Running this week was good and on-plan until today, Saturday.
I started my 8 mile run feeling blah from the start. I walked early and walked/ran for the first mile. My stomach was upset and just didn’t feel right. I forgot my electrolyte bottle but remembered everything else.
My first thought was to just walk 8 miles. Just get it done.
But I ended up circling back to my car and calling it a day.
I’m realizing I need to respect recovery. This week was a good but no recovery: lifting Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, running Tuesday and Thursday, a walk on Wednesday. No true days off. While I never felt completely drained, today was a bust.
Lesson learned. I am rushing it and need more balance. I’m adjusting and building in two real recovery days moving forward.
The win this week: my runs felt strong. Tuesday and Thursday gave me a glimpse of what’s possible. I’ve got my eye on consistent 11-minute miles, and for the first time, that goal feels within reach.
Song of the week, building the race day playlist:
Three Little Birds by Kacey Musgraves
Best Lyrics:
Woke up this mornin’ and smiled with the risin’ sun. Three little birds by my doorstep Singin’ sweet songs, melodies pure and true Sayin’, “This is my message to you, ooh-ooh, yea Baby, don’t worry about a thing ‘Cause every little thing is gonna be alright
I spent the night in a cabin at Twin Lakes. I have the cabin for two nights and it’s a few miles from the trailhead for Hope Pass, which will be my second hike in two days.
On Saturday morning I was still recovering from the 10 mile hike in RMNP from yesterday and getting used to elevation. Twin Lakes sits at 9,600 ft and today my plan is to finally get to Hope Pass, 12,600 feet, after two Leadville 100 DNFs.
I found a restaurant that was open with a breakfast buffet. Similarly to how I felt last year the morning of my Grinnell Glacier hike, I needed eggs and coffee to get in the right mindset for the hike. The breakfast in Twin Lakes was okay but the eggs were a bit gross with tomatoes in them. The best part was the coffee and the pastry. Regardless, it gave me what I needed to get going.
I drove to the Willis Gulch Trailhead and started hiking. Two years ago I started this but didn’t go much farther than the CDT Trail.
I hiked to the CD Trail and headed south to Hope Pass.
A little way in I saw two bearded men hiking towards me with full packs. I got a bit choked up because I was so impressed that they were doing this super long trail; I wished I could be doing it, too. They wore a CDT badge on their shoulder strap. I asked them how long they’ve been on the trail and they said it’s been so long they lost count. They smiled, clearly happy to be on the trail.
I kept on and hiked slowly like yesterday. I kept thinking “what was I thinking” – when training for Leadville 100 and living at sea-level. I remember what I felt like at mile 38 during the 100 mile race and I couldn’t imagine running this trail to Hope Pass over and back in order to finish. I just never made it this far to know what I as in for. Today when saw runners heading up the Pass, I was in awe.
Hope Pass was fantastic. It wasn’t what it looked like in any the Leadville pictures but loved being there.
I headed down after a break and only wore a jacket to protect my skin. It was perfect hiking weather and only one patch of snow to cross.
I passed many heading up: hikers, runners, kids, dogs. All so happy to be out on the this gorgeous Saturday.
I had to pay attention and look for the sharp left turn to Willis Gulch Trail from the CDT. And it was a mile back to my car.
I was thrilled to make it to the top, and altitude sickness/headache subsided after getting down. The elevation is no joke and 3,330 feet of elevation gain.
I got back to my cabin and didn’t want to stay another night. I booked a hotel closer to the airport so I showered and packed up the car to head back to Denver.
I drove through Leadville and saw all the happy finishers who stuck around town after the Heavy Half Marathon and the Full Marathon race. I remembered when I did my best Leadville Marathon finish in 2019. I loved that year so much.
As I drove through the town, of which I dreamed about for years, I thought how much I loved the town, the race, and training for HARD RACES. I just don’t think I’m that athlete anymore. The athlete who can train hard and do these hard races. And just thinking that I’m done with it all makes me so sad. And writing it for this blog makes it so real.
I was so glad to be in Colorado and hike two big mountains/passes in two days. This trip has been so good for me, and is helping me face reality that maybe I’m more a hiker than an ultrarunner anymore.
Driving to Denver on Interstate 70 I thought how progressive Colorado is compared to Tennessee. Grocery stores in Colorado don’t use plastic bags and so many people have solar panels on their homes. I miss living in Colorado.
I got to my hotel and relaxed for a bit before heading out to find my last dinner in Colorado.
In the morning I ate a $35 breakfast at Elways at the airport. The meal was very pricey but I did enjoy the coffee and little bottle of jam for my biscuit.
