Spring

It was a short winter. So sad. 

BROWN BROWN DECEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!

Brown December is back on full swing, after christmas brought us a thoughtful 55 degree day, with at least 2 inches of rain. You might think I am being sarcastic, but I was 100% ok and on board with this event. I even headed out after work for a very pleasant, early summer rainy day run. ZERO complaints. PLUS, it rained enough to legit wash it all away- no annoying residual ice to cope with!

Looking fancy on Christmas

It was a really decent week on the running front. There was some treadmilling along, since I worked A FUCKING TON this week, but I also was able to get outdoors several times. 

At this point, sunset has thoughtfully moved to the *convenient*  hour of 4:10, so we are beginning to gain ground. I believe sunrise is still at 7:17 though, so woking sunrise to sunset is still no challenge at all for me. 

Well. That's not ugly. 

I joined in another challenge this week, mostly because it has a really pretty medal and I have precious few of those from this year (which is a fact, but to be truthful, I find these challenges to be quite motivating!) Of course, I still am plugging along, and slowly gaining ground, on the positively endless Boston to Bar Harbor (I am over 75% done at this point.)

The new challenge is much shorter, and from the looks of things, is going to be downright fast and furious for the leaders. (someone logged over 70 miles in week one, so there's that!) The goal is to complete 202.0 miles before Spring (March 20). This certainly is a much more manageable number of miles that any challenge I have done this year, but I am hoping to finish it in 6 weeks. 

So. We are moving quickly towards New Years and 2021. While I know that the change of year will not be a magic cure, I will not be sorry to see 2020 leave. Good things have happened this year, but the shadow of actual, real doom has been ever present. I am very happy to report that both my sister (ICU/Critical Care nurse) and my mother (home care nurse) have been given their first Covid vaccine with no ill effects. All of us are having zero family/friends holidays, and are collectively feeling annoyed by people who can't seem to have a merry zoom Christmas. *sigh* 

I don't really know how my running numbers look compared to years past, but I'm sure I'll compile some data this week for an end of the year wrap up. I certainly know, that the lack of races sis not cause me to quit running, so I guess I'm not  fair weather athlete. 

Happy Holidays kids. Wear your masks. 

Stats:

Miles run: 

Running: 37.3

Straight up walking: 0.0

Total: 37.3

Warmest day: 55

Coldest day: Not cold this week. 30 I think

Snow: 2" rain

Place in Challenge (s) on Sunday night: 

Boston to Bar Harbor: 129/572 A 10 place improvement. Slow and steady, and ahead of schedule. 

202 Winter miles: 33/994 A good start. New Years will make this one crazy, I bet, with a lot of people logging enough high mileage to finish very quickly. 

Winter.

Week one of Boston training complete!!!

Whoops. Old habits die hard. 

Pretty ordinary winter week around here. Monday through Friday on the treadmill due to work/darkness, COLD cold weather, and another (much less hideous) storm.

Winter certainly set in mid week and brought us the first deep freeze of this winter season. With lows in the single digits, and highs in the teens, we all remembered why we do not like it here!!

My treadmill miles were labored this week. I go them done, but my motivation was low (no daylight equals pretty low energy me) my legs felt yucky, and it was a slog. 

I did get out for some outdoor miles over the weekend.

I had some pretty sold weather on Saturday, but my legs felt heavy and gross from the week on the treadmill. 

On Sunday, I was generally feeling better (plus, finally an easy work day!) but it snowed like crazy! It actually was not bad at all, but my face indicates otherwise. 

The holidays are coming up, and we have zero plans this year. Covid is going absolutely bat shit crazy around here, so we are sticking close to home (as in: AT HOME.)

My friend Danielle and I had discussed doing a self-supported Dopey Challenge leading up to/into New Years weekend, but we had the maturity to conclude that neither of us were fit for such an adventure. 

currently, my plan is to run the total mileage (48 and change) over the course of New Years week. WE SHALL SEE!!!!

In conclusion, I was able to get all my Boston to Bar Harbor miles in last week, plus a few. I'm still running a bit ahead of schedule, and could take almost a full week off and finish. 

Stats:

Miles run: 

Running: 31.3

Straight up walking: 1.5

Total: 32.8

Warmest day: 30

Coldest day: Low 3, high 19

Snow: 5" 

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 139/572 This is a 12 place improvement, which (honestly) I am surprised by. I am not cranking out massive mileage at the moment. It will be interesting to see what happens over the Holidays. Since people (HOPEFULLY) are not traveling, I have to think (HOPE) there will be more people, running more miles. 

A week late, due to many ridiculous things

I'm a week behind because for the vast majority of last week we were without power, due to a very messy winter storm.

Ice, rain, snow, countless trees down, 5 days without power. MESS!!!!! 

So, backtracking a bit. I had a pretty big week two weeks ago, wrapping up the half k challenge on Monday the 30th with a solid 9-plus mile day. I believe I managed to run about 35 miles that week, and walk 3. (non work walking. I walk all day for work....)

This past week was not as amazing in the mileage department, but I still ran 28 miles and walked 2. The storm was a real monster, and left me pretty wiped out a few days. Also, poor Ellie got sick, and even though she is recovering nicely, we had a few stressful moments. (days.....) 

I seem to still be on a self-imposed-run/walk streak, and I would like to see it through to the New Year (butttttttt) I'm also recognizing that not a lot of "good" running is coming from this streak. If I decide that matters, I will take a couple guilt free rest days. I have not had any physical issues other than my sesamoiditis flaring- but it can do that basically anytime. 

So just a quick update this week to get back on track. Only a couple weeks left in this crummy year, and only a short time until the days begin to have more daylight. 

Oh, one more thing.

Normally, this would be week one day one of Boston Marathon Training. 

THIS IS SO WEIRD. 

I must assume something of this topic must have recently been published in main stream media, because over the past couple weeks several non runners have asked me the following question. How do I feel about runners in other parts of the country running marathons, and achieving BQ's during this time when many of us do not have reasonable access to events (or would be required by our states/jobs to quarantine after.)

Well, honestly I had not thought about it much. 

