My SuperBowl Half Marathon

Today’s running schedule called for 12 miles.  Today’s weather called for anything outside, because… 70+ degrees in February!  Don’t be too jealous, because there is snow in the forecast.  WHATTT?

Even though I had all the time in the world (no deadlines of any kind today), I had the most perfect weather possible, and I’ve strung a few nights of good, normal sleep, I procrastinated.  And I did it in a big way:

• I watched TV
• I puzzled
• I scrolled mindlessly on social media
• I took Bella for a walk
• I made the bed
• I (eventually) got dressed to run
• I changed twice (finally landed on shorts and a light long sleeved shirt)
• I whined to Scott about my run
• I whined some more to Scott about my run

So the moral of this story?

 

I spent more time procrastinating, complaining, and whining about my long run this morning, than the time it took me to actually run the long run!

So many years and miles behind me, I still struggle with getting out the door at times.  But once I do, I feel so much better and can’t even remember the reasons I procrastinated in the first place.  The sun, the saltiness, the tired legs, the feeling of having worked hard, and the post-run smile that tells the story of a good run all keep me heading back out for the next run.

Now, about that snow forecast….

Groovy Race - Bling, Breakfast Burritos, and Beer!

Go Short, Go Long, Go Longer proved to be a great race with some fun (and funky) highlights.  The race brand’s logo of an old 1960’s/1970’s orange Volkswagen bus should give you the idea.

So because this logo put me into a psychedelic, 1960's/1970’s mood, I’m going to bring back some of the great slang from those days to describe the day!  

I posted recently on Instagram that I just haven’t been diggin’ my runs lately.  Although I’ve gotten the long runs done, my attitude’s been heavy and I’ve been feeling lazy.  But the good thing about a race is, sometimes it sparks the competition in you and reignites your spark. So we packed our kicks and headed to Tulsa!

Arriving at River West Festival Park, the shagadelic Volkswagen van seemed to jump off the logo and was parked at the race start.  Lookin’ good!

The race started on time, so we boogied our way along the bike path, starting at River West Festival Park, following and then crossing the Arkansas river, cutting through Turkey Mountain, and back to the start.   Did I mention the sunrise was far out?

I paid for some of my laziness over the last couple of weeks, as the latter miles started to wear me down.  But I needed to keep on keepin’ on and reminded myself that this was a great opportunity to work on mental toughness.  Keep.Moving.Forward.

Scott had a rad post-race combination of a breakfast burrito and a beer.  That’s a first!

We also collected some groovy bling today!  As an extra bonus, we both won our age groups – so now have more of that psychedelic orange Volkswagen bus on coffee mugs!

This race was right on, do you catch my drift?  While I surprised myself with a solid run (splits were solid and mostly consistent), heading into a 25K feeling under-trained was a drag. 

I’d highly recommend this race:  good course (I heard it had previously been an out-and-back due to construction, but today was a nice loop), bling, food, beer, and music.  For next year, to all the cool cat runners out there who haven’t done this race yet, be there or be square!

Peace out!

Food vs. Medicine

Genes are a peculiar thing.  We joke about “getting the funny genes” or the “he/she got the smart genes”, but what we don’t joke about is the fact that sometimes we get the “unhealthy genes”.

Two decades ago, Scott lost his mom to cancer, was shocked at his older brother’s heart condition, and helped care for his dad after quintuple bypass surgery.  Prior to that, he lost one of his uncles to a massive heart attack.  His uncle was 50.

And then he lost his brother to a massive heart attack in August.  Buster was 62.

But this post is about the positive, I promise.

These family events could’ve left Scott with an attitude of “why bother, it’s hereditary” or “live it up now since I might die young”, but instead he got moving.  He started running – to the mailbox and back.  Keeling over at times, he continued improving his speed and stamina as that run to the mailbox and back became easier.  And faster. 

Extremely goal oriented, Scott signed up for a half marathon.  One half marathon lead to another, which ultimately lead to his first marathon.  30+ marathons later, Scott discovered the ultrarunning world.  Skipping the 50K distance, he went straight for the 50-mile distance at StoneCat Trail Race.  After several 50K and 50M distances, he brought his training to a new level and nailed a 24:37 finish at his first 100-mile race at Vermont 100 in 2017.

