Runners Lounge

Trails and Tales

It was a week ago.   A blinding pain.   I was running along and felt this strange warm sensation on my head and in my eyes.  It hurt to open my eyes.  I couldn't figure out what was different  - what was wrong.   I stopped a fellow runner (because after Tom's post - I know say a hearty "hi ya" to all runners) and asked him what could be wrong.  He very gently reminded me that it was the sun.   The sun was in my eyes.   Ohhhhh yessss I remember the sun!   

It's been a long time since I felt warm and light from the sun - much less when I was actually running.  But last week was different.   I escaped to Arizona for a few days for work related stuff, but took every chance I could to grab a run - 3 in 5 days - which is some kind of record for me lately.  And the best part - the sunny, wonderful temperatures.   Remind me why I live in Iowa in the winter again?  Surely there is a reason besides plain stupidity.

My husband stowed along in my suitcase - even he couldn't take another day of winter in Iowa.  Heck, it was -4 ' F when we left.  That just isn't right.  Things were freezing and falling off of our body from the short walk from car to the airport.   But once we stepped off the plane in Phoenix - the weight of winter was lifted.   It was a splendid 5 days.

In addition to running and pool time (and work, yes of course), we hiked on Pinnacle Peak and Camelback.   Pinnacle was a really nice way to spend a few hours on a Sunday.  Camelback?  Well, I found out that I am really scared of climbing up a really rocky trail high off the ground.  Who knew?  I made it about a 1/2 mile into the trail and then freaked out in the middle of one of the sections.   Hum...guess I am not so tough.   But that's ok, it gave me a chance to check out some other trails there - the easy ones!   Thanks to troot and Jmom for their suggestions and links to information.  After the great trails, we carbo loaded (ok, overloaded) at many fantastic restaraunts.   I am sure there is some water in wine....right?

In addition to coming away with a bit of color and slightly stronger legs, I also gained a huge appreciation for true trail runners.   My husband and I did the trails slowly and for fun - but those runners out there pounding up and down those trails were godlike to me.  Holy cow - amazing stuff!  Arizona runners - you rock!

Here are a few of the pics I took on our hikes.   For all the other cold climate runners - I hope these warm up your day a bit.   I have been warming my fingers over them as they load - hoping for a touch of warmth as the snow is falling again.    When is winter over anyway!?!   Happy St Pats Day!  The green on the cactus has me covered today!

Spirit of the Marathon

It's finally ready after four years in the making!   

Just last year, we were watching the progress of the  filming of Spirit of the Marathon and now the movie is ready to share in a special preview on January 24th at 7:30 p.m.   For those who are getting ready to run a marathon in 2008 or just need a little inspiration to jump start your winter running, this can be part of your training schedule. 

The official description says this of the movie:

Spirit of the Marathon is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on four continents, the movie brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries.

As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports movie, Spirit of the Marathon is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non-runners alike.

Sounds perfect for us!  The stories of the six runners include first time runners, world class runners, and those aiming for a PR.  A little bit for everyone.

For those in central Iowa, please join me and Tom at the Jordan Creek 20 Cinemas to enjoy the show.  And since this is "training", we will be partaking in some hydration and carbo loading at one of the local Jordan Creek eateries before the movie.   Let us know if you can join the fun.

And for those outside Iowa, gather together your own group of Loungers and running friends for a fun evening of "running".   To find a location near you, the movie site includes a link and information on where to get tickets for your showing.

NANCY!!!!!! It is really cold out here!!!!

I started out on my Virtual 8 mile race at about 6:45 a.m. this morning.  And somewhere about 7:03 a.m., there was a moment where I screamed Nancy's name at the top of my frozen lungs.   For only a moment, I may have used her name in vain.   

It was 10 degrees with windchill that made it feel like 3 degrees.   I was determined not to run this thing on the treadmill so I found a part of the trail - a 1 mile section - that had been plowed and went back and forth until I hit 8 miles.   It was a north/south trail, so the the first, third, fifth, and seventh miles where actually ok.  When I was running south, it was doable, but when I turned around to run back into that north Christmas wind - holy crap - that was so cold.   Twice I stopped to sit in my car to thaw a bit.  I must be becoming a complete whimp in my old age.  I can remember a day like this 10 years ago that I ventured out to do my last 20 miler before the Disney marathon.  20 miles in this same weather.   But today - 8 was more than enough.