I suppose, (not to lame out) that it is what it is. 

Lots of things are "unfair" right now, and this is a pretty small thing in the big picture. BUT, that being said, it does kind of suck that Floridian runners are running and BQ-ing right along, during this time when it is JUST PLAIN UNSAFE to do so. 

The follow up question almost always is "should BQ's even COUNT right now"? I really have no idea how to answer that. Athletes work hard towards those goals, and they should be rewarded. BUT. BUT!!! The thought that major sporting events are still being held now, when hospitals are overwhelmed and people are getting sick by the thousands seems absurd to the extreme. And selfish. 

And then the FOLLOW up, follow up question is: If I had the chance to run a marathon this winter, would I. 

FUCK NO. Not unless something really, really major happens and suddenly COVID becomes not a thing. NOPE NOPE. 

So yeah. That's what I think. 

Stats:

Miles run: (last week)

Running: 35

Walking: 3.6

This week:

Running: 28

Straight up walking: 2

Warmest day: A few days in the 40's, nothing too cold yet

ONE disgusting storm where we got inches of ice, a few of snow, and FIVE days without power. 

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 151/571 14 place improvement. 

Half K Challenge: Complete! Plus, big moves in the BOS to BHB attempt.

After a week of some high mileage, the Half K Challenge wrapped up today! I completed this with success, and did not miss a day, or miss nay mileage. As I have mentioned, this is the first time I have ever done a streak, and I wasn't sure how I would feel without a rest day. I'm pleased to say, that I finished up in fine form, and with no physical (or mental??) issues. I certainly took some easier days (run/walk) and I am quite sure that helped. 

This being said, I simply can not imagine running with intensity (marathon training) and never having a day off. I definitely think that when one is doing speed work/long runs/hills, the rest days are critical.

The plus of all this running is I have been able to see some glorious sunsets. 

Nice

Some big moons.

Why am I running at 5AM?????

And definitely some rain the other day. 

I literally give zero shits

Another positive is that I seem to have racked up some miles in my Boston to Bar Harbor Challenge. I made a huge jump in the standings, and was ranked out of the 200's for the first time since week one (I think?) 

I'm physically feeling great, and am in much better running shape than I have been since before the weird leg (which held up so well this month that I shall retire that topic. I'm still being super mindful, ice, rolling, etc. More than anything I'm having a minor reccurance of sesamoiditis in my right foot which is annoying. And par for the course.)

We managed a rainy day hike on Saturday which was pretty sweet. Despite the rain, the conditions are still completely fall like, at least in the lower peaks. Lots of fun, and we are all very happy to get out on the less traveled trails since Covid is going bananas around here. 

Ellie wishes we would not be so lame

It is definitely funny/uncomfortable seeing other parts of the country carrying on as normal. Marathons being run. People BQ'ing. Turkey Trots galore. 

To be honest, nothing seems like a worse idea at the moment. 

Yep, I miss my racing life, but I'm legit enjoying the day to day work. I'm appreciating the many health benefits of my active lifestyle. Work has been beyond stressful, and running really helps me to cope with my anxiety. With all the uncertainty, it is so satisfying to log a good workout, and know that I'm committed to my health. 

Anyway. On to next week (or, this week since I'm posting a day late in order to celebrate my Half K victory!) 

I need to continue logging miles for Boston to Bar Harbor. I have to check to see how far behind I still am- but there's still work to be done there. (LIES: I am NOT behind, I am now AHEAD: 14.02 miles. WINNING WINNING)

I managed to run some 800's last week (slow, but not as slow as I normally run!) 

Winter is not yet really here, so running outdoors has been completely safe, if not altogether pleasant. 

Maybe I keep a streak alive until New Years?? (NOT continuing to add Half k a day though....) 

Stats:

Miles run: 

Running: 45.93 (WTF like a legit peak marathon week)

Hiking: 7.3

Straight up walking: 4

Total: 57.23 HOLY SHIT

Warmest day: 46, coldest day 28 and a half inch of snow

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 164/571 36 place improvement. That happens when you run more than twice the miles required. YAY!

BOS to BHB Week 13 (my week count has been wrong...) The Half K lives on, Summer is OVER

The title says it all, I don't need to write any more!

I managed to do 5 actual runs, and (as promised) some really tragic "speed work" of 4x400 at an 8:00 pace. HAHA!!!! I have not done any speed AT ALL in so long, that it's like doing it for the first time. 

Winter is not really here, but summer is absolutely gone. We had a couple days that were quite chilly and it seems that there may be some stupid snow in the forecast. 

I spent this weeks "rest days" doing a walk/run, and a hike, followed by more walking so that my Half-K streak would not be broken. I'm hanging in there with that one, and also slowly making up ground for the BOS to BHB challenge. Weird leg has been good- I was the *tiniest* bit worried that I felt something after two consecutive treadmill days, but it was nothing. 

Weird moment of the week was getting a finishers medal for BOS 2 BHB....

I'm not finished. Like, at all? So I guess one gets a medal just for signing up. Either way, if I don't manage to get the correct mileage in the correct time, I'm going to have to give this prize away at terrible christmas (scheduled for July, maybe of 2022, once Covid is somewhat under control....)

Work was a cluster fudge this week, which is what it is??? I was planning to give myself a little birthday afternoon hike on tuesday (NOPE) but we were lucky to snag some totally decent Saturday afternoon weather and get a nice one in with Lee. 

We didn't hike at all with him last year, because he was injured, so it's great that he's back in one piece and doing silly things with us. 

Hiking with my FRIENDS!!!

So, the forecast looks crummy this week, but so far this year, no snow. Like, a dusting one morning but that was it. I love a nice, brown November!

Brown November sunset

This week will be a good, solid challenge. Unless I want to quit the Half K challenge, my daily mileage is going to be over 7 miles all week. I have never heard of such a thing!! We'll see how I manage to trudge through this. I have made it this far, and it seems pretty silly to quit now, so I am hoping I am just to stubborn to give up!

