A crazy few weeks

Well! The past couple weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind. 

I assumed, after "managing to run through Covid" last year, that it would be a breeze to continue on, as such, this year. You know what I forgot about? How the (very relative) lack of Covid (closures, anyway) makes TONS more work for me! Good, good, good for the business. Bad, bad, BAD for training. Insanely bad!

Two weeks ago I headed off to the first equine competition in 22 months. It was a big deal, was amazing to be back out, and was INSANE as I had a ton on my plate. Running was entirely out of the question, and I did not fret one bit. 

The following week, I was flying solo at home, as Eric was enjoying his first camping trip in at least two years. All of this would hardly have affected me, had I not managed to put up 90% of my yearly hay during that time. Thankfully, the weather was pretty cool, but it was ROUGH. I am a strong woman, but that sort of thing is not really a one woman job. 

Interestingly enough, lugging 700 plus bales of hay immediately triggered shin pain. I felt a little panic, knowing that for the past TWO years, shin pain has seriously messed up my summer plans. I was then forced to take several MORE days off, as I really know better than to run on angry shins. But WTF? Has it been hay lugging all along that has triggered the shin pain of death? I really have to wonder..... The timing makes it highly suspect, and I will be paying close attention to this in the future. 

Thankfully, at this point, the shins are feeling 100% better. The weather, which has been TERRIBLE (legit WELL over 90 for many days) is about to moderate. AND during this shit show, I was able to get in a 10 mile hike. (with my cousins! who got to visit!!!!!!)

I'm really not where I wanted to be mileage wise at this point. Life is certainly managing to get in the way, and I'm being flexible because I know this time won't last. 

And the thing is, after last year of having so few things to do EXCEPT run, I'm not complaining that I have things on my schedule! 

I know my super stupid busy days are going to continue to the weekend, and then we have hiking on the schedule. Next week looks promising to get in a few runs, and try to hit the restart button for the 167th time this year..... 

Chugging along

While neither my mileage or speed were impressive in the least last week, the good news was I did get out to run 5 times! MIRACLE.

The weather was unseasonably cold at the beginning of the week (legit yuck- low 50's, drizzle, wind) and then ABSURDLY hot for the weekend (WTF??? 92! Humid! Pollen! GROSS.)

Honestly, I'll take the cold and damp over the blistering heat. It's a bit much. 

Look closely for falling pollen.....

No hiking which was a bummer, it's been a little dry spell here after such a strong winter and Spring season. I'm dealing with a real lack of qualified help at work right now which makes everything a greater challenge. I am hoping that once my newest person is more trained things will even out a bit (and not to be harsh, but they have been in my barn now for some months. I'm questioning if the job is the right fit for them, but time will tell.....)

I'm hoping to get in 4 runs this week and a decent size hike. Fingers CROSSED (I'm not sure at all why I think this is going to happen since I am the lone person working this weekend. #dreams)

Oh, I ended up finishing 7th in the last challenge that I was working on. Not the 1st place that I held onto for a while, but not terrible considering that my running took a sharp nosedive in May. 

I did sign up for a couple more to take me through the summer. It seems people aren't really on the bandwagon anymore (understandably) so this will be the final one for me. (I'm actually doing 2 at the same time because I had a discount code...) 

Anyway. Summer is here, if only in the weather. Hope it cools down!

Miles run: 19.3! I'm actually really pleased with this! 

Hottest day: 92 WTF

Coldest Day: Gross and 50

Hikes? None this week.... 

Longest run: 5

Placement in challenges:

750 miler- 18/33

400 miler- 3/7

Back at it

Nothing gets a person motivated to get back on a training plan quite like a bit of shame! 

After a fairly long stretch of EXTREMELY BUSY WORK OMG and therefore, very little/any running for the past month, I am noticing negative side effects. Minor ones, yes, but negative none the less. I honestly can say that my fitness for equestrian sports is not where it is when I am running regularly. Can I still ride well?? of course. But do I notice a difference? Most definitely. 

Also. I'm just annoyed. So annoyed. But as soon as I got out for a couple good (bad, but good) runs this weekend, I suddenly stopped caring as much about the bullshit that IS actually bullshit. (but I can let it go when I'm running, evidently. also, all work stuff. normal life is fine.)

So that's where I am at. I NEED to schedule in time for my own fitness as though it is an appointment, and stick to it. It has been VERY challenging this Spring. (work is BUSY. that is GOOD. not complaining. however, balance is always the semi impossible dream.)

As of now, I'm looking two goals for the fall season. 

1: Kilkenny Ridge 25 miler, September 

Goal: To finish, with the goal of a 2MPH pace (7K elevation is NOT easy!)

2: Boston Marathon, October 

Goal: Currently, my goal is to show up to the start line uninjured, and to cross the finish line happy. With the summer that I have scheduled professionally, I hesitate to put a time goal out there. Getting in enough running to be able to complete the race, healthy and happy seems like quite enough at the moment!

What do I need to do to meet these goals?

1: Literally get off my ass and run

*I work long, HARD and physical hours, but nothing trains you to run like running*

2: Do a weekly hike or trail run/road run trail run combo workout 

3: Work back up to better mileage- I'll need to be looking at 40 plus miles a week (which can include some hiking) by late August for sure. 

Right now I am coming off some VERY low/no running mileage weeks. So, I'll be looking at low mileage consistency for June, and will not be leaping back into huge mileage. (quantity over quality, evidently!)

