Tag: effort

fitness and nutrition

Home Runs

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My year of running continues…the summer months took the -cation out of racecation. Many of the best long distance races actually don’t happen in these hot summer months for obvious reasons. The few that do were already sold out. So, my summer races were small local runs.

June was the Hometown 10k. I ran this one in Suwanee, GA. As a pretty small race, there was no expo. I just showed up and got my race bib and shirt that morning. There was no new city to explore. I had been on the course, a local greenway, numerous times. So there really were no surprises. (Honestly, the most memorable part of this race was the extremely long bathroom line I stood in. I actually started the race only a couple of minutes before the starting line closed!

So this was all about the running. And to be honest, the first three miles of this race were the fastest miles I’ve done so far in this process. On an out-and-back course, the first half was a bit more downhill. When I turned around at the 3.1 mile mark, I slowed down but not that much. I also managed to get second in my age group at this one, which made me happy.

My July race, the Firecracker 8-miler, was very similar (but even smaller – so no bathroom lines!). It was local, on a familiar course. The weather was overcast. Again, I felt pretty solid even though it was fairly hot. In this race, I had the distinct pleasure of finishing DFL. (Dead F-ing Last). This was a double out-and-back course, and many participants ran the four mile distance. I knew for sure I was last by a number of minutes. But the finish line was still open. People were there to cheer me in. I finished as well as I could. And I smiled when the race worker handed me the “first in age group” medal for the race. Yes, you read that right. I was both absolutely last and first in my age group. I was the only one my age stupid / silly / brave enough to do it!

Third in this summer series was the Summer Sizzler. Another local race, this time 15k. A triple out and back. This course was very hilly. I was thankful to have two friends running this event, too. Even if we didn’t run side by side, it meant something to know they were there and I looked forward to seeing familiar faces each time we passed back and forth. Another age group win! I also had someone ask me if I had done Hot Chocolate in February. They must have remembered my skirt. She said she paced off me then.

Also, at this race, shortly after I began my second of three times taking on this course, a younger girl stopped me and asked me how long I was racing. I told her 15k and she smiled. She was probably 5 minutes behind me after 3 miles. She seemed reassured that someone else was going long distance at a slower pace. I know that feeling and I was so glad she asked me. I knew to give her extra cheers when we passed on our laps. The last time I saw her, she was quite a bit further back than I thought she would be…her pace had fallen off. I slowed down to talk to her (slower than slow)…told her to keep going. And she said “I almost gave up. But because of you, I didn’t give up.” We were able to cheer her in to the finish. What an accomplishment. I was so proud of her and touched that she knew I was waiting for her! Keep going. You never know who you are inspiring.

In the mean time, we are just putting in time 3-4 days a week on our legs. I am leaning on my tribe even if we don’t meet up in person. These truly are the dog days of summer, grueling and relentless. Running as early in the morning as we can manage. Intervals for hours on end, just trying to keep moving. We are in the thick of it, just in time to hit the road again for a pretty exciting set of races, heading toward the end of the year.

adventure, fitness and nutrition

A Day of Twos

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Two shirts. Two pairs of socks. Two pairs of pants. Two pairs of gloves. Two jackets. The two layers were definitely needed to endure 22 degree temperature with wind while outside. A little pre-planning was the key to enduring the elements while being active.

A little adventurous spirit made the trek seem possible. A 10 Mile or so bike ride one way from Montana to Idaho on the new Yellowstone Short Line Trail. An ambitious goal per the bike shop owner, but one I shrugged off. I was looking forward to the experience. I wanted to say I did it. I may never have the chance again, so why not go for it.

The entrance sign has its warnings of bears and other wildlife. It also had fresh snow from the night before. Maybe an inch or so but depending on the tree cover the consistency varied which added to the variety within the outing. The first two miles or so the snow had tracks from boots, dog paws and maybe some birds and kids. It wasn’t well traveled but it was used at various times during the snowfall. This made the path somewhat bumpy on the front end. You can zoom Into the picture below to relate to the consistency.

