Start with one thing

 One thing I have learned about myself over the years is that if I neglect one aspect of my health, everything else follows suit.  For example, if I find myself injured and unable to run or workout, my diet will deteriorate as well. I think it is an attitude of, "well, what's the point anyway?'.

But the opposite is also true. When I am consistent in my running or working out, I am more vigilant about my diet - "Do I really need a second glass of wine knowing how I will feel tomorrow?", "I had better not eat that fried chicken, no telling what will happen on my run tomorrow morning".  (Where is that porta potty when you need it?)

It only takes one win in your life for others to fall in place.  Maybe with the new year, instead of thinking "I am going to quit drinking, clean up my diet and start working out", just do one thing and stick with it.  Once you start feeling the benefits of that one change, the other goals you have will be much easier to stick to.  

Just my two cents.  

Praying for a healthy and happy new year for all of you! 

Happy Running! 

Edie

Building Consistency

 If you have spent many years running, many of you will understand that your running life tends to cycle.  You will go from being compulsively consistent to reach a goal, then once reached, you may struggle just to get out the doors a couple of days a week. I have been through both extremes and have spent plenty of time in the middle.

It is so easy to beat yourself up when you are in a running slump.  You remember how fit you were and how good you felt when you were in a solid routine, but you just can't find the motivation to get back there.  So instead of running being an escape from real world worries, or a stress reliever, it becomes a source of stress and guilt.  

I did that for years. I have finally learned to absolve myself from the guilt I used to feel when I was "slacking" and give myself a little grace. Life can beat you up from time to time, and when it does, I think it is good to have your view of running in a healthy place.  

The last half of 2022 was crazy for me work-wise.  We were short staffed and many of the tasks that should have been done were behind schedule, causing me to have to work double time to get everything up to speed and finish up the year.  I decided to give myself some room to breathe and backed off on my running a bit.  It was a huge relief once I did, but rather than feel guilty for not running, I found myself missing it.

Even though 2023 looks to be another challenging year at work, I am determined to have more balance in my life.  I am better when I am running regularly - my happy spot is around 40 miles/week - this is where I feel the best, but it is not wearing on my energy levels.

So, here I am working on building my consistency and recreating the running habits that I need.  I will probably end up running 5 days/week, which is a good amount for me. Most of my earlier ultras were done with 4 day/week trainings, but lots of two-a-days and high mileage runs mid week.  Spreading it over 5 days/week should help even out the load a bit.

If you are in a rut with your running and wondering if you even want to do it anymore ... don't despair. It is normal.  Take some time off from "training" and do some fun runs with friends.  Or don't.  It has to be something you WANT to do, or you have to set a goal you WANT to reach.  If you aren't doing it for yourself, you are doing it for the wrong reasons.

My two and a half cents. :-) 

Happy Running!  Edie

Smoothie recipe

 Here is a smoothie I try to make at least 4 days a week.  On the opposite days, I usually fast - I do have milk in my coffee, but I skip lunch and eat an early dinner while drinking a ton of water.  

I like this smoothie because it is loaded with protein, Omegas, etc. We make our own powdered greens from the garden, but I used to buy them - there are tons of good option out there, but they aren't cheap. I like doing it this way because it it a concentrated amount of good nutrients. 

I have fine tuned this over a few years, so it will be different for you.  Just an idea. 

Up next

 2022.  Enough said. Man this year has felt like a beating. I speak to enough people to know that I am not the only one feeling this way.  Like many others, we are short handed at work, so we are having to accomplish the same things with a smaller staff. Working for a local nonprofit means we always try to stretch our money as much as possible so we can be good stewards of our donor dollars, and this year it meant covering 19 parishes in South Louisiana with two staff people - myself and my amazing social worker, Ashley.  (For more info on the nonprofit I manage, click here:  www.MaddiesFootprints.org).

What this meant for me was cancelling my races in Kansas, Texas and Wisconsin (so I am probably not the person to complain to about lost race fees, lol).  I am the type of person who needs to have a scary race on the schedule to motivate me to get out the door.  If I ever give up racing, I don't know if I will continue to run.  It's just the truth.

So, without races to motivate me, my training has fallen off.  Now I find myself 2.5 months from a tough 50k and 7 months from a 100 miler with some work to do.

I "hired" a coach.  An old friend who is very accomplished and who knows me as a runner better than anyone.  We have shared many miles and more than anyone, he knows how to get under my skin to get me moving.    Training is officially underway and I honestly could not be happier about it.  I need balance in my life.  My work life is very demanding, so in my head, my training needs to be the same so I can have balance.  It makes sense to me.