4: Some BIG hikes. We hit a 15 miler last weekend which was awesome for early season! I'm definitely thinking a Presi, maybe the Carters for starters (all repeats) for some good long days which involve technical trail skills and vert. 

5: Recon for Kilkenny ridge. I know the second half well- but half the battle of a mega challenge like this is having an idea of the terrain (they try to mark the course- but there is the "leave no trace" mentality (which is GOOD) but causes other hikers to indignantly remove signage.... I really have no desire to be out hunting for the trail with a sad compass. Fuck that. 

6: Running consistency. To finish Boston, I might not have to be throwing down massive workouts, but I MUST run with extreme consistency. 

7: Stay healthy. Stretch. Ice. Roll. For the past 2 years I have had massive shin issues by late July, and I intend to work towards avoiding that. How? Being proactive rather than reactive- I'm working on ankle/foot stability (balance board, one leg squats, and these stupid one foot balance exercises on the stairs..... plus stretching. rolling. icing... here's to hoping it works!)

8: Balance. It is a LOT. Working towards two hefty races PLUS staring a MASSIVE work load in the face is daunting. I really need to schedule in time for nothing (and if I can do that more than once, I will give myself a damn medal.....)

9: Get back into the routine. Once training becomes habitual, I never even think about it. I know it is part of the day, and I do it without thinking. 

10: We eat healthy meals regularly, training or not. But I am impossibly pressed for time, and need to work on a plan for better meal planning and prep. I am pretty sick of resorting to a giant salad when it's 9PM and I'm just getting dinner sorted. But what do?? I have to work on this.....

So, some Spring stats for the week:

Miles run: 13.5

Hottest day: 92 WTF

Coldest Day: Like friggin 52 yesterday.......

Hikes? None this week.... 

Longest run: 6

SO BUSY! REUNITED WITH EVAN! TRAIL RACE STUPIDITY!

Phew, ok so I am a little behind! 

What the heck has been happening. Who knows. 

Well, I have been SUPER busy at work (good. really. but balance, not good!)

Running has been sporadic (bad)

Hiking has been awesome (good!)

I signed up for a 25 mile trail race a few minutes ago, which filled me with the kind of newbie excitement that I have not experienced in years. I have been hunting for this *spark* lately, and may have just found it. I'm pretty excited, and am ready to begin some goal oriented training (this will be in conjunction with Boston training, and I think that this new interest will help shove me in the road running fitness direction. Maybe? Who knows.) For a while I knew I wanted to be a marathoner when I grew up. Now I think I might want to be a trail runner when I grow up. Or a trail walker, because I fall a lot. OR maybe I want to be a beer tester and a pizza eater, yummmmmm. 

It is summer. 

I am still 7th in the challenge, and it is almost time for a new one. 

FINALLY EVAN CAME TO VISIT BECAUSE WE ARE ALL VACCINATED!!!!!

So we climbed South Moat. 

SO SO SO GLAD to see that kid. 

REUNITED!!!!!!!!!!!!

And now, back to work. JESUS!!!!!

(I promise a better post next week. I literally have smoke coming out my ears at the moment, haha why isn't it friday???)

Stats:  

Miles run: UGH

Hike: Umm, Shelburne Moriah (11) South Moat (5+) Chocorua (7.5) 

Warmest day: Oooof 79 yesterday 

Coldest day: Last week we had a day when it was 49.Gross. 

Snow: Can probably remove this one 

Bugs: BLACK FLIES AND MOSQUITOS AND ONE DEER FLY AND TICKS

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 7th with is a miracle. 

Boston, here I come

I was close, guessing the cutoff would be 7:15. It was, in fact, 7:47 which means I have punched my golden ticket to Boston Marathon #9. 

If we weren't still in the middle of kind of an insane pandemic, I would be over the moon happy. I'm pleased. We'll see what happens. The whole internet is pissed that they didn't make the cut, and basically imploding. Typical. 

But really. I am happy I made it in. I'm sorry for anyone who is bummed that what "would" have been a valid qualifying time last year, isn't this year. That is ROUGH, in a very "relatively speaking" kind of sense. (perspective.... is good.) 

 I feel like there are probably MORE people out there right now who are vowing to train hard, and make the cut again than there are being sour grapes on Instagram. (but the sour grapes are VERY vocal and would probably be VERY fast if they channeled their negative energy into training!) 

In other news.... 

I had a crazy week and ran a grand total of 1 mile. Or like 16 but there is no real difference. 

On the plus side, it looks like Spring!

Spring on the hill

Except the we hiked up Mt. Pierce and it still looked like winter.....

Still windy winter, but not too cold!

Stats:  

Miles run: 14.1 Even worse than 16....

Hike: 6

Warmest day: 65 on Saturday

Coldest day: A couple days of low 50's and HIGH winds and HIGH fire danger

Snow: no but 2" of rain killed the fire danger

Bugs: YEP, black flies GROSS

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 6th. At least I'm not dead last. 

A fast mile, Boston Registration, and a Summer/Winter week

Thankfully, I was able to log slightly higher mileage last week (key word: slightly.)

On Monday I participated in the virtual BAA Patriot's Day Mile, which seemed like a really sensible distance to tackle. Unless someone asked me to run it with impressive speed, and then I would take a hard pass. 

That being said, I did manage to run the mile in 7:25 while giving a solid, if not breakneck effort (I just could not see the benefit of making myself puke from over doing it!) 

It started sunny, and then poured on me.... TYPICAL!

