Necklace Giveaway Winner & Tagged

The winner of the Anne Franklin Designs giveaway is #109 NikeAthena! Shoot me an email at shutuprun@gmail.com and I’ll get you your prize.

Moving on…Thanks Emz for tagging me with this running questionnaire thing. I always appreciate another opportunity to talk about myself.

1. What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2010?

• Run with Dean – Stage One Transrockies: August 2010 (sick of hearing about it yet?)
• BQ at the Colorado Marathon: May 2010
• Running in the water 5x per week and hopefully healing my hip by Jan. 1

2. What are your running goals for 2011?

• To not run in anything wet like the pool. Puddles are okay.
• To make it to the start line of the Boston Marathon healthy and pain free
• That’s as far as I’ve gotten.

3. What is your favorite race?

Bolder Boulder 10K. Family event. Look who’s too cheap to buy pictures.

4. What is your favorite holiday guilty pleasure?

Sticking SUAR stickers all over my body and rolling in the snow.

5. What was your most embarrassing running moment?

Let’s see. Do I go with having to crap inside a tree on a long run, falling off the treadmill, or having such hard nipples people stared? So many choices.

Tagging the last four people who commented on my blog:

Chris from Running After Daylight
Shelly from It’s One Foot in Front of the Other
The Mighty Quinton from Q on the Move
Meg from Meg Runs

Please play along,

SUAR

The Bicep

I am laughing my ass off. I thought I had seen all the photos from my run with Stage One of the TransRockies Run with Dean Karnazes, but somehow I missed this one (found it on-line yesterday while going through photos from the race):

Here’s why I love it. Dean’s bicep.

Forget that I just finished running 4 hours and 35 minutes with one of the worlds’ most recognized runners as my partner (see? we have matching bibs). Forget that this was the hardest run I’ve ever experienced (2,700 feet of elevation gain over 21 miles on trails in 90 degree heat).

That stinking vein could end wars and establish world peace. That vein could cure cancer and pay off the deficit.

Funny thing is, it appears he is looking at his veiny bicep and saying, “Whew! Check out that muscle,” when in reality (because I was there, remember me, I’m in the picture too) he is saying, “Whew! We’re done! Congrats!”

There is also this one, but not nearly as good:

So, sign ups are underway for this year's TransRockies Run (August 2011). Gore-Tex will send anyone who is interested a free DVD from 2010 as long as you have not run the race before . Want one? Click HERE for info. 

This race is not for the faint of heart (6 days, 115 miles over the Colorado Rockies), but it is the experience of a lifetime. Even if you don’t get to run alongside a vein.

Did you see Sarah Palin interviewed by Barbara Walters last night? She told Barbara she was reading a great book about an Ultramarathoner, Dean Karzose (Karzose, Karnazes – close). Made me laugh.

Living in memories ‘til I can run again,

SUAR

TransRockies Race Report – the Rest of the Story (video)

At dinner last night:

Sorry about the last teaser post, but I’ve got so much to share and so many photos…needed to break it up. Plus, I’m behind with work stuff and house stuff and it’s all I had time for at the moment!! Oh, how I wish I could just blog the days away, and do little else.

Now that I’ve written this novel, you better read the whole damn thing. Go grab a beer, smoke, vibrator, whatever will keep you focused.

Before I get started on this long and drawn out journey, I will answer what you all want to know. Did I crap myself? No. In fact, not so much as a skid. My stomach behaved better than it ever has on any run. And let me tell you, this was actually the longest run I have ever been on in my life, including the marathons. It took us 4:35 to cross the finish line for a total of 20.85 miles. This is actually a pretty respectable time for this race!  I will say I did not pee from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Can I get a shout out for DEHYDRATION!?  But I am alive. And I don’t even hurt today!

