Running the Rose: Sunshine in the Piney Woods

There was not too much time to dwell on my struggles at Knob Hill because the very next Saturday I headed out to Tyler State Park for the Running the Rose 22 miler.  I wanted to get a good test run on things like nutrition, hydration pack, and pacing in the final weeks before Black Canyon 60K.  My attitude - and the race conditions - could not have been more opposite, complete with an email from the race director saying the trails were "the most perfect they have ever been." The forecast promised beautiful sunshine and mild temperatures and I would see lots of friends on the trail.  I was pumped!

I spent a good part of the week leading up to the race trying to rest up, rid myself of the congestion that started at Knob Hills, and fight off a raging case of poison ivy that resulted in a trip to the doctor.  On race day, I woke up with the congestion and a slight cough, but my energy was much improved over the week before.  I was so excited about spending a day playing on the trail amongst the tall pine trees and sunshine.

We found Karen and Jason as soon as we got there and then quickly saw many other friendly faces from Dirt and Vert, Team Ninja, and Dallas Dirt Runners. I love the feeling of community at a trail race.  It is like we are all hanging out at a campground and then a race breaks out. There is not a more relaxed race vibe out there and is such a stark opposite from my other love - triathlon.

The race was an 11 mile loop that you run twice.  Rob, the race director, seemed to take glee in reminding us that there were five big hills in the first two miles.  I knew that the trails at Tyler were hilly, so this did not phase me too much.  I also knew that my first few miles would be slow as I made it over these hills and we all joked as we took off and found ourselves standing still waiting as the line of runners went up and over the hills.

The best part of visiting East Texas is seeing Julie!

My first three miles were a little conservative as I was following a couple of other runners who were going slower than I needed to.  I took this as an opportunity to get through the hills without burning too much energy right out of the gate.  I went around them near the first aide station and never looked back.

After that it became a steady game of run when the trail was runnable, practice hiking when the hills came, and experiment with eating and drinking from my pack. The aide stations were at 3 miles and 8 miles on the loop plus the start/finish.  I made it a point to skip the 3 mile aide station and go all the way to the 8 mile stop each time because the aide stations at Black Canyon 60K are approximately 7 miles apart.  Some parts of the trail had two way traffic and I made it a point to smile at and encourage the other runners as we met.

Mr K called out to me as he was near the 8 mile mark (I was still a mile or two away), he had a great smile and looked like he was having a good day.  It is always a relief to see him out there and know that he is having fun.  I started out in arm warmers, mittens, and with an ear band on my head, but I had pulled those off before I got to the rest stop as it the sun was warming us up nicely.  I had someone at the aide station put them in my pack for me, grabbed some Peanut M&Ms, got a refill on my electrolyte bottle, and I headed back towards the trailhead to finish the first loop.

Photo: Trail Racing Over Texas

The trail got a little bit busier towards the end of my first loop because there was a 7K race and those runners were nearing the end of the trail at the same time I was.  It was fun to hear the cheers for them and see them get their medals.  I got that first loop done in 2 hours 15 minutes on the dot, which was in the range of my projected pacing. I circled through the start/finish aide station, filled my bottle again, grabbed a cookie, and headed off for the second loop.

The start of the second loop was very different from the first loop as the runners were so spread out now and there were no traffic jams in the hills. There were times in the first loop that I had no idea which direction I was headed in and I felt more familiar with where I was in relation to the course the second time around.  Just more of the same - run some, hike some, drink some, eat some, encourage other runners, and enjoy a beautiful day amongst the piney woods.

Photo: Julie Lewis

I did grow a little impatient in the back part of the course because we passed within sight of the aide station a couple of miles before the course took us there. I just really wanted to be there because I knew it meant I would officially be headed towards the finish. That section of the course was very runnable and I just put my head down and did the work. Soon enough I made it to my desired break spot, got another refill and another cookie and joyfully headed out the finish the last 3 miles.  I did not survive on cookies alone, I was giving the Spring Energy gels a test run during this race and they did not disappoint.  The Speed Nut was an especially nice boost as I started the second loop. I was also giving Nuun Endurance powder a trial run in the bottle in the front of my pack. Two thumbs way up! Of course, I always give a shout out to Coeur Sports and their fitted run shorts. Those things have become my go-to for trail running, the pockets on the side of the legs is especially handy for discarded mittens and arm warmers.

On the return I saw Ben, race director of the infamous Knob Hills race from the previous weekend, and he told me that Mr K had fallen and scraped up his hand pretty bad. Seems I'm either rolling in poison ivy or he is leaving blood on the trail - you can't take us anywhere.  I met up with Karen soon after that and she told me the same thing about Mr K's hand.  This was a big day for Karen, she broke her ankle at a race on this trail over 6 years ago and this was her first time to go back there. I'm so proud of her for facing her fears and slaying some dragons that day!

Photo: Julie Lewis

The cough and congestion that I had been fighting all week really started to rear its head in the closing miles and I found myself coughing way more than was comfortable.  Despite that, the difference in how I felt from one race to the next was huge.  I could hear the hum of the finish line now after rounding a few more bends I could see it.  I was about to finish my longest trail run ever! It took me 4:45:22 and I was the 12th female to finish.

I crossed the finish line, collected my medal, and found Mr K in the med tent getting his wounds cleaned up. They were not serious, but I was glad to see he was taking the time to get them washed out so that they would heal properly.

Post race at a trail run is just the best - we visited from friends from all over, shared many laughs, and gave Karen the biggest cheer as she came across the finish line. There was sunshine and blue skies and I had that "happy tired" feeling that only a day of work can bring.

