It's been far too long, my friends...

Wow!  It is going on 2 years since my last blog post.  As I sit here, I am listening to "Never Gonna Give You Up" play on the radio.  Seriously.  Hang on, gotta fix that.  That's better.

Well, almost two years ago, I was preparing for my fourth 100 miler at Thunder Rock as part of the Forge Racing Team in 2014.  That race didn't end well for me, and had me dropping at 60 miles with a really funky stomach and shaking uncontrollably because of the low temps.  Good times folks, good times.

Since then I went on to complete my 4th 100 miler at Rocky Raccoon in 2015, my second sub 24 hour finish, earning my 500 mile jacket on that course (I had previously completed two 50 milers out there).  My racing since Rocky 2015 has been minimal.  It has been hard to find motivation, and I found myself in a "what's next" kind of place.

What's next is a change of direction for me. I will continue racing, I LOVE ultra distance trail races, that is my home.  Over the years, I have been a part of many great races and some not so great ones.  I have also seen a not so subtle change in trail racing.  Yes, the old crusty trail runners are still out there doing their thing, and we are blessed to welcome some new yet to become crusty trail runners to the mix.  It is so great to see a sport that I love and that has given me so much grow and reach more people.   When people enter into the trail running world, they are exposed to a depth of character in their fellow participants that is hard to find anywhere else.

Trail running is a welcoming sport, but it is not for everyone.  If you are demanding or unreasonable about your expectations of a race, you might be disappointed.  If you come into the sport for the right reasons - love of nature, camaraderie with fellow athletes, setting and reaching new goals - then welcome, we are happy to have you!

I want more people to experience and embrace trail and ultra running.  It is one of the most primal, basic experiences out there.  There are no pro tools here, folks.  It doesn't matter how much money you spent on your shoes, because if your legs haven't done the work, you will have a big plate of humility handed to you on the course.

Shout out to Don Schoolmaster for the logo design.

So, I have started my own trail running company, Paix Running (www.paixrunning.com).  (Paix means peace in French)  My first ultra distance race will be the Red Dirt Ultra on February 4 - 5, 2017, in Kisatchie National Forest.  I will have distances available of 50k, 100k, and 100 miles.  I have a core planning team in place and we are already meeting to be sure that every aspect of the race is covered.  We plan on giving you a top notch race experience - old school.  If you want your name announced through loud speakers when you cross the finish line, or blaring music and adoring crowds....

BUT - if you want a race where all of your NEEDS are met, the course is well marked, there are plenty of well stocked aid stations and plenty of experienced ultra runners along the course to encourage you and keep you moving... well this is the race for you!  There will be cool race shirts, medals for the 50k & 100k'ers, buckles for the 100 milers (special buckles for the sub 24's), and an official Red Dirt beer made by Bayou Teche Brewery.  Seriously excited, guys.  You guys will get the kind of race experience I always enjoy and look for in races.

So, here is the beginning of my journey as a Race Director.  And nothing has ever felt quite as right as this.

Paix, y'all.

Edie

Well, I find myself with 2 1/2 days until my 4th 100 miler and the usual sense of peace and anticipation has set in.  Don't get me wrong - I am still filled with jitters and self doubt when I get tangled up in the details of the race, but an overall sense of divine purpose and inevitability has arrived.

Authors note:  For those of you offended by any expression of Faith, 

you might want to stop reading now.

  Should you choose to continue reading and proceed to get your 

panties in a knot, it's not my problem.

Quick background for those of you who aren't familiar with the race I am speaking of...  Friday at noon, I will be starting the Thunder Rock 100 miler in the Cherokee National Forest outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee.  It is a point to point 100 miler, meaning there are no loops and we won't be seeing the same section of the trail twice.  There is 17,000 feet of elevation gain over the 100 miles, and a river crossing at mile 81 just to keep it interesting.

Since this race was first presented to me by Jeff Beck, RD of the Forge Race Series, I have felt drawn to it.  Nevermind that when I first agreed to do it I had no idea the challenge I was in for (still don't - guess I will find out soon enough).  I was honored to be asked to be a part of the Forge Race Team alongside Ed Melancon and AD Marshall - two incredible ultra runners, and since I rarely pass up an opportunity that I am given, I jumped on board.

