The 29(er)

RUN: 5:04 and 23 miles at the Chubb trail

EK's bday run! She was doing 29 miles, but I only needed 22. So I figured I'd shoot for at least that, and in the end when yesterday and today are combined I get my 29(er).

The forecast was freezing rain all morning, then warming up but still a very high possibility of rain. The poor forecast scared off a few smarter people who ran in yesterday's 50+ weather. I chose the rain because I didn't want to run in it! No PanZ's! That and it seemed a good way to start off this full moon cycle--listening to the Whisper of Rain on a trail run.

After a cold slick drive over (and after missing the exit and running late), we started out. I was quickly dropped by the main group, quickly as in the first 0.25 mile. IT and I ended up running together the first 11 miles. It was still raining, but the ground was thawing and the risk up slipping on ice diminished with each passing mile. The rain wasn't so much a problem as was the fact that I was overdressed. At the bluff climb I stopped to shed two shirts. Way overdressed. I was pushing the pace in the first 5 miles and suffered a bit for it. I kept telling myself to run my own pace, but I didn't want anyone to have to wait for me or wonder so I kept the push. My feet were getting beat up on the frozen horse tracks and started to hurt a bit on the bottoms. They were uncomfy anyway once I put the not-worn-since-washed-after-the-SHITR--the shoes were stiff and felt cramped. I worried for my toes, not I'm worrying about the rest of my feet too.

These 11 miles were the only ones I had company for. After IT left, it was lonely! I didn't eat much in the first loop, which took a little over 2hrs, maybe 2.5? I forget. At the turn-around/parking lot I ate the plantain chips and put another layer back on in anticipation of moving slower in this lap. In doing so, my hands got cold and wet! Painfully cold and wet! So much in fact that I doubted I had another 2-3 hours left in me. PanZ.

But I took on in the 2nd lap, not wanting to wait for the main group as I knew they'd run faster than me anyway and I didn't want to get colder by waiting. I found them about 1.5 miles in the run, they came by as I was eating half a Lara and looking for my dropped glove. I also had to pee! I was going to duck back off the trail for a quick biobreak but something about wearing bright clothing and knowing others were on the trail made me hesitate. I'll confess I'm still a PanZ when it comes to pee'ing outdoors...and I've had to pee since arriving at the parking lot to meet up with the group! I really need to get over this. Would it make a good 2013 goal?

After seeing them on their inbound I kept going, getting tired bust still feeling good. The ground ice had melted and turned the trail to MUD. Mud + Horsepoop, to be precise. It slowed me down to negotiate the short, steep hills in the mud along the river and I welcomed the chance to walk. I should have been walking earlier. My hydration was great, my nutrition just barely enough, so I just kept plugging along with the goal of hitting the restroom at the west end then turning around. Oh what a silly relief to finally get to the bathroom!

The way back seemed mentally challenging, even though I had the energy for it my mind was not so enthused. That's the low carbs speaking up--all I ate the entire 5hrs I was out there was the plantain chips, 1 c of toasted coconut flakes, and a lara bar. I had with me a Powerbar as a backup, a last ditch carb bar to get me home. It was so tempting to reach for it, but I never really wanted it. Burn Moar Fat, I told myself! Slow down, and use fat as a fuel, see what happens. In the end I didn't get grumbly-hungry until the last 20 mins. I used my mental focus as a gauge of nutrition, and while I suffered a little loss of focus I was OK. I do think I could "detect" the Lara bar carbs, I ate that in 2 sections and seemed to enjoy a boost from it.

I didn't fall or get injured, but I did have a few good Whoopsies over rocks and roots. Also a few funny not-so-controlled descents down muddy hills. All in all a good day, and I learned a few long run things for the upcoming ultras:
1. I might need new shoes. My Cascadias have been great but today they felt stiff, unyielding, and painful on my feet. The traction sucked on mud. I might want more toe room, and I might want softer shoes. But that's a tricky balance--will softer trail shoes allow my feet to flex over rocks and roots but still be able to protect my feet? Does the stiffer shoe help prevent roll-over injuries? If I were to wear them around the house after washing them, would it loosen them up before the next run?
2. The low carb thing is working, keep tweaking it. The coconut flakes were a nice salty treat but were hard to eat. I kept thinking about mixing them in with dates, but that's going back to the carb addiction.
3. I only ran 23 miles, it took 5hrs!! That's not even halfway! Granted it was Chubb miles which are famously tough, but I have a LONG way to go before I'm ready for 50 miles. I know, I know, I'm still ramping up and I'm not running the 50M tomorrow. But wow this was a lesson learned. I have a long way to go.