All in all, I would say my tune-up race for Black Canyon 60K was a huge success.  I walked away feeling good about my efforts and knowing that my hydration and fueling strategy should work for me.  It was a big confidence boost to get that longest trail run under my belt.  In some ways it seems daunting to think that I will run fifteen more miles at Black Canyon, but I know that I can do it.   New challenges are supposed to be a little bit scary and I'm ready to see what I can do.

Knob Hills 25K: Looking for rainbows, finding poison ivy

As runners go, I tend to be one of those annoyingly happy types.  I am overwhelming positive with life in general and that is over the top with running because it is something that I love and feel fortunate that I have the health and means to do it as much as I like.  I guess even the most positive person has a rough day every now and again and mine happened to be at Knob Hills 25K.

I would like to start with giving huge praise to Ben and his team at the Denton Area Running Club for getting this race off the ground. The mid-January race date has been a challenge for them with the race being completely cancelled last year and it was in danger of the same fate this year.  The week of the race brought a large amount of rain to an area that was already damp from recent rains.  The trail was not runnable, so rather than cancel the race a second time, the organizers found a way to make it go by crafting a 5K loop for us in the pastures and roads around the Scout Barn.  Five loops would get you a 25K, ten loops the 50K, round and round we went until we met our distance.

I can handle a lot of running conditions, but I despise mud and wet feet. I blame my very first trail run, Grasslands Half of 2010 which was slick with heavy clay mud from start to finish and my first marathon, run in 40 degrees and a downpour.  The trauma is real, y'all! I woke up in a "mood" dreading running in 25K of mud.  The folks from the race had posted a few pictures of the course the night before and I was just not excited about any of it. I was a grumpass from the very beginning, I'll admit it. I also had a little bit of a sore throat and just felt "off." Mr K and I headed off to the race, he feeling super pumped and me threatening to quit if I stopped having fun.

The best part of racing is seeing so many friends, both old and new.  It was great to catch up and visit before the race got started.  I also knew that Ninja, Baha, and Ali were already out running their 50K and I looked forward to seeing their faces on the course as well.

The rain from the week had moved out and the sun shone brightly on us, a saving grace since sunshine makes everything better. I started the first loop with some caution, just hoping to get a feel for the course and see where and how bad the mud would be.  In less than a mile Ninja and Baha came whooping and hollering as they ran around me, "encouraging" me to pick up the pace.  We were in a pasture for just over two miles and I cringed as my feet hit the cold water and mud.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I was happy to be on the gravel and road part of the course because I felt like I could really run and make up some time.  I barely noticed the hill on the return but it would not escape me on future laps. I saw lots of friends and smiling faces on this out and back and it gave me a boost.

One loop down, not exactly having fun but not exactly hating it either - let's keep moving.  I have no record of my lap splits because my timing chip failed and there is no record of me even doing this race.  I think that this is hilarious as it is one I wanted to forget before it ever started....but the data nerd in me would love to see how my laps shook out.  I would guess that I got a little bit faster on the second one because I was feeling a little more confident of the terrain.  I kept getting scratches from the thorny bushes on the side of the course, but I avoided some extra mud here and there and I was fine with this. I didn't feel quite as springy when I got to the road sections this time and I was realizing that the hill on the return was going to have to be dealt with each time.  I was seeing Mr K on the road during these loops and he always asked "having fun yet?" I would just shake my head and keep on running.

If I had to pick a point when things really started to go south it would be during the 3rd loop. The middle usually the hard part of a race for me, too far from the beginning to have the start line excitement and too far from the end to be excited about finishing - just stuck in the middle.  I spent much of this loop asking myself what was wrong with me.  I was less than 10 miles in and I felt like I'd been running all day, and I felt so tired, like I could lay down right there and sleep for a week.  I tried to get myself going again, but I was overwhelmed at the thought of two more loops after the one that I was on.  This all should have been a clue that I was not feeling like myself, but it was too hard to tell if it was my attitude or my actual body telling me that it wanted to quit.

I made it through the road section again, this time walking the hill on the out and back and a good part of the road into the Scout Barn.  I told myself if I started the fourth loop then I would finish the race.  The question was, did I really want to start that loop? I took a break, ate some M&Ms at the aide station, and started walking with tears in my eyes.  About this time Ninja came around, looking spry and happy and on his way to a second place finish in the 50K.  I told myself to suck it up, if he could do ten loops of this I could manage five.  I also told myself I could walk as much as I wanted to, just to keep moving forward.

The sunshine was so beautiful, but the wind had really picked up by this point and I got cold on some of the exposed spots.  There were times when I could see the barn across the field and I considered just cutting across and calling it a day at ten miles, but I kept on moving.  It wasn't fast and it certainly wasn't pretty, but I finished that fourth loop.  I stopped for some PB&J and I got to work on the last loop - I was going to make it.

There was probably even more walking by this point, I just felt like I had nothing left in my legs.  A few runners caught up with me and a few of them passed, some of them not moving much faster than me.  About a mile in I met up with a girl named Marisol.  She said that she was doing the 50K and she was on her sixth loop and was having a hard time.  I'm so happy that I met her because having some company and wanting to give her a boost of positive energy helped keep my energy up.

As I ran past the Scout Barn and towards the road for one last time, my gang of hecklers were gathered near the finish line.  They all seemed to be taking great joy in the fact that I was having such a grumpass day.  Am I really that annoying with my positive energy? Apparently so! In any case, it made me smile a bit as I headed out for that last mile or so.  I could hear Marisol near me and we stuck together for that last little bit before I crossed the finish line and she kept going.

