I went, I ran, I conquered...kind of

I never got around to that third post last Friday. Oops. Sorry about that. It was smoked cheese and I was out of here. I just actually finished the lunch I mentioned making. It is so good. This week I used a Sesame Ginger dressing. Yum time. 

I would also like to report that I ran my seven mile trail run and finished on Saturday morning. It felt great completing it, but I was under the impression (until four hours after the race) that I had finished after my time from last year, even with my "serious" training. I say "serious" because although I was running the distance, I was not running on trails, which makes a huge difference. I thought it would be a lot easier this year, but it was still hard. I can't stress how different trail running is vs. road running. It is not the same. 

I started strong and felt great on the uphills. I had remembered the first two miles being uphill from last year's race, but I was mistaken. The first three miles are uphill and there are more hills after that. For some reason I thought after the first few miles were done there were no more hills - as they say, tricked again. I must have been delirious and floating during the end of last year's race because I seriously thought the later portion was all flat and downhill - not even close. I will also say that downhill is not fun for me. I like up much better than down. I also like running with no one around me. This year, I was always around someone and although I thought I would like it better, nope. I like really pushing myself on uphills and taking it easy on the downhills, which makes it hard when you want to pass someone on an uphill, but you know there are more downhills coming and you know he/she will most likely pass you on them. I felt like I slowed myself a few times on the uphills when I wanted to push harder because of what was up ahead. I still managed to finish seven minutes before my time last year, but for how hard I trained I thought I would be a little quicker. I made it though, and although it hurts walking down stairs I am happy and healthy and ready to keep running. I actually like it. I don't think I will continue the super long distance runs, but I am going to keep running two to four miles at least three times a week. As for the race, this may have been my last year. It is challenging, which I love, but unless I can train two or more times on that exact course next year, I don't think I am going to do it. Thinking more seriously about a 10K road race. The options are endless though and my goal is to just keep moving, even when it gets cold out.     

a pleasant addition to my morning runs

I have been doing a stellar job keeping up with my running this year. I think it will continue even after my upcoming trail run has passed, because I am actually enjoying it (and I have two weddings in September that I want to be in shape for). I will not be running four to six miles on a regular basis, but two or three is definitely doable and I love my "official" training course loop. I feel great when I motivate and do it. It is crazy - I never thought I would be a fan of morning exercise, but it is happening. 

I run through three neighborhoods and at the entrance to one is a beautifully landscaped flower bed. It is full of flowers that are colorful, beautiful, and at this point of the summer are all in bloom. One of the plants is lavender. The entire front perimeter is lined with it and the flower bed faces the east, meaning the sun rises and bakes it in the morning. When I run by it smells absolutely amazing. I was worried that because of its calming properties it was going to make me sleepy and not want to finish, but it does just the opposite - it energizes me. Thank you to the homeowner(s) that planted it. It really is such a treat.   

almost time to run, run, run, run

It is official - I printed out the trail run application literally seconds ago and plan on sending it in this weekend. The run is in August and I need to get my ass in gear. It is seven miles and the first mile (aka what feels like forty seven miles) is straight up. I like having things like this on my horizon of plans because I can't really seem to get motivated otherwise. I have been (pretty) good at running two miles about three times a week, but I need to begin increasing my distance. I don't like pressure in my day-to-day or work life, but I need it for physical things like this. I am realizing right now today at this very moment that if I skip a week, I will not be in good shape for this race. I think this year I am also going to try to run one or two eight mile days before the race, in hopes it makes the seven feel "easier". I am also going to try and train more in the woods. As much as I want to beat my time from last year, I really just want to finish it and not be the last one out of the whole group. I should give myself a tougher goal, but I also look at this race as a way to get back into the forest of New England and enjoy the things I love most about the woods.

come on ride the train and ride it

Today is a big day. It is the first time (literally ever) I woke my ass up and exercised before work. I couldn't have asked for better weather. It was glorious. I ran two miles and this will officially begin my training for a seven mile trail run in August. I learned the hard way last year that I need to train on both sidewalks, as well as actual trails. Running on a trail is very different from the monotonous way one runs on pavement. Hopping over roots and puddles and rocks adds an element to running that is very different from quickly propelling yourself forward on flat ground. So...this is my declaration that I am officially on the health train. I will make a few exceptions on weekends and during the week I will indulge on (mostly) gluten free items. Here's to health!  

if you say it, you will do it...hopefully

A trail to run on.

I am a firm believer in saying things out loud. It helps flush out good ideas and makes ridiculous notions obvious. It also makes me feel more invested in an idea, which is why I am writing about exercise, aka saying out loud via this post. My body is hurting from pruning a few branches in the yard this past weekend for an hour. Yes, I understand yard work is hard work, but I literally spent one hour pruning and need to spend about eight hours pruning and weeding next weekend. How will I survive? It is also close to beach time and I need to get serious. We also have six weddings this year and no one likes arm flab in a fancy dress. Thankfully, I did not put on my usual winter weight this year. However, I have been consuming an immense about of unhealthy food over the weekends that is making me feel gross - and drinking. I also have not done an ounce of exercise since January. Nasty. This is my announcement that I am going to sign up for a trail run. I did the run last year and would love to beat my score. I need some kind of goal to look forward to, or I will never get out there. Now, because I am writing this I will make sure I train because I will feel bad about myself if I don't. It is like playing a mind game with myself, even though I know exactly what I am doing. Hopefully, I fall for it.  

I ran like an antelope, out of control

Well, I did it. I signed up for a race and ran it. It wasn't a half marathon - it was a 7-mile trail run through the People’s Forest in northwestern Connecticut, but I am still proud of myself for doing it. I trained for two months and worked my way up to the final distance. Truth be told, I took two weeks off in the middle of the summer because of busy schedules and after work plans, but I still feel like I did okay. The furthest I ran before the race was six miles, and I trained on roads and sidewalks with a few large hills. When you sign up for the race, they tell you the first and last 400 meters are easiest, but I feel they should have been clearer about the first two miles being completely uphill. So many people say long distance running is mental, and although your body has to be somewhat in shape, I am beginning to believe that statement more and more. My last five miles were glorious. I had my iPod on, I had no one around me, and I ran my heart out. My first two miles however, were not as shining and splendid. I got my ass handed to me on those hills. Although I had no problem running up hills on roads, I did have some trouble running up hills on trails. The synchronized, even-paced steps one can take on pavement are very different from the willy-nilly steps one must take when there are roots, branches, and rocks. Lesson learned. Trail runs require training on trails – imagine that! I hope to make this trail run an annual occurrence with my dear friend that motivated me and inspired me to run again. It is a really beautiful run and I couldn't imagine doing it without her. I am also excited to sign up for a road race. I hope I can find one that fits into my schedule before winter.