Rainy Burn Day

It was a perfect day to run. The sky hung in a continuous plume of white smoke and cloudy mist. Even before I could see it, I realized that today must be a burn day.
Here and there small puffs of smoke billowed from piles of carefully placed broken tree limbs and scattered brush. My neighbors are taking advantage of the low winds and semi-chilly weather. Yes, this would be a perfect day for a burn, but I am seeking another golden opportunity. A scenic point of view. A chance to try out my new shoes!

That's right folks. I have new shoes and surprise, surprise...I LOVE THEM!!

Same brand as before...Brooks. This time I'm wearing a 7 1/2. I have more room now for my poor little toesies. What a difference! I can bounce higher, sail farther, stride longer.

For the record, I ran Westville, Pointed Rocks, American River, Paymaster and Otter Trail.
I think that's about 5 miles...not really sure. Although, I did use my new watch to time myself. Except I forgot to stop the clock when I crossed my finish line. It was very near 52 minutes (give or take 30 seconds). I just have to get used to using the watch.

So what great and interesting things happened on today's run, Kathy?

Glad you asked. Heck, I'm glad you even care.
Besides the wood burning stoves and cloud of burning brush that threaten to irritate my already sensitive lungs...this is what I saw:
A large field of black birds taking flight once I reached to close to them.
Roughly 5 deer standing in the road.
A friend of mine going to work. I waved.
Several horses.
Several security officers.
2 houses decorated to the hilt for Halloween.

And what about the pain? How was the pain?
Thank you. It was there. The burn in my butt and a tingle in my knee. However, what made today semi-difficult was the unusual tightness in my calves. More specifically- the front of my calves. Not sure the name of those muscles. Anyway, I kept trying to relax them, but it wasn't until I was on Otter Trail that they finally began to give way. That was a long time to run with stiff muscles. Dang, I hope that won't be a recurring issue.

Well, what fun did you have? You seem to have a lot to complain about. Why do you like to do this again?
Simply put- It makes me happy.
The places where the rain collects on the pavement...I like to hit those hard and splash water all up my legs. The exhilarating rush of accomplishment when I reach a hill that I thought I couldn't do is gratifying.
Just the knowledge of knowing I am DOING something that many people would not even attempt to do brings a sense of pride and honor to my meager existence.

We all must set goals or life lacks purpose. This goal is selfish. Currently it is does not help anyone other than myself. I sometimes feel much guilt in that. Thankfully there are benefit runs. I will someday run for cancer. Run for aids. Run for folks who can't run anymore.
Pushing your physical body past a point at which your brain said "enough" teaches you something about your will. The testing of your strength opens many doors to the knowledge of who you are and what you're made of. You may not like the results, but that too can change.

I am running into a metamorphosis where change is inevitable.

The smoke in the air smells like pot- which may explain my deep thoughts. I seem to be getting dizzy.
Hmmm

Sweet Surrender

I knew I would be running a long way today. The weather was perfect. Cool and overcast with a high possibility of rain. Very promising.
These are the days I love. Nothing to do, but run and run. Anything else I might of had to do today can wait...and it did.

I started out thinking...I'll run to the 4 way stop at Hidden Gold. Nice challenging hills out that way. Last time I had to stop on that hill. It just seems to go on forever.
MB measured the distance of that route (Hidden Gold and back) as 4.5 miles. Not a bad run, and with hills- even harder.

Now I had to give you that reference point so you can fully appreciate what I did today.

Today I did something that last year I could only dream of doing.
I RAN TO THE THIRD GATE!!

Yes, I did. That is 9.5 miles. I know because MB measured it tonight with his truck.

But Kathy- I bet you had to stop. I bet you had to walk.

Well, what if I told you that I didn't stop? I didn't walk? Then would you be impressed?

Here's how it went.
My leg started hurting right away. Dang, I really need new shoes. By the time I got to Sweetwater Trail, it was no longer an issue, because my butt was on fire. The weather I thanked God for. Dreamy, misty, lovely weather. Finally a beautiful fall day. I ran past the big house with the crooked brick chimney and felt pretty good. I got up the next hill (which was very steep and long) without stopping. I struggled- but didn't stop. Several times I noticed little dead snakes. When I turned the corner and saw Hidden Gold in view- I decided right then to keep going. I know there is another 4 way stop...maybe I can make it to that one this time.
I didn't realize just how much further it was. By the time I reached it, I knew I was pretty close to the third gate. I became greedy. I've always wanted to run to third gate.
But the lazy voices in my head screamed, IF YOU GO THAT FAR...YOUR GOING TO HAVE TO RUN THAT FAR BACK!!
I know...but it's the third gate! I answered them. I can do this!!
So I just kept going.

It was like Forest Gump. Well, I figured, since I've gone this far...