16.5 miles, 3 hours 35 minutes and 5 seconds - I'm not sure I've ever been so happy to be done with a race.  I'm not sure I've ever been that close to quitting a race.  As long as you learn something, it isn't a wasted day and I learned a few lessons that day.  As the evening and weekend went on, I felt worse as my energy level decreased and the congestion increased.  My attitude wasn't great, but it looks like that was more a result of how my body felt versus my mental state.  Might it have gone better if I had a better attitude, despite not feeling 100%? That answer is hard to know too. In any case, I listened to my body and took a few days off just rest and sleep - and wouldn't you know it, when I ran again later in the week there were rainbows and unicorns all around!

The raging case of poison ivy that I picked up from the course was a whole other story though.....I need another shot at good old Knob Hills, crossing my fingers for dry trails next year.

Rockledge Rumble 15K

Somehow I've always missed out on the Rockledge Rumble trail race, which has been a staple in the DFW racing calendar for over 20 years.  It just didn't fit into my training schedule or I've messed around and missed signing up before it sells out because it is such a popular event.  This fall/winter I want to race more and I want to run on trails more often so I was determined not to let this event pass me by another year.

I went back and forth between running the 15K or the 30K.  I knew that I could cover the 30K distance, but I decided on the 15K because I've been working on getting faster on the trails and I wanted to see how fast I could run it.  We had a pretty miserable week leading into the race with rain, wind, and cold temperatures.  Thankfully this moved out by late in the week and it was a perfect 40ish degrees with low wind and plentiful sunshine - that is running weather! The trails seem to drain fairly well and mud was not an issue at all.

The 15K did not start until 7:45 and Mr K and I arrived in plenty of time to park, visit with friends, and make all of the necessary trips to the restroom.  It was chilly as we stood around waiting, but I resisted the urge to over dress and I raced in shorts, a long sleeve shirt, and a hat - which was perfect.  The race started out on the road for a little bit, which gave me a good chance to settle in and find my place in the group.  I knew that I would be familiar with the trail from just after mile 2 to somewhere around mile 7. The beginning and the end would be new to me as I've only run to Rockledge Park once or twice.

I was tentative about passing people at first, because I know that I'm a bit of a chicken on the trails and I didn't want to be re-passed if the trail became more technical.  I got over that pretty quickly though as my confidence and familiarity with the trail grew.  It is a race, after all!

There were not tons of spectators, but there was one guy on a mountain bike that popped up every time the trail crossed the road. He always offered a very reassuring word of support and I really appreciated him.  My goal was to get to the turn around at Murrell Park with a pushed, but steady effort and not to get re-passed by anyone that I passed.  I made it through 4 miles with approximately at 11:00 pace, which is a solid one for me when it comes to running trails.

I grabbed a drink of water at the aide station and saw Mr K emerge from the woods.  "I didn't know you were ahead of me" he said before grabbing a drink and hitting the trail again.  I got back to work and tried to close the distance between he and I, but this would prove to be impossible as the man was on a mission.  Give him 40 degree temperatures and he can run for days, it is like magic.

There were a couple of runners between Mr K and me and I just worked on gradually picking them off.  Having those runners as rabbits helped me quite a bit because I knocked off three consecutive miles with paces in the mid-10s, really cooking for me on the trails.

I was able to pick off the runners that were between us, but he was out of sight within a couple of miles.  Run strong, Mr K!  See you at the finish!  I could feel the fatigue starting to set in and I knew that I'd been running in Zone 4 for most of the race.  I told myself to hang in there while counting down the miles to the finish.

I slowed down a bit in the last mile in a half as the course became more technical and I became more fatigued.  I could hear another runner behind me and I remembered my goal of not letting anyone re-pass me.  I am not sure if I would have pushed myself as much at the end had she not been on my tail, but I was determined that she was not going to pass me.  I kept listening for finish line sounds and looking for that famous steep stairway and it just felt like I would never see them.  Finally, I saw a guy with a medal telling me that I was almost to the end.

 Approaching the turn around (Photo: Mark O)

The girl behind me was getting closer and closer, but I was determined to make it up those stairs before her so I gave it one final push to the finish line.  I was so happy to be finished! Mr K was there waiting for me, having finished a couple of minutes ahead of me.

My official time was 1:45:53 which gave me an 11:00 pace.  Upon checking the official results, I found that I was 1st place for women 40-49 and 10th place female overall.  I had a blast running out there, I pushed myself on the trails and took a few risks, and I met my goals - pretty good little day of running.

I'm so thankful for the girl behind me for the push

The best part of trail races is hanging out with all friends afterwards and we had a great time while waiting for Baha and Brian to finish the 30K and for Ali to finish the 50K. The Barnwells of Blaze Trails Racing do a wonderful job putting on these races, I highly encourage you to check out their race calendar if you are looking for a trail race in the coming months. I got so many compliments on my new running shorts - they are the fitted run shorts from Coeur and I'm officially hooked.  They are so comfortable and they have two big pockets on the legs perfect for carrying a phone or fuel.

So there you have it, one of my first steps on the way to my first ultra at Black Canyon 60K in February.  I am having a blast so far and the journey has only just begun.  I can't wait for the many adventures that the coming months hold.

