I told Tim the race director I would volunteer for this race a long time ago. And I really enjoyed the race last time I ran it. Plus, Swim Bike Mom friend Elizabeth was going and running her first trail race. And Isabel from the Running Teacher was volunteering…and it’s rare for the goat to be at a race where I know not one – but two people – so off I went!

I hasn’t been a very hot summer by Atlanta standards, but it has been helluva humid. I am SO over the humidity. So over it. Saturday it was forecasted to be hot, so the Red Top Roaster would live up to its name.

I got up at 5AM and packed my essentials – a couple Naked Coconut waters (pineapple for before and mango/peach for after!) along with a Huma gel and some Muesli for breakfast.

This stuff is super good soaked in some homemade almond/cashew milk – I tried it the traditional way with OJ and didn’t like it…Best part of this pic is Pooky’s Chips a Hoy in the background!

I got there about 6:30 AM and after an emergency port-a-potty break, started to work check-in.

Elizabeth showed up and took some action shots of me at check-in!

Working hard, or hardly working?

I wasn’t feeling hungry, so I just had my pineapple coconut water and one Huma gel. I figured I didn’t really need much fuel for a measly 15k after all the long running I had been doing.

I was relieved of my check-in duties with a little less than 30 minutes to go time. I stood in a really long port-a-potty line, jogged around a bit, ate my gel and got ready to go.

I stood towards the front and looked for some of the girls I usually chase. I saw one, who I usually finish about the same time with. And I saw a girl I met the week before at our group run. So I decided I’d chase after them as long as I could.

And next thing you know, we were off! I chased after the first couple girls for a while. My legs felt great but my lungs felt wretched and I was huffing and puffing. Hmmmm this is a bad sign seeing as I’ll be at altitude in ten days. Yikes. And I was soon regretting that my interval and speed work had dropped off in the last month or so. Awesome. More panic to add to the crazy taper time.

I kept moving and passed two of the girls I had been chasing, one of which is usually finishing right around me. I thought she was on my tail for some time. Eventually I looked back and realized I was alone save for a couple of dudes.

I remembered this course a lot less tough. Perhaps I was in better shape (or different shape) and I guess we ran different trails on Red Top the week before, and this is why this felt so different.

But there was a guy next to me who usually works check-in too and encouraged me telling me to just relax but keep pushing. So I did just that. Every time my lungs screamed and I couldn’t stand the huffing and puffing, I just focused on the fact that my legs felt fresh and awesome and didn’t mind the hills.

Through the first three miles, I could see signs for miles 7, 8 and 9. So I unfortunately knew that I would have to face those same hills in the last 5k. Blasted.

At the first aid station, about 3 miles in or so, I was pretty tired and thought I might just take it easy on the way in. However, some of the volunteers told me I was the third place girl. Blasted again. Why did they have to go and tell me that??? I’m too competitive to give up then. So I trucked on and tried to keep my current pace as to not lose my third place spot.

The next three miles came and went and I saw the Running Teacher volunteering. She snapped a pic too! Thanks and thanks for the much needed encouragement!

I pushed on despite my lungs hating me. It was starting to get hot, so aid stations became places to dump water on the head. Ahhhhh. The weight I’ve gained in the last year was not making the heat any more comortable.

I know I’m not fat! But my thighs are rubbing together and it super sucks in the heat. Super sucks.

About a mile and a half from the finish, I spotted a girl! Hey, another girl! She must be number 2. I was pretty far off, and I said, I’m not going to catch her. And I just kept trucking on.

I was pretty slow up the hills, but ran the downhills fast and as fast can be. There was one guy who we kept going back and forth passing each other who noted my speediness on the downhills. This is a rarity for me, but these trails were less technical so I just went for it. Plus, one of the best ways to gain an advantage in races is that as soon as you get to the top of a hill you just keep going as fast as you can. Most people get to the top of the hill and take a minute. And that’s where you can get them. Don’t take a minute, just push on as hard as you can. If it’s a level or downhill, you’ll naturally recover even pushing it down the hill.

Before I knew it, the girl in green was right in my sights. It was maybe a mile out. I thought maybe I should hang back and wait until closer to the end to surge and pass. But that’s not really my style, so I thought, let me pass her now and if she catches up with me – fine. Let the best woman (or goat) win! (don’t you love the fake drama I’m injecting into this race for 2nd place in a totally random small local trail race)!

I don’t really. It was really this exciting. Really.

Well I passed her and just kept going as fast as I could and tried not to look back. I heard someone coming up on me and kept pushing. Turns out it was a dude, so I was ok. About a third of a mile out, it turned to pavement. I looked back. Not a lady runner anywhere in sight. And I have to admit, at this point I was tired, and over it, so I just trotted it in. Let me tell you, that last .3 miles was SO long. It never seemed to end!

I finally rounded the corner and was done. 2nd place female. 22nd overall. 1:22:44. Yay! I didn’t even have a chance of getting the first place woman. 1:14:42. Zoom! But I saw her before the race. And she is fit. And there is just no other way to put it. I mean when you see me, you’re probably like, oh, she looks pretty fit, but she also likes a pizza and a candy bar every now and again. But this lady, you’re just like wow. She’s fit. And she has never even heard of a pizza or a candy bar. Sigh. One day I will have that kind of discipline. One day. But today’s not that day. But I digress.

Afterwards I went for a little run a round and did an extra mile or so. I forgot to hit the Garmin, but it’s ok. I went inside afterwards and got myself a new State Parks Pass and changed my clothes (that blasted disgusting humidity, I was literally pouring sweat on the floor of the visitor’s center…I had to stand off to the side where they had a little carpet so I wouldn’t sully the floor completely).

I meandered over where I saw the awards had started. Opps. I missed my award. But Tim stopped things and gave me my award. I got all sorts of stuff!! Including a case of beer and a case of Cliff bars and an Inov8 shoe certificate! Wowzers!

The office will be happy about this one.

I then out of the side of my eye saw Elizabeth coming in to finish her first trail race! And under 2 hours! I ran down and snapped a finish photo!

Yay!!! And…another trail runner is officially indoctrinated in…bahahaha!

Afterwards we B.S.ed for a while. I also saw that Matt from Zulu Racing was there. He was first in his age group and 4th overall with a speedy 1:12:19. Yay Matt! Too bad we both didn’t get the number one spots like Troop Trot!

This post would be no good without the jazz hands.

We then chit chatted with Matt, his wife and their ridiculously cute new puppy. Oh, and also discussed the awesome race Matt puts on – Hill Country Trail Race at Serenbe. It’s November 23rd. I’ll be there, Jamaican Sensation will be there, and so should you! (See last year’s race report here).

Zulu racing rocks!

OK so I need to work on a pre-TransRockies post…so yeah, time to go. Happy trails til we meet again!

Second place. First one to lose. But exciting none-the-less to this goat.

Urban Mountain Goat

Eat, run and live like a Mountain Goat!

Category Archives: Race Report

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

Superheroes v. Villains 5k (10-19-13)

Too Much of a Good Thing…

Respect the Half Marathon – Atlanta 13.1 Marathon

Volunteer Time! Run 10 Feed 10

Six Hours of Dauset Trails (9-14-13)

TransRockies Run Day One – Buena Vista

Red Top Roaster 2013 – August 3, 2013

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