When there was a break in the trees there was black ice where the snow melted. This made for a little glide time and concentration to avoid a spill or wipe out. Moving into mile 3-4 the trail was fresh. As in nobody had traversed it recreationally. This was one of the highlights for me. Uncharted exploration in the wide open.

The views along the pathway were nothing less than breathtaking. They looked like pictures from a travel magazine. The rushing river on the side of the path was so soothing on the ride. Time didn’t stand still but it seemed like a timeless journey. Hard to explain but when you take in so much nature you are not really looking at a clock you are just immersed in the experience.

Three bridges I traveled over. They hadn’t even been installed that long. I felt pride to experience such a new rail trail. As I moved along the snow became crunchy. It had an outer layer of ice from the cold temps as the elevation rose slightly. The snow got deeper. The pedaling got harder. The wind became stronger. Mile 5-6 was the longest in my mind. Mile 6-7 was a lot of self talk about forging ahead.

The signs of others on the trail were evident. Mostly cross trail vs. the straight line I was riding. Deer prints in the snow. Some variety of birds or other critters. Always across the path never along the path. So interesting to have your mind wander as you ride and think what animal may be watching you in the distance.

Some bigger paw prints that I couldn’t identify. I’m not a trained tracker but I also know I was going to keep moving and not stop for that that photo just in case. There were many scratches or gouges in the trees. Different heights and different depths as you cruised by. These are signs of the presence of bears. I have had an abundant awareness of bears on this particular trip to last me a lifetime. Cool and unnerving in a way but as long as I did my thing and kept moving I felt okay.

Mile marker 7. 2 more miles to the continental divide. So close yet so far. As you can see the sky in picture one is blue and clear the sky is grey cloudy at mile 7. No breaks in the trees meant the wind was minimal but the chill was in the frigid air. This was the turnaround point. My cycling partner’s feet were colder than mine. Knowing the number of miles back. The temperature. The environment. The decision was made. The practical decision. The right decision. However, it was also hard to not hit the point you wanted to achieve. A life lesson of sorts. Aim high but be okay with progress vs perfection. Also listen to your body. It’s a powerful machine if used wisely.

The cruise back seemed quicker. It always does. A little downhill rest, but also the workout in the harder area with the snow, ice and existing tracks took a little more work to navigate. A few more stops to rest the bottom of my body as it’s been enduring some bumps and long riding. Yes this was required for my sanity the following day!

Then the break in the trees. The wind hit. Cold. Cold. Cold. The toes feeling it the most. More breaks to bend and flex the toes to keep them warm since they felt the brunt of the wind. Thankful for my neck gaiter, layers and glasses to block my wind. The excursion ended at my condo, in front of the fireplace to warm the toes and take a restroom break before heading back to the bike shop a mile away.

The fireplace seemed to be dimly lit but it was full of warmth. I sat there to warm up but to also reflect on what I had just completed. A monumental ride in extreme conditions. I did it. I am able to tell you all about it. I have great photos to remind me of my epic ride.

This rail trail is great for biking, running, walking and I hear even cross country skiing in another couple weeks. When traveling look for rail trails. Normally pretty flat and full of character. Great way to experience a little history. I give two thumbs up since this is a post of twos today for the Yellowstone Shortline Trail. Also you can make a donation to keep this trail pristine. The link is on photo one, if you feel the need to give.

challenges, fitness and nutrition

Journey of Sorts

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Wise words: focus on the journey not on the destination. This is a choice we can all make. These are words to live by. No matter what the task or where you are physically going, the choice is there. My words of wisdom will always be choose wisely. Enjoy the process of the start, the middle and the end. That’s the journey. All of it. 