Grasslands Half: The Trail Is Calling

I wish that I had more hours for swimming, biking, and especially running because the first thing I would add would be more time on the trails.  I almost always have a blast when I am out there, but I just don't get to do it often enough with all of the other races and training that I want to pursue.  I do make time every March, however, to run the Grasslands Trail Half Marathon.  It was my very first trail run back in 2010 (and what a day that was!) and I have only missed one year since.  The conditions have varied wildly with each year: rain, sleet, ankle deep mud, hail, heat, and sand to name a few.  Two years ago, the trail was nearly perfect and I ran my course/trail PR.  When I saw that we would have optimal trail conditions again this year, I knew that I had a shot at keeping my 2016 PR streak alive!

Spoiler Alert: This guy killed his race! (Pic: Mark O)

Texas weather is all over the spectrum in March - while it was warm for St Paddy's Tri just 6 days before, it was around 40 degrees on the morning of Grasslands. I love running in sunny and cool weather, so this was about as close to perfect as one can ask for.  We all shivered a little as we waited for the start, but I don't think that anyone was complaining.  Mr K and I started together, but he was out of sight before the first mile was done.  He is so strong on the trails, much more of a daredevil than I am, and he had went on to have a heck of a race that day with a time of 1:56:51!  I decided to settle into my own groove instead of chasing him, which is good because I don't think that I could have kept up that day.

Post race with Mark O and Stude (Pic: Jesse S)

My pace was consistently in the mid-9:00 range all the way through the race with a few outlier miles here and there.  I ran alone, occasionally passing (or being passed by) another runner, and it was pretty awesome.  There is something overwhelmingly peaceful about running through nature on a beautiful day while saying precious few words to any other humans.  I really should do this more often.  

I knew that Lesley and Shama would be manning the aide station at mile 10, so I focused on getting there and then running strong for the last 3.1 miles of the race.  The weather really was perfect and the trail was in just about the best condition I have ever seen it.  The race directors, Chris and Anne, have done a great job putting this race on the last few years and I know that they must have been thrilled with the weather after the mudfest we all endured last year.

Mile 10 aide station (Pic: Llama Race Pictures)

I was greeted with a hug and big smiles from Lesley and Shama when I reached the aide station at mile 10.  They topped off my water bottle and sent me on my way, telling me how strong Mr K looked when he ran through there a little bit earlier.  Just a 5K to go!  There was a girl who I'd been following the whole race.  At times she was probably a quarter mile ahead of me, but the longer the race went the closer to her I got.  My course PR was 2:12 and a glance at my watch told me that I was on pace to come in faster than that if I just kept running strong.  I was expecting to see Stude somewhere in the closing miles of the race and he did not disappoint.  The end of this race is such a mental beatdown because the trail loops around the parking lot and right by my car.  I was thankful that Stude was there to distract from my impatience for the finish line.

I was getting closer and closer to the other girl, but I honestly didn't think that I could catch her as Stude suggested.  Once we got off the trail and back onto a little more paved surface I gave it my best shot and found myself pulling ahead of her!  I slowed up just a bit as we hit the finish line and she caught me.  We ended up in an exact tie with the time of 2:03:39 - good enough for about a 9 minute trail PR and tied for 5th overall female.  How fun is that?! My 2016 PR streak continues - what a year! Of course, now I wonder if I could have found another 3:40 seconds out there for the sub 2:00 finish.  Either way, I felt terrific about my run and I had such a great day on the trails.

My pacer is more fun than your pacer!

The post race hang out is always the best at trail runs.  There is BBQ and camp chairs and lots of good people.  Grasslands also has a marathon and a 50 mile race, so there are plenty of runners to cheer for and support as they pass through the start/finish area between their loops.  The sun was shining so brightly, it was just a beautiful day.  Signing up for Grasslands is always a shot in the dark, but I'm always rewarded (some ways more fun than others) for taking that chance.  

Grasslands Trail Half: The Race I Love To Hate

This race happened exactly a month ago now, I can hardly believe that I let so much time get by before sitting down to blog about it.  Grasslands Trail Half and I have a long and storied history together, it was my first trail race ever back in 2010 and it was a truly harrowing experience.  It was pouring rain, temperatures dropped to the 30s, the winds were roaring, I had mud up to my ankles, and it snowed by nightfall.  It took me over three and a half hours to finish that race and I probably would have DNFed if I could have figured out a way for someone to rescue me from the woods.  As awful as it was, I felt pretty darned proud of myself for even starting that race.  Then 2011 rolls around and the conditions could not have been more different: warm, humid, and the driest March on record.  All of that mud from 2010 was now a thick sand....just like a beach except not a drop of water to be found. Tough going, but much better than the previous year.  I ran myself to an hour and eight minute PR and had a lot more fun.  I missed the race in 2012, but 2013 brought chilly temperatures, light rain, and eventually hail.  I was able to eek out a 20 second PR despite the challenging conditions.  Oh Grasslands...why so fickle?

Trail Running in Texas, Y'all

To say that I had never had a "good" day to there would be a huge understatement.  I waited until a week or so out before signing up this year, not sure if I was willing to fight through another year of cold and mud.  Wouldn't you know it, they put rain back in the forecast the minute I clicked the register button?  Luckily it held off and I finally got some good running conditions out on that trail.  I had only run trails once this spring, but I was still hoping that I could manage a PR - even if it was just seconds faster than last year.  I traveled to this race solo, as Mr K was in the final stages of training for Ironman Texas 70.3 and was spending time on his beloved bicycle.  Of course, I found plenty of frunners when I got there and we were eager to get this race started.

