RUN 6.54 miles in 1:52, 9:19 m/m, ave 143 bpm, ave cad 172 spm
COMMUTE 9.2 miles
Caught the full moon setting in the southwest sky as I drove to Fo Pa. I didn't expect to see it, but so pretty hanging there.
WHOOP! I wasn't really planning on running the whole loop, the plan was to run/walk it. But not cut it short, I did want the full 6 miles. I even said in the parking lot before we started that "if I drop off the back, just keep going, or I fight to keep up".
IT, BE, and MS today. Not sure about EW and LA has final exams I think. Perfect perfect perfect run weather -- high 60's, sun, clear, dry -- oh anything is about perfect for me. We started out easy and yes my hip/groin hurt but didn't get better or worse over time. I thought I'd fall off the back in the first mile, but hung on and actually moved up front as I talked about the Badger race. What was I doing in front?!
This continued, we were mostly quiet running today, and sometimes I had the feeling that they were slowing a bit for me, like we could have gone faster. I don't know that any of this is true. BE cut short at the jewel box round-about. And the construction zone around the Police Stables was open! So my first run on that new section. They shortened our route just a bit, lost a tenth or so due to the change in the path not fully rounding the corner.
Still going, talked about keto, Savageman, and just kept going. DAMN it felt good, and now I'm on a high for Hennepin. This run was like blowing the carbon off the spark plugs. Is that still a thing?
Hip/groin burns a bit, but like I said no better or worse than before. This weekend the plan says a 28+15 and I need to tailor that to a run/walk set up. But how? Still thinking.
New Tool song Fear Inoculum in my head. Downloaded. Excited to hear new album in just 2 weeks!
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Didn't run, rode instead
BIKE 20 miles in 1:123x TGP: 16:15, 16:14, 15:56!
BIKE COMMUTE 9.2 miles
Slept in until almost 6 am, even though I napped and went to bed early. Why so tired? I didn't get to the bike until almost 7. Plan was to ride 3x intervals in TGP steady, not fast. I finished 3 pretty quick intervals to my surprise! The first interval today was about the same time as Monday's third one.
And my new bike shoes feel OK, still some adjusting to the cleats. Move them back on the foot I think.
Not feeling good, and having lots of up/down thoughts about Hennepin. On one hand, I want to do it even if I miss the cut off or don't finish at all. I'd rather try and fail, than never try. And I'd rather fail the 100, instead of doing the 50 that I'm pretty sure I can finish. Can I?
My feet still hurt from the Badger, I'm tired, not eating real food, not back to running.
On the other hand, my motivation is really low and I have doubts about whether this is a good idea. What damage am I going to do, if my feet and hips and legs hurt after 100K, what will 100M feel like.
It will hurt. JFC already know that. I'm not going to look at whether I can transfer the bib or drop distances yet. I haven't given up. I want it, but I need to change the plan.
So I'm looking in to how to walk a 100M, see what I find.
BIKE COMMUTE 9.2 miles
Slept in until almost 6 am, even though I napped and went to bed early. Why so tired? I didn't get to the bike until almost 7. Plan was to ride 3x intervals in TGP steady, not fast. I finished 3 pretty quick intervals to my surprise! The first interval today was about the same time as Monday's third one.
And my new bike shoes feel OK, still some adjusting to the cleats. Move them back on the foot I think.
Not feeling good, and having lots of up/down thoughts about Hennepin. On one hand, I want to do it even if I miss the cut off or don't finish at all. I'd rather try and fail, than never try. And I'd rather fail the 100, instead of doing the 50 that I'm pretty sure I can finish. Can I?
My feet still hurt from the Badger, I'm tired, not eating real food, not back to running.
On the other hand, my motivation is really low and I have doubts about whether this is a good idea. What damage am I going to do, if my feet and hips and legs hurt after 100K, what will 100M feel like.
It will hurt. JFC already know that. I'm not going to look at whether I can transfer the bib or drop distances yet. I haven't given up. I want it, but I need to change the plan.
So I'm looking in to how to walk a 100M, see what I find.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Tried a run/walk, doctors appointments, ended up depressed
RUN (& WALK) 5 miles in 1 hour, 12:34 pace, run maybe 3.5-4 miles total
Well today was the day to test a run, the first since the Badger which was 10 days ago. My right hip and groin still hurt, so I knew this was going to have lots of suckitude. Woke up to heavy rain and thunder, so BE and I cancelled the track run. I waited 30-40 mins for it to clear before leaving.
The plan was to run and walk, as I could, as needed, for up to 4 miles. I was going to loop BP but seeing the construction crew from MSD there diverted me. Something about running by them 4 times weirded me out. Excuses. Either way, I still ran, so why does it matter?
It hurt. Yupper. But I spent time trying to define the pain for the Dr L appointment later this morning. Going even slightly downhill felt better. The pain in the medial thigh right up in the crotch (great place to have a pain, btw) is right at/after toe-off. It's in the muscle that bulges out of the hip/groin area when the leg is full back and ready to come forward again. A hip flexor? The groin pain is only occasional when running, that or it's drowned out by the leg pain.
Two separate pain locations, different types of pain, and different inducers:
1) medial thigh, an adductor? A burning sharp pain, that sometimes seems to move around that area a bit. Running and fast walking hurt. Stairs and adductor-type exercises not so much.
2) groin/lower abs. Almost two areas, radiating out from the same place from the pelvic bone. Planks, push-ups, core work, crouching all set it off.
I was also paying attention to my walk pace. Hennepin needs to be sub 18 m/m. I was able to walk at 17 m/m, not a pushed walk but not a "Sugar" walk either. So I'll need to mix in some running. At Badger, the guy in pink who we jokingly called Tracy (he followed me into Orangeville and saw my crew signs, told him he could use my name to get a sign boost) said he was doing 0.75 mile walk/0.25 mile run. I never considered that option. I was doing the reverse -- longer run than walk. So an option to consider -- 5 min walk/run alternating, for example.
This was a tough workout, and afterwards a lot of hip muscles burned and hurt. Ugh.
-----
Dr L appointment. He didn't specifically remember my race (he thought maybe Ballwin Tri) (huh?) and I gave him the run-down, pretty much the above. He measured hip flexors, they were equal and OK. He checked for hernia (I think meaning sports hernia) and wasn't sure, but that's out of his ballpark so understandable. Suggested my PCP orders an ultrasound to check, with repair (if indeed that's what this is) being an option that seemed optional.