Stats:

Miles run: 

Running, or Run Walking: 34

Hiking: 4.15

Straight up walking (not work related...) 4.5

Total: 42.65

Warmest day: 52, coldest day 28 :-( 

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 200/571 Big, 20 place jump this week. YAY! 

BOS to BHB Week 11, the Half K streak continues, and MORE summer

Last week was another good one. 

The unseasonably warm temps continued for much of the week. We enjoyed several days when it was well into the high 60's. It was warm enough, that I was able to run outdoors, after work, in shorts, in the RAIN one evening. WEIRD. 

However, all good things must end, and I believe fake summer is now behind us. The coming week looks ominous, with one day forecast not to get out of the 20's. HORRIBLE.

No problems at all from weird leg last week, and I was able to have 4 runs that were completely running. 6 coming in around 6.2-6.6 miles, and a 5 miler. I spent my two "rest days" run/walking on the treadmill, and managed to get one 6.25 brisk hike in over the weekend. 

My hiking friend!

The Half K challenge is about to reach the point of dire difficulty, in that it is hard to do your "rest day" when the activity calls for over 5 miles. I have never done a run streak before, and I am enjoying it! So far, no problems with the mileage, and I'm sure it's because a: it started easy, and b: I have been having 2 easy days. WE SHALL see how I feel a week from now. Not to mention two weeks from now......

This coming week could be interesting. Cold weather is going to be here (gross!) I definitely think that it is vastly easier to motivate myself to run in the warm than in the bone chilling cold. I am planning some birthday hiking miles, which I am looking forward to. AND, if weird leg continues to be perfect, I may even add in the worlds tiniest and slowest speed workout. There are not enough daylight hours, so I've been doing some pretty dark running (but I have the gear for it, if not always the cheerful attitude....)

Despite my much increased miles from a couple weeks ago, I only had a 10 placement improvement in the BOS to BHB challenge. The good news though, once again I was able to get in some "extra" miles, which means I'm currently 34 miles behind. I feel like I can make this up in the next month or so (and THEN, I just need to stay on track....) If I was prepping to go into Mid-December Boston training, I would feel pretty amazed by the fitness base I'm working on. I suppose, I can feel impressed about that no matter what! 

I changed shoes when I was fighting with dumb leg. I have been running in Hoka Clifton's for about 300 years (and I imagine that will continue at some point) but for whatever reason the leg hated the lovely soft ride that they give. Pretty stupid, in my opinion. I snagged a pair of Brooke's Ghost 12's on sale, and have actually really been enjoying them. I had a pair of older model Ghost's that I took for a few runs before making the big, crazy, $70 plunge and felt that the firmness was of benefit. FYI, for "normal" shoe people, I believe the Ghost 12 would be considered pretty damn cushioned by typical standards. After a Hoka, everything else feels firm! (but, the leg is now all better, and the Brooke's played a role in that!) 

Stats:

Miles run: 

Running, or Run Walking: 32

Hiking: 6.25

Total: 38.25

Warmest day: 69, coldest day 41

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 220/570 Another 10 place improvement. Consistent. 

Summer weather, improving leg, more miles, and some slow running

This past week marked the turning point for weird leg. There were no issues, no funny feelings, not even one step of ouch while running, no little pains when I hopped out of bed first thing in the morning. 

While all of those things have been diminishing over the past few weeks, this was the first where there was nothing of note AT ALL. Good news. 

I did 3 runs that were 100% actual running, no walk breaks. Two 6.2 adventures, on a couple of delightful days where the temps were unseasonably warm. I also did a very short run (2-ish) just to get in miles for the Half K a Day Challenge. I also did a couple mostly-run-but-a bit-of-walk workouts on treadmill (because it was FREEZING at the beginning of the week. Tuesday was a high of 31 and WINDY. GROSS.) And sunday, when it was 72 degrees, we enjoyed a 5-plus mile hike. 

Summer Hiking

Currently, I am feeling very happy to be on the right track. I have been keeping up the ice/rolling and plan to continue doing so. Other than feeling pleased, I am feeling slow and sluggish while running. (mixed feelings???) While I am sure that my run/walk plan was (A) key to my recovery, and (B) most likely helpful in keeping up *some* fitness, I am certainly NOT feeling super fit or speedy. 

If this next week goes well, I plan to incorporate some small speed workouts into the routine the following week. (I know *at my advanced age* it takes some time to get the legs to come around....) For the next week, I hope to get in more "strictly running" work while on the road, while being more careful while on the treadmill. While running on the treadmill did not seem to cause any issues last week, it has not been my ideal surface lately. 

This was the first week in FOREVER that I was able to bank a couple "bonus" miles for the BOS2BHB challenge. (Still about 50 miles behind....) I successfully logged all the miles, plus extra, for the Half-K challenge. The final week of Half-K should really assist in reclaiming miles for the other challenge. I believe the mileage that week is something close to 50- not sustainable for me long term, but a good place to play catch up. 

And, as mentioned, the weather was insane. 30 and snow on Tuesday. Legit 70 plus and blazing sun Saturday and Sunday. OK. 

Stats:

Miles run: 33.5 (about 5 of these were hiking)

Warmest day: 70 Coldest: 32 FUCK

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 230/569 Another 10 place improvement. Encouraging. 

Week 9 of the BOS to BHB challenge

Another fall week of pretty lousy weather, (boooo!) some random unavoidable issues (work, poor Eric has not been feeling himself #notCovid)  and on Sunday I really felt my age, and tweaked my back (UGHHHH!) 

However, I did manage to get in *almost* all the miles for my challenge. 

As far as my funky shin goes, I definitely feel like headway is being made in the recovery process. If this was a "normal" year, I imagine I would have barely even mentioned it, because now is usually the time that I do very little before beginning Boston Training. *oh, and for those who don't know, Boston has been postponed to Fall 2021, and we all know I think that is pretty optimistic*

ANYWAY. Since this isn't really a normal year, I have been mentioning my shin shit rehab and thought it might be prudent to outline what that means to me. 

It's not entirely unusual for me to experience a shin issue during the summer. Eric and I both continue to run, and we also absolutely thrash up and down mountains on the weekends. This is great fun, and the risk is worth the reward. 