Always great to see Mark L (photo: Mark O)

I only checked my watch on occasion just to get a feel for how I was doing as far as time goes.  I ran what my legs wanted to run and enjoyed picking people off on the single track - a feeling that one does not get when racing on the road.  The trail still had its usual sandy spots and there were tons of ruts from the horse tracks, but it was about as good as it gets at Grasslands.  I needed a quick pit stop at the first aide station (around mile 4), but soon found that I had made up the ground that I lost.  I probably rolled my left ankle four times during the race, but I never once fell.  My lack of recent trail running was showing!  As I was topping off my handheld at the second aide station (mile 10ish) the marathon leader came speeding by.  I fell in behind him and just to see how long I could keep him in my sights - guess what, it wasn't long. I had 3.5 miles left and I could tell that I was on pace for a solid PR - time to bring it home!  There are some nice flat stretches during this section, but the last couple of miles were uphill.  These miles always seem so hard and extra cruel as the parking area and finish line are within sight.  

Trail running is dirty

I gave it all I had in the final push across the finish line and was thrilled when I checked my watch - 2:12:43 --- a fourteen minute PR!!  I finally feel like I got the best of that trail and I was so pleased with my efforts.

Happy Runner at the Finish Line

I enjoyed a delicious plate of post race BBQ and made myself comfortable in Alicia's camp.  Alicia was in the process of running 50 miles and I wanted to make sure to see her between her loops.  Make sure you click on over to Alicia's page to read her story.  It is a good one!  I was reminded, again, of what incredible people surround me.

Alicia on her way to 50 mile greatness

So there you have it: Grasslands. The Race I Love To Hate.  Or is it The Race I Hate To Love?  Depends on the weather forecast.

Grasslands Trail Half: A Worthy Rematch

After a solid eight months of very structured road running, Mr K and I unofficially made March our "trail month" -- hitting local single track dirt trails for all of our long runs.  It made for a whole bunch of fun and also a great change of pace from the grind that the road can bring.  Trail Month also served another purpose for us as we would be running the Grasslands Trail Half on March 23.  Grasslands and I go wayyyy back to 2010 when I ran it as my first trail race.  It was an awful day full of character building as the temperatures plummeted into the 30s and several inches of rain was dumped on the area....eventually turning to sleet and then later snow.  Typical Texas Spring.  I was fairly certain that I had caught hypothermia and I was also certain that I never wanted to set foot on a trail again.  However, once I was home and warm I was pretty darned proud of myself for tackling something so far out of the norm for me. 

That being said, it took me a full year to return to the trails, but I finally got back out there at Grasslands 2011.  The day could not have been more different--instead of mud we ran through some intense sand.  It was like running on a dry beach, such a different challenge than just one year earlier.  I missed Grasslands 2012 due to a conference, so I was happy to get out there for another rematch with my old foe.


Does A Runner Girl Poop In the Woods? Not This One!

It was rainy and chilly when we arrived, but nothing like the weather in 2010 so I wasn't too concerned.  This was a very special occasion for Mary (bringer of cupcakes for my birthday races) as it was her 50th birthday and 1st trail race!  Mary celebrates her birthday like no other and I laughed as I overheard her tell half of the porta potty line that she was celebrating today. 

It was not raining as we headed out, but the thunder was rumbling and a few flashes of lightning could be seen.  I was afraid that I was overdressed, as I warmed up fairly quickly, but was feeling thankful for my heavier shirt by the end of the race.  They say that it isn't a trail race unless you get lost...and we did....all of us....approximately a half a mile into the race.  Womp. Womp. 

Celebrating  with Katie, Mama C, & Mary--Birthdays and First Halfs for them!

I focused on running a comfortable pace and enjoying the scenery.  I feel like such a different runner on the trails, there is no stress about pace or splits, it is all about fun.  We made it to the first aide station (4 miles in) without too much excitement (after getting lost), but after that things got more interesting.  As soon as we headed back onto the trail we began to get pelted with small hail.  Now THAT is a new running weather first for me.  I could feel the wind pick up and the rain began to fall a little bit harder.

As the rain continued to come down the trail condition began to worsen.  The thick sand and clay mix together to make a fantasically slippery mud!  I was hoping for a new course PR, but wasn't sure if that would happen between getting lost and the mud.  I had to slow way down in a few spots, but kept my forward momentum going.  Another wave of hail came and I laughed as Mr K instructed me to cover my head with my hydration pack if it got any bigger.  Forunately it never got larger than pea sized.

Pre Race With Mr K

After the second aide station (around mile 10) we focused on hammering home the final 3.5 miles.  The race is called a half marathon, but it is really 13.5 miles--a little more for your money, I suppose.  My legs and back were getting pretty fatigued at this point, but I knew that the end was near and that kept me pushing forward.  We hit an open section near the dam and I was really able to pick up my pace and open my stride.  It felt so good to stretch it out like that!  In a cruel twist the final couple of miles were uphill, and felt alot harder than they probably should have.

When the finish line was in view I opened it up and gave it all that I had for the final kick!  Mr K thought that I was trying to pass him, but I was not racing him that day.  I knew that a new course PR would be a matter of seconds and I wanted it pretty badly at that point...and I got it!  Looking back at the old data, I can see that I ran about 2 tenths of a mile further this time and still got in about 20 seconds faster, even with the mud.  I'll take it!

After the race we had great time hanging out and cheering everyone on to the finish line.  I am very proud of Katie as she ran her first half marathon EVER! And also of Mary for her first trail half marathon on her 50th birthday--what a tough day for both of them to take on that challenge. 