Once I began to understand what would be required of me just to finish this race under the cutoff time of 30 hours, I knew I would need a badass pacer.  Enter Lane Gremillion.  He is one of the toughest dudes I know, and has agreed to pace me for the last 51 miles of the race.  So with that in place, and the training behind me, I am gathering my race gear and essentials and preparing to hit the road early Thursday.  Randy has graciously agreed to drive us there and crew for us during the race - Thank Goodness!!  I am very happy that he will be there to pick up the pieces when we are done.

I have spent the last couple of days wrapping my brain around what I am about to experience.  Here is what I know:

• I have no idea what to expect from this course as I have never done anything like this before.
• I know that this entire race will be prayer/meditation time, offering up my suffering for others along the way.
• I know that God brought me to this place in my life, and there is a lesson to be learned (probably many lessons)
• I know that barring missing a cutoff or being pulled from the course for medical reasons, I will finish the task put before me.
• I know that I have countless people back home cheering for me and sending me their prayers and positive energy to make it through the tough spots.

What more could a girl ask for ?  :)  

Whatever deep insights are gained along the course, I hope I can remember them for my race report.  That will probably be a week or more after the race.  A race report immediately following would be comprised of one word.  "Ouch"

See you guys in 100 miles or so.  I know, I know - you don't even like to drive that far.  :)

Happy Running Y'all

Edie

Something scary...

How do these things happen?  After my 100 miler at Rocky last year, I decided that since I had met my goal (sub 24), I would take a break from 100's, and only run races that I could finish without running through the night in 2014.  Well, that was before I got the message from Jeff Beck, RD Extraordinaire, asking me to be a part of the Forge Racing Team for the first year of the ThunderRock 100 in Tennessee.  You see, one thing you have to understand about me for any of this to make sense is that I NEVER pass up an opportunity to do something cool, and I am not afraid of failure which makes it easier to jump on board when something asinine like this is proposed. Don't get me wrong - I am not a fan of failure.  I actually dislike it very much and work really hard to decrease that possibility, but I am not afraid of it.  I would much rather look back on my life and say, "Well, I tried" rather than "I wonder what would have happened if...".

So, when I got the message from Jeff about TR late last year, it didn't take long for me to say yes.  Did I completely understand the task laid before me?  No.  Did it matter?  No.  What I did know is that I would be part of a team with two outstanding ultra runners, AD Marshall and Ed Melancon, and I was honored to be considered.  I have said it for years - the decision to do the thing is often harder than the actual doing of the thing. Once I make up my mind, the task is complete.  The rest is just details.

Then, last month, the race director (RD) of TR put up the elevation profile:

Yeah,  I'm not going to lie.  This made me laugh out loud for an entire day.  See, THIS is what happens when you jump at an opportunity.  You get presented with a beautiful challenge that you may not have accepted had you known all of the details.  I love my life, folks, and I do not believe in accidents.

So, with Rocky Raccoon 50 miler behind me (race report to come), I am officially in training mode for this bad boy.  I have an A-List pacer, Lane Gremillion, who has agreed to get me to the finish line, and I am very excited to meet this challenge head on.  How bad can it be?  I just have to get through the low spot that is named after Copperhead snakes because there are bunches of them there and get across the river at mile 81 that is "chest to neck deep", then it will be an easy 4 mile vertical climb then a gradual descent to the finish line.  Yep. Still makes me laugh.  Stupid makes for GREAT stories.

Happy Running Y'all!

Edie

What NOT to do in your first trail race

I have been thinking about trail running A LOT lately.  Especially with the weather changing, it is always on my mind to some degree.  So, naturally, this has led me to reminisce about the trail races I have been lucky enough to participate in.  I have an overwhelming amount of great memories, but I also have learned from a few of my less considerate competitors what NOT to do during a trail race.

For the most part, trail runners are a pretty laid back sort.  We go out into the woods and run very long distances as a form of meditation and escape, so it is usually pretty hard to ruffle our feathers, but here are a few things that will.  And keep in mind, especially at ultra distance events - these people run 50 and 100 miles for fun.  While they are the nicest, most supportive people you will ever meet, they are also not the type of people that I want to anger.  Just my opinion there.