With all that running, one would think Scott can eat whatever he wants, right?  Nope.  Remember those genes?  Yeah, they continue to work against him, no matter how hard he trains.  So recently, after a routine checkup that left him with some challenging results, Scott took his nutrition to a new level.  No fad diets, no pills, and definitely no cholesterol regimen.  No way.

He bought a couple of cookbooks and has been focusing on a more Mediterranean diet.  He has said more than once how quickly spices and olive oil disappear from the cabinet when you actually use them!  And one of the items that has NOT been disappearing fast from the cabinet?  Table salt.  How many of you grab the salt shaker and apply to your meal, even before tasting the food?  Yeah, me too.  We have made a conscious effort to stop that behavior and to make ourselves more aware of hidden salt in foods.

Today, three months after that checkup, the doctor was pleasantly surprised at his results.  Scott wasn’t over weight to begin with, but the change in what he’s been eating, how he’s been preparing it, and of course, proper portion control, has resulted in a significant weight loss and in a management of his cholesterol without medication.  Don’t worry, he looks good, feels good, and most importantly, is reaping the reward of mindful cooking and consumption.

I’m so grateful for Scott’s tenacity and drive to self-correct via more natural methods around food.  He knew cholesterol medication could be in his future if he didn’t try something and he wasn’t going to give in without a fight!  Staving off maintenance drugs is something we’re both happy to have been able to do so far.  I hope we both remain healthy for a very long time and, like ultrarunning, keep moving forward, be selective at aid stations, and celebrate in moderation. 

The moral of this story?  You really are what you eat. 

Cheers!

Awesome Opossum Hollow Run

Scott and I continued our exploration of Arcadia Lake area today, knowing we had previously only run a small area of this pretty area.  We headed once again towards the multi-use trail (paved; with a lane for pedestrians and a separate lane for cyclists) in search of approximately 15 miles.

We quickly ran out of trail.  There was no way to cross Spring Creek – today anyway.  There’s evidence of construction that will hopefully create a way to cross the creek.  We had no choice to turn around.  My watch reflected only 7 miles; not the 15 we were hoping for.

Silly me, I thought we were done!

We jumped in our car and drove to one of the many entrances to this great area.  At the Overlook entrance, we parked for free, but did have to cough up $2 each to use the trails.  It was so worth it!

Now I just had to switch my brain from “oh, I guess we’re done at 7 miles” to “OK, let’s go run another 10!”  The weather was gorgeous, and the trails were well maintained, well-marked, and oh so peaceful.  It didn’t take me too long to adjust to a Part II of our run.

I’m so grateful Scott faces a challenge and responds with, “Oh yeah?” and usually figures out a way around/over/under/through it.  As a result, we discovered the trail system and not only got our 15 miles, but nabbed ourselves 17 miles!  My confidence continues to grow and I’m looking forward to strengthening and testing it out at upcoming races.  I guess that means a yearly pass to Arcadia Lake is in our future!

Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd

We headed to Tahlequah, OK this past weekend to run the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd.  A multi-distance race (10M, 25K, 50K, 100K, and 100M), we listened to our heads (not our hearts) and both signed up for the 25K.   

Camping at the same place as race headquarters was a bonus.  Not only was it a gorgeous site alongside the Illinois River, the logistics of everything being right there gave it a great vibe.  And a campfire….it’s been awhile since we’ve had one!

Saturday morning, we meandered over to the race start/finish area to watch the 50K/100K/100M start.  We were greeted by this peaceful sight...

Got chatting with Karen, who was dressed in a super hero type of outfit (red cape included!).  She was preparing to cycle out on the course as a volunteer and gave us some intel about the course.  She headed off to volunteer; we headed off to get ready for our race.

The 25K included an out and back on a dirt/gravelly road, boasting of farms, cows, beautiful rock formations, and the most beautiful aqua-colored Illinois River.  And some legit hills…..(for my New England friends, these were Derry 16 Miler type of hills!).