So, when we left off, Dean and I had just crossed the start line. He told me a bit about the course and how the last four miles were pretty brutal since it would be scathingly hot by that time and it was a gradual climb to the finish. Brutal for him means deathly for me. He suggested conserving a bit for the first half, which was fine by me.  It was a single track, straight up. People were walking parts of it. It wasn’t until we got on a wider straightaway that we found our stride. Dean kept telling me to lead the way and set the pace. Being very new to trail running, I knew this would be a long and challenging day for me.

Some of you with the eagle eye noticed I wasn't wearing trail running shoes. Yep, that’s right. I only found out about this race a couple of weeks ago. I’ve never been a trail runner or worn trail shoes. I bought some, but they didn't work out and I simply did not have time to break in any others. If I was going to be a rookie on the trail, I was going to do it up right in my Mizuno Inspire road shoes. Hell yeah!! I also didn’t have a fancy hydration pack, poles, compression socks, dirty girl gaiters or any of the other stuff the cool kids were wearing. I probably would have gotten picked last on the gym team that day. And beat up later.

The race format is that you run with a partner and you stay with that person the whole race. No running ahead if you’re feeling stronger. You’ve always got your partner nearby. That meant that for the whole race Dean had to slow to my sorry-ass pace. I know there were times when he really wanted to take off, but he just kept saying he was having a great time and enjoying not racing for once. I wonder if he rolled his eyes behind my back. Except he never was behind my back.  He did comment once that it was harder to run “this way” (meaning slow – occasional walking up the steep parts) because he had a tough time settling into a cadence. I personally messed up Dean’s cadence. I might have to get that made into a bumper sticker.

After running uphill for what seemed like a very long time, I looked at my Garmin. 2.19 miles. Are you freaking kidding me? The trail was very sandy making it hard to get your footing. The sun was heating up and the route was exposed with very little shade. This part of the state is quite arid with cactus and sage along much the of the way. We climbed and climbed and climbed. Dean and I talked about all kinds of stuff – training, marathoning, jobs, Greece. There was a lot of time to just shoot the shit. Probably around mile five I forgot that he was DEAN and not just another person. The conversation drifted to our families, future goals, etc.

When I got really winded and tired he would start telling me stories about races he’d run. It was a good distraction. Dean’s stories are not like most people’s stories. If you talk about running the Hood to Coast Relay (197 miles) on a 10 person team, he talks about doing it solo. If you talk about running in heat and sand he talks about running hundreds of miles in the Sahara desert through knee deep sand and 125 degree temperatures over several days. And winning. His legs and overall muscles were also a distraction. I had a lot of time to watch these body parts on the trail since he was in front of me. He is one BIG ASS muscle.

The climb to the first check point at mile 7 was a bitch for me. Very steep. I simply had to walk parts of it. At this point I was mentally in the toilet. I was tired, hot and psyched out about having so far to go. It was freaking 92 degrees! But I didn’t come to this race to bitch and complain. I knew I could do it. I just had those moments you have in a race where you feel kind of hopeless and discouraged. I continued to take my electrolyte tabs, which I think saved me in the end.

At the top of the climb was the blessed check point. I poured water on my head. I drank GU Brew and took in some GU Chomps. I realized that Dean had not been drinking anything on the trail and very little at the aid station. I think he had a half a banana. I asked him about it. He said he doesn’t drink much when he runs because he doesn't feel the need for it and doesn't sweat a lot. WTF? Here I am sucking on my Camelbak, huffing and puffing, pouring sweat. This guy really is superhuman. Believe me when I tell you that. He is also one of the nicest people on the planet. He was kind, patient, easy on the eyes. Overall he exuded great energy. And muscles. Did I mention muscles?

The next few miles were a breeze. Mostly downhill, no sand. Then we started the up and downhills that would take us to checkpoint two at 14 miles. I had some tough moments along this part too, but once I hit the half way mark, I started to perk up. I love being just beyond the half way mark!! It is when you are closer to the finish than to the start. When you can taste the end.