THEN, on Tuesday, I registered for October Boston and we'll see how that shakes down. People are flipping out that their 15 minute buffer won't be good enough, and I'm pretty sure they need to take a logical breath. I'm going to predict that the cut off will be 7:15 minutes better than qualifying pace, which is SUPER SUPER conservative, but I'm going with it. Let it be known, that is my official prediction.

The rest of the week was pretty normal as of late. A couple little runs. A big hike up the baldfaces. 

Always a great hike

Weather is everything from 28 degrees with a "real feel" of 10, because of the wind, to 72, sunny and SWARMS of black flies. Typical Maine crap. It does look like Spring now, for sure, and many things are well ahead of schedule (like, the ground is dry. flowers blooming. and, BUGS, as mentioned)

The grass is growing

Two bikers won the challenge last week, and there's nothing a runner can do to chase people putting in solid bike mileage. While I did up my game and was well over the "required" number of miles, I'm sitting solidly in 6th. 

However, I am the 1st place person out of the "on foot only" competitors, so it's not like I really have dissolved into puddles complete uselessness. I just can't keep up with normal mileage bikers, while running pretty low mileage. 

Stats:  

Miles run: 17

Hike: 9.5

Warmest day: 70 on Saturday

Coldest day: Low of 25 high of 38 Thursday with mega wind SUCK

Snow: NOPE

Bugs: YEP, black flies

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 6th. My fate is sealed

Covid shot, bad bad running, Spring, Snow, Chaos!

Phew, ok. 

so the past couple weeks have been a bit of a cluster, for a variety of reasons. 

I have basically had two solid weeks of crap/no workouts. Lame. 

The week before that, I really took step forward! I had 4 decent runs, as hoped for. I managed a bit over 24 miles in that time, which I was very happy about! Plus, Spring arrived, the snow melted, and all was well. 

That weekend we also cranked out about 15 hiking miles in some chilly but solid weather. Cold enough to pause some of the rapid spring melt, but not so cold as to freeze us to death. 

We checked off Pierce for April, and took the long walk up Moriah for the first time in a couple years. 

Pierce for April!

The following week..........

After two 12 hour work days, I got my Covid shot on Wednesday the 7th and the shit hit. I was DOWN and OUT. Easily the sickest I have been since I was in my mid 20's (yeah, I got pertussis when I was 28 and I'll NEVER forget that....) But this shot shut me down. 

Great success!

I suppose the good news is (thus far) I have managed to avoid the one in a million blood clot problem. Go me. 

We did venture out for a very messy/shoulder season/muddy/monorail hike on Sunday, visiting Madison via Valley way for the first time in years (we did Madison Via Howker last summer.)

I felt great during the hike, but a little lethargic/super headachy in the following days, prompting me to continue my "rest".

Ellington on Madison

ALSO, I was immediately slapped with three more 12 hour work days. SO, not exactly R&R by ANY stretch. 

And THEN, it snowed and was gross. 

AND THEN. I began to get these stupid, red, hot, ridiculously itchy rashes that apparently are something that can happen after the Covid shot. LOVELY. So that kind of slowed me down AGAIN GROSS WTF. I have never felt such itching. TMI. All over my poor legs and my shoulders and it was BAD. 

This is how my shoulder rash looked. It was wayyy worse on my legs!

UGH! So I think I managed 9 total miles this week and that is just plain silly. 

On Tuesday I can register for Boston and see how my qualifying time from 300 years ago holds up.

Hopefully this coming week brings ZERO 12 hour work days, NO snow, 4 runs, and 1 hike and NO NO RASHES. And one successful Boston registration (we'll know in May, from the sounds of things. And then we just hope for fewer Covid cases and all that normal 2021 stuff.) 

Oh, After my pretty decent week of mileage I was low key pissed to still be in second place in the challenge! BUT, we now have a biker in the lead, and you can't compete with someone who is putting in both running and biking miles. I did not even check after Covid shot week, because I was too sick/itchy/headachy to give a crap. And after this past week's lousy mileage I am currently in 8th place, the first 2 are almost finished, due to hundreds of miles of biking and there will be no catching them. Hopefully, in the upcoming weeks I can crawl my way back up at least a bit! 

An ALMOST zero week

While I didn't quite manage my zero mile goal, I came pretty damn close. 

REALLY LOUSY week of running over here. The weather was pleasant, the roads were clear, and my legs sucked more than my legs have sucked in a million years. 

I'm not sure what the issue was- no pain, just BLAH. Very poor. (I did enjoy the weather though!)

Because I had such a poor showing this past week, my crown has been taken (and VERY deservedly so) in the current challenge I am in. I absolutely earned my loss this week. 

Also! No hiking because of bad weather, and the need to attend to quite a few things that I tend to put off when the weather is good (I always say "I will save this for a rainy day, and go enjoy the outdoors while it is nice!) Anyway, rainy day happened and I spent an entire afternoon and evening tending to responsibilities. LAME. (but this means I can play next weekend!!) 

ALSO. NO PHOTOS. 

When I was not having some of the worst runs of the year, I clearly was not filling my time with photo ops. 

So, for the coming week. I would actually like to climb back into first place, since I am tasting the shame of defeat over here. I hope my legs feel better, and that I can manage 4 runs, before enjoying some hiking time over the weekend. 

Stats:  

Miles run: 14 and change PATHETIC

Walked for reasons not work related: 2.5

Warmest day: Several days in the 60's

Coldest day: Gross rainy 38 degree Sunday. 