First, the most obvious, LITTER. Seasoned trail runners (i.e.  the crusty ones) were attracted to trail running because of their love of running, yes, but in a big part it is because of their love of nature.  We run through the woods to get away from smog, traffic, noise and litter.  Remember the simple Boy Scout mantra of "Leave No Trace".  What you pack in, pack out.  This counts for those little tear away Gu tabs too.  The last couple of years, I have noticed an increased amount of trash on the trails during races, especially those with shorter distance options.  I love that road runners are being lured onto the trails - much peace can be found there.  I don't love when trail newbies think they are in a road marathon and just throw their trash wherever they want, assuming that there is a crew anxiously waiting to clean up after them.  Very uncool, and a sure way to get one of the crusty types to give you an ear full.  Carry your trash to the next aid station and dispose of it there or bring your mom along to clean up after you.

Second - and one that will get you shoved off the trail (yes I have done this - don't judge yet - full story ahead) - YIELD to faster runners.  If you hear someone coming up behind you and it sounds like they have somewhere important to be (like the finish line), hop off of the trail, wish them well as they pass, then continue on your way.  When a race has long single track sections, getting stuck behind a slower runner who is weaving all over the trail can be maddening.  Which leads to the third thing to avoid during trail races, and the story I promised...

If you want to listen to music during the race, that's cool, just keep it low enough so you can hear someone coming up behind you. Here's the story:  At the Wild Hare 50 miler last year, I was pushing for a PR (personal record).  There is a 10k option at that race which attracts many first time trail racers. This is usually  awesome because they are happy to be out there, and it is great to encourage them when you cross them on the trail.  BUT last year, as I was running through a single track section of the trail  (narrow section where there is only room for one runner wide), I  came upon a slower runner ahead. As I approached her she didn't budge, so  I called out, "Passing on your left", still no response.  When I got close I saw she had earbuds in, so I said a little more loudly, "Excuse me" - which I know she didn't hear because by this point I could hear her music as well as she could.  So yes, this is when I dropped a shoulder and plowed through on her left side.  She was startled and pulled out an ear bud, so I suggested (nicely) that she turn her music down.  Believe me, I have hopped off of the trail many times for faster runners, and they are always thankful.  Just be considerate.  Besides, when you are running in the woods, I have never understood the reasoning behind basically cancelling out one of your senses.  Hearing something growling, hissing, or approaching at a fast rate is desirable in that situation, it seems.

Fourth - be careful how closely you follow behind another runner.  It often helps me when I am tired during a race to mentally hook onto another runner and have them "pull" me.  This is a great tool, and you might be able to switch positions with the other runner and take the lead for a while to shift roles.  BUT - don't latch onto someone's shoulder and run so close behind that they can smell your breath.  And be aware of the signals they are sending out as to whether they desire your company or not.  Yep, you guessed it, I have another story.  This one is about a chatty little fellow named Bob.  Bob hooked onto me in my second 50 miler (Wild Hare in 2010).  He had evidently read a whole lot about ultra running, and was happy to impart that knowledge onto me - for about 14 miles.  Of constant talking. From him.  Now, I am generally a solitary runner for these races.  Unless the plan all along is to run with someone, I usually like to go it alone.  I like me, and the time alone is my meditation time, so I tried different tactics to politely separate myself from Bob's company.  I stopped to tie my shoe (he waited) and I lingered at the aid station (you guessed it).  Finally, I had to tell Bob, as politely as possible, that I wanted to run alone.  I believe I said something like, "I have really enjoyed your company, but I would like to run alone for a while."  He was offended, but I was late into my second 50 miler and feeling like poo, so I really didn't care.  He would have been much more offended if I had said what I was actually thinking.  Those of you doing Wild Hare may get to see Bob.  He usually runs in very short Texas flag shorts.  Can't make this up, folks.

