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?