The rest of the miles ticked by in a haze of conversation, gunning up hills, and sweat. At the last aid station I had some Coke (as in cola. I already did my cocaine that morning) – something I’ve never done, but with only 4 miles to go I didn’t give a shit. If I puked or crapped, so be it. A volunteer poured ice water down my back. Dean suggested stuffing ice into my sports bra like he’s seen some elite women do. Since I’m so elite, I did it too. If only. I have to give a shout out to the support along this race. The nicest and most helpful people. When you came into a check point they would ask what you needed and take over from there – filling your Camelbak, getting you e-caps, you name it. They were a real energy booster!

I only farted loudly once and it was when he was telling someone a story about the Big Sur Marathon. I don’t think anyone heard it.

Coming into the finish:      

Call me fist pump Beth. I’m so cool:     

BFFs:

Pointing at my boob:

The guy in the white sunglasses is running with Dean on Stage 2. Check out that bicep:

Sitting in the river post race. SO cold – better than an ice bath. I bet those guys’ balls were shriveled to nothing:

Pus anyone?

Told you it was hot. Gross. I came home and poured this into my salt shaker:

At the camp for the race. Tent city. I was glad to be going home to my bed:

My biggest fan. Couldn’t do any of this without him!

The kids getting ready to try the Gore-Tex wind and water proof gear in the rain/wind booth:

With the kids at the end. He was so sweet with them. Signed their shirts and books, told them he wanted to run with them if they ever came to San Francisco:

A HUGE thanks to Gore-Tex, Outside PR (Kelly and Devon - we love you!!) and Dean for giving me such a great day. And the schwag ain’t too bad either (Timex watch, gloves, jacket, tech shirt, coffee mug, shoe warmers/driers, handheld bottle, Salt Stick tabs, GU stuff, trail running book, running hat, gear bag):

  

Lessons learned:

• The studs who do all six days of this race are insane. Maybe I can be like them someday
• Dean is all that. ‘Nuf said.
• You can push through about anything. As they say, your body wants to give out long before your head. Let your mental strength take you through the tough times. Know that you will hit peaks and valleys. Don’t let the valleys make you stop or quit. The peak is just around the corner.
• Keep taking risks. Continue to do that that which makes you uncomfortable. Continue to live fully! Feel that fear and do it anyway.
• Run with someone much faster and stronger than you (I recommend Dean K). You will push yourself way harder and the sheer humiliation of being slow will keep your ass going.

TransRockies Run Race Report– Getting Started

Have you ever had a day so chock full of excitement, anticipation, emotion and physical exertion such that when it ends it seems so surreal, like it never really happened?

That’s how I feel about yesterday.

After waking at 4:30 a.m. and dragging the kids into the car for the three hour drive, to Buena Vista, Colorado, a surprising calm set in. For the last three weeks I had been anxiously excited about this day – getting to run Stage One of the TransRockies Run with Dean Karnazes. There were so many unknowns at play here: could I go the distance given the hot temperatures, terrain and elevation? How would it be running with Dean? Would I get sick, hurt, etc? I’m the queen of psyching myself out and questioning my abilities. Sometimes it makes me work harder!

As is the case with the big life experiences, once you are finally knocking at the door – there is no turning back. Fear sits in your belly, but there is nowhere to go but forward. You realize you’ve been through tough things before and you know you can draw on your internal strength again. Most of all, moving out of your comfort zone is what makes you feel alive.

The scenery on the drive calmed me too:

  

Hope I’m not running over that (Mt. Princeton: 14,000+ feet)

And it helped that the kids were quiet:

As the miles to Buena Vista kept ticking down, my nerves started ticking up. We entered the city limits and Ken started laughing, saying, “You are running with Dean Karnazes!” No shit. Oh, shit!!

We got to the start. I couldn't find my Gore-Tex host or Dean anywhere. Only 15 minutes until the gun and I still had no race bib and no partner. I had them paged, and we quickly got me ready to roll.