As I waited for my flight, and trying to get some steps in, I saw this lighted advertisement at each gate in the terminal. It was a healthcare ad but I found it so true and inspiring for me. Here’s the close up of it – and here’s my sign to what’s next:
Philadelphia has a special family memory for me, which is why I’ve been wanting to do this marathon for many years.
My parents grew up outside of Philadelphia and as a child we came here to visit my grandparents in the summer. I remember visiting the Philadelphia Zoo and Hershey Park. It made so much sense to sign up, train and run the Philadelphia Marathon.
Here is my Philadelphia Marathon Race Report:
Getting to Philadelphia
Traveling to Philadelphia was fairly easy. Saturday started with a nonstop flight from Knoxville. My flight was on time and I navigated the SEPTA train system to the convention center. The train comes twice an hour and it, too, was on time. Twenty minutes later I arrived at Jefferson Station and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. So easy. Train fare was $6.75.
The marathon expo was efficient and fun, and all the runners and volunteers had such great energy. I bought a race hat and walked through the expo. The expo wasn’t huge, which was nice. Sometimes those huge expos are daunting.
I opted for the hotel that was part of the lodging options for the race. I walked less than a mile to Four Points by Marriott.
I wasn’t able to check in early, so the desk agent took my bag and I started my adventure through the city to the art museum. I walked by the Rodin Museum, surprised because I’d been to the Rodin Museum in Paris. I read the placard that stated that this museum has the most sculptures other than the one in Paris. The Thinker was the first sculpture to see, and I’m pretty sure there is a version of it that I saw in Paris.
The race start and finish is in front of the art museum. By the time I arrived the half marathon race was finished but I still needed to pass through security. It was good to see the set up and have a plan for the next morning.
I checked out the Rocky statue and walked up the famous steps to the Philadelphia Art Museum.
I walked through the museum, had lunch at the cafe and made a plan for getting back to the hotel. I stopped at the Whole Foods for some race day breakfast and post race snacks.
Philadelphia is really easy to navigate with the grid system streets. I didn’t get a chance to go to the Liberty Bell because by the time I was close to my hotel, it was time to get off my feet, which in retrospect I think I walked too much before the race. It was windy and about 45 degrees. Race weather was supposed to be the same but less wind.
I needed to stay off my feet so I decide to eat at the hotel restaurant and ordered a Philly cheesesteak and a LOVE IPA.
Then spent the rest of the night watching TV.
Race Morning
I woke up at 4:30am knowing that I needed to catch the shuttle from A Loft at 5am; it was a 5 minute walk from my hotel. In retrospect, I probably should’ve arrived at A Loft a little later because the two plus hour wait to start the race was a little much. I didn’t want to be late or be standing in lines so I caught the early bus. Next time I would get to A Loft at 5:30. Last bus is at 6am.
Because I got an early start there were no lines at security check points or the bathroom. After 6am there were lines everywhere. I sat in the warming tent for a little while and walked around when I got bored.
Two hours and 30 minutes is a long time to wait for a race start. I was in H corral so I didn’t start until 7:30ish. The energy was high and it was very exciting to get running.
The Race
The course is great. I loved the energy from the crowds going through all the neighborhoods. I loved the open spaces near the parks and river. The spectators really make this race. But let me warn you, there are some hills – gradual hills. According to my Garmin it was 1,877 ft of elevation gain.
The aid stations were awesome. The volunteers were amazing. Since I started in the last corral I was worried that aid stations would run out of water; but they never did.
As I made my way to the finish I was really hurting. My legs were really tired, but nothing hurt. My neuroma didn’t act up and my IT band didn’t spasm; I just had heavy legs.
I crossed the finish line, got my medal and just wanted to get back to my hotel to shower. I found the shuttle and in 20 minutes I was in my hotel room. I took the longest shower of my life and then headed to the hotel restaurant to refuel.
I wish I could’ve gone out to explore Philadelphia more but I really just wanted to have a meal and lay down.
The Analysis
This marathon is no joke. I completed the training that I wanted. I was just hoping that it was going to be less painful. I know I have some work to do for my next race which includes losing 20 pounds, 3 days a week in the gym, weight training and core work. And following the plan to do speed work and hills.
I’ve been running marathons and competing in triathlons for 20 years now and I say the same thing after every race.
I’m proud of myself that I was able to get to the start line. I was healthy, fit and ready for this. This whole “getting old” stuff is tough. However, I’m more consistent with training and core and weights than I’ve ever been; simply because I have to in order to be fit and trained for life.