We were both pleased with how we ran, but know we’ve still got some work to do to get back to solid ultra fitness. 

The best part wasn’t the shirt, the medal, or the placement; it was more about being outside and around “our people”.  As I was rounding the turn into the finish area, I heard “Let’s go New England!!”  It was Karen; super-hero-on-the-bike Karen 😊  Back in July at Dark & Dirty trail race, I met Sheila.  We were camping neighbors; she was running the 25K and I the 10K.  Another out and back race, we cheered each other on each time we passed each other.  When she finished, we congratulated each other as if we’d known each other forever.  I mean, that’s how running friends friend.  So who did we bump into at Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd?  Sheila…who rocked her first 50K!  Judging from our shared hunger for the distance, I suspect we’ll see a lot of each other on the trails.   

So many great things about the race, but the best part is meeting new friends who share the love of running.  Oh, and finishing....finishing is pretty great too!

Be Still My Heart – Lake McMurtry | Stillwater, OK

What a gem!  After signing up for Lake McMurtry Run (50K in April), we decided to check it out by planning a long run on some of its trails.  We dropped Bella off at daycare and headed out of town.

An hour later, we found ourselves in our element.  A lake, several long trails, camping, nature, fresh air….all the things we crave.  The drive was beautiful as well, as we quickly traded busy Oklahoma City area for Stillwater, where the cow population appeared greater than the human population!  Again, totally up our alley.

We chose the Orange Trail and, depending on how we felt, decided we might add another trail after.  Spoiler alert:  1) we felt great and followed the Orange Trail with the Blue Trail, and 2) we didn’t know when we were running it, but now know the 50K race will take place on the Orange Trail...score!  Gathered up 13.26 miles between the two trails, and LOVED.EVERY.MINUTE.

For my friends and family back in New England, these trails reminded us of home!  Some areas thrust us back in time to running StoneCat.  Lots of single track, some ankle grabbers, rocks, and switchbacks.  There was even an abandoned car (just like the StoneCat course)!

Other parts of the trail felt like we were running through the fields of Pineland Farms.  My calf sleeves show a collection of dagger-like prickers from some of the overgrown areas, and possibly from the bushwhacking we did to get back on trail at one point -

Can’t wait to go back!  They do charge $6 for a day pass, but they also offer bathrooms, trash receptacles and a manned gate.  The park is pretty and feels undisturbed.  The trails were clear and passable at all times.  So $6?  Totally worth it.  We loved it so much, we may even buy a year pass.  Totally worth the money and the drive.  I mean, how do you put a value on peacefulness, solitude, and happiness.

Run happy friends!

Weekend ramblings...

Oh social media, you are flooded with wonderful stories of 18 mile training runs this weekend!  

I’m rooting for all of you, but I’ll admit I wish I was in marathon shape and icing some twitchy muscles right about now.  Alas, I am far from it.  But that’s ok!   I’ve got a half marathon on the horizon and my training is, well, all mine.  So instead of others' 18 miles, I ran my 8.  Sometimes it’s hard to remain focused on our own goal and get distracted by others’ goals, but I stayed focused, completed my 8 (with the help of an avocado), and celebrated with an afternoon exploring my most recent new city, Oklahoma City.

This avocado literally SAVED.MY.RUN!  At mile 3, I planned to run by the house (water stop – super hot and humid) and felt ‘off’.  I almost pushed through it and then thought better of it.  While I filled my water bottle, Scott cut this gem up and I threw down a few chunks.  8 miles…done and done.  Saved by the avocado!

Later in the afternoon, we headed into Bricktown, which is a cool downtown area built up around a canal system. 

Restaurants, mini-golf, gondola rides, Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, and other activities surround the canal.  We ended up at Bricktown Brewery.  

Burgers and beers (for Scott, I’ll take a pinot!) and a walk around Bricktown was a great way to close out the afternoon/evening.

Now back to our latest project:  Project Scan Family Photos!  That’s right, we’re doing it.  So watch out family and friends, I’ve already plucked a few gems I’ll be sharing with you soon!