The leg -- I had a harder time describing this one, and it seemed a bit off the mark. He checked a few things, nothing here and nothing there, then thought maybe femoral nerve. After some work on that, I think it felt different? But it's hard to gauge a running pain when not running, even though I could feel it just moving around on the table. Tomorrow's run will be more telling.
So I left frustrated, like I had no answers. But the frustration was on me, not on him.
Got in the truck and within minutes the new Tool song came on -- Fear Inoculum. I went to text SO, but was driving. He texted me, both listening at the same time. :)
-----
Yesterday on the ride home my Nike commute shoes fell apart! The sole of the right shoe separated from the upper. Quickie to Big Shark, buy new Shimano mtb shoes. Back to work briefly, then off to St Mary's for Dr W appt.
It was a short appointment, and it seemed like I had so much I could or should say, but saying it felt empty and useless. Again, this frustration all on me. Yes, I have chest pain. No, not activity induced and in fact just sitting here I feel a 'something'. It comes and goes, waxes and wanes, some days better than others. This near constant headache lately, the gut issues and the recent change in diet to rice, egg, banana, orange, protein powder and yogurt. She suggested a GI, but I've already done that. She suggested a sports nutritionist, but I've already kinda done that.
That feeling that I'm all on my own in this, that there isn't any help, was quite strong today.
-----
I didn't go back to work after all this, I just wanted to go home. I stopped my Walgreens to get my new nitroglycerin rx (supposedly expires in 6 months, it's been 11), stopped by Fields to get potatoes to test into my diet, went home. Thought about going to Aldi or Dollar Store (why?!), thought I'd have to go to Big Shark for new cleats since mine were initially stuck - 13 years in the shoes!
In the midst of this took a one hour nap 430-530, up to walk dog and change cleats, tried a dinner, then back to bed. Lev texted he was going for sushi, I didn't pick up that it might have been an invite, by the time I realize all this I was already back in bed at 730.
Not feeling good. Stressed. Heavy. Headache. Tired. Just want to sleep.
Well today was the day to test a run, the first since the Badger which was 10 days ago. My right hip and groin still hurt, so I knew this was going to have lots of suckitude. Woke up to heavy rain and thunder, so BE and I cancelled the track run. I waited 30-40 mins for it to clear before leaving.
The plan was to run and walk, as I could, as needed, for up to 4 miles. I was going to loop BP but seeing the construction crew from MSD there diverted me. Something about running by them 4 times weirded me out. Excuses. Either way, I still ran, so why does it matter?
It hurt. Yupper. But I spent time trying to define the pain for the Dr L appointment later this morning. Going even slightly downhill felt better. The pain in the medial thigh right up in the crotch (great place to have a pain, btw) is right at/after toe-off. It's in the muscle that bulges out of the hip/groin area when the leg is full back and ready to come forward again. A hip flexor? The groin pain is only occasional when running, that or it's drowned out by the leg pain.
Two separate pain locations, different types of pain, and different inducers:
1) medial thigh, an adductor? A burning sharp pain, that sometimes seems to move around that area a bit. Running and fast walking hurt. Stairs and adductor-type exercises not so much.
2) groin/lower abs. Almost two areas, radiating out from the same place from the pelvic bone. Planks, push-ups, core work, crouching all set it off.
I was also paying attention to my walk pace. Hennepin needs to be sub 18 m/m. I was able to walk at 17 m/m, not a pushed walk but not a "Sugar" walk either. So I'll need to mix in some running. At Badger, the guy in pink who we jokingly called Tracy (he followed me into Orangeville and saw my crew signs, told him he could use my name to get a sign boost) said he was doing 0.75 mile walk/0.25 mile run. I never considered that option. I was doing the reverse -- longer run than walk. So an option to consider -- 5 min walk/run alternating, for example.
This was a tough workout, and afterwards a lot of hip muscles burned and hurt. Ugh.
-----
Dr L appointment. He didn't specifically remember my race (he thought maybe Ballwin Tri) (huh?) and I gave him the run-down, pretty much the above. He measured hip flexors, they were equal and OK. He checked for hernia (I think meaning sports hernia) and wasn't sure, but that's out of his ballpark so understandable. Suggested my PCP orders an ultrasound to check, with repair (if indeed that's what this is) being an option that seemed optional.
The leg -- I had a harder time describing this one, and it seemed a bit off the mark. He checked a few things, nothing here and nothing there, then thought maybe femoral nerve. After some work on that, I think it felt different? But it's hard to gauge a running pain when not running, even though I could feel it just moving around on the table. Tomorrow's run will be more telling.
So I left frustrated, like I had no answers. But the frustration was on me, not on him.
Got in the truck and within minutes the new Tool song came on -- Fear Inoculum. I went to text SO, but was driving. He texted me, both listening at the same time. :)
Exhale, expel
Recast my tale
Read my allegorical elegyEnumerate
All that I'm to do
Calculating steps away from you
My own
Mitosis
Growing through
Delusion from mania
Yesterday on the ride home my Nike commute shoes fell apart! The sole of the right shoe separated from the upper. Quickie to Big Shark, buy new Shimano mtb shoes. Back to work briefly, then off to St Mary's for Dr W appt.
It was a short appointment, and it seemed like I had so much I could or should say, but saying it felt empty and useless. Again, this frustration all on me. Yes, I have chest pain. No, not activity induced and in fact just sitting here I feel a 'something'. It comes and goes, waxes and wanes, some days better than others. This near constant headache lately, the gut issues and the recent change in diet to rice, egg, banana, orange, protein powder and yogurt. She suggested a GI, but I've already done that. She suggested a sports nutritionist, but I've already kinda done that.
That feeling that I'm all on my own in this, that there isn't any help, was quite strong today.
-----
I didn't go back to work after all this, I just wanted to go home. I stopped my Walgreens to get my new nitroglycerin rx (supposedly expires in 6 months, it's been 11), stopped by Fields to get potatoes to test into my diet, went home. Thought about going to Aldi or Dollar Store (why?!), thought I'd have to go to Big Shark for new cleats since mine were initially stuck - 13 years in the shoes!