Post Race Thoughts
Sitting here writing this, I feel like that 34 year old woman from 20 years ago who was writing race reports while processing a race, all while thinking she can do anything. And gets ready for the next big race in a few weeks. I’m going to keep dreaming of new places, new adventures, new experiences. I’m going to keep making plans and doing the work to make my dreams come true even as I age.
Takeaways from the Philadelphia Marathon:
I like that it is a big city, small marathon.
Easy navigation to Convention Center and Race Start
I would do this marathon again
Philly Cheesesteaks are the real deal
Awesome spectators
Great weather – cool and windy is perfection
I am more of a trail runner in a mountain location than a big city road racer. But I think it’s good to step out of your comfort zone and try different things and see things you’ve never seen. The rest of my year is filled with trail races but I loved getting some miles in on the road with 17,000 of my new best friends. Thanks Philadelphia – the LOVE is real.
Race Website: https://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/ Distance: 26.7 miles. Elevation Gain: 1,877 ft Time: 5 hrs, 38 mins What I ate: Pre-race: a bagel and bar, During race: 4 GU gels, GORP What I drank: lots of Nuun at aid stations, 2 L water What I wore: Salomon hydration vest, winter running tights, blue long sleeve shirt, dk blue thin jacket, started with beanie then changed to baseball hat What I saw: A lot of people cheering and yelling at me (LOL)
I signed up for the August, Miner’s Lady 50K in January as I was plotting my return effort to finish a 100 mile trail run. I was creating a progressive race schedule that would build to a 100 in November. It was difficult to find a 50K in August since it’s just so hot everywhere and there are few races, but I ended up finding this race in West Virginia; a place I’ve only driven through. I chose this race because 1) I needed a marathon or higher in WV 2) it fit into my progressive distance plan 3) it was a trail run in a place I’ve never been.
It’s far away, probably the farthest distance I’ve driven for a one day race, but I wanted the experience so I signed up.
I drove north on Friday for packet pick up and met my carpool buddies at Two Rivers Treads in Ranson, WV. The race organizers enforce carpooling since there is limited parking and for sustainability reasons. I thought it would be nice to drive to the race with two other women who knew the course and starting area’s set up.
Here is the course map at packet pickup:
I was really excited for this race. This was the first time I felt prepared for a 50K in a really long time. They took photos of all the runners at packet pickup. Here’s me – ready to run!
I didn’t want to sit in a restaurant or eat a big meal so for I stopped at the local grocery store and bought a sandwich and a container of hot mac and cheese, and ate it back in my hotel room.
As I prepped for the next morning I ate dinner and watched TV. I wasn’t feeling excited or scared at this point; I just felt ready.
Race Morning:
I drove to Amanda’s house which was a short 5 miles to the race start. She was still in the process of getting ready when I arrived, and we were a bit delayed getting to the start. It was still dark and parking attendants sent us closer to the staging area so that was great to be parked close to the start. As we set up the tent, it was getting close to start time.
Then suddenly, the whistle blew and had to run from our area to join the race. Not ideal but it was fine. I had my headlamp on and just started running.
While I studied the map, I had never been on the course and just followed the group. The course began with a gentle downhill and rolling hills. The course is wooded and beautiful, and as the daylight appeared, I felt like something bit me behind my knee and started rubbing it. A few minutes later I learned that runners were being stung and attacked by hornets.
I don’t notice the hornets except for what bit my leg, and wondered where they were? In a tree? Just buzzing around? A runner told me they were on the ground and she swatted them and they stung her hand multiple times. Geez! I lucked out on that one. A few people really got stung badly, I learned later.
I just kept running.
Then came the downhill section. And though I studied the map, I didn’t realize that I was on the out and back section and was surprised to see runners coming toward me. I was feeling good and running downhill, then moved over to make room for the oncoming runner and BOOM – my left ankle twisted, I heard a creaking noise, I fell to my right and landed off trail.
I was completely surprised, 1) because I haven’t twisted my ankle in two years and 2) I was only 2 miles into the race and 3) it hurt A LOT.
A runner tried to help me up and I wasn’t quite ready to get up. I was sitting there stunned. After a few minutes, I got up and walked. My right knee was bleeding but I could walk. Then my ankle started to hurt more. Sometimes after a twist like this, I can recover and it’s fine. This wasn’t going to be fine.
So I hobbled the remaining loop, and ended my day.
The loop was such a good one. I wanted to run it. I wanted to run it 4 more times. I wanted to finish the 50K but it wasn’t meant to be.
The medic told me that it looked bad and I should go to urgent care. My ankle looked like a golf ball, all swollen. Since I carpooled, my car was 5 miles away. A very kind race volunteer couple drove me to my car and I headed back to my hotel to clean up.