 DRC Post Race Reunion with Stude

There is just something about Grasslands that keeps me coming back each spring.  The course is not exceptionally beautiful and the weather is usually nuts, but we all have our sentimental favorites and I suppose Grasslands is one of mine.

(Thanks ALWAYS to Mama C for the awesome pictures!)

Monday Musings

Gosh it has been so long since I have visited with you! It must be a May thing, because looking through the archives I see the same thing happened last year. My calendar gets a little bit crazy in May with all of the end of school year events. I am not complaining because I create this schedule for myself and I enjoy every minute of it....but it does not allow much time for the little things--like blogging.

May brought so much fun running! It started with back-to-back half marathons, continued with a great North Texas Runners social run, followed by the unofficial monthly gathering of the unofficial Beer and Bagels trail running group(pictured above). All of this brought my running total to 101 miles, my fifth 100 mile month since last August.

I was excited that the North Texas Runners social run was going to be held at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. This little gem in the middle of the suburbs is just a few miles from my house and includes both paved and trail paths. I have driven by here many times and always wanted to try it out, but just never did it. The views are beautiful and the terrain is fairly challenging as far as elevation goes--at least challenging compared to much of what you find in this area. The trails were closed due to some heavy rain that came the day before, but the paved paths kept us plenty busy. Each loop was approximately 2 miles and we made 3 trips around. Erik and I went back on Memorial Day and enjoyed a 4 mile jaunt...complete with tarantula sighting! I can't wait to explore the trails and spend some time out here running this summer. The only thing I'm sad about is that it took me this long to discover it.


Beautiful Scenery at Arbor Hills


Arbor Hills-I can't wait to run these trails

The following weekend brought another new favorite of ours--the unofficial monthly gathering of the unofficial Beer & Bagels trail running group. I am still pretty new to trail running and I really enjoy the challenge that it brings. We met up at Lake Grapevine again this month, but took a trail heading in a different direction. Our group is made up of runners of various speeds, and Erik and I had a great time running with Michelle and Gretchen. Michelle is an excellent trail guide and had great stories to share about her recent triumph at the Jemez 50K. Be sure to read her race report here, it is a good one! You can also read here for more about the Beer & Bagels May run. We ended up going about 12 miles and just before mile 6 I had my first ever "trail fall." Apparently you aren't a real trail runner until you fall--looks like I can join the club now. Fortunately I did not hurt anything other than a skinned leg and a skinned knee (which are looking especially attractive more than a week later as they turn purple and green). I also suspect that I picked up a little bit of poison oak on that adventure--but it is all worth it, the trails are just awesome. It was also awesomely hot--as summer running in Texas is--and Erik and I both felt so thirsty despite drinking frequently from a handheld bottle. After this run, we promptly began shopping for hydration packs since it is just going to get hotter around here. We capped off the run with a trip down to Little Pete's for breakfast on the deck with Bloody Marys and beer (of course!). I love running with this group and am constantly amazed at what great friends I have made since the beginning of 2011. I feel so lucky to know each of them and am thankful that I decided to start running a few years back. Who knew my circle could grow so much?


B-day boy tumbles too!


Emerging victorious!

Now June is here and it is already unseasonably hot in Texas, I am always grateful for my reduced summer workload but always loathe the heat. I get my miles done in the summer--but I can sure be whiny about it. I am looking forward to more adventures including El Scorcho--a 25K that starts at midnight, and the Liberty By the Lake 5K (my Runnerversary) in July. The summer fun will also continue with more North Texas Runners social runs (I am finally going to make it out to a track night and also a hill night) and keep your eye on your local trails--the Beer & Bagels group will strike when you least expect it!

(A HUGE thanks to Corina for all of the wonderful pictures! This blog would be pretty boring without her.)

Quick Hits

I have been so busy with work and life and I have not been able to blog as often as I would like to. I thought that I would drop by tonight with a couple of "quick hits" just so you will know what I have been up to lately. I have noticed that some bloggers do weekly entries like "3 Things Tuesday" or "5 Things on Friday" and I might entertain that same idea just to get me thinking and writing a little more often.

Running has become such a great social outlet lately, I can't believe how many new friends that I have made from running. The first social running event was last weekend, the North Texas Runners kick-off social run. It was a perfect morning--sunny, 50 degrees, and a slight breeze--and just what I needed to erase the yuckiness of the previous week's runs (Big D Half marathon and a yucky training run a few days later). A nice 11 miles at a comfortable pace with a group of friends on that beautiful morning was good for my running soul. I am looking forward to more runs with this newly formed group. By the way, how fun is it to be in on the very first run of a new running group!!


Fiona, Me, Erik, Corina, and Cassie at NTX Social Run

This past weekend also brought another social/running opportunity, our Beer and Bagels Group got together for our 2nd trail run. The weather wasn't so great (make that hot and humid once again) but the trails were beautiful, the company was great, the beer was cold, and the bagels were fresh. I didn't have my best run that morning--I was really feeling the heat--but I LOVED those trails and I can't wait to get out there again. It is hard to believe that there are such beautiful places so close to a big city. I think that there is something therapeutic about running on a trail by a lake, it is just good for the soul. I really enjoy this group of runners and again, I can't wait for our next gathering--I am enjoying trail running way more than I ever thought that I would. It is just a whole 'nother scene from road running.