In the midst of this took a one hour nap 430-530, up to walk dog and change cleats, tried a dinner, then back to bed. Lev texted he was going for sushi, I didn't pick up that it might have been an invite, by the time I realize all this I was already back in bed at 730.
Not feeling good. Stressed. Heavy. Headache. Tired. Just want to sleep.
Monday, August 12, 2019
Family visit weekend, and back to a normal training week?
Nothing Saturday or Sunday.
Monday BIKE 20 miles in 1:19 3x TGP in 16:35, 16:24, and 16:10.
COMMUTE 9.2 miles
Sis and her family came down for the weekend! What a needed visit, to keep me from going nuts with not much else to do during this Badger recovery, and while waiting for tomorrow's test run and Dr L visit.
I'm still on my rice, yogurt, egg, protein powder, some fruit diet. And mostly symptom free. And no urge to try adding veggies back yet. No urge at all. Let me repeat -- I don't miss carrots. ?!
I emailed the BJC nutritionist I'm working with and her reply was along the lines of "eat barley, brussels sprouts, asparagus for soluble fiber", and avoid egg yolk and chicken thighs, and yeah I just deleted that email and never mind that I even asked.
Today's ride was our first since my race, and BE was out of town last few days for his drum corps weekend in Indy. The first loop was his story, second loop my race story, then third loop a mix. My race had not only the race but also the "rest of the story" lol.
My HR got high in this ride, bumped up to 165-166 bpm during the straightaways, and between the 2nd and 3rd intervals only dropped to 115. The 2nd and 3rd intervals also show a lack of recovery in the turns, which is evident in the first interval. The entire TGP part of the ride shows a slow increase in HR over time. I could feel the fast beat, lack of breath, is is the recovery?
Or does it have anything to do with the mild chest "symptoms" I'm feeling the last few days? It's not really new, I've had it a while now, so not just post-race, but seems a bit more. I mentioned it to Dr S the Friday before the race. He suggested taking the nitroglycerin and I did a few times. But my stock might be expired so I've refilled the rx at walgreens.
Today on the commute in I felt tired, like I needed to gulp air, like my chest was .... I wouldn't call it "hurt" but I was definitely aware of it. And it's been around all day. Sometimes it's tight to swallow, is that what I felt a year ago in my throat? Ugh. This ambiguity sucks.
Monday BIKE 20 miles in 1:19 3x TGP in 16:35, 16:24, and 16:10.
COMMUTE 9.2 miles
Sis and her family came down for the weekend! What a needed visit, to keep me from going nuts with not much else to do during this Badger recovery, and while waiting for tomorrow's test run and Dr L visit.
I'm still on my rice, yogurt, egg, protein powder, some fruit diet. And mostly symptom free. And no urge to try adding veggies back yet. No urge at all. Let me repeat -- I don't miss carrots. ?!
I emailed the BJC nutritionist I'm working with and her reply was along the lines of "eat barley, brussels sprouts, asparagus for soluble fiber", and avoid egg yolk and chicken thighs, and yeah I just deleted that email and never mind that I even asked.
Today's ride was our first since my race, and BE was out of town last few days for his drum corps weekend in Indy. The first loop was his story, second loop my race story, then third loop a mix. My race had not only the race but also the "rest of the story" lol.
My HR got high in this ride, bumped up to 165-166 bpm during the straightaways, and between the 2nd and 3rd intervals only dropped to 115. The 2nd and 3rd intervals also show a lack of recovery in the turns, which is evident in the first interval. The entire TGP part of the ride shows a slow increase in HR over time. I could feel the fast beat, lack of breath, is is the recovery?
Or does it have anything to do with the mild chest "symptoms" I'm feeling the last few days? It's not really new, I've had it a while now, so not just post-race, but seems a bit more. I mentioned it to Dr S the Friday before the race. He suggested taking the nitroglycerin and I did a few times. But my stock might be expired so I've refilled the rx at walgreens.
Today on the commute in I felt tired, like I needed to gulp air, like my chest was .... I wouldn't call it "hurt" but I was definitely aware of it. And it's been around all day. Sometimes it's tight to swallow, is that what I felt a year ago in my throat? Ugh. This ambiguity sucks.
Friday, August 9, 2019
Post Badger week
Sunday post race Picking up the story at 7-8am when I woke up in the tent. Still shivering! Feet swollen, blisters bad but intact, stomach not wanting anything at all. But otherwise doing great, considering. Went to brekkie with my sis' family, had two eggs drizz'd with ketchup and maple syrup. Just easy calories. Then back to watch Lev finish his race.
The original plan was that I'd be too tired to drive, but it turned out I was the awake one so I drove Lev back to home. We stopped at a Coldstone (chocolate + marshmallow yum!), didn't find cheese curds, and had a good ride back. He continued to STL, and I stayed in IL. Kept my feet up as I could but moved as I could too, knowing it was good for me. Slept damned good that night!
Monday Day at home! Did very little, tried to eat more but ended up still eating dairy, eggs, nibbles of ham, ketchup and mayo (wtf?), what else...? Feet still so swollen the bones aren't visible. I drained the blisters last night and that really helped take the pressure off. Still walking bad, my right leg wont' fully straighten out yet but I'm working on stretching it. Spend day w mom at dining room table and did my August journal pages.
Tried a dinner of chicken thigh, potato, carrot, ketchup and mustard and mayo, and yogurt and felt sick. Hmm.
Tuesday Drive back to STL, similar symptoms as yesterday. But my right leg now mostly back to full stretch, but still tighter than the left side. Bought rice cereal and yogurt and eggs for the week, I think that's all I'm going to eat for now. Picked up Sugar, watered garden, found monarch eggs at home and at the Litchfield area rest stop. To bed. Slept good again.
Wednesday Back to work, too tired to bike in so I did the drive/bike from Forest Park. That felt OK. My mood is up and down, as expected. My leg is much better and I look normal (I think anyway) when I walk. Tired day, but full day at work. Made the mistake of buying more rice cereal at SAL on the way home and then made a dinner of it. Not good for me.
Thursday Joined the group at Fo Pa and walked with Sugar instead. My feet are almost normal feeling (the right heel still a bit pained) but I'm having random pains here and there a lot. Having some head space issues, thinking that I'm too tired for this, and that the Hennepin race might be my last. Geez don't make any major decisions in this mental state!