This is perhaps my favorite picture of the day. Dean putting on my race bib!  I mean, are you kidding me?

The Gore-Tex folks snapped a quick picture:

We ran to the back of the starting line, making small talk. The gun sounded and just like that we were off on the journey:

More to come….

Countdown to the TransRockies Run!

Based on the feedback from my last post, we are all crazy for running like we do, we don’t care that anyone thinks we’re nuts and we plan to keep running well into old age because it is better than harvesting a beer belly and watching TV. It keeps us sane and makes us feel powerful, productive and strong.

What I am fascinated by is the number of you who swear by pizza the night before a race! Man, my body must be screwed up. The first time I really crapped my pants in a race I had Old Chicago’s Pizza and two Bass Ales the night before. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t an all out mess, but enough to call it gross. Sometimes major amounts of cheese and me don't agree. I learned my lesson on that one.

Oh, the excitement and the NERVES!  The countdown is on. About 36 hours from now I will be running out of the small mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado with Dean Karnazes for the first stage of the Gore-Tex TransRockies Run. I will be giggling like as school girl all a-twitter (at least that’s what Shana said I should do). I will be trying to act like I’m not tired as we head up the first 7 mile stretch which goes from 8,000 feet to 9,300 feet. What do you think we’ll talk about? I’ll probably ask some really dumb questions like, “OMG!! Like, how do you run so far??” I could be like the late Chris Farley in those Saturday Night Live skits where he interviews celebrities: “Hey Dean. Remember that time when you ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days? That was so AWESOME!!”

After the initial 7 mile climb, it’s 13.4 miles of ups and downs (literally and figuratively) to the finish.

Here are some pictures from last year’s Stage One (source). Looks pretty amazing to me. The forecast is in the 80s and there is very little shade on this course. Between that and the climbing, I might cry a little.

     

Here’s what I know:

• Check points with fruit, sport’s drink, power bars and water every 7 miles. Tequila shots and full body rubdowns would also be nice.
• Last year Dean broke several ribs on day three. He powered through the next couple of days, but was unable to finish the race.
• Last year Dean ran with Helen Cospolich, who is quite the dynamo. She won the Leadville 100 trail race in 2008 if that gives you any idea. Dean referred to her as “Sherpa Helen.” They finished the first day (20.4 miles) in 3:25. I know. Insane. There will be absolutely no comparison between Sherpa Helen and I. Except that we both have lady parts.
• On this race, you are only as fast as your partner. Poor Dean.
• A professional film crew and photographers will be document the race. That night we’ll have a slideshow and awards ceremony with a dinner cooked at the camp (fajitas and rice with pine nuts, I think).
• Dean says he will be posting nightly on his blog about the days of the race. So check in on Sunday night for his perspective. I will try to write my story the next day if I can type.
• The family will see me off at the start and will be waiting at the finish. Man, will be glad to see them! I will carry the good luck charm from Emma the whole way. I will carry your thoughts and support with me because you’ve been so generous with those. 

Now all I need is a snazzy new running shirt to show my curves.

If you want to wish me luck (again) now’s the time. I could use it. Hopefully I’ll have some great stories to relay back to you next week!

My Interview with Dean Karnazes – Ultramarathon Man!

On August 10, 2010 I had the opportunity to interview the Ultramarathon Man, Dean Karnazes, by telephone from his home in San Francisco. Karnazes has written the New York Times’ best selling book, Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All Night Runner and, 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days. He has also competed in thousands of ultramarathon races and has even run up to 350 miles in 80 hours without stopping. Never one to slow down or to stop dreaming up his next challenge, Karnazes has many upcoming adventures and has a new book hitting shelves next spring.

Karnazes will be running the TransRockies Race in Colorado August 22 – August 27. The 6-day 113 mile trail  run climbs over mountain peaks and reaches elevations of 12,500 feet. I am lucky enough to be able to run with Karnazes as my partner for Stage One/Day One of the race, which is 20.4 miles. Gore-Tex will be my host.