On the positive side - it was so nice and chilly that I had the benefit of icing my knees and hips while running.  That keeps the inflammation down for sure!

One really strange thing happened during the run.  Bob, if you are out there - you will love this!   Bob left a note on Nancy's blog that he would be the virtual water boy for the race.  Somewhere around mile 6 when I was running into a serious north headwind and wondered if body parts can really fall off, this guy on his bike pulled up beside me.    Ok, first this is weird because it isn't bike weather, and second because this guy was really happy to be out riding on this 1 mile part of the trail - big smiles.  So we were chatting as I was shuffling into the wind and he gave me a little pep talk.   Reminded me how lucky we were to be out there today.   Asked me if I needed anything.   And then he told me that his name was Bob and he was visiting friends here in Iowa.  And, yes, you guessed it - he lived in Florida.   And then he picked up the pace and was gone. So, how weird is that?  Virtual support in the form an imaginery, yet very real Bob.   

However or why that happened, it kept me moving through 6 and convinced me to take on mile 7 and 8 - my last repeat on the trail.

I finished the last four miles 3 minutes faster than the first 4 miles.   Overall, 83 minutes for the 8 miles.   Now, with my handicap and increasing it due to the 400 layers of clothes, the headwill, the nearly 0 degree temps and having to repeat the same part of the trail 4 times - I think it brings me down to an amazing 48 minutes.   

When I was done, I was proud of myself.   And I sent a happy thought to Nancy for thinking up this idea.  Without the nudge, I wouldn't have gone out there today and that would have been a shame.  If I can run today, I have no reason to NOT run the rest of the winter.   

I always have a "theme song" for my long runs.  For today, it was "We Got It Going On" by Bon Jovi (with Big & Rich).  The millions of people who didn't have a chance to do this today have no idea what they missed!

Bon Jovi Lyrics
We Got It Going On Lyrics

Virtual 8 runners - We Got It Going On! 

Thanks Nancy!

Living History Farms Run - Does It Get Any Better Than This?

It was a great race!   Over 7000 runners joined in the dirty fun!  I wish each one of you could of come and run this race with us - it is such a ball.  But since you couldn't, I captured some of the fun with my handy dandy camera and put them in the slide show below.   I didn't mention it in my advice post to Tom, but the other really cool thing about this race (besides the dirt/mud and donuts) is the costumes.   It's like one big running celebration.

The crowd was so big that it was really hard to meet up with everyone before, during and after the race.  But never fear - we did have a chance to take a picture with our three race virgins - Sarah, Tom, and Stephanie - who, coincidentally were all wearing white.  We also met up with Tina, Wendy, Mary, Kent, Betsy (as she breezed by me), Christina, Jim, Cory (who finished in about half the time we did),and Laurie (always the supporter).

On a sad note, our friend Wendy had unfortunate spill and broke a bone in her right leg about 4 3/4 miles into the race.  Wendy - best wishes for a speedy recovery! Our thoughts are with you!  Sarah (one of our virgins) stayed with her for the trip to the hospital and didn't have a chance to finish - so I guess we will have to go back out their and finish the course very soon, right Sarah? 

And special thanks to our friends Paula and Denise who set up a wonderful tailgating experience after the race.  This is the only running race I know of where people bring their grills, RV's, chairs and make an event of it.  I tell you...this is why I run.  This event showcases the heart and spirit of runners!

Tom - the floor is yours!  I can't wait to hear the race from your experience.  You can see the pictures on our Flickr page  too! 

Enjoy! 

How to Get Stinkin' Dirty & Wet While Running

Tom, It's time for the big race which means it is again for some useless advice. 

You have been such a good sport in listening to my Running Fashion Tips and Advice to Run a Marathon, that I thought a third time just might change your life.  Sit back, my student, for a quick course on how to successfully run North America's largest and best Cross Country Race - Living History Farms Run - this Saturday. 