Snow: NOPE

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 2/44 THE STING OF DEFEATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

Mt. Washington, Bad running, Boston 2021

*forgot to hit publish for days*

So. For next week we need a new plan. SET THE BAR LOW. If I just say straight up that I plan to run ZERO miles, then anything will seem like an amazing accomplishment! Hence, the new plan. ZERO MILES NONE. 

Ugh. Yeah, last week was just not a stellar one for getting things done. I managed to get in 2, 6 milers outdoors that felt pretty solid, and a lame 3.5 miler which was miserable on the treadmill. 

Spring is coming, so the outdoor running days were quite lovely.

Still looks like winter though

Eric, Ellie and I had an absolutely ridiculously amazing hike up Mt. Washington via the Jewell trail on Sunday. 

It was one of those days that make Mt. Washington seem like a friendly place. Temps in the upper 50's at the base, and above freezing at the summit meant that the whooping FIVE mile an hour wind that we felt for SIX seconds was tolerable. Not to be lame, but there aren't enough words to describe what a day like this is like on this silly hill. 

Dorks hahahah

We definitely loved being outdoors for this one, every minute was a blast (well, we probably complained a little on the ascent. And I'm always mildly scared about losing my feet and falling into the ravine, but all the issues were very low key.)

NOT A CLOUD

The hike was BY FAR the highlight of the week, and an incredible start to the Spring hiking season. Super excited SUPER excited to get out there!! (not that we have stopped getting out there. but the Spring season is always exciting!!!)

And yes, last week The BAA announced plans for "Boston 2021" and the internet was mad, as usual. 

I have a 9-ish minute buffer (I don't remember the exact number and I am too lazy to check) Usually I would feel pretty confident, but who knows. My instagram friends think I'm all set. 

A hopeful bunch

So people are mad because:

-The field size has been reduced to 20,000 THE HORROR

-*anyone* is allowed to run the virtual race THE NERVE!!!

-Everything us UNFAIR

a: "I am a first time qualifier, I should be prioritized"

b: "I am an old qualifier, I should be prioritized"

c: "Everyone else BUT ME aged up last year, and gained an extra 5 minutes. UNFAIR!!! I SHOULD BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THEM!!!" 

d: I had a baby. I should be put to the top of the list. 

I am not even halfway making any of these up. I don't have the imagination to do so. I am quite sure that not EVERYONE is upset, but mad people are the ones to leave the internet comments. 

So, here is my feeling:

I qualified, and pretty well. I might not get in. Too bad for me. 

I did not age up, and actually LOST 5 minutes last year when I did, because new rules. Too bad for me. 

None of us might be able to run, because Covid. Too bad for us. 

Apparently there is a special medal for this race, which makes me want to run. Fact. But too bad for me if I just don't get there. 

So, we shall see. The end. 

Stats:  

Miles run: Like 16?? maybe??

Hiked: 8.8 up WASHINGTON!!!

Warmest day: So warm on Sunday, 60 in our town

Coldest day: It was 15 when I woke up on Thursday. 

Snow: NOPE

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 1/43 

My return to running (after my amazing *7 day break*)

Yep yep, I was back to it last week. The grand total of 24.5 miles (all outdoors!) was a nice uptick from the previous week's zero total.

I was happy to complete all 4 runs outdoors, on nice dry roads, and in some actually pleasant weather! 

(shockingly, we had two days in the 50's last week. MUD season arrived!)

Obviously, after The Spring Of Deception, Winter 3.0 came rolling in for the weekend, and it was actually kind of horrible. Sunday's weather was wildly vacillating between sunny and (relatively) nice, and complete and insane blizzard conditions. WTF.

Today Boston announced details about registration, etc, but I am going to save that chat for next week.

Sooooo as I sit here, enjoying Winter Reincarnated, I'm looking forward to some warmer temps later in the week. I'm hoping to get in about 30 miles this week, and maybe sneaking in a *very long* run (of like, 7.5 miles. you think I am kidding but I am not.) 

This post is so boring that it even bores me. 

Next week will be more exciting. 

Stats: 

Actual Last Week

Miles run: 24.5

Hiked: zero boooooooo bad weather on hiking day

Warmest day: FOR ONE SECOND IT WAS SIXTY

Coldest day: It was kind of cold-ish for a few days. But cold like, 34.

Snow: Flurries

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 1/43 

A zero week, and ONE YEAR since my last race

I quit running last week. 

For a little while I have felt the need for more than a day, or even two off. Prompted by a week of truly FRRRRRREEZING weather, and work that was just INSANE, I decided that last week was the week for a big fat ZERO.

Yeah. ZERO LIKE THE WEATHER. 

 It was just fine and dandy, and I managed to catch up on some odds and ends, as well as get in one boring walk and one very pleasant hike. (Mt. Pierce again, for the 3rd time of the 2021 season.)

Mt Pierce!

The week before I believe I ran exactly 30 miles, and we enjoyed a hike on a lovely day, but in some sticky/messy conditions up Mt Tom, Field, and Avalon. 

Mt Tom

Today marks the exact one year anniversary of my last race, which was the Half At The Hamptons. (this also *celebrates* the one year mark since I have traveled more than about 50 miles from home, dined out, been to a movie, had friends over for dinner, stopped by the pub, or generally felt like life was "normal.")

Oh that's a lie. I actually had to drive about 200 miles to bring a horse or two to the vet last year. UGH!!!