However, there usually comes a time when I need to address the issue. I usually shut down the athletics when any pain is noticed when I am not actually exercising (or, of course, if I am feeling pain during every workout. that's not cool.) In this case, I had some mild shin/calf pain that was occasionally noticeable while simply living my life, as well as while running.  

After taking about a week off, the pain had been completely eliminated from my non workout activities. At that point, I eased back in to a routine of slow running, or walk/running. In addition to being very cautions about my exertions, I also ice after EVERY workout, and use a stick roller on my calf. Last week I never felt a single twinge from my junk leg, and this leads me to believe I am gaining ground. For me, it seems that shin crap takes a while to completely get over, and that it can not be ignored. 

Oh, and as a side note, after two consecutive years of post summer-fun-shin-death, I'm planning to invest some time in figuring out how to PREVENT this. Fool me twice, and all that.....

So, the past week was neither glamorous or exciting but I was happy to keep moving along. I had to hit up the treadmill quite a bit due to RAIN and DARK, so I was extra cautions, as treadmill runs have been the hardest on my leg so far. I did have a good, non stop 4 miler on Saturday in which I felt no pain during, or after. 

Also, this was the first time that I have actually advanced a few places in the challenge. I was a bit skeptical about this, as I certainly did not have a bang-up week, but I must not have been the only one. 

More of the same planned for the upcoming week, with some better weather on the horizon! 

Also, the Half K a Day challenge began yesterday, so I'll be reporting on that next week as well. I suppose that means that I will actually be running, or moving in some way daily for this month! I'm kind of excited, because I have never done a streak like this before. I'm definitely hoping to get outdoors a bit more this week, and if we are lucky, maybe even get in a short weekend hike. 

Stats:

Miles run: 27 (about 5 of these were short hikes)

Warmest day: Ugh it was cold daily. I'm not even sure if we got into the 50's this week. 

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 240/569 This is a decent improvement, and one so unjustified (I was still a mile short this week, it's not like I ran 55 miles!!) that I'm just wondering if people forgot to log miles. We shall see next week. 

Week 8 of the BOS to BHB Challenge

Another decent week of "running" around here. My leg felt off on Monday- so I did a quick shoe swap which seemed to really help. 

(I have been running in Hoka Clifton's for years, I love them, and swear by them. But for now with the picky leg, they are just a touch too soft. So I busted out an old pair of Brooks Ghosts, and those feel just fine for what I am doing at the moment.)

Both Thursday and Friday ended up being days where I managed to complete my miles with no walking. Thursday was due to a coincidental mid-workout meeting with another runner. Once we confirmed a Covid free status, we spent the remainder of the run enjoying having another human outside our inner circles to talk to. Prior to 2020, athletic meet ups at races, and for training, were much more common! One forgets how nice it is to talk about training and races and random crap with other runners. STUPID 2020!!

I could feel the shin just a bit again after the two running days, so we (logically?) did a couple trail adventures. Making the most of short local hikes, and the last warm-ish days of the season. 

Autumn is here 

Despite completing the required miles for my challenge, I believe my standing remained the same. To bring up 2020 again, here is a good motto for the year: "Working hard, Going nowhere...." (While I do say that with a bit of a chuckle, I'm also saying it with a groan!)

In November Eric and I are going to participate in a challenge that one of our running friends is hosting. It is a "Half K a day" event, which sounds like a piece of cake, until you discover that you add a half K daily every day. All well and good, until the last week when it is basically 9 mile workouts for 7 days straight (pretty close anyway). YIKES! 

Aside from running things are pretty normal. My work is super busy (good! also, still working on balance...) Eric got a new job that he is excited about, so that is a very positive thing. We are healthy and managing to stay sane, and looking forward to no more political ads after next week. Also, we ended up having quite a good season of hiking. I didn't have the time to document every one here, which I am regretting. (I have actually found my hiking blog posts to be terribly useful when suggesting routs to friends) Either way, I believe we are down to the final 6 of the NH48. We haven't been in a hurry to finish that list, because we enjoy doing repeat hikes, hikes in Maine, etc, but I imagine we will wrap it up in 2021. 

And as far as the weather goes, it is fluctuating in the manner that it often does in Maine in October. 65 one day, 45 the next. From the looks of the extended forecast, we are basically in for about 10 days of cold and clammy- I don't see any high temps over 48 at this point. GROSS. 

Stats:

Miles run: 28.2 (about 2.5 done as hike)

Warmest day: 66 on Thursday

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 265/569 (ok. so 2 places better than last week. I'm currently 47.78 miles behind where I should be.... slightly terrifying. Luckily, I have months to finish so I am hopeful I can regain ground. Also, in ridiculous news, no fewer than 6 people have already finished....) 

Week 7 of the BOS to BHB Challenge

Thankfully, I was able to get some miles in this week (not "enough" but some!)

I figured that until I'm feeling zero, ZERO weirdness from my shin, that I'll be getting miles in but taking it super easy. 

Oddly, I actually have more discomfort after a treadmill workout than an outdoor run. (and let me be clear- during this week I had zero pain (YAY!) but after the treadmill the weird leg just felt.... weird.... So I'm being especially dainty on the treadmill. 

My runs this week were a variety of shuffles, walk runs, and (as the week went on) more running time than walking. And, the shin feels quite alright at the present moment. 

The weather was a mixed bag this week. Thursday was 68, sunshine, full blown Indian summer glory. Friday evening into Saturday we got a couple inches of rain, and the temp hovered close to 38 degrees for most of Saturday. GROSS.....

Indian summer

I've been really busy at work, for what feels like months and months (and in a way, that is true!) This is a tricky time of year when I put in a ton of hours. This is good, because business is good, and making money is good!!! The tricky thing is that I haven't had an actual day off since.... August? Yikes. Covid is making scheduling tougher than normal, but I'm working on finding actual balance. 

I've had a few people ask me about Boston 2021. No news yet! You all know that my best guess is that it will be a no-go, or elites only. 

