Category: Ultrarunning

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Do you like running?

This morning I read an article from a Facebook Group post. The article: Why I won’t stop running due to COVID.

The question the writer posed to himself “Do I like running?”

McConaughy’s story made me think about this year and how wacky my training plans were compared to a year ago. Last year my motivation was high to run a race that was way out of my league and at high elevation. [Leadville]

The challenge spurred me on to do my training plan every day, lose weight and created a new world for me in ultra running. I remember feeling excited about every run. When I knew I had to run 10 miles or 20 miles, I was looking forward to the run, planning what I would listen to and what I would eat for a meal after (I love a good post-run food plan).

However, 2020 started so different because I was injured and training for a 100 mile race I wasn’t super excited about. Training and motivation were nothing like a year ago. The weather beat me up and I didn’t follow the plan. I wasn’t excited about running and spent more time in the gym lifting weights.

McConaughy’s article reminded me of the feeling of being on trails. As soon as I hit a trail I’m suddenly feeling better and happier. While I am faster on the roads (and like seeing a faster pace on Strava) and sometimes do enjoy roads, I’m happiest when I am surrounded by trees, running past an occasional stream and see dirt under my feet. 

Like him, “I was captivated by the challenge of trying to run longer distances in more wild places.” That’s why Leadville was such a positive in my life last year. The Leadville 100 was long and wild. I wasn’t sure if I could do it. That’s what got me up in the morning and out the door to train. That drive and happiness drove my desire in all aspects of my life. I was so excited for whatever was around each new corner. 

McConaughy asks himself and readers, Why do you enjoy running in the first place? For me, I like the simplicity of running. Not much gear is needed and I can open my door and go. I especially love running to the top of hill, and when I’m fit, I recover fast and keep running; it makes me see progress and makes me happy. I love the days when I can run 10 miles and it feels relatively easy. 

There may be no races this year but somehow I will run 100 miles if I have to do loops around my house and ask friends to support me.

I had this poster on my bedroom wall during high school. It’s still true.
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Another injury, ankle this time

I was on a roll, until I wasn’t 

I love the SNL skit with Roseanne Rosannadanna. Gilder Rader was hilarious and I always think of her rambling commentary and Jane Curtin bringing her back to reality. “It’s always something,” she would say.

For me, I think of this skit when I’m on a roll and then get side tracked; which in endurance training happens at least three times a year.

On Tuesday I twisted my ankle, bad. I was trail running in Winant Park and I noticed a runner on the trail that paralleled my trail. I didn’t want to startle him when the two trails merged so I was watching him. When he noticed me, I waved and – boom – I wasn’t looking at my feet and my ankle twisted so hard I almost screamed in pain.  I hobbled home (1.5 miles).

I twist an ankle at least once a week but never to the extent of Tuesday. I do all the flexibility exercises for ankles and feet, and typically don’t get injured. But Tuesday….. Ugh. 

I have two dogs to walk and so this week was a bit trying on my nerves as I hobbled around the block walking the dogs. Goldie is terrible on leash and when she sees a squirrel ….

My new start was a bust. This week I wasn’t able to capitalize on last week’s training. I walked this week but no biking or running. Today I hiked with Winnie and took Goldie on a walk to the park. Later today, I plan to do a 3 mile walk around Concord and maybe a short bike ride.  But that is it.

I’m guessing that running isn’t going to be a thing for another week. Meh. I think today I’m going to take advantage of Netflix and cable TV. And of course, the Andrew Cuomo hour coming up shortly. Man, that guy can talk.

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Monday, Training & Racing Update – Week 2

Races:

Rock Hopper Chocorua Race – canceled.

White Mountain Tri, Ragged Mountain Stage Race, IM Mont Tremblant, Gunstock Trailfest – still on!

Training:

Training is going well. I ran every day last week which was big (BIG) for me. It is good to get back into running shape. It’s so easy to lose it. I ran my favorite 10 mile loop from Winant into Swope in Concord with so many hills, rocks and root.

1,428 elevation change!

This is now week 2 of 28.

The big test this week is going longer. I’m excited to have today off and get in a 40 mile week!

Week 1 & 2 – 100 Mile Training Plan

I didn’t get to bike at all last week. The snow, rain and wind prevented that. Plus, my mountain bike was in the shop after the chain broke on my ride last week. I brought it in for a full tune up so it was gone most of the week. I’m excited to road and mountain bike this week; and the weather forecast looks good!

Happy Monday!

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2020 Reboot, New Training Plan

January started out pretty good. Training, Life, Work. 

February was tough. Seasonal depression, cold, snow. Training was tough. Life was tough. Work was good. 1 out of 3 isn’t too bad.

March was okay. I adopted the perfect dog. The pandemic hit. I worked from home. Training was okay then the YMCA closed.  I lost momentum for all the above reasons.

April was much like March: work from home, walk the dogs, run or bike when it didn’t rain. No training plan. Races canceled. 

It’s time for a 2020 reboot. It’s time to get on a plan; to train for something. 

I’m turning my A race to the Mid State Massive in Massachusetts in October.

This week’s training schedule.

While I still am registered for five other races, my most important goal in 2020 is to finish a 100 mile race. Okay, truth: and to finish an Ironman. Oh yes, another truth: to complete the 3-day stage race. 

But if everything gets canceled, I’m still hoping, and will start training tomorrow, for the October 2020 100 mile race. 

But hopefully these races happen: Rock Hopper Chocorua Race, White Mountain Tri, Ragged Mountain Stage Race, IM Mont Tremblant, Gunstock Trailfest.

I hope all these races happen.

I’m going to do what I told myself I was going to do in 2019. This was my Leadville 100 mantra that I had to start using at mile 20. It didn’t work in 2019 but I have a feeling it might just work in 2020.

Katie Arnold
– Katie Arnold, winner of the 2019 Leadville 100

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Training Update, Pivoting

A buzzword I’ve been hearing lately is a pivot. 
That is what training and life have been like lately – I’m pivoting. 

While the coronavirus and lifestyle changes don’t really affect me in the sense that I don’t go out a lot or congregate in groups all that much, now I just don’t have that option. I’m not complaining, not at all, because I have everything I need. It’s what everyone has to do now – pivot – make changes and adjust thinking and activities. I still have a job; that’s always good. 

Take a deep breath.

What I like about the concept of pivoting is that it doesn’t mean desperation; it can be additional growth. It’s changing what you do right now to maintain your vision; your vision of what the future will be.

While races are canceled and training is in flux, I still am running, walking a lot and reading. 

Race calendar updated
This week’s training plan

The world is changing – every year brings something we didn’t expect; globally and locally. As a GenXer this is our world, something we always have lived with and for me it makes me not trust anyone or anything. America’s neglected ‘middle child’. Could it be true that “being in the middle is a power place to be.” Doubt it.

Ha. But I’m getting away from my point. 

Maybe pivoting is what I’ve been doing all my life, always re-imagining what I could do and be. Maybe it’s time to reassess and make some changes. Pivot.