Lastly, NOISE.  When people run trails, they generally do so for the solace of nature.  When I run a race, all I want to hear is the sound of my breathing, the crunch of leaves and twigs under my feet, and the occasional spurt of conversation.  Last season, I noticed a new phenomenon.  If you need to have an electronic voice tell you how far you have gone (never accurate out there anyway), and how fast you are going, PUT EAR BUDS IN.  I was pretty evenly paced with a guy at Cactus Rose who had his app on his phone telling him his half mile splits out loud (FOR A 50 MILER).  Luckily, road OCD does not translate into trail success, so I was able to pass him before too long, but I would love for new trail runners to be able to leave that OCD BS at home.  When I race, I wear a $40 timex.  I don't even start the timer, just look at the clock and do the math.  If your gadgets are your security blanket, that is fine, but don't make others listen to it too.  Trails are so varied, and conditions can change so quickly that knowing my splits would probably stress me out more than anything else.  So, one more story about what NOT to do in trail races:

WEARING BELLS ON YOUR SHOES.  Yes, this falls under the noise heading, but it is a funny story so I thought it deserved its own mention.  Last year at Cactus Rose 50, there was a chick with bells on her shoes.  Dead serious.  At first, she was a little ahead of me on the trail, and the trail twisted and turned a bit so I couldn't see her, I could just hear this ching,ching, ching sound.  It was like running to catch up with Santa or something.  I couldn't figure out what the heck was making that noise - until I caught up with her.  We were at about the same pace at this point, so all I kept hearing for a couple of miles was ching, ching ching.... Finally, when we were climbing a steep hill (or small mountain - the Hill Country is a beast), the ching, ching, ching was turning more into a CHING, CHING, CHING and I could no longer hold my tongue.  I did restrain myself though and politely asked her what the purpose of the bells were.  She said something about, "Oh, I think they are funny, but most of my running buddies find them annoying" and she laughed.  I believe at this point I developed a twitch under my right eye that I get when I am contemplating what a few years in jail would feel like.  So I said that maybe that is because people come out to the trails to enjoy the sounds of nature, not to feel like they are pulling a freaking sleigh.  To which she said something about liking the way they sound, and I believe I said something about wanting to shove her off of a cliff, or something to that effect.  Anyway I soon passed her and it was no longer an issue for that race.

Then, a few weeks later I was doing the Wild Hare 50, and what do I hear????  Yep, you guessed it. Same chick, and evidently she has a death wish.  The only good thing is that the bells must weigh her down, because I soon put enough distance between us for it not to bother me.  But, as I came in from one of the laps, she was near me, and I yelled to Christina, who knew the story from CR "That's the b*&ch with the bells on her shoes".  Still makes me laugh. DON'T BE THAT CHICK!  :)

Okay - remembering all of these stories makes me laugh.  Even the "bad" memories from my races are awesome!  I love that you just never know what the heck is going to happen out there.  You will find inspiration from the most surprising sources.  Remember - generally, the aid station crews are seasoned ultra runners who want nothing more on that day than to help you succeed in your journey.  If you have any questions - ASK THEM.  They have saved my hiney more times than I would like to admit, through nutrition advice, a back rub during my first 100 when the muscles in my back were seizing up, slicing and duct taping blisters on my feet during my first 50 to make it possible for me to finish, to telling really bad jokes to make me laugh when I am delirious after running 20+ hours.  These people are a treasure - take advantage of their knowledge.  Just don't complain.  That they don't like.

And welcome to the darkside.  Trail running is prayer time.  Be thankful for any little ache or pain you feel out there - I am sure there are many who would jump at the chance to experience that feeling.

Happy Running Y'all.

Edie

From 100 pounds overweight to training for an ultramarathon...our very own Charles Thompson's journey

Sometimes you may be running alongside greatness and not even know it.  I know many in our group will feel that way after reading Charles Thompson's story.  We already knew he was a tough guy with a big heart, but now we get to understand just how tough he really is.  Check out Charles' story below.  WARNING:  Your excuses will seem pretty weak after this.

The display read 35 pounds. I had just put my bags on the scale at the heliport to go offshore again. As the woman behind the counter registered this, I filled out the sign-in log verifying that I had the certifications necessary to go out. Next was the part that I had come to loathe. It was my turn to step on the scale. Over the past months I had lost about five pounds, but had since lost my resolve. I stepped on the scale, making sure that the disappointment didn't register on my face. Still, I could not turn my gaze away from the scale's readout. 267 pounds. Five feet eleven inches tall and 267 pounds. "If I don't do something about this, my health will start to be affected," I thought.

 Up until that point, I really did not have any severely negative consequences due to my being overweight (obese if I am honest about what the height/weight charts read). My past trips to the doctor told me I needed to lose weight (I paid this man to tell me this?) and that I should keep an eye on my blood pressure as it was a little on the high side. The fact that I had not been to the doctor in about four years crossed my mind. "I've been fine; I AM fine," I had been telling myself. Never mind what I saw in the mirror. Never mind what I saw in the pictures of myself (I sure hoped the camera added about thirty pounds). "I'm overweight, but still healthy."