The Interview:

I have to ask, did you run this morning?

DK: (laughs) Of course.

How far did you go?

DK: A quick ten miles. Then I’ll go out for another ten miles this afternoon. I’ll run up a 2,500 foot hill.

I didn’t know there were any hills in San Francisco! (being sarcastic here)

DK: (laughs) Just a few.

How many miles do you average per week?

DK: My mileage ranges from 50-60 miles per week on up to 200 miles sometimes. It varies a lot because I travel so much. Last year I was on the road for 250 days.

There will be many runners reading this interview who are struggling to get through running 40-60 miles per week during training. They get burned out. Do you ever get sick of running?

DK: I love to run and I have some tips to keep it fresh and novel. I rarely use the same route twice. That keeps things new. It’s better to listen to your body than to your watch or your training schedule. Rules are meant to be broken. If you are feeling good, go faster than your recommended pace. Have fun with it. Go out for an eight hour run. Don’t worry about pace. Bring cash or a credit card. Pick a new and unchartered area with the goal to just be out there moving. Interact with people along the way. If you see a Starbucks and want a latte, stop for one. Make it about the experience. I always say, “Listen to everyone, follow no one.”

About how many pairs of running/trail shoes do you own?

DK: I go through 25-30 pairs a year. Multiply that by 20 years….

What personality changes, if any, have you noticed in yourself since you’ve been running?

DK: You know, the lessons of running translate into the lessons of life. I notice that I’ve mellowed my perspective. There’s a saying for ultra runners “when you’re feeling really good at the end of a race you start reeling in people.” Some days you are the fish and some days you are the fisherman. Running really teaches you humility.

You are really well known for all of your accomplishments and amazing feats as an ultra runner. What are YOU proudest of?

DK: I’ve raced on all seven continents at least twice. I’ve probably run thousands of races. But the single race that I’m most proud is a 10K. Yes, a 10K. I ran it with my daughter on her 10^th birthday.

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

DK: No, not really. A lot of people get nervous before a race. I am always nervous before the start of a race. It helps me to say to myself to try my very best. That is my commitment. No matter how bad it gets, I will try my hardest. I put the blinders on and try to be the best me I can be that day. With running you can’t cheat yourself or take any short cuts. You have to pay your dues. There are moments where you are struggling and you need to look internally.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you on a run?

DK: I was going to run this little race called the Badwater Ultramarathon. I would just be taking a jog through Death Valley (laughs). I had this brainiac idea to make a toga-like/kilt outfit. It would go over my knees and protect me and let the air flow. My wife, who is kind of an amateur seamstress, bought some UV protective fabric and sewed up this skirt. While I was running, it started to fall apart. Disintegrating. I kept spinning it around to the front to cover all the major body parts, but it kept getting smaller and smaller until it was a swatch. Pretty soon people were driving by cheering me on. I thought, ‘What great support!’ They were really cheering because my ass was hanging out! I don’t think I’ve told that story before.

Ever have G.I. issues on runs like the rest of us?

DK: Yes, I get those things. I just don’t see them as problems. If you run for over 80 hours at a time you’re going to have to go. I carry toilet paper in my running pack. McDonalds is the best food chain on earth. I don’t eat the food, but they have the cleanest bathrooms.

Let’s talk about this third book you’re writing. Can you give us a teaser?

DK: I just submitted it with Rodale [Publishing]. It’s called, “RUN! 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss.” They are short adventure stories about running marathons on all seven continents. Most of the stories are by me, but some are from guest contributors. It comes out next spring.

I know you’ve talked about a goal of running a marathon in every country in a year’s time. That’s 270 countries times 26.2 miles. I did the math for you: 7,074 miles! Are you still working on making this happen?

DK: This is absolutely something I am working on. I love the idea from the standpoint of - how can we possibly pull this off? It is daunting in every way.