My real question at this point is pertaining to how things will be handled when it's all systems go. Theoretically, my BQ time for 2020 should get me in to 2021 (I earned that time at Boston 2019.) Currently, there are no races in a safe traveling distance for me to even consider re-qualifying in (this is NOT the case everywhere. There are still people qualifying.)

So. Say it's September of 2021 and the BAA says "yep, 2022 is a go. We know 358,982 of you have qualified at this point." How's THAT going to work? I suppose one easy solution is to stick with the standard, that the fastest people get in. Fair enough. OR, at some point they tell us our current BQ times are void, and we have to do it again. Again, fair enough, and certainly a good way to shrink the pool. 

Whatever they do, I'm fine with it. 

Stats: Stats:

Miles run: 24.3

Grossest day: 38 and pouring on Saturday.....

Placing I the Challenge on Sunday night: 258/568 (moving slowly in the right direction.)

Week 7 of the BOS to BHB Challenge

Last week was one of those weeks that I seem to have a few times a year. Too much to do, and not enough daylight at either end of the day to do it!  Add to that, the sudden and fierce onset of almost winter like temps, and it was not a record setting week in any way (LIE: I believe I set an all time record for lessons taught in a week in during the months of September through January. So.... There was that. 

I did manage to get out for two pretty decent runs over the weekend. 5 and change on Saturday, and 6 on Sunday kept me from having to admit to a complete flop. 

Also, these two runs marked the longest number of miles I have been able to run, without walking, since virtual Boston. My weird leg is back to feeling good, but I'm going to be a bit cautious on it for the next bit of time. 

Not making great headway on my Challenge race. It is so long, that I refuse to just throw in the towel in hopes that I'll be back to some more respectable mileage soon. Without long hike Saturdays in the schedule, it's hard to get ahead! (or catch up... or anything!!)

Stats:

Miles run: 11.4

Biggest temperature change: It was 40 on Saturday morning, and 74 by 1PM

Placing I the Challenge on Sunday night: 276/568 (not gonna win this one!)

Week 6 (?) of the BOS to BHB Challenge and other shit

OK so I vanished for a hot minute there. 

So, to try to recap. 

I ran Virtual Boston on September 12th, and because I wasn't an idiot I felt pretty good after a couple days. I did one or two little shuffles the following week just move around and discovered that NOTHING that I thought would be icky/sticky was, but other (minor) things were. 

On September 20th Eric and Ellie and I trail "ran" the Tripyramids- which was god damn awesome. I'm really busy at work, and don't have much help AND the sun sets at about 2 in the afternoon. SO, trail running happens out of necessity and it is pretty fun. We did NOT do the slides, but found plenty of vert none the less. We chose the Pind Bend trail to Sabbaday trail loop and it worked just fine for us. (plus, miles and miles of Sabbaday were VERY runnable. Plus the first 1.5 miles of Pine Bend)

View from the top

And then the shit just hit the fan for a bit. 

I had some major major major crap at work. My horse got super sick and had to spend 6 days in the Hospital..... 

OMG he's still so cute. Sad little IV and all....

Our County went "code yellow" for Covid, and so the school district changes the classroom schedule and chaos ensued. CHAOS. Oh, and my shin shit finally needed attention, and a week off.  (which seemed SO SO minor compared to the rest of the crap.)

I would tell you that I was literally like "2020 GO FUCK YOURSELF I AM DONE!!!" But in reality I was trying, stubbornly, to maintain nothing but positive feelings. It was exhausting. 

Hopefully we are on the other side of this particular set of issues. Being that it is 2020 I expect more to come. HAH. HAH. HAH. UGH. 

I'm carefully back to running this week and the leg shit feels better. 

My horse is all recovered from his peritonitis and looks super. 

School/Children/My schedule are just never going to settle into a routine this year, but I am doing my best to roll with the punches. 

And yeah. I'm stubbornly, and positively hoping to get caught back up on miles for my Boston to Bar Harbor Challenge. There is some rando who literally walks 6 different 6 mile walks PER DAY who is about to win. One side of my brain is impressed by this, but the other is like "wow. lots of spare time...) 

Whatever though. I have months left to finish and that is my "A" goal. My "B" goal is to finish in the first 50% of people to do so. We shall see, because it's a slow decline around here. 

So. 

Stats:

Miles driven while horse was in hospital to bring horse, visit once, bring horse home: 600. No lie. 

Miles run this past week: 17

Dollars spent on sucky sick sick horse: Not many thanks to bazillion dollar insurance plan. But I spend a bazillion dollars on THAT, so, by default, a BAZZILION dollars. 

Dollars spent on other things: None, because sick horse and pandemic

Place in Challenge last week: 239/564

Place in Challenge today: 241/565 (so, not a terrible decline even with LOW miles) 

Virtual Boston Marathon

I  had a few ideas about how to tackle my own, personalized 2020 Boston Marathon. 

My own private Boston

I was looking forward to the event in the way that one looks forward to a situation that one is most certainly not 100% prepared for. For me, that means no pressure, immense flexibility, the need for creativity, and a small sense of dread. The usual. (this may, in fact, be how I feel prior to events that I am 100% prepared for, to be honest.)

I considered running 262 lengths of my driveway. This was a very real option for about a day.

I thought about running to the pub we used to frequent (which is closed now) and then BACK. This was an option for about one minute. 

Then, I mentioned to Lee that I had seen a couple people on the internet mention that they were planning to run the Kancamagus Highway, and CLEARLY, an idea was born. Because running over a mountain is ALWAYS a good idea! 

So ok, creative idea, CHECK. 

Lee offered to be my roving aid station, as I planed to run a point to point route from *almost* Lincoln, NH, to Conway, NH. This was a brilliant idea, and we decided that Friday the 11th sounded good. That meant I could work Friday morning, run that afternoon, then have 2 days off from riding horses and be back to it on Monday. 

Well. The best laid plans changed when Lee remembered he had an appointment on Friday. OH LEE!

Actually, I legit did not care. I was like, "Saturday it is!" (which meant I could work extra on Friday! Work Saturday morning, then run, then have ONE day to get my legs in order before being back on horses on Monday. 