 Then my penny pinching side kicked in. My employer has a program designed to encourage you to live healthier. Each year you fill out a questionnaire about your eating habits and how much exercise you get. Tack in what your last blood pressure readings and what your cholesterol was at your last check and you can get a discount of $180 off the annual premium for your health insurance. Well, I had everything filled out except the last cholesterol readings. This was sufficient to get the discount, but my curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to fill EVERYTHING in (a little peek into my personality here). This prompted a decision, I now had to go back to the doctor. It won't be that bad, right? Appointment made, they wanted me to go into the office the week before to get my blood drawn. This way, I was told, the doctor can review my results with me right in the room in case I had any questions.

 I was ready for anything the doctor had to tell me. It was going to be just like all of my other appointments. "Charles," he was going to say, "you need to lose some weight and your chart shows that you have a history of high blood pressure in your family so you are going to need to keep a close eye on that." Just like that I would have my numbers that I can fill in on the next questionnaire; problem solved! 

Charles and his wife, Daisy.

Everything went fine with the physical examination until we started going over my blood work. My total cholesterol was fine at 158 but my HDL numbers were quite low (a good goal for men is above 40 and I was sitting at 29). My "slightly elevated" blood pressure had escalated to pre-hypertensive, and my liver numbers were "really strange" so he wanted to send me back to the lab after my appointment to have more blood drawn to test for hepatitis (What?!?). "When I see you this time next year, I will have to put you on blood pressure medication and probably something to help you raise your HDL levels, if you don't do something about it on your own." I had finally done it. I let myself get unhealthy because of my eating habits and my weight. "What can I do, besides the obvious 'lose weight'?" He told me that the only effective way he has seen to raise HDL levels without medicine is strenuous exercise. Not just exercise, HARD exercise. I needed to get my blood moving hard and fast. In addition to raising my HDL levels, this would have positive benefits like improving my liver numbers and losing weight. "Great! One recommendation would fix all of my problems! It's too bad that it involves exercise."

 I did not enjoy the prospect of being on a pill for the rest of my life. Choose diet and exercise? This was quite the eye opener. Pills or healthy living? I chose to get healthy. First I started with the diet since I could not afford a membership to the gym. Being the technology geek that I am, I started searching out a way for me to track the calories that I consumed. Of course - "there's an app for that!" Setting up the app and telling it how much weight I wanted to lose per week (I opted to go the max of 2 lbs), I started my adventure; not an easy feat since I worked offshore and had access to the Galley there. The food isn't always good, but there is ALWAYS a ton of it (or tonne as my current assignment was on a Danish flagged vessel)! The first week was not bad - not good, but not bad. I lost more than my two pounds and was feeling pretty good. Then weeks two and three reared their heads and I realized that I was HUNGRY! I continued to follow the calorie restrictions that I set for myself and after the first month I had lost 12 pounds!

 That is where my life took a turn. I lost my initial 12 pounds…and that was it for almost a month. In the back of my mind, I hear my doctor's advice again - exercise, hard exercise. "Alright…I can do this," I told myself. I had no access to any weight equipment, which was my first choice. My second choice was a bicycle, which I did not have - strike two. I had a pair of shoes in my closet - running shoes. These shoes had an "interesting" history since I purchased them using winnings from a game…the McDonald's "Monopoly" game! Odd that I would get a pair of running shoes thanks to a Big Mac and a large fry and that they would change my life.

 I crammed my feet in my shoes and tied them too tight - a runner I was not. I was going to give it a herculean effort however. I hopped in my car and drove around the neighborhood to determine the distance around (Is my geek showing again?) and came up with 1/2 mile. "Alright, I'm ready for this!" I started with a brisk walk to warm up - down to the first corner of the 1/2 mile loop. "Here we go…" I began running…and breathing…sucking air…gasping. I had made it down the stretch to the next corner and achieved victory! I walked for a minute, turned the next corner and took off running again. I didn't make it down the next leg when I felt "nature's call". I gingerly made my way back to the house, answered and then decided to take a shower. Warning: weak stomach alert! At this point I turned on the water to the shower and promptly threw-up! Overdid that one there Chuckie! Next time, take a longer victory lap and cool down better!