I’ve heard you say that “the best thing you can do as a runner is choose your parents.” Were your parents runners?

DK: Yes, my dad’s a marathoner. He used to do sprint distances and then started marathoning. My mom is an endurance animal. She does three day events like the Susan G. Komen three day walk.

Since the Tour de France ended a couple of weeks ago there’s been a resurgence of talk about Lance Armstrong and doping. What do you think of the subject?

DK: I personally think it’s tragic. As much as I love to compete, that’s the dark side of competition. I love the ultramarathon because no matter if you are first or last, you get the same thing: a belt buckle. And, you get the self gratification of knowing what you accomplished.

Could you beat Pheidippides [first known marathoner] in a foot race?

DK: (laughs). If it meant dying at the end.

Now for some rapid fire questions. Answer in three seconds or so:

Three things in your refrigerator:

DK: Greek yogurt, lettuce, coconut water

M&Ms or Reeses:

DK: Neither. I’ve changed. No more junk food. I’ve gone clean.

Brand of toilet paper?

DK: (laughs). I can’t remember the name. Something flowery, velvety and soft.

Guilty pleasure?

DK: That’s easy. Chocolate covered espresso beans.

Alcohol, yes or no?

DK: Yes,  a glass of red wine periodically. It’s great for recovery.

What’s on your nightstand?

DK: The book, “The Four Hour Work Week” by my friend Timothy Ferriss. He’s a runner too.

What shows do you Tivo?

DK: I don’t even have a Tivo. I don’t watch TV. Maybe the news every once in awhile. What am I missing?

Me: Just the Bachelorette!

Ipod, yes or no?

DK: Yes. I use an iPod for about ¼ of my runs. I also love to read, but don’t have much time, so I listen to lots of books on my iPod

Baklava or ice cream?

DK: Baklava of course!! I’m Greek!

Now, we’re off to the hills to run some mountains! See you there, Dean. And thanks for your time.

 

PS: I did use some of your question suggestions. Thanks to Jamoosh for the M&Ms vs. Reeses question, M.J. for her question about how Dean’s personality might have changed with running, Trailmomma for her question about pre- race rituals and, G. Schleuse for her question about what accomplishment Dean is most proud of. I loved all the insightful questions, but just couldn’t use them all.

Magnolia Road Run – She’s a Bitch

I admit it. I’ve been getting  a bit psyched out about my run with Dean K. It’s two weeks from today. Here’s what’s causing the nerves:

1. I’ve never done a trail race
2. I’ve never done 20.4 miles on trails, racing or otherwise
3. I’ve never climbed 2,721 feet on trails running from 8,000 feet to 9,400 feet. I can hardly breathe just typing it. Would it be wrong to run with on oxygen tank?
4. I’ve never run/pooped alongside a celebrity runner
5. I’ve never done 1-4 above all at the same time

You’d be nervous too.

Dean and I shared emails yesterday. I do love to say that. I told him I might cry if it gets too hard. He told me crying is good because it adds to the drama. At least I am being up front and he can’t say I didn’t warn him.

My interview with the big man is by phone on Tuesday. Thanks so much for your interview question ideas. They were a great help. I’ve compiled a list of some good ones, so stay tuned later this week to be the first to read the interview Q & A!

In preparation for the upcoming race, I told you I wanted to run the famed Magnolia Road west of Boulder. Ken and I did it today. This run has quite a reputation. She’s hard. She’s tough. She’s not for the faint of heart. She takes you up into the clouds. She chews you up and spits you out. This is what the bitch looks like on my Garmin (spoiler: yes, I did make it):

  I stole this from someone:

The alarm went off way too early at 5:45 a.m. I lay awake in those pre-dawn moments when you snuggle down into your sheets, face planted against the drool-drenched-mattress, knowing that you are way too tired to even think about getting out of bed let alone running 15 miles.