Friday BIKE COMMUTE 9.2 miles Swelling finally down in my legs and feet, but still weak-feeling. Very flat energy on the bike, but otherwise OK. Just happy to be moving again. My energy is still very up and down, good one hour and low the next. Still eating rice, eggs, protein powder, piece of mozzarella, yogurt. Still flat tummy with no swelling or pain. Huh.
Was I really thinking that Hennepin could be my last big race? Did I mean running? Cuz there's lots of centuries and Fondos out there too. What about Ironman? Yeah, no big decisions right now.
My right leg is still tighter than the left, I did the Hips 7- Ways this morning and now have a focal sore spot on the right side at the trochanter area. The groin injury and possible adductor injury still there, but not as noticeable because I'm not walking fast. I did jog a few steps this morning across Jefferson with the doggie and certainly felt it. Oi.
Thinking about a hike tomorrow, duh, because injured?! What? Well I gotta do something.
The original plan was that I'd be too tired to drive, but it turned out I was the awake one so I drove Lev back to home. We stopped at a Coldstone (chocolate + marshmallow yum!), didn't find cheese curds, and had a good ride back. He continued to STL, and I stayed in IL. Kept my feet up as I could but moved as I could too, knowing it was good for me. Slept damned good that night!
Monday Day at home! Did very little, tried to eat more but ended up still eating dairy, eggs, nibbles of ham, ketchup and mayo (wtf?), what else...? Feet still so swollen the bones aren't visible. I drained the blisters last night and that really helped take the pressure off. Still walking bad, my right leg wont' fully straighten out yet but I'm working on stretching it. Spend day w mom at dining room table and did my August journal pages.
Tried a dinner of chicken thigh, potato, carrot, ketchup and mustard and mayo, and yogurt and felt sick. Hmm.
Tuesday Drive back to STL, similar symptoms as yesterday. But my right leg now mostly back to full stretch, but still tighter than the left side. Bought rice cereal and yogurt and eggs for the week, I think that's all I'm going to eat for now. Picked up Sugar, watered garden, found monarch eggs at home and at the Litchfield area rest stop. To bed. Slept good again.
Wednesday Back to work, too tired to bike in so I did the drive/bike from Forest Park. That felt OK. My mood is up and down, as expected. My leg is much better and I look normal (I think anyway) when I walk. Tired day, but full day at work. Made the mistake of buying more rice cereal at SAL on the way home and then made a dinner of it. Not good for me.
Thursday Joined the group at Fo Pa and walked with Sugar instead. My feet are almost normal feeling (the right heel still a bit pained) but I'm having random pains here and there a lot. Having some head space issues, thinking that I'm too tired for this, and that the Hennepin race might be my last. Geez don't make any major decisions in this mental state!
Friday BIKE COMMUTE 9.2 miles Swelling finally down in my legs and feet, but still weak-feeling. Very flat energy on the bike, but otherwise OK. Just happy to be moving again. My energy is still very up and down, good one hour and low the next. Still eating rice, eggs, protein powder, piece of mozzarella, yogurt. Still flat tummy with no swelling or pain. Huh.
Was I really thinking that Hennepin could be my last big race? Did I mean running? Cuz there's lots of centuries and Fondos out there too. What about Ironman? Yeah, no big decisions right now.
My right leg is still tighter than the left, I did the Hips 7- Ways this morning and now have a focal sore spot on the right side at the trochanter area. The groin injury and possible adductor injury still there, but not as noticeable because I'm not walking fast. I did jog a few steps this morning across Jefferson with the doggie and certainly felt it. Oi.
Thinking about a hike tomorrow, duh, because injured?! What? Well I gotta do something.
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Badger 100K Race Report
RUN (and WALK) 61-ish miles in 17 hours 24 mins
Pre-race: shower and brekkie of rice, egg, and banana. Not very hungry but satisfied. Dressed, checked out, drove to race. To my surprise, easy parking. Stop by tent to drop gear, rest, and think.
Perfect day weather-wise: sun, warm but not hot, no wind, quiet and calm. Maybe some rain later.
Race meeting was ScottyK, part of it telling us that trains don't turn left and they don't turn right. So if you get to an intersection and wonder where to go, ask "what would a train do". LOL. And the first have of an ultra -- don't be an idiot. Second half -- don't be a wimp. Anthem. Intros of some course celebs. Then GO!
In my head, I broke the race down into 20+10+10+20 so the same here as I can.
0-20 miles: Start to Monroe AS. The course started in town then we settled into the trail -- like a jeep trail of smooth dirt/gravel, grass, canopy of trees for shade, pretty rock cuts sometimes and other times vistas of rolling fields and meadows. I ran the first 6 miles without much break, I planned to walk but was enjoying the company of other runners. The first aid station seemed to come up fast and I seemed to stay too long. Bites of orange, salt, jelly beans. Out.
After this I settled into my run/walk pattern of run to 1 mile then walk 1-2 mins, repeat. My groin/hip was hurting but not too bad yet. I ate half a powerbar every hour or so, drank lots of water, things rolling along good here. But after 17 miles the walk breaks became longer and longer. I was averaging 10-11 m/m running, 11-13 m/m with the run/walk. Great, but too fast too early. I told myself I was enjoying it while it lasted, the good feeling I mean. I enjoyed it! But...
There was another AS this time with the CMAR RD who recognized my shirt! They had wireless microphones and would announce runners as they came in :)
Right before Monroe, the 20 mile aid station and my first drop bag, we had a detour off trail onto the shoulder of a highway. There was a slope and shoulder gravel, that really cranked on the groin/hip injury. Started walking here and running much less. I was eager to get back on the trail but kept walking once there. Walked into Monroe with Nick, a runner with an Achilles injury.
Monroe AS - Found Dad and Kaitlynn! This was the Hennepin AS, refilled and restocked. Still feeling good. Spent too much time there though - maybe 15 minutes? It felt great to be talking and connecting with someone, but gotta go!!!!
