Running the Edge

This weekend I finally finished reading Running the Edge by Adam Goucher and Tim Catalano. This is the second running book I've read, the first being 26.2 by Dean Karnazes. To compare the two books, Karnazes' book consisted of mesmerizing tales of his many distance-running adventures, whereas Goucher and Catalano's book only included anecdotes to illustrate greater points about becoming not only a great runner but also a well-rounded person and the greatest version of oneself. Running the Edge offers a chance for introspection, for the reader to ask himself what areas of his life he may improve on, and how to go about setting goals and attaining them to make thsoe improvements. I really enjoyed how they tied running in to real life. There are so many parallels there and it's fascinating to see personality aspects pointed out within running characteristics as well! The book also gives insight into professional runners' struggles. I guess I just always thought racing/competing came easy to the elites; that they could do whatever they set out to do, since they were professionals! Reading books like these makes me realize that these are real people with families that have just worked really hard for a long time to be able to achieve such great heights. That helped me to realize that even though I am not an elite runner, I still owe it to myself to put the work in and become a better version of myself, both as a runner and as a person.

Scenic City Trail Half Marathon race report

This morning I ran in the Scenic City Trail Half Marathon on Raccoon Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Chattanooga is one of my most favorite places because of its natural and man-made beauty - it's one of the absolutely cleanest cities I've ever visited. I was looking forward to another visit to Chattanooga this weekend, and I got that, but plans changed a few days before so I was only able to go for the race.

The drive up to Laurel Point at the TVA protected natural area on Raccoon Mtn. was very pretty, in spite of large square pylons in the landscape. This area includes a dam which (I believe) is part and parcel to a hydroelectric power operation. Laurel Point is a park area with a bit of paved trail and many miles of single-track semi-technical trails, and this is where the race started and finished.

My friend Bryan, also known as "Jeff" for the day, jumped in last minute to travel and race with me since my friend Jeff could not go. Bryan is pretty much always in shape for a race up to a half marathon distance. Jealous. Anyway, we departed from my house at 4am in the rain, both nervous about the race and semi-dreading a trail race in the rain on few hours of sleep.

I debated just sitting this one out, but knowing that I had rested (tapered...) a bit too much this past week in preparation for the half, I decided to follow through and try my hardest. I was afraid I'd get pulled from the race; the cutoff time was not very forgiving at 2:40. My other two trail halfs were 2:38 and 2:53. I had reason to be nervous! But I wanted to give it my best shot. So off I went.

We arrived early and had close parking. We picked up our race packets then hung out at the car for a bit to kill time. I saw a lot of Breakaway Running shirts, so I happily struck up some conversations with my former-fellow Memphians there for the race. (Some of them cheered loudly for me as I approached the loop to the finish line! I dearly miss that running community.)

The race sentries instructed us to line up at the start line according to estimated expected speed/pace. This would serve us well as we entered Mile 2 of the race coming onto narrow trail from paved road. I gladly went toward the back of the pack, knowing what a terror it would be to get trampled by the 7:30-pace runners on single-track trail.

The first few miles on trail were quite the test since I hadn't quite yet warmed up completely. I just knew I needed to stay close to the runner in front of me so that a domino effect didn't take place. (The other focus was on NOT TRIPPING. Fortunately, any time someone spotted a tricky stump or root, they'd call it out and we each would point it out to others behind us. Great teamwork and comradery!) Anywho, it kept me on a strong pace starting out. I was a bit anxious, though, because I didn't know how long this train would continue.

After a few miles, the single-track opened up onto a wider gravel road for about half a mile which then connected to another single-track. This allowed for a bit more spreading out and for me to take a gel. Peanut Butter flavored Gu to be exact. I was feeling strong and was actually complimented at this point by a fellow blogging runner Don on my footwork on the technical portions. (Me? Really? Calamity Jane?)

I noticed a few side stitches, ears clogged, and heavier breathing than usual at times, which I attributed to the thinner air at elevation on top of the mountain. With ears clogged I had to hear that heavier breathing amplified the entire run. Aside from that minor discomfort, I felt really good along the way and I really surprised myself! There were, however, a few short uphill spans that those around me and I walked. No sense wearing myself out on the steep parts!

I didn't trip today, but I did fall trying to pass a slower gentleman just before the half and marathon split off from each other. Aside from trail rash down my left leg, I'm good. Right after this, we ran over a portion of flat rocks with an enormous drop-off to the right! Yikes! It was neat to run over and by the TVA dam.

After a bit more single-track, and about 10 of us lined up behind this one quite oblivious gal moving at slug's pace, we were back on a paved area about 1K from the finish. I took off as quickly as possible to make up time and crossed the finish a few minutes later at 2:22:18. Total shock at an overall pace of less than 11:00/mile on trail. Sometimes we just surprise ourselves. I'm glad I went.

Taper week

Not too much to update on... I ran a couple miles Sunday with my dad, ran 9.5 combo of trails and road on Monday evening, which was slow but I got it done! Did a 3-mile track run last night - not a speed workout - but it was just convenient so I did it. Tonight I'll do 4-5 easy miles and then it's time to rest for the Scenic City Trail Half Marathon on Saturday in my favorite city that I've ever been to, Chattanooga. Race report to come soon.