While, generally, the Covid news seems to be somewhat better, and the vaccines are rolling out, things still feel far from normal. I certainly see that some people (and sone states, *ahem Texas* are ready to steam roll ahead, I can't help but to think that a more cautious re-entry is more my style. Not a week has gone by where I have not seen someone in my circle impacted by Covid, and so I hesitate to think we are out of the woods yet. 

I am very happy to say that my parents are either fully vaccinated, or halfway there. 

And if I dare to hope a little, maybe this summer will help us to reduce the numbers to almost nothing. 

(and then I remember that there are plenty of things that could derail these hopes, but here's to being positive!)

Today, somebody asked me if I was getting "ready for the Marathon" and I had absolutely no clue what they could be speaking of. As it turned out, it was a very genuine question pertaining to what I am "usually" doing in March- prepping for Boston. I mentioned that the race had been moved to October, but that none of were actually sure of any details yet. They then said "apparently they are not going to give medals this year, because that would mean that volunteers have to interact with racers!!" I think this gives a really good inside view of how little the general public understands about just HOW MANY volunteers it takes to run a race, and exactly how many people are involved. (and this is NOT critical of the general public, Just factual.) From the race expo, to the water stations, to the medal distributors, and the thousands of others people helping, ALL races are volunteer driven. (and, I can't help but think that the LAST thing on the mind of the BAA is eliminating medals to spare those specific humans.....)

We'll see what happens. 

Anyway. Another week another week. This week I hope I run about ZERO MILES. Just kidding. I'll probably do something around 30. I hope it's nice out and we can hike. I hope I win the lottery (I don't play....) I hope the weather is as good as it is supposed to be. I hope Covid goes the fuck away. So, basically the usual around here. 

Stats:

LAST  LAST WEEK:

Miles run: 30

Hiked: 7.6

Warmest day: I can not remember

Coldest day: Same

Snow: A sneak attack couple of storms, both of which required plowing

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 1/39 STILL WINNING!!!! 

Stats: 

Actual Last Week

Miles run: ZERO FUCKERS ZERO

Hiked: 6.1

Warmest day: LAST WEEK WAS SHIT. Like, actually 28 .

Coldest day: So fucking cold. Windchill of -35 all day on Tuesday and I quit.

Snow: No

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 1/42 WHAT??? I do a 9 mile week and still win??

Another week, another hike, and feeling nostalgic for racing

After our vigorous hike up/down Pierce last week, I spent the next several days feeling as though I had run a downhill marathon. This was completely deserved, and not at all awesome. 

After a day off on Monday, I hobby jogged both Tuesday and Wednesday (sadly) before having 3 perfectly good outdoor runs to wrap up the week. It was not a super high mileage week, but I felt pretty good during all of my outdoor running time. Because of my "post marathon" legs, I did not embark upon any speed or hill adventures. Kind of lame, but I'm ok with it. 

The normal view on my normal lame run

I did ONE strength workout, and while it was a good one, I awoke that night with quite a debilitating series of leg cramps. Most unpleasant, and a bit upsetting. Typically, this means I have overdone it in some way, shape, or form and likely underdone it in hydration. I was pretty careful of the leg for a couple days, and closely monitored my fluid intake (it can be hard to remember to drink in the winter.) Thus far, no further issue. 

I must admit, as we cruise towards Spring, that I am really missing the occasional damn road race. It is possible that I just miss running with people, or seeing my running friends, or am having these feelings because Spring usually equals excitement (Boston! Half marathons leading up to Boston! All the people so excited and filled with dreams of PR's!!) Either way. Someday.... SOMEDAY. 

Moving on......

The weather was on our side yet again on Sunday, and Eric, Ellie and I enjoyed a snowy 7.5 mile hike up Mt Waumbek, and Starr King. We did these mountains just under two years ago, and it was a great time seeing them in the full blown winter season. 

Magic. Pure, damn winter magic

The bonus to winter hiking is that the snow covers the rocks, and if you time it correctly, the crowds are somewhat less. 

It seems we were able to knock most of the rust off during our Pierce hike, and neither of us were nearly as sore afterwards. 

Let's see. So this week. Hoping/planning to do 3 strength sessions to pay for my slacking sins. Hoping/planning to do either speed, or hills. Not so sure a hike in is in the cards for the weekend, but we always hope! 

Stats:

Miles run: Ummmm like 26?

Hiked: 7.5

Warmest day: Um. Not great but like, 32?

Coldest day: Mid 20's

Snow: two shit storms, we were supposed to get over 20" over the week, only got 4" SO SAD NOT

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 1/39 STILL WINNING!!!! (I am actually really shocked.)

Cold weather and hiking on Valentine's Day

Crap. It's already the middle of the week, and I have not yet recapped the drama and excitement of last week. 

Who am I kidding. It's 2021, and there is nothing going on other than running by your lonely self. 

Last week was kind of a mess. I felt horrible (female issues, NOT Covid.) It was cold AF. Gross. Not a good week at all. 

I ran a total of 23 miles, all on the treadmill, which I swear is broken in some way because running on it is such a struggle. 

But it was so cold and such a shit show. 

NO

Thankfully, the week took a big upward turn on Sunday. The weather was finally decent (over 20! amazing!) and we took off for our first hike since January 1st (also, my first half day off since then. gross. I need to get it together with the personal time FFS.) 

We scooted up Mt. Pierce in mint conditions and had a blast. Such a super way to enjoy Valentine's Day! 