20-31 miles: Monroe to Orangeville turnaround. I kept mostly walking to Orangeville, now the hip was really hurting more and I realized I had a fucking long way to go, why get it worse now when I'll need it later? And the heat was getting higher, my heart rate reflecting it. Running was putting my HR into the 135-140 range, my limit is 150 so I wasn't "high" yet, but it kept slowly creeping over the course of the morning. This seemed reason enough to walk -- hip, heat, heart.
There was a small AS near Clarno, in/out gone looking forward to Orangeville. Getting a little mental fuzz here. But approaching Orangeville I got my mental AS list ready: water, bathroom, sunscreen, bugspray, and a real meal. I'd only been eating orange bites, banana bites, jelly beans, trail mix, and powerbars so far. And I didn't want any more!
I could hear COWBELL as I approached Orangeville, and saw a few people in yellow shirts. A guy and two kids -- and I got close -- MY HIVE!! The BEST ever, they had matching handmade hive shirts for the bee crew. I teared up a little. And Linda was there, but my mind didn't process this until after I started running again.
I changed into my bee gear -- bee gaiters, sparkle skirt, and headband. I also grabbed the anti-inflammatory and paid meds, and some caffeine pills. Knew I'd need them. All checklist items done, but no food. Oh well, this was a very quiet and low-excitement AS, and I needed to get away before too long. I was there 15 minutes again.
Turnaround time: 7 hours into the race. Good!
31-40 miles: Back to Monroe. Now I was fully walking, but a fast pushed walk. I was aiming for sub-15 m/m walk and doing OK with that. Every so often I'd try a run, but only last a few yards. I met two guys in orange shirts who joked about the bee costume, other runners also cheering me on. Through Clarno where a guy I'd been talking to dropped. Gotta to, get OUT.
Somewhere in here Lev found me using the iphone tracker. Total surprise!! At first he said he'd walk a mile or two, then turn around. Then he said he'd walk to the next AS then turn around. Well that never happened, and from here to the finish he paced me.
We made it to Monroe at 10 hours and 41 miles. I was still walking, and my family was there. Oooh they made the rest of the day happen for me, just like Lev did. In Monroe Steve made me a banana, jelly, nutella smush in my silicone cup and it was delicious -- that's what I need to bring to Hennepin. I stuck it in the Camelbak, said goodbyes to M&D who where heading back home, and we headed out of Monroe to the detour.
This time, the detour seemed even worse. But as we passed the ice cream shop, Lev dived in and brought back two cups of pure caramel sauce! OMG LOL!!!!!!! It was wonderful to eat, but it caused problems later. I finally was able to get his life story, all the moving and how he joined the army. He did most of the talking, I was too busy thinking to talk.
Around 11:24 and 46 miles, the garmin died. This is also something for Hennepin. Once the garmin died, I lost all sense of time and distance. I couldn't tell if one minute or 30 minutes had gone by. I swear up and down we'd gone further, but Lev's phone tracker would say only a mile.
So the garmin died around 8:30pm, and this was when the sun set. It was a long slow twighlight so pretty and I enjoyed all of it. The post-new moon was a bright sliver in the western sky. Farms and trees were lit with red light from the sun, it was so quiet and I felt such a tranquility and inner calm. This is why I do this.
The inner calm and tranquil ended soon enough. After the garmin died and the sun set, I can't remember the order of events, when things happened, where I was, and or for how long. So the report becomes a mess after this. It will be a jumble or recollections.
Even though I didn't eat all of the caramel sauce, it still upset my stomach. I started retching and trying to throw up but couldn't. My feet had developed blisters on the heels, likely from the walking, both feet and it burned like hell. My hip was OK with the walking. I didn't eat after the caramel sauce, so somewhere around 12 hours in my nutrition stopped. I was still drinking OK, but no hunger at all for anything. Not even Steve's MixMix that I love.
Monticello AS -- I sat in a chair for a few mins. I was on/off dizzy as we walked. Two 100 milers who had to drop where there. I hurried out. There was a Gutzman AS - not sure where on the course, I don't remember it, but my sis said after the race that they were there and showed me the glow in the dark on their shirts. I remember the glow in the dark but that's all.
Lev was playing videos, songs, dancing ahead of me on the trail. I was more worried about him -- no water or fuel, wasting energy, not dressed proper for this. He kept saying he'd stop soon. He played the I Like To Move It song, Full Metal Jacket clips, a Sully?? song Scally? Scully? not sure over and over. These kept me moving. He kept pulling me along, coaching and pushing, I kept bending over to retch and he'd get me going again. I'd stop for being dizzy and he'd get me going again. What would I have done without him? I think I would have slowed down, but would I have been able to finish?
We could see lightning over Belleville, and my sis said it was raining. I didn't have rain gear, and I'd forgotten my long sleeve tshirt in my drop bag. She offered to bring a poncho or long sleeve. We kept walking, watching the lightning. It only rained the littlest bit, enough to wet the skin but not clothes. It was enough to cool me off, and Lev noted my skin was cold. He was so warm in comparison, and he said I need to keep moving to keep warm.
I don't know where were were. I'd think we should be waaaaaay past an AS and yet hadn't seen it yet. I kept thinking the tunnel should be any second, but no it wasn't. I didn't mention the tunnel above! It's a race highlight! During the day, it was 3-4 miles out from town, pure dark and cool, didn't stop to see it because there were so many other runners.
This time, we noted a foggy mist in the air and the temp dropped. It was so dark, we couldn't tell if we were in the tunnel or not, but eventually it appeared in my headlamp when I looked up. This was a fun part of the course. We knew we were out then the air warmed up, and sure enough trees overhead.
3-4 miles to go. Now time really messed up for me. I kept looking for the mile marker 13 sign -- it was the first once I'd seen at the start of the race and I knew that once I saw it I was soon done. But no 13......15. JFC how could I be that far off in my distance? It seemed forever until 14. Another forever until 13. I kept saying, Where the FUCK is Belleville. Lev kept saying, keep hurrying, keep walking. I replied, this is me hurrying or this is me walking. LOL. Wasn't funny at the time, but it was funny.
At some point my sis found us on the trail. I can't remember where or when. Offered to swap places with Lev, but he wasn't leaving. She provided a much needed boost of mental energy, a different conversation and focus. I could ask how's the kids, the rain, the tent. She turned around and back to her car, I tried to say how much it helped me but I'm not sure it came out.