I don't know how many hills I ran up and over. I lost count. There was something interesting that happened too. I forgot I was listening to music. It became like elevator music and faded completely into the background. By the time I realized it, I couldn't remember what the last 2 songs were that I had just played.
Focused, I guess.
Just before I dropped down to reach third gate, I looked out across the landscape. The view was awesome. Breathtaking really. All you can see are the tops of thousands of trees for miles. I very much enjoyed that.
Once at third gate and turned around I was very thirsty. I decided I would climb one more crazy, insanely crazy steep hill so that I can stop by my friends house for water.
She wasn't home, so I used her garden hose to quench my dying thirst. It was the ONLY stop I made. Give me a break- girl's gotta stay hydrated!
I continued on looping around (I can't remember the name of the streets I was on) until I came back to Sweetwater Trail. I told myself that if I had to walk, it would be alright. I knew I had already ran at least 5 miles. But I didn't really want to walk. I wanted to run until I could run no more! I want to know what my bodies max is. How much can I really handle?
Obviously I can handle more than I thought because I ran all the way back home without stopping.
In fact, and I realize that you may think me crazy for thinking this, but I kind of like the hills.
Yeah, I know...that's CRAZY talk.

Kath- how can you prefer the uphill over the downhill. Isn't going downhill easier?
Yes, it is. Let me explain.
On the way back my knee started hurting. That's a new pain. Brand New! The pain in my butt is familiar. I've learned to live with it. Me and my butt pain have called a truce and life has become better for both of us.
Now the knee is a different story. Going downhill made my knee ache. It also made my toes crunch. 2 of my toes are bruised and painful.
Going downhill made me appreciate my old friend, "Mr. Pain in the Butt".

There is one more thing that happened on the way home that kind of scared me. There was a deer next to the road. That usually doesn't scare me- but this one was BIG. It had tall antlers. It was a Buck and it wasn't moving. It watched me. I ran steadily as I wondered if bucks were ever known to charge people. Thinking on it now- I should have moved to the other side of the road. Instead, I was brave (or stupid) and ran right past him. Only his head moved, never taking his eyes off me.

Whew- I was glad to be past him.
As usual, security waved as they drove by. A couple of them seemed surprised to see me. I guess they are not used to seeing me out that far.

Just as I was coming back around the soccer field it started to rain. I smiled and held out my hands. I was hoping it would rain on me.
Sarah McLachlin sang Sweet Surrender on my ipod for the 6th time. I love that song because I know God gives me the strength to do things I think are impossible. I surrender my impossibilities to Him.

The body is not that strong. The mind is only strong when it prays.
Today I prayed in spades.

Last one at Lotus

I ran 5 miles...12 laps at Lotus Field. This will be the last time I run here for a while. Katie's team will not practice here anymore for the remainder of the season.
Bummer.
I really like this field. I know exactly the distance and the track is nice and flat. I sappose I get more ofa workout at home, though. Killer hills at home.

So here's how it went.

Lap 1, my leg is hurting. I tell myself it will subside.
Lap 2, I'm running nice and strong.
Lap 3 & 4 are the same, but leg eases up a on the pain a bit. However I notice that my big toe seems to be asleep. Very annoying.
Lap 5 a boy that has been behind me since lap 3 passes me. That made me kinda mad.
Lap 6, the boy stops. Hahaha
Lap 7, I feel sweat dripping down my face
Lap 8, I start slowing down...my leg is hurting again.
Lap 9, I feel renewed strength to push myself so I can make it to lap 12.
Lap 10, Hell, I just wanted to stop and rub my leg right then
Lap 11, One more! One more! Pick up the pace Kathy!!!!!! That is what I am screaming to myself.
Lap 12, Run, run, run....faster, pick up the legs, swing the arms, move as one strong whole unit, DAMN IT, SPRINT!!!
Done.

Then I walked.
It always feels weird to walk after that. As if I am learning how to do it all over again. Step, step, one foot in front....
I fell on the grass in front of a friend who has been watching me. James is a nice guy and one of my neighbors. His encouraging nature is a welcome greeting, "Good Job, you ran a long time!"

We talked a little while about stride and shoes. He liked my ipod. I liked his watch. It is actually exactly what I need so I can time myself. He is a police officer and bought it because of it's size and the fact that it is lightweight. He was embarrassed to admit that he bought a ladies watch.
I understand...the men's watches are huge!

By this time the night sky had fallen and cooler air had settled in all around me. Time to go. As I got up and began walking back to the car, I wondered where my jacket was. I know I left it sitting on the grass next to my water bottle. Everything was gone. I don't care about the water bottle, but my jacket had my car keys inside!
So I ran again. This time in desperate need to catch up with the coach before he takes off with someone's forgotten sweatshirt.
Luckily Dave was standing in the parking lot holding it up, stil trying to find the owner.
Whew!!!
I can't walk home from Lotus!