So OK, Being flexible. CHECK. 

For planning purposes, there was discussion about how long the adventure might take. Especially since I had not run longer than 10 miles at a time since March. 

I was like "ehhh who knows. 5 hours? Maybe?"

(No pressure. CHECK)

Lee helpfully printed me out a spreadsheet, complete with pace, elevation (yikes) and about 26.2 places that he could meet me with in-tow aid station along the way. (Unlike Lee, I'm not one to to plan.... we kind of figured out his aid station locations on the drive.)

Saturday morning dawned, and it was lovely. 

I went to work for the morning. 

Packed my shit. Left late (ALWAYS)

The internet had suggested that I "gather my cheer squad and some chalk, and make an authentic Boston Marathon start and finish line!!" Lee and I decided that we were not really chalk art people, and that we would be doing very little instagram worthy stuff #lame but #fact

Saturday on the Kanc is stupid trafficy, and this was a known fact.  Evidently, this particular Saturday marked the day when EVERYONE who owns a road racing motorcycle hits the Kanc, and uses it as their own, lawless, personal race track. 

As we drove the 26.2 miles from the Conway end, shit got CRAZY. There were bikes passing us on the right. Bikes passing us on the left WHILE other cars were meeting us from the other direction. And this happened over, and over, and OVER. 

Before I headed off to run, Lee said "So. If it just too stupid out there, we can go do something different." (while I believe he meant that I could go elsewhere to run, I was imaging something totally different like going off to get some sandwiches or ice cream or bacon or something.....)

So yeah. Too Fast, Too Furious RACE BIKE edition equals DREAD. check. 

The first 5 miles of my run was very much uphill, gaining over 1K in elevation. 

After that, an almost straight downhill route (well... a couple flats, a couple small ups, but certainly a downhill theme.)

And down we go. But not until mile 5. 

Anyways. UP I went. And I felt good! I have been doing so much hiking, and some trail running, that my legs were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to run uphill on pavement. (like, a 9% grade for a while there....) 

I saw Lee a couple times in the first 5 miles and told him stories about the crazy bike race people zooming by, doing wheelies and acting crazy. He told ME stories about how he saw them riding 4 across, standing straight up on top of their bikes! (listen, I'm all for good fun, but doing this on a public road seems so reckless!) I was also able to tell him that I was not terrified, or in danger, and that the bail out sandwich/taco/ice cream plan would have to wait.) 

Here's Lee!

Thankfully, at mile 5 (at the overlook where the bike gang was "hosting" their convention)  the cops showed up and broke up the party. 

YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!

You can see a few of the bikes in this pic

And after that, the story becomes quite ordinary. 

Well, first we had to celebrate my queen of the mountain status, at the Kancamagus Pass!

Made it up the mountain

As far as running goes, I strove to maintain an easy pace throughout. It would have been pretty easy to take off like a bat out of hell at the first downhill, but that did not seem wise. 

The awesome thing was to see Lee, and beginning at mile 11, Eric and Ellie too, every couple miles. This was GREAT FABULOUS fun, and I definitely took some time at each stop to chat for a moment. (and get some water, and pick up some snacks.... and to take some instagram pics) 

The whole gang

I assumed that at some point my legs would simply quit, and I would be forced to walk the final few (or more) miles. Even though I definitely began to feel a little pooped around mile 19, I continued to run to the end, aside from a couple short walk breaks. 

Lee and Eric had to get creative with parking, since the crowds were definitely out. The good thing was that nobody was congregating where they were, so it was all very Covid safe (Eric and I, and my parents have been extremely cautious since March, and this was the biggest outing we have dared to go on. And, thankfully, it felt very safe. Except for the motorcycles. While some people say they are "safe" and are shopping, dining, going to pubs, movies, getting together with friends, and family, we have done legit NOTHING. Not even outdoor stuff with anyone but each other. So, yeah. This was the biggest outing of summer 2020 for SURE.) (and no judgement. you do you, bro. and we'll do us)

I had given Lee a box of things I might want while running and we managed to arrange it so that I could "trick or treat" every time I met up with him (this was a good way to celebrate Halloween, since that won't be happening....) The weird thing that I wanted the most was crackers! I think I ate my way through a box of Wheat Thins (kind of like Thanksgiving.... go me! Since we won't be celebrating THAT this year!!!!) (and WTF. who eats wheat thins while running??)

So yes. I twiddled through my final 10k, in the lengthening shadows, crackers in hand and legs still managing a sub 10 pace. 

Right at 4:13 I reached my AMAZING FINISH LINE!!!! Which, due to the variables in the world happened to be about a quarter mile away from where my elite level support team was awaiting my arrival. So, I kept running and pretended to win the Boston Marathon as I ran into a glorious parking lot! (it was like, guess what, CHRISTMAS!!! Celebrating early, since I won't be throwing my Holiday party/s this year.) 

FINISHED!!

Within one minute I had a beer in my hand, sweatpants on my legs, and we were telling stories of the entire fabulous event. I had thought that running 26.2 solo might kind of suck, but I really enjoyed it! I never went more than a few miles without checking in with Lee so that certainly helped, but I really like a good run by myself too, evidently. 

My moving time clocked in at 3:58 which is pretty fantastic, considering that I have not really marathon trained since prior to Boston 2019. Of course, my actual finishing time of 4:13 reflected some enjoyable rest stops (and a couple/few pee breaks, clearly.) 

Now that the dust has settled, I'm even more pleased with my effort. My recovery was easy (2 days of mildly sore legs, nothing major) shows me that I did not overexert. Conquering the marathon distance solo was a first for me, and a test of my mental mettle. I like a good challenge, and this was a unique one. Mostly, I really enjoyed the interaction with Lee and Eric throughout the day. I was really able to look forward to the frequent morale boosts, and having everything I could possibly need at my fingertips allowed me to take great care of myself (hence, the fast recovery!)

So. Success. I'm totally counting this as Boston Marathon #8, because I feel I put forth a genuine, honest and solid solo effort. 

If we are being real, I kind of wish I could have my roving aid station/support crew along for the ride at every race!