Interval work and streaking

Last night, I met speedy runner pal Bryan at Clinton Nature Preserve for some speed work. We decided on 4 times around the .47 mile gravel track and called it "4x800" because it's close enough. Bryan has an 8-mile trail race on Saturday, so 4 was his limit. Fortunately, another speedy running pal Jeff wanted to do 800s also, at a later time, so I did 4 gravel track 800s and quickly drove over to do 4 rubber-track 800s.

(.47 mi splits: 3:49, 3:30, 3:40, 3:40)

Both of these guys are much faster than I am, but I know that in order to get faster, I have to be very intentional about it. At the gravel track, Bryan and I would start at the same time, each timing ourselves, and Bryan would wait for me when he got finished. Then we did 20 push-ups after each lap before starting the next one. It gave our legs a break but allowed our heart rates to stay slightly up. Sometimes I will jog between intervals. Just didn't feel like it last night. Definitely do for shorter sprints.

Drove to the HS track, met Jeff who I told to go ahead and start warming up without me, since I was already "warm" (read: sweaty). I did one lap before my first 800 then dove right in. Splits were 3:59, 3:57, 3:58, 4:03. I kind of spaced out for a few seconds on the first lap of the last 800, which definitely cost me!

I only had to do 4 more 800s at the track, and Jeff had to do 8, so while he was finishing the rest of his, I did one warm-down lap then 2 sessions of my 5 week "streak." Week 1 consisted of 20 jumping jacks, 20 burpees, 20 squats, 20 push-ups, and 20 sit-ups 5 days out of the week. I am now into Week 2 which is 40 of each of those, 5 times during the week. We finished about the same time, so I jogged with Jeff another .75 miles to cool down. Now that it's getting warm, the bugs are out in full force, so in order to avoid getting bitten, you gotta stay moving or get inside!

It felt good to have a really tough workout that I was actually able to handle! Last week had me really discouraged, as my body wasn't cooperating with what I wanted it to do, but this week I feel much more on my game. The speed work was tough, but not impossible. I'm happy to have a little boost of confidence there.

Achy knees and learning to love the loop

Yesterday's run was super easy for me; it just felt GOOD. I wanted to do more, in fact, because it felt so good. But, I didn't want to destroy my legs before today's interval workout, so I stopped just above 6 miles. I ran at a gravel track that has an incline or two and is .47 miles long. It's out in the sun which felt amazing at 67 degrees in the late afternoon. Gentle breezes ensured I didn't get all sweaty and gross.

On the first couple laps, my knees were screaming at me. I thought I was going to have to stop, but I decided to push through the pain, and sure enough, the pain went away. Just like that (snaps fingers). I figured maybe I was stiff from being in the car all day for work. All's well that ends well.

I am really bad at repeating "loop" runs because I see my car and want to stop, or I start thinking too much about how many loops I have to run to get which distance...anyway it's a lot easier for me to keep going on a "destination" run, like one big out-and-back or one big loop with my entire mileage in it. So, my challenge to myself is to run more on loops and get more accustomed to completing a planned distance. It really wasn't that bad for me last night, neither mentally nor physically.

So happy it's getting warmer! :) :)

Reminiscing about running

I started running regularly back in 2011. I bought my first pair of Brooks Ghost 3s, and I felt like I could run like the wind! From periodic runs (walks) in college to trying my first 5k (Forrest Spence 5k) in Memphis in fall 2008 and picking up one or two more in '09 to running at nighttime on campus in grad school in 2010...well, it took me a while to really get into it. Once I got more into running, however, I was hooked, and I can't imagine ever giving it up by choice.

To all my pals who ran in high school: did you keep running? Do you hate running? Are you just trying to get back into running? If so, why'd you stop? I'm interested in this. No judgment; pure curiosity.

Shoe update and I wasn't THAT slow!

I had a friend ask me for an update on my new Nikes and Sauconys. So far, so good. I feel no pain, and they both seem to be effective on road. Since I did so well budget-wise on new road shoes, and I haven't been compulsively signing up for races, I may be able to get some new trail shoes!

Thursday night started out a little shaky as I was having some abdominal pain. I pushed through, and it subsided about 2 miles in. By then I was very far behind everyone, so I really pushed to catch up. I was beating myself up for being so "slow" then I looked down at my watch and saw that I had been keeping a good pace. Honest to goodness, everyone else was just really fast that night! I still finished 6 miles in 57 minutes; it wasn't my fastest time but it certainly wasn't slow!

Friday I ran 8 miles with pal David who is a Sweetwater trail guru and area historian. I swear he should lead the park history hikes. We did a portion of trail I'd never explored before and it's straight up - much worse than Jack's Hill! Again, starting off I had some pain, but once that went away I was able to enjoy the cool temps and beautiful scenery around me.

And on to yesterday: I was slinging canoes around in the rain (apparently these kids came to camp for a good time so, in spite of the rain, they did all their activities and didn't complain!) and running everywhere I could in order to get warm! It's May in Georgia! Where are my 80+ temps please?!