 I continued this routine, running from corner to mailbox; corner to corner…corner to the house. I built my way up to a mile steady running over the next month or so and was feeling pretty good about that! My exhilaration also extended to the bathroom scale - I was losing weight again! I steadily trotted along, pushing myself further and further towards my goal of weight-loss. I had set myself mini-goals of 10 pounds to lose. I also allowed myself one "Bust!" day per week (can you say Seafood Friday). Using this regimen of fewer calories, more exercise, mini-goals and bust-day, I began seeing great results. Five months into my journey I had lost 45 pounds. Month six was another good month and the scale showed 54 pounds total! I finished my first 5k and my first 10k - both under my goals of 30 minutes and 1 hour respectively.

 I lost 80 pounds in the nine months prior to my annual physical/visit to my GP. I was thrilled…and PROUD! What was the Doc going to say when he saw my success? I went in to have my blood-drawn the week prior to my appointment…excited! It was finally time to see the doctor. The nurse showed my back to the room and took my vitals. My blood pressure was great and my HR was lower than it had EVER been - a result of my conditioning and a mini-victory! Then we wait…and wait…and wait. The doctor entered and sat down next to me. He reviewed my chart, looking over my blood-work and began asking me questions about how I felt. "Great since I followed your advice and lost all that weight." He re-consulted the chart and was shocked at the year-on-year comparison of my weight. "Wow! I always make that recommendation hoping that one-day someone will follow it. You lost a lot of weight!" He asked me how and I told him that I started running and pushing away from the table. "Do you have any races or anything that you are training for?" I mentioned that I was training for my first Half Marathon and that I was tremendously nervous about it being such a far distance! "With the weight you lost I know that you have the drive to make it at least that far." Boy did that make me feel good. It was time to review my results from the lab. Blood Pressure - NORMAL. Liver numbers - NORMAL. HDL level - 43! Total cholesterol was in the 130s! JUBILATION!!  

Charles at Chicot during a trail run.

All of my hard work had paid off. I was healthy and I felt great. I no longer felt that deep disappointment when I saw a picture of myself. I was committed now and had actually begun to like running - something that I NEVER thought would happen. I started it as a means to reach my end goal. I noticed though that I was less stressed and even looked forward to the next run. I finished my Half Marathon and signed up for its big brother the very next week - the Marathon! That is how I came to be where I am today - a multiple marathon finisher who has an Ultra-Marathon on the horizon. A man who successfully lost 100 pounds through discipline, effort, grit and sheer determination. This is my story (minus a few details for posterity of course LOL). 

Charlie (left) with Randy Carlson after a trail run.

Happy Running, Y'all!

Edie

The Next Thing

What do you do when you reach a goal you have been working towards for three years?  How do you find motivation and excitement again for the sport that has become such a huge part of you?  When your life has had a complete makeover and you have to redefine yourself, where do you start?  These are the questions that I have been going round and round with over the last few months, until it hit me.  I will run an ultra in  a place I  have always dreamed of visiting but never thought I would see in my lifetime - Ireland.

Ever since I was a kid, I can remember seeing pictures of the Irish countryside and being mesmerized by the beautiful colors - deep, rich greens bordering blue water.  Throw in a few castles and ruins, and I was hooked.  There has always been a romantic connection with Ireland in my mind.  Yes, there are tons of other countries I would like to visit: Italy for the architecture and art, England for the history, Spain for the culture and beauty of the land..... you get the point.  But, while these places pique my interest, Ireland is the one place that I feel strongly drawn to.

So, when the advertisement for Lost Worlds Racing came across my news feed with this picture -

well, the decision was made before I realized it.  I am racing in Ireland in May of 2014.  Anyone who knows me knows that once a decision is made, it is pretty final.  The rest is just working out the details.  I have always been that way.  The hardest part about doing a 100 miler is deciding to do it.  In my mind, once the decision is made, the race is already complete - then I just have to make it happen.  So that is where I am now - making it happen.  

Luckily, one of my Team in Training friends, Suzanne Brevelle with Avenues To Travel, is a fabulous travel agent and she is handling the details for me.  I am in the process of getting my passport (yet another first for me), and I will be registering for the race in the next few days.  I just have to decide whether I am doing the 50k or 100k.  While I would love to see 62 miles of Irish countryside on foot, I would also like to be mobile for the remainder of the trip.  These are the kinds of decisions I like making!