We'll see what 2021 brings for Marathons, and big events like Boston. For 2020, I think that the BAA did a splendid job coordinating this event, and making it feel like a really big deal. 

Week two of BOS to BHB 750, Upcoming Virtual Boston Marathon, and more

Well. That was a long title. 

Quite bit to get to this week though, as I prepare for some shenanigans. 

First off, my recovery from the epic rib smashing disaster face plant of last week is going fairly well, although a bit more slowly than I appreciate. I kind of got hurt. 

Because of that, I did some creative miles, especially at the beginning of the week. I did some walking. some hobble jogging. And, at the end of the week, some absurd (but NON falling) trail running. Hence, meeting my mileage goal for BOS-BHB while allowing myself to kinda recover. 

Family running up a hill

This past Saturday marked the opening of the window in which to complete Virtual Boston! Since I was still pretty F***ED up, I knew getting an early start was not to be. I plan to run later in the week, day/route TBD but there are some interesting ideas floating around. 

I have already mentioned the face that I have not run longer than 10-ish miles since March... Oh well. Hopefully the hours of thrashing up and down mountains will count for something (they probably won't, but that's ok too.)

In other news, Boston registration for 2021 has been postponed. A good move, as I figured we would all stampede to sign up, simply to be refunded again. 

My feeling is that 2021 will be Elite Field only. 

As I look to the future of my marathon *career* I'm not really concerned, since it is my hobby. But I'm no spring chicken you guys. I'm wondering how a multi year break in high mileage training (assuming the trend of Covid continues) will impact hobby runners like myself, who don't snap back as quickly as the young whippersnappers do. 

I guess will find out! Maybe by the time we get back to it I will have aged up and bought myself an extra 5 minutes, hahahah!!

Anyway. Onward to "taper".  Which is just silly, because I haven't been cranking out the intensity. 

Miles run last week: 32-ish with all the twiddling around included. And this week, I include it. 

Miles hiked: Like, 19 miles total of trail running and crap

Place in the Challenge on Sunday night: 95/472

Hottest day: A bit fall like, I think one day when it was 80

Level of broken-ness: I mean.... There is "broken" and "BROKEN" I am not the second one, but on Monday-Thursday I was a sad sack of sorrow. Might have cracked a few ribs. 

Week one (plus 2 days): Boston to Bar Harbor 750 Mile Challenge

This particular challenge challenged my brain for a moment, as it began on a Friday. As we runners know, the week is Monday-Sunday NOT Friday-Thursday. I'm not going to ever complicate this. I'm going to report as always, as though the week ran as normal. 

I'm feeling a bit off track currently. We had a big hiking/camping weekend, and I was not shocked to feel some twinges in my shin (the other one from last year) upon completion. I decided to take a few days off to sort things out. 

After that.... We motored up Mt Jefferson for a *low key* 5 miler..... (done in like, 3:30)

And then I blasted around the Baldface Loop yesterday to smash all Queen of the Mountain records, and ran in in 2:36:01. 

I took a terrible, and bizarre fall but will save this story for the post it deserves. 

Because of all this shit- I'm low on mileage and kind of high on pain. (not painkillers....) 

One week until the window opens for *virtual boston completion* which seems like it's going to be a bit silly. Oh well!!

OK for now:

Miles run last week: 15.? 

Miles hiked: 5

Place in the Challenge on Sunday night: 140/418 (If I can actually get some miles in, that would be nice)

Hottest day: Not hot at the moment! 

Week 10 B2B2B 624K Challenge: DONE!!!!!

With (out) much ado, I completed the Baxter to Baxter to Baxter challenge on Saturday. As expected, I was the 12th person to finish, holding off the 13th place finisher by less than one workout. 

Having this challenge was a GREAT way to hang on to some running motivation during a less than motivational time. I will be the first to admit, I would NOT have run much this summer had it not been to hold my place on the leaderboard. (shame is my number one motivation!) 

While I was supposed to have two marathons this fall (Boston/Chicago) my heart wasn't really broken not to have to train hard. Just getting in 30 miles a week was challenge enough. Add speed work, hill work, and long runs to that, and I would have been a grouch. I should probably file that info away for the next time I want to race in the fall... (but I will "forget"... I always do!) 

That being said, I do have "Virtual Boston" between the 7th and 14th of September. I am not sure how people motivate themselves to actually train hard for a virtual race! My only goal is to complete the miles in one go, and even that seems like a real stretch at the present moment. 

I never have any trouble womaning up to train for In-Real-Life Boston, but EFF me if I'm going to thrash out 20 milers in 90 degree weather for a virtual event. 

I do appreciate that it is a one of a kind, historic event. I'm thankful to be able to participate. I'm not going to go out and run a crap ton of mile reps to show my appreciation though....

And HEY I'm going to put this out there right now (and become unpopular, but realistic.)

It is hard to imagine that Boston 2021 is actually going to be able to happen. I predict a full cancellation again, or a small field of elites only. I just don't feel like this whole pandemic crisis is going to be even CLOSE to under control in less than 8 months. Pretty sure the past 6 months have proved that point. 

So. How to stay motivated in a time of no races?

Luckily, I found another challenge. Phew. *tired*

The Boston To Bar Harbor Challenge takes an incredibly indirect 750 mile route, and has a 6 month timeline to complete. There are a good number of people registered for the run/walk portion (250 I believe- I'll check.) It began on Friday the 21st, and is currently being led by a person who seems to enjoy daily 12 mile walks. I don't have time for that! I'll check back in at the end of the week with my stats and thoughts. Technically, this "race" "runs" through a few cities I have marathoned in, which makes it interesting for me. 

OK. So that's a wrap on the B2B2B. I'm proud of completing before the deadline, and to have met my goal of a 30 mile running week the majority (all but 3 weeks) of the time. 

Miles run: 30

Miles Hiked: 20 and change

B2B2B standing on Sunday night: 12 AND DONE
Hottest day: Not hot enough to even remember. Maybe 80?   
Longest run: 10.1

Week 9 B2B2B 624 MILLION K Challenge

I managed to get back on track pretty damn well this past week, despite some of the hottest weather of the year. It was positively stifling, and really just miserable!!! But.... one must make the best of such things. 