Beer and Bagels Group--minus Erik and Me

It will be back to the road and back to racing this weekend and next. I am setting some big goals for myself at the Heels and Hills Half on Sunday. This is a special race to me because I had a huge PR there last May. I have high hopes that I can capture a little bit of magic again this year...cross your fingers for me (meaning--hope for good weather!). I will also be racing a half marathon the following Saturday...that's right, 2 half marathons in one week--a new challenge for me. I don't have any huge expectations for the 2nd race, but who knows...

Grasslands Trail Half Marathon....How did I miss those cows??

Please excuse my tardiness with this blog...there was no easing back into life after spring break! I have thought about writing it everyday, but either didn't have the time or the energy to get it done. I am happy to be sitting here now, ready to get it done.

Many of you know that I had a terrible experience with this race last year. It was my first experience with trail running and I just didn't have a good time. Those were probably the 13 hardest miles I have ever run--even walking was a challenge at times because the mud was so thick. It was so cold too, I thought that I might have had frostbite when it was all said and done. So many runners that I know love trail running, but I just wasn't sold on it after that experience. I was hesitant to sign up this year and it took some talking from Erik and some of my running friends. I am glad that I did though because the experience this year could not have been more different than last year. The weather, quite possibly, was the most noticeable--it was already in the 60s by race time and would just get warmer. And, incidentally, this is the driest March ever for the Dallas area.

Another difference was that through Daily Mile and Twitter I already knew a handful of friends who would be running. Greg, Corina, and Michelle were running the marathon and Libby and Stacy were running the half marathon. Erik and I laughed about how different our mindset was as we drove out the the LBJ Grasslands in Decatur. Upon arrival we immediately saw Libby and Stacy (whom I met in person for the 1st time). There wasn't much time to get our packets and gather our gear before it was time to meet up at the start line.

I made Erik promise not to leave me and I promised him that I would not be a big baby like last year. He made the perfect pacer for me as he stayed just ahead of me the whole time and I just tried my best to keep up. He was kind enough to loop back at times and to wait for me at the aide stations. The mud from last year was gone...however...it was replaced by sand. Don't get me wrong, the sand was better than the mud--but it sure made running difficult at times. I felt as if the energy was being sucked out of my legs and drained into the heavy sand. Fortunately the entire course wasn't sandy, it came and went for stretches at a time.


At the start line with Libby

We both really enjoyed the race, having conversations with people along the way and enjoying some pretty scenery. I appreciate the trail running scene as it is much more laid back than road racing--the whole attitude is much more chill. There were only 2 aide stations on the half marathon course, but wow--it was like a buffet at each one. We are talking oranges, fig newtons, candy, chocolate, fruit, and hydration.

I found the run to be quite challenging and felt just plain TIRED at times. There is alot more climbing on the trails than on the road and I could really feel that in my legs. Sometimes I felt as if I could fly and sometimes I felt as if my energy was zapped (perhaps that was the sand). I had to slow and catch my breath after some of the climbing sections, but I worked hard to keep Erik in my sights and not slow him down.

I was surprised at how much of the course I remembered from last year. I thought that I had blocked it all from my memory after all of the troubles it had caused me. I am also surprised at how fast the miles click by when running on the trails--it is impossible to focus on the distance when you are scanning the terrain for your next step. Erik found a burst of speed in the last mile and crossed the line about a minute ahead of me. I am happy to say that we got 13.47 miles done in 2:27--a full hour and eight minutes faster than last year. That time also fell within what I had been told--to add about 20-30 minutes to your typical road race times.


We made it!

Even though the race was done, the fun was just beginning. Erik and I gathered up our chairs and a cooler and waited for our friends to finish their races. We had a great time cheering for Libby, Stacy, and Michelle (Greg came in just after we finished so we missed him) and especially Corina. This was a very special race for Corina because it was her 3rd marathon in 90 days and it would qualify her for Marathon Maniacs status. Congrats Corina!! We also enjoyed watching the 50 milers pass by us on their course....50 miles?? Who does THAT?!


The Grasslands Gang

It feels so good to have the trail running monkey off of my back. I understand what everyone has been talking about and why trail running is so cool. I am so glad that I gave Grasslands and trail running a second chance because I think that the trails will fill a void in some of my current training. I just know that the terrain and the little dips and climbs will make me stronger. Not to mention all of the new friends I am making--I even went out to run some more trails last weekend--stay tuned for the story of the newly formed Beer and Bagels Trail Series. We had our first run on Sunday and have one in the books for April.

Oh, and the cows....as we were talking after the race the marathoners mentioned the cows that they saw. I thought that the cows must have only been on the marathon course, because I sure didn't see any. Erik was quick to inform me that we passed several big cows very near the trail. How the heck did I miss those....

Grasslands Trail Half Marathon...A HUGE Step Outta My Comfort Zone

Grasslands Trail Half Marathon...wow...not really sure where to start with this one! We had just experienced some beautiful weather during Spring Break, on Friday it was sunny and 70 degrees. The forecast was calling for terrible weather on Saturday--starting with rain and then falling temperatures and then eventually snow. When the alarm clock went off at 5:00 am we could hear the rain pouring down outside. I was really not excited about the thought of going out for a 13.5 mile run through the woods. However, race time was not until 8:30 so I held on to hope that the conditions would improve. We left the house by 6:00 and it was still pouring....drove through Denton, still pouring....drove into Decatur, still pouring. I will be completely honest here, I was hoping that the race would be cancelled. That way I could just go home guilt free as the decision would be out of my control.