Sunday Afternoon

It was a horrible tradgedy for such a lovely day. I killed what might have been a perfect Sunday afternoon by painfully paying bills and balancing finances.
Life is to short for this.
It's truly amazing how fast money flies in and flies out. Just like that a thousand dollars is gone.
Kind of like food. Takes forever to make it, but only minutes to use it.

By 4:00 I had finished. Thank goodness...that should do it for at least another 2 weeks.

I ran Otter Trail. Pretty easy, though I sweat like crazy.
After the run, and taking the girls to AWANA- MB & I went for a walk. We walked Westville Trail and stopped to talk with a friend who was busy putting up Halloween decorations.

It was a nice evening after a not so great afternoon.

Round and Round

The air is growing colder and the sky is dimming down. The leaves are turning orange while the smells are all around. The smell of autumn.
Another soccer practice. Another chance to breath in the fresh crisp mountain air. I love this.

Tonight I ran 20 laps. That's about 4.5 miles. I ran all the way into dark and just as practice was ending. I think I could have done more. My toes are really starting to hurt. Yes, I said toes...as in more than one. I have to break down and buy some new shoes. The problem is that I made them too small when I stuck those large cushions inside. But I'd rather have bruised toes than shin splints in my legs. It's really the lesser of two evils.
I see the moms all stand around and talking. Hopefully not about me. But in all honesty- they are nice moms. I'm sure that if they were talking about me, it would be nice. They are nice ladies. Jen, even joked and asked me to run a couple for her.

Tomorrow is a big fundraiser for our school. In my opinion it is the best kind of fundraiser. Parents don't have to do much and it brings in a lot of money. It's the Jog-A-Thon.
Could there be a more perfect way for a school to make money??
It's a win-win situation.
Kids get some much needed exercise and the school gets big $$$$

Megan has been practicing all week- dare I say, she's been TRAINING!! The little go getter.
Also she has raised almost 100.00 in pledges.
This is the one fundraiser that this family really takes seriously. Last year I was the DJ. I hooked up my ipod to the school speakers and rocked the field. You may remember...I did write a post about it.

This year, I'd like to run with the kids, but I fear the ones in charge are going to make me mark cards. Oh, joy.
Also I get to spend a little time in Katie's science room checking out globs of goop under a microscope.
Sounds like fun! (really, I LOVE science)

Take care runner fans

Overcast

What a nice day for a run. Absolutely perfect. Doesn't get much better than this folks!

I ran American River to Pointed Rocks (yes, that's uphill) Westville back to American River and then ran around the Otter Trail loop. I'm guessing that's about 4 or so miles. I don't know really. I just judge my distance by songs on my ipod. I ran through at least 15 of them.
Whatever- I didn't stop, even though I think I'm as slow as a tortoise. Really. I think a guy with a cane can hobble his way alongside me.
Well...maybe not THAT slow.

Plan of Attack

Okay everyone...I have a plan. This morning I ran 4 miles. I did Otter Trail and then ran to Second Gate. It was challenging because it was so hot outside. Then tonight at Katie's soccer practice I ran another 5 miles. Do the math...c'mon you can do it. 9!! yes, I ran a total of 9 miles today. I figure that I need to be able to at least get to where I can run 13 miles (a half marathon) in one day- even if they are not all at once. Then slowly I'll start putting them together. Then I'll work on my time, once I'm doing the full 13. Sounds like a good plan, huh?

Back to this morning. The minute I reached the bottom of our street, I realized that I needed to go to the bathroom. Sorry- that will have to wait. I'm to far now to turn back. Fortuantely the feeling subsided.
However there was one feeling that I wish would have subsided that didn't. My headache. It pounded the entire time. Even my music seemed to be to loud.
I saw 2 dead birds on the side of the road. Both little finches.

By this evening, I wasn't sure how much I was going to do because my butt muscles were very sore. Luckily, once I got started the pain seemed to vanish and I mentally tried to convince myself that I hadn't done any running this morning and that I need to run the full 12 laps (5 miles).
On about the 10th lap I started thinking about that quote. Use your mind. Let your mind run for you. Have the mindset of an endurance runner. If the mind is not tired, than the body is not tired. Make your mind tell your body what to do.
That seemed to work. I ran the 11th lap okay and on the last half of the 12th lap I picked up speed and sprinted the rest. Dang it felt good and not one single muscle hurt. I'm a sweaty stinky mess- but all in all, it was worth every step.

On the way home Katie and I did something fun.

running in circles

Another soccer practice. Another round of laps.