Ignoring each other because that’s what we do in the early morning, Ken and I filled up water bottles and my bladder with Accelerade and water. I grabbed a cup of steaming coffee for the 45 minute drive to the start and tried to choke down a piece of cinnamon raisin bread (whopping 32 carbs per slice!).

I loaded up my new hydration pack with the bladder and two 20 oz bottles of liquid. I had two GUs and my camera. Oh, and some Wet Ones should I need them during a roadside squat.

We got to the start at 8,100 feet by 7:00 a.m. The road had just changed from paved to dirt, which was fine with me. 50 degrees. Perfect.

Here’s where I look like I’m doing a l’il Irish jig:

   

By mile one, I knew the pack was not going to work for me. It just didn’t fit right and kept swinging dramatically from side to side with each step I took. Since I would be taking about 30,000 steps that might be an issue. I had the straps as tight as they would go. Don’t get me wrong. I think the pack itself is comfortable, light weight and practical. I just think it’s too big for puny self. I will say that once I removed the bottles, I still had some jostling of the bladder, but it felt much better and served me well during the run.

Since I follow everything that is told to me on the internet, I had cleaned out the bladder with Polident denture cleaner. Spearmint. Probably not the best move, but my water was minty fresh for the run and so was my breath.

As we headed up the first huge hill, we hit mile one huffing and puffing like we had just finished 15 freaking miles. Only 14 more to go. I hid the water bottles knowing they were causing the pack to move so drastically. I would have to survive on the 1 liter of liquid in the bladder. It’s kind of neat how I would transfer from the bladder in the pack to my bladder. Anyone else find that fascinating?

The hills seemed endless. Just as  you’d crest one and have a bit of a downhill respite, you’d be greeted by another incline shouting, “Oh, yeah? Try this one, you pussy!” At about the two mile point a herd of runners flew by us going the opposite direction. Damn University of Colorado cross country team. I know they love this run, as it was made famous by the CU x-country team in the book “Running with the Buffaloes.” Humbling to say the least watching these guys fly by, effortless.

Here come some of those damn buffaloes. They need to slow the eff down:

 

We trudged on and up.

At mile seven, we hit the Peak to Peak Highway, crossed over and ran another half mile on a rocky dirt road. At the turn around, we had our GUs, stretched and headed back. We both felt pretty strong at this point.

If I haven’t said so already, this road afforded amazing views of the foothills and the Rockies. Wildflowers grew everywhere. Occasionally the route would open up to a high altitude pasture with grazing cows and horses. The air in Colorado is so crisp, cool and bright with no humidity, especially up that high. Kind of like Florida. Or Texas.

Here is where we crossed over the Peak to Peak Highway:

   

Ken runs by a pasture:

 

And up a hill:

Told ya’ it was pretty (not me, the scenery dummy):

I did not have to stop to crap on this run. Miracles never cease to happen. So I did a fake out for you. If only I could poop with shorts on. Well, I can but it’s not pretty.

Here’s where I tell you about my studly husband. He has run several half marathons this year, and is training for another in October. He has never run more than 13.1 miles at a time. Today, he ran the whole flippin’ 15 miles with me. He wants you to know he has his first blister on his tender toe. Ever. Cue the violins. I smell a marathon in his future even if he doesn’t.

Nearing the end, some dude passed us on the last gargantuan hill leading to the car. I picked up the pace and kept a steady 20 feet behind him. He was letting out the most ungodly sounds – like he was either yakking or dumping or both. But, I think it was just an “I’m going up a big hill and I’m tired” GRUNT like none I’d ever heard. Think I’ll try that one with Dean.

Overall Stats:

15 miles
2 hours, 28 minutes
1,650 feet elevation gain
1,650 feet elevation loss
9:44 average pace (okay speedies, you try to run this bitch fast)

I do feel pretty good after the run with the exception of an aching ass. I’m glad we took it kind of slow.

Don’t forget my giveaway! Ends Friday.

What Would You Ask Him?