You see readers after all these years running and living in Des Moines, this is Tom's first time running the Granddaddy of all races for us average, ordinary, slightly crazy runners.   Yes, he is 48 and still a (LHF) virgin. 

Tom, here are a few tips to get you to and through the race.  I will look to my other veteran LHF races to pass along tips to - but these should get you started:

• Parking Ugly/Carpooling Fashionable. The race is at 9:00, but I would be there by 8:00 or 8:15 - traffic gets so crazy.  If you leave your house after 8:00, you would be better served to just starting running - you will get to the start line sooner.  That would be a little warmup for you, right?  But on a fashionable note, in past years, the carpooling scored you free gloves! 
• Gloves Are a Must - No matter the weather, gloves are a "can't race without" piece of running gear.  Not something fashionable or light - but something sturdy that can get a good grip on a tree, a rock, a rope, a fence or the side of a hill.  My favorites are the kind can pick up at Menards or a farm store - rubber on the grippy parts and a relative heavy weight.  The other reason they need to be thick is to cushion against the help-your-fellow-runner-with-a-boost-to-the-booty as they climb out of creeks or over fences.  I know you are helpful person so definitely bring along an extra layer of protection to be ready to handle the butt of a complete stranger.
• Shoes.  Bid a fine farewell to the pair you will wear because this will sink them for good.  You can look at this as a great excuse to buy a new pair of shoes because you will see a change in your rotation forever.  This race benefits many great causes - but I have a sneaky suspicion that our favorite running shoe store and the mass shoe makers also love this race.   There must be a spike in the purchase of new shoes a few weeks after this race.  And don't forget to cinch up those buggars - many a runner has lost a shoe in the creek bed - and its really not good for the fish.
• Wear a little spandex or something that won't droop.  I know, I know...I greatly  discouraged the use of spandex in my Running Fashion Tips post before - but it has some useful benefits for this race.  By about the 6th creek you wade through you will be wet - especially your pants.  I have been mooned by about every type, age, and build of runner over the last few years.   They wear some old sweat pants...sweat pants get wet and heavy...rear view runners get full view.   My advice you ask? Spandex goes underneath an old pair of running pants.   I like you, but there are some things that friends shouldn't see - and I guarantee I will be pulling up the rear.
• Balance, strength, strong ankles and dexterity. I would suggest bringing all these great assets of yours to the starting line.  The first few miles has us running across the fields and into a omnipresent headwind which required some strong ankles and lifting those knees.  Then you need a bunch of balance as you climb in and out the 8 creeks, rocky paths and steep embankments with 5000 other runners.  Hope you have been practicin' your moves with your slip n slide - because the other side of each creek is the equivalent of a bunch of silly grownup's playing slip n' slide in the mud.
• Donuts & Beer.  For reasons still unknown to me, the donuts and apple cidar at the end of this race are the best I have ever had.   By the time I finish, 4999 runners have picked over the best, sneezed and dropped mud on the rest - but they are still so good.  It doesn't matter that the cold weather usually chills them into hard lumps of greasy dough with sugared glaze - they are so worth the effort.  I am sure that there is an easier way to grab donuts on a Saturday morning, but this is the most fun way I know.    And for the beer...you know what my car looks like...the beer will be  there as a reward.  All Loungers are welcome to stop by for a cold one!

And don't you worry - I will be there with my handy, dandy camera to catch the action.  There may be some virgin photo opportunties in your future. And the best part, so many of our new and old friends will be there to run with us like:  Kirk, Kent, Betsy, Art, Mary, Sarah, Jim, Brett, Dan, Mona, Mike, PinkRogers, Stephanie, Tina, Wendy, and Angela . (I am sure there are more that I am forgetting - so if you are reading this and will be there - let me know - it will be fun to connect.)

It is going to be so much fun, I can barely wait for the big day.  LHF pro's, don't forget to drop off your advice for Tom.   And if anyone has any great sayings for a Tshirt - let me know.  I am not the costume type but not above making a new Tshirt. 

See you there! 

I won!

Yeah right!  But I did finish the Cyman.  It was picture perfect weather and record participants - about 380 - which is more than double last year's 180.