I was suffering. Dizzy, cold, feet burning, hip hurting but not the top of the problem list. Not eating, mental disorientation, retching. I look back now and can't really remember how bad it was. I didn't want to stop, but I had such trouble moving.
Hmmmm looking back -- that's probably a blood glucose issue. Lots of mental like that means blood sugar. Another note for Hennepin.
Finally 13. And Belleville. The streets we crossed. The bridge and trail change. Then the finish line disco ball. The finish line, with ScottyK waiting for me. I broke down in tears, saying "I'm not supposed to be here".
And that, I think, is what made this day so important to me. I need to prove to ME that I could still do this. I needed the trial and pain. I needed the test, a day to find myself again. I hugged Scott, Michelle, thanked Lev (who needed to get back to his hotel!), and after sitting awhile at the finish we headed to the tent.
-----
I was wondering about having rhabo, but nope the white toilet proved otherwise. I was scared to take off my shoes and see the mess of blisters. It was worse than expected. All day long I wanted a shower but now I couldn't even think to change clothes. Michelle brought some cheese and an orange, but I couldn't even think to eat. I laid out on the sleeping back with a bag of ice over my groin, feet elevated. I held my finisher medal to my chest. Done. And just listened to my heart beat. Calm.
I couldn't sleep, I was too tired and pained. And shivering. Whole body shivering. Teeth clacking together and I was unable to warm up. I realized now how wet my clothes were and managed to change. Then got into the sleeping back with a blanket, and finally warmed up. Sometimes I could hear the cowbells of another runner coming in. And my heart beat, still calm.
Around 530 I was awake needing to pee. I didn't want to wake the other tent, so quiet as I could I got out and walked over, walking might be a generous way to describe it, and started full shivering again. So much energy lost to shivering, I couldn't stop. But back to bed and 2 more hours of rest.
To my surprise I was up at 7-730 and actually moving around slowly. My blisters were nasty but closed: one bloody one on the medial left ankle, on under the left ball of my foot, right heal blister that went under the heal and up the back. Hip pained but not back since I wasn't really walking. Everything else that hurt yesterday -- left elbow from the arm swinging, lower back from the walking, all else minor and OK. Still no appetite, not even when we went for breakfast after Lev's race started. He's amazing, to have walked 24-ish miles last night and be racing now.
When I finished, I didn't know my time. I cared, but I didn't care. But now that results are posted --
I was 25th of 48 finishers (I think 68 registered), and 8 of 17 females. I'm disappointed in a way with my time, but know full well that was not my goal.
I'm terribly happy I did this, I went in with so much doubt with the hip and Hennepin only 2 months away. I realized I could have ruined the Hennepin race for myself, not being able to recover and maybe the hip taking me out of running entirely. Yet I'm still terribly happy, and if this race ends up being my Race of the Year, so be it. I'm terribly happy.
Pre-race: shower and brekkie of rice, egg, and banana. Not very hungry but satisfied. Dressed, checked out, drove to race. To my surprise, easy parking. Stop by tent to drop gear, rest, and think.
Perfect day weather-wise: sun, warm but not hot, no wind, quiet and calm. Maybe some rain later.
Race meeting was ScottyK, part of it telling us that trains don't turn left and they don't turn right. So if you get to an intersection and wonder where to go, ask "what would a train do". LOL. And the first have of an ultra -- don't be an idiot. Second half -- don't be a wimp. Anthem. Intros of some course celebs. Then GO!
In my head, I broke the race down into 20+10+10+20 so the same here as I can.
0-20 miles: Start to Monroe AS. The course started in town then we settled into the trail -- like a jeep trail of smooth dirt/gravel, grass, canopy of trees for shade, pretty rock cuts sometimes and other times vistas of rolling fields and meadows. I ran the first 6 miles without much break, I planned to walk but was enjoying the company of other runners. The first aid station seemed to come up fast and I seemed to stay too long. Bites of orange, salt, jelly beans. Out.
After this I settled into my run/walk pattern of run to 1 mile then walk 1-2 mins, repeat. My groin/hip was hurting but not too bad yet. I ate half a powerbar every hour or so, drank lots of water, things rolling along good here. But after 17 miles the walk breaks became longer and longer. I was averaging 10-11 m/m running, 11-13 m/m with the run/walk. Great, but too fast too early. I told myself I was enjoying it while it lasted, the good feeling I mean. I enjoyed it! But...
There was another AS this time with the CMAR RD who recognized my shirt! They had wireless microphones and would announce runners as they came in :)
Right before Monroe, the 20 mile aid station and my first drop bag, we had a detour off trail onto the shoulder of a highway. There was a slope and shoulder gravel, that really cranked on the groin/hip injury. Started walking here and running much less. I was eager to get back on the trail but kept walking once there. Walked into Monroe with Nick, a runner with an Achilles injury.
Monroe AS - Found Dad and Kaitlynn! This was the Hennepin AS, refilled and restocked. Still feeling good. Spent too much time there though - maybe 15 minutes? It felt great to be talking and connecting with someone, but gotta go!!!!
20-31 miles: Monroe to Orangeville turnaround. I kept mostly walking to Orangeville, now the hip was really hurting more and I realized I had a fucking long way to go, why get it worse now when I'll need it later? And the heat was getting higher, my heart rate reflecting it. Running was putting my HR into the 135-140 range, my limit is 150 so I wasn't "high" yet, but it kept slowly creeping over the course of the morning. This seemed reason enough to walk -- hip, heat, heart.
There was a small AS near Clarno, in/out gone looking forward to Orangeville. Getting a little mental fuzz here. But approaching Orangeville I got my mental AS list ready: water, bathroom, sunscreen, bugspray, and a real meal. I'd only been eating orange bites, banana bites, jelly beans, trail mix, and powerbars so far. And I didn't want any more!
I could hear COWBELL as I approached Orangeville, and saw a few people in yellow shirts. A guy and two kids -- and I got close -- MY HIVE!! The BEST ever, they had matching handmade hive shirts for the bee crew. I teared up a little. And Linda was there, but my mind didn't process this until after I started running again.
I changed into my bee gear -- bee gaiters, sparkle skirt, and headband. I also grabbed the anti-inflammatory and paid meds, and some caffeine pills. Knew I'd need them. All checklist items done, but no food. Oh well, this was a very quiet and low-excitement AS, and I needed to get away before too long. I was there 15 minutes again.