For me, I completed a goal of 100,000 meters last December in an online challenge. I said I should up the goal in 2024 since I attained it. This year, I set the goal of 1 million meters. I started out strong in January 2023, with over 100k. I stayed somewhat consistent with 90k, 92k and then some travel hit that kept me away from the machines that gave me my meters (with my manpower of course).

Fast forward to November and I was away again. I moved my body. I pedaled on a bike and I walked a ton, none of which counted to my meter goals. I could have given up. That would have been easy. Had I focused on the can’t attitude that’s what would have been the result. 

I took those can’ts and made the “I can” to do list. I can finish my meters and I can also do complete the 100,000 challenge in December again. Although they may sound redundant they really aren’t. The 1 million meters are really only accumulated on a bike erg, a ski erg or a row erg. That’s it. That’s all I can count.

On the 100,000 challenge, I can count walking, running, rowing, and cycling. That means I have to turn up my volume of work to balance it all. Add in the weather variables and that can make the walks and run outside a little tricky. Holiday parties and other events taking up extra time makes the goal even trickier. But I am here to say it can be done.

I’m focusing on the journey not the destination. If it was easy everyone would do it. The bumps in the road are part of the process. They are in place to test one’s mental toughness. As I write this blog I am pedaling away on my bike erg on a rainy Sunday. 

It’s not a pretty sight.  I’m in a sweat shack of sorts. It’s got the essentials: music, heat, air and an erg to pedal. That’s all that matters on the rainy day. It’s my tool box for the hour.

Other days I’m adding 10-15 minutes before or after my workout to increase my meters any way I can. Sometimes that’s alone. Sometimes it’s with friends. My runs are short when I am getting in .50 miles for my 100k challenge. Every bit counts I tell myself. The quiet of the run is so peaceful. A great time for me to settle into my thoughts and before you know it I’m no longer thinking about running.

As I close out this blog, I am not done with December but my conclusion is I will be over the finish line before Christmas. My attitude will get me there without a doubt. I hope this post makes you think about the journeys you have in life. Embrace the start the middle and the end. The ride is part of the beauty whether you are taking in sights and sounds or climbing your own mountain to achieve what’s at the top.

challenges, fitness and nutrition

Puddin’ Pedal

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Sounds cute and innocent enough…a 20-mile “fun ride” through central Georgia. Part of the State Banana Pudding Festival. Pudding at all the rest stops! A pudding tasting at the festival! Banana carving! What’s not to love?

There was a 20 mile and a 40 mile option. People asked me what I was doing…funny. Even 20 miles would be about 7 miles longer than I had ever biked. There were maybe 20 of us, total. 5 doing 40 miles, 15 doing 20. Some chit chat at the start line…quite a few of us were new to this event, but nearly all had much nicer gear and bikes than I did. Several wore fancy kits advertising their distance races. Most were also my age or older. Friendly. After all, we weren’t competing.

Straight out of the gate there was a huge downhill. I thought to myself, we are going to pay for this with some big ups.

How right I was! What followed was mile after mile of mostly huge hills. Every turn had me holding my breath and often shaking my head in disbelief. Another ?!^&@# hill!!!

The 40 milers and some of the more experienced cyclists were long gone as I steady pedaled up the first few hills. A couple of older women who had come together took a number of breaks on the side of the rural roads so I kept in touch with them. Finally at one point I turned around to see several people about 50 yards behind me along with the police safety vehicle that signifies the back of the pack. I’m doing ok, I thought. Just keep moving.

Up and down. Up and down. At one point I just get off the bike and walk it up the last part of the hill. My back and my saddle soreness told me it was fine to take a little break. At one point people pass me and then I hear the sound of the car over my shoulder. It would be over my shoulder for the remainder of the miles. Kind of taunting me. Once in a while tempting me. Others had given up, hoisted their bikes and climbed in. Put themselves out of the slow rolling pain of endless hills. Should I?