So, if you are interested in following along, I will post updates along the way.  Warning - I am very honest and may share more info than you were looking for.  I will share insight into what it is like training for a 100 miler while in the early stages of menopause, I will talk about my faith, and I curse a lot.  I know - God and I have regular conversations about it - I think we have come to an understanding.

In the meantime, I will spend time rereading this post from when I achieved a big goal of mine for the first time - 100 miles in 1 day.  See, my next 100 miler - The Badger in Wisconsin (and Illinois) may very well be my last, so of course, I don't just want to finish - I've already done that.  I want to compete.  So I have work to do, and that makes me happy! 

https://edieruns.blogspot.com/2013/02/100-miles-in-1-day.html

Happy Running Y'all! 

Edie

Giving back to the sport that has given so much to me.

 Like the title of my blog says, "Why Am I Doing This"?  This ultra running thing.  I think about it more and more now that I have been running ultras for around 13 years or so.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the sport.  You will not find more genuine, encouraging and fun people anywhere than at an ultra distance event.  The people who line up at the start of a 100 miler are the most laid back type - simply because they need all of the energy they have and won't waste it on b.s.  

When I started hosting my own races, I hoped that it would encourage more women to participate in trail and ultra races.  While our shorter distances (20 miler and 50k) can be up to 50% or more female, the 100 mile distance still remains heavily male dominated (consistently 75% male).   I recently asked a question of my female running friends what the obstacles are to their doing ultra distances, and the answers were as expected:

"Well I have done 3 but my biggest hurdle to more is being afraid of the terrain. Roots, mud, hills, etc. I know it’s better for my body Vs running concrete but for some reason I think concrete is easier" 

 

"Time away from family for training" 

 

"It’s always been a TIME issue for me. I don’t know how to balance work, kids and long runs especially with a husband who works every other weekend. It cost me a fortune in babysitters to train for a marathon when I was a single mom."

 

 "Consistency in training… however, I’m determined to finally overcome that this year!"

 

 "1) joint pain 

2) historic inability to train consistently 

3) lack of support system "

Deciding to train for an ultra distance race is a big deal.  There is much thought and negotiation that goes into the decision - with yourself and with your family.  There will have to be sacrifices, and each individual has to decide for themselves if those sacrifices are worth it for them.  All of these reasons are legitimate and need to be taken seriously.  

BUT - what if someone could take away a couple of the most common reasons given - consistency and support system.  What if there was a group of women out there who are experienced ultra runners, in all phases of their lives, who are willing to give their time to guide and encourage you through the training?  What if they promised to be there to hold you accountable to your promises? 

This is why I have reached out to a few key people who I know will make good mentors to get their input into this endeavor.  Here is what it will look like ...

Because we are a small crew, and this is a completely volunteer deal, we will accept applications from female runners who need the boost to get them to the next level.  You do not have to be a "good" runner, or a "fast" runner to qualify.  ALL speeds, shapes and sizes are welcome and encouraged to reach out!  

This is a FREE mentorship program.  We are not coaching you - we will give you a few good training plans that we like, and you can choose which one to follow, or we can recommend a coach if you are interested.

We will provide weekly check ins with your assigned mentor, and monthly virtual meet ups with different female specific topics like -  "What do I do if I am scheduled to start my period the day of my 100 miler" (been there).  And you will have access to an experienced female ultra runner who can answer day to day questions like "Now that I am running longer, my sports bra is tearing up my skin - what do I do?" 

I am willing to give up to 5 free entries into Loup Garou Trial Run - any ultra distance - to participants in this program, but you have to show that you are serious and stick to your training program to get the free entry.  If you know of another race director who might like to participate, let me know.

I am also considering funding a couple of out of town race entries.  This is to be determined, and the direction I would like this program to grow.

So, with this mentorship program, the consistency and support system reasons are canceled. The rest is up to you.  This is ultra running, after all, and there is a degree of self sufficiency expected.  

If you are interested, or know someone who might be, send this to them.  

To answer my original question "Why Am I Doing This"?  Because I know first hand what crossing the finish line of an ultra distance means for a woman's confidence.  Because I know that the life changing experience is not in the actual finish line, but in the woman realizing that this means that many of the other excuses she has been using in her life to hold her back have now been canceled as well. Because I know that there is tremendous growth in pushing yourself through discomfort, and yes, even pain.  The good stuff is always on the other side of where you are afraid to go.

Email me at PaixRunning@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

Happy Running!  

Edie

A few of my running buddies that have helped to inspire me over the years:

Fawn and I have run through many of life's ups and downs.

Liz is one of the most competitive runners I know! 

 

Lydia trains for and runs ultra distances while caring for her amazing special needs boys! 

 

 

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