Turnaround time: 7 hours into the race. Good!
31-40 miles: Back to Monroe. Now I was fully walking, but a fast pushed walk. I was aiming for sub-15 m/m walk and doing OK with that. Every so often I'd try a run, but only last a few yards. I met two guys in orange shirts who joked about the bee costume, other runners also cheering me on. Through Clarno where a guy I'd been talking to dropped. Gotta to, get OUT.
Somewhere in here Lev found me using the iphone tracker. Total surprise!! At first he said he'd walk a mile or two, then turn around. Then he said he'd walk to the next AS then turn around. Well that never happened, and from here to the finish he paced me.
We made it to Monroe at 10 hours and 41 miles. I was still walking, and my family was there. Oooh they made the rest of the day happen for me, just like Lev did. In Monroe Steve made me a banana, jelly, nutella smush in my silicone cup and it was delicious -- that's what I need to bring to Hennepin. I stuck it in the Camelbak, said goodbyes to M&D who where heading back home, and we headed out of Monroe to the detour.
This time, the detour seemed even worse. But as we passed the ice cream shop, Lev dived in and brought back two cups of pure caramel sauce! OMG LOL!!!!!!! It was wonderful to eat, but it caused problems later. I finally was able to get his life story, all the moving and how he joined the army. He did most of the talking, I was too busy thinking to talk.
Around 11:24 and 46 miles, the garmin died. This is also something for Hennepin. Once the garmin died, I lost all sense of time and distance. I couldn't tell if one minute or 30 minutes had gone by. I swear up and down we'd gone further, but Lev's phone tracker would say only a mile.
So the garmin died around 8:30pm, and this was when the sun set. It was a long slow twighlight so pretty and I enjoyed all of it. The post-new moon was a bright sliver in the western sky. Farms and trees were lit with red light from the sun, it was so quiet and I felt such a tranquility and inner calm. This is why I do this.
The inner calm and tranquil ended soon enough. After the garmin died and the sun set, I can't remember the order of events, when things happened, where I was, and or for how long. So the report becomes a mess after this. It will be a jumble or recollections.
Even though I didn't eat all of the caramel sauce, it still upset my stomach. I started retching and trying to throw up but couldn't. My feet had developed blisters on the heels, likely from the walking, both feet and it burned like hell. My hip was OK with the walking. I didn't eat after the caramel sauce, so somewhere around 12 hours in my nutrition stopped. I was still drinking OK, but no hunger at all for anything. Not even Steve's MixMix that I love.
Monticello AS -- I sat in a chair for a few mins. I was on/off dizzy as we walked. Two 100 milers who had to drop where there. I hurried out. There was a Gutzman AS - not sure where on the course, I don't remember it, but my sis said after the race that they were there and showed me the glow in the dark on their shirts. I remember the glow in the dark but that's all.
Lev was playing videos, songs, dancing ahead of me on the trail. I was more worried about him -- no water or fuel, wasting energy, not dressed proper for this. He kept saying he'd stop soon. He played the I Like To Move It song, Full Metal Jacket clips, a Sully?? song Scally? Scully? not sure over and over. These kept me moving. He kept pulling me along, coaching and pushing, I kept bending over to retch and he'd get me going again. I'd stop for being dizzy and he'd get me going again. What would I have done without him? I think I would have slowed down, but would I have been able to finish?
We could see lightning over Belleville, and my sis said it was raining. I didn't have rain gear, and I'd forgotten my long sleeve tshirt in my drop bag. She offered to bring a poncho or long sleeve. We kept walking, watching the lightning. It only rained the littlest bit, enough to wet the skin but not clothes. It was enough to cool me off, and Lev noted my skin was cold. He was so warm in comparison, and he said I need to keep moving to keep warm.
I don't know where were were. I'd think we should be waaaaaay past an AS and yet hadn't seen it yet. I kept thinking the tunnel should be any second, but no it wasn't. I didn't mention the tunnel above! It's a race highlight! During the day, it was 3-4 miles out from town, pure dark and cool, didn't stop to see it because there were so many other runners.
This time, we noted a foggy mist in the air and the temp dropped. It was so dark, we couldn't tell if we were in the tunnel or not, but eventually it appeared in my headlamp when I looked up. This was a fun part of the course. We knew we were out then the air warmed up, and sure enough trees overhead.
3-4 miles to go. Now time really messed up for me. I kept looking for the mile marker 13 sign -- it was the first once I'd seen at the start of the race and I knew that once I saw it I was soon done. But no 13......15. JFC how could I be that far off in my distance? It seemed forever until 14. Another forever until 13. I kept saying, Where the FUCK is Belleville. Lev kept saying, keep hurrying, keep walking. I replied, this is me hurrying or this is me walking. LOL. Wasn't funny at the time, but it was funny.
At some point my sis found us on the trail. I can't remember where or when. Offered to swap places with Lev, but he wasn't leaving. She provided a much needed boost of mental energy, a different conversation and focus. I could ask how's the kids, the rain, the tent. She turned around and back to her car, I tried to say how much it helped me but I'm not sure it came out.
I was suffering. Dizzy, cold, feet burning, hip hurting but not the top of the problem list. Not eating, mental disorientation, retching. I look back now and can't really remember how bad it was. I didn't want to stop, but I had such trouble moving.
Hmmmm looking back -- that's probably a blood glucose issue. Lots of mental like that means blood sugar. Another note for Hennepin.
Finally 13. And Belleville. The streets we crossed. The bridge and trail change. Then the finish line disco ball. The finish line, with ScottyK waiting for me. I broke down in tears, saying "I'm not supposed to be here".
And that, I think, is what made this day so important to me. I need to prove to ME that I could still do this. I needed the trial and pain. I needed the test, a day to find myself again. I hugged Scott, Michelle, thanked Lev (who needed to get back to his hotel!), and after sitting awhile at the finish we headed to the tent.
-----
I was wondering about having rhabo, but nope the white toilet proved otherwise. I was scared to take off my shoes and see the mess of blisters. It was worse than expected. All day long I wanted a shower but now I couldn't even think to change clothes. Michelle brought some cheese and an orange, but I couldn't even think to eat. I laid out on the sleeping back with a bag of ice over my groin, feet elevated. I held my finisher medal to my chest. Done. And just listened to my heart beat. Calm.