Heart shaped hiking donuts 

Then.... We decided to run all the way down. It WAS FUN SO FUN OMG!!!!! WHEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

And THEN! For the next 3 days I felt like I had run a downhill marathon. Whoooooops. Totally worth it, but not only have we NOT trail run since September, or hiked since January, but I was in legit winter boots and we packed for hiking not running. So, ouch. Also, we are old. The end. I would do it again. 

Oh, and it other good news. I managed two strength workouts. I'm clearly going to win the fitness olympics here..... 

Stats:

Miles run: 23 barf 

Hiked: 6 YAY

Warmest day: One million below

Coldest day: Same

Snow:Nope

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 1/33 STILL WINNING!!!! (probably not still trending this way, but I don't bother to log miles until the end of the week)  

Boston Marathon Training: Week 7 recap

Kidding.

Just seeing if anyone is paying attention :-)

I had a solid week of running last week, with a good "speed" workout on the treadmill (quite a few 400's- NOT fast. I think ONE was at my normal Marathon pace.) Compared to the speed I have been keeping lately, getting to MP is actually quite quick. 

I headed up Bitch Hill on Thursday after a rest day. It was quite a good run, on a pleasant evening, and done at a solid pace. I think having very well rested legs, nice dry roads, and having a change of scenery all played parts in the relatively speedy workout. 

On top of the first hill of Bitch Hill

I was able to get out and about again on Saturday, on a lovely day (39! sun!) I enjoyed 8 miles, which I can absolutely count as a long run at the moment. 

A pretty winter day

I did fall a bit short in my strength work goal, only logging one session. I'm not in the habit of fitting in extra workouts, so it's going to take some determination. 

Weather wise, it was a messy mixed bag. Snow, cold, sun, warm-ish.....

I continue to see the bitching about Boston on the internet and have helpful thoughts (to the people that are OMG HOW CAN I RUN CHICAGO AND BOSTON AND LONDON BLAHBLAH!!!!)

-YOU DON'T KNOW ANY DETAILS YET, SO SHUT UP

Boston has said NOTHING about details- no field size, no day to register, nothing. They could EASILY still cancel altogether, limit the field to Elite's or ANY number of things. Covid is NOT GONE.

If you get to run ANY major this year, you are lucky. So zip it. Take your first world problems and shove them. Suck it. CHOOSE one race and be thankful. 

Anyway, thank you for attending my Ted Talk. 

Stats:

Miles run: 32.1

Walked: 4.3

Warmest day: 39

Coldest day: Hmmm, I think it was a high of 22 on Tuesday

Snow:12" Tuesday, 2" Friday

Place in Challenge on Sunday night: 1/28   WINNING!!!! (not for long, I imagine) 

DONE with the Boston to Bar Harbor Challenge

PHEW! That was a long challenge, but a good one. 

I began the Boston to Bar Harbor 750 Mile challenge way back on August 21st, and wrapped it up yesterday, January 31st. 

Whoot! Medal monday. 

I had a very strong start, as not only was I running, but we were in the height of hiking season (AND I ran Virtual Boston during that time.) There was a significant speed bump for a couple weeks in September, as I dealt with some work/horse related issues that took significant time and energy. After that, I was back on track. The Half-K-A-Day November challenge gave me the miles I needed to get back on, and then ahead of schedule. 

This challenge was slightly harder than the previous one (Baxter, to Baxter, to Baxter) even though the required weekly mileage was exactly the same. Without our weekly (or so) hiking miles, it was just more challenging to stay ahead. No big deal, a challenge is supposed to be challenging! Honestly, I only wanted to complete this one on schedule, and I managed to wrap it up close to 3 weeks early. 

The thing I noticed about this challenge, and the 202 winter miles one, if the fact that there are some VERY active seniors out there, who CRANK out walking miles. Literally, hundred mile weeks of walking along in South Carolina (or, similar.) I have to admit that I am very impressed, and hope that I am still zooming along like that when I am in my more adult years. 

I have been enjoying the distance challenges very much, and think that not only are they affordable, but they offer me some good motivation during a weird time. 

The next one on my list is "only" a 400 miler, but is unique, as it offers the option to do the miles any way- walking, running, cycling, skiing of any type, rowing, and "other". I plan to get all my miles running or hiking, and imagine that anyone cycling this challenge will be done in a couple weeks! 

As we move into February, I'm looking to create more structure and variety within my running miles. I have done a great job chugging out junk miles for the past couple months, and definitely feel that I have hit a very predictable plateau/slump. So, time for some hills/speed/long/easy days instead of just fiddling along. 

I'm also planning to add some basic strength work- just a little- but 2 days a week for 20 minutes should be manageable, even for the laziest of people (me). 

We have a miserable week of weather on the horizon (after a fairly miserable week last week!) So it looks like the treadmill is going to be my friend for awhile. 

If nothing else, the sun is staying out longer every day, and I can now easily get out for a run after work (unless I work late, which is always, but I just wear my blinky flashy vest!)

It's like 4:30 PM and not quite dark!

Stats:

Miles run: 32.6

Warmest day: I feel like it got up to 35 at some point?

Coldest day: High of 14 on Sunday with windchills to -35 (and low actual temp of -4 on Sunday)

Snow: We got a sneak attack 3" Rude. 

Place in Challenge (s) on Sunday night: 

Boston to Bar Harbor: FINISHED!  110/573 I jumped up 19 places this week, and finished 21 days ahead of schedule.

