Running out the Cobwebs

First race of the (pre) season is done and I am not even really sore on this, the day after. We decided to jump into a running race (Snowman Stampede 10-miler at Chatfield State Park) yesterday because it had simply been too long since we let our competitive juices flow and since I started training more seriously again in January, I was kind of eager to see where my running was at. I didn't have expectations but knew the CR for this 10-miler was 1:04 and change, something within my reach, since I ran sub 1:03 at last year's Park to Park 10-miler. I didn't know the course at all for yesterday's race and when the RD told us there were several spots on the course that were "icy, be real careful", my thoughts quickly changed to "just get a good run in and try not to slip".

We got a decent warm-up in with several pit stops (gotta remember to reduce the caffeine intake on race morning, yikes!) and after debating for a good 10min of whether to wear shorts or capris (I went with capris, would have been fine in either), I was ready to go, complete with my Sportbeans run singlet making its first appearance. We toed the line with the 5-mile runners as well, making for some interesting pacing the first 2.5miles. I found myself running comfortably with the lead group of women, including Tera Moody, who has run 2.32 in the marathon. First mile was passed in 5:58, oops! 9 more miles to go.

I knew it was only a matter of time before she would pull away from me and I'd never see her again. I stayed in second place until around mile 4 when another speedy runner girl passed me and never looked back. B stayed behind me until mile 4 when he passed me and I let him go. Since I had no idea what the course was like, I wanted to run cautious in case there was some big hill somewhere, waiting to surprise me. Sure enough, the smooth sailing was soon over as we traversed super sketchy territory for the next few miles, making me slow my pace significantly as to not wipe out on all the icy spots covering the paths. The winds picked up as well, so my pace certainly wasn't picking up.

Around mile 7 or so, I caught back up to B and passed him. And just like the warning heeded to us at the start, by mile 8, the path became ridiculous and I came to several complete stops, trying to maneuver around the various frozen puddles and black ice covering the path. Luckily, for most parts I was able to run on the muddy grass next to the path, which was reminiscent of my xc running days, actually kinda fun. But I am certainly no gifted trail runner, so I lost tons of time to the second girl during that time. I somehow still managed a 6:11 last mile. Came across the line as third female, in 1:01.54, a full minute faster than at last summer's 10-miler, and breaking the existing CR by over 2 minutes, and only having the third fastest time of the day. Despite the somewhat silly conditions on the course, I can't complain about a new PR(breaking my sea level PR at altitude), especially in February. And I got a new coffee travel mug out of the thing, so definitely a good day! :)

Oops, it's been awhile....

Wow, almost 2 months with no blog post, so sorry. Just haven't felt like there's been much to report on my end. But before I let any more time pass, I'd better get a quick update in.

I've been doing some good training so far this year and have even tested myself on the track with surprisingly good results. I have decided not to race L.A. but rather do a little less popular, but just as, if not more, scenic marathon up at my mom's on Whidbey Island. The date is April 11th and being familiar with the terrain on the island, I have my hill work cut out for me. Good thing most are just a jog away in training! I am trying to incorporate alot of hilly running without ignoring the flat lands for speed work, so we'll see how it turns out. My triathlon season won't officially commence until June most likely and will be a steady build towards Ironman Canada in August. I have a feeling hill training might just pay off for that one.

Last week I escaped our still wintry weather for the summer of San Diego, if only for 2 days. Jelly Belly selected me along with team mate Ben Hoffman, to serve as this year's tri ambassadors for their sportbeans ads. I haven't seen any pics yet, but hopefully they'll turn out OK so that I'll actually be featured in some ads. All major endurance sports publications are supposedly running them, starting with their May issues. I'll post some pics when I get them.

I also recently did a fun photo shoot with the very talented Jenn Davidson of lucephotog.com and I'll post some of her shots below. Now back to watching some Olympics. Hope you're all doing well and I'll be back on here sooner than later, I promise!

2010 is Here

A little update on what I've been up to. The holiday season came and went and I am glad to settle into a regular training routine again, or so I thought. More on that in a bit. For Christmas, B and I flew out to WA to see my mom and the rest of the family there. We couldn't have asked for better weather, it was beautiful out for the short time we were there. For anyone who doesn't believe me, I will post some pics below of just how gorgeous the area is. So green and lush, I love it!
On the ferry to the island- bit chilly!

Mighty Deception Pass

On Deception Pass Bridge

Top of Mt. Eerie


Christmas was relaxing and we got some workouts in here and there, mostly runs. Running on Whidbey Island is hard! It is a constant up and down and I have alot of respect for my mom who has to endure this on a daily basis. I now understand it makes sense to get a treadmill just to get some "easy" flat runs in, which I certainly took advantage of! The few swims I did get in really made me appreciate where I swim here in Boulder :) Lets just say that sharing a lane with 2 other people who are all different speeds is not the most effective way to swim. but we made it work.
On the trainer, with a great view past the backyard

Garage Running

B and I left my mom's Tuesday at noon to head back to CO by car. I am not sure how much longer my little bug will make it so we took the opportunity to adopt a family car which is no longer used. We estimated that the 22hr trip could be split up into 2 10 hr drives, spread out over 2 days. Well we got to OR the first night in the midst of a blizzard that was affecting the entire state, but luckily we weren't part of the "lucky" few who used their GPS's to get lost completely in the snow. We weathered a few more interesting fog/snow/ice situations as we drove across ID, UT and WY and finally entered CO on the night of the 3rd day of driving, Thursday, NYE! Needless to say we were useless and pretty much asleep before midnight. But home at last!
Me, my bag and my plant (which my mom gave me and I couldn't let die overnight in a freezing car!) It made it to 2 different hotel rooms.

Driving took alot of focus!


Pitstop in Boise, ID. Finish line of Boise 70.3 right here!

Just past Laramie, WY


Home, finally!


NYE Sunset in CO

Unfortunately, my body wasn't too happy about all the sitting and zero exercise we got over the 3 days of driving, and I could literally feel my butt seize up from sitting on it for 12 hrs a day. Well I paid the price a few days later as my S.I. joint seized up in my right pelvic area. Since I have dealt with SI joint problems before, I knew enough not to push it and think I have hopefully stepped back and taken care of the issue before it got out of control. In the past this has meant 5-6 weeks of no running and hobbling around in pain, hopefully I can be on my merry way in a few days. My spring marathon is questionable if I can't run soon, so we shall see. With some treatment from Lisa, an old friend who runs her own business here in Boulder (www.lifesportchiro.com), I hope to be running again soon. My runs are like my coffee- I need them to function properly!
Hope everyone had a good holiday and is enjoying the new decade!