sa' wa't dii kha

I missed my first workout with Tom and Ronda today. I had a good excuse, and went out to breakfast!! I completed the tempo run on the treadmill tonight at the gym. My paces at threshold and beyond (not supposed to do that!) were: 7:26, 7:35, 7:47x 3 and 7:35. It was challenging to sit on that treadmill for the 95 minute workout but felt really good to hold a constant pace for 50 minutes. I missed the wise advise of my surrogate big brother...during the tempo run to spur me on- but I have no doubt he's taking pen to paper for this next session...cause he's gonna have lot's to say! :]

As I enjoy one of my last sweet potato, spinach and chicken meals for a while I'm trying to psych myself up for my up-coming flight to the Philippines. I'm excited to see Mom after so long. And meeting her community and new friends will be cool. The sun and warm water will be brilliant since I definitely miss the warmth of the summer sun. But in all honesty with my training starting to take shape- thanks to Ronda's help, and the nutrition changes yielding results, I'm anxious about losing momentum. But what is life if we are not simultaneously experiencing adventures in many different areas? It certainly would be a colorless and dull existence if all we focused on was our priority of the moment. So I will concentrate on living in the moment, taking this adventure in for all it's worth, and daydreaming about what awaits in Portland when I return. But you can bet your gosh-darned tail I'm going to also be doing crossfit workouts in the sand and running in the ocean if that's the only place I find. Call me crazy- go ahead...I can name five people that get it. OK so they might be crazy too...just makes life in this moment more interesting. So come on, GET CRAZY!

My new shoes...

don't look so new anymore. I've made my first milestone in Ultra-training. As we ran the trails of wildwood on Saturday with the usual crew my toe broke through the top of my shoe. As I investigated further I saw holes on both sidewalls of the shoes as well. I complained in disgust that I had just bought these shoes 2 1/2 months ago! Everyone laughed and patiently explained that 2 months was usually the maximum life of an ultra shoe. When the question regarding my sock arose, namely, where was it? I quickly changed the subject...having already realized on my own- I'm quick this way, that the socks may have a shortened life-span as well. My old trick of just putting the sock with the hole on the other foot (so the big toe wouldn't poke out) just wasn't going to fly anymore. So I've arrived. I've not even run fifty miles and my shoes are telling a story I still haven't admitted. I'm training for Ultra-marathons. It's time to stop pretending the idea is crazy and unattainable. It may still be crazy, I'm ready to admit this. But it is possible. And I will run 50 miles this year.

The diet continues to yield results. I'm 10 pounds lighter than when I started. My intent was to take the extra weight off to limit the stress put on my joints with the increased miles. It's working. And I'm getting faster- barring yesterday's track workout. With my trip to the Philippines and Thailand nearing. I'm trying not to stress about lost fitness and finding foods to fit my "diet." Two weeks off is really just what I need. The warmth of the sun and water will do wonders for my motivation and inspiration. Which, if honest, has been lacking in these past months.

Day of vacation today. It's frosty but will be dry and sunny. The girls and I are going to take a spin in my new trail shoes. North Face Ultra 300's...or something like that. Found them on sale at REI. If anyone knows of more sales please let me know...I'm admitting I have an Ultra-running addiction. That's the first step right?

Run Fast...er

Group field trip to Forest Grove for a "Quick" 12.44 mile race in the sleet and cold. As I gathered my recovery drink, post race meal and water I noticed I only had one "Gu" left. Oh well, should be good I thought. Well, I need to get with the program. I was so disciplined and methodical with nutrition when I was racing triathlons. I don't know what this backlash of lazy behavior is..but I'm ready to be done with it. I'm certainly not going to get results this way. Good results..that is. I was hoping for 8min miles for the length of the race. I came away with 8:15's. Not bad. Definitely room for improvement. Ronda, on the other hand smoked us all (besides Michael...but I'm not even sure how fast he is...because we are always holding him back.) Tom ran according to his plan, which included running..the whole time. He seems to be adjusting to this well and is getting faster every week. Steve passed me at mile four and never looked back. Beast was kind enough to yell splits or place in the race...something with numbers in it. I was just honored he remembered me and smiled. :] Met another runner, Anna, and she finished strong too.

It was a cold, cold day. We all started seizing up a bit in different areas of our bodies and that was fun to share on the way home. Kind of like a road trip car game...but different. Ronda and I both resisted the pancakes and ate our packed meals instead. We are on a mission. Clean food. Next weigh in is this weekend. Should be interesting.

Having the house to ourselves: Me, Emma and Zoe is really great. Building fires, stretching, taking time to cook meals and hang out...I realize I wasn't doing these things before...and am glad to be enjoying my home again.

Looking forward to our next race and big workout. Next two days: work

Happy New Year 2008

I was already a month into my "diet" when New Year's rolled in at 12:00 while my crew and I loaded hose for someone else's fire. I've been training regularly thanks to the No Excuses Rooster Crew. I'm visiting my Mom very soon in the Philippines as she finishes her Peace Corps Tour. My sister, Todd, and their pups are settling into their new house. I even took my Christmas lights down before the week's end. 2007 has been a year of firsts. I climbed the rope at crossfit- 6times! I ran my first and then my second 50k. I participated in Christmas Camp, logging close to 70 miles of running in one week. I became a truck officer. I've met some amazing, inspiring, caring, and original people. I recovered from a frightening low back injury that put everything into perspective and made me value my health and fitness like never before.

Before the girls and I head out into this temporary sun break for an easy 30 minute run I thought I would reflect a bit on some goals for 2008. I may come back with another post as this is a bit off the cuff. It seems after all of these years my life is still filled with athletic pursuits, friendships, family, home repairs, and continued learning and experience at work.

2008: It's easy to get wrapped up in my own life's drama. It can send me reeling wondering how I can clear my plate and effectively finish everything I've started. It may seem counter-intuitive; but I think I've found the answer. I've often entertained, albeit briefly, the idea of volunteering at a school, or as a big sister. As friends and neighbors set amazing examples of community building and selfless gifts of their time and energy I've decided this is the key. This is the answer to not getting wrapped up in my life's daily dramas. It's also a break. I can take a vacation from my challenges by helping someone else with their own. Talk is cheap. That is number one on my list. I'm going to volunteer. Finally.

The next goals will be the less profound more selfish variety. :]

2. Run 50 miles...at one go, not over the course of the week. ;](My eyes are on the Grand Teton 50 mile race) I will be running with Tom, Ronda, and Michael who are running the 100miler.

3. Run a sub 21:00 min 5K.

4. Get out of debt (house mortgage not included) sooooo....close.

5. Reach and maintain 150 pounds.

6. Study for Captain.

7. Work on my attention span for blog entries.

Ok the girls and I are going running now for our easy 30min.