Almost done with all the challenges (running challenges anyway!)

After enjoying a relatively mild winter, we got some pretty damn cold weather this weekend. The recent above freezing conditions meant that high's of 19, and mega wind-chill felt pretty crappy. 

However, before the deep freeze set in, I managed a couple decent outdoor runs. I definitely felt better than last week, but just find that it takes extra time to get moving in the winter. A couple sluggish miles, and then I hit my stride and feel just fine (at least, this week I did!) 

I'm almost done with the 202 winter miles challenge. I don't believe that I'm going to end up making the top 50, but I have finished ahead of my time goal. I thought I could easily do it in 7 weeks, so I aimed for 6, and it appears I am finishing on 5 weeks plus one day (I'm assuming that I'll finish tomorrow.)

In the Boston to Bar Harbor challenge I'm making headway. It seems like FOREVER ago that this one began! There was definitely a time in September when I questioned whether or not I would be able to make up ground, after falling way behind. I'm pleased to say that I have, and am going to finish ahead of the deadline for sure! It actually appears that I should be able to wrap it up in the next two weeks unless something weird happens. 

During these odd pandemic times, I have found these online challenges to be very motivating. I have run more consistently (if not nearly as fast!) then in many past years. 

Still no race goals. I doubt there will be much of a Spring season around these parts, and even if there were, I would probably pass. Boston still "tentative" for "Fall 2021" and there are a ton of question marks around that situation as well. 

So yeah, in the meantime I'll keep cranking out some junk miles, since that is what I do best. I don't seem to need actual in person competition to keep me moving, which has been an absolute bonus during the past year. I would be an actual sloth at this point! 

In a funny throwback moment- I re-read some of this blog from when I first began recording my running adventures. 

Bless me. What an innocent little soul I was! Terribly cheerful and quippy as well, haha! 

Of course, I chuckled at all the mistakes I made. (hey, it's how you learn!) And I was also impressed with how hardcore (to my detriment) that I was. I also kind of miss Daily Mile- I had forgotten about that! 

Anyway. I'm still here, 10 years later. I have figured out what works for me, and the biggest thing I always say is that I'm willing to change plans/shoes/whatever. Being flexible is what has kept me in this for this long, without ever taking a mega multi month break. Need to trail run? Go! Need to try different shoes/gear/fuel, do it. Want to quit marathons and only run 5K? Good, who cares, go for it. 

And that being said, the only way to be any good (goodish) at running is to actually get out there and do it. I bumped into a client while I was out running in the twilight this week and she said "I'm just so astonished that you go out and do this after work" and I was literally like "well..... If I don't do it, it doesn't get done, soooooooo....." I guess that's the moral of the story. 

Stats:

Miles run: 37.8

Warmest day: It was like, 40 on Monday. YEP. 

Coldest day: High of 20 on Saturday, On Sunday windchills felt like -25

Snow: Nothing. Well, like a dusting one night. 

Place in Challenge (s) on Sunday night: 

Boston to Bar Harbor: 119/573 Up three places. Currently at mile 715 of 750- so almost there

202 Winter miles: 61/1480- I dropped 4 places despite running decent mileage. Whatever. This one will be done tomorrow. 

More running in Pandemic times.

Another mostly mild winter week has come and gone.

We did get a crappy storm yesterday, but ALL WEEK was in the 30's. 

Gross snow slop. But pretty.....?

Bad news. WINTER IS COMING. CRAP......

I managed a decent amount of running this week, logging just over 33 miles. That being said, my early week runs were anything but inspired. To be honest, I find myself a bit depleted at the moment. the state the world has me feeling exhausted. The fact that we have been living our lives so differently for close to a year now, is really hitting home. Plus, I had a a variety of things I had to do that caused me great stress. PLUS THE WORLD IS LITERALLY INSANE. So, all in all, a challenging week. 

I continue to feel thankful that my family remains healthy, that my business remains busy, that my husband still has a good job. I count those blessings daily. But I recognize that something weird has happened. It is as if too many terrible things have happened in the past year, and I am almost beyond having the ability to register yet another horrible occurrence. I think this is called disaster fatigue, and I'm certainly on board with this being an actual thing....

*sigh* moving on. 

If I weren't for the fact that I know I'm going to wish to look back at this blog in a year or two to see "what was going on" I would probably just shut it down, because putting my cute little running goals out there really seems a bit twee at the moment. 

But I think that anyone who still reads this is most likely going through the same thing. 

(and probably understands that this is basically my running diary... If I was a "big" blogger (if that is still a thing?) I would really try to be even more thoughtful about the bullshit days that we are all living through. As in: I would probably have a more caring word than "bullshit days." 

SO. Running. More time on the treadmill than I would have liked, but whatever. Moved DOWN in the 202.0 challenge (like, 15 people have finished, and some of them just showed up with all miles completed. that's cool, but it makes for an unpredictable experience!)

In the Boston to Bar Harbor Challenge, I moved up one place, and am 90% done, with less than 100 miles to go. THIS HAS BEEN A LONG CHALLENGE. 

Stats:

Miles run: 

Running: 33.1

Warmest day: 39

Coldest day: BASICALLY SPRING. 32

Snow:Some huge mess on Saturday. 3" slop. Some rain. More slop. Gross. 

Place in Challenge (s) on Sunday night: 

Boston to Bar Harbor: 122/573 Up one place

202 Winter miles: 57/1462- A drop but not a serious one, considering 50 extra people showed up.... I think I have 45 miles to go in this one. I may get crazy and try to finish it up next week, which would put me ahead of my time completion goal by a decent amount. 