Click HERE to see why I am so excited about this!!

What am I looking forward to the most?  Sitting around a table at the host hotel with other runners from different countries after the race telling stories and listening to theirs.  Some things create an immediate bond, and running is one of them.  Even though we may have nothing else in common, I have no doubt we will have plenty to talk about!

Happy running y'all!

Edie

I see speedwork in my future...

After finishing the 100 at Rocky last February, it took a while for me to figure out what I wanted to do next, as far as racing goes.  I found myself with 12 ultramarathons under my belt, which ended at Rocky with me reaching my goal of 100 miles in one day, with a finish of 23:27.  I had my sights set on that goal since my first 100 miler in 2011, and finally reaching it was an amazing feeling.  Once I was physically and mentally rested from training and racing, it was time to start thinking about what was next.  I knew without a doubt that I would continue to run ultras.  I LOVE these races.  I love the journey of race day.  You never know what the day will throw at you, or how you will handle it.  The only thing I know for sure when I start one of these races, is that I will cross the finish line one way or another, barring severe injury or illness.  What will happen between the start and the finish is anybody's guess.

A conclusion I came to early on in this thought process was that I was going to take the year off from 100 milers.  I had put a huge amount of stress on my body over the previous three years of training, and I felt like backing down on the distances run might be a nice break.  I really enjoy the 50 mile distance, and I am curious how fast I can get at it.  I had a solid PR at the Wild Hare 50 miler in November, 2012, with a 10:15 finish.  The more I looked back on it, the more I want to try to beat that time.  So, as someone who HATES speedwork, and does everything in her power to avoid it, I guess its time to embrace the inevitable.  I want to get faster at every distance this season, from half marathon to 50 miler, so intervals, tempo runs, and ladder workouts are on my calendar.

I am also doing something else I said I never wanted to do again.  I am running a full road marathon for time.  Over the last two years, I have gone to Baton Rouge for the Louisiana Marathon to support friends who were running it.  I have always been impressed by the course (especially the part that goes through campus - proud Tiger here!), as well as the organization of the race.  So, I am going to see how fast I can run a full marathon.

Luckily, at each of my races this year, I will have plenty of friends out there, also competing.  That makes it so much more fun!  Here is my schedule so far:

July 27th - Big Butts 50k (31 miles) -

Lane Gremillion trying to cool off after last years race.

 I get to run this one with my buddy, Josh Louviere.  It will be his first ultra, so we are running it together.  He is turning 31 on July 14th, so running 31 miles a couple of weeks later seems to make sense. (??)  My time here last year was 6:53, so if we can beat that, great, but with the temperature hot like I am expecting, just finishing in good health is a win.

October 20th - Gulf Coast Half Marathon -

 I did this one last year and loved the course.  It was pretty warm, so hopefully we luck out with a cool front this time. My time there last year was 1:56, so I just want to beat that without throwing up this time. :)

November 16th - The Wild Hare 50 miler -

This will be my 4th time doing this race and this is also the spot of my 50 miler p.r. last year (10:15).  I love this course - all within a working cattle ranch, and run on mountain bike trails which means lots of sharp drops and tight turns.  Fun, Fun!! AND I get to be here for Julie and Randy Carlson's first 50 miler!!

January 18th - The Louisiana Marathon -

Believe it or not, I am probably most nervous about this one.  It should be an interesting experience, though.  I get to see how long I can hold on until the wheels fall off. My loose goal for this race is to get under 4:10.  My pr at the marathon distance is 4:11 in a training run, and 4:22 at an official race.  Who the heck knows what the day will bring?

February 8th - Rocky Raccoon 50 miler -

 For the last 3 years, I have done the 100 miler on this course.  This was the sight of my very first ultra - the 50 miler in 2010.  Since then, I have taken over an hour and a half off of my 50 miler time.  It will be fun running with Liz Wooster and Emma Valentine as I do my best to break under the 10 hour mark.

So far, this is it.  I never close the door to other opportunities though.  I love suffering with friends, so if I get invited to join in on some other stupidity, I probably will.  Speedwork in the summer in Louisiana.  Jeez...