I’ll spare you the pain of all the inner doubt and dialogue. I knew I was too stubborn to give up. Yes, every time I would get off the bike to walk some horrible uphill they would pull up next to me to see if I was ok. Always the answer: “yes” with a smile and a thank you. Even with the headwinds of a storm blowing in. Even after an hour and a half with no mile markers and not a bowl of pudding in sight, I kept going.

We did finally get to the pudding stop. There was just one. The rest of the 20 mile group was there, sitting and snacking on pudding and sandwiches and nilla wafers and orange slices. We all pulled out together a few minutes later. I learned we just had about 7 miles to go, with a few more horrible uphills between me and the finish line.

It took forever, it seemed. Me and the sweep truck just puttering along. One hill had me so mad I started hyperventilating. But I had to calm down… “You didn’t come this far to just come this far,” I told myself. “Finish it. Finish it. Finish it.” Counting my pedals from 1-100 just to focus on getting. up, the, hill.

And at long last, I did finish. The finish line was nothing special. In fact, people kept saying “just keep going,” then eventually I was riding into the festival crowd and I turned around. The follower vehicles were gone. No finish line, no bowl of pudding, no cheers or way to gos. I just got off my bike and sat on the ground for a minute. Shaking my head. Shaking all over, really. What just happened? I finished.

This may have been the hardest physical thing I had ever done. I had to work harder than I wanted for longer than I wanted because there was someone just over my shoulder, waiting for me to quit. No stops for photos or scenery. Just a fight through pretty much every single mile.

I am stubborn, that is for sure. I can endure pain and discomfort for as long as I need to. I can keep going. I can sustain. I don’t have to satisfy anyone but myself.

A bucket list activity turned into a one-and-done. A few bites of pudding and many sore muscles and memories. Sometimes the things you look forward to contain tests and challenges you don’t anticipate or imagine. But pushing through them is its own gift. It leaves you with a sense of achievement. And a plan to improve.

mental health

Chad, Again

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Last week was Veteran’s Day. It’s become a recent tradition for some in the CrossFit and fitness communities to complete the hero workout Chad. I have done this one once before, right as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting. That seems like a decade ago in so many ways…work, family, fitness, friendship, life in general.

I skipped it last year but this year it pulled on me over and over again. I finally chimed in to my fitness group to see if anyone wanted to complete it the weekend after Veteran’s Day. I can’t decide if I was surprised or not that some of my friends said yes. In many ways this workout feels like a “one and done” but my friends are also crazy like that. We couldn’t all be there, but we had some cheering for us in spirit.

I was glad I had written about my first experience doing this workout in detail. I went back and reread my thoughts before I started. I remembered it being grueling. I remembered rushing to try to get to work (on my couch). Much of the rest I had just let go of.

This time was different, doing at a gym. This time was different, doing it with a vest…a little lighter than last time, but a weight I would not take off (no matter how much I wanted a break!)

This time was different, though, since I had friends to do it with.

Friends made the experience a bit less challenging. Was it still long and tedious? Absolutely. In fact, it may have taken me 45 minutes longer this time around. Some of that I attribute to a lower level of fitness. But some is just because we chatted between the rounds. I lost count a bunch of times. But I kept going. We were going to finish this.

Friends make hard things a little easier. This was the main lesson I learned this time around. Hard things don’t stop being hard. But the hard path isn’t as lonely. It makes me think about VFWs and other social organizations. Sometimes we need a place where we are truly and deeply understood.

Life has been challenging, lifey, whatever you want to call it lately. Things feel heavy. In some ways, time is moving very slowly. I’m not at all comparing my challenges to veterans, but I knew I had to complete this workout for myself as well. Getting something done is hard these days for me. My mental soundtrack has been less positive.

These and other friends inspire me to just keep going. Keep showing up. Keep moving. Every day won’t feel great or be the best. Some of the challenges will seem unending. But if I just keep putting one foot in front of the other, I will eventually reach the goals I have. Days will get brighter. Get up, show up, never give up.