I couldn't sleep, I was too tired and pained. And shivering. Whole body shivering. Teeth clacking together and I was unable to warm up. I realized now how wet my clothes were and managed to change. Then got into the sleeping back with a blanket, and finally warmed up. Sometimes I could hear the cowbells of another runner coming in. And my heart beat, still calm.
Around 530 I was awake needing to pee. I didn't want to wake the other tent, so quiet as I could I got out and walked over, walking might be a generous way to describe it, and started full shivering again. So much energy lost to shivering, I couldn't stop. But back to bed and 2 more hours of rest.
To my surprise I was up at 7-730 and actually moving around slowly. My blisters were nasty but closed: one bloody one on the medial left ankle, on under the left ball of my foot, right heal blister that went under the heal and up the back. Hip pained but not back since I wasn't really walking. Everything else that hurt yesterday -- left elbow from the arm swinging, lower back from the walking, all else minor and OK. Still no appetite, not even when we went for breakfast after Lev's race started. He's amazing, to have walked 24-ish miles last night and be racing now.
When I finished, I didn't know my time. I cared, but I didn't care. But now that results are posted --
I was 25th of 48 finishers (I think 68 registered), and 8 of 17 females. I'm disappointed in a way with my time, but know full well that was not my goal.
I'm terribly happy I did this, I went in with so much doubt with the hip and Hennepin only 2 months away. I realized I could have ruined the Hennepin race for myself, not being able to recover and maybe the hip taking me out of running entirely. Yet I'm still terribly happy, and if this race ends up being my Race of the Year, so be it. I'm terribly happy.
Friday, August 2, 2019
Cholesterol appointment, pre race day
NOTHING!
Haha, lots of driving is all.
First off the early morning appt with Dr S. I was honest with the fellow about my non-compliance with the statins. I'd been debating whether or not I should say anything, and like hope that since my cholesterol was normal, that I could just keep doing what I'm doing and all is well. But, no, I decided to own up to it.
Good thing I did, it would have bothered me to have been less than truthful. The fellow took down notes, I can remember a few: it's good that I limit egg yolks, good that I'm not doing too much red meat, my file says I'm "thin, appears younger than stated age, pleasant" and then a loooong list of problems from the past few years. Ah, med-speak.
Dr S popped in the room and sat along side me, first off interested in the race. Then asking about the statins. It was hard to describe WHY I quit, I don't think it was a conscious decision, I think it just happened and I was happy with it and from there I just gave up. I did want to see what would happen to my cholesterol if I quit, that probably only encouraged me. I tried to say, that I'm not really afraid of them, not really opposed, that I just don't see a need. And pointed out the results that I'm normal.
They said my cholesterol needs to be lower because of the stents. I guess the standard goals is 25! Damn! He said the statins have anti-inflammatory and life-lengthening actions, mentioned numerous post-translational protein modifications associated with statins (science words, now he's speaking my language!), that no harm comes of taking it. He asked why I'm taking the anti-platelets. I said I was told to take them no matter what, no room for choice. So he said this as a choice -- take the statins. Or I'll feel guilty. LOL. He got me there.
So the appointment went great, but I walked out again feeling like I'm being controlled and told what to do. This bothered me a few hours, but let it go. Much else to think about.
-----
Drove up to parents, quick meal and off again to Wisconsin. Gave the extra truck key to dad, left my extra food behind, discussed plans.
The drive up was very pretty, southern WI is just lovely. Happily my route took country roads that wound through green and hill fields, small towns, and trees and meadows, quiet and serene. I could live there, if it wasn't for the colder and longer winters.
Got packets at the race, talked to the Hennepin director, dropped the drop bags, set up my tent along the small river, drove to the hotel a few miles away. Kinda a messy place for $120, but it worked.
Had my dinner of rice with banana, some yogurt, re-packed my start and finish bags, laid out my gear, and bed!
Dreams of having a heart attack in my head.
Haha, lots of driving is all.
First off the early morning appt with Dr S. I was honest with the fellow about my non-compliance with the statins. I'd been debating whether or not I should say anything, and like hope that since my cholesterol was normal, that I could just keep doing what I'm doing and all is well. But, no, I decided to own up to it.
Good thing I did, it would have bothered me to have been less than truthful. The fellow took down notes, I can remember a few: it's good that I limit egg yolks, good that I'm not doing too much red meat, my file says I'm "thin, appears younger than stated age, pleasant" and then a loooong list of problems from the past few years. Ah, med-speak.
Dr S popped in the room and sat along side me, first off interested in the race. Then asking about the statins. It was hard to describe WHY I quit, I don't think it was a conscious decision, I think it just happened and I was happy with it and from there I just gave up. I did want to see what would happen to my cholesterol if I quit, that probably only encouraged me. I tried to say, that I'm not really afraid of them, not really opposed, that I just don't see a need. And pointed out the results that I'm normal.
They said my cholesterol needs to be lower because of the stents. I guess the standard goals is 25! Damn! He said the statins have anti-inflammatory and life-lengthening actions, mentioned numerous post-translational protein modifications associated with statins (science words, now he's speaking my language!), that no harm comes of taking it. He asked why I'm taking the anti-platelets. I said I was told to take them no matter what, no room for choice. So he said this as a choice -- take the statins. Or I'll feel guilty. LOL. He got me there.
So the appointment went great, but I walked out again feeling like I'm being controlled and told what to do. This bothered me a few hours, but let it go. Much else to think about.
-----
Drove up to parents, quick meal and off again to Wisconsin. Gave the extra truck key to dad, left my extra food behind, discussed plans.
The drive up was very pretty, southern WI is just lovely. Happily my route took country roads that wound through green and hill fields, small towns, and trees and meadows, quiet and serene. I could live there, if it wasn't for the colder and longer winters.
Got packets at the race, talked to the Hennepin director, dropped the drop bags, set up my tent along the small river, drove to the hotel a few miles away. Kinda a messy place for $120, but it worked.
Had my dinner of rice with banana, some yogurt, re-packed my start and finish bags, laid out my gear, and bed!
Dreams of having a heart attack in my head.
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