I managed to (I think....) crank out the highest mileage of the summer. We did a short, but fun hike, and I ended the week with a bit of self-inflicted illness that happens to me when I over indulge in beautiful summer tomatoes (which continued for a couple days, and was zero percent fun.)

Despite the DARK mornings I made it out for 3 early runs. Like, SO dark. As in: I run for an hour before dawn.

I'm miles and miles from home

I finally managed a double digit run. GOOO ME. 

Apparently I am going to "run" the virtual Boston Marathon some time between September 7-14 on whatever this "training" has been this summer. 

I have built an AWESOME fitness base. I'm honestly pleased about this. 

I am in NO way in shape to run a marathon. WHOOPS. DEATH. 

The top 9 places in the Challenge had been claimed as of Sunday evening, with 10th and 11th looking to make a strong early week finish. There were a few high mileage runners this past week. Basically I'm going to get 12th or 13th. The 11th place woman is 30 miles ahead of me (and, no shit, we met her while hiking last weekend. RANDOM.) And the 14th place person is about 25 miles behind me. 

So. Pretty much all wrapped up at this point (ish. I have about 33ish miles to go) But unless I literally quit moving I should be good to meet my top 15 goal. 

And yes. I do have a follow up challenge after this one. Stay tuned. 

Miles run: 35.6 YAY!!!

Miles Hiked: 7.6

B2B2B standing on Sunday night: 12/43. And only in 12th by 0.1
Hottest day: 93 on Tuesday, after an 89 degree Monday, followed by a 90 degree Wednesday. DYING.  
Longest run: 10 I am SO FIT!!! (at 4:20 AM WOOF)

Week 8: B2B2B 624K challenge

Good Lord. Week 8 was more or less a total flop (again: things I predicted 8 weeks ago)

20 stupid miles. 9 miles of hiking. Lame lame laaaaaaaaaame. 

Also, it's dark AF at 4:30AM now, which drastically reduces the chances of me getting in a morning run. And then, it's 93 degrees all day which reduces the chances of an evening run. 

Oh! One not lame thing was the AMAZING sunrise before a big storm last week. It was nice.

Red sun......

I hope to get back to it with authority this week. My top 15 placement doesn't seem tooooo much at risk, but I'll be pissed if I drop the ball. 

Also, my hip weirdly hurt every now and then. Gross. 

Anyway. Stupid stupid crap crap the end. 

Miles run: 20.6 Crap Dumb Ugh

Miles Hiked: 9

B2B2B standing on Sunday night: 12/43. Losing ground 
Hottest day: 90 on Monday and the most humidity of the year, which is pretty damn awful  
Longest run: 7.2

Whiteface and Passaconaway, Saturday August 1st 2020

We checked off another 2 4K footers this past Saturday with Whiteface, and Passaconaway. 

I had been curious about these two mountains for a while. It seemed like it would be a hike we would enjoy, with a great mix of beautiful woods, fun/challenging scrambles, and a good amount of mileage. 

They didn't disappoint. 

We began the day nice and early, and successfully found parking (it is limited) at the Fernwood Road parking area. 

A lovely morning

From there, it's about 0.3 miles to the Blueberry Ledge trailhead, which you will find on the left side of the road, across a bridge. This trailhead is essentially in the backyards of several people, so it would be advised not to behave like an asshole.

Love cute signs

We loved Blueberry Ledge Trail. 

It basically had everything.

Woods, fun rock trail, stupid stone stairs, and scrambles. EXCELLENT.

(And for more on this, the video will be up on our YouTube in a couple weeks.)

The "rock trail" portion

Ummm. The Rock Stairs Portion....

A blueberry ledge

And pretty quick, some views!

The ledge/scramble portion, in my opinion, if very manageable in good weather. 

Also, do not be fooled by a VERY convincing false summit. 

The *actual* summit is about .2 miles farther, and is an unassuming rock cairn in the woods. LAME.

This was lovely, and is NOT the summit, despite the sneaky piton 

From there, it was about 2.4 miles on the Rollins Trail to the base of the Passaconaway summit trail. 

In most places, we enjoyed this trail, although it's a bit alarming how much elevation you lose. 

When you reach the base of Passaconaway don't get confused. Head left on Dicey's Mills, and then just bear left (unless you have plans of ascending a different way. duh.)

While it's a bit steep in places up the final 0.75 homestretch, it's not a nightmare. Plus, there is a little water source if you need to filter some water (we did. it was hot.)

As expected, the summit was stunning.

We love the low key 

A view!

If you walk past the little summit trail, there is a path to the left that takes you to the "view" (about 0.2 miles, evidently). However, a hiker we met said we would also see a satisfying view simply by continuing past that trail, and traveling straight for a couple hundred feet. We agreed that the views quite nice, and we didn't mind skipping some mileage. 

From there, we took the long walk back to the car following Dicey's Mill trail.  Once you are off the summit trail, it is 3.8 miles to get you back to where you came from- it had become pretty hot and we stopped to filter some water before committing to the long haul to the car. 

This trail is pretty easy to descend, although a bit steep here and there. Definitely a good way to get to Passaconaway, if that is your sole destination, 

We finished up by basically walking through someone's back yard (which is, indeed, the trail) and looked back upon this excellent scenery. 

We tip toed through here

From there, about 0.4 miles back to the car, and we were done for the day.

And it was hot.

Hot pup

We took a short drive down the road, and cooled our feet in the little river. Definitely refreshing after a long and warm hiking day!

So, long story short. This hike really has a little of everything and was very interesting. We were NOT in a hurry, and easily had an hour of stopped time on this particular day (don't need to race them all....) All of us enjoyed this hike, and can see a variety of different routes to the top/s that would be interesting to explore on another day. 

So, the stats:

Stats:

-11.9 Miles

-3969 ft elevation gain

-7:10 min total time (yep. this includes the mega stopped time)

-Difficulty: Blueberry Ledge should be considered difficult. Everything else, moderate.