Every time I get injured my love for running grows. While in the past I can go months without running because I just don’t want to run or I lack motivation, when I get injured running, I miss running so much and can’t wait to get healthy.
It’s been two weeks since the race and while I can run, my ankle is still sore and not 100% yet.
While this race entailed a lot of driving (Road Trip Total Miles from TN to WV: 930 miles) the area was beautiful and I loved the course (minus the hornets). See you next year.
Here is the progression of my ankle over three days:
Most of my racing and travel posts starts with a trip’s intent. If you are a frequent reader, you know that changes a lot especially right before the trip start.
I signed up for the Little Rock Marathon six months ago. I signed up because I wanted to see Little Rock. I wanted to see the capital area, the Arkansas River and the Bill Clinton Presidential Library. I also wanted to drive into Oklahoma via the Trail of Tears byway.
But first, a six-hour drive to Memphis where I stopped on the first night. I spent a few hours in the National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry Street. When you walk up to the museum, you see the Lorraine Motel as it was in 1968. In the museum they exhibit the history of the American Civil Rights Movement. Such well organized displays and thought provoking images. One exhibit shows what MLK’s hotel room looked like that he stayed in before he was shot. It felt strange to be walking around so much history that I’ve read about and watched on TV. I’m still processing what I saw and learned.
I walked through downtown, exploring and eating at a Mexican restaurant, reading area brochures and learning about Memphis.
The next day, early start to Little Rock and packet pickup. I decided that I will run the half marathon instead of the full. I feel like dropping down in races is so 2023-of-me. However, the pattern continues in 2024. Please stand by. My race approach is evolving. But I digress…
I drove over the Arkansas River. The last time I saw this river was in Colorado last year when we visited the Royal Gorge. And now I see it as it joins the Mississippi in Arkansas. The Arkansas River is the second-longest tributary in the Mississippi-Missouri river system, originating near Leadville, Colorado – my favorite racecation destination.
The entire registration was held in the Little Rock Convention Center. Using indoor. bathrooms is such a luxury with a big race like this. The dinosaur-themed race was festive with so many runners dressing silly. I was looking forward to race day.
After getting my bib, I drove to Little Rock Central High School. I walk around the grounds and read about the 1957 event and learn more about the Little Rock Nine.
I have enough time to drive to Fort Smith National Historic Site which is two hours from Little Rock. I walked through the historic fort and park, read the signs to learn about the fort’s history. I walked along the Arkansas River, which was heading towards Little Rock and the Mississippi.
Fort Smith trail walk on the ArkansasIn the park exhibitthe fortlate 19th century
I drove into Oklahoma, ate lunch and started back to Little Rock.
I get back to the hotel, which is a half mile from the race start. Sometimes pre-trip planning doesn’t work out, but this time, the location works out to my advantage. And, it just so happens the Clinton Library is a short walk down the street. I walk around the campus since I missed open hours. There is some sort of fundraiser or event happening as I walk around; people are dressed up and entering the museum.
Sunday: Race Day. I wake up at 4:30am for a 6am start. Originally the race was planned to start at 8am but due to unseasonable warm weather and humidity organized changed it to an early start.
It’s 4:35 am and I really didn’t want to run. I wanted to sleep in and drive home. I get this way traveling sometimes; I just want to be home with my dogs. But then I force myself to remember this is a planned adventure. I want to do this. I want to run Little Rock.
Marathons (and shorter races) really allow me to see a place. I hemmed and hawed for a good 30 minutes and ultimately got up, put on my race clothes (read: big girl pants) and walked to the start.
I was so happy to be at this start line. I always forget this.
The race start wasn’t what I expected, but almost nothing is anymore.
There were thousands in the corral. Marathon and half marathoners all together in letter-labled areas. I was in E.
I usually talk to people and get pumped up to start but today, I didn’t talk to anyone. I sat and stretched and took a few pictures.
It took about five minutes to get to the start line and I just ran my pace. I no longer have a race pace – I have a pace I always run. My comfortable pace is between 10 and 11 minute miles.
We ran through downtown and around a few residential areas and made our way back out to Central High School. The school’s marching band played for us as we ran by. Then suddenly I am at 13 miles and we are back to the start. The temperature was perfect: 55 and misting. No Sun!
I’m so glad I finished this race.
I walked back to the hotel and showered. I was sore! But I was also ready to head home.
I drove home across the Arkansas River and the Mississippi River. I drove past Memphis and Nashville. As dark descended, and 8 hours had passed I was at Exit 407 and home was 30 minutes away.
As of today, I have two states left to visit: Michigan and North Dakota. Let the trip planning begin.
How to fuel before a road trip: Flapjacks at Exit 407 Sevierville.
