A blog about ultrarunning, Ironman and hiking 4,000 footers
I love this quote from Charlotte Bronte. I had this quote on my refrigerator in almost all the houses I’ve lived in the last ten years. It reminds me that I need to keep trying, keep searching to find the best people, the best places, and to not give up or settle for second best in anything I do.
Last year was good but this year it going to be epic. 100 miles. 3-Day Stage Race. Ironman. 4,000 Footers.
I got to escape the arctic tundra for four days this past weekend while racing (and I use that word loosely) the Houston Marathon.
Over the long weekend I talked to so many amazing endurance athletes. I was inspired and in awe of these people:
Shelly who finished her first 100 (Brazos) under her time goal.
Mark who ran his 25th Houston Marathon
Brian who ran his 21st Houston Marathon.
Paul who ran his first marathon at 60.
Brandon who is running marathons in every state.
The guy at the finish line who told me about his 100s and what was next.
The woman who said she usually does ultras but just loves the Houston Marathon.
The marathon was so fun because Mark, Brian and I ran the first 20 miles together. We talked and laughed as the miles just flew by. The start was cold, colder than I dressed for but I rather be cold that hot. The course was as flat as a pancake and it was great to just run without any hills. We walked very little.
We saw our support team with the pink hair (Thanks Amy) and Shelly was there although I didn’t get to see her.
We talked to a few people while running. I love being asked where I’m from. New Hampshire. HA. Some people look at me funny, I’m guessing they don’t really know where it is. (LOL)
Around mile 22 Brian started cramping and Mark walked/ran with him; I kept running. It hurt too much to walk and I felt pretty good so I kept running. I had it in my mind to finish at 4:30 but ended up at 4:43.
Considering that most of November and December I couldn’t run three miles without hurting, I think it was an okay day. I still have some adductor pain but it’s so much less.
There 74 days until my 100 mile race and I know exactly what I have to do to be successful. Today, Tuesday as I think back on the last few days I feel so lucky for the people in my life. The ones who inspire and listen to my rants; the ones who offer advice (that I may take, ha) and the ones who love me despite my craziness. 2020 is going to be a great year. First race of the year – done!
What Not To Do:
What To Do:
5 articles with great tips about training for 100 mile race.
Today I am heartbroken.
My heart is stomped on, broken – numb.
Cory Booker is out of the race. A candidate I supported and believed in with all my heart. He believed in Unity and Love; and his campaign wanted to counter division and hate. I don’t know who to support now.
Today Sucked. But I’ll be back at it tomorrow.
The quote is from Laura Pritchett, The Full Catastrophe.
I made the plunge – in 2020 I’m an ultra runner and triathlete. I never would’ve guessed that I’d go back to triathlon, but I do love the bike. I do love swimming and being in water. I guess I like to run (LOL), but mainly on trail, maybe.
Well, I guess I love it all. I love the planning, the training and execution.
Cheers to 2020 and mixing it up.