If my life was a movie and we were at the music montage - the song playing in the background would be Toby Keith's, "Good as I once Was".    If you're not a country fan, it goes a something like this..."I ain't as good as I once was, But I'm as good once as I ever was."   That about sums it up.

I haven't seen the official times or splits, but with my fabulous mathematical abilities, I am pretty sure my time was equal or a tad slower than my other TRI's.   I can't complain, or at least shouldn't, because I hadn't trained, had a sore back and knee and was a year older - so I couldn't expect any miracle results.  (But I always hope winged fairies carry me to a fast finish!)

I gotta' tell you, it was very useful to write the post on Saturday.  It helped me be clear and stay true to my plan.   When I saw the swim, all those thoughts went through my head.  I swear they add a buoy or two each year onto the end of the swim.  But, I just kept chanting to myself, "it's just a gentle warmup" and "fake it 'til you make it" over and over.  By a 1/4 in the swim, it was like I had been swimming all summer and I was catching other swimmers.   

The bike had the same hills and a SUPER DANGIT headwind.  The bike course is a 3-loop but with an extra out and back leg.   The coming "back" of the leg is up hill, into the wind and from an almost deadstop since it is a sharp turnaround.  My back and knee wanted nothing to do with that part of the ride.  But beyond that, Tiger (my bike) and I did ok on the first two loops, the last one...well....a bit slower - but not awful.   And, I did run out of the second transition!

And then the run.  The first part, the hilly trail run, kicked my butt, but I didn't stop.  The last mile was unpleasant.  I knew I was running slow and with each hill I lost a little steam and a little determination.   I was aggravated with myself for not finding all that magical speed that I had seen in past weeks - but it wasn't there today.   

One big change was that I didn't run with music.  You are disqualified if you run with any kind of music.   Now I know I would never place, even in my age group.  But today I learned the utter depths of my optimism because I decided not to wear the tunes, just in case there was even the most remote chance.  I laughed about that all the way home.  I guess hope springs eternal.

Next race.  Next time.  Next year.  Great part about our sport, is there is always another chance to see what you got. 

Thanks again for your good wishes and great thoughts - they really helped power me through the morning.

Photo of sign by rosieeeee

Picture of girl by miss gem

Psycho Deer Update

Yesterday morning I look out my deck and what do I see - yep, the deer.   But this time, I also see a glimmer of the reasons for this crazy deer stlurking around me and our house and trail - her two fawns. 

So, maybe she's not crazy....she's just a mom, which can be thought of as a synonym many a day.   Can you imagine trying to keep two fawns out of trouble all day? 

Stay out of the pond, keep away from the big dog, don't play on the road, don't eat those berries, enough TV....ok, maybe not that last one.   I know she looks all harmless in this photo, but take a gander at picture on the left where she throws me one of her patented menacing looks.  I think it doubles as her "mom" look.

Photos by me from inside the house

Headline: Crazy Deer Stalks Family

Ok, the deer started it.   You can blame Psycho Deer for the fact that this post has nothing to do with running.   

It's been about 6 weeks since this deer knocked me on my big ole bumper car when  I was out running on my trail.  Yep, I had to whine and tell you about it because it was the second weirdest thing that has happened to me while running.  But, I then I read a string of other people who had the met with the same fate and thought, hey -ok, weird nature quirk - no biggie.

So about a week later, I am running on my trail and I see this deer watching me run.  Not just a chance one time, but a couple times.   And not the usual look you get from a deer where they look fast and run or stand like a stupid statue and then run, but this was more like the head nod, "hey/what's up - yep, still stalking you, better watch your back" kinda look.    I shook it off and decided I was becoming cuckoo in my head.

Then another week goes by and 3 out of the 5 times I pull in my driveway this crazy deer is hanging around by our front entrance.  Again, just stlurking (stalking/lurking).  If it had thumbs to pull a long piece of grass and put that (or a cigarette) in its mouth - I am sure it would have done that to accompany its menacing stare.