Since tonight's practice is held at the school, the laps are not as long is distance. I ran a total of 19 laps. That's about 4 miles. I stopped after 15 because I thought I was done. After a couple of minutes talking with the other moms, I decided I'd rather be running. So off I went for another 4 laps. I would have done more (20 was looking good), but practice was over and it was getting so dark that I could no longer find the ruts in the dirt track. Also the temperature was dropping. That felt good.

On the way out to the car, Megan said she would run next to me. I was jogging. She said she could walk as fast as me. So I said "well, what if I run?" and took off. She took it as a challenge. Surprise, surprise. We raced each other to the car. It was fun. We were laughing as we both touched the car at the same time. She took a short cut!

Man- I love my kids.

Hidden Gold

I knew before I left the house that my usual routes were not going to be enough...not today. I want to push myself. I want that rush of pain- like in Tahoe.

I ran down and up American River Trail (almost stepped on a dead snake) to Sweetwater. Now usually I would turn right and continue on until I reached second gate. However today, with the fear of a thousand snails, I turned left. Left goes way, way out, eventually to third gate.
It was a beautiful run. After I passed a huge house, the one with the curvey shaped brick wall and chimney, the road flattened, laying out a spectaular view of the canyon. Gorgeous.
Luckily the trees were so tall and congested that I didn't have to melt in the sun. The pines shaded my steps and breathed cool mist on my determined face, as if to greet me in the most friendliest fashion.

I was going uphill now. Getting steeper and definitely longer uphill distances than I am used to. Finally, as I turned a corner and noticed the hill wasn't about to let up. I stopped. Yes, I know- I stopped. I just needed to catch my breath. I gave myself a good long 5 seconds and took off again feeling a bit more perk in my step. However it wasn't long before my butt was once again on fire, my legs begging for mercy and my head throbbing from the pressure. I'M NOT STOPPING AGAIN! That next breath caught me power walking. I pretended I was using a rope to pull myself up the mountain. 1,2,3,4,5....9,10,11...that's enough! I narrowed my sights on what I hoped was the top and ran for it.

All that was rushing through my brain was a single question. What is "Hill of Hell" like? That's the hill you must first go up when you run the half marathon at Tahoe. Is that hill harder than this one? Probably. No matter. I'll master this hill one day, just like I mastered the crazy steep hill of Otter Trail.

Downhill was glorious. One more little uphill and I made it to "Hidden Gold". I hit my hand on the stop sign and stomped my feet on all four corners of the intersection as my official way of marking the half way point before turning back to do it all over again.

I am happy to report that I didn't stop on the way back, though I sweat like crazy! I won't sugar coat this. It was HARD!!
But I did it. I found a way to push aside my fear and take the plunge. I suspect I have many more mountains to climb, more tortures to endure, but that's life...filled with sweat and tears.

7.5!!!!

This is the day I've been waiting for. The day I ran more than I thought I could.
I was out at the soccer field with Katie and started running at 5:30. I didn't stop until practice was over at 7:00.
I wanted to run at least 12 laps, like I've been doing (5.5) miles. It didn't seem long before I'd done 5, 8, 10 laps. I started to think...why stop at 12? I'm feeling pretty good, maybe I can do more?
So the magic #12, came and I didn't stop.
13, 14, 15...
I just kept telling myself, Ah-one more lap Kath. You can do it. Practice will be over soon.
And then it was. Practice was over. Katie was standing in the middle of the field as I came around she was waving her hand at me, signaling it was time to leave. I shouted, asking her to pick up my sweater and water bottle. I kept running. I had to at least finish the lap. Lap #17. I sprinted the last half and charged her when she wasn't looking.
She called me crazy, but laughed anyway. She loves that I'm different than all the other moms. I kinda like that too.

S0- I figured out that 17 laps translates into 7 1/2 miles. Not bad. I'm well on my way to my marathon goals. But for now- let's just focus on that 10k this Saturday!
Cheers!

running double

This morning I decided that without a doubt, I am going to sign up for that 10k race in Lake Tahoe this Saturday.

There. The decision is made.

So I'd better get serious. I've only got a week!!

I'm concerned about my shoes. My right leg has been starting to hurt. I need to run a lot this week. I need my shoes to hold up. I think I'll go into the running store (where I bought them) and see if I need new insoles. Hopefully not.

I ran Westville to Pointed Rocks to American River. Usually I stop there at the bottom of my street, but today I kept going. I continued on around Otter Trail and then back home.

That was a pretty long route, but if I'm going to have any stamina up there at 6500 hundred feet- I have to push myself here at only 1500 hundred feet. Dang- I must be crazy. I don't know if I'm ready for the mental and physical a** whooping I'm probably going to endure, but what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. I believe that. At least while I'm getting my butt kicked I'll have a nice view of the Tahoe Valley.
Yeah- that's thinking positive!