"If you can't run, then walk.  And if you can't walk, then crawl.  Do what you have to do.  Just keep moving forward and never, ever give up." – Dean Karnazes

I’d like to do my interview with Dean Karnazes prior to running with him during the TransRockies Run on August 22. I think this will calm my nerves a bit and give me more insight into knowing what makes that crazy Ultramarathon Man tick. I’ve read lots of interviews that Dean’s given over the years and don’t want to ask he “token” questions (What do you eat on a long run? Ever shit in the woods?), because you can read his books to find those answers. I’d like to come up with some unique stuff. Goodbye status quo!

When I first announced I’d be interviewing Dean, Jamoosh had a great idea – to ask for input from the blog world.

So…I'm putting it out there. If you could ask Dean any question about running, racing, lifestyle, the ultra distance, what would it be? I’ll be compiling a list of the ten or so best questions and will post the interview here with Dean’s answers sometime this month. So, give me your best and your most original. Balls out.

I Need Your Help

Long run yesterday: 16 miles  
Time: 2:25
Average pace: 8:58
Liquid consumed (water/HEED): 45 oz
Nutrition: 1 Strawberry Cliff Shot at mile 6
Temperature at 7:00 a.m. start: 66*
Temperature at finish: 80*
Bathrooms stops: 2 along the dirt road in the weeds
Elevation gain/loss: 735 ft/735 ft.

When Ken and I set out (he ran the first half with me), I could already tell it was going to be a muggy scorching kind of run. This route is gorgeous with lots of back country roads and mountain views, but there is little shade and a plethora of hills (you like that fancy word?).

Highlights:

Mile 1: I stopped to stretch and crap. Oh no. Already? I swear I went before I left home. Ken stood guard, rolling his eyes thinking, “How could I have married this?”

Mile 4: I left another gift alongside the road.

Mile 8: Kissed Ken goodbye (no tongue). Headed back. Put in iPod to take my mind off of the heat and effort

Mile 10: iPod dies. It’s just me and my breathing.

Mile 14: Run out of water/HEED

Mile 15: Super energetic, talkative and shirtless runner probably on mile 2 of his run comes up from behind. “Hot enough for you? How you doing? Blah, blah, blah.”

How the hell do you think I’m doing? I’m on mile freaking 15 of this 16 mile jaunt, I’m dehydrated, my legs are screaming, and oh, hey, we just passed the crap I took this morning!”

Me at the end of it all, not feeling so swell. Yes I have my running tank rolled up because this is the new fashion statement. You should try it:

And now I need your help.

I broke my exciting news last week – that I would be running part of the TransRockies Run with Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathon Man extraordinaire, as my partner. Stage One. 20.4 miles. 2,721 feet of elevation gain. 2,398 feet of elevation loss. I can hear my knees groaning already. But NO I am not complaining. Chance of a lifetime over here.

Check points are every 7 miles, so I guess there will be about three water/food stops on the trail over the course of the 20 miles.

I’m wondering about hydration between check points. Usually I run with 40 oz of hydration in my Nathan fuel belt.

I talked to Outside PR and they sent me this nifty Go Lite Slipstream hydration pack:

I have never used one of these. Apparently it needs a bladder to go inside of it. I couldn’t get in for a bladderectomy on short notice (all the ORs were full), so I’m going to have to buy one.

Like anything out there, there are 20 million options. All I know is I want 2 liters (70 oz). Any of you run with hydration packs? I know you all run with bladders and colons.

Any advice on which bladder to order?

Also, if you were me, what hydration system would you use for the race?

Option One: fuel belt, refuel at check point

Option Two: hydration pack, refill as needed

I know from reading his books that Dean prefers the pack. But, I am my own woman, so I cannot be influenced. Except by you all. So give me your input!

PS: My $100 CSN giveaway ends tomorrow. What are you waiting for? A personal invitation?

Fine Print: Go-Lite and Outside PR sent me this hydration pack free of charge.