So now - I tell my husband that I am pretty sure we have a lurking, stalking, crazy deer somewhere on our property.  He sighs and doesn't even acknowledge my official reports.   I remind him of his duty to protect and serve and he rolls his eyes.  I guess protection against hoodlum wildlife is on the wee edge of his deputy sheriff duties.

Well, a couple more times over the last few weeks, the deer and I play a cat/mouse game on the trail.  My dog Buddy is always with me and I can tell he doesn't care for this deer and they even start chasing each other during some of my runs.   After one particularly weird run, I am standing on the porch of my house, looking out of our front yard and this deer walks out of the tree line, takes a few steps toward me and lingers.   Ok, now I am freaked out. 

Later that night my husband opens the dinner conversation with, "hey, what's up with some deer and Buddy".  He tells me the story of how this deer continually reappeared around him as he worked on various things on our property and how Buddy and this deer would chase each other across the front of our property.  At one point, he said he was working on some electrical stuff and "felt a presence".   He turned around, and yes, you guessed it, there was that deer.   Ahh - I feel a wash of sanity coming over me.  I know I can add a drop of sarcasm and dash of exaggeration to make a point.  But, my husband, he is as honest as they come.  It is official - we are the proud owners of the world's craziest deer.

And what are we going to do about it?  Nothing.  It is a joke, albeit a nervous-laugh-kinda-joke, with our family.   Last night as we pulled into our driveway after a trip from ice cream, there was the deer, just making sure we know it is still stlurking.   My 7 year old son pipes up from the back set, "hey mom, there is your cyclone deer."   

After I stopped laughing, I said, "son, it is our 'psycho' deer, not 'cyclone' deer."   But as I am not an Iowa State University fan, I did let him know the terms could be used interchangeably. 

Photo of deer by suhail ixe

Photo of deer crossing by TooFarNorth

Photo of crazy once by pluginbaby

Photo of cyclone fans by nat-chan

Des Moines Turns Out For Spectacular Triathalon!

At the bottom of the jumbotron: “Live from Des Moines, IA.”  Around the state capital grounds tens of thousands new and veteran fans of the sport of triathalon felt the excitement.

On Sunday, Des Moines pulled out all the stops and had its day in the sun—literally—with undoubtedly the most international event ever for our city streaming into households in more than 100 countries around the world for the Hy-Vee World Cup Triathalon.

The event's success seems centered around four factors:

Amazing Athletes!!!  So what do triathalon winners look like?  They look like people from all around the world, including Austrailia, Canada, Great Britain, China, Japan, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Slovakia, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Spain.

Both amateurs and elites look like every triathlete on the course, swimming, biking, and running with unparalled endurance and steeled determination.  They all ran like heroes, with Rasmus Henning of Denmark and Laura Bennett of USA crossing the finish lines first to win their elite divisions.

World Class Staging!!!  There is only one World Cup Triathalon taking place in the USA, and Des Moines nailed it!   With remarkable collaboration, our community gave up the streets for the athletes, organizers and fans.  It seems organizers thought of everything that put the athletes first.  Their tireless planning, plus the time commitment of 1,100+ volunteers and workers produced an event that sent Des Moines’s stock soaring.

Raving Fans!!! Organizers positioned the spectators to be a vital part of the experience.  Thick crowds showed early Sunday for the amateur division, extending roaring support for their friends and families.   Hearts swelled with admiration for the athletes reaching down for strength while battling fierce heat and winds.  Cheers and applause were deafening in front of the State Capital where the athletes passed through multiple times on bike and feet, and ultimately finished. 

Knock-Out Media Coverage!!!  Keeping the public in mind long before race day, local communities received comprehensive triatholon information in advance in stores, newspapers, radio, and TV.   Crowds on hand Sunday enjoyed the full slate of coverage with great relay of video and commentary at the start at Gray’s Lake, along the biking and running course, and at the finish.  The result: perfect strangers along the course chatting and passing along updates through the crowd about what was taking place.

Thank you and Congratulations to the athletes, organizers, fans, Hy-Vee, Des Moines, and Iowans for making the World Cup Triathalon a stellar success locally, nationally, and around the globe!

Photos by Ankeny Photo on Flickr.  Used with permission.