The rain began to ease up as we neared the LBJ Grasslands, site of the race. As we drove the roads got smaller and switched over from paved roads and into gravel/dirt roads. The ultra marathon (50 miles) was scheduled to start at 7:00 and as we approached the race site, we saw runners in the dark woods with headlamps on their heads. Some of them looked quite dazed as I am sure the thought of running 50 miles in those conditions was daunting. We made it down to the race start area, parked the car in what seemed like a foot of mud, and looked at each other. I still wasn't sold on the idea of running a trail half marathon in this weather. I said over and over "if it was a raod race I wouldn't think twice, but the trails scare me a little." Erik and I picked up our numbers and our shirts and decided that we were committed and would do this. I could tell that Erik was really exicted about it and I knew that if we stuck together we would be okay.

I am not sure how many people ran the half marathon, but it was a smaller number than the race directors were expecting. There were several other runners who were taking on their first trail half that day and eveyone joked about how it was a "doozie" of a first race. Before I knew it we were off! We were immediately slipping and sliding through a thick, slippery red mud. I kept thinking about cookie dough soup, as that is what the consistency felt like to me. It was so cold in the beginning too, I couldn't feel my hands and I knew that my feet were really cold.

As if all of that wasn't challenging enough, there was a crazy ravine/gultch early in the race. Some of the runners were just sliding down of their feet--as if they were skiing! I was pretty worried about how I would make it down and Erik was very patient and helpful as he made it down before I did. However, I got to the bottom only to realize that we had to go right back up again!! It was pretty scary and slippery, but we made it. I felt like I had been running for a while and made the mistake of glancing at my watch...excatly 20 minutes had passed...ugh...long day ahead!

I really started to worry that I had bitten off more than I could chew and I also wondered how in the world one could be rescued if they chose not to finish. I expressed some of this to Erik and he asked "Are you outside of your comfort zone?" I answered with a meek "Yes" and we carried onward. My feet were soaked and I was caked with mud beyond my ankles, and I was trying my hardest to make the best of it. Did I mention that it was 32 degrees with a 15 mph north wind and the occasional snow flurry??

The 1st aid station was 4 miles in and it took us about an hour to get there (waayyyy off my usual pace). As I was standing there, glancing at my map, another runner came up and asked where we were. He looked at me and said "Could that be you?" It was Mr Grady, a special education teacher in my school district. He was doing the ultra marathon and said "This isn't very much fun, is it?" It gave me a little boost to see someone that I knew and someone who could back up my story about how tough this whole thing was.

We ran on for what seemed like forever. The mud was so thick and slippery in places that I had trouble just walking and nearly did the splits several times. I did try to lift my eyes and look around every now and again and I saw some beautiful scenery. There were ponds and windmills and some of the trees were beginning to flower for spring.

I was so happy to finally be finished! It took us over three and a half hours, I am certainly not used to racing for that long at once--it was almost like 2 races to me as far as time goes. I could feel every part of my lower body from the hips down to my feet. My shoes were soaked and my socks were filled with mud. We devoured our free BBQ sandwhiches and then found an outhouse in which to change clothes. I didn't realize just how cold my hands and feet were until we stopped running. I had trouble taking my shoes and socks off as my hands were so cold and numb. I began to ponder the possiblity of frostbite, but then decided that it probably wasn't cold enough for that just yet.

So that was my first trail run. Did I like it? Not excatly...but I can see the potential in trail running. I think that the Grasslands Half could be really awesome on a sunny and dry day. Am I ready to close the door on trail running? No way! I might even come back and do this one again next year.

They say that the only way to grow is to get outside of your comfort zone. If this is true, then I grew alot yesterday. There is nothing at all about Michelle Kennemer that is comfortable running around in freezing temperatures and mud. I started running because I wanted to do "something hard." This latest challenge fits that bill for sure. This race might have been the hardest thing that I have ever done. I am happy that I did it and I do think that it makes me stronger as a person and a runner. I am really excited about my next road race, it should seem easy after these 13.5 miles. That which doesn't kill you, right?

The Race With a Sense of Humor

On Saturday Erik and I will be embarking on the Grasslands Trail Half Marathon. This will be our first trail race and I am really looking forward to it. The website includes a welcome letter that they require everyone to read. I really appreciated the humor in the letter and thought that I would share some of it here:

"The half marathon is 13.5 miles. Yes, it is longer than a true half marathon, you'll live."

"The marathon will cover 2 loops which together equals 26.3 miles. Consider the extra .1 miles on the house, as we did not charge you for that one."

"The loops have been GPSed by many, and the distance on the maps are a consensus. When you cross the finish line don't show us your GPS and show us we were wrong. This is a trail race, you are lucky we let you wear a watch."

"When will the results get posted? Sometime before next year's race. Relax; it is not the end of the world and we are pretty good about it."

"What can I do to get disqualified? Be mean to the volunteers. They will all have pepper spray, so we don't recommend this."

"Can I bring my dog? Absolutely! We are very dog friendly. They can race, and they can be in the Start/Finish area. Also, if you register your dog and pay the entry fee we will give them a finisher's medal and a bib."

Being a bargain hunter, I appreciate that I am getting an extra .4 miles for free! I am excited to try something totally different and I am not bringing any time expectations into this race. I haven't done much trail training, so my goal is to have fun and try something new. This is another attempt at getting outside of my comfort zone--something that is important if I want to grow as a runner and an individual. I understand this race to be runner friendly and an introduction to trail running and ultra marathons (there is a marathon and a 50 mile race at the same event, YIKES!). Hopefully I will have a fun report to share with you later on this weekend. Stay tuned!