Brown January

It was a zero weather week, and that makes me very happy. No snow. No ice. No rain. Brown (ish) January in full effect.

One might notice that I am somewhat consumed by the weather, but I work outside, so it is legit. 

Pretty normal week in the running department. After last week's "good bye 2020" week long Dopey Challenge, I went back to more sustainable mileage (about 35 miles) I am not yet sure how this impacted my standings in either challenge. Last week, upon investigation, I concluded that in both events I had landed in with runners/walkers who log weekly mileage that is not realistic for me. So, I imagine I will fins myself sitting a few places lower. 

The 202.0 winter challenge is totally being dominated by people in their 60's who literally walk ALL DAY! I'm pretty impressed. My parents are in their 70's and still walk everywhere, and are unreasonably active, so one would think that in 20 years I'll be the retiree dominating the mileage challenges.

After a short "break" at work around New Years (literally 3 days with limited lessons, so not a vacation) we are back to it in a big way this week. I managed to run outdoors, sometimes in the dark, every day but one. The roads are AMAZING right now- dry, zero ice, just super. So I'm getting out there whenever I can. I did take a rest day on Tuesday- the first one since October. I certainly realize that during this non competitive year, my running has been about quantity over quality, and that is fine for now. If I knew I had an event on the horizon, I would take a few days, then begin to regiment my workouts quite a bit more. But hey, for now junk miles 6 days a week are fine, and are doing the trick. 

Same plan for next week. Sticking in the 30-35 mile range and hopefully sticking to the totally decent weather. My mileage is right on track, minus the actual workouts, for Boston Training. Apparently old habits die hard. 

Stats:

Miles run: 

Running: 35.07

Warmest day: 36

Coldest day: 34, low of 18

Snow: NOOOO SNOWWWW or rain YAYYYYY

Place in Challenge (s) on Sunday night: 

Boston to Bar Harbor: 123/573 NO CHANGE. NONE! Weird. I figured I would drop- I'm definitely in with the people who hike around 50 mile weeks regularly. I literally refreshed the results a couple times to make sure this was legit

202 Winter miles: 42/1414- I dropped down 15 places this week, because I dropped my mileage. 3 people have finished. It is my goal to finish in the top 50- but since people keep joining weekly, with fully completed mileage, it is hard to know how the competition will shape up! B goal is top 100. 

FALL (and New Years 2021)

Yes, we have had all the seasons in the past few weeks.

It was a glorious fall this week, with a nice brown, 42 degree New Year's day (BYE 2020 ya fucker) And then, as is to be expected after fall, winter came back. 

It was a big mileage week, as I wished to complete enough miles for my own personal Dopey Challenge (48.6) A while back, Danielle and I thought we might complete it in its intended form (5k, 10k, 13.1, 26.2) to welcome in the New Year. However, we have both improved our adulting skills in the last 10 years, and each decided that it would be foolish to take on such a challenge. 

In the end, I concluded that I could probably tough out the distance over a weeks time, and I did, with a bonus mile added (I believe.) 

I had one of my better runs in a while, a 9 miles on New Years Eve. I ran an unusual route, kept a sup 9 pace, saw a trailer fall off a truck at 50MPH, and then went home to shuck oysters for Covid NYE. 

The one skill I perfected in 2020. Shucking. 

We got a 9 plus mile hike in on New Years Day, which was really refreshing. I had been almost a month without so much as a half day off (not winning at balance, at the moment) so it was extra great to get some time away from the grind. We had never done a Pierce to Eisenhower trek in the winter months, and it was a perfect day to hit two peaks. Eric and I are definitely hikers who really enjoy seeing old favorites. We are close to completing the New Hampshire 48, but are really in no rush. We like to hike where we want rather than live by a list, so that's what we do. 

And it was an amazing day. Temps in the 20's, sun, and only a tiny, gentle breeze on occasion. 

The whole family

I'm currently on day 63 of my run streak, and have very little intention to keep it up. 

This was a solid week for both the NEVERENDING Boston to Bar Harbor Challenge, with many bonus miles. I also held my own in the 202.0 challenge, which, as expected, is a fast and furious charge to the finish. Since I do not see many more 49 mile weeks in my future, I expect to fall in the standings rather than continue to climb. 

And, most importantly. 

2020 is over. 

Even the good times of the past year were overshadowed by a pervasive feeling of impending doom. It was a tough year in many ways. It was also a good year in many ways, but let's travel back in time one sentence to see why the good wasn't worth much fist pumping. 

2021 is not the magical cure for what is happening in the world. things are LEGIT bat shit crazy. But, I'm hopeful that we will begin to see the covid situation improving, as vaccines become available. 

Anyway. on to 2021 with much hope!

Stats:

Miles run: 

Running: 40.4

Hiking: 9.3

Total: 49.7

Warmest day: 42

Coldest day: 27, low of 16

Snow: 6" on the 2nd

Place in Challenge (s) on Sunday night: 

Boston to Bar Harbor: 123/573 A 7 place improvement. And, I will confess, the first time in a while that I have been surprised to see such a small jump. With almost a 50 mile week I figured it would be better (but I could be getting into the fringes of the runners who run 50 miles weekly, no problem. I have not been keeping close track to the "competition" because this challenge is SO LONG.) 

202 Winter miles: 26/1302 (the top 14 people are all well over 100 miles)